Heater

Abstract

An apparatus (e.g. a control module or an aerosol provision device), a method and a computer program is described comprising: monitoring one or more control variables (e.g. resistance or temperature) of a heater of an aerosol generating device; generating a control signal for an amplitude regulator (such as a DC-DC converter) of the aerosol generating device, wherein the control signal is generated based on the monitored control variable(s); and regulating a power supply voltage in order to provide a heater voltage to said heater, wherein the power supply voltage is regulated by the amplitude regulator depending on said control signal.

Description

[0001] Heater

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present specification relates to an aerosol provision device, a method of controlling such as device, and a system including an aerosol provision device.

[0004] Background

[0005] The present specification relates to heating in an aerosol provision device, such as an e- cigarette. In particular, the present specification relates to controlling heating in such devices.

[0006] Summary

[0007] The scope of protection sought for various embodiments of the invention is set out by the independent claims. The embodiments and features, if any, described in this specification that do not fall under the scope of the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the invention.

[0008] In a first aspect, this specification describes an apparatus comprising: a control module of an aerosol generating device, the control module configured to provide a control signal for controlling one or more control variables (e.g. resistance, temperature, or something else) of a heater of the aerosol generating device; an amplitude regulator (such as a DC-DC converter) configured to regulate a power supply voltage in order to provide a heater voltage to said heater, wherein the power supply voltage is regulated depending on said control signal; and a feedback module for monitoring said control variable(s).

[0009] In some example embodiments, the amplitude regulator comprises a buck circuit, such that the heater voltage is less than the power supply voltage. Alternatively, the amplitude regulator may comprise a boost circuit. Other amplitude regulator options, such as a buck-boost circuit are also possible in some example embodiments.

[0010] In some example embodiments, the heater voltage is a continuous voltage. The said control variable(s) may comprise an electrical power provided to the heater and / or said heater voltage. The heater may be a resistive heater. Alternative heater options (such as an inductive heater) are also possible in some example embodiments. In a second aspect, this specification describes a system comprising an apparatus in accordance with the first aspect and further comprising the heater (e.g. a resistive heater).

[0011] In a third aspect, this specification describes an aerosol generating device comprising: a heater (e.g. a resistive heater); and an amplitude regulator (such as a DC-DC converter) configured to regulate a power supply voltage in order to provide a heater voltage to said heater, wherein the power supply voltage is regulated depending on a control signal, wherein the control signal is for controlling one or more control variables (e.g. resistance, temperature, or something else) of said heater. The heater voltage may be a continuous voltage.

[0012] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a control module for generating said control signal. The aerosol generating device may further comprise a feedback module for monitoring said control variable(s).

[0013] The control variable(s) may comprise said heater voltage and / or an electrical power provided to the heater.

[0014] In a fourth aspect, this specification describes a method comprising: monitoring (e.g. using a feedback module) one or more control variables (e.g. resistance, temperature, or something else) of a heater (e.g. a resistive heater) of an aerosol generating device; generating a control signal (e.g. using a control module) for an amplitude regulator (such as a DC-DC converter) of the aerosol generating device, wherein the control signal is generated based on the monitored control variable(s); and regulating a power supply voltage in order to provide a heater voltage to said heater, wherein the power supply voltage is regulated by the amplitude regulator depending on said control signal.

[0015] The control signal may be configured to control said control variable(s).

[0016] The amplitude regulator may comprise a buck circuit and / or a boost circuit. In a fifth aspect, this specification describes a method comprising: regulating a power supply voltage in order to provide a heater voltage to a heater of an aerosol generating device, wherein the power supply voltage is regulated depending on a control signal, wherein the control signal is for controlling a control variable (e.g. resistance, temperature, or something else) of the heater. The control variable may, for example, comprise an electrical power provided to the heater and / or said heater voltage. In some example embodiments, the heater voltage is less than said power supply voltage. The heater voltage may, for example, be a continuous voltage.

[0017] In a sixth aspect, this specification describes computer-readable instructions which, when executed by a computing apparatus, cause the computing apparatus to perform (at least) any method as described herein (including the methods of the fourth and fifth aspects described above).

[0018] In a seventh aspect, this specification describes a computer-readable medium (such as a non-transitoiy computer-readable medium) comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing (at least) any method as described herein (including the methods of the fourth and fifth aspects described above).

[0019] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] Example embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following schematic drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol provision device;

[0021] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0022] FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an algorithm in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0023] FIG. 4 is a plot showing a supply voltage controlled in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0024] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a system in accordance with an example embodiment; FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an algorithm in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0025] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a buck converter that may be used as a DC-DC converter in some example embodiments; and FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a boost converter that may be used as a DC-DC converter in some example embodiments.

[0026] Detailed Description As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user, and includes non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosol-generating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials.

[0027] According to the present disclosure, a “combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burned during use in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0028] According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0029] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosolgenerating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0030] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine.

[0031] In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0032] Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a noncombustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the noncombustible aerosol provision device. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosolgenerating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non- combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.

[0033] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent.

[0034] In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol-modifying agent.

[0035] Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or semi-solid (such as a gel) which may or may not contain an active substance and / or flavourants. The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or flavours, one or more aerosol -former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.

[0036] The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be in the form of an aerosolgenerating film. The aerosol-generating film may comprise a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol former. Optionally, a substance to be delivered and / or filler may also be present. The aerosol-generating film may be substantially free from botanical material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.

[0037] A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0038] A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a vaiying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

[0039] An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0040] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol provision device (e.g. a non-combustible aerosol provision device), indicated generally by the reference numeral to.

[0041] The aerosol provision device to comprises a battery it (e.g. a rechargeable battery), a control circuit 12, and an aerosol generator 13. The aerosol generator 13 may comprise a resistive heater for heating an aerosolisable material (e.g. a film or a gel) to generate an aerosol (e.g. a vapour). The aerosolisable material is sometimes referred to an as aerosol generating material. It should be noted that the use of resistive heating of an aerosolisable material is described by way of example only. The principles described herein are applicable other aerosol provision systems (such as systems using induction heating).

[0042] In the use of the device 10, air is drawn into an air inlet of the aerosol generator 13, as indicated by arrow 16. An aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 13 exits the device at an air outlet, as indicated by arrow 17 (for example into the mouth of a user of the device 10).

[0043] In some example embodiments, the aerosol provision device 10 comprises two main components, namely a control section 2 (which may be referred to as a reusable part) and a consumable part 4 (which may be referred to as a replaceable or disposable cartridge). In the use of the aerosol provision device 10, the control section 2 and the consumable part 4 may be releasably connected at an interface 6. The consumable part 4 may be removable and replaceable (e.g. when the consumable part is used), with the control section 2 being re-used with a different consumable part.

[0044] Of course, the aerosol provision device 10 is provided by way of example only and is highly schematic. Many variants are possible. For example, in some example embodiments, air is drawn into an air inlet in the control section 2, passes through the interface 6, and exits the consumable part 4. Moreover, in some example embodiments, the aerosol provision device may not be separable into two parts. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system, indicated generally by the reference numeral 20, comprising an amplitude regulator 22 and a heater 24 (e.g. a resistive heater). The heater 24 may be a heater of an aerosol provision device (e.g. a non-combustible aerosol provision device), such as the device 10 described above. Thus, for example the heater 24 may form part of the aerosol generator 13 of the aerosol provision device 10.

[0045] The amplitude regulator 22 is configured to regulate a power supply voltage in order to provide a heater voltage to said heater. More specifically, the power supply voltage is regulated depending on a control signal (e.g. a heater voltage and / or an electrical power provided to the heater), wherein the control signal is for controlling one or more control variables of said heater. As discussed further below, a control module may be provided for generating said a control signal.

[0046] The amplitude regulator may comprise a DC-DC converter. In some example embodiments, the amplitude regulator may comprise a buck circuit (such that the heater voltage is less than the power supply voltage) and / or a boost circuit.

[0047] FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an algorithm, indicated generally by the reference numeral 30, in accordance with an example embodiment. The algorithm 30 may be implemented by the system 20 described above.

[0048] The algorithm 30 starts at operation 32, where a supply voltage is generated. Then, at operation 34, the supply voltage is regulated (for example by the amplitude regulator 22). The regulation of the voltage is repeated so that the regulation is ongoing.

[0049] The power supply voltage may be regulated in the operation 34 in order to provide a heater voltage to a heater (e.g. the heater 24) of an aerosol generating device (e.g. the device 10). As noted above, the power supply voltage is regulated depending on a control signal, wherein the control signal is for controlling a control variable of the heater.

[0050] FIG. 4 is a plot, indicated generally by the reference numeral 40, showing a supply voltage controlled in accordance with an example embodiment. The supply voltage shown in the plot 40 may be controlled by the amplitude regulator 22 (for example in accordance with the algorithm 30 described above). Thus, the supply voltage may be the heater voltage as provided to the heater 24. As shown in the plot 40, the supply voltage (heater voltage) as generated and controlled by the algorithm 30 (and as provided to the heater 24) is a continuous voltage. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a system, indicated generally by the reference numeral 50, in accordance with an example embodiment. The system 50 comprises an amplitude regulator 52 and a heater 54 (that may be the amplitude regulator 22 and the heater 24 described above). The system 50 further comprises a control module 56 and a feedback module 58.

[0051] The control module 56 is configured to provide a control signal for controlling one or more control variables of a heater of the aerosol generating device.

[0052] As discussed above with reference to the amplitude regulator 22, the amplitude regulator 52 is configured to regulate a power supply voltage in order to provide a heater voltage to the heater 54. The power supply voltage is regulated depending on the control signal provided by the control module 56. The heater voltage may be a continuous voltage (for example, as shown in the plot 40). The feedback module 58 is configured to monitor the control variable(s). The control variable(s) may comprise one or more of: a temperature of the heater 54; an electrical resistance of the heater 54; an electrical power provided to the heater 54; and a voltage provided to the heater 54. As discussed above, the amplitude regulator 52 may comprises a DC-DC converter. In some example embodiments, the amplitude regulator may comprise a buck circuit (such that the heater voltage is less than the power supply voltage) and / or a boost circuit. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an algorithm, indicated generally by the reference numeral 60, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0053] The algorithm 60 starts at operation 62, where one or more control variables of a heater of an aerosol generating device (e.g. the heater 54) are monitored. The control variables may be provided to the control unit 56 of the system 50 by the feedback module 58. As discussed above, the control variable may include one or more of: • A temperature of the heater 54.

[0054] • An electrical resistance of the heater 54.

[0055] • An electrical power provided to the heater 54. • A voltage provided to the heater 54.

[0056] At operation 64, a control signal is generated (e.g. by the control unit 56) for an amplitude regulator of the aerosol generating device. The control signal is generated based on the monitored control variable(s).

[0057] At operation 66, the power supply voltage is regulated (e.g. amplitude regulator 52) in order to provide a heater voltage to said heater. The power supply voltage may be regulated by the amplitude regulator 52 depending on the control signal provided by the control unit 56. The heater voltage may be less than the voltage of a power supply. As discussed above (with reference to the plot 40), the heater voltage may be a continuous voltage.

[0058] Of course, the regulation of the voltage (in the operation 66) may be ongoing, so that the steps of the algorithm 60 are repeated.

[0059] As discussed above, the amplitude regulator 52 may comprise a DC-DC converter such as a buck circuit and / or a boost circuit.

[0060] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a buck converter, indicated generally by the reference numeral 70, that may be used as a DC-DC converter in some example embodiments.

[0061] The buck converter 70 comprises a DC power source 71, a switching module 72, a diode 73, an inductor 74, a capacitor 75 and a resistor 76. The switching module 72 may be implemented using one or more transistors (such as one or more MOSFETs or IGBTs).

[0062] The buck converter 70 is sometimes known as a “step-down converter” and can be used to provide a lower voltage (and a higher current) at the output (e.g. the RC network) than at the input (e.g. the DC power source).

[0063] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a boost converter, indicated generally by the reference numeral 80, that maybe used as a DC-DC converter in some example embodiments. The boost converter 80 comprises a DC power source 81, an inductor 82, a switching module 83, a diode 84, a capacitor 85 and a resistor 86. The switching module 83 may be implemented using one or more transistors (such as one or more MOSFETs or IGBTs). The boost converter 80 is sometimes known as a “step-up converter” and can be used to provide a higher voltage (and a lower current) at the output (e.g. the RC network) than at the input (e.g. the DC power source).

[0064] The buck converter 70 and the boost converter 80 are examples of switched-mode power supplies (SMPS). Other SMPS circuits could be used as part of the amplitude regulator described herein (such as a buck-boost converter). The skilled person will be aware of other DC-DC converter topologies that could be used.

[0065] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which maybe claimed in future. For example, although the embodiments described herein comprise non-combustible aerosol provision devices, this is not essential to all example embodiments. The principles described herein may be applied to aerosol provision devices including combustion (either in addition to, or instead of, non-combustible aerosol generation).

Claims

Claims1. An apparatus comprising: a control module of an aerosol generating device, the control module configured to provide a control signal for controlling one or more control variables of a heater of the aerosol generating device; an amplitude regulator configured to regulate a power supply voltage in order to provide a heater voltage to said heater, wherein the power supply voltage is regulated depending on said control signal; and a feedback module for monitoring said control variable(s).

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the amplitude regulator comprises a DC-DC converter.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the amplitude regulator comprises a buck circuit, such that the heater voltage is less than the power supply voltage.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the amplitude regulator comprises a boost circuit.

5. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heater voltage is a continuous voltage.

6. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control variable(s) comprises an electrical power provided to the heater.

7. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control variable(s) comprises said heater voltage.

8. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said heater is a resistive heater.

9. A system comprising the apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 and further comprising said heater.

10. An aerosol generating device comprising: a heater; and an amplitude regulator configured to regulate a power supply voltage in order to provide a heater voltage to said heater, wherein the power supply voltage is regulated depending on a control signal, wherein the control signal is for controlling one or more control variables of said heater. n. An aerosol generating device as claimed in claim io, further comprising a control module for generating said control signal.

12. An aerosol generating device as claimed in claim io or claim it, further comprising a feedback module for monitoring said control variable(s).

13. An aerosol generating device as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the amplitude regulator comprises a DC-DC converter.

14. An aerosol generating device as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the heater voltage is a continuous voltage.

15. An aerosol generating device as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the control variable(s) comprise said heater voltage and / or an electrical power provided to the heater.

16. A method comprising : monitoring one or more control variables of a heater of an aerosol generating device; generating a control signal for an amplitude regulator of the aerosol generating device, wherein the control signal is generated based on the monitored control variable(s); and regulating a power supply voltage in order to provide a heater voltage to said heater, wherein the power supply voltage is regulated by the amplitude regulator depending on said control signal.

17. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the control signal is configured to control said control variable(s) .

18. A method comprising: regulating a power supply voltage in order to provide a heater voltage to a heater of an aerosol generating device, wherein the power supply voltage is regulated depending on a control signal, wherein the control signal is for controlling a control variable of the heater.

19. A method as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein said heater voltage is less than said power supply voltage.

20. A method as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the heater voltage is a continuous voltage.

21. A method as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein said control variable comprises an electrical power provided to the heater.

22. A method as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein said control variable comprises said heater voltage.

Images