Aerosol-generating device with heating temperature variation
By setting multiple heating curves and target operating temperatures in the aerosol generation device, the problem of inconsistent generation caused by differences in user suction behavior was solved, and improved aerosol generation effects were achieved under both high-frequency and low-frequency suction.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202480041079.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-07-12
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-20
AI Technical Summary
Existing aerosol generation devices struggle to provide consistent aerosol generation quality when faced with different users' suction behaviors, especially under high-frequency and low-frequency suction behaviors, and the heating curves cannot adapt to individual user differences.
By setting multiple predetermined heating curves in the aerosol generating device, each heating curve including multiple different target operating temperatures, and by dynamically adjusting the heater temperature according to the suction behavior through control electronics, a multi-functional operating mode is provided to adapt to different suction frequencies.
It achieves consistent aerosol generation under different suction behaviors, improves the quality and consistency of aerosol generation, adapts to high-frequency and low-frequency suction behaviors, and provides improved delivery curves and multi-functional operating modes.
Smart Images
Figure CN121368441A_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a method of operating an aerosol-generating device, a storage medium for use in an aerosol-generating device, an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating system. BACKGROUND
[0002] It is known to provide an aerosol-generating device for generating an inhalable vapour. Such devices can heat an aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate volatilise without combusting the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate can be a liquid substrate contained in a reservoir. The aerosol-forming substrate can be a solid substrate provided as part of an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article can have a rod shape for insertion into a cavity, such as a heating chamber, of the aerosol-generating device. A heater can be arranged in or around the heating chamber so as to heat the aerosol-forming substrate once the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device.
[0003] Some aerosol-generating devices are configured to provide a user experience having a limited duration. The duration of the use session can for example be limited to an experience approximating the consumption of a conventional cigarette. Some aerosol-generating devices are configured for use with a separate, consumable aerosol-generating article. Such aerosol-generating articles comprise one or several aerosol-forming substrates capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrates are typically heated to form an aerosol. As the volatile compounds in the aerosol-forming substrates are depleted, the quality of the aerosol produced can deteriorate. Accordingly, some aerosol-generating devices are configured to limit the duration of the use session to help prevent the generation of a lower quality aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate of a substantially depleted aerosol-generating article. During the use session, a user inhales an aerosol from such known aerosol-generating devices by applying one or more puffs to the device. Some known aerosol-generating devices can limit the duration of the use session based on a time at which a predetermined limit of the number of puffs applied to the device during the session is reached.
[0004] It is known to power a heater to heat an aerosol-forming substrate according to a heating profile that varies over the duration of a usage session. In practice, such known heating profiles define a variation in temperature for the heater as a function of time elapsed during the usage session. When more of the aerosol-forming substrate is consumed during the usage session, more energy is required to extract the remaining volatile compounds of the substrate that form the aerosol. Therefore, it is known to use a heating profile that increases a target operating temperature for the heater in the second half of the usage session. The known heating profiles used in the operation of the heater can be based on an idealized assumption of a usage session or on a user’s puffing behaviour. However, these solutions can not be suitable for all puffing behaviour of a user and can then result in inconsistent delivery profiles. In particular, when the puffing behaviour of a user is very inconsistent.
[0005] It is desirable to provide a method of operating an aerosol-generating device with improved aerosol generation for various puffing behaviour. It is desirable to provide a method of operating an aerosol-generating device with improved aerosol generation for high frequency puffing behaviour and low frequency puffing behaviour. It is desirable to provide a method of operating an aerosol-generating device that provides an improved delivery profile. It is desirable to provide a method of operating an aerosol-generating device that provides individual heating profiles. SUMMARY
[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating an aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate during a usage session. The aerosol-generating device can comprise at least one of: a heater; a power supply arranged to power the heater during the usage session; and control electronics. The method can comprise initiating, using the control electronics of the aerosol-generating device, one of a plurality of predetermined different heating profiles for the heater. Each heating profile can comprise a plurality of different target operating temperatures for the heater. One heating profile can comprise an increase in temperature of subsequent target operating temperatures, and one heating profile can comprise a decrease in temperature of subsequent target operating temperatures. The method can further comprise controlling the power from the power supply so as to adjust the temperature of the heater to the target operating temperatures.
[0007] According to embodiments of the application, a method of operating an aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate during use is provided. The aerosol-generating device comprises a heater, a power supply arranged to supply power to the heater during use, and control electronics. The method comprises initiating, using the control electronics of the aerosol-generating device, one of a plurality of predetermined different heating profiles for the heater. Each heating profile comprises a plurality of different target operating temperatures for the heater. One heating profile comprises a temperature increase of a subsequent target operating temperature, and one heating profile comprises a temperature decrease of a subsequent target operating temperature. The method further comprises controlling the supply of power from the power supply so as to adjust the temperature of the heater to a target operating temperature.
[0008] By initiating one of a plurality of predetermined different heating profiles for the heater, a method of operating an aerosol-generating device with improved aerosol generation for various puffing behavior can be provided. By initiating one of a plurality of predetermined different heating profiles for the heater, a method of operating an aerosol-generating device with improved aerosol generation for high frequency and low frequency puffing behavior can be provided. By initiating one of a plurality of predetermined different heating profiles for the heater, a method of operating an aerosol-generating device providing an improved delivery profile can be provided. By initiating one of a plurality of predetermined different heating profiles for the heater, a method of operating an aerosol-generating device providing individual heating profiles can be provided. By initiating one of a plurality of predetermined different heating profiles comprising a plurality of different target operating temperatures for the heater, a multi-functional operating mode of the heater of the aerosol-generating device can be provided. By initiating one of a plurality of predetermined different heating profiles, wherein one heating profile comprises a temperature increase of a subsequent target operating temperature, and one heating profile comprises a temperature decrease of a subsequent target operating temperature, a multi-functional operating mode of the heater of the aerosol-generating device with improved aerosol generation for high frequency and low frequency puffing behavior can be provided.
[0009] The aerosol-generating device can comprise a storage medium storing a plurality of predetermined heating profiles. The control electronics can comprise the storage medium. The storage medium can store a set of a plurality of predetermined heating profiles. The aerosol-generating device can store a plurality of sets of a plurality of predetermined heating profiles. A user can select one of the plurality of sets of a plurality of predetermined heating profiles via a user interface of the aerosol-generating device, or via an external device such as a smartphone, tablet or smartwatch. The aerosol-generating device can be electrically or wirelessly connected to such an external device.
[0010] The control electronics can be electrically connected to the power supply, the heater, and preferably to other controllable parts of the aerosol-generating device. The control electronics can comprise a controller.
[0011] The plurality of heating profiles can comprise at least two different heating profiles, preferably at least three different heating profiles. The plurality of heating profiles can comprise a first heating profile comprising a temperature increase to a subsequent target operating temperature and a second heating profile comprising a temperature decrease to the subsequent target operating temperature.
[0012] The plurality of heating profiles can comprise a first heating profile comprising a temperature increase to a subsequent target operating temperature, a temperature decrease to the subsequent target operating temperature, and preferably a temperature plateau to the subsequent target operating temperature. The plateau to the subsequent target operating temperature can be a series of identical target operating temperatures.
[0013] The plurality of heating profiles can comprise a second heating profile and a third heating profile, each heating profile comprising a temperature increase to a subsequent target operating temperature, a temperature decrease to the subsequent target operating temperature, and preferably a temperature plateau to the subsequent target operating temperature.
[0014] The control electronics can be configured to measure time intervals. The control electronics can comprise a timer for measuring the time intervals. The heating profile can be a series of at least two, preferably at least three, more preferably more than three target operating temperatures to which the heater is heated at specific timer intervals. Each of the plurality of different target operating temperatures for the heater can be associated with a plurality of different predetermined time intervals, respectively. The predetermined time interval can be a time that has elapsed since a specific heating profile was initiated. The heater can reach a specific target operating temperature at the end of the associated time interval.
[0015] The plurality of different predetermined time intervals can comprise 2 to 10 different time intervals, preferably 3 to 8 different time intervals. The plurality of different predetermined time intervals can comprise a first predetermined time interval, a second predetermined time interval, and a third predetermined time interval, wherein the second predetermined time interval can be longer than the first predetermined time interval and the third predetermined time interval can be longer than the second predetermined time interval. Preferably, the plurality of different predetermined time intervals can further comprise a fourth predetermined time interval, a fifth predetermined time interval, and a sixth predetermined time interval, wherein the fourth predetermined time interval can be longer than the third predetermined time interval, the fifth predetermined time interval can be longer than the fourth predetermined time interval, and the sixth predetermined time interval can be longer than the fifth predetermined time interval.
[0016] The sum of all predetermined time intervals of a heating profile can be the total duration of the heating profile. Individual heating profiles can all have the same total duration. The plurality of predetermined heating profiles can comprise heating profiles with different total durations. The total duration of a heating profile can be between 40 seconds and 80 seconds, preferably between 50 seconds and 70 seconds, more preferably about 60 seconds.
[0017] The plurality of different target operating temperatures can comprise a first target operating temperature, a second target operating temperature, and a third target operating temperature. The first target operating temperature can be associated with a first predetermined time interval, the second target operating temperature can be associated with a second predetermined time interval, and the third target operating temperature can be associated with a third predetermined time interval.
[0018] Preferably, the plurality of different target operating temperatures can further comprise a fourth target operating temperature, a fifth target operating temperature, and a sixth target operating temperature. The fourth target operating temperature can be associated with a fourth predetermined time interval, the fifth target operating temperature can be associated with a fifth predetermined time interval, and the sixth target operating temperature can be associated with a sixth predetermined time interval.
[0019] The plurality of predetermined heating profiles can be 5 to 20 different predetermined heating profiles, preferably 8 to 15 different predetermined heating profiles, more preferably 11 to 14 different predetermined heating profiles.
[0020] The aerosol-generating device can comprise a puff sensor configured to detect a puff by a user on the aerosol-generating device. The puff sensor can be electrically connected to the power supply and the control electronics. The puff sensor can be a flow sensor or the like. The puff sensor can perform puff detection indirectly based on detecting a temperature change in the heater expected to accompany any applied puff. Determination of the temperature of the heater can be performed directly by using a temperature sensor. The temperature of the heater can be determined indirectly based on a change in one or more operating parameters of the aerosol-generating device. For example, the temperature of the heater can be determined based on the electrical resistance of the heater; this is particularly relevant if the heater is an electrical resistance heater. In another example, if the heater takes the form of a susceptor heated using an inductor in use, the temperature of the susceptor can be determined based on a change in the current supplied to the inductor from the power supply.
[0021] A plurality of heating profiles can be initiated according to a puff count of puffs applied during use. Detection of a puff can increase the puff count. The plurality of predetermined heating profiles can be initiated sequentially one after the other according to the puff count. The puff count can be increased when no puff is detected during a heating profile. The puff count can be increased after a certain time interval has elapsed. The puff count can be increased after a last time interval of the plurality of predetermined time intervals has elapsed. When the puff count is increased, a next predetermined heating profile of the plurality of predetermined heating profiles can be initiated. Each predetermined heating profile of the plurality of predetermined heating profiles can be associated with a respective value of the puff count.
[0022] The value of the puff count can be an integer including 0. The integer 0 can be set before a puff is detected. The puff count can be 1 when a first puff is detected.
[0023] The method can further comprise performing a pre-heat after being manually activated by a user. The pre-heat can comprise heating the heater to a predetermined pre-heat target temperature during a predetermined pre-heat time. During this pre-heat time, the puff count can be deactivated. Preferably, the pre-heat time can be 20 seconds to 60 seconds, more preferably 25 seconds to 35 seconds. The pre-heat time can be about 28 seconds. The method can further comprise providing at least one haptic feedback by the device after one or both of: the heater reaching a certain temperature, a certain time interval elapsing and the pre-heat time elapsing. A first predetermined heating profile of the plurality of predetermined heating profiles can be initiated after the pre-heat time has elapsed. Preferably, each predetermined heating profile of the plurality of predetermined heating profiles can be associated with a respective value of the puff count. The value 0 of the puff count can be associated with the first predetermined heating profile.
[0024] The last predetermined heating profile can be re-circulated until a certain time interval has elapsed. This certain time interval can be a maximum user experience time. The maximum user experience time can be between 400 seconds to 600 seconds.
[0025] The plurality of target operating temperatures can comprise at least two different target operating temperatures. The plurality of target operating temperatures can comprise at least three different target operating temperatures. Each target operating temperature of the plurality of target operating temperatures can comprise 3 to 8 different target operating temperatures, preferably 4 to 7 different target operating temperatures. The temperature of the heater can be linearly increased or decreased from one target operating temperature to the next target operating temperature.
[0026] The puff count can be deactivated for a predetermined blank time interval after initiating a certain predetermined heating profile. Preferably, the predetermined blank time interval can be 0 seconds to 10 seconds, more preferably 0 seconds to 5 seconds, most preferably 1 second to 5 seconds.
[0027] The present application also relates to a storage medium for use in an aerosol-generating device. The storage medium comprises instructions for carrying out the methods described herein on the aerosol-generating device when the aerosol-generating device interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate. The storage medium can store different predetermined heating profiles. The storage medium can be provided in a controller for controlling the power supply. Alternatively, the storage medium can be a discrete component separate from but accessible by such a controller. Preferably, the storage medium is readable and writable in use, thereby providing the benefit of enabling the heat profile stored in the storage medium to be modified during the course of use. The storage medium can be a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium can be a computer memory.
[0028] The present application also relates to an aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate during a use session. The aerosol-generating device comprises a heater; a power supply arranged to supply power to the heater during a use session; control electronics; and a storage medium as described herein.
[0029] The present application also relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device as described herein and an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating device is configured to receive the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article can comprise a heater. The heater can comprise a susceptor element and the aerosol-generating device can comprise an inductor. The inductor can be configured to be controllable by the control electronics to control the temperature of the susceptor element. The aerosol-generating article and device are preferably configured such that when the article is received by the device, the inductor and the susceptor are positioned relative to each other such that the supply of power from the power supply to the inductor induces an eddy current into the susceptor, thereby causing heating of the aerosol-forming substrate.
[0030] The heater of the aerosol-generating device can comprise an electrically resistive heating element.
[0031] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating device" means a device that interacts with one or both of an aerosol-generating article and a cartridge to generate an aerosol.
[0032] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" means an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. For example, the aerosol-generating article can be an article that generates an aerosol that can be drawn or sucked by a user on a mouthpiece at a proximal or user end of the device. The aerosol-generating article can be disposable. The aerosol-generating article can be insertable into a heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating article can comprise a substrate portion comprising the aerosol-forming substrate and a mouthpiece portion comprising a filter material.
[0033] As used herein, the term "aerosol forming substrate" relates to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol or vapour. Such volatile compounds can be released by heating the aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol forming substrate can be in solid form or can be in liquid form. The terms "aerosol" and "vapour" are used synonymously.
[0034] As used herein, the term "use session" refers to a period in which a series of puffs are applied by a user to extract aerosol from an aerosol forming substrate.
[0035] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating system" refers to the combination of an aerosol generating device with one or both of a cartridge and an aerosol generating article. In this system, the aerosol generating device and one or both of the aerosol generating article and cartridge cooperate to generate an inhalable aerosol.
[0036] As used herein, a "susceptor" or "susceptor element" refers to an element that heats up when subjected to an alternating magnetic field. This can be a result of eddy currents induced in the susceptor element, hysteresis losses, or both eddy currents and hysteresis losses. During use, the susceptor element is positioned in thermal contact or in close thermal proximity with the aerosol forming substrate received in the aerosol generating article or cartridge. In this way, the aerosol forming substrate is heated by the susceptor to cause an aerosol to form.
[0037] The aerosol forming substrate can comprise nicotine. The nicotine-containing aerosol forming substrate can be a nicotine salt substrate.
[0038] The aerosol forming substrate can comprise plant-based material. The aerosol forming substrate can comprise tobacco. The aerosol forming substrate can comprise a tobacco-containing material that includes volatile tobacco flavour compounds that are released from the aerosol forming substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol forming substrate can comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol forming substrate can comprise homogenized plant-based material. The aerosol forming substrate can comprise homogenized tobacco material. The homogenized tobacco material can be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco.
[0039] The aerosol-forming substrate can comprise at least one aerosol former. An aerosol former is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds which, in use, facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol and which is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating system. Suitable aerosol formers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerol; esters of polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or poly-carboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. Preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol. Preferably, the aerosol former is glycerol. If present, the aerosol former content of the homogenised tobacco material can be equal to or greater than 5% by weight on a dry weight basis, and preferably from 5% to 30% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate can comprise other additives and ingredients such as flavourants.
[0040] The aerosol-generating device can comprise a housing. The housing can comprise a user interface for activating the aerosol-generating device, for example a button for initiating heating of the aerosol-generating device or a display for indicating a status of the aerosol-generating device or the aerosol-forming substrate.
[0041] The rechargeable power source of one or both of the charger and the aerosol-generating device can be a direct current (DC) power source. In one embodiment, the rechargeable power source is a DC power source having a DC supply voltage in the range of 2.5 volts to 4.5 volts and a DC supply current in the range of 1 ampere to 10 amperes (corresponding to a DC power source in the range of 2.5 watts to 45 watts). The aerosol-generating device can advantageously comprise a direct current to alternating current (DC / AC) inverter for converting the DC current supplied by the DC power source into an alternating current. The DC / AC converter can comprise a class D, class C or class E power amplifier. The AC power output of the DC / AC converter is supplied to the induction coil.
[0042] A non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more features of these examples can be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.
[0043] Example Ex1 : A method of operating an aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate during a use session, the aerosol-generating device comprising:
[0044] a heater;
[0045] a power supply arranged to supply power to the heater during the use session; and
[0046] control electronics;
[0047] The method comprises using control electronics of the aerosol-generating device to:
[0048] initiate one of a plurality of predetermined different heating profiles for the heater, wherein each heating profile comprises a plurality of different target operating temperatures for the heater, wherein one heating profile comprises a temperature increase of a subsequent target operating temperature, and one heating profile comprises a temperature decrease of a subsequent target operating temperature;
[0049] control the supply of power from the power supply so as to adjust the temperature of the heater to the target operating temperature.
[0050] Example Ex2: The method according to Example Ex1, wherein the plurality of heating profiles comprises a first heating profile comprising a temperature increase of a subsequent target operating temperature, a temperature decrease of a subsequent target operating temperature, and preferably a temperature plateau of a subsequent target operating temperature.
[0051] Example Ex3: The method according to Example Ex2, wherein the plurality of heating profiles comprises a second heating profile and a third heating profile, each heating profile comprising a temperature increase of a subsequent target operating temperature, a temperature decrease of a subsequent target operating temperature, and preferably a temperature plateau of a subsequent target operating temperature.
[0052] Example Ex4: The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein each of the plurality of different target operating temperatures for the heater is respectively associated with a plurality of different predetermined time intervals.
[0053] Example Ex5: The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the plurality of different target operating temperatures comprises a first target operating temperature, a second target operating temperature, and a third target operating temperature, wherein the first target operating temperature is associated with a first predetermined time interval, the second target operating temperature is associated with a second predetermined time interval, and the third target operating temperature is associated with a third predetermined time interval, preferably wherein the plurality of different target operating temperatures further comprises a fourth target operating temperature, a fifth target operating temperature, and a sixth target operating temperature, wherein the fourth target operating temperature is associated with a fourth predetermined time interval, the fifth target operating temperature is associated with a fifth predetermined time interval, and the sixth target operating temperature is associated with a sixth predetermined time interval.
[0054] Example Ex6: The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the plurality of predetermined heating profiles is from 5 to 20 different predetermined heating profiles, preferably from 8 to 15 different predetermined heating profiles, more preferably from 11 to 14 different predetermined heating profiles.
[0055] Example Ex7: The method according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a puff sensor configured to detect a puff by a user on the aerosol-generating device.
[0056] Example Ex8: The method according to example Ex7, wherein each of the plurality of heating profiles is initiated depending on a puff count of puffs applied during the use.
[0057] Example Ex9: The method according to any of examples Ex7 or Ex8, wherein detection of a puff increases the puff count.
[0058] Example Ex10: The method according to any of examples Ex7 or Ex9, wherein depending on the puff count, the plurality of predetermined heating profiles is initiated sequentially one after the other.
[0059] Example Ex11: The method according to any of examples Ex7 to Ex10, wherein the puff count is increased when no puff is detected during a heating profile.
[0060] Example Ex12: The method according to any of examples Ex7 to Ex11, wherein when the puff count is increased, a next predetermined heating profile of the plurality of predetermined heating profiles is initiated.
[0061] Example Ex13: The method according to any of examples Ex7 to Ex12, wherein each of the plurality of predetermined heating profiles is associated with a respective value of the puff count.
[0062] Example Ex14: The method according to any of examples Ex7 to Ex13, wherein the value of the puff count can be an integer number comprising 0, wherein the integer number 0 is set before a puff is detected, wherein the puff count is 1 when a first puff is detected.
[0063] Example Ex15: The method according to any of examples Ex7 to Ex14, further comprising performing a pre-heat after being manually activated by a user, wherein the pre-heat comprises heating the heater to a predetermined pre-heat target temperature during a predetermined pre-heat time, wherein during this pre-heat time, the puff count is deactivated, preferably wherein the pre-heat time is 20 to 60 seconds, more preferably 25 to 35 seconds.
[0064] Example Ex16: The method according to example Ex15, further comprising providing at least one haptic feedback by the device after one or both of: the heater reaching a certain temperature, a certain time interval elapsing and the pre-heat time elapsing.
[0065] Example Ex17: The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein a first predetermined heating profile of the plurality of predetermined heating profiles is initiated after the pre-heat time has elapsed, preferably wherein each of the plurality of predetermined heating profiles is associated with a respective value of the puff count, and wherein the value 0 of the puff count is associated with the first predetermined heating profile.
[0066] Example Ex18: The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein each of the plurality of target operating temperatures comprises 3 to 8 different target operating temperatures, preferably 4 to 7 different target operating temperatures.
[0067] Example Ex19: The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the temperature of the heater is linearly increased or decreased from one target operating temperature to the next target operating temperature.
[0068] Example Ex20: The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein after initiation of a particular predetermined heating profile, the puff count is deactivated for a predetermined blank time interval, preferably wherein the predetermined blank time interval is 0 to 10 seconds, more preferably 0 to 5 seconds, most preferably 1 to 5 seconds.
[0069] Example Ex21 : A storage medium for use in an aerosol-generating device, the storage medium containing instructions for performing the method according to any one of examples 1 to 20 on the aerosol-generating device when the aerosol-generating device interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate.
[0070] Example Ex22: The storage medium according to example Ex21, wherein the storage medium is a computer readable medium.
[0071] Example Ex23: An aerosol-generating device for generating aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate during a use session, the aerosol-generating device comprising:
[0072] a heater;
[0073] a power supply arranged to supply power to the heater during the use session;
[0074] control electronics; and
[0075] a storage medium according to any one of examples Ex21 or Ex22.
[0076] Example Ex24: An aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to example Ex23 and an aerosol-generating article, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises the aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the aerosol-generating device is configured to receive the aerosol-generating article.
[0077] Example Ex25: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex24, wherein the aerosol- generating article comprises the heater.
[0078] Example Ex26: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex25, wherein the heater comprises a susceptor element and the aerosol-generating device comprises an inductor, wherein the inductor is configured to be controllable by the control electronics to control the temperature of the susceptor element.
[0079] Features described in relation to one embodiment can equally apply to other embodiments of the application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0080] The application will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0081] Figure 1A a schematic side view of an aerosol-generating device is shown, Figure 1B a schematic cross-sectional view of a system comprising an aerosol-generating device and an article is shown, and Figure 1C a schematic top view of an aerosol-generating article is shown;
[0082] Figure 2 a plot of target operating temperature of a heater operated with the method of the application is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0083] Figure 1A An exemplary aerosol-generating device 10 that can be operated with the method of the application is shown. However, the method of the application is not limited to the features of the aerosol-generating device 10. The method of the application can be operated with all other types of aerosol-generating devices.
[0084] The aerosol-generating device 10 is a handheld aerosol-generating device and has an elongated shape of substantially cylindrical shape defined by a housing 20. The aerosol-generating device 10 comprises an open cavity 25 at a proximal end 21 of the housing 20 for receiving an aerosol-generating article 30 comprising an aerosol-forming substrate 31. Figure 1BAn aerosol-generating system is shown comprising an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article 30. The aerosol-generating device 10 has a battery 26, control electronics 27 and a storage medium 28 located within a housing 20. The storage medium 28 is readable and writeable in use. An electrically operated heater 40 is arranged within the aerosol-generating device 10 to heat at least an aerosol-forming substrate portion 31 of the aerosol-generating article 30 when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity 25. The storage medium 28 stores a heat profile which is accessible by the control electronics 27 during use of the aerosol-generating device 10. The heat profile defines how a target operating temperature for the heater 40 varies over the course of use.
[0085] The aerosol-generating device is configured to receive a consumable aerosol-generating article 30. Figure 1C An aerosol-generating article 30 is shown in the form of a cylindrical rod and comprising an aerosol-forming substrate 31. The aerosol-forming substrate 31 is a solid aerosol-forming substrate containing tobacco. The aerosol-generating article 30 further comprises a mouthpiece, for example a filter 32, arranged in coaxial alignment with the aerosol-forming substrate 31 within the cylindrical rod. The aerosol-generating article 30 has a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the cavity 25 of the aerosol-generating device 10 and has a length longer than the depth of the cavity 25 so that when the article 30 is received in the cavity 25 of the aerosol-generating device 10, the mouthpiece 32 protrudes from the cavity 25 and can be drawn upon by a user, similar to a conventional cigarette.
[0086] In use, a user inserts the article 30 into the cavity 25 of the aerosol-generating device 10 and begins the course of use by pressing the user button 50 to turn on the aerosol-generating device 10 to activate the heater 40. The heater 40 heats the aerosol-forming substrate 31 of the article 30 so that volatile compounds of the aerosol-forming substrate are released and aerosolised to form an aerosol. The user draws on the mouthpiece of the article 30 and inhales the aerosol generated from the heated aerosol-forming substrate 31.
[0087] The aerosol-generating device 10 comprises a puff sensor (not shown) configured to detect a puff by a user on the article 30. The puff sensor is connected to the control electronics 27. The control electronics 27 are configured to set a puff count in dependence on the detected puffs. The value of the puff count can be an integer including zero. The control electronics 27 are configured to increase the puff count when a puff is detected. At the start of the course of use, the puff count is set to zero.
[0088] Figure 2 A plot 52 of the target operating temperature of the heater 40 in degrees Celsius against time in seconds during the course of use is shown. The heater 40 is operated with the method of the invention.
[0089] Table 1 shows examples of a number of predetermined different heating profiles that can be used in the method of the present application. These predetermined heating profiles can be stored in the storage medium 28 of the aerosol-generating device 10. The present application is not limited to the number and content of the predetermined heating profiles of Table 1. There are at least two heating profiles, each comprising two target operating temperatures.
[0090] The number of predetermined heating profiles of Table 1 comprises 14 different heating profiles H1 to H14 (see second column to last column of Table 1 below). Each heating profile comprises seven target operating temperatures associated with seven predetermined time intervals T1 to T7, respectively (see first column of Table 1 below). The first time interval T1 is 10 seconds, the second time interval is 15 seconds, the third time interval is 20 seconds, the fourth time interval is 30 seconds, the fifth time interval is 35 seconds, the sixth time interval is 50 seconds, and the seventh time interval is 60 seconds. Each time interval is the time that has passed since the start of a particular heating profile. At the end of a particular time interval, a particular heating temperature T1H1 to T7H14 is reached. For example, 20 seconds after starting the heating profile H3, the temperature T4H3, i.e. 198°C, is reached.
[0091] Each heating profile is associated with a respective value of the puff count. For the sake of clarity, the values of the puff count are provided with a “C” in front of the values of the puff count (see puff counts CO to C13 in Table 1 below). For example, when the puff count is set to CO, the heating profile H1 is executed, and when the puff count is set to C4, the heating profile H5 is executed. In general, when the puff count is set to Cn-1, the heating profile Hn is executed.
[0092]
[0093] Table 1: Number of different heating profiles
[0094] The method of the present application will be described by way of an exemplary use case in which the heating profiles of Table 1 are executed. However, the present application is not limited to the specific values of Table 1. The use case starts with the activation of the aerosol-generating device 10. Upon activation, a predetermined pre-heat 54 (profile not shown in Figure 2 The pre-heat comprises a predetermined pre-heat target temperature and a predetermined pre-heat time. For example, the pre-heat target temperature can be 235°C and the pre-heat time is 28 seconds. By providing the maximum power from the battery 26 to the heater 40, the pre-heat temperature is reached as fast as possible. The reaching of a particular intermediate temperature, for example 140°C, can be indicated to the user by a haptic feedback. Such a haptic feedback can be, for example, a vibration of the aerosol-generating device. The end of the pre-heat can be indicated by another haptic feedback. When the pre-heat target temperature is reached, this temperature is maintained as a plateau until the pre-heat time has passed. During this pre-heat, the puff count is disabled. This means that a puff detected by the puff sensor does not increase the puff count.
[0095] After the pre-heat time (dotted line 56), the control electronics will start directly with the first heating profile H1 from table 1. During the pre-heat, the puff count is set to CO, because during the pre-heat time the puff count cannot increase and the puff count is set to CO at the start of the use session. The first heating profile H1 is thus started at the puff count CO. Directly after the pre-heat, the puff count will be activated by the control electronics 27. If no puff is detected, the heating profile H1 will run as follows:
[0096] Starting the heating profile H1 causes the control power supply to power the heater in order to adjust the temperature of the heater to the first target temperature T1H1, i.e. 235 °C, of the heating profile. The heater 40 is powered with the maximum power allowed to reach the first target temperature as fast as possible. This temperature is maintained for 10 seconds (time interval between dotted lines 56 and 58). The target operating temperature T2H1, i.e. 235 °C, is maintained for another 5 seconds (time interval between dotted lines 58 and 60). The target operating temperature T3H1, i.e. 235 °C, is maintained for another 5 seconds (time interval between dotted lines 60 and 62). Thus, the heater 40 is maintained at 235 °C for a total of 20 seconds.
[0097] After 20 seconds of starting the heating profile H1, the heater 40 is cooled to the target operating temperature T4H1, i.e. 222 °C. This target operating temperature is reached in a linear decrease during 10 seconds (time interval between dotted lines 62 and 64), 30 seconds from starting the heating profile H1.
[0098] After 30 seconds of starting the heating profile H1, the heater 40 is further decreased to the target operating temperature T5H1, i.e. 216 °C. This target operating temperature is reached within 5 seconds (time interval between dotted lines 64 and 66).
[0099] The subsequent target operating temperature T6H1, i.e. 217 °C, is reached within another 15 seconds (time interval between dotted lines 66 and 68).
[0100] If no puff is detected, all heating profiles H1 to H14 of table 1 take 60 seconds. However, the present invention is not limited to heating profiles with this specific duration or to all heating profiles with the same duration. After starting a specific heating profile for 60 seconds, the subsequent heating profile is started. Thus, if no puff is detected during the 60 seconds of the heating profile H1, the subsequent heating profile H2 is started. This causes the heater 40 to be heated to the specific seven target operating temperatures T1H2 to T2H2 of the heating profile H2 in the same way as described for the heating profile H1.
[0101] Alternatively, if a puff is detected during the heating profile H1, the subsequent heating profile H2 is directly initiated. For example, if a puff 70 is detected 50 seconds after the initiation of the heating profile H1, the subsequent heating profile H2 will be initiated. Thus, in the example shown in Fig. 6, the heater 40 heats up to the target operating temperature T1H2, i.e. 240 °C, within 10 seconds (time interval between dashed lines 68 and 72) after the target operating temperature T6H1. The heating profile H2 then runs in the same way as described for the heating profile H1 until a puff is detected or until 60 seconds have passed. In both cases, the subsequent heating profile H3 will subsequently be initiated. The heating profiles H1 to H14 are initiated one after the other in sequence. Each heating profile can run completely from the first target operating temperature T1Hn to the last target operating temperature T7Hn within 60 seconds or can be interrupted in case a puff is detected. Figure 2 In the example shown in Fig. 6, the heater 40 heats up to the target operating temperature T1H2, i.e. 240 °C, within 10 seconds (time interval between dashed lines 68 and 72) after the target operating temperature T6H1. The heating profile H2 then runs in the same way as described for the heating profile H1 until a puff is detected or until 60 seconds have passed. In both cases, the subsequent heating profile H3 will subsequently be initiated. The heating profiles H1 to H14 are initiated one after the other in sequence. Each heating profile can run completely from the first target operating temperature T1Hn to the last target operating temperature T7Hn within 60 seconds or can be interrupted in case a puff is detected.
[0102] At the beginning of each heating profile, the heating profiles H2 to H14 have a blank time 74 of e.g. 5 seconds. During this blank time, the puff count is deactivated. A detected puff is thereby ignored.
[0103] When the last heating profile H14 is completed, the control electronics 27 will re-cycle the heating profile H14 until a maximum time of the usage process has passed. This maximum usage process can for example be 550 seconds.
[0104] The following table 2 shows an alternative example of a plurality of predetermined different heating profiles. These predetermined heating profiles can be stored in the same storage medium 28 of the aerosol-generating device 10 or in different aerosol-generating devices. The plurality of predetermined different heating profiles of table 2 comprises 11 different heating profiles H1 to H11. Each heating profile further comprises seven target operating temperatures which are further associated with seven predetermined time intervals, respectively (see first column of table 2 below). Thus, the heating profiles of table 2 below differ from table 1 above in the number of heating profiles and the corresponding temperatures, but the other characteristics described above are the same. When the last heating profile H11 is completed, the control electronics 27 will re-cycle the heating profile H11 until a maximum time of the usage process has passed. The maximum usage process of the plurality of predetermined different heating profiles of table 2 can for example be 430 seconds.
[0105]
[0106] Table 2: plurality of different heating profiles
[0107] The heating profiles of Table 1 and Table 2 comprise various different heating profiles. For example, both heating profiles H1 and H2 of Table 1 start with a temperature plateau, followed by a temperature decrease, followed by a temperature increase. Heating profile H3 starts with a temperature decrease, followed by a temperature increase. Heating profile H11 starts with a temperature decrease, followed by a temperature plateau, followed by a temperature increase. Heating profile H13 starts with a temperature decrease, followed by a temperature plateau. But not only a temperature decrease or a plateau in the first phase of the heating profile is possible, heating profile H2 also starts for example with a temperature increase, followed by a temperature plateau, followed by a temperature decrease and another temperature plateau.
[0108] The following Table 3 shows another alternative example of a plurality of predetermined different heating profiles. These predetermined heating profiles can be stored in the same storage medium 28 of the aerosol-generating device 10 or in different aerosol-generating devices. The plurality of predetermined different heating profiles of Table 3 comprises 12 different heating profiles H1 to H12. Each heating profile further comprises seven target operating temperatures which are further associated with seven predetermined time intervals, respectively (see first column of the following Table 3). Thus, the heating profiles of the following Table 3 differ from the above Table 1 in the amount of heating profiles and the corresponding temperatures, but the other characteristics described above are the same. When the last heating profile H12 is completed, the control electronics 27 will re-cycle the heating profile H12 until the maximum time of the usage process has passed. The maximum usage process of the plurality of predetermined different heating profiles of Table 3 can for example be 485 seconds.
[0109]
[0110] Table 3: Plurality of different heating profiles.
Claims
1. A method of operating an aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate during a usage session, the aerosol-generating device comprising: a heater; a power supply arranged to supply power to the heater during the usage session; and control electronics; the method comprising using the control electronics of the aerosol-generating device to: initiate one of a plurality of predetermined different heating profiles for the heater, wherein each heating profile comprises a plurality of different target operating temperatures for the heater, wherein one heating profile comprises an increase in temperature of a subsequent target operating temperature, and one heating profile comprises a decrease in temperature of a subsequent target operating temperature; control the supply of power from the power supply so as to adjust the temperature of the heater to the target operating temperatures.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of heating profiles comprises a first heating profile comprising an increase in temperature of a subsequent target operating temperature, a decrease in temperature of a subsequent target operating temperature, and preferably a temperature plateau of a subsequent target operating temperature, preferably wherein the plurality of heating profiles comprises a second heating profile and a third heating profile, each comprising an increase in temperature of a subsequent target operating temperature, a decrease in temperature of a subsequent target operating temperature, and preferably a temperature plateau of a subsequent target operating temperature.
3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the plurality of different target operating temperatures for the heater is respectively associated with a plurality of different predetermined time intervals.
4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of different target operating temperatures comprises a first target operating temperature, a second target operating temperature, and a third target operating temperature, wherein the first target operating temperature is associated with a first predetermined time interval, the second target operating temperature is associated with a second predetermined time interval, and the third target operating temperature is associated with a third predetermined time interval, preferably wherein the plurality of different target operating temperatures further comprises a fourth target operating temperature, a fifth target operating temperature, and a sixth target operating temperature, wherein the fourth target operating temperature is associated with a fourth predetermined time interval, the fifth target operating temperature is associated with a fifth predetermined time interval, and the sixth target operating temperature is associated with a sixth predetermined time interval.
5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of predetermined heating profiles is 5 to 20 different predetermined heating profiles, preferably 8 to 15 different predetermined heating profiles, more preferably 11 to 14 different predetermined heating profiles.
6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a puff sensor configured to detect puffs on the aerosol-generating device by a user, preferably wherein each of the plurality of heating profiles is initiated in dependence on a puff count of puffs applied during the usage session, more preferably wherein detection of a puff increases the puff count. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein one or both of starting a plurality of predetermined heating profiles sequentially one after the other depending on the puff count; increasing the puff count when no puffs are detected during a heating profile; starting a next predetermined heating profile of the plurality of predetermined heating profiles when the puff count is increased; each predetermined heating profile of the plurality of predetermined heating profiles is associated with a respective value of the puff count; the value of the puff count can be an integer number including 0, wherein the integer number 0 is set before a puff is detected, wherein the puff count is 1 when a first puff is detected.
8. The method according to any one of claims 6 or 7, further comprising performing a pre-heat after being manually activated by a user, wherein the pre-heat comprises heating the heater to a predetermined pre-heat target temperature during a predetermined pre-heat time, wherein during this pre-heat time the puff count is deactivated, preferably wherein the pre-heat time is 20 to 60 seconds, more preferably 25 to 35 seconds.
9. The method according to any one of claim 8, wherein a first predetermined heating profile of the plurality of predetermined heating profiles is started after the pre-heat time has elapsed, preferably wherein each predetermined heating profile of the plurality of predetermined heating profiles is associated with a respective value of the puff count, and wherein the value 0 of the puff count is associated with the first predetermined heating profile.
10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each target operating temperature of the plurality of target operating temperatures comprises 3 to 8 different target operating temperatures, preferably 4 to 7 different target operating temperatures.
11. The method according to any one of claim 10, wherein the temperature of the heater is linearly increased or decreased from one target operating temperature to the next target operating temperature.
12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein after starting a particular predetermined heating profile, the puff count is deactivated for a predetermined blank time interval, preferably wherein the predetermined blank time interval is 0 to 10 seconds, more preferably 0 to 5 seconds, most preferably 1 to 5 seconds.
13. A storage medium for use in an aerosol-generating device, the storage medium containing instructions for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 on the aerosol-generating device when the aerosol-generating device interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate, preferably wherein the storage medium is a computer readable medium.
14. An aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate during a use session, the aerosol-generating device comprising: a heater; a power supply arranged to supply power to the heater during the use session; control electronics; and a storage medium according to any one of claim 13.
15. A method of operating an aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the method comprising: providing the aerosol-forming substrate to the heater; supplying power to the heater during the use session; and controlling the heater according to the method of any one of claims 1 to 12.
15. An aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating device of claim 14 and an aerosol-generating article, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises the aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the aerosol-generating device is configured to receive the aerosol-generating article, preferably wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises the heater, more preferably wherein the heater comprises a susceptor element and the aerosol-generating device comprises an inductor, wherein the inductor is configured to be controllable by the control electronics to control the temperature of the susceptor element.