An aerosol generation system including an electrolytic capacitor and a visual indicator

Abstract

An aerosol generation system is described. The system includes an aerosol generation article (1) and an aerosol generation device (34) adapted to receive the article (1) in use. The article (1) includes a capacitor (6) containing an electrolytic solution that generates an aerosol for inhalation by a user when heated. The device (34) also includes a visual indicator (52) and a controller (48) adapted to estimate or determine the amount of electrolytic solution in the capacitor (6) and then control the visual indicator (52) based on the amount of electrolytic solution.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an aerosol generation system including an aerosol generation article and, in particular, to an aerosol generation article adapted to be received in an aerosol generation device for generating an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

[0002] The present disclosure is particularly applicable to portable aerosol generation devices.

Background Art

[0003] Devices that heat an aerosol generation material without combustion to generate an aerosol for inhalation have gained popularity among consumers in recent years. Commercially available risk reduction or risk modification devices are heating material aerosol generation devices or so-called non-combustion heating devices. This type of device generates an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol generation material typically to a temperature in the range of 150°C to 300°C. This temperature range is considerably lower than that of conventional tobacco. By heating the aerosol generation material to a temperature within this range without combustion, vapor is generated, which typically cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by the user of the device.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Such a device can supply heat to the aerosol - generating material using one of many different methods. Since all methods of heating the aerosol - generating material require some kind of power source, such as a battery, the size and weight of the device increase. Embodiments of the present disclosure aim to provide a power source within the aerosol - generating article that can be used to supplement or partially replace the power source within the device. As a result, while maintaining precise control of the heating of the aerosol - generating material and optimizing the characteristics of the generated aerosol, it is possible to miniaturize and lightweight the device, which is beneficial to the user. The power source is a capacitor containing an electrolyte solution that generates an aerosol for inhalation by the user during heating. Embodiments of the present disclosure visually present the amount of electrolyte solution within the capacitor to the user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol - generating system comprising, an aerosol - generating article (or consumable) comprising a capacitor containing an electrolyte solution that generates an aerosol for inhalation by the user during heating, an aerosol - generating device adapted to receive the aerosol - generating article during use, and the aerosol - generating device comprises, a visual indicator, a controller, estimating or determining the amount of electrolyte solution within the capacitor, i.e., controlling the visual indicator based on the amount of electrolyte solution to visually present to the user the amount of electrolyte solution remaining in the capacitor, and a controller adapted to perform the above, is provided.

[0006] The electrolyte can be aerosolized, i.e., converted into an aerosol by heating, and the aerosol is then inhaled by the user. Then, by heating the capacitor, the electrolyte contained in the capacitor is converted into an aerosol, and the aerosolized electrolyte is inhaled by the user. Since the aerosolized electrolyte is inhaled by the user, the amount of electrolyte in the capacitor decreases during the vaping session.

[0007] The capacitor can have any suitable structure, but in a preferred embodiment, it is a supercapacitor such as an electric double layer supercapacitor. The capacitor may further include a pair of electrodes and a porous separator between the electrodes. The first electrode is the positive electrode, and the second electrode can be the negative electrode or vice versa. The electrodes and the separator are immersed in the electrolyte.

[0008] Similar to a conventional capacitor, in an electric double layer supercapacitor, charges are stored in the electric field between the electrodes, and the capacitance is a function of the surface area of the electrodes, the distance between the electrodes, and the dielectric constant of the separator material. The capacitor has a higher power density than conventional power sources such as batteries. When the capacitor is charged by an external circuit connected to the pair of electrodes, while electrons move from the negative electrode to the positive electrode through the external circuit, cations in the electrolyte move to the negative electrode and anions move to the positive electrode. Thus, two layers of charges of opposite polarities (electric double layers) are formed at the interfaces with the electrodes. When the charging is completed, the positive charges of the positive electrode and the anions in the electrolyte attract each other, while the negative charges of the negative electrode and the cations in the electrolyte attract each other to stabilize the double layer of the electrodes. A stable voltage is generated. When the capacitor discharges, the reverse process occurs.

[0009] Each electrode can include at least one carbon-based electrode layer, such as a layer of porous carbon material or activated carbon, which has a high specific surface area per unit volume and high compatibility with the proposed electrolyte.

[0010] Each electrode may further include a current collector including a metal foil layer, such as an aluminum foil layer. The carbon-based electrode layer may be disposed adjacent to one or both sides of the current collector. Each carbon-based electrode layer may be formed as a coating. Such electrodes can be manufactured relatively easily and inexpensively using materials that are already known to be used in aerosol generating articles.

[0011] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the electrolytic solution serves two functions. First, it allows the movement of cations and anions that occur when the capacitor is charged or discharged, and second, upon heating, it forms an aerosol that is safe for the user to inhale and has good properties. The electrolytic solution should therefore be selected accordingly. The electrolytic solution is preferably a food-grade electrolytic solution and may include, for example, one or more of sodium chloride, sodium citrate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium chloride, calcium lactate, calcium carbonate, tricalcium phosphate, magnesium citrate, magnesium carbonate, citric acid, tartaric acid, benzoic acid, glycerol and any suitable equivalents. The electrolytic solution may optionally include a gelling agent such as polyvinyl alcohol, gellan gum, xanthan gum, etc. In one example, the electrolytic solution may include sodium chloride and glycerol, and optionally polyvinyl alcohol as a gelling agent. Such an electrolytic solution has been found to allow the movement of cations and anions and is safe for the user to inhale.

[0012] When all of the electrolytic solution has evaporated, the capacitor can no longer be discharged or charged, and it may be necessary to appropriately discard the aerosol generating article or refill it with the electrolytic solution.

[0013] The separator must dielectrically separate between pairs of oppositely charged electrodes. The separator must also store the electrolyte within its pores and allow the passage of cations and anions during the charge and discharge process. The separator can include any suitable material. The separator can include plant-derived materials, particularly tobacco materials such as a porous tobacco sheet, or it can include any suitable cellulose-based or polypropylene-based material. The separator material can release one or more volatile compounds when heated. The volatile compounds can include flavor compounds such as nicotine or tobacco or other fragrances.

[0014] The aerosol-generating article can further include any type of solid or semi-solid material downstream of the capacitor within the aerosol flow path. Examples of types of solid or semi-solid materials include chunks, powders, granules, pellets, flakes, strands, particles, gels, strips, loose leaf, cut filler, porous materials, foamed materials or sheets. The materials can include plant-derived materials, particularly tobacco materials. The aerosol generated by heating the electrolyte of the capacitor can flow through a solid or semi-solid material that can be disposed, for example, between the capacitor and a filter section through which the user inhales the aerosol, i.e., the mouthpiece. The solid or semi-solid material can release one or more volatile compounds that add, for example, flavor and nicotine to the aerosol. Heating by the capacitor can also heat or warm the solid or semi-solid material that promotes the release of the volatile compounds.

[0015] The aerosol inhaled by the user can include essentially vaporized, i.e., aerosolized, electrolyte and optionally one or more volatile compounds released by the separator material and / or the downstream solid or semi-solid material.

[0016] The capacitor can have any suitable structure, such as a flat spiral wound (i.e., "jelly roll") structure, a prismatic structure, a folded or curved structure, or a laminated structure, that is more cube-like and more suitable for a substantially cylindrical or flat article.

[0017] In one embodiment, the layered capacitor substrate may include a first electrode, a separator adjacent to the first electrode, and a second electrode adjacent to the separator, with the separator sandwiched between the first and second electrodes, more specifically between pairs of carbon-based electrode layers. The first electrode may be the positive electrode and the second electrode may be the negative electrode, or vice versa. Such a substrate can be wound or folded into a suitable shape while maintaining a void or other dielectric separation between opposing electrodes or between different portions of the same electrode. Dielectric separation can be achieved not only by the separator but also, for example, by one or more layers of a dielectric material. The dielectric material can include any suitable material. The dielectric material can include plant-derived materials, particularly tobacco materials such as porous tobacco sheets, or it can include any suitable cellulose-based or polypropylene-based material. The dielectric material releases one or more volatile compounds when heated. The volatile compounds can include flavor compounds such as nicotine or tobacco or other fragrances. The dielectric material and the separator material can be the same or different.

[0018] In another embodiment, the layered capacitor substrate may include a first electrode, a first separator adjacent to the first electrode, and a second electrode adjacent to the first separator, with the first separator sandwiched between the first and second electrodes, more specifically between pairs of carbon-based electrode layers, and may include a second separator adjacent to the second electrode. The second electrode is sandwiched between the first and second separators. The first electrode may be the positive electrode and the second electrode may be the negative electrode, or vice versa. Such a substrate is particularly suitable for a flat spiral-wound (i.e., "jelly roll") structure that forms a substantially cylindrical or more cube-like shape. The dielectric separation between the turns of the spiral-wound capacitor is achieved by the second separator, and the wound substrate can be sandwiched between the first and second electrodes, more specifically between pairs of carbon-based electrode layers.

[0019] In yet another configuration, the layered capacitor substrate may include a plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of second electrodes, and a plurality of separators. The first electrode is the positive electrode, and the second electrode may be the negative electrode or vice versa. The first and second electrodes are alternately stacked such that the substrate includes the first electrode, the second electrode, the first electrode, the second electrode, etc. in the stacking direction. The separator is sandwiched between each pair of electrodes, more specifically between pairs of carbon-based electrode layers, to achieve dielectric separation. Such a substrate is useful for flat articles. The first electrodes may be electrically connected to each other, and the second electrodes may be electrically connected to each other. The first electrode may be electrically connected to the first capacitor terminal, and the second electrode may be electrically connected to the second capacitor terminal.

[0020] The capacitor may be housed within a casing. More specifically, the casing may include a capacitor substrate including electrodes, separators, etc. and an electrolytic solution. The electrolytic solution may be injected into the casing during manufacture or when the capacitor needs to be replenished. The casing may electrically insulate the capacitor and may be formed of any suitable material.

[0021] The casing may include, for example, wrapping paper with a metal or polymer coating. The casing may include a pair of end caps made of any suitable material. The casing may include a suitable puncture or opening or incorporate a suitable aerosol permeable membrane material to allow the user to freely inhale the aerosol generated when the electrolyte is heated while preventing leakage when the electrolyte is in a liquid or gel state. The aerosol generating article may include, for example, a filter section containing cellulose acetate fibers at the proximal end of the aerosol generating article. The filter section may include a mouthpiece filter. One or more vapor collection regions, cooling regions and other structures may also be included in some designs. The vapor cooling region advantageously enables the vapor to cool and condense to form an aerosol having properties suitable for the user to inhale, for example, through the filter section. Generally, vapor is a substance that is in the gas phase at a temperature below its critical temperature and can be condensed into a liquid by increasing the pressure without lowering the temperature, whereas an aerosol is a suspension of fine solid particles or droplets in air or other gas. However, it should be noted that the terms "aerosol" and "vapor" may be used interchangeably herein.

[0022] The capacitor is preferably pre-charged within the packaged article, i.e., already charged at the time the user purchases it and before it is removably inserted into the aerosol generating device. Pre-charging the capacitor reduces the amount of energy that needs to be supplied from the device's power source for heating. This can lead to a reduction in the size and weight of the device.

[0023] As described above, the aerosol generating device may be adapted to receive an aerosol generating article during use. The aerosol generating device may include an external circuit (e.g., a switching circuit) that is electrically connected between a pair of electrodes or capacitor terminals when the aerosol generating article is received within the device. The switching circuit may be configured to control the discharge of the capacitor. The switching circuit may optionally also be configured to control the charging of the capacitor from a power source of the aerosol generating device, such as a battery. The switching circuit may include a switching device that is controlled by a controller to selectively provide a continuous or switched (i.e., discontinuous or intermittent) short - circuit path between a pair of electrodes or capacitor terminals that enables the charge stored in the capacitor to be discharged through the switching circuit. The switching device may include one or more switches. The one or more switches may be, for example, semiconductor switching devices that are connected as a bridge circuit or a converter circuit. The one or more switches can be opened, closed, or switched on / off by the controller to provide a short - circuit path.

[0024] The switching circuit may include a first terminal electrically connected to the first electrode or terminal of the capacitor and a second terminal electrically connected to the second electrode or terminal of the capacitor when the aerosol-generating article is received within the aerosol-generating device. Prior to insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the device, at least one of the electrodes or terminals of the capacitor is preferably inaccessible to the user in order to prevent unintentional or intentional discharge of the pre-charged capacitor. For example, one or both of the electrodes or terminals of the capacitor may be concealed within the casing of the aerosol-generating article and be made accessible only for electrical connection to the terminals of the switching circuit after or during the process of insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the aerosol-generating device. To effect the electrical connection, it may be necessary to rupture the casing at one or more locations, and the aerosol-generating device may include suitable means for rupturing, piercing or severing the casing. The first terminal of the switching circuit may be electrically connected directly to the first electrode at one or more locations or may be electrically connected to a first capacitor terminal electrically connected in series to the first electrode. Similarly, the second terminal of the switching circuit may be electrically connected directly to the second electrode at one or more locations or may be electrically connected to a second capacitor terminal electrically connected in series to the second electrode. The capacitor terminals may be located anywhere on the aerosol-generating article, such as near the end cap or side of the article. The insertion direction of the aerosol-generating article into the aerosol-generating device may be restricted such that the terminals are properly aligned to achieve a reliable electrical connection between the capacitor and the external switching circuit.

[0025] The terminals of the switching circuit can be formed as a rupture device designed to rupture, puncture, or break the casing to achieve electrical connection with the electrodes or terminals of the capacitor. The rupture device can be fixed to the aerosol generating device or stationary relative to the aerosol generating device, and can be designed to rupture, puncture, or break the casing when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the device, for example, into the aerosol generating space or the heating chamber. The rupture device can be movable. For example, in one configuration, the rupture device can be attached to a panel or door of the aerosol generating device that is opened or removed to allow insertion of the aerosol generating article, and the rupture device is designed to rupture, puncture, or break the casing when the user closes the panel or door. The panel or door can be, for example, hinged. In another configuration, the rupture device can be movable by a suitable actuator such as an electric motor or a piston that can force the rupture device to move within the casing to achieve electrical connection. The rupture device can move through an opening or slot in the part of the aerosol generating device that defines the aerosol generating space or the heating chamber. The rupture device can have any suitable shape and can be formed, for example, as a needle-type or crown-type having one or more pointed ends, a blade-type having an edge, or a punch-type having a non-pointed end. The rupture device can be designed to cooperate with any of the capacitor structures described above. If only one of the electrodes or terminals of the capacitor is accessible, only one rupture device may be required.

[0026] By discharging a pre-charged capacitor through an external circuit such as a switching circuit of an aerosol generating device, heat is generated at the electrodes, and as a result, the electrolytic solution in which the electrodes are immersed is heated. By sufficiently heating the electrolytic solution, an aerosol inhaled by the user during a vaping session is generated. In order to improve heating, the internal resistance of the capacitor can be increased by increasing the thickness of the separator between the oppositely charged electrodes. As a result, when the overall dimensions remain the same, the winding or folding of the capacitor can be reduced. Heat is also generated at the electrodes by charging the capacitor using an external circuit, and as a result, the electrolytic solution is heated to generate the inhaled aerosol.

[0027] The discharge of the capacitor and optional charging, and thus the heating of the electrolyte, can be controlled using a switching circuit which may be part of the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may include an external heater that heats the capacitor to generate an aerosol for inhalation by the user. In other words, the heating of the electrolyte is not limited to the heat generated when the capacitor is discharged or charged, and the capacitor can be heated by an external heater in a similar manner to conventional aerosol generating materials or substrates. Even with such heating, the electrolyte is heated to generate an aerosol for inhalation. By using an external heater, heating can be made more controllable in a particular phase of the vaping session, thus optimizing the user experience. Any suitable heater, such as a low-power thin-film heater, a printed heater, etc. can be used. The heat generated by discharging the capacitor can be used in an initial preheating phase, and the external heater can be used, for example, to heat the electrolyte to generate an aerosol in a subsequent heating or vaping phase. The power for preheating can thus be provided at least in part by the capacitor rather than the power source of the aerosol generating device. As a result, the power source can be miniaturized, and thus the device can be made smaller and lighter. Alternatively, the electrolyte may be heated in a subsequent heating or vaping phase by periodically charging and discharging the capacitor. In the heating or vaping phase, heating may not be required, and thus discharging or charging of the capacitor may not be required. When heating is required, the capacitor can be continuously discharged or charged, or intermittently discharged or charged, for example, using a suitable duty cycle. In this alternative embodiment, an external heater can be used to heat the electrolyte in the initial preheating phase. The preheating phase may generally be intended to preheat the electrolyte to a target temperature, and the heating or vaping phase may generally be intended to heat the electrolyte over a longer period during which the aerosol is generated. If all heating can be provided by the capacitor, the cost of the aerosol generating device can be reduced and the overall design can be simplified when an external heater is not required.

[0028] If all heating can be performed by the capacitor, the aerosol generating article can be formed as a single-use, i.e., disposable device that does not need to be inserted into another device. In other words, the aerosol generating article can include an external circuit that controls the discharge of the capacitor, such as a switching circuit, and other elements necessary for a properly functioning single-use, i.e., disposable device.

[0029] The amount of the electrolytic solution can be estimated or determined by the controller using any suitable method, such as by using one or more electrical parameters of the capacitor.

[0030] One or more electrical parameters of the capacitor are electrical parameters known to vary depending on the amount of the electrolytic solution, such as internal resistance and capacitance. These parameters are directly proportional to the surface contact area between the electrolytic solution and the electrodes of the capacitor.

[0031] For example, the internal resistance of the capacitor is R DC and can be estimated or determined therefrom.

Equation

[0032] The capacitance C of the capacitor can be estimated or determined from the following equation.

Equation

[0033] In a conventional capacitor, since the electrolytic solution is contained within a sealed casing, the amount of the electrolytic solution remains constant. However, in an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure, since the user inhales the electrolytic solution as an aerosol during a vaping session, the amount of the electrolytic solution gradually decreases. Accordingly, one or more electrical parameters also change during the vaping session as the amount of the electrolytic solution decreases. Other factors such as the temperature of the capacitor can also affect the way in which one or more electrical parameters of the capacitor change, and thus can be considered when one or more electrical parameters are used for estimating or determining the amount of the electrolytic solution. By monitoring the amount of the electrolytic solution and notifying the user, the user can easily grasp how much electrolytic solution remains in the capacitor during the vaping session, and as a result, can estimate how much aerosol a particular aerosol-generating article is likely to continue to generate.

[0034] One or more electrical parameters of the capacitor can be estimated or determined using at least one of the voltage and current measurement values obtained when the capacitor is discharged or charged through an external circuit, as described above. For example, the voltage and current measurement values can be obtained from voltage and current sensors when the capacitor is being discharged or charged. The voltage sensor and the current sensor can be part of a determination circuit of an aerosol-generating device that provides the measurement values to a controller. The estimation or determination of one or more electrical parameters of the capacitor can also use the time measurement value, for example, the time required for the discharge or charge of the capacitor while the current and voltage measurement values are being obtained. It is known that the time required for the discharge or charge of the capacitor varies between a predetermined upper limit and a lower limit depending on the amount of the electrolytic solution, and in particular, the time required for the discharge or charge of the capacitor typically decreases as the remaining amount of the electrolytic solution decreases during a vaping session.

[0035] The amount of the electrolyte can be estimated or determined by performing one or more amount determination steps. In each determination step, one or more measured values of voltage, current, and time can be obtained while the capacitor is being discharged or charged. More specifically, in an initial determination step, the initial amount of the electrolyte in the capacitor is estimated or determined by the controller, for example, at the start of a vaping session. In one or more subsequent steps during the vaping session, the amount of the electrolyte remaining in the capacitor is estimated or determined by the controller. The amount of the electrolyte remaining in the capacitor is notified to the user by controlling a visual indicator. The subsequent steps can be performed at regular or irregular intervals or in response to puff detection, i.e., after the user inhales the generated aerosol. Thereby, it can be easier for the user to grasp how much electrolyte remains in the capacitor after a puff is taken.

[0036] The visual indicator can include one or more light emitters (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs)).

[0037] The controller can be adapted to change one or both of the color (i.e., wavelength) and intensity of the light emitted by each emitter based on the amount of electrolytic solution estimated or determined by the controller. For example, as the amount of electrolytic solution remaining in the capacitor gradually decreases, the color of the visual indicator can change, and / or the intensity of the emitted light can decrease or increase. If the user starts a vaping session when the capacitor is only partially filled, an appropriate color and / or intensity can be selected by the controller. A predetermined color can be used to notify the user that the amount of electrolytic solution has fallen below a minimum amount, i.e., that the capacitor is empty or substantially empty. In other words, if the amount of electrolytic solution falls below the minimum amount, the controller can be adapted to change the color of the light emitted by each emitter to a predetermined color to notify the user that the aerosol-generating article may need to be replaced or refilled because the capacitor is empty or substantially empty. The controller can also be adapted to change the intensity to a predetermined intensity, e.g., maximum intensity, if the amount of electrolytic solution falls below the minimum amount. The predetermined color can also be used to notify the user of other operating states of the aerosol-generating system, such as if the aerosol-generating article has been accidentally inserted into the aerosol-generating device or is damaged or not genuine, or if the aerosol-generating device is malfunctioning. The predetermined color can be customizable or selectable by the user.

[0038] The controller can be adapted to control each emitter to blink, i.e., emit light intermittently. The controller can be adapted to change the frequency at which each emitter blinks based on the amount of electrolytic solution estimated or determined by the controller. For example, each emitter can be controlled to blink faster or slower as the amount of electrolytic solution remaining in the capacitor gradually decreases. If the user starts a vaping session when the capacitor is only partially filled, an appropriate frequency can be selected by the controller. Changing the frequency at which each emitter blinks can be combined with changing one or both of the color and intensity of the light emitted by each emitter.

[0039] The controller may be adapted to control each light emitter to blink when the amount of electrolyte estimated or determined by the controller falls below a predetermined threshold, for example, a threshold indicating the maximum amount of electrolyte, and, when blinking occurs, to notify the user that the article has already been partially used. This is useful when the user starts a vaping session using an aerosol-generating article in which the amount of electrolyte has decreased from the maximum amount due to previous use. The controller may be adapted to control each light emitter so as not to blink, i.e., to always emit light, when the amount of electrolyte estimated or determined by the controller exceeds a predetermined threshold, to notify the user that the capacitor is full or substantially full. The predetermined threshold may also be a threshold indicating the minimum amount of electrolyte such that, when blinking occurs, the user can understand that the capacitor of the aerosol-generating article is empty or substantially empty and that replacement or refilling of the aerosol-generating article may be required. Blinking may be combined with a change in a predetermined color or intensity of the light emitted by each light emitter, which also indicates, for example, that the capacitor of the aerosol-generating article is substantially empty.

[0040] The visual indicator may include one or more sections or panels that can be independently lit by one or more light emitters. The one or more light emitters may be arranged, for example, behind the one or more sections or panels, and each section or panel may be made of a transparent or translucent, i.e., any suitable light-transmissive material. Each section or panel may be formed as part of the outer housing or body of the aerosol generating device. Each section or panel may be defined by a single light emitter or a group of light emitters. When the visual indicator includes a plurality of sections or panels, the controller may be adapted to control each light emitter to light a predetermined number of sections or panels based on the amount of electrolyte estimated or determined by the controller. For example, the visual indicator may include a plurality of sections or panels arranged in a suitable pattern that all light up when the amount of electrolyte exceeds the maximum amount, i.e., when the capacitor is full or substantially full. As the amount of electrolyte decreases, the number of sections or panels that light up may decrease. When the amount of electrolyte falls below the minimum amount, i.e., when the capacitor is empty or substantially empty, only one of the sections or panels may light up or none of them may light up. When the user starts a vaping session when the capacitor is only partially full, an appropriate number of sections or panels are lit by the controller. For example, if the amount of electrolyte estimated or determined by the controller at the start of the vaping session is about half of the maximum amount, the controller may be adapted to control one or more light emitters to light half of the sections or panels. Lighting an appropriate number of sections or panels may be combined with changing one or both of the color and intensity of the light emitted by each light emitter, blinking, using a predetermined color, etc. For example, when only one of the sections or panels lights up, the one or more light emitters used to light that section or panel may blink and / or be controlled to emit a predetermined color or light intensity so that the user knows that the aerosol generating article may need to be replaced or refilled because the capacitor is empty or substantially empty.

[0041] The visual indicator can be arranged at any location of the aerosol generating device, but it is preferably visible when the device is held in the user's hand. The visual indicator can have any suitable shape or size.

[0042] In one example, the visual indicator can be formed in the shape of a ring, for example as an annular indicator. The ring can include a plurality of compartments or panels as described above. If the aerosol generating device includes an opening for receiving the aerosol generating article, the visual indicator can substantially surround the opening. For example, if the aerosol generating article is substantially cylindrical and the aerosol generating device includes a substantially cylindrical opening for receiving the aerosol generating article such that the aerosol generating article can be inserted into the device, for example into an aerosol generating space or a heating chamber, the visual indicator can be arranged around the opening. The visual indicator can thus be visible to the user when inhaling the aerosol from the proximal end of the aerosol generating article, for example through a mouthpiece or a filter section.

[0043] The visual indicator can be a display screen, for example a liquid crystal or LED display screen. The controller can be adapted to control the display screen to display information directly indicating the amount of electrolyte estimated or determined by the controller, for example an absolute value or a percentage indicating that the capacitor is full at 100% and empty at 0%. The controller can also be adapted to control the display screen to display the remaining duration of the vaping session (e.g., in minutes or seconds) or the remaining number of puffs estimated or determined from the amount of electrolyte. The remaining time of the vaping session can depend on the user's vaping pattern, i.e., if the user takes strong puffs with short puff intervals, the electrolyte will be consumed faster, and the remaining time of the vaping session can be estimated based on the remaining amount of electrolyte and then presented to the user on the display screen. The display screen can also display the information graphically, such as by displaying one or more colored blocks indicating the amount of electrolyte by size, shape or color. Other graphical displays can be used.

[0044] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of visually presenting to a user the amount of electrolyte within a capacitor of an aerosol-generating article, the electrolyte generating, upon heating, an aerosol for inhalation by the user. In other words, this can be a method of visually presenting to the user the amount of aerosol-generable electrolyte remaining within the capacitor of the aerosol-generating article. The method includes controlling a visual indicator of an aerosol-generating device adapted to receive the aerosol-generating article during use based on the amount of the electrolyte.

[0045] The visual indicator may include one or more light emitters as described herein. The method includes changing one or both of the color and intensity of the light emitted by each light emitter based on the amount of the electrolyte, and changing the frequency at which each light emitter blinks based on the amount of the electrolyte either or both.

[0046] The visual indicator may include a plurality of sections or panels as described herein. The method may include lighting a predetermined number of sections or panels based on the amount of the electrolyte. The sections or panels may be lit, for example, by controlling one or more light emitters.

[0047] The visual indicator may be a display screen, such as a liquid crystal or LED display screen, as described herein. The method may include displaying on the display screen information directly or indirectly indicative of the amount of the electrolyte. For example, the display screen may be controlled to display the remaining duration of a vaping session (e.g., in minutes or seconds) or the remaining number of puffs, both of which may be estimated or determined from the amount of the electrolyte.

[0048] In the above-described aspects of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating article (or consumable) functions as a capacitor when the electrolyte is aerosolizable or when the aerosol-generating article has an energy storage function. In an alternative aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating article may include an aerosolizable humectant, i.e., a material convertible into an aerosol by heating or electrolysis, and the aerosol is then inhaled by the user. Such a humectant does not necessarily function as an electrolyte, i.e., the aerosol-generating article need not include a capacitor or function as a capacitor. The purpose of the aerosolizable humectant is to provide an inhalable aerosol without necessarily additionally providing an energy storage function as an electrolyte. According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article (or consumable) containing an aerosolizable humectant, an aerosol-generating device adapted to receive the aerosol-generating article during use, and wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a visual indicator, and a controller adapted to estimate or determine the amount of the humectant in the aerosol-generating article, and control the visual indicator to visually present to the user the amount of the humectant remaining in the aerosol-generating article based on the amount of the humectant. and a controller adapted to perform the above. An aerosol-generating system is provided.

[0049] The amount of the humectant decreases during the vaping session.

[0050] The visual indicator can generally be as described herein and can include, for example, one or more light emitters or be formed as a display screen. Such light emitters can be controlled, as described herein, to vary, for example, the color and / or intensity of the emitted light, the frequency of blinking, etc. according to the amount of the moisturizing agent. The display screen can be controlled to display information that directly or indirectly indicates the amount of the moisturizing agent estimated or determined by the controller.

[0051] The aerosol-generating article can include an aerosol-generating material or substrate that is heated without combustion to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user of the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating article can include a body of the aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material can be any kind of solid or semi-solid material. Exemplary kinds of solid or semi-solid materials include crumbs, powders, granules, pellets, flakes, strands, particles, gels, strips, loose leaf, cut filler, porous materials, foamed materials or sheets. The aerosol-generating material can include plant-derived materials, particularly tobacco materials.

[0052] The aerosol-forming material may contain an aerosol-forming agent, i.e., the humectant may be an aerosol-forming agent. Examples of aerosol-forming agents include polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin or propylene glycol and mixtures thereof. In other possible examples, the aerosol-forming agent may include other alcohols such as ethanol, 1,3-propanediol or may include water. The aerosol-forming agent may be selected from polyols such as sorbitol, glycols such as glycerol and propylene glycol or triethylene glycol, non-polyols such as monohydric alcohols, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerol or vegetable glycerin. Typically, the aerosol-forming material may contain an aerosol-forming agent content of about 5% to about 50% based on the dry weight of the aerosol-forming material. In some examples, the aerosol-forming material may contain an aerosol-forming agent content of about 10% to about 20%, optionally about 15% based on the dry weight of the aerosol-forming material. The aerosol-forming material may contain an ionic conductivity improver such as sodium chloride or an ionic liquid.

[0053] The aerosol-forming substance may also be the aerosol-forming agent itself. In this case, the aerosol-forming substance may be a liquid. In this case, the aerosol-forming article may also include a liquid-retaining substance (e.g., a bundle of fibers, a porous material such as ceramic, etc.) that holds the liquid to be aerosolized and is movable in the outlet direction so that an aerosol is formed and released from the liquid-retaining substance and inhaled by the user, for example.

[0054] Accordingly, it will be understood that the aerosolizable humectant can be the aerosol forming agent described above, or in certain cases, the electrolyte when the aerosol generating article includes or functions as a capacitor such as an electric double layer supercapacitor. In any case where the electrolyte is referred to herein, it may be considered to refer to any suitable aerosolizable humectant such as an aerosol forming agent as appropriate. When the humectant is an aerosol forming agent and the aerosol generating article does not include a capacitor, the amount of the humectant can be estimated or determined by the controller using any suitable method, for example, using one or more electrical parameters such as resistance or capacitance that vary depending on the amount of the humectant (e.g., by measuring one or more of resistance, capacitance, or electrical load). Such electrical parameters can be measured, for example, using a pair of spaced electrodes. At least a portion of the aerosol generating material or the liquid holding substance can be received between the electrodes.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0055]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9A

Figure 9B

Figure 9C

Figure 9D

Figure 9E

Figure 10

Figure 11A

Figure 11B

Figure 11C

Figure 11D

Figure 11E

Figure 12

[0056] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described exclusively by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] First, referring to FIG. 1, an example of an aerosol generating article 1 is schematically shown. The article 1 has a proximal end 2 and a distal end 4.

[0058] Article 1 includes a capacitor 6 containing an electrolytic solution. The capacitor 6 is wrapped with a wrapping paper 8 coated with a metal or polymer. End caps 10a and 10b are provided at both ends of the capacitor 6. The wrapping paper 8 and the end caps 10a and 10b define an outer casing of the capacitor 6 that contains the electrolytic solution and realizes electrical insulation.

[0059] Article 1 is substantially cylindrical.

[0060] At the proximal end 2, Article 1 includes a mouthpiece 12 having an outlet 14 through which a user can inhale an aerosol generated by heating the electrolytic solution. Although not shown, the proximal end cap 10a may include a suitable puncture or opening or incorporate a suitable aerosol-permeable membrane material so that the generated aerosol can reach the outlet 14 through the end cap.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 2, the capacitor 6 is an electric double layer supercapacitor and has a substantially cylindrical spiral wound (i.e., "jelly roll") structure. The capacitor 6 includes a positive electrode 16 and a negative electrode 18. The electrodes 16 and 18 are separated by a pair of porous separators 20a and 20b. As clearly shown in FIG. 3, the positive electrode 16 includes a positive current collector 22. Each side surface of the positive current collector 22 is provided with a porous carbon-based electrode layer 24, such as a layer of porous carbon material or activated carbon. The negative electrode 18 includes a negative current collector 26. Each side surface of the negative current collector 24 is provided with a porous carbon-based electrode layer 28, such as a layer of porous carbon material or activated carbon. The positive and negative current collectors 22 and 26 are, for example, aluminum foil layers.

[0062] The separators 20a, 20b are formed of a tobacco material such as a porous tobacco sheet that releases volatile compounds when heated. In an alternative configuration (not shown), the separator is formed of a suitable cellulose or polypropylene-based material, and the electrolyte can flow through a tobacco material such as crimped tobacco downstream of the capacitor in the aerosol flow path. The tobacco material can be disposed between the capacitor and the mouthpiece. The tobacco material adds flavor and nicotine to the aerosol. Heating by the capacitor also heats or warms the tobacco material, promoting the release of volatile compounds. A nicotine-free flavor source can be used instead of the tobacco material.

[0063] The electrodes 16, 18 and the separators 20a, 20b are immersed in an electrolyte that allows the movement of cations and anions when the capacitor 6 is charged or discharged, generating an aerosol for inhalation by the user during heating. The electrolyte can include sodium chloride and glycerol and optionally polyvinyl alcohol as a gelling agent. However, other non-toxic or food-grade electrolytes can also be used. The capacitor 6 is pre-charged during the manufacturing process and packaged in a charged state for sale to the user.

[0064] The article 1 includes a positive capacitor terminal 30 electrically connected at one or more locations to the positive electrode 16, i.e., the positive current collector 22, and a negative capacitor terminal 32 electrically connected at one or more locations to the negative electrode 18, i.e., the negative current collector 26. The capacitor terminals 30, 32 can be disposed inside the outer casing of the article 1 so as to be inaccessible to the user. This helps prevent unintentional or intentional discharge of the capacitor 6 before the article is removably inserted into the aerosol generating device as a preparation for starting a vaping session.

[0065] Figure 4 shows an aerosol generating device 34 adapted to receive the aerosol generating article 1. The device 34 includes a cavity 36 into which the article 1 can be inserted.

[0066] The device 34 includes a pair of rupture devices 38, 40 adapted to rupture the distal end cap 10b of the article 1 when the article 1 is inserted into the cavity 36. The angular orientation of the article 1 with respect to the device 34 when inserted into the cavity 36 can be limited such that the rupture device 38 makes electrical contact with the positive electrode 30 and the rupture device 40 makes electrical contact with the negative electrode 32. Other methods can be used to ensure reliable electrical contact. For example, the positive and negative terminals of the article can have an annular structure and appropriately arranged rupture devices can be coaxially arranged with each other to make electrical contact with the terminals regardless of the angular orientation of the article with respect to the device.

[0067] The device 34 includes a switching circuit 42 and a power source 44 such as a battery.

[0068] An example of the switching circuit 42 is shown in FIG. 5. The switching circuit 42 includes rupture devices 38, 40 that function as positive and negative terminals and are electrically connected to the positive and negative terminals 30, 32 of the article 1 when the article 1 is properly received within the cavity 36. The switching circuit 42 includes a switching device 46 that can be operated by a controller 48 to control the discharge of the capacitor 6 through the switching circuit 42. The controller 48 can include, for example, at least one microcontroller unit (MCU) or microprocessor unit (MPU).

[0069] After article 1 is inserted into device 34, capacitor 6 can be discharged by controlling switching device 46 to provide a continuous or switched short - circuit path between the positive and negative terminals 30, 32 of article 1, and thus between the positive and negative electrodes 16, 18 of capacitor 6. The short - circuit path between the positive and negative terminals 30, 32 is formed via switching device 46. Further, switching device 46 may include a resistor to prevent over - discharge current or an electrical load to enable constant - current discharge. If the discharge current is maintained at a predetermined value, the current sensor described later can be omitted. By discharging capacitor 6 through switching circuit 42, electrodes 16, 18 dissipate heat. Thereby, the electrolyte is heated and an aerosol that the user can inhale from the discharge port 14 of the suction port 12 is generated. By pre - charging capacitor 6, the amount of energy required for heating from the power source 44 of the device is reduced. This can lead to a reduction in the overall size and weight of device 34. In particular, the size and weight of power source 44 can be reduced. This is significant because the power source is often the largest and heaviest element of device 34. In some cases, all the energy for heating is supplied by capacitor 6 and power source 44 can be removed or reduced to provide power to other elements of the device such as a controller. However, in other cases, the energy provided by capacitor 6 is used to complement or partially replace the energy provided by power source 44.

[0070] Capacitor 6 can also be charged from power source 44 by controlling switching device 46 (or a separate switching device not shown in the switching circuit). The charging of capacitor 6 also dissipates the heat of electrodes 16, 18 that heats the electrolyte to generate an aerosol that the user can inhale through the discharge port 14 of the suction port 12. Heat can thus be repeatedly generated by charging capacitor 6 from power source 44 and then discharging the capacitor through switching circuit 42.

[0071] The switching device 46 that can be used to enable the discharge and charging of the capacitor 6 described above may include, for example, one or more switches. The discharge switch that controls the discharge current of the capacitor 6 may be connected in series between the rupture devices 38, 40 that define the positive and negative terminals of the switching circuit 42. The charging switch that controls the charging current of the capacitor 6 may be connected in series between the rupture device 38 that becomes the positive terminal of the switching circuit 42 and the positive terminal of the power source 44, and / or between the rupture device 40 that becomes the negative terminal of the switching circuit 42 and the negative terminal of the power source. These switches may be semiconductor switching devices, such as transistors.

[0072] Although not shown, the device 34 may include a current sensor that measures the discharge current or charging current of the capacitor 6 and a voltage sensor that measures the voltage output by the capacitor. Using the measurement values provided by the current sensor and the voltage sensor, electrical parameters of the capacitor, such as internal resistance or capacitance, are determined.

[0073] The device 34 may optionally include one or more heaters 50. The heater 50 can be used to heat the electrolyte in the capacitor 6 to generate an aerosol that can be inhaled by the user through the discharge port 14 in the suction port 12. Using such heating, for example, the heating control of the electrolyte during the heating or vaping phase can be improved.

[0074] The device 34 includes a visual indicator 52 that presents the amount of the electrolyte to the user.

[0075] The remaining amount of the electrolyte can be estimated or determined by the controller 48 from the electrical parameters of the capacitor 6, such as internal resistance or capacitance, which are known to change according to the amount of the electrolyte. The electrical parameters of the capacitor 6 can be estimated or determined using at least one of the measured values of voltage, current, and time obtained when the capacitor 6 is discharged or charged through the switching circuit 42 as described above. For example, if the electrical parameter is the internal resistance R of the capacitor 6 DCIn certain cases, it can be estimated or determined from the following equation.

Number

[0076] Figure 6 represents a vaping session including a preheating phase PHP and a heating or vaporizing phase VP.

[0077] The controller 48 executes a plurality of electrolyte amount determination steps.

[0078] In an initial step executed at a time point T0 before the start of the preheating phase, an initial value V0 of the electrical parameters of the capacitor 6 is estimated or determined. This initial value V0 thus indicates the initial amount of electrolyte in the capacitor 6 before the start of the vaping session. The initial value V0 is assumed to determine a "baseline" that can be compared with subsequent values. For the purposes of the following explanation, it is assumed that the initial amount of electrolyte is at its maximum, i.e., the capacitor 6 is full at the start of the vaping session. The visual indicator 52 may present to the user that the capacitor 6 is filled with electrolyte.

[0079] In subsequent steps executed at time points T1, T2, and T3, subsequent values V1, V2, and V3 of the electrical parameters of the capacitor 6 are estimated or determined. The subsequent steps are executed during the heating or vaporizing phase and may respond to puff detection. The subsequent steps are executed when the temperature of the capacitor 6 is maintained substantially constant. In other words, if the temperature is controlled to decrease or increase, the subsequent steps are not executed.

[0080] Next, using the initial value V0 and each subsequent value V1, V2, and V3, estimate or determine the remaining amount of the electrolytic solution. For example, using the initial value V0 and the first subsequent value V1, estimate or determine the amount of the electrolytic solution at time T1, using the initial value V0 and the second subsequent value V2, estimate or determine the amount of the electrolytic solution at time T2, and so on. When the electrical parameter is directly proportional to the amount of the electrolytic solution, that is, when the electrical parameter decreases as the amount of the electrolytic solution in the capacitor 6 decreases, the amount of the electrolytic solution at a subsequent time T i can be estimated or determined by the following formula.

Equation

[0081] For example, when the subsequent value V1 is three-quarters of the initial value V0, the remaining amount of the electrolytic solution is calculated to be 75% of the initial amount at the start of the vaping session and can be notified to the user by the visual indicator 52. Similarly, when the subsequent values V2 and V3 are one-half and one-third of the initial value V0, respectively, the remaining amounts of the electrolytic solution are calculated to be 50% and 33% of the initial amount at the start of the vaping session and can be presented to the user by controlling the visual indicator 52. It will be understood that other methods can be used to calculate the amount of the electrolytic solution in the capacitor 6. For example, the amount of the electrolytic solution can be estimated or determined using the relationship between the electrical parameter (e.g., internal resistance or capacitance) of the capacitor 6 and the amount of the electrolytic solution or the relationship between one or more measured values of voltage, current, time, and the amount of the electrolytic solution. This relationship can be, for example, a linear or polynomial relationship. In one example, the estimated or determined values V0, V1, V2, etc. of the electrical parameter can correspond to the amounts A0, A1, A2, etc. of the electrolytic solution according to a specific relationship. The amount of the electrolytic solution can be derived, for example, using a reference table.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 7, during the initial step and each subsequent step, the capacitor 6 is discharged and charged three times. Each time the capacitor 6 is discharged, the value of the electrical parameter is estimated or determined from one or more of the measured values of voltage, current, and time. The three values are then averaged to obtain the values V0, V1, ..., V3 described above. The capacitor 6 is discharged and charged between a predetermined upper limit and a lower limit represented as the state of charge (SOC) in FIG. 6. In particular, the capacitor 6 is substantially fully discharged and then substantially fully charged, the upper limit is about 90-100% SOC, and the lower limit is about 0-10% SOC.

[0083] The discharge current of the capacitor 6 close to the fully charged state tends to be larger than that in the intermediate state. The same is true for the charging current of the capacitor 6 close to the fully discharged state. Such a large current is not suitable for the above-described temperature control. Therefore, when the capacitor is discharged or charged to heat the electrolytic solution to generate an aerosol for inhalation by the user, that is, when the initial step and each subsequent step are executed for the purpose of estimating or determining the amount of the electrolytic solution, this discharge and / or charging is preferably performed in a narrow range between an intermediate state away from the fully discharged state and the fully charged state. The narrow range for discharging and / or charging the capacitor to heat the electrolytic solution can be determined by a predetermined upper limit and a lower limit. For example, when represented by SOC, the upper limit can be about 50-80%, and the lower limit can be about 20-40%.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 8, a first example of the visual indicator 52A is in the form of a ring surrounding the opening 54 of the aerosol generating device 34 into which the aerosol generating article 1 is inserted during use. The visual indicator 52A includes one or more light emitters, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) not shown in the figures. The controller 48 is adapted to change one or both of the color (i.e., wavelength) and intensity of the light emitted by each light emitter based on the amount of the electrolyte. The color of the emitted light can be changed when the amount of the electrolyte determined or estimated by the controller 48 falls below a series of thresholds, such as thresholds where the amount of the electrolyte is about 95%, about 80%, about 60%, about 40%, about 20%, and about 5% of the initial amount. For example, a first color can be used when the amount of the electrolyte exceeds the threshold of about 95% of the initial amount, i.e., when the capacitor 6 is substantially full. A second color can be used when the amount of the electrolyte is less than about 95% and more than about 80% of the initial amount. A third color can be used when the amount of the electrolyte is less than about 80% and more than about 60% of the initial amount. A fourth color can be used when the amount of the electrolyte is less than about 60% and more than about 40% of the initial amount. A fifth color can be used when the amount of the electrolyte is less than about 40% and more than about 20% of the initial amount. A sixth color can be used when the amount of the electrolyte is less than about 20% and more than about 5% of the initial amount. A seventh color can be used when the amount of the electrolyte is less than about 5% of the initial amount, i.e., when the capacitor 6 is substantially empty. FIGS. 9A-9E show how the color of the visual indicator 52A changes as the amount of the electrolyte decreases during a vaping session. At the start of the vaping session (i.e., time point T0), the capacitor 6 is full and the light emitters are controlled such that the emitted light is of the first color, so the initial amount of the electrolyte (i.e., the initial value of the electrical parameter V0) is at its maximum. At time point T1, V1 is three-quarters of the initial value V0, and when the amount of the electrolyte is three-quarters of the initial amount, the light emitters are controlled such that the emitted light is of the third color. At time point T2, the value V2 is half of the initial value V0, and when the amount of the electrolyte is half of the initial amount, the light emitters are controlled such that the emitted light is of the fourth color. At time point T3, the value V3 is one-third of the initial value, and when the amount of the electrolyte is one-third of the initial amount, the light emitters are controlled such that the emitted light is of the fifth color.Finally, at time point T when the amount of the electrolytic solution (i.e., the final value V of the electrical parameter n ) is at its minimum n , the light emitter is controlled such that the emitted light is of a seventh color that indicates to the user that the capacitor 6 is empty.

[0085] Rather than changing the color of the emitted light, the controller 48 can change the intensity of the light based on the amount of the electrolytic solution. For example, the intensity can decrease as the amount of the electrolytic solution decreases. In one example, when the amount of the electrolytic solution falls below a minimum amount, the intensity can be changed to a maximum intensity to notify the user that the capacitor 6 is empty or substantially empty. The color of the emitted light can also be changed to a predetermined color. For example, if the aerosol generating article 1 is incorrectly inserted into the aerosol generating device 34 or is damaged or not genuine, or if the aerosol generating device 34 is malfunctioning, the color of the light emitted by the light emitter can also be changed to a predetermined color by the controller 48. The predetermined color can be customizable or selectable by the user.

[0086] The controller 48 can be adapted to control the light emitter to blink, i.e., emit light intermittently. The controller 48 can be adapted to change the frequency at which the light emitter blinks based on the amount of the electrolytic solution estimated or determined by the controller. For example, as the amount of the electrolytic solution remaining in the capacitor 6 gradually decreases, the light emitter can be controlled to blink faster or slower. The controller 48 can be adapted to control the light emitter to blink when the amount of the electrolytic solution estimated or determined by the controller 48 is below a predetermined threshold. For example, when the amount of the electrolytic solution is less than about 5% of the initial amount, the light emitter can be controlled to blink. The light emitter can also be controlled to blink when the initial value is below a threshold indicating the maximum amount of the electrolytic solution, so that if blinking occurs at the start of a vaping session, the user can know that the aerosol generating article 1 has already been partially used.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 10, a second example of the visual indicator 52B includes one or more compartments or panels 56A, 56B, ..., 56F. The visual indicator 52B is in the form of a ring surrounding the opening 54 of the aerosol generating device 34 into which the aerosol generating article 1 is inserted during use. The visual indicator 52A includes one or more light emitters, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) not shown in the figures. The controller 48 controls the light emitters to light a specific number of compartments or panels based on the amount of the electrolytic solution. The number of lit compartments can be changed when the amount of the electrolytic solution determined or estimated by the controller 48 falls below a series of thresholds, for example, when the amount of the electrolytic solution falls below thresholds of about 95%, about 80%, about 60%, about 40%, about 20% and about 5% of the initial amount. For example, when the amount of the electrolytic solution exceeds the threshold of about 95% of the initial amount, that is, when the capacitor 6 is substantially full, six compartments can be lit. When the amount of the electrolytic solution is less than about 95% and more than about 80% of the initial amount, five compartments can be lit. When the amount of the electrolytic solution is less than about 80% and more than about 60% of the initial amount, four compartments can be lit. When the amount of the electrolytic solution is less than about 60% and more than about 40% of the initial amount, three compartments can be lit. When the amount of the electrolytic solution is less than about 40% and more than about 20% of the initial amount, two compartments can be lit. When the amount of the electrolytic solution is less than about 20% and more than about 5% of the initial amount, one compartment can be lit. When the amount of the electrolytic solution is less than about 5% of the initial amount, that is, when the capacitor 6 is substantially empty, no compartments need to be lit. FIGS. 11A - 11E show how the number of lit compartments changes as the amount of the electrolytic solution decreases during the vaping session. At the start of the vaping session (i.e., time point T0), the capacitor 6 is full and the light emitters are controlled so that all six compartments of the visual indicator 52B, i.e., compartments 56A, 56B, ..., 56F, are lit, so the initial amount of the electrolytic solution (i.e., the initial value V0 of the electrical parameter) is maximum. At time point T1 where the value V1 is three - quarters of the initial value and the amount of the electrolytic solution is three - quarters of the initial amount, the light emitters are controlled so that only four compartments of the visual indicator 52B, i.e., compartments 56C, ..., 56F, are lit.When the value V2 is half of the initial value and the amount of the electrolytic solution is half of the initial amount at time point T2, the light emitter is controlled such that only three of the sections of the visual indicator 52B, namely sections 56D, 56E, and 56F, are lit. When the value V3 is one-third of the initial value and the amount of the electrolytic solution is one-third of the initial amount at time point T3, the light emitter is controlled such that only two of the sections of the visual indicator 52B, namely sections 56E and 56F, are lit. Finally, at time point T n when the amount of the electrolytic solution (i.e., the final value V of the electrical parameter n ) is at its minimum, the light emitter is controlled such that none of the sections of the visual indicator 52B are lit. In other examples, one section, for example section 56F, may be lit, and one or more light emitters used for lighting that section may be controlled to blink so that the user can understand that the replacement or refilling of the aerosol generating article 1 may be required because the value of the electrolytic solution is at its minimum and the capacitor 6 is empty or substantially empty. The color emitted by one or more light emitters may also be changed by the controller to a predetermined color, for example. In one example, when a vaping session is started using an empty or substantially empty capacitor 6, all of sections 56A, 56B,..., 56F may be controlled to light up in a predetermined color that indicates to the user that the capacitor is empty or substantially empty. This can be done as an alternative to starting a vaping session with none of sections 56A, 56B,..., 56F lit.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 12, a third example of the visual indicator 52C is a display screen, such as a liquid crystal or LED display screen. The controller 48 is adapted to control the display screen 52C to display information directly indicating the amount of the electrolytic solution estimated or determined by the controller, such as an absolute value or a percentage indicating that the capacitor 6 is filled at 100% and that the capacitor is empty at 0%. The duration of a particular vaping session can be determined according to the amount of the electrolytic solution. The controller 48 is also adapted to control the display screen 52C to display the remaining duration of the vaping session (e.g., in minutes or seconds) or the remaining puff count that can be estimated or determined from the amount of the electrolytic solution together. The remaining duration of the vaping session depends on the user's vaping pattern, that is, if the user takes strong puffs at short puff intervals, the electrolytic solution can be consumed faster, and the duration of the vaping session can be estimated based on the amount of the electrolytic solution and then displayed to the user on the display screen 52C.

[0089] Although exemplary embodiments have been described in the preceding paragraphs, it should be understood that various modifications can be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the breadth and scope of the claims are not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above. For example, while all of the exemplary embodiments include a capacitor and relate to an aerosol-generating article in which a humectant for inhalation by a user also functions as an electrolyte, it will be readily understood that the aerosol-generating article can include any suitable aerosolizable humectant. In the exemplary embodiments described above, the capacitor can be replaced with an aerosol-generating material that includes a suitable aerosol-forming agent, and the visual indicator can be controlled to notify the user of the amount of aerosol-forming agent remaining in the aerosol-generating article. The amount of the humectant can be estimated or determined using any suitable method by a controller of the aerosol-generating device. For example, the amount of the humectant remaining in the aerosol-generating article can be estimated or determined by measuring one or more electrical parameters, such as resistance or capacitance, that are known to vary with the amount of the humectant, for example, using a pair of electrodes, to measure one or more of resistance, capacitance, or electrical load. As will be known to those skilled in the art, other suitable methods for estimating or determining the amount of the humectant (e.g., aerosol-forming agent) can also be used.

[0090] The combination of the above features in all possible variations is included in the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by the context.

[0091] Throughout this specification and the claims as a whole, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, terms such as "comprising," "including," etc. shall be construed in an inclusive sense rather than an exclusive or exhaustive sense.

Claims

1. An aerosol generation system, comprising: An aerosol generation article (1) including a capacitor (6) containing an electrolytic solution that generates an aerosol for inhalation by a user when heated; An aerosol generation device (34) adapted to receive the aerosol generation article (1) during use; wherein the aerosol generation device (34) includes: Visual indicators (52, 52A, 52B, 52C); A controller (48) adapted to: Estimate or determine the amount of the electrolytic solution in the capacitor (6); Control the visual indicators (52, 52A, 52B, 52C) based on the amount of the electrolytic solution; An aerosol generation system comprising the controller (48).

2. The visual indicators (52A, 52B) include one or more light emitters, and the controller (48) is adapted to change one or both of the color and intensity of the light emitted by each light emitter based on the amount of the electrolytic solution estimated or determined by the controller (48). The aerosol generation system according to Claim 1.

3. The visual indicators (52A, 52B) include one or more light emitters, and the controller (48) is adapted to control each light emitter to blink. The aerosol generation system according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. The controller (48) is adapted to change the frequency at which each light emitter blinks based on the amount of the electrolytic solution estimated or determined by the controller (48). The aerosol generation system according to Claim 3.

5. The controller (48) is adapted to control each light emitter to blink when the amount of the electrolytic solution estimated or determined by the controller (48) is less than a predetermined threshold. The aerosol generation system according to Claim 3 or 4.

6. The predetermined threshold indicates the maximum amount of the electrolytic solution. The aerosol generation system according to Claim 5.

7. The predetermined threshold indicates the minimum amount of the electrolytic solution. The aerosol generation system according to Claim 5.

8. ​ The visual indicator (52B) includes one or more light emitters and a plurality of compartments or panels (56A, 56B,..., 56F), and the controller (48) is adapted to control each light emitter to light a predetermined number of compartments or panels (56A, 56B,..., 56F) based on the amount of the electrolyte estimated or determined by the controller. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The visual indicator (52A, 52B) is formed in the shape of a ring. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The aerosol generation device (34) includes an opening (54) for receiving the aerosol generation article (1), and the visual indicator (52A, 52B) substantially surrounds the opening (54). The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The visual indicator is a display screen (52C). The aerosol generation system according to claim 1.

12. A method of visually presenting to a user the amount of electrolyte in a capacitor (6) of an aerosol generation article (1), the electrolyte generating an aerosol for inhalation by the user upon heating, the method comprising controlling a visual indicator (52, 52A, 52B, 52C) of an aerosol generation device (34) adapted to receive the aerosol generation article (1) during use based on the amount of the electrolyte. Method.

13. The visual indicator (52A, 52B) includes one or more light emitters, and the method includes changing one or both of the color and intensity of the light emitted by each light emitter based on the amount of the electrolyte; changing the frequency at which each light emitter blinks based on the amount of the electrolyte The method according to claim 12, including one or both of.

14. The visual indicator (52B) includes a plurality of compartments or panels (56A, 56B,..., 56F), and the method includes lighting a predetermined number of compartments or panels (56A, 56B,..., 56F) based on the amount of the electrolyte. The method according to claim 12 or 13.

15. The visual indicator is a display screen (52C), and the method according to claim 12 includes displaying, on the display screen (52C), information directly or indirectly indicating the amount of the electrolytic solution.

Images