Aerosol generating device including a magnet as a safety fuse

Abstract

An aerosol generating device (1) is provided, comprising a magnet (10), a sensor (20) and a nullifying unit (30). The magnet (10) is configured to generate a magnetic field. The sensor (20) is coupled to the magnet and configured to detect the value of the magnetic field generated by the magnet. The nullifying unit (30) is configured to nullify the operation of the aerosol generating device (1), the nullifying unit (30) being configured to nullify the operation of the aerosol generating device (1) when the magnetic field value detected by the sensor (20) falls below a predefined magnetic field threshold, the predefined magnetic field threshold comprising a value indicative of the magnetic field strength exhibited by the magnet (10) when it reaches a maximum operating temperature, the maximum operating temperature of the magnet being indicative of a temperature value above which the magnet loses its magnetic field.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of aerosol generating devices, and in particular to an aerosol generating device the operation of which can be disabled, a disabling unit for disabling the operation of an aerosol generating device, a method for disabling the operation of an aerosol generating device, and a computer program. [Background technology]

[0002] Fuses are known as electrical safety components used to protect electrical or electronic devices in the event of a malfunction and / or to prevent harmful or dangerous situations. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] It has been envisaged to apply safety components such as fuses to aerosol generating devices, however such envisaged solutions are not particularly suitable for aerosol generating devices, nor are the known safety solutions for aerosol generating devices particularly effective or practical. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] One of the objectives of the present disclosure is to improve existing aerosol generating devices (particularly their safety or safe operation), generally addressing one or more of the technical problems of the prior art (e.g., those problems outlined above).

[0005] According to aspect A1, an aerosol generating device (1) is provided, comprising: a magnet (10) configured to generate a magnetic field; a sensor (20) coupled to the magnet and configured to detect a value of a magnetic field generated by the magnet; a deactivation unit (30) configured to deactivate the operation of the aerosol generating device; Including, The disabling unit (30) is configured to disable operation of the aerosol generating device (1) when the magnetic field value detected by the sensor (20) falls below a predetermined magnetic field threshold, the predetermined magnetic field threshold including a value indicating the magnetic field strength exhibited by the magnet (10) when it reaches a maximum operating temperature, the maximum operating temperature of the magnet (10) indicating a temperature value above which the magnet loses its magnetism.

[0006] Aspect A2: An aerosol generating device (1) according to aspect A1, wherein the magnet (10) and the sensor (20) are in fixed positions relative to each other.

[0007] Aspect A3: An aerosol generating device (1) according to aspect A1 or A2, wherein the maximum operating temperature of the magnet (10) corresponds to the safe operating temperature at the location where the magnet (10) is placed.

[0008] Aspect A4: The aerosol generating device (1) of any one of the preceding aspects A1 to A3, further comprising a temperature measuring unit (30) configured to provide a temperature measurement value based on the value of the magnetic field detected by the sensor (20).

[0009] Aspect A5: The aerosol generating device (1) according to any one of the preceding aspects A1 to A4, further comprising a heating unit, and the magnet (10) is arranged in close proximity to the heating unit and / or in contact with the heating unit and / or within the heating unit.

[0010] Aspect A6: An aerosol generating device (1) as described in aspect A5, wherein the magnet disposed within the heating unit comprises a magnet integrated as part of the structure of the heating unit, preferably as part of a wall of the heating unit, or as part of a support member of the heating unit, or as part of a plug of the heating unit.

[0011] Aspect A7: The aerosol generating device (1) according to any one of the preceding aspects A1 to A6, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises a battery, and the magnet (10) is arranged in close proximity to and / or in contact with the battery.

[0012] Aspect A8: An aerosol generating device (1) described in any one of the preceding aspects A1 to A7, wherein the deactivation unit includes a switch connected in series with the battery, the switch being configured to be in an open position when the magnetic field is below a magnetic field threshold.

[0013] Aspect A9: A disabling unit (230) for disabling the operation of an aerosol generating device (1) including a magnet (10) or the operation of an accessory device of the aerosol generating device (1) including a magnet (10), the disabling unit (1) comprising: a processing unit (231) configured to determine a nullifying condition when the magnetic field value of the magnet falls below a predefined magnetic field threshold, the predefined magnetic field threshold comprising a value indicative of the magnetic field strength exhibited by the magnet when it reaches a maximum operating temperature, the maximum operating temperature of the magnet indicative of a temperature value above which the magnet loses its magnetism; a notification unit (232) configured to issue a notification signal indicating that operation of the aerosol generating device should be disabled or that operation of an accessory device should be disabled in response to determining that a disabling condition exists; an invalidation unit (230) including

[0014] Embodiment A10: The nullifying unit (230) according to embodiment A9, wherein the magnet (10) and the sensor (20) are in fixed positions relative to each other.

[0015] Aspect A11: The nullifying unit (230) according to aspect A9 or A10, wherein the maximum operating temperature of the magnet (10) corresponds to a safe operating temperature at the location where the magnet (10) is located.

[0016] Aspect A12: The nullification unit (230) according to any one of aspects A9 to A11, wherein the nullification unit is configured to receive from the temperature measurement unit a temperature measurement value based on the value of the magnetic field sensed by the sensor (20).

[0017] Aspect A13: A nullifying unit (230) according to any one of aspects A9 to A12, wherein the magnet (10) is arranged in close proximity to the heating unit and / or in contact with the heating unit and / or within the heating unit.

[0018] Aspect A14: A deactivation unit (230) according to any one of aspects A13, wherein the magnet disposed within the heating unit comprises a magnet integrated as part of the structure of the heating unit, preferably as part of a wall of the heating unit, or as part of a support member of the heating unit, or as part of a plug of the heating unit.

[0019] Aspect A15: The deactivation unit (230) according to any one of aspects A9 to A14, wherein the aerosol generating device further includes a battery, and the magnet (10) is arranged in close proximity to and / or in contact with the battery.

[0020] Aspect A16: The revocation unit (230) of any one of aspects A9 to A15, wherein the revocation unit includes a switch connected in series with the battery, the switch being configured to be in an open position when the magnetic field is below a magnetic field threshold.

[0021] Aspect A17: A method of disabling the operation of an aerosol generating device that includes a magnet, comprising: A step (S10) of measuring the value of a magnetic field generated by a magnet included in the aerosol generating device using a sensor coupled to the magnet; - a step (S10) of disabling operation of the aerosol generating device when the magnetic field value falls below a predetermined magnetic field threshold, the predetermined magnetic field threshold comprising a value indicative of the magnetic field strength exhibited by the magnet when it reaches a maximum operating temperature, the maximum operating temperature of the magnet indicating a temperature value above which the magnet loses its magnetism; The method includes:

[0022] Aspect A18: The method described in aspect A17, wherein the magnet (10) and the sensor (20) are disposed in fixed positions relative to each other.

[0023] Aspect A19: The method of aspect A17 or A18, wherein the maximum operating temperature of the magnet (10) corresponds to a safe operating temperature at the location where the magnet (10) is located.

[0024] Aspect A20: The method of any one of the preceding aspects A17-A19, further comprising measuring a temperature (corresponding to the temperature at the location where the magnet is placed) based on the value of the magnetic field sensed by the sensor (20).

[0025] Aspect A21: The method of any one of the preceding aspects A17 to A20, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises a heating unit, and wherein the magnet (10) is positioned in proximity to (or at the location of) the heating unit and / or in contact with the heating unit and / or within the heating unit.

[0026] Aspect A22: The method of aspect A21, wherein the magnet disposed within the heating unit comprises a magnet integrated as part of the structure of the heating unit, preferably as part of a wall of the heating unit, or as part of a support member of the heating unit, or as part of a plug of the heating unit.

[0027] Aspect A23: The method of any one of the preceding aspects A17 to A22, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises a battery, and the magnet (10) is positioned (positions the magnet) in close proximity and / or contact with the battery.

[0028] Aspect A24: An aerosol generating device (1) according to any one of the preceding aspects A17 to A23, wherein the deactivation unit includes a switch connected in series with the battery, and the method includes a step of switching the switch to an open position when the magnetic field falls below a magnetic field threshold.

[0029] Aspect A25: A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to carry out the steps according to any one of aspects A17 to A25.

[0030] Embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which similar reference symbols appearing in different ones of the drawings may be taken to indicate identical or functionally equivalent elements, unless otherwise stated. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a nullification unit according to one embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a flowchart of a method according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of a computer suitable for executing a computer program for performing a method according to an embodiment; [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary heated without combustion (HNB) device according to one embodiment. [Figure 5B] 5B shows an exemplary maximum device operating temperature heat map for the device of FIG. 5A. [Figure 6A] 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an HNB device according to one embodiment. [Figure 6B] 6B shows an example of the configuration of FIG. 6A, in which the magnet is located on the outside of the heater. [Figure 7A]1 shows a schematic block diagram of an HNB device according to one embodiment. [Figure 7B] An example of the configuration in FIG. 7A is shown in which the magnet is part of the heater structure (eg, part of the heater cup structure). [Figure 8A] 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an HNB device according to one embodiment. [Figure 8B] An example of the configuration of FIG. 8A is shown, where the magnet is provided as a heater (oven) plug. [Figure 9A] 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an HNB device according to one embodiment. [Figure 9B] 9B shows an example of the configuration of FIG. 9A, in which a portion of the heater cup is made of a magnetic material. [Figure 10A] 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an HNB device according to one embodiment. [Figure 10B] 10B shows an example of the configuration of FIG. 10A, in which the Hall sensor is placed in close proximity to or in contact with the battery. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. If a reference sign is given to a technical feature in the drawings, detailed description, or any claim, the reference sign is given only to facilitate understanding of the drawings, detailed description, and claims. Therefore, the presence or absence of a reference sign does not limit the scope of any claim element.

[0033] According to an exemplary description of the inventive solution, a safety fuse is provided to (preferably permanently) disable an aerosol generating device, such as a heated non-burning (HNB) device, in particular to protect a user from dangers that may be caused by overheating of a damaged device. For example, critical components such as a heater (oven) or a battery may overheat (e.g. due to damage or malfunction), thereby exposing the user to a safety risk (e.g. risk of burns), or further components (e.g. insulation) may be damaged, also resulting in exposing the user to a safety risk. Such risks are usually realized when the aerosol generating device or its components reach a maximum operating temperature (e.g. maximum operating temperature of the heater and / or battery and / or insulation, etc.), and therefore this temperature may be considered as the maximum temperature within which safe operation can be guaranteed, at least to a foreseen extent (e.g. by design, etc.). Furthermore, as long as the maximum temperature is not reached, the solution may be used as a wireless temperature sensor (e.g. facilitating heating management / control of the device).

[0034] In one example, the disclosed solution can optionally and by way of example prevent an overheating device from being used by detecting that the permanent magnet material has reached its maximum operating temperature (resulting in the magnet being permanently demagnetized) if other heat detection elements (e.g., thermistors) fail. In this example, the device further enhances consumer safety by being rendered inoperable since the disablement occurs only if other heat detection methods fail, and is robust to firmware resets since the disablement of the device is in hardware. However, this solution may be implemented in the absence of, or independent of, other heat detection methods. Additionally, the permanent magnet can act as a temperature sensor until it reaches its maximum operating temperature. For example, a neodymium magnet loses 0.11% magnetism for every 1° C. increase in temperature, so this magneto-temperature characteristic can be used to derive temperature from measurements of the magnetic field. Further embodiments and examples are provided below.

[0035] According to a first embodiment, there is provided an aerosol generating device (e.g., as shown in Figures 1A and 1B) that includes optional elements such as a magnet 10, a sensor (29) and a neutralization unit 30. Note that the figures also include optional elements such as a heater 40 and a battery 50, according to two examples, namely, the magnet being co-located with the heater 40 (Figure 1A) and the magnet being co-located with the battery 50 (Figure 1B), which will be described in more detail further below.

[0036] The magnet 10 generates a magnetic field and is preferably a permanent magnet. A permanent magnet may be made of a material that is magnetized to provide a permanent or persistent magnetic field (e.g., as a result of an orientation induced on the magnetic domains), which field remains substantially persistent over time, at least over a temperature range. If the magnet is kept below a maximum operating temperature (sometimes called the Curie temperature), the properties of the magnet (e.g., the magnetic field) remain substantially unchanged over time, at least over a given temperature or temperature range. Below the maximum operating temperature, the strength of the magnetic field provided by the magnet may vary with temperature and may be inversely proportional to temperature for some types of materials. In contrast, if the magnet is heated above the maximum operating temperature, or if the magnet is heated above the maximum operating temperature, it will substantially lose magnetization.

[0037] The sensor 20 is coupled to the magnet 10 and is configured to detect the value of the magnetic field generated by the magnet 10. Any sensor capable of measuring the magnetic field generated by the magnet, in particular the strength of the magnetic field, especially the strength of the magnetic field generated or imparted by a permanent magnet, is suitable. Thus, "coupled to" should still be understood according to its general meaning that the sensor is arranged in a position relative to the magnet, preferably in close proximity to the magnet, such that the magnetic field generated by the magnet 10 is detectable by the sensor 20. Examples of the sensor 20 include Hall sensors, MEMS magnetic field sensors (e.g. by measuring the Lorentz force), AMR (anisotropic magnetoresistance) sensors, GMR (giant magnetoresistance) sensors, TMR (tunneling magnetoresistance) sensors, etc., or any combination thereof.

[0038] The nullifying unit 30 is configured to disable the operation of the aerosol generating device when it is detected that the magnet has substantially lost its magnetism, which corresponds substantially to the magnet being at a temperature equal to or higher than the maximum operating temperature. Losing magnetism is to be understood as the magnet no longer being able to generate a magnetic field by itself, i.e. being demagnetized. This may also be considered irreversible in the sense that the magnetism will not recover if the material is left as is (e.g. it would require a magnetization process, as it would not automatically recover if left as is and at a temperature below the maximum operating temperature / Curie temperature). In one example, the nullifying unit 30 is configured to disable the operation of the aerosol generating device when the magnetic field value detected by the sensor 20 falls below a predefined magnetic field threshold, the predefined magnetic field threshold including or being a value indicative of the strength of the magnetic field that the magnet exhibits when it reaches its maximum operating temperature, and the maximum operating temperature of the magnet indicating the temperature value above which the magnet loses its magnetism. That is, the strength of the magnetic field corresponding to the magnetic field threshold is so low that the magnetism of the magnet cannot be substantially detected at least by the sensor 20. The magnetic field threshold may be predetermined based on the material of the magnet 10 and / or the sensor 20 (particularly, the accuracy of detecting low magnetic fields).

[0039] It should be noted that the sensor 20 can provide a measurement of the strength of the magnetic field generated by the magnet 10 so that the nullifying unit 30 can disable the operation when a low magnetic field value below a predefined magnetic field threshold occurs. However, providing a measurement of the magnetic field value is not essential, since in practice it may be sufficient to provide the nullifying unit 30 with a signal indicating the presence or absence of a magnetic field (for example a flag value or an electrical signal indicating that a magnetic field has been detected above or below, respectively, a predefined magnetic field threshold). Also in this case, the nullifying unit 30 can disable the operation when the magnet has substantially lost its magnetism.

[0040] In one example, the deactivation unit (30) may be included in or be a controller unit (processor) that stops the operation of the aerosol generating device or components. For example, the controller receives a signal from the sensor 20 and issues a command to disable the operation of the aerosol generating device depending on the value of such signal. This command may be, for example, a command to turn off the device, a command to stop the operation of the controller / processor itself, a command to disconnect the battery unit from the heater, a command to open a switch to prevent power from being supplied to all or some components of the aerosol generating device, a command to disconnect the heater from other circuits, etc.

[0041] In another example, the nullifying unit 30 may specifically be a transistor having one control terminal (e.g., gate in the case of a MOSFET) and a pair of connectable terminals (e.g., drain and source in the case of a MOSFET), which is connected on the circuit line to be protected. The control terminal is provided with a signal indicating whether the magnetic field detected by the sensor 20 is below a predefined magnetic field threshold (or whether the presence of the magnetic field of a magnet is detected). If the sensed magnetic field is absent or below the threshold, the transistor acts like an open switch, whereby no current flows between the two connectable terminals. The circuit lines to be protected may be the circuit lines connecting the battery unit to the heater, the circuit lines connecting the battery to other electrical components of the aerosol generating device, the circuit lines supplying power to the heater, etc. The transistor is preferably connected in the circuit of the aerosol generating device such that the pair of connectable terminals is arranged in series on the circuit line to be protected. Although MOSFETs are mentioned, the same applies to other types of transistors such as FETs, BJTs, etc. Furthermore, the nullifying unit 30 may include transistors and further electrical components to properly handle the signals (e.g. adapting the voltage values ​​(e.g. inverting the voltage values ​​from the sensors to suit the controller / transistors etc.)). Furthermore, the nullifying unit 30 may also be realised with electromechanical components (e.g. MEMS switches), mechanical switches operated by transistors etc.

[0042] The disable unit 30 may therefore act as a fuse to disable the operation of the aerosol generating device, as described above.

[0043] The sensor 20 must be able to withstand some temperature, but not necessarily the maximum operating temperature of the magnet 10. In practice, for coupling between the sensor 20 and the magnet 10 to be sufficient to detect a magnetic field, it may be sufficient for the sensor 20 to be located in close proximity to the magnet 10, but far enough away from it (so that the temperature is reduced), such that the temperature indicated by the sensor 20 is lower than the maximum operating temperature of the magnet 10. That is, it may be sufficient for the sensor 20 to be able to function (e.g., provide a measurement output within a given accuracy) at a maximum functional temperature that is lower than the maximum operating temperature of the magnet 10.

[0044] The magnet 10 and the sensor 20 are preferably in fixed positions relative to each other, which can reduce or eliminate possible inaccuracies caused by relative movement between the two parts, since such relative movement (especially substantial movement (e.g., more than vibration)) can change the strength of the magnetic field detected by the sensor, and thus can lead to a false detection that the maximum temperature has been reached.

[0045] Preferably, the maximum operating temperature of the magnet 10 may correspond to a safe operating temperature at the location where the magnet is placed. For example, consider the case where the magnet 10 is placed at a location corresponding to a heater included in the aerosol generating device (on, adjacent to, in, or as part of the heater, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 5 and subsequent figures). In this case, the location where the magnet is placed and / or the material of the magnet are determined so that the maximum operating temperature of the magnet 10 corresponds to the safe operation of the heater (e.g., to prevent a user from being burned when the heater malfunctions or is damaged). Thus, if the temperature of the heater becomes too high (e.g., above a value considered dangerous for the user or a value corresponding to the maximum operating temperature of the magnet 10), the disabling unit 30 intervenes and disables the operation. In another example, a component such as a battery of the aerosol generating device 10 is to be protected (e.g., against overheating due to malfunction). The magnet 10 may be placed close to the battery and / or the material of the magnet 10 may be selected so that the maximum operating temperature of the magnet 10 corresponds to the maximum functional temperature of the battery that is considered safe for the operation of the battery. Thus, the maximum operating temperature of the magnet is set to correspond to the maximum functional temperature of the aerosol generating device or parts thereof, and such correspondence may be set by determining where the magnet is placed and / or what material the magnet is made of. The maximum functional temperature may be set with a view to safety for the user and / or safe operation of the aerosol generating device or parts thereof.

[0046] Preferably, the aerosol generating device 1 may further comprise a temperature measuring unit configured to provide a temperature measurement based on the value of the magnetic field sensed by the sensor. In fact, the magnetic field generated by the magnet 10 may vary with temperature according to a known temperature-magnetic field characteristic, especially at temperatures below or up to the maximum operating temperature of the magnet 10, and thus, by measuring the magnetic field, it is possible to determine the temperature of the magnet and the corresponding temperature of the location and part of the device where the magnet is located. Thus, further functions can be realized with the same means. The temperature measuring unit may be advantageously (but not necessarily) implemented in the sensor or in the processor / controller also implementing the nullifying unit. In this way, one mechanism (e.g. magnet with sensor or magnet with processor) can be advantageously used as fuse and as temperature measuring unit, thereby reducing the number of parts required to perform the corresponding functions (e.g. measuring temperature and ensuring safe operation).

[0047] As anticipated above, with reference to Fig. 1A, in one example the aerosol generating device preferably includes a heating unit 40, in which case the magnet 10 is arranged in close proximity to the heating unit 40 and / or in (mechanical) contact with the heating unit 40 (e.g. at least a part of the magnet is in contact with the heater) and / or within the heating unit 40. As will also be explained later with some examples, a part of the body of the magnet may be in close proximity to the heater, or in contact with the heater, or within the heater (or the magnet may be realized by a number of magnet units generating a total magnetic field detected by the sensor 20). In this way, the magnet 10 may be used to ensure that operation is disabled when the heater reaches a certain temperature that is not considered appropriate (e.g. in terms of risk of burning the user, risk of drawing too much current from the battery, which may cause malfunction, etc.).

[0048] Preferably, the magnet, if located within the heating unit, may be integrated as part of the structure of the heating unit, preferably as part of the wall of the heating unit or as part of the support member of the heating unit, also as further described below. Preferably, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a plug (e.g. as shown in FIG. 8B) for closing the heater at the end opposite the inlet where the consumable (e.g. stick) is inserted into the heater. In this example, the magnet may be integrated as part of the plug 45, in direct contact with the heater and acting as a sink to achieve a simple and precise construction.

[0049] In one example, and still referring to Figure 1B, the aerosol generating device preferably includes a battery, and the magnet is located in close proximity and / or contact with the battery. In this way, safe operation of the device can be achieved by disabling operation when the temperature of the battery reaches a maximum functional temperature that is not deemed suitable for safe and / or proper functioning, and the maximum operating temperature of the magnet 10 is set to correspond to the maximum functional temperature (by appropriately determining the magnet placement location and / or material, as described above).

[0050] Preferably, the nullifying unit 30 includes a switch connected in series with the battery, the switch being configured to be in an open position when the magnetic field is below a magnetic field threshold. In one example, the switch may be implemented by a transistor as described above.

[0051] It should be noted that although magnet 10 can be realised as a single magnet unit, multiple magnet units may be used as described above in the heater example and noting that the same applies to other examples (e.g. where multiple battery units are located in different locations than the battery or other components to be protected).

[0052] Furthermore, the aerosol generating device has also been mentioned above as a device capable of receiving and heating a stick. However, the present solution is not limited to such type of device, since it actually also applies to other aerosol generating devices that include components that require a guarantee of safe operation, noting that such devices preferably or usually include components such as a heater and / or a battery, etc. Furthermore, the aerosol generating device may also be called an inhaler, etc. Preferably, the aerosol generating device is for generating aerosols containing tobacco. Preferably, the aerosol generating device is for generating aerosols from a flavor-containing substance source and / or a tobacco-containing substance source.

[0053] Therefore, what has been described so far also applies to the embodiments disclosed below, including optional aspects and preferred aspects, and what will be described below also applies to what has been described so far. Therefore, repetition of the same or individual descriptions will be omitted for brevity. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals refer to the same features and corresponding descriptions.

[0054] With reference to Fig. 2, a disabling unit 230 according to a second embodiment is shown. The disabling unit 230 is for disabling the operation of the aerosol generating device including the magnet and / or for disabling the operation of an accessory device of the aerosol generating device including the magnet. The disabling unit 230 includes a processing unit 231 and a notification unit 232. The disabling unit 230 may also be referred to interchangeably as a safety unit for putting the device in a safe state (safe mode). In the safe state / mode, the disabling of the operations may preferably be performed permanently, or at least until a specific overriding command is issued.

[0055] The processing unit 231 is configured to determine the invalidation condition when the magnetic field value of the magnet (e.g. detected by the sensor 20 coupled to the magnet 10) falls below a predefined magnetic field threshold. The predefined magnetic field threshold comprises a value indicative of the magnetic field strength exhibited by the magnet at its maximum operating temperature. The maximum operating temperature of the magnet indicates a temperature value above which the magnet loses its magnetic field. The invalidation condition may be based on a sensor output provided by the sensor 20 as described above. The invalidation condition may thus represent or correspond to an indication of the absence of a magnetic field of the magnet or that the magnetic field of the magnet is below a predefined threshold, and thus represent or correspond to the fact that the temperature of the aerosol generating device or a part thereof has reached its maximum operating temperature (e.g. a condition in which operation may be unsafe).

[0056] The notification unit 232 is configured to issue a notification signal indicating that operation of the aerosol generating device should be disabled or that operation of the accessory device should be disabled in response to determining that a disabling condition exists.

[0057] In one example, the disabling unit 230 may be implemented by a controller including a processor (as an example of the processing unit 231) and an interface port (as an example of the notification unit 232) for issuing a command to disable the device or a signal to notify another device to disable the aerosol generating device. The notification signal may be represented by a signal issued by the controller, which issues, for example, a signal to disable heating or a signal to disconnect the battery from other circuit components. In another example, the disabling unit 230 may be implemented by a circuit including a transistor, the gate of which is provided with a signal indicative of a disabling condition (e.g. provided by a sensor), and by a connectable terminal of the transistor indicating that operation should be disabled / suspended (e.g. by switching to an open state) when the disabling condition is met.

[0058] One example of the above-mentioned accessory device for the aerosol generating device is a pocket charger that contains a battery for charging the aerosol generating device, and the magnet may be placed in close proximity to the battery of the pocket charger.

[0059] 3, there is shown a third embodiment relating to a method for disabling the operation of an aerosol generating device 1 including a magnet 10. The method includes a step S10 of measuring the value of a magnetic field generated by the magnet 10 by a sensor 20 coupled to the magnet 10 included in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0060] The method further comprises a step S20 of disabling operation of the aerosol generating device 1 when the magnetic field value falls below a predefined magnetic field threshold, the predefined magnetic field threshold comprising a value indicative of the magnetic field strength exhibited by the magnet 10 at its maximum operating temperature, the maximum operating temperature of the magnet 10 being indicative of the temperature value above which the magnet 10 loses its magnetism.

[0061] According to another embodiment, a processor program is provided, the program comprising instructions configured to, when executed on a computer, perform any step or combination of steps of the method, as well as variations thereof, as described with reference to the first embodiment. Figure 6 shows a block diagram illustrating a computer 500 capable of executing said program. In particular, the computer 500 comprises a memory 530 for storing instructions of the program and / or data required for the execution of the instructions, a processor 520 for executing the instructions, and an input / output interface 510. Figure 4 shows an example of a computer suitable for the execution of such a computer program.

[0062] According to another embodiment, a medium supporting a processor program is provided, the program comprising instructions configured to perform a step or a combination of steps according to the above-described method when executed on a computer. Examples of the medium include static and / or dynamic memory, fixed disk, or any other medium (e.g., CD, DVD, Blu-ray) from which the instructions are copied to the processor of the aerosol generating device or its accessories. The medium also includes a means capable of supporting signals constituting the instructions, including cable transmission means (Ethernet, lens, etc.) or wireless transmission means (cellular transmission, satellite transmission, digital terrestrial transmission, etc.).

[0063] In the following, an example is given in which the sensor 20 is a Hall sensor (although other sensors may be used, provided they are suitable for measuring a magnetic field, preferably by placing the sensor in close proximity to a magnet).

[0064] As can be seen from the above description, the Hall sensor may be used to detect the magnetic field generated by a magnet (typically and preferably a hard magnetic material) in a device, and to discontinue use of the device when the magnetic field is no longer detectable due to the magnetic material reaching its maximum operating temperature (see also the discussion of Table 1 below). The magnet acts like a fuse, as it becomes permanently demagnetized when heated beyond its maximum operating temperature.

[0065] Thermal demagnetization depends on the magnet material. Some types of magnets, such as Samarium Cobalt (SmCo), are particularly suited for aerosol generating device applications due to their high heat resistance. Neodymium magnets may be used as well, but would not be suitable for use in the hottest areas of aerosol generating devices such as HNB devices.

[0066] The maximum operating temperature of the magnet preferably corresponds to the safe operating temperature of the device at the magnet's location (i.e. where the magnet is located) and the Hall sensor is located at a location where it can detect the magnetism of the magnet. If the device overheats and if other optional sensors (such as a thermistor) are present to detect the device overheating, the temperature at the magnet's location exceeds the magnet's operating temperature, the Hall sensor will detect the drop in the magnetic field and trigger a disable of the device, rendering it inoperable.

[0067] The level of magnetization detected by the Hall sensor also acts as a wireless temperature sensor until the magnet reaches its maximum operating temperature (e.g. a neodymium magnet loses 0.11% magnetism for every 1°C increase in temperature. Based on this known temperature-magnetic field characteristic it is possible to determine the temperature from the measured magnetic field at a given time). One advantage of this solution is that it is possible to place the magnet in areas where normal electronic components cannot be placed (e.g. the cable leading to the temperature sensor cannot be placed inside the heater / oven) and / or the magnet can be used / integrated as part of the structure of the device (e.g. the heater wall (cup) or the supporting part of the heating engine (i.e. oven plug)). In the latter case it is also possible to achieve a compact design.

[0068] The solution may also be used to protect critical components of the aerosol generating device (e.g., the battery) by placing magnets in close proximity to the critical components where their temperature can be monitored to maximize protection.

[0069] Table 1 below lists some examples of different types of magnets and their corresponding maximum operating temperatures.

[0070] [Table 1]

[0071] For a description of neodymium magnet grades, see for example https: / / en.wikipedia.org / wiki / Neodymium_magnet; or “Handbook of Modern Sensors: Physics, Designs, and Applications”, Jacob Fraden, Springer. For a list of neodymium magnets, see https: / / e-magnetsuk.com / introduction-to-neodymium-magnets / grades-of-neodymium / , where the nomenclature begins with an “N” (which stands for “NEO”, the industry abbreviation for neodymium) followed by two digits; or https: / / e-magnetsuk.com / introduction-to-neodymium-magnets / temperature-ratings / , which shows the temperature effect on neodymium iron boron (NdBFeC) magnets.

[0072] FIG. 5A shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary HNB device. FIG. 5B shows a maximum device operating temperature heat map. This is a map showing where the maximum temperature is reached at each location of the HNB device at the safe operating limit, which indicates the upper limit above which unsafe operation occurs. Reference numbers 1-4 indicate magnets with various operating temperatures (numbers 1-4 represent magnets shown in the left column of Table 1) that are in their appropriate positions to act as safety fuses and temperature sensors. For example, at the inlet of the heater (see reference number 3 in FIG. 5), where temperatures can reach a range of about 150-180° C., magnets with material type suffix UH or EH are determined to be appropriate and selected as such (see the row corresponding to reference number 3 in Table 1 above), and indeed the maximum operating temperature of magnet type UH is about 180° C., thereby losing magnetism at the maximum temperature allowed at that location. At the same locations, material type EH may be selected, in which case the safe operating limit can be raised or the tolerance of the safe operating limit can be increased. Similar considerations apply to references 1, 2, and 4 in FIG. 5, which indicate temperature ranges of about 80-100° C., about 120-150° C., and about 230° C., respectively, for which magnet type suffixes M (for reference 1), H or SH (for reference 2), and AH (for reference 4) are selected. The magnet locations may be adjusted to match the maximum safe operating temperature of the device according to heat maps and / or tests performed on the device, etc. These are examples of how the magnet location and / or magnet material are determined to detect if operation is no longer safe.

[0073] FIG. 6A shows a schematic block diagram of an HNB device with a built-in heating engine (one example of a heater) and a battery. In this configuration, FIG. 6B shows an example where the magnet is located outside the heater (oven), and the battery is not shown (indeed, it may be omitted) since it is not directly related to this example. As seen in FIG. 6B, the Hall sensor is located close to and under the magnet, which allows the temperature reached by the sensor to be lower than the temperature reached by the magnet, thereby making the structure of the sensor simpler. Also, at temperatures lower than the maximum operating temperature of the magnet, the sensor can be said to measure the temperature in a "wireless" manner (since no cable is required). This makes the assembly easier and the structure more compact, since the same mechanism is used both as a safety fuse and as a temperature measuring unit.

[0074] FIG. 7A shows a schematic block diagram of an HNB device with a built-in heating engine (one example of a heater) and a battery. In this configuration, FIG. 7B shows an example where the magnet is part of the heater structure (e.g., part of the heater cup structure). One advantage of this configuration is that the magnet material can be integrated into the existing part of the heater without the need for additional parts, which makes the HNB device more compact. Also, in this case, the Hall sensor is arranged in close proximity and can reach a lower temperature than either the heater or the magnet integrated in the heater, which can make the sensor structure easier to realize (the same applies to the following examples). Also, in this case, wireless temperature measurement can be implemented (the same applies to the following examples, so the explanation will not be repeated).

[0075] Figure 8A shows a schematic block diagram of an HNB device with a built-in heating engine (one example of a heater) and a battery. In this configuration, Figure 8B shows an example where a magnet is provided as a heater (oven) plug, i.e., at the bottom of the heater (relative to the device when held upright with the heater inlet facing up). One advantage of this configuration is that the magnet is in direct contact with the heater and acts as a heat sink, allowing accurate monitoring of temperature conditions (and therefore hazardous conditions).

[0076] Fig. 9A shows a schematic block diagram of an HNB device with a built-in heating engine (one example of a heater) and a battery. In this configuration, Fig. 9B shows a heater cup partly made of a magnetic material (e.g., incorporating a magnet). The advantages of this configuration are that no additional parts are required and that the temperature can be detected at the heat source, resulting in a simple and highly accurate structure.

[0077] FIG. 10A shows a schematic block diagram of an HNB device with a built-in heating engine (an example of a heater) and a battery. In this configuration, FIG. 10B shows an example where a Hall sensor is placed in close proximity to or in contact with the battery, which allows for monitoring the temperature on a critical component such as the battery. The above examples may be combined. For example, protection for one component can be achieved by placing different magnets at different locations on the component (see the heater example), and protection for multiple components can be achieved by placing one or more magnets for each of those components (e.g., one or more magnets for the heater, one or more magnets for the battery).

[0078] What has been described so far can be applied to other components of the aerosol generating device, not just the heater and battery.

[0079] In the above description, what is disclosed with respect to the device also applies to the respective method or methods, and vice versa. Furthermore, features such as magnet, sensor, nullifying unit, processing unit, and notification unit are not limited to a particular implementation, and these terms may be replaced with the corresponding magnetic generating means for generating a magnetic field, the detecting means, the nullifying means, the processing means, and the notification means, respectively. Naturally, the description given so far in this specification of embodiments and examples applying the principles recognized by the inventors of the present application are provided only as examples of these principles and should not be understood as limiting the scope of the invention claimed herein. Thus, although detailed embodiments and examples have been described, they are merely for the purpose of better understanding the invention defined in the independent claims, and should not be interpreted as limiting.

[0080] A further example can be given as follows.

[0081] E1. An aerosol generating device (1), a magnet (10) configured to generate a magnetic field; a sensor (20) coupled to the magnet and configured to detect a value of a magnetic field generated by the magnet; a deactivation unit (30) configured to deactivate the operation of the aerosol generating device; Including, the deactivation unit (30) is configured to deactivate the operation of the aerosol generating device (1) when the magnetic field value detected by the sensor (20) falls below a predetermined magnetic field threshold, the predetermined magnetic field threshold comprising a value indicative of the magnetic field strength exhibited by the magnet (10) when it reaches a maximum operating temperature, the maximum operating temperature of the magnet indicating a temperature value above which the magnet loses its magnetism; Aerosol generator (1).

[0082] E2. The aerosol generating device (1) of example E1, wherein the magnet (10) and the sensor (20) are in fixed positions relative to each other.

[0083] E3. An aerosol generating device (1) according to example E1 or E2, wherein the maximum operating temperature of the magnet (10) corresponds to the safe operating temperature at the location where the magnet (10) is located.

[0084] E4. The aerosol generating device (1) according to any one of Examples E1 to E3, further comprising a temperature measuring unit (30) configured to provide a temperature measurement based on the value of the magnetic field sensed by the sensor (20).

[0085] E5. An aerosol generating device (1) according to any one of Examples E1 to E4, further comprising a heating unit (40), and the magnet (10) is arranged in close proximity to the heating unit (40) and / or in contact with the heating unit (40) and / or within the heating unit (40).

[0086] E6. The aerosol generating device (1) described in Example E5, wherein the magnet (10) disposed within the heating unit includes a magnet (10) that is integrated as part of the structure of the heating unit (40), preferably as part of the wall of the heating unit (40), or as part of the support member of the heating unit (40), or as part of the plug of the heating unit (40).

[0087] E7. The aerosol generating device (1) according to any one of Examples E1-6, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises a battery, and the magnet (10) is disposed in close proximity to and / or in contact with the battery.

[0088] E8. An aerosol generating device (1) according to any one of Examples E1 to E7, wherein the deactivation unit includes a switch connected in series with the battery, the switch being configured to be in an open position when the magnetic field is below a magnetic field threshold.

[0089] E9. A disabling unit (230) for disabling the operation of an aerosol generating device (1) including a magnet (10) or the operation of an accessory device of the aerosol generating device (1) including a magnet (10), the disabling unit (1) comprising: a processing unit (231) configured to determine a nullifying condition when the magnetic field value of the magnet falls below a predefined magnetic field threshold, the predefined magnetic field threshold comprising a value indicative of the magnetic field strength exhibited by the magnet when it reaches a maximum operating temperature, the maximum operating temperature of the magnet indicative of a temperature value above which the magnet loses its magnetism; a notification unit (232) configured to issue a notification signal indicating that operation of the aerosol generating device should be disabled or that operation of an accessory device should be disabled in response to determining that a disabling condition exists; an invalidation unit (230) including

[0090] E10. The nullification unit (230) of example E9, wherein the nullification unit is configured to receive from the temperature measurement unit a temperature measurement based on the value of the magnetic field sensed by the sensor (20).

[0091] E11. The deactivation unit (230) of example E9 or E10, wherein the deactivation unit includes a switch connected in series with the battery, the switch being configured to be in an open position when the magnetic field is below a magnetic field threshold.

[0092] E12. A method for disabling the operation of an aerosol generating device including a magnet, comprising: A step (S10) of measuring the value of a magnetic field generated by a magnet included in the aerosol generating device using a sensor coupled to the magnet; - a step (S10) of disabling operation of the aerosol generating device when the magnetic field value falls below a predetermined magnetic field threshold, the predetermined magnetic field threshold comprising a value indicative of the magnetic field strength exhibited by the magnet when it reaches a maximum operating temperature, the maximum operating temperature of the magnet indicating a temperature value above which the magnet loses its magnetism; The method includes:

[0093] E13. The method of example E12, further comprising measuring a temperature (corresponding to the temperature at the location where the magnet is located) based on the value of the magnetic field sensed by the sensor (20).

[0094] E14. The method of example E12 or E13, wherein the aerosol generating device further includes a heating unit, and the method includes the step of placing a magnet in close proximity to the heating unit and / or in contact with the heating unit and / or within the heating unit.

[0095] E15. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps recited in any one of Examples E12-E14.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a magnet configured to generate a magnetic field; a sensor coupled to the magnet and configured to sense a value of a magnetic field generated by the magnet; a deactivation unit configured to deactivate the operation of the aerosol generating device; Including, the disabling unit is configured to disable operation of the aerosol generating device when the magnetic field value detected by the sensor falls below a predetermined magnetic field threshold, the predetermined magnetic field threshold comprising a value indicative of the magnetic field strength exhibited by the magnet when it reaches its maximum operating temperature, the maximum operating temperature of the magnet indicating a temperature value above which the magnet loses its magnetism; The aerosol generating device further includes a temperature measurement unit configured to provide a temperature measurement based on the value of the magnetic field sensed by the sensor.

2. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the magnet and the sensor are in fixed positions relative to each other.

3. 3. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the maximum operating temperature of the magnet corresponds to a safe operating temperature in a location where the magnet is located.

4. 3. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a heating unit, and the magnet is positioned in close proximity to and / or in contact with the heating unit and / or within the heating unit.

5. The aerosol generating device of claim 4, wherein the magnet disposed within the heating unit includes a magnet that is incorporated as part of a wall of the heating unit, as part of a support member of the heating unit, or as part of a plug of the heating unit.

6. 3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a battery, and the magnet is disposed in close proximity to and / or in contact with the battery.

7. 3. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the deactivation unit includes a switch connected in series with the battery, the switch being configured to be in an open position when the magnetic field is below the magnetic field threshold.

8. 1. A disabling unit for disabling operation of an aerosol generating device including a magnet or an accessory device of an aerosol generating device, the accessory device including a magnet, the disabling unit comprising: a processing unit configured to determine a nullification condition when the magnetic field value of the magnet falls below a predetermined magnetic field threshold, the predetermined magnetic field threshold comprising a value indicative of a magnetic field strength exhibited by the magnet when it reaches a maximum operating temperature, the maximum operating temperature of the magnet indicating a temperature value above which the magnet loses its magnetism; and a notification unit configured to emit a notification signal indicating that operation of the aerosol generating device should be disabled or that operation of the accessory device should be disabled in response to determining that the disabling condition exists; Including, The nullification unit is configured to receive from a temperature measurement unit a temperature measurement based on the value of the magnetic field sensed by a sensor.

9. 9. The revocation unit of claim 8, wherein the revocation unit includes a switch connected in series with the battery, the switch configured to be in an open position when the magnetic field is below the magnetic field threshold.

10. 1. A method of disabling the operation of an aerosol generating device including a magnet, comprising: measuring the value of a magnetic field generated by a magnet included in the aerosol generating device using a sensor coupled to the magnet; disabling operation of the aerosol generating device when the magnetic field value falls below a predetermined magnetic field threshold, the predetermined magnetic field threshold comprising a value indicative of the magnetic field strength exhibited by the magnet when it reaches its maximum operating temperature, the maximum operating temperature of the magnet indicating the temperature value above which the magnet loses its magnetism; measuring a temperature corresponding to a temperature at a location where the magnet is located based on the value of the magnetic field sensed by the sensor; A method comprising:

11. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises a heating unit, and the method comprises the step of positioning the magnet in close proximity to and / or in contact with the heating unit and / or within the heating unit.

12. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to carry out the steps comprised in the method according to claim 10 or 11.

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