Aerosol generation system equipped with inductor coils for induction heating and resistance heating

Abstract

An aerosol generating system (100) is provided for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate (104) of an aerosol-generating article (102). The aerosol generating system comprises control electronic equipment (40) and an electric heating arrangement (320). The electric heating arrangement comprises an inductor coil (24) and a susceptor (114). The susceptor is positioned or positionable such that the susceptor is at least partially located inside the inductor coil. The control electronic equipment is configured to supply electrical energy from a power source (42) to the inductor coil as an alternating current, thereby enabling the electric heating arrangement to generate heat by either or a combination of i) resistive heating of the inductor coil and ii) heating of the susceptor by inductive coupling of the inductor coil to the susceptor. The control electronics are configured to balance the heat generated by the inductive coupling of the inductor coil to the susceptor and the heat generated by the resistive heating of the inductor coil by adjusting at least one parameter of the alternating current to change the inductive coupling of the inductor coil to the susceptor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generation system for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate, and a method of heating an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article.

Background Art

[0002] In order to avoid ignition or combustion of the aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article, it is known to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate by applying heat to the aerosol-forming substrate. It is known to heat the aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article by externally applying heat to such an aerosol-generating article. Typically, an aerosol-generating article includes a wrapper that circumferentially encloses the aerosol-forming substrate. The wrapper obstructs heat transfer from the outside of the aerosol-generating article to the aerosol-forming substrate, and as a result, the heating of the substrate may be insufficient, deteriorating the user experience. By applying additional heat, the effect of the wrapper obstructing the heat flow can be overcome, but the aerosol-forming substrate may be heated in a non-uniform manner. More specifically, the heating of the aerosol-forming substrate is maximized at or adjacent to the wrapper and decreases as the distance from the wrapper into the substrate increases. It is also known to use a heating element disposed inside the aerosol-forming substrate to heat the aerosol-forming substrate of such an article from the inside of the substrate. By heating the aerosol-forming substrate from the inside, it is avoided that heat has to pass through the wrapper to reach the aerosol-forming substrate. However, heating the aerosol-forming substrate from the inside can still result in the aerosol-forming substrate being heated in a non-uniform manner, in which case the heating of the substrate is maximized at or adjacent to the internal heating element and decreases as the distance from the internal heating element into the substrate increases. Non-uniform heating of the aerosol-forming substrate can result in the substrate being only partially depleted at the end of a usage session. If the level of heat applied to the substrate is increased to completely deplete the aerosol-forming substrate when using either external or internal heating of the substrate, there is a possibility of causing unintentional and undesirable combustion of the substrate.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need to heat the aerosol-forming substrate in a way that provides improved depletion of the aerosol-forming substrate without causing ignition or combustion of the substrate. [Overview of the project]

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating system is provided for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol generating system may comprise control electronics and an electric heating arrangement. The electric heating arrangement may comprise an inductor coil and a susceptor, the susceptor being positioned or positionable such that the susceptor is at least partially located inside the inductor coil. The control electronics may be configured to supply electrical energy from a power source to the inductor coil as an alternating current, thereby enabling the electric heating arrangement to generate heat by either or a combination of i) resistive heating of the inductor coil and ii) heating of the susceptor by inductive coupling of the inductor coil to the susceptor. The control electronics may be configured to balance the heat generated by the inductive coupling of the inductor coil to the susceptor and the heat generated by resistive heating of the inductor coil by adjusting at least one parameter of the alternating current to change the inductive coupling of the inductor coil to the susceptor.

[0005] In this way, the heating arrangement may be modified to change the manner in which heat is applied to the aerosol-forming substrate to any one of the following: a) by resistive heating of the inductor coil alone, or mainly by resistive heating of the inductor coil; b) by heating of the susceptor alone, or mainly by inductive coupling of the inductor coil to the susceptor; or c) a combination of resistive heating of the inductor coil and heating of the susceptor by inductive coupling of the inductor coil to the susceptor.

[0006] By adjusting the balance between the heat generated by the resistive heating of the inductor coil and the heat generated by the inductive coupling of the inductor coil to the susceptor, it is possible to facilitate more uniform heating of the aerosol-forming substrate and provide improved substrate depletion.

[0007] By using a single inductor coil to provide both heating power to the internal susceptor and resistive heating of the coil itself, two different heat sources are provided at different locations relative to the aerosol-forming substrate in a structure that is less complex than typical induction heating arrangements.

[0008] Preferably, at least one parameter includes the frequency of the alternating current. The inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor changes with the frequency of the alternating current. The frequency is a value f associated with the alternating current that forms a fluctuating magnetic field that best couples to the susceptor, enabling almost all of the energy in the current to be transferred to the susceptor. susceptor It may be adjusted to have such that, as a result, most of the heat is generated by heating the susceptor. The frequency is also a value f related to the alternating current that forms a magnetic field that is hardly coupled to the susceptor, allowing almost all of the energy to remain in the inductor coil. inductor coil It may be adjusted to have such that, as a result, most of the heat is generated by the resistive heating of the inductor coil. The frequency is also a value f associated with the alternating current that results in a combination of susceptor heating and resistive heating of the inductor coil. total These frequencies may be adjusted to have the following characteristics. Each of these frequencies varies depending on the materials, physical properties, and configuration of the inductor and susceptor, such as the inductance of the inductor coil and the permeability of the material used as the susceptor.

[0009] The control electronic equipment may be configured to adjust the frequency of the alternating current from a first frequency value or a first frequency range to a second frequency value or a second frequency range. The first frequency value or first frequency range may correspond to a first heating state of the electric heating arrangement, and the second frequency value or second frequency range corresponds to a second heating state of the electric heating arrangement. Preferably, the second frequency value or second frequency range is closer to the resonant frequency of the electric heating arrangement than the first frequency value or first frequency range, thereby increasing the inductive coupling of the inductor coil to the susceptor in the second heating state compared to the first heating state.

[0010] Advantageously, the control electronics may be configured to trigger adjustments to the frequency of the alternating current between a first frequency value or range of first frequency values ​​and a second frequency value or range of frequency values ​​as a function of one or more of the following: a) the number of fume extractions over a usage session, b) the elapsed time from the start of the usage session, and c) the detection of fume extraction during the usage session. The system may detect the occurrence of fume extraction by using a pressure sensor or a temperature sensor. The heating arrangement may function as a means of determining the temperature itself, or as a means of detecting or determining a temperature change.

[0011] The control electronic equipment may be configured to adjust the frequency of the alternating current from a first frequency value or a range of first frequencies to a second frequency value or a range of second frequencies in response to receiving a signal indicating that fumigation has been performed on the aerosol generating system. The control electronic equipment may also be configured to maintain the frequency of the alternating current at the second frequency value or a range of second frequencies for a predetermined period of time after receiving a signal indicating that fumigation has been performed on the aerosol generating system. The predetermined period of time may be greater than or equal to the duration of the fumigation performed.

[0012] The control electronic equipment may be configured to adjust the frequency of the alternating current from a second frequency value or range of second frequency values ​​to a third frequency value or range of third frequency values ​​after a predetermined period of time. The third frequency value or range of third frequency values ​​corresponds to a third heating state of the electric heating arrangement. The third frequency value or range of third frequency values ​​is further from the resonant frequency of the electric heating arrangement compared to the second frequency value or range of second frequency values, thereby reducing the inductive coupling of the inductor coil to the susceptor in the third heating state compared to the second heating state. The first, second, and third heating states may differ from each other; for example, each heating state may be associated with a different heating level generated by the heating arrangement. The first, second, and third heating states may each be associated with a different corresponding target operating temperature for the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0013] The resonant frequency may also be determined according to the following equation:

number

[0014] The parameters of the alternating current include, alternatively or additionally, the magnitude of the alternating current. Increasing or decreasing the magnitude of the alternating current to the inductor coil will result in a corresponding increase or decrease in the strength of the magnetic field generated around the inductor coil, which in turn will increase or decrease the heating level of the inductor coil and / or susceptor. The balance between the heat generated by the heating of the inductor coil (due to its resistive heating) and the heat generated by the heating of the susceptor (due to the inductive coupling of the inductor coil to the susceptor) changes with the frequency of the alternating current.

[0015] Advantageously, the control electronics may also be configured to supply electrical energy from the power source to the inductor coil as a direct current. Even if a direct current is supplied to the inductor coil, it does not create a fluctuating magnetic field around the inductor coil, and therefore, no heating of the susceptor occurs. Rather, any heating effect resulting from the supply of direct current is limited to resistive heating of the inductor coil.

[0016] In a manner similar to the control of AC current supply described above, the control electronics may be configured to activate or adjust the supply of DC current to the inductor coil as a function of one or more of the following: a) the number of fume extractions over a usage session, b) the elapsed time from the start of the usage session, and c) the detection of fume extraction during the usage session. As described above, the system may be configured to detect the performance of fume extraction by using a pressure sensor or a temperature sensor. The heating arrangement may function as a means of determining the temperature itself, or as a means of detecting or determining a temperature change. The control electronics may be configured to activate or increase the supply of DC current to the inductor coil in response to receiving a signal indicating that fume extraction has been performed on the aerosol generating system.

[0017] The control electronics may be configured to supply alternating current and direct current to the inductor coil in an alternating sequence. Alternating external and internal heating may be advantageous to prevent overheating of any part of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0018] The control electronics may be configured to simultaneously supply both alternating current and direct current to the inductor coil. In this way, a larger amount of thermal energy can be transferred to the aerosol-forming substrate without causing the susceptor or coil to reach a temperature at which any part of the aerosol-generating article might burn, thereby generating a larger amount of aerosol.

[0019] Conveniently, the control electronic equipment may be configured to switch between one or more of the following operating states: a) a first operating state in which only alternating current is supplied to the inductor coil; b) a second operating state in which only direct current is supplied to the inductor coil; and c) a third operating state in which both alternating and direct current are supplied to the inductor coil.

[0020] The first, second, and third operating states may each be associated with different corresponding heating levels generated by the heating arrangement. The first, second, and third operating states may each be associated with different corresponding target operating temperatures for the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0021] Preferably, the control electronic equipment may be configured to select between different operating states, such as a first, second, and third operating states, as a function of one or more of the following: a) the number of times smoke is inhaled over a usage session, b) the elapsed time from the start of the usage session, and c) detection of smoke inhalation during the usage session.

[0022] In this case as well, as described above, the system may be configured to detect the operation of smoke extraction by using a pressure sensor or a temperature sensor. The heating arrangement may itself function as a means of determining the temperature, or as a means of detecting or determining a temperature change.

[0023] The aerosol generation system may include an aerosol generator. The aerosol generator may include an inductor coil, a susceptor, and a chamber. The inductor coil may surround the peripheral wall of the chamber, or at least partially define the peripheral wall of the chamber. The susceptor may be disposed inside the chamber. The chamber may be configured to receive an aerosol generating article having an aerosol-forming substrate such that the susceptor is inserted into the aerosol generating article.

[0024] The susceptor may extend from the base of the chamber along the longitudinal axis of the chamber.

[0025] The aerosol generating system may further comprise an aerosol generating article, and either or both of the aerosol generating device and the aerosol generating article are configured such that, when the aerosol generating article is received in the chamber, the susceptor is surrounded by the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol generating article, or at least partially embedded inside the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol generating article.

[0026] Conveniently, when the aerosol-forming article is received in the chamber, the susceptor may form all or part of a pin or blade configured to penetrate the aerosol-forming article.

[0027] Alternatively, the aerosol generating system may comprise an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article, in which case the susceptor forms part of the aerosol generating article (but not the aerosol generating device). The aerosol generating device may comprise an inductor coil and a chamber. The inductor coil may surround the peripheral wall of the chamber, or at least partially define the peripheral wall of the chamber. The aerosol generating article may comprise an aerosol forming substrate and a susceptor, the susceptor being surrounded by the aerosol forming substrate, or at least partially embedded inside the aerosol forming substrate. The chamber may be configured to receive the aerosol generating article such that the susceptor is positioned at least partially inside the inductor coil.

[0028] The inductor coil may be suspended inside the chamber. This reduces heat loss from the coil to the housing of the aerosol generator defining the chamber, thereby improving the efficiency of the device. The inductor coil may be a helical coil. The helical coil may have a first end and a second end. The housing may be in contact with the inductor coil only at the first and second ends of the inductor coil.

[0029] The housing may have an inner surface that defines at least partially the chamber. The first end of the inductor coil and the second end of the inductor coil may each abut against the inner surface of the housing. The inner surface of the housing may define a first recess and a second recess, where the first end of the inductor coil is positioned inside the first recess and the second end of the inductor coil is positioned inside the second recess.

[0030] The inner surface of the housing may define a first slot and a second slot, where the first end of the inductor coil extends through the first slot and the second end of the inductor coil extends through the second slot. The outer surface of the inductor coil may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the housing.

[0031] The chamber may have an open first end through which at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article can be inserted into the chamber, and a closed second end located opposite the open first end.

[0032] The aerosol generator may further include an airflow channel defined between the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the inductor coil, in which case the airflow channel provides fluid communication between a first end of the chamber and a second end of the chamber.

[0033] The aerosol generator may further include at least one projection extending into the chamber from a closed second end of the chamber. The housing may include an end wall defining the closed second end of the chamber. At least one projection may extend into the chamber from the end wall. At least one projection may be formed integrally with the end wall. At least one projection may comprise at least three projections. The chamber may have a longitudinal axis defining a first direction along which at least a portion of an aerosol generating article can be inserted into the chamber. The at least three projections may be arranged at equal intervals from one another in the circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis.

[0034] The inductor coil may be configured to make surface contact with the outer surface of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is received into the chamber. This surface contact between the inductor coil and the outer surface of the aerosol generating article may facilitate the conduction of heat generated by the resistive heating of the inductor coil to the aerosol generating article. Furthermore, this surface contact between the inductor coil and the outer surface of the aerosol generating article may facilitate the holding of the aerosol generating article at a desired position relative to the inductor coil within the chamber of the aerosol generator.

[0035] The inductor coil may be a flat or helical inductor coil. The inductor coil may have a tubular or helical shape. Preferably, the inductor coil is both tubular and helical. Preferably, the tubular and helical coils have a non-circular cross-section when viewed perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the coil's major axis, i.e., perpendicular to the magnetic center axis of the coil. If the inductor coil is intended to be in surface contact with the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article, using a coil with a flat cross-sectional profile may allow heat generated by the resistance heating of the coil to be easily conducted between the coil and the article.

[0036] The inductor coil may be formed in a conductive tubular member, in which case the shape and configuration of the inductor coil are defined by providing one or more cutouts in the tubular member.

[0037] An inductor coil may be formed from a coiled wire. The coiled wire may comprise a conductive core and a coating on the conductive core. The coating may be electrically insulating. The coating may comprise at least one of polymer, ceramic, and glass.

[0038] The inductor coil may be made of metal. The metal may be copper or stainless steel.

[0039] The inductor coil may include a first tubular portion made of a conductive material, a second tubular portion made of a conductive material, and a helical coil made of a conductive material extending between the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion made of a conductive material.

[0040] The helical coil may be formed integrally with the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion. Preferably, each of the first tubular portion, the second tubular portion, and each turn of the helical coil has a maximum width extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the inductor coil, in which case the maximum widths of the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion are greater than the maximum widths of each turn of the helical coil.

[0041] An inductor coil may have a plurality of individual openings in at least one of a first tubular portion made of a conductive material and a second tubular portion made of a conductive material. The plurality of individual openings may be present in both the first tubular portion made of a conductive material and the second tubular portion made of a conductive material. The plurality of individual openings may be distributed symmetrically in the circumferential direction extending around the longitudinal axis of the inductor coil. Each of the individual openings may have a circular, triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, or octagonal shape.

[0042] The inductor coil may further comprise an electrically insulating material layer extending around the outer surfaces of the first tubular portion, the second tubular portion, and the helical coil. The electrically insulating material layer may comprise a strip of electrically insulating material extending around the outer surfaces of the first tubular portion, the second tubular portion, and the helical coil. The strip of electrically insulating material may extend in a helical shape around the outer surfaces of the first tubular portion, the second tubular portion, and the helical coil. The helical strip of electrically insulating material may be wound in a first direction, and the helical coil may rotate in a second direction, where the second direction is opposite to the first direction. The layer of electrically insulating material may be overmolded onto the outer surfaces of the first tubular portion, the second tubular portion, and the helical coil.

[0043] A helical coil of conductive material may have an inner surface, and at least one edge of the turns of the helical coil may be beveled, chamfered, or filleted.

[0044] An inductor coil may comprise a core layer made of a material with a first electrical resistivity and an outer layer made of a material with a second electrical resistivity, in which case the first electrical resistivity is greater than the second electrical resistivity. The heat generated by the DC current in the coil mainly occurs in the core layer. The AC current is conducted mainly in the outer layer and generates little heat as a result of Joule heating.

[0045] The aerosol generating system may further include a thermally conductive bridging element configured to extend between the inductor coil and the outer surface of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is received into the chamber of the aerosol generating device. The thermally conductive bridging element may include a sleeve positioned radially inward of the inductor coil. The sleeve may at least partially define the peripheral wall of the chamber. The thermally conductive bridging element allows heat to be conducted from the inductor coil to the aerosol generating article while avoiding direct contact between the inductor coil and the outer surface of the aerosol generating article. Therefore, by providing a thermally conductive bridging element, the possibility of damage to the inductor coil can be reduced when inserting or removing the aerosol generating article from the chamber.

[0046] At least one of the control electronic equipment and the thermally conductive bridging element may be configured to prevent inductive coupling between the thermally conductive bridging element and the inductor coil during use.

[0047] The control electronic equipment may be configured to supply an alternating current having a frequency selected to prevent inductive coupling between the thermally conductive bridging element and the inductor coil during use.

[0048] The thermally conductive crosslinking element may be formed from an electrically non-conductive material. The thermally conductive crosslinking element may be formed from a non-inductively heatable material. The thermally conductive crosslinking element may comprise at least one of a polymer material and a metal. The thermally conductive crosslinking element may comprise at least one of aluminum and paramagnetic steel. The paramagnetic steel may comprise austenitic steel. The thermally conductive crosslinking element may comprise a polymer material and at least one of graphite, graphite-derived material, and hexagonal boron nitride dispersed within the polymer material. The polymer material may comprise at least one of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and liquid crystal polymer (LCP). The thermally conductive crosslinking element may comprise the polymer material in an amount of 22 to 33 weight percent of the thermally conductive crosslinking element. The graphite-derived material may comprise at least one of expanded graphite and graphite nanoplatelets. The thermally conductive crosslinking element may comprise at least one of graphite, graphite-derived material, and hexagonal boron nitride in an amount of 62 to 69 weight percent of the thermally conductive crosslinking element. The thermally conductive crosslinking element may further comprise at least one additive dispersed within the polymer material. At least one additive may comprise carbon black. The thermally conductive crosslinking element may comprise at least one additive in an amount of 5 to 9 weight percent of the thermally conductive crosslinking element.

[0049] The power supply and control electronics may be connected to the thermally conductive bridging element, and may also be configured to resistively heat the thermally conductive bridging element by supplying current to it during use.

[0050] The power supply may form part of the aerosol generation system. The power supply may be a battery, preferably a rechargeable battery. If the system includes an aerosol generator, the generator preferably includes a power supply. The power supply is preferably a replaceable component of the aerosol generator. The control electronics may include a DC / AC converter that is connectable to or connected to the power supply.

[0051] The power supply may include a first DC power supply. The first DC power supply may be a battery. The control circuit may include a DC / AC converter connected to the first DC power supply.

[0052] The control electronics preferably includes power supply electronics configured to operate at high frequency. The power supply electronics may include a DC / AC converter connected to a first DC power supply, the DC / AC converter including a Class E power amplifier, the Class E power amplifier including a first transistor switch and an LC load network. The LC load network may include a shunt capacitor and a series connection of a capacitor and an inductor coil. The power supply electronics may also include a choke inductor between the first DC power supply and the capacitor.

[0053] The power supply electronic equipment preferably includes a second DC power supply connected to the LC load network at a position between the capacitor and the inductor coil to supply DC current to the inductor coil. The second DC power supply may be the same power source as the first DC power supply, for example, they may be the same battery. The power supply electronic equipment may include a choke inductor between the second DC power supply and the capacitor. The choke inductor preferably has a larger inductance value than the inductor coil. The power supply electronic equipment may include a second switch between the second DC power supply and the inductor coil. The second switch may be a second transistor switch.

[0054] The power supply electronic device may include a second capacitor, which is connected in parallel with the inductor coil. This allows f susceptor and f inductor coil The difference between these two values ​​may be reduced.

[0055] For the purposes of this application, the term "high frequency" should be understood to refer to frequencies in the range of approximately 1 megahertz (MHz) to approximately 30 megahertz (MHz) (including the range of 1 MHz to 30 MHz), particularly approximately 1 megahertz (MHz) to approximately 10 MHz (including the range of 1 MHz to 10 MHz), and even more particularly approximately 5 megahertz (MHz) to approximately 7 megahertz (MHz) (including the range of 5 MHz to 7 MHz).

[0056] Class E power amplifiers are generally known and are described in detail, for example, in the literature "Class-E RF Power Amplifiers," Nathan O. Sokal, the bimonthly magazine QEX, edition January / February 2001, pp. 9-20, the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), Newington, CT, USA. Class E power amplifiers are advantageous for high-frequency operation and, at the same time, have a simple circuit structure with a minimum number of components (for example, requiring only one transistor switch, which is advantageous compared to a Class D power amplifier with two transistor switches that must be controlled at high frequencies in such a manner that when one of the two transistors is on, the other is reliably off). In addition, Class E power amplifiers are known to have minimal power loss in the switching transistors during switching transitions. Preferably, a Class E power amplifier is a single-ended first-order Class E power amplifier having only a single transistor switch.

[0057] The transistor switch in a Class E power amplifier can be any type of transistor and may be embedded as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT). However, it is more preferable that the transistor switch be embedded as a field-effect transistor (FET), such as a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) or a metal-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MESFET).

[0058] The LC load network of a Class E power amplifier is preferably configured to operate with a low-ohm load. The term “low-ohm load” should be understood as an ohm load of less than about 2 ohms. The LC load network may comprise a shunt capacitor and a series connection of the capacitor and an inductor with an ohm resistance. This ohm resistance of the inductor is typically a fraction of an ohm. When in operation, the ohm resistance of the susceptor is added to the ohm resistance of the inductor and should be greater than the ohm resistance of the inductor, because the power supplied should be converted into heat to the greatest extent possible within the susceptor in order to increase the efficiency of the power amplifier and to allow as much heat as possible to be transferred from the susceptor to the rest of the aerosol-forming substrate to effectively generate aerosols.

[0059] The control electronics may be configured to control the supply of electrical energy from the power source to the inductor coil in order to maintain the inductor coil temperature at a target temperature or to make it follow a target temperature profile. The target temperature and / or the target temperature profile may be stored on a memory module or other form of data storage accessible to the control electronics.

[0060] The control electronics may be configured to control the supply of electrical energy from the power source to the inductor coil in order to maintain the susceptor temperature at a target temperature or to make it follow a target temperature profile. In this case as well, the target temperature and / or the target temperature profile may be stored on a memory module or other form of data storage accessible to the control electronics.

[0061] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for heating an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article. The method may include providing an electric heating arrangement comprising an inductor coil and a susceptor, wherein the susceptor is surrounded by the aerosol-forming substrate or at least partially embedded within the aerosol-forming substrate, and the susceptor is at least partially located within the inductor coil. The method may also include controlling the supply of electrical energy from a power source as an alternating current to the inductor coil so that the electric heating arrangement generates heat by either or a combination of i) resistive heating of the inductor coil and ii) heating of the susceptor by inductive coupling of the inductor coil to the susceptor. The method may further include adjusting the balance between the heat generated by the inductive coupling of the inductor coil to the susceptor and the heat generated by resistive heating of the inductor coil by adjusting at least one parameter of the alternating current to change the inductive coupling of the inductor coil to the susceptor.

[0062] In this way, the present method makes it easy to change the manner in which heat is applied to the aerosol-forming substrate to one of the following: a) by resistive heating of the inductor coil alone, or mainly by resistive heating of the inductor coil; b) by heating of the susceptor alone by inductive coupling of the inductor coil to the susceptor, or mainly by such heating of the susceptor; or c) a combination of resistive heating of the inductor coil and heating of the susceptor by inductive coupling of the inductor coil to the susceptor.

[0063] As described in relation to the first aspect of this disclosure, by adjusting the balance between the heat generated by the resistive heating of the inductor coil and the heat generated by the inductive coupling of the inductor coil to the susceptor, it is possible to facilitate more uniform heating of the aerosol-forming substrate and provide improved depletion of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0064] In this case as well, as described above with respect to the first aspect of the present disclosure, it is preferable that at least one parameter includes the frequency of the alternating current. Additionally or alternatively, the parameter may include the magnitude of the alternating current.

[0065] This method may include adjusting the frequency of the alternating current from a first frequency value or range of the first frequency value to a second frequency value or range of the second frequency value. The first frequency value or range of the first frequency value corresponds to the first heating state of the electric heating system, and the second frequency value or range of the second frequency value corresponds to the second heating state of the electric heating system. The second frequency value or range of the second frequency value may be closer to the resonant frequency of the electric heating system than the first frequency value or range of the first frequency value, thereby increasing the inductive coupling of the inductor coil to the susceptor in the second heating state compared to the first heating state.

[0066] Advantageously, adjusting the frequency of the alternating current between a first frequency value or range of first frequency values ​​and a second frequency value or range of frequency values ​​may be triggered as a function of one or more of the following: a) the number of times smoke is extracted over a usage session, b) the elapsed time from the start of the usage session, and c) detection of smoke extraction during the usage session. As shown in relation to the first aspect of this disclosure, detection of smoke extraction may be performed by using a pressure sensor or a temperature sensor. The heating arrangement may itself function as a means of determining the temperature, or as a means of detecting or determining a temperature change.

[0067] In response to receiving a signal indicating that smoking has been performed on an aerosol-generating article or on an aerosol-generating device in which an aerosol-generating article is received internally, the frequency of an alternating current may be adjusted from a first frequency value or a first frequency value range to a second frequency value or a second frequency value range. The method may further include maintaining the frequency of the alternating current at the second frequency value or the second frequency value range for a predetermined time after the start of the execution of smoking. The predetermined time may be longer than the duration of the executed smoking.

[0068] The method may include adjusting the frequency of the alternating current from the second frequency value or the second frequency value range to a third frequency value or a third frequency value range after the elapse of the predetermined time. The third frequency value or the third frequency value range may correspond to a third heating state of the electrical heating arrangement. The third frequency value or the third frequency value range may be away from the resonance frequency of the electrical heating arrangement compared to the second frequency value or the second frequency value range, whereby the inductive coupling of the inductor coil to the susceptor is reduced in the third heating state compared to the second heating state. As described with respect to the first aspect of the present disclosure, each of the first heating state, the second heating state, and the third heating state may be different from each other. For example, each heating state may be associated with a different heating level generated by the heating arrangement. Each of the first heating state, the second heating state, and the third heating state may be associated with a different corresponding target operating temperature with respect to the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0069] Regarding the first aspect of the present disclosure, the resonance frequency may be determined according to the following formula.

Equation

[0070] Advantageously, controlling the supply of electrical energy from the power source to the inductor coil may further include supplying a direct current to the inductor coil.

[0071] The method may further include activating or adjusting the supply of DC current to an inductor coil as a function of one or more of the following: a) the number of fume extractions over a usage session, b) the elapsed time from the start of the usage session, and c) the detection of fume extraction during the usage session. The method may also include enabling or increasing the supply of DC current to an inductor coil in response to fume extraction being performed on an aerosol generating article or on an aerosol generating device in which an aerosol generating article is received.

[0072] Conveniently, the method may include switching between one or more of the following: a) a first operating state in which only alternating current is supplied to the inductor coil; b) a second operating state in which only direct current is supplied to the inductor coil; and c) a third operating state in which both alternating and direct current are supplied to the inductor coil.

[0073] The first heating state, the second heating state, and the third heating state may each be associated with different corresponding heating levels provided by the heating arrangement. The first operating state, the second operating state, and the third operating state may each be associated with different corresponding target operating temperatures for the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0074] Preferably, the method may include selecting one or more of the following functions between different operating states, a) the number of times smoke is inhaled over a usage session, b) the elapsed time from the start of the usage session, and c) detection of smoke inhalation during the usage session.

[0075] This method may include arranging an inductor coil so as to be in surface contact with the outer surface of the aerosol generating article.

[0076] This method may include thermally coupling the inductor coil to the outer surface of the aerosol generating article by using a thermally conductive bridging element extending between the inductor coil and the outer surface of the aerosol generating article. The thermally conductive bridging element may include a sleeve, which is located radially inward of the inductor coil.

[0077] The inductor coil and thermally conductive bridging element may be as described in reference to the first aspect of this disclosure.

[0078] This method may include controlling the supply of electrical energy from the power source to the inductor coil so as to maintain the temperature of the inductor coil at a target temperature or to follow a target temperature profile.

[0079] This method may include controlling the supply of electrical energy from the power source to the inductor coil to maintain the susceptor temperature at a target temperature or to follow a target temperature profile.

[0080] As used herein, the term “aerosol generating system” is used to describe a set of elements configured to provide interaction with an aerosol-forming substrate in order to generate an aerosol.

[0081] As used herein, the term “aerosol generator” is used to describe a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. Preferably, the aerosol generator is a smoking device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into the user’s lungs through the user’s mouth.

[0082] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substrate consisting of, or containing, an aerosol-forming material having the ability to release volatile compounds upon heating in order to generate aerosols.

[0083] The aerosol-forming substrate is preferably a solid aerosol-forming substrate. However, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise both solid and liquid components. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0084] The aerosol-forming substrate preferably contains nicotine. More preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate contains tobacco. Alternatively, or additionally, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco-containing aerosol-forming material.

[0085] When the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain one or more of the following: herb leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco stems, puffed tobacco, and homogenized tobacco, for example, one or more of the following: powder, granules, pellets, fragments, twisted yarn, splinters, or sheets.

[0086] Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds, which are released upon heating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may also contain, for example, one or more capsules containing additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds, which may melt during heating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0087] Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may be provided on or embedded within a thermally stable carrier. The carrier may take the form of a powder, granules, pellets, fragments, yarns, strips, or sheets. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited on the surface of the carrier, for example, in the form of a sheet, foam, gel, or slurry. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited over the entire surface of the carrier, or alternatively, in a pattern to provide non-uniform flavor delivery during use.

[0088] In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term “homogenized tobacco material” refers to a material formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco.

[0089] The aerosol-forming substrate preferably comprises an aggregate of homogenized tobacco material sheets. As used herein, the term “sheet” refers to a layered element having a width and length substantially greater than its thickness. As used herein, the term “aggregated” is used to describe a sheet that is wrapped, folded, or otherwise compressed or clamped substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an aerosol-forming compound. As used herein, the term “aerosol-forming compound” is used to describe any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates aerosol formation during use and is substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating article.

[0090] Suitable aerosol-forming materials include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerin; esters of polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol mono-, di-, or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanediol and dimethyl tetradecanediol. Preferred aerosol-forming materials are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, and 1,3-butanediol, with glycerin being the most preferred.

[0091] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a single aerosol-forming body. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a combination of two or more aerosol-forming bodies.

[0092] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate having the ability to release volatile compounds capable of forming aerosols. Aerosol-generating articles may be disposable.

[0093] As used herein, the term “usage session” refers to a period of time during which the user performs a series of smoke inhalations to extract aerosols from an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0094] As used herein, the term “mouthpiece” refers to a part of an aerosol generating article, aerosol generating device, or aerosol delivery system that is placed in the user’s mouth for direct inhalation of an aerosol.

[0095] As used herein, the term “susceptor” refers to an element made of a material capable of converting magnetic field energy into heat. When a susceptor is located in an alternating magnetic field, it is heated. The heating of the susceptor may result from at least one of hysteresis losses and eddy currents induced within the susceptor, depending on the electrical properties and magnetism of the susceptor material.

[0096] As used herein, the term “inductive coupling” refers to the heating of a susceptor when it is penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. Heating may be caused by the generation of eddy currents within the susceptor. Heating may also be caused by magnetic hysteresis losses.

[0097] As used herein, the term "inhalation" means the act of a user inhaling an aerosol into their body through their mouth or nose.

[0098] As used herein, when referring to an aerosol generator, the terms “upstream” and “forward,” as well as “downstream” and “backward,” are used to describe the relative position of a component or part of a component of an aerosol generator with respect to the direction in which air flows through the aerosol generator during use. The aerosol generator according to the present invention has a proximal end through which aerosols exit the device during use. The proximal end of the aerosol generator may also be referred to as the mouth end or the downstream end. The mouth end is downstream of the distal end. The distal end of the aerosol generator may also be referred to as the upstream end. Components or parts of a component of an aerosol generator may be described as being upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative position with respect to the airflow path of the aerosol generator.

[0099] When used herein, the terms “upstream” and “front,” and “downstream” and “rear” are used to describe the relative positions of components or parts of components of an aerosol-generating article with respect to the direction in which air flows through the aerosol-generating article during use. The aerosol-generating article according to the present invention has a proximal end through which an aerosol exits the article during use. The proximal end of the aerosol-generating article may also be referred to as the mouth end or the downstream end. The mouth end is downstream of the distal end. The distal end of the aerosol-generating article may also be referred to as the upstream end. Components or parts of components of an aerosol-generating article may be described as being upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative positions between the proximal end and the distal end of the aerosol-generating article. The front of a component or part of a component of an aerosol-generating article is the part closest to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The rear of a component or part of a component of an aerosol-generating article is the part closest to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0100] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exclusive list of non-limiting embodiments is provided below. Any one or more features in these embodiments may be combined with any one or more features in other embodiments, forms, or aspects described herein.

[0101] Example 1: An aerosol generating system for generating aerosols from an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article, wherein the aerosol generating system is Control electronic equipment and, An electric heating arrangement comprising an inductor coil and a susceptor, wherein the susceptor is positioned or can be positioned such that it is at least partially located inside the inductor coil, The control electronic equipment is configured to supply electrical energy from the power source to the inductor coil as alternating current, thereby enabling the electric heating arrangement to generate heat by one or a combination of i) resistive heating of the inductor coil, and ii) heating of the susceptor by inductive coupling of the inductor coil to the susceptor. An aerosol generating system in which control electronics are configured to adjust the balance between the heat generated by the inductive coupling of the inductor coil with the susceptor and the heat generated by the resistive heating of the inductor coil by adjusting at least one parameter of the alternating current to change the inductive coupling of the inductor coil with the susceptor. Example 2: The aerosol generating system according to Example 1, wherein at least one parameter includes at least one of the frequency of the alternating current and the magnitude of the alternating current. Example 3: The control electronic equipment is configured to adjust the frequency of the alternating current from a first frequency value or a range of first frequencies to a second frequency value or a range of second frequencies, wherein the first frequency value or range of first frequencies corresponds to the first heating state of the electric heating system, and the second frequency value or range of second frequencies corresponds to the second heating state of the electric heating system. The aerosol generation system according to Example 2, wherein the second frequency value or range of the second frequency value is closer to the resonant frequency of the electric heating arrangement than the first frequency value or range of the first frequency value, thereby increasing the inductive coupling between the susceptor and the inductor coil in the second heating state compared to the first heating state. Example 4: Control electronic equipment adjusts the frequency of the alternating current between a first frequency value or first frequency range and a second frequency value or frequency range. a) Number of times smoked during a session, b) Time elapsed since the start of the session, c) The aerosol generating system according to Example 3, configured to be triggered as one or more functions of detecting smoke inhalation during a usage session. Example 5: The aerosol generating system according to Embodiment 4, wherein the control electronic equipment is configured to adjust the frequency of the alternating current from a first frequency value or a range of first frequency values ​​to a second frequency value or a range of second frequency values ​​in response to receiving a signal indicating that smoke extraction has been performed on the aerosol generating system. Example 6: The aerosol generating system according to Example 5, wherein the control electronic equipment is configured to maintain the frequency of the alternating current at a second frequency value or a range of second frequency values ​​for a predetermined period of time after receiving a signal indicating that smoke extraction has been performed on the aerosol generating system. Example 7: The aerosol generating system according to Example 6, wherein the control electronic equipment is configured such that the predetermined time is greater than or equal to the duration of the smoke extraction performed. Example 8: The aerosol generating system according to Example 6 or 7, wherein the control electronic equipment is configured to adjust the frequency of the alternating current from a second frequency value or second frequency range to a third frequency value or third frequency range after a predetermined time has elapsed, the third frequency value or third frequency range corresponds to a third heating state of the electric heating arrangement, and the third frequency value or third frequency range is further from the resonant frequency of the electric heating arrangement than the second frequency value or second frequency range, thereby reducing the inductive coupling of the inductor coil with the susceptor in the third heating state compared to the second heating state. Example 9: The resonant frequency is determined according to the following equation:

number

number

[0102] The present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0103] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a side cross-sectional view of an aerosol generator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an axial cross-sectional view of the aerosol generator in Figure 1 along line 1-1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a side cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation system equipped with the aerosol generator shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a side cross-sectional view of the aerosol generator according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a side cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation system equipped with the aerosol generator shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 illustrates possible configurations of the inductor coil for the devices shown in Figures 1 to 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 illustrates the provision of a thermal bridging element between the inductor coil and the aerosol-generating article. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the induction heating arrangement of the aerosol generator, which will be explained in relation to Figures 1 to 5. [Figure 9A]Figure 9A is a schematic diagram showing a first embodiment of the electrical circuit of the aerosol generator described in relation to Figures 1 to 5. [Figure 9B] Figure 9B is a schematic diagram showing a second embodiment of the electrical circuit of the aerosol generator described in relation to Figures 1 to 5. [Figure 10] Figure 10 illustrates the application of AC current to the inductor coil across the first and second phases of operation, as well as the frequency change of the AC current between the first and second phases. [Figure 11] Figure 11 illustrates the alternating application of AC and DC currents to an inductor coil during a continuous phase of operation. [Figure 12] Figure 12 illustrates the simultaneous application of AC and DC currents to an inductor coil during at least one phase of operation, and the frequency change of the AC current between consecutive phases. [Figure 13] Figure 13 illustrates the application of AC current to an inductor coil and the frequency change of the AC current depending on whether or not smoke extraction is performed. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a modified version of Figure 13, in which both the frequency and magnitude of the AC current change depending on whether or not smoke extraction is being performed. [Figure 15] Figure 15 illustrates the target temperature profiles for the susceptor element and inductor coil in the aerosol generation system described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0104] Figures 1 and 2 show an aerosol generator 10 according to a first embodiment. The aerosol generator 10 comprises a housing 12 that defines a chamber 16 for receiving a portion of an aerosol-generating article. The chamber 16 has an open end 18 into which the aerosol-generating article can be inserted, and a closed end 20 located on the opposite side of the open end 18. The cylindrical wall 22 of the chamber 16 extends between the open end 18 and the closed end 20.

[0105] The aerosol generator 10 also includes an inductor coil 24 with a plurality of windings 26 arranged inside the chamber 16. The plurality of windings 26 of the inductor coil 24 define a lumen 28 into which a portion of the aerosol generating article is received when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the chamber 16. Advantageously, by positioning the inductor coil 24 in direct contact with the aerosol generating article received inside the chamber 16, it is easy to transfer the heat generated by the resistive heating of the inductor coil 24 to the aerosol generating article.

[0106] The inductor coil 24 comprises a first end 30 positioned toward the open end 18 of the chamber 16 and a second end 32 positioned toward the closed end 20 of the chamber 16. Each of the first end 30 and the second end 32 is received within a portion of the cylindrical wall 22 of the chamber 16 to hold the inductor coil 24 inside the chamber 16. The cylindrical wall 22 of the chamber 16 may define first and second recesses, slots, or openings into which the first end 30 and the second end 32 of the inductor coil 24 will be received, respectively. Alternatively, the first end 30 and the second end 32 of the inductor coil 24 may be fixed to the cylindrical wall 22 of the chamber 16 by overmolding the housing 12 onto the first end 30 and the second end 32 of the inductor coil 24 during the manufacturing of the housing 12.

[0107] Since the inductor coil 24 is suspended inside the chamber 16 by its first end 30 and second end 32, the winding 26 of the inductor coil 24 is spaced apart from the cylindrical wall 22 of the chamber 16. Therefore, the inductor coil 24 is in contact with the housing 12 only at the first end 30 and second end 32. By spaced the winding 26 of the inductor coil 24 apart from the cylindrical wall 22 of the chamber 16, an annular gap 34 is defined between the cylindrical wall 22 of the chamber 16 and the winding 26 of the inductor coil 24. Advantageously, the annular gap 34 reduces or minimizes the transfer of heat generated by the resistive heating of the inductor coil 24 to the housing 12. Advantageously, the annular gap 34 facilitates airflow through the chamber 16 when an aerosol-generating article is received inside the chamber 16.

[0108] To facilitate the insertion of an aerosol-generating article into the chamber 16, the inductor coil 24 is arranged concentrically around the central axis 36 of the aerosol generator 10. To facilitate the secure positioning of the inductor coil 24 within the chamber 16, the first end 30 and the second end 32 of the inductor coil 24 are held by portions located on radially opposite sides of the cylindrical wall 22 of the chamber 16.

[0109] The housing 12 also defines a number of projections 38 extending into the chamber 16 from the closed end 20 of the chamber 16. As will be further described below, the number of projections 38 function to maintain a gap between the end of the aerosol generating article and the closed end 20 of the chamber 16 when the aerosol generating article is fully inserted into the chamber 16. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2, the housing 12 defines three projections 38 arranged at equal intervals around the central axis 36 of the aerosol generator 10. Those skilled in the art will understand that the housing 12 may define a larger or smaller number of projections 38, and that the arrangement of the projections 38 at the closed end 20 of the chamber 16 may be modified.

[0110] The aerosol generator 10 also includes a control circuit 40 and a power supply 42 connected to the inductor coil 24. The control circuit 40 is configured to supply alternating current from the power supply 42 to the inductor coil 24, thereby generating an alternating magnetic field.

[0111] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system 100, which includes the aerosol generating device 10 and aerosol generating article 102 shown in Figure 1.

[0112] The aerosol generating article 102 comprises an aerosol-forming substrate 104 in the form of a cigarette plug, a first hollow acetate tube 106, a second hollow acetate tube 108, a mouthpiece 110, and an outer wrapper 112. The aerosol generating article 102 also includes a susceptor element 114 disposed inside the aerosol-forming substrate 104. During use, a portion of the aerosol generating article 102 is inserted into the chamber 16 and the inductor coil 24, thereby positioning the aerosol-forming substrate 104 and the susceptor element 114 inside the lumen 28 defined by the inductor coil 24. The control circuit 40 generates an alternating magnetic field by supplying alternating current from the power supply 42 to the inductor coil 24, and this alternating magnetic field inductively heats the susceptor element 114, thereby heating the aerosol-forming substrate 104 and generating an aerosol. As will be explained in more detail below, the level of inductive coupling between the inductor coil 24 and the susceptor element 114 (and consequently, the heating of the susceptor 114) is influenced by the frequency of the alternating current to the inductor coil 24.

[0113] The airflow passing through the aerosol generating system 100 during use is illustrated by the dashed line 116 in Figure 3. When the user inhales the mouthpiece 110 of the aerosol generating article 102, negative pressure is generated in the chamber 16. This negative pressure draws air into the chamber 16 through the open end 18 of the chamber. The air flowing into the chamber 16 flows through the annular gap 34 between the inductor coil 24 and the cylindrical wall 22 of the chamber 16. When the airflow reaches the closed end 20 of the chamber 16, the air flows into the aerosol generating article 102 through the aerosol forming substrate 104. The flow of air into the aerosol generating article 102 is facilitated by the gap maintained between the upstream end of the aerosol generating article 102 and the closed end 20 of the chamber 16 by a plurality of protrusions 38. As the airflow passes through the aerosol forming substrate 104, the aerosol generated by the heating of the aerosol forming substrate 104 is drawn into the airflow. The aerosol then flows along the length of the aerosol generating article 102, through the mouthpiece 110, and to the user.

[0114] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generator 150 according to the second embodiment. The aerosol generator 150 is similar to the aerosol generator 10 described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, and the same reference numerals are used to designate the same parts.

[0115] The aerosol generator 150 differs from the aerosol generator 10 in that it has an additional susceptor element 164. The susceptor element 164 has an elongated shape and extends from the closed end 20 of the chamber 16 into the chamber 16. Since the susceptor element 164 extends along the central axis 36 of the aerosol generator 150, the inductor coil 24 extends concentrically around the susceptor element 164.

[0116] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system 170 comprising the aerosol generating device 150 and aerosol generating article 172 shown in Figure 4. The aerosol generating system 170 is similar to the aerosol generating system 100 described with reference to Figure 3, and similar reference numerals are used to designate similar parts.

[0117] The aerosol generating system 170 differs from the aerosol generating system 100 in that there is no susceptor element inside the aerosol generating article 172. When the aerosol generating article 172 is inserted into the chamber 16, the susceptor element 164 of the aerosol generating device 150 is received inside the aerosol forming substrate 104 of the aerosol generating article 172. Figures 4 and 5 show the susceptor element 164 having a pin-shaped or blade-shaped external form, which facilitates the penetration of the aerosol forming substrate 104 by the susceptor element 164 when the aerosol generating article 172 is inserted into the chamber 16 of the aerosol generating device 150. Those skilled in the art will understand that the susceptor element 164 may have an external form different from the shape shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0118] After the aerosol generating article 172 is inserted into the chamber 16, the operation of the aerosol generating system 170 is the same as the operation of the aerosol generating system 100 described with reference to Figure 3.

[0119] Figure 6 shows three possible alternative coil structures for the devices illustrated in Figures 1 to 5.

[0120] The first coil structure is shown as coil structure A. Coil structure A comprises a sleeve 400. A helical coil section 410 is formed by removing material from the sleeve 400.

[0121] An insulating material may be placed inside the gap where the material forming the sleeve 400 has been removed. This has the advantage of structurally reinforcing the coil structure and may also facilitate the insertion of the aerosol-generating article. Alternatively, a layer of insulating material, such as polyimide tape, may be wrapped around the helical coil section 410 or around the sleeve 400, or overmolded. This does not significantly interfere with the heat transferred to the aerosol-generating article and improves the structural stability of the coil structure.

[0122] The second coil structure, shown as coil structure B, comprises a sleeve 500 similar to coil structure A, including a helical coil section 510 obtained by material removal. The sleeve 500 includes a downstream extension 550 used to connect the sleeve to the inside of the housing 12 of the chamber 16 of the aerosol generator. The extension 550 includes a through hole 520 that allows airflow to flow through the sleeve into the aerosol generating article.

[0123] A third coil structure, coil structure C, comprises a sleeve 600 having a helical coil section 610 and a downstream extension region 650, the downstream extension region 650 including through holes 620 which are larger in size and more numerous compared to the through holes 520 of coil structure B. Compared to coil structure B, the larger openings 620 offer the advantage of reducing the mass of the structure, and as a result, significantly mitigates heat loss caused by heat conduction toward the end region of the sleeve.

[0124] Although all the devices described so far use spiral-shaped coils, other forms of inductor coils can be used. In particular, one or more flat spiral coils, or pancake coils, can be used to both generate an alternating magnetic field inside the chamber 16 and provide external heating through the resistive heating of the coil itself. Such flat spiral coils can be shaped to fit the side walls of the chamber and can be arranged to generate a magnetic field perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chamber. When the inductor coil is intended to be in surface contact with the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article, using a coil with a flat cross-sectional shape may facilitate the conduction of heat generated by the resistive heating of the coil between the coil and the article.

[0125] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generator 250 according to the third embodiment. The aerosol generator 250 is similar to the aerosol generator 150 described with reference to Figures 4 and 5, and the same reference numerals are used to specify the same parts.

[0126] The embodiment in Figure 7 differs from the embodiments in Figures 4 and 5 in terms of the position of the inductor coil 224 and the provision of a thermal bridging element 228 between the coil 224 and the aerosol generating article 172. The inductor coil 224 is embedded or recessed inside the housing of the device 250, and the thermal bridging element 228, formed from a thermally conductive material, is positioned in contact with the inductor coil 224. The thermal bridging element 228 is in the form of an austenitic steel tube. The thermal bridging element 228 partially defines the cylindrical wall of the chamber that extends between the open and closed ends of the chamber. The thermal bridging element 228 is positioned such that when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the chamber, the aerosol generating article 172 is received inside the thermal bridging element 228 and comes into direct contact with the thermal bridging element 228. Advantageously, direct contact between the thermal crosslinking element 228 and the aerosol generating article 172 facilitates heat transfer from the thermal crosslinking element 228 to the aerosol generating article.

[0127] The inductor coil 224 comprises multiple windings extending around the outer surface of the thermal bridging element 228. The inductor coil 224 is positioned such that the multiple windings are in direct contact with the outer surface of the thermal bridging element 228. Advantageously, positioning the inductor coil 224 in direct contact with the outer surface of the thermal bridging element 228 facilitates the transfer of heat generated by the resistive heating of the inductor coil 224 to the thermal bridging element 228. The inductor coil 224 and the thermal bridging element 228 are arranged concentrically around the central axis of the aerosol generator 250.

[0128] Here, we will explain in detail the control of the device described in Figures 1 to 7.

[0129] Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of components and circuits for generating and supplying alternating current to the inductor coils of aerosol generators 10 and 150, such as the inductor coil 24 of the aerosol generators 10 and 150 in Figures 1 and 4. A DC power supply 310 is coupled to an induction heating arrangement 320. The heating arrangement 320 comprises a controller 330, a DC / AC converter 340, a matching network 350, and the inductor coil 240. The DC power supply 310 in Figure 8 corresponds to, or forms part of, the power supply 42 in the aerosol generators 10 and 150 in Figures 1 and 4. The controller 330, DC / AC converter 340, and matching network 350 correspond to, or form part of, the control circuit 40 in the aerosol generators 10 and 150 in Figures 1 and 4. The inductor coil 240 corresponds to the inductor coil 24 in the aerosol generators 10 and 150 in Figures 1 and 4. The DC power supply 310 is configured to supply DC power to the heating equipment 320. Specifically, the DC power supply 310 has a DC power supply voltage (V DC ) and DC current (l DC ) is configured to supply power to the DC / AC converter 340. The power supply 310 is preferably a battery, such as a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power supply 310 may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power supply 310 may require recharging. For example, the power supply 310 may have sufficient capacity to enable continuous generation of aerosols over a period of time of about 6 minutes or a period of time in multiples of 6 minutes. In another example, the power supply 310 may have sufficient capacity to enable discrete activation of a predetermined number of fume extraction or heating arrangements.

[0130] The DC / AC converter 340 is configured to supply a high-frequency alternating current to the inductor coil 240. As used herein, the term “high-frequency alternating current” means an alternating current having a frequency of about 500 kilohertz to about 30 megahertz. The high-frequency alternating current may have a frequency of about 1 megahertz to about 30 megahertz, for example, about 1 megahertz to about 10 megahertz or about 5 megahertz to about 8 megahertz.

[0131] Figure 9A schematically illustrates a first embodiment of an electrical circuit used to supply electrical energy to an inductor coil 240. The DC / AC converter 340 preferably includes a Class E power amplifier. The Class E power amplifier includes a transistor switch 1320 including a field-effect transistor 1321, for example, a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor, a transistor switch supply circuit indicated by arrow 1322 for supplying a switching signal (gate-source voltage) to the field-effect transistor 1321, and an LC load network 1323 including a shunt capacitor C1 and a series connection of capacitor C2 and inductor coil L2. Inductor coil L2 corresponds to the inductor coil 240 in Figure 8. Furthermore, a DC power supply 11 including a choke inductor L1 draws DC current I from the DC power supply 11 during operation. DC Along with, DC supply voltage V DC This is shown to supply. The ohm resistance R represents the total ohm load of 1324, and this is the ohm resistance R of the inductor coil L2. coil And the ohmic resistance R of the susceptor element load It is the sum of the two values. DC power supply 11 corresponds to DC power supply 310 in Figure 8.

[0132] The transistor switch supply circuit 1322 may supply a rectangular switching voltage to the field-effect transistor 1321. As long as the field-effect transistor 1321 is conducting (in the "on" state), it basically forms a short circuit (low resistance), so all current flows through the choke L1 and the field-effect transistor 1321. When the field-effect transistor 1321 is not conducting (in the "off" state), all current flows into the LC load network 1323 because the field-effect transistor 1321 basically represents an open circuit (high resistance). By switching the field-effect transistor 1321 between the conducting ("on") state and the non-conducting ("off") state, the supplied DC voltage V DC and DC current I DC This is the AC voltage V that flows into the inductor coil L2, having a frequency f. AC and AC current I AC It is converted to this.

[0133] In the alternative operating mode, the transistor switch supply circuit 1322 is deactivated, thereby supplying DC current I DC It is not converted to AC current, but remains as DC current.

[0134] Therefore, the circuit in Figure 9A has an AC current I AC or DC current I DC Although one of them can be supplied to the inductor coil L2, AC and I DC It is not possible to supply both simultaneously.

[0135] Figure 9B schematically illustrates a second embodiment of the electrical circuit used to supply electrical energy to the inductor coil 240. The circuit in Figure 9B includes all the components of the circuit in Figure 9A, and also includes additional circuits. These additional circuits will be described below.

[0136] DC power supply is provided to the inductor coil L2. SHowever, it is connected to the inductor coil L2 via transistor switch 1326. An additional choke inductor L3 is connected to the DC power supply DC S It is positioned between [the component] and capacitor C2.

[0137] The transistor switch 1326 is driven by a transistor switch supply circuit indicated by arrow 1325 for supplying the switching signal (gate-source voltage). DC power supply S This can be a battery, or generally any means capable of generating DC current. In particular, a battery can generate AC current I AC DC voltage V to be supplied to DC / AC converter 340 to generate DC The same power supply that generates the switch can be used. When switch 1326 is activated, DC current I DC2 However, the current flows through both inductors L3 and L2.

[0138] The choke inductor L3 controls the AC current I AC DC power supply S It has the specific purpose of preventing current from flowing through it. For this purpose, advantageously, the inductance value of L3 is considerably larger compared to the inductance of inductor coil L2. Similarly, the choke inductor L1 is used when AC current flows through the DC power supply V DC It is not permitted to flow through the interior.

[0139] The circuit in Figure 9B shows a) AC current I flowing through capacitor C2, inductor coil L2, and capacitor C1. AC (V DC (generated by) and b) DC current I flowing through inductor L3 and inductor coil L2 DC2 This allows and to flow simultaneously or alternately. DC current I DC2 Due to the presence of capacitor C2, the signal does not reach the choke inductor L1, DC2 From this perspective, it can be seen as an open circuit.

[0140] The circuit can also operate without the choke inductor L3, as long as the circuit is configured to operate sequentially with AC and DC currents (i.e., AC and DC are not started simultaneously).

[0141] As will be explained in detail below, AC current I AC If the frequency is hardly coupled to the susceptor element, the AC current I AC It is also possible to resistively heat the inductor coil L2. Furthermore, adding a capacitor C3 in parallel with the inductor coil L2 can be advantageous. In this way, the inductor coil L2 becomes more frequency-selective. As will be explained below, the presence of capacitor C3 allows for a significant reduction in the difference between the two frequency values, thus enabling the transition from internal heating to external heating as a result of the AC current at frequency f susceptor From frequency f inductor coil This could significantly improve the switching process. In this way, control may be performed more smoothly. Without capacitor C3, the two frequency values ​​may diverge from each other, resulting in a slower system response.

[0142] Although the DC / AC converter 340 is exemplified as comprising a Class E power amplifier, the DC / AC converter 340 may use any suitable circuit for converting DC current to AC current. For example, the DC / AC converter 340 may comprise a Class D power amplifier with two transistor switches. As another example, the DC / AC converter 340 may comprise a full-bridge power inverter with four switching transistors acting in pairs.

[0143] Returning to Figure 8, the inductor coil 240 can receive AC current from the DC / AC converter 340 via the matching network 350 for optimal fit to the load, although the matching network 350 is not mandatory. The matching network 350 may include a small matching transformer. The matching network 350 may improve the power transfer efficiency between the DC / AC converter 340 and the inductor coil 240.

[0144] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the inductor coil 24 is arranged around the chamber 16 of the aerosol generators 10 and 150. Therefore, when the aerosol generators 10 and 150 are operating, the high-frequency alternating current I supplied to the inductor coil 24 AC As a result, the inductor coil generates a high-frequency alternating magnetic field inside the chamber 16 of the aerosol generators 10, 150. The alternating magnetic field has a frequency preferably between 1 megahertz and 30 megahertz, preferably between 2 megahertz and 10 megahertz, for example between 5 megahertz and 7 megahertz. As can be seen from Figures 3 and 5, when the aerosol generating articles 102, 172 are inserted into the chamber 16, the aerosol-forming substrate 104 of the aerosol generating article is positioned adjacent to the inductor coil 24 so that the susceptor elements 114, 164 are located inside this alternating magnetic field. When the alternating magnetic field penetrates the susceptor elements 114, 164, the alternating magnetic field causes heating of the susceptor elements. For example, eddy currents are generated within the susceptor elements 114, 164, resulting in heating of the susceptor elements. Further heating occurs due to magnetic hysteresis losses within the susceptor elements 114, 164.

[0145] Similarly, the inductor coil 24 itself receives a DC current I DC2 by (and / or AC current I AC When resistively heated, this heat is transferred to the aerosol generating articles 102 and 172 located adjacent to the inductor coil 24.

[0146] The heated susceptor elements 114, 164 and / or heated inductor coil 24 heat the aerosol-forming substrate 104 of the aerosol-generating articles 102, 172 to a temperature sufficient to form an aerosol. The aerosol is drawn downstream through the aerosol-generating articles 102, 172 and inhaled by the user.

[0147] The controller 330 may be a microcontroller, preferably a programmable microcontroller. The controller 330 is programmed to adjust the power supply from the DC power supply 310 to the induction heating arrangement 320 in order to control the temperature of the susceptor element.

[0148] Figure 10 illustrates one possible method for supplying current to inductor coils 24, 240. The method in Figure 10 can be implemented using the electrical circuit in Figure 9A. In the method shown in Figure 10, only the AC current IAC is supplied to the inductor coils 24, 240, and the frequency of the AC current IAC is changed from a first frequency f1 to a second frequency f2. In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, frequencies f1 and f2 act over corresponding first and second time intervals, respectively. Frequencies f1 and f2 provide different levels of inductive coupling between the inductor coils 24, 240 and the susceptor elements 114, 164. To elaborate further, frequency f1 is frequency f inductor coil Corresponding to AC current I AC This provides little to no coupling with the susceptor elements 114, 164, generating a magnetic field that allows almost all of the energy in the supplied current to remain within the inductor coils 24, 240, and as a result most of the heat is generated by the resistive heating of the inductor coils. Therefore, the AC current I with frequency f1 over the first time interval AC The application of this method results in the aerosol-forming substrate 104 being heated primarily outside the substrate 104 through the resistive heating of the inductor coils 24, 240. The frequency f2 is equal to the frequency f susceptor Corresponding to AC current I ACThis generates a fluctuating magnetic field that best couples with susceptor elements 114 and 164, enabling almost all energy transfer to the susceptor elements, and as a result, most of the heat is generated by heating the susceptor elements. Therefore, an AC current I with frequency f2 over a second time interval AC The application of this method results in the aerosol-forming substrate 104 being heated primarily from within through the heating of the susceptor elements 114 and 164. Therefore, frequencies f1 and f2 correspond to different heating modes or phases of the aerosol generators 10 and 150. Alternatively, frequency f1 or f2 corresponds to frequency f total It may also be compatible with AC current I AC This results in a simultaneous combination of heating of the susceptor elements 114 and 164 and resistive heating of the inductor coils 24 and 240, thereby heating the aerosol-forming substrate 104 both internally and externally.

[0149] Figure 11 illustrates another possible method for supplying current to inductor coils 24 and 240. In the method shown in Figure 11, the AC current I AC However, DC current I DC It is supplied at a different time. The method in Figure 11 can be implemented using the electrical circuit in Figure 9B. The graph above shows the AC current I AC The graph below shows the DC current I DC This illustrates the following. In this method, the controller 330 needs to alternately operate the transistor switches 1320 and 1326 (shown in Figure 9B). In this method, heat may be alternately transferred to the aerosol-forming substrate 104 from an internal source (by heating the susceptor elements 114 and 164) and then from an external source (by heating the inductor coils 24 and 240). However, as illustrated in the explanation of the method in Figure 10, the degree of internal heating provided via the susceptor elements 114 and 164 is such that the AC current I AC This will depend on the frequency and the level of inductive coupling between the inductor coils 24, 240 and the susceptor elements 114, 164.

[0150] Figure 12 illustrates another possible method for supplying current to inductor coils 24, 240. The method in Figure 12 can be implemented using the electrical circuit in Figure 9B. In the method shown in Figure 12, in the first phase, an AC current I with a first frequency f1' is supplied. AC AC current is supplied, but no DC current is supplied. The frequency f1' is selected to maximize inductive coupling to susceptor elements 114 and 164, and thus to maximize heating of the susceptor elements. In the second phase, an AC current I with a second frequency f2' is supplied. AC A supply is provided, and furthermore, DC current I DC Also, I AC It is supplied simultaneously with the DC current I. DC This also contributes to the resistive heating of the inductor coils 24 and 240. Therefore, in the first phase, the aerosol-forming substrate 104 is internally heated by the susceptor elements 114 and 164, and in the second phase, the aerosol-forming substrate is externally heated by the inductor coils 24 and 240.

[0151] Figure 13 illustrates another possible method for supplying current to inductor coils 24, 240. The method in Figure 13 can be implemented using the electrical circuit in Figure 9A. Common to the method in Figure 10, AC current I AC Only AC current I is supplied to inductor coils 24 and 240. AC The frequency is changed between the first frequency f1 and the second frequency f2. When it is detected that no smoke extraction has been performed on the aerosol generating articles 102 and 172, an AC current I with frequency f1 is applied. AC However, this is supplied to the inductor coils 24 and 240. However, when the operation of smoke extraction is detected by the control circuit 40, the AC current I AC The frequency of is switched to frequency f2, and frequency f2 is maintained for the duration that the smoke extraction is being performed. When the user stops applying a given smoke extraction, the alternating current IAC The frequency returns to frequency f1. Figure 13 shows the frequency I of the AC current depending on whether smoke extraction is being performed. AC This shows how f1 and f2 are substituted. The aerosol generators 10, 150 may include pressure sensors or temperature sensors to assist in detecting the execution of smoke extraction. It will also be understood that the inductor coils 24, 240 and susceptor elements 114, 164 may indirectly function as means for determining temperature changes. Frequencies f1, f2 may correspond to frequencies in the scheme shown in Figure 10. Therefore, frequency f1 is frequency f inductor coil It may also be compatible with this frequency, and at this frequency, AC current I AC The magnetic field generated by this is hardly coupled to the susceptor elements 114 and 164, allowing almost all of the energy in the supplied current to remain inside the inductor coils 24 and 240. As a result, most of the heat is generated by the resistive heating of the inductor coils. Therefore, when no smoke absorption is detected, the AC current I at frequency f1 AC By applying the heat, the aerosol-forming substrate 104 is heated mainly from the outside by the resistive heating of the inductor coils 24 and 240. The frequency f2 is the frequency f susceptor Corresponding to AC current I AC This generates a fluctuating magnetic field that best couples with susceptor elements 114, 164, enabling almost all energy transfer to the susceptor elements, and as a result, most of the heat is generated by heating the susceptor elements. Therefore, an AC current I with frequency f2 is supplied over the duration that smoke extraction is performed. AC By applying the solution, the aerosol-forming substrate 104 is heated primarily from the inside by the heating of the susceptor elements 114 and 164.

[0152] Figure 14 illustrates another possible method for supplying current to inductor coils 24 and 240. The method in Figure 14 can be implemented using the electrical circuit in Figure 9A. The method in Figure 14 is a variation of the method in Figure 13. Common to the method in Figure 13, the frequency of the AC current IAC is changed between a first frequency f1 (corresponding when fumigation is not being performed on aerosol-generating articles 102 and 172) and a second frequency f2 (corresponding when fumigation is detected to have been performed on aerosol-generating articles). However, when fumigation is detected, the AC current I AC The magnitude is also increased compared to the magnitude of the AC current used when no smoke is detected. The increased magnitude and frequency f2 of the AC current I AC This is maintained for the duration that the smoke extraction is performed, and then, upon cessation of the smoke extraction, the frequency f1 and the reduced magnitude are returned to the original value. As described above with respect to Figure 13, frequency f2 is equal to frequency f susceptor It is compatible with AC current I AC This generates a fluctuating magnetic field that best couples with the susceptor elements 114 and 164, thereby enabling the transfer of almost all of the energy in the supplied current to the susceptor elements, and as a result, most of the heat is generated by heating the susceptor elements. AC current I when smoke extraction is performed AC Increasing the magnitude enhances the heating of susceptor elements 114 and 164 compared to keeping the AC current the same magnitude with respect to frequencies f1 (no smoke extraction) and f2 (smoke extraction).

[0153] Naturally, there are any number of possible methods for supplying AC and DC currents to the inductor coils 24, 240 in order to provide a desired combination of internal and external heating of the aerosol-forming substrate 104 over time. As described above, the frequency of the AC current can be selected to provide a desired balance between heating of the susceptor element and heating of the coil. The control circuit 40 can be configured to control switches 1320, 1326 to follow a specific profile of internal and external heating over time.

[0154] Figure 15 shows one possible configuration, in which the target temperature profiles of the susceptor elements 114 and 164 are shown by the dotted line 800, and the target temperature profiles of the inductor coils 24 and 240 are shown by the solid line 810. In the initial phase, no DC current is supplied, and the frequency of the AC current is selected to maximize the heating of the susceptor elements 114 and 164. This is to provide rapid internal heating of the aerosol-forming substrate 104. This helps to minimize the delay between starting the aerosol generator and generating aerosol for the user.

[0155] After the initial phase, the target temperatures for the susceptor elements 114 and 164 are lowered. Consequently, the magnitude of the AC current is reduced. At this point, the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate 104 has risen significantly due to heat transfer from the susceptor elements 114 and 164. By lowering the temperature of the susceptor elements, overheating of the aerosol-forming substrate is avoided, thus preventing the formation of undesirable compounds in the aerosol. However, at this point, the target temperatures of the inductor coils 24 and 240 are raised. DC current is supplied to the inductor coils 24 and 240 to raise the temperature of the inductor coils and initiate external heating of the aerosol-forming substrate 104.

[0156] As the system usage session progresses, the target temperature 810 of the inductor coil is gradually increased until it approaches or reaches the same temperature as the target temperature 800 of the susceptor element. This ensures that the outer region of the aerosol-forming substrate 104 is completely depleted by the end of the usage session.

[0157] The target temperature profile shown in Figure 15 is merely an example. The target temperature profile can be set in any desired manner and does not need to have a stepwise change; instead, it may change continuously. As described, the temperature of the inductor coils 24 and 240 may be raised not only by DC current but also by AC current of an appropriate frequency.

[0158] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numerical values ​​representing quantities, amounts, percentages, etc., should be understood in all instances to be modified by the term “approximately.” Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges within that range, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. Thus, in this context, the number “A” is understood as 10% of “A” ± “A.” In this context, the number “A” may be considered to include numerical values ​​that fall within the general standard error of the measurement of the characteristic that the number “A” modifies. In some instances where it is used in the appended claims, the number “A” may deviate by the percentages listed above, provided that the amount of deviation of “A” does not substantially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges within that range, which may or may not be specifically listed herein.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating system for generating aerosols from an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article, wherein the aerosol generating system is Control electronic equipment and, An electric heating arrangement comprising an inductor coil and a susceptor, wherein the susceptor is positioned, or can be positioned, such that it is at least partially located inside the inductor coil, The control electronic device is configured to supply electrical energy from the power source to the inductor coil as an alternating current, thereby enabling the electric heating arrangement to generate heat by one or a combination of i) resistive heating of the inductor coil, and ii) heating of the susceptor by inductive coupling of the inductor coil to the susceptor. An aerosol generating system in which the control electronic equipment is configured to adjust the balance between the heat generated by the inductive coupling of the inductor coil with the susceptor and the heat generated by the resistive heating of the inductor coil by adjusting at least one parameter of the alternating current to change the inductive coupling of the inductor coil with the susceptor.

2. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one parameter includes at least one of the frequency of the alternating current and the magnitude of the alternating current.

3. The control electronic device is configured to adjust the frequency of the alternating current from a first frequency value or a range of first frequencies to a second frequency value or a range of second frequencies, wherein the first frequency value or the range of first frequencies corresponds to a first heating state of the electric heating system, and the second frequency value or the range of second frequencies corresponds to a second heating state of the electric heating system. The aerosol generating system according to claim 2, wherein the second frequency value or the range of the second frequency value is closer to the resonant frequency of the electric heating arrangement than the first frequency value or the range of the first frequency value, and thereby the inductive coupling of the inductor coil with the susceptor increases in the second heating state compared to the first heating state.

4. The control electronic device adjusts the frequency of the AC current between the first frequency value or the first frequency value range and the second frequency value or the frequency value range. a) The number of times smoke is taken during a session, b) Time elapsed since the start of the session, c) The aerosol generating system according to claim 3, configured to be triggered as one or more functions of detecting smoke inhalation during a usage session.

5. The aerosol generating system according to claim 4, wherein the control electronic equipment is configured to adjust the frequency of the alternating current from the first frequency value or the range of the first frequency value to the second frequency value or the range of the second frequency value in response to receiving a signal indicating that smoke extraction has been performed on the aerosol generating system.

6. The aerosol generating system according to claim 5, wherein the control electronic equipment is configured to maintain the frequency of the alternating current at the second frequency value or the second frequency range for a predetermined period of time after receiving the signal indicating that the smoke extraction has been performed on the aerosol generating system, and the control electronic equipment is configured to adjust the frequency of the alternating current from the second frequency value or the second frequency range to the third frequency value or the third frequency range after the predetermined period of time has elapsed, the third frequency value or the third frequency range corresponds to the third heating state of the electric heating arrangement, and the third frequency value or the third frequency range is further from the resonant frequency of the electric heating arrangement than the second frequency value or the second frequency range, thereby reducing the inductive coupling of the inductor coil with the susceptor in the third heating state than in the second heating state.

7. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control electronic equipment is further configured to supply electrical energy from the power supply to the inductor coil as a direct current.

8. The control electronic equipment, In the first operating state, only AC current is supplied to the inductor coil, A second operating state in which only DC current is supplied to the inductor coil, The aerosol generating system according to claim 7, configured to switch between one or more of the following: a third operating state in which both alternating current and direct current are supplied to the inductor coil.

9. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the inductor coil is formed on a conductive tubular member, and the shape and configuration of the inductor coil are defined by providing one or more cutouts in the tubular member.

10. The aerosol generation system includes an aerosol generating device, The aerosol generator comprises the inductor coil, the susceptor, and the chamber. The inductor coil surrounds or at least partially defines the peripheral wall of the chamber. The susceptor is disposed inside the chamber, The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the chamber is configured to receive the aerosol generating article comprising the aerosol forming substrate such that the susceptor is inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating article.

11. The aerosol generating system comprises an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generator comprises the inductor coil and the chamber, wherein the inductor coil surrounds or at least partially defines the peripheral wall of the chamber. The aerosol generating article comprises an aerosol forming substrate and a susceptor, wherein the susceptor is surrounded by the aerosol forming substrate or at least partially embedded within it. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the chamber is configured to receive the aerosol generating article such that the susceptor is at least partially positioned inside the inductor coil.

12. The aerosol generating system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the inductor coil is configured to make surface contact with the outer surface of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is received in the chamber.

13. The aerosol generating system according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising a thermally conductive bridging element configured to extend between the inductor coil and the outer surface of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is received in the chamber of the aerosol generating device.

14. A method for heating an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article, wherein the method is To provide an electric heating arrangement comprising an inductor coil and a susceptor, wherein the susceptor is surrounded by or at least partially embedded within the aerosol-forming substrate, and the susceptor is at least partially located inside the inductor coil. The aforementioned electric heating arrangement controls the supply of electrical energy from the power source to the inductor coil as an alternating current so that heat is generated by either i) resistive heating of the inductor coil, and ii) heating of the susceptor by inductive coupling of the inductor coil with the susceptor, or a combination thereof. A method comprising adjusting the balance between the heat generated by the inductive coupling of the inductor coil with the susceptor and the heat generated by the resistive heating of the inductor coil by adjusting at least one parameter of the alternating current to change the inductive coupling of the inductor coil with the susceptor.

15. The at least one parameter includes at least one of the frequency of the alternating current and the magnitude of the alternating current, and the method is The method according to claim 14, comprising adjusting the frequency of the alternating current from a first frequency value or a range of first frequency values ​​to a second frequency value or a range of second frequency values, wherein the first frequency value or the range of first frequency values ​​corresponds to a first heating state of the electric heating arrangement, the second frequency value or the range of second frequency values ​​corresponds to a second heating state of the electric heating arrangement, and the second frequency value or the range of second frequency values ​​is closer to the resonant frequency of the electric heating arrangement than the first frequency value or the range of first frequency values, thereby increasing the inductive coupling of the inductor coil with the susceptor in the second heating state compared to the first heating state.

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