An aerosol generating system

Abstract

An aerosol generating system (1) is described. The aerosol generating system includes an aerosol generating article (4), and an aerosol generating device (2) being adapted to receive, in use, the aerosol generating article (4) in a selected one of a plurality of different physical orientations. The aerosol generating article (4) has a pair of first electrical contacts (12a, 12b), and the aerosol generating device (2) has three (or more) second electrical contacts 10a, 10b and 10c. The pair of first electrical contacts (12a, 12b) is electrically connectable to a first pair (10a, 10b) of the second electrical contacts when the aerosol generating article (4) is received in the aerosol generating device (2) in a first orientation, and the pair of first electrical contacts (12a, 12b) is electrically connectable to a different second pair (10a, 10c) of the second electrical contacts when the aerosol generating article (4) is received in the aerosol generating device (2) in a second orientation, different from the first orientation. The aerosol generating system (1) further includes a detecting circuit adapted to detect the physical orientation of the aerosol generating article (4) when received in the aerosol generating device (2). A controller is adapted to control an operation of the aerosol generating system (1) based on the detected orientation of the aerosol generating article (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to an aerosol generating system, and in particular an aerosol generating system that includes an aerosol generating device and a removable aerosol generating article (or cartridge). The aerosol generating device may be adapted to heat aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

[0002] The present disclosure is particularly applicable to a portable (hand-held) aerosol generating device.Technical Background

[0003] Devices which heat, rather than burn, an aerosol generating material to produce an aerosol for inhalation have become popular with consumers in recent years. A commonly available reduced-risk or modified-risk device is the heated material aerosol generating device, or so-called heat-not-burn device. Devices of this type generate an aerosol or vapour by heating an aerosol generating material to a temperature typically in the range 150°C to 300°C, and in some cases as high as about 350°C. This temperature range is quite low compared to an ordinary cigarette. Heating the aerosol generating material to a temperature within this range, without burning or combusting the aerosol generating material, generates a vapour which typically cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by a user of the device.

[0004] The aerosol generating material may be a liquid. For example, the aerosol generating article may include a wick and a heater to produce vapour from aerosol generating liquid stored in a capsule or tank. When a user operates the aerosol generating device, liquid that has soaked into the wick is heated by the heater, producing a vapour which cools and condenses to form an aerosol which may then be inhaled. An aerosol generating article (sometimes called a pod or cartridge) may be received in the aerosol generating device and may include a liquid store, a liquid transfer element (e.g., a wick) and a heater. Electrical contacts may provide an electrical connection between the heater and an energy storage device of the aerosol generating device. The energy storage device may be a rechargeable battery that may be charged from an external power source by a charging assembly of the aerosol generating device.

[0005] The amount of power that is supplied to the heater may have a significant influence on the amount of aerosol that is generated by the aerosol generating article. In some aerosol generating systems, the amount of power supplied to the heater may not be adjusted by the user. This limits the ability of the user to adjust the operating settings of the aerosol generating system based on their personal preference - e.g., to generate more or less aerosol each puff. However, in some aerosol generating systems it is possible for the user to adjust the amount of power that is supplied to the heater. This often requires frequent user interaction. For example, the user may have to press a button on the aerosol generating device to switch from a "default mode" (or "normal mode") to a "boost mode" where more power is supplied to the heater so that more aerosol is generated each puff. The user may then have to press the same button, or a different button, to revert back to the "default mode". During the "default mode" the power may be controlled by a controller of the aerosol generating system to ensure stable aerosol generation and maximum puff count.

[0006] In some aerosol generating systems, the aerosol generating article has a pair of heaters. Power may be supplied to a single heater during the "default mode" and to both heaters during the "boost mode". If the aerosol generating article has a single heater, the amount of power supplied to the heater may be increased during a "boost mode" by increasing a duty cycle. As used herein, the term "duty cycle" means the proportion of time during each cycle period when the heater is turned on. Each cycle period is the total duration of an on and off state, i.e., the total time during which the heater is turned on and off by the controller in a single cycle. The pulse width is the time when the heater is turned on, i.e., the duration of the on state. The duty cycle D may be expressed as a percentage: D = PW P × 100 % where PW is the pulse width and P is the cycle period. Any suitable cycle period may be used.

[0007] In some cases, the duty cycle may be increased to 100% during a "boost mode", for example. This means that power is continuously supplied to the heater.

[0008] There is a need for an alternative way of allowing the user to adjust the amount of power that is supplied to the heater, preferably a way that does not require frequent user interaction such as the need to press a button. The aerosol generating system according to the present disclosure allows the user to adjust the amount of power that is supplied to the heater (or to another aerosol generator of the aerosol generating article) by selecting a particular physical orientation between the aerosol generating device and the aerosol generating article.Summary of the Disclosure

[0009] According to a first aspect of a present disclosure there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating article (or "cartridge" or "pod"); and an aerosol generating device being adapted to receive, in use, the aerosol generating article in a selected one of a plurality of different physical orientations; wherein one of the aerosol generating article and the aerosol generating device comprises a pair of first electrical contacts, and wherein the other one of the aerosol generating article and the aerosol generating device comprises three or more second electrical contacts; wherein the pair of first electrical contacts is electrically connectable to a first pair of the second electrical contacts when the aerosol generating article is received in the aerosol generating device in a first orientation, and wherein the pair of first electrical contacts is electrically connectable to a second pair of the second electrical contacts, different from the first pair of the second electrical contacts, when the aerosol generating article is received in the aerosol generating device in a second orientation, different from the first orientation; further comprising: a detecting circuit adapted to detect the physical orientation of the aerosol generating article when received in the aerosol generating device; and a controller adapted to control an operation of the aerosol generating system based on the detected orientation of the aerosol generating article.

[0010] The detected orientation of the aerosol generating article may be used by the controller to control any suitable operation of the aerosol generating system, and in particular the operation of the aerosol generating device. For example, the aerosol generating system may be operated in a first operating mode if the aerosol generating article is detected to be in the first orientation or in a second operating mode, different from the first operating mode, if the aerosol generating article is detected to be in the second orientation. The different operating modes may relate to any operating parameters of the aerosol generating system such as power delivery, temperature control (e.g., different heating profiles), aerosol generation etc. In one particular embodiment, for example, the controller may be adapted to control the aerosol generating system according to different power delivery modes (or heating modes) based on the detected orientation of the aerosol generating article. For example, the aerosol generating system may be operated in a "default mode" (or "normal mode") if the aerosol generating article is detected to be in the first orientation, or in a "boost mode" where more power is supplied to the aerosol generating article (e.g., to an aerosol generator) if the aerosol generating article is detected to be in the second orientation. If the aerosol generating article is detected to be in the first orientation, power may be supplied to the aerosol generating article at a first duty cycle, and if the aerosol generating article is detected to be in the second orientation, power may be supplied to the aerosol generating article at a second duty cycle, higher than the first duty cycle, for a "boost mode". Alternatively, if the aerosol generating article has an aerosol generator with two heaters, if the aerosol generating article is detected to be in the first orientation, power may be supplied to one of the heaters, and if the aerosol generating article is detected to be in the second orientation, power may be supplied to both of the heaters for a "boost mode". If there are more than two possible orientations, a range of power delivery modes may be used, e.g., a range of different duty cycles.

[0011] The first electrical contacts may be spaced apart by a separation distance.

[0012] Two or more of the second electrical contacts may be arranged around a pitch circle having a pitch circle diameter that is substantially twice the separation distance, and one of the second electrical contacts may be arranged substantially at the centre of the pitch circle. It will be understood that the distance between the second electrical contact that is arranged substantially at the centre of the pitch circle and each of the remaining second electrical contacts is the same as the separation distance.

[0013] This means that one of the first electrical contacts may contact the second electrical contact that is arranged substantially at the centre of the pitch circle, and the other one of the first electrical contacts may contact one of the remaining second electrical contacts (i.e., the second electrical contacts that are arranged around the pitch circle) depending on the physical orientation of the aerosol generating article relative to the aerosol generating device. If there are n second electrical contacts, where n is an integer greater than or equal to three, (n-1) different physical orientations are possible with the pair of first electrical contacts being in contact with (n-1) different pairs of second electrical contacts. The (n-1) different physical orientations may correspond to (n-1) different operating modes of the aerosol generating system.

[0014] The second electrical contacts that are arranged around the pitch circle may be substantially equally spaced apart - i.e., equally spaced in the circumferential direction.

[0015] The pair of first electrical contacts may comprise a positive electrical contact and a negative electrical contact.

[0016] The three or more second electrical contacts may comprise a negative electrical contact (optionally electrically connected to ground) and two or more positive electrical contacts. For example, if there are three second electrical contacts, there may be a first positive electrical contact and a second positive electrical contact. This means that in the first orientation, the positive electrical contact of the first electrical contacts may contact the first positive electrical contact of the second electrical contacts, and in the second orientation, the positive electrical contact of the first electrical contacts may contact the second positive electrical contact of the second electrical contacts. In both the first and second orientations, the negative electrical contacts of the first and second electrical contacts are in electrical contact. In the first orientation there is no contact with the second positive electrical contact of the second electrical contacts. Similarly, in the second orientation there is no contact with the first positive electrical contact of the second electrical contacts. This may simplify the electrical circuit.

[0017] The two or more positive electrical contacts of the second electrical contacts may be arranged around a pitch circle as described above. The negative electrical contact of the second electrical contacts may be arranged substantially at the centre of the pitch circle. This may also simplify the electrical circuit.

[0018] Each electrical contact may have any suitable construction.

[0019] The aerosol generating device may comprise an opening adapted to receive the aerosol generating article in any of the plurality of different physical orientations. In some arrangements, only part of the aerosol generating article is adapted to be received in the opening.

[0020] The opening may be further adapted to receive the aerosol generating article when inserted along an inserting direction. The inserting direction may be substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device, for example.

[0021] The opening may be further adapted to prevent rotation of the aerosol generating article relative to the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating article is received in the opening. For example, the aerosol generating article may not be moved to a different orientation without removing the aerosol generating article from the opening (e.g., along a removing direction, opposite to the inserting direction) and then re-inserting the aerosol generating article into the opening in a different orientation. This may prevent any accidental change in the relative orientation of the aerosol generating article, which would result in an unwanted change in the operating mode of the aerosol generating system. In other words, if the user wants to make a deliberate change to the operating mode of the aerosol generating system (e.g. change from the current power delivery mode to a desired power delivery mode) the user must remove and then re-insert the aerosol generating article in the appropriate physical orientation for the desired operating mode.

[0022] The pair of first electrical contacts may be provided on the aerosol generating article and the three or more second electrical contacts may be provided on the aerosol generating device. This may simplify the design of the aerosol generating article because it is only necessary for it to have a pair of first electrical contacts. Such an aerosol generating article may also be compatible with aerosol generating devices that have different numbers of second electrical contacts if they have the same pitch circle diameter and they have an opening that is adapted to receive the aerosol generating article in the various orientations.

[0023] The aerosol generating device may further comprise an energy storage device (e.g., a rechargeable battery).

[0024] Two or more of the second electrical contacts (e.g., the positive electrical contacts) may be electrically connected to the energy storage device by a respective switching circuit. If there are n second electrical contacts, where n is an integer greater than or equal to three, there may be (n-1) switching circuits. The switching circuits may be electrically connected to a positive terminal of the energy storage device. The negative electrical contact of the second electrical contacts may be electrically connected to a negative terminal of the energy storage device and optionally to ground.

[0025] Each switching circuit may comprise a semiconductor switch adapted to be turned on and off by the controller, e.g., using a duty cycle that controls power delivery to the respective second electrical contact. The detecting circuit may comprise two or more voltage sensors (or voltage sensing circuits) adapted to measure a voltage in each switching circuit. When the detecting circuit is detecting the physical orientation of the aerosol generating article when received in the aerosol generating device, the semiconductor switches of the switching circuits are preferably turned off by the controller. When an aerosol generating article is not received in the aerosol generating device - i.e., when there is no electrical contact between the first and second electrical contacts - the voltage sensors (or voltage sensing circuits) of the detecting circuit may detect an open circuit voltage condition. However, when the aerosol generating article is received in the aerosol generating device, a voltage drop may be measured in one of the voltage sensors (or voltage sensing circuit) which indicates that electrical contact has been made with the respective second electrical contact. The detecting circuit may be part of the aerosol generating device.

[0026] Each switching circuit may comprise a resistor electrically connected in parallel with the respective semiconductor switch. The voltage drop measured by the voltage sensors (or voltage sensing circuits) is the voltage drop across the parallel-connected resistor.

[0027] The switching circuits may be electrically connected in parallel to the energy storage device by an additional semiconductor switch. The additional semiconductor switch may be adapted to be turned on and off by the controller, e.g., turned on for orientation detection by the detecting circuits and for power delivery, and turned off for a safety or standby mode.

[0028] The controller may be a microcontroller unit (MCU) or microprocessor unit (MPU), for example. The controller may be part of the aerosol generating device. The controller may have input terminals electrically connected to the voltage sensors (or voltage sensing circuits) of the detecting circuit. The controller may have output terminals electrically connected to control terminals of the semiconductor switches and where the controller is adapted to output separate control signals for switching the semiconductor switches on and off. Any suitable semiconductor switches may be used in the switching circuits and as the additional semiconductor switch.

[0029] The aerosol generating article may comprise an aerosol generator. The aerosol generator may be electrically connected to the pair of first electrical contacts. The aerosol generator may be of any suitable type and may be adapted to heat aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user. The aerosol generator may include a heater. The aerosol generating material may be a liquid which may be stored in the aerosol generating article. The liquid aerosol generating material may soak into a wick (e.g., a cotton wick) and is then heated by the heater to produce a vapour that cools and condenses to form an aerosol that may then be inhaled. The wick may be omitted in some cases and the liquid aerosol generating material may be directly stored in a cavity of the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article may be formed as an integrated component that includes a liquid store, a liquid transfer element or wick, and a heater. The liquid store may be designed to store a predefined amount of liquid aerosol generating material.

[0030] In general terms, a vapour is a substance in the gas phase at a temperature lower than its critical temperature, which means that the vapour may be condensed to a liquid by increasing its pressure without reducing the temperature, whereas an aerosol is a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets, in air or another gas. It should, however, be noted that the terms 'aerosol' and 'vapour' may be used interchangeably in this specification, particularly with regard to the form of the inhalable medium that is generated for inhalation by a user.

[0031] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method of controlling operating of an aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating article; and an aerosol generating device being adapted to receive, in use, the aerosol generating article in a selected one of a plurality of different physical orientations; wherein one of the aerosol generating article and the aerosol generating device comprises a pair of first electrical contacts, and wherein the other one of the aerosol generating article and the aerosol generating device comprises three or more second electrical contacts; the method comprising: receiving the aerosol generating article in the aerosol generating device: in a first orientation where the pair of first electrical contacts is electrically connected to a first pair of the second electrical contacts, or in a second orientation, different from the first orientation, where the pair of first electrical contacts is electrically connected to a second pair of the second electrical contacts, different from the first pair of the second electrical contacts; detecting (e.g., by a detecting circuit) the physical orientation of the aerosol generating article when received in the aerosol generating device; and controlling (e.g., by a controller) an operation of the aerosol generating system based on the detected orientation of the aerosol generating article.

[0032] The method may further comprise controlling the aerosol generating system according to different power delivery modes based on the detected orientation of the aerosol generating article.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033] Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of an aerosol generating system with an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article, showing the aerosol generating article in a first orientation; Figure 2 is a diagrammatic view of the aerosol generating system of Figure 1 showing the aerosol generating article being inserted into the aerosol generating device in the first orientation; Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view of the aerosol generating article in a second orientation; Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view of the aerosol generating system of Figure 1 showing the aerosol generating article being inserted into the aerosol generating device in the second orientation; Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view of an alternative aerosol generating system with an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article, showing the aerosol generating article in a first orientation; Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view of the aerosol generating article of Figure 5 in a second orientation; Figure 7 is a diagrammatic view of the aerosol generating article of Figure 5 in a third orientation; Figure 8 is a diagrammatic view of an alternative aerosol generating system with an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article, showing the aerosol generating article in a first orientation; Figure 9 is a diagrammatic view of the aerosol generating article of Figure 8 in a second orientation; Figure 10 is a diagrammatic view of the aerosol generating article of Figure 8 in a third orientation; Figure 11 is a diagrammatic view of an alternative aerosol generating system with an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article, showing the aerosol generating article in a first orientation; Figure 12 is a diagrammatic view of the aerosol generating article of Figure 11 in a second orientation; Figure 13 is a diagrammatic view of the aerosol generating article of Figure 11 in a third orientation; Figure 14 is a diagrammatic view of the aerosol generating article of Figure 11 in a fourth orientation; Figure 15 is a diagrammatic view of an alternative aerosol generating system with an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article, showing the aerosol generating article in a first orientation; Figure 16 is a diagrammatic view of the aerosol generating article of Figure 15 in a second orientation; Figure 17 is a diagrammatic view of the aerosol generating article of Figure 15 in a third orientation; Figure 18 is a diagrammatic view of the aerosol generating article of Figure 15 in a fourth orientation; Figure 19 is a diagrammatic view of a detecting circuit, energy storage device and controller of the aerosol generating device of Figure 1; Figure 20 is a diagrammatic view of a detecting circuit, energy storage device, controller, and switching circuits of the aerosol generating device of Figure 1; Figure 21 is a diagrammatic view of a detecting circuit, energy storage device, controller, and switching circuits of the aerosol generating device of Figures 5 and 8; and Figure 22 is a diagrammatic view of a detecting circuit, energy storage device, controller, and switching circuits of the aerosol generating device of Figures 11 and 15. Detailed Description of Embodiments

[0034] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Referring initially to Figures 1 and 2 there is shown diagrammatically an example of an aerosol generating system 1. The aerosol generating system 1 comprises an aerosol generating device 2 and an aerosol generating article 4 for use with the aerosol generating device 2. The aerosol generating device 2 comprises a body or housing assembly 6 and is sized to be comfortably held by a user unaided, in a single hand.

[0036] The housing 6 defines an opening 8 for receiving part of the aerosol generating article 4.

[0037] The aerosol generating device 2 has three electrical contacts, namely a negative contact 10a, a first positive contact 10b, and a second positive contact 10c.

[0038] The aerosol generating article 4 has a pair of electrical contacts, namely a negative contact 12a, and a positive contact 12b.

[0039] The aerosol generating device 2 is adapted to receive the aerosol generating article 4 in a selected one of two physical orientations. In particular, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the aerosol generating article 4 may be received in the opening 8 in a first orientation where the negative contact 12a of the aerosol generating article 4 is in electrical contact with the negative contact 10a of the aerosol generating device 2, and where the positive contact 12b of the aerosol generating article 4 is in electrical contact with the first positive contact 10b. In the first orientation, no electrical contact is made with the second positive contact 10c.

[0040] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the same aerosol generating article 4 may also be received in the opening 8 in a second orientation where the negative contact 12a of the aerosol generating article 4 is in electrical contact with the negative contact 10a of the aerosol generating device 2, and where the positive contact 12b of the aerosol generating device 4 is in electrical contact with the second positive contact 10c. In the second orientation, no electrical contact is made with the first positive contact 10b.

[0041] To switch between the first and second positions, the aerosol generating article 4 may be rotated through 180 degrees.

[0042] The aerosol generating article 4 is inserted into the opening 8 along an inserting direction, which may be substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device 2. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the opening 8 is sized and shaped to receive the aerosol generating article 4 while preventing rotation of the aerosol generating article 4 relative to the aerosol generating device 2. In other words, the aerosol generating article 4 may not be moved to a different orientation without removing the aerosol generating article 4 from the opening 8 (e.g., along a removing direction, opposite to the inserting direction) and then re-inserting the aerosol generating article 4 into the opening 8 in a different orientation. To change from the first orientation to the second orientation, the aerosol generating article 4 is removed along the removing direction, rotated by 180 degrees, and then re-inserted into the opening 8. This may prevent any accidental change in the relative orientation of the aerosol generating article 4 which would result in an unwanted change in operating mode of the aerosol generating system 1.

[0043] Referring to Figure 19, the aerosol generating device 2 includes a detecting circuit 14, an energy storage device (e.g., a rechargeable battery) 16, and a controller (e.g., a microcontroller unit (MCU)) 18.

[0044] The detecting circuit 14 of the aerosol generating device 2 is used to detect the physical orientation of the aerosol generating article when received in the opening 8 of the aerosol generating device 2. The detecting circuit 14 includes a first resistor R1 that is electrically connected to the first positive contact 10b and a second resistor R2 that is electrically connected to the second positive contact 10c. The first and second resistors R1, R2 are electrically connected to the positive terminal of the energy storage device 16 by a semiconductor switch Q0. The semiconductor switch Q0 is turned on and off by the controller 18. In other words, an output terminal of the controller 18 outputs a control signal to the control terminal of the semiconductor switch Q0.

[0045] The detecting circuit 14 includes a first voltage sensor 20b electrically connected to the junction between the first resistor R1 and the first positive contact 10b, and a second voltage sensor 20c electrically connected to the junction between the second resistor R2 and the second positive contact 10c. The output of each voltage sensor 20b, 20c is provided to a respective input terminal of the controller 18 as shown in Figure 19.

[0046] The negative contact 10a of the aerosol generating device 2 is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the energy storage device 16, and also to ground (not shown).

[0047] Figure 19 also shows the positive and negative contacts 12a, 12b of the aerosol generating article 4 that are electrically connected to an aerosol generator 22.

[0048] If the contacts 10a, 10b and 10c are open circuited, i.e., the aerosol generating article 4 is not received in the opening 8, and the semiconductor switch Q0 is turned on, the voltage sensors 20b, 20c detect an open circuit voltage condition.

[0049] If the aerosol generating article 4 is inserted into the opening 8 in the first orientation shown in Figures 1 and 2, the negative contact 12a will be in electrical contact with the negative contact 10a (and ground), and the positive contact 12b will be in electrical contact with the first positive contact 10b. The first voltage sensor 20b will therefore detect a voltage drop across the first resistor R1. The second voltage sensor 20c will continue to detect an open circuit voltage condition. On the other hand, if the aerosol generating article 4 is inserted into the opening 8 in the second orientation shown in Figures 3 and 4, the negative contact 12a will be in electrical contact with the negative contact 10a (and ground), and the positive contact 12b will be in electrical contact with the second positive contact 10c. The second voltage sensor 20c will therefore detect a voltage drop across the second resistor R2. The first voltage sensor 20b will continue to detect an open circuit voltage condition.

[0050] The controller 18 therefore detects the physical orientation of the aerosol generating article 4 when received in the aerosol generating device 2 based on the voltage condition detected by the voltage sensors 20b, 20c of the detecting circuit 18. In other words, the controller 18 is able to determine if the aerosol generating article 4 is in the first orientation or the second orientation.

[0051] The semiconductor switch Q0 may be turned off by the controller 18 in a safety or standby mode.

[0052] Figure 20 shows a detecting circuit 14 where the first and second positive contacts 10b, 10c are electrically connected to the energy storage device 16 by a respective switching circuit 24b, 24c. In particular, a first switching circuit 24b is electrically connected between the first positive contact 10b and the semiconductor switch Q0, and a second switching circuit 24c is electrically connected between the second positive contact 10c and the semiconductor switch Q0. The first switching circuit 24b includes a first resistor R1 and a semiconductor switch Q1 electrically connected in parallel with the first resistor R1. The second switching circuit 24c includes a second resistor R2 and a semiconductor switch Q2 electrically connected in parallel with the second resistor R2. A first voltage sensor 20b is electrically connected to the junction between the first resistor R1 and the first positive contact 10b. A second voltage sensor 20c is electrically connected to the junction between the second resistor R2 and the second positive contact 10c.

[0053] The semiconductor switches Q1, Q2 are turned on and off by the controller 18. In other words, a respective output terminal of the controller 18 outputs a control signal to the control terminal of the semiconductor switch Q1, Q2.

[0054] The semiconductor switches Q1, Q2 are normally turned off by the controller 18 when the orientation of the aerosol generating article 4 is being detected by the detecting circuit 14 as described above - i.e., based on one of the voltage sensors 20b, 20c detecting a voltage drop from the open circuit voltage condition.

[0055] For power delivery to the aerosol generator 22, the semiconductor switches Q1, Q2 may be turned on and off by the controller 18 according to a duty cycle, for example. In particular, if the aerosol generating article 4 is in the first orientation, where the negative contact 10a is in electrical contact with the negative contact 12a, and the first positive contact 10b is in electrical contact with the positive contact 12b, the semiconductor switch Q1 may be turned on and off according to a duty cycle to control the supply of power from the energy storage device 16 to the aerosol generator 22. The semiconductor switch Q0 will be turned on and the semiconductor switch Q2 will be turned off. If the aerosol generating article 4 is in the second orientation, where the negative contact 10a is in electrical contact with the negative contact 12a, and the second positive contact 10c is in electrical contact with the positive contact 12b, the semiconductor switch Q2 may be turned on and off according to a duty cycle to control the supply of power from the energy storage device 16 to the aerosol generator 22. The semiconductor switch Q0 will be turned on and the semiconductor switch Q1 will be turned off.

[0056] The controller 18 is adapted to control an operation of the aerosol generating device 2 based on the detected orientation of the aerosol generating article 4. As mentioned above, the detected orientation of the aerosol generating article 4 may be used by the controller 18 to control any suitable operation of the aerosol generating device 2. For example, the aerosol generating device 2 may be operated in a first operating mode if the aerosol generating article 4 is detected to be in the first orientation or in a second operating mode, different from the first operating mode, if the aerosol generating article 4 is detected to be in the second orientation. The different operating modes may relate to any operating parameters of the aerosol generating device such as power delivery or power delivery control, temperature control (e.g., different heating profiles), aerosol generation etc. In one particular embodiment, for example, the controller 18 may be adapted to control the aerosol generating device 2 according to different power delivery modes (or heating modes) based on the detected orientation of the aerosol generating article 4. For example, the aerosol generating device 2 may be operated in a "default mode" (or "normal mode") if the aerosol generating article 4 is detected to be in the first orientation, or in a "boost mode" where more power is supplied to the aerosol generating article 4 (e.g., to the aerosol generator 22) if the aerosol generating article 4 is detected to be in the second orientation. If the aerosol generating article 4 is detected to be in the first orientation, power may be supplied to the aerosol generator 22 at a first duty cycle, e.g., by turning the semiconductor switch Q1 on and off, and if the aerosol generating article 4 is detected to be in the second orientation, power may be supplied to the aerosol generator 22 at a second duty cycle, higher than the first duty cycle, by turning the semiconductor switch Q2 on and off, for operating in a "boost mode". Alternatively, if the aerosol generator 22 has two heaters, power may be supplied to one of the heaters if the aerosol generating article 4 is detected to be in the first orientation, and power may be supplied to both of the heaters for a "boost mode" if the aerosol generating article 4 is detected to be in the second orientation. As explained in more detail below, if there are more than two possible orientations, a range of power delivery modes may be used, e.g., a range of different duty cycles.

[0057] Referring to Figure 1, the negative contact 10a and the first positive contact 10b are spaced apart by a separation distance D. The negative contact 10a and the second positive contact 10c are spaced apart by the same separation distance D.

[0058] The negative contact 12a and the positive contact 12b are spaced apart by the same separation distance D.

[0059] Referring to Figures 5 to 7, the aerosol generating article 4 has a pair of electrical contacts, namely a negative contact 12a, and a positive contact 12b. The negative contact 12a and the positive contact 12b are spaced apart by a separation distance D.

[0060] The aerosol generating device 2 has four electrical contacts, namely a negative contact 10a, a first positive contact 10b, a second positive contact 10c, and a third positive contact 10d. The positive contacts 10b, 10c and 10d are arranged around a pitch circle - shown in dashed line - having a pitch circle diameter that is substantially twice the separation distance D (i.e., the pitch circle diameter is 2D). The negative contact 10a is arranged substantially at the centre of the pitch circle. It will be understood that the negative contact 10a that is arranged substantially at the centre of the pitch circle is spaced apart from each of the positive contacts 10b, 10c and 10d by the same separation distance D. (It will also be understood that the positive contacts 10b, 10c shown in Figures 1 to 4 are also arranged around a pitch circle that is substantially twice the separation distance D between the negative and positive contacts 12a, 12b of the aerosol generating article 4.)

[0061] The aerosol generating device 2 is adapted to receive the aerosol generating article 4 in a selected one of three physical orientations. In particular, as shown in Figure 5, the aerosol generating article 4 may be received in the opening 8 in a first orientation where the negative contact 12a of the aerosol generating article 4 is in electrical contact with the negative contact 10a of the aerosol generating device 2, and where the positive contact 12b of the aerosol generating article 4 is in electrical contact with the first positive contact 10b. In the first orientation, no electrical contact is made with the second and third positive contacts 10c, 10d.

[0062] As shown in Figure 6, the same aerosol generating article 4 may also be received in the opening 8 in a second orientation where the negative contact 12a of the aerosol generating article 4 is in electrical contact with the negative contact 10a of the aerosol generating device 2, and where the positive contact 12b of the aerosol generating device 4 is in electrical contact with the second positive contact 10c. In the second orientation, no electrical contact is made with the first and third positive contacts 10b, 10d.

[0063] As shown in Figure 7, the same aerosol generating article 4 may also be received in the opening 8 in a third orientation where the negative contact 12a of the aerosol generating article 4 is in electrical contact with the negative contact 10a of the aerosol generating device 2, and where the positive contact 12b of the aerosol generating device 4 is in electrical contact with the third positive contact 10d. In the third orientation, no electrical contact is made with the first and second positive contacts 10b, 10c.

[0064] To switch between the first, second, and third positions, the aerosol generating article 4 may be rotated through 120 degrees.

[0065] The aerosol generating article 4 is inserted into the opening 8 along an inserting direction, which may be substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device 2. As shown in Figure 5, the opening 8 is sized and shaped to receive the aerosol generating article 4 while preventing rotation of the aerosol generating article 4 relative to the aerosol generating device 2. In other words, the aerosol generating article 4 may not be moved to a different orientation without removing the aerosol generating article 4 from the opening 8 (e.g., along a removing direction, opposite to the inserting direction) and then re-inserting the aerosol generating article 4 into the opening 8 in a different orientation. For example, to change from the first orientation to the second orientation, the aerosol generating article 4 is removed along the removing direction, rotated by 120 degrees, and then re-inserted into the opening 8. This may prevent any accidental change in the relative orientation of the aerosol generating article 4 which would result in an unwanted change in operating mode of the aerosol generating system 1.

[0066] In Figures 5 to 7, the opening 8 and the aerosol generating article 4 have a triangular shape. Figures 8 to 10 show an alternative arrangement where the aerosol generating article 4 has a rectangular shape and the opening 8 has a "star" shape that may receive the aerosol generating article 4 in each of the first, second, and third orientations as described above.

[0067] Figure 21 shows a detecting circuit 14 where the first, second and third positive contacts 10b, 10c and 10d are electrically connected to the energy storage device 16 by a respective switching circuit 24b, 24c and 24d. In particular, a first switching circuit 24b is electrically connected between the first positive contact 10b and the semiconductor switch Q0, a second switching circuit 24c is electrically connected between the second positive contact 10c and the semiconductor switch Q0, and a third switching circuit 24d is electrically connected between the third positive contact 10d and the semiconductor switch Q0. The first switching circuit 24b includes a first resistor R1 and a semiconductor switch Q1 electrically connected in parallel with the first resistor R1. The second switching circuit 24c includes a second resistor R2 and a semiconductor switch Q2 electrically connected in parallel with the second resistor R2. The third switching circuit 24d includes a third resistor R3 and a semiconductor switch Q3. A first voltage sensor 20b is electrically connected to the junction between the first resistor R1 and the first positive contact 10b. A second voltage sensor 20c is electrically connected to the junction between the second resistor R2 and the second positive contact 10c. A third voltage sensor 20d is electrically connected to the junction between the third resistor R3 and the third positive contact 10d.

[0068] The semiconductor switches Q1, Q2 and Q3 are turned on and off by the controller 18. In other words, a respective output terminal of the controller 18 outputs a control signal to the control terminal of the semiconductor switch Q1, Q2 and Q3.

[0069] The semiconductor switches Q1, Q2 and Q3 are normally turned off by the controller 18 when the orientation of the aerosol generating article 4 is being detected by the detecting circuit 14 as described above - i.e., based on one of the voltage sensors 20b, 20c and 20d detecting a voltage drop from the open circuit voltage condition.

[0070] For power delivery to the aerosol generator 22, the semiconductor switches Q1, Q2 and Q3 may be turned on and off by the controller 18 according to a duty cycle, for example. In particular, if the aerosol generating article 4 is in the first orientation, where the negative contact 10a is in electrical contact with the negative contact 12a, and the first positive contact 10b is in electrical contact with the positive contact 12b, the semiconductor switch Q1 may be turned on and off according to a duty cycle to control the supply of power from the energy storage device 16 to the aerosol generator 22. The semiconductor switch Q0 will be turned on and the semiconductor switches Q2, Q3 will be turned off. If the aerosol generating article 4 is in the second orientation, where the negative contact 10a is in electrical contact with the negative contact 12a, and the second positive contact 10c is in electrical contact with the positive contact 12b, the semiconductor switch Q2 may be turned on and off according to a duty cycle to control the supply of power from the energy storage device 16 to the aerosol generator 22. The semiconductor switch Q0 will be turned on and the semiconductor switches Q1, Q3 will be turned off. If the aerosol generating article 4 is in the third orientation, where the negative contact 10a is in electrical contact with the negative contact 12a, and the third positive contact 10d is in electrical contact with the positive contact 12b, the semiconductor switch Q3 may be turned on and off according to a duty cycle to control the supply of power from the energy storage device 16 to the aerosol generator 22. The semiconductor switch Q0 will be turned on and the semiconductor switches Q1, Q2 will be turned off.

[0071] The controller 18 is adapted to control an operation of the aerosol generating device 2 based on the detected orientation of the aerosol generating article 4. As mentioned above, the detected orientation of the aerosol generating article 4 may be used by the controller 18 to control any suitable operation of the aerosol generating device 2. For example, the aerosol generating device 2 may be operated in a first operating mode if the aerosol generating article 4 is detected to be in the first orientation or in a second operating mode, different from the first operating mode, if the aerosol generating article 4 is detected to be in the second orientation. The aerosol generating device 2 may be operated in a third operating mode, different from the first and second operating modes, if the aerosol generating device 4 is detected to be in the third orientation. The different operating modes may relate to any operating parameters of the aerosol generating device such as power delivery, temperature control (e.g., different heating profiles), aerosol generation etc. In one particular embodiment, for example, the controller 18 may be adapted to control the aerosol generating device 2 according to different power delivery modes (or heating modes) based on the detected orientation of the aerosol generating article 4. For example, the aerosol generating device 2 may be operated in a "default mode" (or "normal mode") if the aerosol generating article 4 is detected to be in the first orientation, or in a first "boost mode" where more power is supplied to the aerosol generating article 4 (e.g., to the aerosol generator 22) if the aerosol generating article 4 is detected to be in the second orientation. The aerosol generating device 2 may be operated in a second "boost mode" where even more power is supplied to the aerosol generating article (e.g., to the aerosol generator 22) if the aerosol generating article 4 is detected to be in the third orientation. If the aerosol generating article 4 is detected to be in the first orientation, power may be supplied to the aerosol generator 22 at a first duty cycle, e.g., by turning the semiconductor switch Q1 on and off, and if the aerosol generating article 4 is detected to be in the second orientation, power may be supplied to the aerosol generator 22 at a second duty cycle, higher than the first duty cycle, by turning the semiconductor switch Q2 on and off, for operating in a first "boost mode". If the aerosol generating article 4 is detected to be in the third orientation, power may be supplied to the aerosol generator 22 at a third duty cycle, higher than the second duty cycle, e.g., by turning the semiconductor switch Q3 on and off, for operating in a second "boost mode". Alternatively, the third duty cycle may be lower than the first duty cycle for operating the aerosol generating device 2 in a "eco mode", for example.

[0072] Referring to Figures 11 to 14, the aerosol generating article 4 has a pair of electrical contacts, namely a negative contact 12a, and a positive contact 12b. The negative contact 12a and the positive contact 12b are spaced apart by a separation distance D.

[0073] The aerosol generating device 2 has five electrical contacts, namely a negative contact 10a, a first positive contact 10b, a second positive contact 10c, a third positive contact 10d, and a fourth positive contact 10e. The positive contacts 10b, 10c, 10d and 10e are arranged around a pitch circle having a pitch circle diameter that is substantially twice the separation distance D (i.e., the pitch circle diameter is 2D). The negative contact 10a is arranged substantially at the centre of the pitch circle. It will be understood that the negative contact 10a that is arranged substantially at the centre of the pitch circle is spaced apart from each of the positive contacts 10b, 10c, 10d and 10e by the same separation distance D.

[0074] The aerosol generating device 2 is adapted to receive the aerosol generating article 4 in a selected one of four physical orientations. In particular, as shown in Figure 11, the aerosol generating article 4 may be received in the opening 8 in a first orientation where the negative contact 12a of the aerosol generating article 4 is in electrical contact with the negative contact 10a of the aerosol generating device 2, and where the positive contact 12b of the aerosol generating article 4 is in electrical contact with the first positive contact 10b. In the first orientation, no electrical contact is made with the second, third and fourth positive contacts 10c, 10d and 10e.

[0075] As shown in Figure 12, the same aerosol generating article 4 may also be received in the opening 8 in a second orientation where the negative contact 12a of the aerosol generating article 4 is in electrical contact with the negative contact 10a of the aerosol generating device 2, and where the positive contact 12b of the aerosol generating device 4 is in electrical contact with the second positive contact 10c. In the second orientation, no electrical contact is made with the first, third and fourth positive contacts 10b, 10d and 10e.

[0076] As shown in Figure 13, the same aerosol generating article 4 may also be received in the opening 8 in a third orientation where the negative contact 12a of the aerosol generating article 4 is in electrical contact with the negative contact 10a of the aerosol generating device 2, and where the positive contact 12b of the aerosol generating device 4 is in electrical contact with the third positive contact 10d. In the third orientation, no electrical contact is made with the first, second and fourth positive contacts 10b, 10c and 10e.

[0077] As shown in Figure 14, the same aerosol generating article 4 may also be received in the opening 8 in a fourth orientation where the negative contact 12a of the aerosol generating article 4 is in electrical contact with the negative contact 10a of the aerosol generating device 2, and where the positive contact 12b of the aerosol generating device 4 is in electrical contact with the fourth positive contact 10e. In the fourth orientation, no electrical contact is made with the first, second and third positive contacts 10b, 10c and 10d.

[0078] To switch between the first, second, third and fourth positions, the aerosol generating article 4 may be rotated through 90 degrees.

[0079] The aerosol generating article 4 is inserted into the opening 8 along an inserting direction, which may be substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device 2. As shown in Figure 11, the opening 8 is sized and shaped to receive the aerosol generating article 4 while preventing rotation of the aerosol generating article 4 relative to the aerosol generating device 2. In other words, the aerosol generating article 4 may not be moved to a different orientation without removing the aerosol generating article 4 from the opening 8 (e.g., along a removing direction, opposite to the inserting direction) and then re-inserting the aerosol generating article 4 into the opening 8 in a different orientation. For example, to change from the first orientation to the second orientation, the aerosol generating article 4 is removed along the removing direction, rotated by 90 degrees, and then re-inserted into the opening 8. This may prevent any accidental change in the relative orientation of the aerosol generating article 4 which would result in an unwanted change in operating mode of the aerosol generating system 1.

[0080] In Figures 11 to 14, the opening 8 and the aerosol generating article 4 have a square shape. Figures 15 to 18 show an alternative arrangement where the aerosol generating article 4 has a rectangular shape and the opening 8 has a "cross" shape that may receive the aerosol generating article 4 in each of the first, second, third and fourth orientations as described above.

[0081] Figure 22 shows a detecting circuit 14 where the first, second, third and fourth positive contacts 10b, 10c, 10d and 10e are electrically connected to the energy storage device 16 by a respective switching circuit 24b, 24c, 24d and 24e. In particular, a first switching circuit 24b is electrically connected between the first positive contact 10b and the semiconductor switch Q0, a second switching circuit 24c is electrically connected between the second positive contact 10c and the semiconductor switch Q0, a third switching circuit 24d is electrically connected between the third positive contact 10d and the semiconductor switch Q0, and a fourth switching circuit 24e is electrically connected between the fourth positive contact 10e and the semiconductor switch Q0. The first switching circuit 24b includes a first resistor R1 and a semiconductor switch Q1 electrically connected in parallel with the first resistor R1. The second switching circuit 24c includes a second resistor R2 and a semiconductor switch Q2 electrically connected in parallel with the second resistor R2. The third switching circuit 24d includes a third resistor R3 and a semiconductor switch Q3. The fourth switching circuit 24e includes a fourth resistor R4 and a semiconductor switch Q4. A first voltage sensor 20b is electrically connected to the junction between the first resistor R1 and the first positive contact 10b. A second voltage sensor 20c is electrically connected to the junction between the second resistor R2 and the second positive contact 10c. A third voltage sensor 20d is electrically connected to the junction between the third resistor R3 and the third positive contact 10d. A fourth voltage sensor 20e is electrically connected to the junction between the fourth resistor R4 and the fourth positive contact 10e.

[0082] The semiconductor switches Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 are turned on and off by the controller 18. In other words, a respective output terminal of the controller 18 outputs a control signal to the control terminal of the semiconductor switch Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4.

[0083] The semiconductor switches Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 are normally turned off by the controller 18 when the orientation of the aerosol generating article 4 is being detected by the detecting circuit 14 as described above - i.e., based on one of the voltage sensors 20b, 20c, 20d and 20e detecting a voltage drop from the open circuit voltage condition.

[0084] For power delivery to the aerosol generator 22, the semiconductor switches Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 may be turned on and off by the controller 18 according to a duty cycle, for example. In particular, if the aerosol generating article 4 is in the first orientation, where the negative contact 10a is in electrical contact with the negative contact 12a, and the first positive contact 10b is in electrical contact with the positive contact 12b, the semiconductor switch Q1 may be turned on and off according to a duty cycle to control the supply of power from the energy storage device 16 to the aerosol generator 22. The semiconductor switch Q0 will be turned on and the semiconductor switches Q2, Q3 and Q4 will be turned off. If the aerosol generating article 4 is in the second orientation, where the negative contact 10a is in electrical contact with the negative contact 12a, and the second positive contact 10c is in electrical contact with the positive contact 12b, the semiconductor switch Q2 may be turned on and off according to a duty cycle to control the supply of power from the energy storage device 16 to the aerosol generator 22. The semiconductor switch Q0 will be turned on and the semiconductor switches Q1, Q3 and Q4 will be turned off. If the aerosol generating article 4 is in the third orientation, where the negative contact 10a is in electrical contact with the negative contact 12a, and the third positive contact 10d is in electrical contact with the positive contact 12b, the semiconductor switch Q3 may be turned on and off according to a duty cycle to control the supply of power from the energy storage device 16 to the aerosol generator 22. The semiconductor switch Q0 will be turned on and the semiconductor switches Q1, Q2 and Q4 will be turned off. If the aerosol generating article 4 is in the fourth orientation, where the negative contact 10a is in electrical contact with the negative contact 12a, and the fourth positive contact 10e is in electrical contact with the positive contact 12b, the semiconductor switch Q4 may be turned on and off according to a duty cycle to control the supply of power from the energy storage device 16 to the aerosol generator 22. The semiconductor switch Q0 will be turned on and the semiconductor switches Q1, Q2 and Q3 will be turned off.

[0085] The controller 18 is adapted to control an operation of the aerosol generating device 2 based on the detected orientation of the aerosol generating article 4. As mentioned above, the detected orientation of the aerosol generating article 4 may be used by the controller 18 to control any suitable operation of the aerosol generating device 2. For example, the aerosol generating device 2 may be operated in a first operating mode if the aerosol generating article 4 is detected to be in the first orientation or in a second operating mode, different from the first operating mode, if the aerosol generating article 4 is detected to be in the second orientation. The aerosol generating device 2 may be operated in a third operating mode, different from the first and second operating modes, if the aerosol generating device 4 is detected to be in the third orientation. The aerosol generating device 2 may be operated in a fourth operating mode, different from the first, second and third operating modes, if the aerosol generating device 4 is detected to be in the fourth orientation. The different operating modes may relate to any operating parameters of the aerosol generating device such as power delivery, temperature control (e.g., different heating profiles), aerosol generation etc. In one particular embodiment, for example, the controller 18 may be adapted to control the aerosol generating device 2 according to different power delivery modes (or heating modes) based on the detected orientation of the aerosol generating article 4. For example, the aerosol generating device 2 may be operated in a "default mode" (or "normal mode") if the aerosol generating article 4 is detected to be in the first orientation, or in a first "boost mode" where more power is supplied to the aerosol generating article 4 (e.g., to the aerosol generator 22) if the aerosol generating article 4 is detected to be in the second orientation. The aerosol generating device 2 may be operated in a second "boost mode" where even more power is supplied to the aerosol generating article (e.g., to the aerosol generator 22) if the aerosol generating article 4 is detected to be in the third orientation. The aerosol generating device 2 may be operated in an "eco mode" where less power is supplied to the aerosol generating article (e.g., to the aerosol generator 22) if the aerosol generating article 4 is detected to be in the fourth orientation.

[0086] If the aerosol generating article 4 is detected to be in the first orientation, power may be supplied to the aerosol generator 22 at a first duty cycle, e.g., by turning the semiconductor switch Q1 on and off, and if the aerosol generating article 4 is detected to be in the second orientation, power may be supplied to the aerosol generator 22 at a second duty cycle, higher than the first duty cycle, by turning the semiconductor switch Q2 on and off, for operating in a first "boost mode". If the aerosol generating article 4 is detected to be in the third orientation, power may be supplied to the aerosol generator 22 at a third duty cycle, higher than the second duty cycle, e.g., by turning the semiconductor switch Q3 on and off, for operating in a second "boost mode". If the aerosol generating article 4 is detected to be in the fourth orientation, power may be supplied to the aerosol generator 22 at a fourth duty cycle, lower than the first duty cycle, e.g., by turning the semiconductor switch Q4 on and off, for operating in an "eco mode".

[0087] Although exemplary embodiments have been described in the preceding paragraphs, it should be understood that various modifications may be made to those embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Thus, the breadth and scope of the claims should not be limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments.

[0088] Any combination of the above-described features in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0089] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

Claims

1. An aerosol generating system (1) comprising: an aerosol generating article (4); and an aerosol generating device (2) being adapted to receive, in use, the aerosol generating article (4) in a selected one of a plurality of different physical orientations; wherein one of the aerosol generating article (4) and the aerosol generating device (2) comprises a pair of first electrical contacts (12a, 12b), and wherein the other one of the aerosol generating article (4) and the aerosol generating device (2) comprises three or more second electrical contacts (10a, 10b, 10c); wherein the pair of first electrical contacts (12a, 12b) is electrically connectable to a first pair of the second electrical contacts (10a, 10b) when the aerosol generating article (4) is received in the aerosol generating device (2) in a first orientation, and wherein the pair of first electrical contacts (12a, 12b) is electrically connectable to a second pair of the second electrical contacts (10a, 10c), different from the first pair of the second electrical contacts, when the aerosol generating article (4) is received in the aerosol generating device (2) in a second orientation, different from the first orientation; further comprising: a detecting circuit (14) adapted to detect the physical orientation of the aerosol generating article (4) when received in the aerosol generating device (2); and a controller (18) adapted to control an operation of the aerosol generating system (1) based on the detected orientation of the aerosol generating article (4).

2. An aerosol generating system (1) according claim 1, wherein the controller (18) is adapted to control the aerosol generating system (1) according to different power delivery modes based on the detected orientation of the aerosol generating article (4).

3. An aerosol generating system (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first electrical contacts (12a, 12b) are spaced apart by a separation distance (D), wherein two or more of the second electrical contacts (10b, 10c) are arranged around a pitch circle having a pitch circle diameter that is substantially twice the separation distance, and wherein one of the second electrical contacts (10a) is arranged substantially at the centre of the pitch circle.

4. An aerosol generating system (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the pair of first electrical contacts comprises a positive electrical contact (12b) and a negative electrical contact (12a), and wherein the three or more second electrical contacts comprises a negative electrical contact (10a) optionally electrically connected to ground, and two or more positive electrical contacts (10b, 10c).

5. An aerosol generating system (1) according to claim 4, wherein the two or more positive electrical contacts (10b, 10c) are arranged around a pitch circle having a pitch circle diameter, and wherein the negative electrical contact (10a) is arranged substantially at the centre of the pitch circle.

6. An aerosol generating system (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol generating device (2) comprises an opening (8) adapted to receive the aerosol generating article (4) in any of the plurality of different physical orientations.

7. An aerosol generating system (1) according to claim 6, wherein the opening (8) is further adapted to receive the aerosol generating article (4) when inserted along an inserting direction.

8. An aerosol generating system (1) according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the opening (8) is further adapted to prevent rotation of the aerosol generating article (4) relative to the aerosol generating device (2) when the aerosol generating article (4) is received in the opening (8).

9. An aerosol generating system (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the pair of first electrical contacts (12a, 12b) is provided on the aerosol generating article (4) and the three or more second electrical contacts (10a, 10b, 10c) are provided on the aerosol generating device (2), wherein the aerosol generating device (2) further comprises an energy storage device (16), and wherein two or more of the second electrical contacts (10b, 10c) are electrically connected to the energy storage device by a respective switching circuit (24b, 24c).

10. An aerosol generating system (1) according to claim 9, wherein each switching circuit (24b, 24c) comprises a semiconductor switch (Q1, Q2) adapted to be turned on and off by the controller (18), and wherein the detecting circuit (14) comprises two or more voltage sensors (20b, 20c) adapted to measure a voltage in each switching circuit (24b, 24c).

11. An aerosol generating system (1) according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein each switching circuit (24b, 24c) comprises a resistor (R1, R2) electrically connected in parallel with the respective semiconductor switch (Q1, Q2).

12. An aerosol generating system (1) according to any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the switching circuits (24b, 24c) are electrically connected in parallel to the energy storage device (16) by an additional semiconductor switch (Q0) adapted to be turned on and off by the controller (18).

13. An aerosol generating system (1) according to any of claims 9 to 12, wherein a negative electrical contact (10a) of the second electrical contacts is electrically connected to a negative terminal of the energy storage device (16), and optionally to ground.

14. A method of controlling operating of an aerosol generating system (1) comprising: an aerosol generating article (4); and an aerosol generating device (2) being adapted to receive, in use, the aerosol generating article (4) in a selected one of a plurality of different physical orientations; wherein one of the aerosol generating article (4) and the aerosol generating device (2) comprises a pair of first electrical contacts (12a, 12b), and wherein the other one of the aerosol generating article (4) and the aerosol generating device (2) comprises three or more second electrical contacts (10a, 10b, 10c); the method comprising: receiving the aerosol generating article (4) in the aerosol generating device (2): in a first orientation where the pair of first electrical contacts (12a, 12b) is electrically connected to a first pair of the second electrical contacts (10a, 10b), or in a second orientation, different from the first orientation, where the pair of first electrical contacts (12a, 12b) is electrically connected to a second pair of the second electrical contacts (10a, 10c), different from the first pair of the second electrical contacts; detecting the physical orientation of the aerosol generating article (4) when received in the aerosol generating device (2); and controlling an operation of the aerosol generating system (1) based on the detected orientation of the aerosol generating article (4).

15. A method according to claim 14, further comprising controlling the aerosol generating system (1) according to different heating modes based on the detected orientation of the aerosol generating article (4).

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