Aerosol generating device and method of operating an aerosol generating device

Abstract

The aerosol generating device (10, 110) includes a body (12) having an opening (13) through which an aerosol-generating substrate (102) is received within the aerosol generating device (10, 110), and a cover (30) movable relative to the opening (13) between a closed position in which the cover (30) at least partially covers the opening (13) and an open position in which the opening (13) is not substantially blocked by the cover (30). The aerosol generating device (10, 110) further includes a controller (24) and a biometric authenticator (40) for verifying the identity of a user of the aerosol generating device (10, 110). The biometric authenticator (40) is configured to generate an authentication signal upon successful user authentication, and the controller (24) is configured to permit movement of the cover (30) from the closed position toward the open position upon receiving the authentication signal from the biometric authenticator (40).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to aerosol generating devices, and in particular to aerosol generating devices for heating an aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user. The present disclosure is particularly applicable to portable (handheld) aerosol generating devices. Such devices heat an aerosol-generating substrate, such as tobacco or other suitable material, by conduction, convection and / or radiation, rather than combustion, to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user. Embodiments of the present disclosure also relate to methods of operating an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the popularity and use of risk reduction or risk modification devices (also known as aerosol generating devices or vapor generating devices) has grown rapidly as an alternative to the use of traditional tobacco products. A variety of devices and systems are available that heat or warm an aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol that is inhaled by the user.

[0003] A commonly available risk reduction or risk modification device is the substrate heated aerosol generating device, i.e. the so-called heated non-combustion device. This type of device generates an aerosol or vapour by heating an aerosol-generating substrate, typically to a temperature in the range of 150°C to 300°C. Heating the aerosol-generating substrate to a temperature within this range, without burning or combusting the aerosol-generating substrate, generates a vapour which typically cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by the user of the device.

[0004] Currently available aerosol-generating devices can provide heat to the aerosol-generating substrate using one of a number of different techniques, including resistive heating, which utilizes resistive heating elements, and inductive heating, which utilizes an induction coil and an inductively heatable susceptor. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Regardless of what approach is used to heat the aerosol-generating substrate, it may be desirable to prevent tampering with the aerosol-generating device, and the present disclosure seeks to address this need, thereby improving the functionality of the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device, comprising: a body having an opening through which the aerosol-generating substrate can be received within an aerosol-generating device; a lid movable relative to the opening between a closed position in which the lid at least partially covers the opening and an open position in which the opening is not substantially blocked by the lid; A controller; a biometric authenticator for verifying an identity of a user of the aerosol generating device, the biometric authenticator being configured to generate an authentication signal; an actuator movable between a locked state and an unlocked state; Including, the controller is configured to move the actuator from a locked state to an unlocked state upon receiving an authentication signal from the biometric authenticator to permit movement of the lid from the closed position toward the open position; An aerosol generating device is provided.

[0007] The aerosol-generating device is configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate, without burning the aerosol-generating substrate, to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating substrate, thereby generating a heated vapor that cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by a user of the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device is typically a handheld, portable device.

[0008] Generally speaking, a vapor is a substance that is in the gas phase below its critical temperature, meaning that it can be condensed into a liquid by increasing the pressure without decreasing the temperature, whereas an aerosol is fine solid particles or liquid droplets suspended in air or another gas. However, it should be noted that in this specification, the terms "aerosol" and "vapor" may be used interchangeably, particularly with respect to the form of inhalable medium that is generated for the user to inhale.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of operating an aerosol generating device comprising a body having an opening through which an aerosol-generating substrate can be received within the aerosol generating device, a lid movable relative to the opening between a closed position in which the lid at least partially covers the opening and an open position in which the opening is not substantially blocked by the lid, and an actuator movable between a locked state and an unlocked state, comprising: (i) biometrically verifying the identity of a user of the aerosol generating device and generating an authentication signal in response to positive user identification; (ii) operating the actuator to permit movement of the lid from the closed position toward the open position when the controller of the aerosol generating device receives the authentication signal; A method is provided, comprising:

[0010] The lid is permitted to be moved from the closed position to the open position only when the user authentication is successful, specifically when an authentication signal is generated. Thus, the insertion of an aerosol-generating substrate into the aerosol-generating device through the opening is permitted only when the user authentication is successful. If the user authentication is not successful, the lid cannot be moved from the closed position to the open position, and thus the insertion of an aerosol-generating substrate through the opening is prevented, thereby preventing unauthorized use of the aerosol-generating device.

[0011] The lid may be a non-removable lid such that the lid is retained by the body in both the closed and open positions. The lid may include a sliding cover. Such a lid may simplify and facilitate manufacturing of the aerosol generating device. However, other types of lids, such as pivotally mounted lids, are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0012] Movement of the lid from the closed position towards the open position may be accomplished manually by a user following (or during) actuation of the actuator, or may be accomplished automatically upon closure by actuation of the actuator.

[0013] In the case of manual movement, the actuator may include a locking element that may be alterable (e.g., movable) between a locked state that may prevent movement of the lid from the closed position toward the open position and an unlocked state that may allow movement of the lid from the closed position toward the open position. The controller may be configured to change the locking element from the locked state to the unlocked state upon receiving an authentication signal from the biometric authenticator. The locking element securely holds the lid in the closed position and allows movement of the lid from the closed position toward the open position only upon successful user authentication.

[0014] The lid may be movable from the closed position to the open position by a user when the locking element is in the unlocked state. Step (ii) of the operating method may include manually moving the lid from the closed position towards the open position. Thus, the aerosol generating device has a simple configuration.

[0015] The aerosol generating device may include a biasing element that may be configured to move the lid from the closed position to the open position when the locking element is in an unlocked state. Thus, the lid automatically moves from the closed position to the open position without user intervention if user authentication is successful. This automatically places the aerosol generating device in a ready-to-use state if user authentication is successful, thereby simplifying use of the aerosol generating device.

[0016] In the case of automated movement, the actuator may include an opening mechanism that may be arranged to move the lid from the closed position towards the open position. The controller may be configured to actuate the opening mechanism upon receiving an authentication signal from the biometric authenticator. Step (ii) of the method of operation may include actuating the opening mechanism by the controller, thus automatically moving the lid from the closed position to the open position without user intervention if user authentication is successful. The aerosol generating device is thereby automatically placed into a ready-to-use state if user authentication is successful, thereby simplifying use of the aerosol generating device.

[0017] The biometric authenticator may include a fingerprint reader (also commonly known as a fingerprint scanner or fingerprint recognition unit). The fingerprint reader may be configured to recognize a fingerprint of an authorized user of the aerosol generating device. The biometric authenticator may alternatively include a facial recognition unit. The facial recognition unit may be configured to recognize one or more facial features of an authorized user of the aerosol generating device.

[0018] The aerosol-generating device may include an electrically powered heater for heating the aerosol-generating substrate. The controller may be configured to permit operation of the heater following receipt of an authentication signal from the biometric authenticator. The method of operation may further include permitting operation of the heater upon receipt of the authentication signal by the controller. By permitting operation of the heater only upon successful user authentication, additional protection against unauthorized use of the device is achieved.

[0019] The controller may be configured to activate the heater upon receiving an authentication signal from the biometric authenticator. The aerosol generating device may include a power source. The power source may be connected to the controller and may be connected to the heater. The controller may be configured to effect the supply of power from the power source to the heater upon receiving an authentication signal from the biometric authenticator. Thus, in the method of operation of the second aspect, the controller may allow the supply of power from the power source to the heater upon receiving the authentication signal. With this arrangement, the heater is automatically activated by the controller without user intervention if user authentication is successful, thereby simplifying operation of the device.

[0020] The aerosol-generating device may include a heating chamber positioned within a body in which the aerosol-generating substrate is received.

[0021] The heater may include an internal heater that is inserted into the aerosol-generating substrate, for example, the heater may include a heated blade or pin.

[0022] The heater may include an external heater that heats the aerosol-generating substrate, for example, via a wrapper that may surround the aerosol-generating substrate. The heater may be positioned around the heating chamber.

[0023] The heater may include a resistive heater, which may include a resistive heating element, for example a resistive heating blade or a resistive heating tube.

[0024] The heater may include an electromagnetic field generator, such as an induction coil, for heating an inductively heatable susceptor. The heater may include both an electromagnetic field generator and an inductively heatable susceptor. The electromagnetic field generator may be arranged to generate an alternating electromagnetic field for inductively heating the inductively heatable susceptor. This arrangement provides a particularly convenient manner of heating the aerosol-generating substrate using induction heating.

[0025] The induction coil may comprise a Litz wire or Litz cable. However, it should be understood that other materials may be used. The induction coil may be substantially helical and may extend around a heating chamber in which the aerosol-generating substrate is positioned in use. The circular cross-section of a helical induction coil may, for example, facilitate the insertion of an aerosol-generating article, including an aerosol-generating substrate and optionally one or more of said inductively heatable susceptors, into the heating chamber and ensure uniform heating of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0026] Inductively heatable susceptors may include, but are not limited to, one or more of aluminum, iron, nickel, stainless steel, and alloys thereof, such as nickel-chromium or nickel-copper. Application of an electromagnetic field in the vicinity of the susceptor may cause the susceptor to generate heat due to eddy currents and magnetic hysteresis losses resulting in the conversion of energy from electromagnetic to thermal.

[0027] The induction coil may be arranged, in use, to operate with a varying electromagnetic field having a magnetic flux density of about 20 mT to about 2.0 T (at the point of highest density).

[0028] The controller may be configured to operate at high frequencies. The power supply and controller may be configured to operate at frequencies between about 80 kHz and 500 kHz, optionally between about 150 kHz and 250 kHz, and optionally about 200 kHz. The power supply and controller may be configured to operate at higher frequencies, for example in the MHz range, depending on the type of inductively heatable susceptor used.

[0029] The aerosol generating device may include a user interface. The user interface may be configured to control operation of the heater. The controller may be configured to allow activation of the heater via the user interface upon receipt of an authentication signal from the biometric authenticator. Step (ii) of the method of operation may include manually activating the heater via the user interface following receipt of the authentication signal by the controller. With this arrangement, the heater may be manually activated by the user upon successful user authentication, thereby allowing the user a greater degree of control over the operation of the device.

[0030] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise any type of solid or semi-solid material. Exemplary types of aerosol-generating solids include, for example, powders, granules, pellets, shreds, strands, particles, gels, strips, loose-leaf, cut filler, porous materials, foamed materials, or sheets. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a plant-derived material, in particular tobacco. The aerosol-generating substrate may advantageously comprise reconstituted tobacco, for example, tobacco and any one or more of cellulose fibers, tobacco stem fibers, and inorganic fillers such as CaCO3.

[0031] Thus, an aerosol-generating device may be referred to as a "heated tobacco device," "heated non-combustion tobacco device," "device for vaporizing tobacco products," etc., and is to be construed as any device suitable for achieving these effects. The features disclosed herein are equally applicable to devices designed to vaporize any aerosol-generating substrate.

[0032] The aerosol-generating substrate may form part of the aerosol-generating article and may be surrounded by a paper wrapper.

[0033] The aerosol-generating article may be substantially formed in the shape of a stick and may generally resemble a cigarette with a tubular region with the aerosol-generating substrate arranged in a suitable configuration. The aerosol-generating article may include a filter segment, for example comprising cellulose acetate fibers, at the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. The filter segment may constitute a mouthpiece filter and may be coaxially aligned with the aerosol-generating substrate. Some designs may also include one or more vapor collection regions, cooling regions, and other structures. For example, the aerosol-generating article may include at least one tubular segment upstream of the filter segment. The tubular segment may function as a vapor cooling region. The vapor cooling region may advantageously allow the heated vapor generated by heating the aerosol-generating substrate to cool and condense to form an aerosol with suitable properties for inhalation by a user, for example through the filter segment.

[0034] The aerosol-generating substrate may include an aerosol-forming agent. Examples of aerosol-forming agents include polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof. Typically, the aerosol-generating substrate may include an aerosol-forming agent content of about 5% to about 50% on a dry weight basis. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate may include an aerosol-forming agent content of about 10% to about 20% on a dry weight basis, and in some cases about 15% on a dry weight basis.

[0035] Upon heating, the aerosol-generating substrate may release volatile compounds, which may include nicotine, or flavor compounds, such as tobacco flavorants. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first example of an aerosol generating device having a lid in a closed position. [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1, shown with the lid in a closed position and with an aerosol-generating article ready to be loaded into the aerosol generating device; FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1, shown with the lid in an open position and an aerosol-generating article loaded into the aerosol generating device. [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1, shown with the lid in an open position and an aerosol-generating article loaded into the aerosol generating device; FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the second (upper) end of the aerosol generation device of FIGS. 1 to 4, showing the locking element in a locked state preventing movement of the lid from the closed position. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the second (upper) end of the aerosol generation device of FIGS. 1 to 4, showing the locking element in an unlocked state and the lid in an open position. [Figure 7] A schematic cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2 from the side of a second example of an aerosol generating device, the lid being shown in a closed position and having an opening mechanism for moving the lid from the closed position towards the open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] 1-4, a first example of an aerosol generating device 10 includes a body 12 that houses the various components of the aerosol generating device 10 and includes an opening 13 through which an aerosol-generating substrate 102 is received within the aerosol generating device 10. The body 12 can have any shape, provided it fits with the components described in the various embodiments herein and is sized to be comfortably held by a user in one hand without assistance.

[0039] A first end 14 of the aerosol generation device 10, shown on the bottom side of each of Figures 1-4, will be conveniently described as the distal, bottom, base or lower end of the aerosol generation device 10. A second end 16 of the aerosol generation device 10, shown on the top side of each of Figures 1-4, will be conveniently described as the proximal, top or upper end of the aerosol generation device 10. During use, a user will typically orient the aerosol generation device 10 with the first end 14 facing downward and / or in a distal position relative to the user's mouth and the second end 16 facing upward and / or in a proximal position relative to the user's mouth.

[0040] The aerosol generating device 10 includes a heating chamber 18 that defines a cavity 20 having a generally cylindrical cross-section for receiving an aerosol-generating substrate 102. The aerosol generating device 10 further includes a power source 22, e.g., one or more batteries, which may be rechargeable, and a controller 24. The aerosol generating device 10 may include a chassis on which the heating chamber 18, power source 22, and controller 24 are mounted such that these components may form a single unit.

[0041] The heating chamber 18 is open towards the second end 16 of the aerosol generation device 10. In other words, the heating chamber 18 has a first end 26 that is open towards the second end 16 of the aerosol generation device 10, which is aligned with the opening 13. The heating chamber 18 is typically kept spaced apart from the body 12 of the aerosol generation device 10 to prevent heat transfer to the body 12. To further improve the thermal insulation of the heating chamber 18, the heating chamber 18 may be surrounded by an insulator, for example a fibrous or foam material such as cotton wool, aerogel or gas, or in other examples a vacuum insulator may be provided.

[0042] The aerosol generating device 10 includes a cover 30 that is movable relative to the opening 13 between a closed position (FIGS. 1 and 2) in which the cover 30 at least partially (preferably completely) covers the opening 13, and an open position (FIGS. 3 and 4) in which the opening 13 is not substantially blocked by the cover 30. In the illustrated example, the cover 30 includes a non-detachable cover, specifically, a sliding cover 32 that is transversely movable between a closed position in which the sliding cover 32 covers the open first end 26 of the heating chamber 18 to prevent access to the heating chamber 18, and an open position in which the sliding cover 32 exposes the open first end 26 of the heating chamber 18 to provide access to the heating chamber 18.

[0043] The heating chamber 18, and more particularly the cavity 20, is arranged to receive a correspondingly shaped, generally cylindrical or rod-shaped aerosol-generating article 100, as shown in Figures 2-4. Typically, the aerosol-generating article 100 comprises a pre-packaged aerosol-generating substrate 102. The aerosol-generating article 100 is a disposable, replaceable article (also known as a "consumable") that may, for example, comprise tobacco as the aerosol-generating substrate 102. The aerosol-generating article 100 has a proximal end 104 (or mouth end) and a distal end 106. The aerosol-generating article 100 further comprises a mouthpiece segment 108 positioned downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate 102. The aerosol-generating substrate 102 and the mouthpiece segment 108 are arranged in coaxial alignment within a wrapper 110 (e.g., a paper wrapper) to hold the components in place and form the rod-shaped aerosol-generating article 100.

[0044] The mouthpiece segment 108 may include one or more of the following components (not shown in detail) arranged sequentially and in coaxial alignment in a downstream direction, i.e., from the distal end 106 toward the proximal (mouth) end 104 of the aerosol-generating article 100: a cooling segment, a central hole segment, and a filter segment. The cooling segment typically includes a hollow paper tube having a thickness greater than that of the wrapper 110. The central hole segment may include a hardened mixture containing cellulose acetate fibers and a plasticizer, and functions to increase the strength of the mouthpiece segment 108. The filter segment typically includes cellulose acetate fibers and functions as a mouthpiece filter. As heated vapor flows from the aerosol-generating substrate 102 toward the proximal (mouth) end 104 of the aerosol-generating article 100, the vapor cools and condenses as it passes through the cooling segment and the central hole segment to form an aerosol having suitable properties for a user to inhale through the filter segment.

[0045] In other embodiments, the heating chamber 18 can be configured to accept other forms of aerosol-generating substrate 102, such as loose shredded material, otherwise packaged solid material, or an aerosol-generating liquid packaged within the aerosol-generating article 100.

[0046] The heating chamber 18 has a base 36 (located at the second end 28 of the heating chamber 18) and a sidewall 34 extending between the open first end 26. The sidewall 34 and the base 36 are connected to one another and may be integrally formed as a single piece. In the illustrated embodiment, the sidewall 34 is tubular, more specifically cylindrical. However, in other embodiments, the sidewall 34 may have other suitable shapes, such as a tube having an elliptical or polygonal cross-section. In still further embodiments, the sidewall 34 may be tapered.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the base 36 of the heating chamber 18 is closed, e.g., sealed or airtight; that is, the heating chamber 18 is cup-shaped. This ensures that air drawn in from the open first end 26 is prevented by the base 36 from exiting the second end 28, but is instead guided through the aerosol-generating substrate 102. This also ensures that the user can insert the aerosol-generating article 100 into the heating chamber 18 only to the intended distance, but not beyond.

[0048] The aerosol-generating device 10 includes an electrically powered heater 38 for heating the aerosol-generating substrate 102 without burning the aerosol-generating substrate 102. That is, the heater 38 is arranged to heat the aerosol-generating substrate 102 using electrical power. To this end, the power source 22 is coupled to the controller 24. The controller 24 is, in turn, coupled to the heater 38. During operation of the aerosol-generating device 10, the controller 24 controls the supply of electrical power from the power source 22 to the heater 38 so as to heat the aerosol-generating substrate 102 to a desired temperature.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the heater 38 is a resistive heater that extends with the sidewall 34 of the heating chamber 18. Of course, other types and configurations of heaters 38 can be used, as discussed earlier herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the heater 38 is attached to a surface of the tubular sidewall 34 that faces away from the interior volume of the heating chamber 18. This can help protect the heater 38 from damage when the aerosol-generating article 100, and more specifically the aerosol-generating substrate 102, is inserted into and removed from the cavity 20 defined by the heating chamber 18.

[0050] To use the aerosol generating device 10, the sliding cover 32 (or other lid 30) must be moved from the closed position shown in Figures 1 and 2 to the open position shown in Figures 3 and 4. A user can then insert the aerosol-generating article 100 into the heating chamber 18 through the opening 13 and the open first end 26 such that the proximal end 104 of the aerosol-generating article 100 is positioned at the open first end 26 of the heating chamber 18 with the aerosol-generating substrate 102 received within the cavity 20 and with at least a portion of the mouthpiece segment 108 protruding from the open first end 26 to allow engagement by the user's lips.

[0051] Upon actuation of the aerosol-generating device 10, electrical current is supplied to the heater 38, causing it to heat up. Heat from the heater 38 is transferred, for example by conduction, radiation, and convection, through the sidewall 34 of the heating chamber 18 to the adjacent aerosol-generating substrate 102 of the aerosol-generating article 100 positioned within the heating chamber 18. This heats the aerosol-generating substrate 102, thereby generating vapor. The generated vapor cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by a user of the aerosol-generating device 10 through the mouthpiece segment 108, and more particularly through the filter segment. Vaporization of the aerosol-generating substrate 102 is aided by the addition of air from the surrounding environment through the opening 13 and the open first end 26 of the heating chamber 18, the air flow being between a wrapper 110 of the aerosol-generating article 100 and the inner surface of the cylindrical sidewall 34.

[0052] To restrict the use of the aerosol generating device 10, and in particular to ensure that only authorized users can use the aerosol generating device 10, the aerosol generating device 10 includes a biometric authenticator 40 coupled to the controller 24. The biometric authenticator 40, which may include a fingerprint reader, is configured to verify the identity of a user of the aerosol generating device 10 and generate an authentication signal if user authentication is successful. The controller 24 allows movement of the lid 30 (e.g., the sliding cover 32) from the closed position (FIGS. 1 and 2) to the open position (FIGS. 3 and 4) only upon receiving the authentication signal from the biometric authenticator 40, thus preventing the aerosol-generating article 100, and more particularly the aerosol-generating substrate 102, from being inserted into the heating chamber 18 through the opening 13 and through the open first end 26 if user authentication is unsuccessful.

[0053] The aerosol generating device 10 includes an actuator, shown in Figures 5 and 6, as a locking element 42 that is changeable between a locked state (Figure 5) and an unlocked state (Figure 6). When the locking element 42 is in the locked state, the locking element 42 prevents movement of the sliding cover 32 from the closed position toward the open position, i.e., from left to right in Figures 5 and 6. When the locking element 42 is in the unlocked state, the locking element 42 allows movement of the sliding cover 32 from the closed position toward the open position.

[0054] In the example shown in Figures 5 and 6, the locking element 42 includes a locking pin 44. The locking pin 44 can be moved (e.g., by a linear actuator or other mechanism) between an extended position shown in Figure 5 and a retracted position shown in Figure 6. When the locking pin 44 is in the extended position, the locking pin 44 cooperates with a lever 46 pivotally attached to the lower surface of the sliding cover 32 to prevent movement of the lever 46 and therefore sliding of the sliding cover 32 from the closed position towards the open position. When the locking pin 44 is in the retracted position, the locking pin 44 is spaced apart from the lever 46 and does not cooperate with the lever 46, thereby permitting movement of the lever 46 and therefore sliding of the sliding cover 32 from the closed position towards the open position. The linear actuator or other mechanism that controls the movement of the locking pin 44 is configured to retract the locking pin 44, thus changing the locking element 42 from a locked state to an unlocked state, only upon receiving an authentication signal from the controller 24 indicating successful user authentication.

[0055] 5 and 6, the sliding cover 32 is movable by a user from a closed position (FIG. 5) to an open position (FIG. 6) after the locking element 42 is changed to an unlocked state following successful user authentication. For example, a user can engage a thumb or finger with an upper surface of the sliding cover 32 and slide the sliding cover 32 from the closed position to the open position. The sliding cover 32 can be positioned such that the open and closed positions are both "stable" positions, e.g., such that the net force acting on the sliding cover 32 is zero when the sliding cover 32 is in the open or closed position.

[0056] In another example, the aerosol generating device 10 may include a biasing element 48 (FIGS. 2 and 4) that moves the sliding cover 32 from the closed position to the open position when the locking element 42 is changed to an unlocked state following successful user authentication. The biasing element 48 may include a spring or other elastic element that biases the sliding cover 32 from the closed position toward the open position. Thus, the biasing element 48 may be arranged such that only the open position of the sliding cover 32 is a "stable" position, e.g., such that the net force acting on the sliding cover 32 is zero when the sliding cover 32 is in the open position, and such that a net force acting on the sliding cover 32 biases the sliding cover 32 from the closed position to the open position when the sliding cover 32 is in the closed position.

[0057] Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown a second example of an aerosol generation device 110. The aerosol generation device 110 is similar to the aerosol generation device 10 shown in Figures 1 to 6, and corresponding components are identified using the same reference numbers.

[0058] The aerosol generating device 110 includes an actuator in the form of an opening mechanism 50 coupled to the sliding cover 32 to actively move the sliding cover 32 from the closed position towards the open position, and optionally to move the sliding cover 32 from the open position towards the closed position. The opening mechanism 50 may include a linear actuator (e.g., a solenoid) or other mechanism, and is actuated by the controller 24 upon receiving an authentication signal from the biometric authenticator 40 to move the sliding cover 32 from the closed position to the closed position. Thus, the movement of the sliding cover 32 from the closed position to the open position is fully automatic if user authentication is successful.

[0059] In some embodiments, the controller 24 may be configured to permit activation of the heater 38 only following receipt of an authentication signal from the biometric authenticator 40. This provides additional protection against unauthorized use of the aerosol generating device 10, in that such embodiments allow the heater 38 to be activated only upon successful user authentication.

[0060] 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, and thus, the breadth and scope of the claims should not be limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments.

[0061] Any combination of the above-described features in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.

[0062] Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, throughout this specification and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like are to be construed in their inclusive sense, i.e., "including, but not limited to", rather than in their exclusive or exhaustive sense.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device (10, 110), comprising: a body (12) having an opening (13) through which an aerosol-generating substrate (102) can be received within said aerosol-generating device (10, 110); a cover (30) movable relative to the opening (13) between a closed position in which the cover (30) at least partially covers the opening (13) and an open position in which the opening (13) is not substantially blocked by the cover (30); A controller (24); a biometric authenticator (40) for verifying the identity of a user of the aerosol generating device (10, 110), the biometric authenticator (40) being configured to generate an authentication signal; an actuator movable between a locked state and an unlocked state; Including, the controller (24) is configured to move the actuator from the locked state to the unlocked state upon receiving an authentication signal from the biometric authenticator (40) to permit movement of the lid body (30) from the closed position toward the open position; An aerosol generating device (10, 110).

2. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the actuator includes a locking element (42) operable to prevent movement of the lid body (30) from the closed position toward the open position in the locked state, and operable to allow movement of the lid body (30) from the closed position toward the open position in the unlocked state.

3. 3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein the lid (30) is movable from the closed position to the open position by a user when the locking element (42) is in the unlocked state.

4. The aerosol generating device (10, 110) of claim 2, further comprising a biasing element (48) configured to move the lid body (30) from the closed position toward the open position when the locking element (42) is in the unlocked state.

5. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the actuator includes an opening mechanism (50) operable to move the lid (30) from the closed position toward the open position.

6. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the biometric authenticator (40) includes a fingerprint reader.

7. The aerosol generating device (10, 110) comprises: an electrically powered heater (38) for heating the aerosol-generating substrate (102); The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the controller (24) is configured to permit operation of the powered heater (38) following receipt of an authentication signal from the biometric authenticator (40).

8. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the lid body (30) includes a sliding cover (32).

9. A method of operating an aerosol generating device (10, 110), the aerosol generating device comprising: a body (12) having an opening (13) through which an aerosol-generating substrate (102) is received within the aerosol generating device (10, 110); a cover (30) movable relative to the opening (13) between a closed position in which the cover (30) at least partially covers the opening (13) and an open position in which the opening (13) is not substantially blocked by the cover (30); and an actuator movable between a locked state and an unlocked state. The method of operation includes: (i) biometrically verifying an identity of a user of the aerosol generating device (10, 110) and generating an authentication signal in response to positive user identification; (ii) operating the actuator to permit movement of the lid (30) from the closed position toward the open position when the controller (24) of the aerosol generating device (10, 110) receives the authentication signal; 4. A method of operation comprising:

10. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the actuator includes a locking element (42), and step (ii) includes manually moving the lid (30) from the closed position toward the open position when the locking element (42) is in the unlocked state.

11. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the actuator includes an opening mechanism (50), and step (ii) includes automatically moving the lid (30) from the closed position toward the open position by actuating the opening mechanism (50) to transition to the unlocked state.

12. 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the aerosol-generating device (10, 110) includes an electrically powered heater (38) for heating an aerosol-generating substrate (102), the method further comprising permitting operation of the electrically powered heater (38) upon receiving the authentication signal.

13. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the aerosol generating device (10, 110) includes a power source (22), the method further comprising authorizing the supply of power from the power source (22) to the electrically powered heater (38) upon receiving the authentication signal.

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