Aerosol generation device

Abstract

An aerosol generating device (100; 800; 900) is provided with a heating cavity (45; 845; 945) comprising a heater component (47; 847; 947) and a sensor configured to sense an aerosol forming substrate (12; 812; 912). The device further comprises an energy storage module (11, 51; 811, 851; 911) and a controller (43; 843; 943). The controller is configured to supply power to the heater component by directing an electric power flow from the energy storage module to the heater component to preheat the heater component to a predetermined temperature, and to use the sensor to determine that an aerosol forming substrate is received in the heating cavity. The controller is configured to start monitoring parameters in response to determining that an aerosol forming substrate is received in the heating cavity, and to supply power to the heater component until the monitored parameters meet predetermined requirements in order to compensate for a temperature drop of the heater component due to the received aerosol forming substrate.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Aerosol generating devices such as electronic cigarettes and other aerosol inhalers or vaporizing devices are becoming increasingly popular as consumer products.

[0003] Heating devices for vaporization or aerosolization are known in the art. Such devices typically include a heating chamber and a heater. During operation, the operator inserts the product to be aerosolized or vaporized into the heating chamber. The product is then heated by an electric heater to vaporize the components of the product for the operator to inhale. In some examples, the product is a tobacco product similar to a conventional cigarette. Such devices are sometimes referred to as "heat-not-burn" devices in that they are heated until the product is aerosolized without being burned.

[0004] Problems faced by known aerosol generating devices include providing efficient power management and improving operability.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is, inter alia, to address providing efficient power management and improving operability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In a first aspect, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising a heating cavity configured to contain an aerosol generating substrate and aerosolize it, the heating cavity comprising a heater component and a sensor configured to sense the aerosol generating substrate contained within the heating cavity, the aerosol generating device comprising an energy storage module and a controller, the controller being configured to preheat the heater component to a predetermined temperature by supplying power to the heater component by directing an electric power flow from the energy storage module to the heater component, use the sensor to determine that an aerosol generating substrate is contained within the heating cavity, initiate monitoring of a parameter in response to determining that an aerosol generating substrate is contained within the heating cavity, reheat the heater component to a predetermined temperature and supply power to the heater component until a monitored parameter meets a predetermined requirement in order to compensate for a temperature drop of the heater component due to the contained aerosol generating substrate. An aerosol generating device is provided that is configured as such.

[0007] Prior to insertion into the heating cavity, the aerosol generating substrate can be at ambient temperature (e.g., room temperature). Since the aerosol generating substrate is colder than the preheated heater component heated to a predetermined temperature (e.g., in the range of 230 - 320 °C, or preferably in the range of 260 - 320 °C), insertion of the aerosol generating substrate can cause a temperature drop of the heater component. This temperature drop can lower the heater component to a temperature below the temperature suitable for aerosol generation. When the operator then inhales on the device, such a reduced temperature can result in an unpleasant user experience. By monitoring a parameter in response to determining that the aerosol generating substrate is contained within the heating cavity and supplying power to the heater component until the monitored parameter meets a predetermined requirement, the heater component is reheated to a predetermined temperature and this temperature drop is compensated for. This improves the user experience by ensuring that the heater component is properly preheated before the operator inhales on the device.

[0008] Preferably, the parameter to be monitored is a timer, and the predetermined requirement is satisfied when a predetermined time has elapsed after starting the monitoring of the parameter.

[0009] Thus, by supplying power to the heater component over a predetermined period, the heater component can be reheated to a predetermined temperature efficiently and accurately.

[0010] Preferably, the parameter to be monitored is the heater temperature, and the predetermined requirement is satisfied when the heater temperature becomes equal to or higher than the target temperature after starting the monitoring of the parameter.

[0011] Thus, by supplying power to the heater component until the monitored heater temperature reaches a predetermined temperature, the heater component can be reheated to a predetermined heater temperature efficiently and accurately.

[0012] Preferably, when the parameter to be monitored satisfies a predetermined requirement, the controller is configured to control the aerosol generating device to perform an operation.

[0013] Preferably, this operation includes controlling the power flow from the energy storage module to the heater component to maintain the heater component at a predetermined temperature for a heating phase in which an aerosol for inhalation by the operator is generated.

[0014] Thus, the heating phase of the aerosolization session in which the operator inhales the aerosol does not start until the heater component is sufficiently reheated after the temperature drop caused by the insertion of the aerosol generating substrate. Therefore, the user experience is improved by ensuring that the aerosol for inhalation is generated using a predetermined temperature.

[0015] Preferably, the operation further includes controlling an indicator of the aerosol generation device to provide an output indicating that the parameter being monitored meets a predetermined requirement and that the aerosol generation device is ready for the heating phase.

[0016] In this way, the operator recognizes that the heater has been reheated in response to the insertion of the substrate, that the device is ready to start the heating phase, and that the operator can start inhaling the generated aerosol. The provision of this status information of the device improves operability.

[0017] Preferably, the sensor is a temperature sensor, and the controller is configured to use the temperature sensor to monitor the temperature of the heater component and, in response to a decrease in the monitored temperature, determine that an aerosol generation substrate is accommodated in the heating cavity.

[0018] In this way, the change in temperature due to the insertion of a colder aerosol generation substrate can be used to determine the presence of the substrate. This eliminates the need to include a separate sensor for determining insertion, thereby simplifying the design and manufacture of the device by reducing the number of necessary components.

[0019] Preferably, the aerosol generation device comprises a holding unit configured to accommodate and aerosolize an aerosol generation substrate, and a charging unit connectable to the holding unit, and the charge storage module comprises a first charge storage module and a second charge storage module. The holding unit comprises a heating cavity and a first charge storage module. The charging unit comprises a second charge storage module. The controller when the holding unit is connected to the charging unit, powers the heater component by directing a power flow from the second charge storage module to the heater component. When the holding unit is separated from the charging unit, it is configured to supply power to the heater component by guiding a power flow from the first charge storage module to the heater component.

[0020] Thus, the aerosol generating device can be realized as a two-component system having a holding unit and a charging unit. By supplying power to the heater component using the first charge storage module when the holding unit is not connected to the charging unit, or by supplying power to the heater component using the second charge storage module when the holding unit is connected to the charging unit, operational flexibility can be provided.

[0021] Preferably, the controller When the holding unit is connected to the charging unit, guides a power flow from the second energy storage module to the heater component to preheat the heater component to a predetermined temperature, and When the monitored parameter meets a predetermined requirement and the holding unit is not connected to the charging unit, guides a power flow from the first energy storage module to the heater component to maintain the heater component at a predetermined temperature to aerosolize the aerosol generating substrate, thereby configured to supply power to the heater component.

[0022] Typically, preheating the heater component requires a higher level of power consumption than maintaining the heater component at a predetermined temperature for aerosolization. Therefore, the second charge storage module in the charging unit can be used to supply power to the preheating phase with a higher power concentration, and the first charge storage module in the holding unit can be used to supply power to the heating phase with a lower power concentration where the temperature is maintained. As a result, only a smaller charge storage module may be required as the first charge storage module, which means that the holding unit can be dimensioned smaller. In this way, the operator only needs to lift the smaller holding unit to the operator's mouth for inhalation of the aerosol, thereby improving the operability.

[0023] Preferably, the controller When the holding unit is connected to the charging unit, direct the power flow from the second energy storage module to the heater component to preheat the heater component to a predetermined temperature, and When the monitored parameter meets the predetermined requirements and the holding unit is connected to the charging unit, direct the power flow from the second energy storage module to the heater component to maintain the heater component at a predetermined temperature to aerosolize the aerosol-generating substrate, thereby being configured to supply power to the heater component.

[0024] In this way, the operator can decide to keep the holding unit connected to the charging unit for the heating phase where the temperature is maintained. This is advantageous because it allows the charge stored in the first charge storage module of the holding unit to be saved for a subsequent aerosolization session.

[0025] Preferably, the controller When the holding unit is not connected to the charging unit, direct the power flow from the first energy storage module to the heater component to preheat the heater component to a predetermined temperature, and When the parameter to be monitored meets a predetermined requirement and the holding unit is not connected to the charging unit, in order to maintain the heater component at a predetermined temperature to aerosolize the aerosol-generating substrate, the power flow is guided from the first energy storage module to the heater component, thereby powering the heater component.

[0026] In this way, the operator only needs to use the holding unit for the aerosolization session, so that operational flexibility can be provided.

[0027] Preferably, the heating cavity is configured to accommodate a substantially planar aerosol-generating substrate. The heating cavity has two main inner surfaces, the two main inner surfaces face each other, the aerosol-generating substrate is configured to be accommodated between the opposing main inner surfaces, and each of the main inner surfaces is associated with a heating element of the heater component.

[0028] Configuring the cavity to accommodate an aerosol-generating substrate with a substantially planar or flat shape is advantageous in that a heater component and a heating cavity with a very compact physical size are provided in combination with a substantially planar aerosol-generating substrate. This improves the operability of the device as it is smaller and more comfortable for the operator to hold.

[0029] Preferably, the main inner surface includes a ceramic material, and the heating element is disposed on or embedded in the ceramic material.

[0030] In this way, a compact heating cavity with a good distribution of heat directed towards the substrate is provided.

[0031] As another alternative preference, the cavity is configured to accommodate a rod-shaped aerosol-generating substrate.

[0032] In this way, an aerosol generation device is provided that offers a user experience familiar to traditional tobacco consumers.

[0033] In a second aspect, a system is provided that includes the aerosol generation device of the first aspect and an aerosol generation substrate.

[0034] In a third aspect, a method of operating an aerosol generation device is provided, the aerosol generation device comprising: a heating cavity configured to contain an aerosol generation substrate and aerosolize it, the heating cavity comprising a heater component and a sensor configured to sense the aerosol generation substrate contained within the heating cavity, and the aerosol generation device further comprising an energy storage module, The method comprises: powering the heater component by directing an electric power flow from the energy storage module to the heater component to preheat the heater component to a predetermined temperature; using the sensor to determine that an aerosol generation substrate is contained within the heating cavity; starting monitoring of parameters in response to determining that an aerosol generation substrate is contained within the heating cavity; reheating the heater component to a predetermined temperature and powering the heater component until the monitored parameters meet predetermined requirements to compensate for a decrease in the temperature of the heater component due to the contained aerosol generation substrate.

[0035] The method of the third aspect can optionally include the preferred features of the aerosol generation device of the first aspect.

[0036] In a fourth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by one or more processors of an aerosol generation device is provided, the aerosol generation device comprising: It includes a heating cavity configured to accommodate an aerosol-generating substrate and aerosolize it, the heating cavity comprising a heater component and a sensor configured to sense the aerosol-generating substrate accommodated within the heating cavity, and the aerosol-generating device further comprises an energy storage module. The instructions cause one or more processors to supply power to the heater component by guiding an electric power flow from the energy storage module to the heater component to preheat the heater component to a predetermined temperature; use the sensor to determine that an aerosol-generating substrate is accommodated within the heating cavity; start monitoring a parameter in response to determining that an aerosol-generating substrate is accommodated within the heating cavity; reheat the heater component to the predetermined temperature and supply power to the heater component until the monitored parameter meets a predetermined requirement to compensate for a decrease in the temperature of the heater component due to the accommodated aerosol-generating substrate.

[0037] The non-transitory computer-readable medium of the fourth aspect may optionally include the preferred features of the aerosol-generating device of the first aspect.

[0038] Here, embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0039]

Figure 1A

Figure 1B

Figure 1C

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8A

Figure 8B

Figure 9

[0040] Figures 1A, 1B, and 1C show various configurations of a first exemplary aerosol-generating device 100 (also known as a vapor-generating device, vaping device, or electronic cigarette) comprising a handpiece 10 (also called a holding unit) and a charging unit 50. The handpiece 10 is removably connectable to the charging unit 50. This can be considered a "two-piece" aerosol-generating device, the two pieces being the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50.

[0041] The handpiece 10 comprises a first charge storage module 11 and a heater 47 (also called a heater component). As described in more detail with reference to Figures 2-5, the first charge storage module 11 is configured to supply power to the heater 47 to aerosolize an aerosol-generating substrate (not shown). The aerosol-generating substrate can be considered a substrate from which an aerosol is generated upon heating. The handpiece 10 also has a mouthpiece 32, and an operator inhales through the mouthpiece during an aerosolization session to inhale the generated aerosol.

[0042] The charging unit 50 comprises a second charge storage module 51 configured to charge the first charge storage module 11 and supply power to the heater 47.

[0043] The first charge storage module 11 can be one or more batteries or supercapacitors, or a combination thereof. The first charge storage module 11 can be a high-rate charge battery, for example, a battery having a chemical such as lithium titanate (LTO). This type of battery is capable of supplying the high current required at the beginning of an aerosolization session and has excellent safety characteristics.

[0044] The second charge storage module 51 can be one or more batteries or supercapacitors, or a combination thereof. In one example, the second charge storage module 51 can be a single high energy density lithium ion battery (or a battery using, for example, an NMC (lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide) chemistry) having a moderate power capability. In another example, the second charge storage module 51 can be a combination of a high energy density lithium ion battery having a low power capability and a high power battery (e.g., LTO or lithium iron phosphate LFP) or a supercapacitor module.

[0045] In the following description, the first charge storage module is referred to as the handpiece battery 11, and the second charge storage module is referred to as the charging unit battery 51. However, those skilled in the art will readily understand that each of these can be one or more batteries, supercapacitors, or a combination thereof.

[0046] The charging unit battery 51 has a larger charge storage capacity than the handpiece battery 11. That is, the charging unit battery 51 can hold more charge than the handpiece battery 11. The handpiece battery 11 may be able to power the heater 47 to aerosolize a first number of aerosol-forming substrates, and the charging unit battery 51 may be able to power the heater 47 to aerosolize a second number of aerosol-forming substrates, where the second number is larger than the first number. For example, the handpiece battery 11 may be able to power the heater 47 to aerosolize two aerosol-forming substrates, and the charging unit battery 51 may be able to power the heater 47 to aerosolize twenty aerosol-forming substrates.

[0047] In this way, the handpiece 10 can be dimensioned to be smaller than the charging unit 50 so that it is more comfortable for the operator to hold during the aerosolization session. In that case, the larger charging unit 50 can be used to charge the handpiece 10 during or within the aerosolization session when the charging unit and the handpiece are connected. In this way, there is a technical advantage in providing an aerosol generating device having a smaller and more user-friendly handpiece 10 for aerosolization sessions that can power multiple sessions without the need to connect to an external power source.

[0048] The charging unit 50 is dimensioned to receive and accommodate the handpiece 10 within the opening of the charging unit 50. When the handpiece is received within the charging unit 50, the charging unit battery 51 connects to a corresponding connector within the handpiece 10 by a connector within the opening of the charging unit. A controller within the handpiece 10 or the charging unit 50 can detect a signal between the handpiece connector and the charging unit connector and control the power flow from the charging unit battery 51 to the handpiece battery 11. As discussed herein, power flow can be considered the flow of charge or current from one element to another. In this way, when the operator inserts the handpiece 10 into the charging unit 50, the handpiece battery 11 and the charging unit battery 51 will be connected, and as a result, the handpiece battery 11 can be charged by the charging unit battery 51 via the connection between the connectors. In this way, the charging unit 50 can be considered a charging case for the handpiece 10. Similarly, power can flow from the charging unit battery 51 to the heater 47 by a connector to power the heater 47 using the charging unit battery 51.

[0049] The charging unit battery 51 can store enough charge to fully recharge the handpiece battery 11 multiple times. The charging unit battery 51 itself can be charged from an external power source such as a power bank or a main power supply, either by connection via a USB cable or through connection to a docking station.

[0050] Figure 1A shows the handpiece 10 being removed from the charging unit 50 and not connected to each other. Figure 1B shows the handpiece 10 being housed within and connected to the charging unit 50. In the example of Figure 1B, the mouthpiece 32 of the handpiece 10 extends outward from the charging unit 50. Thus, the operator can perform an aerosolization session while the handpiece 10 is housed within the charging unit 50.

[0051] Alternatively or in addition, in some examples, the charging unit 50 and the handpiece 10 can be configured such that, as shown in Figure 1C, the handpiece 10 can pivot outward from the charging unit 50 while still being connected to the charging unit 50 by a hinged connection at the end of the handpiece 10 remote from the mouthpiece 32. This can provide greater access to the handpiece 10 while still remaining connected to the charging unit 50.

[0052] Figures 2 - 5 show the handpiece 10 of the first exemplary aerosol generating device 100 in more detail. Figure 2 shows the handpiece 10 having a connected mouthpiece portion 32. Figure 3 shows the aerosol generating substrate 12 configured to be used with the handpiece 10 of Figure 2. Figure 4A shows the heating chamber 45 of the handpiece 10 of Figure 2 having the aerosol generating substrate 12 of Figure 3, and Figure 4B shows the heating chamber 45 in more detail. Figure 5 shows the mouthpiece portion 32 of the handpiece 10 of Figure 2 in more detail.

[0053] The aerosol - generating substrate 12 has a planar or flat shape, for example, in the form of a flat cuboid extending along the substrate axis X and having external dimensions L×W×D. In a specific example, the length L of the substrate along the substrate axis X is substantially equal to 33 mm, and the width W and depth D are substantially 12 mm and 1.2 mm, respectively. That is, the substrate can be considered to have a planar shape in that it has a depth that is much shorter than its length and width.

[0054] The depth D of the substrate 12 is formed by a pair of parallel walls 13A, 13B called substrate side - walls 13A, 13B. The width W of the substrate is formed by a pair of parallel walls 14A, 14B called substrate contact - walls 14A, 14B. In other examples, the aerosol - generating substrate 12 can have other suitable shapes or dimensions. For example, the aerosol - generating substrate can be circular - tubular similar to a conventional cigarette.

[0055] The aerosol - generating substrate 12 can include a heating portion 15 and a mouth - piece portion 16 arranged along the substrate axis X. However, in some examples, the aerosol - generating substrate 12 can include only the heating portion 15. The mouth - piece portion has a length L1, and the heating portion has a length L2. In some examples, the heating portion 15 may be slightly longer than the mouth - piece portion 16, that is, L2 may be greater than L1. The heating portion 15 defines the abutment end 18 of the substrate 12, and the mouth - piece portion 16 defines the mouth - side end 20 of the substrate 12. The heating portion 15 and the mouth - piece portion 16 can be connected by a wrapper extending around the substrate axis X. Alternatively, the portions 15, 16 can be wrapped by different wrappers and fixed to each other by any other suitable means. The wrapper can include paper and / or non - woven fabric and / or aluminum and / or tobacco material (e.g., cigarillo paper). The wrapper can be porous or air - impermeable. The wrapper can form a plurality of air - flow paths extending inside the substrate 12 between the abutment end 18 and the mouth - side end 20.

[0056] The heating part 14 is configured to be heated by a heater and contains an aerosol - generating material. The aerosol - generating material can be, for example, a material that contains nicotine or tobacco and an aerosol - forming agent. Tobacco can take various forms of materials such as shredded tobacco, granular tobacco, tobacco leaves, and / or reconstituted tobacco. Suitable aerosol - forming agents include polyols (such as glycols like sorbitol, glycerol, propylene glycol, or triethylene glycol), non - polyols (such as monohydric alcohols, acids like lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerin, or vegetable glycerin). In some embodiments, the aerosol - generating agent can be glycerol, propylene glycol, or a mixture of glycerol and propylene glycol. The base material can also contain at least one of a gelling agent, a binder, a stabilizer, and a water - retaining agent. When the aerosol - generating material is heated, an aerosol or vapor is formed. It will be understood that the terms aerosol and vapor can be used interchangeably herein. In one example, the aerosol - generating material forms an aerosol when heated by heater 47 without being combusted.

[0057] The mouthpiece part 16 is intended to be housed inside the mouthpiece 32. The mouthpiece part 16 comprises a core 17 that can provide a filtering function. In some examples, the core 17 can be a foam or a bundle of twisted fibers. The core 17 can be formed into a stable shape by an extrusion process and / or a rolling process. The base material 12 can be shaped to provide one or more air flow paths. As shown in the example of FIG. 3, the mouthpiece part 16 can have a plurality of ventilation holes 22 disposed in the wall of the base material, which can include one of more of the base material side walls 13A, 13B and the base material contact walls 14A, 14B. The ventilation holes 22 allow the fresh air that has entered the interior of the base material 12 to achieve a specific vaping / taste effect.

[0058] The handpiece 10 includes a handpiece body 30 that extends along the handpiece axis Y and forms at least one side wall 40 of the handpiece 10. The handpiece body 30 includes a mouthpiece 32 and a housing 34 that are continuously arranged along the handpiece axis Y. According to the example of FIG. 1, the mouthpiece 32 and the housing 34 form two different parts. The mouthpiece 32 is designed to be removably fixed to or received within an insertion opening 36 formed at one end of the housing 34. This opening 36 extends perpendicular to the handpiece axis Y as shown in FIG. 4 where the mouthpiece 32 has been removed from the housing 34.

[0059] In each cross-section, the housing 34 can form a substantially rectangular shape, for example, having a rounded edge and having at least four side walls 40. In other examples, the housing can have at least one different cross-sectional shape, such as a round shape. The housing 34 can be sealed at the end opposite to the insertion opening 36 that houses the mouthpiece 32. The housing 34 can be formed from a single part made of any suitable material such as aluminum or plastic or from several assembled parts. One or more side walls 40 of the housing can have one or more openings for control and / or visual elements. For example, such elements can include one or more of control buttons, touch panels, screens, LEDs, etc. In one example, the housing 34 has a slot 42 for an LED that indicates at least the on state of the handpiece 10. In some examples, the LED can also indicate the status information of the handpiece, such as the battery status, error status, etc.

[0060] The housing 34 also contains a handpiece battery (not shown) for powering the handpiece 10, a controller 43 for controlling the operation of the handpiece 10, a heating chamber 45 (also called a heating cavity) for heating the aerosol-generating substrate 12, and at least two heating elements 47A, 47B for heating the heating chamber 45.

[0061] The mouthpiece 32 is configured to connect to the insertion opening 36 while assembling the mouthpiece 32 into the housing 34.

[0062] The mouthpiece 32 has a through-hole along the handpiece axis Y, which is designed to accommodate the mouthpiece portion 16 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 such that the substrate axis X coincides with the handpiece axis Y. The through-hole has the same cross-sectional shape as the aerosol-generating substrate 12 and may have an inner dimension slightly larger than the outer dimension of the mouthpiece portion 16 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12. In one example, the through-hole defines a rectangular cross-section for accommodating the mouthpiece portion 16 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12.

[0063] The mouthpiece 32 can have a recess such that when the mouthpiece 32 is inserted into the insertion opening 36, the recess forms an opening 66 that forms an inlet 66. Alternatively or in addition, the through-hole can be disposed in the side wall of the device to provide a channel for air to flow through the heating chamber. When the aerosol-generating substrate 12 comprises ventilation holes 22, at least some of these ventilation holes 22 are arranged to face the inlet 66.

[0064] In some cases, the substrate 12 may not include ventilation holes 22, and in such cases, air can flow into the substrate by being drawn in through the abutment end 18. For example, air can be drawn into the device through the inlet 66 of the mouthpiece 32 or the side wall of the device so as to counteract the pressure drop caused by the operator opening the mouthpiece 32 during inhalation. This air flow can be drawn into the substrate 12 along or through channels around the substrate 12 and through the end 18 opposite the mouth-side end 20. The mouth-side end 20 is the end of the substrate 12 that is disposed within or proximal to the mouthpiece 32 and is closer to the operator's mouth during use. The air flow is then drawn through the substrate 12 where it mixes with the generated aerosol and flows out from the mouth-side end 20 through the mouthpiece 32 and into the operator's mouth.

[0065] Referring more particularly to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the heating chamber 45 is cup-shaped and can extend along the handpiece axis Y between a sealed end 71 opposite an open end 70 into which the aerosol-generating substrate 12 is inserted. The heating chamber 45 houses the heated portion 15 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12. The heating chamber 45 has substantially the same cross-sectional shape as the aerosol-generating substrate 12. In one example, the heating chamber 45 defines a rectangular cross-sectional shape with two parallel chamber side walls 73A, 73B and two parallel chamber contact walls 74A, 74B. The walls 74A, 74B form two major inner surfaces within the chamber 45, face each other, and the aerosol-generating substrate is configured to be received between these opposing major inner surfaces. Each of the major inner surfaces comprises a heating element 47A, 47B of the heater 47. The walls 73A, 73B form two minor inner surfaces of the chamber, and the minor inner surfaces connect the two major inner surfaces. The two minor inner surfaces are smaller than the two major inner surfaces, and the cavity is configured to receive a substantially planar aerosol-generating substrate. Each chamber wall 74A, 74B has a width that is, for example, at least three times, preferably five times, more preferably eight times wider than each chamber wall 73A, 73B.

[0066] The heating chamber 45 has a distal wall that is disposed perpendicular to the handpiece axis Y and seals the sealed end 71. The distal wall is adjacent to each of the walls 73A, 73B, 74A, 74B to seal the chamber at the sealed end 71 and form the cup shape of the chamber. The walls 74A, 74B can be ceramic with a heater wire or ceramic embedded therein or thereon. Preferably, the walls 74A and 74B with a heater wire or track embedded therein or thereon form two ceramic heaters that can be disposed within a polymer (e.g., PEEK) or metal (e.g., stainless steel) frame. In some examples, the walls 73A, 73B and 71 can also be ceramic.

[0067] Such a ceramic heater can provide a compact heating cavity having a good heat distribution led to the substrate. However, the ceramic heater may require significantly more power for heating (e.g., >>10W and / or >>1600J) than a heater of an aerosol generating device configured to accommodate more traditional tobacco or tobacco-like consumables. Thus, such a heater can greatly benefit from the heating power management operations described herein.

[0068] In other examples, each of the walls 73A, 73B, 74A, 74B, 71 can be made of a thermally conductive material, such as a metal, particularly stainless steel. Additionally, at least some of the walls 73A, 73B, 74A, 74B, 71, or all of these walls, can form a single unitary part.

[0069] The internal dimensions of the heating chamber 45 are defined by a length L3 measured along the handpiece axis Y, a width W3 measured as the distance between the chamber side walls 73A, 73B, and a depth D3 measured as the distance between the chamber contact walls 74A, 74B. These internal dimensions L3, W3, D3 are selected based on the external dimensions L2, W, D of the heated portion 15 of the aerosol generating substrate 12.

[0070] The depth D3 of the heating chamber 45 may be slightly greater than the depth D of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 or may be substantially equal to this depth D. In this case, when the heated portion 15 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 is received inside the heating chamber 45, the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B may contact the chamber contact walls 74A, 74B, particularly at the contact surfaces of these walls 74A, 74B. Advantageously, in this case, the chamber contact walls 74A, 74B, particularly their contact surfaces, are in firm contact with the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B. In other examples, the depth D3 of the heating chamber 45 may be a depth slightly smaller than the normal depth D of the aerosol-generating substrate 12. In this case, the heating chamber 45 and / or the mouthpiece 32 are configured to compress the heated portion 15 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 by exerting a force on the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B. This makes it possible to improve the close contact between the corresponding contact walls of the heating chamber 45 and the substrate 12 and thus to improve the heat transfer between these walls.

[0071] The width W3 of the heating chamber 45 may be defined such that at least a pair of opposing side walls 73A, 13A, or 73B, 13B of the heating chamber 45 and the aerosol-generating substrate 12 form an air flow path therebetween. When the heated portion 15 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 is inserted into the heating chamber 45, the air flow path is formed on either side of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 along the mouthpiece axis Y. In an alternative form, no air flow path is formed between a pair of opposing side walls 73A and 13A or 73B and 13B of the heating chamber 45 and the aerosol-generating substrate 12. Instead, the pair of side walls 73A, 13A, or the pair of side walls 73B, 13B may be in contact. This is suitable when the distal wall 71 of the heating chamber 45 or any other wall forms an opening suitable for air to enter.

[0072] The walls 74A and 74B of the chamber 45 each have heating elements 47A, 47B. The heating elements 47A, 47B form the heater 47 (also referred to as a heater component) of the device. In one example, the heating elements 47A, 47B can be arranged in contact with one of the chamber contact walls 74A, 74B outside the heating chamber 45. In the example of FIG. 4B, the heating element 47A is arranged adjacent to the outer surface of the chamber contact wall 74A, and the heating element 47B is arranged adjacent to the outer surface of the chamber contact wall 47A. Thus, the chamber contact wall transfers heat from the heating elements 47A, 47B to the aerosol generating substrate 12. In other examples, the heating elements can be embedded in the chamber walls. For example, the heating element 47A can be embedded in the chamber contact wall 74A, and the heating element 47B can be embedded in the chamber contact wall 74B. In a further example, the heating elements can be on the chamber walls inside the heating chamber 45. As described, the chamber walls are ceramic materials and can have heater tracks or wires in or on them. In an alternative form, each of the heating elements 47A, 47B can comprise a polyimide film heater that extends along substantially the entire area of the outer surface of the corresponding heating walls 74A, 74B, or only along a part of this surface.

[0073] Optionally, the handpiece 10 can include insulators disposed between each of the heating elements 47A, 47B and the inner surface of the housing 34. The same insulators can also be disposed between the outer surfaces of each of the chamber side walls 73A, 73B and the inner surface of the housing 34.

[0074] The handpiece 10 comprises a controller 43. The controller 43 is configured to control the operation of the handpiece 10. This can include preventing and enabling the operation of the device, and controlling the power flow of the handpiece battery 11 and the charging unit battery 51 (when connected), based on the operating mode of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0075] The controller 43 can be at least one microcontroller unit including a memory storing instructions for operating the handpiece 10, the instructions including instructions for blocking and enabling the operation of the device, instructions for executing the operation mode of the device, instructions for controlling the power flow from the battery, etc., and one or more processors configured to execute these instructions.

[0076] The controller 43 can be configured to separately operate the operations of each of the heating elements 47A, 47B according to a heating profile selected from a predetermined group of heating profiles. The corresponding heating profile can be selected according to the operation mode of the handpiece 10 and / or according to at least some external / internal parameters regarding the operation of the handpiece 10.

[0077] The controller 43 controls the power flow to the heater 47 during an aerosolization session, and the aerosolization session can include a preheating phase and a heating phase.

[0078] In the preheating phase, the heater 47 is heated to a predetermined temperature to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substrate 12. The preheating phase can be considered as the time during which the preheating mode is executed, for example, the time until the heater 47 reaches a predetermined temperature. The preheating mode occurs during the first period of the aerosolization session. In one example, the first period can be a fixed predetermined period. In another example, the first period can vary corresponding to the length of time required to heat the heater 47 to a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature can be stored in a memory accessible by the controller.

[0079] When the preheating phase is completed, the controller 43 ends the preheating mode and controls the power flow to the heater 47 to supply power during the heating phase. During the heating phase, the controller 43 controls the power flow to the heater 47 to maintain the heater 47 at a substantially predetermined temperature such that an aerosol inhaled by the consumer is generated. The heating phase can be considered as the time during which the heating mode is being executed, e.g., the time during which the heater 47 aerosolizes one (or at least a part of one) of the aerosol-forming substrates 12 after the preheating phase. The controller 43 can control the power flow to the heater 47 in the heating mode over a second period of the aerosolization session. The second period can be predefined and stored in the controller 43.

[0080] FIG. 6 shows an exemplary plot of the average power 132 supplied to the heater 47 versus time 134 during an aerosolization session. During the preheating phase, the controller 43 controls the power flow to the heater 47 to apply power to the heater 47 over a first period 136 until the temperature of the heater 47 reaches a predetermined temperature. In one example, the predetermined temperature can be in the range of 230° C. to 320° C., preferably in the range of 260° C. to 320° C. In one example, the first period is 20 seconds. In some examples, the controller 43 is configured to heat the heater 47 to a predetermined temperature within a fixed predetermined first period. In other examples, the first period varies according to the time required for the heater 47 to reach the predetermined temperature.

[0081] When the heater 47 reaches a predetermined temperature, the controller 43 switches the operating mode to the heating phase of the second period 138 and maintains the temperature of the heater 47 substantially at the predetermined temperature over this second period 138. In one example, the second period can be 250 seconds. Typically, when maintaining the heater 47 at a predetermined temperature during the heating phase, a lower power level than the power level applied to the heater 47 to heat the heater 47 to the predetermined temperature during the preheating phase is applied to the heater 47. This can be seen in FIG. 6 from the fact that the power supplied to the heater 47 during the second period 138 is lower than the power supplied to the heater 47 during the first period 136. The power level supplied to the heater 47 can be controlled by various means, such as adjusting the power output from one or more batteries, or adjusting the on / off periods in a pulse-width modulated power flow.

[0082] Following the aerosolization session, the end of the aerosolization session may be notified to the user of the handpiece 10, for example, by a visual, tactile or audible indicator, so that the user of the handpiece 10 recognizes that the substrate is no longer aerosolized.

[0083] FIG. 7 shows an operation flowchart of a heating control process for an aerosolization session (as described with reference to FIG. 6, for example). This can be applied to the first aerosol generation device 100 described with reference to FIGS. 1-5, and is described with reference to this aerosol generation device. However, the heating control process can also be applied to the second aerosol generation device 800 (described later with reference to FIG. 8), and the third aerosol generation device (described later with reference to FIG. 9), as well as any other suitable type of aerosol generation device.

[0084] In step 701, the controller can be configured to determine that the aerosolization session has been triggered.

[0085] In some examples, the controller may determine that an aerosolization session has been triggered in response to a user input, such as pressing or operating a button (e.g., an "on" button) on an aerosol generating device that a user can press or operate to initiate an aerosolization session.

[0086] In some examples, when an aerosolization session is triggered, the handpiece 10 may be connected to the charging unit 50. In an exemplary interaction between an operator and the device to initiate an aerosolization session, the operator can connect the handpiece 10 to the charging unit 50 and then trigger the aerosolization session, for example, by pressing or operating a button.

[0087] In other examples, when an aerosolization session is triggered, the handpiece 10 may be separated from the charging unit 50.

[0088] In step 702, the controller is configured to supply power to the heater 47 by guiding the power flow to the heater 47 to preheat the heater 47 to a predetermined temperature.

[0089] If the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 are connected in step 702, the controller controls the charging unit battery 51 to guide the power flow to the heater 47 to supply power to the heater 47 for preheating. Alternatively, if the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 are connected in step 702, the controller controls both the handpiece battery 11 and the charging unit battery 51 to guide the power flow to the heater 47 so that both batteries supply power to the heater 47 for preheating.

[0090] If the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 are separated in step 702, the controller controls the handpiece battery 11 to guide the power flow to the heater 47 to supply power to the heater 47 for preheating.

[0091] As described, the handpiece battery 11 can have a smaller charge storage capacity than the charging unit battery 51 and can thus be physically smaller. As a result, this means that the overall size of the handpiece 10 can be minimized, because, for example, a smaller battery can be used compared to a single-piece aerosol generating device that does not include a handpiece 10 connectable to a separate charging unit 50.

[0092] In contrast, the larger charging unit battery 51 can have a larger charge storage capacity and a larger current output than the handpiece battery 11. The smaller handpiece battery 11 can have a smaller charge storage capacity and a smaller current output than the charging unit battery 51. This means that the charging unit battery 51 is more suitable for the more energy-intensive preheating phase, while it is not necessary to oversize the handpiece battery 11 to meet the power requirements, making it possible to achieve a smaller-sized handpiece 10.

[0093] Thus, when the heater 47 is preheated using the charging unit battery 51 (or a combination of the charging unit battery 51 and the handpiece battery 11) in step 702, faster preheating can be achieved due to the larger battery having a higher current output. In contrast, when the heater 47 is preheated using only the handpiece battery 11 in step 702, slower preheating is performed due to the lower current output, but the operator only has to handle a smaller component (the handpiece 10).

[0094] In one example, the predetermined temperature can be in the range of 230°C to 320°C, or preferably in the range of 260°C to 320°C.

[0095] In some examples, the controller is configured to direct a power flow to the heater 47 for a predetermined period corresponding to a known time required for the heater 47 to be heated to a predetermined aerosolization temperature for a given current output from the charging unit battery 51 and / or the handpiece battery 11. For example, for that current output, when using the charging unit battery 51, a period of 20 seconds may be pre - determined as the pre - heating time required to heat the heater 47 to meet the predetermined temperature. In contrast, for that current output, when using only the handpiece battery 11, a period of 60 seconds may be pre - determined as the pre - heating time required to heat the heater 47 to meet the predetermined temperature.

[0096] In other examples, the controller monitors the heater temperature or the heating cavity temperature (e.g., using a temperature - sensing sub - circuit that measures the heater temperature based on a thermistor adjacent to or connected to the heater 47, or based on the resistance of the heater 47 itself), and is configured to maintain the power flow to the heater 47 until the monitored temperature reaches a predetermined temperature. When the predetermined temperature is reached, the pre - heating phase is complete.

[0097] The aerosol - generating device may be configured to notify the operator that the pre - heating phase is complete. For example, the controller can control an indicator such as one or more of a visual indicator (e.g., a display screen or a light source, such as an LED), an audible indicator (e.g., a speaker that emits sound), or a tactile indicator (e.g., a vibration module) to warn the operator. In this way, the operator can recognize that the device is ready to receive the aerosol - generating substrate.

[0098] After completion of the preheating phase, the operator may separate the handpiece 10 from the charging unit 50 for the heating phase (if it has not already been separated). At that time, it is advantageous that the operator only needs to lift the smaller handpiece 10 to the operator's mouth in order to inhale the aerosol generated during the heating phase. During preheating, since inhalation of the aerosol has not yet started, the operator does not need to lift the device to the operator's mouth. Therefore, a larger charging unit battery 51 is used to achieve faster preheating, and at that time the operator does not need to lift the larger unit to the operator's mouth. On the other hand, after separation for the heating phase, the advantage is realized that the operator only needs to lift the smaller handpiece 10 to the mouth.

[0099] Alternatively, the operator may leave the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 connected for the heating phase. When the charging unit 50 and the handpiece 10 are connected, the charging unit battery 51 can be used to supply power to the heater 47 in the heating phase, thereby saving power of the handpiece battery 11 for a subsequent aerosolization session, which is advantageous.

[0100] When the preheating in step 702 is completed, the operator can insert the aerosol-generating substrate into the heating cavity 45.

[0101] Before insertion into the heating cavity 45, the aerosol-generating substrate can be at ambient temperature (e.g., room temperature). The aerosol-generating substrate is colder than the preheated heater 47, which is in the range of, for example, 230 to 320 °C or preferably 260 to 320 °C. Therefore, insertion of the substrate may cause a decrease in the heater temperature. This temperature decrease can lower the heater 47 below a temperature suitable for aerosol generation. When the operator inhales the device at that time, such a decreased temperature may cause an unpleasant user experience. However, this problem is overcome by steps 703-705.

[0102] In step 703, the controller is configured to determine using a sensor that the substrate is received within the heating cavity 45.

[0103] The sensor can be a temperature sensing sub-circuit configured to measure the heater temperature or the temperature of the heating cavity 45. The sensor can be a thermistor (e.g., an NTC thermistor) disposed within the cavity 45, particularly proximate to or connected to the heater 47. Alternatively, the sensor can be a temperature sensing sub-circuit incorporated within the heater 47 itself and configured to monitor the temperature of the heater 47 based on changes in the temperature of the heater 47.

[0104] The controller is configured to detect a temperature decrease using the sensor, and the temperature decrease corresponds to the insertion of the substrate into the heating cavity 45. In one example, the temperature decrease corresponding to the insertion of the substrate can be a temperature decrease of a magnitude exceeding a predetermined temperature change threshold. By using a temperature change (or specifically a temperature decrease) threshold, it is possible to reduce, for example, the erroneous detection that ambient temperature changes or air flow has caused a smaller decrease in the measured temperature as if the substrate has been inserted. In another example, the temperature decrease corresponding to the insertion of the substrate can be a temperature decrease of a magnitude exceeding a predetermined temperature change threshold over a predetermined temperature change threshold time value. That is, the insertion of the substrate is determined when there is a temperature decrease exceeding the predetermined temperature change threshold over a period exceeding the predetermined temperature change threshold time value. The additional use of the temperature change threshold time can further reduce false positives. For example, ventilation into / onto the heating cavity can cause a temperature decrease, but the temperature will rise rapidly again. In contrast, after the insertion of the substrate, such a rapid temperature rise will not occur. Therefore, by using a predetermined temperature change threshold together with a predetermined temperature change threshold time value, it becomes possible to distinguish between a temperature decrease caused by the insertion of the substrate and a temperature decrease not caused by the insertion of the substrate.

[0105] As an alternative to the sensor being a temperature sensing sub-circuit, the sensor used to determine that the substrate is housed within the heating cavity can be a light source sensor such as a laser, and using it, the controller is configured to detect the presence of the substrate by a change in reflectivity when the substrate is inserted into the heating cavity. In another example, the sensor used to determine that the substrate is housed within the heating cavity can be a capacitance sensor, and using it, the controller is configured to detect the presence of the substrate by a change in capacitance when the substrate is inserted into the heating cavity. In yet another example, the sensor used to determine that the substrate is housed within the heating cavity can be a push switch or a pressure sensor, and using it, the controller is configured to detect the presence of the substrate by activation of the switch or sensor when the substrate is inserted into the heating cavity and the switch or sensor is pushed in.

[0106] In response to the controller determining, using the sensor, that a substrate is housed within the heating cavity 45, the process proceeds to step 704.

[0107] In step 704, the controller begins monitoring parameters in response to determining that a substrate is housed within the cavity 45. Simultaneously (or substantially simultaneously) with beginning parameter monitoring in step 704, the controller also begins step 705.

[0108] In step 705, the controller controls the power flow to the heater 47 to supply power to the heater 47 until the monitored parameters meet predetermined requirements. This is for reheating the heater 47 to a predetermined temperature and compensating for the temperature reduction caused by the substrate when inserted into the heating cavity 45.

[0109] In the first example, the parameter to be monitored is a timer that starts when the controller begins monitoring the parameter. The predetermined requirement is met when a predetermined time has elapsed after starting the monitoring of the parameter. This timer can be based on a clock module associated with the controller.

[0110] The predetermined time can be a fixed value, for example, 5 seconds, which is a value predetermined as a suitable period for reheating the heater 47 to a predetermined temperature in order to compensate for the temperature drop caused by the insertion of the substrate.

[0111] Alternatively, the predetermined time can be based on the temperature drop. When the temperature drop measured by the controller using a sensor is large, a longer predetermined time is used. For example, the controller can access a look-up table stored in a storage device accessible by the controller, which includes temperature drop values and corresponding predetermined times for reheating. The controller can determine the predetermined time for reheating based on the measured temperature drop.

[0112] Using a fixed value as the predetermined time is advantageous in terms of good computational efficiency. In contrast, using a predetermined time based on temperature changes ensures that the heater 47 is reheated more accurately, but requires more computational resources.

[0113] In the second example, the parameter to be monitored is the temperature of the heater 47 or the temperature of the heating cavity 45. The controller can monitor this temperature using a temperature sensing sub-circuit. The predetermined requirement is met when the measured temperature meets the target temperature. The target temperature can be a predetermined temperature, and thus the predetermined requirement is met when the measured temperature returns to the predetermined temperature.

[0114] In response to the controller determining that the parameter to be monitored meets the predetermined requirement, the process continues to step 706.

[0115] In step 706, when the monitored parameter meets the predetermined requirements, the controller controls the aerosol generation device to execute an operation.

[0116] In step 706, this operation can include starting the heating phase of the aerosolization session, and the heater 47 aerosolizes the aerosol generating material in the substrate to generate an aerosol for the operator to inhale. The controller controls the power flow from the energy storage module to the heater 47 to maintain the heater 47 at a predetermined temperature for the heating phase.

[0117] When the handpiece 10 is separated from the charging unit 50, the heating phase is executed by the controller controlling the handpiece battery 11 to direct the power flow from the handpiece battery 11 to the heater 47 to maintain the heater 47 at a predetermined temperature. In this way, the operator only needs to lift the smaller handpiece 10 to the operator's mouth to inhale the generated aerosol. This improves the operability.

[0118] When the handpiece 10 is not separated from the charging unit 50, the heating phase is executed by the controller controlling the charging unit battery 51 to direct the power flow from the charging unit battery 51 to the heater 47 to maintain the heater 47 at a predetermined temperature. Alternatively, when the handpiece 10 is not separated from the charging unit 50, the heating phase is executed by the controller controlling the charging unit battery 51 and the handpiece battery 11 to direct the power flow from both the charging unit battery 51 and the handpiece battery 11 to the heater 47 to maintain the heater 47 at a predetermined temperature. In this way, the charge level of the handpiece battery 11 can be (at least partially) preserved for a subsequent aerosolization session. This improves the power management.

[0119] The option of whether the handpiece 10 is separated from or connected to the charging unit 50 for the heating phase provides flexibility in the operation of the device, involving a choice for the operator between more comfortable operation and power savings.

[0120] In step 706, the operation may further include the controller controlling an indicator of the aerosol-generating device to provide an output indicating that the monitored parameter meets a predetermined requirement and that the aerosol-generating device is ready for the heating phase. In some examples, the indicator can be one or more of a visual indicator (e.g., a display screen or a light source, such as an LED) for warning the operator, an audible indicator (e.g., a speaker that emits sound), or a tactile indicator (e.g., a vibration module). In this way, the operator recognizes that the heater 47 is reheated in response to the insertion of the substrate, the device is ready to start the heating phase, and the operator can start inhaling the generated aerosol.

[0121] In the foregoing description with respect to FIG. 7, the substrate is described as being inserted after the preheating phase and before the heating phase, but the substrate can also be inserted before the preheating phase. In this case, in step 703, the determination of the inserted substrate is not performed, and the process directly follows the heating phase after the preheating phase.

[0122] In the above-mentioned power supply and heating control process, when the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 are not connected to each other, the functions executed by the components in the handpiece 10 may be controlled by the controller 43 in the handpiece 10, and the functions executed by the components in the charging unit 50 may be controlled by the controller in the charging unit 50. When the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 are connected to each other, all of the functions executed by the components in the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 may be controlled by the controller 43 in the handpiece 10. In an alternative form, when the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 are connected to each other, all of the functions executed by the components in the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 may be controlled by the controller in the charging unit 50. In another alternative form, when the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 are connected to each other, some of the functions executed by the components in the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 may be controlled by the controller in the charging unit 50, and some of the functions executed by the components in the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 may be controlled by the controller 43 in the charging unit 50.

[0123] Figures 8A and 8B show a second exemplary aerosol-generating device 800. The second exemplary aerosol-generating device 800 is configured to operate in a manner corresponding to the first exemplary aerosol-generating device 100, and thus, for the sake of brevity, the specific details of the operation process will not be repeated.

[0124] It will be readily understood that the operating process described with reference to the first exemplary aerosol-generating device 100, particularly the heating control process for an aerosolization session as described with reference to FIG. 7, can be readily applied to the second exemplary aerosol-generating device 800. Even if not referred to with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B for the sake of brevity, it will also be readily understood that the components described with reference to the first exemplary aerosol-generating device 100 can be readily applied to the second exemplary aerosol-generating device 800 described with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B.

[0125] The second exemplary aerosol-generating device 800 includes a handpiece or holding unit 810 and a charging unit or charging case 850, similar to the first exemplary aerosol-generating device 100. The handpiece 810 is removably connectable to the charging unit 850. FIG. 8A shows the handpiece 810 connected to the charging unit 850, and FIG. 8B shows the handpiece 810 separated from the charging unit 850.

[0126] The handpiece 810 includes a first charge storage module 811 configured to supply power to the heater 847 and provide the same function as the first charge storage module 11 of the first exemplary aerosol-generating device 100. The first charge storage module 811 can be one or more batteries or supercapacitors, or a combination thereof. The first charge storage module 11 can be a high-rate charge battery, for example, a battery having a chemical substance such as lithium titanate (LTO). This type of battery is capable of supplying the high current required at the beginning of the aerosolization session and has excellent safety characteristics.

[0127] The charging unit 850 comprises a second charge storage module 851 configured to charge the first charge storage module 811, supply power to the heater 847, and provide the same function as the second charge storage module 51 of the first exemplary aerosol generating device 100. The second charge storage module 851 can be one or more batteries or supercapacitors, or a combination thereof.

[0128] In the following description of the second exemplary aerosol generating device 800, the first charge storage module is referred to as the handpiece battery 811, and the second charge storage module is referred to as the charging unit battery 851. However, those skilled in the art will readily understand that each of these can be one or more batteries, supercapacitors, or a combination thereof.

[0129] The handpiece 810 comprises a controller 843 configured to provide a function corresponding to the controller 43 within the handpiece 11 of the first exemplary aerosol generating device 100.

[0130] The handpiece 811 has a body portion or housing 830 that contains the controller 843 and the handpiece battery 811. The heater or heater component 847 is contained within the body portion 830. In such an example, the heater 847 is disposed within a cavity 845 or chamber of the body portion 830. The cavity 845 is accessed by an opening 845A of the body portion 830. The cavity 845 is configured to accommodate an associated aerosol generating substrate or consumable 812.

[0131] The aerosol-generating substrate 812 can contain an aerosol-generating material such as a tobacco rod containing tobacco. The tobacco rod can be similar to a conventional cigarette. The cavity 845 can have a cross-section that is substantially equal to the cross-section of the aerosol-generating substrate 812. When the associated aerosol-generating substrate 812 is inserted into the cavity 845, the cavity 845 can have a depth such that the first end 812A of the aerosol-generating substrate 812 reaches the bottom 845B of the cavity 845 (i.e., the end 845B of the cavity 845 that is distal from the cavity opening 845A), and the second end 812B of the aerosol-generating substrate 812, which is distal from the first end 812A, extends outwardly from the cavity 845. Thus, a consumer can inhale the aerosol-generating substrate 812 when it is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 100.

[0132] In the example of FIGS. 8A and 8B, the heater 847 is disposed within the cavity 845 such that the heater 847 engages the heater 847 when the aerosol-generating substrate 812 is inserted into the cavity 845. In the example of FIGS. 8A and 8B, the heater 847 is disposed as a tube within the cavity such that when the first end 812A of the aerosol-generating substrate is inserted into the cavity, the heater 847 substantially or completely surrounds the portion of the aerosol-generating substrate 812 within the cavity 845. The heater 847 can be a wire such as a coiled wire heater, or a ceramic heater, or any other suitable type of heater. The heater 847 can comprise a plurality of heating elements that are disposed continuously along the axial length of the cavity and can be activated (i.e., powered on) independently in sequence.

[0133] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the heater can be disposed within the cavity as an elongate piercing member (e.g., in the form of a needle, rod, or blade), and in such an embodiment, the heater can be configured to penetrate the aerosol-generating substrate and engage the aerosol-generating material when the aerosol-generating substrate is inserted into the cavity.

[0134] In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the heater may be arranged as an induction heater comprising a susceptor that surrounds or at least partially surrounds the substrate within the cavity. For example, the susceptor may be configured as tubular. In that case, the susceptor functions as a heating element of the heater and is heated by induction.

[0135] Heater 847 is configured to heat the tobacco to generate an aerosol without burning the tobacco. That is, heater 847 heats the tobacco at a predetermined temperature below the combustion point of the tobacco such that a tobacco-based aerosol is generated. One skilled in the art will readily understand that the aerosol-generating substrate 812 need not necessarily comprise tobacco, and in particular that any other substance suitable for aerosolization (or vaporization) by heating without burning the substance can be used instead of tobacco.

[0136] In an alternative form, the aerosol-generating substrate may be a vaporizable liquid. The vaporizable liquid may be contained within a cartridge that can be accommodated within the aerosol-generating device or may be placed directly into the aerosol-generating device.

[0137] The charging unit 850 is dimensioned to receive and accommodate the handpiece 810 within the opening 890 of the charging unit 50. When the handpiece 810 is received within the charging unit 850, the charging unit battery 851 connects to a corresponding connector 880A within the handpiece 10 by a connector 880B within the opening 890 of the charging unit. A controller within the handpiece 810 or the charging unit 850 can detect a signal between the handpiece connector 880A and the charging unit connector 880B and control the power flow from the charging unit battery 851 to the handpiece battery 811.

[0138] When housed within the charging unit 850, the handpiece 810 can be arranged such that it is accessible to the cavity 845 from the opening 890 of the charging unit 850. In this way, when the handpiece 810 is connected to (or housed within) the charging unit, the aerosol-generating substrate 812 can be inserted into the cavity 845. Further, then, when the handpiece 810 is connected to (or housed within) the charging unit, the consumer can perform an aerosolization session by inhaling through the accessible end 812B of the substrate 812, which extends from the handpiece 810 and the charging unit 850.

[0139] As already described, the second exemplary aerosol-generating device 800 can perform operations for an aerosolization session that are the same as the operations described with reference to the first exemplary aerosol-generating device, particularly with regard to the preheating phase and the heating phase of the aerosolization session, with regard to the charging unit battery charging the handpiece battery, and with regard to the operations described with reference to FIG. 7. For the sake of brevity, these are not repeated here.

[0140] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a third exemplary aerosol-generating device 900. The third exemplary aerosol-generating device 900 is a "one-piece" aerosol-generating device in that it does not have a separable handpiece and charging unit. Rather, the third exemplary aerosol-generating device 900 is a single unit.

[0141] The third exemplary aerosol generating device 900 is structurally similar to the handpiece 810 of the second exemplary aerosol generating device 800 and has components that perform similar functions. The third exemplary aerosol generating device 900 has a controller 943 similar to the controller 843 of the second exemplary aerosol generating device 800. The third exemplary aerosol generating device 900 has a heating cavity 945 that is accessed by an opening 945A in the body 930 of the device 900 and has a bottom 945B, which are similar to the controller heating cavity 845, the opening 845A, and the bottom 845B of the second exemplary aerosol generating device 800. The third exemplary aerosol generating device 900 has a heater 947 similar to the heater 847 of the second exemplary aerosol generating device 800, or any of the heater components or heater types described with reference to FIGS. 8A-8B. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, the details of these components will not be repeated.

[0142] As described, the heating cavity 945 and the heater components 947 of the third exemplary aerosol generating device 900 may be aligned with those of the second exemplary aerosol generating device and are configured to accommodate a tobacco rod type consumable 912 (similar to the tobacco rod 812) or other types of consumables as described with reference to FIGS. 8A-8B, from which an aerosol can be inhaled in a form corresponding to FIGS. 8A-8B. Alternatively (in an example not shown in FIG. 9), the heating cavity and the heater components of the third exemplary aerosol generating device 900 may be aligned with those of the first exemplary aerosol generating device and are configured to accommodate the planar type consumable 12 described with reference to FIGS. 1-5. Again, for the sake of brevity, the details of these components will not be repeated.

[0143] The main difference between the third exemplary aerosol generation device 900 and the second exemplary aerosol generation device is that the charge storage module of the third exemplary aerosol generation has a larger capacity and can supply a larger current output. Thus, the third exemplary aerosol generation device 900 can power multiple complete aerosolization sessions (including both the preheating phase and the heating phase) without connection to an external power source or charging unit. The charge storage module of the third exemplary aerosol generation device 900 can be one or more batteries or supercapacitors, or a combination thereof.

[0144] The third exemplary aerosol generation device 900 can be configured to execute a heating control process for an aerosolization session, as described with reference to steps 701 - 706 of FIG. 7. However, instead of switched power supply by the handpiece battery and the charging unit battery as described for the first and second exemplary aerosol generation devices, the heater is powered by the charge storage module 911, and there is no connection / separation between the handpiece and the charging unit as described with reference to the first and second exemplary aerosol generation devices.

[0145] In the foregoing examples, the processing steps described herein, which are performed by the controller, can be stored in a non - transitory computer - readable medium or storage device associated with the controller. The computer - readable medium can include non - volatile media and volatile media. Volatile media can particularly include semiconductor memory and dynamic memory. Non - volatile media can include optical disks and magnetic disks, etc.

[0146] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing embodiments in the above description are not limiting, and the features of each embodiment can be appropriately incorporated into other embodiments.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device comprising a heating cavity configured to contain an aerosol generating substrate and aerosolize it, the heating cavity comprising a heater component and a sensor configured to sense the aerosol generating substrate contained within the heating cavity, the aerosol generating device comprising an energy storage module and a controller, the controller To preheat the heater component to a predetermined temperature, supply power to the heater component by guiding an electric power flow from the energy storage module to the heater component, Use the sensor to determine that an aerosol generating substrate is contained within the heating cavity, Start monitoring of parameters in response to determining that an aerosol generating substrate is contained within the heating cavity, Reheat the heater component to the predetermined temperature and supply power to the heater component until the monitored parameter meets a predetermined requirement to compensate for a decrease in temperature of the heater component due to the contained aerosol generating substrate, An aerosol generating device configured as such.

2. The monitored parameter is a timer, and the predetermined requirement is met when a predetermined time has elapsed after starting the monitoring of the parameter. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

3. The monitored parameter is a heater temperature, and the predetermined requirement is met when the heater temperature becomes equal to or higher than a target temperature after starting the monitoring of the parameter. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

4. When the monitored parameter meets the predetermined requirement, the controller is configured to control the aerosol generating device to perform an operation. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The operation includes maintaining the heater component at a predetermined temperature for a heating phase in which an aerosol for inhalation by an operator is generated by controlling the electric power flow from the energy storage module to the heater component. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4.

6. The aerosol generation device further includes controlling an indicator of the aerosol generation device to provide an output indicating that the monitored parameter meets the predetermined requirement and that the aerosol generation device is ready for the heating phase, the aerosol generation device according to claim 5.

7. The sensor is a temperature sensor, and the controller is configured to monitor the temperature of the heater component using the temperature sensor and determine that an aerosol generation substrate is contained in the heating cavity in response to a decrease in the monitored temperature, the aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The aerosol generation device includes a holding unit configured to contain and aerosolize the aerosol generation substrate and a charging unit connectable to the holding unit, and the charge storage module includes a first charge storage module and a second charge storage module. The holding unit includes the heating cavity and the first charge storage module. The charging unit includes the second charge storage module. The controller is configured to supply power to the heater component by guiding a power flow from the second charge storage module to the heater component when the holding unit is connected to the charging unit. configured to supply power to the heater component by guiding a power flow from the first charge storage module to the heater component when the holding unit is separated from the charging unit, the aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The controller is configured to guide a power flow from a second energy storage module to the heater component to preheat the heater component to the predetermined temperature when the holding unit is connected to the charging unit, and configured to guide a power flow from a first energy storage module to the heater component to maintain the heater component at the predetermined temperature to aerosolize the aerosol generation substrate when the monitored parameter meets the predetermined requirement and the holding unit is not connected to the charging unit. to supply power to the heater component, the aerosol generation device according to claim 8.

10. The controller is When the holding unit is connected to the charging unit, guiding a power flow from the second energy storage module to the heater component to preheat the heater component to the predetermined temperature, and When the monitored parameter meets the predetermined requirement and the holding unit is connected to the charging unit, guiding a power flow from the second energy storage module to the heater component to maintain the heater component at a predetermined temperature to aerosolize the aerosol-forming substrate, The aerosol generating device according to claim 8 or 9, which is configured to supply power to the heater component.

11. The controller is When the holding unit is not connected to the charging unit, guiding a power flow from the first energy storage module to the heater component to preheat the heater component to the predetermined temperature, and When the monitored parameter meets the predetermined requirement and the holding unit is not connected to the charging unit, guiding a power flow from the first energy storage module to the heater component to maintain the heater component at the predetermined temperature to aerosolize the aerosol-forming substrate, The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, which is configured to supply power to the heater component.

12. The heating cavity is configured to accommodate a substantially planar aerosol-forming substrate, The heating cavity has two main inner surfaces, the two main inner surfaces face each other, the aerosol-forming substrate is configured to be accommodated between the opposing main inner surfaces, and each of the main inner surfaces is associated with a heating element of the heater component. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. An aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and an aerosol-forming substrate.

14. A method of operating an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising It comprises a heating cavity configured to contain an aerosol - generating substrate and aerosolize it, the heating cavity comprising a heater component and a sensor configured to sense the aerosol - generating substrate contained within the heating cavity, and the aerosol - generating device further comprises an energy storage module, The method comprises: feeding power to the heater component by guiding an electric power flow from the energy storage module to the heater component to pre - heat the heater component to a predetermined temperature; using the sensor to determine that an aerosol - generating substrate is contained within the heating cavity; starting monitoring of parameters in response to determining that an aerosol - generating substrate is contained within the heating cavity; re - heating the heater component to the predetermined temperature and feeding power to the heater component until the monitored parameters meet predetermined requirements to compensate for a temperature drop of the heater component caused by the contained aerosol - generating substrate; A method, comprising the above.

15. A non - transitory computer - readable medium storing instructions executable by one or more processors of an aerosol - generating device, wherein the aerosol - generating device comprises a heating cavity configured to contain an aerosol - generating substrate and aerosolize it, the heating cavity comprising a heater component and a sensor configured to sense the aerosol - generating substrate contained within the heating cavity, and the aerosol - generating device further comprises an energy storage module, The instructions cause the one or more processors to feed power to the heater component by guiding an electric power flow from the energy storage module to the heater component to pre - heat the heater component to a predetermined temperature; use the sensor to determine that an aerosol - generating substrate is contained within the heating cavity; start monitoring of parameters in response to determining that an aerosol - generating substrate is contained within the heating cavity; re - heat the heater component to the predetermined temperature and feed power to the heater component until the monitored parameters meet predetermined requirements to compensate for a temperature drop of the heater component caused by the contained aerosol - generating substrate; A non - transitory computer - readable medium, causing the steps as described above to be executed.

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