Aerosol generator with smoke absorption volume estimation function

Abstract

An aerosol generator (10) comprising: a substrate cavity (16) configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate (104); an airflow path extending between an inlet and the substrate cavity (16); a flow limiting section (35) located within the airflow path; a pressure detection device configured to detect the pressure in the flow limiting section (35) or in the airflow path after the flow limiting section, between the flow limiting section (35) and the substrate cavity (16); and a controller (40) configured to receive pressure measurement information from the pressure detection device and to determine the amount of smoke extracted based on the pressure measurement information received from the pressure detection device; and a method for operating the aerosol generator (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device, a method for determining the amount of smoking in an aerosol generating device, and a method for operating an aerosol generating device.

Background Art

[0002] Known aerosol generation systems comprise an aerosol generating device and an aerosol forming substrate, and the system is typically configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol forming substrate by heating the aerosol forming substrate.

[0003] In some known systems, the aerosol forming substrate comprises a tobacco rod or a tobacco plug disposed within an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article may resemble a conventional cigarette and have a similar cylindrical rod-like configuration.

[0004] In some known systems, the aerosol generating device comprises a power source such as a battery, a controller, and a heating element for heating the aerosol forming substrate. In use, the aerosol generating article is inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generating device, and the heating element either penetrates the aerosol forming substrate or is disposed around the outside of the aerosol forming substrate. Power is supplied from the power source to the heating element to heat the aerosol forming substrate, and the volatile components of the aerosol forming substrate are volatilized and released, condensing to form an aerosol that the user inhales.

[0005] In some known systems, the aerosol generator comprises a power source such as a battery, a controller, and an inductor coil. The inductor coil may be part of an induction heating assembly comprising the inductor coil and a susceptor element, the inductor coil generating a changing magnetic field when a fluctuating current is supplied, and the susceptor element is heated when placed in the changing magnetic field. In these systems, the susceptor element may be located within the aerosol generator or within the aerosol generating article. During use, the aerosol generating article may be inserted into a cavity in the aerosol generator, and power may be supplied from the power source to the inductor coil to generate a changing magnetic field. The changing magnetic field penetrates the susceptor element, heating it, which in turn heats the aerosol-forming substrate, causing the volatile components of the aerosol-forming substrate to vaporize, be released, and condense to form an aerosol that can be inhaled by the user.

[0006] In some of these known aerosol generating systems, it has been found beneficial to control the power supply to the heating element or inductor coil based on the user's determination of when fumigation is taking place in the system. Typically, such systems determine when fumigation is taking place in the system based on measurements of the temperature or resistance of the heating element or susceptor element.

[0007] It is desirable to provide an aerosol generator that improves the detection of user inhalation. It is also desirable to provide an aerosol generator that can detect various characteristics of user inhalation. [Overview of the project]

[0008] The present disclosure provides an aerosol generator. The aerosol generator may include a substrate cavity configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generator may include an airflow path extending between an inlet and the substrate cavity. The aerosol generator may include a pressure detection device configured to detect the pressure in the airflow path.

[0009] Advantageously, detecting pressure within the airflow path of an aerosol generator can provide more accurate information about user fumigation, such as fumigation duration and volume, compared to detecting the temperature or resistance of the heating element. Improving the accuracy of information collected from user fumigation can enable the aerosol generator to maximize aerosol generation from the aerosol-forming substrate, improving the user experience and potentially increasing the efficiency of the aerosol generator in generating aerosols. More accurate determination of fumigation duration may enable the aerosol generator to more precisely control the power supply to the heating element or inductor coil, potentially reducing unnecessary heating of the aerosol-forming substrate. More accurate determination of fumigation volume and duration may enable the aerosol generator to more accurately determine when the aerosol-forming substrate is depleted.

[0010] As used herein, “aerosol generator” refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. Preferably, the aerosol generator is a 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.

[0011] As used herein, “aerosol-forming substrate” refers to a substrate having the ability to release volatile compounds that can form aerosols. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. An aerosol-forming substrate is typically part of an aerosol-generating article.

[0012] As used herein, “aerosol generating article” refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form aerosols. For example, an aerosol generating article may be an article that generates an aerosol that can be directly inhaled by a user inhaling through a mouthpiece at the proximal or oral end of an aerosol generating article, aerosol generating device, or aerosol generating system. Aerosol generating articles may be disposable.

[0013] As used herein, “aerosol generating system” refers to a combination of an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article. In an aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating article and the aerosol generating device work together to generate an aerosol.

[0014] As used herein, “proximal” refers to the user end or mouth end of an aerosol generator, aerosol generating article, or aerosol generating system. The proximal end of a component of an aerosol generator, aerosol generating article, or aerosol generating system is the end of the component closest to the user end or mouth end of the aerosol generator, aerosol generating article, or aerosol generating system. As used herein, “distal” refers to the end opposite to the proximal end.

[0015] As used herein, “end” and “side” are interchangeable to refer to the end of a mechanism such as an aerosol generator, heating assembly, heating element, or aerosol generating article. The mechanism described herein preferably has two opposing ends and at least one side extending between the two opposing ends. Preferably, the feature described herein has a length extending in the longitudinal direction between the opposing ends and a width extending transversely between the two opposing side.

[0016] As used herein, "length" refers to the maximum dimension of a feature in the longitudinal direction of the feature.

[0017] As used herein, "width" refers to the maximum dimension of the mechanism in the transverse direction. The transverse direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0018] As used herein, "thickness" and "depth" refer to the maximum dimensions of the mechanism in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mechanism and in the direction perpendicular to the transverse direction of the mechanism.

[0019] The pressure detection device may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may be any suitable type of pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may be an absolute pressure sensor configured to determine the absolute pressure at a location in the airflow path. The pressure sensor may be a gauge pressure sensor configured to detect the relative pressure at a location in the airflow path compared to the ambient pressure adjacent to the aerosol generator. The pressure sensor may be a differential pressure sensor configured to detect the pressure difference between a first location in the airflow path and a second location in the airflow path. The pressure sensor may be a capacitive pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may be a piezoresistive pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may be a strain gauge. Preferably, the pressure sensor is a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) pressure sensor. Advantageously, the MEMS pressure sensor may be small enough to fit inside the aerosol generator without significantly increasing the size of the aerosol generator. A suitable example of an absolute pressure sensor is the MEMS nanopressure sensor LPS22HBTR manufactured by STMicroelectronics, which has an operating pressure of approximately 26 kilopascals (kPa) to approximately 126 kilopascals (kPa) and dimensions of 2 mm × 2 mm × 0.76 mm.

[0020] In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol generator includes a flow limiting unit located within the airflow path.

[0021] The flow limiting unit may be any suitable flow limiting unit that causes a pressure drop in the airflow path, which can be measured by a pressure sensor when the user inhales the aerosol generator.

[0022] The flow limiting section may include a narrow portion of the airflow path through the aerosol generator having a width or diameter smaller than at least one of the width or diameters of the airflow path immediately preceding the flow limiting section and the airflow path immediately following the flow limiting section. The flow limiting section may include a narrow portion having a width or diameter smaller than the width or diameter of the airflow path immediately preceding the flow limiting section. The flow limiting section may include a narrow portion having a width or diameter smaller than the width or diameter of the airflow path immediately following the flow limiting section. The flow limiting section may include multiple narrow portions, each having a width or diameter smaller than the width or diameter of the airflow path immediately preceding the flow limiting section and the width or diameter of the airflow path immediately following the flow limiting section. Typically, the width or diameter of the airflow path immediately following the flow limiting section is the same as the width or diameter of the airflow path immediately preceding the flow limiting section.

[0023] The flow limiting section may include a narrow portion of the airflow path through the aerosol generator having a total cross-sectional area smaller than the total cross-sectional area of ​​at least one of the portions of the airflow path immediately before the flow limiting section and the portion of the airflow path immediately after the flow limiting section. The flow limiting section may include a narrow portion having a total cross-sectional area smaller than the total cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow path immediately before the flow limiting section. The flow limiting section may include a narrow portion immediately after the flow limiting section having a total cross-sectional area smaller than the total cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow path. The flow limiting section may include multiple narrow portions, each having a total cross-sectional area smaller than the total cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow path immediately before the flow limiting section and the total cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow path immediately after the flow limiting section. Typically, the total cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow path immediately after the flow limiting section is the same as the total cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow path immediately before the flow limiting section. As used herein, the total cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow path refers to the opening area through which air can flow in a cross-section passing through the airflow path tangentially to the main direction of airflow through the airflow path. Thus, the flow limiting section may include multiple inlets. The total cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow path at the inlet refers to the sum of the opening areas provided by each of the inlets.

[0024] In some preferred embodiments, the flow rate limiting part is provided by the inlet of the air flow path. The inlet may include a plurality of inlets. For example, the inlet may have 1 to 30 inlets, or 4 to 25 inlets, or 7 to 20 openings. In some embodiments, the inlet may include 14 to 17 inlets. The inlet or plurality of inlets may have any suitable size and shape to provide a desired draw resistance and pressure drop within the air flow path when the user smokes the aerosol generating device. For example, in some preferred embodiments, the inlet may include 5 to 25 inlets, more preferably 14 to 17 inlets, and each inlet has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape with a diameter in the range of about 0.3 to 1.2 millimeters, more preferably about 0.5 millimeters. The inlet or plurality of inlets is preferably arranged to allow ambient air to be drawn into the aerosol generating device. The inlet or plurality of inlets may have a total cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of the air flow path immediately after the inlet.

[0025] In some preferred embodiments, the flow rate limiting part comprises an orifice plate.

[0026] In some embodiments, the flow rate limiting part is an element that increases the draw resistance through the air flow path.

[0027] The draw resistance of the air flow path between the inlet and the pressure sensor may be at least about 70 Pascals (Pa), at least about 80 Pascals (Pa), at least about 90 Pascals (Pa), at least about 100 Pascals (Pa) (about 10 millimeters of water column (mmH2O)), at least 150 Pascals (Pa), at least 200 Pascals (Pa), at least 250 Pascals (Pa), at least 300 Pascals (Pa), or at least about 450 Pascals (Pa) (about 45 millimeters of water column (mmH2O)) when measured according to the conditions described in ISO6565:2015. The conditions described in ISO6565:2015 include an outlet flow rate of 17.5 milliliters per second, an ambient temperature of 22 degrees Celsius, and a relative humidity of 60 percent.

[0028] The flow rate limiting part may be configured to cause a pressure drop of at least 70 Pascals (Pa), at least 80 Pascals (Pa), at least 90 Pascals (Pa), at least 100 Pascals (Pa) (10 millimeters of water column), at least 150 Pascals (Pa), at least 200 Pascals (Pa), at least 250 Pascals (Pa), or at least 300 Pascals (Pa) during normal smoking by the user.

[0029] The aerosol generating device may include a pressure detection device configured to detect the pressure in the airflow path at or after the flow rate limiting part.

[0030] Advantageously, detecting the pressure at or after the flow rate limiting part of the airflow path can provide more accurate information regarding the user's smoking in the aerosol generating device. Detecting the pressure at or after the flow rate limiting part may enable detection of the pressure drop caused by the flow rate limiting part, which may be used to determine the volume of air drawn through the flow rate limiting part.

[0031] According to some preferred embodiments, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising a substrate cavity configured to receive an aerosol forming substrate, an airflow path extending between an inlet and the substrate cavity, a flow rate limiting part located in the airflow path, and a pressure detection device configured to detect the pressure in the airflow path at or after the flow rate limiting part.

[0032] In some preferred embodiments, the pressure detection device is configured to detect a differential pressure in the airflow path.

[0033] In some preferred embodiments, the pressure detection device is configured to detect pressure before the flow limiter, between the inlet and the flow limiter, and in or after the flow limiter within the airflow path. In some of these embodiments, the pressure detection device comprises a first pressure sensor configured to detect pressure in the airflow path before the flow limiter, and a second pressure sensor configured to detect pressure in or after the airflow limiter within the airflow path. In some of these embodiments, the pressure detection device comprises a differential pressure sensor configured to detect the difference between the pressure before the flow limiter and the pressure in or after the flow limiter.

[0034] In some preferred embodiments, the pressure detection device is configured to detect the pressure in the airflow path at the flow limiting section and the pressure after the flow limiting section, which is between the flow limiting section and the substrate cavity. In some of these embodiments, the pressure detection device comprises a first pressure sensor configured to detect the pressure in the airflow path at the flow limiting section and a second pressure sensor configured to detect the pressure in the airflow path after the flow limiting section. In some of these embodiments, the pressure detection device comprises a differential pressure sensor configured to detect the difference between the pressure at the flow limiting section and the pressure after the flow limiting section.

[0035] Advantageously, differential pressure measurements performed between two locations within an airflow path may not be affected by local environmental conditions such as altitude and humidity. Therefore, when differential pressure measurements are performed, pressure detection devices may not require recalibration for use in different environments, such as at different altitudes.

[0036] If the pressure is measured at the flow limiting section, the pressure may be measured at the flow limiting section. In these embodiments, the flow limiting section has a range along its longitudinal axis. In these embodiments, the flow limiting section may be elongated.

[0037] If the pressure is measured before or upstream of the flow limiter, the pressure may be measured at any suitable location before the flow limiter. For example, the pressure may be measured immediately before the flow limiter. The pressure before the flow limiter may be measured downstream at a distance away from the flow limiter. The airflow path immediately before or upstream of the flow limiter may have a width. The pressure before the flow limiter may be measured at a distance from the flow limiter equal to the width of the airflow path immediately before the flow limiter. The pressure before the flow limiter may be measured at a distance from the flow limiter that is a multiple of the width of the airflow path immediately before the flow limiter. The pressure before the flow limiter may be measured at a distance from the flow limiter equal to a portion of the width of the airflow path immediately before the flow limiter. The pressure before the flow limiter may be measured at a distance of 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, or 10 mm before the flow limiter. The pressure before the flow limiter may be measured at a distance of 25.4 millimeters (1 inch) before the flow limiter.

[0038] If the pressure is measured after or downstream of the flow limiter, the pressure may be measured at any suitable location after the flow limiter. For example, in some preferred embodiments, the pressure is measured immediately after the flow limiter. The pressure after the flow limiter may be measured downstream at a distance away from the flow limiter. The airflow path immediately after or downstream of the flow limiter may have a width. The pressure after the flow limiter may be measured at a distance from the flow limiter equal to the width of the airflow path immediately after the flow limiter. The pressure after the flow limiter may be measured at a distance that is a multiple of the width of the airflow path immediately after the flow limiter. The pressure after the flow limiter may be measured at a distance equal to a portion of the width of the airflow path immediately after the flow limiter. The pressure after the flow limiter may be measured at a distance of 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, or 10 mm after the flow limiter. The pressure after the flow limiting section may be measured at a distance of 25.4 millimeters (1 inch) after the flow limiting section.

[0039] In some embodiments, the pressure in front of the flow limiting section may be measured at a distance from the flow limiting section equal to the width of the airflow path immediately before the flow limiting section, or the pressure after the flow limiting section may be measured at a distance from the flow limiting section equal to half the width of the airflow path immediately after the flow limiting section.

[0040] In some embodiments, the pressure after the flow limiting section may be measured at a distance from the flow limiting section that is 2.5 times the width of the airflow path immediately preceding the flow limiting section, or at a distance from the flow limiting section that is 8 times the width of the airflow path immediately following the flow limiting section.

[0041] In some embodiments, the pressure before the flow limiting section may be measured at a distance from the flow limiting section equal to the width of the airflow path immediately before the flow limiting section, or the pressure after the flow limiting section may be measured at a distance from the flow limiting section equal to 0.3 to 0.9 times the width of the airflow path immediately after the flow limiting section. Measuring the pressure after the flow limiting section at a distance from the flow limiting section equal to 0.3 to 0.9 times the width of the airflow path immediately after the flow limiting section allows for the measurement of the in-plane pressure of the minimum fluid pressure in the smoke extraction in the aerosol generator.

[0042] In some embodiments, the aerosol generator may comprise two flow limiting sections: a first flow limiting section and a second flow limiting section located after or downstream of the first flow limiting section. A pressure detection device may be located between the inlet and the second flow limiting section. Thus, the pressure detection device may be configured to detect a pressure drop in the airflow path originating from the first flow limiting section rather than the second flow limiting section. The second flow limiting section may help prevent backflow of vapor or aerosol generated in the substrate cavity from entering the airflow path between the fume extraction and fume extraction in the aerosol generator. In this way, the second flow limiting section may help keep the pressure detection device clean by keeping it away from the generated vapor and aerosol.

[0043] The aerosol generator may further include a controller. The controller may be configured to receive pressure measurement information from a pressure detection device. The pressure measurement information may include information obtainable from the pressure detector. The pressure measurement information may include at least one of the following: pressure before the flow limiting section, pressure at the flow limiting section, pressure after the flow limiting section, the difference between the pressure before the flow limiting section and the pressure at or after the flow limiting section, the difference between the pressure at the flow limiting section and the pressure after the flow limiting section, and the smoke extraction duration, which is the duration of smoke extraction in the aerosol generator.

[0044] The controller may be configured to receive pressure measurement information from the pressure detection device at regular intervals. The controller may be configured to receive pressure measurement information from the pressure detection device periodically. The controller may be configured to receive pressure measurement information from the pressure detection device continuously. The controller may be configured to receive pressure measurement information at any appropriate sampling rate. For example, the controller may be configured to receive pressure measurement information at sampling rates of at least 50 Hz, at least 60 Hz, or at least 65 Hz. In some preferred embodiments, the controller is configured to receive pressure measurement information at a sampling rate of about 75 Hz.

[0045] The controller may be configured to determine the average pressure from pressure measurement information received from the pressure detection device over time. The average pressure may be a moving average. In other words, the average pressure may be updated for each subsequent pressure measurement. The moving average pressure may be the average pressure, the median pressure, or the modal pressure. The moving average pressure may be determined from a plurality of pressure measurements received from the pressure detection device. The moving average pressure may be determined from a plurality of consecutive pressure measurements received from the pressure detection device. The moving average pressure may be determined from any appropriate number of pressure measurements. For example, the moving average may be determined from at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 pressure measurements. The moving average pressure may be determined from 2 to 100 pressure measurements, 2 to 75 pressure measurements, or 2 to 40 pressure measurements.

[0046] Determining a moving average pressure from multiple pressure measurements taken over time can provide the controller with a baseline pressure on which subsequent pressure measurements can be compared. By comparing subsequent pressure measurements with the determined average pressure, the controller may be able to determine changes that are larger than the expected changes in the determined pressure. Larger-than-expected changes in pressure within the airflow path may indicate that the user is inhaling fumes from an aerosol generator.

[0047] The controller may be configured to determine when a user is inhaling smoke from an aerosol generator based on pressure measurement information received from a pressure detection device. The controller may be configured to detect smoke inhalation at an aerosol generator based on pressure measurement information received from a pressure detection device. The controller may be configured to determine when a user is inhaling smoke from an aerosol generator based on a comparison between pressure measurement information received from a pressure detection device and a threshold value.

[0048] In some preferred embodiments, the controller may be configured to determine a moving average pressure from pressure measurement information received from a pressure sensing device over time, compare subsequent pressure measurements with the determined moving average pressure, and determine, based on the comparison, when the user is inhaling smoke from the aerosol generator. Once inhalation is detected, the moving average may be kept constant or not updated until it is determined that the user has stopped inhaling smoke from the aerosol generator. Keeping the moving average pressure constant while the user is inhaling smoke from the aerosol generator may allow the moving average pressure to be used as a baseline pressure on which pressure measurements taken during inhalation can be compared. Keeping the moving average pressure constant during inhalation may allow for the determination of the end of inhalation.

[0049] Advantageously, determining when a user is performing fume extraction with an aerosol generator based on a moving average pressure, and comparing subsequent pressure measurements to the moving average pressure, can reduce the possibility of erroneous determination of fume extraction due to changes in atmospheric pressure, such as changes in altitude, compared to comparing pressure measurements to a static threshold. This is because the determined moving average can change with gradual changes in external pressure, and comparing pressure measurements to the determined moving average pressure rather than a static threshold is particularly advantageous when a single pressure sensor is provided and senses absolute pressure in the airflow path. When a gauge pressure sensor, differential pressure sensor, or two or more pressure sensors are provided and a differential pressure is measured or determined, there is less advantage in comparing the differential pressure measurement or pressure difference to the determined moving average rather than a static threshold. This is because differential pressure measurements or pressure differences are less affected by changes in external pressure or atmospheric pressure than individual absolute pressure measurements.

[0050] The controller may be configured to determine when to stop smoke extraction in the aerosol generator based on pressure measurement information received from a pressure detection device. The controller may be configured to determine when the user should stop smoke extraction in the aerosol generator based on pressure measurement information received from a pressure detection device. The controller may be configured to determine when the user should stop smoke extraction in the aerosol generator based on a comparison of pressure measurement information received from a pressure detection device with a threshold. The controller may be configured to determine a moving average pressure from pressure measurement information received from a pressure detection device over time, compare subsequent pressure measurements with the determined moving average pressure, determine when the user is smoke extraction in the aerosol generator based on the comparison, and determine when the user should stop smoke extraction in the aerosol generator based on a comparison of further subsequent pressure measurements with the previously determined moving average. In other words, the determined moving average pressure used to compare with subsequent pressure measurements when smoke extraction is detected is stored by the controller, and further subsequent pressure measurements can be used as a baseline or threshold to compare with to determine when the user should stop smoke extraction in the aerosol generator.

[0051] The controller may be configured to determine the duration of smoke inhalation based on pressure measurement information received from a pressure detection device. The controller may also be configured to determine the duration of smoke inhalation based on the time difference between the time it is first determined that the user is inhaling smoke from the aerosol generator and the time it is next determined that the user has stopped inhaling smoke from the aerosol generator.

[0052] A typical duration of smoking may range from approximately 1 to 8 seconds, or more typically from approximately 3 to 6 seconds.

[0053] The controller may be configured to determine the amount of smoke absorbed based on pressure measurement information received from a pressure sensing device. Advantageously, it has been found that the amount of smoke absorbed determined from pressure measurements may be more accurate than the amount of smoke absorbed determined from temperature or resistance measurements of the heater or susceptor element.

[0054] In some preferred embodiments, an aerosol generator is provided, comprising: a substrate cavity configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate; an airflow path extending between an inlet and the substrate cavity; a flow limiting section located within the airflow path; a pressure detection device configured to detect the pressure within the airflow path; and a controller configured to receive pressure measurement information from the pressure detection device and to determine the amount of smoke to be extracted based on the pressure measurement information received from the pressure detection device.

[0055] In some preferred embodiments, an aerosol generator is provided, comprising: a substrate cavity configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate; an airflow path extending between an inlet and the substrate cavity; a flow limiting section located within the airflow path; a pressure sensor configured to detect the pressure in the flow limiting section or in the airflow path after the flow limiting section, between the flow limiting section and the substrate cavity; and a controller configured to determine the volume of air passing through the airflow path based on a plurality of measurements from the pressure sensor.

[0056] As used herein, “smoke volume” refers to the volume of air drawn through an aerosol generator while the user is using the aerosol generator. Therefore, as used herein, the term “smoke volume” does not refer to the total system smoke volume inhaled by the user when using an aerosol generating system. The volume of air drawn through an aerosol generator during smoke extraction may differ from the total system volume inhaled by the user, because the system may include additional ventilation points that increase the total smoke volume inhaled by the user compared to the volume of air drawn through the aerosol generator. For example, when an aerosol generator is used in combination with an aerosol generating article to form an aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating article may have ventilation holes to facilitate aerosol generation within the article, and additional airflow into the article may not flow through the aerosol generator.

[0057] As used herein, “volume” refers to a quantity relating to the volume of air drawn through an aerosol generator during fumigation.

[0058] A typical smoke extraction from an aerosol generator may have a smoke extraction volume of approximately 15 milliliters to approximately 60 milliliters.

[0059] If the pressure detection device measures the pressure before and in or after the flow limiting section, the controller may be configured to determine the amount of smoke extracted based on the difference between the pressure before and in the flow limiting section. If the pressure detection device is configured to detect the pressure in the airflow path in the flow limiting section and the pressure after the flow limiting section, the controller may be configured to determine the amount of smoke extracted based on the difference between the pressure in and after the flow limiting section.

[0060] Advantageously, the amount of smoke absorbed, determined based on differential pressure measurement, may be less sensitive to local environmental conditions and operating conditions such as ambient temperature, the state of the aerosol-forming substrate, and the geometric shape or heating technique of the apparatus than the amount of smoke absorbed determined using absolute pressure measurement.

[0061] The controller may be configured to determine the amount of smoke extracted based on pressure measurement information received from a pressure detection device.

[0062] The controller may be configured to determine the amount of smoke extracted based on pressure measurement information received from a single pressure sensor. One method of determining the amount of smoke extracted using a single pressure sensor is to sense the absolute pressure in the airflow path at or after the flow limiter, as follows: The pressure drop, ΔP, can be determined by (Equation 1):

number

number

[0063] Next, the volumetric flow rate Q can be determined by (Equation 2): Q = a × ΔP In the formula, 'a' is a multiplier for milliliters per second millibar (ml / s.mbar). The multiplier 'a' can be determined by calibrating the pressure sensor in the aerosol generator.

[0064] Next, the amount of smoke inhaled may be determined by integrating the volumetric flow rate over a determined duration of smoke inhalation by the user, as follows (Equation 3):

number

[0065] The controller may be configured to determine the amount of smoke extracted based on differential pressure measurement or the difference between two pressure measurements.

[0066] One method for determining the amount of smoke extracted by measuring the differential pressure, or by using the difference between two pressure measurements taken either before and after a flow limiter, before and at the flow limiter, or at and after the flow limiter, is to use Bernoulli's formula.

[0067] For example, by measuring the pressure in the first section of the airflow path immediately before the flow limiting section, and measuring the pressure in the second section of the airflow path downstream of the flow limiting section or after the flow limiting section, the amount of smoke extracted can be determined as follows:

[0068] Assuming that the section of the airflow path immediately preceding the flow limiting section has a circular cross-section of radius R1, and the flow limiting section is a narrow portion of the airflow path having a circular cross-section of radius R2, Bernoulli's equation becomes (Equation 4):

number

[0069] Equation 4 can be rewritten as (Equation 5):

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[0070] The mass flow rate (m) through a circular cross-section pipe is expressed by (Equation 6):

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number

[0071] Substituting the velocity from Equation 7 into Equation 5, we get (Equation 8):

number

number

[0072] The volumetric flow rate (Q) is expressed by (Equation 10):

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[0073] Substituting equation 3 into the volumetric flow rate equation yields (equation 11):

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[0074] By incorporating the volumetric flow rate (Q) as a function of the duration of smoke extraction, the total volume of air in the smoke can be obtained (Equation 12):

number

[0075] Assuming that the density of air (ρ) is constant throughout the entire known airflow path, and that the radius of the airflow path before the flow limiter (R1) and the radius of the airflow path downstream of the flow limiter (R2) are known, the amount of smoke (V) absorbed between times t0 and t1 can be determined. Here again, t0 is the time when smoke absorption begins and t1 is the time when smoke absorption ends.

[0076] According to this disclosure, a method is provided for determining the amount of smoke extracted in an aerosol generator, and the method is: Measuring the pressure in the flow limiting section of the airflow path of the aerosol generator, or after the flow limiting section, Determining the average pressure from multiple pressure measurements, The difference between the subsequent pressure measurements and the average pressure is determined, The difference between the subsequent pressure measurement and the average pressure is used to determine whether the pressure drop corresponds to the user's extraction of smoke from the aerosol generator, thereby detecting smoke extraction from the aerosol generator. When smoke inhalation is detected, the difference between the subsequent pressure measurements during smoke inhalation and the average pressure is determined, The duration of smoke extraction is determined from the difference between the subsequent pressure measurements and the average pressure, The difference between the pressure measurement during smoke inhalation and the average pressure is summed up over the duration of smoke inhalation, This includes determining the amount of smoke to be inhaled based on the sum of the pressure measurements and the average pressure during smoke inhalation over a determined duration of smoke inhalation.

[0077] Determining whether the difference between a subsequent pressure measurement and the average pressure indicates a pressure drop corresponding to smoke inhalation in an aerosol generator by the user may include determining when the difference exceeds a threshold. For example, the controller may be configured to determine that the user is inhaling smoke in an aerosol generator if the pressure measurement differs from the average pressure by more than 0.2 millibars, 0.4 millibars, 0.6 millibars, 0.8 millibars, 1 millibar, 1.5 millibars, 2 millibars, 2.5 millibars, or 5 millibars. The controller may also be configured to determine that the user is inhaling smoke in an aerosol generator if the pressure measurement differs from the determined average pressure by more than 10 percent, 15 percent, 20 percent, 25 percent, 30 percent, 35 percent, or 40 percent.

[0078] As described above, the determination of the average pressure may be a moving average pressure determination that is updated with each new pressure measurement until smoke extraction is detected. The average pressure can be determined from any appropriate number of pressure measurements, such as 2 to 40 pressure measurements, as described above.

[0079] According to this disclosure, a method is provided for determining the amount of smoke extracted in an aerosol generator, and the method is: During smoke extraction from the aerosol generator, the pressure in front of the flow limiting section of the airflow path of the aerosol generator is measured, During smoke extraction in an aerosol generator, the pressure is measured at or after the flow limiting section of the airflow path of the aerosol generator. During smoke extraction, the difference between the pressure measurement before the flow limiting section and the pressure measurement at or after the flow limiting section is determined. The duration of smoke extraction is determined by the difference between the pressure measurement before the flow limiting section and the pressure measurement at the flow limiting section during smoke extraction, or after the flow limiting section. The difference between the pressure measurement before the flow limiting section and the pressure measurement at or after the flow limiting section is summed up over the duration of smoke extraction. This includes determining the amount of smoke absorbed based on the sum of the pressure measurement before the flow limiting section and the pressure measurement at or after the flow limiting section over the duration of smoke absorption.

[0080] According to this disclosure, a method is provided for determining the amount of smoke extracted in an aerosol generator, and the method is: During smoke extraction from the aerosol generator, the pressure at the flow rate limiting section of the airflow path of the aerosol generator is measured, During smoke extraction from the aerosol generator, the pressure after the flow rate limiting section of the airflow path of the aerosol generator is measured, To determine the difference between the pressure measurement at the flow limiting section during smoke extraction and the pressure measurement after the flow limiting section, The duration of smoke extraction is determined by the difference between the pressure measurement at the flow limiting section during smoke extraction and the pressure measurement after the flow limiting section. The difference between the pressure measurement at the flow limiting section and the pressure measurement after the flow limiting section is summed up over the duration of smoke extraction, This includes determining the amount of smoke absorbed based on the sum of the pressure measurement at the flow limiting section and the pressure measurement after the flow limiting section over the duration of smoke absorption.

[0081] The controller of the aerosol generator may be configured to perform any of the above-described methods for determining the amount of smoke extracted in the aerosol generator.

[0082] The aerosol generator preferably includes an aerosol generator that generates an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate received within a substrate cavity.

[0083] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to control the power supply to the aerosol generator based on received pressure measurement information. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to control the power supply to the aerosol generator based on a determined smoke extraction volume. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to control the power supply to the aerosol generator based on a determined smoke extraction duration. In some preferred embodiments, the controller is configured to control the power supply to the aerosol generator based on a determined smoke extraction volume and a determined smoke extraction duration.

[0084] In some embodiments, the aerosol generator includes a resistance heating element. The resistance heating element may be located within or around the substrate cavity. The resistance heating element may be arranged to heat the outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate received within the substrate cavity. The resistance heating element may be arranged to penetrate the aerosol-forming substrate received within the substrate cavity and heat the aerosol-forming substrate from the inside.

[0085] The heating element may be formed from any suitable material.

[0086] The heating element may be formed from a conductive material.

[0087] As used herein, "conductive" means approximately 1 × 10⁻¹⁶ at 20 degrees Celsius (°C). -5 Less than ohms (Ωm), typically about 1 × 10⁻⁶ -5 Ohms (Ωm) ~ approximately 1 × 10⁻⁶ -9 This refers to a material that has a volume resistivity in ohms (Ωm).

[0088] The heating element may be formed from a thermally conductive material.

[0089] As used herein, the term “thermal conductivity” refers to a material having a bulk thermal conductivity of at least about 10 watts / meter-kelvin (mW / (mK)) at 23 degrees Celsius (°C) and a relative humidity of 50 percent as measured using the improved transient planar heat source (MTPS) method.

[0090] The heating element may be formed from at least one of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, metal, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel, titanium, and a composite of metallic materials.

[0091] In some embodiments, the aerosol generator includes an inductor coil. The inductor coil can generate a changing magnetic field when a fluctuating current is supplied to it. The inductor coil may be configured to generate a changing magnetic field within a substrate cavity. The inductor coil may be located within or around the substrate cavity. The inductor coil may surround the substrate cavity.

[0092] As used herein, “variable current” refers to a current that changes over time. An inductor coil generates a variable magnetic field when a variable current is supplied to it. The term “variable current” is intended to include alternating current. A variable current is an alternating current, and an alternating current generates an alternating magnetic field.

[0093] The changing current may be an alternating current. As used herein, “alternating current” refers to a current that periodically reverses direction. The alternating current may have any suitable frequency. Suitable frequencies for an alternating current may be between 100 kilohertz (kHz) and 30 megahertz (MHz). If at least one inductor coil is a tubular coil, the alternating current may have a frequency between 500 kilohertz (kHz) and 30 megahertz (MHz). If at least one inductor coil is a flat coil, the alternating current may have a frequency between 100 kilohertz (kHz) and 1 megahertz (MHz).

[0094] The inductor coil may have any suitable form. The inductor coil may be a tubular inductor coil. The inductor coil may be a planar inductor coil. The inductor coil may be a flat inductor coil. Preferably, the inductor coil is a tubular coil surrounding a substrate cavity.

[0095] The inductor coil may have any preferred number of turns.

[0096] The inductor coil can be formed from any suitable material. The inductor coil may be formed from at least one of silver, gold, aluminum, brass, zinc, iron, nickel, and their alloys, as well as conductive ceramics such as yttrium-doped zirconia, indium tin oxide, and yttrium-doped titanate.

[0097] In some embodiments of the aerosol generator, which includes an inductor coil, the aerosol generator further includes a susceptor element. The inductor coil may be configured to generate a changing magnetic field that penetrates the susceptor element. The susceptor element may be positioned so as to be penetrated by the changing magnetic field generated by the inductor coil when a fluctuating current is supplied to the inductor coil.

[0098] As used herein, “susceptor element” refers to an element that can be heated by penetration due to a changing magnetic field. A susceptor element is typically heated by Joule heating due to eddy current induction within the susceptor element, and by at least one of hysteresis losses.

[0099] The susceptor element may be located within or around the substrate cavity. The susceptor element may be configured to heat the outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate received within the substrate cavity.

[0100] In some embodiments, the susceptor element is located within the substrate cavity, penetrates the aerosol-forming substrate received within the substrate cavity, and is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate from the inside.

[0101] The susceptor element may be formed from any suitable material. Preferably, the susceptor element contains a magnetic material that can be heated by penetration by a fluctuating magnetic field. The magnetic material may be a ferromagnetic material such as ferrite, ferrite iron, ferromagnetic alloy, ferromagnetic steel, or a ferromagnetic stainless steel such as SAE 400 series stainless steel, SAE type 409, 410, 420, or 430 stainless steel.

[0102] As used herein, “magnetic material” refers to a material that can interact with a magnetic field, including both paramagnetic and ferromagnetic materials.

[0103] In some preferred embodiments, the susceptor element comprises at least about 5 percent, or at least about 20 percent, or at least about 50 percent, or at least about 90 percent, of ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material on a dry weight basis.

[0104] The shape of the susceptor element may differ from the shape of the inductor coil. Preferably, the shape of the susceptor element is substantially the same as the shape of the inductor coil.

[0105] The inductor coil size may differ from the inductor coil size. Preferably, the susceptor element size is substantially the same as the inductor coil size.

[0106] The aerosol generator includes a controller. The controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the aerosol generator. The controller may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor, a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other electronic circuitry capable of providing control. The control circuit may include further electronic components. The control circuit may be configured to regulate the supply of current to an inductor coil. The current may be supplied to the inductor coil continuously after the aerosol generator is started, or intermittently (e.g., with each smoke extraction). The control circuit may advantageously include a DC / AC inverter, which may include a Class D or Class E power amplifier.

[0107] The aerosol generator may further include a power supply. The power supply may be configured to provide power to the aerosol generator. The controller may be configured to control the supply of power from the power supply to the aerosol generator.

[0108] The power supply may be a DC power supply. The power supply may include at least one battery and a capacitor. In one embodiment, the power supply is a DC power supply having a DC supply voltage in the range of about 2.5 volts to about 4.5 volts and a DC supply current in the range of about 1 ampere to about 10 amperes (corresponding to a DC power supply in the range of about 2.5 watts to about 45 watts).

[0109] The power supply may be configured to operate at a high frequency. As used herein, the term “high-frequency oscillating current” means an oscillating current having a frequency of about 500 kilohertz to about 30 megahertz. The high-frequency oscillating current may have a frequency of about 1 megahertz to about 30 megahertz, preferably about 1 megahertz to about 10 megahertz, and more preferably about 5 megahertz to about 8 megahertz.

[0110] If the aerosol generator includes an inductor coil, the power supply and controller may be configured to supply alternating current to the inductor coil.

[0111] If the controller is configured to control the power supply to the aerosol generator, the controller may be configured to control the power supply to the aerosol generator in any suitable way. Preferably, the controller is configured to control the power supply to the aerosol generator with pulses. If the controller is configured to control the power supply to the aerosol generator with pulses, the controller may be configured to control the power supply to the aerosol generator by pulse width modulation.

[0112] The controller may be configured to control the power supply to the aerosol generator based on pressure measurement information received from the pressure detection device. The controller may also be configured to control the power supply to the aerosol generator based on at least one of a determined smoke extraction volume and a determined smoke extraction duration.

[0113] Advantageously, accurate determination of smoke intake volume can enable precise determination of the user's usage patterns of the aerosol generator or the consumption patterns of the aerosol-forming substrate. Accurate determination of these patterns can enable personalizing the aerosol generation experience for the user. For example, the power supplied to the aerosol generator during smoke intake may be increased over a longer period for users who perform longer, higher-volume smoke intake compared to users who perform shorter, lower-volume intake. This can improve the user experience and potentially reduce waste of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0114] The controller may be configured to compare the determined amount of smoke absorbed with a threshold. Based on the comparison, the controller may be configured to increase the power supply to the aerosol generator if the determined amount of smoke absorbed exceeds the threshold. Based on the comparison, the controller may be configured to decrease the power supply to the aerosol generator if the determined amount of smoke absorbed falls below the threshold. Based on the comparison, the controller may be configured to increase the duration of the power supply to the aerosol generator if the determined amount of smoke absorbed exceeds the threshold. Based on the comparison, the controller may be configured to decrease the duration of the power supply to the aerosol generator if the determined amount of smoke absorbed falls below the threshold.

[0115] Determining at least one of the smoke intake volume and smoke intake duration, and in particular both, may allow the controller to determine how quickly the aerosol-forming substrate in the substrate cavity is being depleted. Thus, determining at least one of the smoke intake volume and smoke intake duration may allow the controller to determine how many times the user can inhale before the aerosol-forming substrate in the substrate cavity is completely consumed, or for how long aerosol generation can continue before the aerosol-forming substrate in the substrate cavity is completely consumed.

[0116] The controller may be configured to determine the remaining maximum number of smoke inhalations, which corresponds to the maximum number of smoke inhalations the user can take from the aerosol generator before the aerosol-generating substrate received in the substrate cavity is depleted. The controller may be configured to determine the remaining maximum number of smoke inhalations using pressure information from a pressure sensing device. The controller may be configured to determine the remaining maximum number of smoke inhalations based on the determined smoke inhalation volume. The controller may be configured to determine the remaining maximum number of smoke inhalations based on the determined smoke inhalation duration. The controller may be configured to determine the remaining maximum number of smoke inhalations based on the determined smoke inhalation volume and the determined smoke inhalation duration. The controller may be configured to determine the remaining maximum number of smoke inhalations based on the average of the determined smoke inhalation volumes for multiple smoke inhalations. The average smoke inhalation volume may be one of the average volume, median volume, and mode volume. The average smoke inhalation volume may be determined for multiple consecutive smoke inhalations. Advantageously, using the average smoke inhalation volume to determine the remaining maximum number of smoke inhalations may provide a more reliable determination of the remaining maximum number of smoke inhalations.

[0117] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to prevent power supply to the aerosol generator when the determined maximum number of remaining smoke extractions is reached. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to prevent power supply to the aerosol generator when the determined maximum number of remaining smoke extractions reaches zero. Advantageously, this can prevent the aerosol generator from producing suboptimal aerosols when the aerosol-forming substrate in the substrate cavity is consumed.

[0118] The controller may be configured to determine the maximum remaining duration of aerosol generation, which corresponds to the maximum duration for which power can be supplied to the aerosol generator before the aerosol-generating substrate received in the substrate cavity is depleted. The controller may be configured to determine the maximum remaining duration of aerosol generation using pressure information from a pressure sensing device. The controller may be configured to determine the maximum remaining duration of aerosol generation based on the determined smoke intake volume. The controller may be configured to determine the maximum remaining duration of aerosol generation based on the determined smoke intake duration. The controller may be configured to determine the maximum remaining duration of aerosol generation based on the determined smoke intake volume and the determined smoke intake duration. The controller may be configured to determine the maximum remaining duration of aerosol generation based on the average of the determined smoke intake durations for multiple smoke intakes. The average smoke intake duration may be the average, median, and mode volume. The average smoke intake duration may be determined for multiple consecutive smoke intakes. Advantageously, using the average inhalation duration to determine the maximum remaining duration of aerosol generation can more reliably determine that maximum remaining duration.

[0119] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to prevent power supply to the aerosol generator when the remaining determined maximum duration of aerosol generation is reached. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to prevent power supply to the aerosol generator when the remaining determined maximum duration of aerosol generation is reached zero. Advantageously, this can prevent the aerosol generator from generating suboptimal aerosols when the aerosol-forming substrate in the substrate cavity is consumed.

[0120] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to determine usage information based on pressure measurement information from a pressure detection device, or to receive usage information from an external device. As used herein, “usage information” refers to information about the user’s smoking habits of the aerosol generator, based on pressure measurement information from a pressure detection device.

[0121] Usage information is available in the following section. The remaining maximum number of inhalations, which corresponds to the maximum number of inhalations the user can take from the aerosol generator before the aerosol-generating substrate received in the substrate cavity is depleted, The remaining maximum duration of aerosol generation, which corresponds to the maximum duration for which power can be supplied to the aerosol generator before the aerosol-generating substrate received in the substrate cavity is depleted, The number of times the user inhaled smoke using an aerosol generator against the aerosol-forming substrate received within the substrate cavity, and The depletion level of the aerosol-forming substrate may include at least one of the following: a depletion level that corresponds to the proportion or percentage of aerosol-forming substrate that has not been consumed or has been depleted during use.

[0122] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to determine pressure measurement information based on usage information received from a pressure detection device. The controller may be configured to determine the usage information based on at least one of a determined smoke extraction volume and a determined smoke extraction duration.

[0123] Usage information may be determined based on the average of the determined smoke intake amounts for multiple smoke inhalations. Usage information may also be determined based on the average of the determined smoke inhalation durations for multiple smoke inhalations.

[0124] In some embodiments, the aerosol generator may include a receiver. The receiver may be configured to receive usage signals from an external device. The usage signals include usage information.

[0125] If the aerosol generator includes an aerosol generator, the controller may be configured to control the power supply to the aerosol generator based on usage information.

[0126] In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol generator further includes an indicator. The indicator may be connected to a controller. The controller may be configured to display usage information on the indicator to the user.

[0127] The indicator may include any suitable indicator. The indicator may include at least one of visual indicators, audible indicators, and tactile indicators. Visual indicators may include a display or one or more light-emitting diodes. Audible indicators may include a loudspeaker or a buzzer. Tactile indicators may include an actuator. If the indicator includes a display, the indicator may be configured to display usage information in at least one of the following forms: numbers, graphics, charts, and graphs. For example, the display may be configured to display the remaining number of puffs numerically, or to display the depletion level of the aerosol-forming substrate as a pie chart. In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol generator further includes a display connected to a controller, and the controller is configured to display usage information on the display.

[0128] In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol generator further comprises a transmitter. The transmitter may be coupled to a controller. The controller may be configured to transmit a pressure measurement signal from the transmitter to an external device, the pressure measurement signal including pressure measurement information detected by a pressure detection device. In some of these preferred embodiments, an external device, such as a server, is configured to receive the pressure measurement signal from the aerosol generator. The external device may be configured to process the pressure measurement information received from the aerosol generator in the pressure measurement signal. Advantageously, transmitting the pressure measurement information from the aerosol generator to the external device for processing can reduce the processing load on the aerosol generator's controller, potentially reducing the power consumption of the aerosol generator's controller and making it smaller and less expensive.

[0129] The external device may be configured to determine at least one of the following from the received pressure measurement information: smoke intake volume, smoke intake duration, average smoke intake volume, and average smoke intake duration. The external device may be configured to transmit the determined smoke intake volume, smoke intake duration, average smoke intake volume, or average smoke intake duration to the aerosol generator. The receiver of the aerosol generator may be configured to receive the determined smoke intake volume, smoke intake duration, average smoke intake volume, or average smoke intake duration.

[0130] The external device may be configured to determine usage information from the received pressure measurement information. The external device may also be configured to transmit a usage signal to the aerosol generator, the usage signal including the determined usage information. The receiver of the aerosol generator may be configured to receive the usage signal.

[0131] If the aerosol generator includes both a transmitter and a receiver, the transmitter and receiver may be combined within a single transceiver.

[0132] The aerosol generator may be configured to connect to an external device and transmit data to the external device. The aerosol generator may be configured to connect to an external device and receive data from the external device. The aerosol generator may be configured to connect to an external device in any suitable way. The aerosol generator may be configured to connect to an external device via a wired connection. The aerosol generator may be configured to connect to an external device via a wireless connection.

[0133] The aerosol generator may be configured to connect to an external device via a communication link operating under any suitable interface standard. Examples of suitable interface standards for the communication link include the Recommended Standard 232 (RS-232) family of standards, Universal Serial Bus (USB), Bluetooth®, FireWire (a brand name of Apple, Inc., for its own IEEE 1394 interface), IrDA (Infrared Data Association - a communication standard for short-range data exchange using infrared), Zigbee (an application based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard for wireless personal area networks), and other Wi-Fi standards.

[0134] The aerosol generator may be equipped with a user interface.

[0135] The user interface may be any preferred user interface. The user interface may include one or more physical user inputs, such as buttons or switches. The user interface may include a touchscreen. If the user interface includes a touchscreen, one or more user inputs may be part of the touchscreen.

[0136] The user interface may be configured to activate the aerosol generator. For example, the aerosol generator may include a button to initiate power supply to the aerosol generator so that it generates aerosols from an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0137] The user interface may be configured to display the status of the device or the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0138] If the user interface is a graphical user interface (GUI), the user interface may be configured to display usage information from the controller.

[0139] According to this disclosure, an aerosol generation system comprising the above-described aerosol generating device and aerosol forming substrate is provided.

[0140] The aerosol-forming substrate is preferably a solid aerosol-forming substrate. However, the aerosol-forming substrate may contain both solid and liquid components. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0141] The aerosol-forming substrate preferably contains nicotine. More preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate contains tobacco. Alternatively, or additionally, the aerosol-forming substrate may contain a non-tobacco-containing aerosol-forming material.

[0142] 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.

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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.

[0145] In preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term “homogenized tobacco material” refers to material formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco.

[0146] 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.

[0147] Suitable aerosol-forming materials are known in the art and 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 monoacetate, diacetate, or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of monocarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanediate and dimethyl tetradecanediate). Preferred aerosol-forming materials are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof (such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and most preferably glycerin).

[0148] 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.

[0149] In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate is provided within the aerosol-generating article.

[0150] When an aerosol generating system includes an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol generating article may include an article susceptor element. In particular, when an aerosol generating device includes an inductor coil, the aerosol generating article may include a susceptor element.

[0151] The susceptor element may be positioned to heat the aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, the article susceptor element is positioned in direct contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, the article susceptor element is an internal susceptor element positioned within the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0152] The susceptor element may be arranged so as to be penetrated by the changing magnetic field generated by the inductor coil of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the substrate cavity of the aerosol generating device. Preferably, the aerosol generating article is configured such that at least a portion of the article susceptor element is positioned within the inductor coil when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the substrate cavity of the aerosol generating device.

[0153] The article susceptor element may have any of the optional or preferred features described above with respect to a susceptor element that forms part of an aerosol generator.

[0154] According to this disclosure, a method for operating an aerosol generator is provided, and the method is Measuring the pressure in the flow limiting section of the airflow path of the aerosol generator, or after the flow limiting section, This includes controlling the power supply to the aerosol generator of an aerosol generator based on pressure measurements.

[0155] In some embodiments, the method is Determining the average pressure from multiple pressure measurements, The difference between the subsequent pressure measurements and the average pressure is determined, The difference between the subsequent pressure measurement and the average pressure is used to determine whether the pressure drop corresponds to the user's extraction of smoke from the aerosol generator, thereby detecting smoke extraction from the aerosol generator. When smoke inhalation is detected, the difference between the subsequent pressure measurements during smoke inhalation and the average pressure is determined, The duration of smoke extraction is determined from the difference between the subsequent pressure measurements and the average pressure, The difference between the pressure measurement during smoke inhalation and the average pressure is summed up over the duration of smoke inhalation, The amount of smoke absorbed is determined based on the sum of the pressure measurements taken during smoke absorption over the duration of smoke absorption and the determined average pressure. Controlling the power supply to the aerosol generator based on pressure measurements further includes controlling the power supply to the aerosol generator based on a determined amount of smoke extracted.

[0156] According to this disclosure, another method for operating an aerosol generator is also provided, the method is During smoke extraction from the aerosol generator, the pressure in front of the flow limiting section of the airflow path of the aerosol generator is measured, During smoke extraction in an aerosol generator, the pressure at or after the flow limiting section of the airflow path is measured. During smoke extraction, the difference between the pressure measurement before the flow limiting section and the pressure measurement at or after the flow limiting section is determined. The difference between the pressure measurement before the flow limiting section and the pressure measurement at or after the flow limiting section is summed up over the duration of smoke extraction. The amount of smoke absorbed is determined based on the sum of the pressure measurements before the flow limiting section and the pressure measurements at or after the flow limiting section over the duration of smoke absorption. This includes controlling the power supply to the aerosol generator of the aerosol generator based on the determined amount of smoke absorbed.

[0157] In some embodiments, smoke extraction may be detected based on pressure measurements before the flow limiter and pressure measurements at or after the flow limiter. In these embodiments, the method is Measuring the pressure before the flow limiting section of the airflow path, Measuring the pressure at or after the flow limiting section of the airflow path, To determine the difference between the pressure measurement before the flow limiting section and the pressure measurement at or after the flow limiting section, The method may also include detecting smoke extraction in an aerosol generator by determining whether the difference between the pressure measurement before the flow limiting section and the pressure measurement at or after the flow limiting section indicates a pressure drop corresponding to smoke extraction in the aerosol generator.

[0158] The method may also include determining the duration of smoke extraction from the difference between a pressure measurement before the flow limiting section and a pressure measurement at or after the flow limiting section during smoke extraction.

[0159] According to this disclosure, another method for operating an aerosol generator is also provided, the method is During gas extraction from an aerosol generator, the pressure at the flow limiting section is measured, Measuring the pressure after the flow limiting section during smoke extraction in an aerosol generator, To determine the difference between the pressure measurement at the flow limiting section during smoke extraction and the pressure measurement after the flow limiting section, The difference between the pressure measurement at the flow limiting section and the pressure measurement after the flow limiting section is summed up over the duration of smoke extraction, The amount of smoke absorbed is determined based on the sum of the pressure measurements at the flow limiting section and the pressure measurements after the flow limiting section over the duration of smoke absorption. This includes controlling the power supply to the aerosol generator of the aerosol generator based on the determined amount of smoke absorbed.

[0160] In some embodiments, smoke extraction may be detected based on measurements of the pressure at the flow limiting section and the pressure after the flow limiting section. In these embodiments, the method is Measuring the pressure at the flow limiting section of the airflow path, To measure the pressure after the flow limiting section of the airflow path, The difference between the pressure measurement at the flow limiting section and the pressure measurement after the flow limiting section is determined, This includes detecting smoke extraction in an aerosol generator by determining whether the difference between the pressure measurement at the flow limiting section and the pressure measurement after the flow limiting section indicates a pressure drop corresponding to smoke extraction by the user in the aerosol generator.

[0161] The method may also include determining the duration of smoke extraction from the difference between the pressure measurement at the flow limiting section during smoke extraction and the pressure measurement after the flow limiting section.

[0162] In all of the methods described above, controlling the power supply to the aerosol generator may include comparing the determined amount of smoke absorbed with a threshold. Based on the comparison, the method may further include increasing the power supply to the aerosol generator if the determined amount of smoke absorbed exceeds the threshold. Based on the comparison, the method may further include decreasing the power supply to the aerosol generator if the determined amount of smoke absorbed falls below the threshold. Based on the comparison, the method may further include increasing the duration of the power supply to the aerosol generator if the determined amount of smoke absorbed exceeds the threshold. Based on the comparison, the method may further include decreasing the duration of the power supply to the aerosol generator if the determined amount of smoke absorbed falls below the threshold.

[0163] The power supplied to the aerosol generator is preferably supplied in pulses. When the power supplied to the aerosol generator is supplied in pulses, the power supply to the aerosol generator may be controlled by pulse width modulation.

[0164] The method may further include determining the maximum number of remaining inhalations based on at least one of the determined inhalation volume and inhalation duration, which corresponds to the maximum number of inhalations the user can inhale with the aerosol generator before the aerosol generating substrate received in the substrate cavity is depleted.

[0165] The remaining maximum number of inhalations may be determined based on the average of the determined inhalation amounts for multiple inhalations. The average may be the mean, median, or mode inhalation amount. The average may be based on any appropriate number of determined inhalation amounts. For example, the average may be based on at least two, three, four, five, or six determined inhalation amounts. The average inhalation amount may be based on 2 to 40 determined inhalation amounts. The determined inhalation amount based on the average may correspond to continuous inhalation in an aerosol generator.

[0166] The method may further include preventing the supply of power to the aerosol generator when a determined maximum number of smoke inhalations is reached.

[0167] The method may further include determining the remaining maximum duration of aerosol generation based on at least one of the determined smoke absorption volume and smoke absorption duration, which corresponds to the maximum duration for which power can be supplied to the aerosol generator before the aerosol-generating substrate received in the substrate cavity is depleted.

[0168] The remaining maximum duration of aerosol generation may be determined based on the average of the determined smoke inhalation durations for multiple inhalations. The average may be the mean, median, or mode smoke inhalation duration. The average may be based on any appropriate number of determined smoke inhalation durations. For example, the average may be based on at least two, three, four, five, or six determined smoke inhalation durations. The average smoke inhalation duration may be based on 2 to 40 determined smoke inhalation durations. The determined smoke inhalation duration based on the average may correspond to continuous smoke inhalation in the aerosol generator.

[0169] The method may further include preventing the power supply to the aerosol generator when the remaining determined maximum duration of aerosol generation is reached.

[0170] The method may further include determining usage information based on at least one of the determined smoke inhalation volume and smoke inhalation duration. Usage information is information about the user's smoke inhalation habits in the aerosol generator, based on pressure measurements.

[0171] Usage information is available in the following section. The remaining maximum number of inhalations, which corresponds to the maximum number of inhalations the user can take from the aerosol generator before the aerosol-generating substrate received in the substrate cavity is depleted, The remaining maximum duration of aerosol generation, which corresponds to the maximum duration for which power can be supplied to the aerosol generator before the aerosol-generating substrate received in the substrate cavity is depleted, The number of times the user inhaled smoke using an aerosol generator against the aerosol-forming substrate received within the substrate cavity, and The depletion level of the aerosol-forming substrate may include at least one of the following: a depletion level that corresponds to the proportion or percentage of aerosol-forming substrate that has not been consumed or has been depleted during use.

[0172] In some embodiments, usage information is determined based on the average of the determined smoke intake amounts for multiple smoke extractions. The average may be the mean, median, or smoke intake amount for each mode.

[0173] In some embodiments, usage information is determined based on the average of the determined smoke durations for multiple smoke extractions. The average may be the mean, median, or the smoke duration of the mode.

[0174] The method may further include controlling the power supply to the aerosol generator of the aerosol generator based on usage information.

[0175] The method may further include showing the user the determined usage information on the indicator.

[0176] In some embodiments, the method further includes an aerosol generator that transmits a pressure measurement signal to an external device. The pressure measurement signal includes pressure measurement information detected by a pressure detection device.

[0177] The method may further include determining usage information from pressure measurement information. If the aerosol generator transmits the pressure measurement signal to an external device, the determination of usage information may be performed remotely from the aerosol generator. For example, the aerosol generator may transmit the pressure measurement signal to a server via a network, and the determination of usage information may be performed within the server. The determination of usage information may include determining at least one of the smoke absorption volume and the average smoke absorption volume.

[0178] If the determination of usage information is performed outside the aerosol generator, the method may further include an external device that notifies the user of the determined usage information.

[0179] If the determination of usage information is performed outside the aerosol generator, the method may further include the aerosol generator receiving a usage signal from the external device. The usage signal includes usage information, which is information about the user's smoking habits in the aerosol generator, based on pressure measurement information transmitted to the external device.

[0180] The method may further include an aerosol generator that controls the power supply to the aerosol generator of the aerosol generator based on the available usage information.

[0181] The method may further include an aerosol generator that notifies the user of the received usage information.

[0182] According to this disclosure, a controller for an aerosol generator may be provided, which is configured to perform any of the methods described above.

[0183] Naturally, any of the features and associated advantages of the aerosol generator described above may be equally applicable to the method described above. Similarly, any of the features and associated advantages of the method described above may be equally applicable to the aerosol generator described above. [Examples]

[0184] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exclusive list of non-limiting embodiments is provided below. One or more features of these embodiments may be combined with one or more features of other embodiments, forms, or aspects described herein.

[0185] Example 1. Aerosol generator, A substrate cavity configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate, The airflow path extending between the inlet and the base cavity, A flow limiting section located within the airflow path, An aerosol generator comprising: a pressure detection device configured to detect the pressure in the flow limiting section, or in the airflow path after the flow limiting section, which is between the flow limiting section and the substrate cavity. Example 2. The pressure detection device is located within the airflow path. Before the flow limiting section, which is between the inlet and the flow limiting section, and in the flow limiting section, or after the flow limiting section, which is between the flow limiting section and the substrate cavity, The aerosol generator according to Example 1, configured to detect pressure in the flow limiting section and pressure after the flow limiting section, which is between the flow limiting section and the substrate cavity. Example 3. The pressure detection device, A first pressure sensor configured to detect the pressure in the airflow path before the flow limiting section, and a second pressure sensor configured to detect the pressure in the airflow path at or after the flow limiting section, or The aerosol generator according to Embodiment 2, comprising either a first pressure sensor configured to detect the pressure in the airflow path at a flow limiting section, or a second pressure sensor configured to detect the pressure in the airflow path after the flow limiting section. Example 4. The pressure detection device, The difference between the pressure in the airflow path before the flow limiting section and the pressure in the airflow path at or after the flow limiting section, or The aerosol generator according to Embodiment 2, comprising a differential pressure sensor configured to detect either the pressure at the flow limiting section or the pressure after the flow limiting section. Example 5. The pressure detection device includes a pressure sensor configured to detect the pressure in the airflow path either in the flow limiting section or after the flow limiting section. The aerosol generator is further equipped with a controller, and the controller, Receive pressure measurement information from the pressure detection device. The aerosol generator according to Example 1, configured to determine the amount of smoke inhaled based on pressure measurement information received from a pressure detection device, wherein the amount of smoke inhaled is the amount of smoke inhaled by the user in the aerosol generator. Example 6. The controller Determining the average pressure from multiple pressure measurements, The determination of the change in subsequent pressure measurements from the determined average pressure, where the change indicates a pressure drop corresponding to the user's extraction of smoke from the aerosol generator. The determined difference between the determined pressure measurement during smoke inhalation and the determined average pressure is summed up over the duration of smoke inhalation, The aerosol generator according to Example 5, configured to determine the amount of smoke absorbed by determining the amount of smoke absorbed based on a determined difference totaled over a determined smoke absorption duration. Example 7. The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the aerosol generator further comprises a controller, and the controller is configured to receive pressure measurement information from a pressure detection device. Example 8. Pressure measurement information, Pressure before the flow limiting section, Pressure in the flow limiting section, Pressure after the flow limiting section, The difference between the pressure before the flow limiting section and the pressure at or after the flow limiting section. The difference between the pressure at the flow limiting section and the pressure after the flow limiting section, and An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 5 to 7, comprising at least one of the following: the duration of smoke extraction in the aerosol generator, the duration of smoke extraction, and the smoke extraction duration. Example 9. The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 4 to 6, wherein the aerosol generator further comprises a controller, the controller configured to receive pressure measurement information from a pressure detection device, and the controller configured to determine the amount of smoke inhaled based on either the difference between the pressure in front of the flow limiting section measured by the pressure detection device and the pressure measured in or after the flow limiting section, or the difference between the pressure in the flow limiting section measured by the pressure detection device and the pressure measured after the flow limiting section, the amount of smoke inhaled being the amount of smoke inhaled by the user in the aerosol generator. Example 10. Pressure measurement information, Pressure before the flow limiting section, Pressure in the flow limiting section, Pressure after the flow limiting section, The difference between the pressure before the flow limiting section and the pressure at or after the flow limiting section. The difference between the pressure at the flow limiting section and the pressure after the flow limiting section, and The aerosol generator according to Example 10, comprising at least one of the following: duration of smoke extraction in the aerosol generator. Example 11. The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the aerosol generator comprises an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate received in a substrate cavity. Example 12. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 5 to 10, comprising an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate received in a substrate cavity, and a controller configured to control the power supply to the aerosol generator based on received pressure measurement information. Example 13. The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 5 to 10, comprising an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate received in a substrate cavity, and a controller configured to control the power supply to the aerosol generator based on a determined amount of smoke absorbed. Example 14. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 5 to 10, comprising an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate received in a substrate cavity, and a controller configured to control the power supply to the aerosol generator based on a determined smoke absorption amount and a determined smoke absorption duration. Example 15. The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 12, 13, or 14, further comprising a power supply configured to supply power to an aerosol generator, and a controller configured to control the power supply from the power supply to the aerosol generator, and optionally the power supply comprising at least one of a battery and a capacitor. Example 16. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 12 to 15, wherein the aerosol generator is equipped with a resistance heating element. Example 17. The aerosol generator according to Example 16, wherein the resistance heating element is located within or around the substrate cavity and is configured to heat the outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate received within the substrate cavity. Example 18. The aerosol generating device according to Example 16, wherein the resistance heating element is located within a substrate cavity, penetrates the aerosol-forming substrate received within the substrate cavity, and is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate from the inside. Example 19. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 12 to 15, wherein the aerosol generator comprises an inductor coil. Example 20. The aerosol generator according to Example 19, wherein the inductor coil is configured to generate a changing magnetic field within the substrate cavity, and optionally the inductor coil is located within or around the substrate cavity, and optionally the inductor coil surrounds the substrate cavity. Example 21. The aerosol generator according to Example 19 or Example 20, wherein the aerosol generator further comprises a susceptor element, and an inductor coil is configured to generate a changing magnetic field that penetrates the susceptor element. Example 22. The aerosol generator according to Example 21, wherein the susceptor element is located within or around a substrate cavity and is configured to heat the outer surface of an aerosol-forming substrate received within the substrate cavity. Example 23. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example 21, wherein the susceptor element is located within a substrate cavity, penetrates the aerosol-forming substrate received within the substrate cavity, and is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate from the inside. Example 24. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 12 to 23, wherein the controller is configured to compare a determined amount of smoke absorbed with a threshold, and based on the comparison, the controller is configured to increase the power supply to the aerosol generator if the determined amount of smoke absorbed exceeds the threshold. Example 25. The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 12 to 24, wherein the controller is configured to compare a determined amount of smoke absorbed with a threshold, and based on the comparison, the controller is configured to reduce the power supply to the aerosol generator if the determined amount of smoke absorbed falls below the threshold. Example 26. The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 12 to 25, wherein the controller is configured to compare a determined amount of smoke absorbed with a threshold, and based on the comparison, the controller is configured to increase the duration of power supply to the aerosol generator if the determined amount of smoke absorbed exceeds the threshold. Example 27. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 12 to 26, wherein the controller is configured to compare a determined amount of smoke extracted with a threshold, and based on the comparison, the controller is configured to reduce the duration of power supply to the aerosol generator if the determined amount of smoke extracted falls below the threshold. Example 28. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 12 to 27, wherein the controller is configured to control the power supply to the aerosol generator in pulses, and the controller is configured to control the power supply to the aerosol generator by pulse width modulation. Example 29. The controller, based on at least one of the determined smoke intake volume and smoke intake duration, The remaining maximum number of inhalations, which corresponds to the maximum number of inhalations the user can take using the aerosol generator before the aerosol-generating substrate received in the substrate cavity is depleted, It is configured to determine at least one of the following: the maximum duration for which power can be supplied to the aerosol generator, and the remaining maximum duration of aerosol generation, before the aerosol-generating substrate received in the substrate cavity is depleted. Optionally, the remaining maximum number of smoke inhalations is determined based on the average of the determined smoke inhalations for multiple smoke inhalations, and optionally, the average is one of the mean, median, and mode volume. The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 5-10 or 12-28, wherein optionally, the remaining maximum duration of aerosol generation is determined based on the average of the determined smoke absorption durations for multiple smoke absorptions, and optionally, the average is one of the mean, median, and mode smoke absorption durations. Example 30. The controller The determined maximum number of remaining puffs has been reached, The aerosol generator according to Example 29, configured to prevent power supply to the aerosol generator in at least one of the following cases: when the determined maximum remaining duration of aerosol generation is reached. Example 31. The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 5-10 or 12-30, wherein the aerosol generator further comprises a transmitter, and the aerosol generator is configured to transmit a pressure measurement signal from the transmitter to an external device, the pressure measurement signal including pressure measurement information detected by a pressure detection device. Example 32. The aerosol generator according to Example 31, wherein the aerosol generator comprises a receiver, the receiver is configured to receive an usage signal from an external device, the usage signal includes usage information, and the usage information is information regarding the user's smoking habits in the aerosol generator based on pressure measurement information transmitted to the external device. Example 33. The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 5 to 10 or 12 to 32, wherein the controller is configured to determine usage information based on at least one of the determined smoke absorption amount and smoke absorption duration, and optionally, if the aerosol generator includes an aerosol generator, the controller is configured to control the power supply to the aerosol generator based on the usage information. Example 34. The aerosol generator according to Example 32 or Example 33, further comprising an indicator connected to a controller, the controller configured to display user usage information on the indicator, and optionally the indicator including at least one of a visual indicator, an audible indicator, and a tactile indicator. Example 35. The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 32, 33, or 34, further comprising a display connected to a controller, wherein the controller is configured to display usage information on the display. Example 36. Usage information The remaining maximum number of inhalations, which corresponds to the maximum number of inhalations the user can take from the aerosol generator before the aerosol-generating substrate received in the substrate cavity is depleted, The remaining maximum duration of aerosol generation, which corresponds to the maximum duration for which power can be supplied to the aerosol generator before the aerosol-generating substrate received in the substrate cavity is depleted, The number of times the user inhaled smoke using an aerosol generator against the aerosol-forming substrate received within the substrate cavity, and The aerosol generator according to Example 35, comprising at least one of the following: a depletion level of aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the depletion level corresponds to the proportion or percentage of aerosol-forming substrate that has not been consumed or has been depleted during use. Example 37. Usage information The average of the determined smoke intake amounts for multiple smoke inhalations, wherein the average is optionally one of the mean, median, and mode volume. The aerosol generator according to Example 35 or Example 36, wherein the average of the determined smoke absorption durations for multiple smoke absorptions is determined based on at least one of the mean, median, and mode smoke absorption duration, where the mean is one of the mean, median, and mode smoke absorption duration. Example 38. A method for determining the amount of smoke extracted from an aerosol generator, Measuring the pressure in the flow limiting section of the airflow path of the aerosol generator, or after the flow limiting section, Determining the average pressure from multiple pressure measurements, The difference between the subsequent pressure measurements and the average pressure is determined, The difference between the subsequent pressure measurement and the average pressure is used to determine whether the pressure drop corresponds to the user's extraction of smoke from the aerosol generator, thereby detecting smoke extraction from the aerosol generator. When smoke inhalation is detected, the difference between the subsequent pressure measurements during smoke inhalation and the average pressure is determined, The duration of smoke extraction is determined from the difference between the subsequent pressure measurements and the average pressure, The difference between the pressure measurement during smoke inhalation and the average pressure is summed up over the duration of smoke inhalation, A method comprising determining the amount of smoke to be inhaled based on the sum of the difference between pressure measurements and the average pressure during smoke inhalation over a determined smoke inhalation duration. Example 39. A method for determining the amount of smoke extracted from an aerosol generator, During smoke extraction from the aerosol generator, the pressure in front of the flow limiting section of the airflow path of the aerosol generator is measured, During smoke extraction in an aerosol generator, the pressure is measured at or after the flow limiting section of the airflow path of the aerosol generator. During smoke extraction, the difference between the pressure measurement before the flow limiting section and the pressure measurement at or after the flow limiting section is determined. The duration of smoke extraction is determined by the difference between the pressure measurement before the flow limiting section and the pressure measurement at the flow limiting section during smoke extraction, or after the flow limiting section. The difference between the pressure measurement before the flow limiting section and the pressure measurement at or after the flow limiting section is summed up over the duration of smoke extraction. A method comprising determining the amount of smoke absorbed based on the sum of the pressure measurement before the flow limiting section and the pressure measurement at or after the flow limiting section over the duration of smoke absorption. Example 40. A method for determining the amount of smoke extracted from an aerosol generator, During smoke extraction from the aerosol generator, the pressure at the flow rate limiting section of the airflow path of the aerosol generator is measured, During smoke extraction from the aerosol generator, the pressure after the flow rate limiting section of the airflow path of the aerosol generator is measured, To determine the difference between the pressure measurement at the flow limiting section during smoke extraction and the pressure measurement after the flow limiting section, The duration of smoke extraction is determined by the difference between the pressure measurement at the flow limiting section during smoke extraction and the pressure measurement after the flow limiting section. The difference between the pressure measurement at the flow limiting section and the pressure measurement after the flow limiting section is summed up over the duration of smoke extraction, A method comprising determining the amount of smoke absorbed based on the sum of the pressure measurement at the flow limiting section and the pressure measurement after the flow limiting section over the duration of smoke absorption. Example 41. A method for operating an aerosol generator, Measuring the pressure in the flow limiting section of the airflow path of the aerosol generator, or after the flow limiting section, A method comprising controlling the power supply to an aerosol generator of an aerosol generator based on pressure measurements. Example 42. A method for operating an aerosol generator, Measuring the pressure in the flow limiting section of the airflow path of the aerosol generator, or after the flow limiting section, Determining the average pressure from multiple pressure measurements, The difference between the subsequent pressure measurements and the average pressure is determined, The difference between the subsequent pressure measurement and the average pressure is used to determine whether the pressure drop corresponds to the user's extraction of smoke from the aerosol generator, thereby detecting smoke extraction from the aerosol generator. When smoke inhalation is detected, the difference between the subsequent pressure measurements during smoke inhalation and the average pressure is determined, The duration of smoke extraction is determined from the difference between the subsequent pressure measurements and the average pressure, The difference between the pressure measurement during smoke inhalation and the average pressure is summed up over the duration of smoke inhalation, The amount of smoke absorbed is determined based on the sum of the pressure measurements taken during smoke absorption over the duration of smoke absorption and the determined average pressure. A method comprising controlling the power supply to the aerosol generator of an aerosol generator based on a determined amount of smoke absorbed. Example 43. A method for operating an aerosol generator, To measure the pressure before the flow limiting section in the airflow path of the aerosol generator, Measuring the pressure at or after the flow limiting section of the airflow path, To determine the difference between the pressure measurement before the flow limiting section and the pressure measurement at or after the flow limiting section, The detection of smoke extraction in the aerosol generator is achieved by determining whether the difference between the pressure measurement before the flow limiting section and the pressure measurement at or after the flow limiting section indicates a pressure drop corresponding to smoke extraction by the user in the aerosol generator. When smoke extraction is detected, the difference between the pressure measurement before the flow limiting section and the pressure measurement at or after the flow limiting section is determined during smoke extraction. The duration of smoke extraction is determined by the difference between the pressure measurement before the flow limiting section and the pressure measurement at the flow limiting section during smoke extraction, or after the flow limiting section. The difference between the pressure measurement before the flow limiting section and the pressure measurement at or after the flow limiting section is summed up over the duration of smoke extraction. The amount of smoke absorbed is determined based on the sum of the pressure measurements before the flow limiting section and the pressure measurements at or after the flow limiting section over the duration of smoke absorption. A method comprising controlling the power supply to the aerosol generator of an aerosol generator based on a determined amount of smoke absorbed. Example 44. A method for operating an aerosol generator, Measuring the pressure at the flow rate limiting section of the airflow path of the aerosol generator, To measure the pressure after the flow limiting section of the airflow path, The difference between the pressure measurement at the flow limiting section and the pressure measurement after the flow limiting section is determined, The difference between the pressure measurement at the flow limiting section and the pressure measurement after the flow limiting section indicates whether it represents a pressure drop corresponding to smoke extraction by the user in the aerosol generator, thereby detecting smoke extraction in the aerosol generator. When smoke extraction is detected, the difference between the pressure measurement at the flow limiting section during smoke extraction and the pressure measurement after the flow limiting section is determined. The duration of smoke extraction is determined by the difference between the pressure measurement at the flow limiting section during smoke extraction and the pressure measurement after the flow limiting section. The difference between the pressure measurement at the flow limiting section and the pressure measurement after the flow limiting section is summed up over the duration of smoke extraction, The amount of smoke absorbed is determined based on the sum of the pressure measurements at the flow limiting section and the pressure measurements after the flow limiting section over the duration of smoke absorption. A method comprising controlling the power supply to the aerosol generator of an aerosol generator based on a determined amount of smoke absorbed. Example 45. Controlling the power supply to the aerosol generator includes comparing the determined amount of smoke absorbed with a threshold, and, based on the comparison, increasing the power supply to the aerosol generator if the determined amount of smoke absorbed exceeds the threshold. The method according to any one of Examples 42 to 44, wherein controlling the power supply to the aerosol generator includes at least one of comparing a determined amount of smoke inhaled with a threshold, and, based on the comparison, reducing the power supply to the aerosol generator if the determined amount of smoke inhaled falls below the threshold. Example 46. The method according to any one of Examples 42 to 45, wherein controlling the power supply to the aerosol generator includes comparing a determined amount of smoke inhaled with a threshold, and, based on the comparison, extending the duration of the power supply to the aerosol generator if the determined amount of smoke inhaled exceeds the threshold, or shortening the duration of the power supply to the aerosol generator if the determined amount of smoke inhaled falls below the threshold. Example 47. The method according to any one of Examples 41 to 46, wherein power to the aerosol generator is supplied in pulses, and the power supply to the aerosol generator is controlled by pulse width modulation. Example 48. Based on at least one of the determined smoke intake volume and smoke intake duration, The remaining maximum number of inhalations, which corresponds to the maximum number of inhalations the user can take using the aerosol generator before the aerosol-generating substrate received in the substrate cavity is depleted, The method further includes determining at least one of the following: the maximum duration for which power can be supplied to the aerosol generator, and the maximum remaining duration of aerosol generation, before the aerosol-generating substrate received in the substrate cavity is depleted. Optionally, the remaining maximum number of smoke inhalations is determined based on the average of the determined smoke inhalations for multiple smoke inhalations, and optionally, the average is one of the mean, median, and mode volume. The method according to any one of Examples 41 to 47, wherein optionally, the remaining maximum duration of aerosol generation is determined based on the average of the determined smoke inhalation durations for multiple smoke inhalations, and optionally, the average is one of the mean, median, and mode smoke inhalation durations. Example 49. The determined remaining maximum number of puffs has reached zero, or is determined to be zero. The method according to Example 48, further comprising preventing the supply of power to the aerosol generator in at least one of the cases where the remaining determined maximum duration of aerosol generation has been reached or is determined to be zero. Example 50. The method further includes determining usage information based on at least one of the determined smoke intake volume and smoke intake duration, and optionally, the usage information is The remaining maximum number of inhalations, which corresponds to the maximum number of inhalations the user can take from the aerosol generator before the aerosol-generating substrate received in the substrate cavity is depleted, The remaining maximum duration of aerosol generation, which corresponds to the maximum duration for which power can be supplied to the aerosol generator before the aerosol-generating substrate received in the substrate cavity is depleted, The number of times the user inhaled smoke using an aerosol generator against the aerosol-forming substrate received within the substrate cavity, and The method according to any one of Examples 41 to 48, comprising at least one of the following: a depletion level of aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the depletion level corresponds to the proportion or percentage of aerosol-forming substrate that has not been consumed or has been depleted during use. Example 51. The method according to Example 50, wherein the usage information is determined based on the average of the determined smoke intake amounts for multiple smoke extractions, and optionally the average is one of the mean, median, and mode volume. Example 52. The method according to Example 50 or Example 51, wherein the usage information is determined based on the average of the determined smoke inhalation durations for multiple smoke inhalations, and optionally the average is one of the mean, median, and mode smoke inhalation durations. Example 53. Based on usage information, the power supply to the aerosol generator of the aerosol generator is controlled, The method according to any one of Examples 50 to 52, further comprising at least one of: indicating to the user the determined usage information on the indicator. Example 54. The method according to any one of Examples 38 to 53, further comprising an aerosol generator that transmits a pressure measurement signal to an external device, the pressure measurement signal including pressure measurement information detected by a pressure detection device. Example 55. The method according to Example 54, further comprising: determining usage information from the pressure measurement information, the determination being made away from the aerosol generator; and optionally, determining at least one of the smoking amount and the average smoking amount away from the aerosol generator. Example 56. The method according to Example 55, further comprising an external device that notifies the user of the determined usage information. Example 57. The method according to any one of Examples 54, 55, or 56, further comprising an aerosol generator that receives a usage signal from an external device, the usage signal including usage information, the usage information being information regarding the user's smoking habit in the aerosol generator based on the pressure measurement information transmitted to the external device. Example 58. The aerosol generator controls the power supply to the aerosol generator of the aerosol generator based on the received usage information. The method according to Example 57, further comprising at least one of: the aerosol generator controls the power supply to the aerosol generator of the aerosol generator based on the received usage information; and the aerosol generator notifies the user of the received usage information. Example 59. A controller of an aerosol generator configured to execute the method according to any one of Examples 38 to 58.

[0186] The present invention will be further described by way of illustration only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0187] [Figure 1]Figure 1 shows a side cross-sectional view of an aerosol generator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an axial cross-sectional view of the aerosol generator shown 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 an aerosol generator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [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 shows a side cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a side cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a side cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a side cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows a side cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the aerosol generator shown in Figures 6-10. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the aerosol generation system equipped with the aerosol generator shown in Figure 8. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows a front view of the aerosol generation system shown in Figure 12. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows a diagram of the aerosol generation system from Figure 12 communicating with other devices and networks. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0188] Figures 1 and 2 show an aerosol generator 10 according to a first embodiment. The aerosol generator 10 comprises a housing 12 defining a substrate cavity 16 for receiving a portion of an aerosol generating article. The substrate cavity 16 includes an open end 18 through which the aerosol generating article can be inserted into the substrate cavity 16, and a closed end 20 opposite the open end 18. The cylindrical wall 22 of the substrate cavity 16 extends between the open end 18 and the closed end 20.

[0189] The aerosol generator 10 also includes an inductor coil 24 containing a plurality of windings 26 arranged within a substrate cavity 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 substrate cavity 16. Advantageously, positioning the inductor coil 24 in direct contact with the aerosol generating article received within the substrate cavity 16 facilitates the transfer of heat generated by the resistive heating of the inductor coil 24 to the aerosol generating article.

[0190] The inductor coil 24 comprises a first end 30 positioned toward the open end 18 of the substrate cavity 16 and a second end 31 positioned toward the closed end 20 of the substrate cavity 16. Each of the first end 30 and the second end 31 is received within a portion of the cylindrical wall 22 of the substrate cavity 16, thereby holding the inductor coil 24 within the substrate cavity 16. The cylindrical wall 22 of the substrate cavity 16 may define a first recess and a second recess, slot, or opening into which the first end 30 and the second end 31 of the inductor coil 24 are respectively received. Alternatively, the first end 30 and the second end 31 of the inductor coil 24 may be fixed to the cylindrical wall 22 of the substrate cavity 16 by overmolding the housing 12 over the first end 30 and the second end 31 of the inductor coil 24 during the manufacturing of the housing 12.

[0191] The inductor coil 24 is suspended within the base cavity 16 by its first end 30 and second end 31 such that the windings 26 of the inductor coil 24 are spaced apart from the cylindrical wall 22 of the base cavity 16. Thus, the inductor coil 24 contacts the housing 12 only at its first end 30 and second end 31. Distancing the windings 26 of the inductor coil 24 from the cylindrical wall 22 of the base cavity 16 defines an annular gap 32 between the cylindrical wall 22 of the base cavity 16 and the windings 26 of the inductor coil 24. Advantageously, the annular gap 32 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 32 facilitates airflow through the base cavity 16 when an aerosol-generating article is received within the base cavity 16.

[0192] Multiple inlets 33 in the form of cylindrical openings passing through the housing 12 are provided within the housing 12 around the open end 18 of the base cavity 16. In this embodiment, 17 inlets are provided, each having a diameter of approximately 0.5 millimeters. Each inlet 33 provides a path for ambient air from outside the aerosol generator 10 to be drawn into the annular gap 32.

[0193] To facilitate the insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the base cavity 16, the inductor coil 24 is arranged concentrically around the central axis 36 of the aerosol generator 10. To ensure secure positioning of the inductor coil 24 within the base cavity 16, the first end 30 and the second end 31 of the inductor coil 24 are held by opposite portions of the cylindrical wall 22 of the base cavity 16.

[0194] The housing 12 also defines a plurality of protrusions 38 that extend from the closed end 20 of the base cavity 16 into the base cavity 16. As will be further described below, the plurality of protrusions 38 function to maintain a gap between the end of the aerosol-generating article and the closed end 20 of the base cavity 16 when the aerosol-generating article is fully inserted into the base cavity 16. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing 12 defines three protrusions 38 equidistantly spaced apart around the central axis 36 of the aerosol-generating device 10 with a gap therebetween. Those skilled in the art will understand that the housing 12 may define more or fewer protrusions 38, and the arrangement of the protrusions 38 at the closed end 20 of the base cavity 16 may vary.

[0195] The aerosol-generating device 10 also includes a pressure sensor 39 disposed within the annular gap 32. The pressure sensor is a MEMS absolute pressure sensor that senses the absolute pressure within the annular gap 32. The plurality of openings 33 and the annular gap 32 form an air flow path through which ambient air can be drawn into the base cavity 16 of the aerosol-generating device 10. The plurality of openings provide a flow restriction within the air flow path, increasing the draw resistance through the air flow path and creating a pressure drop within the air flow path when the user smokes the aerosol-generating device. The size of the pressure drop is measurable by the pressure sensor 39, and the measured value of the pressure drop enables the aerosol-generating device 10 to determine the amount of the user's smoking, as will be described in more detail below.

[0196] The aerosol-generating device 10 also includes a control circuit including a controller 40 and a power source 42 connected to the inductor coil 24. The control circuit is configured to supply an alternating current from the power source 42 to the inductor coil 24 to generate an alternating magnetic field.

[0197] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating system 100 including the aerosol-generating device 10 of FIG. 1 and an aerosol-generating article 102.

[0198] 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 comprises a susceptor element 114 disposed within the aerosol-forming substrate 104. During use, a portion of the aerosol generating article 102 is inserted into the substrate cavity 16 and the inductor coil 24 so that the aerosol-forming substrate 104 and the susceptor element 114 are positioned inside a lumen 28 defined by the inductor coil 24. The control circuit supplies alternating current from the power supply 42 to the inductor coil 24 to generate an alternating magnetic field that 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 affected by the frequency of the AC supplied to the inductor coil 24.

[0199] The airflow through the aerosol generating system 100 in use is illustrated by the dashed line 116 in Figure 3. When a user inhales through the mouthpiece 110 of the aerosol generating article 102, negative pressure is generated within the substrate cavity 16. This negative pressure draws air into the substrate cavity 16 through the open end 18 of the substrate cavity 16. The air entering the substrate cavity 16 then flows through the annular gap 32 between the inductor coil 24 and the cylindrical wall 22 of the substrate cavity 16. A pressure sensor 39 measures the pressure within the annular gap 32 and transmits the pressure measurement information to the controller 40. The controller detects that the aerosol generating device 10 is being inhaled from the pressure drop caused by the airflow through the annular gap 32, as will be described in more detail below. When the airflow reaches the closed end 20 of the substrate cavity 16, the air enters the aerosol generating article 102 through the aerosol forming substrate 104. The airflow into the aerosol generating article 102 is facilitated by a gap maintained between the upstream end of the aerosol generating article 102 and the closed end 20 of the substrate cavity 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 carried into the airflow. The aerosol then flows along the length of the aerosol generating article 102 and through the mouthpiece 110 to the user.

[0200] The controller 40 is configured to detect smoke extraction from the aerosol generator 10 and determine the amount of smoke extracted based on pressure measurement information received from the pressure sensor 39.

[0201] The controller 40 uses multiple pressure measurements from the pressure sensor 39 to determine a moving average pressure in the annular gap 32. In this embodiment, the controller 40 uses 20 consecutive pressure measurements to determine the average and updates the average each time a new pressure measurement is received. Pressure measurements are taken at a sampling rate of approximately 75 Hz, which is equivalent to approximately one pressure measurement every 13.3 milliseconds. For each new pressure measurement, the controller 40 determines the difference between the new pressure measurement and the moving average before updating the moving average with the new pressure measurement. The controller 40 is configured to detect that smoke extraction is occurring in the aerosol generator 10 by comparing the difference to a threshold. If the difference exceeds the threshold, this indicates a pressure drop corresponding to smoke extraction in the aerosol generator.

[0202] If smoke extraction is detected, the controller 40 does not update the moving average with the new pressure measurement. The controller 40 continues to determine the difference between each new pressure measurement during smoke extraction and compares the difference to a threshold to determine when smoke extraction has ended. The controller 40 determines that smoke extraction has ended when the difference between the new pressure measurement that has not been updated since smoke extraction was detected and the moving average falls below the threshold, indicating that the cause of the pressure drop due to airflow in the annular gap 32 has ended.

[0203] The controller 40 is also configured to determine the duration of smoke extraction from the period between a first pressure measurement when smoke extraction is detected and a pressure measurement when smoke extraction ends.

[0204] Controller 40 is further configured to determine the amount of smoke absorbed by summing the difference between the pressure measurement during smoke absorption and the moving average pressure over the duration of smoke absorption. Controller 40 has determined a constant value specific to the aerosol generator so that it can be calibrated at the factory and used in combination with the sum difference between the pressure measurement during smoke absorption and the moving average pressure to determine the amount of smoke absorbed.

[0205] When the controller 40 determines that smoke extraction has ended, it continues to update the moving average pressure for each new pressure measurement. In this way, the moving average pressure acts as a baseline that can be compared to each new pressure measurement to determine whether a larger-than-expected pressure change has occurred. By using the moving average pressure as a baseline, the baseline changes along with gradual changes in atmospheric pressure or external pressure, such as when the user changes altitude or when the weather changes. This reduces the possibility of false smoke extraction detection by the controller 40.

[0206] The controller 40 controls the power supply to the inductor coil 24 based on the determined smoke intake volume and duration. If the smoke intake volume and duration are greater than expected by the controller, indicating that the user has performed more smoke intake than expected with the aerosol generator, the controller increases the power supplied to the inductor coil for subsequent detected smoke intake, thereby increasing the amount of aerosol generated during smoke intake.

[0207] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generator 10 according to the second embodiment. The aerosol generator 10 in Figure 4 is similar to the aerosol generator 10 described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, and the same reference numerals are used to specify similar parts.

[0208] The aerosol generator 10 in Figure 4 differs from the aerosol generator 10 in Figure 1 by the addition of a susceptor element 50. The susceptor element 50 has an elongated shape and extends into the substrate cavity 16 from the closed end 20 of the substrate cavity 16. The susceptor element 50 extends along the central axis 36 of the aerosol generator 10 such that the inductor coil 24 extends concentrically around the susceptor element 50.

[0209] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system 100 comprising the aerosol generating device 10 and aerosol generating article 102 shown in Figure 4. The aerosol generating system 100 in Figure 5 is similar to the aerosol generating system 100 described with reference to Figure 3, and the same reference numerals are used to specify similar parts.

[0210] The aerosol generating system 100 in Figure 5 differs from the aerosol generating system 100 in Figure 3 in that there is no susceptor element within the aerosol generating article 102. When the aerosol generating article 102 is inserted into the substrate cavity 16, the susceptor element 50 of the aerosol generating device 10 is received within the aerosol forming substrate 104 of the aerosol generating article 102. Figures 4 and 5 show the susceptor element 50 having a pin-shaped or blade-shaped profile, thereby facilitating the penetration of the aerosol forming substrate 104 by the susceptor element 50 of the aerosol generating device 10 when the aerosol generating article 102 is inserted into the substrate cavity 16 of the aerosol generating device 10. Those skilled in the art will understand that the susceptor element 50 of the aerosol generating device may have a profile other than those shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0211] After the aerosol generating article 102 is inserted into the substrate cavity 16, the operation of the aerosol generating system 100 in Figure 5 is the same as the operation of the aerosol generating system 100 described with respect to Figure 3.

[0212] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generator 10 according to another embodiment. The aerosol generator 10 in Figure 6 is similar to the aerosol generator 10 described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, and the same reference numerals are used to specify similar parts.

[0213] The aerosol generator 10 in Figure 6 differs from the aerosol generator 10 in Figure 1 in that the inductor coil 24 is embedded in a portion of the cylindrical wall 22 of the housing 12, and an annular gap 32 is provided within the cylindrical wall 22 between the inductor coil 24 and the outer surface of the cylindrical wall. The annular gap 32 has an annular opening 33 surrounding the open end 18 of the substrate cavity 16. The annular gap 32 also extends below the closed end 20 of the substrate cavity 16, passes below the closed end of the substrate cavity 20, and continues to the opening 34 of the closed end 20 of the substrate cavity 16. The opening 33, the annular gap 32, and the opening 34 form an airflow path through which ambient air can be drawn into the substrate cavity 16 at the closed end 20. The opening 33 forms an inlet for an airflow path through which ambient air can be drawn into the aerosol generator 10. The aerosol generator 10 in Figure 6 further differs from the aerosol generator 10 in Figure 1 in that a flow limiting section 35 is located in the airflow path between openings 33 and 34, and a pressure sensor 39 is positioned to detect the pressure at the flow limiting section 35. The flow limiting section 35 is provided below the closed end 20 of the substrate cavity 16, near the opening 33 of the closed end 20. In this embodiment, the flow limiting section 35 comprises a narrow portion, which has a smaller diameter than the portions of the airflow path immediately upstream and downstream of the narrow portion. By positioning the pressure sensor 39 in the narrow portion, the pressure sensor 39 can detect the pressure drop in the airflow path caused by the flow limiting section when the user inhales smoke from the aerosol generator 10.

[0214] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generator 10 according to another embodiment. The aerosol generator 10 in Figure 7 is similar to the aerosol generator 10 described with reference to Figure 6, and the same reference numerals are used to specify similar parts.

[0215] The aerosol generator 10 in Figure 7 differs from the aerosol generator 10 in Figure 6 in that a pressure sensor 39 is positioned to detect the pressure in the airflow path after the flow limiting section 35. The pressure sensor 39 is positioned immediately after the narrow section 35, downstream of the narrow section 35. In this embodiment, the narrow section 35 may be provided by an orifice plate, and if the narrow section 35 is provided by an orifice plate, the pressure sensor 39 may be positioned at the corner tap.

[0216] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generator 10 according to another embodiment. The aerosol generator 10 in Figure 8 is similar to the aerosol generator 10 described with reference to Figure 6, and the same reference numerals are used to specify similar parts.

[0217] The aerosol generator 10 in Figure 8 differs from the aerosol generator 10 in Figure 6 in that the pressure sensor 39 is a differential pressure sensor positioned to detect the pressure difference in the flow limiting section 35 and in the airflow path after the flow limiting section 35.

[0218] In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, a controller (not shown) receives differential pressure measurements from a pressure sensor 39. The controller 40 is configured to detect smoke extraction and determine the amount of smoke extracted from these differential pressure measurements.

[0219] The controller 40 is configured to compare the differential pressure measurement with a threshold and detect smoke extraction in the aerosol generator 10 when the differential pressure measurement exceeds the threshold, and to indicate the pressure drop across the flow limiting section 35 corresponding to smoke extraction in the aerosol generator 10.

[0220] The controller 40 continuously compares the differential pressure measurement with a threshold during smoke extraction, and when the difference falls below the threshold, the controller 40 determines that smoke extraction has ended.

[0221] The controller 40 determines the duration of smoke extraction from the period between the time when smoke extraction is detected and the time when smoke extraction ends.

[0222] The controller 40 further determines the amount of smoke absorbed by summing the differential pressure measurements over the duration of smoke absorption.

[0223] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generator 10 according to another embodiment. The aerosol generator 10 in Figure 9 is similar to the aerosol generator 10 described with reference to Figure 8, and the same reference numerals are used to specify similar parts.

[0224] The aerosol generator 10 in Figure 9 differs from the aerosol generator 10 in Figure 8 in that the pressure sensor 39 is positioned at a differential pressure sensor point that detects the pressure difference in the airflow path before and within the flow limiting section 35.

[0225] Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generator 10 according to another embodiment. The aerosol generator 10 in Figure 10 is similar to the aerosol generator 10 described with reference to Figure 8, and the same reference numerals are used to specify similar parts.

[0226] The aerosol generator 10 in Figure 10 differs from the aerosol generator 10 in Figure 8 in that the pressure sensor 39 is a differential pressure sensor positioned to detect the pressure difference in the airflow path before and after the flow limiting section 35. In this embodiment, the flow limiting section 39 may be provided by an orifice plate, the diameter of which is smaller than the diameter of the airflow path immediately before and after the orifice plate. When the flow limiting section 35 is provided by an orifice plate, the pressure sensor 39 may be positioned to detect the pressure difference immediately before and after the orifice at the corner tap location.

[0227] In each of the embodiments shown in Figures 8, 9, and 10, the pressure sensor 39 is a differential pressure sensor positioned to sense the pressure difference between a first point and a second point in the airflow path. In each embodiment, the differential pressure sensor may be replaced by two pressure sensors: a first pressure sensor positioned to detect the pressure at the first point in the airflow path, and a second pressure sensor positioned to detect the pressure at the second point in the airflow path.

[0228] Figure 11 shows a portion of the airflow path in the aerosol generator 10 according to embodiments of Figures 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. As shown in Figure 11, in each of these embodiments, the flow limiter includes a narrow portion of the airflow path having a diameter of 60. If the narrow portion is not formed by an orifice plate and has a longitudinal range, the pressure may be measured in the narrow portion at position 61. The airflow path also has a downstream portion immediately after the flow limiter. The downstream portion has a diameter of 62. The pressure in the downstream portion may be measured at position 63. The airflow path also has an upstream portion immediately before the flow limiter. The upstream portion has a diameter of 64. The pressure in the upstream portion may be measured at position 65. In these embodiments, the diameters 64 and 62 of the upstream and downstream portions are the same and are larger than the diameter 60 of the flow limiter.

[0229] Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system 100 comprising the aerosol generating device 10 and aerosol generating article 102 shown in Figure 8, which is identical to the aerosol generating article 102 shown in Figure 3, and the same reference numerals are used to indicate similar parts.

[0230] The airflow through the aerosol generating system 100 in use, as shown in Figure 12, is illustrated by the dashed line 116 in Figure 12. When a user inhales the mouthpiece 110 of the aerosol generating article 102, negative pressure is generated within the base cavity 16. This negative pressure draws air into the base cavity 16 through the airflow path via the aerosol generating device. The air entering the base cavity 16 flows through the annular opening 33 into the airflow path, through the annular gap 32, below the closed end 20 of the base cavity 16, through the flow limiting section 35, and exits the base cavity 16 through the opening 34 at the closed end 20 of the base cavity 16. When the airflow reaches the closed end 20 of the base cavity 16, the air enters the aerosol generating article 102 through the aerosol forming substrate 104. As the airflow passes through the aerosol forming substrate 104, the aerosol generated by the heating of the aerosol forming substrate 104 is carried into the airflow. Next, the aerosol flows along the length of the aerosol generating article 102 and through the mouthpiece 110 to the user.

[0231] Figure 13 shows the aerosol generating system 100 of Figure 12, including a user interface in the form of a display 70 and a button 71. The button 71 is used by the user to start and stop the aerosol generator 10. The display 70 displays usage information from the controller 40. The usage information includes an aerosol-forming substrate depletion level, which indicates the depletion level of the aerosol-forming substrate in the form of a pie chart, and the remaining maximum number of smoke inhalations, which indicates how many times the user can inhale before the aerosol-forming substrate is consumed. The usage information is determined by the controller 40 from pressure measurement information received from the pressure sensor 39.

[0232] Figure 14 shows the aerosol generating system 100 of Figure 12 communicating with an external device 200 and a cloud 202. The aerosol generating device 10 includes a transceiver (not shown) that communicates with a controller 40. The controller 40 transmits pressure measurement information and determined usage information to the server 40 and the cloud 202 via the transceiver. The server 200 and the cloud 202 store and process the pressure measurement information and determined usage information and may notify the user of the usage pattern via the user's mobile phone or other device (not shown).

[0233] Naturally, in other embodiments, the server 200 may be configured to determine usage information such as smoke absorption volume and smoke absorption duration from pressure measurement information, rather than being the controller 40 of the aerosol generator that performs these determinations. The server 200 then transmits the determined usage information to the aerosol generator 10, which can display it to the user and control the power supply to the inductor coil 24.

[0234] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers representing amounts, quantities, proportions, etc., are understood to be modified in all cases by the term “approximately.” Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges within them, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. Thus, in this context, number A is understood as A ± 10 percent (10%). In this context, number A may be considered to include a numerical value within the general standard error of the measurement of the characteristic that number A modifies. In some examples used in the appended claims, the numerical value A may deviate by the percentages listed above, as long as the amount of deviation from A does not substantially affect the fundamental and novel characteristics of the invention described in the claims. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges within them, which may or may not be specifically listed herein.

Claims

1. Aerosol generator, A substrate cavity configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate, An airflow path extending between the inlet and the substrate cavity, A flow limiting unit located within the aforementioned airflow path, A pressure detection device configured to detect the pressure in the airflow path, either in the flow limiting section or after the flow limiting section, between the flow limiting section and the substrate cavity, an aerosol generator comprising a controller configured to receive pressure measurement information from the pressure detection device and to determine the amount of smoke to be absorbed based on the pressure measurement information received from the pressure detection device.

2. The pressure detection device, in the airflow path, The area between the inlet and the flow limiting section, before the flow limiting section, and within the flow limiting section, or the area between the flow limiting section and the substrate cavity, after the flow limiting section, or The aerosol generator according to claim 1, configured to detect the pressure in the flow rate limiting section and the pressure after the flow rate limiting section, which is between the flow rate limiting section and the substrate cavity.

3. The pressure detection device, A first pressure sensor configured to detect the pressure in front of the flow limiting section, and a second pressure sensor configured to detect the pressure in or after the flow limiting section, A first pressure sensor configured to detect the pressure in the flow limiting section, and a second pressure sensor configured to detect the pressure after the flow limiting section, or A differential pressure sensor configured to detect the difference between the pressure before the flow limiting section and the pressure at or after the flow limiting section, or The aerosol generator according to claim 2, further comprising one of a differential pressure sensor configured to detect the difference between the pressure at the flow limiting section and the pressure after the flow limiting section.

4. The aerosol generator according to claim 1, wherein the pressure detection device comprises a pressure sensor configured to detect the pressure in the airflow path either in or after the flow limiting unit.

5. The aforementioned controller Determining the average pressure from multiple pressure measurements, Determining the change in subsequent pressure measurements from the determined average pressure, wherein the change indicates a pressure drop corresponding to smoke extraction by the user in the aerosol generator. Over the duration of the smoke extraction, the determined difference between the determined pressure measurement during smoke extraction and the determined average pressure is summed up, An aerosol generator according to any one of claims 2 to 4, configured to determine the amount of smoke absorbed by determining the amount of smoke absorbed based on the total determined difference over the determined smoke absorption duration.

6. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the aerosol generator comprises an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate received in the substrate cavity, and the controller is configured to control the power supply to the aerosol generator based on the determined amount of smoke absorbed.

7. The controller, based on at least one of the determined smoke absorption amount and smoke absorption duration, The remaining maximum number of smoke inhalations, which corresponds to the maximum number of times the user can inhale smoke from the aerosol generator before the aerosol generating substrate received in the substrate cavity is depleted, The system is configured to determine at least one of the following: the maximum duration for which power can be supplied to the aerosol generator, and the remaining maximum duration of aerosol generation, before the aerosol-generating substrate received in the substrate cavity is depleted. An aerosol generator may be provided as needed, and the controller, The remaining maximum number of puffs determined above has been reached, and The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, configured to prevent the supply of power to the aerosol generator in at least one of the following cases: when the determined remaining maximum duration of aerosol generation has been reached.

8. The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the controller is configured to determine usage information based on at least one of the determined smoke intake amount and smoke intake duration, and the usage information is information regarding the user's smoke intake habits in the aerosol generator, based on the pressure measurement information transmitted to an external device.

9. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the aerosol generator further comprises a transmitter, the aerosol generator is configured to transmit a pressure measurement signal from the transmitter to an external device, the pressure measurement signal includes pressure measurement information detected by the pressure detection device, and optionally the aerosol generator comprises a receiver, the receiver is configured to receive a usage signal from an external device, the usage signal includes usage information, the usage information is information relating to the user's smoking habits in the aerosol generator based on the pressure measurement information transmitted to the external device.

10. The aerosol generator according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising an indicator coupled to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to show usage information to the user on the indicator, and optionally the indicator includes at least one of a visual indicator, an audible indicator, and a tactile indicator.

11. The aforementioned usage information, The remaining maximum number of inhalations, which corresponds to the maximum number of inhalations a user can take using the aerosol generator before the aerosol generating substrate received in the substrate cavity is depleted, Before the aerosol-generating substrate received in the substrate cavity is depleted, the remaining maximum duration of aerosol generation corresponds to the maximum duration for which power can be supplied to the aerosol generator, and The number of times the user inhaled smoke with the aerosol generator against the aerosol-forming substrate received in the substrate cavity, and The depletion level of the aerosol-forming substrate, which corresponds to the proportion or percentage of the aerosol-forming substrate that has not been consumed or has been depleted during use, includes at least one of these: Optionally, the aerosol generator may further include an indicator connected to the controller, and the controller may be configured to display usage information to the user on the indicator. The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 8, 9, or 10, wherein the indicator optionally includes at least one of a visual indicator, an audible indicator, and a tactile indicator.

12. A method for operating an aerosol generator, Measuring the pressure at or after the flow limiting section of the airflow path of the aerosol generator, A method comprising controlling the power supply to the aerosol generator of the aerosol generator based on the pressure measurement value.

13. Determining the average pressure from multiple pressure measurements, The difference between the subsequent pressure measurement and the average pressure is determined, The smoke extraction in the aerosol generator is detected by determining whether the difference between the subsequent pressure measurement and the average pressure indicates a pressure drop corresponding to smoke extraction by the user in the aerosol generator, When smoke inhalation is detected, the difference between the subsequent pressure measurement during the smoke inhalation and the average pressure is determined, The duration of the smoke extraction is determined from the difference between the subsequent pressure measurement and the average pressure, Over the duration of the smoke extraction, the difference between the measured pressure and the average pressure in the smoke extraction is summed up, The amount of smoke to be absorbed is determined based on the sum of the pressure measurements and the average pressure during the smoke absorption period determined above. The method according to claim 12, further comprising controlling the power supply to the aerosol generator of the aerosol generator based on the determined amount of smoke absorbed.

14. A method for operating an aerosol generator, During smoke extraction in the aerosol generator, the pressure in front of the flow rate limiting section of the airflow path of the aerosol generator is measured, During the extraction of smoke in the aerosol generator, the pressure at or after the flow rate limiting section of the airflow path is measured. During the smoke extraction process, the difference between the pressure measurement value before the flow rate limiting unit and the pressure measurement value at or after the flow rate limiting unit is determined. Over the duration of the smoke extraction, the difference between the pressure measurement value before the flow limiting unit and the pressure measurement value at or after the flow limiting unit is summed up. The amount of smoke absorbed is determined based on the sum of the pressure measurement value before the flow rate limiting unit and the pressure measurement value at or after the flow rate limiting unit, over the duration of the smoke absorption period. A method comprising controlling the power supply to the aerosol generator of the aerosol generator based on the determined amount of smoke absorbed.

15. A method for operating an aerosol generator, The pressure in the flow rate limiting section is measured during smoke extraction in the aerosol generator, The pressure after the flow limiting section is measured during smoke extraction in the aerosol generator, The difference between the pressure measurement value at the flow rate limiting section in the smoke extraction and the pressure measurement value after the flow rate limiting section is determined. The difference between the pressure measurement value at the flow rate limiting section and the pressure measurement value after the flow rate limiting section is summed up over the duration of the smoke extraction, The amount of smoke absorbed is determined based on the sum of the pressure measurement values ​​at the flow rate limiting section and the pressure measurement values ​​after the flow rate limiting section over the duration of smoke absorption, A method comprising controlling the power supply to the aerosol generator of the aerosol generator based on the determined amount of smoke absorbed.

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