Aerosol generation device

Abstract

An aerosol generating device (10) is described. The device (10) is configured to generate an aerosol for a user to inhale by atomizing an aerosol generating material, for example by heating a material or a substrate. The device (10) includes a first tactile actuator (38a) and a second tactile actuator (38b) different from the first tactile actuator. The controller (24) of the device (10) is configured to control the first and second tactile actuators (38a, 38b) to provide tactile feedback to the user during an inhalation session.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to aerosol generating devices, and in particular to devices configured to atomize or aerosolize an aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol for user inhalation. The present disclosure is particularly applicable to portable (handheld) aerosol generating devices.

[0002] The aerosol generating material can be part of an article that can be received by a device in use.

Background Art

[0003] In recent years, devices that heat rather than burn an aerosol generating material to produce an aerosol for inhalation have become popular with consumers. Commercially available risk reduction or risk modification devices are substrate heated aerosol generating devices or so-called heat-not-burn devices. This type of device generates an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol generating material to a temperature typically in the range of 150° C. to 300° C. This temperature range is extremely low compared to a normal cigarette. When the aerosol generating material is heated to a temperature within this range without burning or combusting the aerosol generating material, vapor is generated, and this vapor typically cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by the user of the device. Aerosols can also be produced without heating (e.g., by using ultrasonic or chemical reactions), especially when the device uses a liquid aerosol generating material or substrate.

[0004] Such aerosol generating devices are known to provide notification to the user using tactile feedback. As used herein, the term "tactile feedback" means any feedback that can create an experience or sensation of contact for the user, i.e., generate a tactile response. The tactile response can be imparted, for example, to the hand of the user holding the device.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The device of the present disclosure aims to optimize the user's sensory experience during an inhalation session and provide improved tactile feedback that can respond to, for example, environmental characteristics.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device configured to atomize an aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol for a user to inhale, the device comprising: a first tactile actuator; a second tactile actuator different from the first tactile actuator; and a controller configured to control the first and second tactile actuators to provide tactile feedback to the user during an inhalation session. The controller may be configured to control the first and second tactile actuators such that tactile feedback is provided to the user only by the first tactile actuator during a first stage of the inhalation session and tactile feedback is provided to the user only by the second tactile actuator during a second stage of the inhalation session. The duration of the first stage may be longer than the duration of the second stage. The first tactile actuator may be more energy efficient than the second tactile actuator.

[0007] As will be described in more detail below, using two different tactile actuators can provide improved tactile feedback to the user and optimize the efficiency of the device.

[0008] The first and second tactile actuators can be configured to provide tactile feedback using mechanical and / or electrical stimuli. For example, one or more of vibration tactile feedback, force feedback, and electro-tactile feedback (or electrical stimulation) can be used to generate a tactile response. Vibration tactile feedback can be provided to a user of the device by using a vibration actuator to generate vibrations or reciprocating motion of the device. Force feedback can be provided to a user of the device by using a force actuator to move the device. Electro-tactile feedback (or electrical stimulation) can be provided by using electrical pulses to stimulate the sensory system of the user of the device. The amplitude and frequency of the electrical pulses applied by an electrical actuator, such as an array of electrodes, can be varied to stimulate a wide range of tactile responses. In each case, the tactile feedback can be used to provide a status notification or otherwise communicate with or provide information to the user by the generated tactile response.

[0009] The first tactile actuator may be a vibration motor, such as an eccentric rotating mass vibration motor, a piezoelectric actuator, a linear resonant actuator, or an electrical actuator, such as an electrical stimulation array or an electro-tactile stimulation device.

[0010] A typical eccentric rotating mass vibration motor is a compact DC motor that rotates an eccentric unbalanced mass to create the desired vibrations. A wide range of such vibration motors are available at relatively low cost, but the response time (start-up and stop) is often slower than that of piezoelectric actuators and linear resonant actuators due to the operation of the DC motor. Some vibration motors are also not energy efficient.

[0011] A typical piezoelectric actuator is fabricated using vibrations, for example, by using a piezoelectric material attached in a cantilever configuration. Piezoelectric actuators are thin, lightweight, and have a fast response time. They are also usually more energy efficient than vibration motors.

[0012] A typical linear resonant actuator is a spring-mass system that vibrates to provide tactile feedback. The linear resonant actuator is extremely energy efficient, reliable, has simple amplitude control, and a fast response time.

[0013] The electrical stimulation array or electro-tactile stimulation device can have any suitable configuration and can be used to capture user input in addition to stimulating the user's sensory system to provide a tactile response. Further, the electrical stimulation array or electro-tactile stimulation device can target the portion of the user's hand in contact with the device with tactile feedback. The electrical stimulation array or electro-tactile stimulation device can include one or more electrodes that operate with electrical pulses using DC or AC current. The electrical stimulation array or electro-tactile stimulation device may be exposed on the outer surface of the device or may be covered by a dielectric layer so that it does not directly contact the user's hand.

[0014] The device can further include a position detection device for detecting the position of the user's hand on the device. The position detection device can include one or more capacitance-based sensors that detect the position by detecting a change in a capacitive field, for example. The position detection device may be attached to the flexible tactile layer or integrated with an electrical actuator such as an electrical stimulation array or electro-tactile stimulation device. The position detection device can be omitted if the device can only be held in a specific way - i.e., if it is shaped such that it is not necessary to detect the position of the user's hand on the device when aiming for a tactile response.

[0015] The second tactile actuator may be a vibration motor such as an eccentric rotating mass vibration motor, a piezoelectric actuator, a linear resonance actuator, or an electrical actuator such as an electrical stimulation array or an electro-tactile stimulation device, provided that it should not be the same as the first tactile actuator. The first and second tactile actuators should not be identical, but they can both generate tactile feedback in the same way, for example, by using an eccentric rotating mass or a piezoelectric material. In other words, if the user can distinguish the tactile feedback generated by each tactile actuator, the first and second tactile actuators may both be, for example, vibration motors, piezoelectric actuators, or linear resonance actuators. Preferably, the first and second tactile actuators generate tactile feedback in different ways so that the user can more easily distinguish the tactile feedback provided by different tactile actuators. For example, the first tactile actuator may be a linear resonance actuator, and the second tactile actuator may be a piezoelectric actuator.

[0016] The first tactile actuator may be electrically connected to a first driver controlled by a controller, and the second tactile actuator may be electrically connected to a second driver controlled by the controller. Each driver is configured to operate its respective tactile actuator so that it provides the desired tactile feedback to the user. For example, the amplitude and / or frequency of the tactile feedback to be provided by each tactile actuator may be determined by the controller, and the first and second drivers correspondingly operate or drive their respective tactile actuators. Alternatively, a single driver may control both the first and second tactile actuators. At least one of the first and second drivers may be omitted, and at least one of the first and second tactile actuators may be directly controlled by the controller.

[0017] The aerosol generating device is typically a handheld portable device.

[0018] The aerosol generating device can be configured to heat the aerosol generating material or the substrate without burning the aerosol generating material, evaporate at least one component of the aerosol generating material, thereby generating heated vapor, which is cooled and condensed to form an aerosol for inhalation by the user of the aerosol generating device. The device can generate the aerosol in other ways, for example, by using an ultrasonic transducer to atomize a liquid aerosol forming substrate.

[0019] Generally speaking, vapor is a substance that is in the gas phase at a temperature lower than its critical temperature, which means that the vapor can be condensed into a liquid by increasing the pressure without lowering the temperature. On the other hand, an aerosol is one in which fine solid particles or droplets are suspended in air or another gas. However, it should be noted that the terms "aerosol" and "vapor" can be used interchangeably in this specification, especially with regard to the form of the inhalable medium generated for inhalation by the user.

[0020] The device can include a heating chamber for receiving at least a portion of the aerosol generating material and a heating arrangement configured to heat the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol. The heating arrangement may be an inductive heating arrangement in which an induction coil is disposed around or adjacent to the heating chamber, or may include one or more heaters, such as a low-power thin-film heater, a printed heater, etc.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating material, and an aerosol generating device as defined above for atomizing the aerosol generating material to generate an inhaled aerosol, an aerosol generating system is provided.

[0022] The aerosol-generating material can include any type of solid or semi-solid material. Exemplary types of aerosol-generating solids include, for example, powders, granules, pellets, shreds, 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. The aerosol-generating substrate can advantageously include, for example, reconstituted tobacco comprising tobacco and any one or more of inorganic fillers such as cellulose fibers, tobacco stem fibers, and CaCO3.

[0023] Accordingly, the aerosol-generating device may be referred to as a "heated tobacco device", a "heat-not-burn tobacco device", a "device for vaporizing tobacco products", etc., and is construed as a device suitable for achieving these effects. The features disclosed herein are equally applicable to devices designed to vaporize any aerosol-generating material, including liquid materials or substrates.

[0024] The aerosol-generating material may form part of the aerosol-generating article and may be surrounded by a paper wrapper.

[0025] The aerosol-generating article may be substantially formed in the shape of a stick and may generally resemble a cigarette having a tubular region in which the aerosol-generating material or substrate is disposed in a suitable form. The aerosol-generating article may include, at the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article, a filter segment including, for example, cellulose acetate fibers. The filter segment can constitute a mouthpiece filter and can be coaxially aligned with the aerosol-generating material. Some designs may also include one or more vapor collection regions, cooling regions, and other structures. For example, the aerosol-generating article may include at least one tubular segment upstream of the filter segment. The tubular segment can function as a vapor cooling region. The vapor cooling region can advantageously enable the heated vapor generated by heating the aerosol-generating material to cool and condense to form an aerosol having suitable characteristics for inhalation by the user, for example, through the filter segment.

[0026] The aerosol generating material may include an aerosol forming agent. Examples of aerosol formers include polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin or propylene glycol and mixtures thereof. Typically, the aerosol generating material may include an aerosol forming agent content of from about 5% to about 50% on a dry weight basis. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may include an aerosol forming agent content of from about 10% to about 20%, optionally about 15% on a dry weight basis.

[0027] Upon heating, the aerosol generating material may release volatile compounds. The volatile compounds may include flavor compounds such as nicotine or tobacco flavorants.

[0028] The aerosol generating material may be a liquid material or a substrate, and the device may include an atomization arrangement for atomizing the liquid material or substrate, including not heating it.

[0029] The controller may be further configured to control the first and second tactile actuators such that tactile feedback is provided to the user by only the first tactile actuator during the first stage of the suction session and tactile feedback is provided to the user by only the second tactile actuator during the second stage of the suction session. Thus, since different tactile actuators are used, the tactile feedback provided to the user during the first stage is different from the tactile feedback provided to the user during the second stage. By using different tactile actuators to provide tactile feedback, the user is able to more easily distinguish between the first and second stages of the suction session compared to known devices that use a single tactile actuator to provide tactile feedback. The tactile feedback provided during each stage may be separate - i.e., tactile feedback is provided over one or more periods and there are other periods during which no tactile feedback is provided to the user - or the tactile feedback may be provided substantially throughout the stage. In the latter case, the tactile feedback may be substantially continuous during a particular stage of the suction session, although its amplitude and / or frequency may vary by the controller to vary the user's sensory experience. The tactile feedback may be provided substantially continuously throughout the suction session.

[0030] As mentioned above, the duration of the first stage may be longer than the duration of the second stage, and the first tactile actuator may be more efficient (e.g., more energy efficient) than the second tactile actuator. The relative energy efficiency of the first and second tactile actuators may be based on any suitable definition as understood by those skilled in the art, such as the amount of output that can be produced with a given energy input. For example, the first tactile actuator may consume less power than the second tactile actuator when operated for the same length of time or when providing generally equal tactile feedback to the user, or the first tactile actuator may have a lower power rating than the second tactile actuator. For example, in the case of a vibration or force-tactile actuator, the energy efficiency may be defined as the amount of mechanical energy produced by the tactile actuator with a given input of electrical energy. The energy efficiency of each tactile actuator may be defined by the current value provided to each tactile actuator under the same or similar operating conditions. The operating conditions may include one or more of environmental conditions (e.g., ambient temperature, atmospheric pressure, or humidity), physical device conditions (e.g., device temperature, load resistance, etc.), or command conditions (e.g., operating mode of the device, command duty ratio, or command frequency). The efficiency of the first and second tactile actuators may also be defined, for example, in terms of the ratio between the perceived tactile intensity and the input electrical energy. The perceived tactile intensity may be based on the mechanical energy generated by the tactile actuator and the tactile response generated by the tactile actuator, such as by multiplying the mechanical energy generated by the tactile actuator by the sensitivity curve of the stimulated receptors in the target area of the user. When multiple receptors are stimulated by the same tactile actuator, a weighted sum or average may be used to determine the perceived tactile intensity. The input electrical energy may be the active or reactive power provided to the tactile actuator depending on the circuit design. The first stage may be a preheating or heating stage of the suction session.The preheating stage may be intended to preheat the aerosol-generating material to a target temperature, and the heating or inhalation stage may be intended to heat the aerosol-generating material over a longer period than when the aerosol is generated. The second stage may be, for example, the start stage or the end stage of an inhalation session. The start stage may be when the device is turned on at the start of an inhalation session and before the preheating stage. The end stage may be when the inhalation session is about to end after the heating or inhalation stage. The device may transition from the heating or inhalation stage to the end stage, for example, after the user has performed a puffing action a predetermined number of times or after a certain period of time has elapsed. Using a more energy-efficient tactile actuator during the first stage improves the energy efficiency of the device because less power is required to provide tactile feedback to the user during this stage, which can occupy a significant portion of the duration of the inhalation session. The first tactile actuator may be, for example, a linear resonant actuator because it is extremely energy-efficient. The second tactile actuator may be any different tactile actuator. For example, the second tactile actuator may be a vibration motor such as an eccentric rotating mass vibration motor, a piezoelectric actuator, or an electrical actuator such as an electrical stimulation array or an electro-tactile stimulation device. The second tactile actuator may also be a different type of linear resonant actuator.

[0031] The controller may be further configured to control the first and second tactile actuators such that tactile feedback is provided to the user only by the first tactile actuator during one or both of the preheating stage and the heating or inhalation stage, and tactile feedback is provided to the user only by the second tactile actuator during one or both of the start stage and the end stage.

[0032] The controller may be further configured to control the first and second haptic actuators such that haptic feedback is simultaneously provided to the user by the first and second haptic actuators in a third stage of the suction session. The stage may be, for example, a start stage, a preheating stage, a heating or suction stage, or an end stage. In another stage, the haptic feedback may be provided by only the first haptic actuator or the second haptic actuator such that different haptic feedback is provided to the user in different stages. When the haptic feedback is simultaneously provided by the first and second haptic actuators, for example, the individual haptic feedbacks provided by each haptic actuator may be synchronized such that they have the same frequency or one frequency is an integer multiple of the other frequency. The controller may be further configured to control at least one of the first and second haptic actuators to change the amplitude and / or frequency of the haptic feedback provided to the user during the stage.

[0033] The controller may be configured to control the first and second haptic actuators to provide various haptic feedbacks to the user throughout substantially the entire suction session or throughout substantially the entire stages of the suction session. It will be readily appreciated that such control may include one of the first and second haptic actuators not providing haptic feedback to the user during one or more stages of the suction session. For example, during the first stage, the first haptic actuator may be controlled to provide haptic feedback to the user while the second haptic actuator is not operating, and during the second stage, the second haptic actuator may be controlled to provide haptic feedback to the user while the first haptic actuator is not operating. In other words, the haptic actuators may be controlled not to operate during one or more stages of the suction session as long as changing haptic feedback is provided to the user throughout substantially the entire suction session or stage.

[0034] The controller is configured to, for example, provide haptic feedback to the user or one or more of the following: - Detection of a puffing operation, - The temperature of the device, for example, the temperature measured in a heating chamber of a device configured to receive an aerosol-generating article, - When the device transitions between different stages, or when it is about to reach a puffing operation limit or a time limit of a suction session that may involve a transition to an end stage, for example, the operating conditions of the device at the start, - Environmental characteristics, such as ambient noise or ambient temperature, - Vibration or movement of the device, and - How the device is held by the user, for example, how tightly the user's hand is gripping the device The controller may be further configured to control at least one of the first and second haptic actuators to vary the haptic feedback provided to the user in response thereto.

[0035] If the suction session includes multiple stages, the controller may be further configured to control the first and second haptic actuators to provide different haptic feedback to the user during each stage. It will be readily appreciated that such control may include one of the first and second haptic actuators not providing haptic feedback to the user during one or more stages of the suction session. For example, during the first stage, the first haptic actuator may be controlled to provide haptic feedback to the user while the second haptic actuator is not operating, and during the second stage, the second haptic actuator may be controlled to provide haptic feedback to the user while the first haptic actuator is not operating. In other words, the haptic actuators may be controlled to not operate during one or more stages of the suction session, and the use of different haptic actuators at different stages may be sufficient to provide different haptic feedback. By providing different haptic feedback, the user can more easily distinguish the stages of the suction session. The controller may be configured to control the first haptic actuator to provide haptic feedback to the user substantially throughout the first stage of the suction session and / or to control the second contact actuator to provide haptic feedback to the user substantially throughout the second stage of the suction session.

[0036] If the suction session includes a preheating stage (e.g., as a first stage), the controller may be further configured to control at least one of the first and second haptic actuators to vary the amplitude and / or frequency of the haptic feedback provided to the user based on the temperature of the device. For example, the amplitude and / or frequency of the haptic feedback may be increased (or decreased) during the preheating stage in response to the rising measured temperature. The haptic feedback may thus provide the user with information about the progress of the preheating stage and as a result when the device is about to transition to the subsequent heating or suction stage. During the preheating stage, one of the first and second haptic actuators may be controlled not to operate. For example, the haptic feedback may be provided by only the first haptic actuator. The same control may be provided to the heating or suction stage of the suction session where the temperature of the device may vary based on a temperature profile that controls the heating of the aerosol generating material. The temperature may be the temperature measured by a temperature sensor placed in the heating chamber of the device.

[0037] If the suction session includes a heating or suction stage (e.g., as a first stage), the controller may be further configured to control at least one of the first and second haptic actuators to vary the amplitude and / or frequency of the haptic feedback provided to the user when a puffing operation is detected. For example, the amplitude and / or frequency of the haptic feedback may be temporarily increased (or decreased) after the puffing operation is detected. This may improve the user experience. The amplitude and / or frequency of the haptic feedback may be temporarily increased (or decreased) based on the intensity of the puffing operation. The haptic feedback may thus provide the user with information about the intensity of the puffing operation that may affect the duration of the suction session. During the heating or suction stage, one of the first and second haptic actuators may be controlled not to operate. For example, the haptic feedback may be provided by only the first haptic actuator. Each puffing operation may be detected by, for example, a puffing operation detection sensor.

[0038] The controller may be further configured to control at least one of the first and second tactile actuators to vary the amplitude and / or frequency of the tactile feedback provided to the user based on one or more environmental characteristics such as ambient noise and ambient temperature, or how the device is being moved or held by the user. This allows the tactile feedback to better conform to the environment in which the device is being used. For example, the amplitude of the tactile feedback may be increased in response to an increase in measured ambient noise or movement of the device, which may indicate that the device is being used in a noisy or busy environment where it may be more difficult for the user to feel the tactile feedback. When the user is gripping the device tightly, the amplitude of the tactile feedback can be decreased, and vice versa, and so on.

[0039] The device may further include one or more of a temperature sensor for measuring the ambient temperature (i.e., the temperature of the air surrounding the device), a noise sensor for measuring the ambient noise (i.e., the background noise present in the environment where the device is placed), a vibration sensor for measuring the vibration of the device, a movement sensor for measuring the movement of the device, and a strain gauge or other force sensor for measuring how tightly the device is being held by the user's hand. If the device includes a microphone sensor as an inhalation or exhalation motion detector, the microphone sensor may also be used as a noise sensor.

[0040] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a method for controlling an aerosol generating device during an inhalation session is provided, the aerosol generating device being configured to atomize an aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol for a user to inhale and including a first tactile actuator and a second tactile actuator different from the first tactile actuator, the method including controlling the first and second tactile actuators to provide tactile feedback to the user during the inhalation session. The first and second tactile actuators may be controlled such that tactile feedback is provided to the user only by the first tactile actuator during a first stage of the inhalation session and tactile feedback is provided to the user only by the second tactile actuator during a second stage of the inhalation session. The duration of the first stage may be longer than the duration of the second stage. The first tactile actuator may be more energy efficient than the second tactile actuator.

[0041] The first tactile actuator may be a linear resonant actuator.

[0042] The first stage may be a preheating or heating stage of the inhalation session, and the second stage may be, for example, a start or end stage of the inhalation session.

[0043] The method may further include controlling the first and second tactile actuators such that tactile feedback is provided to the user simultaneously by the first and second tactile actuators in a third stage of the inhalation session.

[0044] Other features of the aerosol generating device and method may be as described above.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0045]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figures 4A-4B

Figure 5

Figures 6A-6B

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] Here, as a mere example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0047] First, referring to FIG. 1, an example of an aerosol generation system 1 is schematically shown. The aerosol generation system 1 includes an aerosol generation device 10 and an aerosol generation article 100 used with the device 10. The aerosol generation device 10 houses various components of the aerosol generation device 10 in a main body 12. The main body 12 can have any shape adapted to the components described in the various embodiments herein and sized to be comfortably held in one hand by the user without assistance.

[0048] The first end 14 of the aerosol generating device 10, shown on the bottom side of FIG. 1, is for convenience described as the distal end, bottom end, proximal end, or lower end of the aerosol generating device 10. The second end 16 of the aerosol generating device 10, shown on the upper side of FIG. 1, is described as the proximal end, top end, or upper end of the aerosol generating device 10. A user in use typically orientates the aerosol generating device 10 such that the first end 14 faces downwards and / or is in a distal position relative to the user's mouth, and the second end 16 faces upwards and / or is in a proximal position relative to the user's mouth.

[0049] The aerosol generating device 10 includes a heating chamber 18 disposed within the body 12. The heating chamber 18 defines an internal space in the form of a cavity 20 having a generally cylindrical cross-section for accommodating the aerosol generating article 100. The heating chamber 18 has a longitudinal axis defining a longitudinal direction and is formed of a heat-resistant plastic material such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The aerosol generating device 10 further includes a power source 22 (e.g., one or more batteries which may be rechargeable) and a controller 24. The controller 24 may include one or more integrated circuits and other electrical components. For example, the integrated circuit may include at least one of a microcontroller unit (MCU) and a microprocessor unit (MPU).

[0050] The chamber 18 opens towards the second end 16 of the aerosol generating device 10. In other words, the heating chamber 18 has a first end portion 26 that opens towards the second end 16 of the aerosol generating device 10. The heating chamber 18 is typically held away from the inner surface of the body 12 so as to minimize heat transfer to the body 12.

[0051] The aerosol generating device 10 can optionally include a slide cover 28 that is laterally movable between a closed position (shown in FIG. 1) where the slide cover 28 covers the open first end 26 of the heating chamber 18 to prevent access to the heating chamber 18 and an open position (not shown) where the slide cover 28 exposes the open first end 26 of the heating chamber 18 to provide access to the heating chamber 18. In some embodiments, the slide cover 28 can be biased to the closed position.

[0052] The heating chamber 18, specifically the cavity 20, is arranged to receive a generally cylindrical or rod-shaped aerosol generating article 100 of a corresponding shape. Typically, the aerosol generating article 100 includes a pre-packaged aerosol generating material 102. The aerosol generating article 100 can be, for example, a disposable and replaceable article (also known as a "consumable") that contains tobacco as the aerosol generating material 102. The aerosol generating article 100 has a proximal end 104 (or mouth-side end) and a distal end 106. The aerosol generating article 100 further comprises a mouthpiece segment 108 positioned downstream of the aerosol generating material 102. The aerosol generating material 102 and the mouthpiece segment 108 are coaxially aligned and arranged within a wrapper 110 (e.g., a paper wrapper) to hold the components in place and form the rod-shaped aerosol generating article 100.

[0053] The mouthpiece segment 108 may include one or more of the following components (not shown in detail) arranged sequentially and coaxially in the downstream direction, that is, from the distal end 106 to the proximal (mouth) end 104 of the aerosol-generating article 100, namely a cooling segment, a central hole segment, and a filter segment. The cooling segment typically includes a hollow paper tube having a thickness greater than that of the wrapper 110. The central hole segment may include a cured mixture containing cellulose acetate fibers and a plasticizer and functions to enhance the strength of the mouthpiece segment 108. The filter segment typically includes cellulose acetate fibers and functions as a mouthpiece filter. As the heated vapor flows from the aerosol-generating material 102 towards the proximal (mouth) end 104 of the aerosol-generating article 100, the vapor is cooled and condensed as it passes through the cooling segment and the central hole segment, forming an aerosol having properties suitable for the user to inhale through the filter segment.

[0054] The heating chamber 18 has a side wall (chamber wall) 30 extending between a base 32 located at a second end 34 of the heating chamber 18 and an open first end 26. The side wall 30 and the base 32 can be connected to each other and integrally formed as a single part. In the illustrated embodiment, the side wall 30 is tubular and more specifically cylindrical. The side wall 30 may be formed such that the cross-section of the heating chamber 18 is a perfect circle or ellipse. In other embodiments, the side wall 30 can have other suitable shapes such as a tube having an elliptical or polygonal cross-section. In yet another embodiment, the side wall 30 can be tapered.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, the base 32 of the heating chamber 18 is closed, for example, sealed or airtight. That is, the heating chamber 18 is cup-shaped. This prevents the air drawn in from the open first end 26 from flowing out from the second end 34 by the base 32 and can ensure that it is instead guided through the aerosol generating material 102. Also, this can ensure that the user inserts the aerosol generating article 100 into the heating chamber 18 to the intended distance and does not insert it further.

[0056] The device 10 includes a heating arrangement 36 configured to heat the aerosol generating material 102 when the aerosol generating article 100 is received in the heating chamber 18.

[0057] The device 10 includes a first tactile actuator 38a electrically connected to the controller 24 by a first driver 40a and a second tactile actuator 38b electrically connected to the controller by a second driver 40b. The type of driver is selected for each tactile actuator. When controlled by the controller 24, the first and second drivers 40a, 40b operate the first and second tactile actuators 38a, 38b to provide tactile feedback to the user. The first tactile actuator 38a is a linear resonant actuator and the second tactile actuator 38b is a piezoelectric actuator. Alternatively, a single driver may control both the first and second tactile actuators 38a, 38b. In another embodiment, at least one of the first and second drivers 40a, 40b may be omitted and at least one of the first and second tactile actuators 38a, 38b is directly controlled by the controller 24.

[0058] When one of the first and second tactile actuators 38a, 38b is an electrical actuator, such as an electrical stimulation array or an electro-tactile stimulation device, for example, the device 10 may include a position detection electrode 42 electrically connected to the controller 24. Referring to FIG. 2, the position detection electrode 42 may be formed in the flexible tactile layer 44. The electrical actuator (i.e., the first tactile actuator 38a) is formed on the outer surface of the main body 12 and covered by a dielectric layer or coating 46, such as a layer of dielectric paint or a layer of plastic material. There is no direct contact between the user's hand and the electrical actuator. In another embodiment, the dielectric layer or coating 46 may be omitted so that there is direct contact between the user's hand and the electrical actuator. In another embodiment, the position detection electrode 42 may be integrated with the electrical actuator so as to define an array capable of both position detection and providing electro-tactile stimulation. The position detection electrode 42 may also be formed such that the device can only be held in a specific manner and may be omitted if it is not necessary to detect the position of the user's hand to target the tactile response.

[0059] The device 10 includes one or more sensors 48 electrically connected to the controller 24.

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 3, 4A, and 4B, the suction session includes a start phase 50, a preheat phase 52, a heating or suction phase 54, and an end phase 56. FIG. 3 is a diagram of the tactile feedback provided to the user by the first and second tactile actuators 38a, 38b throughout the suction session. FIG. 4A is a diagram of the tactile feedback provided to the user by the first tactile actuator 38a, and FIG. 4B is a diagram of the tactile feedback provided to the user by the second tactile actuator 38b.

[0061] The start phase 50 is when the aerosol generating device 10 is turned on. The start phase 50 is relatively short, and tactile feedback is provided to the user by the second tactile actuator 38b. More specifically, the controller 24 controls the second driver 40b to operate the second tactile actuator 38b so as to continuously provide tactile feedback to the user during the start phase 50. The amplitude and frequency of the tactile feedback do not change during the start phase 50.

[0062] The preheating phase 52 is when the aerosol generating material 110 is heated towards the target temperature. When the inhalation session transitions to the preheating phase 52, the controller 24 controls the second driver 40b to stop the operation of the second tactile actuator 38b. The controller 24 controls the first driver 40a to operate the first tactile actuator 38a so as to continuously provide tactile feedback to the user during the preheating phase 52. The sensor 48 includes a temperature sensor positioned to measure the temperature within the heating chamber 18. When the heating arrangement 36 heats the aerosol generating material 102, the temperature measured by the temperature sensor rises. The controller 24 controls the first driver 40a to operate the first tactile actuator 38a so that the amplitude of the tactile feedback provided by the first tactile actuator 38a increases based on the measured temperature. This enables the user to more clearly follow the progress of the preheating phase.

[0063] When the target temperature is reached, the inhalation session transitions to a heating (or inhalation) phase 54 where the aerosol-generating material 110 is heated for a longer period, during which aerosol is generated and inhaled by the user through the mouthpiece segment 108 of the aerosol-generating article 100 by puffing several times. Alternatively, the inhalation session may remain in a short preheating phase 52 after the target temperature is reached. The controller 24 controls a first driver 40a to operate a first tactile actuator 38a to continuously provide tactile feedback to the user during the heating phase 54. The frequency of the tactile feedback provided during the heating phase 54 is different from the frequency of the tactile feedback provided during the preheating phase 52. The sensor 48 includes a puff detector that detects when the user puffs. In FIGS. 3, 4A, 5, and 6A, each puff is indicated by a vertical arrow. In response to the detected puff, the controller 24 controls the first driver 40a to temporarily increase the amplitude of the tactile feedback. This allows the user to more clearly sense when the puff is being made. It should be noted that this increase in the amplitude of the tactile feedback is only temporary, and the amplitude quickly returns to its normal value or range. The amplitude of the tactile feedback provided to the user remains at its normal value or range until the next puff is detected.

[0064] The suction session transitions to the end stage 56, for example, after performing the blowing operation a specific number of times. The controller 24 controls the first driver 40a to stop the operation of the first tactile actuator 38a. The controller 24 controls the second driver 40b to operate the second tactile actuator 38b so as to continuously provide the user with tactile feedback during the end stage 56. The frequency of the tactile feedback provided during the end stage 56 is different from the frequency of the tactile feedback provided during the heating stage 54. The controller 24 controls the second driver 40b to operate the second tactile actuator 38b so that the amplitude of the tactile feedback provided by the second tactile actuator 38b decreases during the end stage 56. This enables the user to more clearly follow the progress of the end stage and the completion of the suction session.

[0065] The durations of the preheating and heating stages 52, 54 are longer than the durations of the start and end stages 50, 56. More specifically, the preheating and heating stages 52, 54 account for a significant proportion of the total duration of the suction session. Since tactile feedback is continuously provided to the user throughout the suction session, using a more energy-efficient linear resonant actuator as the first tactile actuator 38a results in significant power savings because it operates for a relatively short period. Different tactile feedback is also provided to the user by the second tactile actuator 38b (i.e., a less energy-efficient piezoelectric actuator) during the relatively shorter start and end stages 50, 56.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 5, 6A and 6B, an alternative suction session also includes a start stage 50, a preheating stage 52, a heating or suction stage 54, and an end stage 56. FIG. 5 is a diagram of the tactile feedback provided to the user by the first and second tactile actuators 38a, 38b throughout the suction session. FIG. 6A is a diagram of the tactile feedback provided to the user by the first tactile actuator 38a, and FIG. 6B is a diagram of the tactile feedback provided to the user by the second tactile actuator 38b.

[0067] The alternative suction session is similar to the above-described suction session, but in the preheating stage 52, the controller 24 controls the first and second drivers 40a, 40b to operate the first and second tactile actuators 38a, 38b so as to continuously provide tactile feedback to the user simultaneously during the preheating stage 52. (In FIG. 5, the tactile feedback provided by the second tactile actuator 38b during the preheating stage 52 is shown by a dashed line so as to be more clearly distinguishable from the tactile feedback provided by the first tactile actuator 38a shown by a solid line.) The individual tactile feedbacks provided by the first and second tactile actuators 38a, 38b are synchronized to have the same frequency or a frequency that is an integer multiple of the other frequency. The controller 24 controls the first and second drivers 40a, 40b to operate the first and second tactile actuators 38a, 38b so that the amplitude of the tactile feedback provided by the first and second tactile actuators increases based on the measured temperature. This enables the user to more clearly follow the progress of the preheating stage.

[0068] While the exemplary embodiments have been described in the preceding paragraphs, it should be understood that various modifications can be made to those embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the breadth and scope of the claims should not be limited to the exemplary embodiments described above. For example, the aerosol generating device may be of a type that does not heat the aerosol generating material or substrate to generate the aerosol for the user to inhale. Different types of tactile actuators may also be used.

[0069] Unless otherwise specified herein or clearly inconsistent with the context, any combination of any possible variations of the above features is encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0070] Throughout this specification and the claims, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, words such as "comprise", "comprising", etc. shall be construed in an inclusive sense, i.e., in the sense of "including, but not limited to", rather than in an exclusive or exhaustive sense.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device (10) configured to generate an aerosol for a user to inhale by atomizing an aerosol generating material, the device (10) comprising: a first tactile actuator (38a); a second tactile actuator (38b) different from the first tactile actuator (38a); a controller (24) configured to control the first and second tactile actuators (38a, 38b) such that tactile feedback is provided to the user only by the first tactile actuator (38a) during a first stage (52, 54) of an inhalation session and tactile feedback is provided to the user only by the second tactile actuator (38b) during a second stage (50, 56) of the inhalation session; comprising; wherein the duration of the first stage (52, 54) is longer than the duration of the second stage (50, 56); and wherein the first tactile actuator (38a) is more energy efficient than the second tactile actuator (38b). An aerosol generating device (10).

2. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first tactile actuator (38a) is a linear resonant actuator.

3. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller (24) is further configured to control the first tactile actuator (38a) to provide tactile feedback to the user substantially throughout the first stage (52, 54) of the inhalation session, and / or the controller (24) is further configured to control the second tactile actuator (38b) to provide tactile feedback to the user substantially throughout the second stage (50, 56) of the inhalation session.

4. The controller (24) is configured to provide tactile feedback to the user or one or more of the following: - detection of a puffing action, - the temperature of the device (10), - the operating conditions of the device (10), - environmental characteristics, - the vibration or movement of the device (10), and - how the user holds the device (10) The aerosol generating device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further configured to control at least one of the first and second tactile actuators (38a, 38b) so as to change the tactile feedback provided to the user in response thereto.

5. The aerosol generating device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first stage of the inhalation session is a preheating stage (52), and the controller (24) is configured to change the amplitude and / or frequency of the tactile feedback provided to the user during the preheating stage (52) based on the temperature of the device, so as to control the first tactile actuator (38a).

6. The aerosol generating device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first stage of the inhalation session is a heating or inhalation stage (54), and the controller (24) is configured to change the amplitude and / or frequency of the tactile feedback provided to the user during the heating or inhalation stage (54) when a puffing operation is detected, so as to control the first tactile actuator (38a).

7. The aerosol generating device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second stage of the inhalation session is a start stage (50) or an end stage (56).

8. A method of controlling an aerosol generating device (10) during an inhalation session, wherein the aerosol generating device (10) is configured to atomize an aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol for a user to inhale and includes a first tactile actuator (38a) and a second tactile actuator (38b) different from the first tactile actuator (38a), the method comprising controlling the first and second tactile actuators (38a, 38b) such that tactile feedback is provided to the user only by the first tactile actuator (38a) during a first stage (52, 54) of the inhalation session and tactile feedback is provided to the user only by the second tactile actuator (38b) during a second stage (50, 56) of the inhalation session, wherein a duration of the first stage (52, 54) is longer than a duration of the second stage (50, 56), and the first tactile actuator (38a) is more energy efficient than the second tactile actuator (38b). **Claim 9** The method according to claim 8, wherein the first tactile actuator (38a) is a linear resonant actuator. **Claim 10** The method according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising controlling the first tactile actuator (38a) to provide tactile feedback to the user substantially throughout the first stage (52, 54) of the inhalation session and / or controlling the second tactile actuator (38b) to provide tactile feedback to the user substantially throughout the second stage (50, 56) of the inhalation session. **Claim 11** Responding to providing tactile feedback to the user or to one or more of the following: - Detection of a puffing action, - Temperature of the device (10), - Operating conditions of the device (10), - Environmental characteristics, - Vibration or movement of the device (10), and - How the user holds the device (10) The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising controlling at least one of the first and second tactile actuators (38a, 38b) to vary the tactile feedback provided to the user. **Claim 12** The first stage of the suction session is a preheating stage (52), and the method further includes controlling the first tactile actuator (38a) to vary the amplitude and / or frequency of the tactile feedback provided to the user during the preheating stage (52) based on the temperature of the device (10). The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

13. The first stage of the suction session is a heating or suction stage (54), and the method further includes controlling the first tactile actuator (38a) to vary the amplitude and / or frequency of the tactile feedback provided to the user during the heating or suction stage (54) when a blowing operation is detected. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

14. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the second stage of the suction session is a start stage (50) or an end stage (56).

15. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 14, further including controlling the first and second tactile actuators (38a, 38b) such that tactile feedback is provided to the user simultaneously by the first and second tactile actuators (38a, 38b) in a third stage of the suction session.

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