Electron steam supply device

Abstract

The present invention provides an electronic steam supply device, an electronic steam supply system, and a method for generating steam. [Solution] The electron vapor supply device 301 comprises at least one antenna 315 for generating radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation for heating an aerosol-generating material to produce vapor, and a controller 330 for controlling one or more characteristics of the RF electromagnetic radiation generated by the at least one antenna, the controller being configured to vary one or more characteristics of the RF electromagnetic radiation during one or more heating cycles.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic vapor supply device, an electronic vapor supply system, and a method of generating vapor.

Background Art

[0002] Known aerosol supply systems operate by applying heat to an aerosol-generating material to release an aerosol. This heat may be applied, in some systems, by resistive heating of a heating element exposed to the aerosol-generating material or, alternatively, by inductive heating where a varying magnetic field is applied to a susceptor element and the susceptor is consequently heated. However, there is a need for further techniques for heating aerosol-generating materials.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect, at least one antenna for generating radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation for heating an aerosol-generating material to generate vapor, a controller for controlling one or more characteristics of the RF electromagnetic radiation generated by the at least one antenna, the controller being configured to vary one or more characteristics of the RF electromagnetic radiation during one or more heating cycles, An electronic vapor supply device is provided that comprises.

[0004] Optionally, the controller is configured to execute a single heating cycle during an inhalation period in which the user inhales a puff of vapor.

[0005] Optionally, the controller is configured to vary one or more characteristics of the RF electromagnetic radiation during a single heating cycle.

[0006] Optionally, the controller is configured to execute a plurality of heating cycles during an inhalation period in which the user inhales a puff of vapor.

[0007] Optionally, one or more characteristics of RF electromagnetic radiation include the frequency of RF electromagnetic radiation.

[0008] Optionally, the controller is configured to vary the frequency of RF electromagnetic radiation by increasing the frequency of RF electromagnetic radiation.

[0009] Optionally, one or more characteristics of RF electromagnetic radiation include the power of RF electromagnetic radiation.

[0010] Optionally, one or more characteristics of RF electromagnetic radiation include the spatial distribution of RF electromagnetic radiation.

[0011] Optionally, the electron vapor supply device further comprises one or more sensors for determining one or more measured properties of the aerosol-generating material.

[0012] Optionally, the controller is configured to vary one or more characteristics of RF electromagnetic radiation during one or more heating cycles, based on one or more measured characteristics determined by one or more sensors.

[0013] Optionally, the controller is configured to vary one or more characteristics of RF electromagnetic radiation at a variable rate at a first velocity, the first velocity being set based on one or more measured characteristics determined by one or more sensors.

[0014] Optionally, the controller is configured to increase the fluctuation rate if one or more of the measured characteristics determined by one or more sensors are within a first predetermined range, and / or decrease the fluctuation rate if one or more of the measured characteristics determined by one or more sensors are within a second predetermined range.

[0015] Optionally, one or more sensors include a puff sensor, and the measured characteristic determined by the puff sensor is the intensity or strength of the user's inhalation.

[0016] Optionally, one or more sensors include a temperature sensor, and the measured characteristic determined by the temperature sensor is the temperature relative to the aerosol-generating material.

[0017] Optionally, the electron vapor supply device is configured to receive consumables containing aerosol-generating materials, and one or more sensors include a consumable identification sensor, the measured characteristics determined by the consumable identification sensor being identification information of the consumable received by the electron vapor supply device.

[0018] Optionally, the identification information for consumables includes identification information for the aerosol-generating material of the consumable.

[0019] Optionally, at least one antenna includes a first antenna and a second antenna.

[0020] Optionally, the controller is configured to activate a first antenna and then activate a second antenna during one or more heating cycles.

[0021] Optionally, a first antenna is used to generate microwave radiation at a first frequency, and a second antenna is used to generate microwave radiation at a second frequency different from the first frequency.

[0022] Optionally, the electron vapor supply device further comprises a heating cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating material, a first antenna for generating microwave radiation directed to a first region of the heating cavity, and a second antenna for generating microwave radiation directed to a second region of the heating cavity, the second region being different from the first region.

[0023] According to another embodiment, At least one antenna for generating radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation for heating an aerosol - generating material to produce vapor, A controller for controlling one or more characteristics of the RF electromagnetic radiation generated by the at least one antenna, An electronic vapor - supply device is provided that includes these.

[0024] Any of the features described above may be applied to the electronic vapor - supply device of this aspect.

[0025] According to another aspect, The electronic vapor - supply device described above, A supply of liquid that is vaporized to form vapor for inhalation by a user during use, An electronic vapor - supply system is provided that includes these.

[0026] According to another aspect, a method of generating vapor, Generating radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation for heating an aerosol - generating material to produce vapor, Varying one or more characteristics of the RF electromagnetic radiation during one or more heating cycles, A method is provided that includes these.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] A cross - sectional view according to a schematic representation of an electronic vapor - supply device according to a particular embodiment is shown. [Figure 2] A cross - sectional view according to a schematic representation of a heating assembly of an electronic vapor - supply device according to a particular embodiment is shown. [Figure 3] A cross - sectional view according to a schematic representation of an electronic vapor - supply device according to a particular embodiment is shown.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] Specific examples and embodiments of aspects and features are discussed or described herein. Some aspects and features of specific examples and embodiments can be carried out conventionally and are not discussed / described in detail for the sake of brevity. Therefore, it will be understood that aspects and features of apparatus and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail can be carried out according to any conventional techniques for carrying out such aspects and features.

[0029] This disclosure relates to vapor supply devices, such as e-cigarettes, including hybrid devices. Throughout the following description, the terms “e-cigarette” or “electronic cigarette” may be used interchangeably with “vapor supply system / device” and “electronic vapor supply system / device.” Furthermore, as is common in the art, the terms “vapor” and “aerosol,” as well as related terms such as “vaporize,” “volatilize,” and “aerosolize,” may be used interchangeably throughout.

[0030] Aerosol supply devices are used to generate aerosols from aerosol-generating materials. Aerosol-generating materials are materials capable of generating aerosols when activated, for example, by heating, irradiation, or any other method. Aerosol-generating materials can be, for example, solids, liquids, or gels, and may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may include "amorphous solids," which may alternatively be called "monolithic solids" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material capable of holding some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may include, for example, about 50%, 60%, or 70% by weight of amorphous solids to about 90%, 95%, or 100% by weight of amorphous solids. The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or fragrances, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material comprises a crystalline structure.

[0031] The structure of the aerosol supply device may vary depending on the form of the aerosol-generating material configured to produce aerosols from it. However, although various different forms of aerosol-generating materials and correspondingly different aerosol supply device structures are discussed below, the heating techniques discussed herein may be applicable to all forms of aerosol-generating materials.

[0032] Systems for generating aerosols often, though not always, comprise a modular assembly that includes both reusable parts (e.g., an aerosol supply device) and replaceable (disposable) cartridge parts, also known as consumables. Often, the replaceable cartridge part includes vapor precursor material and a vaporizer, while the reusable part includes a power source (e.g., a rechargeable battery), an activation mechanism (e.g., a button or puff sensor), and a control circuit. However, it will be understood that these different parts may also include additional elements depending on their function. For example, in a hybrid device, the cartridge part may also include additional flavoring elements, such as a portion of tobacco, provided as an insert ("pod"). In such a case, the flavoring element insert may be removable from the disposable cartridge part and thus can be replaced separately from the cartridge, for example, to change the flavor, or because the usable life of the flavoring element insert is shorter than the usable life of the cartridge's vapor-generating components. The reusable device part often also includes additional components such as a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operating status characteristics.

[0033] In a modular system, the cartridge and reusable device components are electrically and mechanically coupled together for use, for example, using screws, latches, friction fits, or bayonet fasteners with properly engaging electrical contacts. When the vapor precursor material in the cartridge is depleted, or when the user wishes to switch to a different cartridge with a different vapor precursor material, the cartridge can be removed from the device component and a replacement cartridge can be installed in its place. Devices following this type of two-part modular configuration can generally be called two-part or multi-part devices.

[0034] While elongated shapes are relatively common for e-cigarettes, to illustrate specific examples, the particular embodiments of the disclosure described herein comprise a generally elongated single-component device utilizing a liquid reservoir containing a liquid vapor precursor material. However, it will be understood that the basic principles described herein may also be applied to different e-cigarette configurations, such as multi-component devices utilizing disposable cartridges containing vapor precursor material, or modular devices comprising three or more components, refillable devices and single-use disposable devices, as well as hybrid devices having additional flavoring elements such as tobacco pod inserts positioned upstream of the vaporizer along the airflow path, and devices conforming to other overall shapes, such as those typically based on more box-like shapes, so-called box-mod high-performance devices.

[0035] Here, various embodiments will be described in more detail.

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electron steam supply device 101 according to a specific embodiment.

[0037] The electronic steam supply device 101 comprises an outer housing 160, a power supply 140, a control circuit 130, one or more liquid sources 120, and a heating device 110. The outer housing 160 may be formed from any suitable material, such as plastic. The outer housing 160 may also enclose the other components, namely the power supply 140, the control circuit 130, one or more liquid sources 120, and the heating device 110. The electronic steam supply device 101 is a handheld electronic steam device, meaning that the outer housing 160 enclosing the other components is sized and configured to be held in the user's hand. In other words, the device is portable.

[0038] The electronic vapor supply device 101 may further comprise a mouthpiece 150. The outer housing 160 and the mouthpiece 150 may be formed as a single component (i.e., the mouthpiece 150 forms part of the outer housing 160). The mouthpiece 150 may be defined as a region of the outer housing 160 that includes an air outlet and is shaped so that the user can comfortably position their lips around the mouthpiece 150 to bite into the air outlet. In Figure 1, the thickness of the outer housing 160 decreases toward the air outlet, providing a relatively thin portion of the device 101 that is more readily accepted by the user's lips. However, in other embodiments, the mouthpiece 150 may be a removable component that is separate from the outer housing 160 but can be coupled to the outer housing 160, and may be removed for cleaning and / or replacement with another mouthpiece 150.

[0039] The power supply 140 is configured to provide operating power to the electronic steam supply device 101. The power supply 140 may be any suitable power source, such as a battery. For example, the power supply 140 may include a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion battery. The power supply 140 may be removable or may form an integral part of the electronic steam supply device 101. In some embodiments, the power supply 140 may be recharged by connecting the device 101 to an external power source (e.g., a mains power source) via an associated connection port such as a USB port (not shown) or via a suitable wireless receiver (not shown).

[0040] The control circuit 130 is appropriately configured or programmed to control the operation of the aerosol supply device and provide specific operating functions of the electron vapor supply device 101. The control circuit may also be interchangeably referred to as the “controller”. Logically, the control circuit 130 can be thought of as including various subunits / circuit elements associated with various aspects of the operation of the aerosol supply device. For example, the control circuit 130 may include a logic subunit for controlling the recharging of the power supply 140. In addition, the control circuit 130 may include a logic subunit for communication, for example, to facilitate data transfer to or from the device 101. However, as will be described in more detail below, the primary function of the control circuit 130 is to control the heating of the aerosol-generating material. It will be understood that the functions of the control circuit 130 may be provided in various different ways, for example, using one or more appropriately programmed programmable computers and / or one or more appropriately configured application-specific integrated circuits / circuits / chips / chipsets configured to provide the desired functions. The control circuit 130 may be connected to the power supply 140 and capable of receiving power from the power supply 140, and may be configured to distribute or control the power supply to other components of the electronic steam supply device 101. The control circuit 130 is discussed as being connected to various components of the electronic steam supply device 101, and in each case, it should be understood that this may be a direct or indirect connection.

[0041] The electronic vapor supply device 101 also includes one or more liquid sources 120, each having a liquid reservoir containing a liquid vapor precursor material. The liquid vapor precursor material may be called e-liquid. In embodiments, one or more liquid sources 120 are located within the outer housing 160, but in embodiments where the electronic vapor supply device 101 is a multi-component or modular system, as discussed above, one or more liquid sources 120 may be located within a disposable cartridge configured to be releasably coupled to the rest of the electronic vapor supply device 101. That is, the cartridge can be supplied by or received by the vapor supply device 101.

[0042] While specific embodiments are discussed in more detail below, each liquid reservoir may be formed in any shape conforming to the heating techniques discussed herein. One or more liquid reservoirs may also be formed according to the prior art, and may, for example, include a plastic material and be integrally molded with the outer housing 160.

[0043] As schematically shown in Figure 2, an electronic vapor supply device according to various embodiments may include a heating assembly 10. The heating assembly 10 may be connected to a control circuit 30. According to various embodiments, the heating assembly 10 uses radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation such as microwave radiation, but other wavelengths may be used to heat the liquid vapor precursor material. RF electromagnetic radiation refers to electromagnetic radiation having a frequency in the range of 30 Hz to 300 GHz. RF electromagnetic radiation may have frequencies of 3 kHz to 300 GHz, optionally 3 MHz to 100 GHz, and optionally 30 MHz to 30 GHz. The heating assembly 10 may include a signal generator 170, such as a voltage-controlled oscillator ("VCO"), which generates a signal to be supplied to a connected amplifier 180. The amplifier 180 may be connected to one or more antennas 115 located in the heating cavity 120. In some embodiments, one or more antennas 115 include one or more patch antennas. In other embodiments, one or more antennas 115 include one or more directional antennas. The control circuit 30 can control the RF electromagnetic radiation generated by one or more antennas 115, and in embodiments, can control the frequency spectrum generated by one or more antennas 115. One or more antennas 115 may also be referred to as an antenna configuration 115.

[0044] The heating cavity 120 is defined by an RF shield 111 that substantially prevents RF electromagnetic radiation generated by one or more antennas 115 from leaking out of the heating cavity 120. As discussed below, the RF shield 311 defines the heating cavity 320 by defining a volume from which RF electromagnetic radiation is substantially prevented from leaking. One or more antennas 115 are placed within the heating cavity 120. RF electromagnetic radiation may be prevented from leaking out of the heating cavity 120 by a combination of reflection and absorption of RF electromagnetic radiation, and optionally, the RF shield 111 may be configured to reflect back more RF electromagnetic radiation to the heating cavity 120 than is absorbed by the RF shield 111.

[0045] For example, the RF shield 111 may be configured to have a directional reflectance of 0.5 to 1.0, or optionally 0.7 to 1.0, with respect to the RF electromagnetic radiation generated by the antenna 115, where the directional reflectance is the radiant flux reflected by the surface divided by the radiant flux received by that surface. The RF shield 111 may also be configured to have a directional absorption rate of 0.0 to 0.7, or optionally 0.1 to 0.5, with respect to the RF electromagnetic radiation generated by the antenna, where the directional absorption rate is the radiant flux absorbed by the surface divided by the radiant flux received by that surface. Furthermore, the RF shield 111 may be configured to have a directional transmittance of 0.0 to 0.3, or optionally 0.1 to 0.2, with respect to the RF electromagnetic radiation generated by the antenna 115, where the directional transmittance is the radiant flux transmitted by the surface divided by the radiant flux received by that surface. In addition, the RF shield provides protection for at least 0.05 mm of RF electromagnetic radiation generated by the antenna. -1 Optionally, at least 0.1 mm -1 Optionally, at least 0.2 mm -1 Optionally, at least 0.5 mm -1 It may be configured to have an effective attenuation coefficient, where the effective attenuation coefficient is the radiant flux absorbed and scattered by the volume per unit length divided by the radiant flux received by that volume.

[0046] In some embodiments, the RF shield 111 may include conductive materials, magnetic materials, preferably conductive and magnetic materials, and metals, such as aluminum, copper, brass, nickel, or other metals. Aluminum, copper, brass, and nickel are particularly useful because, in addition to conductivity, they preferably have high reflectivity and gloss. The RF shield 111 may include a substrate (e.g., an electrically insulating substrate) having a metal coating such as a metallic ink. In some embodiments, the RF shield 111 may include an alloy containing aluminum or copper. In some embodiments, the RF shield 111 includes a reflective foil. The RF shield 111 may include a sheet metal material. In other embodiments, the RF shield 111 may include a wire mesh or metal mesh. For example, the RF shield 111 may include openings having widths of 5 mm or less, optionally 2.5 mm or less, optionally 1.5 mm or less, optionally 1.0 mm or less, optionally 0.5 mm or less, optionally 0.2 mm or less, and optionally 0.1 mm or less. As will be discussed below, any of these opening dimensions can be applied to the liquid transfer area or the permeable area, but openings with a width of 2.5 mm or less may be well suited to allowing the passage of both air and liquid, as well as mixtures of air, liquid and / or vapor, while openings with a width of 0.5 mm or less may be suitable for the passage of liquid. These narrow openings are sufficient to substantially block the leakage of RF electromagnetic radiation from the heating cavity 120, but still allow the passage of fluid. In embodiments, the openings may have a width smaller than the smallest wavelength of RF electromagnetic radiation generated by the antenna 115. Furthermore, in areas of the RF shield 111 that include openings (e.g., the liquid transfer area or permeable area, as will be discussed below), the openings may cover 20% to 80%, optionally 40% to 60%, of the surface area in these areas. This ratio of openings allows a desired volume of fluid to pass through the RF shield 111 while maintaining structural stability.

[0047] Therefore, when RF electromagnetic radiation is generated using one or more antennas 115, the material in the cavity may be heated by exposure to this radiation through a dielectric heating mechanism in which the polar molecules of the material in the cavity are driven to rotate by the RF electromagnetic radiation, thereby vaporizing the material in the cavity. However, the RF shield 111 may be configured to substantially prevent RF electromagnetic radiation from leaking out of the cavity 120. This is particularly important in the case of a handheld electron vapor supply device, because any electromagnetic radiation leaking from the heating cavity 120 would leak very close to the user. In some respects, providing an RF shield can help prevent RF radiation from leaking outside the RF shield, thereby providing a relatively safe heating mechanism (in terms of preventing the user from being exposed to RF radiation). In addition, in cases where the RF shield is at least partially reflective to RF radiation, the intensity of the generated RF electromagnetic radiation may be increased within the boundaries of the RF shield.

[0048] As will be discussed in more detail below with respect to exemplary embodiments, the liquid vapor precursor material may be supplied to the heating cavity 120 by a liquid transfer region 121 of the RF shield 111. To allow the liquid vapor precursor material to enter the heating cavity 120 while still containing RF electromagnetic radiation, the liquid transfer region 121 corresponds to a portion of the RF shield 111 that is configured to allow the passage of the fluid but still substantially prevent the RF electromagnetic radiation from crossing, i.e., leaking out of the heating cavity 120. Thus, the liquid transfer region 121 allows the liquid to enter the heating assembly without requiring a gap in the RF shield that substantially allows the RF electromagnetic radiation to leak out.

[0049] To achieve this, the liquid transfer region 121 of the RF shield 111 is sized to allow a flow of liquid through, but to substantially block the passage of RF electromagnetic radiation, and may have the dimensions discussed above, and includes an opening. As will be discussed in more detail below, the liquid transfer region 121 may be defined by one or more wicking members configured to transfer liquid from a liquid source across the RF shield 111 by capillary action. It should be understood that the extent or magnitude of the capillary action may be influenced by both the properties of the liquid being wicked (e.g., viscosity) and the size of the opening (or more generally, the capillary path) of the liquid transfer region 121. However, many of the following examples are discussed in the context of liquid transfer regions provided by one or more wicking members, but they may more generally apply to a configuration having one or more liquid transfer regions that may or may not have wicking properties. In other words, one or more wicking members may be generalized to one or more liquid transfer regions that allow fluid permeation but block the permeation of RF electromagnetic radiation.

[0050] As detailed in the various embodiments discussed below, the liquid transfer region 121 of the RF shield 111 is in fluid communication with one or more liquid sources 20. Liquid vapor precursor material can flow from one or more liquid reservoirs through the liquid transfer region 121 to the heating cavity 120. The liquid transfer region 121 may include one or more liquid transfer regions 121 located in separate regions relative to the heating cavity 120, each in fluid communication with a corresponding liquid source among the one or more liquid sources. In embodiments, the liquid vapor precursor material may be drawn out by capillary action through the liquid transfer region 121. Each liquid source 20 may include a flow control element configured to control the liquid flow from the liquid reservoir of the liquid source, and one or more liquid sources 20 may be connected to a control circuit 30 so that the flow from each liquid reservoir to the heating cavity 120 can be controlled by the control circuit 30. Alternatively, the liquid transfer region 121 may be configured to provide a specific liquid supply rate (for example, by an appropriate number of openings / opening sizes for the characteristics of each liquid source) to control the relative amount of liquid within the RF shield 111.

[0051] Once inside the cavity, the liquid vapor precursor material may be held by a support structure (not shown) configured to hold the liquid vapor precursor material within the cavity. In cases where multiple liquid transfer regions exist, each may be configured to deliver the liquid vapor precursor material to its respective support structure. This support structure may be (a region of) the inner wall of the RF shield 111 (for example, in the liquid transfer region) and / or a separate support structure located within the heated cavity 120, i.e., an internal support structure. In addition to substantially preventing RF electromagnetic radiation from leaking out of the heated cavity 120, the RF shield 111 may also be configured to best direct the radiation toward the support structure and the liquid vapor precursor material held therein. When one or more antennas 115 are used to generate RF electromagnetic radiation within the heated cavity 120, it is this liquid vapor precursor material that is located within the cavity, held by the heated support structure, and at least partially vaporized to generate vapor in the heated cavity 120. This may be a relatively small amount of liquid vapor precursor material, which is advantageous as it can be heated and vaporized very rapidly. Therefore, as will be discussed in more detail, it is also important to ensure that the control circuit 30 is configured to control the heating assembly 10 so that this vaporization occurs under optimal conditions. For this purpose, the heating assembly 10 may be equipped with one or more sensors, including a temperature sensor, a chemical sensor and / or a moisture sensor, for detecting the conditions of the cavity, and one or more sensors are connected to the control circuit 30. Alternatively, the temperature may be estimated using algorithms such as observer control theory or algorithms that apply artificial intelligence and / or machine learning.

[0052] The electronic vapor supply device 101 may include an air passage extending between a heating cavity 120 acting as a vapor generation chamber and an air outlet, such as an opening in a mouthpiece, so that a user inhaling through the mouthpiece at the outlet can draw air containing any vapor generated in the heating cavity 120 from a liquid vapor precursor material for the user's inhalation. The passage may begin at an air inlet, such as an inlet in an outer housing (not shown), to direct the air toward the heating cavity 120, and is defined by one or more air channels (not shown). To facilitate this airflow through the heating cavity 120, the RF shield 111 may also include permeable regions, which may include openings in the RF shield 111, which nevertheless still substantially prevent RF electromagnetic radiation from leaking out of the cavity. These permeable regions of the RF shield 111 may include openings no wider than 2.5 mm and may be made of metal as discussed above. This allows airflow 131 into the heating cavity 120, which collects vapor generated by dielectric heating within the cavity and can exit the heating cavity when the airflow 132 is inhaled by the user. As shown in Figure 2 and subsequent drawings, the airflow entering and / or exiting the heating cavity is indicated by one or more arrows passing through the RF shield, which indicates an exemplary passage of airflow through the RF shield (optionally including vapor generated in the cavity during use). To facilitate this, a first permeable area may be located on one side of the heating cavity 120, and a second permeable area may be located on the other opposite side of the heating cavity 120, thereby drawing air into the heating cavity (e.g., from an air inlet), passing through the first permeable area, through the heating cavity, and out of the second permeable area.

[0053] In other embodiments, as schematically shown in Figure 3, the vapor supply device 301 may be for generating aerosols from solid or gel aerosol-generating materials. Similar to the liquid aerosol-generating material system shown in Figure 1, the electron vapor supply device 301 comprises an outer housing 360, a power supply 340, a control circuit 330, and a heating device 310. However, the electron vapor supply device 301 does not include a liquid source. Where practical, the vapor supply device 301 may have any of the features discussed for vapor in relation to the aerosol supply device 101.

[0054] With respect to the configuration shown in Figure 1, the outer housing 360 may be formed from any suitable material, such as plastic. The outer housing 360 may also surround the other components, namely the power supply 340, the control circuit 330, and the heating device 310. The electronic steam supply device 301 is a handheld electronic steam device, meaning that the outer housing 360 surrounding the other components is sized and configured to be held in the user's hand. In other words, the device is portable. Similar to the configuration shown in Figure 1, the electronic steam supply device 301 may further comprise a mouthpiece 350 having similar features to the configuration in Figure 1.

[0055] To provide operating power to the electron vapor supply device 301, the power supply 340 may be configured in a manner similar to that of Figure 1 and may have the same characteristics. Similarly, the control circuit 330 is appropriately configured or programmed to control the operation of the aerosol supply device and provide specific operating functions of the electron vapor supply device 301. The control circuit may also be interchangeably called a “controller”. Logically, the control circuit 330 can be thought of as containing various subunits / circuit elements associated with various aspects of the operation of the aerosol supply device. For example, the control circuit 330 may include a logic subunit for controlling the recharging of the power supply 340. In addition, the control circuit 330 may include a logic subunit for communication, for example, to facilitate data transfer to or from the device 301. However, as will be described in more detail below, the primary function of the control circuit 330 is to control the heating of the aerosol-generating material. It will be understood that the functionality of the control circuit 330 may be provided in various different ways, for example, by using one or more appropriately programmed programmable computers and / or one or more appropriately configured application-specific integrated circuits / circuits / chips / chipsets configured to provide the desired functionality. The control circuit 330 may be connected to a power supply 340 and capable of receiving power from the power supply 340, and may be configured to distribute or control the power supply to other components of the electronic steam supply device 101. The control circuit 130 is discussed as being connected to various components of the electronic steam supply device 101, and in each case, it should be understood that this may be a direct or indirect connection.

[0056] However, the heating assembly 310 differs from that shown in Figure 1. In a vapor supply device for heating aerosol-generating material in solid or gel form, the heating assembly 310 comprises a heating chamber 380 into which the aerosol-generating material can be inserted, for example, into a consumable. Although not shown in Figure 3, the mouthpiece 350 in this example is removably mounted to the outer housing 360 and removed to allow access to the heating chamber 380. When reinstalled on the outer housing 360, the mouthpiece closes the opening to the chamber 380. Again, although not shown, a portion of the RF shield 311 (as defined below) may be provided on / inside the mouthpiece 350 (possibly extending across the opening in the mouthpiece 350) to complete the RF shield 311 that extends around the heating chamber 380. The heating assembly 310 may be connected to a control circuit 130 and uses radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation such as microwave radiation, although other wavelengths may be used to heat the aerosol-generating material received in the heating chamber 380. RF electromagnetic radiation refers to electromagnetic radiation having frequencies in the range of 30 Hz to 300 GHz. RF electromagnetic radiation may have frequencies of 3 kHz to 300 GHz, optionally 3 MHz to 100 GHz, and optionally 30 MHz to 30 GHz. The heating assembly 310 may include a signal generator 370, such as a voltage-controlled oscillator ("VCO"), which generates a signal supplied to a connected amplifier 380. The amplifier 380 may be connected to one or more antennas 315 located within the heating cavity 320. In some embodiments, one or more antennas 315 include one or more patch antennas. In other embodiments, one or more antennas 315 include one or more directional antennas. The control circuit 330 can control the RF electromagnetic radiation generated by one or more antennas 315, and in embodiments, can control the frequency spectrum generated by one or more antennas 315. One or more antennas 315 may also be referred to as antenna configuration 315.

[0057] The heating cavity 320 is defined by an RF shield 311 that substantially prevents RF electromagnetic radiation generated by one or more antennas 315 from leaking out of the heating cavity 320. As discussed below, the RF shield 311 defines the heating cavity 320 by defining a volume from which RF electromagnetic radiation is substantially prevented from leaking. One or more antennas 115 are placed within the heating cavity 320. RF electromagnetic radiation may be prevented from leaking out of the heating cavity 320 by a combination of reflection and absorption of RF electromagnetic radiation, and optionally, the RF shield 311 may be configured to reflect back more RF electromagnetic radiation to the heating cavity 320 than is absorbed by the RF shield 311.

[0058] For example, similar to the RF shield 111 discussed above, the RF shield 311 may be configured to have a directional reflectance of 0.5 to 1.0, or optionally 0.7 to 1.0, with respect to RF electromagnetic radiation generated by the antenna, where the directional reflectance is the radiant flux reflected by the surface divided by the radiant flux received by the surface. The RF shield 311 may also be configured to have a directional absorption rate of 0.0 to 0.7, or optionally 0.1 to 0.5, with respect to RF electromagnetic radiation generated by the antenna, where the directional absorption rate is the radiant flux absorbed by the surface divided by the radiant flux received by the surface. Furthermore, the RF shield 311 may also be configured to have a directional transmittance of 0.0 to 0.3, or optionally 0.1 to 0.2, with respect to RF electromagnetic radiation generated by the antenna, where the directional transmittance is the radiant flux transmitted by the surface divided by the radiant flux received by the surface. In addition, the RF shield provides protection against RF electromagnetic radiation generated by the antenna by at least 0.05 mm -1 Optionally, at least 0.1 mm -1 Optionally, at least 0.2 mm -1 Optionally, at least 0.5 mm -1 It may be configured to have an effective attenuation coefficient, where the effective attenuation coefficient is the radiant flux absorbed and scattered by the volume per unit length divided by the radiant flux received by that volume.

[0059] In some embodiments, the RF shield 311 may include conductive materials, magnetic materials, preferably conductive and magnetic materials, and metals, such as aluminum, copper, brass, nickel, or other metals. Aluminum, copper, brass, and nickel are particularly useful because, in addition to conductivity, they preferably have high reflectivity and gloss. The RF shield 311 may include a substrate (e.g., an electrically insulating substrate) having a metal coating such as a metallic ink. In some embodiments, the RF shield 311 may include an alloy containing aluminum or copper. In some embodiments, the RF shield 311 includes a reflective foil. The RF shield 311 may include a sheet metal material. In other embodiments, the RF shield 311 may include a wire mesh or metal mesh. For example, the RF shield 311 may include an opening having a width of 5 mm or less, optionally 2.5 mm or less, optionally 1.5 mm or less, optionally 1.0 mm or less, optionally 0.5 mm or less, optionally 0.2 mm or less, and optionally 0.1 mm or less. As will be discussed below, any of the dimensions of these openings may be applied to either a liquid transfer area or a permeable area, but openings with a width of 2.5 mm or less may be well suited to allowing the passage of both air and liquid, as well as mixtures of air, liquid and / or vapor, while openings with a width of 0.5 mm or less may be suitable for the passage of liquid. These narrow openings are sufficient to substantially block the leakage of RF electromagnetic radiation from the heating cavity 320, but still allow the passage of fluid. In embodiments, the openings may have a width smaller than the smallest wavelength of RF electromagnetic radiation generated by the antenna 115. Furthermore, in areas of the RF shield 311 that include openings (e.g., a liquid transfer area or a permeable area, as will be discussed below), the openings may cover 20% to 80%, optionally 40% to 60%, of the surface area in these areas. This ratio of openings allows a desired volume of fluid to pass through the RF shield 111 while maintaining structural stability.

[0060] Therefore, when RF electromagnetic radiation is generated using one or more antennas 315, the material in the cavity may be heated by exposure to this radiation through a dielectric heating mechanism in which the polar molecules of the material in the cavity are driven to rotate by the RF electromagnetic radiation, thereby vaporizing the material in the cavity. However, the RF shield 311 may be configured to substantially prevent RF electromagnetic radiation from leaking out of the cavity 320. This is particularly important in the case of a handheld electron vapor supply device, because any RF electromagnetic radiation leaking from the heating cavity 320 would leak very close to the user. In some respects, providing an RF shield can help prevent the leakage of RF radiation outside the RF shield, thereby providing a relatively safe heating mechanism (in terms of preventing the user from being exposed to RF radiation). In addition, in cases where the RF shield is at least partially reflective to RF radiation, the intensity of the generated RF electromagnetic radiation may be increased within the boundaries of the RF shield.

[0061] The aerosol-generating material in the consumable inserted into the heating chamber 380 may be sufficient to generate aerosols for multiple inhalations by the user in a given session. However, the consumable may be designed to be replaced after each session, and therefore the amount of aerosol-generating material in the consumable, particularly in the heating cavity, does not need to be enormous. As discussed above, this may also apply to aerosol supply devices for heating liquid aerosol-generating materials. Consequently, in both aerosol supply devices for liquid aerosol-generating materials and aerosol supply devices for solid or gel-form aerosol-generating materials, the bulk properties of the material in the heating cavity may change substantially during the inhalation process.

[0062] The aerosol supply device may be configured to apply heating of the aerosol-generating material in one or more heating cycles, regardless of the form of the aerosol-generating material (liquid, solid, or gel). In particular, the control circuit is configured to control the heating assembly, especially at least one antenna, so that RF electromagnetic radiation is applied during one or more heating cycles, and the set of one or more heating cycles corresponds to generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material for intake.

[0063] The heating efficiency of an aerosol-generating material in a heated cavity, whether a liquid, solid, or gel structure, upon exposure to RF electromagnetic radiation, depends on the dielectric loss of the aerosol-generating material. Dielectric loss is defined as the inherent dissipation of electromagnetic energy by the material and may depend on the material composition and temperature, as well as the characteristics of the electromagnetic energy it receives. Therefore, by varying the generation of RF electromagnetic radiation during the heating cycle, which is configured to generate aerosols from an intake or a given intake, an aerosol supply device can adapt the heating in response to variations in the properties of the aerosol-generating material.

[0064] During one or more heating cycles or intake processes, the controller may be configured to vary one or more of several different characteristics of the RF electromagnetic radiation generated by one or more antennas. As the temperature of the aerosol-generating material in the heating cavity changes, the relationship between dielectric loss and radiation frequency changes, and therefore, different frequencies may result in highly efficient heating. Thus, one parameter that may be modified by the controller is the frequency of RF electromagnetic radiation. The frequency of most efficient heating tends to increase with temperature in the temperature range in which the aerosol supply device can operate, and therefore the controller may be configured to increase the frequency of RF electromagnetic radiation during one or more heating cycles or intake processes.

[0065] Another parameter that may vary during one or more heating cycles or intake processes is the power of the RF electromagnetic radiation, which can be applied in an initial period of high-power RF electromagnetic radiation to bring the aerosol-generating material to the temperature at which aerosols are produced, followed by a period of lower-power RF electromagnetic radiation intended to maintain the aerosol-generating material at the desired temperature. Here, the power of the RF electromagnetic radiation can be increased by increasing the amplitude of the RF electromagnetic radiation.

[0066] The components of the aerosol-generating material within the heated cavity may change during one or more heating cycles or intake processes. For example, in a consumable containing an aerosol-generating material in the form of a solid or gel, multiple regions of the aerosol-generating material may be heated at different rates and may be depleted over different periods during one heating cycle or intake process, or during many heating cycles or intake processes. In the case of a liquid aerosol-generating material arriving at the heated cavity via a liquid transfer region, the liquid aerosol-generating material may initially be depleted in a given region. Therefore, the controller may vary the spatial distribution of RF electromagnetic radiation generated by one or more antennas to respond to this change in the components of the aerosol-generating material.

[0067] In embodiments, the controller is configured to vary the characteristics of RF electromagnetic radiation generated by at least one antenna during one or more heating cycles or intake processes in accordance with predicted variations in the properties of the aerosol-generating material. For example, the predicted variations in the properties of the aerosol-generating material over one or more heating cycles or intake processes may depend on the composition of the aerosol-generating material, and using this information or other information, the control circuit may be configured to select a predetermined variation in the characteristics of the RF electromagnetic radiation accordingly. The aerosol supply device may include a consumable identification sensor connected to a control circuit configured to identify the type of consumable received by the aerosol supply device, which may accordingly identify the material composition of the aerosol supply material received in the heating cavity, and may identify one or more components of the aerosol supply material in the heating cavity. The consumable identification sensor may be configured to identify consumable identification components of the consumable. The consumable identification components may be configured to be optically recognized by the consumable identification sensor, which includes a camera. The consumable identification components may be configured to be recognized by wireless electromagnetic interrogation, in which case the consumable identification sensor may be an electromagnetic transceiver.

[0068] In embodiments where the aerosol-generating material is in the form of a solid or gel, the consumable may be provided in the form of a rod or other substantially rigid body inserted into the heating cavity, and therefore the consumable identification sensor may be configured to identify the consumable in the cavity. In embodiments where the aerosol-generating material is in the form of a liquid, the consumable may be a cartridge that holds the liquid in a reservoir as discussed above, and the cartridge does not have to be placed in the heating cavity. For this reason, in such a configuration, the consumable identification sensor may be configured to identify the consumable when the consumable is received by and coupled to the electron vapor supply device, but is not necessarily in the cavity.

[0069] User behavior may also affect the predictive characteristics of aerosol-generating materials in a given cycle. Consumables used in multiple sessions or heating cycles may behave differently, becoming more depleted in a given region, while recently heated consumables may still retain some residual heat. Therefore, the control circuit may vary the characteristics of RF electromagnetic radiation depending on the user usage history. The control circuit may also be configured to vary the characteristics of RF electromagnetic radiation depending on the characteristics of the heating cycle applied. For example, longer heating may result in greater temperature changes and region-specific depletion of aerosol-generating materials.

[0070] In other embodiments, the steam supply device also includes one or more sensors for detecting measured characteristics of the aerosol-generating material in the heating cavity. These sensors are connected to a controller, which is configured to vary the characteristics of the RF electromagnetic radiation in reliance on the measured characteristics. In one example, the characteristics of the RF electromagnetic radiation may vary during one or more heating cycles or intakes in reliance on feedback from a puff sensor configured to detect the intensity or strength of the user intake.

[0071] If the user inhales very strongly, the aerosol generated in the cavity may be depleted more rapidly, which may result in a rapid change in the properties of the aerosol-generating material in the heated cavity. This can be addressed by the control circuit rapidly varying the properties of the RF electromagnetic radiation. For example, the controller may vary the frequency (or another property) of the RF electromagnetic radiation at a variation rate, which is a first rate set depending on the intensity or strength of the user inhalation, and may be configured to increase the variation rate as the intensity or strength of the user inhalation increases and decrease the rate as the intensity or strength of the user inhalation decreases. For example, if the measured property is in a first range, e.g., above a predetermined level, the rate may be increased, and if the measured property is in a second range, e.g., below a predetermined level, the rate may be decreased. For example, to consider a case where the property to be measured is related to the user's inhalation, strong inhalation may correlate with a more rapid change in the temperature or volume of the liquid in the heated cavity, meaning that the frequency of the RF electromagnetic radiation may need to vary more rapidly to provide efficient heating.

[0072] In embodiments, the aerosol supply device is configured to vary RF electromagnetic radiation during one or more inhalation phases. The start and duration of these inhalations can be predicted; for example, a controller can predict that the inhalation will begin at a predetermined time after the user activates the device, for a predetermined duration. Alternatively, the inhalation start and duration may be detected by one or more sensors, such as a puff sensor, using the characteristics to be measured, but other sensors, such as temperature sensors, may also be used to detect when the inhalation begins and ends.

[0073] Variations in the characteristics of RF electromagnetic radiation may be provided, for example, by continuously varying the frequency or power of the RF electromagnetic radiation in a continuous manner, which allows for fine control of the characteristic variation. Alternatively, the characteristics of RF electromagnetic radiation may be varied in a stepwise manner, which may require less control of the control circuit. In cases where the aerosol supply device includes multiple antennas, the characteristics of RF electromagnetic radiation may be varied by a controller controlling a first antenna to generate RF electromagnetic radiation, and then controlling a second antenna to generate RF electromagnetic radiation. The first antenna may be positioned differently from the second antenna to generate RF electromagnetic radiation directed to different regions of the heated cavity, or may be configured to transmit RF electromagnetic radiation at different frequencies or frequency ranges.

[0074] In embodiments, when a control circuit controls one or more antennas in a heating assembly to generate RF electromagnetic radiation, this electromagnetic radiation is generated according to a specific schema. In particular, this means that the characteristics of the RF electromagnetic radiation are set according to a schema of the control circuit that adjusts the characteristics of the RF electromagnetic radiation, such as the frequency, amplitude, and distribution of the RF electromagnetic radiation, which antennas are used to generate the RF electromagnetic radiation and when, and the time variations of these characteristics.

[0075] This schema is a predetermined schema defined before the user activates the aerosol supply device to start a heating cycle in the heating assembly, for example, by inhaling the device and triggering activation via the puff sensor, or by pressing a button on the device. For example, this predetermined schema may be stored in the control circuit's memory before the user initiates the start of the heating cycle.

[0076] In some cases, a predetermined schema is defined as being set by a user operating an aerosol supply device, or a secondary device such as a computer, telephone, or connected tablet connected to a signal receiver in an aerosol supply device, particularly one connected to a control circuit. The user can use the user interface of the aerosol supply device or secondary device to select, for example, the characteristics of RF electromagnetic radiation that they wish to use for aerosol generation. The user interface then transmits commands regarding the input received from the user to the control circuit, and the signal receiver can receive signals from the secondary device regarding user input to the secondary device and transmit commands to the control circuit. The signal receiver can facilitate connection to the secondary device via a wired or wireless connection.

[0077] This can be done by selecting a desired predefined schema from a library of different predefined schemas, or alternatively, the user may define the properties of the predefined schema themselves before starting the heating assembly. For example, a user may prefer to inhale an aerosol that provides a stronger fragrance in some respects than others, and therefore the user may select or define a predefined schema to ensure that the frequency distribution of RF electromagnetic radiation applied to the aerosol-generating material is conductive in order to more effectively heat the material in the composition, thereby causing the generation of the desired fragrance. In other respects, a user may desire a stronger, more powerful aerosol inhalation experience, and in this case, the user may choose to select or define a predefined schema that requires more power to be applied to the consumable. In addition, a user may want to heat a specific area of ​​a consumable, and as a result, generate a given aerosol from the aerosol-generating material placed within that area, and for this reason, a predefined schema may be selected or defined accordingly, thereby causing the generation of RF electromagnetic radiation that is more strongly directed in that area.

[0078] In other configurations, a predetermined schema may be defined or selected by a control circuit in response to the reception of information regarding the composition of the aerosol-generating material. For example, an aerosol supply device may include a consumable identification sensor configured to determine the characteristics of the consumable being received and pass this information to the control circuit. The control circuit can then select or define a predetermined schema based on this information. For example, different aerosol-generating compositions may be effectively heated by RF electromagnetic radiation when exposed to different frequencies. Furthermore, some aerosol-generating compositions may require higher power RF electromagnetic radiation to be applied to generate a sufficient amount of aerosol, while the power supplied to heat other materials can be advantageously reduced to conserve battery use where possible. Different consumables may also include different spatial configurations of the internal aerosol-generating composition, or may be more effectively heated when RF electromagnetic radiation is applied to different regions.

[0079] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are given only as representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations to the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or to equivalents thereof, and that other embodiments may be used and modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably include, consist of, or essentially consist of, appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. At least one antenna for generating radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation to heat an aerosol-generating material to produce steam, A controller for controlling one or more characteristics of the RF electromagnetic radiation generated by the at least one antenna, wherein the controller is configured to vary the one or more characteristics of the RF electromagnetic radiation during one or more heating cycles based on predetermined variations. An electronic steam supply device equipped with the following features.

2. The electron vapor supply device according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to periodically vary the one or more characteristics of the RF electromagnetic radiation during the one or more heating cycles.

3. The electron vapor supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller is configured to vary one or more characteristics of the RF electromagnetic radiation in each heating cycle of the plurality of heating cycles, independently of any or all previous heating cycles.

4. The electronic steam supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller is configured to perform a single heating cycle during an inhalation period in which the user inhales a puff of steam.

5. The electron vapor supply device according to claim 4, wherein the controller is configured to vary one or more characteristics of the RF electromagnetic radiation during the process of the single heating cycle.

6. The electronic steam supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller is configured to perform a plurality of heating cycles during an inhalation period in which the user inhales a puff of steam.

7. The electron vapor supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one or more of the characteristics of the RF electromagnetic radiation include the frequency of the RF electromagnetic radiation.

8. The electron vapor supply device according to claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to vary the frequency of the RF electromagnetic radiation by increasing the frequency of the RF electromagnetic radiation.

9. The electron vapor supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one or more of the characteristics of the RF electromagnetic radiation include the power of the RF electromagnetic radiation.

10. The electron vapor supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more characteristics of the RF electromagnetic radiation include the spatial distribution of the RF electromagnetic radiation.

11. The electron vapor supply device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising one or more sensors for determining one or more measured properties relating to the aerosol generating material.

12. The electron vapor supply device according to claim 11, wherein the controller is configured to vary the one or more characteristics of the RF electromagnetic radiation during one or more heating cycles, depending on the one or more measured characteristics determined by the one or more sensors.

13. The electron vapor supply device according to claim 12, wherein the controller is configured to vary one or more characteristics of the RF electromagnetic radiation at a variable speed at a first speed, and the first speed is set based on one or more measured characteristics determined by one or more sensors.

14. The electron steam supply device according to claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to increase the fluctuation speed when one or more of the one or more measured characteristics determined by the one or more sensors are within a first predetermined range, and / or decrease the fluctuation speed when one or more of the one or more measured characteristics determined by the one or more sensors are within a second predetermined range.

15. The electron vapor supply device according to claim 11, wherein the one or more sensors include a puff sensor, and the measured characteristic determined by the puff sensor is the intensity or strength of user inhalation.

16. The electron vapor supply device according to claim 11, wherein the one or more sensors include a temperature sensor, and the measured characteristic determined by the temperature sensor is the temperature of the aerosol generating material.

17. The electron vapor supply device according to claim 11, wherein the electron vapor supply device is configured to receive a consumable containing an aerosol generating material, and the one or more sensors include a consumable identification sensor, and the measured characteristics determined by the consumable identification sensor are identification information of the consumable received by the electron vapor supply device.

18. The electron vapor supply device according to claim 17, wherein the identification information of the consumable includes identification information of the aerosol generating material of the consumable.

19. The electron vapor supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one antenna includes a first antenna and a second antenna.

20. The electron steam supply device according to claim 19, wherein the controller is configured to activate the first antenna and then activate the second antenna during the course of the one or more heating cycles.

21. The first antenna is for generating microwave radiation at a first frequency, The electron vapor supply device according to claim 19, wherein the second antenna is for generating microwave radiation at a second frequency different from the first frequency.

22. The system further comprises a heating cavity for receiving the aerosol generating material, The first antenna is for generating microwave radiation directed towards the first region of the heated cavity, The electron vapor supply device according to claim 19, wherein the second antenna is for generating microwave radiation directed to a second region of the heating cavity, the second region being different from the first region.

23. An electron vapor supply device according to claim 1 or 2, A liquid supply unit that vaporizes to form vapor for user inhalation during use, An electronic steam supply system equipped with the following features.

24. A method for generating steam, A step of generating radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation to generate steam by heating an aerosol-generating material, A step of varying one or more characteristics of the RF electromagnetic radiation during one or more heating cycles based on predetermined variations, Methods that include...

25. The electron vapor supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller is configured to vary the one or more characteristics of the RF electromagnetic radiation over the course of one or more heating cycles based on predetermined variations.

26. The electron vapor supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller is configured to vary the one or more characteristics of the RF electromagnetic radiation over one or more heating cycles based on predetermined variations, in accordance with predicted variations in the characteristics of the aerosol-generating material over one or more heating cycles.

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