Aerosol generation device power system

Abstract

To provide a power system for an aerosol generation device.SOLUTION: An aerosol generation device includes a power system, which includes one supercapacitor 106 and at least one battery 104. The power system is operable in a plurality of selectable operating modes. The aerosol generation device further includes a controller 102. The controller is configured to control a power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and a power flow of the at least one battery based on the selected operating mode. The operating modes include a float mode in which a heater 108 associated with the aerosol generation device is maintained substantially at an aerosol generation temperature. In the float mode, the controller is configured to control a power flow of the power system to maintain the heater substantially at the aerosol generation temperature, and control the at least one battery to charge the at least one supercapacitor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly to a power supply system for an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol generating devices, such as e-cigarettes and other aerosol inhalers or vaporizers, are consumer products that are becoming increasingly popular.

[0003] Heating devices for vaporization or aerosolization are known in the art. Such devices generally include a heating chamber and a heater. In operation, an operator inserts the product to be aerosolized or vaporized into the heating chamber. The product is then heated by an electronic heater to vaporize the product's ingredients for inhalation by the operator. In some instances, the product is a tobacco product similar to a traditional cigarette. Such devices are often referred to as "heat-not-burn" devices, in that the product is heated to the point of aerosolization without being combusted.

[0004] Problems faced by known aerosol generating devices include providing sufficiently rapid heating and efficient use of energy. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect, there is provided an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising: a power supply system including at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, the power supply system operable in a plurality of selectable operating modes; a controller configured to control a power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and a power flow of the at least one battery based on a selected mode of operation; The plurality of operating modes includes a float mode in which a heater associated with the aerosol generating device is substantially maintained at an aerosol generating temperature, and in the float mode, the controller: controlling power flow of the power supply system to maintain a heater associated with the aerosol generating device at substantially the aerosol generating temperature; The at least one battery is configured to charge the at least one supercapacitor.

[0006] In this way, the supercapacitor can be charged and prepared for a future aerosolization session pre-heating mode. This eliminates the need for the user to charge the aerosol generation device to charge the supercapacitor between uses. This improves the user experience. Furthermore, because the supercapacitor is recharged, the battery does not need to be used for pre-heating in a subsequent aerosolization session, thereby avoiding stressing the battery and may contribute to improving battery life. This also allows for more efficient use of energy in the aerosol generation device. The supercapacitor may be understood as an electrochemical double layer capacitor, a pseudocapacitor, or a hybrid capacitor. As an alternative to controlling the at least one battery to charge the at least one supercapacitor, the controller may be configured to control the at least one supercapacitor to discharge in a floating mode.

[0007] Preferably, the plurality of operating modes further comprises a post-session mode, in which the controller is configured to control the at least one battery to continue charging the at least one supercapacitor beyond an end point of the floating mode in the post-session mode if the at least one supercapacitor is not substantially charged at an end point of the floating mode.

[0008] In this way, even if the aerosolization session was not long enough for the supercapacitor to be fully recharged by the battery during the floating mode, it is ensured that the supercapacitor has sufficient charge for a subsequent or future pre-heat mode without the user having to connect the device to an external power source to charge the supercapacitor. Because the supercapacitor is recharged, the battery does not need to be used for pre-heating in a subsequent aerosolization session, thereby avoiding stressing the battery and may contribute to improving battery life. This also allows for more efficient utilization of energy in the aerosol generating device.

[0009] Preferably, the multiple operating modes further include a first pre-heating mode in which a heater associated with the aerosol generating device is heated to a predetermined temperature using the power supply system, and in the first pre-heating mode, the controller is configured to control both the at least one supercapacitor and the at least one battery to provide power to the heater.

[0010] The use of a supercapacitor in the preheat mode is advantageous because its rapid delivery of energy provides for extremely rapid preheating of the heater. The combination of a supercapacitor and a battery is beneficial because the battery can provide the additional power needed if the supercapacitor alone does not or cannot store enough energy to provide the power required to heat the heater to a predetermined temperature. Using a supercapacitor in combination with a battery during preheating may reduce the stress placed on the battery compared to when only a battery is used for preheating. Reducing the stress placed on the battery can reduce safety risks associated with a stressed battery and extend the life of the battery.

[0011] Preferably, the multiple operating modes further include a second pre-heating mode in which a heater associated with the aerosol generating device is heated to a predetermined temperature using the power supply system, and in the second pre-heating mode, the controller is configured to control the at least one supercapacitor to provide power to the heater without the at least one battery providing power to the heater.

[0012] In this way, the high capacity of the supercapacitor and the rapid delivery of energy allows for extremely rapid pre-heating of the heater. By not using a battery for the pre-heat mode, stress is not placed on the battery when pre-heating the heater, thereby improving battery life. Furthermore, this allows a greater level of energy to be stored in the battery for the float mode following the pre-heat mode.

[0013] Preferably, the multiple operating modes further include a first charging mode, in which the controller is configured to control the at least one supercapacitor to charge from an external power source connectable to the aerosol generating device until the at least one supercapacitor is fully charged, and then control the at least one battery to charge from the external power source.

[0014] In this way, when a supercapacitor is used to preheat the heater, the aerosol generating device can run a preheat mode, thereby at least partially enabling a subsequent aerosolization session even if the power system itself is not fully charged, because the supercapacitor used for the preheat mode is preferentially charged, allowing for more efficient use of energy in the aerosol generating device.

[0015] Preferably, the multiple operating modes further include a second charging mode, in which the controller is configured to control the at least one supercapacitor to charge from an external power source connectable to the aerosol generating device until the at least one supercapacitor reaches a predetermined charge level, and then control both the at least one supercapacitor and the at least one battery to charge from the external power source.

[0016] In this way, high utilization of the total available charging power of the external power source is provided, which allows for more efficient utilization of energy in the aerosol generating device.

[0017] Preferably, the predetermined charge level is greater than 50% of full charge, or more preferably, between 60% and 90% of full charge, or more preferably, between 70% and 80% of full charge.

[0018] Preferably, the multiple operating modes further include a third charging mode, in which the controller is configured to control both the at least one supercapacitor and the at least one battery to charge from an external power source connectable to the aerosol generating device.

[0019] Preferably, in the third charging mode, the controller is configured to control both the at least one supercapacitor and the at least one battery to charge from an external power source connectable to the aerosol generating device, if the external power source has adequate power capacity.

[0020] In this way, if a supercapacitor is used to preheat the heater, the power system can charge it without the risk that the supercapacitor will not be adequately charged to preheat the heater in a subsequent aerosolization session, allowing for more efficient utilization of energy in the aerosol generating device.

[0021] Preferably, the at least one supercapacitor comprises at least one hybrid supercapacitor and / or at least one asymmetric supercapacitor and / or at least one pseudo-supercapacitor.

[0022] The use of hybrid, asymmetric, or pseudo-supercapacitors is advantageous in that they can have sufficiently high energy and power densities to provide preheating and / or aerosolization of at least one aerosol-generating consumable.

[0023] Preferably, the at least one supercapacitor is configured to store sufficient energy to power an associated heater to aerosolize at least one aerosol-generating consumable received within the aerosol generating device.

[0024] Preferably, the aerosol generating device is arranged to receive an aerosol-generating consumable, the aerosol-generating consumable comprising a tobacco rod.

[0025] According to one aspect, there is provided a method of controlling a power system of an aerosol generating device, the power system comprising at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, the power system operable in a plurality of selectable operating modes, the method comprising: controlling, by the controller, a power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and a power flow of the at least one battery based on the selected operating mode; The plurality of operational modes includes a float mode in which a heater associated with the aerosol generating device is substantially maintained at an aerosol generating temperature, and in the float mode, the method further comprises: controlling, by the controller, a power flow of the power system to maintain a heater associated with the aerosol generating device at approximately an aerosol generating temperature; and controlling, by the controller, the at least one battery to charge the at least one supercapacitor.

[0026] According to one aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to control a power system of an aerosol generating device, the power system comprising at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, the power system operable in a plurality of selectable operating modes; The instructions are sent to one or more processors: controlling a power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and a power flow of the at least one battery based on the selected operating mode; The plurality of operational modes includes a float mode in which a heater associated with the aerosol generating device is substantially maintained at an aerosol generating temperature, and in the float mode, the instructions further include causing the one or more processors to: controlling power flow of a power supply system to maintain a heater associated with the aerosol generating device at substantially an aerosol generating temperature; At least one battery is controlled to charge the at least one supercapacitor.

[0027] In one aspect, there is provided an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising: a power supply system including at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, the power supply system operable in a plurality of selectable operating modes; a controller configured to control a power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and a power flow of the at least one battery based on a selected mode of operation; The multiple operating modes include a pre-heat mode and / or a charging mode.

[0028] Preferably, the multiple operating modes further include a float mode in which a heater associated with the aerosol generating device is substantially maintained at an aerosol generating temperature, and in the float mode the controller is configured to control power flow of the power system to maintain a heater associated with the aerosol generating device substantially at an aerosol generating temperature, and to control at least one battery to charge the at least one supercapacitor.

[0029] Preferably, the plurality of operating modes further comprises a post-session mode, in which the controller is configured to control the at least one battery to continue charging the at least one supercapacitor beyond an end point of the floating mode in the post-session mode if the at least one supercapacitor is not substantially charged at an end point of the floating mode.

[0030] Preferably, the pre-heating mode includes a first pre-heating mode in which a heater associated with the aerosol generating device is heated to a predetermined temperature using the power supply system, and in the first pre-heating mode, the controller is configured to control both the at least one supercapacitor and the at least one battery to provide power to the heater.

[0031] Preferably, the pre-heating mode includes a second pre-heating mode in which a heater associated with the aerosol generating device is heated to a predetermined temperature using the power supply system, and in the second pre-heating mode, the controller is configured to control the at least one supercapacitor to provide power to the heater without the at least one battery providing power to the heater.

[0032] Preferably, the charging mode comprises a first charging mode, in which the controller is configured to control the at least one supercapacitor to charge from an external power source connectable to the aerosol generating device until the at least one supercapacitor is fully charged, and then control the at least one battery to charge from the external power source.

[0033] Preferably, the charging mode includes a second charging mode, in which the controller is configured to control the at least one supercapacitor to charge from an external power source connectable to the aerosol generating device until the at least one supercapacitor reaches a predetermined charge level, and then control both the at least one supercapacitor and the at least one battery to charge from the external power source.

[0034] Preferably, the predetermined charge level is greater than 50% of full charge, or more preferably, between 60% and 90% of full charge, or more preferably, between 70% and 80% of full charge.

[0035] Preferably, the charging mode includes a third charging mode, in which the controller is configured to control both the at least one supercapacitor and the at least one battery to charge from an external power source connectable to the aerosol generating device.

[0036] Preferably, in the third charging mode, the controller is configured to control both the at least one supercapacitor and the at least one battery to charge from an external power source connectable to the aerosol generating device, if the external power source has adequate power capacity.

[0037] Preferably, the at least one supercapacitor comprises at least one hybrid supercapacitor and / or at least one asymmetric supercapacitor and / or at least one pseudo-supercapacitor.

[0038] Preferably, the at least one supercapacitor is configured to store sufficient energy to power an associated heater to aerosolize at least one aerosol generating consumable received within the aerosol generating device.

[0039] Preferably, the aerosol generating device is arranged to receive an aerosol-generating consumable, the aerosol-generating consumable comprising a tobacco rod.

[0040] According to one aspect, there is provided a method of controlling a power system of an aerosol generating device, the power system comprising at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, the power system operable in a plurality of selectable operating modes, the plurality of operating modes comprising a pre-heating mode and / or a charging mode, the method comprising: Controlling, by the controller, a power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and a power flow of the at least one battery based on the selected mode of operation.

[0041] According to one aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to control a power system of an aerosol generating device, the power system comprising at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, the power system operable in a plurality of selectable operating modes, the plurality of operating modes comprising a pre-heating mode and / or a charging mode; The instructions are sent to one or more processors: Based on the selected operating mode, a power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and a power flow of the at least one battery are controlled.

[0042] In one aspect, there is provided an aerosol generation device configured to heat a tobacco rod, the aerosol generation device comprising: a power supply system including at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, the power supply system operable in a plurality of selectable operating modes; a controller configured to control a power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and a power flow of the at least one battery based on a selected mode of operation; During the aerosolization session, the operating modes include a preheat mode in which a heater associated with the aerosol generating device is heated to a predetermined temperature, and a float mode in which a heater associated with the aerosol generating device is substantially maintained at the aerosol generating temperature of the tobacco rod, and the controller: controlling at least one supercapacitor to provide power to the heater in a preheat mode; The at least one battery is configured to charge the at least one supercapacitor in a floating mode.

[0043] According to one aspect, there is provided a method of controlling a power system of an aerosol generating device configured to heat a tobacco rod, the power system comprising at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, the power system operable in a plurality of selectable operating modes, the method comprising: controlling, by the controller, a power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and a power flow of the at least one battery based on the selected operating mode; During the aerosolization session, the operating modes include a preheat mode in which a heater associated with the aerosol generating device is heated to a predetermined temperature, and a float mode in which a heater associated with the aerosol generating device is substantially maintained at the aerosol generating temperature of the tobacco rod, the method comprising: controlling at least one supercapacitor to provide power to a heater in a preheat mode; and controlling the at least one battery to charge the at least one supercapacitor in a floating mode.

[0044] According to one aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to control a power system of an aerosol generating device configured to heat a tobacco rod, the power system comprising at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, the power system operable in a plurality of selectable operating modes, the instructions causing the one or more processors to: controlling a power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and a power flow of the at least one battery based on the selected operating mode; During the aerosolization session, the operating modes include a preheat mode in which a heater associated with the aerosol generating device is heated to a predetermined temperature, and a float mode in which a heater associated with the aerosol generating device is substantially maintained at the aerosol generating temperature of the tobacco rod, the instructions further including: controlling at least one supercapacitor to provide power to the heater in a preheat mode; At least one battery is controlled to charge at least one supercapacitor in a floating mode.

[0045] Any of the preferred features described above may be included in any of the above aspects, as appropriate.

[0046] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0047] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an operational mode of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0048] 1 shows a block diagram of the components of an aerosol generating device 100, also known as an e-cigarette, or vapor generating device. For purposes of this description, it should be understood that the terms vapor and aerosol are interchangeable.

[0049] The aerosol generating device 100 has a body portion 112 containing a controller 102 and a power system comprising at least one battery 104 and at least one supercapacitor 106. The power system is operable in a number of selectable operating modes. Although only one battery 104 and one supercapacitor 106 are referred to herein, those skilled in the art will understand that the power system can comprise one or more batteries and one or more supercapacitors as appropriate, and that references to "battery" can encompass "at least one battery" and "supercapacitor" can encompass "at least one supercapacitor." The controller 102 is configured to control the power flow of the supercapacitor 106 and the power flow of the battery 104 based on the selected operating mode, as described below.

[0050] In one embodiment, the heater 108 is housed by the body portion 112. In such an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the heater 108 is disposed within a cavity 110 or chamber within the body portion 112. The cavity 110 is accessed by an opening 110A in the body portion 112. The cavity 110 is positioned to receive an associated aerosol-generating consumable 114. The aerosol-generating consumable may contain an aerosol-generating material, such as a tobacco rod containing tobacco. The tobacco rod may be similar to a conventional cigarette. The cavity 110 has a cross-section approximately equal to that of the aerosol-generating consumable 114 and a depth such that when the associated aerosol-generating consumable 114 is inserted into the cavity 110, a first end 114A of the aerosol-generating consumable 114 reaches a bottom 110B of the cavity 110 (i.e., the end 110B of the cavity 110 distal from the cavity opening 110A) and a second end 114B of the aerosol-generating consumable 114 distal to the first end 114A extends outwardly from the cavity 110. In this manner, a consumer can inhale the aerosol-generating consumable 114 when it is inserted into the aerosol generating device 100. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the heater 108 is disposed within the cavity 110 such that the heater 108 engages the aerosol-generating consumable 114 when it is inserted into the cavity 110. 1, the heater 108 is disposed as a tube within the cavity such that the heater 108 substantially or completely surrounds a portion of the aerosol-generating consumable 114 inside the cavity 110 when a first end 114A of the aerosol-generating consumable is inserted into the cavity. The heater 108 may be a wire, such as a coiled wire heater, or a ceramic heater, or any other suitable type of heater. The heater 108 may comprise multiple heating elements disposed consecutively along the axial length of the cavity, which may be independently activated (i.e., powered) in sequence.In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the heater may be disposed within the cavity as an elongated piercing member (such as in the form of a needle, rod or blade), and in such an embodiment the heater may be disposed to penetrate the aerosol-generating consumable and engage the aerosol-generating material when the aerosol-generating consumable is inserted into the cavity. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the heater may be in the form of an induction heater. In such an embodiment, a heating element is provided within the consumable, which is inductively coupled to the induction heater in the cavity when the consumable is inserted into the cavity. The induction heater then heats the heating element by induction.

[0051] The heater 108 is arranged to heat the aerosol-generating consumable 114 to a predetermined temperature to generate an aerosol in an aerosolization session. An aerosolization session can be considered as when the device is operated to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating consumable 114. In an embodiment in which the aerosol-generating consumable 114 is a tobacco rod, the aerosol-generating consumable 114 comprises tobacco. The heater 108 is arranged to heat the tobacco to generate an aerosol without burning the tobacco. That is, the heater 108 heats the tobacco to a predetermined temperature below the combustion point of the tobacco such that a tobacco-based aerosol is generated. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the aerosol-generating consumable 114 does not necessarily comprise tobacco, and in particular any other suitable material for aerosolization (or vaporization) by heating without burning the material can be used instead of tobacco.

[0052] The controller 102 is configured to control the power flow of the supercapacitor 106 and the power flow of the battery 104 based on a selected operating mode. The operating modes include a preheat mode, a float mode, a post-session mode, and a charging mode.

[0053] The progression from the pre-heat mode to the float mode and then to the post-session mode can be seen from Fig. 2. In the pre-heat mode 202, the heater 108 associated with the aerosol generating device 100 is heated to a pre-defined temperature for generating aerosol from the aerosol-generating consumable 114. The pre-heat phase can be considered as the time during which the pre-heat mode is performed, e.g., the time it takes the heater 108 to reach the pre-defined temperature. Once the heater reaches the pre-defined temperature, the controller terminates the pre-heat mode 202 and selects the float mode 204. In the float mode 204, the controller 102 controls the power flow from the power system to maintain the heater 108 substantially at a pre-defined temperature such that an aerosol is generated for inhalation by the consumer. The float phase can be considered as the time during which the float mode is performed, e.g., the heater 108 aerosolizes one (or at least a portion of one) aerosol-generating consumable 114 after the pre-heat phase. Optionally, following the float mode, a post-session mode 206 is initiated. The post-session mode is described below. The post-session phase can be thought of as the time during which the post-session mode is executed.

[0054] In the charging mode, the supercapacitor 106 and the battery 104 of the power supply system are charged from an external power source connected to the aerosol generating device 100. The charging mode is described in more detail below.

[0055] The battery 104 can power the heater 108 during a preheat mode to heat the heater 108 to a predetermined temperature and during a float mode to hold the heater 108 at a constant temperature. In one embodiment, the battery 104 can charge the supercapacitor 106 in the float mode. In one embodiment, the battery 104 is a high energy battery, such as a battery using lithium ion, aluminum ion, or zinc ion technology, or any other suitable type of battery.

[0056] The supercapacitor 106 can power the heater 108 in a preheat mode. In some embodiments, the supercapacitor 106 can store sufficient charge to power the heater 108 for one or more preheat phases, i.e., the supercapacitor 106 can store sufficient energy to power the heater 108 to heat to a predetermined temperature one or more times. In some embodiments, the supercapacitor 106 can power the heater 108 in a floating mode. In such embodiments, the supercapacitor 106 can store sufficient charge to power the heater 108 to aerosolize one or more tobacco rods in a floating mode. In some embodiments, the supercapacitor 106 can have a total voltage of less than 5V and a maximum voltage of more than 3V. Preferably, the supercapacitor 106 is more powerful than a battery, but has sufficient energy storage capacity to provide power to the heater 108 to heat the heater 108 to a predetermined temperature at least once in preheat mode, and in some embodiments, to aerosolize one aerosol-generating consumable 114 in float mode.

[0057] The supercapacitor 106 may be any suitable energy storage unit based on supercapacitor technology, in some embodiments, the supercapacitor 106 may be a hybrid supercapacitor or an asymmetric or pseudo-supercapacitor.

[0058] The controller 102 is configured to control the flow of power from the supercapacitor 106 and the battery 104 based on the selected operating mode. The controller 102 may be a microcontroller unit comprising a memory in which instructions for operating the aerosol generating device 100 are stored, including instructions for implementing the selectable operating modes, and one or more processors configured to execute the instructions.

[0059] The various modes of operation of the aerosol generating device 100 will now be described in more detail. Preheat Mode The pre-heat mode is selected by the controller 102 when an aerosolization session is initiated by a user of the aerosol generating device 100. This pre-heat mode may be triggered by the controller determining that the consumer has pressed / pushed a heat button on the device 100. Alternatively, the pre-heat mode may be triggered by gesture control activation, such as the consumer shaking or tapping the device. In one embodiment, an indicator, such as a light emitting diode, integrated into the device may be configured to indicate that pre-heating is complete and the consumer can inhale the generated aerosol.

[0060] In the preheat mode, the controller 102 controls the flow of power from the power system to the heater 108 to heat the heater 108 to a predetermined or operating temperature. The predetermined temperature may be pre-stored in the controller 102 of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the predetermined temperature may be a preset known temperature at which the aerosol generating material is heated to generate an aerosol. In some embodiments, the predetermined temperature may be in the range of 210-250°C, or more preferably 220-240°C, or more preferably 230°C or about 230°C to provide a desired user experience. Preheating may be considered as a phase in which the temperature of the heater 108 is increased to reach the predetermined temperature of the float mode.

[0061] In some embodiments, preheating the heater can include applying up to 30 W from the power system to the heater for 10 seconds, although it will be appreciated that these parameters can be varied to provide a minimum heat up time. Supercapacitors can provide extremely rapid preheating due to their associated high power capacity, especially when compared to using only a battery for preheating.

[0062] In a first embodiment of the pre-heat mode, the heater 108 associated with the aerosol generating device 100 is heated to a predetermined temperature using the power supply system. More specifically, the controller 102 is configured to control both the supercapacitor 106 and the battery 104 to provide power to the heater 108 during the pre-heat mode. That is, power is supplied to the heater 108 from a combination of both the supercapacitor 106 and the battery 104 to heat the heater 108 to a predetermined temperature.

[0063] The supercapacitor 106 is advantageous because its high capacity and rapid delivery of energy provides for extremely rapid pre-heating of the heater 108. The combination of the supercapacitor 106 and the battery 104 is beneficial because the battery 104 can provide the necessary additional power when the supercapacitor 106 alone does not or cannot store enough energy to provide the power required to heat the heater 108 to a predetermined temperature. Using the supercapacitor 106 in combination with the battery 104 during pre-heating reduces the stress applied to the battery 104 compared to when only the battery 104 is used for pre-heating. Reducing the stress applied to the battery 104 reduces the safety risks associated with a stressed battery 104 and can extend the life of the battery 104.

[0064] In a second embodiment of the pre-heat mode, the heater 108 associated with the aerosol generating device 100 is heated to a predetermined temperature using the power supply system. More specifically, the controller 102 is configured to control the supercapacitor 106 to provide power to the heater 108 even in the absence of the battery 104 providing power to the heater 108 during the pre-heat mode. That is, the controller 102 only controls the supercapacitor 106 to provide power to the heater 108 during the pre-heat mode, and the battery 104 is not used to power the heater 108 during the pre-heat mode. This is advantageous because the high capacity and rapid delivery of energy of the supercapacitor 106 allows for extremely rapid pre-heating of the heater 108. Not using the battery 104 for the pre-heat mode prevents stress from being applied to the battery 104 when pre-heating the heater 108, thereby improving the life of the battery 104. Furthermore, this allows a greater level of energy to be stored in the battery 104 for the float mode following the pre-heat mode.

[0065] The controller 102 can store operating instructions for one or more of the exemplary pre-heating modes described above and can execute the various pre-heating modes as needed, for example, depending on the particular hardware considerations associated with the aerosol generating device 100.

[0066] Once the heater 108 reaches the predetermined temperature, the preheat mode ends and the float mode begins. Floating Mode The float mode is selected by the controller 102 when the controller 102 determines that the preheat mode successfully heated the heater 108 to the predetermined temperature.

[0067] In the floating mode, the heater 108 associated with the aerosol generating device 100 is maintained substantially at an aerosol generating temperature (which may be a predetermined or operating temperature) using the power supply system. That is, information regarding the temperature of the heater 108 is fed back to the controller 102, and if the heater temperature is below the predetermined aerosol generating temperature, the controller 102 increases the power applied to the heater 108 to increase the temperature, and if the heater temperature is above the predetermined aerosol generating temperature, the controller 102 decreases the power applied to the heater 108 to decrease the temperature. The controller 102 controls the flow of power from the power supply system to maintain the heater substantially at the aerosol generating temperature.

[0068] During the float mode, the controller 102 also controls the battery 104 to charge the supercapacitor 106. That is, the battery 104 is controlled to power the heater 108 directly to maintain a predetermined temperature, as well as to power the supercapacitor 106 to charge the supercapacitor 106. In such an embodiment of the float mode, the controller 102 may control only the battery 104 to power the heater 108, without the supercapacitor 106 powering the heater 108. This is advantageous because it allows the supercapacitor 106 to be charged in preparation for a future aerosolization session, in case it may be required to perform another pre-heat mode.

[0069] In another embodiment of the float mode, the supercapacitor 106 alone may provide power to the heater 108. For example, the supercapacitor 106 may be configured to store sufficient energy such that it can power the heater 108 to aerosolize one or more aerosol-generating consumables 114 in the float mode.

[0070] In a further embodiment of the float mode, a combination of the battery 104 and the supercapacitor 106 may be used together at the start of the float mode. When the power level of the supercapacitor 106 drops to a certain point, the battery 104 may provide power only to the heater 108 while providing power to charge the supercapacitor 106.

[0071] The float mode ends when the controller 102 determines that the aerosolization session has ended. For example, the controller 102 may determine that the aerosolization session has ended if the consumer releases the heater 108 button, if airflow is not detected for a predetermined period of time, or if a predetermined aerosolization session timer expires. The aerosolization session may end when the consumer has completely aerosolized the aerosol-generating consumable 114 or has a desired amount of the aerosol-generating consumable 114. Post-Session Mode Optionally, once the controller 102 determines that the float mode has ended, the controller 102 can select to initiate a post-session mode, which is a mode that is initiated following an aerosolization session.

[0072] If the supercapacitor 106 is not properly or completely recharged by the battery 104 during the float mode, the post-session mode is initiated after the float mode.

[0073] In the post-session mode, the controller 102 is configured to control the battery 104 to continue charging the supercapacitor 106 beyond the end of the float mode if the supercapacitor 106 is not fully charged (or not properly charged) at the end of the float mode.

[0074] When a consumer ends their aerosolization session, the battery 104 may not yet provide sufficient charge to the supercapacitor 106 during the float mode for the supercapacitor 106 to be fully (or substantially) recharged. That is, the supercapacitor 106 may not be sufficiently charged to perform a subsequent pre-heat mode. In this case, the controller 102 determines that the supercapacitor 106 is not fully charged (or is not sufficiently charged for performing a subsequent pre-heat mode) and then controls the battery 104 to continue charging the supercapacitor 106 beyond the end of the float mode, i.e., after the aerosolization session or float mode is terminated, until the supercapacitor is fully (or substantially) recharged for a subsequent pre-heat mode.

[0075] This is advantageous because it ensures that the supercapacitor 106 stores enough energy for a subsequent or future pre-heat mode without the user having to connect the device to an external power source to charge the supercapacitor 106, even if the aerosolization session was not long enough for the supercapacitor 106 to be fully recharged by the battery 104 during the float mode. That is, if the consumer performs only a short aerosolization session, the supercapacitor 106 can still be recharged for the pre-heat mode of the next aerosolization session. In addition to this improvement to the user experience, it also mitigates the need to instead or additionally use the battery 104 to power the heater 108 in a subsequent pre-heat mode, since the supercapacitor 106 stores enough energy to do so. This mitigates stressing the battery 104 during a subsequent pre-heat mode, thus avoiding a potentially shortened lifespan of the battery 104. Charging Mode The charging mode is selected when the controller 102 determines that the aerosol generating device 100 is connected to an external power source.

[0076] In one embodiment, the external power source may be a power source such as a mains power source or a power bank that is connected to the aerosol generating device 100 by a wired connection to the aerosol generating device 100. In one embodiment, the wired or wireless connection may be in the form of a USB cable that is connected to the aerosol generating device 100 by a USB socket in the aerosol generating device 100. In particular, the USB connection may be a micro USB connection or a USB-C connection. However, a person skilled in the art will readily appreciate that any other suitable type of wired or wireless power connection may be used. The charging mode may be initiated by the controller 102 determining that an external power source has been connected to the aerosol generating device 100.

[0077] In a first embodiment of the charging mode, the controller 102 is configured to control the supercapacitor 106 to charge from an external power source connectable to the aerosol generating device 100 until the supercapacitor 106 is fully charged, and then the controller 102 controls the battery 104 to charge from the external power source. Only the supercapacitor 106 is charged, and then only the battery 104 is charged. That is, the supercapacitor 106 is given a higher charging priority than the battery 104 in that it is charged before the battery 104 is charged. In this way, the aerosol generating device 100 can perform a pre-heating mode, thereby at least partially enabling a subsequent aerosolization session even if the power supply system itself is not fully charged, since the supercapacitor 106 used for the pre-heating mode is charged preferentially.

[0078] In a second embodiment of the charging mode, the controller 102 is configured to control the supercapacitor 106 to charge from an external power source connectable to the aerosol generating device 100 until the supercapacitor 106 reaches a predetermined charge level, and then the controller 102 is configured to control both the supercapacitor 106 and the battery 104 to charge from the external power source. Only the supercapacitor 106 is charged until it reaches a predetermined charge level, and then both the battery 104 and the supercapacitor 106 are charged. That is, the controller 102 determines the charge level of the supercapacitor 106 and controls only the supercapacitor 106 to charge until it reaches a point approaching full charge, for example, by comparing the charge level with a predetermined charge level (i.e., a predetermined charge threshold) stored in the controller 102. When the controller 102 determines that the supercapacitor 106 has been charged to the predetermined charge threshold, it controls both the supercapacitor 106 and the battery 104 to charge from the external power source. The supercapacitor 106 can be considered to have a higher charging priority than the battery 104 until the supercapacitor 106 reaches a predetermined charging threshold. This approach provides high utilization of the total available charging power of the external power source.

[0079] In some embodiments, the predetermined charge level may be a charge level greater than 50% of full charge, or preferably a charge level in the range of 60-90% of full charge, or more preferably a charge level in the range of 70-80% of full charge.

[0080] In a third embodiment of the charging mode, the controller 102 is configured to control both the supercapacitor 106 and the battery 104 to charge from an external power source connectable to the aerosol generating device 100. More specifically, the controller 102 controls both the supercapacitor 106 and the battery 104 to charge from the external power source if the external power source has an appropriate power source capability. That is, if the external power source can deliver power at a sufficiently high level, both the battery 104 and the supercapacitor 106 are charged simultaneously (i.e., the battery 104 and the supercapacitor 106 are given equal charging priority). Whether the external power source has an appropriate power source capability can be determined by the controller 102 when the aerosol generating device 100 is connected to the external power source, and the controller 102 can compare the power source capability or power delivery level of the external power source with a predetermined power delivery threshold stored in the controller 102. If the power delivery level of the external power source meets or exceeds the predetermined power delivery threshold, the controller 102 controls both the battery 104 and the supercapacitor 106 to charge simultaneously. This charging mode is advantageous because it provides a power system that charges the supercapacitor 106 without the risk of it not being adequately charged to perform the pre-heating mode for a subsequent aerosolization session.

[0081] If the supercapacitor 106 is not properly charged, it may not be possible to perform the preheat mode, and therefore the subsequent aerosolization session, and the aforementioned charging mode for the power system obviates this problem by ensuring that the supercapacitor 106 is properly charged.

[0082] The controller 102 can store one or more of the aforementioned charging modes and execute various charging modes as needed, for example, based on specific hardware considerations associated with the aerosol generating device 100 and / or the external power source. The aforementioned charging modes are advantageous in that they provide a fast charge after a full discharge of the power system for use with one or more aerosol generating consumables in a subsequent aerosolization session. This reduces the wait time of the aerosolization session. These fast charging examples can allow the power system to be rapidly charged to a state where enough energy is stored to aerosolize multiple (e.g., two) aerosol generating consumables.

[0083] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the controller 102 may be configured to perform any of the aforementioned modes of operation in combination with each other as desired.

[0084] The process steps described herein performed by the controller 102 may be stored in a non-transitory computer readable medium, or storage, associated with the main control unit. Computer readable media may include non-volatile media and volatile media. Volatile media may include, among others, semiconductor memory and dynamic memory. Non-volatile media may include, among others, optical and magnetic disks.

[0085] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the preceding embodiments in the above description are not limiting, and the features of each embodiment may be incorporated into other embodiments as appropriate.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a power supply system including at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, the power supply system operable in a plurality of selectable operating modes; a controller configured to control a power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and a power flow of the at least one battery based on the selected operating mode; The plurality of operational modes includes a float mode in which a heater associated with the aerosol generating device is substantially maintained at an aerosol generating temperature, and in the float mode, the controller: controlling power flow of the power system to maintain the heater associated with the aerosol generating device at substantially the aerosol generating temperature; configured to control the at least one battery to charge the at least one supercapacitor; Aerosol generator.

2. The plurality of operational modes further comprises a post-session mode, in which the controller: if the at least one supercapacitor is not substantially charged at an end point of the floating mode, controlling the at least one battery in the post-session mode to continue charging the at least one supercapacitor beyond the end point of the floating mode.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

3. The plurality of operational modes further comprises a first pre-heat mode in which the heater associated with the aerosol generating device is heated to a predetermined temperature using the power system, and in the first pre-heat mode, the controller is further configured to: configured to control both the at least one supercapacitor and the at least one battery to provide power to the heater; 3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The plurality of operational modes further comprises a second pre-heat mode in which the heater associated with the aerosol generating device is heated to a predetermined temperature using the power system, and in the second pre-heat mode, the controller is further configured to: configured to control the at least one supercapacitor to provide power to the heater without the at least one battery providing power to the heater; The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The plurality of operating modes further comprises a first charging mode, and in the first charging mode, the controller: configured to control the at least one supercapacitor to charge from an external power source connectable to the aerosol generating device until the at least one supercapacitor is fully charged, and then to control the at least one battery to charge from the external power source. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The plurality of operating modes further comprises a second charging mode, and in the second charging mode, the controller: configured to control the at least one supercapacitor to charge from an external power source connectable to the aerosol generating device until the at least one supercapacitor reaches a predetermined charge level, and then to control both the at least one supercapacitor and the at least one battery to charge from the external power source. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The predetermined charge level is More than 50% of full charge Or more preferably, 60% to 90% of full charge; Or more preferably, between 70% and 80% of full charge.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6.

8. The plurality of operating modes further comprises a third charging mode, and in the third charging mode, the controller: configured to control both the at least one supercapacitor and the at least one battery to be charged from an external power source connectable to the aerosol generating device; The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. In the third charging mode, the controller: configured to control both the at least one supercapacitor and the at least one battery to charge from an external power source connectable to the aerosol generating device, if the external power source has an appropriate power capacity; 9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8.

10. 10. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one supercapacitor comprises at least one hybrid supercapacitor and / or at least one asymmetric supercapacitor and / or at least one pseudo-supercapacitor.

11. 11. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the at least one supercapacitor is configured to store sufficient energy to power the associated heater to aerosolize at least one aerosol generating consumable received within the aerosol generating device.

12. 12. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol generating device is arranged to receive an aerosol generating consumable, the aerosol generating consumable comprising a tobacco rod.

13. 1. A method of controlling a power system of an aerosol generating device, the power system comprising at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, the power system operable in a plurality of selectable operating modes, the method comprising: controlling, by a controller, a power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and a power flow of the at least one battery based on the selected operating mode; The plurality of operational modes includes a float mode in which a heater associated with the aerosol generating device is substantially maintained at an aerosol generating temperature, and in the float mode, the method includes: controlling, by the controller, power flow of the power system to maintain the heater associated with the aerosol generating device at approximately the aerosol generating temperature; and controlling, by the controller, the at least one battery to charge the at least one supercapacitor. method.

14. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to control a power system of an aerosol generating device, the power system comprising at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, the power system operable in a plurality of selectable operating modes; The instructions cause the one or more processors to: controlling a power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and a power flow of the at least one battery based on the selected operating mode; The plurality of operational modes includes a float mode in which a heater associated with the aerosol generating device is substantially maintained at an aerosol generating temperature, and in the float mode, the instructions further include causing the one or more processors to: controlling power flow of the power supply system to maintain the heater associated with the aerosol generating device at approximately the aerosol generating temperature; controlling the at least one battery to charge the at least one supercapacitor; Non-transitory computer-readable medium.

15. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a power supply system including at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, the power supply system operable in a plurality of selectable operating modes; a controller configured to control a power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and a power flow of the at least one battery based on the selected operating mode; the plurality of operating modes comprises a pre-heating mode and / or a charging mode; Aerosol generator.

16. The plurality of operational modes further comprises a float mode in which a heater associated with the aerosol generating device is substantially maintained at an aerosol generating temperature, and in the float mode, the controller further comprises: controlling power flow of the power supply system to maintain the heater associated with the aerosol generating device at approximately the aerosol generating temperature; configured to control the at least one battery to charge the at least one supercapacitor; 16. The aerosol generating device according to claim 15.

17. The plurality of operational modes further comprises a post-session mode, in which the controller: if the at least one supercapacitor is not substantially charged at an end point of the floating mode, controlling the at least one battery to continue charging the at least one supercapacitor beyond the end point of the floating mode in the post-session mode.

17. The aerosol generating device according to claim 15 or 16.

18. The pre-heat mode comprises a first pre-heat mode in which a heater associated with the aerosol generating device is heated to a predetermined temperature using the power system, and in the first pre-heat mode, the controller: configured to control both the at least one supercapacitor and the at least one battery to provide power to the heater; The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 15 to 17.

19. The pre-heat mode comprises a second pre-heat mode in which a heater associated with the aerosol generating device is heated to a predetermined temperature using the power system, and in the second pre-heat mode, the controller: configured to control the at least one supercapacitor to provide power to the heater without the at least one battery providing power to the heater; The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 15 to 18.

20. The charging modes include a first charging mode, and in the first charging mode, the controller: configured to control the at least one supercapacitor to charge from an external power source connectable to the aerosol generating device until the at least one supercapacitor is fully charged, and then to control the at least one battery to charge from the external power source. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 15 to 19.

21. The charging mode comprises a second charging mode, and in the second charging mode, the controller: configured to control the at least one supercapacitor to charge from an external power source connectable to the aerosol generating device until the at least one supercapacitor reaches a predetermined charge level, and then to control both the at least one supercapacitor and the at least one battery to charge from the external power source. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 15 to 20.

22. The predetermined charge level is More than 50% of full charge Or preferably, 60% to 90% of full charge; Or more preferably, between 70% and 80% of full charge.

22. The aerosol generating device according to claim 21.

23. The charging modes include a third charging mode, and in the third charging mode, the controller: configured to control both the at least one supercapacitor and the at least one battery to be charged from an external power source connectable to the aerosol generating device; The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 15 to 22.

24. In the third charging mode, the controller: configured to control both the at least one supercapacitor and the at least one battery to charge from the external power source connectable to the aerosol generating device, if the external power source has an appropriate power capacity; 24. The aerosol generating device of claim 23.

25. 25. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 15 to 24, wherein the at least one supercapacitor comprises at least one hybrid supercapacitor and / or at least one asymmetric supercapacitor and / or at least one pseudo-supercapacitor.

26. 26. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 15 to 25, wherein the at least one supercapacitor is configured to store sufficient energy to power the associated heater to aerosolize at least one aerosol generating consumable received within the aerosol generating device.

27. 27. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 15 to 26, wherein the aerosol generating device is arranged to receive an aerosol generating consumable, the aerosol generating consumable comprising a tobacco rod.

28. 1. A method of controlling a power system of an aerosol generating device, the power system comprising at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, the power system operable in a plurality of selectable operating modes, the plurality of operating modes comprising a pre-heating mode and / or a charging mode, the method comprising: and controlling, by a controller, a power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and a power flow of the at least one battery based on the selected operating mode. method.

29. 1. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to control a power system of an aerosol generating device, the power system comprising at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, the power system operable in a plurality of selectable operating modes, the plurality of operating modes comprising a pre-heating mode and / or a charging mode; The instructions cause the one or more processors to: controlling a power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and a power flow of the at least one battery based on the selected operating mode. Non-transitory computer-readable medium.

30. 1. An aerosol generating device configured to heat a tobacco rod, comprising: a power supply system including at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, the power supply system operable in a plurality of selectable operating modes; a controller configured to control a power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and a power flow of the at least one battery based on the selected operating mode; During an aerosolization session, the operating modes include a preheat mode in which a heater associated with the aerosol generating device is heated to a predetermined temperature, and a float mode in which the heater associated with the aerosol generating device is substantially maintained at the aerosol generating temperature of the tobacco rod, and the controller: controlling the at least one supercapacitor to provide power to the heater in the pre-heat mode; configured to control the at least one battery to charge the at least one supercapacitor in the floating mode; Aerosol generator.

31. 1. A method of controlling a power system of an aerosol generating device configured to heat a tobacco rod, the power system comprising at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, the power system operable in a plurality of selectable operating modes, the method comprising: controlling, by a controller, a power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and a power flow of the at least one battery based on the selected operating mode; During an aerosolization session, the operating modes include a preheat mode in which a heater associated with the aerosol generating device is heated to a predetermined temperature, and a float mode in which the heater associated with the aerosol generating device is substantially maintained at the aerosol generating temperature of the tobacco rod, the method comprising: controlling the at least one supercapacitor to provide power to the heater in the pre-heat mode; and controlling the at least one battery to charge the at least one supercapacitor in the floating mode. method.

32. 1. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to control a power system of an aerosol generating device configured to heat a tobacco rod, the power system comprising at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, the power system operable in a plurality of selectable operating modes, the instructions causing the one or more processors to: controlling a power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and a power flow of the at least one battery based on the selected operating mode; During an aerosolization session, the operational modes include a preheat mode in which a heater associated with the aerosol generating device is heated to a predetermined temperature, and a float mode in which the heater associated with the aerosol generating device is substantially maintained at the aerosol generating temperature of the tobacco rod, the instructions further directing the one or more processors to: controlling the at least one supercapacitor to provide power to the heater in the pre-heat mode; controlling the at least one battery to charge the at least one supercapacitor in the floating mode; Non-transitory computer-readable medium.

Images