Aerosol-generating device with airflow detection

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device (1, 501, 601) for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate (201) defines a cavity (2) for receiving at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate, and an airflow path (6, 506) upstream of the cavity through which a user may draw air when using the device. The airflow path connects the cavity with an external environment. A pressure sensor (7, 507) is positioned in communication with the airflow path upstream of the cavity, and the device is configured to use a signal from the pressure sensor to detect one or more user suctions during use of the device. A restriction in the airflow path may enhance the pressure drop associated with user aspiration, thereby enhancing the sensitivity of the pressure sensor.

Description

[0001] This disclosure relates to an aerosol generating apparatus. It also relates to an aerosol generating system including the aerosol generating apparatus and a method for controlling the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0002] Some known aerosol generation systems include an aerosol generation device and an aerosol generation article comprising an aerosol forming matrix. In use, the aerosol generation device heats the aerosol forming matrix of the aerosol generation article to form an aerosol.

[0003] Aerosol-generating articles, such as those in which an aerosol-forming matrix containing a tobacco matrix is ​​heated rather than burned, are known in the art. Typically, in such aerosol-generating articles, aerosols are generated through heat transfer from a heat source to the aerosol-forming matrix.

[0004] Electrically operated aerosol generating devices, such as handheld aerosol generating devices, can be used with such aerosol generating articles. These electrically operated aerosol generating devices may include a heating element configured to heat an aerosol-forming matrix to temperatures of several hundred degrees Celsius. This releases volatile compounds from the aerosol-forming matrix, which are entrained in air drawn through the aerosol generating article. When the released compounds cool, they condense or nucleate to form an aerosol.

[0005] Several examples of aerosol generating apparatuses for consuming aerosol generating articles have been disclosed in the art. Such apparatuses include, for example, electrically heated aerosol generating apparatuses, in which aerosols are generated by heat transfer from one or more electrically heated elements of the aerosol generating apparatus to an aerosol generating element of the aerosol generating article. For this purpose, the aerosol generating article may be partially received within a heated chamber of the aerosol generating apparatus, such that an upstream end of the aerosol generating article is inserted into the chamber, while a downstream end of the aerosol generating article protrudes outside the chamber.

[0006] For example, electrically heated aerosol generating apparatuses have been proposed, including internal heater blades adapted to be inserted into the aerosol generating matrix when the aerosol generating article is received within a heating chamber. Alternatively, heating of the aerosol generating matrix has been achieved, for example, by external heating via a tubular heater element that at least partially defines the heating chamber into which the aerosol generating article is inserted, or is otherwise coupled to a tubular element defining the heating chamber.

[0007] For example, in WO 2015 / 176898, inductively heated aerosol generating articles have also been proposed. These aerosol generating articles include an aerosol generating element comprising an aerosol generating matrix, such as a tobacco-containing matrix, and a sensor disposed within the aerosol generating matrix. When the aerosol generating article is partially received within the heating chamber of an aerosol generating apparatus, functional coupling between the sensor and the inductive heating element of the aerosol generating apparatus is achieved.

[0008] Solid aerosol generating matrices need to be heated to temperatures sufficient to promote the extraction of aerosol substances such as nicotine and glycerin. Existing heaters are typically configured to supply heat such that the solid aerosol generating matrices are always exposed to temperatures within this range. However, this heating setup may have the disadvantage of suboptimal battery efficiency. Furthermore, this heating setup can limit the use of the solid aerosol generating matrices to a predetermined and limited number of aspirations or minutes. Additionally, maintaining the solid aerosol generating matrices at temperatures sufficient to promote the extraction of aerosol substances between aspirations may undesirably increase the risk of generating harmful and potentially harmful components (HPHCs).

[0009] It is desirable to provide an aerosol generating apparatus that is suitable for at least partially addressing at least one of the disadvantages discussed above.

[0010] This disclosure relates to an aerosol generation apparatus configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol forming matrix (e.g., during use). The apparatus may be configured to heat the aerosol forming matrix to a standby or maintenance temperature during use. The apparatus may be configured such that the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix increases from the standby temperature, for example, to an operating temperature, during user suction. For example, the apparatus may be configured to supply heat enhancement to the aerosol forming matrix during user suction during a user process. Such a configuration allows the aerosol forming matrix to be heated to a first temperature (e.g., standby temperature), which is at or slightly below the temperature required to form an aerosol, and then heated to an increased temperature (e.g., operating temperature), which is above the temperature required to form an aerosol during user suction.

[0011] By selecting an appropriate standby temperature, the temperature of the aerosol-forming matrix can be increased to the operating temperature almost instantaneously when additional heat is applied to the matrix. This allows the temperature to drop back to the standby temperature after the user aspirates the aerosol.

[0012] The combination of heating to standby temperature and rapidly raising the temperature to operating temperature during suction allows for the efficient harvesting of desired components of the aerosol-forming matrix, such as nicotine, flavor components, and aerosol-forming agents (such as glycerin), without overheating the matrix. This reduces the formation of unwanted aerosol components and allows for optimal harvesting of desired components.

[0013] An aerosol generating device may define a cavity for receiving at least a portion of an aerosol-forming matrix. The aerosol generating device may define an airflow path upstream of the cavity through which a user may draw air during use of the device. The airflow path may connect the cavity to the external environment. The device may include a flow detection device, such as a pressure sensor, positioned in communication with the airflow path upstream of the cavity. The device may be configured to use signals from the flow detection device, such as the pressure sensor, to detect one or more user suctions during use.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, an aerosol generating apparatus configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol forming matrix is ​​provided. The apparatus defines a cavity for receiving at least a portion of the aerosol forming matrix, and an airflow path upstream of the cavity through which a user can draw air during use of the apparatus, the airflow path connecting the cavity to the external environment. The apparatus further includes a flow detector or flow detection device, such as a pressure sensor, positioned in communication with the airflow path upstream of the cavity. The apparatus is configured to detect one or more user suctions during use using signals from the flow detector or flow detection device, such as a pressure sensor.

[0015] It should be noted that the cavity may be alternatively referred to as a chamber, and the terms cavity and chamber may be used interchangeably herein to mean the portion of the apparatus for receiving at least a portion of the aerosol-forming matrix such that the matrix may be heated to generate aerosols.

[0016] Preferably, the airflow path upstream of the cavity acts as or includes a flow restrictor. For example, the flow restrictor may include a mechanical element, such as an orifice plate, located within the airflow path. As another example, a portion of the airflow path may be narrow enough to act as a flow restrictor. The flow restrictor can increase the velocity of air drawn through the airflow path and can generate a pressure drop. The flow restrictor can enhance the pressure drop generated when a user draws air through the airflow path. Therefore, the flow restrictor can improve the sensitivity of suction detection. For example, the increased pressure drop associated with a flow restrictor within a portion of the airflow path can improve the ability of a pressure sensor to accurately detect user suction.

[0017] The flow restrictor can be a variable flow restrictor. For example, the flow restrictor can be an adjustable valve, such as a user-actuable valve device, like an adjustable screw. Using such a variable flow restrictor allows users to optimize the airflow through the device to account for different types of aerosol-generated articles. The restrictor can be modified to optimize suction detection for a specific user.

[0018] A portion of the airflow path upstream of the cavity may have a diameter of less than 3 mm.2 For example, less than 2mm 2 or less than 1.5mm 2 or less than 0.5mm 2 The cross-sectional area. A portion of the airflow path upstream of the cavity may have a cross-sectional area of ​​less than 0.5 mm. 2 For example, less than 0.4mm 2 or less than 0.2mm 2 or less than 0.1mm 2 The cross-sectional area. Such a cross-sectional area can provide a flow restriction, for example, to enhance the sensitivity of the pressure sensor to changes in airflow associated with user suction.

[0019] The suction resistance of the flow restriction causes a pressure drop that can be detected by a pressure sensor. Therefore, it may be desirable for the flow restriction upstream of the pressure sensor to provide sufficient suction resistance to cause a detectable pressure drop. Suction resistance may be more important than the absolute cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow path. For example, an airflow path comprising multiple small inlets may provide greater suction resistance and thus a greater pressure drop downstream of the inlets compared to an airflow path with the same cross-sectional area as its single inlet versus a combination of multiple inlets.

[0020] The upstream airflow path of the cavity can preferably have a suction resistance (RTD) greater than 10 mmH2O. This RTD can provide a detectable pressure drop for the pressure sensor. For example, the RTD can be between 10 mmH2O and 50 mmH2O. For example, the portion of the airflow path including the flow restrictor can provide a suction resistance (RTD) between 10 mmH2O and 50 mmH2O.

[0021] As used herein, suction resistance is measured according to the conditions set forth in ISO 6565:2015. Therefore, when measured according to the conditions set forth in ISO 6565:2015, the suction resistance of the airflow path between the inlet and the pressure sensor can be at least about 70 Pascals (Pa), for example at least about 80 Pa, or at least about 90 Pa, or at least about 100 Pa. 100 Pa is approximately 10 mmH2O. RTD can be at least 150 Pa, or at least 200 Pa, for example at least about 450 Pa. 450 Pa is approximately 45 mmH2O. The conditions set forth in ISO 6565:2015 include an outlet flow rate of 17.5 mL / s, an ambient temperature of 22°C, and a relative humidity of 60%.

[0022] A flow restrictor can be any suitable flow restriction that causes a pressure drop in the airflow path that can be measured by a pressure sensor when the user is suctioning on the aerosol generating device.

[0023] In some preferred embodiments, the flow restrictor is provided by inlets in the airflow path. Inlets may include multiple inlets. For example, inlets may include between one and thirty inlets, or between four and twenty-five inlets, or between seven and twenty openings. In some embodiments, inlets may include between fourteen and seventeen inlets. Inlets or multiple inlets may have any suitable size and shape to provide desired suction resistance and pressure drop in the airflow path when a user performs suction on the aerosol generating device. For example, in some preferred embodiments, inlets may include between five and 25 inlets, more preferably between 14 and 17 inlets, each inlet having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape with a diameter ranging from about 0.3 to 1.2 mm, more preferably about 0.5 mm. Preferably, the inlets or multiple inlets are arranged such that ambient air can be drawn into the aerosol generating device. The inlets or multiple inlets may have a combined total cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow path immediately following one or more inlets.

[0024] A pressure sensor can be located at the flow restrictor and can detect the pressure drop associated with the increased air velocity through the flow restrictor during user suction. The pressure sensor can be located upstream of the cavity but downstream of the flow restrictor. The flow restrictor enhances the pressure drop associated with user suction and can improve the sensitivity of the pressure sensor and the accuracy of suction detection.

[0025] The airflow path upstream of the cavity may include a flow restrictor and may also include an expansion region downstream of the flow restrictor. Preferably, the pressure sensor is located at or within the expansion region. This configuration optimally enhances the sensitivity of the pressure sensor. For example, the airflow path may be at least partially defined by a channel having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a first cross-sectional area and the second portion having a second cross-sectional area larger than the first cross-sectional area. The first portion forms the flow restrictor, and preferably, the pressure sensor is located at the second portion.

[0026] The airflow path upstream of the cavity may further include an inlet portion having an inlet cross-sectional area. The inlet cross-sectional area may be larger than the first cross-sectional area. The airflow path may be at least partially defined by an upstream section having an upstream cross-sectional area, an intermediate section having an intermediate cross-sectional area, and a downstream section having a downstream cross-sectional area. The upstream cross-sectional area may be larger than the intermediate cross-sectional area. The downstream cross-sectional area may be larger than the intermediate cross-sectional area. Preferably, the pressure sensor is located within the downstream section. The intermediate section may form a flow restrictor. The downstream section may form an expansion region.

[0027] For example, as defined above, the upstream segment can be the inlet portion; the intermediate segment can be the first portion; and the downstream segment can be the second portion.

[0028] The airflow path upstream of the cavity may also include a third portion having a third cross-sectional area smaller than the second cross-sectional area, for example, wherein the third portion forms a second flow restriction section.

[0029] The airflow path upstream of the cavity may include a first flow restrictor and a second flow restrictor, with the pressure sensor located between the first and second flow restrictors, for example, where the pressure sensor is located in an expansion section or expansion chamber between the first and second flow restrictors. The second flow restrictor advantageously helps prevent vapor from being blown back from the vapor chamber, which could contaminate the pressure sensor.

[0030] The aerosol generation device may include multiple air inlets to allow air to flow into the cavity. For example, the device may include multiple air inlets, each associated with an airflow path leading to the cavity. A pressure sensor may be located in one of these airflow paths. More than one airflow path may be associated with a pressure sensor. This can help to build some redundancy in the system.

[0031] Multiple air inlets can introduce airflow paths into an expansion chamber located downstream of the air inlets and upstream of the cavity. The pressure sensor is preferably located within the expansion chamber. Preferably, the total cross-sectional area of ​​the multiple air inlets is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the expansion chamber. Therefore, the airflow path through the multiple inlets upstream of the expansion chamber housing the pressure sensor can provide a suction resistance (RTD) greater than 10 mmH2O, for example greater than 20 mmH2O, or greater than 30 mmH2O, preferably between 10 mmH2O and 50 mmH2O.

[0032] The aerosol generating device may include a second pressure sensor configured to sense ambient pressure. The ambient pressure sensor can provide a signal representing the background pressure, used as a reference or baseline signal to help improve the accuracy of suction detection. For example, small pressure changes may occur naturally due to weather variations, changes in altitude caused by a user climbing stairs, or the presence of sudden noise. Measuring the background pressure can help prevent erroneous readings from the user's suction.

[0033] The airflow path can be partially defined by a channel extending adjacent to or in contact with the heater. For example, the airflow path can extend in thermal contact with a heater configured to heat the aerosol-forming matrix located within the cavity. Therefore, the incoming airflow can be partially heated by the same heater configured to heat the matrix within the cavity. This can capture some of the heat energy that would otherwise be lost. By allowing the airflow path to be heated in this manner, less energy may be needed to achieve the desired temperature at the aerosol-forming matrix.

[0034] Preferably, the device includes a pressure sensor, such as an absolute pressure sensor, for example a piezoresistive pressure sensor. The pressure sensor can include any suitable type of pressure sensor. The pressure sensor can be an absolute pressure sensor configured to determine the absolute pressure at a location in the airflow path. The pressure sensor can be a gauge pressure sensor configured to detect the relative pressure at a location in the airflow path compared to the ambient pressure of a neighboring aerosol generating device. The pressure sensor can be a differential pressure sensor configured to detect the pressure difference between a first location and a second location in the airflow path. The pressure sensor can be a capacitive pressure sensor. The pressure sensor can be a piezoresistive pressure sensor. The pressure sensor can be a strain gauge. Preferably, the pressure sensor is a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) pressure sensor. Advantageously, the MEMS pressure sensor can be small enough to be fitted into the aerosol generating device without significantly increasing the size of the aerosol generating device. A non-limiting example of a suitable absolute pressure sensor is the LPS22HBTR MEMS nanopressure sensor manufactured by STMicroelectronics, which has an operating pressure between about 26 kPa and about 126 kPa and dimensions of 2 mm x 2 mm x 0.76 mm.

[0035] Preferably, the aerosol generating device is configured to generate aerosols from an aerosol forming matrix during a use process that has a start and an end. Advantageously, the device can be configured to distinguish between suction and non-suction periods. The suction period can be defined as any time during the use process when the user is actively suctioning. The non-suction period can be defined as any time during the use process when the user is not actively suctioning.

[0036] The device is preferably configured to heat the aerosol-forming matrix during use with reference to two different target temperatures: a standby or maintenance target temperature and an operating target temperature. The standby target temperature is preferably a temperature above room temperature, and the operating target temperature is higher than the standby target temperature. Preferably, a signal from a flow detector (e.g., a pressure sensor) is used to control the temperature to the standby or operating target temperature.

[0037] Therefore, the device is preferably configured to control the temperature of the aerosol-forming matrix with reference to a standby target temperature during non-suction periods, and to control the temperature of the aerosol-forming matrix with reference to a working target temperature during suction periods. As a result, the matrix temperature is consistently maintained at the standby target temperature during non-suction periods. Once the start of user suction is detected, the temperature rises to the working target temperature, and after user suction has ended, the temperature is allowed to drop back to the standby target temperature.

[0038] Therefore, according to an aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating apparatus configured to generate aerosols from an aerosol forming matrix during use can be provided, such as the aerosol generating apparatus described above, wherein the apparatus is configured to heat the aerosol forming matrix with reference to two different target temperatures during use, the two different target temperatures being a standby target temperature and an operating target temperature, the standby target temperature being a temperature greater than room temperature, and the operating target temperature being higher than the standby target temperature, wherein the apparatus is configured to heat the aerosol forming matrix to the standby temperature during use, and wherein the apparatus is further configured to heat the aerosol forming matrix from the standby target temperature to the operating target temperature during user aspiration during use, and to allow the aerosol forming matrix to cool from the operating target temperature after user aspiration ends.

[0039] Therefore, according to aspects of the present invention, an aerosol generating apparatus configured to generate aerosols from an aerosol forming matrix during use can be provided, such as the aerosol generating apparatus described above, wherein the apparatus is configured to heat the aerosol forming matrix with reference to two different target temperatures during use, the two different target temperatures being a standby target temperature and an operating target temperature, the standby target temperature being a temperature greater than room temperature, and the operating target temperature being higher than the standby target temperature, wherein the suction period is defined as any period during use when the user is actively performing suction, and the non-suction period is defined as any period during use when the user is not actively performing suction, and wherein the apparatus is configured to operate in a standby mode during the non-suction period, and when operating in standby mode, control the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix with reference to the standby target temperature, and wherein the apparatus is configured to operate in an operating mode during the suction period, and when operating in operating mode, control the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix with reference to the operating target temperature.

[0040] Therefore, according to an aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating apparatus configured to generate aerosols from an aerosol forming matrix during use can be provided, such as the aerosol generating apparatus described above, wherein the apparatus is configured to heat the aerosol forming matrix according to a standby mode or an operating mode during use, wherein in the standby mode, the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix is ​​controlled with reference to a standby target temperature, and in the operating mode, the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix is ​​controlled with reference to an operating target temperature, wherein the standby target temperature is a temperature greater than room temperature, and the operating target temperature is a temperature greater than the standby target temperature, wherein the operation of the apparatus changes from the standby mode to the operating mode when the user begins aspiration, and changes from the operating mode to the standby mode when the user ends aspiration.

[0041] The standby target temperature is preferably too low for a significant amount of aerosol to form from the aerosol-forming matrix. In other words, the standby temperature can be lower than the effective aerosolization temperature of the aerosol-forming material or component of the matrix. For example, the standby target temperature can be lower than the evaporation temperature or effective boiling point of the aerosol-forming agent or mixture of aerosol-forming agents in the aerosol-forming matrix. For example, the standby target temperature can be set below the boiling point of propylene glycol, or below the boiling point of glycerol, or below the boiling point of a specific mixture of propylene glycol and glycerol used as an aerosol-forming agent in the aerosol-forming matrix. The standby temperature can alternatively be referred to as the sustaining temperature.

[0042] The standby target temperature can be below 250°C, for example below 230°C, for example below 210°C, preferably below 200°C, for example below 180°C, or below 160°C. The standby target temperature can be between 50°C and 250°C, for example between 80°C and 200°C, for example between 100°C and 180°C.

[0043] The target operating temperature is preferably high enough to form an aerosol from the aerosol-forming matrix. In other words, the operating temperature can be higher than the effective aerosolization temperature of the matrix. For example, the target operating temperature can be higher than the effective boiling point of the aerosol-forming agent or mixture of aerosol-forming agents in the aerosol-forming matrix, such as higher than the boiling point of propylene glycol, or higher than the boiling point of glycerol, or higher than the boiling point of a specific mixture of propylene glycol and glycerol used as an aerosol-forming agent in the aerosol-forming matrix.

[0044] The target operating temperature can be greater than 160°C, for example, greater than 180°C, or greater than 200°C, or greater than 250°C, for example, greater than 280°C, or greater than 300°C, or greater than 320°C, or greater than 340°C. Alternatively, the target operating temperature can be between 160°C and 400°C, for example, between 180°C and 340°C, or for example, between 220°C and 300°C.

[0045] The standby target temperature can be constant throughout the entire duration of use. Alternatively, the standby target temperature can vary during the duration of use. That is, the standby target temperature can evolve during use to account for the consumption of aerosol-forming components when the user inhales during use.

[0046] The target operating temperature can be constant throughout the entire duration of use. Alternatively, the target operating temperature can vary during the duration of use. The target operating temperature can vary with each suction cycle. Variations in the target operating temperature, such as increases in the target operating temperature, can help optimize aerosol delivery from the aerosol-forming matrix, which becomes depleted aerosol-forming component during the course of use.

[0047] Preferably, the usage process has a start and an end. Preferably, the aerosol forming matrix is ​​heated to a standby target temperature at the start of the usage process and maintained at or above the standby target temperature for the duration of the usage process until the end of the usage process. The usage process can be defined as the period between the start and end of the usage process; the suction period can be defined as any period during the usage process when the user is actively performing suction; and the non-suction period can be defined as any period during the usage process when the user is not actively performing suction. Furthermore, the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix can be controlled with reference to the standby target temperature during the non-suction period, and the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix can be controlled according to the working target temperature during the suction period.

[0048] Preferably, each suction in one or more suction operations during the use process has a suction start and a suction end, and the time period between the suction start and the suction end is defined as the suction period.

[0049] The usage process can have a usage duration, such as a reference time, or a reference usage parameter, or a predetermined duration set by both the reference time and the usage parameter. The usage parameter can preferably be selected from the following parameters: the number of times the user suctions during the usage process, the volume of aerosol generated during the usage process, and the power supplied to the heater during the usage process.

[0050] The device is preferably configured to detect one or more user suctions performed during use. The device is configured to detect the start of a user suction performed during use, for example, the start of each user suction performed during use. The device is preferably configured to detect the end of a user suction performed during use, for example, the end of each user suction performed during use. Therefore, the device can be configured to determine the duration of a user suction performed during use, for example, the duration of each user suction performed during use.

[0051] Advantageously, the device can be configured to characterize user suction performed during use, such as each suction performed during use. For example, the device can be configured to determine the volume of aerosol generated during user suction performed during use, such as the volume of aerosol generated during each user suction performed during use.

[0052] The device preferably includes an electrical supply source, such as a battery, like a rechargeable battery, for supplying energy to heat the aerosol-forming matrix.

[0053] The device preferably includes at least one heater for heating the aerosol-forming matrix. For example, the device may include a heater for heating an outer portion of the aerosol-forming matrix. Such an outer heater may surround or partially surround a portion of the aerosol-forming matrix received in the device. The outer heater may be a preferred heater for heating the matrix received in the cavity to a standby target temperature, because the aerosol-forming matrix can be heated to a uniform temperature without contact between the matrix and the heater.

[0054] The device may include a heater for heating an internal portion of the aerosol-forming matrix, such as a heater that can be inserted into a portion of the aerosol-forming matrix received in the device.

[0055] The device may include a heater for heating air in an airflow path upstream of the aerosol-forming matrix, for example, heating air drawn into the device such that the heated air is used to heat the heater receiving the aerosol-forming matrix in the device.

[0056] The device can be configured to activate the heater upon detection of user suction. For example, the heater can be configured to heat the aerosol-forming matrix after the device detects the start of user suction. The heater can be configured to deactivate after the device detects the end of user suction.

[0057] Preferably, the aerosol generating apparatus includes a controller for controlling the generation of aerosols, such as a controller communicating with a power supply and heaters. Such a controller can receive signals from, for example, pressure sensors and determine whether suction is in progress. Based on these incoming signals, the controller can control the power supply to one or more heaters.

[0058] The device can be configured to characterize user suction by monitoring parameters representing the power supplied by a power source. For example, during use, the power source can supply power to maintain the heater at a predetermined temperature. The controller can be configured to monitor parameters representing the power supplied by the power source. If a user suctions on the device to generate an aerosol, the heater cools, and a greater amount of power is required to maintain the heater at the predetermined temperature. Therefore, by monitoring parameters representing the power supplied by the power source, the device can characterize user suction, which is defined by the start and end of suction.

[0059] The device may include one or more resistance heaters arranged to heat an aerosol-forming matrix received in a cavity of the device. For example, any of the heaters described above may be resistance heaters.

[0060] The device may include an induction heater arranged to heat an aerosol-forming matrix received in a cavity of the device, for example, wherein the device includes a sensor arranged to heat a receptor arranged in thermal communication with the aerosol-forming matrix received in a cavity of the device. Any of the above-described heaters may be induction heaters. A receptor, also referred to as a receptor element, may comprise or be composed of one or more receptor materials.

[0061] Suitable receptor materials may include, but are not limited to: carbon, carbon-based materials, graphene, graphite, expanded graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel, nickel-containing compounds, titanium, and composites of metallic materials. Suitable receptor materials may include ferromagnetic materials, such as ferritic iron, ferromagnetic alloys (such as ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel), ferromagnetic particles, and ferrites. Receptor materials may contain more than 5%, preferably more than 20%, more preferably more than 50%, or more than 90% ferromagnetic or paramagnetic materials. Preferred receptor materials may contain metals, metal alloys, or carbon.

[0062] The device may include a capacitive or dielectric heater to heat an aerosol-forming matrix received in a cavity of the device, for example, wherein the device includes opposing electrodes fed by a high-frequency AC signal via an impedance matching circuit to utilize microwave heating of the matrix located in the cavity between the two opposing electrodes.

[0063] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating apparatus may include a heater assembly. Therefore, one or more heaters of the aerosol generating apparatus may be part of a heater assembly. The heater assembly may include a heating body configured for resistance heating. The heating body may comprise a polymer composite material comprising a polymer matrix and at least one of graphite, graphite-derived materials, and hexagonal boron nitride dispersed within the polymer matrix. A heating body comprising a polymer matrix and filler particles of at least one of graphite, graphite-derived materials, and hexagonal boron nitride dispersed within the polymer matrix is ​​easier to manufacture than a similar heating body configured for resistance heating made of other conductive materials typically used in existing heater assemblies for aerosol generating apparatuses. For example, the thermoplastic properties of the polymer matrix make it possible to tailor the polymer composite material to be suitable for stretching, making it inherently suitable for precise and controlled molding. In particular, the polymer composite material is easier to form into elongated, hollow shapes compared to conductive materials typically used in heater assemblies of existing aerosol generating apparatuses.

[0064] By controlling and adjusting the concentration and distribution of conductive filler particles dispersed within the polymer matrix, it is possible to provide a solid aerosol generating matrix capable of generating sufficient heat through resistance heating in order to effectively heat the aerosol generating article thermally coupled to the heating body.

[0065] The heater assembly may include a substantially porous heating body. The porous heating body can be configured to convectively transfer heat to the airflow permitted to enter the aerosol generating apparatus, such that the airflow reaches the aerosol generating matrix in a preheated state. This can be advantageous because aerosol-forming substances present in the aerosol generating matrix can be released more effectively upon heating. Generally, it is possible to supply and exchange heat more efficiently during the use of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0066] To be heated, air is drawn through a porous heating element. The residence time of air in the porous body (the average time a fluid element spends in a controlled volume) typically varies with the porosity and tortuosity of the porous body, as well as its geometry. Porosity, average pore size and pore size distribution, and the specific surface area of ​​the porous body also affect the amount of heat exchanged convectively. Simultaneously, the porosity and tortuosity of the porous body affect the total resistance to draft (RTD) of both the porous body and the heating element as a whole. By adjusting the porosity, length, and diameter of the porous body, a satisfactory balance can be achieved between the ability to effectively preheat air flowing through the porous body and the RTD of the porous body.

[0067] Preferably, the device is configured to determine the temperature of the aerosol-forming matrix during use. For example, the device may include a controller configured to determine the temperature of the aerosol-forming matrix during use, which is determined by monitoring the behavior of the heater during use, such as by monitoring the apparent resistance or apparent conductivity of the heater. The device may include a sensor configured to determine the temperature of the aerosol-forming matrix during use, such as a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) sensor, thermocouple, thermal switch, or any other temperature regulating element.

[0068] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating apparatus may also include a flow meter, such as a flow meter for measuring flow in a gas flow path upstream of the cavity for receiving the aerosol-forming matrix. Using a flow meter can be advantageous in development applications because it allows for efficient calibration of the pressure sensor to optimize suction detection for a specific combination of apparatus and matrix. A test system for setting or calibrating specific features such as pressure sensors and optimizing features such as the dimensions of the flow restrictor is possible for any aerosol generating apparatus as described herein, wherein a flow meter is added upstream of the restrictor. Such a test system may be particularly advantageous if the flow restrictor of the test system is a variable flow restrictor that allows for optimization (e.g., optimization according to a specific aerosol-generating article) of the size of the restrictor. A commercial version of the aerosol generating apparatus can then be produced with the desired settings and without the need for a flow meter.

[0069] Advantageously, the aerosol generating device can be configured to, during use: determine the start of the use process; enter a standby mode, in which the aerosol forming matrix received in the device is heated, and the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix is ​​controlled with reference to a standby target temperature during the standby mode; detect user suction during the use process; and, in response to the detected user suction, enter an operating mode, in which greater heat energy is supplied to the aerosol forming matrix to increase the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix, and the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix during the operating mode is controlled with reference to an operating target temperature greater than the standby target temperature.

[0070] The aerosol generating device may include a housing. The housing may be elongated. The housing may contain any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics, or composites containing one or more of said materials, or thermoplastics suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyethylene. Preferably, the material is lightweight and non-brittle.

[0071] The device may include one or more power sources or power supplies, one or more heaters, and a controller. The controller may be configured to: enter a standby mode at the start of use, detect the start of user suction, switch from standby mode to operating mode in response to detecting the start of user suction, detect the end of user suction, and switch from operating mode to standby mode in response to detecting the end of user suction.

[0072] The power supply can be in the form of a battery. The battery can be rechargeable. The battery can be a lithium-based battery, such as a lithium cobalt battery, lithium iron phosphate battery, lithium titanate battery, or lithium polymer battery. The battery can be a nickel-metal hydride battery or a nickel-cadmium battery. The power supply can also be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power supply can be rechargeable and configured for numerous charge-discharge cycles. The power supply can have a capacity that allows storing enough energy for one or more user experiences of the aerosol generation system; for example, the power supply can have sufficient capacity to allow continuous aerosol generation for a period of approximately six minutes (corresponding to the typical time required to smoke a regular cigarette), or for multiples of approximately six minutes. In another example, the power supply can have sufficient capacity to allow for a predetermined number of inhalations or intermittent startup of the aerosol generation system.

[0073] The controller or control circuitry system can be or includes any suitable controller or electrical component. The controller may include memory. Information used to perform the methods described above may be stored in the memory. The control circuitry system may include a microprocessor. The microprocessor may be a programmable microprocessor, a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other electronic circuitry system capable of providing control. The control circuitry system may be configured to continuously supply power to the heating element after the device is started, or may be configured to supply power intermittently, such as on a per-mouth suction basis. Power may be supplied to the heating element in the form of current pulses, for example, by means of pulse width modulation (PWM). The control circuitry system may include additional electronic components. For example, in some embodiments, the control circuitry system may include any of a sensor, a switch, or a display element. The controller may be configured to increase the power supplied to one or more heaters during an operating mode relative to a standby mode.

[0074] The device may include a first heater and a second heater. The first heater may be arranged to heat the aerosol forming matrix during standby mode, and the second heater may be arranged such that it does not heat the aerosol forming matrix during standby mode.

[0075] The first and second heaters can be arranged to simultaneously heat the aerosol-forming matrix during the operating mode.

[0076] The first heater may be arranged to operate throughout the entire use process, and the second heater may be arranged to be actuated only during user suction. For example, the second heater may be turned on only during user suction. Alternatively, the second heater may operate throughout the entire use process, but the power supplied to the second heater may be increased during user suction.

[0077] According to one aspect of the invention, an aerosol generation system can be provided, comprising an aerosol generation apparatus as described above and an aerosol generation article comprising an aerosol forming matrix. The aerosol generation article is configured to be received at least partially within the aerosol generation apparatus. The aerosol forming article may include a plurality of components assembled within a package, said plurality of components comprising the aerosol forming matrix.

[0078] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may have a suction resistance (RTD) between 10 mmH2O and 50 mmH2O.

[0079] When the aerosol generation article is received in the apparatus, the aerosol generation system may have a system airflow path defined for passing through the apparatus and the aerosol generation article, for example, wherein the system airflow path includes an airflow path defined for passing through the apparatus and an airflow path defined for passing through the aerosol generation article. The system airflow path may have a suction resistance (RTD) between 20 mmH2O and 100 mmH2O.

[0080] The product may appear substantially similar to a conventional cigarette. The product may be in the form of a strip, or have a strip or rod shape. The shape of the product may be substantially cylindrical, such as a perfect cylinder. The product may have a length between 30mm and 120mm, for example between 40mm and 80mm, such as approximately 45mm. The product may have a diameter between 3.5mm and 10mm, for example between 4mm and 8.5mm, such as between 4.5mm and 7.5mm.

[0081] The matrix can be substantially cylindrical, such as a perfect cylinder. The internal and external portions of the aerosol-forming matrix have been mentioned herein. The internal portion can be or is contained within the aerosol-forming material of the axially central portion of the aerosol-forming matrix (e.g., an axially central cylindrical portion or an axially central perfect cylindrical portion). The external portion can be or is contained within the aerosol-forming material of the axially external portion of the aerosol-forming matrix. The external portion can be cylindrical, such as a perfect cylinder. The external portion can have an annular cross-section, such as a circular annular cross-section. There may be no aerosol-forming matrix between the internal and external portions. The internal and external portions can be in contact. The entire aerosol-forming material of the aerosol-forming matrix is ​​visible in both the internal and external portions.

[0082] Optionally, the article includes a front bar. Optionally, the article includes an aerosol-forming matrix. Optionally, the article includes a first hollow tube, such as a first hollow acetate tube. Optionally, the article includes a second hollow tube, such as a second hollow acetate tube. Optionally, the second hollow tube includes one or more vents. Optionally, the article includes a mouth filter segment. Optionally, the article includes packaging, such as paper packaging. Optionally, one or more or all of the front bar, aerosol-forming matrix, first hollow tube, second hollow tube (if present), and mouth filter segment are defined by packaging.

[0083] Optionally, the front bar is positioned at the upstream end of the article. Optionally, the aerosol-forming matrix is ​​positioned downstream of the front bar. Optionally, the first hollow tube is positioned downstream of the aerosol-forming matrix. Optionally, the second hollow tube is positioned downstream of the first hollow tube. Optionally, the mouth filter segment is positioned downstream of one or both of the first and second hollow tubes. Optionally, the mouth filter segment is positioned at the downstream end of the article. Optionally, the downstream end of the article (which may be referred to as the mouth end of the article) can be configured for insertion into the user's mouth. The user can inhale, for example, directly from the mouth end of the article.

[0084] One or more of the front rod, aerosol forming matrix, first hollow tube, second hollow tube, and mouth filter segment may be substantially cylindrical, for example, perfectly cylindrical. One or more of the front rod, aerosol forming matrix, first hollow tube, second hollow tube, and mouth filter segment may have a diameter between 3.5 mm and 10 mm. Optionally, the front rod has a length between 2 and 10 mm. Optionally, the aerosol forming matrix within the article has a length between 5 and 20 mm. Optionally, the first hollow tube has a length between 2 and 20 mm. Optionally, the second hollow tube has a length between 2 and 20 mm. Optionally, the mouth filter segment has a length between 5 and 20 mm.

[0085] The article may include a tube or a container. The tube may hold the aerosol-forming matrix. The tube may hold the receptor. The tube may include a tube shell. One or both of the aerosol-forming matrix and the receptor may be located within the tube shell.

[0086] The cylinder may have a length, width, and thickness. The thickness may be less than 0.5 or 0.2 times the length, width, or both. In this case, the cylinder may be referred to as a flat or planar cylinder. The cylinder may be any suitable shape and size, such as substantially a perfect cylinder or cuboid. The cylinder may be any of the cylinders described in WO2015177043, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0087] The receptor may have a receptor length, a receptor width, and a receptor thickness. The receptor thickness may be less than 0.5 or 0.2 times the receptor length, receptor width, or both. In this case, the receptor may be referred to as a flat or planar receptor. The aerosol forming matrix may have a matrix length, matrix width, and matrix thickness. The matrix thickness may be less than 0.5 or 0.2 times the matrix length, matrix width, or both. In this case, the aerosol forming matrix may be referred to as a flat or planar aerosol forming matrix.

[0088] The receptor can be formed, attached, or positioned adjacent to the inner surface of the shell. The receptor can contact the aerosol-forming matrix. The receptor can be located between the aerosol-forming matrix and the inner surface. The largest or second largest surface of the receptor can contact or be positioned adjacent to the largest or second largest surface of the aerosol-forming matrix. This may be particularly advantageous when one or both of the receptor and the aerosol-forming matrix are flat or planar. Advantageously, this can maximize heat transfer from the receptor to the aerosol-forming matrix during use.

[0089] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for generating an aerosol using an aerosol generating apparatus is provided. The aerosol generating apparatus includes: a cavity for receiving at least a portion of an aerosol forming matrix, and an airflow path upstream of the cavity through which a user can draw air when using the apparatus, the airflow path connecting the cavity to an external environment, and a pressure sensor positioned in communication with the airflow path upstream of the cavity. The method includes the steps of: arranging the aerosol forming matrix in the cavity, actuating the apparatus, detecting pressure changes in the airflow path associated with the start of user inhalation, and detecting pressure changes in the airflow path associated with the end of user inhalation, thereby detecting user inhalation.

[0090] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for generating an aerosol using an aerosol generating apparatus is provided. The aerosol generating apparatus includes: a cavity for receiving at least a portion of an aerosol forming matrix, and an airflow path upstream of the cavity through which a user can draw air when using the apparatus, the airflow path connecting the cavity to an external environment, and a pressure sensor positioned in communication with the airflow path upstream of the cavity. The method includes the steps of: arranging the aerosol forming matrix in the cavity; actuating the apparatus to operate according to a standby mode; detecting a pressure change in the airflow path associated with the start of user inhalation; switching an operating mode from a standby mode to an operating mode in response to the detected start of user inhalation; detecting a pressure change in the airflow path associated with the end of user inhalation; and switching an operating mode from an operating mode to a standby mode in response to the detected end of user inhalation.

[0091] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for generating aerosols using an aerosol generating apparatus is provided. The aerosol generating apparatus includes: a cavity for receiving at least a portion of an aerosol forming matrix, and an airflow path upstream of the cavity through which a user can draw air when using the apparatus, the airflow path connecting the cavity to an external environment. The method includes the steps of: arranging the aerosol forming matrix in the cavity; actuating the apparatus to operate according to a standby mode, in which the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix is ​​controlled with reference to a standby target temperature; and switching the operating mode from the standby mode to a working mode in response to user suction, in which the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix is ​​controlled with reference to a working target temperature, the working target temperature being a temperature higher than the standby target temperature.

[0092] The method of generating aerosols may involve any of the above-mentioned devices or systems.

[0093] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article," or simply "article," can refer to an article that (e.g., when heated) is capable of generating or releasing aerosols.

[0094] As used herein, the term "aerosol forming matrix" can refer to a matrix capable of releasing aerosols or volatile compounds that can form aerosols. Such volatile compounds can be released by heating the aerosol forming matrix. An aerosol forming matrix may contain one or more aerosol forming agents or aerosol forming materials. An aerosol forming matrix may be adsorbed, coated, impregnated, or otherwise loaded onto a carrier or support. An aerosol forming matrix may suitably be part of an aerosol-generating article or a smoking article.

[0095] Optionally, the aerosol forming matrix is ​​a solid aerosol forming matrix. However, the aerosol forming matrix may comprise both solid and liquid components. Alternatively, the aerosol forming matrix may be a liquid aerosol forming matrix.

[0096] Optionally, the aerosol forming matrix contains nicotine. Optionally, the aerosol forming matrix includes tobacco. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol forming matrix may contain tobacco-free aerosol forming materials.

[0097] Optionally, the aerosol forming matrix may include sheets of aerosol forming material. For example, the aerosol forming matrix may include sheets of homogenized tobacco material, such as rolled and aggregated sheets of homogenized tobacco material.

[0098] As used herein, the term "aerosol forming agent" can refer to any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates aerosol formation in use and is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating article. Suitable aerosol forming agents are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyols such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerol; esters of polyols such as mono, di, or triacetic acids of glycerol; and aliphatic esters of mono, di, or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanoate and dimethyl tetradecanoate. Preferred aerosol forming agents are polyols or mixtures thereof, such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and most preferably glycerol. The aerosol forming matrix may contain one or more aerosol forming agents.

[0099] As used herein, the “aerosolization temperature” of an aerosol-forming matrix may refer to the minimum temperature at which the aerosol-forming matrix releases aerosols or volatile compounds that can form aerosols, or the minimum temperature at which the aerosol-forming matrix releases a large amount of aerosols or volatile compounds that can form aerosols.

[0100] As used herein, the term "use process" may refer to the period during which a user applies a series of suctions to extract aerosols from the aerosol-forming matrix.

[0101] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating apparatus" can refer to an apparatus used in conjunction with an aerosol generating article to enable the generation or release of aerosols.

[0102] As used herein, the term "sensor" can refer to an element comprising material capable of converting magnetic field energy into heat. When a sensor is placed in an alternating magnetic field, it can be heated. Heating of the sensor may result in at least one of hysteresis losses and eddy currents induced within the sensor, depending on the electrical and magnetic properties of the sensor material.

[0103] As used herein when referring to aerosol generating articles or aerosol generating apparatus, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used to describe the relative position of a component or part of an aerosol generating article or apparatus with respect to the direction through which air flows during its use. An aerosol generating article may include an upstream end through which air enters the article in use. An aerosol generating article may include a downstream end through which air or aerosol exits the article in use. An aerosol generating apparatus may include an upstream end through which air enters the apparatus in use. An aerosol generating article may include a downstream end through which air or aerosol exits the apparatus in use. An aerosol generating system may be configured such that air enters the upstream end of the aerosol generating apparatus, enters the upstream end of the aerosol generating article coupled to the apparatus, and exits the downstream end of the aerosol generating article.

[0104] As used herein with reference to this invention, the term "longitudinal" is used to describe the direction between the upstream and downstream ends of an aerosol generating article or between the upstream and downstream ends of an aerosol generating apparatus. During use, air is drawn through the aerosol generating article in the longitudinal direction.

[0105] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "length" is used to describe the maximum dimension in the longitudinal direction of a component of an aerosol generating article or aerosol generating apparatus or a component of an aerosol generating article or aerosol generating apparatus.

[0106] As used herein with reference to this invention, the term "transverse" is used to describe a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Unless otherwise stated, references to "section" of an aerosol generating article or aerosol generating apparatus or a component of an aerosol generating article or aerosol generating apparatus refer to a cross section.

[0107] As used herein with reference to this invention, the term "width" refers to the maximum dimension in the transverse direction of an aerosol generating article or apparatus, or a component of an aerosol generating article or apparatus. For example, when an aerosol generating article has a substantially circular cross-section, the width of the aerosol generating article corresponds to the diameter of the aerosol generating article. When a component of an aerosol generating article has a substantially circular cross-section, the width of the component of the aerosol generating article substantially corresponds to the diameter of the component of the aerosol generating article.

[0108] As used herein, the term “heating body” refers to a component configured to transfer thermal energy to the aerosol-generating matrix.

[0109] As used herein, the term "porous portion" refers to a part of a body having a plurality of pores, at least some of which are interconnected. Thus, the porous portion of the body can generally define the airflow path through the porous portion, allowing fluid to flow from one end surface of the porous portion to a second end surface opposite the first end surface. Generally, the pressure drop across the porous portion will be greater than the pressure drop across a hollow tubular element of the same length as the porous portion and whose free cross-sectional area is equal to the total cross-sectional area of ​​the porous portion. Therefore, flow across the porous portion will typically be partially restricted compared to flow through a hollow tubular element of comparable size.

[0110] The term "porosity" in the context of a porous body typically refers to the ratio of the volume of accessible pores and voids to the total volume occupied by the body. The term "sectional porosity" refers to the fraction of void space in the cross-sectional area of ​​a porous body (e.g., the cross-section of the porous portion of the heating body of a heater assembly according to the invention). Sectional porosity is the area fraction of void space in the cross-sectional area of ​​a porous body. The cross-sectional area of ​​a porous body is the area of ​​the porous body in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, which is typically also the longitudinal axis of the heater assembly and the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating apparatus including the heater assembly.

[0111] The porous body will typically be substantially cylindrical, and therefore its cross-section will be substantially circular. However, more generally, it will be possible to identify the longitudinal axis of the porous body, and the cross-section of the porous body will lie in a plane substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis.

[0112] As used herein, the term "electrical insulation" can refer to a material that, at room temperature (20 degrees Celsius) and 50% relative humidity, has an electrical insulation property of less than 0.8 × 10⁻⁶ in at least one direction, and for example in all directions. 4 Siemens conductivity per meter, for example, at least 1×10⁻⁶. -4 5×10 -4 Or 1×10 -5 The resistivity of ohm-meter.

[0113] As used herein, the term "resistivity" can refer to a material having a resistivity of at least 0.8 × 10⁻⁶ in at least one direction, for example, in all directions, at room temperature (20 degrees Celsius) and 50% relative humidity. 6 Siemens conductivity per meter, for example, not exceeding 1×10 -4 5×10 -5 Or 1×10 -5 The resistivity of ohm-meter.

[0114] As used herein, the term “thermal conductivity” can refer to a material having a thermal conductivity of at least 5, 10, 20, 50 or 100 W / m·Kelvin in at least one direction, for example in all directions, at room temperature (20 degrees Celsius) and 50% relative humidity.

[0115] Various references have been made to the scope (such as temperature ranges) described herein. For the avoidance of doubt, unless otherwise stated, any range mentioned herein may have only an upper limit, only a lower limit, or both an upper and lower limit. Limits for temperature ranges can be predetermined, such as any upper or lower limit for any one or more temperature ranges of the heating zone, heater, or sensor discussed above. These limits can be stored in the controller or memory, for example, in the controller's memory. The limit can be stored as a temperature value or in another form indicating a temperature value (e.g., as the value of the resistance of the component to which the temperature range applies). In this case, the resistance of the component, rather than its temperature, can be monitored, and the component's resistance and temperature can be compared to a resistance relationship dataset to estimate the component's temperature.

[0116] The invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0117] The following is a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. 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.

[0118] Ex1 – An aerosol generating apparatus configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol forming matrix during use, wherein the apparatus is configured to heat the aerosol forming matrix to a standby temperature during the use process, and wherein the apparatus is configured to cause the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix to increase from the standby temperature when the user performs suction.

[0119] Ex2 – An aerosol generating apparatus according to Ex1, wherein the apparatus is configured to supply thermal enhancement to the aerosol forming matrix during user suction during the user process.

[0120] Ex3 - An aerosol generating apparatus according to Ex1 or Ex2, wherein the apparatus is configured to heat the aerosol forming matrix according to a standby mode or an operating mode during the use process, wherein during the standby mode, the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix is ​​controlled with reference to a standby target temperature, and during the operating mode, the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix is ​​controlled with reference to an operating target temperature, wherein the standby target temperature is a temperature greater than room temperature, and the operating target temperature is a temperature higher than the standby target temperature.

[0121] Ex4 – An aerosol generating device according to Ex3, wherein the operation of the device changes from the standby mode to the working mode when the user begins inhalation, and changes from the working mode to the standby mode when the user ends inhalation.

[0122] Ex5 - An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the apparatus is configured to heat the aerosol forming matrix according to a standby mode or an operating mode during the use process, wherein during the standby mode, the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix is ​​controlled with reference to a standby target temperature, and during the operating mode, the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix is ​​controlled with reference to an operating target temperature, wherein the standby target temperature is a temperature greater than room temperature, and the operating target temperature is a temperature higher than the standby target temperature.

[0123] Example 6. An aerosol generating apparatus configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol forming matrix, such as the aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the apparatus defines a cavity for receiving at least a portion of the aerosol forming matrix, and an airflow path upstream of the cavity, through which a user can draw air when using the apparatus, the airflow path connecting the cavity to an external environment, wherein the apparatus includes a flow detection device, such as a pressure sensor, positioned in communication with the airflow path upstream of the cavity, and wherein the apparatus is configured to use a signal from the flow detection device, such as the pressure sensor, to detect one or more user suctions during the use process.

[0124] Ex7. An aerosol generating apparatus configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol forming matrix, such as the aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the apparatus defines a cavity for receiving at least a portion of the aerosol forming matrix, and an airflow path upstream of the cavity, through which a user can draw air when using the apparatus, the airflow path connecting the cavity to an external environment, wherein the apparatus includes a suction sensing element having a pressure sensor in communication with the airflow path upstream of the cavity, and a flow restrictor located within the airflow path, the apparatus further including a flow meter located upstream of the pressure sensor, wherein measurements from the flow meter can be used to calibrate the suction sensing element.

[0125] Ex8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Ex7, wherein the flow restrictor is a variable flow restrictor.

[0126] Ex9. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the airflow path upstream of the cavity acts as or includes a flow restrictor, for example, wherein the flow restrictor includes a mechanical element located within the airflow path, such as an orifice plate located within the airflow path.

[0127] Ex10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Ex9, wherein the flow restrictor is a variable flow restrictor, for example, wherein the flow restrictor is an adjustable valve, for example, wherein the flow restrictor includes a user-actuable valve device, such as an adjustable screw.

[0128] Ex11. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein a portion of the airflow path upstream of the cavity has a diameter of less than 3 mm. 2 For example, less than 2mm 2 or less than 1.5mm 2 or less than 1mm 2 The cross-sectional area.

[0129] Ex12. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the airflow path upstream of the cavity has a suction resistance (RTD) greater than 10 mmH2O, for example, between 10 mmH2O and 50 mmH2O, for example, wherein the portion of the airflow path including the flow restrictor provides a suction resistance (RTD) between 10 mmH2O and 50 mmH2O.

[0130] Ex13. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the pressure sensor is located upstream of the cavity but downstream of the flow restrictor.

[0131] Ex14. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Ex13, wherein the airflow path upstream of the cavity includes a flow restrictor and an expansion region downstream of the flow restrictor, wherein the pressure sensor is located at the expansion region.

[0132] Ex14A. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Ex14, wherein the airflow path upstream of the expansion zone has a suction resistance (RTD) greater than 10 mmH2O, for example greater than 20 H2O, or greater than 30 H2O, preferably between 10 mmH2O and 50 mmH2O, for example, wherein the portion of the airflow path including the flow restrictor provides a suction resistance (RTD) between 10 mmH2O and 50 mmH2O.

[0133] Ex15. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the airflow path has a channel having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a first cross-sectional area and the second portion having a second cross-sectional area greater than the first cross-sectional area, wherein the first portion forms the flow restrictor, preferably wherein the pressure sensor is located at the second portion.

[0134] Ex15a. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Ex15, wherein the airflow path has a channel, the channel has an inlet portion, the inlet portion has an inlet cross-sectional area, wherein the inlet cross-sectional area is larger than the first cross-sectional area.

[0135] Ex15b. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Ex15 or Ex15a, wherein the airflow path has: an upstream section having an upstream cross-sectional area, an intermediate section having an intermediate cross-sectional area, and a downstream section having a downstream cross-sectional area.

[0136] Ex15c. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Ex15b, wherein the inlet portion is the upstream section; the first portion is the intermediate section; and the second portion is the downstream section.

[0137] Ex16. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Ex15 to Ex15c, wherein the airflow path upstream of the cavity further includes a third portion having a third cross-sectional area smaller than the second cross-sectional area, for example, wherein the third portion forms a second flow restriction portion.

[0138] Ex17. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the airflow path upstream of the cavity includes a first flow restrictor and a second flow restrictor, and the pressure sensor is located between the first flow restrictor and the second flow restrictor, for example, wherein the pressure sensor is located in an expansion portion or expansion chamber located between the first flow restrictor and the second flow restrictor.

[0139] Ex18. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein a plurality of air inlets allow air to flow into the cavity, for example, wherein the apparatus includes a plurality of air inlets, each air inlet being associated with an airflow path leading to the cavity.

[0140] Ex19. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Ex18, wherein each air inlet is associated with an airflow path upstream of the cavity, wherein the pressure sensor is located in one of the airflow paths.

[0141] Ex19A. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Ex18 or Ex19, wherein a plurality of air inlets introduce the airflow path into an expansion chamber located downstream of the inlets and upstream of the chamber, wherein the pressure sensor is located in the expansion chamber.

[0142] Ex19B. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Ex19A, wherein the total cross-sectional area of ​​the plurality of inlets is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the expansion cavity.

[0143] Ex19C. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Ex19B, wherein an airflow path through multiple inlets upstream of the expansion chamber housing the pressure sensor has a suction resistance (RTD) greater than 10 mmH2O, for example greater than 20 mmH2O, or greater than 30 mmH2O, preferably between 10 mmH2O and 50 mmH2O.

[0144] Ex20. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples includes a second pressure sensor configured to sense ambient pressure.

[0145] Ex21. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the airflow path is partially defined by a channel extending adjacent to or in contact with the heater, for example, wherein the airflow path extends in thermal contact with a heater configured to heat an aerosol forming matrix located within the cavity.

[0146] Ex22. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the purpose of the flow restrictor and / or the first flow restrictor and / or the second flow restrictor is to accelerate the airflow caused by the user's suction.

[0147] Ex23. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the apparatus includes a pressure sensor, and the pressure sensor is an absolute pressure sensor, such as a piezoresistive pressure sensor.

[0148] Ex24. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the apparatus includes a pressure sensor arranged to detect a pressure drop in the airflow path generated when a user performs suction, for example, a pressure sensor arranged at a flow restriction in the airflow path or downstream of the flow restriction in the airflow path.

[0149] Ex25. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the apparatus is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol forming matrix during a use process, the use process having a start of use and an end of use.

[0150] Ex26. An aerosol generating device according to Ex25, wherein the device is configured to distinguish between aspiration periods and non-aspiration periods, the aspiration period being defined as any period during which the user is actively aspirating during the use process, and the non-aspiration period being defined as any period during which the user is not actively aspirating during the use process.

[0151] Ex27. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Ex26, wherein the apparatus is configured to heat the aerosol forming matrix with reference to two different target temperatures during the use process, the two different target temperatures being a standby target temperature and an operating target temperature, the standby target temperature being a temperature greater than room temperature, and the operating target temperature being higher than the standby target temperature, wherein a signal from the pressure sensor is used to control the temperature to the standby target temperature or the operating target temperature.

[0152] Ex27a. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Ex26, wherein the apparatus is configured to heat the aerosol forming matrix with reference to two different target temperatures during the use process, the two different target temperatures being a standby target temperature and an operating target temperature, the standby target temperature being a temperature greater than room temperature, and the operating target temperature being higher than the standby target temperature, wherein a signal from the pressure sensor is used to determine which of the standby target temperature or the operating target temperature is used to control the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix.

[0153] Ex28. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Ex27, wherein the apparatus is configured to control the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix with reference to the standby target temperature during non-suction periods, and to control the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix with reference to the working target temperature during suction periods.

[0154] Ex29. An aerosol generating apparatus configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol forming matrix during use, such as the aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the apparatus is configured to heat the aerosol forming matrix with reference to two different target temperatures during use, the two different target temperatures being a standby target temperature and an operating target temperature, the standby target temperature being a temperature greater than room temperature, and the operating target temperature being higher than the standby target temperature, wherein the apparatus is configured to heat the aerosol forming matrix to the standby temperature during use, and wherein the apparatus is further configured to heat the aerosol forming matrix from the standby target temperature to the operating target temperature during user aspiration during use, and to allow the aerosol forming matrix to cool from the operating target temperature after the user aspiration ends.

[0155] Ex30. An aerosol generating apparatus configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol forming matrix during use, such as the aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the apparatus is configured to heat the aerosol forming matrix with reference to two different target temperatures during use, the two different target temperatures being a standby target temperature and an operating target temperature, the standby target temperature being a temperature greater than room temperature, and the operating target temperature being higher than the standby target temperature, wherein the suction period is defined as any period during the use when the user is actively suctioning, and the non-suction period is defined as any period during the use when the user is not actively suctioning, and wherein the apparatus is configured to operate in a standby mode during the non-suction period, and when operating in the standby mode, control the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix with reference to the standby target temperature, and wherein the apparatus is configured to operate in an operating mode during the suction period, and when operating in the operating mode, control the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix with reference to the operating target temperature.

[0156] Ex31. An aerosol generating apparatus configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol forming matrix during use, such as the aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the apparatus is configured to heat the aerosol forming matrix according to a standby mode or an operating mode during the use process, wherein during the standby mode, the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix is ​​controlled with reference to a standby target temperature, and during the operating mode, the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix is ​​controlled with reference to an operating target temperature, wherein the standby target temperature is a temperature greater than room temperature, and the operating target temperature is a temperature greater than the standby target temperature, wherein the operation of the apparatus changes from the standby mode to the operating mode when the user begins inhalation, and changes from the operating mode to the standby mode when the user ends inhalation.

[0157] Ex32. An aerosol generating device according to Ex31, wherein the aspiration period is defined as any period during which the user is actively aspirating during the use process, and the non-aspiration period is defined as any period during the use process when the user is not actively aspirating, wherein the device is configured to operate in the standby mode during the non-aspiration period, and wherein the device is configured to operate in the operating mode during the aspiration period.

[0158] Ex33. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the standby target temperature is too low to form a large amount of aerosol from the aerosol forming matrix.

[0159] Ex34. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the standby target temperature is lower than the effective boiling point of the aerosol forming agent or a mixture of aerosol forming agents in the aerosol forming matrix, for example, lower than the boiling point of propylene glycol, or lower than the boiling point of glycerol, or lower than the boiling point of a specific mixture of propylene glycol and glycerol used as an aerosol forming agent in the aerosol forming matrix.

[0160] Ex35. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the standby target temperature is below 250°C, for example below 230°C, for example below 210°C, preferably below 200°C, for example below 180°C, or below 160°C.

[0161] Ex36. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the standby target temperature is between 50°C and 250°C, for example between 80°C and 200°C, for example between 100°C and 180°C.

[0162] Ex37. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the target operating temperature is high enough to form an aerosol from the aerosol forming matrix.

[0163] Ex38. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the target operating temperature is higher than the effective boiling point of the aerosol forming agent or a mixture of aerosol forming agents in the aerosol forming matrix, for example, higher than the boiling point of propylene glycol, or higher than the boiling point of glycerol, or higher than the boiling point of a specific mixture of propylene glycol and glycerol used as an aerosol forming agent in the aerosol forming matrix.

[0164] Ex39. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the target operating temperature is greater than 160°C, for example greater than 180°C, or greater than 200°C, or greater than 250°C, for example greater than 280°C, or greater than 300°C, or greater than 320°C, or greater than 340°C.

[0165] Ex40. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the target operating temperature is between 160°C and 400°C, for example between 180°C and 340°C, for example between 220°C and 300°C.

[0166] Ex41. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the standby target temperature is constant throughout the entire duration of the use process.

[0167] Ex42. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples other than Ex41, wherein the standby target temperature varies during the duration of the use process.

[0168] Ex43. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the target operating temperature is constant throughout the entire duration of the use process.

[0169] Ex44. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples other than Ex43, wherein the target operating temperature varies over the duration of the use process, for example, wherein the target operating temperature varies with each suction.

[0170] Ex45. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the use process has a start of use process and an end of use process, wherein the aerosol forming matrix is ​​heated to the standby target temperature at the start of the use process and is maintained at or above the standby target temperature for the duration of the use process until the end of the use process.

[0171] Ex46. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the usage process is defined as between the start and end of the usage process, wherein the suction period is defined as any period during the usage process during which the user is actively suctioning, and the non-suction period is defined as any period during the usage process during which the user is not actively suctioning, and wherein during the non-suction period the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix is ​​controlled with reference to a standby target temperature, and during the suction period the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix is ​​controlled with reference to a working target temperature.

[0172] Ex47. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex46, wherein each of one or more suctions performed during the use process has a suction start and a suction end, and wherein the time period between the suction start and the suction end is a suction period.

[0173] Ex48. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the use process has a use process duration, such as a reference time, or a reference use parameter, or a predetermined duration set by both the reference time and the use parameter.

[0174] Ex49. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex48, wherein the operating parameters are selected from the following parameters: the number of times the user inhales during the use process, the volume of aerosol generated during the use process, and the power supplied to the heater during the use process.

[0175] Ex50. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the apparatus is configured to detect one or more user suctions performed during the use process.

[0176] Ex51. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the apparatus is configured to distinguish between aspiration periods and non-aspiration periods, the aspiration period being defined as any period during the use process during which the user is actively aspirating, and the non-aspiration period being defined as any period during the use process during which the user is not actively aspirating.

[0177] Ex52. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the apparatus is configured to detect the start of a user inhalation during the use process, for example, the start of each user inhalation during the use process.

[0178] Ex53. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the apparatus is configured to detect the end of a user suction performed during the use process, for example, the end of each user suction performed during the use process.

[0179] Ex54. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the apparatus is configured to determine the duration of a user inhalation performed during the use process, for example, the duration of each user inhalation performed during the use process.

[0180] Ex55. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the apparatus is configured to characterize user suction performed during the use process, for example, each suction performed during the use process.

[0181] Ex56. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Ex55, wherein the apparatus is configured to characterize detected user suction during the use process, for example, each detected user suction during the use process.

[0182] Ex57. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Ex55 or Ex56, wherein the apparatus is configured to determine the volume of aerosol generated during the user suction during the use process, for example, the volume of aerosol generated during each user suction during the use process.

[0183] Ex58. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the apparatus includes a pressure sensor for detecting one or more user suctions performed during the use process.

[0184] Ex59. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Ex58, wherein the pressure sensor detects pressure changes in the airflow path caused by a user suction, for example, wherein suction involves a user drawing air through a portion of the apparatus along the airflow path, and the pressure sensor detects the pressure changes in the airflow path caused by the user suction.

[0185] Ex59a. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Ex58, wherein the pressure sensor detects flow changes in the airflow path caused by a user suction, for example, wherein suction involves a user drawing air through a portion of the apparatus along the airflow path, and the pressure sensor detects pressure changes in the airflow path caused by the user suction.

[0186] Ex60. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the apparatus defines an airflow path through which a user can draw air when using the apparatus.

[0187] Ex61. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the apparatus defines a cavity having an opening for receiving at least a portion of the aerosol forming matrix.

[0188] Ex62. An aerosol generating device according to Ex61, wherein the device defines an airflow path upstream of the cavity, through which a user can draw air when using the device, the airflow path connecting the cavity to the external environment.

[0189] Ex63. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the apparatus includes a power supply source.

[0190] Ex64. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the apparatus includes a heater for heating the aerosol forming matrix.

[0191] Ex65. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the apparatus includes a heater for heating an outer portion of the aerosol forming matrix, for example, a heater surrounding or partially surrounding a portion of the aerosol forming matrix received in the apparatus.

[0192] Ex66. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the apparatus includes a heater for heating an internal portion of the aerosol forming matrix, for example, a heater that can be inserted into a portion of the aerosol forming matrix received in the apparatus.

[0193] Ex67. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the apparatus includes a heater for heating air in an airflow path upstream of the aerosol forming matrix, for example heating air drawn into the apparatus such that the heated air is used to heat a heater receiving the aerosol forming matrix in the apparatus.

[0194] Ex68. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the apparatus includes a controller for controlling the generation of aerosols, such as a controller communicating with a power supply source and a heater.

[0195] Ex69. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the apparatus includes a resistance heater arranged to heat an aerosol forming matrix received in a cavity of the apparatus.

[0196] Ex70. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the apparatus includes an induction heater arranged to heat an aerosol forming matrix received in a cavity of the apparatus, for example wherein the apparatus includes a sensor arranged to heat a sensor in thermal communication with the aerosol forming matrix received in a cavity of the apparatus.

[0197] Ex71. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the apparatus is configured to determine the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix during use.

[0198] Ex72. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the apparatus includes a controller configured to determine the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix during use, the temperature being determined by monitoring the behavior of the heater during use, for example by monitoring the apparent resistance or apparent conductivity of the heater.

[0199] Ex73. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the apparatus includes a sensor configured to determine the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix during use, such as a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) sensor, thermocouple, thermal switch, or any other temperature regulating element.

[0200] Ex74. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the apparatus further includes a flow meter, for example a flow meter for measuring flow in an airflow path upstream of a cavity for receiving the aerosol forming matrix.

[0201] Ex75. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the apparatus is configured to, in use: determine the start of a usage process; enter a standby mode, in which an aerosol forming matrix received in the apparatus is heated, and the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix is ​​controlled with reference to a standby target temperature during the standby mode; detect user suction during the usage process; and, in response to the detected user suction, enter an operating mode, in which greater heat energy is supplied to the aerosol forming matrix to increase the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix, and the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix during the operating mode is controlled with reference to an operating target temperature greater than the standby target temperature.

[0202] Ex76. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Ex75, wherein the apparatus includes one or more power supplies, one or more heaters, and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to: enter a standby mode at the start of the use process, detect the start of user inhalation, switch from the standby mode to an operating mode in response to detecting the start of user inhalation, detect the end of user inhalation, and switch from the operating mode to the standby mode in response to detecting the end of user inhalation.

[0203] Ex77. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Ex75 or Ex76, wherein the controller increases the power supplied to the one or more heaters during the operating mode relative to the standby mode.

[0204] Ex78. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Ex75 to Ex76, wherein the apparatus includes a first heater and a second heater, wherein the first heater is arranged to heat the aerosol forming matrix during a standby mode, and the second heater is not arranged to heat the aerosol forming matrix during a standby mode.

[0205] Ex79. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Ex75 to Ex78, wherein the apparatus includes a first heater and a second heater, wherein both the first heater and the second heater are arranged to heat the aerosol forming matrix during an operating mode.

[0206] Ex80. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Ex78 to Ex79, wherein the first heater is arranged to operate during the use process, and the second heater is arranged to be actuated during user inhalation, for example, wherein the second heater is turned on only during user inhalation, or wherein the power supplied to the second heater increases during user inhalation.

[0207] Ex81. An aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples and an aerosol generation article comprising an aerosol forming matrix, the aerosol generation article being configured to be received at least partially within the aerosol generation apparatus.

[0208] Ex82. An aerosol generation system according to Ex81, wherein the aerosol forming article comprises a plurality of components assembled within a package, the plurality of components including the aerosol forming matrix.

[0209] Ex83. An aerosol generation system according to Ex81 or Ex82, wherein the aerosol generation article has a suction resistance (RTD) between 10 mmH2O and 50 mmH2O.

[0210] Ex84. An aerosol generation system according to Ex81 or Ex82, wherein when the aerosol generation article is received in the device, the system airflow path is defined through the device and the aerosol generation article, for example, wherein the system airflow path includes an airflow path defined through the device and an airflow path defined through the aerosol generation article, for example, wherein the system airflow path has a suction resistance (RTD) between 20 mmH2O and 100 mmH2O.

[0211] Ex85. A method for generating an aerosol using an aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising: a cavity for receiving at least a portion of an aerosol forming matrix, and an airflow path upstream of the cavity, through which a user can draw air when using the apparatus, the airflow path connecting the cavity to an external environment, and a pressure sensor positioned in communication with the airflow path upstream of the cavity, the method comprising the steps of: arranging the aerosol forming matrix within the cavity, actuating the apparatus, detecting a pressure change in the airflow path associated with the start of user inhalation, and detecting a pressure change in the airflow path associated with the end of user inhalation, thereby detecting user inhalation.

[0212] Ex86. A method for generating an aerosol using an aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising: a cavity for receiving at least a portion of an aerosol forming matrix, and an airflow path upstream of the cavity, through which a user can draw air when using the apparatus, the airflow path connecting the cavity to an external environment, and a pressure sensor positioned in communication with the airflow path upstream of the cavity, the method comprising the steps of: arranging the aerosol forming matrix within the cavity; actuating the apparatus to operate according to a standby mode; detecting a pressure change in the airflow path associated with the start of user inhalation; switching an operating mode from the standby mode to an operating mode in response to the detected start of user inhalation; detecting a pressure change in the airflow path associated with the end of user inhalation; and switching an operating mode from the operating mode to the standby mode in response to the detected end of user inhalation.

[0213] Ex87. A method of operating an aerosol using an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising: a cavity for receiving at least a portion of an aerosol forming matrix, and an airflow path upstream of the cavity, wherein a user can draw air through the airflow path when using the device, the airflow path connecting the cavity to an external environment, the method comprising the steps of: arranging the aerosol forming matrix within the cavity; actuating the device to operate according to a standby mode, wherein in the standby mode the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix is ​​controlled with reference to a standby target temperature; and, in response to user suction, switching an operating mode from the standby mode to an operating mode, wherein in the operating mode the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix is ​​controlled with reference to an operating target temperature, the operating target temperature being a temperature higher than the standby target temperature.

[0214] Ex88. A method for generating aerosols using an apparatus as defined in any of Examples Ex1 to Ex80 or a system as defined in any of Ex81 to Ex84, according to Ex85, Ex86 or Ex87.

[0215] The invention will be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the aerosol generation apparatus is shown; Figure 2 It shows the combination with aerosol-generating articles. Figure 1 Aerosol generating device; Figure 3 It shows the use Figure 1 The time / temperature curve of the heating curve applied to the aerosol forming matrix by the device; Figure 4A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, illustrating a pressure sensor located in the airflow path; Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of another aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, illustrating a pressure sensor located in the airflow path; Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, configured as a test device with an additional flow meter, is shown. Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a heater assembly for use in an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 8 It shows including Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a heater assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, representing a part of another aerosol generating apparatus. Figure 9 A schematic diagram is shown for use in an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 A schematic diagram of another aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown when it is engaged with an aerosol generating article. Figure 11 A schematic cross-sectional view is shown of another heater assembly used in an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 It shows Figure 11 A schematic end projection of the heater assembly; Figure 13 A schematic cross-sectional view is shown of another heater assembly used in an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 14 It shows Figure 13 A schematic end projection of the heater assembly; Figure 15 A schematic cross-sectional view is shown of another heater assembly used in an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; and Figure 16 It shows Figure 15 A schematic end projection of the heater assembly.

[0216] Figure 1This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of an aerosol generating apparatus 1. Apparatus 1 includes an open end 12 through which a portion of the aerosol-generated article can be inserted into a heating chamber 2. The heating chamber 2, alternatively referred to as a heating cavity, is sized to receive a portion of a strip-shaped aerosol-generated article. Chamber 2 is defined by a longitudinally extending wall 11, and a first heater 3 surrounds the wall 11 to provide thermal energy to heat chamber 2 and any contents therein. In an exemplary embodiment, the first heater is a resistance heater. The apparatus defines an airflow path 6 from the inlet of the apparatus to chamber 2. A second heater 4 is located upstream of chamber 2 in the airflow path 6. The second heater 4 is arranged to heat air drawn through the airflow path 6 and into chamber 2. The second heater 4 can provide a large heating surface area to effectively heat the air passing through. For example, the second heater 4 may include a plurality of heater plates 5 through which air is drawn. The second heater may include a highly porous heater body that acts as a heat exchanger.

[0217] Chamber 2, the first heater 3, the second heater 4, and the airflow path 6 are located within the housing 77. The housing also houses a power source such as a battery, and a controller arranged to control the power supply from the power source to the first and second heaters. The battery and controller are located within... Figure 1 Although not shown, the arrangement of such components within the housing of an aerosol generating device is well known.

[0218] Figure 2 As shown Figure 1 The same part as the aerosol generating apparatus depicted in the figure, wherein the aerosol generating article 200 is inserted into the chamber. Figure 2The exemplary aerosol generating article 200 shown includes an aerosol forming matrix 201 formed from an aggregate sheet of homogeneous tobacco, a hollow acetate tube 202 immediately downstream of the aerosol forming matrix, a free-flow filter (wide-aperture tube) 203 downstream of the hollow acetate tube, and a mouthpiece filter 204 downstream of the free-flow filter. These components are arranged within a package 205, such as within a cigarette paper package. This typical aerosol generating article 200 is similar to a conventional cigarette. In use, the front or distal portion of the aerosol generating article 200 is inserted into a chamber 2 of the aerosol generating device 1, such that the aerosol forming matrix 201 is located within the chamber 2. The mouth or proximal end of the aerosol generating article protrudes from the chamber 2, thereby allowing the user to inhale from the mouth end of the article 200. When a user inhales through the mouth of the article 200 located in chamber 2, air is drawn into the inlet of the device, passes through the airflow path 6, through the second heater 4, enters chamber 2, passes through the aerosol forming matrix 201 of the article 200, and enters the user's mouth. When the aerosol forming matrix is ​​heated above its aerosolization temperature, the volatile components of the aerosol forming matrix can volatilize. These volatile components can be entrained in the airflow when the user inhales through the article and condense to form an inhalable aerosol consumed by the user.

[0219] In an exemplary method of use, a dual-heating mode scheme can be used during the use process to consume aerosols to generate articles. A graph illustrating such heating profiles is provided. Figure 3 When the article 200 is inserted into chamber 2 of the device and the process begins, the controller actuates the first heater to heat the aerosol-forming matrix and maintains the temperature of the aerosol-forming matrix at a standby target temperature 310. The standby target temperature 310 is a temperature below the aerosolization temperature of the aerosol-forming matrix. That is, the standby temperature is below the temperature at which a large amount of the volatile components of the aerosol-forming matrix evaporate, and therefore below the temperature at which aerosols can form. Preferably, the standby target temperature is only slightly below the aerosolization temperature of the matrix. For example, the standby target temperature could be 170°C, in which case the temperature of the matrix increases from ambient temperature to the standby target temperature during the heating phase 311. Once the matrix has reached the standby target temperature, the power supply to the first heater is controlled to maintain the temperature of the matrix at the standby target temperature. Therefore, the standby target temperature can be referred to as the maintenance temperature, and the first heater can be referred to as the maintenance heater.

[0220] The temperature of the aerosol-forming matrix can be measured directly using a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the matrix temperature can be determined by monitoring electrical parameters of the heater, such as the heater's resistance or the power supplied to the heater.

[0221] The second heater 4 can be activated at the start of the process or only when the user is suctioning. When the user suctions on the article 200, air is drawn through the airflow path 6 and the second heater 4. The air passing through the second heater 4 is heated, and then this heated air enters the chamber 2 and passes through the aerosol forming matrix 201. The aerosol forming matrix has been maintained at the standby target temperature. The heat from the incoming airflow provides an enhancement to the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix, and the matrix 201 is heated to a temperature above the standby temperature almost instantaneously. Therefore, the second heater 4 can be referred to as the enhancement heater. The temperature can be controlled according to a second temperature above the standby target temperature 310. This second temperature can be referred to as the operating target temperature 320. The operating target temperature is a temperature above the aerosolization temperature of the aerosol forming matrix. For example, the operating target temperature can be a temperature of 250°C, at which the aerosol forming agent and nicotine volatilize and an aerosol containing said components can be formed.

[0222] Therefore, the temperature of the aerosol-forming matrix is ​​maintained at just below the aerosolization temperature using a sustaining heater, and then enhanced to above the aerosolization temperature during user suction. This provides the advantage that the aerosol-forming matrix consumes its aerosol-forming components only during user suction, which allows for the use of less aerosol-forming material in the work-in-progress. If the enhanced heater is activated only during user suction, the dual-heating mode configuration can provide energy savings over the duration of use.

[0223] In reference Figures 1 to 3 In the described embodiment, the sustaining heater is a resistance heater surrounding chamber 2, and the reinforcing heater is a large surface area heater arranged in the airflow path upstream of the chamber. However, it is possible to provide a dual-heating-mode aerosol generating apparatus with other heater configurations. For example, the reinforcing heater may be a heater arranged to directly heat the chamber. For example, the reinforcing heater may be an induction heater arranged to heat a sensor in thermal contact with the aerosol-forming matrix. As yet another example, the sustaining heater may surround the chamber, while the reinforcing heater may be an internal heater designed to penetrate the aerosol-forming matrix. Any one or both of the heaters may be induction heaters. In another variation, the sustaining heater may be a capacitive or dielectric heater that utilizes microwave heating of the matrix material. Any one or both of the heaters may be capacitive or dielectric heaters.

[0224] Figure 4A portion of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 described above is shown, the portion further including a pressure sensor 7 located upstream of the second heater 4 in the airflow path 6. An exemplary and non-limiting embodiment of the pressure sensor may be the STMicroelectronics LPS22HB, a compact piezoresistive absolute pressure sensor coupled to the controller of apparatus 1. The channel 80 extending from the air inlet 87 and defining the airflow path 6 has a larger cross-sectional area at the sensing portion 9 of the pressure sensor 7 than at the limiting portion 8 upstream of the sensing portion 9. In this exemplary embodiment, the air inlet 87 has a transverse upstream cross-sectional area at section line A1; the limiting portion 8 has a transverse intermediate cross-sectional area at section line A2; and the sensing portion 9 has a transverse downstream cross-sectional area at section line A3. The upstream cross-sectional area is larger than the intermediate cross-sectional area. The downstream cross-sectional area is larger than the intermediate cross-sectional area. The air inlet 87, the limiting portion 8, and the sensing portion 9 are continuous segments along the flow direction of the continuous airflow path 6. When a user draws air through the airflow channel 80, the limiting portion 8 of the channel 80 defining the airflow path 6 acts as a limiting part in the airflow path, resulting in a pressure drop in the sensing portion. Therefore, the limiting section 8 can be referred to as a flow limiter. This pressure drop can be detected by a pressure sensor, and the signal from the pressure sensor is sent to the controller, thereby allowing the detection of the start and end of user suction. The pressure drop generated by user suction increases in the region of the limiting section due to the increased air velocity through the limiting section. This increased pressure drop is more easily distinguished from background pressure changes; that is, the increased pressure drop generated by the limiting section helps to raise the pressure signal generated by user suction above the background noise, which helps to enable the detection of user suction using a single sensor. Therefore, positioning the pressure sensor immediately downstream of the limiting section in this manner increases the sensitivity of user suction detection.

[0225] In use, the aerosol generating article 200 is inserted into chamber 2 and the device is actuated. This initiates the use process. The first heater 3 rapidly heats to its standby operating target temperature, such as 170°C as described above. The user then inhales or draws air through the mouthpiece 204 of the article 200. This causes an airflow to be drawn through the device's air inlet 87, through the flow restriction section 8, through the second heater 4, through the article 200, and then into the user's mouth.

[0226] The flow restrictor 8 reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow path in the device. Therefore, as air flows through the flow restrictor 8, the airflow accelerates and the pressure decreases. The pressure drop generated by the flow restrictor 8 is sensed by the pressure sensor 7 of the suction detection mechanism and relayed continuously or at frequent intervals such as every 50 milliseconds to the device's controller. Suction is detected when the pressure in the flow restrictor decreases significantly.

[0227] In response to the detection of suction, the controller supplies power to the second heater 4. Air passing through the heater is heated to a temperature between approximately 250°C and 300°C. This heated air then passes through the aerosol-forming matrix 201 of the article 200, thereby increasing the temperature of the aerosol-forming matrix from a standby target temperature of 170°C to an operating target temperature of 250°C. This heats the aerosol-forming matrix 201 to above its aerosolization temperature to form an aerosol.

[0228] It should be noted that the second heater can be activated from the start of the usage process, in which case the controller can supply a larger amount of power to the second heater when it detects that the user is sucking.

[0229] When pressure sensor 7 no longer senses a pressure drop in the airflow path, this indicates that suction has ended. Therefore, the controller adjusts the power supplied to the second heater 4 to its value prior to the user's suction. Since the aerosol-forming matrix no longer receives thermal enhancement via the heated airflow, the temperature of the aerosol-forming matrix drops back to the standby target temperature.

[0230] This process is repeated for each of the multiple suctions during the use process until the use process ends, such as after a predetermined number of suctions have been performed or after a predetermined duration from the start of the use process.

[0231] Figure 5 A portion of an aerosol generating apparatus 501 with an alternative airflow path configuration is shown. Apparatus 501 is shown in connection with an aerosol generating article 200. Apparatus 501 and... Figures 1 to 4 The devices shown are essentially the same, and common components are already present. Figure 5 The same reference numerals are given to them.

[0232] The air inlet 587 of device 501 is defined by an opening in a channel 580, which defines an airflow path 506 upstream of the second heater 4. The air inlet 587 is located adjacent to the opening 12 of chamber 2. The channel 580 extends along the length of the chamber and passes through the first heater 3 in thermal contact before reaching the second heater 4 located upstream of chamber 2. Air drawn into the airflow path 506 through inlet 587 passes through an orifice plate 518 and a pressure sensor 507 before entering the second heater 4 and subsequently chamber 2. The orifice plate 518 forms a constriction in the airflow path 506, thereby causing a detectable pressure drop at the location of sensor 507 when the user performs suction.

[0233] In use, device 501 is consistent with the above-mentioned Figure 4The device described operates in the same manner. The incoming air, carried along the channel 580, is heated to a certain extent by the first heater 3, and thus some of the heat energy that might have been lost to the system is recovered in the air flowing through the device and transferred to the aerosol forming matrix 201 of the article 200 located in the chamber 2.

[0234] Different aerosol generating articles can provide different suction resistances (RTDs). This can change the overall RTD of the system (i.e., the RTD of the combined aerosol generating device and aerosol generating article). It may be desirable to customize the pressure drop caused by the limiting section to optimize suction detection for a particular system. Therefore, it may be desirable to provide a testing apparatus on which the optimal dimensions of the limiting section can be determined, and on which pressure sensors can be calibrated for a specific system.

[0235] Figure 6 A portion of a test aerosol generating apparatus 601, coupled with an aerosol generating article 200, is shown. Apparatus 601 and... Figure 4 The devices shown are essentially the same, and common components are already present. Figure 6 The same reference numerals are used in the figures. Thus, apparatus 601 includes a chamber 2 for receiving article 200. The chamber is heated by a first heater 3. A second heater 4 and a pressure sensor 7 are arranged in an airflow path 6 upstream of chamber 2. A variable flow restrictor 618 is located upstream of the pressure sensor 7, and a flow meter 630 is located upstream of the variable flow restrictor 618. The variable flow restrictor includes threads that can be adjusted to change the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow path at the restrictor. It should be noted that many other forms of variable flow restrictors can be used, such as ball valves, gate valves, or butterfly valves. The flow meter is configured to measure the actual velocity and volume of air flowing through the airflow path as air is drawn through the system. By knowing the actual flow through the system using the flow meter, the signal from the pressure sensor can be calibrated. By using a variable restrictor, the effect of different pressure drops on the sensitivity of the pressure sensor can be evaluated. Once the appropriate size of the restrictor has been selected, an aerosol generating apparatus with a fixed restrictor and without the need for a flow meter can be produced.

[0236] In some specific embodiments, the first heater (maintenance heater) and the second heater (enhancing heater) may be combined in a single heater assembly. Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of a heater assembly that can be used in an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention. The heater assembly 712 includes a hollow body portion 714 that partially defines a chamber 716 for receiving a portion of an aerosol generating article. The chamber 716 includes an open end 718 and a closed end 720 opposite to the open end 718, through which the aerosol generating article can be inserted into the chamber 716. More specifically, the hollow body portion 714 includes a tubular element 728 that partially defines a cylindrical wall 722 of the chamber 716 extending between the open end 718 and the closed end 720. The tubular element 728 is arranged such that when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the chamber 716, the aerosol generating article is received within and in direct contact with the tubular element 728. Advantageously, the direct contact between the tubular element 728 and the aerosol generating article facilitates heat transfer from the tubular element 728 to the aerosol generating article. The tubular element is formed of a thermally conductive material, such as a metal material, like stainless steel.

[0237] The heater assembly also includes a body portion 730 that is permeable or transmissible to airflow. In a specific embodiment, this body portion is a porous body portion 730 that defines an airflow path 732 through the porous body portion 730. The airflow path 732 is upstream of and in fluid communication with the chamber 716. The porous body portion 730 includes a porous rod 734 disposed within a tubular element 728.

[0238] A first resistance heater 740 is arranged to contact the outer surface 727 of the hollow body portion 714 of the heater assembly. The first resistance heater is electrically connected to power supply terminals 741, 742 to supply power to the heater 740. The first resistance heater 740 is arranged to provide sustained heating to the aerosol-forming matrix located within chamber 716 by maintaining the temperature of the matrix at a standby target temperature below the aerosolization temperature of the matrix.

[0239] The second resistance heater 750 is arranged to contact the outer surface 727 of the porous body portion 730 of the heater assembly. The second resistance heater is electrically connected to power supply terminals 751, 752 to supply power to the heater 750. The second resistance heater is arranged to heat the porous rod 734 and any air flowing through it. The air heated in this way provides thermal enhancement to the aerosol-forming matrix positioned within chamber 716 during suction, thereby raising the matrix temperature to an operating temperature above the aerosolization temperature of the matrix while the user is suctioning. It should be noted that the same power supply source can be used to supply power to both the first and second resistance heaters. Alternatively, each heater may have a separate power supply source.

[0240] Figure 8 It shows including Figure 7 The heater assembly 712 is part of the aerosol generating apparatus 800. The heater assembly 712 is located within the housing 810. A channel 805 defines an airflow path 806 that flows from an air inlet 887 defined in the housing of the apparatus, through a porous rod 734 of the heater assembly 712, and into a chamber 716. An orifice plate 818 is arranged downstream of the inlet in the airflow path, providing a constriction, and a pressure sensor 807 is located downstream of the constriction 818 in the airflow path.

[0241] In use, Figure 8 The device 800 is related to the above. Figure 4 The device operates in the same manner described above. That is, the use process begins when the aerosol-forming article is inserted into chamber 716 and the device is actuated. A first heater 740 heats the aerosol-forming matrix 201 to a target standby operating temperature, for example, 170°C. The user then inhales or draws air into the mouthpiece 204 of the article 200. This causes an airflow to be drawn through the device air inlet 887, through the orifice plate 818, through the porous rod 734, through the article 200, and then into the user's mouth. A second heater 750 supplies heat to heat the porous rod 734. Power is supplied to the second heater 750 when the controller receives a signal from the pressure sensor 807 indicating that user inhalation is in progress. The heated air passing through the porous rod 734 raises the temperature of the aerosol-forming matrix to the operating temperature at which aerosols can be generated.

[0242] about Figure 7 The described heater assembly 712 utilizes a resistance heater disposed on the surface of a conductive material. In some specific embodiments, the heater assembly can be manufactured by molding a conductive, resistance-heatable polymer. Electrodes can then be directly attached to portions of the heater assembly to heat those portions. Figure 9 An example is shown in the figure.

[0243] Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of a heater assembly 912 formed from a conductive and resistively heated polymer 901. Polymer 901 is a polymer composite material comprising a polymer matrix and conductive filler particles. In a specific example, polymer 901 comprises a polymer material and at least one particulate filler selected from graphite, graphite-derived materials, and hexagonal boron nitride, the filler being dispersed within the polymer material. In a specific example, the polymer material forming the matrix is ​​polyetheretherketone (PEEK), but alternatively, liquid crystal polymer (LCP) can be used. Polymer 901 comprises 27% by weight of polymer material, but this amount can be between 22% and 33%. Polymer 901 comprises 65% by weight of filler, but this amount can be between 62% and 69%. Polymer 901 also comprises an additive (carbon black) dispersed within the polymer material. Polymer 901 comprises 7% by weight of additive, but this amount can be between 5% and 9%.

[0244] Compared to similar heating bodies configured for resistance heating, heating bodies comprising a polymer matrix and conductive filler particles of at least one of graphite, graphite-derived materials, and hexagonal boron nitride dispersed within the polymer matrix are generally easier to manufacture. In particular, the thermoplastic properties of the polymer matrix allow the polymer composite to be tailored to be suitable for stretching, making it inherently suitable for precise and controlled molding. Therefore, the described polymer 901 is more readily formed into elongated, hollow shapes compared to other conductive materials typically used in heater assemblies of existing aerosol generating apparatuses. By controlling and adjusting the concentration and distribution of the conductive filler particles dispersed within the polymer matrix, it is advantageous to provide a polymer heating body capable of generating sufficient heat by resistance heating to effectively heat the solid aerosol generating matrix of the aerosol generating article thermally coupled to the heating body. For example, by adjusting the formulation of the polymer matrix and the degree of dispersion of the conductive filler particles within the polymer matrix, it is possible to control the conductivity of the resulting polymer, and thus the amount of heat resistively generated by the heater assembly when a voltage is applied to the heating body.

[0245] In order to form Figure 9The heater assembly 912 shown in the diagram involves heating and extruding a resistance-heatable polymer 901 to form a hollow tube. This tube forms the outer portion 920 of the heater assembly 912. A granular polymer is then placed in one end of the tube and lightly sintered to form a porous rod 934 spanning one end of the tube. Preferably, the granular polymer particles sintered to form the porous rod have a number-average particle size of less than 800 micrometers, for example, between 50 and 600 micrometers. Preferably, the cross-sectional porosity of the porous rod is greater than 15% and less than 45%. Preferably, the total pore volume of the porous rod is between 0.5 and 5 cubic centimeters, for example, between 2 and 3.5 cubic centimeters. Preferably, the porous rod provides a suction resistance between 10 and 40 mmH2O, for example, about 15 or 20 mmH2O.

[0246] The resulting heater assembly 912 has an opening 918 at one end, which leads to a chamber 916 defined by an inner wall 922.

[0247] The first pair of electrodes 941, 942 attached to the heater assembly in the region of cavity 916 allows current to pass through a portion of the heater assembly wall. When polymer 901 is resistively heatable, the act of allowing current to pass through a portion of the heater assembly heats the heater assembly wall and supplies heat to the aerosol-generating matrix located within the cavity. Thus, the cavity wall 930 can act as a first heater to provide sustained heating to the matrix located within the cavity.

[0248] A second pair of electrodes 951, 952 attached to the region of the porous rod 934 to the heater assembly allows current to pass through that portion of the heater assembly wall. These electrodes allow the heater assembly wall and the porous rod to be resistively heated. Thus, the porous rod 934 can act as a second heater to heat the air passing through the porous rod and provide thermal enhancement to the aerosol-forming matrix during suction by the user.

[0249] Such as about Figure 9 The described heater assembly can be used as a reference for... Figure 8 The heater assembly in the described device 800.

[0250] Figure 10 Another specific example of a heater assembly 1012 that can be used in embodiments of the present invention is shown. The heater assembly 1012 includes a hollow body portion 1014 that partially defines a chamber 1016 for receiving a portion of an aerosol-generating article 200. The chamber 1016 includes an open end 1018 and a closed end 1020 opposite the open end 1018, through which the aerosol-generating article 200 can be inserted into the chamber 1016.

[0251] More specifically, the hollow body portion 1014 includes a tubular element 1028, which partially defines the cylindrical wall 1022 of a chamber 1016 extending between an open end 1018 and a closed end 1020. The tubular element 1028 is arranged such that when an aerosol-generating article is inserted into the chamber 1016, the aerosol-generating article is received within and in direct contact with the tubular element 1028. The tubular element is formed of a ceramic material (e.g., alumina).

[0252] Protrusions 1019 extending from the inner wall 1022 of chamber 1016 limit the extent to which the aerosol-generating article can be inserted into chamber 1016. These protrusions allow a gap between the distal end of the aerosol-generating article and the porous rod 1034. This gap can be between 1 mm and 5 mm, for example, between 1.5 mm and 3 mm. The gap helps to thermally insulate the aerosol-generating article from the porous rod 1034, so that the porous rod only affects the temperature of the article when the user performs suction.

[0253] The heater assembly also includes a porous body portion 1030 that defines an airflow path 1032 through the porous body portion 1030. The airflow path 1032 is upstream of the chamber 1016 and in fluid communication with the chamber. The porous body portion 1030 includes a porous rod 1034 disposed within a tubular element 1028.

[0254] A first resistance heater 1040 is disposed within a tubular element 1028 at the hollow body portion 1014 of the heater assembly. The first resistance heater is electrically connected to power supply terminals 1041, 1042 to supply power to the heater 1040. The first resistance heater 1040 is arranged to provide sustaining heating to the aerosol-forming matrix located within chamber 1016 by maintaining the temperature of the matrix at a standby target temperature below the aerosolization temperature of the matrix.

[0255] A second resistance heater 1050 is disposed within the tubular element 1028 at the porous body portion 1030 of the heater assembly. The second resistance heater is electrically connected to power supply terminals 1051 and 1052 to supply power to the heater 1050. The second resistance heater is arranged to heat the porous rod 1034 and any air flowing through it. The air heated in this manner provides thermal enhancement to the aerosol-forming matrix positioned within chamber 1016 during suction, thereby raising the matrix temperature to an operating temperature above the aerosolization temperature of the matrix while the user is suctioning.

[0256] Figure 11 and Figure 12This is a schematic diagram of another specific example of a heater assembly 1112 that can be used in embodiments of the present invention. The heater assembly 1112 is formed of a conductive and resistively heated polymer 901, said polymer being formed of a polymer composite material comprising a polymer matrix and conductive filler particles. The heater assembly 1112 is related to... Figure 9 The heater assembly 912 described is substantially the same, and similar features are given to it. Figure 9 The components are referenced by the same reference numerals. The protrusion 1119 may be located within the chamber 916 to provide a gap between the aerosol forming matrix inserted into the chamber and the porous rod 934 defining the end of the chamber.

[0257] The resistively heatable polymer 901 of the heater assembly 1112 is heated by a current transmitted between a first annular contact 1141 and a second annular contact 1142. The first annular contact is located at a first end 1121 of the tubular outer portion 920 of the heating assembly, and the second annular contact is located at a second end 1122 of the tubular outer portion 920. The contacts 1141 and 1142 may be copper rings attached to the heating body (e.g., by mechanical interaction or by an overmolding process). Conductive adhesives may also be used to attach the contacts; for example, HT-carbon adhesive or silver epoxy resin adhesive may be used. The arrangement of the second annular contact 1142, the tubular outer portion 920 of the heating assembly 1122, and the porous rod 934 spanning the second end 1122 of the heater assembly 1112 is described in detail. Figure 12 The end projection of the heater assembly 1112 shown in the figure is illustrated.

[0258] In use, a voltage is applied between the first annular contact 1141 and the second annular contact 1142, thereby causing a current flow, which resistively heats the outer portion 920 of the heater assembly 1112. Heat from the heater assembly in the cavity region can heat the aerosol forming matrix inserted into the cavity. Heat from the heater assembly in the region of the porous rod 934 can heat the porous rod. During suction by the user, the incoming air is heated as it passes through the porous rod 934, providing thermal enhancement to the aerosol forming matrix in the cavity.

[0259] Figure 13 and Figure 14 Alternative electrical connections for a heater assembly 1312 formed from a resistively heatable polymer as described above are shown. The heater assembly 1312 may include a first annular contact 1341 located at a first end 1321 of the heater assembly and a second contact 1342 embedded in a porous rod 934 portion of the heating assembly 1312. The second contact 1342 may include multiple branches 1343 to distribute the electrical connections over a wider area of ​​the porous rod 934. The operation of the heating assembly is substantially as described above regarding... Figure 11 and Figure 12 As stated above.

[0260] Figure 15 and Figure 16 An alternative electrical connection for a heater assembly 1412 formed from a resistively heatable polymer as described above is shown. Instead of contacts located at opposite ends 1421, 1422 of the heater assembly 1412, the assembly includes a first contact 1441 and a second contact 1442 both located at radially opposite portions of the second end 1422 of the assembly. The current transmitted between the first contact 1441 and the second contact 1442 resistively heats the heater assembly 1412 at the second end 1422 and is used to heat the porous rod 934. The heat generated at the second end 1422 of the heater assembly is conducted toward the first end 1421 of the heater assembly 1412. Therefore, the heat transferred toward the first end 1421 of the heater assembly can be used to supply sustained heating to the aerosol-forming matrix located within the cavity 916. Figure 15 and Figure 16 The electrical configuration shown allows the porous rod to be heated to a higher temperature than the portion of the heater assembly's defined chamber 916.

[0261] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise stated, all figures representing quantities, quantities, percentages, etc., shall be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges that may be specifically listed or not listed herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood to be A ± 10 percent (10%) of A. In this context, the number A can be considered as a value within the general standard error for the measurement of the property modified by the number A. In some cases used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate from the percentages listed above, provided that the amount of deviation does not materially affect the essential and novel features of the claimed invention. Moreover, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges that may be specifically listed or not listed herein.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating apparatus configured to generate aerosols from an aerosol forming matrix, wherein... The device defines a cavity for receiving at least a portion of the aerosol-forming matrix, and an airflow path upstream of the cavity, through which a user can draw air when using the device, the airflow path connecting the cavity to the external environment. The airflow path includes an upstream section with an upstream cross-sectional area, an intermediate section with an intermediate cross-sectional area, and a downstream section with a downstream cross-sectional area. The upstream cross-sectional area is larger than the intermediate cross-sectional area. Furthermore, the downstream cross-sectional area is larger than the intermediate cross-sectional area. The device includes a pressure sensor located in the downstream section of the airflow path upstream of the cavity, and the device is configured to use a signal from the pressure sensor to detect one or more user suctions performed during use of the device.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the airflow path upstream of the cavity acts as a flow restrictor or includes a flow restrictor.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the flow restrictor comprises a mechanical element located within the airflow path, such as an orifice plate located within the airflow path.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the flow restrictor is a variable flow restrictor, for example, wherein the flow restrictor is an adjustable valve.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein a portion of the airflow path upstream of the cavity has a diameter of less than 0.5 mm. 2 For example, less than 0.4mm 2 The cross-sectional area.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the airflow path upstream of the cavity has a suction resistance (RTD) between 10 mmH2O and 50 mmH2O.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol forming matrix during a use process, the use process having a start and an end, wherein the apparatus is configured to detect one or more user suctions performed during the use process.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is configured to distinguish between aspiration periods and non-aspiration periods, the aspiration period being defined as any period during which the user is actively aspirating during the use process, and the non-aspiration period being defined as any period during the use process when the user is not actively aspirating.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is configured to characterize user suction performed during use, such as each suction performed during the use process.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus is configured to characterize detected user suction during the use process, for example, each detected user suction during the use process.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the apparatus is configured to determine the volume of aerosol generated during the user's inhalation or each user inhalation, for example, the volume of aerosol generated during each user inhalation performed during the use process.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure sensor detects flow changes in the airflow path caused by a user suction, for example, wherein suction involves a user drawing air through a portion of the apparatus along the airflow path, and the pressure sensor detects pressure changes in the airflow path caused by the user suction.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is configured to heat the aerosol forming matrix with reference to two different target temperatures during use, the two different target temperatures being a standby target temperature and an operating target temperature, the standby target temperature being a temperature greater than room temperature, and the operating target temperature being a temperature greater than the standby target temperature, wherein a signal from the pressure sensor is used to determine which of the standby target temperature or the operating target temperature is used to control the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix.

14. An aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation apparatus according to any of the preceding claims and an aerosol generation article comprising an aerosol forming matrix, the aerosol generation article being configured to be received at least partially within the aerosol generation apparatus.

15. A method for generating aerosols using an aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising: A cavity for receiving at least a portion of the aerosol-forming matrix, and an airflow path upstream of the cavity, through which a user can draw air during use of the device, the airflow path connecting the cavity to the external environment. A pressure sensor, positioned in communication with the airflow path upstream of the cavity, the method comprising the steps of: An aerosol forming matrix is ​​arranged inside the cavity. Actuate the device. Detect pressure changes in the airflow path associated with the start of the user's suction, and The user's suction is detected by detecting pressure changes in the airflow path associated with the end of the user's suction.

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