Aerosol generating device

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is provided for receiving and supplying power to an aerosol generating consumable, the aerosol generating device comprising an electrode configuration including a first set of electrodes and a common second electrode, each of the first set of electrodes configured to be electrically coupled to and to supply power to a selected individual section of an aerosol generating consumable, and the common second electrode configured to be electrically coupled to all of the sections of the aerosol generating consumable; and a controller configured to selectively control the supply of power to one or more of the first set of electrodes, such that power can be supplied independently and selectively to individual electrodes of the first set of electrodes.

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device, an aerosol generating consumable for use with the aerosol generating device, a system including the aerosol generating device and the aerosol generating consumable, and a method of generating an aerosol. 【Background Art】 【0002】 Various devices and systems are available that heat an aerosol precursor material to release an aerosol / vapor for inhalation rather than relying on burning a material. However, such devices require a heater in a part of the device, so the device needs a suitable heat insulator to prevent the user from being exposed to a high heater temperature, which leads to further complexity and cost of the device. 【0003】 A problem associated with heating rather than burning an aerosol precursor material is that the time to generate an aerosol from the aerosol precursor material increases. A further problem is that once the aerosol precursor material is heated to its vaporization temperature, an aerosol may be continuously generated even when the user is not inhaling, thereby wasting energy and the aerosol precursor material. 【0004】 Some conventional aerosol generating devices use a resistive heater to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating consumable. However, a resistive heater requires good thermal contact between the heater and the aerosol generating consumable in order to be heated to generate a sufficient amount of aerosol. Therefore, a relatively large resistive heater with a relatively large contact area between the resistive heater and the aerosol generating consumable is required. Further, resistive heaters often require cleaning. 【0005】 It is sometimes difficult to provide aerosols to users as needed without unnecessarily supplying energy. In addition, it is difficult to avoid burning the aerosol precursor material. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve] 【0006】 The object of the present invention is to overcome at least one of the problems mentioned above, or to provide an alternative solution. [Means for solving the problem] 【0007】 The present disclosure provides an aerosol generating device for receiving and supplying power to an aerosol generating consumable, the aerosol generating device comprising: an electrode configuration including a first set of electrodes and a common second electrode, each of the first set of electrodes configured to be electrically coupled to and to supply power to a selected individual section of an aerosol generating consumable, and the common second electrode configured to be electrically coupled to all sections of the aerosol generating consumable; and a controller configured to selectively control the supply of power to one or more of the first set of electrodes, such that power can be supplied independently and selectively to individual electrodes of the first set of electrodes. 【0008】 In this configuration, the aerosol generating device is configured to selectively supply power to selected individual sections of the aerosol generating consumables. This is highly energy-efficient because energy is not wasted unnecessarily, as it is supplied only to the selected section(s) of the aerosol generating consumables. Given the nature of the aerosol generating consumables, which receive power to generate aerosols, this means that aerosols can be generated more efficiently, and the heat-up time of the aerosol precursor material is reduced. In addition, because a common second electrode is provided, fewer connections are required within the aerosol generating device, reducing system complexity and requiring fewer components. 【0009】 In some examples, the aerosol generating device is configured to apply power to a common second electrode. In other examples, the common second electrode is a ground element and is held at 0V. 【0010】 The first set of electrodes can be arranged in an array. The array provides a simple configuration that allows power to be supplied to individual sections of the aerosol generating consumables. 【0011】 In one example, the array is substantially planar. In this configuration, the aerosol generating consumables may also include individual sections arranged in a planar array. This provides a simple configuration for providing electrical contact between the aerosol generating consumables and a first set of electrodes. 【0012】 In one example, the first set of electrodes is arranged around the central axis. In this example, the aerosol generating consumable section is also arranged around the central axis. Providing the first set of electrodes around the central axis means is an efficient use of space within the device. In addition, providing this configuration also means that the orientation in which the aerosol generating consumable is inserted into the device is no longer relevant, making it easier to replace the aerosol generating consumable. Furthermore, the aerosol flow becomes more efficient because there are fewer "dead spots" for condensation to accumulate within the device. 【0013】 The first set of electrodes can be arranged in a cylindrical shape. This also provides an efficient space solution within the aerosol generating device. 【0014】 In one example, the controller is configured to sequentially supply power to a first set of electrodes. In other words, individual sections of the aerosol generating consumables may be supplied with power individually, sequentially, in sequential pairs, or in other sequential arrangements. 【0015】 The controller may be configured to sequentially supply power to each of the first set of electrodes. This configuration means that power is sequentially supplied to each individual section of the aerosol generating consumable. 【0016】 At least two of the first set of electrodes may be configured to be powered simultaneously. For example, there may be a pair of the first set of electrodes that can be powered sequentially. 【0017】 In one example, the controller may be configured to supply power to one or more of a first set of electrodes upon receiving an activation input. The controller may be configured to stop supplying power to one or more of the first set of electrodes once the input is no longer applied. For example, the input could be a puff sensor, and the power is configured to be supplied for the duration of a user puff and to stop once the puff is stopped. The input could also be a button press by the user. The controller may be configured to track the number of activation inputs after a new consumable has been inserted into the aerosol generating device. The controller can then use this information to determine which of the first electrodes should be activated when further activation inputs are detected. 【0018】 In one example, an aerosol generating consumable is provided, comprising a plurality of separate sections for use in an aerosol generating device described in any one of the prior claims, each of which comprises a solid aerosol precursor material and one or more conductors located therein. The plurality of separate sections enable power to be supplied to the separate sections of the aerosol generating consumable. 【0019】 In one example, each individual section has a mass between 10 mg and 100 mg, more preferably 20 mg. This weight of an individual section combined with an aerosol generating consumable having one or more conductors means that aerosols can be generated very quickly and efficiently. Each individual section may be configured to be powered only once. 【0020】 In one example, an aerosol generation system is provided, which comprises an aerosol generation device and aerosol generation consumables. 【0021】 In one example, a method for supplying power to an aerosol-generating consumable is provided. The method includes selectively supplying power to one or more of a first set of electrodes of an aerosol-generating device to selectively supply power to one or more individual sections of the aerosol-generating consumable, each of the individual sections of the aerosol-generating consumable being electrically coupled to a common second electrode. The selection can be based on the number of activation inputs received after the consumable is inserted into the aerosol-generating device. 【0022】 Power can be sequentially supplied to the first set of electrodes. At least two of the first set of electrodes can be configured to be supplied with power simultaneously. 【0023】 In one example, an aerosol-generating system is provided that includes an aerosol-generating consumable and an aerosol-generating device that receives the aerosol-generating consumable and supplies power to the aerosol-generating consumable. The aerosol-generating device includes an electrode configuration that includes a first set of electrodes, each of the first set of electrodes being configured to electrically couple to and supply power to a selected individual section of the aerosol-generating consumable, and a controller configured to selectively control the supply of power to one or more of the first set of electrodes so that power can be selectively and independently supplied to the individual electrodes of the first set of electrodes. 【0024】 The different combinations of the features mentioned above can be combined together in various combinations. 【0025】 Here, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 【Brief Description of the Drawings】 【0026】 [Figure 1] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device. [Figure 2A] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating consumable section. [Figure 2B]It is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation consumable section. [Figure 2C] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation consumable section. [Figure 3A] It is a view showing an aerosol generation consumable including a plurality of individual sections in a planar array. [Figure 3B] It is a view showing an example of a first set of electrodes stacked on the consumable. [Figure 3C] It is a view showing an example of a common second electrode stacked on the consumable. [Figure 4] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation system showing an aerosol generation device in which an aerosol generation consumable is received. [Figure 5] It is a view showing a second schematic example of an aerosol generation system including an aerosol generation device and an aerosol generation consumable. 【Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention】 【0027】 As used herein, the terms "aerosol precursor material", "vapor precursor material", or "vaporizable material" are used synonymously and refer to a solid or semi-solid material that releases an aerosol when heated. The aerosol precursor material is a solid or semi-solid material and may contain nicotine and / or tobacco and a vaporizing agent. The aerosol precursor material is configured to release an aerosol when heated or mechanically stimulated by other means (such as by vibration). Tobacco can take various material forms such as shredded tobacco, granular tobacco, tobacco leaves, and / or reconstituted tobacco. Nicotine can be in the form of a nicotine salt. Suitable vaporizing agents include polyols (such as sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols (such as propylene glycol or triethylene glycol)), non-polyols (such as monohydric alcohols), acids (such as lactic acid), glycerol derivatives, esters (such as triacetin), triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerin, or vegetable glycerin. 【0028】 The aerosol generating device is configured to aerosolize an aerosol precursor material without combustion in order to facilitate the delivery of aerosols to the user. Furthermore, as is common in the art, the terms “vapor” and “aerosol,” as well as related terms such as “vaporize,” “volatilize,” and “aerosolize,” can generally be used interchangeably. 【0029】 As used herein, the term “aerosol generating device” is synonymous with “a device that generates aerosols” or “device.” A device may be portable. “Portable” may refer to a device held and used by a user. A device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol that can be controlled by user input. 【0030】 The aerosol generating device is configured to work in conjunction with an aerosol generating consumable containing one or more conductors. The presence of one or more conductors within the aerosol generating consumable means that aerosols can be generated more efficiently and quickly compared to conventional external heaters. 【0031】 Surprisingly, providing a "conductive" aerosol generating consumable containing one or more conductors within the aerosol precursor material means that the overall size of the consumable can be reduced, and the consumable itself can be stored within the device. In this regard, individual aerosol consumables can be operated individually. In other words, there can be multiple electrodes configured to be individually coupled to each individual section of the aerosol generating consumable. 【0032】 Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a first example of the aerosol generating device 100. 【0033】 The aerosol generating device 100 includes a first set 102 of electrodes. The first set of electrodes includes a plurality of individually controlled electrodes. The electrodes of the first set are configured to apply power to individual sections of aerosol generating consumables received within the aerosol generating device 100, as will be described in more detail below. 【0034】 The aerosol generating device 100 includes a common second electrode 104 configured to be electrically coupled to all sections of the aerosol generating consumable 150 and to supply power to all sections of the aerosol generating consumable. 【0035】 The aerosol generating device 100 also includes a controller (also known as a controller) 106 configured to selectively control the supply of power to one or more of the first set of electrodes 102, so that power can be supplied independently and selectively to each individual electrode of the first set of electrodes 102. 【0036】 In one example, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a chamber 108 that can accommodate one or more aerosol generating consumable sections 150. In the example, and as shown in Figure 1, the chamber 108 is configured to accommodate multiple aerosol generating consumable sections 150. In one example, the chamber 108 is divided into individual sub-chambers. Each sub-chamber may be substantially electrically isolated from other sub-chambers. That is, the power applied to an aerosol generating consumable section in a first sub-chamber by one of a first set of electrodes does not also power an aerosol generating consumable section in an adjacent sub-chamber. 【0037】 Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C show an example of an aerosol generating consumable section 150 for use with the aerosol generating device 100. 【0038】 The aerosol generating consumable 150 comprises an aerosol precursor material 152 and one or more conductors 154. The aerosol precursor material may be a solid aerosol precursor material or a semi-solid aerosol precursor material. That is, the aerosol precursor material is not configured to flow in an unheated state. The aerosol precursor material 152 is configured to release aerosols when heated. 【0039】 One or more conductors 154 are configured to conduct electricity received from the aerosol generating device 100, as described above. The size and arrangement of the one or more conductors 154 are set so that when power is passed through the conductors 154, the temperature of the conductors 154 increases, heating the aerosol precursor material. In other words, the aerosol precursor material 152 contains one or more conductors 154 that are at least partially embedded therein and conduct electricity. The one or more conductors 154 may include a plurality of distinct conductors dispersed throughout the aerosol precursor material 152. The aerosol generating consumable 150 may be considered a conductive aerosol generating consumable. By providing one or more conductors 154 within the aerosol precursor material 152, the time required to generate aerosol for the user during use is significantly reduced. 【0040】 As shown in Figure 2A, one or more conductors 154 may be present within one or more dedicated heating layers. Depending on the properties or number of conductors 154, one or more dedicated heating layers may be regions with a high level of conductivity or a relatively high level of conductivity. 【0041】 In another example, as shown in Figure 2B, the conductor 154 is dispersed throughout the aerosol precursor material 152. 【0042】 One or more conductors 154 may exist in particulate form within the aerosol precursor material 152 (note that Figures 2A and 2B are schematic examples and are not shown to scale). One or more conductors 154 may take the form of graphite or charcoal particles. The material may take the form of powder, free, or aggregated particles. It may also be possible to use other conductive materials that are approved, particularly in the tobacco or food industry. 【0043】 Figure 2C shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating consumable 150 between one of the first set of electrodes 102 and a common second electrode 104. 【0044】 The aerosol generating consumable 150 is configured to electrically connect electrodes 102 and 104, which are located between them. As described above, electrodes 102 and 104 are part of the aerosol generating device 100. Powering at least one of electrodes 102 and 104 is used interchangeably with powering the aerosol generating consumable 150. 【0045】 The aerosol generating consumable section 150 may include one or more electrical contacts (not shown) configured to electrically couple to the electrodes 102, 104 of the aerosol generating device 100. In other examples, the consumable 150 may not include electrical contacts separate from the one or more conductors 154 (for example, the one or more conductors may be directly electrically coupled to the electrodes themselves). 【0046】 In the example, the aerosol generating consumable 150 has a relatively small thickness relative to its width. The aerosol generating consumable 150 may be substantially disk-shaped and / or have a rounded periphery. A first set of electrodes of the aerosol generating device may be configured to contact a first surface of the aerosol generating consumable 150, and a common second electrode 104 may be configured to contact a second opposing surface of the aerosol generating consumable 150. The first set of electrodes is configured to be separated by the common second electrode by the thickness of the consumable. In one example, multiple aerosol generating consumables may be provided in a stacked configuration. Multiple aerosol generating consumables may be electrically isolated from each other, for example, through the use of an electrical insulator located between adjacent aerosol generating consumables. 【0047】 Each aerosol-generating consumable section 150 may have a weight of 10 mg to 100 mg so that an aerosol is generated for only a single inhalation action. In other words, each aerosol-generating consumable section is configured to be used up after a single puff (also known as an inhalation action) from the user. 【0048】 As shown in Figure 3A, the aerosol generating consumable 150 includes multiple aerosol generating sections 150a, 150b, 150c, 150d, 150e, etc. For simplicity, only 150a, 150b, 150c, 150d, and 150e are assigned reference numbers, but please note that the other sections may also be labeled as 150f, 150g, etc. 【0049】 In some examples, different sections may contain different aerosol precursor materials 152, or different materials designed to generate different aerosols for different users. For example, the first section may contain menthol (etc.), while the second section may not contain menthol (etc.). In addition, different sections may have different sizes and therefore be configured to provide different user experiences. 【0050】 Each of these sections 150a, b, c, d, and e may be configured to contact one of a different set of electrodes 102, but all sections are configured to contact a common second electrode 104. In this configuration, each section may be actuated individually by the electrode that contacts that section. 【0051】 In Figure 3A, the aerosol generating consumable sections 150a, b, c, d, and e are arranged in an array, but other arrangements are also conceivable. The array in Figure 3A is a planar array in which the sections are arranged in a grid. As described above, each section may be electrically isolated from the other sections so that it can be operated individually. 【0052】 Figure 3B shows a schematic example of a first set 102 of electrodes stacked on an aerosol generating consumable section 150. As shown in Figure 3B, one of the electrodes in the first set 102 is configured to contact one aerosol generating section 150 when in use. For example, the first electrode 102a from the first set 102 is configured to contact and power the first aerosol generating section 150a, and the second electrode 102b from the first set 102 is configured to power the second aerosol generating section 102b. For simplicity, only the first three electrodes 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, and 102e are given reference numerals, but other electrodes in the first set of electrodes may also be labeled as 102f, 102g, etc. 【0053】 Figure 3C shows a schematic example of a common second electrode 104 superimposed on an aerosol generating consumable section 150. In this example, the common second electrode 104 is configured to contact the other side of the aerosol generating consumable 150 with the first set of electrodes 102. As shown in Figure 3C, the common second electrode 104 is configured to contact or abut all sections of the aerosol generating consumable 150 during use. By providing this configuration, the complexity of the device is reduced because fewer electrical connections are required compared to the case where multiple second electrodes are present. 【0054】 In one example, a common second electrode 104 is positioned such that there is one or more air passages between each aerosol consumable section 150 of the aerosol generating device 100 and the mouthpiece 110. 【0055】 Each of the first electrodes 102 is configured to make direct contact with a different aerosol generating consumable section 150 during use. A common second electrode is configured to make direct contact with all of the aerosol generating consumables 150 during use. In one example, the first set of electrodes 102 is positioned at a predetermined distance from the second common electrode 104. Preferably, the predetermined distance is substantially the same as the thickness of the aerosol generating consumable 150. Figure 4 shows a schematic example of an aerosol generating system 300 including an aerosol generating device 100, where the aerosol generating consumable section 150 is located between each individual electrode of the first set of electrodes 102 and the common second electrode 104. 【0056】 A first set of electrodes 102 may be coupled to a controller 106 (also known as a control circuit). A common second electrode 104 may also be coupled to the controller 106. The controller 106 and other embodiments of the aerosol generating device 100 may be powered by a battery (not shown). The aerosol generating device 100 may also include a controller 106 (or control circuit) for the electronic management of the aerosol generating device 100. The controller 106 may include a PCB, etc. (not shown). The controller 106 is configured to control the first set of electrodes 102 and the common second electrode, for example, by controlling the amount of power supplied to the first set of electrodes 102, and thus control the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generating consumables 150. In some examples, the common second electrode 104 may simply be connected to a grounded element (or be the grounded element itself) so that power is applied only to the first set of electrodes to complete the circuit and supply current through the aerosol generating consumables section 150. The first set of electrodes 102 is configured to supply different electrode potentials to a common second electrode 104 in order to control the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generating consumable 150. The common second electrode is held at one electrode potential, but in some examples, the electrodes of the first set of electrodes 102 may be supplied at different potentials. In other words, one of the electrodes in the first set of electrodes may be at the first electrode potential, and another of the electrodes in the first set of electrodes may have the second electrode potential. The one electrode potential may be zero potential or ground potential. 【0057】 The controller 106 may be configured to receive data from various sensors / inputs and to control the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 based on the received data. 【0058】 The aerosol generating device 100 may include a mouthpiece 110 through which the user inhales and generates aerosols. The mouthpiece 110 may include a vent or channel connected to an area close to the aerosol generating consumable 150 in order to allow the aerosols generated from the aerosol generating consumable 100 to pass through during use. For example, the channel may extend between an opening in the mouthpiece 110 and a chamber 108 into which the aerosol generating consumable 150 can be received. The mouthpiece 110 is positioned to be received in the user's mouth during use. The mouthpiece may be connected to the chamber 108 via a hinge 112 or the like. 【0059】 In one example, the aerosol generating device 100 includes an activation input sensor (not shown). The activation input sensor may be a button, touchpad, or the like for sensing user input such as taps or swipes. In another example, the activation input sensor includes a puff sensor (also known as an inhalation sensor) for determining whether the user is inhaling on the device. The activation input sensor may also be configured to determine when the user has stopped inhaling on the device 100. 【0060】 The aerosol generating device 100 may include a power source (not shown), such as a battery. The power source can supply electrical energy to the aerosol generating device 100, providing a voltage in the range of 1V to 8V. In a preferred embodiment, the voltage source is a lithium-ion battery that delivers a value of 3.7V. Such a voltage source is particularly advantageous for modern aerosol generating devices in terms of rechargeability. 【0061】 Figure 5 shows an exploded view of another configuration of the aerosol generating device 200. The aerosol generating device 200 shown in Figure 2 has the same components as those described above in relation to Figures 1 to 4, except that the reference numerals are incremented by 100 to refer to similar components. In this example, the first set of electrodes 202a to 202e are provided in a substantially circular arrangement, and a common second electrode 204 is also provided in a circular arrangement. The aerosol generating consumable sections 250a to 250e are each located between adjacent electrodes of the first set of electrodes 202. For brevity, only electrodes 202a to 202e of the first set of electrodes 202 are given reference numerals, but it should be noted that reference numerals may be provided for other first electrodes (e.g., 202f, 202g, etc.). In addition, for the sake of brevity, only sections 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d, and 250e are assigned reference numbers, but other sections may also be labeled as 250f, 250g, etc. 【0062】 When the consumables 250 are supplied to the aerosol generating device 200, each consumable section will be located between the electrodes of the first set of electrodes 202 and the common second electrode 204. In other words, in this configuration, the device 100 can then operate in the same manner as described above in relation to the aerosol generating device 100. 【0063】 In this example, the first set of electrodes 202 may be considered to be arranged around a central axis that can correspond to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device 200 when in use. The first set of electrodes 202 may be considered to be arranged cylindrically. In other examples, the first set of electrodes 202 may be considered to be arranged conically around a central axis. 【0064】 During the operation of the aerosol generating devices 100, 200, the controller 106 may be configured to sequentially supply power to the first set of electrodes 202. For example, each individual section 150a to 150e of the aerosol generating consumables may be operated individually and sequentially. In one example, the controller 106 is configured to sequentially supply power to each of the first set of electrodes; that is, each individual section is operated individually and sequentially. 【0065】 The sequence may include simultaneously supplying power to multiple electrodes of the first set of electrodes 102. In other words, two or more individual sections of the aerosol generating consumable 150 may be operated simultaneously. For example, aerosol generating sections may be operated in pairs simultaneously, or different combinations of individual sections may be operated simultaneously. In the example where two or more of the first set of electrodes are operated simultaneously, a sequence of operation patterns may still exist. For example, the first pair of electrodes in the first set may be operated first, followed by the second pair of electrodes in the second set, and so on. "Operated" is intended to mean that power is supplied. 【0066】 In one example, the controller 106 is configured to supply power to one or more of the first set of electrodes 102 upon receiving an input. For example, the input may include the detection of a puff from a puff sensor, etc. That is, after a puff is detected, power is supplied to one or more of the first set of electrodes 102. Due to the properties of the conductor 154 present in the aerosol precursor material 152, aerosols are generated much more rapidly than by conventional methods. Therefore, a puff sensor is particularly beneficial because the aerosol generating device can generate aerosols on demand. Other inputs may also be used, for example, a button press on the aerosol generating device 100 by the user may be used. 【0067】 In one example, the controller receives an indication that an activation signal is no longer being applied. For example, a signal from a puff sensor may indicate that the user is no longer inhaling, or a signal from a button may indicate that the button is no longer being pressed (or that a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the initial button press). The controller 106 may then determine that an individual section is in use by power being applied to the corresponding electrode from a first set of electrodes 102. The controller 106 may record or store the number of activation signals received after the consumable has been accepted and select an electrode from the first set of electrodes to supply power based on the number of activation signals. For example, after the consumable 150 has been accepted into the aerosol generating device, if a first activation signal is received, power is supplied to the first electrode of the first set of electrodes. When the first activation signal is stopped, power is stopped being supplied to the first electrode. When a second activation signal is received, power may be supplied to the second electrode of the first set of electrodes, and so on. Various sequences / combinations of supplying power to the first set of electrodes and the second electrode are contemplated. The desired sequence can be entered into the aerosol generating device by the user, or provided to the aerosol generating device via a Bluetooth connection or the like. 【0068】 Device 100 is configured such that the same individual section of the aerosol is not activated twice (i.e., power is not supplied to the same individual section on two separate occasions). 【0069】 In one example, a resistance measurement (or an equivalent measurement that can be used to determine resistance) may be performed on an individual section of the aerosol generating consumable before power is supplied to one of the first set of electrodes. Since a “used” individual section of the aerosol generating consumable has a higher resistance than an unused section, this resistance measurement can be used as a secondary check to ensure that power is not supplied to the same individual section more than once, which would lead to an unsatisfactory user experience. In other words, the aerosol generating device may be configured to determine a measurement indicating the resistance of an individual section of the aerosol generating consumable. The controller 106 is configured to select an electrode from the first set of electrodes to supply power based on the measurement. 【0070】 As described above, the aerosol generating consumable 100 includes a plurality of individual sections 150a, 150b, etc. Each of the individual sections 150a, 150b, etc. is configured to electrically couple to one of the first set of electrodes 102, and all of the individual sections 150a, 150b, etc. are configured to electrically couple to a common second electrode 104. 【0071】 Each of the individual sections 150a, 150b, etc., may have a mass of 10 mg to 100 mg, more preferably about 20 mg. As described above, the mass of this configuration means that the user can experience an "electron vapor" style experience; that is, the user can generate an aerosol almost instantly, on demand, with minimal waiting time. In other words, the user simply inhales the aerosol generating device 100, and power is supplied to at least one of the first set of electrodes 102 to power at least one individual section of the aerosol generating consumable. Since the individual sections have a mass small enough to generate a sufficient aerosol when power is applied, there is no need to keep the aerosol generating consumable at a first temperature. 【0072】 In one example, individual sections 150a, 150b, etc., are arranged in an array. For example, they may be arranged in a grid (e.g., a planar array). In another example, individual sections 150a, 150b, etc., may be arranged around a central axis (e.g., in a circular or conical array). Adjacent individual sections of aerosol generating consumables 150a, 150b, etc., are electrically isolated from each other to prevent power applied to the first individual section 150a from being applied to the second individual section 150b. 【0073】 The aerosol generation system includes both an aerosol generation device 100 and aerosol generation consumables 150. 【0074】 A method for generating aerosols is also provided. The method includes powering an aerosol generating consumable by selectively supplying power to one or more of a first set 102 of electrodes of an aerosol generating device 100 in order to selectively supply power to one or more individual sections of the aerosol generating consumable. Each individual section of the aerosol generating consumable is electrically coupled to a common second electrode 104. Power may also be supplied to the common second electrode 104. A controller 106 may be configured to control the power supplied to the first set of electrodes and the common second electrode. 【0075】 Power can be supplied sequentially to the first set of electrodes 102. In some examples, at least two of the first set of electrodes are configured to be powered simultaneously. 【0076】 While preferred embodiments have been illustrated and described, those skilled in the art should understand that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims and described above.

Claims

[Claim 1] An aerosol generating device for receiving aerosol generating consumables and supplying power to said aerosol generating consumables, An electrode configuration comprising a first set of electrodes and a common second electrode, wherein each of the first set of electrodes is configured to be electrically coupled to and to supply power to a selected individual section of an aerosol generating consumable, and the common second electrode is configured to be electrically coupled to all of the sections of the aerosol generating consumable, A controller configured to selectively control the supply of power to one or more electrodes in the first set of electrodes, so that power can be supplied independently and selectively to each electrode of the first set of electrodes, An aerosol generating device equipped with the following features. [Claim 2] The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the first set of electrodes is arranged in an array. [Claim 3] The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein the array is substantially planar. [Claim 4] The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first set of electrodes is arranged around a central axis. [Claim 5] The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein the first set of electrodes is arranged in a cylindrical shape. [Claim 6] The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the controller is configured to sequentially supply power to the first set of electrodes. [Claim 7] The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein the controller is configured to sequentially supply power to each of the first set of electrodes. [Claim 8] The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least two of the first set of electrodes are configured to be powered simultaneously. [Claim 9] The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the controller is configured to supply power to one or more of the first set of electrodes when it receives a start input. [Claim 10] Aerosol generating consumable comprising a plurality of separate sections for use in an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each of the plurality of separate sections comprises a solid aerosol precursor material and one or more conductors located therein. [Claim 11] The aerosol generating consumable according to claim 10, wherein each of the individual sections has a mass of 10 mg to 100 mg. [Claim 12] Aerosol generation system, an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, A consumable aerosol generating product according to claim 10 or 11, An aerosol generation system equipped with the following features. [Claim 13] A method for supplying power to aerosol generating consumables, To selectively supply power to one or more individual sections of an aerosol generating consumable, power is selectively supplied to one or more of a first set of electrodes of an aerosol generating device, wherein each of the individual sections of the aerosol generating consumable is electrically coupled to a common second electrode. Methods that include... [Claim 14] The method according to claim 13, wherein the power is sequentially supplied to the first set of electrodes. [Claim 15] The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein at least two of the first set of electrodes are configured to be supplied with power simultaneously.

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