Aerosol-generating device to detect a magnetic element of an article

Abstract

The invention relates to an aerosol-generating device. The device comprises a cavity configured for receiving an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The device comprises an inductive detector. The inductive detector is configured for detecting a magnetic element of the aerosol-generating article by inductive coupling. The aerosol- generating device further comprises an aerosol-generating arrangement configured to generate aerosol from the article. The inductive detector is separate from the aerosol- generating arrangement.

Description

[0001] AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE TO DETECT A MAGNETIC ELEMENT OF AN ARTICLE

[0002] The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device, an aerosol-generating article, an aerosol-generating system and a method for detecting an aerosol-generating article.

[0003] It is known to provide an aerosol-generating device for generating an inhalable vapor. Such devices may heat aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate are volatilised without burning the aerosolforming substrate. Aerosol-forming substrate may be provided as part of an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may have a rod shape for insertion of the aerosolgenerating article into a cavity of the aerosol-generating device. The cavity of the aerosolgenerating device may comprise a heating chamber. A heating element may be arranged in or around the heating chamber for heating the aerosol-forming substrate once the aerosolgenerating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. Aerosol-generating devices are typically designed to operate best when used with an original and specifically designed aerosol-generating article. Furthermore, manufacturers of aerosolgenerating articles may offer a product line of an aerosol-generating article in a variety of types with different characteristics, such as flavor or nicotine content.

[0004] It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device capable of identifying an aerosol-generating article. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device capable of identifying the presence of an authorized aerosol-generating article. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device capable of identifying an aerosol-generating article with enhanced reliability. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device with improved identification capabilities. It would be desirable to have an aerosol-generating device providing an optimized user experience.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising a cavity and / or an inductive detector. The cavity may be configured for receiving an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The inductive detector may be configured for detecting a magnetic element of the aerosol-generating article by inductive coupling.

[0006] According to another aspect there is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising a cavity configured for receiving an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and an inductive detector, wherein the inductive detector is configured for detecting a magnetic element of the aerosol-generating article by inductive coupling; and wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises an aerosol-generating arrangement configured to generate aerosol from the article, wherein the inductive detector is separate from the aerosolgenerating arrangement. The invention may provide means and a method to detect and identify authorized aerosol-generating articles and specific types of aerosol-generating articles received in the aerosol-generating device. The article may be provided with a marker, preferably a magnetic element. The device may be provided with a complementary article detector, preferably an inductive detector, interacting with the marker of the article. The characteristics of this interaction may be governed by the characteristics of the marker. Such inductive coupling between the magnetic element and the article detector may generate a marker specific article detector output. The device may be provided with a controller monitoring and processing the signal output of the article detector. By comparing the signal output of the article detector with pre-stored reference data, the controller may one or more of: (i) identify the presence an authorized article in the device, (ii) identify the type of the inserted article, (iii) regulate operation of the device in dependence on the characteristics of the inserted article, and (iv) determine the presence and / or absence of an article in the device.

[0007] Herein, the terms “magnetic element” or “magnetic material” may refer to an element or a material which is ferromagnetic. Herein, the terms “magnetic element” or “magnetic material” may refer to a magnetised element or a magnetised material. Herein, the terms “magnetic element” or “magnetic material” may refer to an element or a material having a magnetic field in the absence of an external field. Herein, the terms “magnetic element” or “magnetic material” may refer to an element or a material having a magnetic field only in the presence of an external field. A “magnetic element” or “magnetic material” may comprise or be a permanent magnet. A permanent magnet may have a magnetic field in the absence of an external magnetic or electrical field.

[0008] It will be appreciated that identifying the aerosol-generating article for use with the aerosol-generating device may be useful for a variety of different purposes, and the invention is not limited to any one particular purpose for identifying the aerosol-generating article. For instance, identifying the aerosol-generating article may allow one of a plurality of predetermined heating profiles to be applied that is associated with the identified aerosolgenerating article; identifying the aerosol-generating article may allow a user interface of the aerosol-generating device to operate differently in response to identifying the aerosolgenerating article, e.g. by displaying a flavour of the aerosol-generating article; and / or identifying the aerosol-generating article may allow a record of consumption of each type of aerosol-generating article used with the aerosol-generating device to be stored at the aerosolgenerating device to assist the user in monitoring their usage habits.

[0009] Authorized articles may be provided with a marker or series of markers. In response to the identification of the presence of the authorized article, the controller may enable one or both of operation of the device and provision of a user experience. For example, power may be provided to a heating assembly of the aerosol-generating device. If the device does not identify the presence of an authorized article, the device may one or both of prevent operation of the device and provision of a user experience. For example, power being provided to the heating assembly may be prevented.

[0010] The invention may allow the provision of an optimized user experience by adapting aerosol generation to the configuration of a type of article inserted in the device. Articles belonging to a type of article may be provided with a type specific marker. By comparing the detector output signal generated by the interaction between the marker and the article detector with pre-stored reference data, the device may identify the article type inserted in the device. In response, the device may adapt and thereby optimize aerosol generation. For example, a pre-stored type specific heating profile may be employed. The type specific heating profile may correspond to a type specific configuration of aerosol-forming substrate within the article.

[0011] Inductive coupling between the marker and the article detector may be tuned by varying one or both of the configuration and arrangement of the marker. Multiple different markers may be provided. Each marker may trigger a specific signal output of the article detector. One or more different markers may be allocated to known authorized articles. Each of a series of different markers may be allocated to different article types.

[0012] A marker in the form of the magnetic element of the present invention may be tuned by varying one or more of size (including length, width and thickness), material and shape. The magnetic element may comprise a multitude of portions of magnetic material. The relative position of the portions may be varied. The portions may be varied in different patterns. Inductive coupling between the magnetic element and the article detector may be adjusted by varying the distance between the magnetic element and the article detector. For example, the lateral position of the magnetic element within or on the aerosol-generating article may be varied. Variation in one of the discussed configurations and arrangements (size, material, shape, number, relative positioning, distance, etc.) may be combined with the variation of one or more of another of such discussed configurations and arrangements to tune the interaction between the magnetic element and the article detector. Numerous different magnetic elements may be provided with ease and at low production cost.

[0013] “Inductive interaction” and “inductive coupling” may refer to the induction of a current in a coil by a change of magnetic flux through the volume enclosed by the coil. “Inductive interaction” and “inductive coupling” may be described with the help of Faraday’s law. Inductive coupling between the inductive detector and the magnetic element may induce an electrical current in the inductive detector. “Inductive interaction” and “inductive coupling” may refer to the interaction of an alternating magnetic field with the magnetic element.

[0014] The detection of the magnetic element by the inductive detector may depend on whether the magnetic element comprises a permanent magnet, or when the magnetic element has its own magnetic field, or when the magnetic element is magnetised. If the magnetic element comprises a permanent magnet, or when the magnetic element has its own magnetic field, or when the magnetic element is magnetised detection may be based on the induction of a current in the inductive detector of the device. In particular, during the insertion of the article, the article and with it the permanent magnetic field of the magnetic element may be moved relative to the inductive detector of the device. Due to such relative movement, the magnetic flux through the inductive detector may be changed to induce a current in the inductive detector. The induced current or a signal based on the induced current may be provided to the controller. The induced current or the signal based on the induced current may be a detector output. Based on the detector output, the controller may identify the article or determine the presence or absence of the article in the cavity of the device. The detection of a magnetic element comprising a permanent magnet may not require supply of an electrical signal to the sensing element. The detection of a magnetic element comprising a permanent magnet may be passive.

[0015] Independently of whether the magnetic element comprise a permanent magnet or not (but particularly in instances where the magnetic element does not have its own magnetic field), the detection of the magnetic element may be based on a change of a total resistive load triggered by inductive coupling between the magnetic element and an alternating magnetic field of the inductive detector. The alternating magnetic field may result from the supply of an alternating electrical signal supplied to inductive detector. The inductive detector may comprise a sensing coil. The alternating magnetic field may result from the supply of an alternating electrical signal supplied to sensing coil. In the absence of the magnetic element, the total resistive load may be the ohmic resistance of the sensing coil of the inductive detector. In the presence of the magnetic element, the total resistive load may be the sum of the ohmic resistance of the sensing coil of the inductive detector and the ohmic resistance of the magnetic element.

[0016] The electrical signal supplied to the inductive detector may be measured. The change of total resistive load may be deduced from a corresponding change in the electrical current or electrical voltage supplied to the inductive detector. The total resistive load may be determined based on a function of the electrical current and voltage supplied to the inductive detector. Based on the change in total resistive load or change in current or voltage, the controller may identify the article or determine the presence or absence of the article in the cavity of the device. The detection of a magnetic element not comprising a permanent magnet may require the supply of an electrical signal to the sensing element. The detection of a magnetic element not comprising a permanent magnet may be an active detection.

[0017] The inductive detector may be configured for detecting a magnetic element of the aerosol-generating article by inductive coupling. The inductive detector may comprise an electrical conductor. The magnetic element and the inductive detector may inductively interact with each other.

[0018] The invention may provide article detection and identification with one or more of an improved reliability and improved consistency. By reducing the risk of erroneous rejection of authorized articles, consumer satisfaction may be enhanced.

[0019] The invention may provide article detection and identification which can easily and cost- effectively be realized with existing articles and devices.

[0020] Article detection and identification with the inventive components and method may be energy-efficient because the generation of the output signal of the inductive detector may not require further input of internal energy of the device and system.

[0021] Identification of the presence of an authorized aerosol-generating article in the device may prevent or at least reduce the risk of usage of counterfeit and non-authorized articles with the device. Damage to the device may be avoided. Economic losses of authorized article manufacturers may be minimized.

[0022] Identification of a specific type of aerosol-generating article in the device may enable the provision of an optimized user experience. For example, an article type specific heating profile may be provided. Aerosol generation may be optimized and adapted according to the article type inserted in the device.

[0023] Detection of an aerosol-generating article using inductive coupling between the magnetic element and the inductive detector may be realized with components requiring minimum space.

[0024] Detection of an aerosol-generating article using inductive coupling between the magnetic element and the inductive detector may offer versatile use of different types of heating arrangements.

[0025] The detection of articles by inductive coupling may avoid contact between the article and the inductive detector. The lifetime of the aerosol-generating device may be prolonged as friction between the article and the device may be prevented or at least reduced. The inductive detector may be configured to be protected from the environment. Corrosion of the inductive detector may be prevented or at least reduced.

[0026] The inductive detector may comprise a sensing element, preferably a sensing coil. The sensing element may be arranged at least partly, preferably fully, surrounding the cavity.

[0027] The sensing element may be configured for detecting the magnetic element of the article by inductive coupling. The sensing element may be configured to interact inductively with the magnetic element. The sensing element may be configured such that a current may be induced in the sensing element by inductive coupling with the magnetic element. The sensing element may be arranged such that a current may be induced in the sensing element when the magnetic element is moved relative to the sensing element. The sensing element may be arranged around at least a portion of the cavity. The sensing element may be positioned along a circumference of the cavity. The center of the sensing element may be arranged on a central longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device. The sensing element may be configured to be symmetrical with regard to the central longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device. The sensing element may be arranged such that inductive coupling between the sensing element and other components of the device is minimized.

[0028] A longitudinal axis of a component may be an axis along or parallel to the lengthwise direction of the component. A longitudinal axis of the device may extend between the distal end and the proximal end of the device. A longitudinal axis of the article may extend between the distal end and the proximal end of the article.

[0029] The sensing element may comprise a sensing coil. The sensing coil may a be substantially cylindrical in shape. The sensing coil may have a length of between 4 millimeters and 12 millimeters, preferably of between 6 millimeters and 10 millimeters. The sensing coil may be made from an electrical conductor. The sensing coil may be an inexpensive and simple embodiment of the sensing element. The sensing element may be a helical coil. The sensing element may be an induction coil.

[0030] The sensing element may comprise a sensing coil of low gauge and winding thickness. The weight of the aerosol-generating device may be minimized. Spatial requirements may be minimized. The coil may be easily incorporated into existing aerosol-generating device.

[0031] The sensing element may be arranged at a proximal end of the cavity.

[0032] The proximal end of the cavity may be a downstream end of the cavity. The sensing element may be arranged at a proximal portion of the cavity. The sensing element may be arranged at least partly surrounding a proximal end or portion of the cavity.

[0033] By arranging the sensing element at a proximal end of the cavity, the magnetic element may fully pass the sensing element when the article is inserted into the device, such that the inductive coupling between the magnetic element and the sensing element is optimized.

[0034] The device may comprise a heating arrangement. The heating arrangement may comprise an induction coil. The heating arrangement may be a resistive, inductive, dielectric or microwave heating arrangement. The inductive detector may be separate from the heating arrangement. The inductive detector may be a component distinct from the components of the heating arrangement.

[0035] The device may comprise any aerosol-generating arrangement, such as a non-thermal aerosol-generating arrangement. The device may comprise an ultrasonic aerosol-generating arrangement. The inductive detector may be separate from the aerosol-generating arrangement. The inductive detector may be a component distinct from the components of the aerosol-generating arrangement. The induction coil may be arranged at least partly, preferably fully, surrounding the cavity. The induction coil may be arranged at a distal end of the cavity.

[0036] The sensing element may be arranged closer to the proximal end of the cavity than the induction coil. The sensing element may be arranged proximal to the induction coil. The sensing element may be arranged to be spaced apart from the induction coil. The sensing element may be arranged to be separated from the induction coil. The sensing element may be arranged such that inductive coupling between the induction coil and the sensing element is minimized. Reliability and precision of detection and identification may be enhanced by avoiding interfering inductive coupling between the sensing element and the induction coil. The sensing element may have an inner diameter similar or identical to an inner diameter of the induction coil.

[0037] The device may comprise a controller. The controller may be configured for identifying the presence of an authorized aerosol-generating article based on an output of the inductive detector. The controller may be configured for identifying an aerosol-generating article based on an output of the inductive detector. The controller may be configured for identifying a type of aerosol-generating article based on an output of the inductive detector. The output of the inductive detector may be an electrical current induced in the sensing element. The output of the inductive detector may be a function of the induced current. The output of the inductive detector may be a current supplied to the sensing element. The output of the inductive detector may be a current supplied to the sensing coil. The output of the inductive detector may be a current supplied from a power source to the sensing element.

[0038] The controller may comprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The controller may be configured to regulate a supply of power to the heating arrangement. Power may be supplied to the heating arrangement continuously following activation of the aerosol-generating device or may be supplied intermittently, such as on a puff- by-puff basis. The power may be supplied to the heating arrangement in the form of pulses of electrical current. The controller may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating arrangement, and preferably to control the supply of power to the heating arrangement dependent on the electrical resistance of the heating arrangement.

[0039] The controller may comprise the inductive detector. Alternatively, the controller and the inductive detector may be separate elements. The controller may be configured to identify the presence of an authorized aerosol-generating article. The controller may be configured to identify the aerosol-generating article. The controller may be configured to identify a type of aerosol-generating article.

[0040] The controller may be configured to monitor the output of the inductive detector. The controller may be configured to monitor the progression of the output of the inductive detector. The controller may be configured to record the output of the inductive detector. The controller may be configured to process the output of the inductive detector. The controller may be configured to analyse the output of the inductive detector. The controller may be configured to identify the presence of an authorized aerosol-generating article by processing the output of the inductive detector. The controller may be configured to identify the aerosol-generating article by processing the output of the inductive detector. The controller may be configured to identify the type of the aerosol-generating article by processing the output of the inductive detector. The controller may be connected to the inductive detector. The controller may be configured to communicate with the inductive detector. The controller may be configured to determine the presence and / or absence of an aerosol-generating article by processing the output of the inductive detector. The controller may be configured to permit aerosol to be generated only after determining that an aerosol-generating article is present. The controller may be configured to prohibit aerosol generation, or cease aerosol generation, in response to determining that an aerosol-generating article is absent. The controller may comprise a current measurement device. The current measurement device may be configured for measuring the current supplied to the sensing element. The controller may comprise a voltage measurement device. The voltage measurement device may be configured for measuring a voltage induced in the sensing element.

[0041] The output of the inductive detector may be an electrical signal induced by inductive coupling between the magnetic element and the inductive detector. The output of the inductive detector may be an electrical current induced by inductive coupling between the magnetic element and the inductive detector. The output of the inductive detector may be a function of the induced current. The output of the inductive detector may be the current supplied to the sensing element. The output of the inductive detector may be a voltage induced in the sensing element.

[0042] The controller may comprise a memory. The memory may comprise pre-stored reference data. The reference data may comprise reference outputs of the inductive detector. Each of such reference outputs may correspond to a magnetic element of known configuration and arrangement. Each of such reference outputs may correspond to the current induced in the sensing element by a magnetic element of known configuration and arrangement. Each of such reference outputs may correspond to the change in the current supplied to the sensing element in response to the presence of a magnetic element of known configuration and arrangement.

[0043] The controller may be configured to compare the output of the inductive detector with the pre-stored reference data. The controller may be configured to correlate the output of the inductive detector with the pre-stored reference data. The controller may be configured to identify the presence of an authorized article by correlating the output of the inductive detector with the pre-stored reference data. The controller may be configured to identify the article by correlating the output of the inductive detector with the pre-stored reference data. The controller may be configured to identify the article type by correlating the output of the inductive detector with the pre-stored reference data.

[0044] The controller may be configured to regulate power supply to the heating arrangement based on the identification of the presence of the authorized aerosol-generating article. The controller may be configured to regulate power supply to the heating arrangement based on the identification of the aerosol-generating article. The controller may be configured to regulate power supply to the heating arrangement based on the identification of the type of the aerosolgenerating article. Upon identification of a known aerosol-generating article, the controller may allow power to be supplied to heating arrangement. Upon identification of a known aerosolgenerating article, the controller may allow the provision of a user experience. Upon the absence of identification of a known aerosol-generating article, the controller may block power supply to the heating arrangement. Upon the absence of identification of a known aerosolgenerating article, the controller may prevent the provision of a user experience.

[0045] The controller may be configured to regulate power supply to the heating arrangement based on the identification of a type of aerosol-generating article. Upon identification of a type of aerosol-generating article, the controller may allow power to be supplied to the heating arrangement. Upon identification of a type of aerosol-generating article, the controller may allow the provision of a user experience. Upon identification of a type of aerosol-generating article, the controller may adjust the power supply in dependence on the article type identified. The controller may be configured to provide power to the heating arrangement according to a predefined heating profile for the respective identified article.

[0046] The controller may adjust the magnitude of power supply in dependence on the article type identified. The controller may adjust the time period of power supply in dependence on the article type identified. The controller may adjust the temperature of the heating element or a susceptor in dependence on the article type identified. The controller may adjust one or more of the amplitude and the frequency of a current supplied to the heating arrangement in dependence on the article type identified. The controller may adjust the signal powering the heating arrangement in dependence on the article type identified.

[0047] The memory of the controller may comprise a database of pre-stored heating profiles for each known type of aerosol-generating article. The controller may be configured to provide power according to the heating profile of the identified type of aerosol-generating article. Power supply may be tailored to the configuration of a specific article type. Aerosol-generation and the user experience may be optimized.

[0048] The heating arrangement may comprise an induction coil. The induction coil may have a length of between 15 millimeters and 31 millimeters, preferably of between 11 millimeters and 21 millimeters. The sensing element may comprise a sensing coil. The sensing coil may have a length of between 4 millimeters and 12 millimeters, preferably of between 6 millimeters and 10 millimeters.

[0049] In a second aspect, the invention relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising a magnetic element arranged on or within the aerosol-generating article. The magnetic element may comprise a layer of magnetic ink.

[0050] The magnetic element may comprise one or more magnetic threads, or strips. The one or more magnetic threads or strips may be woven into a layer of the aerosol-generating article, e.g. an outer wrapper layer of the aerosol-generating article.

[0051] The magnetic element may be provided at the periphery of the aerosol-generating article. The magnetic element may be provided at an outer surface of the aerosol-generating article. The magnetic element may be provided as a coating. The magnetic element may be provided embedded into an outer wrapper of the aerosol-generating article.

[0052] The magnetic element may be arranged proximal to the aerosol-forming substrate. The magnetic element may be arranged on or within the aerosol-generating article such that the magnetic element is positioned distal to the sensing element when the article is fully inserted into the cavity of the device. The magnetic element may be arranged on or within the aerosolgenerating article such that the magnetic element is aligned with the sensing element when the article is fully inserted into the cavity of the device. The magnetic element may be arranged on or within the aerosol-generating article such that the magnetic element is positioned proximal to the heating arrangement when the article is fully inserted into the cavity of the device. The magnetic element may be arranged on or within the aerosol-generating article such that the magnetic element is positioned proximal to the induction coil when the article is fully inserted into the cavity of the device.

[0053] The magnetic element may have a permanent magnet. The magnetic element may be configured to inductively couple with the inductive detector. The permanent magnet of the magnetic element may be configured to inductively couple with the inductive detector. The magnetic element may be configured to induce an electrical signal in the inductive detector. The magnetic element may be configured to induce an electrical current in the sensing element. The magnetic element may be positioned on or with the article, such that the magnetic element moves past the sensing element when the article is inserted into cavity of the device. The magnetic element may be positioned on or with the article, such that the magnetic element passes through the sensing coil when the article is inserted into cavity of the device.

[0054] The magnetic element may be symmetrical with regard to the central longitudinal axis of the article. Such a symmetrical magnetic element may be detected independently of the orientation of the consumable. The magnetic element may comprise at least one portion comprising magnetic material.

[0055] The magnetic element may consist of at least one portion comprising magnetic material.

[0056] The magnetic material may comprise, preferably consist of, a metallic material. The magnetic material may be a soft magnetic material, such as Co and NiFe. The magnetic material may be a hard magnetic material, such as NdFeB. The magnetic material may be a ferromagnetic material, such as nickel, iron or alloys thereof. Such alloys may be carbon steel and ferritic stainless steel. The magnetic material may be CoCrPt.

[0057] The magnetic material may be a ferromagnetic material. The magnetic material be a magnetized material. The magnetic material may have a permanent magnet.

[0058] The portion comprising magnetic material may be a layer of magnetic ink.

[0059] The portion comprising magnetic material may consist of a layer of magnetic ink.

[0060] The magnetic material may be a printed layer of magnetic ink. The printed layer of magnetic ink may be arranged at an outer surface of the article. The magnetic material may be a thin film of magnetic ink. The magnetic ink may be deposited by evaporation under vacuum.

[0061] The magnetic ink may comprise a magnetic material in a solvent matrix, for example, CoCrPt. The magnetic ink may comprise a ferromagnetic material.

[0062] The application of a layer of magnetic ink may be one or more of a versatile, cost- effective and simple way to provide a magnetic element.

[0063] The portion of magnetic material may be provided in the form of one or more of a strip, dot, and line.

[0064] The magnetic element may be a single strip of magnetic material. The strip may be arranged at an outer surface of the article. The strip may be configured to fully encircle a portion of the outer surface of the article. The strip may be arranged traverse to the central longitudinal axis of the article.

[0065] The magnetic element may comprise two or more portions of magnetic material. The two or more portions of magnetic material may be arranged in a pattern.

[0066] The magnetic element may consist of two or more portions of magnetic material.

[0067] The two or more portions may have the same configuration. Each of the portions may be a strip of magnetic material. The two or more portions may have different configurations. Portions of different configuration may be combined in the pattern.

[0068] Herein, the “configuration of the magnetic element” may refer to intrinsic characteristics of the magnetic element, such as size, material, shape and relative positioning of constituent portions. Herein, the “configuration of the portion of magnetic material” may refer to intrinsic characteristics of the portion, such as size, material and shape. Herein, the “arrangement of the magnetic element” may refer to arrangement of the magnetic element as an entity on or within the aerosol-generating article.

[0069] The two or more portions of magnetic material may be arranged in a regular pattern. The pattern may be symmetrical with regard to the central longitudinal axis of the article. The inductive signal obtained by the use of a magnetic element comprising such symmetrical pattern may be independent of the orientation of the consumable during insertion. The pattern may be arranged along the length of the insertion direction of the article.

[0070] The pattern may comprise a series of evenly spaced, parallel strips or lines of magnetic material. The strips or lines may be arranged symmetrically around the central longitudinal axis of the article. Each of the strips or lines may be arranged in parallel with the central longitudinal axis of the article. Alternatively, each of the strips or lines may be arranged traverse to the central longitudinal axis of the article.

[0071] Enhancing the magnitude of the inductive coupling between the magnetic element and the sensing element may improve the reliability of detection and identification. Interference due to noise may be minimised. Interference due to noise may be due to interactions with other components of the device.

[0072] The magnetic element may be arranged such that an output of the inductive detector is generated that is large enough for the controller to identify the article. The magnetic element may be arranged such that during insertion of the article into the device, an output of the inductive detector is generated that is large enough for the controller to identify the article. The magnetic element may be configured such that during insertion of article into the device, an output of the inductive detector is generated that is large enough to be for the controller to identify the article. The magnetic element may be arranged such the change in total resistive load is large enough for the controller to identify the article.

[0073] The magnitude of the inductive coupling may be adapted by the adjustment of one or more of the sensitivity of the sensing element and the rate of change of magnetic flux through the sensing element.

[0074] The sensitivity of the sensing coil may be enhanced by increasing the number of turns of the coil. The sensitivity of the detection and identification may be enhanced by increasing the strength of the inductive coupling. The strength of the inductive coupling may be adapted by the adjustment of the magnitude of the magnetic field of the magnetic element. The strength of the inductive coupling may be enhanced by providing an increased amount of magnetic material. The amount of magnetic material may be varied by providing magnetic materials of different density. The size of one or more portions of the magnetic element may be increased. The thickness of one or more portions of the magnetic element may be increased. The magnitude of the magnetic field may be enhanced by providing a magnetic material of higher magnetic permeability. The strength of the inductive coupling may be enhanced by arranging the magnetic element closer to or at the outer surface of the article.

[0075] A higher magnitude of the induced current may be preferred. A higher magnitude of the induced current may result in a higher signal-to-noise ratio. A higher net change in the current supplied to the sensing element may be preferred. A higher net change in the current supplied to the sensing element may result in a higher signal-to-noise ratio. Reliability of detection and identification may be improved at higher induced current magnitudes. Reliability of detection and identification may be improved at higher net changes in the current supplied to the sensing element.

[0076] For magnetic elements comprising two or more portions of magnetic material, a high sensitivity of the inductive detector may be preferred. The inductive detector may be configured to be sensitive enough to distinguish between the signals induced by each portion of magnetic material of the magnetic element. The reliability of detection and identification may be enhanced. Such embodiment may be particularly useful when the article is accelerated during insertion into the device. The controller may reliably identify the article based on the overall shape of the monitored output of the inductive detector. For example, the article may be identified by the number of peaks and troughs in the wave form of the monitored signal.

[0077] One or more of the specificity and interaction strength of the magnetic element may be varied by tuning the configuration of the magnetic element. A first article may have a first magnetic element having a first configuration. A second article may have a second magnetic element having a second configuration. The first configuration may be different from the second configuration.

[0078] The size of one or more of the magnetic element and the portion comprising magnetic material may be varied. The size of a component may be the spatial extension of the component. A first article may have a first magnetic element having a first size. A second article may have a second magnetic element having a second size. The first size may be different from the second size.

[0079] The thickness of one or more of the magnetic element and the portion comprising magnetic material may be varied. The thickness one or more of the magnetic element and the portion comprising magnetic material may be a dimension of the magnetic element and portion traverse to a longitudinal axis of the article. The thickness of the magnetic element may be thickness of a layer of magnetic ink on the outer wrapper. A first article may have a first magnetic element having a first thickness. A second article may have a second magnetic element having a second thickness. The first thickness may be different from the second thickness.

[0080] The magnetic material of one or more of the magnetic element and the portion comprising magnetic material may be varied. A first article may have a first magnetic element having a first magnetic material. A second article may have a second magnetic element having a second magnetic material. The first magnetic material may be different from the second magnetic material.

[0081] The shape of one or more of the magnetic element and the portion comprising magnetic material may be varied. The shape of a component may be the external form, contours or outline of the component. For example, the one or more of the magnetic element and the portion comprising magnetic material may be strip. A first article may have a first magnetic element having a first shape. A second article may have a second magnetic element having a second shape. The first shape may be different from the second shape.

[0082] The pattern of the magnetic element may be varied. The configuration of one or more of the portions of the pattern may be varied. The number of portions in a pattern may be varied. The size of one or more of the portions of the pattern may be varied. The thickness of one or more of the portions of the pattern may be varied. The magnetic material of one or more of the portions of the pattern may be varied. The shape of one or more of the portions of the pattern may be varied. The relative position of one or more of the portions of the pattern may be varied.

[0083] A first article may have a first magnetic element having a first pattern. A second article may have a second magnetic element having a second pattern. The first pattern may be different from the second pattern. The first pattern may have a first configuration. The second pattern may have a second configuration. The first configuration may be different from the second configuration. The first pattern may have a first number of constituent portions. The second pattern may have a second number of constituent portions. The first number of constituent portions may be different to the second number of constituent portions. One or more portions of the first pattern may have one or more of a first size, first thickness, first magnetic material and first shape. One or more portions of the second pattern may have one or more of a second size, second thickness, second magnetic material and second shape. One or more of the first size, first thickness, first magnetic material and first shape may be different from the one or more second size, second thickness, second magnetic material and second shape. The portions of the first pattern may have first relative position. The portions of the second pattern may have second relative position The first relative position may be different from the second relative position.

[0084] The article may comprise an outer wrapper. The magnetic element may be arranged on an outer surface of the outer wrapper or an inner surface of the outer wrapper or within the outer wrapper.

[0085] The outer wrapper may preferably be an outer paper wrapper.

[0086] The outer wrapper may be the outer surface of the article. The outer wrapper may have an outer surface. The outer surface of the outer wrapper may be the outer surface of the article. The outer wrapper may have an inner surface. The magnetic element may be provided on the outer surface of the outer wrapper The magnetic element may be provided on the inner surface of the outer wrapper.

[0087] Magnetic ink may be deposited by evaporation under vacuum on a surface of the outer wrapper.

[0088] The magnetic element may be arranged at the outer wrapper. “Arranged at the outer wrapper” may refer to the magnetic element being arranged on the outer surface of the wrapper. “Arranged at the outer wrapper” may refer to the magnetic element being arranged on an inner surface of the outer wrapper. “Arranged at the outer wrapper” may refer to the magnetic element being arranged within the outer wrapper.

[0089] The magnetic element may extend entirely around a section of the outer surface of the outer wrapper. The magnetic element may enclose a section of the outer surface of the outer wrapper.

[0090] The magnetic element may be configured to form a circumferential surface of the article.

[0091] The magnetic element may be provided closer to a proximal end of the aerosolgenerating article than to a distal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0092] The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate. The article may comprise a wrapper for the aerosol-forming substrate arranged at the distal end of the article. The article may comprise a wrapper for a filter arranged at the proximal end of the article. The wrapper for the filter may be referred to as the tipping wrapper, or tipping paper (when it is made from paper). The magnetic element may be provided on the wrapper for the filter. In addition, there may be no magnetic element on any other wrapper of the article. In addition or alternatively, the magnetic element may not extend from the wrapper for the filter onto any other wrapper of the article. The magnetic element may only be provided on the wrapper for the filter.

[0093] The inductive detector may comprise a low noise amplifying-filtering circuit. The low noise amplifying-filtering circuit may improve the precision of detection and identification.

[0094] In a third aspect, the invention relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device as described herein and an aerosol-generating article, preferably an aerosol-generating article as described herein.

[0095] In a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a method for detecting an aerosol-generating article in an aerosol-generating device of an aerosol-generating system, preferably an aerosolgenerating system as described herein. The method may comprise detecting, via the inductive detector, the magnetic element of the aerosol-generating article by inductive coupling.

[0096] The method may comprise inserting the aerosol-generating article into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device to generate an output of the inductive detector and identifying, via the controller, the aerosol-generating article based on the output of the inductive detector. The method may include identifying, via the controller, the type of the aerosolgenerating article based on the output of the inductive detector.

[0097] The method may include identifying, via the controller, the presence of an authorized aerosol-generating article based on the output of the inductive detector.

[0098] The method may comprise the step of identifying the aerosol-generating article by comparing the output of the inductive detector with reference data. The method may comprise the step of identifying the type of the aerosol-generating article by comparing the output of the inductive detector with reference data.

[0099] The method may comprise the step of controlling operation of the aerosol-generating device depending upon the identification of the inserted aerosol-generating article.

[0100] The method may comprise the step of controlling operation of the aerosol-generating device depending upon the identification of type of the inserted aerosol-generating article.

[0101] The method may comprise that controlling the operation of the aerosol-generating device may include deactivating operation of the aerosol-generating device if an authorized aerosol-generating article is not identified.

[0102] The method may comprise that controlling the operation of the aerosol-generating device includes choosing a heating profile of the aerosol-generating device depending upon the identified aerosol-generating article.

[0103] The method may comprise that controlling the operation of the aerosol-generating device includes choosing a heating profile of the aerosol-generating device depending upon the identified type of aerosol-generating article.

[0104] As used herein, the terms ‘proximal’, ‘distal’, ‘downstream’ and ‘upstream’ are used to describe the relative positions of components, or portions of components, of the aerosolgenerating device and the aerosol-generating article in relation to the direction in which a user draws on the aerosol-generating device or aerosol-generating article during use thereof.

[0105] The aerosol-generating system may comprise a mouth end through which in use an aerosol exits the aerosol-generating system and is delivered to a user. The mouth end may also be referred to as the proximal end. In use, a user draws on the proximal or mouth end of the aerosol-generating system in order to inhale an aerosol generated by the aerosolgenerating system. The aerosol-generating system comprises a distal end opposed to the proximal or mouth end. The proximal or mouth end of the aerosol-generating system may also be referred to as the downstream end and the distal end of the aerosol-generating system may also be referred to as the upstream end. Components, or portions of components, of the aerosol-generating system may be described as being upstream or downstream of one another based on their relative positions between the proximal, downstream or mouth end and the distal or upstream end of the system. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a mouth end through which in use an aerosol exits the aerosol-generating device and is delivered to a user. In use, a user draws on the proximal or mouth end of the aerosol-generating device in order to inhale an aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively, a user may directly draw on an aerosol-generating article inserted into an opening at the proximal end of the aerosolgenerating device. The opening at the proximal end may be an opening of the cavity. The aerosol-generating device comprises a distal end opposed to the proximal or mouth end. The proximal or mouth end of the aerosol-generating device may also be referred to as the downstream end and the distal end of the aerosol-generating device may also be referred to as the upstream end. Components, or portions of components, of the aerosol-generating device may be described as being upstream or downstream of one another based on their relative positions between the proximal, downstream or mouth end and the distal or upstream end of the aerosol-generating device.

[0106] As used herein, an ‘aerosol-generating device’ relates to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article, for example part of a smoking article. An aerosol-generating device may be a smoking device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosolgenerating article to generate an aerosol that is directly inhalable into a user’s lungs thorough the user's mouth. An aerosol-generating device may be a holder. The device may be an electrically heated smoking device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing, electric circuitry, a power supply, a heating chamber and a heating arrangement.

[0107] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term ‘smoking’ with reference to a device, article, system, substrate, or otherwise does not refer to conventional smoking in which an aerosol-forming substrate is fully or at least partially combusted. The aerosol-generating device of the present invention is arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature below a combustion temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate, but at or above a temperature at which one or more volatile compounds of the aerosol-forming substrate are released to form an inhalable aerosol.

[0108] The aerosol-generating device may have length of between 86 millimeters to 130 millimeters.

[0109] The cavity of the aerosol-generating device may have an open end into which the aerosol-generating article is inserted. The open end may be a proximal end. The cavity may have a closed end opposite the open end. The closed end may be the base of the cavity. The closed end may be closed except for the provision of air apertures arranged in the base. The base of the cavity may be flat. The base of the cavity may be circular. The base of the cavity may be arranged upstream of the cavity. The open end may be arranged downstream of the cavity. The cavity may have an elongate extension. The cavity may have a longitudinal central axis. A longitudinal direction may be the direction extending between the open and closed ends along the longitudinal central axis. The longitudinal central axis of the cavity may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device.

[0110] The cavity may be configured as a heating chamber. The cavity may have a cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a hollow cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the aerosol-generating article to be received in the cavity. The cavity may have a circular cross-section. The cavity may have an elliptical or rectangular crosssection. The cavity may have an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0111] An airflow channel may run through the cavity. Ambient air may be drawn into the aerosol-generating device, into the cavity and towards the user through the airflow channel. Downstream of the cavity, a mouthpiece may be arranged or a user may directly draw on the aerosol-generating article. The airflow channel may extend through the mouthpiece. The cavity may have a length of between 28 millimeters and 67 millimeters.

[0112] The heating arrangement may comprise a heating element. In any of the aspects of the disclosure, the heating element may comprise an electrically resistive material. The resistive heating element may be a heating coil. Suitable electrically resistive materials include but are not limited to: semiconductors such as doped ceramics, electrically "conductive" ceramics (such as, for example, molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys and composite materials made of a ceramic material and a metallic material. Such composite materials may comprise doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbides. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum platinum, gold and silver. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-, cobalt-, chromium-, aluminium- titanium- zirconium-, hafnium-, niobium-, molybdenum- , tantalum-, tungsten-, tin-, gallium-, manganese-, gold- and iron-containing alloys, and superalloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, Timetai® and iron-manganese-aluminium based alloys. In composite materials, the electrically resistive material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated or coated with an insulating material or vice-versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and the external physicochemical properties required.

[0113] As described, in any of the aspects of the disclosure, the heating element may be part of an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise an internal heating element or an external heating element, or both internal and external heating elements, where "internal" and "external" refer to the aerosol-forming substrate. An internal heating element may take any suitable form. For example, an internal heating element may take the form of a heating blade. Alternatively, the internal heater may take the form of a casing or substrate having different electro-conductive portions, or an electrically resistive metallic tube. Alternatively, the internal heating element may be one or more heating needles or rods that run through the center of the aerosol-forming substrate. Other alternatives include a heating wire or filament, for example a Ni-Cr (Nickel-Chromium), platinum, tungsten or alloy wire or a heating plate. Optionally, the internal heating element may be deposited in or on a rigid carrier material. In one such embodiment, the electrically resistive heating element may be formed using a metal having a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a track on a suitable insulating material, such as ceramic material, and then sandwiched in another insulating material, such as a glass. Heaters formed in this manner may be used to both heat and monitor the temperature of the heating elements during operation.

[0114] An external heating element may take any suitable form. For example, an external heating element may take the form of one or more flexible heating foils on a dielectric substrate, such as polyimide. The flexible heating foils can be shaped to conform to the perimeter of the substrate receiving cavity. Alternatively, an external heating element may take the form of a metallic grid or grids, a flexible printed circuit board, a molded interconnect device (MID), ceramic heater, flexible carbon fibre heater or may be formed using a coating technique, such as plasma vapour deposition, on a suitable shaped substrate. An external heating element may also be formed using a metal having a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a track between two layers of suitable insulating materials. An external heating element formed in this manner may be used to both heat and monitor the temperature of the external heating element during operation.

[0115] The heating arrangement may be an induction heating arrangement. The induction heating arrangement may comprise an induction coil and a susceptor. In general, a susceptor is a material that is capable of generating heat, when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. When located in an alternating magnetic field. If the susceptor is conductive, then typically eddy currents are induced by the alternating magnetic field. If the susceptor is magnetic, then typically another effect that contributes to the heating is commonly referred to hysteresis losses. Hysteresis losses occur mainly due to the movement of the magnetic domain blocks within the susceptor, because the magnetic orientation of these will align with the magnetic induction field, which alternates. Another effect contributing to the hysteresis loss is when the magnetic domains will grow or shrink within the susceptor. Commonly all these changes in the susceptor that happen on a nano-scale or below are referred to as “hysteresis losses”, because they produce heat in the susceptor. Hence, if the susceptor is both magnetic and electrically conductive, both hysteresis losses and the generation of eddy currents will contribute to the heating of the susceptor. If the susceptor is magnetic, but not conductive, then hysteresis losses will be the only means by which the susceptor will heat, when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. According to the invention, the susceptor may be electrically conductive or magnetic or both electrically conductive and magnetic. An alternating magnetic field generated by one or several induction coils heat the susceptor, which then transfers the heat to the aerosol-forming substrate, such that an aerosol is formed. The heat transfer may be mainly by conduction of heat. Such a transfer of heat is best, if the susceptor is in close thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0116] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a power supply, typically a battery, within a main body of the aerosol-generating device. In one embodiment, the power supply is a Lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power supply may be a Nickel-metal hydride battery, a Nickel cadmium battery, or a Lithium based battery, for example a Lithium-Cobalt, a Lithium- Iron-Phosphate, Lithium Titanate or a Lithium-Polymer battery. As an alternative, the power supply may be another form of charge storage device such as a capacitor. The power supply may require recharging and may have a capacity that enables to store enough energy for one or more usage experiences; for example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to continuously generate aerosol for a period of around six minutes or for a period of a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to provide a predetermined number of puffs or discrete activations of the heating arrangement.

[0117] As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-forming substrate’ relates to a substrate capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. An aerosol-forming substrate may conveniently be part of an aerosol-generating article.

[0118] The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosolforming substrate may comprise both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavour compounds which are released from the substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aerosol former that facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol. Examples of suitable aerosol formers are glycerine and propylene glycol.

[0119] The aerosol-generating substrate preferably comprises homogenised tobacco material, an aerosol-former and water. Providing homogenised tobacco material may improve aerosol generation, the nicotine content and the flavour profile of the aerosol generated during heating of the aerosol-generating article. Specifically, the process of making homogenised tobacco involves grinding tobacco leaf, which more effectively enables the release of nicotine and flavours upon heating.

[0120] As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-generating article’ refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. For example, an aerosol-generating article may be a smoking article that generates an aerosol that is directly inhalable into a user’s lungs through the user's mouth. An aerosolgenerating article may be disposable.

[0121] The aerosol-generating article may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosolgenerating article may be substantially elongate. The aerosol-generating article may have a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to the length. The aerosol-generating article may be substantially rod shaped. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially elongate. The aerosolforming substrate may also have a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to the length. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially rod shaped.

[0122] The aerosol-generating article may have a total length between 55 millimeters and 110 millimeters, preferably of between 60 millimeters and 90 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article may have an external diameter between 4.5 millimeters and 17 millimeters, preferably between 6 millimeters and 9 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a filter plug. The filter plug may be located at a downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The filter plug may be a cellulose acetate filter plug. The filter plug is approximately 7 millimeters in length in one embodiment, but may have a length of between approximately 5 millimeters to approximately 10 millimeters.

[0123] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a separation between the aerosol-forming substrate and the filter plug. The separation may be approximately 18 millimeters, but may be in the range of 5 millimeters to 25 millimeters.

[0124] The invention is defined in the claims. However, below there is provided a non- exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0125] Example 1 : An aerosol-generating device comprising a cavity configured for receiving an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and an inductive detector, wherein the inductive detector is configured for detecting a magnetic element of the aerosol-generating article by inductive coupling.

[0126] Example 1A: The aerosol-generating device according to example 1 further comprising an aerosol-generating arrangement configured to generate aerosol from the aerosolgenerating article, wherein the inductive detector is separate from the aerosol-generating arrangement.

[0127] Example 1 B: The aerosol-generating device according to example 1 further comprising a heating arrangement configured to generate aerosol from the aerosol-generating article, wherein the inductive detector is separate from the heating arrangement. Example 1C: The aerosol-generating device according to example 1 or example 1A wherein the inductive detector is a component distinct from the components of the aerosolgenerating arrangement.

[0128] Example 1 D: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples wherein the inductive detector is a component distinct from the components of the heating arrangement.

[0129] Example 2: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples wherein the inductive detector comprises a sensing element, preferably a sensing coil, and wherein the sensing element is arranged at least partly, preferably fully, surrounding the cavity.

[0130] Example 3: The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the device comprises a heating arrangement, preferably comprising an induction coil.

[0131] Example 3A. The aerosol-generating device according to example 2 and example 3 wherein the sensing coil is a separate component to the induction coil.

[0132] Example 4: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples 2, 3 and 3A, wherein the sensing element is arranged at a proximal end of the cavity.

[0133] Example 5: The aerosol-generating device according any of the preceding examples, wherein the device comprises a controller, wherein the controller is configured for identifying an aerosol-generating article based on an output of the inductive detector, preferably wherein the output of the inductive detector is an electrical current induced in the sensing element.

[0134] Example 6: The aerosol-generating device according to any of examples 4 and 5, wherein the heating arrangement comprises an induction coil, and wherein the induction coil has a length of between 15 millimeters and 31 millimeters, preferably of between 11 millimeters and 21 millimeters.

[0135] Example 7: The aerosol-generating device according to any of examples 2 to 6, wherein the sensing element comprises a sensing coil, and wherein the sensing coil has a length of between 4 millimeters and 12 millimeters, preferably of between 6 millimeters and 10 millimeters.

[0136] Example 8: An aerosol-generating article comprising a magnetic element arranged on or within the aerosol-generating article.

[0137] Example 9: The aerosol-generating article according to example 8, wherein the magnetic element comprises at least one portion comprising magnetic material.

[0138] Example 10: The aerosol-generating article according to example 9, wherein the portion comprising magnetic material is a layer of magnetic ink.

[0139] Example 10A. The aerosol-generating article according to example 9, wherein the magnetic element comprises a layer of magnetic ink. Example 11 : The aerosol-generating article according to any of examples 9 and 10, wherein the portion of magnetic material is provided in the form of one or more of a strip, dot, and line.

[0140] Example 12: The aerosol-generating article according to any of examples 9 to 11 , wherein the magnetic element comprises two or more portions of magnetic material, and wherein the two or more portions of magnetic material are arranged in a pattern.

[0141] Example 13: The aerosol-generating article according to any of examples 8 to 12, wherein the article comprises an outer wrapper, and wherein the magnetic element is arranged on an outer surface of the outer wrapper or an inner surface of the outer wrapper or within the outer wrapper.

[0142] Example 14: The aerosol-generating article according to any of examples 8 to 13, wherein the magnetic element is configured to form a circumferential surface of the article.

[0143] Example 15: The aerosol-generating article according to any of examples 8 to 14, wherein the magnetic element is provided closer to a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article than to a distal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0144] Example 16: The aerosol-generating article according to any of examples 8 to 15, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises a wrapper for the aerosol-forming substrate towards the distal end, and another wrapper for a filter towards the proximal end, wherein the wrapper for the filter is preferably made from paper, wherein the magnetic element is provided on the wrapper for the filter.

[0145] Example 17: The aerosol-generating article according to example 16, wherein the magnetic element is only provided on the wrapper for the filter.

[0146] Example 18: The aerosol-generating article according to any of example 16 and 17, wherein the magnetic element does not extend from the wrapper for the filter onto any other wrapper of the article.

[0147] Example 19: An aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to any of examples 1 to 7 and an aerosol-generating article, preferably according to any of examples 8 to 18.

[0148] Example 20: A method for detecting an aerosol-generating article in an aerosolgenerating device of an aerosol-generating system, preferably according to example 19, wherein the method comprises detecting, via an inductive detector, a magnetic element of an aerosol-generating article by inductive coupling.

[0149] Example 21 : The method according to example 20, preferably wherein the device of any of examples 5 to 7 is provided, and wherein the method comprises inserting the aerosolgenerating article into a cavity of the aerosol-generating device to generate an output of the inductive detector and identifying, via a controller, the aerosol-generating article based on the output of the inductive detector

[0150] Features described in relation to one embodiment may equally be applied to other embodiments of the invention.

[0151] The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0152] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the aerosol-generating system of the invention;

[0153] Fig. 2 shows three different aerosol-generating articles of the invention, each comprising a distinct magnetic element.

[0154] Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the aerosol-generating system of the invention at a first instance during the insertion action of the article into the device.

[0155] Fig. 4 shows the embodiment of the aerosol-generating system of the invention of Fig. 3 at a subsequent second instance during the insertion action of the article into the device.

[0156] Fig. 5 shows a schematic circuit used with an embodiment of the magnetic element having a permanent magnet.

[0157] Fig. 6 shows a schematic circuit used with an embodiment of the magnetic element which does not necessarily have a permanent magnet.

[0158] Fig. 1 shows an aerosol-generating system 100 comprising an aerosol-generating article 102 and an aerosol-generating device 104. The aerosol-generating device 104 comprises a cavity 106. The cavity 106 is configured as a heating chamber. The device comprises a heating arrangement comprising in the form of an induction coil 108. Alternatively, the coil 118 may be a resistive heating coil. The induction coil 108 is provided in or around a sidewall of the cavity 106. The induction coil 108 fully surrounds a portion of the cavity 106. The device 104 comprises a housing 110.

[0159] The device 104 comprises a sensing element in the form of a sensing coil 112. The sensing coil 112 is provided at a proximal end 114 of the device 104. The sensing coil 112 is provided in the sidewall of the cavity 106. The sensing coil 112 fully surrounds a portion of the cavity 106. The sensing coil 112 is provided offset from the induction coil 108 (in this instance, with respect to the central longitudinal axis 116 of the device 104). In another example, the sensing coil could be offset in another direction such as the radial direction, e.g., so that the sensing coil 112 surrounds the induction coil 108 (or vice versa). The sensing coil 112 is arranged closer to the proximal end 114 of the device 104 than the induction coil 108. The sensing coil 112 is provided proximal to the induction coil 108. The induction coil 108 surrounds a different portion of the cavity 106 than the sensing coil 112. The sensing coil 112 and the induction coil 108 are arranged around the central longitudinal axis 116 of the device 104. The device includes a controller 118. The controller 118 is configured for communicating with the induction coil 108 and the sensing coil 112. The controller 118 is electrically connected to the sensing coil 112 and the induction coil 108. The controller 118 is configured to provide power from a battery 120 of the device to the induction coil 108.

[0160] The aerosol-generating article 102 may be inserted into the cavity 106 of the device 104. The aerosol-generating article 102 comprises an aerosol-forming substrate (not shown). The aerosol-generating article 102 comprises a magnetic element 122. The magnetic element 122 comprises a single portion of magnetic material. The aerosol-generating article 102 comprises an outer wrapper 124. The magnetic element 122 is provided as a strip of magnetic ink on the outer surface of the outer wrapper 124. The strip of magnetic ink fully surrounds a portion of the outer wrapper 124. The strip of magnetic ink is provided on a portion of the outer surface of the outer wrapper 124. The strip of magnetic ink forms a circumferential surface of the article 102.

[0161] In this example, the magnetic element 122 is provided closer to the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article 102 than to the distal end of the aerosol-generating article 102. The aerosol-generating article 102 may comprise a wrapper for the aerosol-forming substrate (not shown) towards the distal end, and another wrapper for a filter (not shown) towards the proximal end. The wrapper for the filter may be referred to as the tipping wrapper, or tipping paper (when it is made from paper). The magnetic element 122 may be provided on the wrapper for the filter. In addition, there may be no magnetic element on any other wrapper of the article 102, and / or the magnetic element 122 may not extend from the wrapper for the filter onto any other wrapper of the article.

[0162] In use, the aerosol-generating article 102 is inserted into cavity 106 of the aerosolgenerating device 104 via the proximal end 114 of the cavity 106 by a user. During insertion, the strip of magnetic ink passes through the sensing coil 112. As the magnetic element 122 passes through the sensing coil 112, an electrical current is induced in the sensing coil 112. The induced current or a detector output based on the induced current is monitored by the controller 118 of the device 104 as a function of time.

[0163] Alternatively, in use, an alternating current is supplied to the sensing coil 112. In response to the presence of the article with the magnetic element 112, the current supplied to the sensing coil 112 changes. The controller 118 monitors the change of the current as a function of time.

[0164] The controller 118 compares the monitored signal with reference data stored in a memory of the controller 118. The reference data includes a set of reference signals of known magnetic elements 122. Each of the known magnetic elements 122 may be linked with a type of article 102. The controller 118 may identify the reference data which closest match the monitored signal. Using such comparison, the controller 118 is able to distinguish an original article from an unauthorized article and to identify the particular article type of the inserted article 102. If the controller 118 identifies an original article, the controller 118 enables normal operation of the device 104 to provide a user experience. The identified article 102 may be assigned to a specific heating profile for this type of article 102. Upon identification of an article type, the controller 118 may provide the corresponding heating profile.

[0165] Fig. 2 shows three aerosol-generating articles 102. Each of the articles 102 is rodshaped and comprises an outer wrapper 124. Each of the articles 102 is provided with a magnetic element 122 on the outer wrapper 124. However, the configurations of the magnetic elements 122 of the articles 102 are each distinct.

[0166] The article 102 on the left-hand side of Fig. 2 shows an article 102 with a magnetic element 122 comprising a single strip of magnetic ink. The strip of magnetic ink forms a closed loop on the outer surface of the outer wrapper 124. The center of such closed loop is positioned on the central longitudinal axis 126 of the article 102.

[0167] The article 102 shown in the center of Fig. 2 is provided with a magnetic element 122 comprising a first portion 128 and a second portion 130. Both portions 128 and 130 are provided in the form of two strips of magnetic ink. The strips are arranged in parallel to each other on the outer surface of the outer wrapper 124. The strips are arranged traverse to the longitudinal axis 126 of the article 102. Each strip of magnetic ink forms a closed loop around the outer wrapper 124. The center of each of such closed loop is positioned on the central longitudinal axis 126 of the article 102. The two strips of magnetic material are separated from each other by a looped section of the outer wrapper.

[0168] The article 102 on the right-hand side of Fig. 2 comprises a magnetic element 122 with a multitude of portions, namely a series of parallel lines of magnetic ink. The longitudinal axis of each line is parallel to the central longitudinal axis 126 of the article 102. Each line is separated from the neighbouring line by a section of the outer wrapper. The lines are evenly spaced around the outer surface of the outer wrapper 124. The lines are arranged in a pattern symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis 126 of the article 102.

[0169] Each of the different magnetic elements 122 shown in Fig. 2 has distinct electromagnetic properties. Accordingly, inductive coupling between each of the magnetic elements 122 of articles 102 and the sensing coil 112 of the device 104 results in a distinct output of the inductive detector. The controller 118 monitors and analyses such detector output. Based on such analysis, the controller 118 is able to distinguish between these articles 102.

[0170] Figs. 3 and 4 illustrate the insertion of the article 102 shown on the left-hand side of Fig. 2 into the aerosol-generating device 104. Figs. 3 and 4 show snapshots of the article 102 and the device 104 at consecutive points in time during the insertion of the article 102 into the device 104. The article 102 is moved from the proximal end 114 of the cavity 106 towards the distal end of the cavity 106.

[0171] In Fig. 3, the article 102 is partially inserted into the cavity 106 of the device 104. The magnetic element 122 is positioned proximal to the sensing coil 112. At the shown instance of the insertion action, the magnetic element 122 has not yet passed through the sensing coil 112.

[0172] Fig. 4 shows a later instance of time of the insertion action compared to the instance shown in Fig. 3. The magnetic element is positioned distal to the sensing coil 112. Between the instances shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the magnetic element 122 has passed through the sensing coil 112. Due to the movement of the article 102 and in particular of the magnetic element 122 relative to the sensing coil 112 a current is induced in the sensing coil 112 if the magnetic element comprises a permanent magnet. The induced current or a detector output based on the induced current is monitored and analysed by the controller 118 of the device 104. The article 102 can be identified by the controller 118 based on the induced current signal or detector output based on the induced current.

[0173] Fig. 5 shows a schematic circuit used with an embodiment of the magnetic element having a permanent magnet. The circuit comprises the sensing coil 112. An article 102 comprising the magnetic element having a permanent magnet may be moved relative to the sensing coil 112 to induce a current in the sensing coil 112. The sensing coil 112 is electrically connect with resistor 132 of known ohmic resistance. The circuit comprises a voltage measurement device 134. The voltage measurement device measures the voltage drop across the resistor 132. A controller 136 monitors the measured voltage drop across the resistor 132. The voltage measurement device may be part of the controller 136. The controller 136 analyses the measured voltage drop across the resistor 132. The controller 136 may compute the current induced in the sensing element 112 from the measured voltage drop across the resistor 132. Based on the monitored voltage or current, the controller 136 may identify the inserted article 102. Based on the monitored voltage or current, the controller 136 may determine the presence or absence of an authorized article 102.

[0174] Fig. 6 shows a schematic circuit used with an embodiment of the magnetic element which does not necessarily have a permanent magnet. The circuit 138 comprises a DC / AC inverter which is connect to the DC power source 140. The DC / AC inverter includes a Class- E power amplifier which in turn includes the following components: a transistor switch 142 comprising a Field Effect Transistor (FET), for example a Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET), a transistor switch supply circuit indicated by the arrow 144 for supplying the switching signal (gate-source voltage) to the transistor switch 142, and an LC load network 146 comprising a shunt capacitor C1 and a series connection of a capacitor C2 and inductor L2. The inductor L2 corresponds to the sensing coil 112 used to generate an alternating magnetic field within the cavity 106. In addition, there is provided a choke L1 for supplying a DC supply voltage +V DC from to the DC power source 140. Also shown in Fig. 6 is the ohmic resistance R representing the total equivalent resistance or total resistive load 148, which - in use of the system, that is, when the article 102 is present in the cavity 106 of the device 104 - is the sum of the ohmic resistance of the inductor coil 112, marked as L2, and the ohmic resistance of the magnetic element 122. Otherwise, in case no article 102 is present in the cavity 106, the equivalent resistance or resistive load 148 only corresponds to the ohmic resistance of the sensing coil 112.

[0175] This change of the total resistive load 148 due to the presence of the magnetic element may be detected via the DC current l_DC provided from the DC power source 140 to the circuit 138, that is, to the LC load network 146. For this, the aerosol-generating device comprises a current measurement device 150 arranged in series connection between the DC power supply 140 and the LC load network 146. Accordingly, when an aerosol-generating article 102 is inserted into the cavity 106 of the aerosol-generating device 104, the presence of the magnetic element 122 increases the total resistive load 148. This in turn causes a decrease of the DC current feeding the circuit 138. The decrease of the DC current l_DC is detected by the current measurement device 150.

[0176] A microprocessor 152 is electrically connected with the current measurement device 150. The microprocessor may be part of the controller 136. The current measurement device 150 may be part of the controller. The controller can monitor and analyse the current measured by the current measurement device 150. Based on the measured current, the controller can identify the article 104 or determine the presence or absence of an authorized article 104.

[0177] The circuit 138 comprises a switch 152. The switch 152 is arranged and configured to control a supply of power from the DC power supply 140 to the circuit 138.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An aerosol-generating device comprising a cavity configured for receiving an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosolforming substrate and an inductive detector, wherein the inductive detector is configured for detecting a magnetic element of the aerosol-generating article by inductive coupling; and wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises an aerosol-generating arrangement configured to generate aerosol from the article, wherein the inductive detector is separate from the aerosol-generating arrangement.

2. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the inductive detector comprises a sensing element, preferably a sensing coil, and wherein the sensing element is arranged at least partly, preferably fully, surrounding the cavity.

3. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol-generating arrangement comprises a heating arrangement, preferably comprising an induction coil.

4. The aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 2 and 3, wherein the sensing coil is a separate component to the induction coil, wherein preferably the sensing element is arranged at a proximal end of the cavity.

5. The aerosol-generating device according any of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises a controller, wherein the controller is configured for identifying an aerosol-generating article based on an output of the inductive detector, preferably wherein the output of the inductive detector is an electrical current induced in the sensing element.

6. An aerosol-generating article comprising a magnetic element arranged on or within the aerosol-generating article, wherein the magnetic element comprises a layer of magnetic ink, wherein preferably the magnetic element comprises at least one portion comprising magnetic material.

7. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 6, wherein the portion of magnetic material is provided in the form of one or more of a strip, dot, and line.

8. The aerosol-generating article according to any of claims 6 or 7, wherein the magnetic element comprises two or more portions of magnetic material, and wherein the two or more portions of magnetic material are arranged in a pattern.

9. The aerosol-generating article according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the article comprises an outer wrapper, and wherein the magnetic element is arranged on an outer surface of the outer wrapper or an inner surface of the outer wrapper or within the outer wrapper.

10. The aerosol-generating article according to any of claims 6 to 9, wherein the magnetic element is configured to form a circumferential surface of the article.

11. The aerosol-generating article according to any of claims examples 6 to 10, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises a wrapper for the aerosol-forming substrate towards the distal end, and another wrapper for a filter towards the proximal end, wherein the wrapper for the filter is preferably made from paper, wherein the magnetic element is provided on the wrapper for the filter, and wherein preferably the magnetic element is only provided on the wrapper for the filter.

12. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 11 , wherein the magnetic element does not extend from the wrapper for the filter onto any other wrapper of the article.

13. An aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 1 to 5 and an aerosol-generating article, preferably according to any of claims 6 to 12.

14. A method for detecting an aerosol-generating article in an aerosol-generating device of an aerosol-generating system according to claim 13, wherein the method comprises detecting, via an inductive detector, a magnetic element of an aerosol-generating article by inductive coupling.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the method comprises inserting the aerosol-generating article into a cavity of the aerosol-generating device to generate an output of the inductive detector and identifying, via a controller, the aerosol-generating article based on the output of the inductive detector.

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