Aerosol Generating Device Having a Radio Frequency Energy Collection System

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device comprises a body having a housing and a heating element. The heating element is disposed within the housing. The aerosol generating device further comprises one or both of a power source and a secondary electricity consuming component. The aerosol generating device further comprises a radio frequency energy collection system. The radio frequency energy collection system is configured to collect electromagnetic energy from electromagnetic radiation. The radio frequency energy collection system is configured to recharge the power source and / or power the secondary electricity consuming component. The present invention also relates to a charger for the aerosol generating device. The charger comprises a charger power source. The charger is configured to emit radio frequency electromagnetic radiation having a frequency optimized for energy transfer to the radio frequency energy collection system of the aerosol generating device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device. The present invention relates to an aerosol generating system. The present invention relates to a charger for an aerosol generating device. The present invention relates to a system comprising an aerosol generating device and a charger. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known to provide an aerosol-generating device for generating an inhalable vapor. Such a device can heat an aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate volatilize without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate can be provided as part of an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article can have a rod shape for insertion of the aerosol-generating article into a cavity (such as a heating chamber) of the aerosol-generating device. A heating element can be disposed in or around the heating chamber to heat the aerosol-forming substrate after the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device.

[0003] Aerosol generators are typically powered by a rechargeable battery. To recharge the battery, the aerosol generator typically must be connected to a power plug or charger. The aerosol generator typically cannot be used while the battery is recharging. This can prevent or delay desired use of the aerosol generator. Therefore, users must plan and coordinate when and where to recharge their device.

[0004] It would be desirable to have an aerosol generator with improved battery life. It would be desirable to have an aerosol generator with improved energy efficiency. It would be desirable to have an aerosol generator with improved energy supply to secondary systems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device comprises a body having a housing and a heating element. The heating element is disposed within the housing. The aerosol generating device further comprises one or both of a power source and a secondary electricity consuming component. The aerosol generating device further comprises a radio frequency energy collecting system. The radio frequency energy collecting system is configured to collect electromagnetic energy from electromagnetic radiation. The radio frequency energy collecting system is configured to one or both of recharging the power source and powering the secondary electricity consuming component.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may comprise a body having a housing and a heating element. The heating element may be disposed within the housing. The aerosol generating device may further comprise one or both of a power source and a secondary electricity consuming component. The aerosol generating device may further comprise a radio frequency energy collecting system. The radio frequency energy collecting system may be configured to collect electromagnetic energy from electromagnetic radiation. The radio frequency energy collecting system may be configured to one or both of recharging the power source and powering the secondary electricity consuming component.

[0007] By providing an aerosol generating device with a radio frequency energy collection system, a device with improved battery life can be provided. By providing an aerosol generating device with a radio frequency energy collection system, a device with improved energy efficiency can be provided. By providing an aerosol generating device with a radio frequency energy collection system, a device with improved energy supply to secondary systems can be provided.

[0008] Radio frequency energy harvesting is the generation of electrical energy from ambient or surrounding radio frequency signals. This energy can be used to create direct current. Ambient or surrounding radio frequency signals include, for example, signals from Wi-Fi and wireless networks, cell phones, or television stations.

[0009] The radio frequency energy harvesting system may include one or both of a radio frequency energy harvesting circuit, an impedance matching circuit, a rectifying circuit, and a storage unit. The radio frequency energy harvesting system may be configured to harvest electromagnetic energy from ambient electromagnetic radiation. The ambient electromagnetic radiation may be signals from Wi-Fi and wireless networks, cellular phones, or television stations.

[0010] The radio frequency energy collection system may be configured to collect electromagnetic energy from electromagnetic radiation in a frequency range between 0.8 GHz and 60 GHz, preferably between 0.8 GHz and 6 GHz. The radio frequency energy collection system may be configured to collect electromagnetic energy from electromagnetic radiation having one or both of the frequencies of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

[0011] The radio frequency energy collection system may be configured to collect electromagnetic energy from ambient electromagnetic radiation in a frequency range between 0.8 GHz and 60 GHz, preferably between 0.8 GHz and 6 GHz. The radio frequency energy collection system may be configured to collect electromagnetic energy from ambient electromagnetic radiation having one or both of the frequencies of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

[0012] The power source may comprise a battery. The power source may be a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery (e.g., a lithium-cobalt battery, a lithium-iron-phosphate battery, a lithium-titanate battery, or a lithium-polymer battery).

[0013] The body may include a cavity configured to receive an aerosol-generating article or cartridge containing the aerosol-forming substrate. The cavity may be at least partially surrounded by a heating element. The cavity may be a heating chamber. The cavity may have an opening. The opening may be at a proximal end of the body.

[0014] The heating element may be an induction heating element. The heating element may comprise at least one inductor coil. The inductor coil may be disposed at least partially around the heating chamber of the body. Alternatively, the heating element may comprise an electrically resistive heating element.

[0015] The housing may be elongated. The housing may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics, or composites 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 lightweight and not brittle. The housing may include a user interface for activating the aerosol-generating device, such as a button to initiate heating of the aerosol-generating device, or a display to display the status of the aerosol-generating device or the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0016] The aerosol generating device may include a primary electricity consuming component and a secondary electricity consuming component. The primary electricity consuming component may be a heating element. The primary electricity consuming component may require at least 5 to 20 times more energy than the secondary electricity consuming component, and preferably at least 10 to 15 times more energy than the secondary electricity consuming component.

[0017] The secondary electricity consuming components may be partially powered by the radio frequency energy collection system. The secondary electricity consuming components may be powered exclusively by the radio frequency energy collection system. By powering the secondary electricity consuming components exclusively by the radio frequency energy collection system, electrical connections from the power source to the secondary electricity consuming components may be omitted.

[0018] The secondary electricity consuming component may comprise a sensor. The secondary electricity consuming component may be a sensor. The sensor may comprise a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may be configured to detect whether a user is holding the aerosol generating device.

[0019] The secondary electricity consuming component may comprise a device for transmitting location information of the aerosol-generating device, so that the aerosol-generating device can be located even if it runs out of power. The device for transmitting location information may be configured to emit a radio frequency signal, preferably a backscattered radio frequency signal. The backscattered radio frequency signal may include a unique identifier. The location of the aerosol-generating device may be determined via a smartphone. The location of the aerosol-generating device may be determined via a charger for charging the aerosol-generating device.

[0020] The secondary electricity consuming component may comprise a charging indicator, preferably an optical charging indicator. The secondary electricity consuming component may comprise one or both of a device for transmitting location information from the aerosol generating device and a charging indicator, preferably an optical charging indicator. The secondary electricity consuming component may comprise a charging indicator and a capacitance sensor. The optical charging indicator may comprise an LED. The charging indicator may comprise a speaker. The secondary electricity consuming component may be a charging indicator. The charging indicator may comprise a low battery indicator. The low battery indicator may alert the user when the battery level is low. The low battery indicator may indicate when the battery charge falls below a certain battery level, for example, below 20%, or below 10%, or below 5%. The alert may be a specific periodic or continuous signal. The periodic or continuous signal may be an optical or sound signal. The signal itself may draw power from the battery, which may further deplete the low battery level. Powering the charging indicator by a radio frequency energy collection system may prevent further depletion of the low battery level.

[0021] The aerosol generating device may further include a controller. The controller may be configured to control the radio frequency energy collection system to recharge the power source if the controller detects that the power source is not fully charged. The controller may be configured to control activation of the smoke puff sensor if the capacitance sensor detects that a user is holding the aerosol generating device. The controller may include a processor. The controller may be a processor. The processor may trigger retroactive action during or after processing of the signal.

[0022] The controller may be configured to control activation of the optical charging indicator when the power level of the power source is below 50%, preferably below 40%, more preferably below 30%, and most preferably below 20%.

[0023] The radio frequency energy collection system may include an antenna. The antenna may be a converter device. The antenna may convert ambient radio frequencies into alternating current (AC) current. The antenna may be embedded in the housing of the aerosol generating device, coated on the inside of the housing, or disposed so as to directly abut the housing. The housing may include the antenna. The housing may be the antenna. The antenna may be disposed at least partially around the cavity of the body. The antenna may extend over at least 60%, preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, and most preferably at least 85% of the length of the housing of the aerosol generating device. The length of the housing may be measured in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device. The at least one induction coil may be an antenna. Preferably, the at least one induction coil may be a flat induction coil that is an antenna.

[0024] The secondary electricity consuming component may include a capacitance sensor that may detect contact of a user's hand or lips with the body of the aerosol generating device. If the capacitance sensor detects contact, the radio frequency energy collection system may send a "wake-up" signal to the controller, which in turn activates the puff sensor or increases the sampling frequency of the puff sensor.

[0025] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may include a smoke puff sensor, a battery, a capacitance sensor, a radio frequency energy collection system, and a controller. The smoke puff sensor, battery, capacitance sensor, and radio frequency energy collection system are all connected to the controller. The controller may be bidirectionally connected to the smoke puff sensor. The capacitance sensor and battery may be connected to the controller to enable data transfer to the controller. The radio frequency energy collection system may additionally be connected to the capacitance sensor to enable data transfer from the radio frequency energy collection system to the capacitance sensor. The battery and low battery indicator may both be connected to the radio frequency energy collection system to enable data transfer to them from the radio frequency energy collection system.

[0026] The radio frequency energy collection system may serve a primary and a secondary role. The primary role of the radio frequency energy collection system may be to continuously recharge the power source. The radio frequency energy collection system may recharge the power source when the aerosol generating device is not in operation. The secondary role of the radio frequency energy collection system may be to power a secondary electricity consuming component. The secondary electricity consuming component may comprise one or both of a capacitance sensor and a charging indicator, preferably a capacitance sensor and a low battery indicator.

[0027] The radio frequency energy collection system may recharge the power source when the battery is completely depleted. The radio frequency energy collection system may recharge the power source when the battery charge is low, for example, below 20%, 15%, or 10% charge. The radio frequency energy collection system may recharge the power source when the battery charge is not fully charged.

[0028] The main body may include a charging port. The charging port may be located at a distal end of the main body. The charger may be configured to charge the aerosol generating device. Additionally or alternatively, the charging port may be configured to transfer data between the aerosol generating device and an external electronic device, such as a mobile phone.

[0029] The present invention further relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may be a rod-shaped article. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a cavity configured to receive the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may be partially inserted into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a filter portion and an aerosol-forming substrate portion. When the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device, a user may inhale through the filter portion of the aerosol-generating article. The heating element may comprise at least one inductor coil, and the aerosol-generating article may comprise a susceptor material.

[0030] The present invention further relates to a charger for the aerosol generating device described herein. The charger may include a charger power supply. The charger may be configured to emit radio frequency electromagnetic radiation having a frequency optimized for energy transfer to a radio frequency energy collection system of the aerosol generating device. The charger may include a radio frequency emitter.

[0031] The charger may be a mobile charger. The charger may further comprise a charger radio frequency energy harvesting system configured to recharge the charger power supply.

[0032] The present invention further relates to a system comprising an aerosol generating device as described herein and a charger. The secondary electricity-consuming component of the aerosol generating device may comprise a device for transmitting location information. The charger may be configured to emit a radio frequency search signal. The device for transmitting location information may be configured to emit a backscattered radio frequency signal upon detecting the radio frequency search signal. The charger may be configured to identify and / or locate the aerosol generating device upon detecting the backscattered radio frequency signal. This allows a user to find the aerosol generating device even if it is lost in the user's surrounding area while the battery is depleted. The charger may comprise at least one proximity LED, preferably multiple proximity LEDs. The location of the aerosol generating device may be detected by the charger in response to attenuation of the detected backscattered radio frequency signal. The proximity LED may indicate the location of the aerosol generating device, for example, by varying the intensity of the light signal and / or the light pattern of the multiple proximity LEDs.

[0033] As used herein, the term "proximal" refers to the user or mouth end of an aerosol generating device or system or portion thereof, and the term "distal" refers to the end opposite the proximal end. When referring to a heating chamber, the term "proximal" refers to the region nearest the open end of the cavity, and the term "distal" refers to the region nearest the closed end.

[0034] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" relates to a substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound that can form an aerosol or vapor. Such a volatile compound may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be in solid or liquid form. The terms "aerosol" and "vapor" are used interchangeably.

[0035] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. The nicotine-containing aerosol-forming substrate may be a nicotine salt matrix.

[0036] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavour compounds that are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenised plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenised tobacco material. The homogenised tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco.

[0037] The aerosol-forming substrate may include at least one aerosol former. The aerosol former is any suitable, well-known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates the formation of a dense, stable aerosol during use and is substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperature of the aerosol generating system. Suitable aerosol formers are well-known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols (e.g., triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerin), esters of polyhydric alcohols (e.g., glycerol monoacetate, diacetate, or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of monocarboxylic, dicarboxylic, or polycarboxylic acids (e.g., dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate). Preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof (e.g., triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, etc.). Preferably, the aerosol former is glycerin. When present, the homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol former content of 5 weight percent or more on a dry weight basis, and preferably an aerosol former content of 5 weight percent to 30 weight percent on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may also include other additives and ingredients, such as flavorants.

[0038] As used herein, "susceptor" or "susceptor element" means an element that heats when subjected to an alternating magnetic field. This may be the result of eddy currents induced in the susceptor element, hysteresis losses, or both eddy currents and hysteresis losses. During use, the susceptor element is positioned in thermal contact or thermal proximity with an aerosol-forming substrate received within an aerosol-generating article or cartridge. In this manner, the aerosol-forming substrate is heated by the susceptor, thereby forming an aerosol.

[0039] The power source may require recharging and may have a capacity that allows for storage of sufficient energy for one or more use experiences, for example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to continuously generate aerosol for a period of approximately six minutes, or a multiple of six minutes. In another embodiment, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to provide a predetermined number of puffs, or discontinuous activation of the heating element.

[0040] The power source may be a direct current (DC) power source. In one embodiment, the power source is a DC power source having a DC supply voltage in the range of 2.5 volts to 4.5 volts and a DC supply current in the range of 1 ampere to 10 amperes (corresponding to a DC power source in the range of 2.5 watts to 45 watts). Advantageously, the aerosol generating device may comprise a direct current to alternating current (DC / AC) inverter for converting the DC current provided by the DC power source into alternating current. The DC / AC converter may comprise a class D, class C, or class E power amplifier. The AC power output of the DC / AC converter is provided to the induction coil.

[0041] Features described with respect to one embodiment may be equally applied to other embodiments of the invention.

[0042] The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0043] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a radio frequency energy harvesting system. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A shows a three-dimensional view of the aerosol generating device. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the interaction between the electronic components of the aerosol generating device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a flow chart illustrating the algorithm used by the aerosol generating device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a charger for an aerosol generating device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a system including an aerosol generator and a charger. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] FIG. 1 illustrates the general operating principle of a radio frequency energy harvesting system. Ambient radio frequency signals 10, such as signals from Wi-Fi and wireless networks, cell phones, or television stations, are radiated onto a radio frequency energy harvesting system 12 to generate a direct current (DC) current 14. More specifically, the radio frequency energy harvesting system 12 includes an antenna 16, an impedance matching circuit 18, a rectifier circuit 20, and a storage unit 22. The antenna 16 is a converter device that captures the ambient radio frequency signals 10 and converts them into an alternating current (AC) current 24. The impedance matching circuit 18 adjusts the load impedance to match the source 10, thereby allowing maximum power to be transferred from the antenna 16 to the load. The rectifier circuit converts the AC current 24 to DC current 14. The storage unit 22 can be a capacitor. The storage unit 22 can store power and function as a power storage unit when no external energy is available.

[0045] FIG. 2A shows a three-dimensional view of an aerosol-generating device 26 comprising a body and an aerosol-generating article 28. The aerosol-generating article 28 comprises a base portion (not shown) comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, and a mouthpiece portion 30. The body of the aerosol-generating device 26 comprises a user interface 32, which is a button. FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device 26. The device comprises a cavity 34 into which the aerosol-generating article 28 can be inserted. An inductor coil 36 is disposed around at least a portion of the cavity 34. The inductor coil 36 can heat a susceptor material (not shown) contained within the aerosol-generating article 28.

[0046] The aerosol generating device 26 further includes an antenna 16. The antenna 16 is embedded in the sheath of the body of the aerosol generating device 26. The antenna 16 encloses a power source, which is a battery 38, a controller 40, the radio frequency energy collection system 12, and a charging port 40. The charging port 40 may also optionally be a data port. The controller 38 is connected to both the battery 36, the radio frequency energy collection system 12, and the induction coil 36 via wires.

[0047] FIG. 3 illustrates the interaction of the electronic components of the aerosol generating device 26. It also illustrates how the operation of the radio frequency energy collection system 12 can be managed depending on the battery level of the aerosol generating device 26. The individual electronic components of the aerosol generating device 26 shown in FIG. 3 are the radio frequency energy collection system 12, the battery 36, the controller 38, the smoke sensor 42, the capacitance sensor 44, and a charging indicator that is a low battery indicator 46. The low battery indicator 46 can be an LED or a speaker that indicates when the battery charge falls below a certain battery charge level, for example, below 20%, below 10%, or below 5%. The radio frequency energy collection system 12 collects ambient radio frequency signals 10. The arrows represent connections for data transfer. The direction of each arrow indicates the direction in which data can be transferred.

[0048] The puff sensor 42, the battery 36, the capacitance sensor 44, and the radio frequency energy collection system 12 are all connected to the controller 38. The puff sensor 42 is bidirectionally connected. The capacitance sensor 44 and the battery 36 are connected to enable data transfer to the controller 38. The radio frequency energy collection system 12 is additionally connected to the capacitance sensor 44 to enable data transfer from the radio frequency energy collection system 12 to the capacitance sensor 44. The battery 36 and the low battery indicator 46 are both connected to the radio frequency energy collection system 12 to enable data transfer from the radio frequency energy collection system 12 to them, respectively. The capacitance sensor 44 detects contact of the user's hand or lips with the body of the aerosol generating device 26. If the capacitance sensor 44 detects contact, the radio frequency energy collection system 12 sends a "wake-up" signal to the controller 38, which then activates the puff sensor 42 or increases the sampling frequency of the puff sensor 42. A low battery indicator 46 indicates whether the battery 36 is below a certain battery charge level.

[0049] The primary function of the radio frequency energy harvesting system 12 is to continuously recharge the battery 36. The secondary function of the radio frequency energy harvesting system 12 is to power secondary electrical consuming components, which may consist of one or both of a capacitance sensor 44 and a low battery indicator 46.

[0050] 4 shows a flowchart illustrating an algorithm that may be used by an aerosol generating device 26 equipped with a radio frequency energy collection system 12. First, in box 48, it is determined whether the battery is completely depleted. If so, the radio frequency energy collection system 12 recharges the battery 50. If not, in box 52, it is determined whether the battery charge is low 52. If the battery charge is low, the radio frequency energy collection system 12 recharges the battery 50. If the battery charge is low, in box 54, it is determined whether the battery is fully charged. If the battery charge is not fully charged, the radio frequency energy collection system 12 recharges the battery 50.

[0051] Charging the battery 50 is the primary role 56 of the radio frequency energy collection system 12. A secondary role 58 of the radio frequency energy collection system 12 is to provide energy to one or both of a low battery indicator and a capacitance sensor 60.

[0052] 5 shows a charger 62 for the aerosol generating device 26. The aerosol generating device includes the same components as those described above. The charger 62 includes an electronic device 66, an antenna 68, and a radio frequency energy collection system 12. The charger 62 can emit a radio frequency signal 10 to transfer energy to the aerosol generating device 26. The transmitted radio frequency signal 10 can then be converted by the aerosol generating device's radio frequency energy collection system 12 to charge the battery 36 of the aerosol generating device 26. This allows the aerosol generating device to remain in use while charging without requiring a connection.

[0053] The charger 62 may itself include a radio frequency energy harvesting system 12 connected to a battery 64. This allows the charger to charge itself by using ambient radio frequency signals 10.

[0054] FIG. 6 illustrates a system including an aerosol generating device 70 and a charger 72. The aerosol generating device 70 includes the radio frequency energy collection system described above and a device for transmitting its location (not shown). The aerosol generating device 70 is located in a room of a fictitious house depicted by a floor plan 74. The charger 72 includes a proximity LED 76. If the battery of the aerosol generating device 70 is depleted, the user can transmit a radio frequency search signal 78 emitted by the charger. The radio frequency energy collection system of the aerosol generating device 70 can provide energy to the device for transmitting location information of the aerosol generating device 70 even if the battery is depleted. Upon detecting the radio frequency search signal 78 from the aerosol generating device 70, the device for transmitting location information emits a backscattered radio frequency signal 80 to the charger. The backscattered radio frequency signal 80 includes a unique identifier. Upon detecting the backscattered radio frequency signal 80, the charger 72 identifies the aerosol generating device 70. The location of the aerosol-generating device 70 can be detected by the charger 72 in response to the attenuation of the detected backscattered radio frequency signal 80. The proximity LEDs 76 can indicate the location of the aerosol-generating device 70, for example, by the strength of the light signal and / or by changing the light pattern of the four LEDs 76.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a body having a housing; a heating element disposed within the housing; and one or both of a power source and a secondary electrical consumer; a radio frequency energy collection system; and an aerosol generating device comprising: An aerosol generating device, wherein the radio frequency energy collection system is configured to collect electromagnetic energy from electromagnetic radiation, the radio frequency energy collection system is configured to perform one or both of recharging the power source and powering the secondary electricity consuming component, and the secondary electricity consuming component comprises a device for transmitting location information from the aerosol generating device.

2. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the secondary electrical consumption component comprises a sensor, preferably the sensor comprises a capacitance sensor, more preferably the capacitance sensor is configured to detect whether or not a user is holding the aerosol generating device.

3. 3. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the secondary electricity consuming component comprises a charging indicator, preferably an optical charging indicator, more preferably an LED.

4. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electromagnetic radiation is preferably ambient electromagnetic radiation.

5. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the radio frequency energy collection system is configured to collect electromagnetic energy from electromagnetic radiation in the frequency range between 0.8 GHz and 60 GHz, preferably between 0.8 GHz and 6 GHz, and more preferably from electromagnetic radiation having one or both of the frequencies of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

6. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a controller.

7. 7. The aerosol generating device of claim 6, wherein the controller is configured to control the radio frequency energy collection system to recharge the power source if the controller detects that the power source is not fully charged.

8. 3. The aerosol generating device of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to control activation of a smoke puff sensor when the capacitance sensor detects that a user is holding the aerosol generating device.

9. 9. The aerosol generating device of claim 8, wherein the smoke puff sensor is configured as a secondary electricity consumer that is at least partially powered by the radio frequency energy collection system.

10. 4. The aerosol generating device of claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to control activation of the optical charging indicator when the power level of the power source is less than 50%, preferably less than 40%, more preferably less than 30%, and most preferably less than 20%.

11. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the radio frequency energy collection system includes an antenna, which is embedded in the housing of the aerosol generating device, or coated on the inside of the housing, or arranged so as to directly abut the housing.

12. 12. The aerosol generating device of claim 11, wherein the antenna extends over at least 60%, preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, and most preferably at least 85% of the length of the housing of the aerosol generating device.

13. A charger for an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the charger comprising a charger power supply, the charger configured to emit radio frequency electromagnetic radiation having a frequency optimized for energy transfer to the radio frequency energy collection system of the aerosol generating device.

14. 14. The charger of claim 13, wherein the charger is a mobile charger, the charger further comprising a charger radio frequency energy harvesting system configured to recharge the charger power source.

15. A system comprising an aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 12 and a charger as described in claim 13 or 14, wherein the secondary electricity consumption component comprises a device for transmitting location information of the aerosol generating device, the charger is configured to emit a radio frequency search signal, the device for transmitting location information is configured to emit a backscattered radio frequency signal upon detecting the radio frequency search signal, and the charger is configured to perform one or both of identifying the aerosol generating device and locating it upon detecting the backscattered radio frequency signal.

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