Induction heating arrangement and method for controlling the temperature of an induction heating arrangement - Patents.com

Abstract

A method for controlling an induction heating arrangement is provided. The induction heating system includes an inductor and a susceptor coupled to the inductor such that the susceptor is heated by providing alternating current to the inductor. The method includes providing current pulses to at least one inductor to maintain a conductance or resistance associated with the susceptor at a target conductance or resistance, detecting a cooling event associated with the susceptor, determining a maximum duty cycle limit of the current pulses for a duration of the cooling event, and increasing a duty cycle of the current pulses to a duty cycle less than or equal to the maximum duty cycle limit for a duration of the detected cooling event to compensate for the detected cooling event.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an induction heating arrangement and a method for controlling the temperature of the induction heating arrangement, and in particular to an aerosol generation system including an induction heating arrangement and a method for controlling the induction heating arrangement in an aerosol generation system to prevent overheating. [Background technology]

[0002] An increasing number of aerosol generating systems, such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco systems, comprise an induction heating arrangement configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The induction heating arrangement typically comprises an inductor inductively coupled to a susceptor. The inductor generates an alternating magnetic field that causes heating of the susceptor. Typically, the susceptor is in direct contact with the aerosol-forming substrate, and heat is transferred from the susceptor to the aerosol-forming substrate primarily by conduction. The temperature of the susceptor needs to be controlled to provide optimal aerosol generation, both in terms of the amount of aerosol generated and in terms of its composition.

[0003] In most inductively heated aerosol generating devices, vapor generated by heating of the aerosol-forming substrate is carried away from the susceptor by an airflow. The vapor cools in the airflow to generate the aerosol. In some aerosol generating devices where the aerosol is intended for inhalation, the airflow may be generated by a user puffing on the device. A user puffing on the device causes an intermittent and irregular airflow to pass through the susceptor. This airflow past the susceptor cools it. Therefore, during operation, more power must be provided to the inductor to counter the cooling effect of the airflow to ensure optimal aerosol generation. More power must be provided in response to a detected user puff.

[0004] It is therefore important for such aerosol generating devices to accurately monitor and control the temperature of the susceptor to ensure optimal aerosol generation and delivery to the user, and to accommodate cooling events such as the user taking a puff on the device.

[0005] Induction heating arrangements provide contactless heating of the susceptor. This is beneficial in many situations, especially when the susceptor is provided in a separate component of the system from the inductor. For the same reasons, it is desirable to monitor and control the susceptor temperature without requiring a direct electrical connection to the susceptor and without requiring a separate dedicated temperature sensor. The apparent resistance or apparent conductance of the susceptor in the induction circuit can be monitored to provide an indication of the susceptor temperature. The power supplied to the inductor can then be controlled to provide the desired susceptor temperature.

[0006] However, there are situations in which the relationship between apparent resistance or apparent conductance and temperature can change. In these situations, relying solely on apparent resistance or apparent conductance to provide an indication of susceptor temperature does not eliminate the possibility that overheating may occur. One such situation is cooling air flow across the susceptor.

[0007] It would be desirable to provide an induction heating arrangement and control method that reduces the likelihood of overheating of the induction heated susceptor, especially during a user puff or other cooling event. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling an induction heating arrangement. The induction heating system may comprise an inductor and a susceptor, the susceptor being coupled to the inductor such that the susceptor is heated by providing an alternating current to the inductor.

[0009] The method may include providing current pulses to at least one inductor to maintain a conductance or resistance associated with the susceptor at a target conductance or resistance, detecting a cooling event associated with the susceptor, determining a maximum duty cycle limit of the current pulses for a duration of the cooling event, and increasing a duty cycle of the current pulses to a duty cycle equal to or less than the maximum duty cycle limit for the duration of the detected cooling event to compensate for the detected cooling event. The maximum duty cycle limit may be less than 100%. The maximum duty cycle limit may be less than or equal to 95%.

[0010] Experiments show that cooling events associated with a susceptor, such as cooling airflow across the susceptor, can change the relationship between the conductance of the susceptor and the temperature of the susceptor. In particular, cooling airflow across the susceptor can reduce the conductance of the susceptor at and near its Curie temperature. In systems that operate near the Curie temperature of the material in the susceptor and use a correlation between the apparent resistance or conductance of the susceptor and the temperature of the susceptor established in the absence of cooling airflow to control the susceptor temperature, this can lead to inaccurate determination of the actual temperature of the susceptor and, consequently, overheating of the susceptor. Overheating of the susceptor in this context means heating to a temperature above a desired or optimal temperature during operation. This problem is particularly difficult to address in systems that can operate with variable airflows through the susceptor and in variable ambient environments.

[0011] A maximum duty cycle limit is determined, and the maximum duty cycle limit is not exceeded to prevent overheating of the susceptor during such a cooling event. Determining the maximum duty cycle limit may include reading the maximum duty cycle limit from a memory. Determining the maximum duty cycle limit may include calculating the maximum duty cycle limit.

[0012] Calculating the maximum duty cycle limit may include calculating the maximum duty cycle limit based on an average duty cycle used during a period prior to a cooling event, which is advantageous because the average duty cycle prior to a cooling event may reflect the power level required to maintain the target temperature of the susceptor in the absence of a cooling event.

[0013] The maximum duty cycle limit may be calculated as a constant increase in the average duty cycle during the period immediately preceding the cooling event. The constant increase may be between 3% and 30%. The constant increase may preferably be between 3% and 15%. The constant increase may be approximately 10%.

[0014] The maximum duty cycle limit may be calculated as a percentage of the average duty cycle during the period immediately preceding the cooling event. The percentage may be between 105% and 200%. The percentage may preferably be between 110% and 150%. The percentage may be approximately 125%.

[0015] The period before the cooling event may be a period of 2 to 10 seconds before the cooling event. The period before the cooling event may preferably be a period of 6 to 7 seconds. The period before the cooling event may more preferably be a period of 6.4 seconds.

[0016] The maximum duty cycle limit may be based on the time after the heating arrangement is activated. During the use of the induction heating arrangement, the relationship between the susceptor temperature and the apparent resistance or conductance of the susceptor may change. In particular, for a given susceptor temperature, the conductance of the susceptor tends to decrease over the heating period. As such, the risk of overheating may increase as the time after activation of the heating arrangement increases. Thus, the maximum duty cycle limit may decrease as the time after activation of the heating arrangement increases. The maximum duty cycle limit may be determined only after a predetermined time after activation of the heating arrangement.

[0017] The conductance or resistance associated with the susceptor may be an apparent conductance or apparent resistance of the susceptor and a coupled inductor. The method may include iteratively determining a conductance or resistance associated with the susceptor and adjusting the delivery of the current pulses based on the determined conductance or resistance.

[0018] Advantageously, the target conductance or resistance is determined to correspond to a susceptor temperature at or below the Curie temperature of the material within the susceptor in the absence of a cooling event associated with the susceptor.

[0019] The susceptor may include a first susceptor material having a first Curie temperature and a second susceptor material having a second Curie temperature. The second Curie temperature may be lower than the first Curie temperature. The target conductance or resistance may correspond to a susceptor temperature at or below the second Curie temperature.

[0020] The first and second susceptor materials are preferably two separate materials bonded together and thus in intimate physical contact with each other, thereby ensuring that both susceptor materials have the same temperature due to thermal conduction. The two susceptor materials are preferably two layers or strips bonded together, preferably along one of their major surfaces. The susceptor may further comprise a further third layer of susceptor material. The third layer of susceptor material is preferably made of the first susceptor material. The thickness of the third layer of susceptor material is preferably less than the thickness of the layer of the second susceptor material.

[0021] The target conductance or resistance may correspond to a susceptor temperature that is within a temperature range where, in the absence of a cooling event, the conductance of the susceptor increases monotonically with increasing temperature. At the lower end of this temperature range, the material in the susceptor begins a phase change from a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic state to a paramagnetic state. At the upper end of this temperature range, the material completes a phase change from a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic state to a paramagnetic state.

[0022] The induction heating arrangement may be part of an aerosol-generating system in which the susceptor is used to heat the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating system may comprise an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article. The susceptor and the aerosol-forming substrate may form part of the aerosol-generating article, and the aerosol-generating device may be configured to removably receive the aerosol-generating article.

[0023] The method may further include performing a calibration process to measure one or more calibration values ​​associated with the susceptor. Controlling the power provided to the induction heating arrangement may include controlling the power such that a temperature of the susceptor is adjusted based on the one or more calibration values. The calibration values ​​may correspond to upper and lower limits of a temperature range within which the conductance of the susceptor increases monotonically with increasing temperature.

[0024] The one or more calibration values ​​can include a first conductance value associated with a first calibrated temperature of the susceptor and a second conductance value associated with a second calibrated temperature of the susceptor. Controlling the power provided to the induction heating arrangement can include maintaining the conductance value associated with the susceptor between the first conductance value and the second conductance value.

[0025] The one or more calibration values ​​can include a first resistance value associated with a first calibration temperature of the susceptor and a second resistance value associated with a second calibration temperature of the susceptor. Controlling the power provided to the induction heating arrangement can include maintaining a resistance value associated with the susceptor between the first resistance value and the second resistance value.

[0026] Controlling the power provided to the induction heating arrangement may include controlling the power such that the temperature of the susceptor is between a first calibration temperature and a second calibration temperature.

[0027] The first calibration temperature may be between 150 degrees Celsius and 350 degrees Celsius and the second calibration temperature may be between 200 degrees Celsius and 400 degrees Celsius. The temperature difference between the first calibration temperature and the second calibration temperature may be at least 50 degrees Celsius.

[0028] The calibration process may be performed during user operation of the aerosol generating device to generate the aerosol. In this way, the calibration values ​​used to control the heating process are more accurate and reliable than if the calibration process were performed at the time of manufacture. This is particularly important when the susceptor forms part of a separate aerosol generating article that does not form part of the aerosol generating device. In these circumstances, calibration at the time of manufacture is not possible.

[0029] The calibration process may be performed periodically based on one or more of a predetermined duration, a predetermined number of user puffs, a predetermined number of temperature steps, and a measured voltage of the power source. Conditions may change during user operation of the aerosol generating device. For example, the susceptor may move relative to the induction heating arrangement, the power source (e.g., a battery) may lose some efficiency over time, etc. Performing the calibration process periodically therefore ensures reliability of the calibration values, thereby ensuring that optimal temperature regulation is maintained throughout use of the aerosol generating device.

[0030] Performing the calibration process may include (i) controlling power provided to the induction heating arrangement to increase the temperature of the susceptor, (ii) monitoring at least a current value of the induction heating arrangement, (iii) interrupting the provision of power to the induction heating arrangement when at least the current value reaches a maximum value, the current value at the maximum value corresponding to a second calibration temperature of the susceptor, and (iv) controlling power provided to the induction heating arrangement to increase the temperature of the susceptor when a current value associated with the susceptor reaches a minimum value, the current value at the minimum value corresponding to a first calibration temperature of the susceptor. Monitoring at least the current value of the induction heating arrangement may further include monitoring a voltage value of the induction heating arrangement.

[0031] The method may further include repeating steps (i)-(iv) when the conductance value associated with the susceptor reaches a minimum value. After repeating steps (i)-(iv), the conductance value corresponding to the current value at the maximum value may be stored as a second calibration value and the conductance value corresponding to the current value at the minimum value may be stored as the first calibration value. Alternatively, the resistance value corresponding to the current value at the maximum value may be stored as the second calibration value and the resistance value corresponding to the current value at the minimum value may be stored as the first calibration value.

[0032] Performing the calibration process may include (i) controlling the power provided to the induction heating arrangement to increase the temperature of the susceptor; (ii) monitoring a conductance or resistance value associated with the susceptor; (iii) interrupting the provision of power to the induction heating arrangement when the conductance value reaches a maximum value or the resistance value reaches a minimum value, where the maximum current value or minimum resistance value corresponds to a second calibration temperature of the susceptor; and (iv) controlling the power provided to the induction heating arrangement to increase the temperature of the susceptor when the conductance value reaches a minimum value or the resistance value reaches a maximum value, where the minimum conductance value or maximum resistance value corresponds to a first calibration temperature of the susceptor.

[0033] Steps (i)-(iv) may be repeated when the conductance value reaches a minimum or the resistance value reaches a maximum.

[0034] After repeating steps (i) to (iv), the maximum conductance value or the minimum resistance value may be stored as the second conductance value, and the minimum conductance value or the maximum resistance value may be stored as the first conductance value.

[0035] The calibration process is fast and reliable without significantly slowing down aerosol generation. Moreover, by repeating the steps of the calibration process, subsequent temperature adjustments are significantly improved based on the calibration values ​​obtained from the repeated calibration process, since it takes more time for heat to diffuse into the substrate. Performing the calibration process based at least on the measured current value assumes that the voltage of the power supply remains constant. Therefore, monitoring the conductance or resistance value during the calibration process (and thus using both the measured current and voltage values) further improves the reliability of the calibration when the voltage of the power supply changes over a long period of time (e.g., after multiple recharges).

[0036] The method may further include performing a pre-heating process to heat the susceptor to a first calibration temperature. The pre-heating process may have a predetermined duration. The pre-heating process allows heat to diffuse into the substrate prior to initiation of the calibration process, thereby further improving the reliability of the calibration value.

[0037] Performing the pre-heating process may include controlling power provided to the induction heating arrangement to increase the temperature of the susceptor, monitoring at least a current value in the induction heating arrangement, and interrupting the provision of power to the induction heating arrangement when the current value reaches a minimum value, the current value at the minimum value corresponding to a first calibration temperature of the susceptor.

[0038] If the current value reaches a minimum value for the predetermined duration of the pre-heating process, the method may include interrupting the provision of power to the induction heating arrangement to reduce the temperature of the susceptor, and thereafter resuming the provision of power to the induction heating arrangement to increase the temperature of the susceptor to the first calibration temperature. The interrupting of the provision of power to the induction heating arrangement and resuming the provision of power to the induction heating arrangement are repeated for the predetermined duration of the pre-heating process. The method may further include ceasing operation of the aerosol generating device if the current value of the susceptor does not reach a minimum value for the predetermined duration of the pre-heating process.

[0039] Performing the pre-heating process may include controlling power provided to the induction heating arrangement to increase the temperature of the susceptor, monitoring a conductance or resistance value associated with the susceptor, and interrupting the provision of power to the induction heating arrangement when the conductance value reaches a minimum value or the resistance value reaches a maximum value, where the conductance value at the minimum value or the resistance value at the maximum value corresponds to a first calibration temperature of the susceptor.

[0040] If the conductance value reaches a minimum or the resistance value reaches a maximum during the predetermined duration of the pre-heating process, the method may further include interrupting the provision of power to the induction heating arrangement to reduce the temperature of the susceptor, and thereafter resuming the provision of power to the induction heating arrangement to increase the temperature of the susceptor to the first calibration temperature. Interrupting the provision of power to the induction heating arrangement and resuming the provision of power to the induction heating arrangement may be repeated for the predetermined duration of the pre-heating process. If the conductance value does not reach a minimum or the resistance value does not reach a maximum during the predetermined duration of the pre-heating process, the method may further include ceasing operation of the aerosol generating device.

[0041] By performing the pre-heating process step for a predetermined duration, heat can be diffused into the substrate in a timely manner to reach the minimum conductance value measured during the calibration process, regardless of the physical state of the substrate (e.g., whether the substrate is dry or wet), thereby ensuring the reliability of the calibration process.

[0042] Detecting a cooling event may include detecting a user taking a puff on the aerosol generation system. Detecting a cooling event may include detecting airflow passing or through the susceptor. An airflow sensor or a pressure sensor may be used to detect the airflow. The airflow sensor may include a thermistor or a thermocouple.

[0043] The duration of the cooling event may be the duration that the detected air pressure is below a threshold pressure. The duration of the cooling event may be the duration that the detected airflow velocity is above a threshold airflow velocity. The duration of the cooling event may be determined as a fixed duration after the detection of the cooling event. For example, the duration of the cooling event may be fixed at 4 seconds, which corresponds to a long user puff.

[0044] The inductor may include an inductor coil. The inductor coil may be a helical coil or a flat planar coil, particularly a pancake coil or a curved planar coil. The inductor may be used to generate a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field may be a high frequency varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field may be in the range of 500 kHz (kilohertz) to 30 MHz (megahertz), particularly 5 MHz to 15 MHz, preferably 5 MHz to 10 MHz. The varying magnetic field is used to inductively heat the susceptor due to at least one of eddy currents or hysteresis losses, depending on the electrical and magnetic properties of the susceptor material.

[0045] The induction heating arrangement may include a DC / AC converter and an inductor connected to the DC / AC converter. The susceptor may be inductively coupled to the inductor. Power from a power source may be provided to the inductor via the DC / AC converter as a plurality of current pulses, each pulse separated by a time interval. Controlling the power provided to the induction heating arrangement may include controlling a time interval between each of the plurality of pulses. Controlling the power provided to the induction heating arrangement may include controlling a length of each pulse of the plurality of pulses.

[0046] The method may further comprise measuring the DC current drawn from the power supply at the input side of the DC / AC converter. A conductance or resistance value associated with the susceptor may be determined based on the DC supply voltage of the power supply and from the DC current drawn from the power supply. The method may further comprise measuring the DC supply voltage of the power supply at the input side of the DC / AC converter. This is due to the fact that there is a monotonic relationship between the real conductance of the susceptor (which cannot be determined if the susceptor forms part of the article) and the apparent conductance thus determined (since the susceptor contributes the conductance of the LCR circuit (of the DC / AC converter) to which it is coupled, and therefore most of the load (R) is due to the resistance of the susceptor). The conductance is 1 / R. Thus, when referring to the conductance of a susceptor in this text, reference is made to the apparent conductance when the susceptor forms part of a separate aerosol-generating article.

[0047] According to another embodiment of the present invention, Power supply, an induction heating arrangement including a susceptor and at least one inductor coupled to the susceptor such that the susceptor is heated by application of alternating current to the inductor; A controller, determining a conductance or resistance associated with the susceptor and providing current pulses from a power supply to an inductor to maintain the conductance or resistance associated with the susceptor at a target conductance or resistance; Detecting a cooling event associated with the susceptor; and a controller configured to increase a duty cycle of a current pulse to compensate for a detected cooling event, the controller being configured to limit the duty cycle of the current pulse to less than or equal to a maximum duty cycle limit for the duration of the detected cooling event. The maximum duty cycle limit is less than 100%. The maximum duty cycle limit may be less than or equal to 95%.

[0048] The maximum duty cycle limit is not exceeded to prevent overheating of the susceptor during such a cooling event. The controller may determine the maximum duty cycle limit by reading the maximum duty cycle limit from a memory. The controller may determine the maximum duty cycle limit by calculating the maximum duty cycle limit.

[0049] The controller may be configured to calculate the maximum duty cycle limit based on an average duty cycle during a period of time prior to the cooling event. The controller may be configured to calculate the maximum duty cycle limit as a fixed increase in the average duty cycle during a period of time immediately prior to the cooling event. The fixed increase may be between 3% and 30%. The fixed increase may preferably be between 3% and 15%. The fixed increase may be approximately 10%.

[0050] The controller may be configured to calculate the maximum duty cycle limit as a percentage of the average duty cycle during the period immediately preceding the cooling event. The percentage may be between 105% and 200%. The percentage may be preferably between 110% and 150%. The percentage may be approximately 125%.

[0051] The period before the cooling event may be a period of 2 to 10 seconds before the cooling event. The period before the cooling event may preferably be a period of 6 to 7 seconds. The period before the cooling event may more preferably be a period of 6.4 seconds.

[0052] The maximum duty cycle limit may be based on the time after the heating arrangement is activated. During the use of the induction heating arrangement, the relationship between the susceptor temperature and the apparent resistance or conductance of the susceptor may change. In particular, for a given susceptor temperature, the conductance of the susceptor tends to decrease over the heating period. As such, the risk of overheating may increase as the time after activation of the heating arrangement increases. Thus, the maximum duty cycle limit may decrease as the time after activation of the heating arrangement increases. The controller may determine the maximum duty cycle limit only after a predetermined time after activation of the heating arrangement.

[0053] The conductance or resistance associated with the susceptor may be the apparent conductance or apparent resistance of the susceptor and the coupled inductor. The controller may be configured to repeatedly determine the conductance or resistance associated with the susceptor and adjust the delivery of the current pulses based on the determined conductance or resistance.

[0054] Advantageously, the target conductance or resistance is determined to correspond to a susceptor temperature at or below the Curie temperature of the material within the susceptor in the absence of a cooling event associated with the susceptor.

[0055] The susceptor may include a first susceptor material having a first Curie temperature and a second susceptor material having a second Curie temperature. The second Curie temperature may be lower than the first Curie temperature. The target conductance or resistance may correspond to a susceptor temperature at or below the second Curie temperature.

[0056] The first and second susceptor materials are preferably two separate materials bonded together and thus in intimate physical contact with each other, thereby ensuring that both susceptor materials have the same temperature due to thermal conduction. The two susceptor materials are preferably two layers or strips bonded together, preferably along one of their major surfaces. The susceptor may further comprise a further third layer of susceptor material. The third layer of susceptor material is preferably made of the first susceptor material. The thickness of the third layer of susceptor material is preferably less than the thickness of the layer of the second susceptor material.

[0057] The target conductance or resistance may correspond to a susceptor temperature that is within a temperature range where, in the absence of a cooling event, the conductance of the susceptor increases monotonically with increasing temperature. At the lower end of this temperature range, the material in the susceptor begins a phase change from a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic state to a paramagnetic state. At the upper end of this temperature range, the material completes a phase change from a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic state to a paramagnetic state.

[0058] The controller may be configured to perform a calibration process to measure one or more calibration values ​​associated with the susceptor. The controller may be configured to control power provided to the induction heating arrangement such that a temperature of the susceptor is adjusted based on the one or more calibration values. The calibration values ​​may correspond to upper and lower limits of a temperature range within which the conductance of the susceptor increases monotonically with increasing temperature.

[0059] The one or more calibration values ​​may include a first conductance value associated with a first calibration temperature of the susceptor and a second conductance value associated with a second calibration temperature of the susceptor. The controller may be configured to control power provided to the induction heating arrangement to maintain the conductance value associated with the susceptor between the first conductance value and the second conductance value.

[0060] The one or more calibration values ​​may include a first resistance value associated with a first calibration temperature of the susceptor and a second resistance value associated with a second calibration temperature of the susceptor. The controller may be configured to control power provided to the induction heating arrangement to maintain a resistance value associated with the susceptor between the first resistance value and the second resistance value.

[0061] The controller may be configured to control the power such that the temperature of the susceptor is between a first calibration temperature and a second calibration temperature.

[0062] The first calibration temperature may be between 150 degrees Celsius and 350 degrees Celsius and the second calibration temperature may be between 200 degrees Celsius and 400 degrees Celsius. The temperature difference between the first calibration temperature and the second calibration temperature may be at least 50 degrees Celsius.

[0063] The controller may be configured to perform the calibration process during user operation of the aerosol generating device to generate the aerosol. In this way, the calibration values ​​used to control the heating process are more accurate and reliable than if the calibration process were performed at the time of manufacture. This is particularly important where the susceptor forms part of a separate aerosol generating article that does not form part of the aerosol generating device. In these circumstances, calibration at the time of manufacture is not possible.

[0064] The controller may be configured to periodically perform the calibration process based on one or more of a predetermined duration, a predetermined number of user puffs, a predetermined number of temperature steps, and a measured voltage of the power supply.

[0065] Conditions may change during user operation of the aerosol generating device, for example, the susceptor may move relative to the induction heating arrangement, the power source (e.g., a battery) may lose some efficiency over time, etc. Therefore, periodically performing a calibration process ensures reliability of the calibration values, thereby ensuring that optimal temperature regulation is maintained throughout use of the aerosol generating device.

[0066] The controller may be configured to perform a calibration process that includes (i) controlling power provided to the induction heating arrangement to increase a temperature of the susceptor, (ii) monitoring at least a current value of the induction heating arrangement, (iii) interrupting the provision of power to the induction heating arrangement when at least the current value reaches a maximum value, the current value at the maximum value corresponding to a second calibration temperature of the susceptor, and (iv) controlling power provided to the induction heating arrangement to increase a temperature of the susceptor when a current value associated with the susceptor reaches a minimum value, the current value at the minimum value corresponding to a first calibration temperature of the susceptor. Monitoring at least the current value of the induction heating arrangement may further include monitoring a voltage value of the induction heating arrangement.

[0067] The controller may be configured to repeat steps (i)-(iv) when the conductance value associated with the susceptor reaches a minimum value. After repeating steps (i)-(iv), the conductance value corresponding to the current value at the maximum value may be stored as a second calibration value and the conductance value corresponding to the current value at the minimum value may be stored as the first calibration value. Alternatively, the resistance value corresponding to the current value at the maximum value may be stored as the second calibration value and the resistance value corresponding to the current value at the minimum value may be stored as the first calibration value.

[0068] The controller may be configured to perform a calibration process including: (i) controlling power provided to the induction heating arrangement to increase the temperature of the susceptor; (ii) monitoring a conductance or resistance value associated with the susceptor; (iii) interrupting the provision of power to the induction heating arrangement when the conductance value reaches a maximum value or the resistance value reaches a minimum value, the maximum current value or minimum resistance value corresponding to a second calibration temperature of the susceptor; and (iv) controlling power provided to the induction heating arrangement to increase the temperature of the susceptor when the conductance value reaches a minimum value or the resistance value reaches a maximum value, the minimum conductance value or maximum resistance value corresponding to a first calibration temperature of the susceptor.

[0069] The controller may be configured to repeat steps (i)-(iv) when the conductance value reaches a minimum or the resistance value reaches a maximum.

[0070] After repeating steps (i) to (iv), the controller may store the maximum conductance value or the minimum resistance value as the second conductance value, and may store the minimum conductance value or the maximum resistance value as the first conductance value.

[0071] The calibration process is fast and reliable without significantly slowing down aerosol generation. Moreover, by repeating the steps of the calibration process, subsequent temperature adjustments are significantly improved based on the calibration values ​​obtained from the repeated calibration process, since it takes more time for heat to diffuse into the substrate. Performing the calibration process based at least on the measured current value assumes that the voltage of the power supply remains constant. Therefore, monitoring the conductance or resistance value during the calibration process (and thus using both the measured current and voltage values) further improves the reliability of the calibration when the voltage of the power supply changes over a long period of time (e.g., after multiple recharges).

[0072] The controller may be configured to perform a pre-heat process to heat the susceptor to a first calibration temperature. The pre-heat process may have a predetermined duration. The pre-heat process allows heat to diffuse into the substrate before initiating the calibration process, thereby further improving the reliability of the calibration value.

[0073] Performing the pre-heating process may include controlling power provided to the induction heating arrangement to increase the temperature of the susceptor, monitoring at least a current value in the induction heating arrangement, and interrupting the provision of power to the induction heating arrangement when the current value reaches a minimum value, the current value at the minimum value corresponding to a first calibration temperature of the susceptor.

[0074] If the current value reaches a minimum value for the predetermined duration of the pre-heating process, the method may include interrupting the provision of power to the induction heating arrangement to reduce the temperature of the susceptor, and thereafter resuming the provision of power to the induction heating arrangement to increase the temperature of the susceptor to the first calibration temperature. The interrupting of the provision of power to the induction heating arrangement and resuming the provision of power to the induction heating arrangement are repeated for the predetermined duration of the pre-heating process. The method may further include ceasing operation of the aerosol generating device if the current value of the susceptor does not reach a minimum value for the predetermined duration of the pre-heating process.

[0075] Performing the pre-heating process may include controlling power provided to the induction heating arrangement to increase the temperature of the susceptor, monitoring a conductance or resistance value associated with the susceptor, and interrupting the provision of power to the induction heating arrangement when the conductance value reaches a minimum value or the resistance value reaches a maximum value, where the conductance value at the minimum value or the resistance value at the maximum value corresponds to a first calibration temperature of the susceptor.

[0076] If the conductance value reaches a minimum or the resistance value reaches a maximum during the predetermined duration of the pre-heating process, the method may further include interrupting the provision of power to the induction heating arrangement to reduce the temperature of the susceptor, and thereafter resuming the provision of power to the induction heating arrangement to increase the temperature of the susceptor to the first calibration temperature. Interrupting the provision of power to the induction heating arrangement and resuming the provision of power to the induction heating arrangement may be repeated for the predetermined duration of the pre-heating process. If the conductance value does not reach a minimum or the resistance value does not reach a maximum during the predetermined duration of the pre-heating process, the method may further include ceasing operation of the aerosol generating device.

[0077] By performing the pre-heating process step for a predetermined duration, heat can be diffused into the substrate in a timely manner to reach the minimum conductance value measured during the calibration process, regardless of the physical state of the substrate (e.g., whether the substrate is dry or wet), thereby ensuring the reliability of the calibration process.

[0078] The inductor may include an inductor coil. The inductor coil may be a helical coil or a flat planar coil, particularly a pancake coil or a curved planar coil. The inductor may be used to generate a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field may be a high frequency varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field may be in the range of 500 kHz (kilohertz) to 30 MHz (megahertz), particularly 5 MHz to 15 MHz, preferably 5 MHz to 10 MHz. The varying magnetic field is used to inductively heat the susceptor due to at least one of eddy currents or hysteresis losses, depending on the electrical and magnetic properties of the susceptor material. The induction heating system may comprise a plurality of inductors.

[0079] The power supply may provide a DC supply voltage and a DC current, and the induction heating system includes a DC / AC converter connected between the power supply and the inductor. The controller may be configured to determine the conductance or resistance from the DC supply voltage and the DC current drawn from the power supply.

[0080] The induction heating arrangement may include a DC / AC converter and an inductor connected to the DC / AC converter. The susceptor may be inductively coupled to the inductor. Power from the power source may be provided to the inductor via the DC / AC converter as a plurality of current pulses, each pulse separated by a time interval. Controlling the power provided to the induction heating arrangement may include controlling a time interval between each of the plurality of pulses. Controlling the power provided to the induction heating arrangement may include controlling a length of each of the plurality of pulses. The controller may be configured to measure a DC current drawn from the power source at an input side of the DC / AC converter. A conductance or resistance value associated with the susceptor may be determined based on a DC supply voltage of the power source and from the DC current drawn from the power source. The controller may be configured to measure a DC supply voltage of the power source at an input side of the DC / AC converter. This is due to the fact that there is a monotonic relationship between the actual conductance of the susceptor (which cannot be determined when the susceptor forms part of the article) and the apparent conductance thus determined (because the susceptor contributes the conductance of the LCR circuit to which it is coupled (of the DC / AC converter) and therefore most of the load (R) is due to the resistance of the susceptor). The conductance is 1 / R. Thus, when reference is made in this text to the conductance of a susceptor, reference is made to the apparent conductance when the susceptor forms part of a separate aerosol-generating article.

[0081] The induction heating system may include an airflow sensor connected to the controller, the controller configured to detect the cooling event based on an input signal from the airflow sensor. The airflow sensor may include a thermistor or a thermocouple.

[0082] The controller may be configured to determine the duration of the cooling event as the duration that the detected air pressure is below a threshold pressure. The controller may be configured to determine the duration of the cooling event as the duration that the detected airflow velocity is above a threshold airflow velocity. The controller may be configured to determine the duration of the cooling event as a fixed duration after the detection of the cooling event. For example, the duration of the cooling event may be fixed at 4 seconds, which corresponds to a long user puff.

[0083] In another embodiment of the present invention, a power source and an induction heating arrangement including at least one inductor configured to heat a susceptor coupled to the inductor by providing an alternating current to the inductor, the susceptor being configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate; A controller, determining a conductance or resistance associated with the susceptor and providing current pulses from a power supply to an inductor to maintain the conductance or resistance associated with the susceptor at a target conductance or resistance; Detecting a cooling event associated with the susceptor; and a controller configured to increase a duty cycle of a current pulse to compensate for a detected cooling event, the controller being configured to limit the duty cycle of the current pulse to less than or equal to a maximum duty cycle limit for the duration of the detected cooling event. The maximum duty cycle limit may be less than 100%. The maximum duty cycle limit may be less than or equal to 95%.

[0084] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a cavity configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-forming substrate being heated by the susceptor when positioned within the cavity.

[0085] The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided in a separate aerosol-generating article. The susceptor may be part of the aerosol-generating article. The susceptor may be part of an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise multiple susceptors.

[0086] In use, the susceptor may be located within the cavity. In use, the susceptor may be located at least partially within the aerosol-forming substrate or aerosol-generating article. In use, the susceptor may be located at least partially outside the aerosol-forming substrate or aerosol-generating article.

[0087] The maximum duty cycle limit is not exceeded to prevent overheating of the susceptor during such a cooling event. The controller may determine the maximum duty cycle limit by reading the maximum duty cycle limit from a memory. The controller may determine the maximum duty cycle limit by calculating the maximum duty cycle limit.

[0088] The controller may be configured to calculate the maximum duty cycle limit based on an average duty cycle during a period of time prior to the cooling event. The controller may be configured to calculate the maximum duty cycle limit as a fixed increase in the average duty cycle during a period of time immediately prior to the cooling event. The fixed increase may be between 3% and 30%. The fixed increase may preferably be between 3% and 15%. The fixed increase may be approximately 10%.

[0089] The controller may be configured to calculate the maximum duty cycle limit as a percentage of the average duty cycle during the period immediately preceding the cooling event. The percentage may be between 105% and 200%. The percentage may be preferably between 110% and 150%. The percentage may be approximately 125%.

[0090] The period before the cooling event may be a period of 2 to 10 seconds before the cooling event. The period before the cooling event may preferably be a period of 6 to 7 seconds. The period before the cooling event may more preferably be a period of 6.4 seconds.

[0091] The maximum duty cycle limit may be based on the time after the heating arrangement is activated. During the use of the induction heating arrangement, the relationship between the susceptor temperature and the apparent resistance or conductance of the susceptor may change. In particular, for a given susceptor temperature, the conductance of the susceptor tends to decrease over the heating period. As such, the risk of overheating may increase as the time after activation of the heating arrangement increases. Thus, the maximum duty cycle limit may decrease as the time after activation of the heating arrangement increases. The controller may determine the maximum duty cycle limit only after a predetermined time after activation of the heating arrangement.

[0092] The conductance or resistance associated with the susceptor may be the apparent conductance or apparent resistance of the susceptor and the coupled inductor. The controller may be configured to repeatedly determine the conductance or resistance associated with the susceptor and adjust the delivery of the current pulses based on the determined conductance or resistance.

[0093] Advantageously, the target conductance or resistance is determined to correspond to a susceptor temperature at or below the Curie temperature of the material within the susceptor in the absence of a cooling event associated with the susceptor.

[0094] The susceptor may include a first susceptor material having a first Curie temperature and a second susceptor material having a second Curie temperature. The second Curie temperature may be lower than the first Curie temperature. The target conductance or resistance may correspond to a susceptor temperature at or below the second Curie temperature.

[0095] The first and second susceptor materials are preferably two separate materials bonded together and thus in intimate physical contact with each other, thereby ensuring that both susceptor materials have the same temperature due to thermal conduction. The two susceptor materials are preferably two layers or strips bonded together, preferably along one of their major surfaces. The susceptor may further comprise a further third layer of susceptor material. The third layer of susceptor material is preferably made of the first susceptor material. The thickness of the third layer of susceptor material is preferably less than the thickness of the layer of the second susceptor material.

[0096] The target conductance or resistance may correspond to a susceptor temperature that is within a temperature range where, in the absence of a cooling event, the conductance of the susceptor increases monotonically with increasing temperature. At the lower end of this temperature range, the material in the susceptor begins a phase change from a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic state to a paramagnetic state. At the upper end of this temperature range, the material completes a phase change from a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic state to a paramagnetic state.

[0097] The controller may be configured to perform a calibration process to measure one or more calibration values ​​associated with the susceptor. The controller may be configured to control power provided to the induction heating arrangement such that a temperature of the susceptor is adjusted based on the one or more calibration values. The calibration values ​​may correspond to upper and lower limits of a temperature range within which the conductance of the susceptor increases monotonically with increasing temperature.

[0098] The one or more calibration values ​​may include a first conductance value associated with a first calibration temperature of the susceptor and a second conductance value associated with a second calibration temperature of the susceptor. The controller may be configured to control power provided to the induction heating arrangement to maintain the conductance value associated with the susceptor between the first conductance value and the second conductance value.

[0099] The one or more calibration values ​​may include a first resistance value associated with a first calibration temperature of the susceptor and a second resistance value associated with a second calibration temperature of the susceptor. The controller may be configured to control power provided to the induction heating arrangement to maintain a resistance value associated with the susceptor between the first resistance value and the second resistance value.

[0100] The controller may be configured to control the power such that the temperature of the susceptor is between a first calibration temperature and a second calibration temperature.

[0101] The first calibration temperature may be between 150 degrees Celsius and 350 degrees Celsius and the second calibration temperature may be between 200 degrees Celsius and 400 degrees Celsius. The temperature difference between the first calibration temperature and the second calibration temperature may be at least 50 degrees Celsius.

[0102] The controller may be configured to perform the calibration process during user operation of the aerosol generating device to generate the aerosol. In this way, the calibration values ​​used to control the heating process are more accurate and reliable than if the calibration process were performed at the time of manufacture. This is particularly important where the susceptor forms part of a separate aerosol generating article that does not form part of the aerosol generating device. In these circumstances, calibration at the time of manufacture is not possible.

[0103] The controller may be configured to periodically perform the calibration process based on one or more of a predetermined duration, a predetermined number of user puffs, a predetermined number of temperature steps, and a measured voltage of the power supply.

[0104] Conditions may change during user operation of the aerosol generating device, for example, the susceptor may move relative to the induction heating arrangement, the power source (e.g., a battery) may lose some efficiency over time, etc. Therefore, periodically performing a calibration process ensures reliability of the calibration values, thereby ensuring that optimal temperature regulation is maintained throughout use of the aerosol generating device.

[0105] The controller may be configured to perform a calibration process that includes (i) controlling power provided to the induction heating arrangement to increase a temperature of the susceptor, (ii) monitoring at least a current value of the induction heating arrangement, (iii) interrupting the provision of power to the induction heating arrangement when at least the current value reaches a maximum value, the current value at the maximum value corresponding to a second calibration temperature of the susceptor, and (iv) controlling power provided to the induction heating arrangement to increase a temperature of the susceptor when a current value associated with the susceptor reaches a minimum value, the current value at the minimum value corresponding to a first calibration temperature of the susceptor. Monitoring at least the current value of the induction heating arrangement may further include monitoring a voltage value of the induction heating arrangement.

[0106] The controller may be configured to repeat steps (i)-(iv) when the conductance value associated with the susceptor reaches a minimum value. After repeating steps (i)-(iv), the conductance value corresponding to the current value at the maximum value may be stored as a second calibration value and the conductance value corresponding to the current value at the minimum value may be stored as the first calibration value. Alternatively, the resistance value corresponding to the current value at the maximum value may be stored as the second calibration value and the resistance value corresponding to the current value at the minimum value may be stored as the first calibration value.

[0107] The controller may be configured to perform a calibration process including: (i) controlling power provided to the induction heating arrangement to increase the temperature of the susceptor; (ii) monitoring a conductance or resistance value associated with the susceptor; (iii) interrupting the provision of power to the induction heating arrangement when the conductance value reaches a maximum value or the resistance value reaches a minimum value, the maximum current value or minimum resistance value corresponding to a second calibration temperature of the susceptor; and (iv) controlling power provided to the induction heating arrangement to increase the temperature of the susceptor when the conductance value reaches a minimum value or the resistance value reaches a maximum value, the minimum conductance value or maximum resistance value corresponding to a first calibration temperature of the susceptor.

[0108] The controller may be configured to repeat steps (i)-(iv) when the conductance value reaches a minimum or the resistance value reaches a maximum.

[0109] After repeating steps (i) to (iv), the controller may store the maximum conductance value or the minimum resistance value as the second conductance value, and may store the minimum conductance value or the maximum resistance value as the first conductance value.

[0110] The calibration process is fast and reliable without significantly slowing down aerosol generation. Moreover, by repeating the steps of the calibration process, subsequent temperature adjustments are significantly improved based on the calibration values ​​obtained from the repeated calibration process, since it takes more time for heat to diffuse into the substrate. Performing the calibration process based at least on the measured current value assumes that the voltage of the power supply remains constant. Therefore, monitoring the conductance or resistance value during the calibration process (and thus using both the measured current and voltage values) further improves the reliability of the calibration when the voltage of the power supply changes over a long period of time (e.g., after multiple recharges).

[0111] The controller may be configured to perform a pre-heat process to heat the susceptor to a first calibration temperature. The pre-heat process may have a predetermined duration. The pre-heat process allows heat to diffuse into the substrate before initiating the calibration process, thereby further improving the reliability of the calibration value.

[0112] Performing the pre-heating process may include controlling power provided to the induction heating arrangement to increase the temperature of the susceptor, monitoring at least a current value in the induction heating arrangement, and interrupting the provision of power to the induction heating arrangement when the current value reaches a minimum value, the current value at the minimum value corresponding to a first calibration temperature of the susceptor.

[0113] If the current value reaches a minimum value for the predetermined duration of the pre-heating process, the method may include interrupting the provision of power to the induction heating arrangement to reduce the temperature of the susceptor, and thereafter resuming the provision of power to the induction heating arrangement to increase the temperature of the susceptor to the first calibration temperature. The interrupting of the provision of power to the induction heating arrangement and resuming the provision of power to the induction heating arrangement are repeated for the predetermined duration of the pre-heating process. The method may further include ceasing operation of the aerosol generating device if the current value of the susceptor does not reach a minimum value for the predetermined duration of the pre-heating process.

[0114] Performing the pre-heating process may include controlling power provided to the induction heating arrangement to increase the temperature of the susceptor, monitoring a conductance or resistance value associated with the susceptor, and interrupting the provision of power to the induction heating arrangement when the conductance value reaches a minimum value or the resistance value reaches a maximum value, where the conductance value at the minimum value or the resistance value at the maximum value corresponds to a first calibration temperature of the susceptor.

[0115] If the conductance value reaches a minimum or the resistance value reaches a maximum during the predetermined duration of the pre-heating process, the method may further include interrupting the provision of power to the induction heating arrangement to reduce the temperature of the susceptor, and thereafter resuming the provision of power to the induction heating arrangement to increase the temperature of the susceptor to the first calibration temperature. Interrupting the provision of power to the induction heating arrangement and resuming the provision of power to the induction heating arrangement may be repeated for the predetermined duration of the pre-heating process. If the conductance value does not reach a minimum or the resistance value does not reach a maximum during the predetermined duration of the pre-heating process, the method may further include ceasing operation of the aerosol generating device.

[0116] By performing the pre-heating process step for a predetermined duration, heat can be diffused into the substrate in a timely manner to reach the minimum conductance value measured during the calibration process, regardless of the physical state of the substrate (e.g., whether the substrate is dry or wet), thereby ensuring the reliability of the calibration process.

[0117] The inductor may include an inductor coil. The inductor coil may be a helical coil or a flat planar coil, particularly a pancake coil or a curved planar coil. The inductor may be a helical coil surrounding at least a portion of the cavity. The inductor may be a flat planar coil positioned within or adjacent to the cavity. The inductor may be used to generate a changing magnetic field. The inductor may be used to generate a changing magnetic field within the cavity. The changing magnetic field may be a high frequency changing magnetic field. The changing magnetic field may be in the range of 500 kHz (kilohertz) to 30 MHz (megahertz), particularly 5 MHz to 15 MHz, preferably 5 MHz to 10 MHz. The changing magnetic field is used to inductively heat the susceptor due to at least one of eddy currents or hysteresis losses depending on the electrical and magnetic properties of the susceptor material. The induction heating system may include a plurality of inductors. The plurality of inductors may be identical to each other or different from each other.

[0118] The power supply may provide a DC supply voltage and a DC current, and the induction heating system includes a DC / AC converter connected between the power supply and the inductor. The controller may be configured to determine the conductance or resistance from the DC supply voltage and the DC current drawn from the power supply.

[0119] The induction heating arrangement may include a DC / AC converter and an inductor connected to the DC / AC converter. The susceptor may be inductively coupled to the inductor. Power from the power source may be provided to the inductor via the DC / AC converter as a plurality of current pulses, each pulse separated by a time interval. Controlling the power provided to the induction heating arrangement may include controlling a time interval between each of the plurality of pulses. Controlling the power provided to the induction heating arrangement may include controlling a length of each of the plurality of pulses. The controller may be configured to measure a DC current drawn from the power source at an input side of the DC / AC converter. A conductance or resistance value associated with the susceptor may be determined based on a DC supply voltage of the power source and from the DC current drawn from the power source. The controller may be configured to measure a DC supply voltage of the power source at an input side of the DC / AC converter. This is due to the fact that there is a monotonic relationship between the actual conductance of the susceptor (which cannot be determined when the susceptor forms part of the article) and the apparent conductance thus determined (because the susceptor contributes the conductance of the LCR circuit to which it is coupled (of the DC / AC converter) and therefore most of the load (R) is due to the resistance of the susceptor). The conductance is 1 / R. Thus, when reference is made in this text to the conductance of a susceptor, reference is made to the apparent conductance when the susceptor forms part of a separate aerosol-generating article.

[0120] The induction heating system may include an airflow sensor connected to the controller, the controller configured to detect the cooling event based on an input signal from the airflow sensor. The airflow sensor may include a thermistor or a thermocouple.

[0121] The controller may be configured to determine the duration of the cooling event as the duration that the detected air pressure is below a threshold pressure. The controller may be configured to determine the duration of the cooling event as the duration that the detected airflow velocity is above a threshold airflow velocity. The controller may be configured to determine the duration of the cooling event as a fixed duration after the detection of the cooling event. For example, the duration of the cooling event may be fixed at 4 seconds, which corresponds to a long user puff.

[0122] In a further embodiment, there is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to the above-described embodiments and an aerosol-generating article containing a susceptor and an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-generating article being separable from the aerosol-generating device.

[0123] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a mouthpiece. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a filter.

[0124] The term "aerosol-generating device" as used herein refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-generating device may interact with one or both of an aerosol-generating article that includes an aerosol-forming substrate and a cartridge that includes an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0125] The term "aerosol-generating system" as used herein refers to the combination of an aerosol-generating device with an aerosol-forming substrate. When the aerosol-forming substrate forms part of an aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating system refers to the combination of an aerosol-generating device with an aerosol-generating article. In an aerosol-generating system, the aerosol-forming substrate and the aerosol-generating device work together to generate an aerosol.

[0126] The term "aerosol-forming substrate" as used herein refers to a substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. The volatile compound may be released by heating or burning the aerosol-forming substrate. As an alternative to heating or burning, in some cases the volatile compound may be released by a chemical reaction or by mechanical stimulation such as ultrasound. The aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or may include both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article.

[0127] The term "aerosol-generating article" as used herein refers to an article that includes an aerosol-forming substrate capable of emitting a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. The aerosol-generating article may be disposable. An aerosol-generating article that includes an aerosol-forming substrate that includes tobacco may be referred to herein as a tobacco stick.

[0128] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco, for example a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavour compounds that are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenized tobacco material, for example cast leaf tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavour compounds that are released from the substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may further comprise an aerosol former. Examples of suitable aerosol formers are glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0129] As used herein, the term "mouthpiece" means that portion of an aerosol-generating article, device, or system that is placed into the mouth of a user for direct inhalation of the aerosol.

[0130] As used herein, the term "susceptor" refers to an element that includes a material capable of converting the energy of a magnetic field into heat. When the susceptor is located in an alternating magnetic field, the susceptor heats up. The heating of the susceptor can be the result of at least one of hysteresis losses and eddy currents induced in the susceptor, depending on the electrical and magnetic properties of the susceptor material.

[0131] As used herein, the term "inductively coupled" refers to heating a susceptor when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. The heating may be caused by the generation of eddy currents in the susceptor. The heating may also be caused by magnetic hysteresis losses.

[0132] As used herein, the term "duty cycle" of a current pulse means the ratio of the pulse duration, or pulse width, to the total period over which the current pulse is delivered.

[0133] As used herein, the term "puffing" refers to the act of a user inhaling an aerosol through the user's mouth or nose and into the user's body.

[0134] In all of the embodiments described, the use of a maximum duty cycle limit during a detected cooling event has the advantage of preventing overheating.

[0135] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, below is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of any other example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0136] Example 1: 1. A method of controlling an induction heating arrangement, the induction heating system comprising an inductor and a susceptor, the susceptor being coupled to the inductor such that the susceptor is heated by providing an alternating current to the inductor, the method comprising: providing current pulses to at least one inductor to maintain a conductance or resistance associated with the susceptor at a target conductance or resistance; Detecting a cooling event associated with the susceptor; determining a maximum duty cycle limit of a current pulse for the duration of a cooling event; and increasing a duty cycle of the current pulse to a duty cycle less than or equal to a maximum duty cycle limit for a duration of the detected cooling event to compensate for the detected cooling event. Example 2: The method according to example 1, wherein the maximum duty cycle limit is less than 100%. Example 3: A method according to example 1 or 2, wherein determining the maximum duty cycle limit includes reading the maximum duty cycle limit from a memory. Example 4: 3. The method according to example 1 or 2, wherein determining the maximum duty cycle limit includes calculating a maximum duty cycle limit. Example 5: The method according to example 4, wherein calculating the maximum duty cycle limit includes calculating the maximum duty cycle limit based on an average duty cycle used during a period prior to the cooling event. Example 6: The method according to Example 5, wherein the maximum duty cycle limit is calculated as a constant increase in the average duty cycle during the period immediately preceding the cooling event. Example 7: The method according to example 6, wherein the constant increase is between 3% and 30%. Example 8: The method according to example 6, wherein the constant increase is between 3% and 15%. Example 9: The method according to Example 6, wherein the constant increase is approximately 10%. Example 10: The method according to any one of embodiments 5-9, wherein the period before the cooling event is a period of 2 to 10 seconds before the cooling event. Example 11: The method according to any one of embodiments 5-9, wherein the period before the cooling event is a period of 6-7 seconds. Example 12: The method according to any one of examples 5-9, wherein the period before the cooling event is a period of 6.4 seconds. Example 13: The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the maximum duty cycle limit is based on the time after the heating arrangement is activated. Example 14: A method according to example 13, wherein the maximum duty cycle limit decreases with increasing time after activation of the heating arrangement. Example 15: The method according to any one of embodiments 1-14, wherein the maximum duty cycle limit is determined only a predetermined time after activation of the heating arrangement. Example 16: Conductance, Or the method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the resistance associated with the susceptor is the apparent conductance or apparent resistance of the susceptor and a coupled inductor. Example 17: 17. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: repeatedly determining a conductance or resistance associated with the susceptor; and adjusting the supply of the current pulses based on the determined conductance or resistance. Example 18: The method according to any one of examples 1-17, wherein the target conductance or resistance is determined to correspond to a susceptor temperature that is equal to or less than the Curie temperature of a material within the susceptor in the absence of a cooling event associated with the susceptor. Example 19: The method according to any one of embodiments 1-18, wherein the susceptor comprises a first susceptor material having a first Curie temperature and a second susceptor material having a second Curie temperature. Example 20: The method according to any one of Examples 1-19, wherein the target conductance or resistance corresponds to a susceptor temperature that is within a temperature range where, in the absence of a cooling event, the conductance of the susceptor increases monotonically with increasing temperature. Example 21: The method according to any one of Examples 1-20, wherein detecting a cooling event comprises detecting a user puff on the aerosol generating system. Example 22: The method according to any one of examples 1-21, wherein detecting a cooling event comprises detecting airflow passing or through the susceptor. Example 23: A method according to any one of embodiments 1-21, wherein the duration of the cooling event is determined as a certain duration after detection of the cooling event. Example 25: The method according to any one of examples 1-22, wherein the duration of the cooling event is the duration that the detected air pressure remains below the threshold pressure. Example 25: The method according to any one of examples 1-22, wherein the duration of the cooling event is the duration that the detected airflow velocity exceeds a threshold airflow velocity. Example 26: The method according to any one of Examples 1-25, wherein the inductor comprises an inductor coil. Example 27: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein an inductor is used to generate a high frequency, varying magnetic field having a frequency between 500 kHz (kilohertz) and 30 MHz (megahertz). Example 28: 1. An induction heating system comprising: Power supply, an induction heating arrangement including a susceptor and at least one inductor coupled to the susceptor such that the susceptor is heated by application of alternating current to the inductor; A controller, determining a conductance or resistance associated with the susceptor and providing current pulses from a power supply to an inductor to maintain the conductance or resistance associated with the susceptor at a target conductance or resistance; Detecting a cooling event associated with the susceptor; and a controller configured to: increase a duty cycle of a current pulse to compensate for a detected cooling event, the controller being configured to limit the duty cycle of the current pulse to less than or equal to a maximum duty cycle limit for the duration of the detected cooling event. Example 29: 29. The induction heating system according to example 28, wherein the maximum duty cycle limit is less than 100%. Example 30: 30. The induction heating system according to example 28 or 29, wherein the controller is configured to determine the maximum duty cycle limit by reading the maximum duty cycle limit from the memory. Example 31: 30. The induction heating system according to example 28 or 29, wherein the controller is configured to determine the maximum duty cycle limit by calculating the maximum duty cycle limit. Example 32: 32. An induction heating system according to example embodiment 31, wherein the controller is configured to calculate a maximum duty cycle limit based on an average duty cycle during a period prior to a cooling event. Example 33: 33. The induction heating system according to example 32, wherein the controller is configured to calculate the maximum duty cycle limit as a constant increase in the average duty cycle during the period immediately preceding the cooling event. Example 34: The induction heating system according to embodiment 33, wherein the constant increase is 3% to 30%. Example 35: An induction heating system according to Example 33, with a constant increase of 10%. Example 36: The induction heating system according to any one of Examples 28-35, wherein the period before the cooling event is a period of 2 to 10 seconds before the cooling event. Example 37: The induction heating system according to any one of Examples 28-35, wherein the period before the cooling event is a period of 6 to 7 seconds. Example 38: The induction heating system according to any one of Examples 28-35, wherein the period before the cooling event is a period of 6.4 seconds. Example 39: The induction heating system according to any one of Examples 28 to 38, wherein the maximum duty cycle limit is based on the time after the heating arrangement is activated. Example 40: An induction heating system according to any one of Examples 28-39, wherein the controller is configured to determine the maximum duty cycle limit only after a predetermined time after activation of the heating arrangement. Example 41: The induction heating system according to any one of Examples 28-40, wherein the conductance or resistance associated with the susceptor is the apparent conductance or apparent resistance of the susceptor and a coupled inductor. Example 42: An induction heating system according to any one of Examples 28 to 41, wherein the controller is configured to repeatedly determine a conductance or resistance associated with the susceptor and adjust the supply of current pulses based on the determined conductance or resistance. Example 43: The induction heating system according to any one of Examples 28-42, wherein the target conductance or resistance is determined to correspond to a susceptor temperature below the Curie temperature of the material within the susceptor in the absence of a cooling event associated with the susceptor. Example 44: The induction heating system according to any one of Examples 28-43, wherein the susceptor comprises a first susceptor material having a first Curie temperature and a second susceptor material having a second Curie temperature. Example 45: An induction heating system according to any one of Examples 28-44, wherein the target conductance or resistance corresponds to a susceptor temperature that is within a temperature range where the conductance of the susceptor increases monotonically with increasing temperature in the absence of a cooling event. Example 46: The induction heating system according to any one of Examples 28 to 45, wherein the inductor comprises an inductor coil. Example 47: An induction heating system according to any one of Examples 28 to 46, wherein the inductor generates a high-frequency fluctuating magnetic field having a frequency in the range of 500 kHz (kilohertz) to 30 MHz (megahertz), particularly 5 MHz to 15 MHz, and preferably 5 MHz to 10 MHz. Example 48: An induction heating system according to any one of Examples 28 to 47, wherein the power supply provides a DC supply voltage and a DC current, and the induction heating system comprises a DC / AC converter connected between the power supply and the inductor. Example 49: 49. An induction heating system according to example 48, wherein the controller is configured to determine the conductance or resistance from the DC supply voltage and the DC current drawn from the power supply. Example 50: The induction heating system according to any one of Examples 28 to 49, wherein the induction heating arrangement comprises a DC / AC converter, and the inductor is connected to the DC / AC converter. Example 51: An induction heating system according to example embodiment 50, wherein power from a power source is supplied to an inductor via a DC / AC converter as multiple current pulses, each pulse separated by a time interval. Example 52: An induction heating system according to example 50 or 51, wherein the controller is configured to measure the DC current drawn from the power source at the input side of the DC / AC converter. Example 53: The induction heating system according to any one of Examples 28-52, wherein a conductance or resistance value associated with the susceptor is determined based on a DC supply voltage of the power supply and from a DC current drawn from the power supply. Example 54: An induction heating system according to example 51 or 53, wherein the controller is configured to measure the DC supply voltage of the power source at the input side of the DC / AC converter. Example 55: An induction heating system according to any one of Examples 28 to 54, wherein the induction heating system includes an airflow sensor connected to a controller, and the controller is configured to detect a cooling event based on an input signal from the airflow sensor. Example 56: 56. The induction heating system according to example 55, wherein the airflow sensor includes a thermistor or a thermocouple. Example 57: The induction heating system according to any one of Examples 28 to 56, wherein the controller is configured to determine the duration of the cooling event as a certain period of time after the cooling event is detected. Example 58: An induction heating system according to any one of Examples 28 to 56, wherein the controller is configured to determine the duration of the cooling event as the duration that the detected air pressure is below a threshold pressure. Example 59: An induction heating system according to any one of Examples 28-56, wherein the controller is configured to determine the duration of a cooling event as the duration that the detected airflow velocity exceeds a threshold airflow velocity. Example 60: 1. An aerosol generating device comprising an induction heating system, Power supply, an induction heating arrangement including at least one inductor configured to heat a susceptor coupled to the inductor by providing an alternating current to the inductor, the susceptor being configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate; A controller, determining a conductance or resistance associated with the susceptor and providing current pulses from a power supply to an inductor to maintain the conductance or resistance associated with the susceptor at a target conductance or resistance; Detecting a cooling event associated with the susceptor; and a controller configured to: increase a duty cycle of a current pulse to compensate for a detected cooling event, the controller being configured to limit the duty cycle of the current pulse to less than or equal to a maximum duty cycle limit for the duration of the detected cooling event. Example 61: An aerosol generating device according to Example 60, wherein the maximum duty cycle limit is less than 100%. Example 62: An aerosol generating apparatus according to embodiment 60 or 61, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus comprises a cavity configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate, and the aerosol-forming substrate is heated by the susceptor when positioned within the cavity. Example 63: The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 60 to 62, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate is provided within a separate aerosol-generating article. Example 64: 64. An aerosol generating apparatus according to embodiment 63, wherein the susceptor is part of the aerosol generating article. Example 65: 64. An aerosol generating device according to embodiment 63, wherein the susceptor is part of the aerosol generating device. Example 66: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 60 to 65, wherein in use, the susceptor is positioned within the cavity. Example 67: An aerosol-generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 60 to 66, wherein in use the susceptor is at least partially positioned within the aerosol-forming substrate or aerosol-generating article. Example 68: An aerosol-generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 60 to 67, wherein, in use, the susceptor is positioned at least partially outside the aerosol-forming substrate or aerosol-generating article. Example 69: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 60 to 68, wherein the controller is configured to determine the maximum duty cycle limit by reading the maximum duty cycle limit from the memory. Example 70: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 60 to 68, wherein the controller is configured to determine the maximum duty cycle limit by calculating the maximum duty cycle limit. Example 71: An aerosol generating device according to example 70, wherein the controller is configured to calculate a maximum duty cycle limit based on an average duty cycle during a period prior to a cooling event. Example 72: An aerosol generating device according to example 71, wherein the controller is configured to calculate the maximum duty cycle limit as a constant increase in the average duty cycle during the period immediately preceding the cooling event. Example 73: The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example 72, wherein the constant increase is 3% to 30%. Example 74: An aerosol generating device according to Example 72, wherein the constant increase is 10%. Example 75: The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 60 to 74, wherein the period before the cooling event is a period of 2 to 10 seconds before the cooling event, preferably a period of 6 to 7 seconds, more preferably a period of 6.4 seconds. Example 76: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 60 to 75, wherein the maximum duty cycle limit is based on the time after the heating arrangement is activated. Example 77: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 60 to 76, wherein the maximum duty cycle limit decreases with increasing time after activation of the heating arrangement. Example 78: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 60 to 77, wherein the controller is configured to determine the maximum duty cycle limit only after a predetermined time after activation of the heating arrangement. Example 79: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 60 to 78, wherein the controller is configured to repeatedly determine a conductance or resistance associated with the susceptor and adjust the supply of current pulses based on the determined conductance or resistance. Example 80: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 60 to 79, wherein the target conductance or resistance is determined to correspond to a susceptor temperature below the Curie temperature of the material within the susceptor in the absence of a cooling event associated with the susceptor. Example 81: 81. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 60 to 80, wherein the susceptor comprises a first susceptor material having a first Curie temperature and a second susceptor material having a second Curie temperature. Example 82: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 62 to 81, wherein the inductor comprises a helical coil surrounding at least a portion of the cavity. Example 83: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 62 to 81, wherein the inductor comprises a flat planar coil positioned within or adjacent to the cavity. Example 84: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 62 to 83, wherein the inductor generates a varying magnetic field within the cavity. Example 85: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example 84, wherein the varying magnetic field is a high-frequency varying magnetic field having a frequency in the range of 500 kHz (kilohertz) to 30 MHz (megahertz), particularly 5 MHz to 15 MHz, preferably 5 MHz to 10 MHz. Example 86: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 60 to 85, wherein the power supply provides a DC supply voltage and a DC current, and the induction heating system includes a DC / AC converter connected between the power supply and the inductor. Example 87: An aerosol generating device according to example 86, wherein the controller is configured to determine the conductance or resistance from the DC supply voltage and the DC current drawn from the power supply. Example 88: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 60 to 87, wherein the induction heating arrangement comprises a DC / AC converter, and the inductor is connected to the DC / AC converter. Example 89: An aerosol generating device according to Example 88, wherein power from a power source is supplied to an inductor via a DC / AC converter as multiple current pulses, each pulse being separated by a time interval. Example 90: An aerosol generating device according to Example 89, wherein the controller is configured to control the power provided to the induction heating arrangement by controlling the time interval between each of the multiple pulses. Example 91: An aerosol generating device according to example 89, wherein the controller is configured to control the power provided to the induction heating arrangement by controlling the length of each of the plurality of pulses. Example 92: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 88 to 91, wherein the controller is configured to measure the DC current drawn from the power source at the input side of the DC / AC converter. Example 93: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 88 to 92, wherein the controller is configured to measure the DC supply voltage of the power source at the input side of the DC / AC converter. Example 94: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 60 to 93, comprising an airflow sensor connected to a controller, the controller being configured to detect a cooling event based on an input signal from the airflow sensor. Example 95: An aerosol generating device according to Example 94, wherein the airflow sensor includes a thermistor or a thermocouple. Example 96: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 60 to 95, wherein the controller is configured to determine the duration of the cooling event as a certain period of time after detection of the cooling event. Example 97: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 60 to 95, wherein the controller is configured to determine the duration of the cooling event as the duration that the detected air pressure is below a threshold pressure. Example 98: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 60 to 95, wherein the controller is configured to determine the duration of a cooling event as the duration that the detected airflow velocity exceeds a threshold airflow velocity. Example 99: An aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples 60 to 98, and an aerosol-generating article containing a susceptor and an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the aerosol-generating article is separable from the aerosol-generating device. Example 100: An induction heating system according to example 99, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises a mouthpiece. Example 101: The induction heating system according to embodiment 99 or 100, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises a filter.

[0137] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the following figures: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0138] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article, and FIG. 2A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device for use with the aerosol-generating article shown in FIG. [Figure 2A] Same as above. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device that engages with the aerosol-generating article shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an induction heating device for the aerosol generating device described in relation to FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the electronic components of the induction heating device described in relation to FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an inductor of an LC load network of the induction heating device described in relation to FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a graph of DC current versus time illustrating the remotely detectable change in electrical current that occurs as the susceptor material undergoes a phase transition associated with its Curie point. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows the conductance profile associated with a susceptor during operation of an aerosol generating device and the corresponding duty cycle of a current pulse. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for limiting the duty cycle of a current pulse in the aerosol generating device of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0139] Figure 1 illustrates an aerosol-generating article 100. The aerosol-generating article 100 illustrated in Figure 1 comprises a rod of aerosol-generating substrate 12 and a downstream section 14 at a location downstream of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate 12. Additionally, the aerosol-generating article 100 comprises an upstream section 16 at a location upstream of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate 12. Thus, the aerosol-generating article 100 extends from an upstream or distal end 18 to a downstream or oral end 20.

[0140] The downstream section 14 comprises a support element 22 located immediately downstream of the rod 12 of the aerosol-generating substrate, the support element 22 being longitudinally aligned with the rod 12. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the upstream end of the support element 18 abuts the downstream end of the rod 12 of the aerosol-generating substrate. The downstream section 14 further comprises an aerosol cooling element 24 located immediately downstream of the support element 22, the aerosol cooling element 24 being longitudinally aligned with the rod 12 and the support element 22. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the upstream end of the aerosol cooling element 24 abuts the downstream end of the support element 22.

[0141] The support element 22 and the aerosol cooling element 24 together define an intermediate hollow section 50 of the aerosol-generating article 100. Taken as a whole, the intermediate hollow section 50 does not contribute substantially to the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article.

[0142] The support element 22 comprises a first hollow tubular segment 26. The first hollow tubular segment 26 is provided in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube made from cellulose acetate. The first hollow tubular segment 26 defines an interior cavity 28 that extends entirely from an upstream end 30 of the first hollow tubular segment to a downstream end 32 of the first hollow tubular segment 20. The interior cavity 28 is substantially empty, thus allowing substantially unrestricted airflow therealong.

[0143] The first hollow tubular segment 26 has a length of about 8 millimeters, an outer diameter of about 7.25 millimeters, and an inner diameter (DFTS) of about 1.9 millimeters. Accordingly, the peripheral wall thickness of the first hollow tubular segment 26 is about 2.67 millimeters.

[0144] The aerosol cooling element 24 includes a second hollow tubular segment 34. The second hollow tubular segment 34 is provided in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube made of cellulose acetate. The second hollow tubular segment 34 defines an interior cavity 36 that extends from an upstream end 38 of the second hollow tubular segment all the way to a downstream end 40 of the second hollow tubular segment 34. The interior cavity 36 is substantially empty, thereby permitting substantially unrestricted airflow therealong.

[0145] The second hollow tubular segment 34 has a length of about 8 millimeters, an outer diameter of about 7.25 millimeters, and an inner diameter (DSTS) of about 3.25 millimeters. Thus, the peripheral wall thickness of the second hollow tubular segment 34 is about 2 millimeters.

[0146] The aerosol-generating article 100 includes a ventilation zone 60 provided at a location along the second hollow tubular segment 34. More specifically, the ventilation zone is provided approximately 2 millimeters from the upstream end of the second hollow tubular segment 34. The ventilation level of the aerosol-generating article 100 is approximately 25 percent.

[0147] 1, the downstream section 14 further comprises a mouthpiece element 42 located downstream of the intermediate hollow section 50. More specifically, the mouthpiece element 42 is positioned immediately downstream of the aerosol cooling element 24. As shown in the drawing of FIG.

[0148] Mouthpiece element 42 is provided in the form of a cylindrical plug of low density cellulose acetate. Mouthpiece element 42 has a length of about 12 millimeters and an outside diameter of about 7.25 millimeters.

[0149] The rod 12 comprises an aerosol-generating substrate of one of the types described above. The rod 12 of aerosol-generating substrate has an outer diameter of about 7.25 millimeters, and a length of about 12 millimeters.

[0150] The aerosol-generating article 100 further comprises an elongated susceptor element 44 within the rod 12 of the aerosol-generating substrate. More specifically, the susceptor element 44 is disposed substantially longitudinally within the aerosol-generating substrate such that the susceptor element 44 is generally parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rod 12. As shown in the drawing of Figure 1, the susceptor element 44 is positioned at a radially central location within the rod and effectively extends along the longitudinal axis of the rod 12.

[0151] The susceptor element 44 extends completely from the upstream end to the downstream end of the rod 12. In practice, the susceptor element 44 has substantially the same length as the rod 12 of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0152] In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the susceptor element 44 is provided in the form of a strip, having a length of about 12 millimeters, a thickness of about 60 micrometers, and a width of about 4 millimeters. The upstream section 16 comprises an upstream element 46 located immediately upstream of the rod 12 of the aerosol-generating substrate, the upstream element 46 being longitudinally aligned with the rod 12. In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the downstream end of the upstream element 46 abuts the upstream end of the rod 12 of the aerosol-generating substrate. This advantageously prevents the susceptor element 44 from becoming dislodged. Furthermore, this ensures that a consumer cannot accidentally come into contact with the heated susceptor element 44 after use.

[0153] The upstream element 46 is provided in the form of a cylindrical plug of cellulose acetate surrounded by a rigid wrapper. The upstream element 46 has a length of approximately 5 millimeters.

[0154] The susceptor 44 includes at least two different materials. The susceptor 44 includes at least two layers, a first layer of a first susceptor material disposed in physical contact with a second layer of a second susceptor material. The first susceptor material and the second susceptor material may each have a Curie temperature. In this case, the Curie temperature of the second susceptor material is lower than the Curie temperature of the first susceptor material. The first material may not have a Curie temperature. The first susceptor material may be aluminum, iron or stainless steel. The second susceptor material may be nickel or a nickel alloy. The susceptor 44 may be formed by electroplating at least one patch of the second susceptor material onto a strip of the first susceptor material. The susceptor may be formed by coating a strip of the second susceptor material onto a strip of the first susceptor material.

[0155] In use, air is drawn through the aerosol-generating article 100 by a user from the distal end 18 to the oral end 20. The distal end 18 of the aerosol-generating article 100 may also be described as the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article 100, and the oral end 20 of the aerosol-generating article 100 may also be described as the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article 100. Elements of the aerosol-generating article 100 located between the oral end 20 and the distal end 18 may be described as being upstream of the oral end 20, or alternatively downstream of the distal end 18. The aerosol-forming substrate 12 is located at the distal or upstream end 18 of the aerosol-generating article 100. The aerosol-generating article 100 shown in FIG. 1 is designed to engage an aerosol-generating device, such as the aerosol-generating device 200 shown in FIG. 2A, to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-generating device 200 includes a housing 210 having a cavity 220 configured to receive the aerosol-generating article 100. The aerosol generating device 200 further comprises an induction heating device 230 configured to heat the aerosol-generating article 100 to generate an aerosol. Figure 2B shows the aerosol generating device 200 when the aerosol-generating article 100 is inserted into the cavity 220. The induction heating device 230 is shown as a block diagram in Figure 3. The induction heating device 230 comprises a DC power supply 310 and a heating arrangement 320 (also referred to as power electronics). The heating arrangement includes a controller 330, a DC / AC converter 340, a matching network 350, and an inductor 240.

[0156] The DC power source 310 is configured to provide DC power to the heating arrangement 320. In particular, the DC power source 310 is configured to provide a DC supply voltage (VDC) and a DC current (IDC) to the DC / AC converter 340. The power source 310 is preferably a battery, such as a lithium ion battery. Alternatively, the power source 310 may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source 310 may require recharging. For example, the power source 310 may have a capacity sufficient to allow continuous generation of aerosol for approximately six minutes, or a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power source 310 may have a capacity sufficient to allow a predetermined number of puffs, or discontinuous activation of the heating arrangement.

[0157] The DC / AC converter 340 is configured to supply the inductor 240 with a high frequency alternating current. As used herein, the term "high frequency alternating current" refers to an alternating current having a frequency of about 500 kilohertz to about 30 megahertz. The high frequency alternating current may have a frequency of about 1 megahertz to about 30 megahertz (such as about 1 megahertz to about 10 megahertz, or about 5 megahertz to about 8 megahertz).

[0158] FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of the electrical components of the induction heating device 230, in particular the DC / AC converter 340. The DC / AC converter 340 preferably comprises a class E power amplifier. The class E power amplifier comprises a field effect transistor 420, a transistor switch 410, for example comprising a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor, a transistor switch supply circuit, indicated by arrow 430, for supplying a switching signal (gate-source voltage) to the field effect transistor 420, and an LC load network 440 comprising a series connection of a shunt capacitor C1 and a capacitor C2 corresponding to the inductor 240 and an inductor L2. Additionally, a DC power supply 310 with a choke L1 is shown for supplying a DC supply voltage VDC, together with a DC current IDC, which is drawn from the DC power supply 310 during operation. An ohmic resistance R, representing a total ohmic load 450, which is the sum of the ohmic resistance Rcoil of the inductor L2 and the ohmic resistance Rload of the susceptor 44, is shown in more detail in FIG. 5.

[0159] Although DC / AC converter 340 is shown as including a class E power amplifier, it should be understood that DC / AC converter 340 may use any suitable circuit for converting DC current to AC current. For example, DC / AC converter 340 may include a class D power amplifier including two transistor switches. As another example, DC / AC converter 340 may include a full-bridge power inverter having four switching transistors acting in pairs.

[0160] Returning to Figure 3, the inductor 240 may receive the AC current from the DC / AC converter 340 through a matching network 350 for optimal matching to the load, although the matching network 350 is not required. The matching network 350 may comprise a small matching transformer. The matching network 350 may improve the efficiency of the power transfer between the DC / AC converter 340 and the inductor 240.

[0161] As shown in FIG. 2A, the inductor 240 is located adjacent to the distal portion 225 of the cavity 220 of the aerosol generating device 200. Thus, during operation of the aerosol generating device 200, a high frequency alternating current supplied to the inductor 240 causes the inductor 240 to generate a high frequency alternating magnetic field in the distal portion 225 of the aerosol generating device 200. The alternating magnetic field has a frequency preferably between 1 and 30 megahertz, preferably between 2 and 10 megahertz, for example between 5 and 7 megahertz. As can be seen from FIG. 2B, when the aerosol generating article 100 is inserted into the cavity 200, the aerosol-forming substrate 12 of the aerosol generating article 100 is located adjacent to the inductor 240 such that the susceptor 44 of the aerosol generating article 100 is located within this alternating magnetic field. When the alternating magnetic field penetrates the susceptor 44, the alternating magnetic field causes the susceptor 44 to heat up. For example, eddy currents are generated within the susceptor 44 which, as a result, is heated. Further heating is provided by magnetic hysteresis losses within the susceptor 44. The heated susceptor 44 heats the aerosol-forming substrate 12 of the aerosol-generating article 100 to a temperature sufficient to form an aerosol. The aerosol is drawn downstream through the aerosol-generating article 100 and inhaled by the user.

[0162] The controller 330 may be a microcontroller, preferably a programmable microcontroller, that is programmed to regulate the power supply from the DC power supply 310 to the induction heating arrangement 320 to control the temperature of the susceptor 44. The controller may receive input from a smoke puff sensor 360, as will be described.

[0163] 6 illustrates the relationship between the DC current IDC drawn from the power supply 310 over time as the temperature of the susceptor 44 increases (temperature is shown by dashed line 620). The DC current is shown by line 600. The DC current IDC drawn from the power supply 310 is measured at the input side of the DC / AC converter 340. For the purposes of this figure, the voltage VDC of the power supply 310 can be assumed to be approximately constant. As the susceptor 44 is inductively heated, the apparent resistance of the susceptor 44 increases. This increase in resistance is observed as a decrease in the DC current IDC drawn from the power supply 310, which at constant voltage decreases as the temperature of the susceptor 44 increases. The high frequency alternating magnetic field provided by the inductor 240 induces eddy currents near the susceptor surface, an effect known as the skin effect. The resistance of the susceptor 44 depends partially on the electrical resistivity of the first susceptor material, partially on the resistivity of the second susceptor material, and partially on the skin depth of each material available for induced eddy currents, with the resistivity being temperature dependent. As the second susceptor material reaches its Curie temperature, it loses its magnetic properties. This increases the skin depth available for eddy currents in the second susceptor material, which decreases the apparent resistance of the susceptor 44. This results in a temporary increase in the detected DC current IDC as the skin depth of the second susceptor material begins to increase and its resistance begins to drop.

[0164] This is seen as a valley (local minimum) in Figure 6. The current continues to increase until it reaches a maximum skin depth which coincides with the point at which the second susceptor material loses its natural magnetic properties. This point is called the Curie temperature and is seen as a hill (local maximum) in Figure 6. At this point, the second susceptor material has undergone a phase change from a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic state to a paramagnetic state. At this point, the susceptor 44 is at a known temperature (the Curie temperature, which is an intrinsic material specific temperature). If the inductor 240 continues to generate an alternating magnetic field after the Curie temperature is reached (i.e., power to the DC / AC converter 340 is not interrupted), the eddy currents generated within the susceptor 44 will flow against the resistance of the susceptor 44, causing continued Joule heating of the susceptor 44, which causes the resistance to increase again (resistance has a polynomial dependence on temperature, and for most metallic susceptor materials can be approximated for our purposes to a third order polynomial dependence), and the current will begin to decrease again as long as the inductor 240 continues to supply power to the susceptor 44.

[0165] 6, the apparent resistance of the susceptor 44 (and the corresponding current IDC drawn from the power supply 310) may vary with the temperature of the susceptor 44 in a strictly monotonic relationship over the particular temperature range of the susceptor 44. The strictly monotonic relationship allows for an unambiguous determination of the temperature of the susceptor 44 from a determination of the apparent resistance or apparent conductance (1 / R). This is because each determined value of apparent resistance represents only one value of temperature, and there is no ambiguity in the relationship. The monotonic relationship between the temperature of the susceptor 44 and the apparent resistance allows the temperature of the susceptor 44, and therefore the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate 12, to be determined and controlled. The apparent resistance of the susceptor 44 may be remotely detected by monitoring at least the DC current IDC drawn from the DC power supply 310.

[0166] At least the DC current IDC drawn from the power supply 310 is monitored by the controller 330. Preferably, both the DC current IDC and the DC supply voltage VDC drawn from the power supply 310 are monitored. The controller 330 adjusts the supply of power provided to the heating arrangement 320 based on a conductance or resistance value. Conductance is defined as the ratio of the DC current IDC to the DC supply voltage VDC, and resistance is defined as the ratio of the DC supply voltage VDC to the DC current IDC. The heating arrangement 320 may comprise a current sensor (not shown) for measuring the DC current IDC. The heating arrangement may optionally include a voltage sensor (not shown) for measuring the DC supply voltage VDC. The current sensor and the voltage sensor are located at the input side of the DC / AC converter 340. The DC current IDC, and optionally the DC supply voltage VDC, are provided by a feedback channel to the controller 330 to control the further supply of AC power PAC to the inductor 240.

[0167] The controller 330 may control the temperature of the susceptor 44 by maintaining the measured conductance or resistance value at a target value that corresponds to a target operating temperature of the susceptor 44. The controller 330 may maintain the measured conductance or resistance value at the target value using any suitable control loop, for example, by using a proportional-integral-derivative control loop.

[0168] To take advantage of the strictly monotonic relationship between the apparent resistance (or apparent conductance) of the susceptor 44 and the temperature of the susceptor 44, during user operation to generate an aerosol, a conductance value or resistance value associated with the susceptor and measured at the input side of the DC / AC converter 340 is maintained between a first calibration value corresponding to a first calibration temperature and a second calibration value corresponding to a second calibration temperature. The second calibration temperature is the Curie temperature of the second susceptor material (the hill of the current plot in FIG. 6). The first calibration temperature is a temperature at or above the temperature of the susceptor at which the skin depth of the second susceptor material begins to increase (resulting in a temporary drop in resistance). Thus, the first calibration temperature is a temperature at or above the temperature at maximum permeability of the second susceptor material. The first calibration temperature is at least 50 degrees Celsius lower than the second calibration temperature. At least the second calibration value may be determined by calibration of the susceptor 44, as described in more detail below. The first calibration value and the second calibration value may be stored as calibration values ​​in a memory of the controller 330.

[0169] Since the conductance (resistance) has a polynomial dependence on temperature, the conductance (resistance) behaves nonlinearly as a function of temperature. However, the first and second calibration values ​​are selected such that this dependence can be approximated as linear between the first and second calibration values, because the difference between the first and second calibration values ​​is small, and such that the first and second calibration values ​​are in the upper part of the operating temperature range. Thus, to adjust the temperature to the target operating temperature, the conductance is adjusted according to the first and second calibration values ​​via a linear equation. For example, if the first and second calibration values ​​are conductance values, the target conductance value corresponding to the target operating temperature can be given as follows: G Target =G lower +(x×ΔG) where ΔG is the difference between the first conductance value and the second conductance value, and x is the ratio of ΔG.

[0170] The controller 330 may control the provision of power to the heating arrangement 320 by adjusting the duty cycle of the switching transistor 410 of the DC / AC converter 340. For example, during heating, the DC / AC converter 340 may continuously generate an alternating current that heats the susceptor 44, and at the same time, the DC supply voltage VDC and the DC current IDC may be measured, preferably every 100 milliseconds. If the controller 330 monitors the conductance, the duty cycle of the switching transistor 410 is reduced when the conductance reaches or exceeds a value corresponding to the target operating temperature. If the controller 330 monitors the resistance, the duty cycle of the switching transistor 410 is reduced when the resistance reaches or falls below a value corresponding to the target operating temperature. For example, the duty cycle of the switching transistor 410 may be reduced to about 9%. In other words, the switching transistor 410 may be switched into a mode that pulses only every 10 milliseconds for a duration of 1 millisecond. During this 1 millisecond on (conducting) state of switching transistor 410, the value of the DC supply voltage VDC and the value of the DC current IDC are measured to determine the conductance. If the conductance decreases (or the resistance increases), indicating that the temperature of susceptor 44 is below the target operating temperature, then the gate of transistor 410 is again supplied with a train of pulses at the system's selected drive frequency.

[0171] Power may be supplied to the inductor 240 by the controller 330 in the form of a successive series of pulses of current. In particular, power may be supplied to the inductor 240 in a series of pulses, each separated by a time interval. The successive series of pulses may include two or more heating pulses and one or more probing pulses between the successive heating pulses. The heating pulses have an intensity such that they heat the susceptor 44. The probing pulses are separate power pulses that do not heat the susceptor 44 but rather have an intensity such that they obtain feedback on the evolution (decrease) of the conductance or resistance value and then the susceptor temperature. The controller 330 may control the power by controlling the duration of the time interval between successive heating pulses of power supplied to the inductor 240 by the DC power supply. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 330 may control the power by controlling the length (in other words, the duration) of each of the successive heating pulses of power supplied to the inductor 240 by the DC power supply.

[0172] The controller 330 is programmed to perform a calibration process to obtain calibration values ​​where the conductance is measured at known temperatures of the susceptor 44. The known temperatures of the susceptor may be a first calibration temperature corresponding to the first calibration value and a second calibration temperature corresponding to the second calibration value. Preferably, the calibration process is performed each time the user operates the aerosol generating device 200, e.g., each time the user inserts an aerosol-generating article 100 into the aerosol generating device 200.

[0173] During the calibration process, the controller 330 controls the DC / AC converter 340 to continuously or intermittently supply power to the inductor 240 to heat the susceptor 44. The controller 330 monitors the conductance or resistance associated with the susceptor 44 by measuring the current IDC drawn by the power supply and, optionally, the supply voltage VDC. As described above in connection with FIG. 6, as the susceptor 44 heats up, the measured current decreases until a first turning point is reached and the current increases. This first turning point corresponds to a local minimum conductance value (local maximum resistance value). The controller 330 may record the local minimum of conductance (or local maximum of resistance) as the first calibration value. The controller may record the value of the conductance or resistance at a predetermined time after the minimum current is reached as the first calibration value. The conductance or resistance may be determined based on the measured current IDC and the measured voltage VDC. Alternatively, the supply voltage VDC, which is a known characteristic of the power supply 310, may be assumed to be approximately constant. The temperature of the susceptor 44 at the first calibration value is referred to as the first calibration temperature. The first calibration temperature is preferably between 150 degrees Celsius and 350 degrees Celsius. More preferably, when the aerosol-forming substrate 12 includes tobacco, the first calibration temperature is 320 degrees Celsius. The first calibration temperature is at least 50 degrees Celsius lower than the second calibration temperature.

[0174] As the controller 330 continues to control the power provided by the DC / AC converter 340 to the inductor 240, the measured current increases until a second turning point is reached and a maximum current (corresponding to the Curie temperature of the second susceptor material) is observed before the measured current begins to decrease. This turning point corresponds to a local maximum conductance value (local minimum resistance value). The controller 330 records the local maximum of conductance (or local minimum of resistance) as a second calibration value. The temperature of the susceptor 44 at the second calibration value is referred to as the second calibration temperature. Preferably, the second calibration temperature is between 200 degrees Celsius and 400 degrees Celsius. When the maximum value is detected, the controller 330 controls the DC / AC converter 340 to interrupt the provision of power to the inductor 240, resulting in a decrease in the temperature of the susceptor 44 and a corresponding decrease in conductance.

[0175] Because of the shape of the graph, this process of continuously heating the susceptor 44 to obtain the first and second calibration values ​​may be repeated at least once. After interrupting the provision of power to the inductor 240, the controller 330 continues to monitor the conductance (or resistance) until a third turning point corresponding to a second minimum conductance value (second maximum resistance value) is observed. When the third turning point is detected, the controller 330 controls the DC / AC converter 340 to continuously supply power to the inductor 240 until a fourth turning point corresponding to a second maximum conductance value (second minimum resistance value) is detected. The controller 330 stores the conductance or resistance value at or shortly after the third turning point as the first calibration value and the conductance or resistance value at the fourth turning point as the second calibration value. The repetition of the measurement of the turning points corresponding to the minimum and maximum measured current significantly improves subsequent temperature regulation during user operation of the device to generate an aerosol. Preferably, the controller 330 adjusts the power based on the conductance or resistance value obtained from the second maximum and second minimum, which is more reliable since the heat requires more time to disperse within the aerosol-forming substrate 12 and the susceptor 44.

[0176] To further improve the reliability of the calibration process, the controller 310 may be optionally programmed to perform a pre-heating process prior to the calibration process. For example, if the aerosol-forming substrate 12 is particularly dry or in similar conditions, the calibration may be performed before heat spreads into the aerosol-forming substrate 12, reducing the reliability of the calibration value. If the aerosol-forming substrate 12 is wet, the susceptor 44 will take longer to reach the valley temperature (due to the moisture content of the substrate 12).

[0177] To perform the preheating process, the controller 330 is configured to continuously supply power to the inductor 240. As described above, the current begins to decrease as the temperature of the susceptor 44 increases and reaches a minimum value. At this stage, the controller 330 is configured to wait a predetermined period of time to allow the susceptor 44 to cool before continuing the heating. Thus, the controller 330 controls the DC / AC converter 340 to discontinue providing power to the inductor 240. After the predetermined period of time, the controller 330 controls the DC / AC converter 340 to supply power until the minimum value is reached. At this point, the controller controls the DC / AC converter 340 to again discontinue providing power to the inductor 240. The controller 330 again waits the same predetermined period of time to allow the susceptor 44 to cool before continuing the heating. This heating and cooling of the susceptor 44 is repeated for the predetermined duration of the preheating process. The predetermined duration of the preheating process is preferably 11 seconds. Following the pre-heating process, the calibration process is preferably for a predetermined combined duration of 20 seconds.

[0178] If the aerosol-forming substrate 12 is dry, the first minimum of the pre-heating process is reached within the predetermined time and the interruption of power is repeated until the end of the predetermined period. If the aerosol-forming substrate 12 is wet, the first minimum of the pre-heating process is reached towards the end of the predetermined period. Thus, carrying out the pre-heating process for a predetermined duration ensures that, regardless of the physical state of the substrate 12, the substrate 12 has enough time to reach a minimum temperature in order to be ready to continue applying power to reach the first maximum. This allows for calibration as early as possible without the risk that the substrate 12 has not reached the valley beforehand.

[0179] Furthermore, the aerosol-generating article 100 may be configured such that the minimum value is always reached within a predetermined duration of the pre-heating process. If the minimum value is not reached within a predetermined duration of the pre-heating process, this may indicate that the aerosol-generating article 100 including the aerosol-forming substrate 12 is not suitable for use in the aerosol-generating device 200. For example, the aerosol-generating article 100 may include an aerosol-forming substrate 12 of a different or lower quality than the aerosol-forming substrate 100 intended for use in the aerosol-generating device 200. As another example, the aerosol-generating article 100 may not be configured for use with the heating arrangement 320, for example, if the aerosol-generating article 100 and the aerosol-generating device 200 are manufactured by different manufacturers. Thus, the controller 330 may be configured to generate a control signal to stop operation of the aerosol-generating device 200.

[0180] The pre-heating process may be performed in response to receiving a user input, such as, for example, a user activation of the aerosol generating device 200. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 330 may be configured to detect the presence of the aerosol-generating article 100 in the aerosol generating device 200, and the pre-heating process may be performed in response to detecting the presence of the aerosol-generating article 100 in the cavity 220 of the aerosol generating device 200.

[0181] Following the preheat and calibration processes, the controller 330 controls the DC / AC converter 340 to maintain the conductance or resistance associated with the susceptor 44 at a target value. This is referred to as the heating process. The target value may change over time, either continuously or in steps, but always remains between the maximum and minimum values ​​determined during the calibration process. A recalibration process may be performed at set intervals during the heating process to re-establish maximum and minimum values ​​that may drift over the life of the device.

[0182] To maintain the conductance or resistance associated with the susceptor 44 at a target value, the controller 330 varies the duty cycle of the DC / AC converter 340. If the susceptor is cooled by increased airflow past the susceptor, such as during a user puff on the system, the conductance associated with the susceptor decreases. The controller 330 then increases the duty cycle of the current pulse to increase the power provided to the inductor, thereby moving the conductance of the susceptor back toward the target value.

[0183] One or more safety processes may be implemented to prevent overheating of the device or susceptor during operation. One safety process is implemented when a cooling event, such as a user puff, is detected. Experiments show that during a susceptor cooling event, such as a user puff, the S-shaped curve shown in FIG. 6 undergoes compression, resulting in a local minimum in DC current (or conductance) having a higher value and a local maximum in DC current at the Curie temperature being reduced. The shape of the curve during a use puff is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 6 by the dotted line 610.

[0184] This flattening of the curve shown in Figure 6 means that the normal control process may lead to overheating. For example, if a cooling event such as a user puff occurs when the target conductance is close to the local maximum conductance established during the calibration process, the target conductance may not actually be achievable. In that situation, there is a risk that the controller will continue to increase the duty cycle of the current pulse to the point where the susceptor is overheated, i.e. heated to a temperature at which undesirable aerosols are provided.

[0185] To reduce the possibility of overheating the susceptor, the controller implements a duty cycle limit during a cooling event, such as a user puff. For example, during steady state before a user puff, a duty cycle of 30% may be necessary to maintain the target conductance. Once the susceptor cools down, the controller may need to increase the duty cycle to 50% to maintain the target conductance. However, the controller may implement a duty cycle limit of less than 50% to prevent overheating. This means that while the susceptor may not reach the target temperature during a puff, preventing overheating is more important than preventing marginal heat deficit.

[0186] In this example, the duty cycle limit is calculated as a 10% increase in the average duty cycle occurring 6.4 seconds before the start of the user puff. The calculation of the duty cycle limit may be modified depending on the time that has elapsed since the device was activated or the number of puffs taken after the device was activated. For example, for the first two puffs, the duty cycle limit may be calculated as 20% plus the average duty cycle occurring 6.4 seconds before the start of the user puff. For the next six puffs, the duty cycle may be calculated as 10% plus the average duty cycle occurring 6.4 seconds before the start of the user puff. For any further puffs, the duty cycle may be calculated as 5% plus the average duty cycle occurring 6.4 seconds before the start of the user puff. Other methods of limiting the duty cycle increase during a puff may be used, including a constant duty cycle limit stored in memory.

[0187] FIG. 7 illustrates this behavior of the controller. The upper line 700 is the conductance associated with the susceptor versus time. Before a user puff, the conductance is stable. At the start of the user puff, shown as point 720, the conductance begins to drop as the susceptor cools. The controller detects this drop in conductance and increases the duty cycle of the current to raise the conductance. The duty cycle over time is shown by the lower line 710. However, the increase in duty cycle is not enough to fully compensate for the cooling effect of the user puff. After the conductance drops below the target value for a period of time, it begins to rise again to return to the conductance corresponding to the target temperature of the heating process. This local minimum in conductance is a direct result of the duty cycle limit calculated and implemented by the controller. If the duty cycle were boosted to fully compensate for the cooling effect of the puff, the conductance would not drop below the target value.

[0188] In this embodiment, the start of a puff is detected by reading a signal from a dedicated puff sensor 360. In this embodiment, the puff sensor is a thermistor. The thermistor is located at the distal end of the cavity 220. The signal from the thermistor can be used to determine the start of a puff or other cooling event and the end of a puff or cooling event. Alternatively, the controller may determine the end of a user puff to be a certain time, for example 4 seconds, after the start of a puff.

[0189] 8 is a flow diagram of a method 800 for limiting the duty cycle of a current pulse supplied to an inductor in the aerosol generation device 200. The controller 330 may be programmed to implement the method 800, as described above.

[0190] The method begins at step 810, as described above, where the controller 330 detects a user puff based on a signal from the thermistor.

[0191] In response to detecting a user puff at step 810, the controller 330 is configured to calculate a duty cycle limit to be applied for the duration of the puff. This calculation is performed at step 820 and involves adding 10% to the average duty cycle used during the previous 6.4 seconds.

[0192] The duty cycle limit is applied by the controller until the end of the user puff is determined at step 830. The end of the user puff is determined based on the signal from the thermistor.

[0193] When the end of a user puff is detected, the duty cycle limit is removed in step 840. The process is then repeated when the next user puff is detected.

[0194] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like should be understood in all instances to be modified by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. Within this context, the number A may be considered to include a numerical value that is within the general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A may deviate by the percentages recited above, in some cases as used in the appended claims, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel properties of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein.

Claims

1. A method of controlling an induction heating arrangement, wherein the induction heating system comprises an inductor and a susceptor coupled to the inductor, such that the susceptor is heated by providing an alternating current to the inductor, the method comprising: providing current pulses to the at least one inductor to maintain a conductance or resistance associated with the susceptor at a target conductance or resistance; detecting a cooling event associated with the susceptor; determining a maximum duty cycle limit of the current pulses during the duration of the cooling event; increasing the duty cycle of the current pulses to a duty cycle below the maximum duty cycle limit during the duration of the detected cooling event to compensate for the detected cooling event.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the maximum duty cycle limit preferably comprises calculating the maximum duty cycle limit based on an average duty cycle during a period prior to the cooling event.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the maximum duty cycle limit is calculated as an increase in the average duty cycle during the period immediately preceding the cooling event.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the increase is a constant increase of 3% to 30%, preferably 10%.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the period prior to the cooling event is a period of 2 to 10 seconds prior to the cooling event.

6. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the maximum duty cycle limit is based on the time after the heating arrangement has been in operation.

7. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the target conductance or resistance corresponds to a susceptor temperature below the Curie temperature of the material within the susceptor.

8. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the susceptor comprises a first susceptor material having a first Curie temperature and a second susceptor material having a second Curie temperature, the second Curie temperature being lower than the first Curie temperature, and the target conductance or resistance corresponds to a susceptor temperature below the second Curie temperature.

9. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein detecting a cooling event comprises detecting an air flow passing through or across the susceptor.

10. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the induction heating arrangement is part of an aerosol generation system in which the susceptor is used to heat an aerosol-forming substrate.

11. An induction heating system comprising a power supply, an induction heating arrangement including a susceptor and at least one inductor coupled to the susceptor such that the susceptor is heated by providing an alternating current to the inductor, a controller, determining a conductance or resistance associated with the susceptor and supplying a current pulse from the power supply to the inductor to maintain the conductance or resistance associated with the susceptor at a target conductance or resistance, detecting a cooling event associated with the susceptor, increasing a duty cycle of the current pulse to compensate for the detected cooling event, the controller being configured to limit the duty cycle of the current pulse below a maximum duty cycle limit during the duration of the detected cooling event. An induction heating system comprising a controller configured to perform the increasing.

12. The induction heating system according to claim 11, wherein the controller is configured to calculate the maximum duty cycle limit based on an average duty cycle during a period before the cooling event.

13. The induction heating system according to claim 12, wherein the controller is configured to calculate the maximum duty cycle limit as an increase in the average duty cycle during the period immediately before the cooling event.

14. The induction heating system according to any one of claims 12 to 13, wherein the period before the cooling event is a period of 2 to 10 seconds before the cooling event.

15. An aerosol generating device comprising an induction heating system, wherein the induction heating system comprises a power supply, an induction heating arrangement including at least one inductor configured such that a susceptor coupled to the inductor is heated by providing an alternating current to the inductor, the susceptor being configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate, a controller, Determine the conductance or resistance associated with the susceptor, and supply a current pulse from the power supply to the inductor to maintain the conductance or resistance associated with the susceptor at a target conductance or resistance; Detect a cooling event associated with the susceptor; Increasing the duty cycle of the current pulse to compensate for the detected cooling event, wherein the controller is configured to limit the duty cycle of the current pulse below a maximum duty cycle limit during the duration of the detected cooling event, and an aerosol generating device comprising a controller configured to perform the increasing.

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