Modular aerosol generator

Abstract

An apparatus is provided that includes a control module for a modular aerosol generator. The control module includes a first connector configured to removably and operably couple a first type of module to the control module, and a second connector configured to removably and operably couple a second type of module to the control module. The control module is configured to control the first and second types of modules when coupled to the control module. A corresponding method is also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for use in conjunction with a modular aerosol generator.

Background Art

[0002] Many current designs of aerosol generators do not have a clear separation between the heater portion, the control portion, and the battery portion, and all of them are housed in one housing. If even a part of such a device fails, for example, in the case of an old battery, etc., the entire device needs to be discarded, which is not environmentally friendly. Further, in current designs, when there is a new version of the product, consumers need to purchase the entire new device.

[0003] It is desirable to have a modular design for aerosol generators. To better address one or more of these concerns, the present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for use in conjunction with a modular aerosol generator.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising a control module for a modular aerosol generator. The control module may comprise a first connector configured to removably and operably couple a first type of module to the control module. The control module may comprise a second connector configured to removably and operably couple a second type of module to the control module. The control module may be configured to control the first and / or second type of module when coupled to the control module.

[0005] The control module may be configured to detect a subtype of a first type of module coupled to the control module and, based on the detected subtype, control the coupled module of the first type. Similarly, the control module may be configured to detect a subtype of a second type of module coupled to the control module and, based on the detected subtype, control the coupled module of the second type. The control module may be configured to obtain an operation instruction for the coupled module of the first or second type based on the detected subtype and use the obtained operation instruction to control the coupled module. In other words, the control module may be configured to respond to the coupling of the module of the first or second type by obtaining and using an operation instruction appropriate for the subtype for the coupled module. The operation instruction may include the firmware of the detected subtype.

[0006] The control module may be configured to store operation instructions for one or more of the subtypes of the module of the first or second type. The control module may further include a storage device for storing the operation instructions. Additionally or alternatively, the device may further include a communication circuit, and the control module may be configured to obtain the operation instructions by using the communication circuit to download the operation instructions from an external computing device. The external computing device may include, for example, a personal computing device, a remote server such as a cloud server, etc.

[0007] The control module may be configured to detect a subtype of the module of the first or second type coupled to the control module based on data transferred from the coupled module. Such data transfer may occur during a handshake protocol.

[0008] The control module may be configured to authenticate a first or second type of module coupled to the control module. The control module may be configured to authenticate a first or second type of module based on one or more authentication information provided to the control module. Additionally or alternatively, the control module may be configured to authenticate a first or second type of module based on one or more certificates provided to the control module.

[0009] The first type of module may be one of a plurality of replaceable modules of the first type. The control module may be configured to enable a user to reconfigure the modular aerosol generator by selectively replacing the first type of module. Similarly, the second type of module may be one of a plurality of replaceable modules of the second type. The control module may be configured to enable a user to reconfigure the modular aerosol generator by selectively replacing the second type of module. The first type may be different from the second type.

[0010] The first type of module may include a heater module. The subtype of the heater module may be based on the heating technology used by the heater module. The subtype of the heater module may indicate that the heater module uses one or more heating technologies including resistive heating technology, induction heating technology, infrared heating technology.

[0011] The second type of module may include a power supply module. The subtype of the power supply module may be based on the power supply technology used by the power supply module.

[0012] The control module may be configured to enable replacement of the heater module using different heating technologies and / or enable replacement of the power supply module using different power supply technologies.

[0013] The device may further include at least a third type of module. An example of the third module may include a module used for extracting data (such as usage data, failure data, etc.) from the control module, for example, during repair.

[0014] The device may further include at least one of the first and / or second type of modules. Optionally, at least one module includes one or more of a memory circuit, a control circuit, and a communication circuit.

[0015] The device may further include the first and second type of modules, and the control, first, and / or second modules have the same size. Additionally or alternatively, the control, first, and / or second modules have the same cross-sectional area. Additionally or alternatively, the control, first, and / or second modules have the same cross-sectional profile.

[0016] The control, first, and / or second modules are provided with the same or corresponding connectors. In this way, the device may be manufactured such that it does not matter which of the two connectors of the control module is used for which type of module, for example, it does not matter which end of the control module the user connects the heater module or the power supply module to respectively.

[0017] The first connector may be located at or towards the first end of the control module. The second connector may be located at or towards the second end of the control module. The first end may be opposite to the second end. This may advantageously facilitate connecting the first type of module and the second type of module to the control module.

[0018] The first connector and the second connector may be of the same type. Advantageously, this may mean that it does not matter which end of the control module the user connects the first type of module and the second type of module to respectively.

[0019] At least one of the connectors of the control module, for example, at least one of the first connector and the second connector, may be configured to form a connector pair with the complementary connector of each of the first or second type of modules. The connector pair may be configured to provide a mechanical connection between the control module and each of the first or second type of modules. Additionally or alternatively, the connector pair may be configured to provide an electrical connection between the control module and each of the first or second type of modules. Additionally or alternatively, the connector pair may be configured to provide an optical connection between the control module and each of the first or second type of modules. As used herein, "optical connection" may refer to a connection for optical communication of data using light for transmitting information, for example, using LEDs and photodiodes.

[0020] The connector pair may be configured to enable data transfer between the control module and each of the first or second type of modules. Additionally or alternatively, the connector pair may be configured to enable power transfer between the control module and each of the first or second type of modules. The connector pair may be configured to enable transfer of both power and data between the control module and each of the first or second type of modules.

[0021] One of the connectors of the connector pair may be a male connector and the other connector may be a female connector. Alternatively, the connectors of the connector pair may be neither male nor female. For example, the connector may comprise a magnetic connector that is neither male nor female.

[0022] One of the connectors of the connector pair may comprise a first retaining element configured to reversibly engage a corresponding second retaining element on the other connector of the connector pair. One of the first and second retaining elements may comprise a recess. The other of the first and second retaining elements may comprise a protrusion configured to engage the recess. The protrusion may include a ridge and the recess may include a groove. At least one of the first and second retaining elements may be elastically deflectable to enable the first retaining element to reversibly engage the second retaining element. The elastically deflectable retaining element may comprise a cantilever elastically deflectable from an engaged position to a released position. The elastically deflectable retaining element may comprise a base, for example at an oblique angle, to which the cantilever is attached. At least one of the first and second retaining elements may include a friction enhancing material to increase the friction between the retaining elements.

[0023] At least one of the modules may comprise an expandable component configured to be movable between an expanded position and a contracted position. The expandable component may be configured to engage with another module when in the expanded position and to disengage another module when in the contracted position. The expandable component may be configured to be movable from the expanded position to the contracted position by compression of a region of the housing of at least one module.

[0024] The apparatus may further comprise a first type of module and / or a second type of module couplable to a control module to form a modular aerosol generating device. The modular aerosol generating device thus formed may constitute a second aspect of the present invention.

[0025] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article according to the second aspect and an aerosol generating device.

[0026] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling a modular aerosol generator, such as the aerosol generator of the second aspect, for example. The method may include controlling a first type of module removably coupled to a control module. The method may further include controlling a second type of module removably coupled to the control module.

[0027] The method may include detecting a subtype of a first type of module coupled to the control module and controlling the coupled first type of module based on the detected subtype. Similarly, the method may include detecting a subtype of a second type of module coupled to the control module and controlling the coupled second type of module based on the detected subtype. The method may include obtaining an operation instruction for the coupled first or second type of module based on the detected subtype and using the obtained operation instruction to control the coupled module. In other words, the method may include responding to the coupling of the first or second type of module by obtaining and using an operation instruction suitable for the subtype for the coupled module. The operation instruction may include firmware of the detected subtype.

[0028] The method may include storing operation instructions for one or more of the subtypes of the first or second type of module. Additionally or alternatively, the method may include obtaining the operation instructions by downloading the operation instructions from an external computing device.

[0029] The method may include detecting a subtype of a first or second type of module coupled to the control module based on data transferred from the coupled module.

[0030] The method may include authenticating a first or second type of module coupled to a control module. The method may include authenticating a first or second type of module based on one or more provided authentication information. Additionally or alternatively, the method may include authenticating a first or second type of module based on one or more provided certificates.

[0031] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computing system configured to implement the method of the fourth aspect.

[0032] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a computer program including instructions that, when executed by a computing system, cause the computing system to implement the method of the fourth aspect.

[0033] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable medium including instructions that, when executed by a computing system, cause the computing system to implement the method of the fourth aspect.

Examples

[0034] The following provides a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more of the features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0035] Example 1. An apparatus comprising a control module for a modular aerosol generator, the control module a first connector configured to removably and operably couple a first type of module to the control module, and a second connector configured to removably and operably couple a second type of module to the control module. An apparatus in which a control module is configured to control a first type of module and a second type of module when coupled to the control module. Example 2. The apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the control module is configured to detect a subtype of a first type of module coupled to the control module and control the coupled first type of module based on the detected subtype. Example 3. The apparatus according to Example 1 or 2, wherein the control module is configured to detect a subtype of a second type of module coupled to the control module and control the coupled second type of module based on the detected subtype. Example 4. The apparatus according to Example 2 or 3, wherein the control module is configured to obtain an operation instruction for a coupled first type of module or a coupled second type of module based on the detected subtype and use the obtained operation instruction to control the coupled module. Example 5. The apparatus according to Example 4, wherein the operation instruction includes firmware of the detected subtype. Example 6. The apparatus according to Example 4 or 5, wherein the control module is configured to store operation instructions for one or more of the subtypes of the first type of module and / or one or more of the subtypes of the second type of module. Example 7. The apparatus according to Example 6, wherein the control module further includes a storage device for storing the operation instructions. Example 8. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 4 to 7, further comprising a communication circuit, wherein the control module is configured to obtain operation instructions by downloading the operation instructions from an external computing device using the communication circuit. The external computing device may include, for example, a personal computing device, a remote server such as a cloud server, etc. Example 9. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the control module is configured to respond to the coupling of the first type of module and / or the second type of module by obtaining and using operation instructions suitable for the subtype for the coupled module. Example 10. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the control module is configured to detect the subtype of the first type of module and / or the second type of module coupled to the control module based on the data transferred from the coupled module. Example 11. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the control module is configured to authenticate the first type of module and / or the second type of module coupled to the control module. Example 12. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the control module is configured to authenticate the first type of module and / or the second type of module based on one or more authentication information provided to the control module. Example 13. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the control module is configured to authenticate the first type of module and / or the second type of module based on one or more certificates provided to the control module. Example 14. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the first type of module is one of a plurality of replaceable modules of the first type, and the control module is configured to selectively replace the first type of module to enable the user to reconfigure the modular aerosol generator. Example 15. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the second type of module is one of a plurality of replaceable modules of the second type, and the control module is configured to enable a user to reconfigure the modular aerosol generator by selectively replacing the second type of module. Example 16. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 15, wherein the first type is different from the second type. Example 17. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 16, wherein the first type of module includes a heater module. Example 18. The apparatus according to Example 17, wherein the subtype of the heater module is based on the heating technology used by the heater module. Example 19. The apparatus according to Example 18, wherein the subtype of the heater module indicates that the heater module uses one or more heating technologies including resistive heating technology, inductive heating technology, and infrared heating technology. Example 20. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 19, wherein the second type of module includes a power supply module. Example 21. The apparatus according to Example 20, wherein the subtype of the power supply module is based on the power supply technology used by the power supply module. Example 22. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 21, wherein the control module is configured to enable replacement of the heater module using different heating technologies and / or enable replacement of the power supply module using different power supply technologies. Example 23. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 22, further comprising at least a third type of module. Example 24. The apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 23, further comprising at least one of the first type of modules and / or at least one of the second type of modules, wherein at least one of the first type of modules and / or at least one of the second type of modules includes one or more of a memory, a control circuit, and a communication circuit. Embodiment 25. The apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 24, further comprising a first type of module and a second type of module, wherein the control module, the first type of module, and / or the second type of module have the same size. Embodiment 26. The apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 25, further comprising a first type of module and a second type of module, wherein the control module, the first type of module, and / or the second type of module have the same cross-sectional area. Embodiment 27. The apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 26, further comprising a first type of module and a second type of module, wherein the control module, the first type of module, and / or the second type of module have the same cross-sectional profile. Embodiment 28. The apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 27, further comprising a first type of module and a second type of module, wherein the control module, the first type of module, and / or the second type of module include the same or corresponding connectors. Embodiment 29. The apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 28, wherein at least one of the connectors of the control module is configured to form a connector pair with a complementary connector of the first type of module or a complementary connector of the second type of module. Embodiment 30. The apparatus according to Embodiment 29, wherein the connector pair is configured to provide a mechanical connection between the control module and the first type of module or the second type of module. Embodiment 31. The apparatus according to embodiment 29 or 30, wherein the connector pair is configured to provide an electrical connection between the control module and the first type of module or the second type of module. Embodiment 32. The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 29 to 31, wherein the connector pair is configured to provide an optical connection between the control module and the first type of module or the second type of module. Embodiment 33. The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 29 to 32, wherein the connector pair is configured to enable data transfer between the control module and the first type of module or the second type of module. Embodiment 34. The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 29 to 33, wherein the connector pair is configured to enable power transfer between the control module and the first type of module or the second type of module. Embodiment 35. The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 29 to 34, wherein the connector pair is configured to enable transfer of both power and data between the control module and the first type of module or the second type of module. Embodiment 36A. The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 29 to 35, wherein one of the connectors of the connector pair is a male connector and the other connector is a female connector. Embodiment 36B. The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 29 to 35, wherein the connectors of the connector pair are neither male nor female. Embodiment 36C. The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 29 to 35 and 36B, wherein the connector comprises a magnetic connector. Embodiment 37. The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 29 to 36, wherein one of the connectors of the connector pair comprises a first retaining element configured to reversibly engage with a corresponding second retaining element on the other connector of the connector pair. Embodiment 38. The device according to embodiment 37, wherein one of the first and second holding elements includes a recess and the other of the first and second holding elements includes a protrusion configured to engage with the recess. Embodiment 39. The device according to embodiment 38, wherein the protrusion includes a ridge and the recess includes a groove. Embodiment 40. The device according to any one of embodiments 37 to 39, wherein at least one of the first and second holding elements is elastically deflectable so that the first holding element can engage reversibly with the second holding element. Embodiment 41. The device according to embodiment 40, wherein the elastically deflectable holding element comprises a cantilever elastically deflectable from an engaged position to a released position. Embodiment 42. The device according to embodiment 41, wherein the elastically deflectable holding element comprises a base to which the cantilever is attached at an oblique angle. Embodiment 43. The device according to any one of embodiments 37 to 42, wherein at least one of the first and second holding elements includes a friction enhancing material for increasing the friction between the holding elements. Embodiment 44. The device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 43, wherein at least one of the modules comprises an expandable component configured to be movable between an extended position and a contracted position, the expandable component being configured to engage with another module when in the extended position and to release the other module when in the contracted position. Embodiment 45. The device according to embodiment 44, wherein the expandable component is configured to be movable from the extended position to the contracted position by compression of a region of the housing of one module. Embodiment 46. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 45, further comprising a first type of module and a second type of module that can be coupled to a control module to form a modular aerosol generator, and optionally, each of the control module, the first type of module, and the second type of module has its own housing. Example 47. An aerosol generation system comprising: the aerosol generator of Example 46; and an aerosol article. Example 48. A method of controlling a modular aerosol generator, such as the aerosol generator described in Example 46, the method comprising: controlling a first type of module removably coupled to a control module; and controlling a second type of module removably coupled to the control module. Example 49. The method according to Example 48, comprising detecting a subtype of a first type of module coupled to a control module and controlling the coupled first type of module based on the detected subtype. Example 50. The method according to Example 48 or 49, comprising detecting a subtype of a second type of module coupled to a control module and controlling the coupled second type of module based on the detected subtype. Example 51. The method according to Example 49 or 50, comprising obtaining an operation command for a coupled first type of module or a coupled second type of module based on the detected subtype and using the obtained operation command to control the coupled module. Example 52. The method according to Example 51, wherein the operation command includes firmware of the detected subtype. Example 53. The method according to embodiment 51 or 52, comprising storing operation instructions for one or more of the subtypes of the first type of module and / or one or more of the subtypes of the second type of module. Embodiment 54. The method according to any one of embodiments 51 to 53, comprising obtaining operation instructions by downloading the operation instructions from an external computing device. Embodiment 55. The method according to any one of embodiments 48 to 54, comprising responding to the coupling of the first or second type of module by obtaining and using operation instructions suitable for the subtype for the coupled module. Embodiment 56. The method according to any one of embodiments 48 to 55, comprising detecting a subtype of the first type of module or a subtype of the second type of module coupled to the control module based on data transferred from the coupled module. Embodiment 57. The method according to any one of embodiments 48 to 56, comprising authenticating a first type of module or a second type of module coupled to the control module. Embodiment 58. The method according to any one of embodiments 48 to 57, comprising authenticating a first type of module or a second type of module based on one or more provided authentication information. Embodiment 59. The method according to any one of embodiments 48 to 58, comprising authenticating a first type of module or a second type of module based on one or more provided certificates. Embodiment 60. A computing system configured to implement the method according to any one of embodiments 48 to 59. Embodiment 61. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by a computing system, cause the computing system to implement the method according to any one of embodiments 48 to 59. Embodiment 62. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a computing system, cause the computing system to perform the method according to any one of Examples 48 to 59.

[0036] In another aspect, an aerosol generating device comprising an outer housing is provided, the housing accommodating three modules including (1) a heater module, (2) a main PCBA module, and (3) a battery module, each module having its own housing, and each module being connected to other modules via connectors. In yet another aspect, an aerosol generating device comprising three main modules, (1) a heater module, (2) a main PCBA module, and (3) a battery module is provided, each module having its own housing, and each module being connected to other modules via connectors.

[0037] The module design of the aerosol generating device described herein allows consumers to change the heating method, for example, from a heating blade to an induction coil heating, or repair or replace a malfunctioning module without replacing the entire device. The module design facilitates standardization and integration between different versions and platforms. The module design simplifies the manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance of the modules.

[0038] Standardization of the connector arrangement and the interlock between modules shortens the assembly time and facilitates the replacement of different modules. The versatility can enhance the versatility of the use cases of the aerosol generating device.

[0039] The automatic selection of appropriate operation instructions for the combined modules based on their types and / or subtypes facilitates the implementation of the module design of the aerosol generating device while providing the user with additional flexibility in the selection of the technologies used by the combinable modules, through improving the intelligence of the control module and the compatibility of the combinable modules.

[0040] As used herein, the term "circuit" may include, for example, a wired circuit, a programmable circuit such as a computer processor including one or more individual instruction processing cores, a state machine circuit, and / or firmware storing instructions implemented by a programmable circuit, either alone or in any combination. A module may be embodied as a circuit that, collectively or individually, forms part of one or more of the devices or systems described herein.

[0041] As used herein, the term "acquire" may include, for example, receiving from another system, device, or process, receiving via interaction with a user, loading or obtaining from a storage device or memory, and measuring or capturing using a sensor or other data acquisition device.

[0042] The indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. In addition, as used herein, the articles "a" and "an" should generally be construed to mean "one or more" unless otherwise specified or it is clear from the context that they refer to the singular form.

[0043] Unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, as used herein, the phrases "one or more of A, B, and C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "A, B, and / or C" are intended to mean all possible substitutions of one or more of the listed items. That is, the phrase "A and / or B" means (A), (B), or (A and B), while the phrase "A, B, and / or C" means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C).

[0044] The term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps. Further, the terms "including", "includes", "having", etc. may be used interchangeably herein.

[0045] The present invention may include one or more aspects, embodiments, or features, either alone or in combination, whether or not specifically disclosed in that combination or alone. Any optional feature or sub-aspect of any one of the above aspects may be suitably applied to any of the other aspects.

[0046] These and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from, and will be elucidated with reference to, the embodiments described below.

[0047] A detailed description will be given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0048]

FIG. 1A-1B

FIG. 2

FIG. 3A-3D

FIG. 4A-4B

FIG. 5A-5C

FIG. 6

FIG. 7

FIG. 8

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0049] Figures 1A and 1B illustrate a modular aerosol generating device 100 according to the present disclosure. The modular aerosol generating device 100 comprises a control module 102, a heater module 104, and a power module 106. The heater module 104 and the power module 106 are reversibly coupled to the control module 102. A main housing 108 may house the modules. One or more of the modules may also include their own individual housings.

[0050] The aerosol generating device 100 is designed as a handheld device that can be used by a user to consume an aerosol (not shown) generated by an aerosol generating article, for example, in one or more usage sessions (referred to as “experiences” or “experience sessions”). Typically, the aerosol generating article includes an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco-containing substrate, and / or a cartridge containing a liquid. The aerosol-forming substrate may include one or more of solids, liquids, and gels, or may be one or more thereof. Heat is provided by the heater module to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol during use or consumption. Exemplary aerosol generating articles for use in combination with the aerosol generating device may often comprise an aerosol-forming substrate assembled in the form of a stick, together with other elements or components. Such a stick may be configured in a shape and size such that it is at least partially inserted into the aerosol generating device, and more specifically, at least partially into the heater module. Other exemplary aerosol generating articles may include a cartridge containing a liquid that can be evaporated during aerosol consumption by the user. Also, such a cartridge may be configured in a shape and size such that it is at least partially inserted into the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the cartridge may be fixedly attached to the aerosol generating device and replenished by inserting a liquid into the cartridge.

[0051] The aerosol generating device 100 has a modular design. The heater module 104 is one of a plurality of replaceable heater modules. FIG. 1B shows one non-limiting example including three replaceable heater modules 104A, 104B, and 104C. The heater module 104A comprises an electromagnetic induction heating engine. The heater module 104B comprises a resistive heating engine with a resistive heating element. The resistive heating element may be a heater blade or pin for internally heating the aerosol generating article. The resistive heating element may be an external heater, for example, a heater wound around a tube into which the aerosol generating article can be inserted. The heater module 104C comprises a radiant heat engine, for example, a coil wound around a core. Thus, there are at least three subtypes of "heater" type modules, each using a different heating technique. Although not shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the power module 106 may represent one of a plurality of replaceable power modules using different power technologies. The control module 102 is configured to enable a user to reconfigure the modular aerosol generating device 100 by selectively replacing the heater and / or power module, for example, to replace the heater module using a different heating technique and / or to replace the power module using a different power technology.

[0052] FIG. 2 shows the control module 102. The control module 102 comprises at least one connector (not shown) configured to removably and operably couple the power module 106 to the control module 102. The connector (not shown) may be a male connector for connecting to a female connector of the power module 106, or a female connector for connecting to a male connector of the power module 106.

[0053] In some embodiments, the female connector may be a female USB connector for connecting to the male USB connector of the power module. In some embodiments, the male connector may be a male USB connector for connecting to the female USB connector of the power module.

[0054] The control module 102 further includes at least one connector 200 configured to removably and operably couple the heater module 104 to the control module 102. This connector may be a male connector as shown in FIG. 2 for connecting to the female connector of the heater module. Alternatively, the connector 200 may be a female connector for connecting to the male connector of the heater module 104. For example, the connector 200 may be a female connector for connecting to one of the male connectors 300 of the heater modules 104A, 104B, 104C of FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C.

[0055] In some embodiments, the female connector may be a female USB connector for connecting to the male USB connector of the heater module. In some embodiments, the male connector may be a male USB connector for connecting to the female USB connector of the heater module.

[0056] The control module 102 comprises a control circuit (not shown) configured to control one or more functions of the aerosol generator 100, including the functions of the heater module 104 and / or the power supply module 106. The control circuit may comprise one or more processors and / or microprocessors for data processing, as well as a memory. The control module 102 further comprises a data storage device for storing data, such as pre-loaded firmware for various subtypes of the heater module 104 and / or the power supply module 106, as described below. Each of the modules may comprise at least one communication interface for communicating with each other and / or with an external computing device. The communication interface may be configured for wireless communication, wired communication, or both. For example, the communication interface may be configured for communicative coupling via an Internet connection, a wireless LAN connection, a WiFi connection, a Bluetooth connection including BLE, a cellular phone network, a 3G / 4G / 5G connection, etc., an edge connection, an LTE connection, a BUS connection, a wireless connection, a wired connection, a radio connection, a short-range connection, an IoT connection, or any other connection using any suitable communication protocol. Additionally, the control module 102 may include at least one energy storage unit for storing electrical energy for use prior to the coupling of the power supply module 106. The control module 102 may have a width of 35.0 mm and a depth of 20.0 mm. The housing of the control module 102, which may be the main housing 108, may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics, or composite materials containing one or more of these materials, or thermoplastics suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyethylene. The material is preferably light and not brittle. The material is preferably heat resistant and low in toxicity.

[0057] The control module 102 is configured to detect the connection of the heater module 104 and / or the connection of the power supply module 106 via a connector. Further, the control module 102 is configured to detect the subtype of the connected heater module 104 and control the connected heater module 104 based on the detected subtype. Additionally, the control module 102 is configured to detect the subtype of the connected power supply module 106 and control the connected power supply module 106 based on the detected subtype. In particular, the control module 102 is configured to obtain firmware for the detected subtype of the heater module 104 and / or the detected subtype of the power supply module 106 and use the obtained firmware to control the connected module. In one non-limiting example, the control module is configured to store firmware for different subtypes of the heater module and / or the power supply module and obtain the appropriate firmware from the storage device based on the detected subtype. Next, the obtained firmware is used to control the heater module 104 and / or the power supply module 106. The control module 102 may be configured to install the firmware before using the firmware. In addition to or instead of pre-storing the firmware in the control module 102, the firmware may be obtained from the storage device of the connected module and / or downloaded from an external computing device, such as an external data source like the cloud.

[0058] The control module 102 may be configured to detect the subtype of the module based on the data transferred from the combined module. In one embodiment, the modules may exchange identification information such as a model number during a handshake protocol implemented after combination, and the identification information may be used by the control module 102 to select the appropriate firmware. The data exchanged during the handshake protocol may be used to determine whether the combined module is genuine or counterfeit. The control module 102 may be configured to authenticate the combined module, for example, based on one or more authentication information and / or certificate examples provided to the control module 102. Such authentication information may be pre-installed in the module by the manufacturer for use in subsequent authentication when the module is first combined with the control module. In one non-limiting example, the control module 102 may communicate with a certification authority (CA) to obtain a digital certificate that proves the validity of the public key pre-stored in the combined module. The authentication may be one-way or two-way.

[0059] Figures 3A - C illustrate heater modules 104A - C, respectively. Each of the heater modules 104A - C includes at least one male connector 300 for mating with at least one female connector of the control module 102. Thus, each of the heater modules 104A - C is configured to mate with a control module as shown in FIG. 2, except when the connector 200 is a female connector. Each of the heater modules 104A - C has the same size and shape, or at least the same cross - sectional area and profile (without housing), to facilitate their interchangeability. The volume of the modules may be the same or different. Any one of the heater modules 104A - C can be easily coupled to the control module 102 using a connector, as shown in FIG. 3D. The heater module 104 may have a width of 35.0 mm, a height of 35.0 mm, and a depth of 20.0 mm. The housing of the heater module 104 may be formed of the same material as one or more of the other modules. The heater module 104 includes a receptacle 110 for an aerosol - generating article and a circuit 112 (shown in FIG. 1A) for control and / or communication and / or data storage. The heater module 104 may include any suitable number of heating elements. For example, the heater module 104 may include two, three, four, five, or six or more heating elements. The heating elements may be appropriately arranged to most effectively heat the aerosol - generating substrate. The heating elements may include an electrically resistive material such as a heating blade or a heating wire. Alternatively, the heating elements may include an infrared heating element or an induction heating element.

[0060] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate the power module 106. The power module 106 is configured to supply electrical energy to the aerosol generating device 100, particularly to the heater module 104 and / or the control module 102. The power module 106 may comprise at least one energy storage unit for the aerosol generating device 100. The at least one energy storage unit may include, for example, at least one battery, at least one accumulator, at least one capacitor, or any other energy storage unit. The at least one battery may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery, such as a lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), lithium iron phosphate (LFP), lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA), lithium iron phosphate (NCA), or a lithium polymer battery. The energy storage unit may be configured to supply electrical energy to the aerosol generating device 100. The energy storage unit may be (re)chargeable. The electrical energy may be provided to the energy storage unit, for example, by a companion device or from a power socket via a charger. The power module 106 may comprise a battery connector for receiving an electrical energy supply for recharging the energy storage unit. The power module 106 may further comprise circuitry for control and / or communication and / or data storage. In one non-limiting example, the power module 106 has a width of 35.0 mm, a height of 35.0 mm / 45.0 mm, and a depth of 20.0 mm. The housing of the power module 106 may be formed of the same material as one or more of the other modules.

[0061] Figures 4A and 4B also illustrate a module interlock 400 according to the present disclosure. The module interlock 400 shown herein as forming part of the power module 106 comprises an expandable component in the form of at least one elastically deflectable locking clip 402 in this embodiment. The locking clip 402 is configured to engage a corresponding area (not shown) of the control module 102 so as to hold the power module 106 and the control module 102 in an interlocked arrangement when in the expanded position. The locking clip 402 is movable from the expanded position to a contracted position to release the control module 102. The locking clip 402 is movable from the engaged position to the contracted position by compression applied to the cantilever region 404 of the housing of the electrical module 106 at a position indicated by "A" which causes an inward deflection of the locking clip 402 to release the locking clip 402 from engagement with the control module 102.

[0062] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate the power module 106 as including a type USB-C connector 406 for connecting to a corresponding connector of the control module 102. However, it will be understood that the connection between the modules may alternatively be achieved via a cable, metal pins, a universal connector, or connectors such as USB-A, USB-B, USB-mini, USB-micro, SD, miniSD, and microSD. Further, it will be understood that the module interlock shown in these figures is independent of the connector arrangement.

[0063] Figures 5A - C illustrate the connector arrangement according to the present disclosure. Figure 5A shows the male connector 500. The male connector 500 corresponds to the connectors 200 and 300 shown in Figures 2 and 3 and takes the form of a guide pin in this embodiment. The guide pin 500 is configured to form a connector pair with a complementary female connector (not shown). Figure 5B shows the locking clip 550 for use with the corresponding female connector. As shown, the locking clip 550 includes a protrusion in the form of a ridge 552 configured to engage with a recess in the form of a groove 502 within the guide pin 500. The locking clip 550 comprises a cantilever 554 and a base 556 to which the cantilever 554 is attached. The cantilever 554 is elastically deflectable to enable the ridge 552 to reversibly engage with the groove 502. In particular, the cantilever 554 is elastically deflectable from an engagement position where the ridge 552 engages with the groove 502 to a release position where the ridge 552 is disengaged from the groove 502. Thus, the locking clip 550 serves to restrict the movement of the guide pin 500 when in the engagement position. One or more of the ridge 552 and the groove 502 may include a friction - enhancing material, such as rubber, to increase the friction therebetween. As shown in Figure 5C, the base 556 may be attached to the support surface 560 of the corresponding module at an oblique or tilt angle 558 to facilitate the engagement between the ridge 552 and the groove 502 and to generate more gripping force. A plurality of such ridges and grooves may be provided, for example, based on the length of the guide pin 500 and / or the locking clip 550. The male connector may include one or more expansion components that can be retracted, for example, by compression, to remove the male connector from the female connector. One or both of the guide pin 500 and the locking clip 550 may be made of metal. The locking clip 550 may include a lip 559 to facilitate the sliding engagement with the guide pin 500.

[0064] Referring back to Figure 5A, the dimensions of the guide pin 500 in a non - limiting example are as follows: a: 3.00 mm (in the range of 1.5 mm to 8.5 mm); b: 2.0 mm (range: 1.2 mm to 2.5 mm); c: 0.89 mm (range: 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm); d: 0.2 mm (range: 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm); e: 1.05 mm (range: 0.85 mm to 1.5 mm); f: 2.0 mm (range: 1.2 mm to 2.5 mm); g: 0.8 mm (range: 0.6 mm to 1.5 mm); h: 1.0 mm (range: 0.6 mm to 1.2 mm).

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 5B and 5C, the dimensions of the locking clip 550 in a non-limiting example are as follows: 1: 2.5 mm (range: 2.0 mm to 4.0 mm); 2: 2.0 mm (range: 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm); 3: 4.0 mm (range: 2.5 mm to 5.0 mm); 4: 2.0 mm (range: 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm); 5: 4.0 mm (range: 3.5 mm to 6.0 mm); 6: 2.0 mm (range: 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm); 7: 0.6 mm (range: 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm); 8: 0.2 mm (range: 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm); 9: 1.2 mm (range: 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm); 10: 0.4 mm (range: 0.35 mm to 2.0 mm).

[0066] The angles shown in the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 5B are as follows: α: 135° (range: 1° to 160°); β: 90° (range: 65° to 140°); γ: 100° (range: 95° to 115°); τ: 0.5° (range: 0° to 1.5°).

[0067] The connector pair is configured to provide a mechanical connection between modules. Optionally, the connector pair may further be configured to provide an electrical and / or optical connection between modules. In this way, the connector pair can be configured to enable the transfer of power and / or data between modules. The transfer may be unidirectional or bidirectional. For example, the connector may be configured to enable the simultaneous transfer of both power and data. If the connector only permits the transfer of power, the data may be transferred via a wireless connection, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc. In any of the embodiments described herein, the module may include i) only the female connector, ii) only the male connector, or iii) both the female connector and the male connector.

[0068] FIG. 6 illustrates a method 600 for controlling a modular aerosol generator. The method 600 may be implemented, for example, by a control module 102. The method 600 includes a step 602 of controlling a first type of module (e.g., a heater module 104) coupled to the control module 102, and a step 604 of controlling a second type of module (e.g., a power supply module 106) coupled to the control module 102.

[0069] FIG. 7 shows a method 700 that may be used to implement step 602 or each step 604 of the method 600 of FIG. 6. The method 700 may include one or more of a step 702 of detecting the coupling of each module to the control module 102, a step 704 of detecting the subtype of the coupled module, a step 706 of obtaining an operation instruction for the coupled module based on the detected subtype, and a step 708 of controlling the coupled module using the obtained operation instruction.

[0070] FIG. 8 shows an exemplary computing system 800 that may be used in accordance with the systems and methods disclosed herein. Computing system 800 may form part of or include any desktop, laptop, server, or cloud-based computing system. Computing system 800 includes at least one processor 802 that executes instructions stored in memory 804. The instructions may be, for example, instructions for implementing functions described as being performed by one or more components described herein, or instructions for implementing one or more of the methods described herein. Processor 802 may access memory 804 via system bus 806. In addition to storing executable instructions, memory 804 may also store conversational input, scores assigned to the conversational input, and the like.

[0071] Computing system 800 further includes a data storage 808 accessible by processor 802 via system bus 806. Data storage 808 may include executable instructions, log data, and the like. Computing system 800 also includes an input interface 810 that enables external devices to communicate with computing system 800. For example, input interface 810 may be used to receive instructions from an external computer device, a user, and the like. Computing system 800 also includes an output interface 812 that connects computing system 800 to one or more external devices. For example, computing system 800 may display text, images, and the like via output interface 812.

[0072] External devices that communicate with the computing system 800 via the input interface 810 and the output interface 812 are contemplated to be included in an environment that provides substantially any type of user interface with which a user can interact. Examples of user interface types include graphical user interfaces, natural user interfaces, and the like. For example, a graphical user interface can receive input from a user using input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, remote control, etc., and provide output to an output device such as a display. Additionally, a natural user interface can enable a user to interact with the computing system 800 in a manner unconstrained by input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, remote control, etc. Rather, a natural user interface can rely on speech recognition, touch and stylus recognition, on-screen and adjacent-to-screen gesture recognition, air gestures, head and eye tracking, voice and speech, vision, touch, gesture, machine intelligence, etc.

[0073] Additionally, although illustrated as a single system, it should be understood that the computing system 800 can be a distributed system. Thus, for example, several devices may communicate via a network connection and collectively perform the tasks described as being executed by the computing system 800.

[0074] The various functions described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, the functions can be stored or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium includes computer-readable storage media. The computer-readable storage media may be any available storage media accessible by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable storage media can include FRASH memory media, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Disk and disc as used herein include compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk, and Blu-ray disc (BD), where disk typically magnetically reproduces data and disc typically optically reproduces data with a laser. Further, a propagated signal may be included within the scope of computer-readable storage media. The computer-readable medium also includes a communication medium including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A connection, for example, can be a communication medium. For example, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of communication medium when software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave. The above combinations should also be included within the scope of computer-readable medium.

[0075] Alternatively, or in addition, what is functionally described herein can be implemented, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components. For example, exemplary types of hardware logic components that can be used include, but are not limited to, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), application specific standard products (ASSPs), system on chip systems (SOCs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and the like.

[0076] The applicant hereby discloses, in this specification, each individual feature described herein and any combination of two or more such features, to the extent that such features or combinations of features can be carried out based on the entire specification, in light of the common general knowledge of those skilled in the art, without regard to whether such features or combinations of features solve any of the problems disclosed herein and without limiting the scope of the claims. The applicant demonstrates that aspects of the invention can consist of any such individual features or combinations of features.

[0077] It should be noted that embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to different categories. In particular, some examples are described with reference to methods and other examples are described with reference to apparatuses. However, those skilled in the art will understand from the description that, unless otherwise notified, in addition to any combination of features belonging to one category, any combination between features related to different categories is also considered to be disclosed by this application. However, combining all features can provide a synergistic effect that exceeds the mere sum of the features.

[0078] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, such illustration and description are exemplary and not restrictive. The present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other modifications to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and achieved by those skilled in the art from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0079] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in dependent claims that differ from each other does not suggest that combinations of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

[0080] No reference signs in the claims shall be construed as limiting the scope thereby.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising a control module for a modular aerosol generator, wherein the control module is configured to removably and operably couple a first type of module to the control module with a first connector, and configured to removably and operably couple a second type of module to the control module with a second connector, and the control module is configured to control the first type of module and the second type of module when coupled to the control module.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to detect a subtype of the first type of module coupled to the control module and to control the coupled first type of module based on the detected subtype.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control module is configured to obtain an operation command for the coupled first type of module or the coupled second type of module based on the detected subtype and to control the coupled module using the obtained operation command.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control module is configured to respond to the coupling of the first type of module or the coupling of the second type of module by obtaining and using an operation command appropriate for the subtype for the coupled module.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control module is configured to authenticate the first type of module or the second type of module coupled to the control module.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first type of module is one of a plurality of interchangeable modules of the first type, and the control module is configured to enable a user to reconfigure the modular aerosol generator by selectively replacing the first type of module.

7. At least one of the first connector and the second connector of the control module is configured to form a connector pair with a complementary connector of the module of the first type or a complementary connector of the module of the second type, and the connector pair is configured to enable transmission of both power and data between the control module and the module of the first type or the module of the second type. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. At least one of the modules includes an expandable component configured to be movable between an extended position and a retracted position, and the expandable component is configured to engage with another module when in the extended position and release another module when in the retracted position. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The expandable component is configured to be movable from the extended position to the retracted position by compression of a region of a housing of at least one module including the expandable component. The device according to claim 8.

10. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising the module of the first type and the module of the second type that can be coupled to the control module to form a modular aerosol generating device.

11. An aerosol generating system, comprising: The aerosol generating device according to claim 10; and An aerosol generating article. An aerosol generating system.

12. A method of controlling a modular aerosol generating device, the method comprising: Controlling a module of a first type removably coupled to a control module; and Controlling a module of a second type removably coupled to the control module. A method.

13. A computing system configured to implement the method according to claim 12.

14. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by a computing system, cause the computing system to implement the method according to claim 12.

15. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a computing system, cause the computing system to implement the method according to claim 12.

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