Aerosol generation device, apparatus, and method

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generation device configured to receive a consumable article, the aerosol generation device comprising: an energy provision assembly configured to provide energy to the consumable article; a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of the consumable article and provide a sensing temperature output; and a controller configured to: determine an amount of energy required to heat the consumable article to a target temperature based on the sensing temperature output of the temperature sensor; and control the energy provision assembly to provide the determined amount of energy to the consumable article.

Description

[0001] Aerosol generation device, apparatus, and method

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generation device, to an apparatus for an aerosol generation device, and to a method of operating an aerosol generation device.

[0003] Background

[0004] Various devices and systems are available that heat a consumable article to release aerosol (i.e. vapour) for inhalation, rather than relying on burning the consumable article. For example, a solid consumable article may be heated to release an inhalable vapour.

[0005] A challenge associated with heating a consumable article rather than burning lies in controlling the heating of the consumable article to prevent overheating. Temperature probes may be employed to monitor the temperature of the consumable article to control the generation of aerosol. However, conventional temperature probes have a slow response time such that their use in controlling temperature of the consumable article may be suboptimal.

[0006] Instead, the generation of aerosol may be controlled by measuring the power or current provided to the consumable article. This presents a further problem in that the temperature of the consumable article may remain high following a heating operation to generate aerosol. A subsequent heating operation to generate aerosol causes further heating of the consumable article, such that the temperature of the consumable article is yet further increased. As a result, the aerosol generated by the device is inconsistent. Furthermore, there is a risk that the consumable article is overheated which could potentially result in charring of the consumable article and a reduced user experience.

[0007] Figure 1 shows a temperature profile of a consumable article in an aerosol generation device according to an example of the prior art. Figure 1 shows temperature (yaxis) vs time (x axis). During a first heating operation 10, the aerosol generation device causes heating of a consumable article from a starting temperature To to a first temperature Ti. After the first heating operation 10, the temperature of the consumable article falls. During a second heating operation 20, the aerosol generation device causes heating of a consumable article to a second temperature T2. However, as the second heating operation 20 is commenced before the temperature of the consumable article has fallen to the starting temperature To, the second temperature T2 of the consumable article after the second heating operation 20 is greater than the first temperature T1. A third heating operation 30 has a similar effect, where a third temperature T3 of the consumable article is raised above the second temperature T2. As a result, the aerosol generated by the device is inconsistent. Furthermore, there is a risk that the consumable article is overheated potentially leading to charring and a poor user experience.

[0008] It is the object of the invention to overcome or avoid at least some of the above referenced problems, or to provide an alternative solution.

[0009] Summary

[0010] According to the present disclosure there is provided an aerosol generation device, an apparatus, and a method of operating an aerosol generation device, including the features as set out in the claims.

[0011] According to a first aspect, there is provided an aerosol generation device configured to receive a consumable article, the aerosol generation device comprising: an energy provision assembly configured to provide energy to the consumable article; a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of the consumable article and provide a sensing temperature output; and a controller configured to: determine an amount of energy required to heat the consumable article to a target temperature based on the sensing temperature output of the temperature sensor; and control the energy provision assembly to provide the determined amount of energy to the consumable article.

[0012] Various advantages are realised by determining the amount of energy required to heat the consumable article to the target temperature based on the sensing temperature output of the temperature sensor. Overheating of the consumable article can be avoided, as the consumable article is provided with sufficient energy to heat the consumable article to the target temperature, thus avoiding heating of the consumable article to temperatures above (e.g., significantly above) the target temperature. Furthermore, consistent (in other words, constant or uniform) aerosol generation is provided, as the consumable article can be repeatedly and reliably heated to the target temperature, which may be a constant temperature or a predetermined temperature at which a desired level of aerosol is generated. The same level or amount of aerosol may be generated during each heating operation in an aerosol inhalation session. Moreover, determining the amount of energy improves energy usage by the aerosol generation device. That is, when a heating operation follows a previous heating operation, the temperature of the consumable article may be raised (e.g., above a starting temperature) and as such the amount of energy provided to the consumable article may be lower than that provided during the previous heating operation. This combined effect of improved energy usage and consistent aerosol generation is highly advantageous.

[0013] It will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that this contrasts with the prior art shown in Figure 1 , in which no determination of the amount of energy required to heat the consumable article to a target temperature based on a sensing temperature output is performed. As such, the prior art looks to provide a fixed or predetermined amount of energy during each heating operation. The prior art approach thus results in inconsistent generation of aerosol (i.e., varying amounts and temperatures of aerosol following each heating operation or inhalation action) leading to a negative user experience. Furthermore, the prior art may inefficiently consume energy, and may result in overheating of the consumable article.

[0014] The sensing temperature output of the temperature sensor may indicate a, or the, current temperature of the consumable article. Alternatively, the sensing temperature output of the temperature sensor may allow the calculation, estimation, or prediction of a temperature of the consumable at a particular point in time (e.g., a future time).

[0015] The energy provision assembly may be any type or construction of assembly configured to provide energy to a consumable article. Examples include an electrode assembly, an inductor or inductor assembly, a heater assembly such as a resistive heater assembly. Further examples include stimulator assemblies, which can stimulate a consumable article to provide energy thereto, for example mechanical, acoustical or optical stimulation. A highly advantageous example includes an electrode assembly, wherein energy is provided to the consumable article according to the heater in tobacco (HIT) principle, which will be described in greater detail herein. Such an example is advantageous due to efficient and relatively fast generation of heat in the consumable article, which combined with the determination of the amount of energy has the synergistic effect of highly efficient and effective energy usage. In one example, the controller is configured to determine the amount of energy required to heat the consumable article to the target temperature based on a difference between a temperature of the consumable article indicated by the sensing temperature output of the temperature sensor and the target temperature.

[0016] In this way, the amount of energy required to heat the consumable article can be determined or calculated accurately based on the difference between the temperatures. The temperature of the consumable article may be a measured or sensed temperature indicated by the sensing temperature output, and the target temperature may be a predetermined or pre-set temperature.

[0017] In one example, wherein the target temperature is constant during an aerosol inhalation session.

[0018] In this way, consistent aerosol generation is facilitated, overheating of the consumable article is avoided, and energy usage improved.

[0019] In one example, the controller is configured to determine the amount of energy in response to an activation input.

[0020] In this way, the amount of energy may be determined in response to the activation input, which indicates that the aerosol generation device is intended to be used by the user. As such, the amount of energy is determined at the most appropriate time. It can thereby be ensured that the energy determination is correct and meets the requirements of the user. The activation input may include a button press and / or an inhalation action (which may be an inhalation action sensed by a component of the aerosol generation device).

[0021] In one example, the controller is configured to: in response to a first activation input, determine a first amount of energy required to heat the consumable article to the target temperature from a temperature of the consumable article at a first time; control the energy provision assembly to provide the determined first amount of energy to the consumable article; and in response to a second activation input, subsequent to the provision of the determined first amount of energy to the consumable article, determine a second amount of energy required to heat the consumable article to the target temperature from a temperature of the consumable article at a second time; and control the energy provision assembly to provide the determined second amount of energy to the consumable article.

[0022] In this way, a highly advantageous control process is provided. Energy usage is improved, as the amount of energy required can be repeatedly determined in response to the activation input. The control process may thus be known as an “adaptive” control process, as it adapts control based on the temperature of the consumable article.

[0023] In one example, the temperature of the consumable article at the second time is higher than the temperature of the consumable article at the first time.

[0024] Advantageously, energy usage is improved, as the controller can determine that the required second amount of energy to heat the consumable article to the target temperature is lower than the first amount of energy. In this way, rather than providing constant (possibly high, or excessively high) pulses of energy, the amount of energy can be adjusted (e.g., reduced) during the control process.

[0025] In one example, the energy provision assembly comprises an electrode assembly configured to electrically couple with the consumable article to provide electrical power through an aerosol precursor material of the consumable article to heat the aerosol precursor material.

[0026] In this way, efficient heating of the consumable article is achieved. When the electrode assembly is combined with the determination of the amount of energy, the synergistic effect of highly efficient and effective energy usage is realised. Using an electrode assembly may facilitate heating according to the heater in tobacco (HIT) principle. Furthermore, in conventional use of electrode assembly heating, preventing overheating is a challenge due to the rapid heating effect of electrode heating and the HIT principle. However, by determining the amount of energy as introduced above, overheating and inconsistent aerosol delivery can be prevented whilst still providing rapid heating and rapid vapour delivery using the electrode assembly. Using an electrode assembly to provide energy directly to a conductive consumable article means that heat up times are reduced. As such, it is particularly advantageous to determine the amount of energy for use with an electrode assembly to reduce the likelihood of overheating. Providing electrical power may also mean providing electrical current through the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article to heat the consumable article.

[0027] In one example, the electrode assembly comprises one or more electrodes.

[0028] Electrodes allow current to be applied directly to the consumable article, thus reducing wasted energy. The electrodes may also reduce the excess heat generated, when compared with a traditional heater, thus reducing the need for insulation.

[0029] In one example, the electrode assembly is configured to provide electric power directly through the aerosol precursor material. The advantage of this feature is an improvement in the efficiency of the device, thus reducing the load on a power supply.

[0030] In one example, the one or more electrodes may be one or more sheet electrodes. The advantage of sheet electrodes is a reduction of space needed for the electrode assembly.

[0031] In one example, the one or more electrodes may be opposing electrodes. By providing opposing electrodes, the consumable article may be sandwiched between the electrodes, thus providing an increased surface area of the consumable article that is subjected to the electric potential. This might also be a simpler construction in general.

[0032] In one example, the energy provision assembly comprises an inductor configured to provide a varying magnetic field to the consumable article.

[0033] Inductive heating is highly advantageous in providing efficient energy or power transfer to the consumable article. Rapid heat up times may be obtained using inductive heating, but as above by determining the amount of energy required to heat the consumable article to the target temperature the risk of overheating or inconsistent vapour delivery can be achieved (despite the rapid heating).

[0034] In one example, the energy provision assembly is configured to provide a pulse of energy to the consumable article. Advantageously, by providing energy in pulses (e.g., rather than gradual or steady provision of energy or electrical power), rapid heating can be achieved sufficient for a user inhalation and energy consumption is reduced.

[0035] According to a second aspect, there is provided an apparatus for an aerosol generation device configured to receive a consumable article, the apparatus comprising: a controller configured to: determine an amount of energy required to heat the consumable article to a target temperature based on a sensing temperature output of a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of the consumable article; and control an energy provision assembly to provide the determined amount of energy to the consumable article.

[0036] Advantageously, the apparatus may be suitable for retrofit to existing aerosol generation devices. In this way, existing aerosol generation devices may be made more efficient (e.g., more effective use of energy or a power supply), safer due to avoiding overheating of the consumable article, and provide more consistent vapour delivery. The apparatus may be a consistent part of an aerosol generation device. The apparatus may be configured to be provided in an aerosol generation device. Further advantages of the apparatus will be appreciated from the above.

[0037] In one example, the energy provision assembly comprises an electrode assembly configured to electrically couple with the consumable article to provide electrical power through an aerosol precursor material of the consumable article to heat it.

[0038] Advantages of the electrode assembly will be appreciated from the above.

[0039] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of operating an aerosol generation device configured to receive a consumable article, the method comprising the steps of: determining an amount of energy required to heat the consumable article to a target temperature based on a sensing temperature output of a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of the consumable article; and controlling an energy provision assembly to provide the determined amount of energy to the consumable article.

[0040] Advantageously, the method offers improved operation of the aerosol generation device. Overheating of the consumable article can be avoided, as the consumable article is provided with sufficient energy to heat the consumable article to the target temperature, thus avoiding heating of the consumable article to temperatures above (e.g., significantly above) the target temperature. Furthermore, consistent aerosol generation is provided, as the consumable article can be repeatedly and reliably heated to the target temperature, which may be a constant temperature or a predetermined temperature at which a desired level of aerosol is generated. Moreover, determining the amount of energy improves energy usage by the aerosol generation device. That is, when a heating operation follows a previous heating operation, the temperature of the consumable article may be raised (e.g., above a starting temperature) and as such the amount of energy provided to the consumable article may be lower than that provided during the previous heating operation. This combined effect of improved energy usage and consistent aerosol generation is highly advantageous.

[0041] In one example, the energy provision assembly comprises an electrode assembly configured to electrically couple with the consumable article to provide electrical power through an aerosol precursor material of the consumable article to heat it, the method further comprising: controlling the electrode assembly to provide the determined amount of energy to the consumable article.

[0042] Advantages of employing the electrode assembly in the method will be appreciated from the above.

[0043] Further advantages, objectives and features of the present invention will be described, by way of example only, in the following description with reference to the figures. In the figures, like components in different embodiments can exhibit the same reference symbols.

[0044] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0045] Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 shows a temperature profile of a consumable article in an aerosol generation device according to an example of the prior art;

[0047] Figure 2 shows a schematic of an aerosol generation device according to the present invention; Figure 3 shows a process flow chart;

[0048] Figure 4 shows a temperature and energy profile;

[0049] Figure 5 shows a schematic apparatus; and

[0050] Figure 6 shows general methodology principles.

[0051] Detailed Description

[0052] As used herein, the term “aerosol precursor material”, “vapour precursor material” or “vaporizable material” are used synonymously and may refer to a material and / or composition, which may for example comprise nicotine or tobacco and a vaporising agent. The aerosol precursor material is configured to release an aerosol when heated or otherwise mechanically stimulated (such as by vibrations). Tobacco may take the form of various materials such as shredded tobacco, granulated tobacco, tobacco leaf and / or reconstituted tobacco. Nicotine may be in the form of nicotine salts. Suitable vaporising agents include: a polyol such as sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols like propylene glycol or triethylene glycol; a non-polyol such as monohydric alcohols, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerin or vegetable glycerin. In some examples, the aerosol precursor material is substantially a liquid that holds or comprises one or more solid particles, such as tobacco. An aerosol generation device is configured to aerosolise an aerosol precursor material without combustion in order to facilitate delivery of an aerosol to a user. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms “vapour” and “aerosol”, and related terms such as “vaporize”, “volatilize” and “aerosolise”, may generally be used interchangeably.

[0053] As used herein, the term “aerosol generation device” is synonymous with “aerosol generating device” or “device” and may include a device configured to heat an aerosol precursor material and deliver an aerosol to a user typically without combusting the aerosol precursor material. The device may be portable. “Portable” may refer to the device being for use when held by a user. The device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol, which can be controlled by a user input.

[0054] As used herein, the term “aerosol” may include a suspension of vaporizable material as one or more of: solid particles; liquid droplets; gas. Said suspension may be in a gas including air. Aerosol herein may generally refer to / include a vapour. Aerosol may include one or more components of the vaporizable material. Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation device 100. The aerosol generation device 100 is suitable for receiving a consumable article 102 therein. For example, the aerosol generation device 100 may include a chamber 104 in which the consumable article 102 is received, at least partially.

[0055] The invention is not limited to the specific aerosol generation device 100 or consumable article 102 described herein. That is, the description of the aerosol generation device 100 and consumable article 102 is provided for illustrative purposes only. The skilled person will appreciate that alternative constructions of aerosol generation devices and consumable articles will be compatible with the present invention. For example, the consumable article 102 may extend out of the aerosol generation device 100 to be accessible by a user.

[0056] The consumable article 102 comprises an aerosol precursor material. The term aerosol precursor material is a label used to mean a medium that generates an aerosol or vapour when heated.

[0057] In one example, the consumable article 102 contains a liquid precursor material. In some examples, the aerosolised liquid may pass through a solid substrate within the aerosol generation device 100. In other examples, the consumable article 102 may comprise a solid precursor material. In each of the examples most relevant to the aspects of the invention, the aerosol precursor material is capable of electrical conduction. For example, the aerosol precursor material may contain conducting particles, called susceptors, or a conducting substance, such as charcoal. The aerosol precursor material may be as described in WO2022189452. For example, the aerosol precursor material may comprise electrically conductive material in particulate form. The electrically conductive material may be arranged and configured to heat to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol. The aerosol precursor material may comprise a porous carbon-based foam, configured to hold a vapour precursor. The porous carbon-based foam may be electrically conductive.

[0058] The aerosol generation device 100 comprises an energy provision assembly 110. The energy provision assembly 110 is configured to provide energy to the consumable article 102. The energy provision assembly 110 may be of any suitable type or construction. In examples described herein, the energy provision assembly 110 may be, or may comprise, an electrode assembly. In other examples the energy provision assembly 110 includes one or more inductors. The invention in its broadest sense is not limited to the specific energy provision assembly 110 described herein.

[0059] In this example, the energy provision assembly 110 comprises an electrode assembly 112. The electrode assembly 112 is configured to electrically couple with the consumable article 102 to provide a current through the aerosol precursor material of said consumable article 102 to heat it, in use. In the example shown in Figure 2, the electrode assembly 112 comprises two electrodes 114. In another example, the electrode assembly 112 may comprise more electrodes 114 arranged in any appropriate way.

[0060] In one example, the one or more electrodes 114 are integral with an internal wall of the chamber 104. In other examples, the one or more electrodes 114 extend into the chamber 104. The one or more electrodes 114 are configured to be in direct contact with the consumable article 102 to provide a current through the aerosol precursor material, in use. Preferably the consumable article 102 is pressed, sandwiched or held between the one or more electrodes 114. When the consumable article 102 is provided with an electrically isolating wrapper, the electrodes 114 can be configured to penetrate the consumable article 102 and / or to be in contact with the aerosol precursor material through one or several windows arranged in the wrapper.

[0061] The one or more electrodes 114 may be one or more sheet electrodes. That is, the one or more electrodes 114 may be thin sheet electrodes. The one or more electrodes 114 may be a cylindrical electrode, or a helical electrode. One of the one or more electrodes 114 may be in the form of a first shape from the above shapes and a second of the one or more electrodes 114 may be in the form of a second shape from the above shapes.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more electrodes 114 are two opposing sheet electrodes. The two opposing sheet electrodes are configured and spaced such that the consumable article 102 is sandwiched between the electrodes, in use.

[0063] In an alternative example, or indeed as may also be provided as part of the energy provision assembly 110 in addition to the electrode assembly 112, the energy provision assembly 110 comprises a heater configured to provide heat to the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102, in use. Alternatively, the energy provision assembly 110 comprises a plurality of heaters. The heater is positioned so as to be in thermal contact with the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102 to heat it, in use. The heater may be a coil, a ceramic heater, a flat resistive heater, a mesh heater, a MEMS heater, a thin film heater or the like, configured to heat the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102.

[0064] In the example of the energy provision assembly 110 comprising a heater (such as a resistive heater), the heater may be arranged such that it is in thermal contact with the received consumable article, in use. In one example, the heater may be substantially in contact with one of the one or more electrodes 114. The heater may be present on a side of the electrode 114 away from the consumable article 102, in use. That is, the aerosol generation device 100 may comprise a pair of electrodes 114 and a heater mounted on one of the electrodes 114. In the example where there are one or more heaters, a heater may be present on each of the one or more electrodes 114.

[0065] In an example, the heater and the electrode assembly 112 may be configured to simultaneously heat the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102 and / or heat the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102 at different times. In some examples, the electrode assembly 112 may be, or may comprise, the heater. That is, the electrode assembly may be used as a resistive heating element. In one example, the energy provision assembly 110 comprises one or more inductors that are configured to electrically couple with one or more susceptors arranged within the consumable article 102.

[0066] The aerosol generation device 100 may comprise a mouthpiece 116 through which a user may draw on the aerosol generation device 100 to inhale generated aerosol. The mouthpiece 116 includes a vent or channel 118 that may be connected to a region close to the consumable article 102 for passage of any generated aerosol from the consumable article 102, during use. The generated aerosol may pass from the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102, through the channel 118 along the path 119.

[0067] For example, the channel 118 may extend between an opening in the mouthpiece 116 and the chamber 104 in which the consumable article 102 is at least partially receivable. The mouthpiece 116 is arranged such it may be received in a user’s mouth in use. In other examples, a mouthpiece 116 is not required and a portion of the consumable article 102 may protrude from the aerosol generation device 100. In this example, the protruding portion of the consumable article 102 may work as the mouthpiece. In some other examples, the protruding portion of the consumable article 102 may be received in the channel 118 of the mouthpiece 116.

[0068] The aerosol generation device 100 may comprise a controller 108 (or control unit or control circuitry) for electronic management of the device. The controller 108 may include a PCB or the like (not shown).

[0069] Functionality and operation of the controller 108 will be described in greater detail below.

[0070] In overview, the controller 108 is configured to control the energy provision assembly 110. The controller 108 is configured to control the energy provision assembly 110 to control the amount of energy provided to the consumable article 102. For example, this might be achieved by controlling the amount of electrical power provided to the electrode assembly 112 (specifically, to the electrodes 114), or current to the electrode assembly 112, or the potential difference between the electrodes 114. For example, each of the two electrodes 114 may be arranged to provide (e.g. different) electrode potentials, in order to control the amount of energy provided to the consumable article 102. One electrode potential could be zero, or ground. The controller 108 is configured to receive data from one or more sensors / inputs and control the operation of the aerosol generation device 100 based on the received data. In some examples, the controller 108 may be adapted to measure resistance between the electrodes 114 and based on this value, control the potentials of these electrodes 114.

[0071] Where a heater is provided, the heater may be controlled by the controller 108. Where both a heater and the electrode assembly 112 are provided, they may both be controlled by the same controller 108. Alternatively, the heater and the electrode assembly 112 may each be controlled by a separate controller in the aerosol generation device 100.

[0072] The aerosol generation device 100 may comprise an activation input sensor 120. The activation input sensor 120 may be a button, a touchpad, or the like for sensing a user’s input, such as a tap or swipe. In other examples, the activation input sensor 120 comprises an article sensor configured to detect if a consumable article 102 has been inserted into the aerosol generation device 100. For example, the input sensor 120 may comprise an authenticity detector that is configured to detect if an authentic article 102 has been inserted into the aerosol generation device 100. Additionally, or alternatively, the user input may also comprise an inhalation action by a user.

[0073] The aerosol generation device 100 may comprise a puff sensor 122 (otherwise known as an inhalation sensor). The puff sensor 122 is configured to detect an inhalation action (or puff) by a user on the aerosol generation device 100. In one example, the puff sensor 122 comprises a microphone or a flow sensor configured to detect an airflow within the chamber 104 and / or the airflow channel 118 extending from the chamber 104 through the mouthpiece 116 to an inhalation outlet thereof, the airflow being associated with a user’s inhalation action. In other examples, the puff sensor 122 is configured to detect a change in pressure indicative of a beginning of an inhalation action on the aerosol generation device by the user. In this case, the puff sensor 122 may be located anywhere on the aerosol device 100 in which there would be a change in pressure due to an inhalation action of the user. In one example, the puff sensor 122 is located in the channel 118 between the chamber 104 and the mouthpiece 116 of the aerosol generation device 100. The puff sensor 122 may also detect the end of an inhalation action by the user. For example, the puff sensor 122 may be configured to detect a further change in pressure due to the end of an inhalation action of a user. In one example, the determination of energy described in more detail below may occur in response to a user input such as an input into the activation input sensor 120 or an inhalation action detected by the puff sensor 122.

[0074] The aerosol generation device 100 includes one or more temperature sensors 124. The one or more temperature sensors 124 are configured to sense a temperature of the consumable article 102 and provide a sensing temperature output. The sensing temperature output may be the temperature of the consumable article 102 and / or of the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102. The sensing temperature output may be indicative of the temperature of the consumable article 102 and / or of the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102. The one or more temperature sensors 124 are configured to directly or indirectly measure the temperature of the consumable article 102 in the aerosol generation device 100. The one or more temperature sensors 124 may comprise a temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple or thermistor, configured to be located within or adjacent to the consumable article 102 when it is received in the aerosol generation device 100. For example, the one or more temperature sensors 124 may be located within the chamber 104 of the aerosol generation device 100. In other examples, the temperature of the consumable article 102 may be indirectly measured by the use of thermal imaging sensors. In other examples, the temperature sensors 124 may measure the temperature of the electrode assembly 112 and / or the heater, and may be in contact with the electrode assembly 112 and / or the heater. In some other examples, the temperature of the consumable article 102 can be deducted from a resistance value between the electrodes 114. For this purpose, the controller 108 may store empirical data associating a temperature value of each measured resistance value.

[0075] The aerosol generation device 100 may include a power supply (not shown) such as a battery. The power supply may provide the aerosol generation device 100 with electrical energy providing a voltage in the range of 3 V and 4.2 V. In a preferred embodiment the voltage source is a lithium-ion secondary battery delivering a value of 3.7 V. Such a voltage source is particularly advantageous for a modern aerosol generation device in view of rechargeability, high energy density and large capacity.

[0076] The aerosol generation device 100 may further comprise a body 126. The body 126 may be configured to connect to the consumable article 102. Alternatively, the body 126 may be configured to receive or engage with the consumable article 102. The energy provision assembly 110 may be connected to the body 126.

[0077] An example of operation of the aerosol generation device 100 will be described in greater detail with reference to Figure 3 which shows an example of a process flow chart of operation of the aerosol generation device 100 according to the present invention. It will be appreciated that the functionality described in relation to Figure 3 may be provided by components of the aerosol generation device 100 being configured (e.g., programmed) to function or operate in the manner described in relation to Figure 3. In particular, the controller 108 may be configured or programmed to function in the manner described.

[0078] At S132, electrical power or current is generated, for example a pulse of electrical power or current is generated. The pulse of electrical power may be generated by a pulse generator. The electrical power or current may be modulated at S134. The modulated power or current may be passed to a controller 108, such as a thermoelectric controller which may be a Peltier controller 136. The Peltier controller 136 controls the amount of electrical power provided to the energy provision assembly, such as the electrode assembly 112 (specifically, to the electrodes 114), or current to the electrode assembly 112, or the potential difference between the electrodes 114.

[0079] A temperature measurement is taken at S138. The temperature measurement may be performed or provided by a temperature sensor 124. The temperature sensor 124 provides a sensing temperature output. In an advantageous example, the temperature of the consumable article 102 is determined by measuring the resistance of the consumable article 102. In this way, rather than using a conventional temperature sensor (which has an associated lag between the sensed temperature and the actual temperature of the consumable article) the resistance can be used to determine the temperature which does not have the same associated lag and instead has a quicker response time. The current temperature of the consumable article 102 can thereby be determined with greater accuracy. The resistance of the consumable article 102 can be determined by monitoring or measuring the electrode assembly 112. The resistance of the consumable article 102 increases as it is used. That is to say that the resistance of a used consumable article 102 is higher compared with an unused consumable article 102.

[0080] At S140, the controller 108 determines an amount of energy required to heat the consumable article 102 to a target temperature based on the temperature measurement taken at 138. Determination of the amount of energy will be described in greater detail below. Even though they are shown separately in Figure 3, the Peltier controller 136 may be part of the controller 108 and so a separate Peltier controller 136 may not be required.

[0081] At S142, the amount of energy supplied to the consumable article 102 may be monitored. A signal is generated and is passed to the pulse generator and used at S132 to generate a further pulse of electrical power, if required. In other words, at step 142 the determined energy (from step 140) is provided back to step 132 in a feedback loop and the process continues. Although reference to a pulse of electric power has been referenced above, other examples of providing of electrical energy to the consumable article are envisaged.

[0082] Operation of the aerosol generation device 100 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the features shown in Figure 2, and also with reference to Figure 4 which shows temperature and energy profiles of the aerosol generation device 100. Figure 4(a) shows temperature (y axis) vs time (x axis). Figure 4(b) shows energy (y axis) vs time (x axis).

[0083] As introduced above, the controller 108 is configured to determine an amount of energy required to heat the consumable article 102 to a target temperature based on the sensing temperature output of the temperature sensor 124. The controller 108 is configured to control the energy provision assembly 110 to provide the determined amount of energy to the consumable article 102. The amount of energy E is determined (e.g., is calculated) by the following equation:

[0084] E = (TT- 7}) x c

[0085] ( 1 ) where TT(°C) is the target temperature, Tt (°C) is the temperature at time i (indicated by the sensing temperature output of the temperature sensor 124), and c (J / °C) is an energy constant. The energy constant c may be predetermined, for example by testing of the consumable article 102. Energy constants may be stored in the controller 108 and appropriately employed for the particular consumable article 102.

[0086] That is, in an example, the controller 108 is configured to determine the amount of energy required to heat the consumable article 102 to the target temperature TTbased on a difference between a temperature of the consumable article 102 indicated by the sensing temperature output of the temperature sensor 124 (which here is the temperature at time i and otherwise referred to as the initial temperature or current temperature) and the target temperature TT.

[0087] In Figure 4(a), a plurality of heating operations 410, 420, 430 are shown. By the present invention, the consumable article is heated during (or by) each heating operation from an initial temperature to a target temperature TT. AS shown in Figure 4(a), the target temperature TTis constant. In this example, the target temperature TTis constant during the aerosol inhalation session, which includes the target temperature TTbeing constant throughout the entire aerosol inhalation session. The target temperature TTis a temperature sufficient to produce aerosol generation from the aerosol precursor material. By repeatedly heating the consumable article 102 to the same target temperature TTthe same (i.e., a consistent) amount of aerosol may be generated by each heating operation leading to a positive user experience. Following the heating operation, the temperature of the consumable article may fall to a temperature which is insufficient to produce aerosol generation from the aerosol precursor material.

[0088] Each heating operation 410, 420, 430 may be triggered or initiated by an activation input. The activation input may be sensed by the activation input sensor 120. Highly advantageously, the activation input comprises an inhalation action. In this way, the aerosol generation device 100 responds automatically to an inhalation action of the user (for example, as detected by the puff sensor 122) and does not require a button press, or the like, which may negatively impact the user experience. The controller 108 may be configured to determine the amount of energy (i.e., according to Equation 1) in response to the activation input. In this way, the amount of energy is determined at (or close to) the time at which the user intends to use the aerosol generation device 100.

[0089] During a first heating operation 410, the energy provision assembly 110 provides energy to the consumable article 102 to cause heating of the consumable article 102 from a starting temperature T±to the target temperature TT. For the first heating operation 410 where the aerosol generation device 100 has not been used, the starting temperature T±may be room temperature, or alternatively may be a preheated temperature where the aerosol generation device 100 may have performed a preheating operation to prepare the consumable article 102 to generate aerosol.

[0090] In an example, the first heating operation 410 may involve the provision of a predetermined amount of energy being provided to the consumable article 102. That is, the first heating operation 410 may not be based on the sensing temperature output of the temperature sensor 124, and may not involve the determination of the amount of energy according to Equation 1.

[0091] In another example, for the first heating operation 410, the controller 108 determines a first amount of energy E±required to heat the consumable article 102 to the target temperature TTbased on the sensing temperature output of the temperature sensor 124 (which may be a temperature of the consumable article 102 at a first time), according to the following calculation:

[0092] E — (TTI ) x c and the energy provision assembly 110 is controlled by the controller 108 to provide the determined amount of energy E±to the consumable article 102. For example, in the example shown in Figure 3, at step 132, energy, E1, is provided to the consumable article 102. The amount of energy is determined at step S140, and passes through step 142.

[0093] The energy E±may be delivered as a pulse (although other examples are envisaged). This is in contrast to the prior art, which rather than providing a pulse instead provides a gradually increasing supply of electrical power. The user may inhale the aerosol generated by heating the consumable article 102 to the target temperature TT.

[0094] As mentioned above, the first heating operation 410 may be triggered or initiated by a first activation input. That is, in response to the first activation input, the first amount of energy E±is determined.

[0095] After the first heating operation 410, the energy provision assembly 110 may cease to be provided with power or current, and the temperature of the consumable article 102 falls. In this way, further heating of the consumable article 102 is prevented, which is advantageous in reducing power consumption of the aerosol generation device 100 and avoiding overheating of the consumable article 102.

[0096] A second heating operation 420 may then be initiated by a second activation input. In this example, when the second heating operation 420 is initiated the temperature of the consumable article 102 has fallen to T2. During the second heating operation 420, the energy provision assembly 110 provides energy to the consumable article 102 to cause heating of the consumable article 102 from the initial temperature T2(which may be a temperature of the consumable article 102 at a second time) to the target temperature TT.

[0097] For the second heating operation 420, the controller 108 determines a second amount of energy E2required to heat the consumable article 102 to the target temperature TTbased on the sensing temperature output of the temperature sensor, according to the following calculation:

[0098] E2— (TT2) X C and the energy provision assembly 110 is controlled by the controller 108 to provide the determined amount of energy E2to the consumable article 102. The energy E2may be delivered as a pulse (although other examples are envisaged). The user may inhale the aerosol generated by heating the consumable article 102 to the target temperature TT.

[0099] As mentioned above, the second heating operation 420 may be triggered or initiated by a second activation input. That is, in response to the second activation input, the second amount of energy E2is determined. The second activation input may be a second inhalation action by a user (for example as detected by the puff sensor 122).

[0100] As will be seen from Figure 4(b), the second amount of energy E2is lower than the first amount of energy E±. That is, the amount of energy required to obtain the target temperature is lower for the second heating operation 420 than the first heating operation 410. This is because the initial temperature T2of the consumable article 102 for the second heating operation 420 was higher than the initial temperature T±of the consumable article 102 for the first heating operation 410, due to the earlier first heating operation 410 resulting in heat remaining in the consumable article 102. Thus, a lower amount of energy is required to raise the temperature of the consumable article 102 to the target temperature by the second heating operation 420. By the controller 108 determining the amount of energy required for each heating operation to obtain the target temperature, improved use of energy is made by the aerosol generation device 100. Furthermore, risk of overheating is avoided, as rather than providing a fixed amount of energy for each heating operation (as in the prior art), the required amount of energy is determined by the controller 108 for each heating operation.

[0101] After the second heating operation 420, the energy provision assembly 110 may cease to be provided with power or current, and the temperature of the consumable article 102 falls. In this way, further heating of the consumable article 102 is prevented, which is advantageous in reducing power consumption of the aerosol generation device 100 and avoiding overheating of the consumable article 102.

[0102] A third heating operation 430 may then be initiated by a third activation input. In this example, when the third heating operation 430 is initiated the temperature of the consumable article 102 has fallen to T3. During the third heating operation 430, the energy provision assembly 110 provides energy to the consumable article 102 to cause heating of the consumable article 102 from the initial temperature T3to the target temperature TT.

[0103] For the third heating operation 430, the controller 108 determines a third amount of energy E3required to heat the consumable article 102 to the target temperature TTbased on the sensing temperature output of the temperature sensor, according to the following calculation:

[0104] E3= (TT— T3) x c and the energy provision assembly 110 is controlled by the controller 108 to provide the determined amount of energy E3to the consumable article 102. The energy E3is delivered as a pulse. The user may inhale the aerosol generated by heating the consumable article 102 to the target temperature TT.

[0105] As mentioned above, the third heating operation 430 may be triggered or initiated by a third activation input (such as a third inhalation action by a user). That is, in response to the third activation input, the third amount of energy E3is determined.

[0106] As will be seen from Figure 4(b), the third amount of energy E3is lower than the first amount of energy E±or second amount of energy E2. That is, the amount of energy required to obtain the target temperature is lower for the third heating operation 430 than for the first heating operation 410 or second heating operation 420. This is because the initial temperature T3of the consumable article 102 for the third heating operation 430 was higher than the initial temperature T of the consumable article 102 for the first heating operation 410 or the initial temperature T2for the second heating operation 420, due to the earlier heating operations 410, 420 resulting in heat remaining in the consumable article 102. Thus, a lower amount of energy is required to raise the temperature of the consumable article 102 to the target temperature by the third heating operation 430. By the controller 108 determining the amount of energy required for each heating operation to obtain the target temperature, improved use of energy is made by the aerosol generation device 100. Furthermore, risk of overheating is avoided, as rather than providing fixed energy pulse amounts for each heating operation, the required amount of energy is determined by the controller 108 for each heating operation.

[0107] After the third heating operation 430, the energy provision assembly 110 may cease to be provided with power or current, and the temperature of the consumable article 102 falls. In this way, further heating of the consumable article 102 is prevented, which is advantageous in reducing power consumption of the aerosol generation device 100 and avoiding overheating of the consumable article 102.

[0108] Further heating operations are not shown in Figure 4. However, it will be appreciated that further heating operations may take place which are consistent with those described above. That is, further heating operations may involve, by the controller 108, the determination of the amount of energy required to heat the consumable article 102 to a target temperature based on the sensing temperature output of the temperature sensor 124, and the control of the energy provision assembly 110 to provide the determined amount of energy to the consumable article 102. Further heating operations may be performed until the consumable article has been depleted (e.g., is no longer suitable for generating aerosol by further heating operations).

[0109] In the example described above, where the controller 108 is said to determine the amount of energy, this may mean that the controller 108 is provided with a signal or data relating to the amount of energy required or with an indication of the amount of energy required which is interpreted by the controller 108 to determine the amount of energy. This may facilitate retrofit of the controller 108 into an existing aerosol generation device 100 already configured to provide a signal or data relating to the amount of energy required.

[0110] By the above-described operation of the aerosol generation device 100, a consistent amount of aerosol is generated by the aerosol generation device 100. In other words, a consistent amount of aerosol is generated by heating the consumable article 102 during each heating operation. Advantageously, this ensures a consistent (or “uniform”) amount or level of aerosol is generated, which improves the user experience, whilst simultaneously reducing the amount of power required to generate said aerosol and also avoiding overheating of the consumable article 102. The above-described operation of the aerosol generation device 100 is also highly advantageous where the energy provision assembly 110 has certain configurations.

[0111] In an advantageous example, and as introduced above, the energy provision assembly 110 comprises an electrode assembly 112 configured to electrically couple with the consumable article 102 to provide electrical power through an aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102 to heat the aerosol precursor material. It the art, this may be known as the “heater in tobacco” (HIT) principle. In a HIT heating process or assembly, conductive particles (e.g., carbon or charcoal) are mixed or interspersed in a substrate (e.g., a tobacco substrate) to make the consumable article 102 conductive. A voltage is then appliable across the consumable article 102 by the electrode assembly 112 and heat is generated in the consumable article 102 due to the resistance of the conductive particles. The heat from the conductive particles is transferred to the substrate to generate aerosol. Such a configuration of energy provision assembly 110 is highly advantageous in the context of the present invention, as rapid heating can be provided. Furthermore, use of an electrode assembly 112 facilitates rapid measurement, or feedback, of the temperature of the consumable article 102. That is, the electrode assembly 112 may itself be used as the temperature sensor 124 to provide the sensing temperature output. Examples of this include measuring the resistance or potential difference across the electrode assembly 112. In this way, overheating of the consumable article 102 can be prevented as rapid temperature feedback is providable using the electrode assembly 112. Highly advantageously, by using an electrode assembly 112, consistent aerosol generation can be ensured when employed in the heating operation process of the present invention, again due to the rapid temperature feedback achievable using the electrode assembly 112.

[0112] In an example, the electrode assembly 112 is configured to provide electric power directly through the aerosol precursor material. As mentioned above, this advantageously provides for rapid heating of a consumable article, and improves the efficiency of energy transfer from the energy provision assembly 110 to the consumable article 112. Energy efficiency is thereby improved.

[0113] In another advantageous configuration of the energy provision assembly 110, the energy provision assembly 110 comprises an inductor (or induction coil) configured to provide a varying magnetic field to the consumable article 102. In this configuration, the varying magnetic field interacts with the aerosol precursor material, or component parts thereof, to cause heating of the consumable article 102. Advantageously, rapid heating can thereby be achieved.

[0114] Referring to Figure 5, an apparatus 500 is schematically shown. The apparatus is for an aerosol generation device 100 configured to receive a consumable article. The apparatus 500 comprises a controller 108. The controller 108 is configured to determine an amount of energy required to heat the consumable article to a target temperature based on a sensing temperature output of a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of the consumable article; and control an energy provision assembly to provide the determined amount of energy to the consumable article.

[0115] Referring to Figure 6, a method is schematically shown. The method is a method of operating an aerosol generation device configured to receive a consumable article. Step S610 comprises determining an amount of energy required to heat the consumable article to a target temperature based on a sensing temperature output of a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of the consumable article. Step S620 comprises controlling an energy provision assembly to provide the determined amount of energy to the consumable article.

[0116] The energy provision assembly may comprise an electrode assembly configured to electrically couple with the consumable article to provide electrical power through an aerosol precursor material of the consumable article to heat it. Optional step S630 comprises controlling the electrode assembly to provide the determined amount of energy to the consumable article.

[0117] Although preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims and as described above.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An aerosol generation device configured to receive a consumable article, the aerosol generation device comprising: an energy provision assembly configured to provide energy to the consumable article; a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of the consumable article and provide a sensing temperature output; and a controller configured to: determine an amount of energy required to heat the consumable article to a target temperature based on the sensing temperature output of the temperature sensor; and control the energy provision assembly to provide the determined amount of energy to the consumable article.

2. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to determine the amount of energy required to heat the consumable article to the target temperature based on a difference between a temperature of the consumable article indicated by the sensing temperature output of the temperature sensor and the target temperature.

3. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the target temperature is constant during an aerosol inhalation session.

4. The aerosol generation device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to determine the amount of energy in response to an activation input.

5. The aerosol generation device according to claim 4, wherein the controller is configured to: in response to a first activation input, determine a first amount of energy required to heat the consumable article to the target temperature from a temperature of the consumable article at a first time; control the energy provision assembly to provide the determined first amount of energy to the consumable article; andin response to a second activation input, subsequent to the provision of the determined first amount of energy to the consumable article, determine a second amount of energy required to heat the consumable article to the target temperature from a temperature of the consumable article at a second time; and control the energy provision assembly to provide the determined second amount of energy to the consumable article.

6. The aerosol generation device according to claim 5, wherein the temperature of the consumable article at the second time is higher than the temperature of the consumable article at the first time.

7. The aerosol generation device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy provision assembly comprises an electrode assembly configured to electrically couple with the consumable article to provide electrical power through an aerosol precursor material of the consumable article to heat the aerosol precursor material.

8. The aerosol generation device according to claim 7, wherein the electrode assembly comprises one or more electrodes.

9. The aerosol generation device according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the electrode assembly is configured to provide electric power directly through the aerosol precursor material.

10. The aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the energy provision assembly comprises an inductor configured to provide a varying magnetic field to the consumable article.11 . The aerosol generation device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy provision assembly is configured to provide a pulse of energy to the consumable article.

12. An apparatus for an aerosol generation device configured to receive a consumable article, the apparatus comprising: a controller configured to:determine an amount of energy required to heat the consumable article to a target temperature based on a sensing temperature output of a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of the consumable article; and control an energy provision assembly to provide the determined amount of energy to the consumable article.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the energy provision assembly comprises an electrode assembly configured to electrically couple with the consumable article to provide electrical power through an aerosol precursor material of the consumable article to heat it.

14. A method of operating an aerosol generation device configured to receive a consumable article, the method comprising the steps of: determining an amount of energy required to heat the consumable article to a target temperature based on a sensing temperature output of a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of the consumable article; and controlling an energy provision assembly to provide the determined amount of energy to the consumable article.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the energy provision assembly comprises an electrode assembly configured to electrically couple with the consumable article to provide electrical power through an aerosol precursor material of the consumable article to heat it, the method further comprising: controlling the electrode assembly to provide the determined amount of energy to the consumable article.

Images