Aerosol supply device

Abstract

The present invention relates to components of an aerosol supply device, an aerosol generator, an aerosol supply device, an aerosol generation system, and a method for generating aerosols. [Solution] An aerosol supply device 100 is disclosed, which includes an aerosol generator equipped with an inductor having a plurality of separate ring electrodes 101 mounted on a first substrate 102.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to components of an aerosol supply device, an aerosol generator, an aerosol supply device, an aerosol generation system, and a method of generating an aerosol. Background

[0002] Smoking products such as cigarettes and cigars burn tobacco to produce tobacco smoke during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these smoking products by manufacturing products that release compounds without burning. Examples of such products include so-called "non-combustion heating type" products or tobacco heating devices or products that release compounds by heating rather than by burning a material. Such materials may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, may contain nicotine, or may not contain nicotine.

[0003] Aerosol supply systems covering the aforementioned devices or products are known. A common system uses a heater to produce an aerosol from a suitable medium, and then the aerosol is inhaled by the user. Often, the medium used needs to be replaced or changed to provide different aerosols for inhalation. It is known to use an induction heating system as a heater for producing an aerosol from a suitable medium. An induction heating system generally consists of a magnetic field generating device for generating a varying magnetic field and a susceptor or heating material that can be heated by the penetration of the varying magnetic field to heat a suitable medium.

[0004] Known magnetic field generating devices include induction coils. The induction coil may be formed to have a suitable geometric shape to achieve the desired heating of the material. This may be achieved by winding a suitable material such as LITZ (RTM) wire into the desired coil shape. However, the shape of the coil (e.g., pitch) may unintentionally change when the device is assembled, which may prevent the achievement of the desired heating of the material. Summary

[0005] According to one embodiment, an aerosol supply device is provided, and the aerosol supply device is Aerosol generator comprising an inductor with multiple separate ring electrodes mounted on a first substrate. It is equipped with.

[0006] According to various embodiments, an inductor is provided, which comprises multiple ring electrodes, the multiple ring electrodes may be individually controlled or grouped into one or more groups of electrodes. The ring electrodes may be mounted on a substrate such as a printed circuit board in a compact and robust manner.

[0007] Optionally, the first board comprises a first printed circuit board ("PCB"). According to various embodiments, the first board may comprise a plurality of printed circuit boards.

[0008] Optionally, the ring electrode is planar.

[0009] Optionally, the ring electrode may contain a conductive material.

[0010] Optionally, the ring electrode may contain copper or another conductive metal.

[0011] The ring electrode may optionally have a rectangular, circular, or polygonal cross-sectional profile.

[0012] Optionally, the ring electrodes are embedded in a matrix to form a housing.

[0013] Optionally, the matrix or housing may include polyetheretherketone ("PEEK") or an equivalent high-temperature plastic material.

[0014] Optionally, a portion of the ring electrode extends beyond the housing to form an electrical connector.

[0015] Optionally, the electrical connector is soldered or fixed to the first circuit board.

[0016] Optionally, the first substrate includes one or more connectors or pads for electrically connecting the first substrate to the second substrate.

[0017] Optionally, the second board includes a second printed circuit board ("PCB").

[0018] Optionally, multiple separate ring electrodes may comprise 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or more electrodes.

[0019] Optionally, multiple ring electrodes can be arranged coaxially.

[0020] Optionally, multiple ring electrodes are spaced evenly apart in the axial direction.

[0021] Optionally, multiple ring electrodes are grouped into at least a first group of ring electrodes and a second group of ring electrodes.

[0022] Other embodiments are conceivable in which multiple ring electrodes are grouped into a first group of ring electrodes and one or more further groups of ring electrodes.

[0023] Optionally, a first group of ring electrodes has a first axial spacing S1, and a second group of ring electrodes has a second different axial spacing S2. According to one embodiment, the first axial spacing S1 may be <1 mm, 1-2 mm, 2-3 mm, 3-4 mm, 4-5 mm, 5-6 mm, 6-7 mm, 7-8 mm, 8-9 mm, 9-10 mm, or >10 mm. Similarly, according to one embodiment, the second axial spacing S2 may be <1 mm, 1-2 mm, 2-3 mm, 3-4 mm, 4-5 mm, 5-6 mm, 6-7 mm, 7-8 mm, 8-9 mm, 9-10 mm, or >10 mm.

[0024] Optionally, the first group of ring electrodes has a first cross-sectional profile and the second group of ring electrodes has a second different cross-sectional profile.

[0025] Optionally, the aerosol supply device further comprises a control device configured to supply a first voltage V1 to the first group of ring electrodes and a second different voltage V2 to the second group of ring electrodes. According to various embodiments, the ratio V1 / V2 may be in the range of <0.5, 0.5 to 0.6, 0.6 to 0.7, 0.7 to 0.8, 0.8 to 0.9, 0.9 to 1.0, 1.0 to 1.1, 1.1 to 1.2, 1.2 to 1.3, 1.3 to 1.4, 1.4 to 1.5 or >1.5. The voltages V1 and V2 include AC (alternating current) voltages.

[0026] According to another aspect, an aerosol generation system is provided, the aerosol generation system comprising the aerosol supply device described above, and an aerosol generation article and.

[0027] According to another aspect, a method of generating an aerosol is provided, the method comprising inserting an aerosol generation article into an inductor comprising a plurality of separate ring electrodes mounted on a first substrate, energizing the inductor and.

[0028] According to another aspect, an aerosol supply device is provided, the aerosol supply device comprising an aerosol generator comprising a plurality of ring electrodes, and a control device configured to independently apply one or more AC voltages to individual ring electrodes and / or groups of ring electrodes and. =

[0029] According to another aspect, an aerosol generation system is provided, the aerosol generation system comprising The aerosol supply device described above, Aerosol products and It is equipped with.

[0030] In another embodiment, a method for generating an aerosol is provided, and the method is The steps include preparing an aerosol generator equipped with multiple ring electrodes, The steps include inserting the aerosol product into the aerosol generator, The steps include independently applying an AC voltage to each ring electrode and / or group of ring electrodes, Includes.

[0031] According to one embodiment, an aerosol supply device is provided, and the aerosol supply device is an aerosol generator having multiple ring electrodes, wherein the ring electrodes are configured to form multiple independently controllable heating zones, A control device configured to independently energize the ring electrodes so that the heating profile moves along at least a portion of the length of the aerosol generator during a session of use, It is equipped with.

[0032] A session using this product may last for <3 minutes, 3-4 minutes, 4-5 minutes, 5-6 minutes, or >6 minutes.

[0033] Optionally, the control device is configured to apply AC voltage to individual ring electrodes and / or groups of ring electrodes sequentially or in a predetermined order.

[0034] Optionally, the aerosol supply device has an opening for receiving aerosol products, a first heating zone is located proximal to the opening, a second heating zone is located distal to the opening, and the control device (i) During a session of use, move the heating profile from the first heating zone to the second heating zone, and / or (ii) During a session of use, move the heating profile from the second heating zone to the first heating zone. It is composed.

[0035] According to one embodiment, a method for generating an aerosol is provided, and the method is A step of preparing multiple ring electrodes, wherein the ring electrodes are configured to form multiple independently controllable heating zones, The steps include inserting the aerosol product into the heating zone, The steps include independently energizing the ring electrodes so that the heating profile moves along at least a portion of the length of the aerosol generator during the session of use, and Includes.

[0036] According to one embodiment, a component of an aerosol supply device is provided, and the component is, An inductor element having multiple separate ring electrodes mounted on a substrate, A first module configured to receive a DC (direct current) voltage and output an AC current, A second module configured to supply alternating current to a selected ring electrode and It is equipped with.

[0037] In another embodiment, components of an aerosol supply device are provided, the components are, An inductor element having multiple separate ring electrodes mounted on a substrate, A module configured to supply alternating current to selected ring electrodes and It is equipped with.

[0038] Optionally, the second module may include a plurality of electronic switch elements. The electronic switch elements may include, for example, a switch configuration comprising a pair of MOSFETs.

[0039] Optionally, at least one electronic switch element is connected to at least some of the ring electrodes.

[0040] At least some of the switch elements can be independently controlled so that, optionally, an alternating current output from the first module can be applied to a selected ring electrode.

[0041] Optionally, at least some of the switching elements, or each of the switching elements, may be equipped with a half-bridge circuit.

[0042] Optionally, at least some half-bridge circuits, or each half-bridge circuit, may include two MOSFETs.

[0043] In another embodiment, an aerosol generator for an aerosol supply device is provided, and the aerosol generator is Components described above It is equipped with.

[0044] In another embodiment, an aerosol supply device is provided, and the aerosol supply device is Aerosol generator described above It is equipped with.

[0045] Optionally, an alternating current supplied to one or more ring electrodes results in the generation of a fluctuating magnetic field.

[0046] Optionally, the aerosol supply device further comprises a controller, which is configured to control a second module to control which ring electrodes receive the AC current.

[0047] Optionally, the aerosol supply device further comprises a tubular susceptor at least partially located within a volume defined by a plurality of ring electrodes.

[0048] Optionally, the tubular susceptor may have one or more circumferential slots.

[0049] Optionally, the tubular susceptor comprises multiple annular susceptor portions, at least some of which are separated from each other by one or more thermal barrier portions.

[0050] In an alternative embodiment, the susceptor element may be provided as part of the aerosol product (i.e., a consumable) and therefore may not form part of the aerosol supply device.

[0051] In another embodiment, an aerosol supply system is provided, and the aerosol supply system is The aerosol supply device described above, Aerosol products and It is equipped with.

[0052] The aerosol product includes aerosol-generating materials.

[0053] In another embodiment, a method for generating an aerosol is provided, and the method is The steps include preparing the aerosol supply device described above, The steps include: inserting at least partially the aerosol product into the aerosol supply device; Steps to activate the aerosol supply device and Includes. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0054] [Figure 1] An aerosol supply device according to one embodiment is shown, which comprises an inductor and a tubular susceptor element formed from a plurality of separate ring electrodes mounted on a first substrate having a printed circuit board. [Figure 2] An aerosol generator according to one embodiment is shown, which comprises an inductor element having a plurality of ring electrodes mounted on a first substrate having a printed circuit board, and a tubular susceptor element located within a volume defined by the ring electrodes. [Figure 3]A cross-sectional view of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment is shown, and the aerosol generator comprises an inductor element having a plurality of ring electrodes mounted on a first substrate having a printed circuit board, and a tubular susceptor element located within a volume defined by the ring electrodes. [Figure 4] A side view of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment is shown, illustrating the connector portion of a ring electrode that extends through the rear surface of a printed circuit board. [Figure 5] A side view of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment is shown, illustrating a thermocouple connected to a susceptor element. [Figure 6] A cross-sectional view of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment is shown, illustrating two groups of ring electrodes embedded in the housing. [Figure 7] The first substrate is shown, which has multiple electrical connections arranged in two groups such that the ring electrodes connected to the electrical connections are divided into a first group of ring electrodes and a second group of ring electrodes. [Figure 8] The first substrate and the two groups of electrical connections provided thereon are illustrated in more detail. [Figure 9] The diagram illustrates a control device provided on a second substrate connected to a first substrate, and the ring electrodes connected to the electrical connection portion provided on the first substrate are divided into two groups of ring electrodes. [Figure 10] A schematic diagram of the electronic components of an aerosol supply device is shown, which comprises an inductor element having a plurality of separate ring electrodes, a first module for converting a DC voltage to an AC voltage, and a second module having a plurality of semiconductor switches (e.g., MOSFETs) configured to independently select which ring electrodes receive the AC voltage. [Figure 11] A schematic diagram of the electrical components of an aerosol supply device is shown, which may be used to apply an AC voltage to a group of ring electrodes. [Figure 12]A schematic diagram of an electrical component for an aerosol supply device is shown, which may be used to apply an AC voltage to a group of five ring electrodes L1 to L5. [Figure 13] An aerosol generator according to one embodiment is shown, comprising six ring electrodes mounted on a printed circuit board ("PCB") and a susceptor element located within a volume defined by the ring electrodes, wherein one or more circumferential slots may be provided on the susceptor element to reduce heat leakage from one section of the susceptor element to adjacent sections of the susceptor element. [Figure 14] This shows the direction of current flow and the resulting magnetic field around multiple ring electrodes according to one embodiment. Detailed explanation

[0055] In this specification, aspects and features of specific embodiments and models are discussed or described. Some aspects and features of specific embodiments and models may be implemented conventionally and are not discussed or described in detail for the sake of brevity. Therefore, it will be understood that aspects and features of the apparatus and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail may be implemented according to the prior art for implementing such aspects and features.

[0056] According to this disclosure, a “non-flammable” aerosol supply system is one in which the aerosol-generating material components (or their constituent parts) of the aerosol supply system are not burned or incinerated in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

[0057] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a power-supplied non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0058] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is an e-cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0059] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. An example of such a system is a cigarette heating system.

[0060] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0061] Typically, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may comprise a non-flammable aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the non-flammable aerosol supply device.

[0062] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating materials and configured for use with non-flammable aerosol supply devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0063] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as the non-combustible aerosol supply device, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, an electrical power source or a heat source. In some embodiments, the heat source comprises a carbon substrate to which energy can be supplied to cause power to be distributed in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or heat-transferring material near the heat source.

[0064] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system may include an area for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0065] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-flammable aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, packaging material, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0066] Aerosol-generating material is a material capable of generating an aerosol when, for example, heated, irradiated, or energized by any other means. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, or semi-solid (such as a gel), and may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings.

[0067] The aerosol-generating material may include a binder and an aerosol-forming body. Optionally, an active substance and / or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent such as water may also be present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant-based materials. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0068] The aerosol-generating material may comprise an aerosol-generating film, or may be an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may be formed by combining a binder, such as a gelling agent, with one or more other components, such as a solvent, such as water, an aerosol-forming body, and an active substance, to form a slurry, and then heating the slurry to evaporate at least some of the solvent in order to form an aerosol-generating film. The slurry may be heated to remove at least about 60 wt%, 70 wt%, 80 wt%, 85 wt%, or 90 wt% of the solvent. The aerosol-generating film may be a continuous film or a discontinuous film, such as a structure of separate parts of a film on a support. The aerosol-generating film may not substantially contain tobacco.

[0069] The aerosol-generating film may include a sheet, or may be a sheet, and the sheet may optionally be shredded to form shredded sheets.

[0070] 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.

[0071] An aerosol generator is a device configured to produce an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to expose the aerosol-generating material to thermal energy to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating material and form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to produce an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to expose the aerosol-generating material to one or more of the following: vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0072] Consumables are articles containing or consisting of aerosol-generating materials, which are intended to be consumed by the user in part or in whole during use. Consumables may also comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, packaging material, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. Consumables may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which generates heat during use to produce an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material. The heater may comprise, for example, a flammable material, an electrically conductive material, or a susceptor.

[0073] A susceptor is a heating material that can be heated by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, and the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, and the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both conductive and magnetic, and the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. In this specification, an aerosol supply device configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator.

[0074] A non-flammable aerosol supply system may comprise a modular assembly that includes both a reusable aerosol supply device and interchangeable aerosol products. In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply device may comprise a power source and a controller (or control circuit component). The power source may comprise an electric power source, such as a battery or a rechargeable battery. In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply device may also comprise an aerosol generating component. However, in other embodiments, the aerosol product may comprise the aerosol generating component in part or in whole.

[0075] Induction heating is the process by which a conductive object called a susceptor is heated by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field into the object. This process is described by Faraday's law of induction and Ohm's law. An induction heater may comprise an electromagnet and a device for passing a fluctuating current, such as an alternating current, through the electromagnet. When the electromagnet and the object to be heated are appropriately positioned relative to each other so that the resulting fluctuating magnetic field created by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated inside the object. The object has resistance to the flow of current, and when such eddy currents are generated in the object, the flow, which is against the electrical resistance of the object, heats the object. This process is called Joule heating, Ohm heating, or resistance heating.

[0076] Magnetic hysteresis heating is the process by which an object made of a magnetic material is heated by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field into it. Magnetic materials can be thought of as containing many atomic-scale magnets or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates such a material, the magnetic dipoles align with the field. Therefore, when a fluctuating magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field created by an electromagnet, penetrates a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes along with the applied fluctuating magnetic field. This reorientation of magnetic dipoles results in the generation of heat in the magnetic material.

[0077] When an object is both conductive and magnetic, introducing a fluctuating magnetic field into the object can induce both Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating. Furthermore, the use of magnetic materials can strengthen the magnetic field, which can intensify Joule heating.

[0078] Next, various embodiments will be described in more detail.

[0079] Figure 1 illustrates an aerosol supply device 100 according to one embodiment. The aerosol supply device 100 comprises an outer housing 130 and an inductor or induction heating element having a plurality of ring electrodes 101 arranged around a heating chamber housing 104. A susceptor 103 is provided inside the heating chamber housing 104, and the heating chamber is formed inside the susceptor 103. The susceptor 103 may be tubular. A lid or sliding cover 107 may be provided at the inlet to the heating chamber. An aerosol product containing an aerosol generating material may be inserted into the heating chamber via the lid or sliding cover 107, or it may be surrounded by at least a portion of the susceptor 103.

[0080] It will be understood that the susceptor 103 heats up by interacting with the magnetic field emitted by an inductor or induction heating element equipped with multiple ring electrodes 101. As a result, the aerosol product located inside the susceptor 103 is heated.

[0081] In various embodiments, the inductor or induction heating element comprises a plurality of ring electrodes 101 mounted on a first substrate 102. The first substrate 102 may comprise a printed circuit board ("PCB"). According to various embodiments, the inductor or induction heating element may comprise 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or more than 20 ring electrodes 101.

[0082] The susceptor 103 is located within the heating chamber housing 104 and may be mounted between the upper portion 105 of the heater chamber housing 104 and the cleaning tube 106. According to various embodiments, the susceptor 103 may be compressed and held between the upper portion 105 of the heater chamber housing 104 and the cleaning tube 106. The reference to being compressed and held should be understood to be more about the location of the susceptor 103 than about the susceptor 103 being subjected to high compressive force.

[0083] The susceptor 103 includes a heating material that can be heated by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor 103 may also include a conductive material, and the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field will cause inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may also be a magnetic material, and the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field will cause magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor 103 may be both conductive and magnetic, and the susceptor 103 can be heated by both heating mechanisms. The susceptor 103 may also include a ferroelectric and / or ferromagnetic material.

[0084] The aerosol product may be inserted through the inlet into the heating chamber formed by the susceptor 103. The aerosol product may be received into the heating chamber such that it is in thermal communication with the susceptor 103. Therefore, when the susceptor 103 is inductively heated, the susceptor 103 conducts heat to the aerosol product, thereby resulting in the generation of an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material containing the aerosol product.

[0085] The control device 109 may be located on a second substrate 150 (which may also include a printed circuit board) and may be connected to the first substrate 109 via one or more electrical connections. The control device 109 may be configured to apply an AC voltage to the ring electrode 101 to generate a time-varying magnetic field. The time-varying magnetic field causes the heating material of the susceptor 103 to heat.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the control device 109 may be configured to apply an AC voltage independently to each of the ring electrodes 101. Alternatively, the control device 109 may be configured to apply an AC voltage to a group of ring electrodes 101. It will be understood that passing an alternating current through each of the ring electrodes 101 generates an alternating magnetic field, which in turn causes heating of the corresponding region of the susceptor 103.

[0087] As shown in Figure 1, the control device 109 may be provided on a second substrate 150 separate from the first substrate 102 on which the ring electrode 101 is mounted. However, other embodiments are conceivable in which all or part of the components of the control device 109 may be located on the same first substrate 102 on which the ring electrode 101 is mounted.

[0088] According to various embodiments, the first substrate 102 and the second substrate 150 may include printed circuit boards (PCBs). The first substrate 102 or the printed circuit board may have one or more connectors or pads on the rear surface of the first substrate 102, and the connectors or pads may be configured to be electrically connected to corresponding connectors or pads provided on the front surface of the second substrate 150 or the printed circuit board.

[0089] The control device 109 may be located on a different substrate 150 than the first substrate 102 on which the ring electrode 101 is mounted, and an embodiment is envisioned in which wireless connection can be established between the first substrate 102 and the other substrate 150.

[0090] Figure 2 illustrates in more detail an inductor or induction heating element according to one embodiment, which comprises a plurality of separate ring electrodes 101 mounted on a first substrate 102. According to the particular embodiment shown in Figure 2, 12 ring electrodes 101 are mounted on the first substrate 102. However, according to other embodiments, it will be understood that a different number of ring electrodes 101 may be mounted on the first substrate 102. Various embodiments of inductors or induction heating elements comprising a plurality of separate ring electrodes 101 can easily construct different desired inductor geometric shapes. For example, the number of ring electrodes 101 may be changed, and / or the spacing between the ring electrodes 101 may be changed. This makes it possible to achieve different heating profiles. A tubular susceptor element 103 may be located within a volume in which the ring electrodes 103 are inscribed.

[0091] According to various embodiments, the ring electrode 101 may be equipped with a highly rigid electrode, and as a result, a robust inductor or induction heating element may be provided when the ring electrode 101 is mounted on the first substrate 102. Thus, it will be understood that according to various embodiments, a particularly robust and sturdy aerosol supply device can be provided.

[0092] Each of the separate ring electrodes 101 may be provided as a discontinuous or separate element mounted on the first substrate 102, and each ring electrode 101 may be spaced apart from one another. Each ring electrode 101 may comprise a ring section or portion, each of which has an electrical connection portion at each end. The ends of the ring electrodes 101 may have electrical connection portions, which may be attached to the first substrate 102 or otherwise fixed. Each ring electrode 101 may be electrically connected to or supported by the first substrate 102 via the electrical connection portions.

[0093] According to various embodiments, each ring electrode 101 may have two electrical connection portions that enable proper electrical connection to the first substrate 102, while allowing the ring electrode 101 to be positioned on the first substrate 102 independently of other ring electrodes 101. To enable independent control of a particular electrode 102 (one or more), each ring electrode 101 may have its own electrical connection portion to the first substrate 102, independent of at least some of the electrical connections of other electrodes 101 to the first substrate 102.

[0094] The ring electrode 101 may be mounted to the first substrate 102 in any suitable manner. In one embodiment, the electrical connection portion and / or the first substrate 102 may be configured and adapted for connection to each other. For example, the electrical connection portion of the ring electrode 101 and the first substrate 102 may be configured such that the electrical connection portion is inserted into a corresponding hole or slot provided in the first substrate 102. Other embodiments are conceivable in which the electrical connection portion has a hole or slot provided in the first substrate 102 configured for attachment to a corresponding electrode. Fasteners such as screws may be used.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the ring electrode 101 may be soldered to the first substrate 102. To facilitate this soldering, the electrical connection portion may be configured to be soldered into a corresponding slot provided in the first substrate 102, which may include a printed circuit board. The electrical connection portion may be covered with a material (e.g., gold) that facilitates soldering to the first substrate 102.

[0096] According to various embodiments, the insertion of the electrical connection portion into the corresponding slot of the first substrate 102 may be sufficient to fix the ring electrode 101 to the first substrate 102 and to form an electrical connection between the first substrate 102 and the ring electrode 101. For example, according to various embodiments, the ring electrode 101 may be connected to the first substrate 102 by a press fit or a snap fit.

[0097] The alternating current may be configured to pass through the ring portion of the electrode 101 via the electrical connection, thereby generating a fluctuating magnetic field. It will be understood that this fluctuating magnetic field will result in heating of the susceptor 103 located radially inside the ring electrode 101. The susceptor 103 may be located within a volume defined by the inner radius of the ring portion of the ring electrode 101. One end of the susceptor 103 may be fixed to a part of the heater chamber housing 104. The other end of the susceptor 103 may be fixed to a cleaning tube 106.

[0098] The ring electrodes 101 may be arranged coaxially with each other. Each of the ring electrodes 101, or at least its ring portion, may be substantially flat, i.e., planar. The ring electrodes 101 are substantially flat in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the ring electrode 101 or the longitudinal axis of the inductor or induction heating element. The ring electrodes 101 may be aligned with each other such that when mounted on the first substrate 102, their planar surfaces lie in a plane parallel to each other. By providing planar ring electrodes 101, localized heating of relatively small portions of the susceptor 103 by each ring electrode 101 is possible, thereby enabling precise control of the temperature distribution along the length of the susceptor 103.

[0099] Other embodiments are envisioned in which the ring electrode 101 is not planar but, for example, helical, enabling heating of a relatively large length of the susceptor 103 with a relatively small number of electrodes. The ring electrode 101 is planar and may have a rectangular, circular, or polygonal cross-sectional profile. The ring portion may contain a conductive material, such as copper or gold. Conductive wiring may be provided on one or both of the planar surfaces of each ring electrode 101, or the ring portion itself may be made (entirely) of a conductive material (e.g., copper). The ring electrode 101 may be constructed, for example, by cutting from a planar sheet of material, or by elongated pieces of material bent into the required shape. The ring electrode 101 is shown mounted in a heater chamber housing 104 connected to a cleaning tube 106.

[0100] Figure 3 illustrates cross-sectional views of aerosol generators according to various embodiments. The aerosol generator comprises an inductor or induction heating element having a plurality of separate ring electrodes 101 mounted on a first substrate 102 which may include a printed circuit board. The ring electrodes 101 may be mounted around a heater chamber housing 104, or optionally embedded within the heater chamber housing 104. The aerosol generator further comprises a susceptor 103 located within the heater chamber housing 104.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the susceptor 103 may be mounted between the upper portion 105 of the heater chamber housing 104 and the cleaning tube 106. The heater chamber housing 104 may be located within the ring portion of the ring electrode 101, and the susceptor 103 may be located inside the heater chamber housing 104.

[0102] The electrical connection portion of the ring electrode 101 may extend beyond the heater chamber housing 104 to allow connection to the first substrate 102. Multiple spacers 111 formed of an electrically insulating material (e.g., a thermoplastic material such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK)) may be positioned between the ring electrodes 101. The spacers 111 may have a cross-sectional shape substantially corresponding to the ring portion of the electrode 101. However, it should be understood that the spacers 111 are optional, and the ring electrodes 101 may have sufficient rigidity so that no optional spacers 111 provided between them are required. According to various embodiments, a temperature sensor 113, such as a thermocouple, may be attached to the susceptor 103 to sense the temperature of the susceptor 103.

[0103] Figure 4 shows a side view of the ring electrode 101, spacer 111, heater chamber housing 104, upper part 105 of the heater chamber housing, cleaning tube 106, and the first substrate 102 attached to the electrical connection part of the ring electrode 101.

[0104] Figure 5 illustrates side views of aerosol generators according to various embodiments. The aerosol generator comprises an inductor or induction heating element having a plurality of separate ring electrodes 101 mounted on a first substrate 102 (e.g., a PCB). The aerosol generator further comprises a susceptor (not shown), a heater chamber housing 104, an upper housing 105, and a cleaning tube 106.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the ring electrode 101 may be embedded in a matrix to form a heater chamber housing 104. According to one embodiment, the matrix may be injection molded around the ring electrode 101 to form the heater chamber housing 104. The matrix or the heater chamber housing 104 may contain a thermoplastic material such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK).

[0106] The first substrate 102 (e.g., PCB) may be connected to the ring electrode 101 before or after the heater chamber housing 104 is formed around the ring electrode 101. One end of the heater chamber housing 104 may be configured for attachment to the upper housing 105, and the other end of the heater chamber housing 104 may be configured for attachment to the cleaning tube 106. The susceptor may be located within the heating chamber housing 104 between the cleaning tube 106 and the upper housing 105.

[0107] To prevent the magnetic field generated by the ring electrode 101 from being emitted radially outward and therefore toward the user, a shielding material 117 may be provided around the outer surface of the ring electrode 101. The shielding material 117 may include a ferrite material. A thermocouple 113 may be attached to the susceptor to measure its temperature.

[0108] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment. According to one embodiment, the first sealing portion 114a may be provided between the upper housing 105 and the heater chamber housing 104. The second sealing portion 114b may be provided between the heater chamber housing 104 and the cleaning tube 106.

[0109] The heater chamber housing 104 may be formed to have an integral or continuous upper portion instead of a separate upper housing 105. The upper housing 105 may contain a thermoplastic material such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The heater chamber housing 104 may be formed to have a hole or slot into which a thermocouple 113 can be inserted. The thermocouple 113 may be configured to sense the temperature of the susceptor 103. A sealing portion 115a may be provided to fix the thermocouple 113 in the hole or slot provided in the heater chamber housing 104. The sealing portion 115a may abut the surface of the first substrate 102 to which the plurality of ring electrodes 101 are attached.

[0110] To attenuate the magnetic field generated by the ring electrode 101 in the radial direction toward the outer housing of the aerosol supply device, a shielding material 117 may be provided around the outer surface of the ring electrode 101. According to various embodiments, the shielding material 117 may be provided as an adhesive packaging material. The shielding material 117 may include a magnetic material such as ferrite.

[0111] The susceptor 103 may be fixed within the heater chamber housing 104 by being attached at one end to a cleaning tube 106 and at the other end to the upper housing 105 and / or the upper portion of the heater chamber housing 104. For example, when the heater chamber housing 104 has an integrated upper portion 105, the susceptor 103 may be inserted into the heater chamber housing 104 from the end opposite to the upper portion 105. The cleaning tube 106 may then be configured to be attached to the end of the susceptor 103 once it has been inserted. According to one embodiment, the cleaning tube 106 may be snap-fitted to the susceptor 103 to fix it between the upper portion 105 and the cleaning tube 106. Other embodiments are envisioned in which the susceptor 103 is compressed and held between the upper portion 105 and the cleaning tube 106.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the cleaning tube 106 may be configured for attachment to the susceptor 103, or the cleaning tube 106 may be first attached to the susceptor 103, and then both the susceptor 103 and the attached cleaning tube 106 may be inserted together into the heater chamber housing 104 and fixed to the upper part of the heater chamber housing 104.

[0113] When a separate upper housing 105 is provided, the susceptor 103 may be inserted into the heater chamber housing 104 through the bottom portion of the heater chamber housing 104 in the manner discussed above. Alternatively, the susceptor 103 may be inserted through the upper end of the heater chamber housing 104, and then the upper housing 105 may be fixed (or in contact) with the susceptor 103. The upper housing 105 may be configured for mounting to the heater chamber housing 104, for example, using a compression fit.

[0114] According to various embodiments, multiple ring electrodes 101 may be arranged in one or more groups of electrodes. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to heat different regions of the susceptor 103 (and thus different regions of the aerosol product) to different temperatures. For example, each group of electrodes 101 may be configured to maintain a different temperature for the corresponding portion of the susceptor 103 during a session of use.

[0115] According to one embodiment illustrated in Figure 6, the ring electrodes 101 may be arranged in a first group 101a and a second group 101b. In the particular embodiment illustrated in Figure 6, the first group 101a comprises seven ring electrodes 101, and the second group 101b comprises five ring electrodes 101. However, it will be understood that both the first group 101a and the second group 101b may comprise a different number of ring electrodes 101.

[0116] It is assumed that different regions of the susceptor 103 may be maintained at different temperatures during use. This may be achieved by applying a different voltage to the first group 101a of the ring electrodes than to the second group 101b of the ring electrodes. Other embodiments are assumed in which the axial spacing (pitch) between the electrodes 101 in different groups and / or the number of electrodes 101 in different groups of electrodes may differ. For example, the first group 101a of the ring electrodes may have a first axial spacing S1 between the electrodes, and the second group 101b of the ring electrodes may have a second different axial spacing S2 between the electrodes. According to one embodiment, the first axial spacing S1 may be <1 mm, 1-2 mm, 2-3 mm, 3-4 mm, 4-5 mm, 5-6 mm, 6-7 mm, 7-8 mm, 8-9 mm, 9-10 mm or >10 mm. Similarly, according to one embodiment, the second axial spacing S2 may be <1 mm, 1-2 mm, 2-3 mm, 3-4 mm, 4-5 mm, 5-6 mm, 6-7 mm, 7-8 mm, 8-9 mm, 9-10 mm, or >10 mm. According to various embodiments, the susceptor may be segmented, and the thermal barrier portion may separate the segments so that different susceptor segments can be maintained at different temperatures.

[0117] Different temperatures may be provided, additionally or otherwise, by an aerosol supply device configured to supply different voltages and / or currents to different groups of electrodes 101. The aerosol supply device may include a control device (illustrated and described above in relation to Figure 1 and described in more detail in relation to Figure 9) which can be configured to independently apply one or more AC voltages to groups of ring electrodes 101. This may allow different voltages to be applied independently to different groups of ring electrodes 101.

[0118] For example, the control device may be configured to simultaneously apply different non-zero voltages to different groups of the ring electrodes 101, and / or to apply a voltage to one or more groups of the ring electrodes 101 while substantially not applying a voltage to one or more other groups of the ring electrodes 101. The control device may be configured to independently apply one or more AC voltages to individual ring electrodes 101 of the same group or different groups.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the control device may be configured to supply a first voltage V1 to a first group 101a of the ring electrodes and a second voltage V2 to a second group 101b of the ring electrodes. According to various embodiments, the ratio V1 / V2 may be in the range of <0.5, 0.5~0.6, 0.6~0.7, 0.7~0.8, 0.8~0.9, 0.9~1.0, 1.0~1.1, 1.1~1.2, 1.2~1.3, 1.3~1.4, 1.4~1.5 or >1.5. The first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2 include AC voltages.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the frequency f1 of the first voltage V1 and the frequency f2 of the second voltage V2 may be different. According to various embodiments, the ratio f1 / f2 may be in the range of <0.5, 0.5~0.6, 0.6~0.7, 0.7~0.8, 0.8~0.9, 0.9~1.0, 1.0~1.1, 1.1~1.2, 1.2~1.3, 1.3~1.4, 1.4~1.5 or >1.5. According to other embodiments, the aerosol generator may comprise a single group of ring electrodes 101, and the control device may be configured to apply one or more AC voltages independently to each of the individual ring electrodes 101.

[0121] By maintaining different regions of the susceptor 103 at different temperatures, it may be possible to selectively heat different parts of the aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generator while preventing other specific parts of the aerosol product from being heated. For example, the control device may be configured to apply one or more voltages to a first group 101a of the ring electrode 101 in order to heat a first part of the aerosol product at a first time t1, while preventing a second part of the aerosol product from being heated at the same first time t1.

[0122] The control device may be configured to apply one or more voltages to the second group 101b of the ring electrode such that, in a second time t2, the second portion of the aerosol product is heated, while the first portion of the aerosol product is not heated in the second time t2.

[0123] The control device may be configured to apply a specific voltage to a particular group of electrodes to heat a portion of the aerosol product to a certain temperature, and simultaneously apply different voltages to different groups of electrodes to heat different portions of the aerosol product to different temperatures.

[0124] The control device may include or consist of a circuit or circuit component. The circuit / circuit component may be programmed and configured by software. According to various embodiments, the control device may be located on a first substrate 102 on which a plurality of ring electrodes 101 are mounted, or alternatively, the control device may be located on another substrate, for example, another printed circuit board that can be connected to the first substrate 102.

[0125] Each group of ring electrodes 101 may be spaced apart from one another in the axial direction. The ring electrodes 101 may be arranged such that the planar surfaces of different groups of ring electrodes 101 are in a plane parallel to each other. Each group of electrodes 101 (one or more) may comprise one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty, or more than twenty ring electrodes 101.

[0126] Embodiments are conceivable in which the ring electrodes 101 can be grouped into groups of one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more than ten ring electrodes 101. Each group may comprise the same or a different number of ring electrodes 101. Each group of ring electrodes 101 may comprise at least two, three, four, five, or more than five ring electrodes 101. For example, according to one embodiment, the ring electrodes 101 may be arranged in groups of two to five ring electrodes 101, and each group of ring electrodes 101 may comprise at least three ring electrodes 101. Different groups of ring electrodes 101 (one or more) may all be mounted on the same first substrate 102, or alternatively, different groups of electrodes 101 may be mounted on different substrates.

[0127] Figure 7 illustrates a first substrate having a plurality of electrical connections 119 configured to contact a plurality of ring electrodes 101. The ring electrodes and associated electrical connections are shown grouped into a first group of ring electrodes 101a and associated electrical connections provided on the first substrate, and a second group of ring electrodes 101b and associated electrical connections provided on the first substrate. A portion of the shielding material 117 is also shown.

[0128] Figure 8 illustrates the first substrate 102 in more detail. The first substrate 102 may have a plurality of electrical connections that can be arranged in a first group 121 of electrical connections and a second group 122 of electrical connections. Each electrical connection may have at least one slot or opening 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, 124e for receiving the electrical connection portion of the ring electrode 101 therein. The electrical connection portion of the ring electrode 101 may be received in two adjacent slots or openings 124a, 124b, or the ring electrode 101 may be fixed to the slots or openings 124a, 124b by soldering.

[0129] The electrical connection sections 119a and 119b may be configured such that, within each group 121 and 122 of the electrical connection sections, the first electrical connection portion of the ring electrode 101 may be received in a slot 124a of one electrical connection section 119a, or the second electrical connection portion of the same ring electrode 101 may be received in a slot 124b of a different second electrical connection section 119b. The second electrical connection section 119b may include a second slot or opening 124c for receiving another ring electrode 101 located axially adjacent to the ring electrode 101 received in the slots or openings 124a and 124b.

[0130] Accordingly, the first substrate 102 may be configured such that axially adjacent ring electrodes 101 are electrically connected, and the voltage applied to the electrical connection at both axial ends of the group of ring electrodes 101 causes a current to flow in the same direction around the longitudinal axis of each ring electrode 101 in the group. It will be understood that the AC voltage can be applied to selected ring electrodes 101 as desired.

[0131] However, there are other embodiments in which the coil termination configurations illustrated and described with reference to Figures 7 to 9 can be modified so that the ring electrodes can be terminated in a manner different from those illustrated and described with reference to Figures 7 to 9. Embodiments in which current flows in opposite directions in adjacent ring electrodes are described below with reference to Figures 10 to 12. In such a configuration, instead of the end of the ring electrode provided in slot 124b being electrically connected to the end of the ring electrode provided in slot 124c, the end of the ring electrode provided in slot 124b may be electrically connected to the ring electrode immediately above it, i.e., the end of the ring electrode provided in slot 124d. Similarly, the end of the ring electrode provided in slot 124c may be electrically connected to the end of the ring electrode immediately above it, provided in slot 124e.

[0132] Other configurations for electrical connections to provide this configuration may also be provided. The printed circuit board ("PCB") substrate 102 may be configured in this manner to allow a voltage for generating a fluctuating magnetic field to be applied to each group of electrodes by electrical connections at both axial ends of the group.

[0133] The first substrate 102 may be configured such that different specific axial spacings (pitches) are set between adjacent ring electrodes 101 as desired, based on which electrical connection points the ring electrodes 101 are connected to. If there are empty electrical connection points between adjacent ring electrodes 101, solder may be used to connect the electrical connection points between the adjacent ring electrodes 101.

[0134] The first substrate 102 may be configured for different numbers of groups and / or different numbers of electrodes 101 within each group, based on the connections between the electrical connections and the control device. One or more additional connections 125 may be provided for electrical connections to other components other than the ring electrodes 101, such as a temperature sensor or other type of sensor.

[0135] Figure 9 illustrates control devices 109 that may be connected to a first substrate 102 according to various embodiments. The control device 109 may be provided on a second PCB substrate 150 connected to the first substrate 102. However, other embodiments are envisioned in which all or part of the control device 109 may be provided on the same first substrate 102 on which the ring electrodes 101 are mounted. Electrical connections may be provided between the control device 109 and the electrical connections at both axial ends of each of the groups of electrical connections 121, 122. This allows the control device 109 to independently apply voltage to the group of electrodes 101 via the electrical connections at both axial ends of each of the groups of electrical connections 121, 122.

[0136] According to various embodiments, the AC voltage may be configured to be supplied or applied to the first group of electrodes connected to the first electrical connection 121 under the control of a control device 109, such that all electrodes in the first group of electrodes connected to the first electrical connection 121 are simultaneously supplied with the AC voltage. Similarly, the AC voltage may be configured to be supplied or applied to the second group of electrodes connected to the second electrical connection 122 under the control of a control device 109, such that all electrodes in the second group of electrodes connected to the second electrical connection 122 are simultaneously supplied with the AC voltage. Thus, an aerosol generator with two independently controllable heating zones is provided.

[0137] Figure 10 shows schematic diagrams of electronic components 126 of an aerosol generator according to various embodiments. The components can be incorporated into an aerosol supply device. Component 126 includes an inductor element 127 having a plurality of separate ring electrodes L1 to L12. The component further includes a first module 128 configured to receive a DC voltage and output an alternating current (AC current). Component 126 also includes a second module 129 configured to supply or switch an AC current to a selected ring electrode L1 to L12.

[0138] In Figure 10, each of the ring electrodes L1 to L12 is schematically shown as an inductor. Electrodes L1 to L12 may also consist of the ring electrodes described above. For example, electrodes L1 to L12 may be planar or mounted on a substrate (not shown), such as a printed circuit board ("PCB").

[0139] According to one embodiment, the ring electrodes L1 to L12 may be arranged in two groups of electrodes. For example, the ring electrodes L1 to L12 may be arranged to form a first group of electrodes including ring electrodes L1 to L7 and a second group of electrodes including ring electrodes L8 to L12. Ring electrodes within the same group may be connected in series with each other, but not with ring electrodes from other groups.

[0140] The first module 128 may be configured to generate alternating current in any suitable manner. For example, the first module 128 may include a half-bridge driver 128a having two MOSFET (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor) switches 130a and 130b, and a MOSFET driver 131 connected to the respective gate terminals of the MOSFET switches 130a and 130b to control the MOSFET switches 130a and 130b.

[0141] The first MOSFET switch 130a may be connected to a DC voltage input (e.g., 6V), and the second MOSFET switch 130b may be connected to a common / ground terminal. The MOSFET driver 131 may be configured to toggle the MOSFET switches 130a and 130b to output AC current. The first module 128 may further include a power controller 132 which can be configured to supply a signal (e.g., a regularly periodic signal or a clock signal) to the MOSFET driver 131 to control when the MOSFET switches 130a and 130b are toggled, and thus to determine the frequency of the output AC current. The AC current signal generated by the first module 128 may be supplied to the second module 129 via an AC power rail 133. According to one embodiment, the AC voltage supplied via the AC power rail 133 may have a DC offset of 3V. Therefore, the AC voltage according to various embodiments may oscillate between 0V and 6V.

[0142] The second module 129 may comprise a first plurality of (e.g., 10) semiconductor switches 134a and a second plurality of (e.g., 12) semiconductor switches 134b. The first plurality of semiconductor switches 134a are connected to a switch controller 136, an AC power rail 133, and first ends of at least some (e.g., 10) of the ring electrodes L3 to L12. The second plurality of semiconductor switches 134b are connected to second ends of the (e.g., 12) ring electrodes L1 to L12 via capacitors 135, and are also connected to (one or more) common / ground terminals 137 and the switch controller 136. According to various embodiments, the second module 129 may comprise the control device 109 described above with reference to Figures 1 and 9.

[0143] According to various embodiments, a first semiconductor switch 134a comprises a switch connected between an inductor element 127 (which includes ring electrodes L1-L12) and an AC power rail 133, and a second conductive switch 134b comprises a switch connected between an inductor element 127 (which includes ring electrodes L1-L12) and one or more common / ground terminals 137. A capacitor 135 is connected in series with the ring electrodes L1-L12 to form an RLC (resistor-inductor-capacitor) or LC (inductor-capacitor) circuit together with the ring electrodes that form an inductor. The capacitor 135 may be configured to set (e.g., reduce) the resonant frequency for optimal driving of the ring electrodes L1-L12. The capacitances of the capacitors 135 may be the same. Alternatively, several capacitors 135 may have different capacitances. The switch controller 136 may be configured to control the first plurality of semiconductor switches 134a and the second plurality of semiconductor switches 134b so that only specific (selected) ring electrodes L1 to L12 receive power from the AC power rail 133 at a specific time. Thus, the switch controller 136 may control which ring electrodes L1 to L12 receive the supply of AC current or voltage. This may be used to provide a selected heating profile.

[0144] The semiconductor switches 134a and 134b may include a switch configuration. For example, the switch configuration may include a pair of MOSFETs.

[0145] As will be discussed in more detail below, the susceptor element may be segmented into a series of segments. For example, each segment may include a portion of the susceptor element located immediately proximal to one of the ring electrodes L1 to L12.

[0146] In a particular embodiment of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 10, which includes 12 ring electrodes L1 to L12, the susceptor element may be configured to include 12 segments, each of which can be controlled independently. The susceptor element may be configured to include thermal barriers between the segments. According to various embodiments, for example, during a usage session lasting 3 to 6 minutes, the first susceptor segment may be configured to maintain a temperature T1 in the range of 20 to 400°C, the second susceptor segment may be configured to maintain a temperature T2 in the range of 20 to 400°C, the third susceptor segment may be configured to maintain a temperature T3 in the range of 20 to 400°C, the fourth susceptor segment may be configured to maintain a temperature T4 in the range of 20 to 400°C, the fifth susceptor segment may be configured to maintain a temperature T5 in the range of 20 to 400°C, and the sixth susceptor segment may be configured to maintain a temperature T6 in the range of 20 to 400°C. The seventh susceptor segment may be configured to be maintained at a temperature T7 in the range of 20 to 400°C, the eighth susceptor segment may be configured to be maintained at a temperature T8 in the range of 20 to 400°C, the ninth susceptor segment may be configured to be maintained at a temperature T9 in the range of 20 to 400°C, the tenth susceptor segment may be configured to be maintained at a temperature T10 in the range of 20 to 400°C, the eleventh susceptor segment may be configured to be maintained at a temperature T11 in the range of 20 to 400°C, and the twelfth susceptor segment may be configured to be maintained at a temperature T12 in the range of 20 to 400°C. Therefore, with respect to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 10, the controller may be configured to set the susceptor elements to a desired spatial heating profile in which at least some or all of the susceptor segments can be maintained at different temperatures at any given moment in time. For example, the controller may be configured to set a heating profile such that T1≠T2≠T3≠T4≠T5≠T6≠T7≠T8≠T9≠T10≠T11≠T12.Embodiments are envisioned in which the inductor element 127 comprises 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, or >30 ring electrodes. Similarly, embodiments are envisioned in which the susceptor element comprises 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, or >30 segments. At least some or all of the segments of the susceptor element may be separated from each other by a thermal barrier such as an embedding resin, adhesive, thermosetting plastic, or epoxy resin.

[0147] Figure 11 schematically illustrates an electrical component 150 for a component of an aerosol generator or aerosol supply device according to various embodiments. Figure 11 shows how, in a particular embodiment shown, the electrical component 150 may be used to toggle a DC voltage across a group of ring electrodes, such as ring electrodes L8-L12, illustrated and described above with respect to the component shown in Figure 10. However, it will be understood that the electrical component 150 is more generally suited to applying a DC voltage that reverses direction through multiple ring electrodes.

[0148] In the configuration illustrated and described with reference to Figure 10, the AC voltage is selectively switched to a desired ring electrode, for example, by a switch configuration. In contrast, the configuration disclosed with reference to Figure 11 shows how the DC voltage from the DC power rail 133a can be selectively switched to one or more of the ring electrodes L8-L12 by an array of half-bridge circuits 140. Each half-bridge circuit 140 comprises a first or upper MOSFET switch and a second or lower MOSFET switch. The first or upper MOSFET switch is connected to the DC power rail 133a, and the second or lower MOSFET switch is connected to common / ground. A capacitor may be provided in series with each ring electrode. According to various embodiments, the capacitor may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) on which the ring electrodes L8-L12 are also mounted. Each ring electrode L8-L12 and the corresponding capacitor form a resonant circuit. According to various embodiments, two half-bridge circuits 140 are switched ON and OFF in an oblique complementary pattern to generate magnetic flux around ring electrodes L8~L12 or conductive loops.

[0149] The DC voltage supplied to the DC power rail 133a may be controlled by the first DC power module 170.

[0150] Figure 12 schematically illustrates an electrical component 151 for a component of an aerosol generator or aerosol supply device according to another embodiment. Figure 12 shows how the electrical component 151 can be used to apply an AC voltage to a group of five ring electrodes L1 to L5.

[0151] According to various embodiments, the DC voltage from the DC power rail 133a may be selectively switched to one or more of the ring electrodes L1-L5 by an array of six half-bridge circuits 140a-f. Each half-bridge circuit 140a-f comprises a first MOSFET switch and a second MOSFET switch. The first MOSFET switch is connected to the DC power rail 133a, and the second MOSFET switch is connected to common / ground. Each ring electrode L1-L5 is connected in series with a capacitor. According to various embodiments, the capacitor may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) on which the ring electrodes L1-L5 are also mounted. Each ring electrode L1-L5 and the corresponding capacitor form a resonant circuit. According to various embodiments, two half-bridge circuits 140a-f are switched ON-OFF in an oblique complementary pattern to generate magnetic flux around the ring electrodes L1-L5 or conductive loops.

[0152] The DC voltage supplied to the DC power rail 133a may be controlled by the DC power module 170.

[0153] Selective heating of individual susceptor element segments is possible. For example, to heat the susceptor element segments corresponding to ring electrodes L2, L3, and L4, the second, third, fourth, and fifth half-bridge circuits 140b, 140c, 140d, and 140e are switched ON and OFF in an oblique complementary pattern so that a DC voltage from the DC power rail 133a first passes through the ring electrodes L2, L3, and L4 in a first direction, and then the current switches direction so that it passes through the ring electrodes L2, L3, and L4 in a second direction opposite to the first direction. As a result, an AC voltage is applied to the ring electrodes L2, L3, and L4. According to various embodiments, the first half-bridge circuit 140a may be switched in coordination with the second half-bridge circuit 140b. Similarly, the sixth half-bridge circuit 140f may be switched in coordination with the fifth half-bridge circuit 140e. As a result, a zero-voltage loop is formed that, for example, blocks the flow of current at the first ring electrode L1.

[0154] According to various embodiments, only two MOSFET switching elements are required per ring electrodes L1-L5 (or per ring electrodes L3-L12 in embodiments illustrated and described with reference to Figure 10), along with two additional MOSFETs. This is in contrast to other configurations, for example, where four MOSFETs may be provided in a full H-bridge configuration to drive current or voltage through an inductor coil. As a result, the electronic circuits according to various embodiments utilize a reduced number of MOSFETs, which allows the electronic components to be provided on a printed circuit board with a reduced footprint. This allows for the provision of more compact aerosol supply devices. It will also be understood that manufacturing costs may be reduced. According to various embodiments, various electronic components may be provided in the driver unit, and the electronic components are configured in a space-efficient manner as a single integrated circuit (IC).

[0155] It will be understood that selective heating of susceptor element segments in various embodiments can be achieved by parallel connection of multiple independently controlled loop or ring electrodes. Improved system controllability may be achieved by utilizing relatively high series capacitance / capacitor to reduce the resonant frequency of each ring electrode. For reference purposes, a 7-turn inductor coil may have an inductance of about 400 nH and may be connected in series with a 100 nF capacitor to provide an inductor element with a resonant frequency of about 1 MHz. According to various embodiments, each ring electrode may have an inductance of about 50 nH and may be connected in series with a capacitor of, for example, 1 μF, such that the resonant frequency of the ring electrode is about 1 MHz.

[0156] However, other embodiments are also conceivable. According to other embodiments, the inductance of each ring electrode may be <1nH, 1~10nH, 10~20nH, 20~30nH, 30~40nH, 40~50nH, 50~60nH, 60~70nH, 70~80nH, 80~90nH, 90~100nH. The capacitance of the capacitor provided in series with each ring electrode may be <100nF, 100~200nF, 200~300nF, 300~400nF, 400~500nF, 500~600nF, 600~700nF, 700~800nF, 800~900nF, 900~1000nF, 1~2μF, 2~3μF, 3 The capacitance may be ~4μF, 4~5μF, 5~6μF, 6~7μF, 7~8μF, 8~9μF, 9~10μF, 10~11μF, 11~12μF, 12~13μF, 13~14μF, 14~15μF, 15~16μF, 16~17μF, 17~18μF, 18~19μF, 19~20μF, or >20μF.

[0157] The resonant frequencies of at least some of the ring electrodes, or each ring electrode, may be configured to be <10kHz, 10-100kHz, 100-200kHz, 200-300kHz, 300-400kHz, 400-500kHz, 500-600kHz, 600-700kHz, 700-800kHz, 800-900kHz, or 900-1000kHz. According to other embodiments, the resonant frequencies of at least some ring electrodes or each ring electrode are 1.0~1.1MHz, 1.1~1.2MHz, 1.2~1.3MHz, 1.3~1.4MHz, 1.4~1.5MHz, 1.5~1.6MHz, 1.6~1.7MHz, 1.7~1.8MHz, 1.8~1.9MHz, 1.9~2.0MHz, 2.0~2.1MHz, 2.1~2.2MHz, 2.2~2.3MHz, 2.3~2.4MHz, 2.4~2.5MHz, 2.5~2.6MHz, 2.6~2.7MHz, 2.7~2.8MHz, and 2.8~2.9MHz. It may be configured to have frequencies of Hz, 2.9~3.0MHz, 3.0~3.1MHz, 3.1~3.2MHz, 3.2~3.3MHz, 3.3~3.4MHz, 3.4~3.5MHz, 3.5~3.6MHz, 3.6~3.7MHz, 3.7~3.8MHz, 3.8~3.9MHz, 3.9~4.0MHz, 4.0~4.1MHz, 4.1~4.2MHz, 4.2~4.3MHz, 4.3~4.4MHz, 4.4~4.5MHz, 4.5~4.6MHz, 4.6~4.7MHz, 4.7~4.8MHz, 4.8~4.9MHz, or 4.9~5.0MHz. According to other embodiments, the resonant frequencies of at least some ring electrodes or each ring electrode may be configured to be 5-10MHz, 10-20MHz, 20-30MHz, 30-40MHz, 40-50MHz, 50-60MHz, 60-70MHz, 70-80MHz, 80-90MHz, 90-100MHz, or >100MHz.

[0158] With reference to the coil termination configurations illustrated and described above with reference to Figures 7 to 9, it will be understood that when the control systems described above with reference to Figures 10 to 12 are implemented, the coils may be terminated in a manner other than that illustrated and described with reference to Figures 7 to 9. With reference to the embodiments illustrated and described with reference to Figures 10 to 12, it will be understood that current flows in opposite directions in adjacent ring electrodes. For example, in the configuration illustrated in Figure 8, the end of the ring electrode provided in slot 124b is shown to be electrically connected to the end of the ring electrode provided in slot 124c, but instead, according to various embodiments, the end of the ring electrode provided in slot 124b may be electrically connected to the end of the ring electrode provided in slot 124d, which is immediately above it. Similarly, the end of the ring electrode provided in slot 124c may be electrically connected to the end of the ring electrode provided in slot 124e, which is immediately above it.

[0159] Figure 13 shows an aerosol generator 1306 according to one embodiment, comprising six ring electrodes L1 to L6 or conductive loops 1302 and a tubular susceptor element 1305 located within a volume defined by the ring electrodes or conductive loops 1302. The ring electrodes or conductive loops 1302 are mounted on a printed circuit board ("PCB") 1304. Multiple segments 1301 are provided between adjacent ring electrodes or conductive loops 1302. According to various embodiments, one or more circumferential slots 1303a to 1303f may be provided in the susceptor element 1305 to reduce heat leakage. For example, if it is desired to apply an AC voltage to the first ring electrode L1, a corresponding current may be induced in the corresponding segment of the tubular susceptor element 1305 located immediately adjacent to the first electrode L1. As a result, that segment of the tubular susceptor element 1305 can rapidly reach a temperature T1, for example, 250-350°C. However, it may be desirable for adjacent segments of the tubular susceptor element 1305 to be maintained at a lower temperature, for example, 20-250°C. If the tubular susceptor element 1305 were a continuous, non-segmented tubular element, it would be understood that the thermal energy transmitted to one section of the susceptor element 1305 would be rapidly transmitted to the entire tubular element by conduction. As a result, the entire tubular element would rapidly reach substantially the same temperature.

[0160] However, according to various embodiments, one or more circumferential slots 1303a to 1303f may be provided in the susceptor element 1305. One or more circumferential slots 1303a to 1303f provide a thermal barrier or partial thermal barrier that reduces the transmission of thermal energy between adjacent segments of the susceptor element 1305 by thermal conduction.

[0161] One or more circumferential slots 1303a to 1303f may be at least partially filled with an insulating material. The insulating material may include an embedding resin, an adhesive, a thermosetting plastic, or an epoxy resin. According to various embodiments, the embedding resin may include an epoxy resin. For example, a two-component epoxy consisting of a polymer resin and a curing agent may be used, which, when mixed together, undergo a chemical reaction that crosslinks chemical bonds in the polymer chains, producing a strong, rigid, and robust compound. Other embodiments are envisioned in which the embedding resin includes polyurethane ("PU"), such as a thermosetting plastic. This may include a two-component compound consisting of a base resin containing an isocyanate curing agent. Other embodiments are envisioned in which the embedding resin includes silicone. For example, silicone rubber containing a synthetic polysiloxane polymer that uses an additive catalyst (such as platinum) for the transition from a liquid state to a solid state may be used.

[0162] Figure 14 shows the direction of current flow 1400 around a plurality of ring electrodes 101 according to one embodiment, and the resulting magnetic field. The tubular susceptor element 1401 is shown as being located within the ring electrodes 101. The susceptor element 1401 may comprise a plurality of susceptor element segments, with thermal barrier portions provided between the susceptor element segments.

[0163] According to various embodiments, aerosol generators comprising multiple ring electrodes are disclosed. The ring electrodes may be configured to form multiple independently controllable heating zones. A control device may be configured to energize the ring electrodes independently. For example, two-zone heating profiles may be utilized. Other embodiments are envisioned in which more complex heating profiles may be utilized. For example, according to one embodiment, a heating profile may be utilized in which segmented susceptor elements are gradually energized so that the heating profile moves practically along at least a portion of the length of the aerosol generator during a session of use. For example, a control device may be configured to apply AC voltages to individual ring electrodes and / or groups of ring electrodes sequentially or in a predetermined order. The aerosol supply device may have an opening for receiving aerosol products, with a first heating zone located proximal to the opening and one or more further heating zones located distal to the opening. The control device may be configured to (i) move the heating profile from the first heating zone to one or more additional heating zones during a session of use, and / or (ii) move the heating profile from one or more heating zones to the first heating zone during a session of use.

[0164] Embodiments are envisioned in which the aerosol generator has three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more independently controllable heating zones, and the heating profile can move between or along different heating zones.

[0165] According to various embodiments, an electronic component of an aerosol supply device is provided, comprising an inductor element having a plurality of separate electrodes mounted on a substrate. The electrodes may comprise a ring electrode having a single loop or a planar electrode. The electronic component may comprise a first module configured to receive a DC voltage and output an AC current. The first module may comprise a DC-AC converter (or DC-AC inverter), for example, a half-bridge or full H-bridge that converts DC to AC current or voltage. According to one embodiment, the first module may comprise two MOSFETs that, in combination with a MOSFET driver, form a half-bridge circuit. The electronic component may further comprise a second module configured to supply AC current to a selected electrode. The second module may comprise a plurality of semiconductor switches. According to an embodiment, an AC current or voltage from an AC power rail may be individually switched by the switch element to a plurality of electrodes, for example, a ring electrode. Each electrode or ring electrode may comprise a switch element. The switch element may comprise two MOSFETs. The electrodes, such as ring electrodes, may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB), and each electrode may be connected in series with a capacitor of relatively high capacitance, such as a 1 μF capacitor. As a result, the resulting resonant frequency of each individual ring electrode may be configured to be approximately 1 to 2 MHz. According to one embodiment, the resonant frequencies of each individual ring electrode may be configured to be 1.0 to 1.2 MHz, 1.2 to 1.4 MHz, 1.4 to 1.6 MHz, 1.6 to 1.8 MHz, or 1.8 to 2.0 MHz.

[0166] While embodiments have been described above in which segmentable susceptor elements are provided as part of an aerosol generator (the aerosol generator forming part of an overall aerosol supply device), embodiments are also conceivable in which the susceptor elements are instead provided as part of an aerosol product, i.e., a consumable, containing an aerosol generating material. For example, according to embodiments, an aerosol product comprising a susceptor element may be provided. For example, the susceptor element may comprise a planar stainless steel element. The planar stainless steel element may include a nickel coating. The nickel coating may have a Curie temperature of about 354°C, while the stainless steel element may include 430 stainless steel containing 0% nickel. The Curie temperature of 430 stainless steel is >400°C. When the nickel coating reaches a Curie temperature of about 354°C, the nickel coating undergoes a reversible change from a ferromagnetic phase to a paramagnetic phase. The susceptor may be segmented by the thermal barrier portions discussed above, provided between adjacent segments.

[0167] When the susceptor is heated to approximately 350°C (i.e., below the Curie temperature of nickel), its apparent resistance increases. This increase in resistance may be detected by measuring the DC current drawn from the DC power source supplying the DC-AC converter (or DC-AC inverter). The output from the DC-AC converter (or DC-AC inverter) includes the AC voltage supplied to the electrodes forming the inductor element. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, if the voltage supplied to the DC-AC converter (or DC-AC inverter) is kept constant (e.g., 6V) and the apparent resistance increases with rising temperature, the DC current decreases.

[0168] It will be understood that a high-frequency alternating magnetic field induces eddy currents in the immediate vicinity of the susceptor surface. This effect is known as the skin effect. The resistance in the susceptor depends in part on the depth of the skin layer to which the induced eddy currents are available. The nickel layer loses its magnetic properties when it reaches its Curie temperature. This leads to an increase in the skin layer to which eddy currents in the nickel layer are available, resulting in a decrease in the apparent resistance of the susceptor. As a result, when the nickel layer reaches its Curie temperature, a transient increase in the detected DC current may be observed. Therefore, by monitoring the DC current drawn by a DC power source, the known temperature (e.g., 354°C) can be determined.

[0169] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of the embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. 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 of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be used or modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or essentially consist 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. Aerosol generator comprising an inductor with multiple separate ring electrodes mounted on a first substrate. An aerosol supply device comprising the above features.

2. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the first substrate comprises a first printed circuit board ("PCB").

3. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ring electrode is planar.

4. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ring electrode is embedded in a matrix so as to form a housing.

5. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first substrate comprises one or more connectors or pads for electrically connecting the first substrate to the second substrate.

6. The aerosol supply device according to claim 5, wherein the second substrate comprises a second printed circuit board ("PCB").

7. Aerosol supply device, an aerosol generator equipped with multiple ring electrodes, A control device configured to independently apply one or more AC voltages to individual ring electrodes and / or groups of ring electrodes, An aerosol supply device comprising the above features.

8. an aerosol generator comprising multiple ring electrodes, wherein the ring electrodes are configured to form multiple independently controllable heating zones, A control device configured to independently energize the ring electrode so that the heating profile moves along at least a portion of the length of the aerosol generator during a session of use, An aerosol supply device comprising the above features.

9. The aerosol supply device according to claim 8, wherein the control device is configured to apply AC voltage to individual ring electrodes and / or groups of ring electrodes in sequence or in a predetermined order.

10. The aerosol supply device comprises an opening for receiving aerosol products, a first heating zone located proximal to the opening, and one or more further heating zones located distal to the opening, and the control device comprises (i) During a session of use, move the heating profile from the first heating zone toward the one or more further heating zones, and / or (ii) During a session of use, move the heating profile from the one or more additional heating zones toward the first heating zone The aerosol supply device according to claim 8 or 9, comprising the configuration described above.

11. A component of an aerosol supply device, An inductor element having multiple separate ring electrodes mounted on a substrate, A first module configured to receive a DC voltage and output an AC current, A second module configured to supply the alternating current to the selected ring electrode, A component comprising:

12. The component according to claim 11, wherein the second module comprises a plurality of electronic switch elements.

13. The component according to claim 12, wherein at least one electronic switch element is connected to at least some of the ring electrodes.

14. The component according to claim 12 or 13, wherein at least some of the switch elements are independently controllable so that the alternating current output from the first module can be applied to a selected ring electrode.

15. The component according to any one of claims 12, 13, or 14, wherein at least some of the switch elements or each of the switch elements comprises a half-bridge circuit.

16. The component according to claim 15, wherein at least some half-bridge circuits or each half-bridge circuit comprises two MOSFETs.

17. A component of an aerosol supply device, An inductor element having multiple separate ring electrodes mounted on a substrate, A module configured to supply alternating current to selected ring electrodes and A component comprising:

18. an aerosol generator for an aerosol supply device, The component according to any one of claims 11 to 17 An aerosol generator equipped with the following features.

19. Aerosol generator according to claim 18 An aerosol supply device comprising the above features.

20. The aerosol supply device according to claim 19, wherein the alternating current supplied to one or more ring electrodes generates a fluctuating magnetic field.

21. The aerosol supply device according to claim 19 or 20, further comprising a controller, the controller configured to control the second module or the module in order to control which ring electrode receives the AC current.

22. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 19, 20, or 21, further comprising a tubular susceptor at least partially located within a volume defined by the plurality of ring electrodes.

23. The aerosol supply device according to claim 22, wherein the tubular susceptor comprises one or more circumferential slots.

24. The aerosol supply device according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the tubular susceptor comprises a plurality of annular susceptor portions, and at least some of the annular susceptor portions are separated from each other by one or more thermal barrier portions.

25. an aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or 19 to 24, Aerosol products and an aerosol supply system equipped with the following features.

26. A method for generating an aerosol, A step of preparing an aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or 19 to 24, The steps include: inserting at least partially the aerosol product into the aerosol supply device; The steps of activating the aerosol supply device and Methods that include...

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