Induction heater for aerosol supply devices

Abstract

(a) In the heating mode, a step of driving the resonant circuit of an induction heater at a predetermined resonant frequency of the resonant circuit, wherein the induction heater comprises a switching circuit and a resonant circuit, and the induction heater is for heating a susceptor; (b) A step of measuring the current flowing through the induction heater during the heating mode, (c) A step of comparing a first measurement of current with a second measurement of current, (d) A method comprising the step of controlling the trigger of a sampling mode based at least in part on the comparison in step (c), wherein a predetermined resonant frequency is updated during the sampling mode.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating an induction heater for an aerosol supply device and an apparatus for an aerosol supply device. The present invention also relates to an aerosol supply device, an aerosol supply system, and a method for forming an aerosol generator for an article for an aerosol supply device. [Background technology]

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

[0003] Aerosol supply systems covering the devices or products described above are known. A typical system uses a heater to generate an aerosol from a suitable medium, which is then inhaled by the user. Often, supplying different aerosols for inhalation requires changing or replacing the medium used. Induction heating systems are known to be used as heaters for generating aerosols from a suitable medium. An induction heating system generally comprises a magnetic field generating device for generating a fluctuating magnetic field, and a susceptor or heating material that can be heated by penetration with the fluctuating magnetic field to heat a suitable medium. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0004] According to one aspect, (a) In heating mode, a step of driving the resonant circuit of an induction heater for an aerosol supply device at a predetermined resonant frequency of the resonant circuit, wherein the induction heater comprises a switching circuit and a resonant circuit, and the induction heater is for heating a susceptor; (b) A step of measuring the current flowing through the induction heater during the heating mode, (c) A step of comparing a first measurement of current with a second measurement of current, (d) A step of controlling the trigger of a sampling mode based at least in part on the comparison in step (c), wherein a predetermined resonant frequency is updated during the sampling mode. A method including this is provided.

[0005] The current flowing through the induction heater may include the current flowing through the resonant circuit. The current flowing through the induction heater may also include the current induced in the susceptor.

[0006] The first measurement of current and the second measurement of current may be taken at different times.

[0007] The sampling mode may be triggered by the sampling frequency. The sampling frequency can define the interval between multiple consecutive sampling modes of the induction heater.

[0008] The sampling frequency can be increased or decreased by a predetermined amount based on the comparison in step (c) of the method.

[0009] The sampling frequency can be increased or decreased by a dynamic amount based on the comparison in step (c) of the method.

[0010] Step (d) may include a step of ending the heating mode. Step (d) may include a step of ending the heating mode before triggering the sampling mode. Step (d) may further include a time delay after ending the heating mode, after which the sampling mode is started. Step (d) may further include a step of ending the heating mode and immediately triggering the start of the sampling mode.

[0011] In step (b) of this method, the first measurement of current may be the maximum value of the current flowing through the induction heater during the heating mode. In step (b) of this method, the second measurement of current may be a subsequent measurement of the current flowing through the induction heater during the heating mode. Step (c) of this method may include the steps of calculating the difference between the first measurement of current and the second measurement of current, and comparing the difference with a threshold.

[0012] If the magnitude of the difference between the first measurement of current and the second measurement of current is greater than the magnitude of the threshold, the sampling frequency can be increased.

[0013] If the magnitude of the difference between the first measurement of current and the second measurement of current is smaller than the magnitude of the threshold, the sampling frequency may be reduced.

[0014] The maximum value of the current flowing through the induction heater during heating mode can be determined by (e) updating the maximum value to the first measured value of the current flowing through the induction heater during heating mode each time the resonant circuit switches from sampling mode to heating mode. The maximum value of the current flowing through the induction heater during heating mode can also be determined by (f) comparing each measured value of the current with the maximum value, and (g) if the measured current is greater than the maximum value, updating the maximum value to the measured value of the current.

[0015] Step (c) of the method can further include a step of comparing a first measurement value of the current with a third measurement value of the current. The first, second, and third measurement values of the current may be three consecutive measurement values of the current.

[0016] The first, second, and third measurement values of the current may be measured at different times.

[0017] If the first measurement value is greater than the second and third measurement values, the sampling frequency can be decreased.

[0018] If the first measurement value is less than the second and / or third measurement values, the sampling frequency can be increased.

[0019] The method can further include (h) a step of estimating the temperature of the susceptor from the determined resonance frequency. The method can further include (i) a step of comparing the estimated temperature of the susceptor with the target temperature of the susceptor. The control of the trigger of the sampling mode in step (d) may be at least partially based on the comparison in step (i).

[0020] According to another aspect, a current measurement module for measuring the current flowing through the induction heater during the heating mode, a first output for applying a pulse to the resonant circuit of the induction heater circuit in the sampling mode, a processor for comparing a first measurement value of the current with a second measurement value of the current, a control module for setting the sampling frequency at least partially based on the comparison, wherein the sampling frequency defines the interval between successive sampling modes of the induction heater circuit, A controller for an induction heater circuit for heating a susceptor is provided, comprising

[0021] The controller may be further configured to execute additional aspects of the method described above.

[0022] According to another aspect, a resonant circuit including an inductor and a capacitor, the inductor being for inductively heating a susceptor, and a drive circuit for applying a pulse to the resonant circuit, an edge of the applied pulse inducing a pulse response between the capacitor and the inductor of the resonant circuit, the pulse response having a resonant frequency, and a current measurement circuit for measuring a current flowing through the inductor, and comparing a first measurement value of the current with a second measurement value of the current, and a processor for setting a sampling frequency based at least in part on the comparison, the sampling frequency defining an interval between successive sampling modes of the inductive heating circuit, are provided for an aerosol supply device.

[0023] According to another aspect, an aerosol supply device including the above-described device is provided.

[0024] The aerosol supply device may include a heating chamber for removably receiving an article containing an aerosol-generating material.

[0025] The inductors of the plurality of resonant circuits may be arranged along the side wall of the heating chamber. The aerosol supply device may include at least 4 inductors arranged along the side wall of the heating chamber. The aerosol supply device may include at least 5 inductors arranged along the side wall of the heating chamber. The aerosol supply device may include a lattice configuration of inductors arranged along the side wall of the heating chamber, such as a 2×4 lattice or a 2×5 lattice.

[0026] The inductors of multiple resonant circuits may be arranged along two side walls of the chamber. The inductors of multiple resonant circuits may be arranged along two opposing side walls of the chamber. The inductors may be arranged in two arrays, each array comprising at least four inductors. The inductors may be arranged in two arrays, each array comprising five inductors.

[0027] The inductive element may be a planar coil. The inductive element may be a planar helical inductor coil. The inductive element may be a planar non-helical inductor coil. The inductor coil may be approximately square. The inductor coil may be approximately rectangular. The inductor coil may be trapezoidal.

[0028] The inductive elements may be placed on a printable circuit board (PCB).

[0029] The aerosol supply device may include a susceptor located within a heating chamber. The aerosol supply device may include two or more susceptors. The aerosol supply device may include multiple susceptors, each associated with its respective inductor.

[0030] The inductive element may be a helical inductor coil surrounding the heating chamber.

[0031] The aerosol supply device may include a power source. The power source may be aligned along the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber. The power source may also be aligned along a second longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber.

[0032] The aerosol supply device may include a hinged door or a removable portion of the outer housing to allow access to the chamber so that the user can insert and / or remove aerosol products.

[0033] The aerosol supply device may be configured for wireless charging.

[0034] In another embodiment, an aerosol supply system is provided comprising the above-described aerosol supply device and an article containing an aerosol generating material.

[0035] The aerosol supply device may include a susceptor located inside the chamber. The aerosol supply device may include two or more susceptors.

[0036] The article may be cylindrical or rod-shaped.

[0037] The article may be substantially flat. The article may include a carrier component. The carrier component may include an aerosol-generating material provided on the carrier component. The aerosol-generating material may be provided as a continuous layer of aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material may be provided as a plurality of individual parts of aerosol-generating material.

[0038] The carrier component may include a heating layer. The carrier component may include a heating layer and a support layer.

[0039] The article may comprise one or more susceptor elements.

[0040] The article may comprise a single susceptor element. The single susceptor element may comprise multiple susceptor parts. The multiple susceptor parts may align with multiple induction heating elements provided in the aerosol supply device when the article is inserted into the device.

[0041] The article may provide multiple susceptors. The multiple susceptors may be aligned with multiple induction heating elements provided in the aerosol supply device when the article is inserted into the device.

[0042] The aerosol supply system may further include a charging unit having a cavity for removably receiving an aerosol supply device.

[0043] In another embodiment, a method for generating an aerosol is provided, comprising the steps of providing the aerosol supply device described above and inserting at least partially the aerosol product into a chamber.

[0044] In a further embodiment, the apparatus for an aerosol supply device includes at least, (a) Driving the resonant circuit of an induction heater at a predetermined resonant frequency of the resonant circuit in the heating operation mode, wherein the induction heater comprises a switching circuit and a resonant circuit, and the induction heater is for heating a susceptor, (b) Comparing a first measured value of the current flowing through the inductive element of the resonant circuit with a second measured value of the current, (c) Controlling the trigger of the sampling mode based at least in part on the comparison in step (b), such that the determined resonant frequency is updated during the sampling mode, A computer program containing instructions for executing it is provided.

[0045] Next, various embodiments will be described as mere examples, with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0046] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a device for aerosol supply. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart outlining the operation of the device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] A flowchart shows how to drive the resonant circuit of an induction heater for an aerosol supply device. [Figure 4]A flowchart shows a method for controlling the trigger of the sampling mode in the resonant circuit of an induction heater for an aerosol supply device. [Figure 5] A flowchart shows a method for controlling the trigger of the sampling mode in the resonant circuit of an induction heater for an aerosol supply device. [Figure 6] Figures 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams showing current measurements using the methods described in Figures 3 and 4. [Figure 7] A flowchart shows how to drive the resonant circuit of an induction heater for an aerosol supply device. [Figure 8a] This is a schematic diagram of a non-combustion aerosol supply system. [Figure 8b] This is a schematic diagram of a non-combustion aerosol supply system. [Figure 8c] Figure 8a is a cross-sectional view of an article containing aerosol-generating material in an aerosol supply system. [Figure 9a] A schematic diagram of another non-combustion aerosol supply system is shown. [Figure 9b] Figure 9a shows a schematic diagram of an article containing aerosol-generating material for the aerosol supply system. [Figure 10a] An isometric view of another aerosol supply device is shown. [Figure 10b] Figure 10a shows a schematic diagram of an article containing aerosol-generating material for use in the aerosol supply system. [Figure 11a] A schematic diagram of another non-combustion aerosol supply system is shown. [Figure 11b] Figure 9a shows a cross-sectional view of an article containing aerosol-generating material for use in the aerosol supply system. [Figure 11c] Figure 9a shows a cross-sectional view of an article containing aerosol-generating material for use in the aerosol supply system. [Figure 11d] Figure 9a shows a cross-sectional view of an article containing aerosol-generating material for use in the aerosol supply system. [Figure 11e] Figure 9a shows a cross-sectional view of an article containing aerosol-generating material for use in the aerosol supply system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0047] As used herein, the term “delivery mechanism” is intended to encompass a system for delivering a substance to a user, and includes non-combustible aerosol supply systems that release compounds from aerosolizable materials without burning the aerosolizable materials, such as a hybrid system for generating aerosols using a combination of electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and aerosolizable materials, and articles comprising aerosolizable materials and configured for use in one of these non-combustible aerosol supply systems.

[0048] According to this disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol supply system is a system in which the aerosol-generating materials (or components thereof) that make up the aerosol supply system are not burned or incinerated in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

[0049] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0050] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system is an electronic 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.

[0051] In some embodiments, the non-combustion 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.

[0052] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of one or more aerosol-generating materials that can be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of, for example, 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.

[0053] Typically, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the non-combustible aerosol supply device.

[0054] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising an aerosol-generating material and configured for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device. These consumables may be referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0055] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a non-combustible aerosol supply device, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, a power supply.

[0056] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system may include a region for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating region, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0057] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-combustible 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 suction nozzle, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0058] As used herein, “aerosol-generating material” (sometimes referred to herein as “aerosolizable material”) is a material that can generate an aerosol when heated, irradiated, or electrically charged in any other manner. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or semi-solid (such as a gel), which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings.

[0059] In some embodiments, the delivered substance includes an active substance (sometimes referred to herein as an active compound).

[0060] The aerosol-generating material may include one or more active substances and / or fragrances, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0061] The aerosol-generating material may include a binder such as a gelling agent and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, a delivered substance and / or fillers 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.

[0062] The aerosol-generating material may include an aerosol-generating film, or may be in the form of an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may include a binder such as a gelling agent and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, a delivered substance and / or fillers may also be present. The aerosol-generating film may not contain substantially any plant material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco-free.

[0063] The aerosol-generating film may have a thickness of approximately 0.015 mm to approximately 1 mm. For example, the thickness may be in the range of approximately 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, or 0.15 mm to approximately 0.5 mm or 0.3 mm.

[0064] The aerosol-generating film may be continuous. For example, the film may include a continuous sheet of material or may be a continuous sheet of material. The aerosol-generating film may be discontinuous. For example, the aerosol-generating film may include one or more individual parts or regions of the aerosol-generating material, such as dots, stripes, or lines, which can be supported on a support. In such embodiments, the support may be planar or non-planar.

[0065] An aerosol-generating film can be formed by combining a binder, such as a gelling agent, with a solvent such as water, an aerosol-forming agent, and one or more other components such as one or more substances to be delivered, forming a slurry, and then heating the slurry to volatilize at least a portion of the solvent to form an aerosol-generating film. The slurry may be heated to remove at least about 60% by weight, 70% by weight, 80% by weight, 85% by weight, or 90% by weight of the solvent.

[0066] The aerosol-generating material may be an "amorphous solid." In some embodiments, the amorphous solid is a "monolithic solid." The aerosol-generating material may be non-fibrous or fibrous. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may be a dry gel. The aerosol-generating material may be a solid material capable of holding some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the held fluid may be water (such as water absorbed from the surroundings of the aerosol-generating material), or the held fluid may be a solvent (such as when the aerosol-generating material is formed from a slurry). In some embodiments, the solvent may be water.

[0067] The aerosol-forming agent material may contain one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming agent material may contain one or more of the following: glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, mesoerythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, tributyline, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0068] One or more other functional materials may include one or more of the following: pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0069] The material may be present on or within a support to form a substrate. The support may be, for example, paper, cardboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or metal alloy, or may comprise these materials.

[0070] An aerosol supply device can receive an article containing an aerosol-generating material for heating. In this context, "article" refers to a component that contains or is contained with an aerosol-generating material at the time of use, and optionally other components at the time of use, which are heated to volatilize the aerosol-generating material. The user may insert the article into or onto the aerosol supply device before the article is heated to generate an aerosol, after which the user inhales the aerosol.

[0071] An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to supply thermal energy to the aerosol-generating material in order to release one or more volatile substances from the material to form an aerosol. In an induction heating system, the aerosol generator comprises an induction element and a magnetic field generator such as a susceptor.

[0072] A susceptor is a material that can be heated by penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The heating material may be a conductive material, and as a result, penetration of the conductive material by the fluctuating magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may also be a magnetic material, and as a result, penetration of the magnetic material by the fluctuating magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The heating material may be both conductive and magnetic, and as a result, the heating material can be heated by both heating mechanisms.

[0073] Consumables are articles containing or consisting of aerosol-generating materials, some or all of which are intended to be consumed during use by the user. Consumables may also include 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 include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which generates heat during use to cause the aerosol-generating material to produce an aerosol. The heater may include, for example, a material that can be heated by electrical conductivity.

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

[0075] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the apparatus, generally referred to as reference numeral 10. The system 10 comprises a power source in the form of a direct current (DC) voltage source 11, a switching configuration 13, a resonant circuit 14, a susceptor configuration 16, and a control circuit 18. The switching configuration 13 and the resonant circuit 14 may be coupled to each other in an induction heating configuration 12 that can be used to heat the susceptor 16.

[0076] The resonant circuit 14 may comprise one or more capacitors and one or more inductive elements for inductively heating the susceptor configuration 16 to heat the aerosol-generating material. By heating the aerosol-generating material, an aerosol can be generated.

[0077] The switching configuration 13 can enable the generation of alternating current from the DC voltage source 11 (under the control of the control circuit 18). The alternating current can flow through one or more inductive elements and cause heating of the susceptor configuration 16. The switching configuration may include multiple transistors. An exemplary DC-AC converter includes an H-bridge circuit or an inverter circuit, examples of which are described below.

[0078] Figure 2 is a flowchart of the algorithm as shown by reference number 20. Algorithm 20 can be implemented using the system 10 described above.

[0079] Algorithm 20 starts with operation 22, in which the resonant circuit (e.g., resonant circuit 14) is driven at the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit in the heating operation mode. For example, the switching configuration 13 may be switched at a predetermined resonant frequency of the resonant circuit 14 (under the control of the control circuit 18). In this embodiment, the resonant circuit is driven at a predetermined starting resonant frequency.

[0080] In an alternative embodiment, the algorithm may start in operation 24, and the sampling mode is triggered before the initial heating. In other words, the sampling mode pings the susceptor before heating. The sampling mode determines the frequency for initiating heating.

[0081] In operation 24, the system enters sampling mode. The sampling mode may attempt to determine the resonant frequency for use in the heating mode (for example, during the next iteration of algorithm 20). The sampling mode may include applying pulses to the resonant circuit at specified time intervals and processing the resonant response to determine / estimate the resonant frequency.

[0082] In operation 26, the drive frequency of the resonant circuit is set based on a predetermined resonant frequency.

[0083] As a result, in operation 26, the parameters of the heating mode (including the drive frequency and sampling interval) are set. Heating of the susceptor is performed in the next iteration of heating mode 22 until the time interval indicated by the sampling mode occurs. The algorithm 20 then re-enters sampling mode 24, the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit is determined again, and the parameters of the heating mode and sampling mode are updated (in operation 26).

[0084] A controller (which may be part of the control circuit 18) can be used to determine how often to initiate sampling mode 24. The controller may sample frequently enough to ensure that the resonant circuit is driven at its resonant frequency (or a resonant frequency close to it) in heating mode 22 (which tends to increase heating efficiency), or it may have a low sampling rate (i.e., a high sampling period) that spends most of the time the susceptor is heated (which also tends to increase heating efficiency).

[0085] The sampling period (i.e., how often the sampling mode 24 is entered) may be a controllable variable. As will be described in detail below, there are several mechanisms that can be used to set the sampling period (e.g., related to the heating temperature, heating current, or both).

[0086] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a method according to an example of the present disclosure. The method of Figure 3 describes the sampling mode of Figure 2. The method of Figure 3 includes the steps of (a) driving the resonant circuit of an induction heater at a predetermined resonant frequency of the resonant circuit in a heating mode, wherein the induction heater comprises a switching circuit and a resonant circuit, and the induction heater is for heating a susceptor; (b) measuring the current flowing through the induction heater during the heating mode; (c) comparing a first measurement of the current with a second measurement of the current; and (d) controlling the trigger of the sampling mode based at least in part on the comparison in step (c), wherein the predetermined resonant frequency is updated during the sampling mode.

[0087] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate in more detail an exemplary embodiment of the trigger for the sampling mode shown in Figure 3.

[0088] According to step (a) of the method in Figure 3, the resonant circuit (for example, as described above) is operating in heating mode. Heating mode involves driving the resonant circuit of the induction heater at a predetermined resonant frequency of the resonant circuit.

[0089] According to step 101 in Figure 4 (corresponding to step (b) in Figure 3), the current flowing through the induction heater during the heating mode is measured. The current can be measured at any suitable point in the resonant circuit. In some examples, the current may be measured from the connections to the inductive and / or capacitive components.

[0090] The current flowing through the induction heater may include the current flowing through the resonant circuit. The current flowing through the induction heater may also include the current induced in the susceptor.

[0091] Steps 102-104 in Figure 4 correspond to steps (c) and (d) in Figure 3.

[0092] According to step (c) of this method, a first measurement of current is compared with a second measurement of current. In some examples, the first and second measurements of current are taken at different times. In this example, the first measurement of current is the maximum value of the current flowing through the induction heater during the heating mode, and the second measurement of current is a subsequent measurement of the current flowing through the induction heater during the heating mode.

[0093] The current flowing through an induction heater during heating mode is maximum when the induction heater is operating at its resonant frequency. An induction heater may be most effective at its resonant frequency. Therefore, monitoring the current can be useful in order to effectively bring the induction heater to the desired temperature (e.g., to reduce the time required and / or the power needed). In particular, monitoring the current to the maximum current value (I) can help determine whether the induction heater is operating at its resonant frequency. max It may be useful to compare it with ).

[0094] Furthermore, the resonance frequency depends on the temperature of the induction heater. As the temperature of the induction heater rises (e.g., during the heating mode), the resonance frequency of the induction heater decreases. Therefore, it may be effective to update the value of the maximum current over time (e.g., as the temperature of the induction heater rises over time).

[0095] In FIG. 4, after each measurement of the current in step 101, the method proceeds to step 102.

[0096] In step 102, it is determined whether the measurement of the current is the first measurement made since the heating mode was started. If it is the first measurement of the current made since the heating mode was started, this value is set as the maximum value of the current.

[0097] In another embodiment, the maximum value I of the current determined in the previous heating cycle max is retained and used. This can provide a maximum target value and result in faster heating. The maximum value I of the current determined in any previous heating cycle max may be retained and used.

[0098] Next, the method proceeds to step 103 in FIG. 3. In step 103, the difference between the measured value I of the current N and the maximum value I of the current max is calculated. Then, it is determined whether the difference between the measured value I of the current N and the maximum value I of the current max is greater than 0. If the difference is greater than 0, this indicates that the measured value of the current is greater than the maximum current I max Therefore, the value of the maximum current is updated to that value.

[0099] If the difference is less than 0, this indicates that the measured value of the current is the maximum current I maxA value smaller than this indicates that the current flowing through the circuit is decreasing over time. This may indicate that the induction heater is no longer operating at its resonant frequency. In some examples, this can indicate that the resonant frequency has changed, for example, due to a change (e.g., an increase) in the temperature of the induction heater.

[0100] If the difference is less than 0, this method proceeds to step 104. In step 104, the measured value of the current and the maximum value of the current I max The difference between this value and the threshold is compared to the threshold. The threshold can be any desired value.

[0101] If the difference between the measured current and the current maximum is greater than the threshold, the sampling frequency may be increased. If it is determined that the current has changed significantly (i.e., by an amount greater than the threshold), this indicates that the resonant frequency of the induction heater may have changed significantly. This may also indicate that the temperature of the induction heater may have changed significantly.

[0102] Therefore, it may be effective to increase the frequency at which the sampling mode is triggered. During the sampling mode, a predetermined resonant frequency is updated (for example, by measuring the resonant frequency). By measuring the resonant frequency more frequently, any changes can be detected more quickly, and the operation of the induction heater can be adjusted accordingly.

[0103] In step 104, if the magnitude of the difference between the measured current and the current maximum is smaller than the magnitude of the threshold, the sampling frequency may be reduced. If it is determined that the current has not changed significantly, this indicates that the resonant frequency of the induction heater may be approximately constant over time. This may also indicate that the temperature of the induction heater may not have changed significantly.

[0104] Therefore, it may be effective to reduce the frequency at which the sampling mode is triggered. During sampling mode, a predetermined resonant frequency is updated (e.g., by measuring the resonant frequency). This measurement may be avoided because there is no indication that the resonant frequency has changed. This may be effective because it may be necessary to pause the heating mode to update the predetermined resonant frequency (e.g., to measure the resonant frequency). Pausing the heating mode may increase the time it takes for the induction heater to reach the desired temperature. Therefore, avoiding the measurement of the resonant frequency when there is no indication that it is necessary may help reduce the time it takes for the induction heater to reach the desired temperature.

[0105] The sampling frequency can be increased and / or decreased in any way. In some examples, the sampling frequency can be increased or decreased by a predetermined amount (e.g., each time the comparison in step 104 is performed). In some examples, the sampling frequency can be increased or decreased by more than 50 Hz, optionally more than 100 Hz, optionally more than 200 Hz, and optionally more than 500 Hz. In a preferred embodiment, the sampling frequency can be increased or decreased by about 200 Hz (e.g., each time the comparison in step 104 is performed).

[0106] In some cases, the sampling frequency can be increased or decreased by a dynamic (i.e., undetermined) amount. In some cases, the amount of increase or decrease in the sampling frequency may depend on the magnitude of the difference between the measured current and the current maximum. For example, the amount of increase or decrease in the sampling frequency may be proportional to the difference between the measured current and the current maximum. For example, if the current changes significantly, this may indicate that the resonant frequency and / or temperature are changing rapidly, meaning that frequent sampling may be effective. Alternatively, if the current changes only slightly, this may indicate that the resonant frequency and / or temperature are changing slowly, meaning that such frequent sampling is not necessary.

[0107] Figure 5 shows a method according to another embodiment.

[0108] According to step (a) of the method, the resonant circuit (not shown) is operating in heating mode. The heating mode involves driving the resonant circuit of an induction heater at a predetermined resonant frequency of the resonant circuit.

[0109] The method in Figure 5 begins in step 301 by measuring the current flowing through the induction heater. The current can be measured at any suitable point in the resonant circuit. In some examples, the current may be measured from the connection point to the inductive and / or capacitive components.

[0110] Steps 302-304 in Figure 5 correspond to steps (c) and (d) in Figure 3.

[0111] In step 302, the measured value of the current is equal to the maximum value of the current I max It is compared to this.

[0112] Maximum value of current I max This may be determined as shown in Figure 4, or by the maximum value I of the current determined in a previous heating cycle. max It may be held and used. The maximum value of current I determined in any previous heating cycle.max It may be held and used.

[0113] If the measured current is greater than the maximum value, the maximum value is updated.

[0114] Next, the method proceeds to step 303, where it is determined whether the value of the current is greater than 0. If the current flowing through the induction heater is 0, this indicates that the induction heater is no longer in heating mode (for example, the induction heater is turned off), and therefore there is no need to monitor the current at that point.

[0115] If the value of the current is greater than 0, this indicates that the induction heater is in heating mode. Therefore, the method proceeds to step 304. In step 304, the value of the current determined from the current measurement is compared with the (stored) value of the current determined from the two previous current measurements.

[0116] In the example in Figure 5, the most recent measurement of current is called the "first measurement of current." The second most recent measurement of current is called the "second measurement of current," and the third most recent measurement of current is called the "third measurement of current." This is shown in Figure 6. As shown in Figure 6, the first measurement of current is compared with both the second and third measurements of current.

[0117] If the current measurement is greater than both of the previous two current measurements, the sampling frequency is reduced.

[0118] If an increase in current is detected, this may indicate that the frequency is moving towards the resonant frequency of the induction heater, but may not have reached it yet. Therefore, it may be effective to reduce the frequency at which the sampling mode is triggered. This measurement may be avoided because there is no indication that the resonant frequency has changed. This may be effective because it may be necessary to pause the heating mode to update the predetermined resonant frequency (for example, to measure the resonant frequency). Pausing the heating mode may increase the time it takes for the susceptor and / or induction heater to reach the desired temperature. Therefore, avoiding the measurement of the resonant frequency unless instructed to do so may help reduce the time required for the susceptor and / or induction heater to reach the desired temperature.

[0119] If the current measurement is smaller than one or both of the previous two current measurements, the sampling frequency is increased.

[0120] If a decrease in current is detected, this can indicate that the induction heater's frequency is not resonating (this can also indicate that the temperature of the susceptor and / or induction heater may have risen).

[0121] Therefore, it may be effective to increase the frequency at which the sampling mode is triggered. During the sampling mode, a predetermined resonant frequency is updated (for example, by measuring the resonant frequency). By measuring the resonant frequency more frequently, any changes can be detected more quickly, and the operation of the induction heater can be adjusted accordingly.

[0122] The sampling frequency can be increased and / or decreased in any way. In some examples, the sampling frequency can be increased or decreased by a predetermined amount (e.g., each time the comparison in step 304 is performed). In some examples, the sampling frequency can be increased or decreased by more than 50 Hz, optionally more than 100 Hz, optionally more than 200 Hz, and optionally more than 500 Hz. In a preferred embodiment, the sampling frequency can be increased or decreased by about 200 Hz (e.g., each time the comparison in step 104 is performed).

[0123] In some cases, the sampling frequency can be increased or decreased by a dynamic (i.e., undetermined) amount. In some cases, the amount of increase or decrease in the sampling frequency may depend on the magnitude of the difference between the measured current and the current maximum. For example, the amount of increase or decrease in the sampling frequency may be proportional to the difference between the measured current and the current maximum. For example, if the current changes significantly, this may indicate that the resonant frequency and / or temperature are changing rapidly, meaning that frequent sampling may be effective. Alternatively, if the current changes only slightly, this may indicate that the resonant frequency and / or temperature are changing slowly, meaning that such frequent sampling is not necessary.

[0124] In steps 305 and 306, the stored current values ​​are reset for the next measurement. Thus, the first measurement of current is stored as the second measurement of current, and the second measurement of current is stored as the third measurement of current. Therefore, when the next measurement of current is taken, the previous two values ​​are stored for comparison in step 304.

[0125] Figure 7 shows a method according to an example of the present disclosure. In this example, the method includes the steps of estimating the temperature of a susceptor from a predetermined resonant frequency and comparing the estimated temperature of the susceptor with a target temperature of the susceptor. Controlling the trigger of the sampling mode is at least in part based on this comparison.

[0126] In step 310, the target temperature is set. The target temperature can be set in any way. In some examples, the target temperature is the desired operating temperature of the susceptor. In step 312, the controller is updated with the target temperature set in step 310.

[0127] In step 314, the controller switches the heater on or off. When the heater is switched on, it may be configured to operate in heating mode.

[0128] In step 316, it is determined whether the heater is on or off. If the heater is on, the method proceeds to steps 318 and 320. In step 318, the current is measured, and in step 320, the sampling frequency is determined. The sampling frequency can be determined using any of the methods described above. In particular, the sampling frequency may be determined at least in part based on the current measured in step 318.

[0129] If it is determined in step 316 that the heater is off, the method proceeds to steps 322 and 324. In step 322, the frequency is measured, and in step 324, the susceptor temperature is estimated. The estimated susceptor temperature can be determined using any suitable technique. In particular, the estimated susceptor temperature may be based at least in part on the frequency measured in step 322.

[0130] After the sampling frequency is determined in step 318, or after the susceptor temperature is estimated in step 324, the method proceeds to step 312. In step 312, the controller is updated with either the determined sampling frequency or the estimated susceptor temperature. This ensures that the controller can control the heater using the updated information. In particular, the controller can control the trigger of the sampling mode based on the feedback received in step 312.

[0131] Figures 8 to 11 show non-combustion aerosol supply devices and systems that can be controlled according to the principles described herein.

[0132] Figure 8a is a perspective view of an aerosol supply system 200 comprising an aerosol supply device 210 having an outer housing 221 and replaceable articles 250 (also known as consumables) that can be inserted into the aerosol supply device 210. The aerosol supply device 210 may further comprise an activation switch 212 that can be used to switch the aerosol supply device 220 on or off. In other embodiments, the device may not include an activation switch 212, but may be provided with a pressure trigger or some other activation-on-demand arrangement.

[0133] Figure 8b shows the aerosol supply system 200 with the front part of the outer housing removed. The aerosol generating device 210 comprises several induction heaters (also called induction heater units) 8a, 8b, and 8c surrounding a heating chamber 240 into which the distal end of the article 250 is inserted.

[0134] Multiple induction heaters 8a to c are equipped with resonant circuits such as the resonant circuit 14 described above. In other words, the aerosol supply device 210 is equipped with multiple resonant circuits as described above.

[0135] The induction heater units 8a-c, or each of the induction heater units 8a-c, may include an inductive element 9, such as a helical inductor coil. In one example, the helical inductor coil is made from Litz wire / cable that is wound in a helical shape to provide a helical inductor coil. In other embodiments, other types of inductive elements are provided as inductors formed in a printed circuit board. The induction heater units and the inductive elements provided therein may be identical or similar. The use of three induction heater units is not essential in all exemplary embodiments.

[0136] Therefore, the aerosol generating device 210 may include one or more induction heaters. In other embodiments, the device 210 may include four or more helical coil induction elements.

[0137] The aerosol supply system 200 includes a susceptor 245 provided within the heating chamber 240, such that when an article is inserted into the heating chamber 240 and at least partially surrounded by the susceptor.

[0138] During use, article 250 is received in article chamber 240. Inductive elements 9a-c surround susceptor 245. Inductive elements 9a-c induce a fluctuating magnetic field within susceptor 245, causing heating of susceptor 245. Susceptor 245 then heats the aerosol-generating material within article 250.

[0139] Figure 8c shows an embodiment of article 250 for use in the aerosol supply device 210 described above, which has a susceptor provided within the device. Article 250 comprises a mouthpiece 251 and a cylindrical rod of aerosol-generating material 254 connected to the mouthpiece 251. The aerosol-generating material 233 is wrapped in packaging material 252. The packaging material 232 may be, for example, paper or paper-backed foil packaging material. The packaging material 232 may be substantially impermeable to air. In some embodiments, the packaging material 232 includes aluminum foil.

[0140] In this example, the spout 251 is adjacent to the hollow tubular element 255 and, upstream of the hollow tubular element 255, in contact with the hollow tubular element 255, and in this example, includes the material body 256. The material body 256 and the hollow tubular element 255 each define a substantially cylindrical overall shape and share a common longitudinal axis. The material body 256 is wrapped in the first plug wrap 257. The spout 251 also includes a second hollow tubular element 258, also called a cooling element, upstream of the first hollow tubular element 254. The material body 256 and the second hollow tubular element 258 each define a substantially cylindrical overall shape and share a common longitudinal axis. The second hollow tubular element 258 is formed from multiple layers of paper that are butted together and wound parallel to each other to form the tubular element 258. A second plug wrap 259 is also provided around the mouthpiece 251.

[0141] The aerosol-generating material 254, also referred to herein as the aerosol-generating substrate 254, comprises at least one aerosol-forming agent material. In this example, the aerosol-forming material is glycerol. In alternative examples, the aerosol-forming agent material may be other materials described herein or combinations thereof. The aerosol-generating substrate may also contain a plant-based material, such as tobacco.

[0142] In an alternative embodiment, the susceptor 245 may be provided on an article 250 embedded in, for example, an aerosol-generating material 254.

[0143] Figure 9a is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol supply system 200 according to another embodiment. The aerosol generation system 200 comprises an aerosol supply device 210 and an aerosol product 250.

[0144] The aerosol supply device 210 comprises an outer housing 221, a power source 222, a control circuit 223, a plurality of inductive elements 8a to 8c, a chamber 240, an inhalation port end 226, an air inlet 227, an air outlet 228, a touch-sensitive panel 229, an inhalation sensor 230, and an end-of-use indicator 231.

[0145] Multiple induction heaters 8a to c are equipped with resonant circuits such as the resonant circuit 14 described above. In other words, the aerosol supply device 210 is equipped with multiple resonant circuits as described above.

[0146] The inductive elements 8a to 8c are not limited to any specific type, but can include any suitable inductive elements such as a substantially flat inductor coil.

[0147] The outer housing 221 may be formed from any suitable material, such as plastic. The outer housing 221 is arranged such that the power source 222, control circuit 223, aerosol generation component 224, chamber 240, and inhalation sensor 230 are located inside the outer housing 221. The outer housing 221 also defines the air inlet 227 and air outlet 228, which are described in more detail below. The touch-sensitive panel 229 and end-of-use indicator are located outside the outer housing 221. The outer housing 221 and the mouthpiece end 226 may be formed as a single component (i.e., the mouthpiece end 226 forms part of the outer housing 221). In other embodiments, the mouthpiece end 226 may be a removable component that is separate from but can be coupled to the outer housing 221 and may be removed for cleaning and / or replacement with another mouthpiece end 226.

[0148] Chamber 240 is sized to be suitable for removably receiving an aerosol product 250 inside. Although not shown, the aerosol supply device 210 may include a hinged door or removable portion of the outer housing 221 to allow access to the chamber 240 so that a user can insert and / or remove the aerosol product 250 from the chamber 240. The hinged door or removable portion of the outer housing 210 may also function to hold the aerosol product 250 in the chamber 250 when closed. Alternatively, the aerosol supply device 210 may include a permanent opening that communicates with the chamber 240 through which the aerosol product 250 can be inserted into the chamber 240. In such a configuration, a retaining mechanism may be provided for holding the aerosol product 250 in the chamber 240 of the aerosol supply device 210.

[0149] The power source 222 is configured to supply operating power to the aerosol supply device 210. The power source 222 may be any suitable power source, such as a battery. For example, the power source 222 may comprise a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion battery. The power source 222 may be removable or may form an integrated part of the aerosol supply device 210. In some implementations, the power source 222 may be recharged by connecting the aerosol supply device 210 to an external power source (such as a commercial power supply) via an associated connection port, such as a USB port (not shown), or via a suitable wireless receiver (not shown).

[0150] The control circuit 223 is appropriately configured / programmed to control the operation of the aerosol supply device and to give the aerosol supply device 210 specific operational functions. The control circuit 223 may be connected to the power source 23 and configured to receive power from the power source 222 and distribute or control power to other components of the aerosol supply device 210.

[0151] The aerosol supply device 210 further comprises a chamber 240 configured to receive an aerosol product 250. The aerosol product comprises a carrier component 262 and an aerosol generating material 254 (e.g., an aerosol generating film) provided on or within the surface of the carrier 262. The article 250 further comprises a susceptor material (not shown in Figure 7a).

[0152] The inductors 8a to 8c can be called heating elements. The inductors 8a to 8c are aligned along axes parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device 210. Each inductor aligns with a corresponding individual portion of the aerosol-generating material 254 that defines its respective aerosol-generating region.

[0153] In some embodiments, to improve heat transfer efficiency, the chamber may include a component that applies force to the surface of the carrier component 262 so as to press the carrier component 262 against the inductive elements 8a-c, thereby increasing the efficiency of heat transfer by conduction to the aerosol-generating material 254.

[0154] In other embodiments, four or more inductive elements may be provided, aligned along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device 210.

[0155] Figure 9b shows a schematic diagram of article 250 in Figure 9a. The carrier component 262 has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape with length I, width w, and thickness tc.

[0156] The aerosol product 250 comprises a plurality of individual portions of an aerosol-generating material 254 arranged on the surface of a carrier component 262. The individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 254 are separated from each other so that each individual portion can be individually or selectively energized (e.g., heated) to generate an aerosol. The aerosol product 250 may comprise a plurality of portions of an aerosol-generating material, all formed from the same aerosol-generating material. Alternatively, the aerosol product 250 may comprise a plurality of portions of an aerosol-generating material 254, at least two of which are formed from different aerosol-generating materials.

[0157] In this embodiment, the aerosol product 250 comprises three separate portions of aerosol-generating material 254 aligned along the central axis Xc of the article to align with the inductive elements in the device 210. In other embodiments, a greater or lesser number of separate portions may be provided, and / or these portions may be arranged in different patterns to align with any arrangement of inductive elements in the aerosol supply device.

[0158] The carrier layer 262 comprises a susceptor 245 and a heating layer 264 that functions as a support layer 266. The aerosol-generating material 254 is provided on the first surface 264a of the heating layer 264. The aerosol-generating material 254 is divided into individual parts that can be easily heated sequentially (e.g., one by one) during an aerosol-generating session.

[0159] In this example, the heating layer 264 is formed from aluminum foil material. In other examples, the heating layer 264 may be formed from a different material, such as another metal or metal alloy.

[0160] The support layer 266 is provided on the second surface 264b of the heating layer 264. The support layer 266 comprises a single material layer. The support layer 266 is formed entirely of the same material. In this example, the support layer 266 is made of paper or cardboard. The support layer 266 provides structural support to the heating layer 246. The support layer 266 provides structural support to the article 250.

[0161] In other embodiments, the article comprises a continuous layer of aerosol-generating material provided on a carrier component 262.

[0162] In other embodiments, the carrier component 262 may comprise a single layer which is a heating layer 264 that functions as a susceptor 245.

[0163] During use, article 250 is received in article chamber 240. Inductor 8 surrounds susceptor 245. Inductor 8 induces a fluctuating magnetic field within susceptor 245, causing the susceptor 245 to heat up. The susceptor 245 then heats the aerosol-generating material within article 250.

[0164] Figure 10a shows an isometric exploded view of the aerosol supply device 210 according to another embodiment. The aerosol supply device 210 includes substantially the same components as those described in relation to Figure 6a, and the same reference numerals are used. Unless otherwise specified, the reference numerals should be understood to be substantially the same as their correspondings. The aerosol supply device 210 comprises a plurality of resonant circuits as described above.

[0165] Device 210 comprises multiple inductive elements 8 in a 2x5 configuration in this example. The multiple induction heaters 8a-c each include a resonant circuit such as the resonant circuit 14 described above. In this embodiment, device 210 includes multiple air inlet holes 227 and air transfer channels 237 for directing air to the inductive elements 8.

[0166] In another embodiment (not shown), each of the multiple inductive elements 8 surrounded by their respective aerosol delivery channels has an individual air supply port. In other embodiments, it will be understood that the device may have a single air inlet (as described above).

[0167] Figure 10b shows article 250 according to another embodiment for use with the apparatus of Figure 8a. Article 250 includes substantially the same components as those described in relation to Figure 9b, and the same reference numerals are used and should be understood to be substantially the same as their correspondings unless otherwise specified. In Figure 10b, article 250 includes 10 individual portions of aerosol-generating material 254 provided on the first surface 254a of the carrier component 262. The individual portions are arranged in a 2 × 5 grid. In this embodiment, the carrier component 262 includes a heating layer 264.

[0168] In other embodiments, it will be understood that the carrier component 262 also includes a support layer.

[0169] In other embodiments, the aerosol supply device may be provided with any number of inductive elements in an alternative grid configuration, such as a 2x3 grid, a 2x4 grid, or a 3x3 grid.

[0170] In an alternative embodiment, the aerosol product may comprise an aerosol-generating material 254, which may be distributed as needed to a different number of individual portions and different positions on the first surface of the heating layer 264.

[0171] Figure 11a shows an aerosol supply system 200 according to another embodiment. The aerosol supply device 210 includes substantially the same components as those described in relation to Figure 9a, and the same reference numerals are used. Unless otherwise specified, the reference numerals should be understood to be substantially the same as their correspondings.

[0172] The aerosol supply device 210 comprises a plurality of resonant circuits as described above. In this embodiment, the device 210 comprises a plurality of inductive elements 8 provided in first arrays 8a to 8e and second arrays 8f to 8j. The first arrays 8a to 8e of the inductive elements are provided on the first surface of the chamber 240, and the second arrays 8f to 8j are provided on the second opposite surface of the chamber 240.

[0173] In other embodiments, the aerosol supply device 210 may include a hinged door or removable portion of the outer housing 221 to allow access to the chamber 240 so that a user can insert and / or remove an aerosol product 250 from the chamber 240.

[0174] Figures 11b to 11e show various articles that can be used with the apparatus of Figure 11a. The articles are roughly rectangular in shape so that they can be received within the chamber 240 of the device 210.

[0175] Figure 11b shows a cross-sectional view of an article 250 comprising a carrier component 262 having a heating layer 264. Individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 254 are provided on the first surface 264a and the second surface 264b of the heating layer 264.

[0176] Figure 11c shows a cross-sectional view of an article 250 comprising a carrier component 262 having a support layer 266 and two heating layers 264, the support layer being located between the heating layers 264. Individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 254 are located on the outer surface of the heating layers 264.

[0177] Figure 11d shows a cross-sectional view of an article 250 comprising a substantially rectangular carrier component 262. The article defines an internal void 263 having open first and second ends 262a, 262b. The carrier component 262 comprises a heating layer 264 provided on opposing faces of the internal void. Individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 254 are provided on the inner surface of the heating layer 264.

[0178] Figure 11e shows a cross-sectional view of an article 250 comprising a substantially rectangular carrier component 262. The article defines an internal void 263 having open first and second ends 262a, 262b. The carrier component 262 comprises a heating layer 264 and a support layer 266. Individual portions of aerosol-generating material 254 are provided on the inner surface of the heating layer 264.

[0179] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of 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 and modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably include, consist of, or essentially consist of, appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. (a) In the heating mode, a step of driving the resonant circuit of an induction heater for an aerosol supply device at a predetermined resonant frequency of the resonant circuit, wherein the induction heater comprises a switching circuit and a resonant circuit, and the induction heater is for heating a susceptor; (b) A step of measuring the current flowing through the induction heater during the heating mode, (c) A step of comparing the first measured value of the current with the second measured value of the current, (d) A step of controlling the trigger of a sampling mode based at least in part on the comparison in step (c), wherein the determined resonant frequency is updated during the sampling mode, Methods that include...

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first measurement value of the current and the second measurement value of the current are measured at different times.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sampling mode is triggered by a sampling frequency, and the sampling frequency defines the interval between a plurality of consecutive sampling modes of the induction heater.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the sampling frequency is increased or decreased by a predetermined amount based on the comparison in step (c) of the method.

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein the sampling frequency is increased or decreased by a dynamic amount based on the comparison in step (c) of the method.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein triggering the sampling mode includes terminating the heating mode.

7. In step (b) of the above method, The first measured value of the current is the maximum value of the current flowing through the induction heater during the heating mode. The second measurement of the current is a subsequent measurement of the current flowing through the induction heater during the heating mode, Step (c) of the above method is A step of calculating the difference between the first measured value of the current and the second measured value of the current, A step of comparing the difference with a threshold, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, including the method described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the sampling frequency is increased if the magnitude of the difference between the first measured value of the current and the second measured value of the current is greater than the magnitude of the threshold.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the sampling frequency is reduced if the magnitude of the difference between the first measured value of the current and the second measured value of the current is smaller than the magnitude of the threshold.

10. During the heating mode, the maximum value of the current flowing through the induction heater is (e) Each time the resonant circuit switches from the sampling mode to the heating mode, the step of updating the maximum value to the first measured value of the current flowing through the induction heater during the heating mode, (f) A step of comparing each measured value of the current with the maximum value, (g) If the measured current is greater than the maximum value, the step of updating the maximum value to the measured value of the current, The method according to claim 7, 8, or 9, as determined by...

11. Step (c) of the above method is The process further includes comparing the first measured value of the current with a third measured value of the current, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first, second, and third measured values ​​of the current are three consecutive measured values ​​of the current.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the first, second, and third measurements of the current are measured at different times.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the sampling frequency is reduced if the first measurement is greater than the second and third measurements.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the sampling frequency is increased if the first measurement is smaller than the second measurement and / or the third measurement.

15. (h) A step of estimating the temperature of the susceptor from the predetermined resonant frequency, (i) A step of comparing the estimated temperature of the susceptor with the target temperature of the susceptor, Furthermore, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the control of the trigger of the sampling mode in step (d) is at least in part based on the comparison in step (i).

16. A current measurement module for measuring the current flowing through an induction heater during heating mode, A first output for applying a pulse to the resonant circuit of the induction heater circuit in sampling mode, A processor for comparing a first measurement of the current with a second measurement of the current, A control module for setting a sampling frequency based at least partially on the comparison, wherein the sampling frequency defines the interval between a plurality of consecutive sampling modes of the induction heater circuit. A controller for the induction heater circuit for heating a susceptor, comprising:

17. A resonant circuit comprising an inductive element and a capacitor, wherein the inductive element is for inductively heating a susceptor, A drive circuit for applying pulses to the resonant circuit, wherein the edges of the applied pulses induce a pulse response between the capacitor and the inductive element of the resonant circuit, and the pulse response has a resonant frequency. A current measuring circuit for measuring the current flowing through the inductive element, The first measured value of the current is compared with the second measured value of the current. A processor for setting a sampling frequency based at least in part on the comparison, wherein the sampling frequency defines the interval between a plurality of consecutive sampling modes of the induction heater circuit, An apparatus for an aerosol supply device, comprising the above.

18. An aerosol supply device comprising the apparatus described in claim 17.

19. The aerosol supply device according to claim 18, comprising a plurality of resonant circuits.

20. It comprises a chamber for removably receiving an article containing an aerosol-generating material, The aerosol supply device according to claim 19, wherein the plurality of inductive elements of the plurality of resonant circuits are arranged along the side wall of the chamber.

21. It comprises a chamber for removably receiving an article containing an aerosol-generating material, The aerosol supply device according to claim 18, wherein the plurality of inductive elements of the plurality of resonant circuits are arranged along the two side walls of the chamber.

22. An aerosol supply system comprising an aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 18 to 21 and an article containing an aerosol generating material.

23. The aerosol supply system according to claim 22, wherein the article comprises a susceptor.

24. A method for generating an aerosol, comprising the steps of preparing an aerosol supply system according to claim 22 or 23, and at least partially inserting the aerosol product into the chamber.

25. The apparatus for aerosol supply devices includes at least, (a) Driving the resonant circuit of an induction heater at a predetermined resonant frequency of the resonant circuit in the heating operation mode, wherein the induction heater comprises a switching circuit and a resonant circuit, and the induction heater is for heating a susceptor, (b) Comparing a first measured value of the current flowing through the inductive element of the resonant circuit with a second measured value of the current, (c) Controlling the trigger of the sampling mode based at least in part on the comparison in step (b), such that the determined resonant frequency is updated during the sampling mode, A computer program that contains instructions for executing a command.

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