Method for determining susceptor changes and aerosol generating device for performing the method

Abstract

In one embodiment, a method for determining whether a susceptor has been modified includes applying a first signal to a heater coil to generate an alternating magnetic field having a first frequency, determining a first value of an electrical characteristic of the susceptor indicated by the first signal, applying a second signal to the heater coil to generate an alternating magnetic field having a second frequency, determining a second value of the electrical characteristic of the susceptor indicated by the second signal, and determining whether the susceptor is a modified susceptor based on the first and second values.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The following embodiments relate to a technique for controlling an aerosol generating device, and more particularly to a technique for controlling an aerosol generating device that uses induction heating to heat an aerosol product. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, the demand for electronic cigarette devices has been gradually increasing. As the demand for electronic cigarette devices has increased, the functions related to electronic cigarette devices have been continuously developed. In particular, the functions according to the types and characteristics of electronic cigarette devices have been continuously developed.

[0003] Generally, to heat a cigarette using induction heating, an electronic cigarette device can generate an alternating magnetic field using a coil to generate eddy currents in a susceptor adjacent to the cigarette, which can increase the temperature of the susceptor. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] One embodiment provides an aerosol generating device that determines whether a susceptor is present within the aerosol generating device.

[0005] One embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating device that determines whether a susceptor located within the aerosol generating device is a different susceptor than a previous susceptor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment, a method for determining a susceptor modification includes applying a first signal to a coil of a heater so as to generate an alternating magnetic field having a first frequency; determining a first value of an electrical characteristic of the susceptor indicated by the first signal; applying a second signal to the coil of the heater so as to generate an alternating magnetic field having a second frequency; determining a second value of an electrical characteristic of the susceptor indicated by the second signal; and determining whether the susceptor is a modified susceptor based on the first value and the second value.

[0007] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes a coil that generates an alternating magnetic field and a control unit that controls the aerosol generating device, and the control unit is capable of performing the following operations: applying a first signal to the coil so that an alternating magnetic field having a first frequency is generated; determining a first value of an electrical characteristic of a susceptor indicated by the first signal; applying a second signal to the coil so that an alternating magnetic field having a second frequency is generated; determining a second value of an electrical characteristic of the susceptor indicated by the second signal; and determining whether the susceptor is a modified susceptor based on the first value and the second value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an aerosol generating device that determines whether a susceptor is present in the aerosol generating device and operates based on the presence or absence of the susceptor.

[0009] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, when a susceptor in an aerosol generating apparatus is a new susceptor that is different from a previous susceptor, an aerosol generating apparatus can be provided that determines the temperature of the susceptor based on the electrical characteristics of the new susceptor. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1a]FIG. 1a illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments with an aerosol product inserted therein. [Figure 1b] FIG. 1b illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments with an aerosol product inserted therein. [Figure 1c] FIG. 1c illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments with an aerosol product inserted therein. [Figure 1d] FIG. 1d illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments with an aerosol product inserted therein. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an aerosol product according to various embodiments. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of an aerosol product according to various embodiments. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for determining whether a susceptor is a modified susceptor according to various embodiments. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows eddy current trajectories in a susceptor as indicated by the frequency of a signal according to various embodiments. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows the trace of susceptor impedance as a function of signal frequency according to various embodiments. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method for determining a temperature equation for a susceptor based on first and second values ​​of an electrical property of the susceptor according to various embodiments. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method for controlling the temperature of a susceptor while an aerosol product is heated, according to various embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Specific structural or functional descriptions of the embodiments are disclosed for illustrative purposes only and may be modified in various forms. Therefore, the embodiments are not limited to the specific disclosed forms, and the scope of this specification includes modifications, equivalents, or alternatives that fall within the technical ideas described in the embodiments.

[0012] Although terms such as "first" or "second" may be used to describe multiple components, such terms should be construed only to distinguish one component from the other components. For example, a first component may be designated as a second component, and similarly, a second component may be designated as a first component.

[0013] When any component is referred to as being "connected" to another component, it is directly linked or connected to the other component, but it should be understood that there may be other components in between.

[0014] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, the words "comprise" or "have" and the like indicate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0015] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. Commonly used, predefined terms should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning they have in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless expressly defined herein.

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, the same components will be given the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0017] 1a-1d show examples of aerosol generating devices according to various embodiments, with an aerosol product inserted therein.

[0018] Referring to Fig. 1a, the aerosol generation device 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a heater 13. Referring to Fig. 1b and Fig. 1c, the aerosol generation device 1 further includes a vaporizer 14. Referring to Fig. 1d, the aerosol generation device 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, a coil 13a, and a susceptor 13b. A cigarette 2 may be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0019] 1a to 4 show components related to this embodiment in the aerosol-generating device 1. Therefore, it will be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field related to this embodiment that the aerosol-generating device 1 further includes other general-purpose components in addition to the components shown in Fig. 1a to 4.

[0020] 1b and 1c illustrate the aerosol generation device 1 including the heater 13, the heater 13 may be omitted as necessary. For example, an aerosol generation device 1 not including the heater 13 may generate aerosol via a vaporizer 14.

[0021] 1a shows that the battery 11, the control unit 12, and the heater 13 are arranged in a row. Also, FIG. 1b shows that the battery 11, the control unit 12, the vaporizer 14, and the heater 13 are arranged in a row. Furthermore, FIG. 1c shows that the vaporizer 14 and the heater 13 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generation device 1 is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 1a to 1c. In other words, the arrangement of the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14 may be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0022] When a cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 can activate the heater 13 and / or vaporizer 14 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and / or vaporizer 14 is transmitted through the cigarette 2 to the user.

[0023] If desired, the aerosol generating device 1 can heat the heater 13 even when no cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1 .

[0024] The battery 11 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the battery 11 can supply power to heat the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14, and can supply power necessary for the operation of the control unit 12. The battery 11 can also supply power necessary for the operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, and the like provided in the aerosol generation device 1.

[0025] The control unit 12 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generation device 1. Specifically, the control unit 12 controls the operation of not only the battery 11, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14, but also other components included in the aerosol generation device 1. The control unit 12 can also check the state of each component of the aerosol generation device 1 to determine whether the aerosol generation device 1 is in an operable state.

[0026] The control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor may be realized by an array of a large number of logic gates, or may be realized by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the processor may also be realized by different forms of hardware.

[0027] The heater 13 can be heated by power supplied from the battery 11. For example, when the cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the heater 13 can be located outside the cigarette 2. Thus, the heated heater 13 can increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating material within the cigarette.

[0028] The heater 13 may be an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heater 13 may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater 13 may be heated by passing an electric current through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above example, and may be any heater capable of heating to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be pre-set in the aerosol generation device 1, or may be set by a user.

[0029] On the other hand, as a different example, the heater 13 may be an induction heater including a coil 13a and a susceptor 13b as shown in Fig. 1d. Therefore, a duplicated description of the heater 13 will be omitted.

[0030] Specifically, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include an electrically conductive coil 13a for inductively heating the cigarette 2, and may include a susceptor 13b that can be heated by an induction heater. Although not shown in Figure 1d, the susceptor 13b may not be included in the aerosol-generating device 1, but may be included in the cigarette 2.

[0031] For example, the heater 13 may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the interior or exterior of the cigarette 2 depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0032] Furthermore, a plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged in the aerosol generation device 1. In this case, the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the cigarette 2, or may be arranged outside the cigarette 2. Furthermore, some of the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the cigarette 2, and the rest may be arranged outside the cigarette 2. Furthermore, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shapes shown in Figures 1a to 1d, and various shapes can be manufactured.

[0033] The vaporizer 14 can heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which can be transmitted to the user through the cigarette 2. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 can travel along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device 1, which can be configured to allow the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 to be transmitted to the user through the cigarette 2.

[0034] For example, the vaporizer 14 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element. For example, the liquid storage unit, the liquid transfer means, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generation device 1 as independent modules.

[0035] The liquid storage unit can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage unit may be configured to be detachable from the vaporizer 14, or may be configured as an integral part of the vaporizer 14.

[0036] For example, the liquid composition may contain water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract, fragrance, flavoring, or vitamin mixture. Flavoring may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavoring ingredients, etc. Flavoring may include ingredients that can provide the user with various flavors or tastes. The vitamin mixture may be, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The liquid composition may also contain an aerosol-forming agent, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0037] The liquid transfer means is an element for heating the liquid composition in the liquid storage portion, and may be, for example, but not limited to, a wick made of cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, or the like.

[0038] The heating element can be an element configured to heat the liquid composition transferred by the liquid transfer means. For example, the heating element can be, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, or the like. The heating element can also be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire, and can be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transfer means. The heating element can be heated by supplying an electric current and can transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0039] For example, but not limited to, the vaporizer 14 may be called a cartomizer or an atomizer.

[0040] Meanwhile, the aerosol generation device 1 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14. For example, the aerosol generation device 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. The aerosol generation device 1 may also include at least one sensor (such as a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, or a cigarette insertion detection sensor). Furthermore, the aerosol generation device 1 may be fabricated with a structure that allows external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out even when a cigarette 2 is inserted.

[0041] Although not shown in Figures 1a to 1d, the aerosol generation device 1 can also constitute a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle is used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol generation device 1. Alternatively, the heater 13 may heat the aerosol generation device 1 while the cradle and the aerosol generation device 1 are coupled together.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 1d, the aerosol generating device 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, a coil 13a, a susceptor 13b, and a cavity 13c.

[0043] The cigarette 2 may be inserted into a cavity 13c of the aerosol generating device 1, and the coil 13a may be positioned around the cavity 13c, as shown in Figure 1d, where the coil 13a is positioned to surround the cavity 13c, but is not limited to this.

[0044] The aerosol generating device 1 can generate aerosol by heating the cigarette 2 using an induction heating method. The induction heating method refers to a method of generating heat from a magnetic material by applying an alternating magnetic field.

[0045] When an alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnetic material, energy loss due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss may occur in the magnetic material. The lost energy is released from the magnetic material as heat energy. The larger the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field, the more heat energy is released from the magnetic material. The magnetic material that generates heat due to an external magnetic field may be a susceptor.

[0046] The aerosol generation device 1 includes a susceptor 13b that generates heat when exposed to an external magnetic field. The aerosol generation device 1 can heat the tobacco 2 by applying an alternating magnetic field to the susceptor 13b.

[0047] The susceptor 13b may include a metal or carbon. The susceptor 13b may include at least one of ferrite, a ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al).

[0048] The susceptor 13b may also include at least one of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, nickel alloy, metal film, ceramic such as zirconia, transition metal such as nickel (Ni) or cobalt (Co), and semi-metal such as boron (B) or phosphorus (P).

[0049] The aerosol generating device 1 includes a cavity 13c for accommodating the cigarette 2. The cavity 13c may include an opening that opens to the outside of the cavity 13c in order to accommodate the cigarette 2 in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0050] The aerosol generating device 1 includes a coil 13a that applies an alternating magnetic field to the susceptor 13b. The coil 13a may be wound along the side surface of the cavity 13c. The coil 13a may be disposed near the susceptor 13b.

[0051] The coil 13a can be supplied with power from the battery 10. When power is supplied to the coil 13a, a magnetic field can be formed inside the coil 13a. When an alternating current is applied to the coil 13a, the magnetic field formed inside the coil 13a periodically changes direction. When the susceptor 13b is exposed to the alternating magnetic field formed by the coil 13a, the susceptor 13b generates heat, which heats the cigarettes 2 contained in the aerosol generation device 1.

[0052] A change in the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field formed by the coil 13a changes the temperature of the susceptor 13b that heats the cigarettes 2. The control unit 12 controls the power supplied to the coil 13a to adjust the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field formed by the coil 13a, thereby controlling the temperature of the susceptor 13b.

[0053] As one example, the coil 13a can be realized as a solenoid. The coil 13a may be a solenoid wound along the side of the cavity 13c. The cigarette 2 may be accommodated in the internal space of the solenoid. The solenoid may include, but is not limited to, copper (Cu).

[0054] The solenoid may include any one or an alloy containing at least one of silver (Ag), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni) to have low resistivity and thereby allow high current to flow.

[0055] The cigarette 2 may be similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, the cigarette 2 may be divided into a first portion containing an aerosol-generating material and a second portion containing a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the cigarette 2 may also contain an aerosol-generating material. For example, the aerosol-generating material in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

[0056] The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generation device 1, and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part, or the entire first part and a part of the second part, may be inserted into the aerosol generation device 1. A user can inhale the aerosol while biting the second part in their mouth. In this case, the aerosol is generated by external air passing through the first part, and the generated aerosol passes through the second part and is delivered to the user's mouth.

[0057] As one example, external air can flow in through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the opening and / or size of the air passage formed in the aerosol generation device 1 can be adjusted by the user. This allows the user to adjust the amount of atomization, smoking sensation, etc. As another example, external air can flow into the cigarette 2 through at least one hole formed in the surface of the cigarette 2.

[0058] An example of a cigarette 2 will now be described with reference to FIGS.

[0059] 2 and 3 are diagrams showing examples of cigarettes.

[0060] Referring to Figure 2, the cigarette 2 comprises a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first part described above with reference to Figures 1a to 1d comprises the tobacco rod 21 and the second part comprises the filter rod 22.

[0061] 2, the filter rod 22 is shown as a single segment, but is not limited to this. In other words, the filter rod 22 may be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a segment that cools the aerosol and a segment that filters a predetermined component contained in the aerosol. If necessary, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment that performs another function.

[0062] The cigarette 2 may have a diameter in the range of 5 mm to 9 mm and a length of approximately 48 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may have a length of approximately 12 mm, the first segment of the filter rod 22 may have a length of approximately 10 mm, the second segment of the filter rod 22 may have a length of approximately 14 mm, and the third segment of the filter rod 22 may have a length of approximately 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0063] The cigarette 2 can be wrapped in at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 has at least one hole formed therein through which external air can enter or internal gas can escape. As an example, the cigarette 2 can be wrapped in a single wrapper 24. As another example, the cigarette 2 can be wrapped in two or more wrappers 24 stacked one on top of the other. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be wrapped in a first wrapper 241, and the filter rod 22 can be wrapped in wrappers 242, 243, and 244. The entire cigarette 2 can also be rewrapped in a fifth wrapper 245. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, each segment can be wrapped in a wrapper 242, 243, or 244.

[0064] The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can be made of common filter wrapping paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be porous or non-porous wrapping paper. The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can also be made of oil-resistant paper and / or aluminum-clad paper wrapping material.

[0065] The third wrapper 243 can be made of hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 is 88 g / m 2 ~96g / m 2 and preferably 90 g / m 2 ~94g / m 2The thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably 125 μm.

[0066] The fourth wrapper 244 can be made of a grease-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 is 88 g / m 2 ~96g / m 2 and preferably 90 g / m 2 ~94g / m 2 The thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably 125 μm.

[0067] The fifth wrapper 245 can be made of a sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) refers to paper that is specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 is 57 g / m 2 ~63g / m 2 and preferably 60 g / m 2 The thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

[0068] A predetermined material may be added to the fifth wrapper 245. Examples of the predetermined material include, but are not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance (i.e., small changes due to temperature), oxidation resistance (i.e., no oxidation), resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any material other than silicon that has the above-mentioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation.

[0069] The fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the cigarette 2 from burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 13, the cigarette 2 may burn. Specifically, if the temperature of any of the substances contained in the tobacco rod 31 rises above the ignition point, the cigarette 2 may burn. Even in such a case, the fifth wrapper 245 contains a non-combustible substance, so the cigarette 2 can be prevented from burning.

[0070] Furthermore, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the holder from being contaminated by substances produced in the cigarette 2. When a user puffs, a liquid substance can be produced within the cigarette 2. For example, a liquid substance (such as water) can be produced when the aerosol produced in the cigarette 2 is cooled by the outside air. By wrapping the cigarette 2 with the fifth wrapper 245, the liquid substance produced within the cigarette 2 can be prevented from leaking out of the cigarette 2.

[0071] The tobacco rod 21 contains an aerosol-forming material. For example, the aerosol-forming material may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The tobacco rod 21 may also contain other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. A flavoring liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, may be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying it onto the tobacco rod 21.

[0072] The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in a sheet or a strand. Alternatively, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured from shredded tobacco sheets. The tobacco rod 21 can be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material can be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can evenly distribute heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21, improving the thermal conductivity of the tobacco rod, thereby improving the tobacco flavor. The thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can also function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. Although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 can include an additional susceptor in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding the exterior.

[0073] The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. However, there is no limitation on the shape of the filter rod 22. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod or a tube-type rod having a hollow interior. The filter rod 22 may also be a recessed rod. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

[0074] The first segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure having a hollow interior. When the heater 13 is inserted through the first segment, it can prevent the material inside the tobacco rod 21 from being pushed backward and also produce a cooling effect on the aerosol. The diameter of the hollow interior of the first segment may be, but is not limited to, a suitable diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm.

[0075] The length of the first segment may be an appropriate length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the first segment may be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0076] The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by adjusting the amount of plasticizer used during manufacturing. The first segment can also be manufactured by inserting a film, tube, or other structure made of the same or different material into the interior (e.g., hollow) of the first segment.

[0077] The second segment of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol generated by the heater 13 heating the tobacco rod 21. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0078] The length or diameter of the second segment can be determined in various ways depending on the form of the cigarette 2. For example, the length of the second segment can be appropriately set within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment may be about 14 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0079] The second segment can be made by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, the fragrance liquid can be applied to the polymer fibers. Alternatively, the second segment can be made by weaving the polymer fibers together with separate fibers to which the fragrance liquid has been applied. Alternatively, the second segment can be formed by a wound polymer sheet.

[0080] For example, the polymer may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.

[0081] By forming the second segment from woven polymer fibers or wound polymer sheets, the second segment can include one or more longitudinally extending channels, where channel refers to a passageway through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) can pass.

[0082] For example, the second segment of wound polymer sheet can be formed from a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, such as between about 10 μm and about 250 μm, and the total surface area of ​​the second segment can be less than about 300 mm 2 / mm and approximately 1000mm 2 / mm. Furthermore, the aerosol cooling element may have a specific surface area of ​​between about 10 mm 2 / mg and about 100mm 2 It can be made from materials between 1 / 2 mg.

[0083] The second segment may include a thread containing a volatile flavor component, which may be, but is not limited to, menthol. For example, the thread may be loaded with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide 1.5 mg or more of menthol to the second segment.

[0084] The third segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be appropriately selected within a range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be approximately 12 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0085] During the manufacturing process of the third segment, the third segment can be manufactured so that a flavor is generated by spraying a flavoring liquid onto the third segment. Alternatively, separate fibers coated with a flavoring liquid can be inserted into the third segment. The aerosol generated in the tobacco rod 21 is cooled as it passes through the second segment of the filter rod 22, and the cooled aerosol is delivered to the user via the third segment. Therefore, when a flavoring element is added to the third segment, the effect of enhancing the persistence of the flavor delivered to the user can be achieved.

[0086] Furthermore, the filter rod 22 may include at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may perform the function of generating a flavor or the function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is enclosed in a coating. The capsule 23 may have, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0087] 3, the cigarette 3 may further include a shear plug 33. The shear plug 33 may be located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 facing the filter rod 32. The shear plug 33 may prevent the tobacco rod 31 from detaching to the outside, and may also prevent aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 31 during smoking from flowing into the aerosol generating device (FIGS. 1a to 1d).

[0088] Filter rod 32 can include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, first segment 321 corresponds to the first segment of filter rod 22 of FIG. 2, and second segment 322 corresponds to the third segment of filter rod 22 of FIG. 2.

[0089] The diameter and length of cigarette 3 correspond to the diameter and length of cigarette 2 of Figure 2. For example, but not limited to, the length of shear plug 33 may be about 7 mm, the length of tobacco rod 31 may be about 15 mm, the length of first segment 321 may be about 12 mm, and the length of second segment 322 may be about 14 mm.

[0090] The cigarette 3 may be wrapped in at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 35 may have at least one hole formed therein to allow external air to enter or internal gas to escape. For example, the shear plug 33 may be wrapped in a first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 may be wrapped in a second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 may be wrapped in a third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 may be wrapped in a fourth wrapper 354. The entire cigarette 3 may also be rewrapped in a fifth wrapper 355.

[0091] Additionally, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 355. For example, but not limited to, the perforation 36 may be formed in the area surrounding the tobacco rod 31. The perforation 36 serves to transfer heat generated by the heater 13 shown in Figures 1a and 1d to the interior of the tobacco rod 31.

[0092] Furthermore, the second segment 322 may include at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 may perform the function of generating a flavor or the function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is enclosed in a coating. The capsule 34 may have, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0093] The first wrapper 351 may be made by bonding a metal foil, such as aluminum foil, to a common filter wrapping paper. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be within a range of 45 μm to 55 μm, and preferably 50.3 μm. The thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be within a range of 6 μm to 7 μm, and preferably 6.3 μm. Furthermore, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be 50 g / m 2 ~55g / m 2 and preferably 53 g / m 2 may be.

[0094] The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 can be made of common filter wrapping paper. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper.

[0095] For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be 35000 CU, but is not limited thereto. The thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be within the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, and preferably 78 μm. The basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be 20 g / m 2 ~25g / m 2 and preferably 23.5 g / m 2 may be.

[0096] For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be 24000 CU, but is not limited thereto. The thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be within a range of 60 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 68 μm. The basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be 20 g / m 2 ~25g / m 2 and preferably 21 g / m 2 may be.

[0097] The fourth wrapper 354 can be made of PLA laminated paper. Here, PLA laminated paper means a triple layer of paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and another paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be in the range of 100 μm to 120 μm, and preferably 110 μm. The basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 is 80 g / m 2 ~100g / m 2 and preferably 88 g / m 2 may be.

[0098] The fifth wrapper 355 can be made of a sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) refers to paper that is specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 is 57 g / m 2 ~63g / m 2 and preferably 60 g / m 2 The thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

[0099] A predetermined material may be added to the fifth wrapper 355. An example of the predetermined material may be, but is not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance (i.e., small changes due to temperature), oxidation resistance (i.e., no oxidation), resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any material other than silicon that has the above-mentioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 355 without limitation.

[0100] The shear plug 33 can be made of cellulose acetate. As an example, the shear plug 33 can be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono-denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be within the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably within the range of 4.0 to 6.0. More preferably, the mono-denier of the filaments constituting the shear plug 33 may be 5.0. The cross section of the filaments constituting the shear plug 33 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the shear plug 33 may be within the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably within the range of 25,000 to 30,000. More preferably, the total denier of the shear plug 33 may be 28,000.

[0101] Also, if desired, the shear plug 33 may include at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel may be varied.

[0102] The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to Figure 2. Therefore, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted below.

[0103] The first segment 321 can be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment can be a tube-shaped structure with a hollow interior. The first segment 321 can be made of cellulose acetate tow with a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin). For example, the mono-denier and total denier of the first segment 321 can be the same as the mono-denier and total denier of the shear plug 33.

[0104] The second segment 322 may be made of cellulose acetate. The mono-denier of the filaments constituting the second segment 322 may be within the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably within the range of 8.0 to 10.0. More preferably, the mono-denier of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be 9.0. The cross section of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 may be within the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably 25,000.

[0105] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 400 according to another embodiment.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generation device 400 (for example, the aerosol generation device 1 in FIGS. 1a to 1d) includes a control unit 410, a detection unit 420, an output unit 430, a battery 440, a heater 450, a user input unit 460, a memory 470, and a communication unit 480. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generation device 400 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 4. That is, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to this embodiment that some of the components shown in FIG. 4 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 400.

[0107] The detection unit 420 can detect the state of the aerosol generation device 400 or the state around the aerosol generation device 400 and transmit the detected information to the control unit 410. Based on the detected information, the control unit 410 can control the aerosol generation device 400 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 450, restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol product (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0108] The detection unit 420 includes at least one of a temperature sensor 422, an insertion detection sensor 424, and a puff sensor 426, but is not limited to these.

[0109] The temperature sensor 422 detects the temperature of the heater 450 (or the aerosol-generating material). The aerosol-generating device 400 may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater 450, or the heater 450 itself may function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 422 may be disposed near the battery 440 to monitor the temperature of the battery 440.

[0110] The insertion detection sensor 424 detects the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 424 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product article.

[0111] The puff sensor 426 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or channel, for example, the puff sensor 426 may detect a user's puff based on any of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0112] In addition to the above-described sensors 422 to 426, the detection unit 420 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (RGB) sensor (illumination sensor). The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, and therefore detailed explanations are omitted. For example, the detection unit 420 may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may be disposed adjacent to a space where a cigarette (e.g., cigarette 2 in FIG. 2 or cigarette 3 in FIG. 3) is inserted into the aerosol generation device 400, and may detect changes in airflow in the space. For example, the pressure sensor may detect negative and / or positive pressure in the space where the pressure sensor is disposed. The pressure sensor may constitute at least a part of the puff sensor 426 or the barometric pressure sensor.

[0113] The output unit 430 may output and provide to a user information regarding the status of the aerosol generating device 400. The output unit 430 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 432, a haptic unit 434, and an audio output unit 436. When the display unit 432 and the touchpad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 432 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0114] The display unit 432 can visually provide a user with information about the aerosol generating device 400. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 400 can mean various information such as the charging / discharging status of the battery 440 of the aerosol generating device 400, the preheating status of the heater 450, the insertion / removal status of an aerosol product, or a status in which use of the aerosol generating device 400 is restricted (e.g., abnormal item detection), and the display unit 432 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 432 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. The display unit 432 can also be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0115] The haptic unit 434 can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to tactilely provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 400. For example, the haptic unit 434 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0116] The acoustic output unit 436 can audibly provide the user with information regarding the aerosol generation device 400. For example, the acoustic output unit 436 may convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0117] The battery 440 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generation device 400. The battery 440 can supply power to heat the heater 450. The battery 440 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generation device 400 (e.g., the detection unit 420, the output unit 430, the user input unit 460, the memory 470, and the communication unit 480). The battery 440 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 440 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery.

[0118] The heater 450 can heat the aerosol-generating material by receiving power from the battery 440. Although not shown in Fig. 4, the aerosol-generating device 400 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 440 and supplies it to the heater 450. Furthermore, when the aerosol-generating device 400 generates the aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol-generating device 400 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of the battery 440 into AC power.

[0119] The control unit 410, the detection unit 420, the output unit 430, the user input unit 460, the memory 470, and the communication unit 480 can function by receiving power from the battery 440. Although not shown in FIG. 4, the device may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 440 and supplies it to each component.

[0120] In one embodiment, heater 450 may be formed from any suitable electrically resistive material, including, but not limited to, metals or metal alloys, including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. Additionally, heater 450 may be implemented as, but not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate with an electrically conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0121] In another embodiment, heater 450 may be an induction heater. For example, heater 450 may include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0122] In one embodiment, heater 450 may include multiple heaters. For example, heater 450 may include a first heater for heating the cigarette and a second heater for heating the liquid phase.

[0123] The user input unit 460 may receive information input by a user or output information to a user. For example, the user input unit 460 may be, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (e.g., a contact-type capacitance type, a pressure-type resistive film type, an infrared detection type, a surface ultrasonic conduction type, an integral tension measurement type, a piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Although not shown in FIG. 6 , the aerosol generating device 400 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may connect to another external device via the connection interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 440.

[0124] The memory 470 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 400 and can store data that has been processed by the control unit 410 and data to be processed by the control unit 410. The memory 470 can include at least one type of storage medium selected from the group consisting of flash memory, hard disk, micro multimedia card, card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory 470 can store data related to the operating time of the aerosol generating device 400, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile (heating profile), and the user's smoking pattern.

[0125] The communication unit 480 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices, such as a short-range wireless communication unit 482 and a wireless communication unit 484.

[0126] The short-range communication unit 482 includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee (registered trademark) communication unit, an IrDA (infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra-wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0127] The wireless communication unit 484 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 484 may identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 400 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)).

[0128] The control unit 410 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 400. In one embodiment, the control unit 410 can include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present embodiment can also be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0129] The control unit 410 can control the temperature of the heater 450 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 440 to the heater 450. For example, the control unit 410 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 440 and the heater 450. As another example, a heating direct circuit can control the power supply to the heater 450 in response to a control command from the control unit 410.

[0130] The control unit 410 can analyze the result detected by the detection unit 420 and control subsequent processing. For example, the control unit 410 can control the power supplied to the heater 450 so that the operation of the heater 450 starts or ends based on the result detected by the detection unit 420. As another example, the control unit 410 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 450 and the time for which the power is supplied based on the result detected by the detection unit 420 so that the heater 450 is heated to a predetermined temperature or can maintain an appropriate temperature.

[0131] The control unit 410 can control the output unit 430 based on the result detected by the detection unit 420. For example, when the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 426 reaches a preset number, the control unit 410 can notify the user through at least one of the display unit 432, the haptic unit 434, and the audio output unit 436 that the aerosol generating device 400 will immediately shut down.

[0132] In one embodiment, the control unit 410 can control the time and / or amount of power supplied to the heater 450 depending on the state of the aerosol product detected by the detection unit 420. For example, when the aerosol product is in an overly humid state, the control unit 410 can control the time of power supply to the induction coil to increase the preheating time compared to when the aerosol product is in a normal state.

[0133] An embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as a program module executed by a computer. A computer-readable recording medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer, including both volatile and non-volatile media, and both detachable and non-detachable media. Furthermore, a computer-readable recording medium may include both computer storage media and communication media. A computer storage medium includes both volatile and non-volatile, detachable and non-detachable media embodied in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. A communication medium typically includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data in a modulated data signal, such as a program module, or other transmission mechanism, and includes any information delivery medium.

[0134] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for determining whether a susceptor is a modified susceptor according to various embodiments.

[0135] The subsequent operations 510 and 550 are performed by an aerosol generation device (e.g., the aerosol generation device 1 in FIGS. 1a to 1d or the aerosol generation device 400 in FIG. 4). The aerosol generation device includes a heater (e.g., the heater 13 in FIGS. 1a to 1d or the heater 450 in FIG. 4) and a control unit (e.g., the control unit 12 in FIGS. 1a to 1d or the control unit 410 of the aerosol generation device 400 in FIG. 4). For example, the heater may include a coil for induction heating (e.g., the coil 13a in FIG. 1d).

[0136] In operation 510, the control unit of the aerosol generating device applies a first signal to the heater coil so as to generate an alternating magnetic field having a first frequency, the first signal having a current, voltage, and duty ratio preset as a first test signal.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a DC / AC inverter and an amplifier for generating the first signal, for example, the amplifier may include a D-class amplifier or an E-class amplifier.

[0138] According to one embodiment, the first frequency is a frequency greater than the range of the natural frequency (or matching frequency) of a susceptor disposed in the aerosol generating device. For example, multiple susceptors may have different natural frequencies, but the different natural frequencies may be within a certain range. The natural frequency of a susceptor is the frequency of a signal that induces the largest eddy current in the susceptor. For example, if the range of the natural frequency is 230 KHz to 250 KHz, the first frequency may be 270 KHz.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the act of applying the first signal to the coil occurs for a short time (eg, a few milliseconds) so that the temperature of the susceptor does not increase due to eddy currents induced in the susceptor by the first signal.

[0140] According to one embodiment, the susceptor may not be electrically connected to the aerosol generating device.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the susceptor is disposed within the aerosol product article when the aerosol product article is inserted into the aerosol generating device. For example, the susceptor may be a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the susceptor can be arranged to surround the exterior of the aerosol product article when the aerosol product article is inserted into the aerosol generating device together with the susceptor 13b of FIG. 1d.

[0143] According to one embodiment, the susceptor can be included in the aerosol product that is inserted into the aerosol generating device. For example, the susceptor can be included in the filter paper of the aerosol product. For example, the susceptor can be included in the tobacco rod of the aerosol product.

[0144] In operation 520, the controller of the aerosol generating device determines a first value of the electrical property of the susceptor indicated by the first signal. For example, the electrical property may be eddy currents generated in the susceptor. For example, the electrical property may be the impedance of the susceptor.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a detection circuit for determining the electrical characteristic value of the susceptor indicated by the first signal. The detection circuit may not be electrically connected to the susceptor.

[0146] In operation 530, the controller of the aerosol generating device applies a second signal to the coil of the heater so as to generate an alternating magnetic field having a second frequency, the second signal having a current, voltage, and duty ratio preset as a second test signal.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the second frequency is greater than the range for the natural frequency of a susceptor disposed in the aerosol generating device. For example, if the range for the natural frequency is 230 KHz to 250 KHz, the second frequency may be 280 KHz.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the act of applying the second signal to the coil is performed for a short time (eg, a few milliseconds) so that the temperature of the susceptor does not increase due to eddy currents induced in the susceptor by the second signal.

[0149] In operation 540, the controller of the aerosol generating device determines a second value of the electrical property of the susceptor indicated by the second signal. For example, the electrical property may be eddy currents generated in the susceptor. For example, the electrical property may be the impedance of the susceptor.

[0150] In operation 550, the controller of the aerosol generating device determines whether the susceptor is a modified susceptor based on the first and second values ​​of the electrical property of the susceptor. For example, if at least one of the first and second values ​​is different from a previous first value and a previous second value measured for a previous susceptor, the controller of the aerosol generating device may determine that the susceptor is a modified susceptor. For example, if the first and second values ​​are the same as a previous first value and a previous second value measured for a previous susceptor, the controller of the aerosol generating device may determine that the susceptor is an unmodified susceptor.

[0151] According to one embodiment, if it is determined that the susceptor has been changed, the controller of the aerosol generating device can determine a temperature equation for the susceptor. The temperature equation can be used to determine the temperature of the susceptor while an aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generating device is heated. A method for determining the temperature equation for the susceptor is described in detail below with reference to FIG. 8.

[0152] According to one embodiment, if it is determined that the susceptor is not to be changed, the controller of the aerosol generating device can retain a predetermined temperature equation for the susceptor.

[0153] FIG. 6 shows eddy current trajectories in a susceptor as indicated by the frequency of a signal according to various embodiments.

[0154] According to one embodiment, the first susceptor and the second susceptor may exhibit different electrical characteristics in response to the same signal. For example, the first natural frequency 612 of the first susceptor and the second natural frequency 614 of the second susceptor may be different from each other, so that the first eddy current locus 602 of the first susceptor and the second eddy current locus 604 of the second susceptor, which are indicated by the frequency of the applied signal, may be different from each other. For example, even if the same manufacturing process and the same material are used, the first natural frequency 612 of the first susceptor and the second natural frequency 614 of the second susceptor may be different from each other due to tolerances that occur during the susceptor manufacturing process. For example, each susceptor may be manufactured to have different electrical characteristics.

[0155] If an aerosol generating apparatus (e.g., the aerosol generating apparatus 1 in FIGS. 1a to 1d or the aerosol generating apparatus 400 in FIG. 4) can perform a frequency sweep over the entire frequency band, it can generate a first eddy current trajectory 602 in the first susceptor and a second eddy current trajectory 604 in the second susceptor. If the first eddy current trajectory 602 in the first susceptor and the second eddy current trajectory 604 in the second susceptor are not identical, the aerosol generating apparatus determines that the first susceptor and the second susceptor are not identical. However, for the aerosol generating apparatus to perform a frequency sweep over the entire frequency band, a large amount of calculations and a long processing time are required.

[0156] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus can determine a first value (c) and a second value (d) of the eddy current exhibited by the first susceptor using a first signal having a first frequency 620 and a second signal having a second frequency 630 to reduce the amount of calculation required and processing time. The aerosol generating apparatus can pre-store a first value (a) and a second value (b) of the eddy current exhibited by the second susceptor using the first signal having the first frequency 620 and the second signal having the second frequency 630. For example, the first susceptor can be a replaced susceptor, and the second susceptor can be the susceptor before being replaced.

[0157] The aerosol generating apparatus determines whether the first value (c) and the second value (d) for the first susceptor and the first value (a) and the second value (b) for the second susceptor are the same, respectively. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus may determine the first susceptor and the second susceptor as the same susceptor if the first value (c) and the second value (d) for the first susceptor and the first value (a) and the second value (b) for the second susceptor are the same, respectively. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus may determine the first susceptor and the second susceptor as not the same susceptor if at least one of the first value (c) and the second value (d) for the first susceptor is not the same as the first value (a) and the second value (b) for the second susceptor.

[0158] FIG. 7 shows the trace of susceptor impedance as a function of signal frequency according to various embodiments.

[0159] In one embodiment, the first susceptor and the second susceptor exhibit different electrical characteristics for the same signal. For example, the first natural frequency 712 of the first susceptor and the second natural frequency 714 of the second susceptor are different from each other, resulting in different first impedance locus 702 and second impedance locus 704 for the first susceptor and the second susceptor, respectively, exhibiting different frequencies of the applied signal.

[0160] If an aerosol generation apparatus (e.g., the aerosol generation apparatus 1 in FIGS. 1a to 1d or the aerosol generation apparatus 400 in FIG. 4) can perform a frequency sweep over the entire frequency band, it can generate a first impedance locus 702 of the first susceptor and a second impedance locus 704 of the second susceptor. If the first impedance locus 702 of the first susceptor and the second impedance locus 704 of the second susceptor are not identical, the aerosol generation apparatus can determine that the first susceptor and the second susceptor are not identical. However, for the aerosol generation apparatus to perform a frequency sweep over the entire frequency band, a large amount of calculations and a long processing time are required.

[0161] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus can determine a first value (e) and a second value (f) of impedance exhibited by a first susceptor using a first signal having a first frequency 720 and a second signal having a second frequency 730 to reduce the amount of calculation required and processing time. The aerosol generating apparatus pre-stores a first value (g) and a second value (h) of impedance exhibited by a second susceptor using the first signal having the first frequency 720 and the second signal having the second frequency 730. For example, the first susceptor may be a replaced susceptor, and the second susceptor may be the susceptor before being replaced.

[0162] The aerosol generating apparatus determines whether the first value (e) and the second value (f) for the first susceptor and the first value (g) and the second value (h) for the second susceptor are the same, respectively. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus may determine the first susceptor and the second susceptor as the same susceptor if the first value (e) and the second value (f) for the first susceptor and the first value (g) and the second value (h) for the second susceptor are the same, respectively. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus may determine the first susceptor and the second susceptor as not being the same susceptor if at least one of the first value (e) and the second value (f) for the first susceptor is not the same as the first value (g) and the second value (h) for the second susceptor.

[0163] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method for determining a temperature equation for a susceptor based on first and second values ​​of an electrical property of the susceptor according to various embodiments.

[0164] According to one embodiment, operation 810 is performed after operation 550 described above with reference to Figure 5 is performed. For example, operation 810 is performed if the susceptor is determined to be a modified susceptor. Operation 810 is performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., aerosol generating device 1 of Figures 1a-1d or aerosol generating device 400 of Figure 4).

[0165] In operation 810, the controller of the aerosol generating device determines a temperature equation for the susceptor based on the first and second values ​​of the electrical property of the susceptor. For example, the temperature equation may be in the form of a linear equation to reduce the amount of calculation, but is not limited to the described embodiment and may be in the form of a quadratic or higher order equation.

[0166] According to one embodiment, the linear equation may be of the form y=ax+b. For example, in the linear equation, x may be a value of the frequency of the signal provided to the susceptor, and y may be a value of the eddy current exhibited by the susceptor. For example, in the linear equation, x may be a value of the frequency of the signal provided to the susceptor, and y may be a value of the impedance of the susceptor. The values ​​of a and b in the linear equation are determined based on first and second values ​​of the electrical property of the susceptor. If the first frequency of the first signal and the second frequency of the second signal are higher than the natural frequency of the susceptor, the value of a in the temperature equation for the eddy current in the susceptor may be a negative number, or the value of a in the temperature equation for the impedance of the susceptor may be a positive number.

[0167] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method for controlling the temperature of a susceptor while an aerosol product is heated, according to various embodiments.

[0168] According to one embodiment, the following operations 910-930 are performed after operation 810 described above with reference to Figure 8 is performed. For example, operations 910-930 are performed if the functionality for heating the aerosol product is activated.

[0169] Operations 910-930 are performed by an aerosol generation device (eg, the aerosol generation device 1 of FIGS. 1a-1d or the aerosol generation device 400 of FIG. 4).

[0170] In operation 910, the control unit of the aerosol generating device applies a third signal to the coil of the heater to heat the aerosol product. The third signal may be a signal having a third frequency. The third signal may be a signal having a frequency higher than the natural frequency of the susceptor. The coil generates an alternating magnetic field having the third frequency based on the third signal. The alternating magnetic field generates eddy currents in the susceptor. The generated eddy currents generate heat in the susceptor.

[0171] In operation 920, the controller of the aerosol generating device determines the temperature of the susceptor based on a temperature equation while the aerosol product is heated. For example, the aerosol generating device can determine a third value of the electrical property of the susceptor via a detection circuit.

[0172] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can determine the temperature of the susceptor based on a third value of the eddy current indicated by a third signal having a third frequency and a temperature equation.

[0173] According to one embodiment, when the temperature of the susceptor increases, the inductance and / or resistance of the susceptor increases. As the inductance of the susceptor increases, the natural frequency of the susceptor at a corresponding temperature (e.g., the second temperature) decreases. When the natural frequency of the susceptor decreases, the eddy current locus at room temperature (e.g., the first temperature) shifts to the left of the frequency axis. Therefore, the third value of the eddy current indicated by the signal of the third frequency at a corresponding temperature (e.g., the second temperature) decreases compared to the value of the eddy current indicated by the signal of the third frequency at room temperature (e.g., the first temperature). The aerosol generating apparatus may set the third value of the eddy current as the y value of the temperature equation and determine the reference frequency as the x value accordingly. The aerosol generating apparatus may determine the temperature of the susceptor based on the difference between the reference frequency and the third frequency. For example, the amount of change in the natural frequency shift of the susceptor due to a change in temperature may be calculated in advance. For example, the amount of change in temperature of the susceptor (e.g., tens or hundreds of degrees Celsius) may be calculated proportionally to the amount of change in the natural frequency of the susceptor (e.g., tens of kilohertz). For example, the amount of change in temperature of the susceptor (e.g., tens or hundreds of degrees Celsius) may be calculated proportionally to the rate of change in the natural frequency of the susceptor.

[0174] According to one embodiment, when the temperature of the susceptor increases, the inductance and / or resistance of the susceptor increases. If the inductance of the susceptor increases, the natural frequency of the susceptor at the corresponding temperature (e.g., the second temperature) decreases. When the natural frequency of the susceptor decreases, the impedance locus shown at room temperature (e.g., the first temperature) shifts to the left of the frequency axis. Therefore, the third value of the impedance shown by the signal of the third frequency at the corresponding temperature (e.g., the second temperature) increases compared to the impedance shown by the signal of the third frequency at room temperature (e.g., the first temperature). The aerosol generating apparatus sets the third value of the impedance as the y value of the temperature equation and determines the reference impedance as the x value accordingly. The aerosol generating apparatus can determine the temperature of the susceptor based on the difference between the reference impedance and the third frequency. For example, the amount of change in the natural frequency shift of the susceptor due to a change in temperature may be calculated in advance. For example, the amount of change in temperature of the susceptor (e.g., tens or hundreds of degrees Celsius) may be calculated proportionally to the amount of change in the natural frequency of the susceptor (e.g., tens of Hz).For example, the amount of change in temperature of the susceptor (e.g., tens or hundreds of degrees Celsius) may be calculated proportionally to the rate of change in the natural frequency of the susceptor.

[0175] In operation 930, the controller of the aerosol generating device controls at least one of the operating frequency, current, voltage, or duty ratio of the third signal based on the temperature of the susceptor so that the temperature of the susceptor follows the temperature profile. For example, if the temperature of the susceptor is higher than the temperature of the temperature profile, the controller may increase the operating frequency, decrease the current, decrease the voltage, or reduce the duty ratio of the third signal. For example, if the temperature of the susceptor is lower than the temperature of the temperature profile, the controller may decrease the operating frequency of the third signal toward the natural frequency, increase the current, increase the voltage, or increase the duty ratio.

[0176] The method according to the present invention may be embodied in the form of program instructions that can be executed by various computer means and stored on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, and the like, alone or in combination. The storage medium and program instructions may be specially designed and constructed for the purposes of the present invention, or they may be well-known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer-readable storage media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. Examples of program instructions include not only machine code, such as generated by a compiler, but also high-level language code executed by a computer using an interpreter, for example. The hardware adaptive supersampling device described above may be configured to operate as one or more software models to perform the operations described in the present invention, and vice versa.

[0177] Software may include computer programs, code, instructions, or any combination thereof, capable of configuring a processing device or instructing the processing device, either individually or collectively, as desired. The software and / or data may be permanently embodied in any type of machine, component, physical device, virtual device, computer storage medium, or device, or transmitted signal wave, to be interpreted by the processing device or to provide instructions or data to the processing device. The software may be distributed over networked computer systems and stored or executed in a distributed manner. The software and data may be stored on a computer-readable recording medium.

[0178] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to limited drawings, those skilled in the art may apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above description. For example, the described techniques may be performed in a different order than described, and / or the components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. may be combined or combined in a different manner than described, and may be replaced or substituted with other components or equivalents, while still achieving suitable results.

[0179] Accordingly, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents of the claims are intended to fall within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. A method for determining a susceptor change made by an aerosol generating device, comprising: applying a first signal to a coil of the heater such that an alternating magnetic field having a first frequency is generated; determining a first value of an electrical characteristic of the susceptor indicated by the first signal; applying a second signal to the coil of the heater to generate an alternating magnetic field having a second frequency; determining a second value of the electrical property of the susceptor indicated by the second signal; determining whether the susceptor is a modified susceptor based on the first value and the second value; A method for determining a susceptor change, comprising:

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the susceptor is disposed inside the aerosol product when the aerosol product is inserted into the aerosol generating device.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the susceptor is disposed so as to surround the exterior of the aerosol product when the aerosol product is inserted into the aerosol generating device.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the susceptor is included in an aerosol product that is inserted into the aerosol generating device.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the electrical property of the susceptor is an eddy current.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the electrical characteristic of the susceptor is impedance.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first frequency and the second frequency are higher than a natural frequency of the susceptor.

8. further comprising the act of determining a temperature equation for the susceptor based on the first value and the second value; 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the temperature equation is used to determine the temperature of the susceptor while an aerosol product article inserted into the aerosol generating device is heated.

9. applying a third signal to the coil of the heater to heat the aerosol product; determining a temperature of the susceptor based on the temperature equation while the aerosol product article is heated; an operation of controlling at least one of an operating frequency, a current, a voltage, or a duty ratio of the third signal based on the temperature of the susceptor so that the temperature of the susceptor follows a temperature profile; The method of claim 8 further comprising:

10. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for executing the method according to claim 1.

11. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a coil for generating an alternating magnetic field; a control unit that controls the aerosol generating device; Including, The control unit applying a first signal to the coil to generate an alternating magnetic field having a first frequency; determining a first value of an electrical characteristic of the susceptor indicated by the first signal; applying a second signal to the coil to generate an alternating magnetic field having a second frequency; determining a second value of the electrical property of the susceptor indicated by the second signal; determining whether the susceptor is a modified susceptor based on the first value and the second value; An aerosol generating device that performs the above.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 11 , wherein the susceptor is disposed inside the aerosol product article when the aerosol product article is inserted into the aerosol generating device.

13. further comprising the susceptor, The aerosol generating device according to claim 11 , wherein the susceptor is disposed inside the aerosol product article when the aerosol product article is inserted into the aerosol generating device.

14. further comprising the susceptor, The aerosol generating device according to claim 11 , wherein the susceptor is disposed so as to surround the exterior of the aerosol product when the aerosol product is inserted into the aerosol generating device.

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