Aerosol-generating apparatus and method for generating aerosol using an aerosol-generating apparatus

Abstract

This invention refers to an aerosol-generating apparatus configured to generate an aerosol from a consumable (70), comprising a device body (50) including a cavity (64) configured to for insertion of the consumable (70) thereinto, an aerosol-generating unit (4) configured to heat the consumable (70) when inserted into the cavity (64), a rod (66) which protrudes into the cavity (64), the rod (66) being configured to penetrate the consumable (70) when the consumable (70) is inserted into the cavity (64), and electrical circuitry (56) coupled to the aerosol-generating unit (4), wherein the rod (66) includes a temperature detector (68) coupled to the electrical circuitry (56) and configured to measure a temperature inside the consumable (70) when inserted into the cavity (64), wherein the aerosol-generating unit (4) includes an outside-in heater (54b) which is arranged in or on a wall of the cavity (64) for heating the consumable (70) when inserted into the cavity (64)penetrated by the rod (66), and wherein the electrical circuitry (56) is configured to control the outside-in heater (54b) based on the temperature measured by the temperature detector (68).

Description

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating apparatus configured to generate an aerosol from a consumable. The present disclosure also refers to a method for generating an aerosol from a consumable using an aerosol-generating apparatus.BACKGROUND

[0002] A typical aerosol-generating apparatus may comprise a power supply, an aerosol-generating unit that is driven by the power supply, an aerosol precursor, which in use is aerosolised by the aerosol-generating unit to generate an aerosol, and a delivery system for delivery of the aerosol to a user.

[0003] Known aerosol-generating apparatuses often include means for controlling a temperature of a heating element that is used to generate the aerosol.

[0004] In spite of the effort already invested in the development of aerosol-generating apparatuses / systems further improvements are desirable.SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure provides an aerosol-generating apparatus configured to generate an aerosol from a consumable (e.g. from a precursor in the consumable). The aerosol-generating apparatus comprises a device body including a cavity configured for insertion of the consumable therein and an aerosol-generating unit configured to heat the consumable when inserted into the cavity.

[0006] In some examples, the aerosol-generating apparatus comprises a rod which protrudes into the cavity and electrical circuitry coupled to the aerosol-generating unit. Optionally, the rod is configured to penetrate the consumable when the consumable is inserted into the cavity. Further optionally, the rod includes a temperature detector coupled to the electrical circuitry and configured to measure a temperature inside the consumable when inserted into the cavity.

[0007] In some examples, the aerosol-generating unit includes an outside-in heater which is arranged in or on a wall of the cavity for heating the consumable when inserted into the cavity or penetrated by the rod. Optionally, the electrical circuitry is configured to control the outside-in heater based on the temperature sensed by the temperature detector.

[0008] The present disclosure may provide a method of generating an aerosol from a consumable using an aerosol-generating apparatus which may include any one or more features of the aerosol-generating apparatus disclosed herein. The method may comprise the steps of (i) applying heat to an outer surface of the consumable by powering an outside-in heater arranged outside the consumable, (ii) measuring a temperature inside the consumable using a temperature detector arranged inside the consumable, and / or (iii) controlling an outside-in heater based on the temperature measured inside the consumable.

[0009] In this way, the temperature that is generated by the outside-in heater can be controlled using a temperature sensor. Thereby, the temperature may be measured inside the consumable while the heat for heating the consumable is generated outside the consumable. The arrangement of the temperature sensor inside the consumable provides a more reliable result of the temperature inside the consumable compared with scenarios in which the temperature is measured external to the consumable. This may allow an improved control of the temperature for aerosolizing a precursor in the consumable. For example, the heat that is generated by the aerosol-generating unit can be controlled to be close to the temperature that is required for aerosolizing the precursor in the consumable.

[0010] The cavity may be configured to receive the consumable. The cavity may be sized and / or dimensioned to conform with the outer dimensions of the consumable (or vice versa). For example, the cavity may have the shape of a circular bore and the consumable has the shape of a cylinder. A diameter of the cavity may the same as or slightly larger than the diameter of the consumable. The cavity may be a blind hole in the aerosol-generating apparatus. The cavity may be provided by a bottom wall and a side wall that connects the bottom wall to an opening or aperture of the cavity. If the consumable is fully inserted into the cavity, all outer surfaces of the consumable that are arranged within the cavity may contact inner walls of the cavity (e.g. the bottom wall and the side wall).

[0011] The cavity may form the opening / aperture in a housing of the aerosol-generating apparatus. The aperture and / or the cavity may be closed by a lid, a cap, or other types of closing means if the consumable is not inserted into the cavity. If the consumable is fully inserted into the cavity (for example by abutting against the bottom wall of the cavity), a part of the consumable (e.g. one or more filters) may protrude from the cavity. The stick may be sized so that the one or more filters are not arranged in the cavity so that they are not heated by the aerosol-generating unit.

[0012] The consumable may be inserted into the cavity for aerosolising the precursor in the consumable. For example, the consumable is a heat-not-burn (HNB) stick and a tobacco portion / section of the consumable is inserted into the cavity to be heated by the aerosol-generating unit. The aerosol-generating unit may be configured to generate heat for heating the tobacco portion when inserted into the cavity. The tobacco portion may have a length that corresponds to or is identical to a depth of the cavity. In this case, the aerosol-generating apparatus may be configured to only heat the precursor (e.g. the tobacco portion) of the consumable and not other parts of the consumable.

[0013] The components of the aerosol-generating unit that generate the heat may be arranged in and / or on the walls of the cavity so that the heat provided by the aerosol-generating unit is generated close to the consumable (e.g. the precursor). A heat insulation may be provided around the cavity for reducing heat transfer from the aerosol-generating unit towards other parts of the aerosol-generating apparatus. The walls of the cavity may be made from a material with high thermal conductivity (e.g. metal) so that the heat that is generated by the aerosol-generating unit is quickly conducted along the walls of the cavity for uniformly heating the consumable.

[0014] The rod may be elongate and / or made from a heat resistant material (e.g. metal or a metal alloy). The elongate rod may be arranged on the bottom wall of the cavity. The elongate rod may define a longitudinal axis that can be coaxial or parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cavity or a longitudinal axis of the consumable when inserted into the cavity. For example, the longitudinal axis of the rod may be coaxial or parallel to the longitudinal axis defined by the cylindrical cavity and / or consumable. The side walls of the cavity may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cavity and along a circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis. The bottom wall may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cavity and / or the rod.

[0015] The elongate rod may have a sharp tip for reducing the amount of force that is required for penetrating the elongate rod into the consumable during the insertion of the consumable into the cavity. The tip of the elongate rod may be within the cavity so that the elongate rod does not protrude from the cavity. For example, the tip of the elongate rod may be in a plane of the aperture of the cavity or below the plane of the aperture of the cavity.

[0016] The elongate rod may have a generally cylindrical shape or a plate shape. A maximal diameter of the elongate rod that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate rod may be smaller than a diameter of the cavity and / or the consumable. Thus, the elongate rod is spaced away from the side walls of the cavity so that the elongate rod is fully inside the consumable when the consumable is arranged in the cavity. In other words, the elongate rod may not destroy or penetrate a side surface of the consumable when inserted into the cavity. Rather, there may be a gap between an outer surface of the elongate rod and the outer surface of the consumable when the consumable is inserted into the cavity. For example, a diameter of the rod may be 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, or 50% of the diameter of the cavity and / or the consumable. In other words, the elongate rod may be thin compared to the consumable for reducing the amount of compression of the precursor (e.g. tobacco) when the rod penetrates the consumable.

[0017] The elongate rod may be configured to penetrate or be arranged within the tobacco portion of the consumable when the consumable is fully inserted into the cavity. In this way, the temperature sensor arranged in or on the elongate rod may be configured to measure the temperature inside the consumable, for example inside tobacco portion of the consumable.

[0018] The temperature sensor may be arranged in or on an outer surface of the elongate rod so that the temperature sensor may be in contact with the consumable (e.g. the precursor) if the consumable is inserted into the cavity. In this way, the temperature sensor may be configured to promptly detect temperature changes within the consumable. Alternatively or additionally, the temperature sensor may be arranged within the elongate rod. In this case, the temperature sensor may be configured to measure temperature changes of the elongate rod which reflect temperature changes within the consumable. If the elongate rod is made of a material with high thermal conductivity and / or the volume of the elongate rod compared to the volume of the consumable is small, changes in the temperature of the elongate rod can accurately reflect changes in the temperature within the consumable. The temperature detector may include a thermocouple or thermoelectrical thermometer.

[0019] The outside-in heater can include one or more heating elements that are configured to heat an outer surface of the consumable, for example the outer surface of the consumable that is within the cavity. Thus, when starting the generation of heat by the outside-in heater, radially outer portions of the consumable (e.g. away from the elongate rod) are firstly heated up and then the heat propagates inwardly from the outer surface of the consumable (e.g. by heat conduction). As the temperature sensor is arranged within the consumable, the temperature sensor may provide a reliable indication of the progression of the heat transport within the consumable. In this way, the temperature measured by the temperature sensor may be more reliable for controlling the temperature inside the consumable compared to a situation where the temperature sensor is arranged on the wall of the cavity (and therefore detecting a temperature on the outer surface of the consumable) because the temperature on the outside surface of the consumable may not accurately reflect the temperature inside the consumable due to variations and / or delays in the heat transfer from the outer surface to the centre of the consumable.

[0020] The outside-in heater provides the advantage the bulk of the precursor / tobacco is close to the heat source because the bulk of the precursor / tobacco is located in a radially outer region of the consumable. In comparison thereto, a radially inner region includes less precursor / tobacco. Thus, an outside-in heater is configured to heat "more" precursor / tobacco compared to an inside-out heater (described below).

[0021] The electric circuitry may be considered to implement the function of a controller, processing resource, or processor which can control various electrical components of the aerosol-generating apparatus. The electrical circuitry may include a computer readable medium / media and / or a memory which store software or firmware programs that are executed by the controller / electrical circuitry. In particular, the electrical circuitry is configured to control the aerosol-generating unit based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor.

[0022] The electrical circuitry may be configured to implement or execute one or more steps of the methods for controlling the generation of aerosol from the consumable which are described herein. For example, the electric circuitry may be configured to implement or execute optional embodiments and / or advantageous effects of the methods described herein.

[0023] The electrical circuitry may be configured to control the outside-in heater using the temperature sensed by the temperature detector. For example, the electrical circuitry may be configured to control the generation of heat generated by the outside-in heater using or based on the temperature sensed by the temperature detector. This may be achieved by varying the power supplied to the aerosol-generating unit. Commonly known techniques may be employed, such pulse-width-modulation (PWM).

[0024] In some examples, the step of controlling the outside-in heater based on the temperature measured inside the consumable includes adjusting the power supplied to the outside-in heater so that the measured temperature is within a predetermined temperature range.

[0025] The electrical circuitry may be configured to control the outside-in heater in such a way that the temperature measured by the temperature sensor (which may correspond to the temperature inside the consumable) is constant predetermined temperature or within a predetermined range. The constant predetermined temperature may be within a temperature range in which pyrolysis occurs (e.g. around 300 °C to 700 °C) or distillation - the process during which nicotine and aromas are transferred from tobacco to smoke - occurs (e.g. below 300 °C or between 150 °C to 300 °C). The constant temperature to be maintained may be below the temperature at which combustion occurs (e.g. above 750 °C). The predetermined temperature range may be a range of 10°C, 20 °C, 30 °C, 40 °C, or 50 °C below the temperature at which combustion occurs or around the predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature range and / or the constant temperature to be maintained may be set with the device or can be set by the user of the aerosol-generating apparatus.

[0026] For example, the electrical circuitry may be configured to supply constant power to the outside-in heater which is expected to heat the consumable to a constant temperature which may be the predetermined temperature or within the predetermined temperature range. In this case, it is expected that the temperature detector measures a constant temperature. Variations of the measured temperature may indicate that radially outer portions of the precursor become depleted and create a gap between the outside-in heater and the radially inner outer portions of the precursor. This may result in a drop of the measured temperature which may be used for either increasing the power supplied to the outside-in heater or stopping the supply of power to the outside-in heater (because the precursor is considered to be consumed indicating the end of the puffing session).

[0027] Further, the radially outer portions of the precursor (i.e. the portions of the precursor that are closest to the outside-in heater) may overheat, dry, and / or burn which may adversely affect the user experience. Thus, switching from the outside-in heater to the inside-out heater may prevent this from occurring.

[0028] In another example, the electrical circuitry may be configured to supply varying power to the outside-in heater for maintaining the predetermined temperature or the temperature in the predetermined temperature range. For example, upon activation of the aerosol-generating unit, maximum power is supplied to the outside-in heater for rapidly heating up the consumable. The maximum power may heat up the outside-in heater and / or the outer surface of the consumable to a maximum temperature that is above the predetermined temperature range or the predetermined temperature. Then, the electric circuitry may be configured to reduce the heat generated by the outside-in heater or stop the outside-in heater from generating heat when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor exceeds the predetermined temperature or the predetermined temperature range. The electrical circuitry may be configured to increase the heat generated by the outside-in heater (e.g. increase the power supplied to the outside-in heater) or restarting the outside-in heater when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor drops below the predetermined temperature or the lower threshold of the predetermined temperature range.

[0029] The electric circuitry may include a proportional controller (P controller), proportional-integral controller (PI controller), or a proportional-integral-derivative controller (PID controller) for maintaining the temperature at the predetermined constant temperature or within the predetermined temperature range.

[0030] In some examples, the aerosol-generating unit further includes an inside-out heater for generating heat within the consumable when the consumable is inserted into the cavity. Optionally, the inside-out heater is arranged in or on the rod.

[0031] In some examples, the method further comprises the step of generating heat inside the consumable using an inside-out heater.

[0032] In this way, the consumable can be heated from outside and from within. This may allow to provide consumables having a larger diameter compared to commonly known consumables. Commonly known aerosol-generating apparatuses often include either an outside-in heater or an inside-out heater. Thus, the heat for aerosolizing the precursor is generated either on the outer surface of the consumable or within the consumable. However, due to the low thermal conductivity of tobacco or decomposed tobacco, the heat generated either by the outside-in heater or the inside-out heater does not fully spread throughout the tobacco. For example, radially outer portions of the tobacco portion of the consumable may not be sufficiently heated by an inside-out heater and the radially inner portions of the tobacco portion of the consumable may not be sufficiently heated by an outside-in heater, especially for consumable having a large diameter.

[0033] Thus, by providing both an inside-out heater and outside-in heater, tobacco portions having a large diameter can be uniformly heated. This may allow to reduce the length of the tobacco portion while maintaining the same amount of tobacco as with conventional consumables having a small diameter. This may be used to manufacture aerosol-generating apparatuses with reduced length because the depth of the cavity can be reduced.

[0034] In some examples, the cavity has a cylindrical shape which may have a diameter of between 7 mm and 15 mm (e.g., between 8 mm and 12 mm or 8 mm and 11 mm e.g., around 9 or 10 mm). The cavity may have an axial length of between 5 mm and 20 mm (e.g., between 6 mm and 12 mm such as around 10 mm or 11 mm). The aspect ratio of the axial length to the diameter may be between 9 : 11 to 1:1.

[0035] In some examples, the tobacco portion of the consumable may have a diameter of 7 mm and 15 mm (e.g., between 8 mm and 12 mm or 8 mm and 11 mm e.g., around 9 or 10 mm). The aerosol-generating substrate may have an axial length of between 5 mm and 20 mm (e.g., between 6 mm and 12 mm such as around 10 mm or 11 mm). The aspect ratio of the axial length to the diameter for the tobacco portion may be between 9 : 11 to 1 : 1. Tobacco portions of conventional consumables may have a diameter of between 5 mm and 10 mm (e.g., between 6 mm and 9 mm or 6 mm and 8 mm e.g., around 7 mm). The aerosol-generating substrate may have an axial length of between 10 mm and 25 mm (e.g., between 11 mm and 14 mm such as around 12 mm or 13 mm).

[0036] A volume of the tobacco portion of the consumables according to this disclosure may have the same volume as the volume of a tobacco portion of conventional consumables. The consumable according to this disclosure may include a filter portion having the same axial length as an axial length of the filter portion of conventional consumables. A diameter of the filter portion according to this disclosure may have the same diameter as the diameter of the tobacco portion.

[0037] A heating element of inside-out heater may be arranged on or in an outer surface of the rod so that the inside-out heater may contact the consumable when the consumable is inserted into the cavity. In this example, the heating element of the inside-out heater may be configured to directly heat the consumable. Alternatively or additionally, a heating element of the inside-out heater is arranged within the elongate rod. In this example, the heating element of the inside-out heater may be configured to heat the elongate rod which in turn heats the consumable.

[0038] The rod may have an axial length of between 5 mm and 20 mm (e.g., between 5 mm and 12 mm such as around 10 mm or 11 mm). The rod may have a diameter between 1 mm to 3 mm, optionally 2.15 mm.

[0039] In some examples, the inside-out heater includes a resistance heater. For example, the inside-out heater includes one or more heating elements which each include a resistance heater. The resistance heater is configured to converted electrical energy directly to heat energy. For example, the resistance heater includes one or more electrical resistors which convert an electric current passing through the one or more electrical resistors into heat energy.

[0040] In some examples, the method for generating an aerosol from a consumable (which can be executed by the electrical circuitry) includes generating the aerosol by one or more of the following modes or procedures of operation: a) simultaneously powering the outside-in heater and the inside-out heater, b) alternating between powering the outside-in heater and the inside-out heater, c) powering the outside-in heater and then powering the inside-out heater, and d) powering the inside-out heater and then powering the outside-in heater.

[0041] Modes a) and / or b) may include controlling the outside-in heater and / or the inside-out heater based on the temperature measured by the temperature detector (for example in a way as described above). Mode a) may be employed when more aerosol from the consumable should be generated. For example, a normal operation includes powering either the outside-in heater or the inside-out heater (e.g. modes b), c), or d)). If the user selects an increase of the aerosol to be generated, mode a) is employed, e.g. both the outside-in heater in the inside-out heater are simultaneously powered. Alternatively, mode a) includes heating the consumable to a temperature or temperature range that is lower than the temperature or temperature range, respectively, if only one of the outside-in heater and the inside-out heater are powered. In this way, the longevity to the tobacco portion can be increased by lowering the temperature to be achieved. A reduced temperature of the outside-in heater and the inside-out heater is sufficient for heating any region of the precursor to a desired minimum temperature because the heat needs to be conducted over a smaller distance compared to powering only one of the heaters. Thus, the temperature drop within the precursor is reduced which allows operating the outside-in heater and the inside-out heater with a lower temperature.

[0042] Mode b) may include alternating between powering the outside-in heater and the inside-out heater after predetermined period of times. In this way, overheating of portions of the consumable close to the outside-in heater and the inside-out heater can be avoided because, after predetermined a period of time, no heat is generated close to the respective heater. In this way, a uniform distribution of heat throughout the consumable may be provided. For example, during a puffing session, there are multiple switches between powering the outside-in heater and powering the inside-out heater. In a modification of mode b), there may be short overlap of powering the outside-in heater and the inside-out heater.

[0043] A similar approach uses modes c) and d). However, with modes c) and d), there are no multiple switches between powering the outside-in heater and the inside-out heater rather one of the heaters is powered first and then the other heater is powered. In other words, a single switch between powering the two heaters occurs during a smoking session with modes c) and / or d) whereas, with mode b), a plurality of switches between powering the two heaters occur during a smoking session.

[0044] An example of modes c) or d) may include that a radially outer portion of the consumable is heated and then a radially inward portion of the consumable (or vice versa). In this way, a uniform heating of the consumable can be achieved. For example, half of the time for a puffing session, the inside-out heater is powered and then, for the second half, the outside-in heater is powered (or vice versa).

[0045] Again as described above, the temperature provided by the outside-in heater and the inside-out heater may be smaller compared to scenario in which only one of the outside-in heater and the inside-out heater are powered.

[0046] In some examples, in mode c), powering of the outside-in heater is stopped and powering the inside-out heater is started if the measured temperature reaches a first predetermined threshold temperature. In this way, a more precise switch from powering the outside-in heater to powering the inside-out heater can be provided, for example compared to a switch between the two powering modes based on predetermined time intervals.

[0047] For example, the first predetermined threshold temperature may be a lower limit which indicates that radially outer portions of the consumable are decomposed or depleted which may result in a low thermal conductivity of the decomposed / depleted portions. In this case, heat that is generated by the outside-in heater may no longer be transmitted to radially side portions of the consumable compared to a situation where the radially outer portions have not been decomposed. Thus, in case of a constant power supply to the respective heaters, a drop of the measured temperature below the first predetermined threshold temperature may indicate that radially outer portions may less or no longer contribute to the generation of the aerosol. Consequently, a switch to the generation of heat by the inside-out heater results in that radially inner portions of the consumable that has not been decomposed / depleted so far may be heated. Further, by heating the decomposed / depleted radially outer portions of the consumable, it may no longer be possible to heat the radially inner portions to the desired temperature or temperature range because the gap within the precursor corresponding to the decomposed / depleted portions may have a reduced thermal conductivity compared to non-heated precursor.

[0048] Alternatively, if the outside-in heater and / or the inside-out heater are powered in such a way that the measured temperature is constant or with in the predetermined temperature range, an increase in the power supply to the outside-in heater and / or the inside-out heater may indicate a decomposition or depletion of a region of the precursor close to the respective heater. The electrical circuitry may be configured to determine the power supplied to the outside-in heater and / or the inside-out heater.

[0049] In some examples, in mode d), powering of the inside-out heater is stopped and powering the outside-in heater is started if the measured temperature reaches or exceeds a predetermined second threshold temperature. In this way, the above-described effects associated with the control of the outer in heater can also be provided with the inside-out heater.

[0050] For example, the predetermined second threshold temperature may be an upper limit. If radially inner portions are decomposed or depleted, the thermal conductivity of the radially inner portions may be reduced compared to non-decomposed or non-depleted radially inner portions which results in that the heat generated by the inside-out heater is transmitted to radially outer portions to a lower degree. This in turn results in a higher temperature at the elongate rod and / or the temperature sensor in case of a constant power supply to the inside-out heater. In this way, the measured temperature can be used for determining a decomposition / depletion of radially inner portions of the consumable so that the puffing session may be continued with heating of radially outer portions (which have not been decomposed / depleted so far or to a lesser degree).

[0051] This approach may be equally applied to the above-described method for monitoring the supply of power to the outside-in heater and / or the inside-out heater.

[0052] In some examples, in mode b), powering of the outside-in heater is stopped and powering the inside-out heater is started if the measured temperature reaches a third predetermined threshold temperature, and powering of the inside-out heater is stopped and powering the outside-in heater is started if the measured temperature reaches a fourth predetermined threshold temperature.

[0053] Analogous arguments as described in connection with modes c) or d) equally apply to mode b). Thereby, the third and fourth predetermined threshold temperatures correspond to the first and second predetermined threshold temperatures, respectively. The third predetermined threshold temperature may be higher than the first predetermined threshold temperature because mode b) may not be based on a switch between powering the heaters when radially outer portions of the precursor are decomposed. Instead, the decomposition of the radially outer portions of the precursor may be avoided in mode b) by switching to powering the inside-out heater earlier, i.e. at a higher threshold temperature.

[0054] The fourth predetermined threshold temperature may be lower than the second predetermined threshold temperature because mode b) may not be based on a switch between powering the heaters when radially inner portions of the precursor are decomposed. Instead, the decomposition of the radially inner portions of the precursor may be avoided in mode b) by switching to powering the outside-in heater earlier, i.e. at a lower threshold temperature.

[0055] In some examples, the modes b), c), and / or d) include switching from powering the inside-out heater to powering the outside-in heater (or vice versa) after a predetermined period of time (e.g. 1 min, 2 min, or 3 min). The temperature measured by the temperature detector may be used for controlling the temperature during the predetermined duration of powering the respective heater.

[0056] In some examples, the method includes (i) powering the inside-out heater for providing a constant first temperature within the consumable or for maintaining a temperature within the consumable in a predetermined first temperature range and (ii) stopping powering the inside-out heater and powering the outside-in heater for providing a constant second temperature within the consumable which is lower than the first temperature or for maintaining a temperature within the consumable in a predetermined second temperature range which is lower than the first temperature range.

[0057] The second temperature or the second temperature range may be used for maintaining a certain base temperature during a pause or break in the puffing session. Thus, the user may manually select the switch from the first temperature or temperature range to the second temperature or temperature range, respectively. The first temperature or first temperature range may be in a temperature range in which pyrolysis occurs (e.g. around 300 °C to 700 °C). The second temperature or second temperature range may be in a temperature range in which distillation occurs (e.g. below 300 °C or between 150 °C to 300 °C). For ending the pause or break in the puffing session, the user may manually switch from the second temperature or second temperature range to the first temperature or the first temperature range, respectively.

[0058] In this way, energy can be saved during the break while the first temperature or temperature range can be quickly achieved because the consumable is not allowed to cool down to room temperature. The second temperature or the second temperature range may be used to keep the nicotine "activated" ready to resume the puffing session.

[0059] In some examples, the inside-out heater includes a resistance heater. Optionally, the temperature detector also includes the resistance heater, the temperature inside the consumable being measured by measuring the resistance of the resistance heater. Further optionally, the temperature detector is configured to measure an electrical resistance of the resistance heater and convert the measured electrical resistance into a temperature.

[0060] In this way, no sensor of the temperature detector needs to be provided separately within the rod. Rather, the resistance heater may be used for sensing the temperature in the elongate rod. For example, the temperature detector measures the electrical resistance of the resistance heater. This may be executed by measuring the electrical current flowing through the resistance heater and the voltage drop across the resistance heater. The sensor for measuring the current and the sensor for measuring the voltage drop may be located external to the rod.

[0061] The electrical current and the voltage may be used for calculating the electrical resistance of the resistance heater. The calculated electrical resistance may be transformed into the temperature of the resistance heater, for example based on the known length and electrical resistance of the material of the resistance heater. For example, the electrical circuitry may store a table or graph linking the calculated electrical resistance to a temperature of the resistance heater.

[0062] In some examples, when the resistance heater is activated, powering the heater and measuring the temperature may be simultaneously or alternatingly executed.

[0063] Alternatively, the temperature detector may include one or more sensors for directly measuring the temperature of the elongate rod and / or the consumable surrounding the elongate rod. In this case, the one or more sensors of the temperature detector are separate to the resistance heater of the aerosol-generating unit.

[0064] In some examples, the outside-in heater includes a resistance heater and / or an infrared heater.

[0065] The infrared heater may include one or more heat lamps that each comprises a high-temperature emitter that transfers electrical energy to the consumable through electromagnetic radiation. The infrared heater may be configured to convert more electrical energy into electromagnetic radiation compared to the resistance heater.

[0066] The outside-in heater may include one or more heating elements that each include a resistance heater and / or infrared heater. The one or more heating element may be arranged in or on the wall of the cavity.

[0067] In some examples, the outside-in heater includes two or more heater elements spaced from each other along the (side) wall of the cavity. In this way, the entire (side) wall of the cavity is not covered with heating elements, rather only sections thereof. This may simplify the manufacturing and / or reduces the number of heating elements compared to a situation where the entire wall is covered with heating elements. Further, this arrangement of the heating elements may provide zonal heating of the consumable which may prolong the lifetime of the consumable and, therefore, a puffing session.

[0068] The heating elements may extend from a bottom wall of the cavity to the opening / aperture of the cavity, i.e. approximately along the entire longitudinal length / depth of the cavity. This may provide that the consumable is heated along the entire longitudinal direction within the cavity. The heating elements may be located and sized so that they extend along the axial direction over the entire length of the precursor (e.g. the tobacco portion) of the consumable.

[0069] However, arranging the heating elements spaced apart may provide a nonuniform heating of the consumable. In this case, the provision of the temperature detector within the consumable may help to counteract the nonuniform heating by measuring temperature inside the consumable and appropriately controlling the heating elements.

[0070] In some examples, the heating elements are spaced in a circumferential direction around the rod. In this way, targeted or zonal heating of the consumable can be provided which may give longevity to the tobacco portion as it heats a section, such as a quarter of the stick / consumable, at a time.

[0071] The heating elements may be equally distributed along a circumferential direction which may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cavity. For example, each heating element may cover a section along a circumferential direction which corresponds to 30°, 45°, 60°, or 90° of the entire 360° circumference. For example, two heating elements covering 90° are arranged on opposing each other. In a further example, three heating elements each covering 60° and spaced apart by 60° are equally distributed around the circumferential direction. In general, the distance between the heating elements may be constant and the extension of the heating elements may also be equal. However, the invention is not limited thereto.

[0072] In some examples, each heating element is configured to heat a continuous zone on an outer surface of the consumable when inserted into the cavity. In this way, separate continuous heating zones can be provided.

[0073] Each heating element may include one or more resistive heater and / or IR heaters which are configured and / or arranged for providing uniform heating over the extension of the heating element.

[0074] Further, each heating element may provide uniform heating of the consumable across its spatial expansion.

[0075] The heating elements of the inside-out heater and the heating elements of the outside-in heater may completely overlap in the longitudinal direction and / or are aligned to each other in the longitudinal direction. Alternatively, the heating elements of the inside-out heater and the heating elements of the outside-in heater may not overlap in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the inside-out heater and the outside-in heater may be configured to heat different portions of the precursor in the longitudinal direction. This may be provided for extending the lifetime of the consumable.

[0076] The present disclosure may provide electrical circuitry and / or a computer program configured to cause an aerosol-generating apparatus / system to perform any method or method step disclosed herein. A computer readable medium comprising the computer program is also disclosed.

[0077] The preceding summary is provided for purposes of summarizing some examples to provide a basic understanding of aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, the above-described features should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Moreover, the above and / or proceeding examples may be combined in any suitable combination to provide further examples, except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following text and the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0078] Aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of examples in reference to the appended drawings in which like numerals denote like elements. Fig. 1 is a block system diagram showing an example aerosol-generating apparatus. Fig. 2 is a block system diagram showing an example implementation of the aerosol-generating apparatus of Fig. 1, where the aerosol-generating apparatus is configured to generate aerosol from a solid precursor. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example implementation of the apparatus of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a schematic semi-transparent perspective view showing an example aerosol-generating unit and a solid precursor section of a consumable that can be used with the aerosol-generating apparatus of Fig. 3 in a first mode of operation. Fig. 5 is a schematic semi-transparent perspective view showing the example aerosol-generating unit and the solid precursor section of Fig. 4 in a second mode of operation. Fig. 6 is a schematic semi-transparent perspective view showing the example aerosol-generating unit and the solid precursor section of Fig. 4 in a third mode of operation. Fig. 7 is a schematic semi-transparent perspective view showing a further example aerosol-generating unit and a solid precursor section of a consumable that can be used with the aerosol-generating apparatus of Fig. 3 in a first mode of operation (left drawing); and a top-view on a cavity of the aerosol-generating apparatus (right drawing). Fig. 8 is a schematic semi-transparent perspective view showing the example aerosol-generating unit and the solid precursor section of Fig. 7 in a second mode of operation (left drawing); and a top-view on the cavity of the aerosol-generating apparatus (right drawing). Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing an example method for generating aerosol using the aerosol-generating apparatus of Figs. 2 or 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0079] Before describing several examples implementing the present disclosure, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited by specific construction details or process steps set forth in the following description and accompanying drawings. Rather, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure that the systems, apparatuses and / or methods described herein could be embodied differently and / or be practiced or carried out in various alternative ways.

[0080] Unless otherwise defined herein, scientific and technical terms used in connection with the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, and known techniques and procedures may be performed according to conventional methods well known in the art and as described in various general and more specific references that may be cited and discussed in the present specification.

[0081] Any patents, published patent applications, and non-patent publications mentioned in the specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0082] All examples implementing the present disclosure can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While particular examples have been described, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the systems, apparatus, and / or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the methods described herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the inventive concept(s). All such similar substitutions and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope, and concept of the inventive concept(s) as defined by the appended claims.

[0083] The use of the term "a" or "an" in the claims and / or the specification may mean "one," as well as "one or more," "at least one," and "one or more than one." As such, the terms "a," "an," and "the," as well as all singular terms, include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Likewise, plural terms shall include the singular unless otherwise required by context.

[0084] The use of the term "or" in the present disclosure (including the claims) is used to mean an inclusive "and / or" unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or unless the alternatives are mutually exclusive. For example, a condition "A or B" is satisfied by any of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0085] As used in this specification and claim(s), the words "comprising, "having," "including," or "containing" (and any forms thereof, such as "comprise" and "comprises," "have" and "has," "includes" and "include," or "contains" and "contain," respectively) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[0086] Unless otherwise explicitly stated as incompatible, or the physics or otherwise of the embodiments, examples, or claims prevent such a combination, the features of examples disclosed herein, and of the claims, may be integrated together in any suitable arrangement, especially ones where there is a beneficial effect in doing so. This is not limited to only any specified benefit, and instead may arise from an "ex post facto" benefit. This is to say that the combination of features is not limited by the described forms, particularly the form (e.g. numbering) of example(s), embodiment(s), or dependency of claim(s). Moreover, this also applies to the phrase "in one embodiment," "according to an embodiment," and the like, which are merely a stylistic form of wording and are not to be construed as limiting the following features to a separate embodiment to all other instances of the same or similar wording. This is to say, a reference to 'an,' 'one,' or 'some' embodiment(s) may be a reference to any one or more, and / or all embodiments, or combination(s) thereof, disclosed. Also, similarly, the reference to "the" embodiment may not be limited to the immediately preceding embodiment. Further, all references to one or more embodiments or examples are to be construed as non-limiting to the claims.

[0087] The present disclosure may be better understood in view of the following explanations, wherein the terms used that are separated by "or" may be used interchangeably: As used herein, an "aerosol-generating apparatus" (or "electronic(e)-cigarette") may be an apparatus configured to deliver an aerosol to a user for inhalation by the user. The apparatus may additionally / alternatively be referred to as a "smoking substitute apparatus", if it is intended to be used instead of a conventional combustible smoking article. As used herein a combustible "smoking article" may refer to a cigarette, cigar, pipe, or other article, that produces smoke (an aerosol comprising solid particulates and gas) via heating above the thermal decomposition temperature (typically by combustion and / or pyrolysis). An aerosol generated by the apparatus may comprise an aerosol with particle sizes of 0.2 - 7 microns, or less than 10 microns, or less than 7 microns. This particle size may be achieved by control of one or more of: heater temperature; cooling rate as the vapour condenses to an aerosol; flow properties including turbulence and velocity. The generation of aerosol by the aerosol-generating apparatus may be controlled by an input device. The input device may be configured to be user-activated, and may for example include or take the form of an actuator (e.g. actuation button) and / or an airflow sensor.

[0088] Each occurrence of the aerosol-generating apparatus being caused to generate aerosol for a period of time (which may be variable) may be referred to as an "activation" of the aerosol-generating apparatus. The aerosol-generating apparatus may be arranged to allow an amount of aerosol delivered to a user to be varied per activation (as opposed to delivering a fixed dose of aerosol), e.g. by activating an aerosol-generating unit of the apparatus for a variable amount of time, e.g. based on the strength / duration of a draw of a user through a flow path of the apparatus (to replicate an effect of smoking a conventional combustible smoking article).

[0089] The aerosol-generating apparatus may be portable. As used herein, the term "portable" may refer to the apparatus being for use when held by a user.

[0090] As used herein, an "aerosol" may include a suspension of precursor, including as one or more of: solid particles; liquid droplets; gas. Said suspension may be in a gas including air. An aerosol herein may generally refer to / include a vapour. An aerosol may include one or more components of the precursor.

[0091] As used herein, a "precursor" may include one or more of a: liquid; solid; gel; loose leaf material; other substance. The precursor may be processed by an aerosol-generating unit of an aerosol-generating apparatus to generate an aerosol. The precursor may include one or more of: an active component; a carrier; a flavouring. The active component may include one or more of nicotine; caffeine; a cannabidiol oil; a non-pharmaceutical formulation, e.g. a formulation which is not for treatment of a disease or physiological malfunction of the human body. The active component may be carried by the carrier, which may be a liquid, including propylene glycol and / or glycerine. The term "flavouring" may refer to a component that provides a taste and / or a smell to the user. The flavouring may include one or more of: Ethylvanillin (vanilla); menthol, Isoamyl acetate (banana oil); or other. The precursor may include a substrate, e.g. reconstituted tobacco to carry one or more of the active component; a carrier; a flavouring.

[0092] As used herein, a "delivery system" may be a system operative to deliver an aerosol to a user. The delivery system may include a mouthpiece and a flow path.

[0093] As used herein, a "flow" may refer to a flow in a flow path. A flow may include aerosol generated from the precursor. The flow may include air, which may be induced into the flow path via a puff by a user.

[0094] As used herein, a "puff" (or "inhale" or "draw") by a user may refer to expansion of lungs and / or oral cavity of a user to create a pressure reduction that induces flow through the flow path.

[0095] As used herein, an "aerosol-generating unit" may refer to a device configured to generate an aerosol from a precursor. The aerosol-generating unit may include a unit to generate a vapour directly from the precursor (e.g. a heating system or other system) or an aerosol directly from the precursor (e.g. an atomiser including an ultrasonic system, a flow expansion system operative to carry droplets of the precursor in the flow without using electrical energy or other system). A plurality of aerosol-generating units to generate a plurality of aerosols (for example, from a plurality of different aerosol precursors) may be present in an aerosol-generating apparatus.

[0096] As used herein, a "heating system" may refer to an arrangement of at least one heating element, which is operable to aerosolise a precursor once heated. The at least one heating element may be electrically resistive to produce heat from the flow of electrical current therethrough. The at least one heating element may be arranged as a susceptor to produce heat when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. The heating system may be configured to heat a precursor to below 300 or 350 degrees C, including without combustion.

[0097] As used herein, a "consumable" may refer to a unit that includes a precursor. The consumable may include an aerosol-generating unit, e.g. it may be arranged as a cartomizer. The consumable may include a mouthpiece. The consumable may include an information carrying medium. With liquid or gel implementations of the precursor, e.g. an e-liquid, the consumable may be referred to as a "capsule" or a "pod" or an "e-liquid consumable". The capsule / pod may include a storage portion, e.g. a reservoir or tank, for storage of the precursor. With solid material implementations of the precursor, e.g. tobacco or reconstituted tobacco formulation, the consumable may be referred to as a "stick" or "package" or "heat-not-burn consumable". In a heat-not-burn consumable, the mouthpiece may be implemented as a filter and the consumable may be arranged to carry the precursor. The consumable may be implemented as a dosage or pre-portioned amount of material, including a loose-leaf product.

[0098] As used herein "heat-not-burn" (or "HNB" or "heated precursor") may refer to the heating of a precursor, typically tobacco, without combustion, or without substantial combustion (i.e. localised combustion may be experienced of limited portions of the precursor, including of less than 5% of the total volume).

[0099] Referring to Fig. 1, an example aerosol-generating apparatus 1 includes a power supply 2, for supply of electrical energy. The apparatus 1 includes an aerosol-generating unit 4 that is driven by the power supply 2. The power supply 2 may include an electric power supply in the form of a battery and / or an electrical connection to an external power source. The apparatus 1 includes a precursor 6, which in use is aerosolised by the aerosol-generating unit 4 to generate an aerosol. The apparatus 2 includes a delivery system 8 for delivery of the aerosol to a user.

[0100] Electrical circuitry (not shown in figure 1) may be implemented to control the interoperability of the power supply 2 and aerosol-generating unit 4.

[0101] In variant examples, which are not illustrated, the power supply 2 may be omitted since, e.g. an aerosol-generating unit 4 implemented as an atomiser with flow expansion may not require a power supply.

[0102] Fig. 2 shows an implementation of the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 of Fig. 1, where the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 is configured to generate aerosol by a-heat not-burn process.

[0103] In this example, the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 includes a device body 50 and a consumable 70.

[0104] In this example, the body 50 includes the power supply 4 and a heating system 52. The heating system 52 includes at least one heating element 54. The body 50 may additionally include any one or more of electrical circuitry 56, a memory 58, a wireless interface 60, one or more other components 62.

[0105] The electrical circuitry 56 may include a processing resource for controlling one or more operations of the body 50, e.g. based on instructions stored in the memory 58.

[0106] The wireless interface 60 may be configured to communicate wirelessly with an external (e.g. mobile) device, e.g. via Bluetooth.

[0107] The other component(s) 62 may include an actuator, one or more user interface devices configured to convey information to a user and / or a charging port.

[0108] The body 50 is configured to engage with the consumable 70. For example, the at least one heating element 54 of the heating system 52 penetrates into the solid precursor 6 of the consumable 70. In use, a user may activate the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 to cause the heating system 52 of the body 50 to cause the at least one heating element 54 to heat the solid precursor 6 of the consumable 70 (without combusting it) by conductive heat transfer and / or thermal radiation , to generate an aerosol which is inhaled by the user.

[0109] Fig. 3 shows an example implementation of the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 of Fig. 2.

[0110] As depicted in Fig. 3, the consumable 70 is implemented as a stick, which is engaged with the body 50 by inserting the stick into an aperture or opening at a top end 53 of the body 50. The opening or aperture is an opening to a cavity 64 for receiving the consumable 70. The heating system 52 is configured to heat that section of the consumable 70 that is located within the cavity 64. For example, the section of the consumable 70 that houses the solid precursor 6 is arranged in the cavity 64. Thus, the heating system 52 is configured to heat the solid precursor 6 (see also Figs. 4 to 8).

[0111] The aerosol-generating apparatus 1 further includes an elongate rod 66 that is arranged within the cavity 64 (see Figs. 4 to 8). The rod 66 protrudes from a bottom wall of the cavity 64 into the cavity 64. A longitudinal axis of the rod 66 may be coaxial or parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 and / or to the consumable 70 when the consumable 70 is inserted into the cavity 64. The elongate rod 66 penetrates the solid precursor 6 when the consumable 70 is inserted into the cavity 64.

[0112] In this example, the rod 66 has circular transverse profile. Other shapes are possible, e.g. the at least the rod 66 may be blade-shaped (with a rectangular transverse profile) or tube-shaped (e.g. with a hollow transverse profile).

[0113] A temperature detector 68 may be arranged within the elongate rod 66 for measuring the temperature inside the solid precursor 6. The temperature detector 68 may include a thermocouple in data communication with the electrical circuitry 56 and arranged within the rod 66.

[0114] The heating system 52 includes an inside-out heater 54a and an outside-in heater 54b. The inside-out heater 54a is arranged within or on the elongate rod 66. The inside-out heater 54a is configured to heat the solid precursor 6 from within. The outside-in heater 54b is arranged in or on walls surrounding the cavity 64. The outside-in heater 54b is configured to heat an outer surface of the consumable 70. The inside-out heater 54a and / or the outside-in heater 54b may each include one or more heating elements 54.

[0115] The consumable 70 includes the solid precursor 6 proximal to the body 50, and a filter distal to the body 50. The filter serves as the mouthpiece of the consumable 70 and thus the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 as a whole. The solid precursor 6 may be a reconstituted tobacco formulation.

[0116] In this example, the body 50 includes a cap 51. In use the cap 51 is engaged at a top end 53 of the body 50. Although not apparent from Fig. 5, the cap 51 is moveable relative to the body 50. In particular, the cap 51 is slidable and can slide along a longitudinal axis of the body 50.

[0117] The body 50 also includes an actuator 55 on an outer surface of the body 50. In this example, the actuator 55 has the form of a button.

[0118] The body 50 also includes a user interface device configured to convey information to a user. Here, the user interface device is implemented as a plurality of lights 57, which may e.g. be configured to illuminate when the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 is activated and / or to indicate a charging state of the power supply 4. Other user interface devices are possible, e.g. to convey information haptically or audibly to a user.

[0119] The body may also include an airflow sensor which detects airflow in the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 (e.g. caused by a user inhaling through the consumable 70). This may be used to count puffs, for example.

[0120] In this example, the consumable 70 includes a flow path which transmits aerosol generated by the at least one heating element 54 to the mouthpiece of the consumable 70.

[0121] In this example, the aerosol-generating unit 4 is provided by the above-described heating system 52 and the delivery system 8 is provided by the above-described flow path and mouthpiece of the consumable 70.

[0122] Fig. 4 depicts an optional mode for operating the aerosol-generating apparatus 1. In this mode, the inside-out heater 54a and the outside-in heater 54b are simultaneously powered. Thus, the precursor 6 is heated from within and from the outside which may result in a uniform heat distribution within the precursor 6. The supplied heat energy is depicted by the arrows in Fig. 4.The temperature detector 68 may measure the temperature within the precursor 6. The power supplied to the inside-out heater 54a and the outside-in heater 54b may be adjusted by the electrical circuitry 56 for maintaining a constant predetermined temperature within the precursor 6 or keeping the temperature within a predetermined temperature range. For example, this control may include increasing the power supplied to the inside-out heater 54a and / or the outside-in heater 54b if the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 68 drops below the constant predetermined temperature and / or reducing the power supplied to the inside-out heater 54a and / or the outside-in heater 54b if the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 68 exceeds the constant predetermined temperature.

[0123] Fig. 5 depicts a further optional mode for operating the aerosol-generating apparatus 1. In this mode, only the outside-in heater 54b is powered. Thus, the precursor 6 is only heated from the outside. The supplied heat energy is depicted by the arrows in Fig. 5. In order to maintain a constant temperature within the precursor 6 or to keep the temperature within the precursor 6 within the predetermined temperature range, the power supplied to the outside-in heater 54b may be controlled based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 68. For example, this control may include increasing the power supplied to the outside-in heater 54b if the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 68 drops below the constant predetermined temperature and / or reducing the power supplied to the outside-in heater 54b if the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 68 exceeds the constant predetermined temperature.

[0124] Fig. 6 depicts a further optional mode for operating the aerosol-generating apparatus 1. In this mode, only the inside-out heater 54a is powered. Thus, the precursor 6 is only heated from within and not from the outside. The supplied heat energy is depicted by the arrows in Fig. 6. In order to maintain a constant temperature within the precursor 6 or to keep the temperature within the precursor 6 within the predetermined temperature range, the power supplied to the inside-out heater 54a may be controlled based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 68. For example, this control may include increasing the power supplied to the inside-out heater 54a if the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 68 drops below the constant predetermined temperature and / or reducing the power supplied to the inside-out heater 54a if the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 68 exceeds the constant predetermined temperature.

[0125] In the examples shown in Figs. 4 to 6, the outside-in heater 54b extends around the complete circumference of the cavity 64. As such, the outside-in heater 54b provides a uniform heating along the side surface of the consumable 70.

[0126] In the examples shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the outside-in heater 54b is configured to provide zonal heating. The outside-in heater 54b does not extend around the complete circumference of the cavity 64. Instead, the outside-in heater 54b includes two heating elements that are configured to heat a section along the circumference of the cavity 64. In the example shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the heating elements of the outside-in heater 54b are located to oppose each other and each heating element is configured to heat approximately a fourth of the side surface of the consumable 70. Such zonal heating may prolong the duration of a heating session because only parts of the precursor 6 are heated.

[0127] The temperature detector 68 in the examples of Figs. 7 and 8 does not include a thermocouple as with the examples of Figs. 4 to 6. Instead, the temperature detector 68 is configured to measure the electrical resistance of the inside-out heater 54a and convert the measured electrical resistance into a temperature of the inside-out heater 54a which is indicative of the temperature of the rod 66. The temperature detector 68 may be implemented as a part of the electrical circuitry 56 in this example. The conversion of the measured electrical resistance of the inside-out heater 54a into a temperature may be made based on stored tables or graphs linking the measured electrical resistance to the temperature.

[0128] The modes of operation of the examples of Fig. 7 and 8 correspond to the modes of activation of the examples of Figs. 4 and 5, respectively. The only difference is that zonal heating is provided in the examples of Fig. 7 and 8, whereas, in the examples of Figs. 4 and 5, the precursor 6 is heated completely around its circumference.

[0129] The various modes of operation as exemplified in Figs. 4 to 6 or Figs. 7 and 8 may be alternatively employed. However, it is also possible that the user can switch between these modes of activation or the electrical circuitry 56 is configured to automatically switch between these modes of activation.

[0130] An exemplary method for controlling the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 for generating an aerosol from the precursor 6 is described in connection with Fig. 9.

[0131] In step S1, the outside-in heater 54b is powered for heating the precursor 6 at the start of a puffing session. The puffing session may be started upon user activation, for example by pressing the pushbutton 55. At the start of the puffing session, the electrical circuitry 56 may provide maximum power to the outside-in heater 54b.

[0132] In step S2, the temperature inside the precursor 6 is determined using a temperature sensor 68. For example, the electrical circuitry 56 is configured to maintain a predetermined temperature. This may include reducing the power supplied to the outside-in heater 54b if the measured temperature exceeds the predetermined temperature and / or increasing the power supplied to the outside-in heater 54b if the measured temperature drops below the predetermined temperature. Further, the electric circuitry 56 may be configured to stop the operation of the outside-in heater 54b when radially outer portions of the precursor 6 are decomposed or depleted so that they no longer generate aerosol. This may be determined in that it may no longer be possible to power the outside-in heater 54b in such a way that the predetermined temperature can be reached.

[0133] In step S3, the inside-out heater 54a is powered for heating the precursor 6 for heating radially inward portions of the precursor 6 which can longer be properly heated by the outside-in heater 54b.

[0134] In step S4, the temperature inside the precursor 6 is determined using a temperature sensor 68. For example, the electrical circuitry 56 is configured to maintain a predetermined temperature. This may include reducing the power supplied to the inside-out heater 54a if the measured temperature exceeds the predetermined temperature and / or increasing the power supplied to the inside-out heater 54a if the measured temperature drops below the predetermined temperature. The electrical circuitry 56 may be configured to stop the operation of the inside-out heater 54a if a predetermined time has been lapsed since the start of the outside-in heater 54b and / or a predetermined number of puffs have been made. A puff may be detected as a drop of the temperature measured by the temper sensor 68.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0079]Before describing several examples implementing the present disclosure, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited by specific construction details or process steps set forth in the following description and accompanying drawings. Rather, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure that the systems, apparatuses and / or methods described herein could be embodied differently and / or be practiced or carried out in various alternative ways.

[0080]Unless otherwise defined herein, scientific and technical terms used in connection with the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, and known techniques and procedures may be performed according to conventional methods well known in the art and as described in various general and more specific references that may be cited and discussed in the present specification.

[0081]Any paten...

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating apparatus configured to generate an aerosol from a consumable. The present disclosure also refers to a method for generating an aerosol from a consumable using an aerosol-generating apparatus.BACKGROUND

[0002] A typical aerosol-generating apparatus may comprise a power supply, an aerosol-generating unit that is driven by the power supply, an aerosol precursor, which in use is aerosolised by the aerosol-generating unit to generate an aerosol, and a delivery system for delivery of the aerosol to a user.

[0003] Known aerosol-generating apparatuses often include means for controlling a temperature of a heating element that is used to generate the aerosol.

[0004] In spite of the effort already invested in the development of aerosol-generating apparatuses / systems further improvements are desirable.SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure provides an aerosol-generating apparatus configured to generate an aerosol from a consumable (e.g. from a precursor in the consumable). The aerosol-generating apparatus comprises a device body including a cavity configured for insertion of the consumable therein and an aerosol-generating unit configured to heat the consumable when inserted into the cavity.

[0006] In some examples, the aerosol-generating apparatus comprises a rod which protrudes into the cavity and electrical circuitry coupled to the aerosol-generating unit. Optionally, the rod is configured to penetrate the consumable when the consumable is inserted into the cavity. Further optionally, the rod includes a temperature detector coupled to the electrical circuitry and configured to measure a temperature inside the consumable when inserted into the cavity.

[0007] In some examples, the aerosol-generating unit includes an outside-in heater which is arranged in or on a wall of the cavity for heating the consumable when inserted into the cavity or penetrated by the rod. Optionally, the electrical circuitry is configured to control the outside-in heater based on the temperature sensed by the temperature detector.

[0008] The present disclosure may provide a method of generating an aerosol from a consumable using an aerosol-generating apparatus which may include any one or more features of the aerosol-generating apparatus disclosed herein. The method may comprise the steps of (i) applying heat to an outer surface of the consumable by powering an outside-in heater arranged outside the consumable, (ii) measuring a temperature inside the consumable using a temperature detector arranged inside the consumable, and / or (iii) controlling an outside-in heater based on the temperature measured inside the consumable.

[0009] In this way, the temperature that is generated by the outside-in heater can be controlled using a temperature sensor. Thereby, the temperature may be measured inside the consumable while the heat for heating the consumable is generated outside the consumable. The arrangement of the temperature sensor inside the consumable provides a more reliable result of the temperature inside the consumable compared with scenarios in which the temperature is measured external to the consumable. This may allow an improved control of the temperature for aerosolizing a precursor in the consumable. For example, the heat that is generated by the aerosol-generating unit can be controlled to be close to the temperature that is required for aerosolizing the precursor in the consumable.

[0010] The cavity may be configured to receive the consumable. The cavity may be sized and / or dimensioned to conform with the outer dimensions of the consumable (or vice versa). For example, the cavity may have the shape of a circular bore and the consumable has the shape of a cylinder. A diameter of the cavity may the same as or slightly larger than the diameter of the consumable. The cavity may be a blind hole in the aerosol-generating apparatus. The cavity may be provided by a bottom wall and a side wall that connects the bottom wall to an opening or aperture of the cavity. If the consumable is fully inserted into the cavity, all outer surfaces of the consumable that are arranged within the cavity may contact inner walls of the cavity (e.g. the bottom wall and the side wall).

[0011] The cavity may form the opening / aperture in a housing of the aerosol-generating apparatus. The aperture and / or the cavity may be closed by a lid, a cap, or other types of closing means if the consumable is not inserted into the cavity. If the consumable is fully inserted into the cavity (for example by abutting against the bottom wall of the cavity), a part of the consumable (e.g. one or more filters) may protrude from the cavity. The stick may be sized so that the one or more filters are not arranged in the cavity so that they are not heated by the aerosol-generating unit.

[0012] The consumable may be inserted into the cavity for aerosolising the precursor in the consumable. For example, the consumable is a heat-not-burn (HNB) stick and a tobacco portion / section of the consumable is inserted into the cavity to be heated by the aerosol-generating unit. The aerosol-generating unit may be configured to generate heat for heating the tobacco portion when inserted into the cavity. The tobacco portion may have a length that corresponds to or is identical to a depth of the cavity. In this case, the aerosol-generating apparatus may be configured to only heat the precursor (e.g. the tobacco portion) of the consumable and not other parts of the consumable.

[0013] The components of the aerosol-generating unit that generate the heat may be arranged in and / or on the walls of the cavity so that the heat provided by the aerosol-generating unit is generated close to the consumable (e.g. the precursor). A heat insulation may be provided around the cavity for reducing heat transfer from the aerosol-generating unit towards other parts of the aerosol-generating apparatus. The walls of the cavity may be made from a material with high thermal conductivity (e.g. metal) so that the heat that is generated by the aerosol-generating unit is quickly conducted along the walls of the cavity for uniformly heating the consumable.

[0014] The rod may be elongate and / or made from a heat resistant material (e.g. metal or a metal alloy). The elongate rod may be arranged on the bottom wall of the cavity. The elongate rod may define a longitudinal axis that can be coaxial or parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cavity or a longitudinal axis of the consumable when inserted into the cavity. For example, the longitudinal axis of the rod may be coaxial or parallel to the longitudinal axis defined by the cylindrical cavity and / or consumable. The side walls of the cavity may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cavity and along a circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis. The bottom wall may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cavity and / or the rod.

[0015] The elongate rod may have a sharp tip for reducing the amount of force that is required for penetrating the elongate rod into the consumable during the insertion of the consumable into the cavity. The tip of the elongate rod may be within the cavity so that the elongate rod does not protrude from the cavity. For example, the tip of the elongate rod may be in a plane of the aperture of the cavity or below the plane of the aperture of the cavity.

[0016] The elongate rod may have a generally cylindrical shape or a plate shape. A maximal diameter of the elongate rod that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate rod may be smaller than a diameter of the cavity and / or the consumable. Thus, the elongate rod is spaced away from the side walls of the cavity so that the elongate rod is fully inside the consumable when the consumable is arranged in the cavity. In other words, the elongate rod may not destroy or penetrate a side surface of the consumable when inserted into the cavity. Rather, there may be a gap between an outer surface of the elongate rod and the outer surface of the consumable when the consumable is inserted into the cavity. For example, a diameter of the rod may be 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, or 50% of the diameter of the cavity and / or the consumable. In other words, the elongate rod may be thin compared to the consumable for reducing the amount of compression of the precursor (e.g. tobacco) when the rod penetrates the consumable.

[0017] The elongate rod may be configured to penetrate or be arranged within the tobacco portion of the consumable when the consumable is fully inserted into the cavity. In this way, the temperature sensor arranged in or on the elongate rod may be configured to measure the temperature inside the consumable, for example inside tobacco portion of the consumable.

[0018] The temperature sensor may be arranged in or on an outer surface of the elongate rod so that the temperature sensor may be in contact with the consumable (e.g. the precursor) if the consumable is inserted into the cavity. In this way, the temperature sensor may be configured to promptly detect temperature changes within the consumable. Alternatively or additionally, the temperature sensor may be arranged within the elongate rod. In this case, the temperature sensor may be configured to measure temperature changes of the elongate rod which reflect temperature changes within the consumable. If the elongate rod is made of a material with high thermal conductivity and / or the volume of the elongate rod compared to the volume of the consumable is small, changes in the temperature of the elongate rod can accurately reflect changes in the temperature within the consumable. The temperature detector may include a thermocouple or thermoelectrical thermometer.

[0019] The outside-in heater can include one or more heating elements that are configured to heat an outer surface of the consumable, for example the outer surface of the consumable that is within the cavity. Thus, when starting the generation of heat by the outside-in heater, radially outer portions of the consumable (e.g. away from the elongate rod) are firstly heated up and then the heat propagates inwardly from the outer surface of the consumable (e.g. by heat conduction). As the temperature sensor is arranged within the consumable, the temperature sensor may provide a reliable indication of the progression of the heat transport within the consumable. In this way, the temperature measured by the temperature sensor may be more reliable for controlling the temperature inside the consumable compared to a situation where the temperature sensor is arranged on the wall of the cavity (and therefore detecting a temperature on the outer surface of the consumable) because the temperature on the outside surface of the consumable may not accurately reflect the temperature inside the consumable due to variations and / or delays in the heat transfer from the outer surface to the centre of the consumable.

[0020] The outside-in heater provides the advantage the bulk of the precursor / tobacco is close to the heat source because the bulk of the precursor / tobacco is located in a radially outer region of the consumable. In comparison thereto, a radially inner region includes less precursor / tobacco. Thus, an outside-in heater is configured to heat "more" precursor / tobacco compared to an inside-out heater (described below).

[0021] The electric circuitry may be considered to implement the function of a controller, processing resource, or processor which can control various electrical components of the aerosol-generating apparatus. The electrical circuitry may include a computer readable medium / media and / or a memory which store software or firmware programs that are executed by the controller / electrical circuitry. In particular, the electrical circuitry is configured to control the aerosol-generating unit based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor.

[0022] The electrical circuitry may be configured to implement or execute one or more steps of the methods for controlling the generation of aerosol from the consumable which are described herein. For example, the electric circuitry may be configured to implement or execute optional embodiments and / or advantageous effects of the methods described herein.

[0023] The electrical circuitry may be configured to control the outside-in heater using the temperature sensed by the temperature detector. For example, the electrical circuitry may be configured to control the generation of heat generated by the outside-in heater using or based on the temperature sensed by the temperature detector. This may be achieved by varying the power supplied to the aerosol-generating unit. Commonly known techniques may be employed, such pulse-width-modulation (PWM).

[0024] In some examples, the step of controlling the outside-in heater based on the temperature measured inside the consumable includes adjusting the power supplied to the outside-in heater so that the measured temperature is within a predetermined temperature range.

[0025] The electrical circuitry may be configured to control the outside-in heater in such a way that the temperature measured by the temperature sensor (which may correspond to the temperature inside the consumable) is constant predetermined temperature or within a predetermined range. The constant predetermined temperature may be within a temperature range in which pyrolysis occurs (e.g. around 300 °C to 700 °C) or distillation - the process during which nicotine and aromas are transferred from tobacco to smoke - occurs (e.g. below 300 °C or between 150 °C to 300 °C). The constant temperature to be maintained may be below the temperature at which combustion occurs (e.g. above 750 °C). The predetermined temperature range may be a range of 10°C, 20 °C, 30 °C, 40 °C, or 50 °C below the temperature at which combustion occurs or around the predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature range and / or the constant temperature to be maintained may be set with the device or can be set by the user of the aerosol-generating apparatus.

[0026] For example, the electrical circuitry may be configured to supply constant power to the outside-in heater which is expected to heat the consumable to a constant temperature which may be the predetermined temperature or within the predetermined temperature range. In this case, it is expected that the temperature detector measures a constant temperature. Variations of the measured temperature may indicate that radially outer portions of the precursor become depleted and create a gap between the outside-in heater and the radially inner outer portions of the precursor. This may result in a drop of the measured temperature which may be used for either increasing the power supplied to the outside-in heater or stopping the supply of power to the outside-in heater (because the precursor is considered to be consumed indicating the end of the puffing session).

[0027] Further, the radially outer portions of the precursor (i.e. the portions of the precursor that are closest to the outside-in heater) may overheat, dry, and / or burn which may adversely affect the user experience. Thus, switching from the outside-in heater to the inside-out heater may prevent this from occurring.

[0028] In another example, the electrical circuitry may be configured to supply varying power to the outside-in heater for maintaining the predetermined temperature or the temperature in the predetermined temperature range. For example, upon activation of the aerosol-generating unit, maximum power is supplied to the outside-in heater for rapidly heating up the consumable. The maximum power may heat up the outside-in heater and / or the outer surface of the consumable to a maximum temperature that is above the predetermined temperature range or the predetermined temperature. Then, the electric circuitry may be configured to reduce the heat generated by the outside-in heater or stop the outside-in heater from generating heat when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor exceeds the predetermined temperature or the predetermined temperature range. The electrical circuitry may be configured to increase the heat generated by the outside-in heater (e.g. increase the power supplied to the outside-in heater) or restarting the outside-in heater when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor drops below the predetermined temperature or the lower threshold of the predetermined temperature range.

[0029] The electric circuitry may include a proportional controller (P controller), proportional-integral controller (PI controller), or a proportional-integral-derivative controller (PID controller) for maintaining the temperature at the predetermined constant temperature or within the predetermined temperature range.

[0030] In some examples, the aerosol-generating unit further includes an inside-out heater for generating heat within the consumable when the consumable is inserted into the cavity. Optionally, the inside-out heater is arranged in or on the rod.

[0031] In some examples, the method further comprises the step of generating heat inside the consumable using an inside-out heater.

[0032] In this way, the consumable can be heated from outside and from within. This may allow to provide consumables having a larger diameter compared to commonly known consumables. Commonly known aerosol-generating apparatuses often include either an outside-in heater or an inside-out heater. Thus, the heat for aerosolizing the precursor is generated either on the outer surface of the consumable or within the consumable. However, due to the low thermal conductivity of tobacco or decomposed tobacco, the heat generated either by the outside-in heater or the inside-out heater does not fully spread throughout the tobacco. For example, radially outer portions of the tobacco portion of the consumable may not be sufficiently heated by an inside-out heater and the radially inner portions of the tobacco portion of the consumable may not be sufficiently heated by an outside-in heater, especially for consumable having a large diameter.

[0033] Thus, by providing both an inside-out heater and outside-in heater, tobacco portions having a large diameter can be uniformly heated. This may allow to reduce the length of the tobacco portion while maintaining the same amount of tobacco as with conventional consumables having a small diameter. This may be used to manufacture aerosol-generating apparatuses with reduced length because the depth of the cavity can be reduced.

[0034] In some examples, the cavity has a cylindrical shape which may have a diameter of between 7 mm and 15 mm (e.g., between 8 mm and 12 mm or 8 mm and 11 mm e.g., around 9 or 10 mm). The cavity may have an axial length of between 5 mm and 20 mm (e.g., between 6 mm and 12 mm such as around 10 mm or 11 mm). The aspect ratio of the axial length to the diameter may be between 9 : 11 to 1:1.

[0035] In some examples, the tobacco portion of the consumable may have a diameter of 7 mm and 15 mm (e.g., between 8 mm and 12 mm or 8 mm and 11 mm e.g., around 9 or 10 mm). The aerosol-generating substrate may have an axial length of between 5 mm and 20 mm (e.g., between 6 mm and 12 mm such as around 10 mm or 11 mm). The aspect ratio of the axial length to the diameter for the tobacco portion may be between 9 : 11 to 1 : 1. Tobacco portions of conventional consumables may have a diameter of between 5 mm and 10 mm (e.g., between 6 mm and 9 mm or 6 mm and 8 mm e.g., around 7 mm). The aerosol-generating substrate may have an axial length of between 10 mm and 25 mm (e.g., between 11 mm and 14 mm such as around 12 mm or 13 mm).

[0036] A volume of the tobacco portion of the consumables according to this disclosure may have the same volume as the volume of a tobacco portion of conventional consumables. The consumable according to this disclosure may include a filter portion having the same axial length as an axial length of the filter portion of conventional consumables. A diameter of the filter portion according to this disclosure may have the same diameter as the diameter of the tobacco portion.

[0037] A heating element of inside-out heater may be arranged on or in an outer surface of the rod so that the inside-out heater may contact the consumable when the consumable is inserted into the cavity. In this example, the heating element of the inside-out heater may be configured to directly heat the consumable. Alternatively or additionally, a heating element of the inside-out heater is arranged within the elongate rod. In this example, the heating element of the inside-out heater may be configured to heat the elongate rod which in turn heats the consumable.

[0038] The rod may have an axial length of between 5 mm and 20 mm (e.g., between 5 mm and 12 mm such as around 10 mm or 11 mm). The rod may have a diameter between 1 mm to 3 mm, optionally 2.15 mm.

[0039] In some examples, the inside-out heater includes a resistance heater. For example, the inside-out heater includes one or more heating elements which each include a resistance heater. The resistance heater is configured to converted electrical energy directly to heat energy. For example, the resistance heater includes one or more electrical resistors which convert an electric current passing through the one or more electrical resistors into heat energy.

[0040] In some examples, the method for generating an aerosol from a consumable (which can be executed by the electrical circuitry) includes generating the aerosol by one or more of the following modes or procedures of operation: a) simultaneously powering the outside-in heater and the inside-out heater, b) alternating between powering the outside-in heater and the inside-out heater, c) powering the outside-in heater and then powering the inside-out heater, and d) powering the inside-out heater and then powering the outside-in heater.

[0041] Modes a) and / or b) may include controlling the outside-in heater and / or the inside-out heater based on the temperature measured by the temperature detector (for example in a way as described above). Mode a) may be employed when more aerosol from the consumable should be generated. For example, a normal operation includes powering either the outside-in heater or the inside-out heater (e.g. modes b), c), or d)). If the user selects an increase of the aerosol to be generated, mode a) is employed, e.g. both the outside-in heater in the inside-out heater are simultaneously powered. Alternatively, mode a) includes heating the consumable to a temperature or temperature range that is lower than the temperature or temperature range, respectively, if only one of the outside-in heater and the inside-out heater are powered. In this way, the longevity to the tobacco portion can be increased by lowering the temperature to be achieved. A reduced temperature of the outside-in heater and the inside-out heater is sufficient for heating any region of the precursor to a desired minimum temperature because the heat needs to be conducted over a smaller distance compared to powering only one of the heaters. Thus, the temperature drop within the precursor is reduced which allows operating the outside-in heater and the inside-out heater with a lower temperature.

[0042] Mode b) may include alternating between powering the outside-in heater and the inside-out heater after predetermined period of times. In this way, overheating of portions of the consumable close to the outside-in heater and the inside-out heater can be avoided because, after predetermined a period of time, no heat is generated close to the respective heater. In this way, a uniform distribution of heat throughout the consumable may be provided. For example, during a puffing session, there are multiple switches between powering the outside-in heater and powering the inside-out heater. In a modification of mode b), there may be short overlap of powering the outside-in heater and the inside-out heater.

[0043] A similar approach uses modes c) and d). However, with modes c) and d), there are no multiple switches between powering the outside-in heater and the inside-out heater rather one of the heaters is powered first and then the other heater is powered. In other words, a single switch between powering the two heaters occurs during a smoking session with modes c) and / or d) whereas, with mode b), a plurality of switches between powering the two heaters occur during a smoking session.

[0044] An example of modes c) or d) may include that a radially outer portion of the consumable is heated and then a radially inward portion of the consumable (or vice versa). In this way, a uniform heating of the consumable can be achieved. For example, half of the time for a puffing session, the inside-out heater is powered and then, for the second half, the outside-in heater is powered (or vice versa).

[0045] Again as described above, the temperature provided by the outside-in heater and the inside-out heater may be smaller compared to scenario in which only one of the outside-in heater and the inside-out heater are powered.

[0046] In some examples, in mode c), powering of the outside-in heater is stopped and powering the inside-out heater is started if the measured temperature reaches a first predetermined threshold temperature. In this way, a more precise switch from powering the outside-in heater to powering the inside-out heater can be provided, for example compared to a switch between the two powering modes based on predetermined time intervals.

[0047] For example, the first predetermined threshold temperature may be a lower limit which indicates that radially outer portions of the consumable are decomposed or depleted which may result in a low thermal conductivity of the decomposed / depleted portions. In this case, heat that is generated by the outside-in heater may no longer be transmitted to radially side portions of the consumable compared to a situation where the radially outer portions have not been decomposed. Thus, in case of a constant power supply to the respective heaters, a drop of the measured temperature below the first predetermined threshold temperature may indicate that radially outer portions may less or no longer contribute to the generation of the aerosol. Consequently, a switch to the generation of heat by the inside-out heater results in that radially inner portions of the consumable that has not been decomposed / depleted so far may be heated. Further, by heating the decomposed / depleted radially outer portions of the consumable, it may no longer be possible to heat the radially inner portions to the desired temperature or temperature range because the gap within the precursor corresponding to the decomposed / depleted portions may have a reduced thermal conductivity compared to non-heated precursor.

[0048] Alternatively, if the outside-in heater and / or the inside-out heater are powered in such a way that the measured temperature is constant or with in the predetermined temperature range, an increase in the power supply to the outside-in heater and / or the inside-out heater may indicate a decomposition or depletion of a region of the precursor close to the respective heater. The electrical circuitry may be configured to determine the power supplied to the outside-in heater and / or the inside-out heater.

[0049] In some examples, in mode d), powering of the inside-out heater is stopped and powering the outside-in heater is started if the measured temperature reaches or exceeds a predetermined second threshold temperature. In this way, the above-described effects associated with the control of the outer in heater can also be provided with the inside-out heater.

[0050] For example, the predetermined second threshold temperature may be an upper limit. If radially inner portions are decomposed or depleted, the thermal conductivity of the radially inner portions may be reduced compared to non-decomposed or non-depleted radially inner portions which results in that the heat generated by the inside-out heater is transmitted to radially outer portions to a lower degree. This in turn results in a higher temperature at the elongate rod and / or the temperature sensor in case of a constant power supply to the inside-out heater. In this way, the measured temperature can be used for determining a decomposition / depletion of radially inner portions of the consumable so that the puffing session may be continued with heating of radially outer portions (which have not been decomposed / depleted so far or to a lesser degree).

[0051] This approach may be equally applied to the above-described method for monitoring the supply of power to the outside-in heater and / or the inside-out heater.

[0052] In some examples, in mode b), powering of the outside-in heater is stopped and powering the inside-out heater is started if the measured temperature reaches a third predetermined threshold temperature, and powering of the inside-out heater is stopped and powering the outside-in heater is started if the measured temperature reaches a fourth predetermined threshold temperature.

[0053] Analogous arguments as described in connection with modes c) or d) equally apply to mode b). Thereby, the third and fourth predetermined threshold temperatures correspond to the first and second predetermined threshold temperatures, respectively. The third predetermined threshold temperature may be higher than the first predetermined threshold temperature because mode b) may not be based on a switch between powering the heaters when radially outer portions of the precursor are decomposed. Instead, the decomposition of the radially outer portions of the precursor may be avoided in mode b) by switching to powering the inside-out heater earlier, i.e. at a higher threshold temperature.

[0054] The fourth predetermined threshold temperature may be lower than the second predetermined threshold temperature because mode b) may not be based on a switch between powering the heaters when radially inner portions of the precursor are decomposed. Instead, the decomposition of the radially inner portions of the precursor may be avoided in mode b) by switching to powering the outside-in heater earlier, i.e. at a lower threshold temperature.

[0055] In some examples, the modes b), c), and / or d) include switching from powering the inside-out heater to powering the outside-in heater (or vice versa) after a predetermined period of time (e.g. 1 min, 2 min, or 3 min). The temperature measured by the temperature detector may be used for controlling the temperature during the predetermined duration of powering the respective heater.

[0056] In some examples, the method includes (i) powering the inside-out heater for providing a constant first temperature within the consumable or for maintaining a temperature within the consumable in a predetermined first temperature range and (ii) stopping powering the inside-out heater and powering the outside-in heater for providing a constant second temperature within the consumable which is lower than the first temperature or for maintaining a temperature within the consumable in a predetermined second temperature range which is lower than the first temperature range.

[0057] The second temperature or the second temperature range may be used for maintaining a certain base temperature during a pause or break in the puffing session. Thus, the user may manually select the switch from the first temperature or temperature range to the second temperature or temperature range, respectively. The first temperature or first temperature range may be in a temperature range in which pyrolysis occurs (e.g. around 300 °C to 700 °C). The second temperature or second temperature range may be in a temperature range in which distillation occurs (e.g. below 300 °C or between 150 °C to 300 °C). For ending the pause or break in the puffing session, the user may manually switch from the second temperature or second temperature range to the first temperature or the first temperature range, respectively.

[0058] In this way, energy can be saved during the break while the first temperature or temperature range can be quickly achieved because the consumable is not allowed to cool down to room temperature. The second temperature or the second temperature range may be used to keep the nicotine "activated" ready to resume the puffing session.

[0059] In some examples, the inside-out heater includes a resistance heater. Optionally, the temperature detector also includes the resistance heater, the temperature inside the consumable being measured by measuring the resistance of the resistance heater. Further optionally, the temperature detector is configured to measure an electrical resistance of the resistance heater and convert the measured electrical resistance into a temperature.

[0060] In this way, no sensor of the temperature detector needs to be provided separately within the rod. Rather, the resistance heater may be used for sensing the temperature in the elongate rod. For example, the temperature detector measures the electrical resistance of the resistance heater. This may be executed by measuring the electrical current flowing through the resistance heater and the voltage drop across the resistance heater. The sensor for measuring the current and the sensor for measuring the voltage drop may be located external to the rod.

[0061] The electrical current and the voltage may be used for calculating the electrical resistance of the resistance heater. The calculated electrical resistance may be transformed into the temperature of the resistance heater, for example based on the known length and electrical resistance of the material of the resistance heater. For example, the electrical circuitry may store a table or graph linking the calculated electrical resistance to a temperature of the resistance heater.

[0062] In some examples, when the resistance heater is activated, powering the heater and measuring the temperature may be simultaneously or alternatingly executed.

[0063] Alternatively, the temperature detector may include one or more sensors for directly measuring the temperature of the elongate rod and / or the consumable surrounding the elongate rod. In this case, the one or more sensors of the temperature detector are separate to the resistance heater of the aerosol-generating unit.

[0064] In some examples, the outside-in heater includes a resistance heater and / or an infrared heater.

[0065] The infrared heater may include one or more heat lamps that each comprises a high-temperature emitter that transfers electrical energy to the consumable through electromagnetic radiation. The infrared heater may be configured to convert more electrical energy into electromagnetic radiation compared to the resistance heater.

[0066] The outside-in heater may include one or more heating elements that each include a resistance heater and / or infrared heater. The one or more heating element may be arranged in or on the wall of the cavity.

[0067] In some examples, the outside-in heater includes two or more heater elements spaced from each other along the (side) wall of the cavity. In this way, the entire (side) wall of the cavity is not covered with heating elements, rather only sections thereof. This may simplify the manufacturing and / or reduces the number of heating elements compared to a situation where the entire wall is covered with heating elements. Further, this arrangement of the heating elements may provide zonal heating of the consumable which may prolong the lifetime of the consumable and, therefore, a puffing session.

[0068] The heating elements may extend from a bottom wall of the cavity to the opening / aperture of the cavity, i.e. approximately along the entire longitudinal length / depth of the cavity. This may provide that the consumable is heated along the entire longitudinal direction within the cavity. The heating elements may be located and sized so that they extend along the axial direction over the entire length of the precursor (e.g. the tobacco portion) of the consumable.

[0069] However, arranging the heating elements spaced apart may provide a nonuniform heating of the consumable. In this case, the provision of the temperature detector within the consumable may help to counteract the nonuniform heating by measuring temperature inside the consumable and appropriately controlling the heating elements.

[0070] In some examples, the heating elements are spaced in a circumferential direction around the rod. In this way, targeted or zonal heating of the consumable can be provided which may give longevity to the tobacco portion as it heats a section, such as a quarter of the stick / consumable, at a time.

[0071] The heating elements may be equally distributed along a circumferential direction which may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cavity. For example, each heating element may cover a section along a circumferential direction which corresponds to 30°, 45°, 60°, or 90° of the entire 360° circumference. For example, two heating elements covering 90° are arranged on opposing each other. In a further example, three heating elements each covering 60° and spaced apart by 60° are equally distributed around the circumferential direction. In general, the distance between the heating elements may be constant and the extension of the heating elements may also be equal. However, the invention is not limited thereto.

[0072] In some examples, each heating element is configured to heat a continuous zone on an outer surface of the consumable when inserted into the cavity. In this way, separate continuous heating zones can be provided.

[0073] Each heating element may include one or more resistive heater and / or IR heaters which are configured and / or arranged for providing uniform heating over the extension of the heating element.

[0074] Further, each heating element may provide uniform heating of the consumable across its spatial expansion.

[0075] The heating elements of the inside-out heater and the heating elements of the outside-in heater may completely overlap in the longitudinal direction and / or are aligned to each other in the longitudinal direction. Alternatively, the heating elements of the inside-out heater and the heating elements of the outside-in heater may not overlap in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the inside-out heater and the outside-in heater may be configured to heat different portions of the precursor in the longitudinal direction. This may be provided for extending the lifetime of the consumable.

[0076] The present disclosure may provide electrical circuitry and / or a computer program configured to cause an aerosol-generating apparatus / system to perform any method or method step disclosed herein. A computer readable medium comprising the computer program is also disclosed.

[0077] The preceding summary is provided for purposes of summarizing some examples to provide a basic understanding of aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, the above-described features should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Moreover, the above and / or proceeding examples may be combined in any suitable combination to provide further examples, except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following text and the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0078] Aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of examples in reference to the appended drawings in which like numerals denote like elements. Fig. 1 is a block system diagram showing an example aerosol-generating apparatus. Fig. 2 is a block system diagram showing an example implementation of the aerosol-generating apparatus of Fig. 1, where the aerosol-generating apparatus is configured to generate aerosol from a solid precursor. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example implementation of the apparatus of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a schematic semi-transparent perspective view showing an example aerosol-generating unit and a solid precursor section of a consumable that can be used with the aerosol-generating apparatus of Fig. 3 in a first mode of operation. Fig. 5 is a schematic semi-transparent perspective view showing the example aerosol-generating unit and the solid precursor section of Fig. 4 in a second mode of operation. Fig. 6 is a schematic semi-transparent perspective view showing the example aerosol-generating unit and the solid precursor section of Fig. 4 in a third mode of operation. Fig. 7 is a schematic semi-transparent perspective view showing a further example aerosol-generating unit and a solid precursor section of a consumable that can be used with the aerosol-generating apparatus of Fig. 3 in a first mode of operation (left drawing); and a top-view on a cavity of the aerosol-generating apparatus (right drawing). Fig. 8 is a schematic semi-transparent perspective view showing the example aerosol-generating unit and the solid precursor section of Fig. 7 in a second mode of operation (left drawing); and a top-view on the cavity of the aerosol-generating apparatus (right drawing). Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing an example method for generating aerosol using the aerosol-generating apparatus of Figs. 2 or 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0079] Before describing several examples implementing the present disclosure, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited by specific construction details or process steps set forth in the following description and accompanying drawings. Rather, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure that the systems, apparatuses and / or methods described herein could be embodied differently and / or be practiced or carried out in various alternative ways.

[0080] Unless otherwise defined herein, scientific and technical terms used in connection with the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, and known techniques and procedures may be performed according to conventional methods well known in the art and as described in various general and more specific references that may be cited and discussed in the present specification.

[0081] Any patents, published patent applications, and non-patent publications mentioned in the specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0082] All examples implementing the present disclosure can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While particular examples have been described, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the systems, apparatus, and / or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the methods described herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the inventive concept(s). All such similar substitutions and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope, and concept of the inventive concept(s) as defined by the appended claims.

[0083] The use of the term "a" or "an" in the claims and / or the specification may mean "one," as well as "one or more," "at least one," and "one or more than one." As such, the terms "a," "an," and "the," as well as all singular terms, include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Likewise, plural terms shall include the singular unless otherwise required by context.

[0084] The use of the term "or" in the present disclosure (including the claims) is used to mean an inclusive "and / or" unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or unless the alternatives are mutually exclusive. For example, a condition "A or B" is satisfied by any of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0085] As used in this specification and claim(s), the words "comprising, "having," "including," or "containing" (and any forms thereof, such as "comprise" and "comprises," "have" and "has," "includes" and "include," or "contains" and "contain," respectively) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[0086] Unless otherwise explicitly stated as incompatible, or the physics or otherwise of the embodiments, examples, or claims prevent such a combination, the features of examples disclosed herein, and of the claims, may be integrated together in any suitable arrangement, especially ones where there is a beneficial effect in doing so. This is not limited to only any specified benefit, and instead may arise from an "ex post facto" benefit. This is to say that the combination of features is not limited by the described forms, particularly the form (e.g. numbering) of example(s), embodiment(s), or dependency of claim(s). Moreover, this also applies to the phrase "in one embodiment," "according to an embodiment," and the like, which are merely a stylistic form of wording and are not to be construed as limiting the following features to a separate embodiment to all other instances of the same or similar wording. This is to say, a reference to 'an,' 'one,' or 'some' embodiment(s) may be a reference to any one or more, and / or all embodiments, or combination(s) thereof, disclosed. Also, similarly, the reference to "the" embodiment may not be limited to the immediately preceding embodiment. Further, all references to one or more embodiments or examples are to be construed as non-limiting to the claims.

[0087] The present disclosure may be better understood in view of the following explanations, wherein the terms used that are separated by "or" may be used interchangeably: As used herein, an "aerosol-generating apparatus" (or "electronic(e)-cigarette") may be an apparatus configured to deliver an aerosol to a user for inhalation by the user. The apparatus may additionally / alternatively be referred to as a "smoking substitute apparatus", if it is intended to be used instead of a conventional combustible smoking article. As used herein a combustible "smoking article" may refer to a cigarette, cigar, pipe, or other article, that produces smoke (an aerosol comprising solid particulates and gas) via heating above the thermal decomposition temperature (typically by combustion and / or pyrolysis). An aerosol generated by the apparatus may comprise an aerosol with particle sizes of 0.2 - 7 microns, or less than 10 microns, or less than 7 microns. This particle size may be achieved by control of one or more of: heater temperature; cooling rate as the vapour condenses to an aerosol; flow properties including turbulence and velocity. The generation of aerosol by the aerosol-generating apparatus may be controlled by an input device. The input device may be configured to be user-activated, and may for example include or take the form of an actuator (e.g. actuation button) and / or an airflow sensor.

[0088] Each occurrence of the aerosol-generating apparatus being caused to generate aerosol for a period of time (which may be variable) may be referred to as an "activation" of the aerosol-generating apparatus. The aerosol-generating apparatus may be arranged to allow an amount of aerosol delivered to a user to be varied per activation (as opposed to delivering a fixed dose of aerosol), e.g. by activating an aerosol-generating unit of the apparatus for a variable amount of time, e.g. based on the strength / duration of a draw of a user through a flow path of the apparatus (to replicate an effect of smoking a conventional combustible smoking article).

[0089] The aerosol-generating apparatus may be portable. As used herein, the term "portable" may refer to the apparatus being for use when held by a user.

[0090] As used herein, an "aerosol" may include a suspension of precursor, including as one or more of: solid particles; liquid droplets; gas. Said suspension may be in a gas including air. An aerosol herein may generally refer to / include a vapour. An aerosol may include one or more components of the precursor.

[0091] As used herein, a "precursor" may include one or more of a: liquid; solid; gel; loose leaf material; other substance. The precursor may be processed by an aerosol-generating unit of an aerosol-generating apparatus to generate an aerosol. The precursor may include one or more of: an active component; a carrier; a flavouring. The active component may include one or more of nicotine; caffeine; a cannabidiol oil; a non-pharmaceutical formulation, e.g. a formulation which is not for treatment of a disease or physiological malfunction of the human body. The active component may be carried by the carrier, which may be a liquid, including propylene glycol and / or glycerine. The term "flavouring" may refer to a component that provides a taste and / or a smell to the user. The flavouring may include one or more of: Ethylvanillin (vanilla); menthol, Isoamyl acetate (banana oil); or other. The precursor may include a substrate, e.g. reconstituted tobacco to carry one or more of the active component; a carrier; a flavouring.

[0092] As used herein, a "delivery system" may be a system operative to deliver an aerosol to a user. The delivery system may include a mouthpiece and a flow path.

[0093] As used herein, a "flow" may refer to a flow in a flow path. A flow may include aerosol generated from the precursor. The flow may include air, which may be induced into the flow path via a puff by a user.

[0094] As used herein, a "puff" (or "inhale" or "draw") by a user may refer to expansion of lungs and / or oral cavity of a user to create a pressure reduction that induces flow through the flow path.

[0095] As used herein, an "aerosol-generating unit" may refer to a device configured to generate an aerosol from a precursor. The aerosol-generating unit may include a unit to generate a vapour directly from the precursor (e.g. a heating system or other system) or an aerosol directly from the precursor (e.g. an atomiser including an ultrasonic system, a flow expansion system operative to carry droplets of the precursor in the flow without using electrical energy or other system). A plurality of aerosol-generating units to generate a plurality of aerosols (for example, from a plurality of different aerosol precursors) may be present in an aerosol-generating apparatus.

[0096] As used herein, a "heating system" may refer to an arrangement of at least one heating element, which is operable to aerosolise a precursor once heated. The at least one heating element may be electrically resistive to produce heat from the flow of electrical current therethrough. The at least one heating element may be arranged as a susceptor to produce heat when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. The heating system may be configured to heat a precursor to below 300 or 350 degrees C, including without combustion.

[0097] As used herein, a "consumable" may refer to a unit that includes a precursor. The consumable may include an aerosol-generating unit, e.g. it may be arranged as a cartomizer. The consumable may include a mouthpiece. The consumable may include an information carrying medium. With liquid or gel implementations of the precursor, e.g. an e-liquid, the consumable may be referred to as a "capsule" or a "pod" or an "e-liquid consumable". The capsule / pod may include a storage portion, e.g. a reservoir or tank, for storage of the precursor. With solid material implementations of the precursor, e.g. tobacco or reconstituted tobacco formulation, the consumable may be referred to as a "stick" or "package" or "heat-not-burn consumable". In a heat-not-burn consumable, the mouthpiece may be implemented as a filter and the consumable may be arranged to carry the precursor. The consumable may be implemented as a dosage or pre-portioned amount of material, including a loose-leaf product.

[0098] As used herein "heat-not-burn" (or "HNB" or "heated precursor") may refer to the heating of a precursor, typically tobacco, without combustion, or without substantial combustion (i.e. localised combustion may be experienced of limited portions of the precursor, including of less than 5% of the total volume).

[0099] Referring to Fig. 1, an example aerosol-generating apparatus 1 includes a power supply 2, for supply of electrical energy. The apparatus 1 includes an aerosol-generating unit 4 that is driven by the power supply 2. The power supply 2 may include an electric power supply in the form of a battery and / or an electrical connection to an external power source. The apparatus 1 includes a precursor 6, which in use is aerosolised by the aerosol-generating unit 4 to generate an aerosol. The apparatus 2 includes a delivery system 8 for delivery of the aerosol to a user.

[0100] Electrical circuitry (not shown in figure 1) may be implemented to control the interoperability of the power supply 2 and aerosol-generating unit 4.

[0101] In variant examples, which are not illustrated, the power supply 2 may be omitted since, e.g. an aerosol-generating unit 4 implemented as an atomiser with flow expansion may not require a power supply.

[0102] Fig. 2 shows an implementation of the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 of Fig. 1, where the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 is configured to generate aerosol by a-heat not-burn process.

[0103] In this example, the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 includes a device body 50 and a consumable 70.

[0104] In this example, the body 50 includes the power supply 4 and a heating system 52. The heating system 52 includes at least one heating element 54. The body 50 may additionally include any one or more of electrical circuitry 56, a memory 58, a wireless interface 60, one or more other components 62.

[0105] The electrical circuitry 56 may include a processing resource for controlling one or more operations of the body 50, e.g. based on instructions stored in the memory 58.

[0106] The wireless interface 60 may be configured to communicate wirelessly with an external (e.g. mobile) device, e.g. via Bluetooth.

[0107] The other component(s) 62 may include an actuator, one or more user interface devices configured to convey information to a user and / or a charging port.

[0108] The body 50 is configured to engage with the consumable 70. For example, the at least one heating element 54 of the heating system 52 penetrates into the solid precursor 6 of the consumable 70. In use, a user may activate the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 to cause the heating system 52 of the body 50 to cause the at least one heating element 54 to heat the solid precursor 6 of the consumable 70 (without combusting it) by conductive heat transfer and / or thermal radiation , to generate an aerosol which is inhaled by the user.

[0109] Fig. 3 shows an example implementation of the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 of Fig. 2.

[0110] As depicted in Fig. 3, the consumable 70 is implemented as a stick, which is engaged with the body 50 by inserting the stick into an aperture or opening at a top end 53 of the body 50. The opening or aperture is an opening to a cavity 64 for receiving the consumable 70. The heating system 52 is configured to heat that section of the consumable 70 that is located within the cavity 64. For example, the section of the consumable 70 that houses the solid precursor 6 is arranged in the cavity 64. Thus, the heating system 52 is configured to heat the solid precursor 6 (see also Figs. 4 to 8).

[0111] The aerosol-generating apparatus 1 further includes an elongate rod 66 that is arranged within the cavity 64 (see Figs. 4 to 8). The rod 66 protrudes from a bottom wall of the cavity 64 into the cavity 64. A longitudinal axis of the rod 66 may be coaxial or parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 and / or to the consumable 70 when the consumable 70 is inserted into the cavity 64. The elongate rod 66 penetrates the solid precursor 6 when the consumable 70 is inserted into the cavity 64.

[0112] In this example, the rod 66 has circular transverse profile. Other shapes are possible, e.g. the at least the rod 66 may be blade-shaped (with a rectangular transverse profile) or tube-shaped (e.g. with a hollow transverse profile).

[0113] A temperature detector 68 may be arranged within the elongate rod 66 for measuring the temperature inside the solid precursor 6. The temperature detector 68 may include a thermocouple in data communication with the electrical circuitry 56 and arranged within the rod 66.

[0114] The heating system 52 includes an inside-out heater 54a and an outside-in heater 54b. The inside-out heater 54a is arranged within or on the elongate rod 66. The inside-out heater 54a is configured to heat the solid precursor 6 from within. The outside-in heater 54b is arranged in or on walls surrounding the cavity 64. The outside-in heater 54b is configured to heat an outer surface of the consumable 70. The inside-out heater 54a and / or the outside-in heater 54b may each include one or more heating elements 54.

[0115] The consumable 70 includes the solid precursor 6 proximal to the body 50, and a filter distal to the body 50. The filter serves as the mouthpiece of the consumable 70 and thus the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 as a whole. The solid precursor 6 may be a reconstituted tobacco formulation.

[0116] In this example, the body 50 includes a cap 51. In use the cap 51 is engaged at a top end 53 of the body 50. Although not apparent from Fig. 5, the cap 51 is moveable relative to the body 50. In particular, the cap 51 is slidable and can slide along a longitudinal axis of the body 50.

[0117] The body 50 also includes an actuator 55 on an outer surface of the body 50. In this example, the actuator 55 has the form of a button.

[0118] The body 50 also includes a user interface device configured to convey information to a user. Here, the user interface device is implemented as a plurality of lights 57, which may e.g. be configured to illuminate when the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 is activated and / or to indicate a charging state of the power supply 4. Other user interface devices are possible, e.g. to convey information haptically or audibly to a user.

[0119] The body may also include an airflow sensor which detects airflow in the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 (e.g. caused by a user inhaling through the consumable 70). This may be used to count puffs, for example.

[0120] In this example, the consumable 70 includes a flow path which transmits aerosol generated by the at least one heating element 54 to the mouthpiece of the consumable 70.

[0121] In this example, the aerosol-generating unit 4 is provided by the above-described heating system 52 and the delivery system 8 is provided by the above-described flow path and mouthpiece of the consumable 70.

[0122] Fig. 4 depicts an optional mode for operating the aerosol-generating apparatus 1. In this mode, the inside-out heater 54a and the outside-in heater 54b are simultaneously powered. Thus, the precursor 6 is heated from within and from the outside which may result in a uniform heat distribution within the precursor 6. The supplied heat energy is depicted by the arrows in Fig. 4.The temperature detector 68 may measure the temperature within the precursor 6. The power supplied to the inside-out heater 54a and the outside-in heater 54b may be adjusted by the electrical circuitry 56 for maintaining a constant predetermined temperature within the precursor 6 or keeping the temperature within a predetermined temperature range. For example, this control may include increasing the power supplied to the inside-out heater 54a and / or the outside-in heater 54b if the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 68 drops below the constant predetermined temperature and / or reducing the power supplied to the inside-out heater 54a and / or the outside-in heater 54b if the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 68 exceeds the constant predetermined temperature.

[0123] Fig. 5 depicts a further optional mode for operating the aerosol-generating apparatus 1. In this mode, only the outside-in heater 54b is powered. Thus, the precursor 6 is only heated from the outside. The supplied heat energy is depicted by the arrows in Fig. 5. In order to maintain a constant temperature within the precursor 6 or to keep the temperature within the precursor 6 within the predetermined temperature range, the power supplied to the outside-in heater 54b may be controlled based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 68. For example, this control may include increasing the power supplied to the outside-in heater 54b if the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 68 drops below the constant predetermined temperature and / or reducing the power supplied to the outside-in heater 54b if the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 68 exceeds the constant predetermined temperature.

[0124] Fig. 6 depicts a further optional mode for operating the aerosol-generating apparatus 1. In this mode, only the inside-out heater 54a is powered. Thus, the precursor 6 is only heated from within and not from the outside. The supplied heat energy is depicted by the arrows in Fig. 6. In order to maintain a constant temperature within the precursor 6 or to keep the temperature within the precursor 6 within the predetermined temperature range, the power supplied to the inside-out heater 54a may be controlled based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 68. For example, this control may include increasing the power supplied to the inside-out heater 54a if the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 68 drops below the constant predetermined temperature and / or reducing the power supplied to the inside-out heater 54a if the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 68 exceeds the constant predetermined temperature.

[0125] In the examples shown in Figs. 4 to 6, the outside-in heater 54b extends around the complete circumference of the cavity 64. As such, the outside-in heater 54b provides a uniform heating along the side surface of the consumable 70.

[0126] In the examples shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the outside-in heater 54b is configured to provide zonal heating. The outside-in heater 54b does not extend around the complete circumference of the cavity 64. Instead, the outside-in heater 54b includes two heating elements that are configured to heat a section along the circumference of the cavity 64. In the example shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the heating elements of the outside-in heater 54b are located to oppose each other and each heating element is configured to heat approximately a fourth of the side surface of the consumable 70. Such zonal heating may prolong the duration of a heating session because only parts of the precursor 6 are heated.

[0127] The temperature detector 68 in the examples of Figs. 7 and 8 does not include a thermocouple as with the examples of Figs. 4 to 6. Instead, the temperature detector 68 is configured to measure the electrical resistance of the inside-out heater 54a and convert the measured electrical resistance into a temperature of the inside-out heater 54a which is indicative of the temperature of the rod 66. The temperature detector 68 may be implemented as a part of the electrical circuitry 56 in this example. The conversion of the measured electrical resistance of the inside-out heater 54a into a temperature may be made based on stored tables or graphs linking the measured electrical resistance to the temperature.

[0128] The modes of operation of the examples of Fig. 7 and 8 correspond to the modes of activation of the examples of Figs. 4 and 5, respectively. The only difference is that zonal heating is provided in the examples of Fig. 7 and 8, whereas, in the examples of Figs. 4 and 5, the precursor 6 is heated completely around its circumference.

[0129] The various modes of operation as exemplified in Figs. 4 to 6 or Figs. 7 and 8 may be alternatively employed. However, it is also possible that the user can switch between these modes of activation or the electrical circuitry 56 is configured to automatically switch between these modes of activation.

[0130] An exemplary method for controlling the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 for generating an aerosol from the precursor 6 is described in connection with Fig. 9.

[0131] In step S1, the outside-in heater 54b is powered for heating the precursor 6 at the start of a puffing session. The puffing session may be started upon user activation, for example by pressing the pushbutton 55. At the start of the puffing session, the electrical circuitry 56 may provide maximum power to the outside-in heater 54b.

[0132] In step S2, the temperature inside the precursor 6 is determined using a temperature sensor 68. For example, the electrical circuitry 56 is configured to maintain a predetermined temperature. This may include reducing the power supplied to the outside-in heater 54b if the measured temperature exceeds the predetermined temperature and / or increasing the power supplied to the outside-in heater 54b if the measured temperature drops below the predetermined temperature. Further, the electric circuitry 56 may be configured to stop the operation of the outside-in heater 54b when radially outer portions of the precursor 6 are decomposed or depleted so that they no longer generate aerosol. This may be determined in that it may no longer be possible to power the outside-in heater 54b in such a way that the predetermined temperature can be reached.

[0133] In step S3, the inside-out heater 54a is powered for heating the precursor 6 for heating radially inward portions of the precursor 6 which can longer be properly heated by the outside-in heater 54b.

[0134] In step S4, the temperature inside the precursor 6 is determined using a temperature sensor 68. For example, the electrical circuitry 56 is configured to maintain a predetermined temperature. This may include reducing the power supplied to the inside-out heater 54a if the measured temperature exceeds the predetermined temperature and / or increasing the power supplied to the inside-out heater 54a if the measured temperature drops below the predetermined temperature. The electrical circuitry 56 may be configured to stop the operation of the inside-out heater 54a if a predetermined time has been lapsed since the start of the outside-in heater 54b and / or a predetermined number of puffs have been made. A puff may be detected as a drop of the temperature measured by the temper sensor 68.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0079]Before describing several examples implementing the present disclosure, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited by specific construction details or process steps set forth in the following description and accompanying drawings. Rather, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure that the systems, apparatuses and / or methods described herein could be embodied differently and / or be practiced or carried out in various alternative ways.

[0080]Unless otherwise defined herein, scientific and technical terms used in connection with the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, and known techniques and procedures may be performed according to conventional methods well known in the art and as described in various general and more specific references that may be cited and discussed in the present specification.

[0081]Any paten...

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating apparatus configured to generate an aerosol from a consumable (70), comprising a device body (50) including a cavity (64) configured for insertion of the consumable (70) thereinto, an aerosol-generating unit (4) configured to heat the consumable (70) when inserted into the cavity (64), a rod (66) which protrudes into the cavity (64), the rod (66) being configured to penetrate the consumable (70) when the consumable (70) is inserted into the cavity (64), and electrical circuitry (56) coupled to the aerosol-generating unit (4), wherein the rod (66) includes a temperature detector (68) coupled to the electrical circuitry (56) and configured to measure a temperature inside the consumable (70) when inserted into the cavity (64), wherein the aerosol-generating unit (4) includes an outside-in heater (54b) which is arranged in or on a wall of the cavity (64) for heating the consumable (70) when penetrated by the rod (66), and wherein the electrical circuitry (56) is configured to control the outside-in heater (54b) based on the temperature measured by the temperature detector (68).

2. The aerosol-generating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the aerosol-generating unit (4) further includes an inside-out heater (54a) for generating heat within the consumable (70) when the consumable (70) is inserted into the cavity (64), wherein the inside-out heater (54a) is arranged in or on the rod (66).

3. The aerosol-generating apparatus of claim 2, wherein the electrical circuitry (56) is further configured to control the inside-out heater (54a) based on the temperature sensed by the temperature detector (68).

4. The aerosol-generating apparatus of claim 2 or 3, wherein the inside-out heater (54a) includes a resistance heater, and wherein the temperature detector (68) also includes the resistance heater, the temperature inside the consumable (70) being measured by measuring the resistance of the resistance heater.

5. The aerosol-generating apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the outside-in heater (54b) includes a resistance heater and / or an infra-red heater.

6. The aerosol-generating apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the outside-in heater (54b) includes two or more heating elements (54) spaced from each other along the wall of the cavity (64).

7. The aerosol-generating apparatus of claim 6, wherein the heating elements (54) are spaced circumferentially around the rod (66).

8. A method for generating an aerosol from a consumable (70) using the aerosol-generating apparatus (1) of any preceding claim, comprising the steps of applying heat to an outer surface of the consumable (70) by powering an outside-in heater (54b), measuring a temperature inside the consumable (70), and controlling the outside-in heater (54b) based on the temperature measured inside the consumable (70).

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of controlling the outside-in heater (54b) based on the temperature measured inside the consumable (70) includes adjusting the power supplied to the outside-in heater (54b) so that the measured temperature is within a predetermined temperature range.

10. The method of claim 8 or 9, further comprising the step of generating heat inside the consumable (70) using an inside-out heater (54a).

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the aerosol is generated by one or more of the following modes: a) simultaneously powering the outside-in heater (54b) and the inside-out heater (54a), b) alternating between powering the outside-in heater (54b) and the inside-out heater (54a), c) powering the outside-in heater (54b) and then powering the inside-out heater (54a), and d) powering the inside-out heater (54a) and then powering the outside-in heater (54b).

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, in mode c), powering of the outside-in heater (54b) is stopped and powering the inside-out heater (54a) is started if the measured temperature reaches a first predetermined threshold temperature.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein, in mode d), powering of the inside-out heater (54a) is stopped and powering the outside-in heater (54b) is started if the measured temperature reaches a second predetermined threshold temperature.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein, in mode b), powering of the outside-in heater (54b) is stopped and powering the inside-out heater (54a) is started if the measured temperature reaches a third predetermined threshold temperature, and powering of the inside-out heater (54a) is stopped and powering the outside-in heater (54b) is started if the measured temperature reaches a fourth predetermined threshold temperature.

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