Aerosol-generating device and method for guarding same

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of aerosol generation, in particular to an aerosol generating device and a guarding method thereof, and the aerosol generating device comprises a battery cell used for providing power; a heating element for heating the aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol; the guarding system comprises a task handle monitoring module; the task handle monitoring module is configured to monitor a task handle of the guarding system, determine whether the task handle is lost or not, and start repair of the task handle when the task handle is lost to ensure normal use of the aerosol generating device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aerosol generation technology, specifically to an aerosol generation device and its protection method. Background Technology

[0002] Aerosol generating devices require various functions to be activated during heating, such as temperature control, button scanning, and temperature checks. However, existing aerosol generating devices typically only monitor temperature, voltage, and current. If an abnormality is detected, heating is stopped and an alarm is sent. Therefore, the monitoring indicators of existing aerosol generating devices are relatively limited, and while they provide some protection in case of abnormalities, they lack self-repair capabilities. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides an aerosol generating device and its protection method, aiming to solve the problem that existing aerosol generating devices have relatively simple inspection indicators and, while providing some protection in the event of abnormalities, do not have the ability to repair themselves.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] This application provides an aerosol generating apparatus, comprising:

[0006] Battery cells are used to provide electricity;

[0007] Heating element for heating the aerosol generation matrix to produce aerosols;

[0008] The guardian system includes a task handle monitoring module; the task handle monitoring module is configured to monitor the task handles of the guardian system, determine whether the task handles are lost, and initiate the repair of the task handles when the task handles are lost.

[0009] As one example, the task handle monitoring module is configured to determine whether the repair of the task handle was successful; if the repair of the task handle is unsuccessful, the guardian system is reset.

[0010] As one example, the aerosol generating device also includes a notification module;

[0011] The task handle monitoring module is configured to send a prompt instruction to the prompt module when the task handle repair fails, so that the prompt module prompts the user with the information that the task handle repair failed.

[0012] As one example, the protection system also includes a cell management module and / or a heating element monitoring module;

[0013] The battery cell management module is configured to collect and process the battery cell's operating data; wherein the battery cell's operating data includes at least one of charge, voltage, current, and temperature;

[0014] The heating element monitoring module is configured to collect and process the operating data of the heating element; wherein the operating data of the heating element includes at least one of voltage, current, power, energy, and temperature.

[0015] As one example, the aerosol generating device also includes an airflow sensor, and the protection system also includes an airflow monitoring module;

[0016] The airflow monitoring module is configured to detect and process the user's suction action data through the airflow sensor.

[0017] As one example, the aerosol generating device further includes a control unit for controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device;

[0018] The protection system also includes an interrupt enable monitoring module, which is configured to detect whether the control unit responds to an external interrupt request.

[0019] As one example, the aerosol generating device further includes a switching circuit electrically connected between the battery cell and the heating element, the switching circuit including at least one transistor;

[0020] The protection system also includes a component monitoring module, which is configured to detect whether the at least one transistor has failed.

[0021] As one example, the aerosol generating device further includes a storage module configured to store the operating logs of the aerosol generating device.

[0022] As one example, the aerosol generating device also includes a communication module configured to communicate with an external mobile terminal or cloud platform.

[0023] This application also provides a method for protecting an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device includes any of the aerosol generating devices described in the preceding claims, and the method for protecting the device includes:

[0024] The task handle for monitoring and guarding the system;

[0025] Determine whether the task handle is lost;

[0026] If the task handle is lost, initiate the repair of the task handle.

[0027] The aerosol generating device and its protection method described in this invention have the following advantages:

[0028] The protection system can continuously monitor and regulate the failure status of various key tasks during the operation of the aerosol generator, such as task handles including button scanning task handle, temperature control task timer handle, UI display task handle, heating task handle, airflow monitoring task handle, battery management task handle, communication task handle, component monitoring task handle, etc. When the corresponding task handle is lost, it can quickly activate the self-protection and repair mechanism to repair the task handle and ensure the normal use of the aerosol generator. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a structural block diagram of a first type of protection system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a structural block diagram of a second type of protection system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a structural block diagram of a third type of protection system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a structural block diagram of a fourth type of protection system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a structural block diagram of a fifth type of protection system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 8 This is a structural block diagram of a sixth type of protection system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a method for protecting an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0039] 100. Atomizer; 110. Electrical contact; 111. Heating element; 200. Power supply mechanism; 210. Battery cell; 220. Control circuit board; 230. Power supply contact; 240. Charging module; 250. Sensor; 260. Separator; 270. Receiving cavity; 300. Aerosol generating device; 301. Aerosol generating product; 302. Chamber. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment proposes an aerosol generating device that can be used to atomize a liquid matrix (liquid aerosol generating matrix) to generate an aerosol. In an optional embodiment, the liquid matrix preferably comprises a tobacco-containing material, which includes volatile tobacco flavor compounds released from the liquid matrix upon heating. Alternatively or additionally, the liquid matrix may contain non-tobacco materials. The liquid matrix may include water, ethanol or other solvents, plant extracts, nicotine solutions, and natural or artificial flavorings. Preferably, the liquid matrix further comprises an aerosol forming agent. Examples of suitable aerosol forming agents are glycerol and / or propylene glycol.

[0042] The aerosol generating device proposed in this embodiment includes an atomizer 100 that stores a liquid matrix and vaporizes it to generate an aerosol, and a power supply mechanism 200 that supplies power to the atomizer 100.

[0043] In an optional embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the power supply mechanism 200 includes a receiving cavity 270 disposed at one end in the longitudinal direction for receiving and accommodating at least a portion of the atomizer 100, and a power supply contact 230 exposed at least partially on the surface of the receiving cavity 270 for supplying power to the atomizer 100 when at least a portion of the atomizer 100 is received and accommodated within the power supply mechanism 200.

[0044] like Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, an electrical contact 21 is provided on the end of the atomizer 100 opposite to the power supply mechanism 200 in the longitudinal direction. When at least a portion of the atomizer 100 is received in the receiving cavity 270, the electrical contact 21 forms an electrical connection by contacting and abutting against the power supply contact 230. The electrical contact 21 supplies power to the heating element 111 disposed inside the atomizer 100, thereby causing the heating element 111 to convert the liquid matrix into an aerosol.

[0045] A partition 260 is provided within the power supply mechanism 200, and this partition 260 divides at least a portion of the internal space of the power supply mechanism 200 to form a receiving cavity 270. Figure 1 In the preferred embodiment shown, the separator 260 is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the power supply mechanism 200; and the separator 260 is flexible, thereby preventing the liquid matrix leaking from the atomizer 100 into the receiving cavity 270 from flowing into electronic components such as the control circuit board 220 and the sensor 250 inside the power supply mechanism 200.

[0046] exist Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, the power supply mechanism 200 further includes a battery cell 210 for power supply located at the other end of the receiving cavity 270 in the longitudinal direction; and a control circuit board 220 disposed between the battery cell 210 and the receiving cavity 270, the control circuit board 220 being operable to guide current between the battery cell 210 and the power supply contact 230.

[0047] Further in Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the power supply mechanism 200 has a charging module 240 at the other end away from the receiving cavity 270 for charging the battery cell 210.

[0048] Figure 2 Another embodiment of the present invention provides an aerosol generating apparatus that can be used to heat an aerosol generating article 301 to generate an aerosol. In an optional embodiment, the aerosol generating article 301 preferably uses a tobacco-containing material that releases volatile compounds from a matrix upon heating; or it may be a non-tobacco material suitable for electrically heated smoking after heating. The aerosol generating article 301 preferably uses a solid matrix, which may include one or more of vanilla leaves, tobacco leaves, homogenized tobacco, expanded tobacco, powders, granules, fragments, strips, or sheets; or the solid matrix may contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile aroma compounds to be released when the matrix is ​​heated.

[0049] The aerosol generating device 300 proposed in this embodiment includes a battery cell 210, a control circuit board 220, a charging module 240, and a heating element 111. The control circuit board 220 is equipped with a control unit, the charging module 240 is electrically connected to the control unit, and the battery cell 210 and the heating element 111 are respectively electrically connected to the control unit, so that the control unit can control the battery cell 210 to provide electrical energy to the heating element 111.

[0050] The aerosol generating apparatus 300 also includes a longitudinally extending chamber 302 for housing a cigarette-shaped aerosol generating article 301 used in conjunction with the aerosol generating apparatus 300. A heating element 111 is attached to the outer wall of the chamber 302 to heat the aerosol generating article 301 within the chamber 302. The active material filling the aerosol generating article 301 evaporates upon heating, generating aerosol. A user can inhale the aerosol by sucking it from the aerosol generating article 301. In some embodiments, the heating element 111 extends at least partially into the chamber 302, and its end extending into the chamber 302 is configured as a pin or plate to facilitate smooth insertion of the heating element 111 into the aerosol generating article 301 for heating.

[0051] Both of the aforementioned aerosol generating devices include a protection system, which includes a task handle monitoring module. The task handle monitoring module is configured to monitor the task handles of the protection system, determine whether the task handles are lost, and initiate task handle repair when the task handles are lost.

[0052] The protection system can continuously monitor and regulate the failure status of various key tasks during the operation of the aerosol generation device. These tasks include task handles such as button scanning, temperature control timer, UI display, heating, airflow monitoring, battery management, communication, and component monitoring. When the corresponding task handle is lost, the system can quickly activate the self-protection and repair mechanism to repair the task handle and ensure the normal use of the aerosol-generated products.

[0053] Furthermore, since the task handle monitoring module may not be able to repair the task handle successfully, the task handle monitoring module is also configured to determine whether the repair of the task handle is successful; if the repair of the task handle is unsuccessful, the guardian system is reset.

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, the aerosol generating device also includes a notification module;

[0055] The task handle monitoring module is configured to send a prompting instruction to the prompting module when the task handle repair fails, so that the prompting module can notify the user of the unsuccessful task handle repair.

[0056] By monitoring the operating status of the aerosol generator in real time and providing proactive prompts from the prompting module, the problem of waste caused by users mistakenly inserting aerosol-generated products due to a lack of understanding of the aerosol generator's status has been successfully solved. This has greatly improved the convenience, adaptability, and economy of using the aerosol generator and significantly optimized the user experience.

[0057] It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the prompting module includes one or more combinations of LED status indicators, a display screen, and a vibration motor.

[0058] The number of LED status indicators is one or more, which are configured to receive and execute prompts from the protection system, and present the working status of the aerosol generating device through color changes, flashing frequency, number of on / off states, or arrangement of on / off states.

[0059] When there is only one LED status indicator, the LED status indicator can indicate the working status of the aerosol generator through color changes and flashing frequency. For example, when the battery power of the aerosol generator is low, the LED status indicator changes from green to red, or the flashing frequency of the LED status indicator changes from fast to slow. For example, solid green indicates sufficient power, flashing yellow indicates low power, and rapid flashing red warns of a malfunction.

[0060] When there are multiple LED status indicators, the working status of the aerosol generator can be indicated by color changes, flashing frequency, the number of on / off indicators, or their arrangement. For example, if the battery level of the aerosol generator is 50%, two LED status indicators will be on and two will be off; if the task handle repair fails, the first LED status indicator will flash, and the remaining three LED status indicators will be off.

[0061] The display screen is configured to receive and execute prompts from the protection system, presenting the aerosol generator's operating status through text or graphical representations. It provides users with more detailed and intuitive feedback through remaining battery percentage, fault type descriptions, and other information.

[0062] For example, the battery level of the aerosol generating device can be displayed as 100%, or the battery level can be displayed as a battery symbol with the amount of electricity used indicated by the blank space within the battery symbol, or the battery level can be displayed as a battery symbol with a numerical value next to it indicating the amount of electricity.

[0063] The vibration motor is configured to receive and execute prompts from the protection system, indicating the operating status of the aerosol generator through vibration frequency, vibration intensity, or vibration intervals. In specific situations (such as extremely low battery or serious malfunction), the aerosol generator can provide tactile feedback in addition to visual feedback by generating vibrations, enhancing the prompting effect, especially suitable for noisy environments or visually impaired users.

[0064] like Figure 4 As shown, the protection system also includes a cell management module and / or a heating element monitoring module;

[0065] The cell management module is configured to collect and process the cell's operating data; wherein, the cell's operating data includes at least one of the following: charge, voltage, current, and temperature;

[0066] The heating element monitoring module is configured to collect and process the operating data of the heating element; wherein the operating data of the heating element includes at least one of voltage, current, power, energy, and temperature.

[0067] The cell management module collects real-time operating data from the battery cells, including at least one of the following: battery level, voltage, current, and temperature. For example, by analyzing the battery cell's battery level, output voltage, output current, and temperature using a preset battery characteristic curve, the cell management module accurately estimates the cell's current capacity and usable time. Furthermore, the cell management module sends prompts to the prompt module, which then alerts the user, allowing them to stay informed about battery cell information, such as charging needs, and avoid interruptions due to depleted battery power.

[0068] The heating element monitoring module collects real-time operating data from the heating element, including at least one of voltage, current, power, energy, and temperature. In one example, the module analyzes and processes voltage, current, power, energy, and temperature by comparing historical data, setting thresholds, or using machine learning-based anomaly detection methods. This ensures the operating data remains within a preset safety range, guaranteeing efficient operation of the heating element and preventing overload, short circuit, and other malfunctions. In the event of a fault, a prompt command can be sent to the prompt module to proactively alert the user.

[0069] like Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, sensor 250 includes an airflow sensor, and the protection system also includes an airflow monitoring module;

[0070] The airflow monitoring module is configured to detect and process the user's suction action data via an airflow sensor.

[0071] In one example, the airflow monitoring module detects the user's suction action data through an airflow sensor. The airflow sensor monitors the number of times the airflow passes through, the duration of the airflow, and the intensity of the airflow, thereby detecting the number of suctions, the duration of each suction, and the intensity. The airflow monitoring module processes the suction action data to provide the user with personalized usage data analysis, and sends a prompt command to the prompt module to proactively remind the user in case of abnormal airflow (such as blockage or leakage).

[0072] like Figure 6 As shown, the guardian system also includes an interrupt enable monitoring module, which is configured to detect whether the control unit responds to an external interrupt request.

[0073] The interrupt enable monitoring module is configured to monitor whether the control unit can respond to an interrupt request and perform interrupt handling. If not, the control unit repairs the interrupt and sends a prompt instruction to the prompt module.

[0074] For example, if a user starts the aerosol generator for heating but the battery is low, the control unit sends an interrupt request. The interrupt enable module of the control unit responds to the interrupt request and performs interruption processing, thereby interrupting the heating. After the battery is charged to a preset value, the user can start the aerosol generator for heating, thus ensuring that the aerosol-generated products are fully heated and preventing waste of usage costs.

[0075] like Figure 7 As shown, the aerosol generating device also includes a switching circuit electrically connected between the battery cell and the heating element, and the switching circuit includes at least one transistor;

[0076] The protection system also includes a component monitoring module, which is configured to detect whether at least one transistor has failed.

[0077] The control unit controls the switching circuit electrically connected between the battery cell and the heating element. By controlling the switching circuit, it controls the power supply from the battery cell to the heating element. The switching circuit includes at least one transistor; therefore, a component monitoring module is provided to determine if the transistor has failed. If the component monitoring module disconnects the transistor in the switching circuit but detects a large current in the switching circuit, it can determine that the transistor is short-circuited, stop the operation of the aerosol generating device, and simultaneously send a prompt command to the prompt module.

[0078] It should be noted that since the circuit board of the aerosol generating device also has multiple circuits, such as amplification circuits and filtering circuits, and integrates multiple components such as MOSFETs and amplifiers, the component monitoring module can also monitor the integrated components in the above circuits to ensure that the entire circuit can operate normally.

[0079] like Figure 8 As shown, the aerosol generating device also includes a storage module configured to store the operating logs of the aerosol generating device.

[0080] The operation log includes, but is not limited to, the number of battery charge / discharge cycles, cumulative usage time, and frequency of failures.

[0081] The user interaction interface includes a display interface on the aerosol generator or a matching mobile application. Users can obtain operation logs and query detailed equipment status information, including remaining power and fault diagnosis reports, through the user interaction interface, further improving the transparency and convenience of equipment use and providing valuable data support for equipment maintenance, quality control and product improvement.

[0082] like Figure 8 As shown, the aerosol generating device also includes a communication module, which is configured to communicate with an external mobile terminal or cloud platform.

[0083] The communication module can be Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The aerosol generating device can transmit data with mobile terminals or cloud platforms via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, thereby preserving the operating data of the aerosol generating device, preventing data loss, and allowing users to conveniently remotely view the working status of the aerosol generating device, receive fault warnings and usage suggestions.

[0084] like Figure 9 As shown, a method for protecting an aerosol generating device includes:

[0085] The task handle for monitoring and guarding the system;

[0086] Determine if the task handle is lost;

[0087] If the task handle is lost, initiate the repair of the task handle.

[0088] The protection system can continuously monitor and regulate the failure status of various key tasks during the operation of the aerosol generation device. These tasks include task handles such as button scanning, temperature control timer, UI display, heating, airflow monitoring, battery management, communication, and component monitoring. When the corresponding task handle is lost, the system can quickly activate the self-protection and repair mechanism to repair the task handle and ensure the normal use of the aerosol-generated products.

[0089] Further, determine whether the task handle repair was successful;

[0090] If the task handle cannot be repaired, the guardian system will be reset.

[0091] Furthermore, if the task handle repair fails, a prompt instruction is sent to the prompt module so that the prompt module can notify the user that the task handle repair failed.

[0092] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not constitute any limitation on the technical scope of the present invention. Therefore, any minor modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that, include: Battery cells are used to provide electricity; Heating element for heating the aerosol generation matrix to produce aerosols; The guardian system includes a task handle monitoring module; The task handle monitoring module is configured to monitor the task handles of the guardian system, determine whether the task handles are lost, and initiate the repair of the task handles when they are lost.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The task handle monitoring module is configured to determine whether the repair of the task handle is successful; if the repair of the task handle is unsuccessful, the guardian system is reset.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The aerosol generating device also includes a notification module; The task handle monitoring module is configured to send a prompt instruction to the prompt module when the task handle repair fails, so that the prompt module prompts the user with the information that the task handle repair failed.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protection system also includes a battery cell management module and / or a heating element monitoring module; The battery cell management module is configured to collect and process the battery cell's operating data; wherein the battery cell's operating data includes at least one of charge, voltage, current, and temperature; The heating element monitoring module is configured to collect and process the operating data of the heating element; wherein the operating data of the heating element includes at least one of voltage, current, power, energy, and temperature.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aerosol generating device also includes an airflow sensor, and the protection system also includes an airflow monitoring module; The airflow monitoring module is configured to detect and process the user's suction action data through the airflow sensor.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aerosol generating device also includes a control unit for controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device; The protection system also includes an interrupt enable monitoring module, which is configured to detect whether the control unit responds to an external interrupt request.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aerosol generating device further includes a switching circuit electrically connected between the battery cell and the heating element, the switching circuit including at least one transistor; The protection system also includes a component monitoring module, which is configured to detect whether the at least one transistor has failed.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aerosol generating device also includes a storage module configured to store the operation log of the aerosol generating device.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aerosol generating device also includes a communication module configured to communicate with an external mobile terminal or cloud platform.

10. A method for protecting an aerosol generating device, characterized in that, The aerosol generating device includes any one of claims 1-9, and the protection method includes: The task handle for monitoring and guarding the system; Determine whether the task handle is lost; If the task handle is lost, initiate the repair of the task handle.

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