Aerosol generating device

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol generating device for receiving an aerosol substrate and supplying power to the aerosol substrate, the aerosol generating device comprising at least two electrodes configured to, in use, electrically couple to the aerosol substrate to supply power to the aerosol substrate, a proximity sensor configured to sense a proximity of a user in a first direction, and a control unit configured to compare the sensed proximity with a predefined threshold and increase the power supplied to the aerosol substrate to an inhalation power if the sensed proximity is less than the predefined threshold. A method of operating the aerosol generating device is also provided.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device, such as a heated non-combustion device. The present disclosure also relates to a method of operating an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Various devices and systems are available that heat aerosol substrates to release aerosols / vapors for inhalation, rather than relying on combustion of the aerosol substrate. For example, electronic cigarettes vaporize e-liquid into inhalable vapor. However, electronic cigarettes are prone to e-liquid leakage, but benefit from a short vaporization time. Alternative devices with solid consumables are available. However, such devices require the heater to be part of the device, and therefore the device requires appropriate insulation to prevent the user from being exposed to high heater temperatures, which leads to additional complexity and cost of the device.

[0003] A problem with heating the aerosol substrate rather than burning it is that it takes an increased amount of time to generate an aerosol from the aerosol substrate. A further problem is that once the aerosol substrate is heated to vaporization temperatures, aerosols may be generated continuously even when the user is not inhaling, thereby wasting energy and aerosol substrate. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT It is an object of the present invention to overcome at least one of the aforementioned problems or to provide an alternative solution. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to the present disclosure there is provided an aerosol generating device and a method of operating an aerosol generating device comprising the features set out in the claims.

[0006] According to one aspect, there is provided an aerosol generating device for receiving an aerosol substrate and supplying power to the aerosol substrate, the aerosol generating device comprising: at least two electrodes configured to electrically couple to the aerosol substrate in use to supply power to the aerosol substrate; a proximity sensor configured to sense a user's proximity in a first direction (A); and a control unit configured to compare the sensed proximity with a predetermined threshold and increase the power supplied to the aerosol substrate to an inhalation power if the sensed proximity is less than the predetermined threshold.

[0007] By using a proximity sensor in conjunction with an aerosol generating device, the user's waiting time until a satisfactory inhalation is obtained in terms of aerosol volume and flavor delivery from the aerosol generating substrate is significantly reduced. The aerosol generating material in the device is heated to a suitable aerosol generating temperature when the user is located within a predetermined threshold of the proximity sensor. This is particularly advantageous in this device where the power itself is applied to the aerosol substrate and the aerosol substrate is heated internally. The heating time of the aerosol substrate can be reduced to just a few seconds, thereby improving the user experience by accommodating "puffs on demand". In contrast to conventional heated non-combustion aerosol generating devices that require a waiting time of about 20 seconds, by using this aerosol generating device, the waiting time can be reduced to less than 4 seconds. Providing inhalation power means that the aerosol substrate is heated to an inhalation temperature that generates enough aerosol for the user to perform an inhalation action.

[0008] In one example, the aerosol generating device is configured to be activated in response to a user's action, and the aerosol generating device is configured to provide start-up power to the aerosol substrate in response to the user's action, the start-up power being less than the inhalation power. Providing start-up power means that the aerosol substrate is heated to an "intermediate" start-up temperature that generates a very small amount of aerosol. This reduces the time it takes to raise the temperature to the inhalation temperature that generates a significant amount of aerosol for inhalation by the user.

[0009] The user action may be a button press, a swipe on a touchpad, insertion of an aerosol-generating substrate into the aerosol-generating device, and / or an inhalation action on the aerosol-generating device.

[0010] The aerosol generating device may include a puff sensor configured to detect an inhalation action by a user on the aerosol generating device, the user's action being an inhalation action.

[0011] The aerosol generating device may include a puff sensor configured to detect an inhalation action on the aerosol generating device by a user, and the control unit is configured to increase the power supplied from inhalation power to boost power in response to the inhalation action being detected by the puff sensor.

[0012] Providing an aerosol generating device configured to supply different levels of power to the aerosol substrate means that the energy usage within the aerosol generating device can be carefully controlled so that unnecessary energy is not used during an inhalation session, and furthermore the aerosol substrate is not "spoiled" by unnecessarily heating the aerosol substrate when the user is not inhaling or is not within a predefined threshold.

[0013] The aerosol generating device may be configured to provide 15W to 25W of power when an inhalation action is detected.

[0014] The puff sensor may be configured to detect the end of an inhalation action by the user on the aerosol generating device, and the control unit is configured to reduce the supplied power from boost power to inhalation power when the end of the inhalation action is detected by the puff sensor. The supply of boost power simultaneously with the user inhaling on the aerosol generating device results in a temperature increase in the aerosol substrate when the user inhales the generated aerosol. The temperature increase results in an increase in the amount of aerosol generated simultaneously with the user inhaling on the aerosol generating device.

[0015] Reducing the power when the end of an inhalation stroke is detected means that energy (and aerosol substrate) is conserved and can be sustained for a longer duration.

[0016] In one example, the delivered power is increased to the inhalation power as a step change when the sensed proximity is below a predetermined threshold.

[0017] In one example, the power delivered is increased to the inhalation power as a gradual change as a function of the sensed proximity.

[0018] In one example, the aerosol generating device includes one or more temperature sensors configured to directly or indirectly measure a temperature of the aerosol substrate. The proximity sensor can be activated when the one or more temperature sensors detect a trigger temperature that exceeds a first temperature threshold. In one example, the first temperature threshold is between 50°C and 100°C.

[0019] In other words, the proximity sensor is only operable when it is beneficial to do so, thereby further conserving energy within the device.

[0020] In one example, the control unit is configured to reduce the supplied power from intake power to start-up power if the determined distance increases beyond a predetermined threshold.

[0021] Reducing the inhalation power to the starting power means that the resulting temperature of the aerosol substrate is reduced, and therefore no unwanted aerosol is generated when the user is not inhaling the aerosol.

[0022] In one example, the initiation power is configured to heat the aerosol substrate to an initiation temperature between 0°C and 125°C, and the inhalation power is configured to heat the aerosol substrate to an inhalation temperature between 230°C and 280°C.

[0023] In one example, the aerosol generating device comprises a mouthpiece, the proximity sensor is disposed adjacent to the mouthpiece, and the first direction (A) extends along a longitudinal axis defined by the mouthpiece.

[0024] In one example, the aerosol generating device comprises a mouthpiece having a planar portion, the proximity sensor is disposed on the planar portion of the mouthpiece, and the first direction (A) extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the planar portion.

[0025] In one example, the aerosol generating device includes an image sensor configured to detect a user's mouth, and a first direction (A) extends between a proximity sensor and the user's mouth in use. By detecting the user's mouth and setting the first direction to extend between the proximity sensor and the user's mouth, accuracy of the device is improved.

[0026] According to one aspect, there is provided an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generating device as defined in one aspect of the present invention and an aerosol substrate having one or more electrical conductors disposed therein, wherein the at least two electrodes are configured to electrically couple to the one or more electrical conductors in the aerosol substrate, The aerosol substrate comprises a solid aerosol precursor material and the one or more electrical conductors.

[0027] According to one aspect, a method of operating an aerosol generating device is provided, the method including sensing proximity to a user in a first direction (A) at a proximity sensor, comparing the sensed proximity to a predetermined threshold, determining that the sensed proximity is less than the predetermined threshold, and increasing power supplied to at least two electrodes of the aerosol generating device to inhalation power, wherein the at least two electrodes are configured to be electrically coupled to an aerosol substrate having one or more conductors in the aerosol substrate.

[0028] Further advantages, objects and features of the present invention will be explained, by way of example only, in the following description with reference to the drawings in which similar elements of different embodiments may be provided with the same reference symbols. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol substrate between two electrodes. [Figure 3A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a user and a proximity sensor at a first distance D1. [Figure 3B] 13 is a schematic diagram of a user and a proximity sensor at a second distance D2. [Figure 4A] 1 is a first graph of the variation of power supplied to the electrodes. [Figure 4B] 11 is a second graph of the variation of power supplied to the electrodes. [Figure 4C] 11 is a third graph of the variation of power supplied to the electrodes. [Diagram 5] 1 is a flowchart of a method of operating an aerosol generating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] As used herein, the term "aerosol substrate" is a label used to mean a medium that generates an aerosol or vapor when heated. In one example, aerosol substrate is synonymous with smoking material, aerosol-generating substrate, and aerosol-generating medium. Aerosol substrates include materials that provide volatile components, typically in the form of vapor or aerosol, when heated. Aerosol substrates can be non-tobacco-containing or tobacco-containing materials. Aerosol substrates can include, for example, one or more of tobacco itself, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco extract, homogenized tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol substrates can also include other non-tobacco products that may or may not contain nicotine depending on the product. Aerosol substrates can include one or more humectants, such as glycerol or propylene glycol.

[0032] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device 100. The aerosol generating device 100 is adapted to receive an aerosol substrate 102 therein. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a chamber 104 in which the aerosol substrate 102 is received.

[0033] The aerosol generating device 100 includes at least two electrodes 106 configured to supply power to the aerosol substrate 102 during use. In one example, the at least two electrodes 106 are integral with an inner wall of the chamber 104. In another example, the at least two electrodes 106 extend into the chamber 104. The at least two electrodes 106 are configured to directly contact the aerosol substrate 102 during use. Preferably, the aerosol substrate 102 is pressed between the at least two electrodes 106.

[0034] The aerosol generating device 100 includes a proximity sensor 110. The proximity sensor 110 is configured to sense the proximity of a user (or an object) in a first direction. In other words, the proximity sensor 110 monitors the distance from the aerosol generating device 100 to the user along the first direction A. The distance can be measured directly or indirectly using the proximity sensor 110. In other words, the proximity sensor 110 can sense the actual distance to the user, or alternatively, can generate a signal that simply indicates the distance to the user. In one example, the proximity sensor 110 is configured to distinguish between an object and a user.

[0035] The first direction A may be substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device 100. In one example, the proximity sensor 110 includes an infrared photoelectric sensor.

[0036] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a mouthpiece 112 through which a user draws on the aerosol generating device 100 to inhale the generated aerosol. The mouthpiece 112 includes a vent or flow passage 114 connected to an area proximate the aerosol substrate 102 for passage of aerosol generated from the aerosol substrate 102 during use. For example, the flow passage 114 may extend between an opening in the mouthpiece 112 and a chamber 104 that is capable of receiving the aerosol substrate 102. The mouthpiece 112 is positioned such that it can be received within a user's mouth during use.

[0037] In one example, the mouthpiece 112 is positioned to have a generally planar portion on which the proximity sensor 110 is located. In this example, the first direction A is positioned to be substantially perpendicular to the planar portion of the mouthpiece 112.

[0038] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a housing. In one example, the proximity sensor 110 may be disposed on a substantially planar portion of a wall of the housing of the aerosol generating device through which the mouthpiece extends or to which it is removably attached. And, in this example, the first direction A is disposed to be substantially perpendicular to the planar portion of the housing wall that receives the mouthpiece 112.

[0039] The aerosol generating device 100 also includes a control unit 108 (or control circuit) for electronic management of the device. The control unit 108 may include a PCB or the like (not shown). The control unit 108 is configured to control the amount of power supplied to the electrodes 106 and thus to the aerosol substrate 102, for example by controlling the amount of power supplied to the electrodes 106. In other words, each of the two electrodes 106 is arranged to provide a (e.g. different) electrode potential to control the amount of power supplied to the aerosol substrate 102. One electrode potential can be zero potential or ground potential. The control unit 108 is configured to receive data from various sensors / inputs (such as the proximity sensor 110) and to control the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 based on the received data.

[0040] The control unit 108 may be configured to receive sensed data from the proximity sensor 110 in use. The sensed data may take the form of a measured distance from the proximity sensor 110 to the user in the first direction A. Alternatively, the sensed data may take the form of data indicative of a distance from the proximity sensor 110 to the user in the first direction A. The control unit 108 is configured to compare the sensed proximity data to a predefined threshold. The predefined threshold is indicative of a threshold distance between the user and the proximity sensor 110 in the first direction A. The control unit 108 is configured to control power to the electrodes 106 based on the sensed proximity. If the control unit 108 determines that the sensed proximity is less than the predefined threshold, the control unit 108 is configured to control the electrodes 106 to provide inhalation power to the aerosol substrate 102, as described in more detail below.

[0041] In one example, the predetermined threshold indicates a distance between 10 mm and 500 mm, more preferably between 100 mm and 300 mm.

[0042] The aerosol generating device 100 may also include an image sensor 116, such as a charge-coupled device (CCD), a CMOS sensor, and / or a camera. The image sensor 116 is configured to detect the user's mouth during use. The image sensor 116 and / or the control unit 108 may include software for determining whether the user's mouth is present in an image captured by the image sensor 116.

[0043] If the user's mouth is detected by the image sensor, the first direction A is set to be a direction from the proximity sensor 110 to the user's mouth. In this case, the proximity sensor 110 is configured to sense the proximity of the user's mouth.

[0044] The proximity sensor 110 and the image sensor 116 may be integral with one another. In other words, in one example, a single sensor performs the functions of the proximity sensor 110 and the image sensor 116. In another example, the proximity sensor 110 and the image sensor 116 are separate from one another.

[0045] As discussed above with respect to the proximity sensor 110, the image sensor 116 may be located generally on or in the plane of a wall of the housing of the aerosol generating device through which the mouthpiece 112 extends or to which it is removably attached.

[0046] In one example, the aerosol generating device 100 includes an actuation input sensor 118. The actuation input sensor 118 can be a button, a touchpad, etc. for sensing a user input, such as a tap or a swipe. In another example, the actuation input sensor 118 includes an aerosol substrate sensor configured to detect whether an aerosol substrate 102 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the input sensor 118 can include an authenticity detector configured to detect whether an aerosol substrate 102 including one or more electrical conductors 126 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 100. The input sensor 118 can detect whether a circuit between at least two electrodes 106 is completed due to the presence of an aerosol substrate 102 including one or more electrical conductors 126.

[0047] As described below, user input may also include an inhalation action by the user.

[0048] In one example, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a puff sensor 120 (also known as an inhalation sensor). The puff sensor is configured to detect an inhalation (or puff) by a user on the aerosol generating device 100. In one example, the puff sensor 120 includes a microphone or flow sensor configured to detect airflow in the chamber 104 and / or in an air flow path extending from the chamber 104 through the mouthpiece 112 to an inhalation outlet of the mouthpiece 112, the airflow being associated with an inhalation by the user. In another example, the puff sensor 120 is configured to detect a change in pressure indicative of the start of an inhalation by a user on the aerosol generating device. In this case, the puff sensor 120 may be located anywhere in the aerosol device 100 where a change in pressure occurs due to an inhalation by a user. In one example, the puff sensor is located in the flow path 114 between the chamber 104 and the mouthpiece 112 of the aerosol generating device 100. The puff sensor 120 may also detect the end of an inhalation by a user. For example, the puff sensor 120 may be configured to detect a further change in pressure resulting from the end of the user's inhalation.

[0049] In one example, the aerosol generating device 100 includes one or more temperature sensors 122 configured to directly or indirectly measure the temperature of the aerosol substrate 102 in the aerosol generating device 100. The one or more sensors may include a temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple or a thermistor, configured to be located within or adjacent to the aerosol substrate 102 when received within the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the one or more temperature sensors 122 may be located within the chamber 104 of the aerosol generating device 100. In another example, the temperature of the aerosol substrate 102 may be measured indirectly using a thermal imaging sensor.

[0050] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a power source (not shown), such as a battery. The power source may supply electrical energy to the aerosol generating device 100, providing a voltage in the range of 1 V to 8 V. In a preferred embodiment, the voltage source is a lithium-ion battery providing a value of 3.7 V. Such a voltage source is particularly advantageous for modern aerosol generating devices in terms of rechargeability.

[0051] 2 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol substrate 102 between two electrodes 106. The aerosol substrate 102 includes one or more electrical conductors 126 and a substance (such as a solid aerosol precursor material) that can be heated to generate an aerosol. The one or more electrical conductors 126 are configured to conduct electricity received from the electrodes 106. The one or more electrical conductors 126 are sized and positioned such that passing electrical power through the electrical conductors 126 increases the temperature of the electrical conductors 126 and heats the aerosol substrate 102. The one or more electrical conductors 126 can be present in particulate form throughout the aerosol substrate 102.

[0052] In one example, the at least two electrodes 106 include a first electrode and a second electrode spaced apart from each other by a distance x. In another example, the at least two electrodes 106 include a first set of electrodes and a second set of electrodes. The first set of electrodes are spaced apart from the second set of electrodes by a distance x. Preferably, the distance x is substantially similar to the thickness of the aerosol substrate 102.

[0053] The aerosol substrate 102 may include one or more dedicated heating layers, which are areas where there is a high level of electrical conductors 126 or where a relatively high level of conduction occurs due to the nature or number of the electrical conductors 126. In another example, the electrical conductors 126 are dispersed throughout the aerosol substrate 102. In one example, the aerosol substrate 102 is coated with one or more electrical conductors 126. The electrical conductors 126 may take the form of graphite or charcoal particles. The material may take the form of a powder, loose or agglomerated particles. It is also contemplated to use other electrically conductive materials, particularly those approved at least in the tobacco or food industry. The aerosol substrate 102 is configured to electrically connect two electrodes 106 between which the aerosol substrate 102 is located. In this case, powering the at least two electrodes 106 is used synonymously with powering the aerosol substrate 102. As is clear from the above, the aerosol substrate 102 may include solid aerosol precursor material. In other words, the solid aerosol precursor material is not configured to flow in an unheated state. The solid aerosol precursor material is configured to generate an aerosol upon application of heat. The one or more electrical conductors may be located at least partially in the solid aerosol precursor material. For example, the aerosol substrate 102 includes a solid aerosol precursor material and one or more electrical conductors 126 in the solid aerosol precursor material. The one or more electrical conductors 126 may include a plurality of separate electrical conductors dispersed throughout the solid aerosol precursor material. In one example, the one or more electrical conductors 126 are present in a particular form in the solid aerosol precursor material. In some examples, the one or more electrical conductors 126 are formed in regions in the aerosol precursor material. For example, the one or more electrical conductors 126 may be formed in layers in the solid aerosol precursor material. When the aerosol substrate 102, including the solid aerosol precursor material and the one or more conductors, is placed between one or more electrodes, electrical power flows through the aerosol substrate, generating an aerosol. By providing one or more electrical conductors in the solid aerosol precursor material, the time it takes to generate an aerosol for a user during use is significantly reduced.

[0054] In one example, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a resistance meter (or equivalent) configured to directly or indirectly measure the resistance of the aerosol substrate 102 between the electrodes 106. The control unit 106 can then provide a set power to the aerosol substrate 102 based on the measured resistance data.

[0055] 3A shows an example where the aerosol generating device 100 is spaced a first distance D1 in a first direction from the user 200. In this example, the control unit 108 does not supply inhalation power to the electrode 106 because the distance D1 exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0056] 3B shows an example where the aerosol generating device 100 is spaced a second distance D2 in a first direction from the user 200. In this example, the second distance D2 is less than a predetermined threshold. Thus, in use, the control unit 108 controls the electrode 106 to increase the supplied power to the inhalation power for the aerosol substrate 102.

[0057] Since the distance is sensed in the first direction, the hand of the user, which may be constantly in contact with the aerosol generating device 100, is not sensed. In other words, the proximity sensor 110 is configured to sense a portion of the user that is not constantly in contact with the aerosol generating device 100 through the inhalation sensor, but rather a portion of the user that may be initially distant.

[0058] An example of the change in power delivered when the aerosol generating device 100 is moved toward and away from the user 200 is shown in FIG. 4A. In this example, at t0, the user 200 is spaced a distance from the proximity sensor 110 that is greater than a predetermined threshold. For example, the user may be spaced a distance D1 from the proximity sensor 110, as shown in FIG. 3A. In one example, no power is delivered to the electrode 106 at this point, P1 in FIG. 4A being equal to 0. In another example, starting power is delivered to the electrode 106 at this point, as described below.

[0059] At time t1, the distance (in the first direction A) between the proximity sensor 110 and the user 200 has decreased and is less than a predetermined threshold. At time t1, the control unit 108 increases the power supplied to the electrodes 106 to the inhalation power, shown as P2 in FIG. 4A. The power may be increased to the inhalation power as a step change or with a gradient. In other words, in some examples, the power supplied is increased to the inhalation power instantly (or substantially instantly) when the sensed proximity is less than the predetermined threshold. In other examples, the power supplied is gradually increased to the inhalation power. In one example, the power supplied may have an inverse relationship with the proximity, such that the power increases as the proximity decreases and reaches the inhalation power when the sensed proximity is less than the predetermined threshold.

[0060] In some examples, the power is configured to be maintained at the inhalation power for a duration during which the distance between the proximity sensor 110 and the user 200 is less than a predetermined threshold. For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the user and the proximity sensor 110 are located within a predetermined range between time t1 and time t2. At time t2, the user moves a distance that exceeds a predetermined threshold away from the proximity sensor 110 in a first direction, and the control unit 108 reduces the power supplied to the electrodes 106.

[0061] In another example, the power is configured to be maintained at the inhalation power P2 for a predetermined period of time when the user is detected to be located within a predetermined threshold in the first direction A from the proximity sensor 110. In other words, in Figure 4A, the time at which the power is set to the inhalation power is a predetermined time from t1.

[0062] The power may be reduced from the inhalation power as a step change or in a gradient. In other words, in some examples, the delivered power is reduced instantly (or substantially instantly) from the inhalation power when the sensed proximity is greater than a predetermined threshold. In other examples, the delivered power is reduced gradually from the inhalation power. For example, the delivered power may have an inverse relationship with the proximity, such that as the proximity increases, the power decreases.

[0063] As a result of the application of power to the aerosol substrate 102, the temperature of one or more electrical conductors 126 of the aerosol substrate 102 increases. The temperature developed in the aerosol substrate 102 depends on the level of power applied. Thus, the temperature profile of the aerosol substrate 102 is substantially similar to the power profile, although it may have a lag compared to the power profile.

[0064] FIG. 4B shows a graph of a second example of the change in the power supplied over time. In this example, at time t0, the power is increased to the start-up power P1 in response to a user action. The user action can be an input to the actuation input sensor 118, such as a button press or a user swipe. Alternatively, the user action can be the insertion of the aerosol substrate 102 into the aerosol generating device 100. The start-up power is essentially the initial power for supplying a first level of power to the aerosol substrate 102, which is less than the inhalation power P2. At the start-up power P1, a relatively low temperature is generated in the aerosol substrate 102, which generates a relatively low level of aerosol, but the time it takes to generate aerosol when the power is increased to the inhalation power is significantly reduced.

[0065] FIG. 4C shows a graph of a third example of the change in power delivered over time. The graph in FIG. 4C is similar to the example shown in FIG. 4B, except that the power is increased to the boost power P3 at time tb1. Time tb1 corresponds to the time when the puff detector 120 detects that the user 200 is inhaling from the aerosol generating device 100. In other words, at time tb1, the user is puffing on the aerosol generating device 100. In response to the puff being detected, the control unit 110 increases the power to the electrode 106 to the boost power P3. In one example, the control unit 110 increases the power to the boost power P3 for a predetermined period of time. In another example, the power is maintained at the boost power P3 until the puff sensor 120 detects that the user has stopped performing puffs on the aerosol generating device 100. Either of these events corresponds to time tb2 in FIG. 4C.

[0066] While the increase to boost power P3 is shown in combination with an embodiment that increases power to start-up power P1 upon detection of user input, boost power may be used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A where an actuation input sensor 118 is not required.

[0067] The boost power provided while the user is inhaling the aerosol generating device 100 causes a temperature increase in the aerosol substrate 102 as the user inhales the generated aerosol. The temperature increase results in an increased amount of aerosol being generated while the user is inhaling the aerosol generating device 100.

[0068] Induction power P2 may also be known as the first power level. Start power P1 may also be known as the second power level. Boost power P3 may also be known as the third power level. First, second, and third do not necessarily refer to the temporal order of the powers provided.

[0069] In one example, the power supplied to the electrode 106 during delivery of the starting power is between 5 W and 10 W, more preferably between 7 W and 9 W. Providing a starting power within this range means that the aerosol substrate is heated without providing a significant amount of aerosol (i.e., only a very small amount of aerosol is generated at these levels). In one example, the power delivered to the electrode 106 during delivery of inhalation power is between 15 W and 25 W, more preferably between 18 W and 22 W. Providing power within this range means that a satisfactory amount of aerosol is generated, but the power delivery can be efficiently managed. In other words, the aerosol generating device does not provide this level of power all the time.

[0070] In one example, the power supplied to the electrodes 106 during delivery of the boost power is between 20 W and 30 W, more preferably between 23 W and 27 W. The boost power delivers relatively high levels of aerosol, but is only supplied for a relatively short period of time such that the device is functioning efficiently.

[0071] In one example, the proximity sensor 110 is activated only when the temperature sensor 122 records a triggering temperature. In other words, the aerosol generating device 100 prevents the aerosol substrate 102 from receiving the inhalation power P2 until the temperature sensor 122 records a triggering temperature. Similarly, the image sensor 116 may be activated only when the temperature sensor 122 records a triggering temperature.

[0072] In one example, the start-up temperature is between 100° C. and 150° C. In other words, the start-up power is configured to heat the aerosol substrate to a temperature between 100° C. and 150° C., more preferably between 120° C. and 130° C.

[0073] In one example, the inlet power is configured to heat the aerosol substrate 102 to an inlet temperature between 200°C and 300°C, more preferably between 230°C and 280°C.

[0074] In one example, the inlet power is configured to heat the aerosol to an inlet temperature of 180°C to 220°C, and the boost power is configured to heat the aerosol substrate to a boost temperature of 200°C to 300°C, more preferably 230°C to 280°C.

[0075] In one example, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a haptic feedback device (not shown). The haptic feedback may be used to inform the user that the aerosol substrate 102 has reached the start-up temperature and that the user may take an inhalation action, which increases the delivered power to an inhalation power when the proximity sensor 110 detects that the user 200 is within a predetermined threshold. In some embodiments, as described above, the delivered power is increased to a boost power when an inhalation action of the user is detected.

[0076] 5 shows a flow chart of a method of operating the aerosol generating device 100. In step 302, the method includes sensing proximity to a user 200 in a first direction A at the proximity sensor 110.

[0077] In step 304, the method includes comparing the sensed proximity to a predetermined threshold.

[0078] In step 306, the method includes determining that the sensed proximity is less than a predetermined threshold.

[0079] In step 308, the method includes increasing the power supplied to the at least two electrodes 106 of the aerosol generating device 100 to an inhalation power. The at least two electrodes are configured to be electrically coupled to the aerosol substrate 102 having one or more electrical conductors 126 therein.

[0080] While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims and described above.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device (100) for receiving an aerosol substrate (102) and supplying power to the aerosol substrate (102), comprising: At least two electrodes (106) configured to be electrically coupled to the aerosol substrate (102) during use to supply power to the aerosol substrate (102); A proximity sensor (110) configured to sense the proximity of a user (200) in a first direction (A); A control unit (108) configured to compare the sensed proximity with a predetermined threshold and increase the power supplied to the aerosol substrate (102) to inhalation power when the sensed proximity is less than the predetermined threshold; An aerosol generating device (100) comprising the above.

2. The aerosol generating device (100) is configured to be actuated in response to a user's action, and the aerosol generating device (100) is configured to supply starting power to the aerosol substrate (102) in response to the user's action, the starting power being less than the inhalation power. The aerosol generating device (100) according to Claim 1.

3. The aerosol generating device (100) according to Claim 2, further comprising a puff sensor (120) configured to detect an inhalation action of the user (200) on the aerosol generating device, the user's action being an inhalation action.

4. The aerosol generating device (100) according to Claim 1, further comprising a puff sensor (120) configured to detect an inhalation action of the user (200) on the aerosol generating device (100), wherein the control unit (108) is configured to increase the supplied power from the inhalation power to boost power in response to the inhalation action being detected by the puff sensor (120).

5. The puff sensor (120) is configured to detect the end of an inhalation action of the user (200) on the aerosol generating device (100), and the control unit (108) is configured to reduce the supplied power from the boost power to the inhalation power when the end of the inhalation action is detected by the puff sensor (120). The aerosol generating device (100) according to Claim 4.

6. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the supplied power is increased to the inhalation power as a step change when the sensed proximity is less than the predetermined threshold value.

7. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the supplied power is increased to the inhalation power as a gradual change as a function of the sensed proximity.

8. Comprising one or more temperature sensors (122) configured to directly or indirectly measure the temperature of the aerosol substrate (102), The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the proximity sensor (110) is activated when the one or more temperature sensors (122) detect a starting temperature exceeding a first temperature threshold.

9. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (108) is configured to reduce the supplied power from the inhalation power to the starting power when the sensed proximity is increasing beyond the predetermined threshold.

10. The starting power is configured to heat the aerosol substrate (102) to a starting temperature of 0°C to 125°C, and the inhalation power is configured to heat the aerosol substrate (102) to an inhalation temperature of 230°C to 280°C. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 2.

11. The aerosol generating device (100) comprises a mouthpiece (112), The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the proximity sensor (110) is arranged adjacent to the mouthpiece (112), and the first direction (A) extends along the longitudinal axis defined by the mouthpiece (112).

12. The aerosol generating device (100) comprises a mouthpiece (112) having a planar portion (124), the proximity sensor (110) is arranged on the planar portion (124) of the mouthpiece, and the first direction (A) extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the planar portion (124). The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1.

13. Comprising an image sensor (116) configured to detect the mouth of the user (200), The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first direction (A) extends between the proximity sensor (110) and the mouth of the user (200) during use.

14. An aerosol generation system, comprising: the aerosol generation device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13; an aerosol substrate (102) having one or more conductors (126) provided in the aerosol substrate (102); at least two electrodes (106) configured to be electrically coupled to the one or more conductors (126) in the aerosol substrate (102); an aerosol generation system. **Claim 15** A method of operating an aerosol generation device (100), comprising: sensing, by a proximity sensor (110), a proximity to a user (200) in a first direction (A); comparing the sensed proximity with a predetermined threshold; determining that the sensed proximity is less than the predetermined threshold; and increasing power supplied to at least two electrodes (106) of the aerosol generation device (100) to inhalation power, wherein the at least two electrodes are configured to be electrically coupled to an aerosol substrate (102) having one or more conductors (126) therein.

Images