Oscillation frequency and electric field intensity on load capacitor

Abstract

The present invention relates to a portable and hand-held aerosol-generating device, and in particular to an aerosol-generating device for dielectrically heating an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-generating device comprising: a power source providing a DC supply voltage; an oscillation circuit which is fed by the power supply; and a dielectric heating element forming a load capacitor arranged for dielectrically heating the substrate, the dielectric heating element being powered by an oscillating voltage from the oscillating circuit. The oscillation frequency is selected to exceed 100 MHz and less than 1.2 GHz, and the DC supply voltage, the oscillation frequency, and the electrode arrangement and capacitance value of the load capacitor are selected such that the average electric field intensity across the electrodes of the load capacitor exceeds 10 V / mm and less than 200 V / mm.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to an aerosol generating apparatus, and more particularly to an aerosol generating apparatus configured to heat an aerosol forming matrix by dielectric heating. This disclosure also relates to a system including the aforementioned aerosol generating apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Known electrically operated aerosol generation systems typically heat the aerosol forming matrix by one or more of the following methods: conducting heat from a heating element to the aerosol forming matrix, radiating heat from a heating element to the aerosol forming matrix, or drawing heated air through the aerosol forming matrix. Most commonly, heating is achieved by passing an electric current through a resistive heating element, generating Joule heating on the heating element. Induction heating systems have also been proposed, in which Joule heating occurs due to eddy currents induced in the sensor heating element.

[0003] One problem with these heating mechanisms is that they produce uneven heating of the aerosol-forming matrix. The portion of the aerosol-forming matrix closest to the heating element is heated faster or to a higher temperature than the portion farther away from the heating element.

[0004] Systems for dielectric heating of aerosol-forming matrices have been proposed, which advantageously provide uniform heating of the aerosol-forming matrix. However, known dielectric heating systems are less efficient than induction heating systems and require complex circuitry to achieve the necessary voltages and frequencies for dielectric heating of the aerosol-forming matrix.

[0005] The goal is to provide a system that can more efficiently heat aerosols to form a matrix using a dielectric method, while still being achievable in a compact or handheld system. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to a first aspect, a portable and handheld aerosol generating device is provided for dielectrically heating an aerosol-forming matrix. The aerosol generating device includes: a power supply providing a DC power supply voltage; an oscillation circuit fed by the power supply; and a dielectric heating element forming a load capacitor arranged for dielectrically heating the matrix. The dielectric heating element is powered by an oscillation voltage from the oscillation circuit, wherein the oscillation frequency is selected to be greater than 100 MHz and less than 1.2 GHz, and the DC power supply voltage, the oscillation frequency, and the electrode arrangement and capacitance value of the load capacitor are selected such that the average electric field strength across the electrodes of the load capacitor is greater than 10 V / mm and less than 200 V / mm.

[0007] These frequency and electric field strength ranges allow for the use of cheaper components and simpler circuit designs, while simultaneously reducing the risk of electrical breakdown and keeping the substrate stable.

[0008] The dielectric heating element can be removably received or integrated into the aerosol generating device.

[0009] The oscillation frequency can be selected between 150MHz and 1.1GHz, preferably between 175MHz and 1GHz, and more preferably between 200MHz and 900MHz.

[0010] The maximum electric field strength across the load capacitor (i.e., the maximum average electric field strength across the electrodes of the load capacitor) can be less than 120 V / mm, preferably less than 100 V / mm, and more preferably less than 80 V / mm.

[0011] The oscillation frequency can be selected between 200MHz and 900MHz, and the maximum electric field strength across the load capacitor can be less than 100V / mm, more preferably less than 80V / mm.

[0012] Load capacitor C L The capacitance value can include the load capacitor C L The distance between two opposite polarity electrodes, wherein the closest distance between the two opposite polarity electrodes can be selected to be between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 0.7 mm and 9 mm, and more preferably between 1 mm and 3 mm.

[0013] These distances allow for the use of simple electrical insulation materials and designs.

[0014] The two electrodes with opposite polarities are electrode plates E1 and E2.

[0015] The aerosol generating apparatus may also include a controller for controlling the aerosol generating apparatus to heat the matrix.

[0016] The controller can be configured to operate at 1 W / cm² per volume of matrix material for a time period of less than 15 minutes. 3 Up to 25W / cm 3 The average dielectric heating power density within the range is used to dielectrically heat the substrate.

[0017] This power density range allows for improved aerosolization of various substrate designs, considering the limited size and weight of portable and handheld aerosol forming devices, and also the difficulty in achieving higher power densities than 25 W / cm² due to the limited battery size and thermal insulation imposed by portable and handheld designs. 3The heating power density value. On the other hand, the heating power density level of the dielectric is below 1 W / cm². 3 In such cases, it may be difficult to maintain the desired temperature level of the matrix material during the target heating phase, for example, due to heating power losses caused by limited thermal insulation, heat convection and propagation, heating losses caused by dielectric materials that are not part of the matrix material, and additional heating power losses that may occur during suction. This may differ from other heating strategies, such as external resistive heaters and internal induction heaters, where there are no dielectric losses caused by materials other than the matrix.

[0018] The heating power density can reach 1.5 W / cm³. 3 With 15W / cm 3 Within the range between.

[0019] During the heating phase, the average dielectric heating power density can be controlled or set to 7 W / cm². 3 Up to 25W / cm 3 Within the range between these values, and during the target heating phase of the consumption period, the average dielectric heating power density can be 1 W / cm². 3 Up to 7W / cm 3 Within the range between.

[0020] Compared to vapor / liquid matrices (where heat generation and consumption occur simultaneously via inhalation or aspiration), in the aerosol generating apparatus of the present invention, the heating power can be approximately 3-4 times or more during the target heating phase when the consumer is using the apparatus for inhalation, during the start-up or heat ramp-up phase.

[0021] The controller can be configured to control the aerosol generating device so that the load capacitor C L The effective power loss PL generated during the nominal heating operation is in the range of 40% to 70%, preferably 60% to 70%, and more preferably 65% ​​to 70% compared to all other losses.

[0022] All other losses may include one or more of the following: switching losses of transistor T, losses caused by the bias circuit and choke, inductor-resistance losses of inductors L1 and L2, capacitive-resistance losses from capacitors C1 and C2, and resistive losses of electrodes E1 and E2.

[0023] At load capacitor C L The power loss P generated in L This may include dielectric heating losses caused by aerosol-forming matrix located in the heating chamber of the device.

[0024] Power loss P LLoad capacitor C may be excluded. L One or more of the following power losses: resistive electrode losses, and dielectric heating losses of the carrier material and / or sensor.

[0025] At load capacitor C L The effective power loss P generated in L It can be below 3W during the target heating phase of the consumption period, and / or below 10W during the warming phase.

[0026] The controller can be configured to control the aerosol generating device such that the effective switching loss on the switching unit SU is in the range of 15% to 30%, preferably 20% to 25%, of the total power drawn from the power source during nominal heating operation.

[0027] The nominal heating operation can last for at least 30 seconds.

[0028] The nominal heating operation can be a stage that generates aerosols for inhalation.

[0029] The nominal heating operation may exclude the start-up or heating phase.

[0030] The arrangement of capacitive loads can be selected to form a parallel resonant circuit (PRC).

[0031] A parallel resonant circuit (PRC) can be implemented as follows: the oscillating circuit may further include a first inductor L1 and a second inductor L2, wherein the inductors L1 and L2 can be connected to a load capacitor C between them. L The inductors L1 and L2 are connected in series, and can be distributed relative to each other, so that a mutual inductance 2M is generated between them, thereby generating a parallel resonant circuit (PRC).

[0032] The mutual inductance 2M can be in the range of 7nH to 30nH, more preferably between 10nH and 20nH.

[0033] Parallel resonant circuits (PRCs) or resonant circuits may include resonant cavities.

[0034] A parallel resonant circuit (PRC) can be part of an oscillating circuit that forms a resonant oscillation feedback loop.

[0035] The switching unit may include a radio frequency (RF) transistor, preferably a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOSFET), more preferably an N-channel enhancement-mode MOSFET, and more preferably a laterally diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor (LDMOS).

[0036] The switching unit may not include gallium arsenide (GaAs) transistors.

[0037] An oscillating circuit can be a resonant oscillating circuit.

[0038] Load capacitor C L Circuit elements that can form a feedback loop in a resonant oscillation circuit.

[0039] Load capacitor C L It can be a component of the resonant circuit, which is the feedback loop of a resonant oscillation circuit.

[0040] The feedback loop can have a low impedance, which is preferably less than 10Ω, more preferably between 500mΩ and 8Ω, and particularly less than or about 2Ω.

[0041] Low impedance can produce relatively high gain in the feedback loop. Frequencies exceeding 100 MHz and less than 1.2 GHz, and electric field strengths exceeding 10 V / mm and less than 200 V / mm, can be achieved primarily through the aforementioned relatively high gain of the feedback loop.

[0042] The oscillator circuit may also include a delay line D. L Delay line D L (Sometimes referred to as a delay element) branching off from the path of the feedback loop.

[0043] A delay line oscillator uses a delay line D. L Or, in the form of an electronic oscillator where a delay element serves as its primary timing element. A delay line oscillator can be configured to operate via a delay line D... L Alternatively, the output of the delay element can be inverted and appropriately amplified before being fed back to the delay line D. L Oscillations may occur due to the input of a delay element.

[0044] Delay elements can be implemented using physical delay lines, such as LC networks or transmission lines. In some instances, capacitors and inductors can be distributed along the length of the delay element. In some instances, delay elements comprise cascades of logic gates used to generate gate delays. Oscillating circuits using physical delay elements can be much more accurate in timing. It is also easier to make such oscillating circuits oscillate in the desired mode.

[0045] Delay line D L It is permissible to allow the load capacitor C L The voltage on it is increased to the desired value, and at the same time, it can achieve operation at the desired switching frequency.

[0046] The oscillation circuit may also include a second capacitor C2, which is connected between the feedback loop and ground, so that the second capacitor C2 can provide a 90° phase shift of the feedback voltage.

[0047] The oscillation circuit can be an LC oscillation circuit.

[0048] Forming a load capacitor C L The dielectric heating element can be the part of an LC oscillating circuit that oscillates approximately at its resonant frequency.

[0049] Excluding load capacitor C L The passive LC resonant circuit can be part of the feedback loop of the oscillation circuit.

[0050] An oscillating circuit can have a forced oscillation frequency.

[0051] Dielectric heating elements can form the load of a switching unit.

[0052] The oscillation circuit may also include a quartz-based oscillator to drive a switching unit or buffer unit coupled to a dielectric heating element, such that it can form a load on the switching unit.

[0053] Quartz-based oscillators can include quartz crystals.

[0054] Quartz-based oscillators can use either quartz harmonics or high-frequency fundamental (HFF) quartz elements.

[0055] According to a second aspect, a system is provided, the system comprising: an aerosol generating article including an aerosol forming matrix; and an aerosol generating apparatus for dielectrically heating the aerosol forming matrix.

[0056] Aerosol-generated products can be in the form of rods or plates.

[0057] Aerosol-forming matrices can contain solid materials.

[0058] Aerosol forming matrix can include carrier materials and aerosol forming materials.

[0059] The carrier material can have a relative permittivity that is lower than that of the aerosol forming material.

[0060] The relative permittivity of the carrier material can be from one-third to one-thirtieth of the relative permittivity of the aerosol forming material, preferably from one-fifth to one-fifteenth.

[0061] The carrier material can include solid materials.

[0062] The carrier material may include at least one of the following: tobacco or a tobacco substitute; at least one alkaloid, preferably nicotine; and flavoring material.

[0063] Tobacco-based materials may have a relative permittivity between 1 and 8, preferably between 2 and 4, and particularly between 2.3 and 2.7.

[0064] Aerosol forming materials can include liquid or gel-like aerosol forming materials.

[0065] Aerosol forming materials may include a mixture of polypropylene glycol (PPG) and glycerin.

[0066] The aerosol matrix can include water.

[0067] Aerosol forming materials can have a relative permittivity between 10 and 60, preferably between 14 and 43, and particularly between 28 and 32.

[0068] The aerosolization temperature of the aerosol forming material can be lower than that of the carrier material.

[0069] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating apparatus" refers to an apparatus that interacts with an article comprising an aerosol forming matrix to generate an aerosol.

[0070] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming matrix" refers to a matrix capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form aerosols. These volatile compounds can be released by heating the aerosol-forming matrix.

[0071] As used herein, the term "relative permittivity" (also referred to as dielectric constant) refers to the dielectric constant of the material forming the aerosol matrix, expressed as a ratio to the permittivity of vacuum. Mathematically, the relative permittivity is expressed as: εr = ε / ε0. The parameters in this equation are defined as follows: ε is the permittivity of the matrix-forming material; ε0 is the permittivity of vacuum; and εr is the relative permittivity of the matrix-forming material. In particular, the term "relative permittivity" can also be referred to as the real part of the frequency-dependent complex relative permittivity measured at 20°C in an alternating electric field having a very low frequency (VLF) of 1 kHz or less (as defined in International Standard IEC 62631-2-1:2018). It should be understood that only the 1 kHz frequency value is included here for general reference, and other definitions may use different frequencies.

[0072] As used herein, the term "data processor" refers to a component of the controller of an aerosol generating apparatus, or in some embodiments, it may refer to a separate entity.

[0073] As used herein, the term "power sensing system" refers to a measuring device or circuit that enables the detection of one or more of current, voltage, and power values.

[0074] As used herein, the term "electric field strength" refers to the electric field strength across the electrodes, preferably the electrode plates, of a capacitor used for dielectric heating. The electric field strength increases proportionally to the voltage of the alternating voltage applied to the capacitor, particularly the effective voltage (also known as voltage strength), and is inversely proportional to the distance between the electrodes of the capacitor.

[0075] As used herein, the term "average" in "average electric field strength across the electrodes" can refer to the average electric field that takes into account variations in field strength due to non-uniform spacing or geometric factors, providing a single representative value reflecting the overall behavior of the electric field between the electrodes. In the case of uniformly spaced electrode plates (such as in a parallel-plate capacitor with a constant distance between the electrode plates), the electric field is typically uniform over the entire region between the electrode plates. This means that in the example of uniformly spaced electrode plates, the electric field strength is the same at every point between the electrodes, and the "average" electric field is the electric field at any point.

[0076] As used in this article, the term "resonant oscillation feedback (loop) circuit" refers to the resonant circuit of the feedback loop of an oscillation circuit.

[0077] As used in this article, the term "power supply" refers to a power supply device.

[0078] As used herein, the term "target heating phase" (also referred to as "maintain heating phase") refers to the "nominal heating operation" during which the consumer is using the device for inhalation. During the target heating phase, the aerosol-forming matrix may preferably be heated according to a heating profile to reach or maintain a target aerosolization temperature for inhalation.

[0079] 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.

[0080] Example Ex1: An aerosol generating apparatus for dielectrically heating an aerosol-forming matrix, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising: a power supply providing a DC power supply voltage; an oscillation circuit fed by the power supply; and a dielectric heating element forming a load capacitor arranged for dielectrically heating the matrix, the dielectric heating element being powered by an oscillation voltage from the oscillation circuit, wherein the oscillation frequency is selected to be greater than 100 MHz and less than 1.2 GHz, and the DC power supply voltage, the oscillation frequency, and the load capacitor C... L The arrangement and capacitance values ​​are selected such that the average maximum electric field strength across the load capacitor exceeds 10V / mm and is less than 200V / mm.

[0081] Example Ex2: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex1, wherein the dielectric heating element is removably received or integrated within the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0082] Example Ex3: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example E1 or Ex2, wherein the oscillation frequency is selected to be between 150MHz and 1.1GHz, preferably between 175MHz and 1GHz, and more preferably between 200MHz and 900MHz.

[0083] Example Ex4: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the maximum electric field strength across the load capacitor is less than 120V / mm, preferably less than 100V / mm, and more preferably less than 80V / mm.

[0084] Example Ex5: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the oscillation frequency is selected between 200MHz and 900MHz, and the maximum electric field strength across the load capacitor is less than 100V / mm, more preferably less than 80V / mm.

[0085] Example Ex6: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the load capacitor C L The capacitance value includes the load capacitor C. L The distance between two opposite polarity electrodes, wherein the closest distance between the two opposite polarity electrodes is selected to be between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 0.7 mm and 9 mm, and more preferably between 1 mm and 3 mm.

[0086] Example Ex7: The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex6, wherein the two opposite polarity electrodes are electrode plates E1 and E2.

[0087] Example Ex8: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples further includes a controller for controlling the aerosol generating apparatus to heat the matrix.

[0088] Example Ex9: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex8, wherein the controller is configured to generate aerosol at 1 W / cm³ per volume of matrix material over a time period of less than 15 minutes. 3 Up to 25W / cm 3 The substrate is dielectrically heated by an average dielectric heating power density within a certain range.

[0089] Example Ex10: The aerosol generating apparatus according to the previous example, wherein the heating power density is 1.5 W / cm³. 3 With 15W / cm3 Within the range between.

[0090] Example Ex11: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex8 to Ex10, wherein during the heating phase, the average dielectric heating power density is controlled or set to 7 W / cm². 3 Up to 25W / cm 3 Within the range between, and during the target heating phase of the consumption period, the average dielectric heating power density is 1 W / cm². 3 Up to 7W / cm 3 Within the range between.

[0091] Example Ex12: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex8 to Ex11, wherein the controller is configured to control the aerosol generating apparatus such that the load capacitor C L The effective power loss PL generated during the target heating phase is in the range of 40% to 70%, preferably 60% to 70%, and more preferably 65% ​​to 70% compared to all other losses.

[0092] Example Ex13: The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex12, wherein all other losses include one or more of the following: switching losses of transistor T, losses caused by the bias circuit and choke, inductor-resistance losses of inductors L1 and L2, capacitive-resistance losses from capacitors C1 and C2, and resistive losses of electrodes E1 and E2.

[0093] Example Ex14: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex12 or Ex13, wherein the load capacitor C L The power loss P generated in L This includes dielectric heating losses caused by the aerosol-forming matrix located in the heating chamber of the device.

[0094] Example Ex15: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex12 to Ex14, wherein the power loss P L Excluding the load capacitor C L One or more of the following power losses: resistive electrode losses, and dielectric heating losses of the carrier material and / or sensor.

[0095] Example Ex16: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex12 to Ex14, wherein the load capacitor C L The effective power loss P generated in L The W is below 3W during the target heating phase of the consumption period and / or below 10W during the warming phase.

[0096] Example Ex17: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the controller is configured to control the aerosol generating apparatus such that the effective switching loss on the switching unit SU is in the range of 15% to 30%, preferably 20% to 25%, of the total power drawn from the power source during the target heating phase.

[0097] Example Ex18: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex17, wherein the target heating phase lasts for at least 30 seconds.

[0098] Example Ex19: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex17 or Ex18, wherein the target heating stage is a stage for generating aerosols for inhalation.

[0099] Example Ex20: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex17 to Ex19, wherein the target heating stage does not include a start-up or heating stage.

[0100] Example Ex21: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the capacitive load C L The arrangement was chosen to form a parallel resonant circuit (PRC).

[0101] Example Ex22: According to the aerosol generating apparatus of Example Ex21, wherein the PRC is implemented in such a way that the oscillation circuit further includes a first inductor L1 and a second inductor L2, wherein the inductors L1 and L2 are connected therebetween to the load capacitor C. L The inductors L1 and L2 are connected in series, wherein they are distributed relative to each other, such that a mutual inductance 2M is generated between them, thereby creating a parallel resonant circuit (PRC).

[0102] Example Ex23: The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex22, wherein the mutual inductance 2M is in the range of 7nH to 30nH, more preferably 10nH to 20nH.

[0103] Example Ex24: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex21 to Ex23, wherein the parallel resonant circuit (PRC) or the resonant circuit can include a resonant cavity.

[0104] Example Ex25: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex21 to Ex24, wherein the parallel resonant circuit (PRC) is part of the resonant oscillation feedback loop circuit of the oscillation circuit.

[0105] Example Ex26: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the switching unit includes a radio frequency (RF) transistor, preferably a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOSFET), more preferably an N-channel enhancement-mode MOSFET, and preferably a laterally diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor (LDMOS).

[0106] Example Ex27: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the switching unit does not include a gallium arsenide (GaAs) transistor.

[0107] Example Ex28: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the oscillation circuit is a resonant oscillation circuit.

[0108] Example Ex29: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex28, wherein the load capacitor C L Circuit elements that form the feedback loop of the resonant oscillation circuit.

[0109] Example Ex30: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex29, wherein the load capacitor C L It is a component of the resonant circuit of the feedback loop of the resonant oscillation circuit.

[0110] Example Ex31: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex29 or 30, wherein the feedback loop has a low impedance, preferably less than 10Ω, more preferably between 500mΩ and 8Ω, and particularly less than or about 2Ω.

[0111] Example Ex32: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex29 to Ex31, wherein the oscillating circuit further includes a delay line D. L The delay line D L It branches off from the path of the feedback loop.

[0112] Example Ex33: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex29 to Ex32, wherein the oscillation circuit further includes a second capacitor C2 connected between the feedback loop and ground, such that the second capacitor C2 provides a 90° phase shift of the feedback voltage.

[0113] Example Ex34: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the oscillation circuit is an LC oscillation circuit.

[0114] Example Ex35: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex34, wherein the load capacitor C is formed. L The dielectric heating element is the portion of the LC oscillating circuit that oscillates approximately at its resonant frequency.

[0115] Example Ex36: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the load capacitor C is not included. L The passive LC resonant circuit is part of the oscillation circuit that forms the feedback loop.

[0116] Example Ex37: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the oscillation circuit has a forced oscillation frequency.

[0117] Example Ex38: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex37, wherein the dielectric heating element forms the load of the switching unit.

[0118] Example Ex39: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex37 or Ex38, wherein the oscillation circuit further includes a quartz-based oscillator to drive a switching unit or buffer unit coupled to the dielectric heating element, such that it forms a load on the switching unit.

[0119] Example Ex40: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex39, wherein the quartz-based oscillator comprises a quartz crystal.

[0120] Example Ex41: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex39 or Ex40, wherein the quartz-based oscillator uses either a quartz harmonic or a high-frequency fundamental frequency (HFF) quartz element.

[0121] Example Ex42: A system comprising: an aerosol generating article including an aerosol forming matrix; and an aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples for dielectrically heating the aerosol forming matrix.

[0122] Example Ex43: According to the system of Example Ex42, the aerosol generating article is in the form of a rod or plate.

[0123] Example Ex44: According to the system of Example Ex42 or Ex43, the aerosol forming matrix comprises a solid material.

[0124] Example Ex45: A system according to any one of Examples Ex42 to Ex44, wherein the aerosol forming matrix comprises a carrier material and an aerosol forming material.

[0125] Example Ex46: According to the system of Example Ex45, the carrier material has a relative permittivity that is lower than that of the aerosol forming material.

[0126] Example Ex47: According to the system of Example Ex45 or Ex46, the relative permittivity of the carrier material is from one-third to one-thirtieth, preferably from one-fifth to one-fifteenth, of the relative permittivity of the aerosol forming material.

[0127] Example Ex48: A system according to any one of Examples Ex45 to Ex47, wherein the carrier material comprises a solid material.

[0128] Example Ex49: According to the system of Example Ex47 or Ex48, the carrier material includes at least one of the following: tobacco or tobacco substitute; at least one alkaloid, preferably nicotine; and flavoring material.

[0129] Example Ex50: The system according to Example Ex49, wherein the tobacco-based material has a relative permittivity between 1 and 8, preferably between 2 and 4, and particularly between 2.3 and 2.7.

[0130] Example Ex51: A system according to any one of Examples Ex42 to Ex50, wherein the aerosol forming material comprises a liquid or gel-like aerosol forming material.

[0131] Example Ex52: A system according to any one of Examples Ex42 to Ex51, wherein the aerosol forming material comprises a mixture of polypropylene glycol (PPG) and glycerin.

[0132] Example Ex53: A system according to any one of Examples Ex42 to Ex52, wherein the aerosol forming matrix comprises water.

[0133] Example Ex54: A system according to any one of Examples Ex42 to Ex53, wherein the aerosol forming material has a relative permittivity between 10 and 60, preferably between 14 and 43, and particularly between 28 and 32.

[0134] Example Ex55: A system according to any one of Examples Ex42 to 54, wherein the aerosol forming material has an aerosolization temperature lower than that of the carrier material.

[0135] Example Ex56: A portable and handheld aerosol generating device for dielectrically heating an aerosol forming matrix, the aerosol generating device comprising: Power supply, which provides DC power voltage; An oscillating circuit, which is powered by the power supply; and A dielectric heating element, which forms a load capacitor, is arranged to dielectrically heat the substrate. The dielectric heating element is powered by an oscillating voltage from the oscillating circuit. The oscillation frequency is selected to be greater than 100MHz and less than 1.2GHz, and the DC power supply voltage, the oscillation frequency, and the electrode arrangement and capacitance value of the load capacitor are selected such that the average electric field strength across the electrodes of the load capacitor is greater than 10V / mm and less than 200V / mm.

[0136] Example Ex57: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex56, wherein the apparatus is adjusted according to any one of Examples Ex2 to Ex41.

[0137] Example Ex58: A system comprising: an aerosol generating article including an aerosol forming matrix; and an aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex56 or Example Ex57 for dielectrically heating the aerosol forming matrix.

[0138] Example Ex59: A system based on Example Ex58, wherein the system is adjusted according to any one of Examples Ex43 to Ex55. Attached Figure Description

[0139] The invention will be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic illustration of a dielectric-heated aerosol generation system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 It is according to the embodiments of this disclosure for use Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the oscillation circuit in a dielectric-heated aerosol generation system; Figure 3a This is a schematic diagram of an oscillating circuit that uses two different phase-shifting elements (one phase-shifting element is exemplarily implemented as a resonant circuit, and the other phase-shifting element is exemplarily implemented as a capacitive element) to achieve a 180° phase shift. Figure 3b This is a schematic diagram of an oscillating circuit that uses two different phase-shifting elements to achieve a 180° phase shift (one phase-shifting element is exemplarily implemented as a resonant cavity with parallel resonant properties, and the other phase-shifting element is exemplarily implemented as a capacitive element). Figure 4 An oscillation circuit diagram according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 5 AF illustrates how, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, a quartz analog or quartz equivalent circuit can be derived as a non-limiting example of a parallel resonant circuit; Figure 6 The frequency analyzer curves of the parallel resonant circuit are shown, illustrating the effect of the switching frequency on the phase shift and impedance of the parallel resonant circuit. Figure 7A-C is used according to embodiments of this disclosure for Figures 2 to 4 An equidistant diagram of shared mutual inductance coupled inductor pairs in an oscillating circuit; Figure 8 AD is a method for use according to embodiments of this disclosure. Figures 2 to 4 A schematic diagram showing the equidistant arrangement of flat interdigitated electrodes in an oscillating circuit; Figure 9 The following illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure of a device configured to dielectrically heat an aerosol-forming matrix for use in... Figures 2 to 4 A schematic diagram showing the equidistant arrangement of tubular interdigitated electrodes in an oscillating circuit; Figure 10 A schematic illustration of an interdigitated electrode arrangement with varying electrode spacing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 11 AD illustrates a device configured to dielectrically heat an aerosol-forming matrix for use in... Figures 2 to 4 A schematic diagram showing the equidistant arrangement of tubular interdigitated electrodes in an oscillating circuit; Figure 12a -c is a schematic illustration of an electrode arrangement for dielectrically heating a liquid aerosol forming matrix according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electrode arrangement being configured to serve as both a heater and a wicking element; Figure 13 It is a schematic diagram of a control system that utilizes a temperature sensing system to control the power delivered to the aerosol forming matrix based on the detected temperature of the aerosol forming matrix. Figure 14 This is a schematic illustration of a control system utilizing a power sensing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control system being used to control the power delivered to the aerosol forming matrix based on a detected power consumption value drawn from the power source. Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a control system that uses a power sensing system to determine a level of energy loss according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 16 This is a schematic illustration of a control system utilizing a frequency sensing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control system being used to control the power delivered to the aerosol forming matrix based on the frequency of an alternating electric field detected across the electrode assembly. Figure 17 This is a schematic illustration of a frequency-widened frequency response provided by a frequency sensing system, particularly a resonant cavity, which is fabricated, for example, by using impurities or mechanical defects, such that the operating range of frequencies is covered by the resonant response. Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of a control system that uses a frequency sensing system to determine the level of attenuation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 19 This is a schematic illustration of a method for forming a matrix by dielectric heating of an aerosol according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the different progressions in switching losses relative to the electric field strength and cost of transistors; and Figure 21 It is according to the embodiments of this disclosure for use Figure 1 An alternative schematic diagram of the oscillating circuit in an aerosol generation system. Detailed Implementation

[0140] The above and other features and advantages of the exemplary embodiments will become more apparent from the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for the purpose of describing the exemplary embodiments. Furthermore, the exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many alternative forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0141] Therefore, although the exemplary embodiments are capable of various modifications and have alternative forms, embodiments thereof are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments are not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed; on the contrary, the exemplary embodiments will encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the exemplary embodiments. Throughout the description of the figures, similar reference numerals indicate similar elements.

[0142] Figure 1 This is a schematic illustration of a dielectric-heated aerosol generation system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. System 100 includes: an article 105 comprising an aerosol forming matrix 110, and an aerosol generation apparatus 120 for heating the aerosol forming matrix 110. The aerosol generation apparatus 120 includes a first electrode 130 and a second electrode 135 separated by a cavity 140 for receiving the article 105. The cavity 140 and the article 105 are sized such that when received in the cavity 140, the aerosol forming matrix 110 contacts or is adjacent to both the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 135. Furthermore, the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 135 form part of a feedback loop of an oscillating circuit 150 via a first electrical contact 160 and a second electrical contact 165.

[0143] In other examples, the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 135 may form part of an article 105 including an aerosol-forming matrix 110. In such an embodiment, the cavity size between the first electrical contact 160 and the second electrical contact 165 is set such that when the aerosol-forming article 105 is accommodated within the cavity 140, an electrical connection is formed between the first electrode 130 and the first electrical contact 160, and between the second electrode 135 and the second electrical contact 165.

[0144] In some embodiments, the width of the article 105 including the aerosol-forming matrix 110 is slightly larger than the distance between the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 135, such that the distal end of the aerosol-forming matrix 110 is slightly compressed between the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 135. In some embodiments, the article 105 in its initial uncompressed form has a width that is 5% to 30% larger than the distance between the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 135. This can reduce or prevent air buildup between the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 135 when the aerosol-forming article 105 is received in the cavity 140, and reduce the distance between the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 135 for dielectric heating, thereby improving the load capacitor C. L The accuracy of any measurement or determination of the dielectric properties of the aerosol forming matrix 110 performed by the aerosol generating apparatus 120.

[0145] The aerosol forming matrix 110 may comprise tobacco-based or non-tobacco-based materials (containing aerosol forming materials and one or more active agents or ingredients such as nicotine, pharmaceuticals, plant-derived materials, flavorings), a liquid matrix having one or more active agents or ingredients, or a combination thereof. The aerosol forming matrix 110 may also be a liquid aerosol forming matrix, and thus the aerosol forming article 105 may be in the form of a tube, capsule, or liquid container, and the electrodes 130, 135 may be configured as wicking elements or capillary elements for liquid transfer. For example, it is possible for the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 135 to form a capillary structure that is part of or extends into the internal volume of the aerosol forming article 105, which can heat and evaporate the liquid aerosol forming matrix 110 located within the internal volume. For example, the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 135 can be embodied as parallel plates arranged apart by a distance forming a capillary channel, the distance being, for example, in the range of 0.1 mm to 2 mm, depending on the desired capillary strength or rise. The first electrode 130 and the second electrode 135 can be arranged as two matrices or arrays of needle-like, strip-like, or tabular electrodes of opposite polarity, the two matrices or arrays inserted between each other to form a capillary structure therebetween, for example, having an average distance between adjacent needle-like electrodes, the average distance being in the range of 0.1 mm to 2 mm, depending on the desired capillary strength or rise. In another variation, the wicking element can be a separate element inserted between the two electrodes 130, 135 (e.g., flat or slightly curved electrodes 130, 135).

[0146] The aerosol generating device 120 also includes a power supply 170 and a controller 180 electrically coupled to the oscillation circuit 150. In this embodiment, the power supply 170 may be, for example, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery having one or more lithium-ion battery cells, and the aerosol generating device 120 includes a power connector that enables the aerosol generating device 120 to be connected to an AC power source for recharging the power supply. Providing the aerosol generating device 120 with a power supply such as a battery allows the aerosol generating device 120 to be portable and used outdoors or in locations where AC power is unavailable. In use, when the user activates the aerosol generating device 120, power is supplied from the power supply 170 to the oscillation circuit 150. In this embodiment, the aerosol generating device 120 is activated by the user pressing an activation button (not shown) that may be disposed on the outer surface of the aerosol generating device 120. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the aerosol generating device 120 can be activated in another manner, such as when a user is detected inhaling through a suction sensor located on the mouthpiece (not shown) or when the user is holding the aerosol generating device 120. When power is supplied to the oscillating circuit 150, the oscillating circuit 150 generates an alternating electric field across the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 135 to dielectrically heat the aerosol forming matrix 110 in the cavity 140, thereby releasing volatile compounds.

[0147] The controller 180 enables the application of 1 W / cm² of matrix material per volume over a time period of less than 15 minutes. 3 Up to 25W / cm 3 Between, preferably 1.5W / cm 3 With 15W / cm 3 The average dielectric heating power density within the range between the two electrodes 130 and 135 is used to dielectrically heat the aerosol forming matrix 110. Specifically, during the heat transfer phase, the average dielectric heating power density can be controlled or set to 7 W / cm². 3 Up to 25W / cm 3 Between, preferably 8W / cm 3 Up to 20W / cm 3 Within the range between [specific values]. During the target heating phase (also known as the sustaining heating phase) of the consumption period, the average dielectric heating power density is within 1 W / cm². 3 Up to 7W / cm 3 Between, preferably 1W / cm 3 Up to 5W / cm 3 Within the range between these values. In non-limiting examples, these power densities can be used in heated non-combustible (HnB) applications.

[0148] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the aerosol generation system 100 may be configured to provide 35 W / cm² between a pair of opposing electrodes 130, 135. 3 With 35kW / cm 3 The power density between [various parameters]. The aerosol generation system 100 can be configured to provide [a certain value] at 50 W / cm² between a pair of opposing electrodes 130, 135. 3 With 10kW / cm 3 Between, at 50W / cm 3 With 2.5kW / cm 3 Between or at 50W / cm 3 With 1.25kW / cm 3 The power density between [various parameters]. The aerosol generation system 100 can be configured to provide [a certain value] at 170 W / cm² between a pair of opposing electrodes 130, 135. 3 With 2.5kW / cm 3 Between, at 250W / cm 3 With 2.5kW / cm 3 Between or at 500W / cm 3 With 2.5kW / cm 3 The power density between [the two points]. Preferably, the aerosol generation system 100 can be configured to provide a power density of 1 kW / cm² between a pair of opposing electrodes 130, 135. 3 With 2kW / cm 3 The power densities are between [specific power densities]. In non-limiting examples, these power densities can be used to heat and evaporate liquids during suction in on-demand suction applications, for durations, such as those between 0.5 seconds and 10 seconds.

[0149] For such on-demand suction applications, the dielectric heating loss per volume can be significantly higher than that per volume in HnB applications with heating processes lasting minutes. However, the heated volume can be smaller (approximately 10 mm in on-demand suction applications). 3 Compared to approximately 300mm in HnB applications 3 ).

[0150] The aerosol generation system 100 is also configured to measure the dielectric properties of the aerosol-forming article 105 or the aerosol-forming matrix 110 using electrodes 130, 135 for dielectric heating of the aerosol-forming matrix 110. In some instances, the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 135 may be used to perform dielectric measurements during or separately from the heating process. In this embodiment, the aerosol generation system 100 may be configured to determine the presence of the aerosol-forming article 105 between the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 135. The aerosol generation system may be configured to measure dielectric properties, such as instantaneous values, time evolution, or changes in dielectric properties, for example, to determine whether the aerosol-forming article 105 meets a specific criterion or is a reliable matrix. In this example, the aerosol generation system 100 is also configured to control the heating of the aerosol-forming matrix 110 based on the measured dielectric properties of the aerosol-forming article 105.

[0151] In one exemplary embodiment, the material composition of the matrix 110 of the aerosol forming article 105, which can be dielectrically heated by the aerosol forming apparatus 120, may include tobacco powder or tobacco shred filler.

[0152] As used herein, the term "shredded filler" is used to describe blends of shredded plant material (such as tobacco plant material), particularly including one or more of leaves, processed stems and ribs, and homogenized plant material. Preferably, the shredded filler comprises at least 25% plant leaves, more preferably at least 50% plant leaves, even more preferably at least 75% plant leaves, and most preferably at least 90% plant leaves.

[0153] The shredded filler suitable for use with the present invention is generally similar to that used in conventional smoking products. The shred width of the shredded filler is preferably between 0.3 mm and 2.0 mm, more preferably between 0.5 mm and 1.2 mm, and most preferably between 0.6 mm and 0.9 mm.

[0154] The aerosol generating matrix 110 may include shredded filler in the range of 80 mg to 400 mg. For example, the aerosol generating matrix 110 may include shredded filler in the range of 100 mg to 300 mg, shredded filler in the range of 100 mg to 250 mg, shredded filler in the range of 125 mg to 200 mg, or shredded filler in the range of 140 mg to 180 mg, such as shredded filler in the range of about 150 mg.

[0155] The aerosol forming matrix 110 of the aerosol forming article 105 may contain an aerosol forming agent. In the case where the aerosol forming matrix 110 includes filamentous filler, the filamentous filler may be impregnated with the aerosol forming agent. Impregnation of the filamentous filler can be accomplished by spraying or by other suitable application methods.

[0156] Preferably, the aerosol forming agent comprises one or more of glycerol and propylene glycol (PPG). The aerosol forming agent may consist of glycerol or propylene glycol, or a combination of glycerol and propylene glycol. The aerosol forming matrix 110 may contain any amount of aerosol forming agent. For example, the aerosol forming matrix 110 may contain 5% to 25% by weight of the aerosol forming agent. For example, the aerosol forming matrix 110 may contain 10% to 20% by weight of the aerosol forming agent, or 15% to 20% by weight of the aerosol forming agent. Preferably, the aerosol forming matrix 110 contains about 18% by weight of the aerosol forming agent. The weight percentage of the aerosol forming agent is given based on the dry weight of the shredded filler, with the remainder being tobacco.

[0157] The aerosol forming matrix 110 may have a density not exceeding 0.45 g / cm³, 0.4 g / cm³, 0.36 g / cm³, 0.3 g / cm³, or 0.25 g / cm³. The aerosol forming matrix 110 may have a density of at least 0.1 g / cm³. For example, the aerosol forming matrix 110 may have a density of at least 0.15 g / cm³, at least 0.2 g / cm³, or at least 0.28 g / cm³.

[0158] The aerosol forming matrix 110 can have different shapes, such as cubic, cuboid, bag-shaped, or cylindrical, and is preferably substantially cylindrical, with a length between 10 mm and 15 mm, such as between 11 mm and 14 mm, preferably about 12 mm, and a diameter between 4.5 mm and 8 mm, such as between 6.5 mm and 7.5 mm, preferably about 7 mm.

[0159] Suitable aerosol forming matrices and articles including filament fillers include those described in WO2022 / 074240 and / or WO2022 / 074158, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0160] In another exemplary embodiment, the material composition of the aerosol forming matrix 110 of the aerosol forming article 105, which can be dielectrically heated by the aerosol forming apparatus 120, may include reconstituted tobacco, such as one or more sheets of homogenized tobacco material manufactured by a cast leaf process.

[0161] When the aerosol forming matrix 110 contains homogenized tobacco material, the tobacco material preferably comprises granular tobacco obtained by grinding or otherwise pulverizing tobacco leaves. This homogenized tobacco material may have a tobacco content of at least about 40% or at least about 50% based on dry weight. In other embodiments, the homogenized tobacco material may have a tobacco content of 70% or more, such as between 70% and 80% based on dry weight.

[0162] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the aerosol forming matrix 110 may include a plurality of tobacco beads or particles. For example, the average diameter of the plurality of beads or particles may be between 0.5 mm and 10 mm. The matrix 110 may include 2 to 200 beads or particles, or 5 to 200 beads or particles, or 10 to 100 beads or particles, or 20 to 75 beads or particles, or 30 to 50 beads or particles, or 40 to 50 beads or particles. The total weight of the plurality of beads or particles in the aerosol generating article 105 may be between 50 mg and 350 mg, or between 100 mg and 300 mg, or between 125 mg and 250 mg, or between 150 mg and 200 mg. The beads or particles may contain tobacco, an aerosol forming agent, and a hydrocolloid binder.

[0163] The aerosol forming matrix 110 may contain one or more intrinsic binders that are endogenous binders for tobacco, one or more exogenous binders that are exogenous binders for tobacco, or combinations thereof, to help agglomerate particulate tobacco. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol forming matrix 110 may contain other additives, including but not limited to tobacco and non-tobacco fibers, aerosol forming agents, humectants, plasticizers, flavorings, fillers, aqueous solvents and non-aqueous solvents, and combinations thereof.

[0164] Suitable external binders for inclusion in the aerosol-forming matrix 110 are known in the art, including but not limited to: gums, such as guar gum, xanthan gum, gum arabic, and locust bean gum; cellulose binders, such as hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, and ethyl cellulose; polysaccharides, such as starch; organic acids, such as alginic acid; conjugate base salts of organic acids, such as sodium alginate, agar, and pectin; and combinations thereof. For example, the aerosol-forming matrix 110 may contain between 1% and 5% of an external binder based on dry weight, such as between 1.5% and 3.5% based on dry weight, preferably about 2% based on dry weight. Preferably, the external binder is guar gum.

[0165] Suitable non-tobacco fibers for inclusion in the aerosol-forming matrix 110 to reinforce the material are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: cellulose fibers; cork fibers; hardwood fibers; jute fibers; and combinations thereof. For example, the aerosol-forming matrix 110 may contain between 2% and 6% non-tobacco fibers on a dry weight basis, such as between 3% and 5% on a dry weight basis, and preferably about 4% on a dry weight basis. Preferably, the non-tobacco fibers are cellulose fibers.

[0166] Aerosol forming matrix 110 may contain an aerosol forming agent. Preferably, the aerosol forming agent comprises one or more of glycerol and propylene glycol. The aerosol forming agent may consist of glycerol or propylene glycol, or a combination of glycerol and propylene glycol. Aerosol forming matrix 110 may contain any amount of aerosol forming agent. For example, aerosol forming matrix 110 may contain 5% to 25% by weight of aerosol forming agent. For example, aerosol forming matrix 110 may contain 10% to 20% by weight of aerosol forming agent, or 15% to 20% by weight of aerosol forming agent. Preferably, aerosol forming matrix 110 contains about 18% by weight of aerosol forming agent. The weight percentage of aerosol forming agent is given based on the dry weight of aerosol forming matrix 110.

[0167] Preferably, the aerosol forming matrix 110 has a weight between 220 mg and 350 mg. For example, the aerosol forming matrix 110 may have a weight between 240 mg and 320 mg, between 250 mg and 310 mg, between 240 mg and 280 mg, or between 290 mg and 330 mg.

[0168] The aerosol forming matrix 110 may have a density not exceeding 0.75 g / cm³, 0.68 g / cm³, 0.67 g / cm³, 0.59 g / cm³, or 0.56 g / cm³. The aerosol forming matrix 110 may have a density of at least 0.5 g / cm³. For example, the aerosol forming matrix 110 may have a density of at least 0.55 g / cm³, at least 0.56 g / cm³, or at least 0.64 g / cm³.

[0169] The aerosol forming matrix 110 may be cylindrical, and preferably substantially cylindrical, with a length between 10 mm and 15 mm, such as between 11 mm and 14 mm, preferably about 12 mm, and a diameter between 4.5 mm and 8 mm, such as between 6.5 mm and 7.5 mm, preferably about 7 mm, and preferably may have a matrix volume in the range of 0.16 cubic centimeters to 0.75 cubic centimeters.

[0170] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the aerosol forming matrix 110 may be a non-tobacco-based matrix and / or a substantially tobacco-free matrix. The aerosol forming matrix 110 may be a cellulose-based matrix, such as those described in WO2020 / 207733, WO2023 / 126494 and / or WO2022 / 248378, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0171] Figure 2 It is according to the embodiments of this disclosure for use Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an oscillation circuit 250 in an aerosol generation system 100. The oscillation circuit 250 includes a switching unit 260 interconnected with a resonator feedback loop 270 for providing a self-oscillating signal to the switching unit 260. The feedback loop 270 is connected between the input and output of the switching unit 260.

[0172] The switching unit 260 includes a single transistor, such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field-effect transistor (FET).

[0173] The oscillation circuit 250 may further include a choke coil 280 that acts on the input of the feedback loop 270 to provide a stimulation signal, such as a stimulation voltage. The oscillation circuit also includes a bias unit 290 that acts on the feedback loop 270 to provide a variable or controllable bias signal (such as a bias voltage) for setting operating conditions. In the illustrated variant, the feedback signal can be described as a voltage. The output voltage U of the switching unit 260... OUT Coupled to feedback loop 270, thereby converting the input voltage U IN A feedback switching signal in the form of a feedback loop 270 is provided to the switching unit 260. The configuration of the feedback loop 270 causes the output signal (e.g., the output voltage U of the switching unit 260) to be such that... OUT It can undergo a phase transition, and the input voltage U of the switching unit 260... IN The phase is reversed at the point of contact for resonant oscillation. In other configurations, the current can be used as a feedback signal, where the switching unit 260 includes a BJT.

[0174] Feedback loop 270 is configured to self-oscillate and will oscillate at or near a given resonant frequency determined by the values ​​of the passive components of feedback loop 270. Feedback loop 270 is configured to provide the output voltage U from switching unit 260. OUT To input voltage U IN A 180° phase shift is used for oscillation, and in addition, transistor T is configured for inverting operation.

[0175] like Figure 3a and Figure 3b As shown, the feedback loop 270 includes a resonant circuit 272, which includes a load capacitor C. L The feedback loop 270 also includes a capacitor 274 that provides a second 90° phase shift or quarter-wavelength offset to the feedback signal, such that the feedback signal arriving at the input of the switching unit 260 is inverted and phase-shifted by 180°. The switching unit 260 itself is configured for inverting switching operation to provide a second 90° phase shift or quarter-wavelength offset to the input voltage U of the switching unit 260. IN With output voltage U OUT A 180° phase shift is provided between them.

[0176] The resonant circuit 272 includes a first electrode 130 and a second electrode 135, which together form a load capacitor C. L When the aerosol forming matrix 110 is located between the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 135, it forms a load capacitor C. L Part of it. Importantly, the load capacitor C... L It is formed in the feedback loop 270 and not at a separate output or portion of the separate circuit system connected to the switching unit 260. This allows for the crossing of the load capacitor C. L The electrodes generate a high-frequency oscillating voltage (which is necessary for sufficient and efficient dielectric heating of the aerosol forming matrix 110) without having an additional output or circuitry leading to the already resonant feedback loop 270 (which would introduce unnecessary losses and circuit complexity). The resonant circuit 272 may include a series resonator circuit or a parallel resonator circuit, examples of which are described in more detail below.

[0177] In an alternative embodiment, the resonant circuit 272 may include a resonant cavity 272, such as Figure 3c As shown in the diagram. The resonant circuit 272 including the resonant cavity may have an internal volume configured to receive the aerosol forming matrix 110, for example, having an opening for insertion into the aerosol forming matrix 110. In an example, the resonant circuit 272 including the resonant cavity may be configured as follows: / 4 resonator. The resonant circuit 272, including the resonant cavity, can be configured to behave like an RLC circuit. The inductor L and capacitor C are arranged in parallel with each other to have a frequency of parallel resonance or near-parallel resonance that can be excited by the switching unit 260. The resonant circuit 272, including the resonant cavity, can be coupled to the feedback loop 270 using one or more of capacitive coupling, inductive antenna coupling (magnetic coupling), direct electrical coupling, or window coupling (e.g., coupling with a loop).

[0178] The resonant circuit 272, including the resonant cavity, can have any shape, but is preferably cylindrical or cuboid. In one embodiment, the resonant cavity can be configured as an open-loop resonator.

[0179] Figure 4 An oscillating circuit 350 according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The oscillating circuit 350 includes circuits having an intrinsic capacitance C. i A switching unit 260 in the form of a transistor T is provided. Furthermore, the transistor T is configured for inverting operation, for example, as an inverting common-source FET, MOSFET, or common-emitter BJT. The source terminal of the transistor T can be coupled to a DC power supply via a choke coil 280. A feedback loop 270 extends between the gate terminal and the source terminal of the transistor T. The feedback loop 270 includes a resonant circuit 272, which includes a load capacitor C. L The load capacitor has a first electrode 130 and a second electrode 135 separated by an aerosol forming matrix 110. In the illustrated variant, the resonator circuit 272 also extends via a delay line D. L and connected in series to delay line D L Capacitor C2 is connected to ground. Circuit 350 also includes a delay line D. L Bias unit 290 coupled to the gate terminal of transistor T. For example... Figure 4 As shown, bias unit 290 is electrically connected between delay line DL and capacitor C2, thus slightly isolating bias unit 290 from the high oscillation frequency of feedback loop 270. Delay line D L It can be placed elsewhere, such as somewhere else in the feedback loop 270.

[0180] Delay line D L This is a time-delay element, such as an element with inductive behavior, used to slow down the arriving voltage wave from feedback loop 270 during the oscillation period. This allows resonant circuit 272 to be tuned to the desired switching and oscillation frequency to shift the oscillation frequency away from the natural resonant frequency given by resonant circuit 272. This ensures that oscillation circuit 350 remains within a predefined frequency operating range to provide the necessary anti-phase or 90° phase-shifted feedback, and also ensures that feedback loop 270 has low impedance to provide high gain, as described in more detail below.

[0181] The oscillation circuit 350 is shown as having an arrangement on the load capacitor C L Electrical contacts 160 and 165 are located on both sides of the electrode. In some embodiments, the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 135 may be removable from the oscillation circuit 350 or may form part of the aerosol forming article 110. In such an embodiment, the electrical contacts 160 and 165 provide an electrical connection between the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 135 and the feedback loop 270. The load capacitor C... L In embodiments where the aerosol forming matrix 110 is fixed within the feedback loop 270, for example, such that it can be inserted into and removed from the cavity formed between the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 135, the electrical contacts 160, 165 provide electrical connections from the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 135 to the next component (e.g., inductors L1 and L2) in the feedback loop 270.

[0182] Regarding the power supply voltage, a DC power supply voltage is provided, preferably within a range suitable for battery operation using one or more standard battery cells. Preferably, the DC power supply voltage is below 14V. For example, it is possible to operate the oscillating circuit 350 on a single battery cell, such as an 18650 battery cell (Li-ion) or a similar battery cell (which provides 3.2V to 3.9V). However, more preferably, the voltage of an exemplary 3.5V to 7V battery cell used for the power supply can be boosted, for example, by a DC-DC converter (e.g., a boost circuit) or a voltage multiplier. Alternatively or additionally, two or more battery cells can be used in series, or other configurations or arrangements that allow for increased voltage from one or more battery cells can be used. It is also possible to have a controllable output voltage (e.g., a DC-DC converter, a voltage regulator) to control the heating temperature by changing the DC supply voltage, or to boost the voltage (e.g., boost to 10V-12V) to obtain maximum power during the preheating phase to accelerate the preheating phase, with the goal of rapidly reaching the aerosolization temperature. Controlling the DC power supply voltage is one way to make it possible to rapidly change the heating power even though the oscillating circuit 350 is oscillating freely.

[0183] Capacitor C1 is arranged in parallel with transistor T, and therefore in parallel with the inherent capacitor of transistor T (e.g., a field-effect transistor). This contributes to less voltage-dependent oscillations and frequencies, stabilizes oscillations, and also improves overall dielectric heating efficiency. The capacitance of capacitor C1 is chosen to be greater than the maximum inherent capacitance C of transistor T under operating conditions. iThis makes the effect of inherent transistor variations based on frequency, temperature, etc., on the feedback loop 270 much smaller or negligible. For example, in a non-limiting embodiment, the value can be in the range of 2pF to 100pF, more preferably in the range of 5pF to 50pF.

[0184] Capacitor element 274 includes capacitor C2 disposed at the output or end of resonant circuit 272. In one embodiment, capacitor element 274 includes more than one capacitor. As described above, capacitor element 274 has the function of providing a 90° phase shift to the feedback voltage of feedback loop 270 with minimal losses or other undesirable effects, and therefore it needs to have a high quality factor or Q factor, preferably above 1000 at 100MHz. Compared to capacitor C1, the capacitance value of capacitor C2 of capacitor element 274 should be relatively high, for example, in the range of 500pF to 100nF, more preferably in the range of 1nF to 50nF, which results in low impedance of capacitor element 274. In a variation, capacitor element 274 can be implemented as an RC network to provide a 90° phase shift, for example using a network of two single-resistor capacitors, having two capacitors in the feedback loop, each capacitor connected to ground via a resistor.

[0185] The resonant circuit 272, together with the capacitor element 274, provides power from the output voltage U. OUT To input voltage U IN The transistor T (e.g., FET) is configured for inverting operation, thereby providing another 180° phase shift and voltage gain. This results in a phase shift across the load capacitor C. L The resonance or near-resonance oscillation of electrodes 130 and 135 and the voltage U amplified compared to the DC power supply voltage. L When near resonant operation, the resonant circuit 272 behaves inductively, exhibiting a high Q factor. Furthermore, the feedback loop 270 is impedance-matched to the transistor T with an impedance of approximately 500mΩ to 8Ω, preferably approximately 2Ω, to provide high gain, thereby causing a gain across the load capacitor C. L The increased voltage. Moreover, preferably, this gain is achieved without using additional voltage or current amplification passive components (such as tapped inductors or transformers located in the circuit forming feedback loop 270), because such passive components are difficult and detrimental to operate and design at frequencies greater than 50 MHz. Preferably, the impedance of the resonant circuit 272 and the capacitor C2 is matched to the impedance of the transistor T; more preferably, the resonant circuit 272 and the transistor T are substantially impedance matched.

[0186] The combination of capacitor C1, the feedback loop with resonant circuit 272, and capacitor element 274 can also be described as generating a bandpass filter or a Pi or π network with a 180° phase shift. In the illustrated embodiment, the resonant circuit 272 of the feedback loop 270 is not connected to ground but is suspended, with its ends at each capacitor C1 and C2. This eliminates the direct ground connection at either end of the resonant circuit 272, thereby reducing the effects of stray elements and ground for more predictable operation.

[0187] At the operating frequency, including the load capacitor C L The resonant circuit 272 acts as an inductive load providing the first 90° phase shift (also known as a quarter-wavelength phase shift), and the capacitive element 274, which includes a high-quality factor capacitor C2 connected to ground, provides the second 90° phase shift or quarter-wavelength phase shift.

[0188] The oscillator circuit 350 can be described or characterized as a Pierce oscillator circuit with a modified feedback loop 270, wherein the physical quartz element is replaced by a quartz analog or quartz electrical equivalent circuit to provide inverted feedback to the switching unit 260, which also operates in inverted mode. In some embodiments, the oscillator circuit 272 can be configured based on other resonant feedback loop oscillator circuits, such as, but not limited to, using a Colpitts or Hartley type oscillator (using an inverting transistor T).

[0189] Figure 5 A to Figure 5 F illustrates how a variation of the parallel resonator circuit PRC can be used to derive a quartz analog or quartz equivalent circuit, which can be used as an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment of the resonant circuit 272. The quartz analog or quartz equivalent circuit can have parallel resonance at a given frequency. This can be viewed as a circuit with two branches, one representing mechanical oscillation and the other representing electrical behavior, such as... Figure 5 A and Figure 5 As shown in B, the mechanical oscillation is caused by a load capacitor C. L and inductor L TOT The first branch is represented by [the first branch]. The electrical oscillation is formed by [a component] arranged in parallel with the first branch, having a capacitor C. E The second branch is represented. This configuration causes two capacitors C to... L and C E The series connection (visible around the loop formed by the two branches) makes capacitor C E This will reduce the total capacitance of the equivalent circuit. Furthermore, this circuit provides an inductive phase shift of approximately 90° within a defined frequency range.

[0190] Now for reference Figure 5C, One branch of the parallel resonator circuit PRC includes an inductor L connected in series with the first branch. TOT and load capacitor C L .like Figure 5 As shown in D, L can be used... TOT Decomposed into load capacitor C L Two inductors, L1 and L2, on either side are used to improve this branch, providing a decomposed inductor or decomposed coil design as well as across the load capacitor C. L voltage U L A more symmetrical application of the capacitor C improves the dielectric heating efficiency. To provide parallel resonance, due to the capacitor C... E For capacitor C L The minimum capacitance effect, the capacitor C of the second branch E Inductors (such as) can be used Figure 5 (as shown in F) Replace.

[0191] From Figure 5 In a non-limiting example of the resonant circuit 272 of D, starting with the decomposed inductors L1 and L2, inductors L1 and L2 can be magnetically coupled to form a mutual inductance M, thereby forming a parallel circuit branch or a second branch of the resonant circuit 272, such as... Figure 5 As shown in E, mutual magnetic coupling can be achieved by bringing the two inductors L1 and L2 very close together, with the winding axes of the coils aligned; or by using mutual magnetic cores; or both. This has the advantages of providing a parallel resonator circuit PRC without using additional wires for the second branch, and without requiring additional windings or separate magnetic cores for the second inductor arranged in parallel. This also allows for and promotes inductive coupling and voltage U between the two inductors L1 and L2. L At load capacitor C L A balanced, symmetrical arrangement. Two branches (where the first branch L1-C) L -L2 and L with inductor L E The second branch (representing the symmetry of two mutual inductance values) in either direction contributes to the load capacitor C. L The symmetrical balance of the voltage on the electrodes thus reduces the voltage across the load capacitor C. L The loss generated at the point. This principle of decomposing the inductor can also be called decomposing the coil resonator.

[0192] The resonant circuit 272 can also be like Figure 5 The implementation shown in F, wherein the mutual inductance M (seen twice due to reciprocity) is composed of a single inductive element (e.g., inductor L). E )replace.

[0193] The values ​​of the components in this resonant circuit 272 are preferably selected within the following exemplary and non-limiting ranges.TOT It can be in the range of 10nH to 50nH, more preferably between 15nH and 40nH, which is equivalent to L1 plus L2, L E It can be in the range of 7nH to 30nH, more preferably between 10nH and 20nH, and the load capacitor C L The value can be between 0.5 pF and 5 pF, more preferably between 1 pF and 3 pF.

[0194] The resonant circuit 272 can be configured to provide another type of tank circuit with a 90° phase shift over a given frequency range. In one embodiment, the resonant circuit 272 can be implemented as a series resonant circuit having a load capacitor connected in series with one or more inductive elements. CL It is configured to provide an inductive response or a 90° phase shift within a given frequency range suitable for dielectric heating.

[0195] In order to load capacitor C L The required dielectric losses are generated in the process, necessitating high frequencies. The dielectric losses will be related to the dielectric losses applied to the load capacitor C. L The frequency of the alternating voltage (in this case, the oscillation frequency f of the oscillating circuit). s The switching frequency f increases slightly proportionally. However, higher switching frequencies f s This causes significant switching losses in transistor T. When using very high switching frequencies (e.g., 1 GHz or higher), expensive circuit design is necessary to make the circuit operational (e.g., GaN transistors, such as GHz-type circuit designs).

[0196] To compensate for the lower switching frequency, the load capacitor C can be bypassed. L Provides a higher oscillation AC voltage U L (e.g., measured by RMS or peak voltage) to deliver the necessary power to the load capacitor C L When it is necessary to increase the switching frequency f s With increasing the load capacitor C L To achieve a balance between the voltages on the load capacitor C, which may include the aerosol forming matrix 110, in order to increase the heating power (and thus increase the load capacitor C). L Dielectric loss P in L At this time, increasing the voltage has a stronger effect on the heating power than increasing the frequency, because voltage and power have a quadratic relationship. Load capacitor C L The dielectric loss also depends on the distance between the two electrodes 130 and 135, which affects the electric field strength E across the aerosol-forming matrix 110. F .

[0197] As an example Figure 20The figure depicts the loss P of a given dielectric material. L And for a given geometry / arrangement of electrodes E1 and E2, schematic diagrams of various curves showing switching losses versus electric field strength and transistor cost, with non-restrictive and non-exclusive values. The figure illustrates the changes in switching frequency f with... s Increasing the switching frequency f reduces efficiency; to ensure operability, the switching frequency f should be increased. s The price of transistors increases exponentially, and also with the switching frequency f. s Increasing the electric field strength decreases it.

[0198] For mobile, portable designs of human-operated dielectric heaters, serious concerns exist regarding voltage insulation and potential dielectric breakdown due to contamination of the matrix material S of the aerosol-forming matrix 110 and its generally heterogeneous nature. Therefore, for handheld and human-operated portable devices, there are safety considerations regarding the switching frequency f. S and electric field strength E F The operating range. The electric field strength depends on the field applied to capacitor C. L voltage U L (i.e., the voltage intensity of the alternating voltage) and the maximum distance d between the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 135.

[0199] Preferably, the switching frequency f S To limit it to a certain range, first ensure that it crosses the load capacitor C. L Sufficient power loss P L Furthermore, it avoids excessive switching losses. Limit the switching frequency f. s The value of f allows for the use of simple circuit designs, such as, but not limited to, LDMOS or other standard transistors used in RF circuits. Preferably, the switching frequency f... S The frequency range should be between 100MHz and 1.2GHz, more preferably between 150MHz and 1GHz, and even more preferably between 200MHz and 900MHz. Meanwhile, considering impurities and heterogeneous matrix design, the use of thin electrodes (e.g., but not limited to 1mm-10mm) that can be positioned close to each other, potential exposure to or close proximity to the human body, and potential improper human manipulation, the load capacitor C should be... L The maximum electric field strength between the electrodes is limited to a reasonable value that allows for simple electrical insulation materials and design. Preferably, the average electric field strength across the electrodes of the load capacitor is at most 120 V / mm, more preferably at most 100 V / mm, and even more preferably at most 80 V / mm.

[0200] Preferably, under nominal heating operation (excluding the start-up or heating phase, which may be less efficient and lasts less than 30 seconds), the heating efficiency should be at least 60% (desired power loss P).L Compared to all other losses, other losses can include switching losses of transistor T, losses caused by the bias circuit and choke, inductor-resistance losses of inductors L1 and L2, capacitive-resistance losses from capacitors C1 and C2, and resistive losses of electrodes E1 and E2 and the circuit. As an example, the total power could be 10W, while the effective power or heating loss P... L The power should be 6W or higher, where non-heating losses or other heating losses in the matrix 110 not caused by the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 135 are 4W or less. Power losses exceeding 6-7W are undesirable for handheld devices, and more preferably less than 5W under nominal heating conditions or other operations that may last for more than 30 seconds.

[0201] In order to achieve the input voltage U IN With output voltage U OUT With appropriate anti-phase effect and a 180° phase shift in feedback loop 270, oscillator circuit 350 must remain within the frequency operating range where the behavior of feedback loop 270 is highly inductive. In examples including parallel resonator circuits (PRC), the series resonant frequency f SER (Resonant frequency) is relatively close to the parallel resonant frequency f PAR (Anti-resonance frequency). If the oscillation (switching) frequency f of the PRC S Exceeding the parallel resonant frequency f PAR In this case, feedback loop 270 will operate capacitively and will not provide the necessary phase reversal to feedback loop 270. Furthermore, the equivalent impedance of the circuit will increase to an excessive level for efficient dielectric heating because it does not provide the necessary gain.

[0202] The oscillation in feedback loop 270 will naturally approach the parallel resonant frequency of resonant circuit 272. However, the delay line D... L The addition of [a certain element] can introduce a limitation that restricts the oscillation frequency to below the parallel resonant frequency f. PAR A slight time delay. Figure 6 The following is a frequency analyzer curve of an exemplary resonant circuit 272, specifically a curve of a parallel resonant circuit PRC, showing the oscillation (switching) frequency f. S (It has series resonance at 855MHz and parallel resonance at 1.246GHz), the relationship between the phase shift across the PRC (with a relatively flat 90° inductance frequency response between the two resonant frequencies) and the effective impedance of the PRC. More specifically, from Figure 6 It can be seen that when the parallel resonant frequency f is reached... PAR Previously, the 90° phase shift began to decrease. At the parallel resonant frequency f... PARSubsequently, the phase shift response drops below 0°, exhibiting capacitive behavior, and the impedance becomes very high, for example, 2.4kΩ. The ideal operating frequency range is closer to the series resonant frequency f. SER The phase shift remains 90°, and the impedance response is low, preferably less than 2Ω, more preferably less than 1Ω. The parallel resonant frequency f... PAR It can be higher than 1GHz, for example, from 1GHz to 1.5GHz, while the actual switching frequency f S It can be below 1 GHz, and this lower switching frequency f S By delay line D L cause.

[0203] Ideally, the oscillation (switching) frequency f S It should be set below the parallel resonant frequency f. PAR But higher than the series resonant frequency f SER This is to ensure that two conditions are met: firstly, (i) the resonant circuit behaves inductively to provide a 90° phase shift, and secondly, (ii) the impedance of the resonant circuit (and therefore the feedback loop 270) is low, such as... Figure 6 As shown in the diagram. For example, feedback loop 270 at the oscillation (switching) frequency f of the oscillation circuit. S The resulting impedance can be in the range of approximately 100mΩ to 2Ω. Preferably, the delay line D... L Configured to make the oscillation (switching) frequency f S Distance from series resonant frequency f SER The parallel resonant frequency f of the distance PAR More recently, this maintains a low resonant circuit impedance when operating within a frequency range that provides a 90° phase shift. This is achieved by delay line D. L The resulting time delay needs to be relatively short because the series resonance and parallel resonance of the parallel oscillating circuit PRC are close to each other relative to the total frequency range. Preferably, the delay line D... L The resulting delay acting on feedback loop 270 should be at the parallel resonant frequency f. PAR The period is between 5% and 35%, provided that the above two conditions (i) and (ii) are met. In the embodiment, the delay line D... L The resulting delay acting on feedback loop 270 at the parallel resonant frequency f PAR The period and series resonant frequency f SER The difference between the periods is within 35% to 90%, provided that the above two conditions (i) and (ii) are met, more preferably within 50% to 85%. For example, with Figure 6 The illustration serves as a non-restrictive numerical example, assuming the parallel resonant frequency f. PARIt is 1.25 GHz, therefore has a period of 800 picoseconds, and a series resonant frequency f. SER The frequency is 855MHz, and therefore has a period of 1169ps, then f PAR and f SER There is a difference of 369 ps between their periods. This is due to the delay line D. L The resulting time delay can be within the above range, for example, f. PAR with f SER The period difference between them is 70%, which is 258 ps, thus ensuring that the feedback loop 270 has the desired inductive behavior and low impedance necessary to provide high gain anti-phase feedback.

[0204] Preferably, the delay line D L A zigzag conductive element is implemented to exhibit inductive behavior, for example, a zigzag element having two (2) to twelve (12) zigzag branches, more preferably three (3) to eight (8) zigzag branches. Such an implementation exhibits minimal stray inductive and capacitive behavior. Various delay line structures can be used to provide the desired functionality, such as Ω-shaped coils, single planar coils, flat inductors, wavy lines, zigzag lines, or sawtooth lines. It is also possible to provide the desired delay line functionality through specific transmission line designs. For example, it is possible for delay line D... L The physical components are implemented as conductors in a printed circuit board, for example, as a microstrip patch antenna. In some embodiments, a low-pass filter can be used as a delay line D. L However, this will affect the shape of the oscillating voltage, while the delay line D, which provides a short time delay through the inductive effect, will... L This will not affect the waveform. Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, delay line D L It is placed between the feedback loop output of the resonant circuit 272 and the capacitor element 274, but other arrangements are also possible.

[0205] Figure 7A -C is used according to embodiments of this disclosure for Figures 2 to 4 An equidistant diagram of a decomposed coil resonator with mutual inductive coupling in an oscillating circuit. Figure 7A In this example, the two inductors L1 and L2 are each formed as a single winding, such as a single toroidal coil. The central axes of the windings of each coil are substantially coincident with each other, and the planes formed by each single-winding inductor are parallel to each other and also very close to each other. This establishes mutual inductance between inductors L1 and L2 without the need for a magnetic core M. C If necessary, this can be achieved by adding a magnetic core M that passes through or at least partially passes through each winding of L1 and L2. CTo further increase the mutual inductance M to achieve the desired inductance level, the distance between the two planes arranging the windings can be increased to minimize the capacitive effect between them. Preferably, the windings of inductors L1 and L2 are wound in the same direction around a coincident winding central axis, or in the presence of core M... C In the case of core M C Alternatively, they can be wound around a central axis. In this way, the magnetic flux generated by both coils L1 and L2 is enhanced, rather than canceled out. In other words, the two inductors L1 and L2 are positioned around the magnetic core M. C Alternatively, a continuous winding coil around the central axis of the winding without using a core, wherein two winding regions form two inductor coils L1 and L2.

[0206] Figure 7B An alternative decomposed coil resonator arrangement is shown, in which an Ω-shaped loop is used instead of a full-length loop for L1 and L2. Other winding shapes are also possible while providing essentially the same functionality.

[0207] In some instances, it is possible to use inductor coils L1 and L2 with smaller diameters, but with a number of loops or turns. Preferably, the number of turns in each inductor coil L1 and L2 does not exceed five (5), preferably less than three (3) turns, and preferably not more than one (1) turn. To further reduce the capacitive coupling between L1 and L2, Figure 7B The inductors L1 and L2 of the decomposed coil resonator are arranged as Ω-shaped planar coils, single-winding or dual-winding coils, both on the same surface or plane, and therefore not aligned parallel to each other. This is desirable because the capacitive effect between the two inductors L1 and L2 could provide undesirable additional dielectric losses. In this embodiment, through core M... C The magnetic coupling is achieved via a U-shaped core, in which each leg passes through the center of each planar coil L1, L2.

[0208] Figure 7A and Figure 7B Both show an embodiment of the resonant circuit 272 as a complete parallel resonant circuit PRC, formed by the second branch created by the mutual inductance M between inductors L1 and L2.

[0209] It is also possible that this can be achieved through simple proximity of the two inductor coils L1 and L2, without the use of a magnetic core M. C (like Figure 7C As shown in the figure, or by winding the coils of inductors L1 and L2 together, a mutual inductance M between L1 and L2 is generated. Figure 7C The electrode arrangement includes parallel electrode plates E1 and E2 with curved edges to reduce hot spots in the electric field formed around the boundaries of the electrode plates.

[0210] Figure 7A and Figure 7B An electrode arrangement including a pair of parallel-aligned electrode plates 130, 135 is shown; however, other electrode arrangements are also possible.

[0211] Figure 8 AD is a method for use according to embodiments of this disclosure. Figures 2 to 4 A schematic illustration of a flat, interdigitated electrode arrangement in an oscillating circuit. Using interdigitated electrodes allows for a more uniform electric field generation, which can be used to avoid hot spots in the matrix caused by aerosol formation. Figure 8 A illustrates an electrode arrangement comprising two electrodes. The first electrode includes one or more extensions, and the second electrode includes one or more corresponding recesses for receiving the one or more extensions of the first electrode. In some other instances, both the first and second electrodes each include a combination of extensions and recesses configured to align with corresponding recesses and extensions in an opposing electrode.

[0212] Figure 8 B and Figure 8 C illustrates an electrode arrangement comprising multiple electrodes for each polarity, wherein each electrode is positioned adjacent to an electrode of the opposite polarity.

[0213] However, the shape and geometry of the electrode can vary, and it is preferred that the edges and corners of the electrode are rounded, for example, having a radius in the range of about 0.15 mm to 2.5 mm, in order to “soften” the peak of the electric field at the edges and corners.

[0214] like Figure 8 As shown in Figure D, it is possible to fabricate an interdigitated electrode arrangement for a one-sided flat aerosol forming matrix 110. However, this can be achieved by providing electrodes on the opposite side of the aerosol forming matrix 110 that are similar to... Figure 8 The second electrode arrangement, identical to that shown in D, is used to improve dielectric heating. The electrodes of the second electrode arrangement can be configured to align with the electrodes of the first electrode arrangement, which have opposite polarities.

[0215] Alternatively, such as Figure 9 As shown, the interdigitated electrode arrangement may include a first electrode and a second electrode, which are configured to intersect each other around a cylindrical axis to form a tubular structure. In this embodiment, there are two pairs of three-finger electrodes. Preferably, the tubular structure may have a diameter between 5 mm and 9 mm. The tangential distance between electrodes of opposite polarities may be between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 0.7 mm and 2.2 mm.

[0216] Figure 10An embodiment is shown in which the distance between electrodes of opposite polarity varies between different regions of the electrode arrangement. This can facilitate modification of the electric field intensity in different regions of the electrode arrangement, thereby modifying the heating power delivered to different regions of the aerosol forming matrix 110 heated using the electrode arrangement to provide segmented, zoned, or partial heating.

[0217] Figure 11 AB shows an aerosol-forming matrix 110 configured to dielectrically heat an aerosol-forming matrix 110 positioned in a central cavity formed by an electrode arrangement for use in... Figure 2 The diagram shows the equidistant and schematic arrangement of the tubular interdigitated electrodes in the oscillating circuit of Figure 3. Figure 11 The electrode arrangement in AB comprises a series of axially aligned electrode strips positioned adjacent to electrode strips of opposite polarity. In such an embodiment, the aerosol-forming matrix 110 is not directly positioned between the opposing electrodes, but is still heated by the presence of an alternating electric field in its vicinity. Stronger and more uniform heating of the aerosol-forming matrix 110 can be achieved using... Figure 11 This is achieved using the electrode arrangement shown in B, which is configured such that the electric field between the relatively polar electrodes across the aerosol forming matrix 110 is strongest. Figure 11 The CD shows how to get from Figure 11 The electrode arrangement of AB has multiple electrode portions electrically connected to achieve an interdigitated configuration.

[0218] Figure 12a -c illustrates an alternative electrode arrangement for dielectrically heating a liquid aerosol forming matrix, which serves as both a heater assembly and a wicking element. Figure 12a The arrangement includes a reservoir for containing a liquid aerosol forming matrix 110 and multiple electrode plates positioned adjacent to electrode plates of opposite polarity. The arrangement functions by generating an alternating electric field across adjacent electrode plates, thereby dielectrically heating the liquid aerosol forming matrix located between adjacent electrodes. The distance between adjacent electrode plates can be selected such that the channel between adjacent electrode plates has a capillary effect that draws the liquid aerosol forming matrix into the channel. Figure 12b -c illustrates a similar electrode arrangement using an interlocked array of electrode needles instead of electrode plates. Blades, tabs, strips, or cylinders can also be used instead of needles. Figure 12c As can be seen more clearly, the interlocking electrode needle array is configured such that adjacent electrode needles have opposite polarities. This electrode arrangement is particularly suitable for providing uniform heating of the aerosol-forming matrix and avoiding localized overheating of the matrix, which could lead to the formation of poor-quality aerosols. Figure 12aSimilar to the embodiments in the previous one, the distance between adjacent electrode needles in the electrode array can be selected so that the region between adjacent electrode needles has a capillary effect, thereby drawing the liquid aerosol forming matrix into the electrode array.

[0219] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a control system utilizing a temperature sensing system to control the power delivered to the aerosol forming matrix 110 based on a detected aerosol forming matrix temperature. The control system includes a controller configured to receive aerosol forming matrix temperature data from the temperature sensing device. If the controller determines that the aerosol forming matrix temperature exceeds a predetermined upper limit threshold, the controller uses a DC / DC cutoff to cut off power to the oscillation circuit, allowing a fixed yet variable temperature to be delivered to the aerosol forming matrix.

[0220] In an alternative embodiment, the controller may be configured to use pulse width modulation (PWM) to change the switching duty cycle of the oscillating circuit pulses based on the measured or estimated temperature.

[0221] As an alternative to cutting off the power supply to the oscillating circuit, the bias voltage of the switching unit can be manipulated to keep the transistor outside the oscillation range. The bias voltage or DC voltage, or the DC supply voltage, can be increased or decreased to increase or decrease the voltage delivered to the load capacitor C. L The heating power is adjusted until the measured temperature of the aerosol-forming matrix reaches the target temperature or is within the target temperature range.

[0222] In an alternative embodiment, the feedback loop of the oscillating circuit can be interrupted, for example, by electrical or mechanical means.

[0223] In some embodiments, the control system is configured to control the power delivered to the aerosol-forming matrix in two phases: a first phase in which the temperature of the aerosol-forming matrix rises slowly as quickly as possible (referred to as the warming phase or preheating phase), and a second phase in which the aerosol-forming matrix is ​​maintained at the target aerosolization temperature (referred to as the target heating phase).

[0224] The first stage is performed by maximizing the DC power supply voltage to, for example, 10V to 12V. Once the target aerosolization temperature is reached, for example, between 80°C and 365°C, preferably between 180°C and 320°C, and more preferably between 180°C and 220°C, the heating power is reduced by lowering the power supply voltage to, for example, a lower value of approximately 6.4V to 7.6V. During the gradual rise time of the first stage of temperature control, the total power consumption can be 10W-15W, preferably with an efficiency of at least 65%, and the temperature can be controlled to 180°C-220°C upon reaching the aerosolization temperature of the aerosol forming agent, for example, to achieve constant aerosol delivery over a given process duration.

[0225] During the aerosolization of the aerosol-forming matrix, the DC power supply current typically changes because the dielectric constant of the aerosol-forming matrix decreases. Therefore, the dielectric constant can be used as a value to indicate the temperature of the aerosol-forming matrix.

[0226] In some embodiments, an artificial intelligence network is used to determine the temperature of the aerosol-forming matrix based on one or more of the heating chamber temperature, DC power supply voltage, or DC power supply current.

[0227] Figure 14 A block diagram of a control system utilizing a power sensing system is shown, which controls the power delivered to the aerosol forming matrix 110 based on detected power consumption values ​​(DC supply current, DC supply voltage, or both). In some instances, the microprocessor 2030 may further receive a temperature signal from the resonant circuit 272. In particular, this figure illustrates the self-oscillating circuit of Figure 3A in an exemplary application environment. A power supply 2020 supplies power to the oscillating circuit and is connected to the switching unit 260, particularly via a DC / DC converter 2010. The microprocessor 2030 receives signals indicating power, current, and / or voltage provided by the DC / DC converter 2010 or the power supply 2020. In one example, the power sensing system includes a shunt connected between the switching unit 260 and the power supply 2020 (power source), particularly between the switching unit 260 and the DC / DC converter 2010, to derive a voltage indicating the DC supply current. In some instances, the power sensing system also includes a voltage sensor to measure the voltage across the shunt and feed the result, indicating the DC power supply current, to the microprocessor 2030. The microprocessor 2030 outputs control signals to the DC / DC converter 2010.

[0228] When the controller determines that the aerosol-forming matrix is ​​depleted, it disables the heating operation. For example, the controller uses a DC / DC cutoff to disconnect power to the oscillation circuit, preventing further power supply to the oscillation circuit and causing its amplitude to decrease slowly, thereby causing the temperature delivered to the aerosol-forming matrix to drop continuously. Alternatively, the bias voltage can be shifted to place the switching unit 260 outside the range where the bias or DC voltage oscillates, or the DC power supply voltage can be increased or decreased to thereby reduce the load capacitor C. L The heating power at that point. As an alternative, it would be possible to disable the resonant feedback loop FL by means of electrical or mechanical methods. For example, the circuit could be mechanically interrupted, magnetized, etc.

[0229] Figure 15This is a more detailed block diagram of a control system that utilizes a power sensing system to determine a depletion level according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The microprocessor 2030 can use the determined depletion level DL to enable heating operation only when the depletion level DL is below a threshold. As used in the embodiments, the threshold indicates the maximum depletion level at which the aerosol-forming matrix is ​​depleted. The minimum depletion level (approximately DL = 0%) indicates the initial state of the aerosol-forming matrix 110, i.e., before the matrix is ​​heated.

[0230] Typically, when an aerosol-forming matrix, for example, comprising tobacco-based materials and aerosol-forming materials, is subjected to heating, the load capacitor C of the aerosol-forming matrix is ​​maintained. L The dielectric constant will decrease. This is because tobacco materials have a lower dielectric constant compared to, conversely, liquid or gel-like aerosol-forming materials (e.g., a mixture between polypropylene glycol (PPG) and glycerol), and liquid or gel-like aerosol-forming materials will evaporate or aerosolize. PPG has a dielectric constant of 14-20, while glycerol has a dielectric constant of 42.5. Heating and depletion of the aerosol-forming matrix cause a decrease in dielectric constant and therefore, a decrease in the load capacitance C. L The change in resonant frequency caused by the decrease in capacitance, because of the load capacitor C L It is the part of the resonant circuit that oscillates at the resonant frequency.

[0231] The frequency change measured from complete matrix consumption to the maximum depletion level is between 3% and 25%, preferably between 5% and 20%, and particularly between 7% and 15%. This can be increased by using liquid fillers or aerosolizers or materials (e.g., water, PPG, glycerol) with significantly higher dielectric constants than tobacco materials in the matrix.

[0232] In particular, the increase in the dissipation level DL and the resonant frequency indicates a decrease in the dielectric constant of the matrix and thus a decrease in the capacity of the dielectric heating element due to the decrease in the proportion of aerosol forming material.

[0233] The change in resonant frequency is then related to the load capacitor C. L The power loss is proportional to the amount of electricity consumed. Therefore, it is possible to measure power consumption to provide an indication of the reduction in the matrix. In this regard, it is possible (e.g., at the plant level) to simply use a frequency sensor for calibration purposes to correlate different power consumption patterns (e.g., the DC power supply current fed from the power supply of the calibration device) with the oscillation frequency. Subsequently, the aerosol generating device itself may no longer need to have a frequency sensor or frequency sensing system.

[0234] Therefore, based on previously performed frequency measurements and calibrations, aerosols can be generated and pre-stored at the aerosol generation device, such as... Figure 15The mapping function MF shown makes it possible to use power consumption values ​​(DC supply current, DC supply voltage, or both) as parameters indicating substrate depletion.

[0235] Figure 16 This is a schematic illustration of a control system utilizing a frequency sensing system according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the control system being used to control the power delivered to an aerosol-forming matrix based on the frequency of an alternating electric field detected across an electrode assembly. The system includes a resonant cavity (or resonator, such as a quarter-wavelength resonator) having a peak resonant frequency higher than the switching frequency of an oscillating feedback loop. The resonant cavity is fabricated, for example, using impurities or mechanical defects to provide a wide-range frequency response exhibiting variation between different frequencies, such that the operating range of frequencies is covered by the resonant response. In one embodiment, the resonator includes a quarter-wavelength coaxial cavity resonator with an inner conductor. The resonator includes an insulator doped with impurities. The resonator is located within a load capacitor C. L At a location within the generated electric field, for example, at the load capacitor C L The outer area or the area of ​​the heating chamber that will not obstruct the formation of the aerosol matrix.

[0236] The resonator is connected to the rectifier via a direct electrical coupler to generate a DC signal. The generated DC signal is fed to a resistor / impedance sensor for measurement by a voltage measuring device. The voltage measurement is transmitted to a controller / microprocessor for calibration / further processing. Specifically, the system can be used as a calibration system to generate voltage readings such as those related to... Figure 15 The mapping function MF is discussed.

[0237] In an alternative embodiment, the system may utilize one or more of a resonant antenna, microstrip, and waveguide for high-frequency sensing.

[0238] Figure 18 This is a schematic illustration of a control system that uses a power sensing system to determine the dissipation level DL based on the frequency of an alternating electric field detected across an electrode assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0239] Regarding Figure 15 Compared to the described embodiments, the system includes a frequency detection unit FD to derive the frequency from the load capacitor C. L The frequency of the alternating electric field is generated and detected by the power sensing system. The derived frequency is then fed into a pre-stored mapping function MF, which maps the derived frequency, in particular the resonant frequency of the oscillator circuit 150, to the dissipation level DL.

[0240] The microprocessor 2030 can use a determined depletion level DL to enable heating operation only when the depletion level DL is below a threshold. As used in the embodiments, the threshold indicates the maximum depletion level at which the aerosol-forming matrix is ​​depleted. The minimum depletion level (approximately DL = 0%) indicates the initial state of the aerosol-forming matrix 110, i.e., before the matrix is ​​subjected to heating.

[0241] The system can utilize one or more of the following for high-frequency sensing: resonant antenna, microstrip, and waveguide.

[0242] Figure 19 This is a schematic illustration of a method for forming a matrix 110 by dielectric heating of an aerosol according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method comprises a self-oscillating circuit having the one shown in FIG. 3A and... Figure 14 The aerosol generating device 120 of the control system is executed in an exemplary application environment. However, the method is not limited to using... Figure 14 The control system. In alternative instances, it can be used instead. Figure 15 The control system. The method includes the following steps: In the first step, power, particularly DC power, is supplied from the power supply device 2020 (power source) to the oscillation circuit 150 of the aerosol generating device 120. The oscillation circuit 150 includes a switching unit 260, and the feedback loop 270 of the oscillation circuit 150 includes a load capacitor C arranged for heating the aerosol forming matrix 110. L (Dielectric heating element).

[0243] In the second step, the load capacitor C is measured. L The electrical parameters associated with the capacitance and based on said electrical parameters.

[0244] In the third step, the properties of the aerosol-forming matrix 110 are determined. In this example, electrical parameters include those drawn from the power supply device 2020 and as per [reference to...]. Figure 14 The measured power consumption values ​​are explained, particularly the DC power supply current. The determined properties of the matrix include the depletion level DL of the aerosol-forming matrix 110, which is determined by means of, for example... Figure 15 The mapping function MF shown determines the power dissipation level by mapping the measured DC supply current (or power consumption value, or DC supply voltage, or DC voltage at the DC / DC converter 2010) to a power reduction level. In an alternative example, the power reduction level is determined by means of, for example, Figure 18 The mapping function MF shown will cross the load capacitor C. L The alternating electric field detected by the electrodes (see Figure 16 The frequency is mapped to the attenuation level to determine the frequency.

[0245] In the fourth step, the aerosol generating device 120 performs actions based on the determined properties of the matrix. When the depletion level exceeds a threshold indicating that the aerosol forming matrix 110 is nearly empty, the actions may include at least one of shutting off heating, slowing down heating, and instructing the user that the aerosol forming matrix 110 is considered empty.

[0246] It should be understood that many of the embodiments described above do not rely on the use of a self-oscillating circuit, and therefore can use, for example... Figure 21 The forced oscillation circuit shown is implemented while still providing the described functionality and advantages. Specifically, the oscillation unit can be coupled to a switching unit or buffer to convert the DC supply voltage into an AC signal fed to a resonant or quasi-resonant load circuit including a load capacitor.

[0247] In alternative embodiments, the switching unit comprises a single transistor architecture, a half-bridge architecture, or a full-bridge architecture. In such embodiments, zero-current switching technology can be used to reduce or minimize switching losses using parallel or series resonant circuits or tank circuits. In embodiments, the oscillation unit is implemented as a stripline oscillator.

[0248] Heating and depletion of the aerosol-forming matrix cause a change in the resonant frequency due to the decrease in dielectric constant and therefore capacitance [farad], because the load capacitor C L It is the part of the resonant circuit 272 that can oscillate at or near the resonant frequency.

[0249] In one embodiment, a frequency sensor is used to correlate different power consumption patterns (e.g., DC current fed from the power source via power analysis) with oscillation frequencies specific to a particular oscillation circuit and aerosol-forming matrix type. The control system can then use the power consumption values ​​(DC power supply current, voltage, both) as parameters indicating the reduction in matrix consumption.

[0250] It should be understood that the embodiments described above are merely exemplary embodiments, and various other embodiments according to this disclosure are also conceivable.

[0251] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise stated, all figures representing quantities, quantities, percentages, etc., should 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 or may not be specifically listed herein. Therefore, in this context, the figure A is understood to be 5% of A ± A.

Claims

1. A portable and handheld aerosol generating device for dielectrically heating an aerosol-forming matrix, the aerosol generating device comprising: Power supply, which provides DC power voltage; An oscillation circuit, which is powered by the power source; as well as A dielectric heating element, which forms a load capacitor, is arranged to dielectrically heat the substrate. The dielectric heating element is powered by an oscillating voltage from the oscillating circuit. The oscillation frequency is selected to be greater than 100MHz and less than 1.2GHz, and the DC power supply voltage, the oscillation frequency, and the electrode arrangement and capacitance value of the load capacitor are selected such that the average electric field strength across the electrodes of the load capacitor is greater than 10V / mm and less than 200V / mm.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the oscillation frequency is selected between 200MHz and 900MHz, and the maximum average electric field strength across the electrodes of the load capacitor is less than 100V / mm, more preferably less than 80V / mm.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the capacitance value of the load capacitor includes the distance between the two opposite polarity electrodes of the load capacitor, wherein the closest distance between the two opposite polarity electrodes is selected to be between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 0.7 mm and 9 mm, and more preferably between 1 mm and 3 mm.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a controller for controlling the aerosol generating apparatus to heat the matrix.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 4, wherein the controller is configured to generate aerosols at a rate of 1 W / cm³ per volume of matrix material during a time period of less than 15 minutes. 3 Up to 25W / cm 3 The substrate is dielectrically heated by an average dielectric heating power density within a certain range.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the controller is configured to control the aerosol generating apparatus such that the effective power loss generated in the load capacitor is in the range of 40% to 70%, preferably 60% to 70%, more preferably 65% ​​to 70% compared with all other losses during the target heating phase.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the oscillation circuit is a resonant oscillation circuit.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the load capacitor forms a circuit element of the feedback loop of the resonant oscillation circuit.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the load capacitor is a component of the resonant circuit of the feedback loop of the resonant oscillation circuit.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the oscillation circuit has a forced oscillation frequency.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the dielectric heating element forms the load of the switching unit.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the oscillation circuit further comprises a quartz-based oscillator to drive the switching unit.

13. A system comprising: Aerosol-generating products, including aerosol-forming matrices; as well as An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims for electrically heating the aerosol forming matrix.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the aerosol forming matrix comprises a solid material.

15. The system of claim 13 or 14, comprising the aerosol generating apparatus of claim 8 or 9, wherein the feedback loop has a low impedance, preferably between 500 mΩ and 8 Ω, particularly less than or about 2 Ω.

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