Aerosol generating device and aerosol generating method

Abstract

The aerosol generating device includes a sensor configured to detect puffs, and a processing circuit that raises the heater temperature to a preheating temperature, lowers the heater temperature to a first heating temperature lower than the preheating temperature before a first detected puff among the detected puffs, and then raises the heater temperature based on the number of detected puffs.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Cross-references to related applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 506,242, filed on 5 June 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating method. [Background technology]

[0003] Some electronic devices are configured to heat plant material to a temperature sufficient to release its components, while maintaining the temperature below the burning point of the plant material to avoid any substantial thermal decomposition of the plant material. Such devices may be called aerosol generating devices (e.g., heated tobacco aerosol generating devices), and the plant material heated may be tobacco and / or cannabis. In some cases, the plant material may be introduced directly into the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device. In other cases, the plant material may be pre-packaged in individual containers to facilitate insertion and removal from the aerosol generating device. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0004] At least some exemplary embodiments relate to aerosol generating devices.

[0005] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a sensor configured to detect puffs, and a processing circuit that causes the aerosol generating device to raise the heater temperature to a preheating temperature, lower the heater temperature to a first heating temperature lower than the preheating temperature before a first detected puff among the detected puffs, and then raise the heater temperature based on the number of detected puffs.

[0006] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, each of the at least one detected puffs is associated with a temperature setpoint.

[0007] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, each temperature setpoint associated with a puff is greater than or equal to the temperature setpoint associated with the previous puff.

[0008] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, at least two consecutive puffs are associated with the same temperature setpoint.

[0009] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the processing circuit is configured to cause the aerosol generating device to raise the heater temperature to a second heating temperature after a first number of at least one detected puffs, where the first number is greater than one.

[0010] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the second heating temperature is higher than the first heating temperature and lower than the preheating temperature.

[0011] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, at least one detected puff is a plurality of detected puffs, and the processing circuit is configured to cause the aerosol generating device to maintain a first heating temperature up to a second number of the plurality of detected puffs, and to raise the heater temperature to a third heating temperature after the second number of the plurality of detected puffs is greater than 2.

[0012] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the processing circuit is configured to raise the temperature of a heater in an aerosol generating device when the number of at least one detected puffs reaches a predetermined number.

[0013] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the processing circuit is configured to raise the heater temperature to a final heating temperature when the number of at least one detected puffs reaches a predetermined number in the aerosol generating device.

[0014] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the processing circuit is configured to cause the aerosol generating device to maintain the heater temperature at the final heating temperature until the number of at least one detected puff reaches a maximum number.

[0015] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the final heating temperature is below the preheating temperature.

[0016] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the final heating temperature is higher than the preheating temperature.

[0017] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the processing circuit is configured to cause the aerosol generating device to reduce the power to the heater to a first power during at least one of the detected puffs.

[0018] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, at least one detected puff is a plurality of detected puffs, and the processing circuit is configured to cause the aerosol generating device to supply a second power to a heater for a certain period of time between adjacent puffs of the plurality of detected puffs, wherein the second power is greater than the first power.

[0019] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the processing circuit is configured to cause an aerosol generating device to supply a second power to a heater for a certain period of time using a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller, and the processing circuit is configured to cause the aerosol generating device to modify at least one of the proportional, integral, and differential terms of the PID controller.

[0020] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the processing circuit is configured to cause the aerosol generating device to maintain the values ​​of the proportional, integral, and derivative terms of the PID controller for a certain period of time.

[0021] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the processing circuit causes the aerosol generating device to determine a voltage applied to the heater and a current applied to the heater over a certain period of time, and is configured to lower the temperature of the heater to a first heating temperature based on the voltage applied to the heater and the current applied to the heater over the certain period of time.

[0022] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the processing circuit causes the aerosol generating device to determine the sum of the products of the voltage applied to the heater and the current applied to the heater, determines whether the sum is greater than a threshold value, and when the sum is greater than the threshold value, a decrease in the temperature of the heater to the first heating temperature occurs.

[0023] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the aerosol generating device is configured to receive a capsule containing an aerosol-forming substrate heated by a heater.

[0024] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the heater is inside the capsule.

[0025] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the heater is outside the capsule.

[0026] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, a method of generating an aerosol within an aerosol generating device includes raising the temperature of a heater of the aerosol generating device to a preheating temperature, lowering the temperature of the heater to a first heating temperature, detecting at least one puff after lowering the temperature of the heater to the first heating temperature, and raising the temperature of the heater based on the number of at least one detected puff.

[0027] Various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments described herein will become more apparent when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the claims. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the accompanying drawings should not be assumed to be drawn to an exact scale. For clarity, various dimensions in the drawings may be exaggerated. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0028] [Figure 1] This is a front perspective view from the upper right of an exemplary aerosol generating device according to at least one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a front perspective view from the lower right of an exemplary aerosol generating device. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a bottom view of an exemplary aerosol generating device. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a front perspective view from the upper right of an exemplary aerosol generating device, including a capsule with its lid open. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary aerosol generating device. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary capsule connector. [Figure 7] Figure 4 is a partial front perspective view of an exemplary aerosol generating device, with a section of the housing removed. [Figure 8] The electrical systems of one or more exemplary embodiments of aerosol generating devices and capsules are shown. [Figure 9] One or more exemplary embodiments of a heater voltage measurement circuit are shown. [Figure 10] One or more exemplary embodiments of a heater current measurement circuit are shown. [Figure 11] One or more exemplary embodiments of a compensation voltage measurement circuit are shown. [Figure 12A]A circuit diagram of a heating engine control circuit according to one or more exemplary embodiments is shown. [Figure 12B] A circuit diagram of a heating engine control circuit according to one or more exemplary embodiments is shown. [Figure 12C] A circuit diagram of a heating engine control circuit according to one or more exemplary embodiments is shown. [Figure 13A] This document describes a method for controlling a heater in a non-flammable aerosol generating device according to one or more exemplary embodiments. [Figure 13B] This document describes a method for controlling a heater in a non-flammable aerosol generating device according to one or more exemplary embodiments. [Figure 13C] This document describes a method for controlling a heater in a non-flammable aerosol generating device according to one or more exemplary embodiments. [Figure 14] A block diagram illustrating a temperature heating engine control algorithm according to one or more exemplary embodiments is shown. [Figure 15A] The temperature profiles of the heater by puff count are shown for one or more exemplary embodiments. [Figure 15B] Figure 15A shows the power profile superimposed on the temperature profile. [Figure 16A] The temperature profiles of the heater by puff count are shown for one or more exemplary embodiments. [Figure 16B] Figure 15A shows the power profile superimposed on the temperature profile. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Several detailed exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein. However, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are representative only for illustrating the exemplary embodiments. However, the exemplary embodiments may be embodied in many alternative forms and should not be construed as being limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0030] Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, which are shown as examples in the drawings and described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments are not intended to be limited to any particular form disclosed, but rather encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the scope of the exemplary embodiments. Similar numbers refer to similar elements throughout the description of the figures.

[0031] Where an element or layer is referred to as "on top of," "connected to," "linked to," or "covering" another element or layer, it should be understood that it may be directly on top of, directly connected to, directly linked to, or directly covering the other element or layer, or there may be an intervening element or layer. Conversely, where an element is referred to as "directly on top of," "directly connected to," or "directly linked to" another element or layer, there is no intervening element or layer. Similar numbers refer to similar elements throughout the specification. Where used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination and all combinations of one or more of the related items listed.

[0032] The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, regions, layers, and / or sections, but it should be understood that these elements, regions, layers, and / or sections are not necessarily limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one element, region, layer, or section from another. Accordingly, the first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below may also be referred to as the second element, region, layer, or section without departing from the teaching of the exemplary embodiments.

[0033] Spatially relative terms (e.g., “down,” “below,” “further down,” “up,” “above”) may be used herein to facilitate explanation in describing the relationship between one element or feature and another, as shown in the diagrams. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device during use or operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the diagrams. For example, if the device in the diagram is turned over, an element described as “below” or “below” another element or feature will be oriented “above” that other element or feature. Therefore, the term “below” may encompass both up and down orientations. The device may be oriented in other directions (90-degree rotation, or other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0034] The terms used herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. Where used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural form unless otherwise specified in the context. Furthermore, the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and / or “comprising” specify the presence of the described features, integers, processes, operations, and / or elements, but are not intended to exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, processes, operations, elements, and / or groups thereof.

[0035] Where the terms “approximately” or “substantially” are used in relation to a numerical value, the numerical value is intended to include a manufacturing or operational tolerance (e.g., ±10%) around the stated numerical value. Furthermore, where the terms “generally” or “substantially” are used in relation to a geometric shape, precision of the geometric shape is not required, but the acceptable range of that shape is intended to be within the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, whether a numerical value or shape is modified with “approximately,” “generally,” or “substantially,” it will be understood that these numerical values ​​and shapes should be interpreted as including a manufacturing or operational tolerance (e.g., ±10%) around the stated numerical value or shape.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art in the field to which the exemplary embodiments belong. Furthermore, terms should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of the relevant technical field, including those defined in commonly used dictionaries, and it will be understood that they should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0037] As used herein, “connection” includes both removable and permanent connections. For example, if an elastic layer and a support layer are removablely connected to each other, the elastic layer and the support layer can be separated when sufficient force is applied.

[0038] Figures 1 to 7 illustrate an aerosol generating device 100 (e.g., a heated tobacco aerosol generating device) according to at least one exemplary embodiment. For example, Figure 1 is a top perspective view of the aerosol generating device 100 with the lid 110 in the closed position. Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of the aerosol generating device 100 with the lid 110 in the closed position. Figure 3 is a view from below of the aerosol generating device 100 with the lid 110 in the closed position. Figure 4 is another top perspective view of the aerosol generating device 100 with the lid 110 open and the capsule 200 being received by the capsule receiving cavity 130. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device 100 with the lid 110 open and the capsule 200 being received by the capsule receiving cavity 130. Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the capsule connector. Figure 7 is a partial perspective view of the aerosol generating device 100, in which a section of the housing 120 has been removed to show various internal components, the lid 110 is open, and the capsule 200 is being received by the capsule receiving cavity 130.

[0039] As illustrated, in at least one exemplary embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 is substantially elliptical, oblong, or pebble-shaped and has a replaceable mouthpiece 190 extending from the body of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a housing 120 defining a capsule receiving cavity 130 (as best shown in Figures 4-5) and a lid 110 configured to open and close relative to the housing 120 and connectable to the replaceable mouthpiece 190. For example, the lid 110 may be fixedly connected to the housing 120 at a first point 122 and detachably connected to the housing 120 at a second point 124. The first point 122 of the housing 120 may be on the first side 102 side of the aerosol generating device 100, and the second point 124 of the housing 120 may be on the second side 104 side of the aerosol generating device 100. In some cases, the lid 110 is sometimes referred to as a door.

[0040] The exterior of the housing 120 and / or lid 110 may be formed from metal (aluminum, stainless steel, etc.), aesthetic and food-contact-related plastics (polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), copolyester plastic, or any other suitable polymer and / or plastic, etc.), or any combination thereof. The interchangeable mouthpiece 190 may similarly be formed from metal (aluminum, stainless steel, etc.), aesthetic and food-contact-related plastics (polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), copolyester plastic, or any other suitable polymer and / or plastic, etc.), and / or plant-derived materials (wood, bamboo, etc.). One or more interior surfaces of the housing 120 and / or lid 110 may be formed from or coated from high-temperature plastics (polyetheretherketone (PEEK), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), etc.). The lid 110 and the housing 120 may collectively be considered as the main body of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0041] The lid 110 may be fixedly connected to the housing 120 at a first point 122 by a hinge 112 or other similar connector, allowing the lid 110 to move (e.g., swing and rotate) from an open position (as shown in Figures 4-5) to a closed position (as shown in Figures 1-2). As shown in Figure 7, the hinge 112 may include a torsion spring 117. In at least one exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the housing 120 includes a recess 126 at the first point 122. The recess 126 may be configured to allow easy and smooth movement of the lid 110 from an open position to a closed position (and vice versa) by receiving a portion of the lid 110. The recess 126 may have a structure corresponding to a relative portion of the lid 110. For example, as shown, the recess 126 may include a substantially curved portion 127 having a substantially concave shape corresponding to the curvature of the lid 110, which is substantially convex.

[0042] The lid 110 may be detachably connected to the housing 120 at a second point 124 by a latch 114 or other similar connector, so that the lid 110 can be mounted or fixed in a closed position and easily detached to move the lid 110 from a fixed closed position to an open position. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the latch 114 may be connected to a latch release mechanism 116. The latch release mechanism 116 may be configured to move the latch 114 from a first position, i.e., a closed position, to a second position, i.e., an open position. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the latch 114 may extend downward within the housing 120, and the latch release mechanism 116 may be perpendicular to the downward length of the latch 114. Thus, the latch release mechanism 116 is configured to apply pressure to the latch 114. For example, the latch release mechanism 116 may be movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the latch release mechanism 116 may be neutral with respect to the latch 114. In the second position, the latch release mechanism 116 can apply pressure to the downward length of the latch 114 to move the latch 114 from a fixed or latched closed position to an open position.

[0043] In at least one exemplary embodiment, as best shown in Figure 5, the latch release mechanism 116 communicates with a latch release button 118 configured to activate the latch release mechanism 116, that is, to move the latch 114 from a first position, i.e., a closed or fixed position, to a second position, i.e., a pressure-applied position, and also to move / return the latch 114 from an open position to a fixed or closed position. In at least one embodiment, the latch release button 118 is an adult user interaction button located on a second side 104 of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, when the latch release button 118 is pressed by an adult user, the latch release mechanism 116 can move from the first position, i.e., a closed or fixed position, to a second position or a pressure-applied position, to move the latch 114 from a fixed or closed position to an open position. The latch release button 118 may be substantially circular in shape, with a central indentation or dimple configured to guide the pressure applied by the adult user, but the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. One or more sensors (not shown) configured to detect the opening and closing of the lid 110 may be embedded in the housing 120 and / or one or more elements therein (e.g., a latch 114, a latch release mechanism 116, a latch release button 118), or otherwise disposed.

[0044] In at least one exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the housing 120 includes a user interface panel 143 disposed on a second side 104 of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the user interface panel 143 may be an elliptical panel extending along the second side 104 of the aerosol generating device 100. The user interface panel 143 may include a latch release button 118, a communication screen 140, and / or a power button 142, as discussed above. For example, in at least one exemplary embodiment, the user interface panel 143 may include a communication screen 140 disposed between the latch release button 118 and the power button 142. As shown, the latch release button 118 may be disposed toward the top of the aerosol generating device 100, and the power button 142 may be disposed toward the bottom of the aerosol generating device 100. Similar to the latch release button 118, the power button 142 may also be an adult user interaction button. The power button 142 may be substantially circular in shape, with a central indentation or dimple configured to guide the pressure applied by the adult user, but the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. The power button 142 can switch the aerosol generating device 100 on and off. Although only two buttons are illustrated, it should be understood that more or fewer buttons may be provided depending on the available features and the desired adult user interface.

[0045] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the communication screen 140 is an integrated thin-film transistor ("TFT") screen. In other exemplary embodiments, the communication screen 140 is an organic light-emitting diode ("OLED") or light-emitting diode ("LED") screen. The communication screen 140 is configured for adult user engagement and may be substantially oval in shape.

[0046] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the housing 120 defines a charging connector or port 170. For example, as best shown in Figure 2, the charging connector 170 may be defined / displaced at the bottom or second end of the housing 120 distal to the capsule receiving cavity 130. The charging connector 170 may be configured to receive current from an external power source (e.g., via a USB / mini USB cable) to charge a power supply 150 inside the aerosol generating device 100. For example, in at least one exemplary embodiment, as best shown in Figure 3, the charging connector 170 may be an assembly defining a cavity 171, with a projection 175 within the cavity 171. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the projection 175 does not extend beyond the edge of the cavity 171. In addition, the charging connector 170 may also be configured to transmit and / or receive data (e.g., via a USB / mini USB cable) to and from another aerosol generating device (e.g., a heated tobacco aerosol generating device) and / or other electronic devices (e.g., a phone, tablet, computer, etc.). In at least one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may instead or further be configured to communicate wirelessly (e.g., via Bluetooth) with such other aerosol generating devices and / or electronic devices.

[0047] In at least one exemplary embodiment, as best shown in Figure 3, a protective grate 172 is disposed around the charging connector 170. The protective grate 172 may be configured to help prevent or deter the ingress of debris and / or unintentional obstruction of incoming airflow. For example, the protective grate 172 may define a plurality of pores 173 along its length or course. As shown, the protective grate 172 may be annular in shape surrounding the charging connector 170. In this regard, the plurality of pores 173 may also be arranged around the charging connector 170 (e.g., in a continuous arrangement). Each of the plurality of pores 173 may, but is not limited to, an elliptical or circular shape. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the protective grate 172 may include an approved food-contact material. For example, the protective grate 172 may include plastic, metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum), or a combination thereof. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the surface of the protective grid 172 may be coated with, for example, a thin layer of plastic and / or anodized.

[0048] Multiple pores 173 within the protective grate 172 may function as inlets for air drawn into the aerosol generating device 100. During operation of the aerosol generating device 100, ambient air entering through the multiple pores 173 in the protective grate 172 around the charging connector 170 converges to form a combined flow, which then moves into the capsule 200. For example, the multiple pores 173 may be in fluid communication with the capsule receiving cavity 130. In at least one exemplary embodiment, air may be drawn in from the multiple pores 173 through the capsule receiving cavity 130. For example, air may be drawn out from the replaceable mouthpiece 190 through the capsule 200 received by the capsule receiving cavity 130.

[0049] Capsule 200 can have various forms and configurations (for example, as shown in Figure 7). For example, Capsule 200 can have any of the forms and configurations discussed later in U.S. Application No. 17 / 947,436, filed September 19, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0050] In at least one exemplary embodiment, as best shown in Figure 7, the housing 120 encloses or houses an air hose 180. The air hose 180 extends between the capsule receiving cavity 130 and one or more air inlets or holes 173 (via an air inlet connection 184), and / or the capsule receiving cavity 130 may be physically connected to one or more air inlets or holes 173. Furthermore, an air channel assembly 181 may be provided as an intermediary between the air hose 180 and the multiple holes 173. In such an example, the air channel assembly 181 may be configured to direct the incoming airflow (i.e., that drawn in through the multiple holes 173) toward the air hose 180. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the air channel assembly 181 includes an airflow restrictor configured to provide optional control over the airflow through the aerosol generating device 100. In at least one exemplary embodiment, one or more flow sensors 185 may be disposed inside or along the air channel assembly 181 and / or along the air hose 180. In at least one exemplary embodiment, one or more flow sensors 185 include another type of sensor configured to measure airflow, such as a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) flow sensor, a pressure sensor, or a hot-wire anemometer. In at least one exemplary embodiment, one or more flow sensors 185 may include a pressure sensor, such as a capacitive pressure sensor configured to measure negative pressure during an entrainment event. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the air channel assembly 181 may omit one or more sensors 185.

[0051] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the housing 120 encloses the capsule connector 132. Furthermore, in some cases, the capsule connector 132 may be mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) within the housing 120 or otherwise secured. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the capsule connector 132 defines a capsule receiving cavity 130. The capsule connector 132 is further described in U.S. Application No. 17 / 947,436, filed September 19, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0052] In at least one exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the capsule connector 132 includes a body or housing 134 defining a capsule receiving cavity 130. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the body 134 includes an air inlet connector 184. The air inlet connector 184 may be configured to connect to the end of an air hose 180. One or more wing or tab portions 137 and coupler receiving openings (e.g., mounting bosses) allow the capsule connector 132 to connect to the housing 120 and / or components within the housing. The coupler receiving openings may be configured to receive one or more corresponding couplers of the housing 120 (e.g., coupler 128 (e.g., screw) as best shown in Figure 15).

[0053] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the capsule connector 132 includes one or more electrical connectors or contacts 152A, 152B. For example, as shown, the capsule connector 132 may include a first electrical contact 152A and a second electrical contact 152B. As shown, the first electrical contact 152A may be in the form of three contact members. Similarly, the second electrical contact 152B may also be in the form of three contact members. The electrical contacts 152A, 152B are configured to apply current or other electrical signals to the capsule 200 received by the capsule receiving cavity 130. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the electrical contacts 152A, 152B may communicate with a power supply 150 and / or control circuit 160 located within the housing 120. The electrical contacts 152A and 152B can be made of copper or a copper alloy (e.g., copper-titanium), and in at least one exemplary embodiment, the electrical contacts 152A and 152B may have gold plating.

[0054] The capsule 200 is loaded into the aerosol generating device 100 by first inserting the capsule 200 into the capsule receiving cavity 130 defined by the capsule connector 132. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the capsule 200 makes contact (e.g., full contact) with the electrical contacts 152A, 152B in the capsule receiving cavity 130 only when a force (e.g., downward / inward force) is applied to the capsule 200. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the force is applied to the capsule 200 by the closure and / or latch of the lid 110. In other exemplary embodiments, the force is applied to the capsule 200 by an adult user. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the force is applied by a combination of pressure applied by an adult user and the closure and / or latch of the lid 110. For example, in each case, the force is applied until resistance is felt and / or a click is heard, and the feeling of resistance or the click signals that the capsule 200 is fully engaged with the capsule receiving cavity 130.

[0055] The underside of the lid 110 may include an impact / engagement member or surface 113 configured to engage with the capsule 200 when the lid 110 is pivoted to transition to the closed position. The impact / engagement member or surface 113 of the lid 110 may include a recess (e.g., corresponding to the size and shape of the capsule 200) and / or a resilient material to improve the interface with the capsule 200 to provide the desired seal. When the capsule 200 is inserted into the capsule receiving cavity 130, the weight of the capsule 200 itself may not be sufficient to compress the electrical contacts 152A, 152B (e.g., at least to any significant degree). As a result, the capsule 200 may simply rest on the exposed pins of the electrical contacts 152A, 152B (e.g., the contact surfaces 158A, 158B of the contact members 152' / 152'') without any compression of the electrical contacts 152A, 152B (or without any significant compression). Furthermore, the weight of the lid 110 itself, when pivoted to transition to the closed position, does not compress the electrical contacts 152A, 152B to any significant degree, but instead may simply rest on the capsule 200 in an intermediate partially open / closed position. In such cases, intentionally closing the lid 110 (e.g., with a downward force) causes the impact / engaging member or surface 113 of the lid 110 to push down the capsule 200 to provide the desired seal and also compress the capsule 200 to fully engage with the electrical contacts 152A, 152B. Furthermore, fully closing the lid 110 results in engagement with the latch 114, which maintains the desired mechanical / electrical engagement between the closed position and the capsule 200 until released (e.g., via the latch release button 118). The requirement of force to close the lid 110 may help to improve the device's and thermal efficiency and battery life, as well as provide a more robust electrical connection, by ensuring and / or improving air / aerosol sealing, and by reducing or eliminating premature power draw-in and / or parasitic heating of the capsule 200.

[0056] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the lower end 166b of the capsule receiving cavity 130 includes a capsule seal 202, as best shown in Figure 5. When the capsule 200 is housed within the capsule receiving cavity 130, the capsule seal 202 is configured to engage with an inlet recess of the capsule 200 (for example, an inlet recess of the capsule 200 similar to the inlet recess 1328 of the capsule 1300). The capsule seal 202 may be configured to help ensure and / or improve air / aerosol sealing between the capsule 200 and the capsule connector 132 so that all (or substantially all) of the air received through the air inlet connection 184 is directed towards the capsule 200. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the capsule seal 202 may be a silicone seal.

[0057] When the capsule 200 is inserted into the capsule receiving cavity 130, the end sections of the capsule 200 may initially rest on the electrical contacts 152A and 152B. When a downward / inward force is applied to the capsule 200 (for example, by closing the lid 110), the capsule 200 is biased downward / inward, compressing the electrical contacts 152A and 152B and drawing them into the capsule connector 132.

[0058] As discussed herein, an aerosol-forming substrate is a material or combination of materials capable of generating an aerosol. The aerosol relates to a substance generated or output by the disclosed and claimed devices and their equivalents. The material may contain a compound (e.g., nicotine, cannabinoids), and when the material is heated, an aerosol containing the compound is generated. The heating may be lower than the combustion temperature to generate the aerosol without substantial thermal decomposition of the aerosol-forming substrate or substantial generation of combustion by-products (if any). Thus, in at least one exemplary embodiment, no thermal decomposition occurs during heating and the generation of the resulting aerosol. In other instances, there may be some thermal decomposition and combustion by-products, but to a relatively minor degree and / or simply accidental.

[0059] The aerosol-forming substrate may be a fibrous material. For example, the fibrous material may be a plant material. The fibrous material is configured to release a compound when heated. This compound may be a naturally occurring component of the fibrous material. For example, the fibrous material may be a plant material such as tobacco, and the released compound may be nicotine. The term "tobacco" includes any tobacco plant material, including tobacco leaves, tobacco plugs, reconstructed tobacco, compressed tobacco, molded tobacco, or powdered tobacco, and combinations thereof, from one or more species of tobacco plants such as Nicotiana rustica and Nicotiana tabacum.

[0060] In some exemplary embodiments, the tobacco material may include material from any family of the genus Nicotiana. In addition, the tobacco material may include a blend of two or more different tobacco subspecies. Examples of suitable types of tobacco material that can be used include, but are not limited to, flue-cured tobacco, Burley tobacco, dark tobacco, Maryland tobacco, Oriental tobacco, rare tobacco, specialty tobacco, and blends thereof. The tobacco material may be provided in any suitable form, including, but are not limited to, processed tobacco material such as tobacco laminas, volume-expanded tobacco or puffed tobacco, processed tobacco stems such as cut rolls or cut puffed stems, reconstructed tobacco material, and blends thereof. In some exemplary embodiments, the tobacco material is in the form of substantially dry tobacco chunks. Furthermore, in some cases, the tobacco material may be mixed and / or combined with at least one of propylene glycol, glycerin, partial combinations thereof, or combinations thereof.

[0061] Furthermore, the compound may be a naturally occurring component of a medicinal plant with medically recognized therapeutic effects. For example, the medicinal plant may be cannabis, and the compound may be a cannabinoid. Cannabinoids interact with receptors in the body to produce a wide range of effects. As a result, cannabinoids have been used for various medical purposes (e.g., pain, nausea, epilepsy, and mental disorders). The fibrous material may include leaf and / or flower material from one or more species of cannabis, such as Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. In some cases, the fibrous material is a mixture of 60-80% (e.g., 70%) Cannabis sativa and 20-40% (e.g., 30%) Cannabis indica.

[0062] Examples of cannabinoids include tetrahydrocannabinol (THCA), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabichromene (CBC), and cannabigerol (CBG). Tetrahydrocannabinol (THCA) is a precursor of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) is a precursor of cannabidiol (CBD). Tetrahydrocannabinol (THCA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) can be converted to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), respectively, by heating. In at least one exemplary embodiment, heat from a heater may cause decarboxylation such that tetrahydrocannabinol (THCA) in the capsule is converted to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and / or cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) in the capsule is converted to cannabidiol (CBD).

[0063] In cases where both tetrahydrocannabinol (THCA) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are present in a capsule, decarboxylation and the resulting conversions cause a decrease in tetrahydrocannabinol (THCA) and an increase in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). During heating of the capsule, at least 50% (e.g., at least 87%) of the tetrahydrocannabinol (THCA) may be converted to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Similarly, in cases where both cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and cannabidiol (CBD) are present in a capsule, decarboxylation and the resulting conversions cause a decrease in cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and an increase in cannabidiol (CBD). During heating of the capsule, at least 50% (e.g., at least 87%) of the cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) may be converted to cannabidiol (CBD).

[0064] Furthermore, the compound may be a non-naturally occurring additive introduced after the fibrous material, or may further contain such additives. In one case, the fibrous material may include at least one of cotton, polyethylene, polyester, rayon, or combinations thereof (e.g., in the form of gauze). In another case, the fibrous material may be a cellulose material (e.g., a non-tobacco and / or non-cannabis material). In either case, the compound introduced may include nicotine, cannabinoids, and / or flavoring agents. The flavoring agents may be from natural and / or artificial sources, such as plant extracts (e.g., tobacco extract, cannabis extract). In yet another case, when the fibrous material contains tobacco and / or cannabis, the compound may be one or more flavoring agents (e.g., menthol, mint, vanilla), or may further contain such additives. Thus, the compound in the aerosol-forming substrate may include naturally occurring components and / or non-naturally occurring additives. In this regard, it should be understood that the existing levels of naturally occurring components in the aerosol-forming substrate may be increased by supplementation. For example, the existing level of nicotine in a given amount of tobacco can be increased by supplementing with a nicotine-containing extract. Similarly, the existing level of one or more cannabinoids in a given amount of cannabis can be increased by supplementing with an extract containing such cannabinoids.

[0065] Aerosol generating devices in at least some exemplary embodiments (such as the aerosol generating device 100 shown in Figures 1 to 5) are configured to generate an aerosol by heating a capsule (e.g., capsule 200). In at least one exemplary embodiment, the method of generating an aerosol may include first loading the capsule 200 into the aerosol generating device 100 or the aerosol generating device 500. To load the capsule 200, the lid 110 is pivoted to the open position, and the capsule 200 is inserted into the capsule receiving cavity 130 defined by the capsule connector 132. The lid 110 is then pivoted to the closed position, while the lid 110 engages with the latch 114 and maintains the closed position, further pushing the capsule 200 into the capsule receiving cavity 130 so that the capsule 200 is fully seated.

[0066] The aerosol generating device 100 can be activated using the user interface panel 143 (for example, by pressing the power button 142) and / or when an inflow event is detected (for example, via the flow sensor 185). When activated, the control circuit 160 is configured to instruct the power supply 150 to supply current to the capsule 200 via the electrical contacts 152A, 152B of the capsule receiving cavity 130. Specifically, as shown in Figures 5-6, the capsule 200 includes a heater 336 configured to undergo resistive heating in response to the current from the power supply 150 introduced through its end sections (which may be analogous to the first end section 1342 and second end section 1346 of the capsule 1300). As a result of resistive heating, the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate within the capsule 200 rises, thereby releasing volatile substances and generating an aerosol. In some exemplary embodiments, induction heating can be used instead of or in combination with resistive heating. Figures 5 and 6 show the heater 336 as part of the capsule 200, but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the heater 336 may be part of device 100 and external to capsule 200, as described in U.S. Application No. 17 / 579,439 filed January 19, 2022, and its entirety is incorporated herein by reference.

[0067] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the heating of the aerosol-forming substrate in capsule 200 may be lower than the combustion temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate in order to generate an aerosol without substantial thermal decomposition of the aerosol-forming substrate or substantial generation of combustion by-products (if any). Thus, in at least one exemplary embodiment, no thermal decomposition occurs during heating and the resulting aerosol generation. In other cases, there may be some thermal decomposition and combustion by-products, but the degree may be relatively minor and / or simply accidental. The heating / control method is described below with reference to Figures 13A to 16B.

[0068] When negative pressure is drawn into or applied to the aerosol generating device 100 (for example, via the mouthpiece 190), ambient air is drawn into the aerosol generating device 100 through multiple pores 173 of the grid 172. Once inside, the airflow from the multiple pores 173 converges and can pass through the air channel assembly 181 before being directed to the air hose 180. The converged airflow may optionally be detected / monitored by a flow sensor 185 in the air channel assembly 181 and / or the air hose 180. The airflow is directed from the air hose 180 to the air inlet connection 184 of the capsule connector 132. The airflow then moves through the capsule sealing 202 and enters the inlet opening of the capsule 200. Inside the capsule 200, the air flows through the aerosol-forming substrate and along the plane of the heater (for example, longitudinally), encompassing volatile substances released from the aerosol-forming substrate, which result in an aerosol. Finally, the resulting aerosol passes through the outlet opening of the capsule 200 before leaving the aerosol generating device 100 (for example, through the outlet 196 of the mouthpiece 190).

[0069] Figure 8 shows the electrical systems of aerosol generating devices and capsules according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0070] Referring to Figure 8, the electrical system includes an aerosol generating device electrical system 2100 and a capsule electrical system 2200. The aerosol generating device electrical system 2100 may be contained within the aerosol generating device 100, and the capsule electrical system 2200 may be contained within the capsule 200.

[0071] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 8, the capsule electrical system 2200 includes a heater 336.

[0072] The capsule electrical system 2200 may further include a main electrical / data interface (not shown) for transferring power and / or data between the aerosol generating device 100 and the capsule 200. According to at least one exemplary embodiment, for example, the electrical contacts shown in Figure 6 can function as the main electrical interface, but the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0073] The aerosol generating device electrical system 2100 includes a controller 2105, a power supply 1234, a device sensor or measurement circuit 2125, a heating engine control circuit 2127, an aerosol indicator 2135, an on-product control unit 2150 (e.g., a button shown in Figure 1), a memory 2130, and a clock circuit 2128. In some exemplary embodiments, the controller 2105, power supply 1234, device sensor or measurement circuit 2125, heating engine control circuit 2127, memory 2130, and clock circuit 2128 are located on the same PCB (e.g., main PCB 1246). The aerosol generating device electrical system 2100 may further include a capsule electrical / data interface (not shown) for transferring power and / or data between the aerosol generating device 100 and the capsule 200.

[0074] The power supply 1234 may be an internal power supply that provides power to the aerosol generating device 100 and the capsule 200. The power supply from the power supply 1234 may be controlled by the controller 2105 via a power control circuit (not shown). The power control circuit may include one or more switches or transistors for adjusting the power output from the power supply 1234. The power supply 1234 may be a lithium-ion battery or a variation thereof (e.g., a lithium-ion polymer battery).

[0075] The controller 2105 may be configured to control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the controller 2105 may include processing circuits such as hardware including logic circuits, a combination of hardware and software such as a processor that runs software, or a combination thereof. For example, the processing circuits may, but are not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a system-on-a-chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0076] In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the controller 2105 is shown as a microcontroller including input / output (I / O) interfaces such as general-purpose input / output (GPIO), inter-integrated circuit (I2C) interface, serial peripheral interface bus (SPI) interface, a multi-channel analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and a clock input terminal. However, the exemplary embodiment should not be limited to this embodiment. In at least one exemplary implementation, the controller 2105 may be a microprocessor.

[0077] The memory 2130 is shown as being external to the controller 2105, but in some exemplary embodiments, the memory 2130 may be mounted on the controller 2105.

[0078] The controller 2105 is communicatively connected to the device sensor 2125, the heating engine control circuit 2127, the aerosol indicator 2135, the memory 2130, the on-product control unit 2150, the clock circuit 2128, and the power supply 1234.

[0079] The heating engine control circuit 2127 is connected to the controller 2105 via GPIO (General Purpose Input / Output) pins. The memory 2130 is connected to the controller 2105 via SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) pins. The clock circuit 2128 is connected to the clock input pin of the controller 2105. The aerosol indicator 2135 is connected to the controller 2105 via I2C (Inter-Chip) interface pins and SPI / GPIO pins. The device sensor 2125 is connected to the controller 2105 via the respective pins of the multi-channel ADC.

[0080] The clock circuit 2128 may be a timing mechanism such as an oscillator circuit, and the controller 2105 can track idle time, preheating time, aerosol generation (draw-in) time, combination of idle time and aerosol generation (draw-in) time, and power usage time to determine a high-temperature capsule alert for the aerosol generating device 10 (e.g., 30 seconds after the event ends). The clock circuit 2128 may also include a dedicated external clock crystal configured to generate the system clock for the aerosol generating device 10.

[0081] Memory 2130 may be a non-volatile memory for storing operating parameters and computer-readable instructions for the controller 2105 for executing the algorithms described herein. In one embodiment, memory 2130 may be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), such as flash memory.

[0082] Referring further to Figure 8, the device sensor 2125 may include multiple sensors or measurement circuits configured to provide signals indicating sensor or measurement information to the controller 2105. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the device sensor 2125 includes a heater current measurement circuit 21258, a heater voltage measurement circuit 21252, and a compensation voltage measurement circuit 21250. The electrical system in Figure 8 may further include the sensors discussed with reference to Figures 1 to 7.

[0083] The heater current measurement circuit 21258 can be configured to output a signal (e.g., voltage) indicating the current passing through the heater 336. Exemplary embodiments of the heater current measurement circuit 21258 will be discussed in more detail later with reference to Figure 10.

[0084] The heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 can be configured to output a signal (e.g., voltage) indicating the voltage across the heater 336. Exemplary embodiments of the heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 will be discussed in more detail later with reference to Figure 9.

[0085] The compensation voltage measurement circuit 21250 can be configured to output a signal (e.g., voltage) indicating the resistance of the power interface (e.g., electrical connector) between the capsule 200 and the aerosol generating device 100. In some exemplary embodiments, the compensation voltage measurement circuit 21250 may provide a compensation voltage measurement signal to the controller 2105. Exemplary embodiments of the compensation voltage measurement circuit 21250 are discussed in more detail later with respect to Figure 11 and are also described in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 151,375, filed January 18, 2021. The entire contents of that application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0086] As discussed above, the compensation voltage measurement circuit 21250, the heater current measurement circuit 21258, and the heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 are connected to the controller 2105 via the pins of the multi-channel ADC. To measure the characteristics and / or parameters of the aerosol generating device 100 and capsule 200 (e.g., voltage, current, resistance, temperature of heater 336), the multi-channel ADC in the controller 2105 can sample the output signal from the device sensor 2125 at a sampling rate appropriate to the given characteristics and / or parameters measured by the corresponding device sensor.

[0087] The aerosol generating device electrical system 2100 may include a sensor 1248 for measuring the airflow through the aerosol generating device 100. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the sensor may be a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) flow sensor or pressure sensor, or another type of sensor configured to measure airflow, such as a hot-wire anemometer. In an exemplary embodiment, the output of the sensor for measuring airflow to the controller 2105 is a digital interface or SPI for instantaneous flow rate measurements (ml / sec or cm). 3 The value is ( / sec). In other exemplary embodiments, the sensor may be a hot-wire anemometer, a digital MEMS sensor, or other known sensor. The flow sensor can operate as a puff sensor by detecting a pull when the flow rate is 1 mL / sec or greater, and then ending the pull when the flow rate drops to 0 mL / sec. In an exemplary embodiment, sensor 1248 may be a MEMS flow sensor-based differential pressure sensor, where the differential pressure (in Pascals) is converted to instantaneous flow rate readings (in mL / sec) using a curve fitting calibration function or lookup table (of the flow rate value for each differential pressure reading). In another exemplary embodiment, the flow sensor may be a capacitive pressure drop sensor.

[0088] The heating engine control circuit 2127 is connected to the controller 2105 via GPIO pins. The heating engine control circuit 2127 is configured to control (enable / disable) the heater 336 of the aerosol generating device 10 by controlling the power supplied to the heater 336.

[0089] The controller 2105 can control the aerosol indicator 2135 to indicate the status and / or operation of the aerosol generating device 10 to an adult operator. The aerosol indicator 2135 may be implemented at least partially via a light guide and may also include a power indicator (e.g., an LED) that can be activated when the controller 2105 senses a button pressed by an adult operator. The aerosol indicator 2135 may also include a vibrator, speaker, or other feedback mechanism and may indicate the current state of an aerosol generation parameter (e.g., aerosol volume) controlled by the adult operator.

[0090] Referring further to Figure 8, the controller 2105 can control the power to the heater 336 to heat the aerosol-forming substrate according to a heating profile (e.g., heating based on volume, temperature, flavor, etc.). The heating profile is determined based on empirical data and can be stored in the memory 2130 of the aerosol generating device 100. Exemplary embodiments of the heating profile will be described with reference to Figures 15A to 16B.

[0091] Figure 9 shows an exemplary embodiment of the heater voltage measurement circuit 21252.

[0092] Referring to Figure 9, the heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 includes resistors 3702 and 3704 connected in a voltage divider configuration between a terminal configured to receive the input voltage signal COIL_OUT and ground. The resistances of resistors 3702 and 3704 may be 8.2 kilohms and 3.3 kilohms, respectively. The input voltage signal COIL_OUT is the voltage input to the heater 336 (the voltage at the input terminal of the heater 336). Node N3716 between resistors 3702 and 3704 is connected to the positive input of the operational amplifier (op-amp) 3708. Capacitor 3706 is connected between node N3716 and ground to form a low-pass filter circuit (R / C filter) to stabilize the voltage input to the positive input of the op-amp 3708. For example, the capacitance of capacitor 3706 may be 18 nanofarads. The filter circuit also reduces inaccuracies caused by switching noise from the PWM signal used to energize heater 336, and can have the same phase response / group delay for both current and voltage.

[0093] The heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 further includes resistors 3710 and 3712 and a capacitor 3714. Resistor 3712 is connected between node N3718 and a terminal configured to receive the output voltage signal COIL_RTN, and may have a resistance of, for example, 8.2 kilohms. The output voltage signal COIL_RTN is the voltage output from heater 336 (the voltage at the output terminal of heater 336).

[0094] Resistor 3710 and capacitor 3714 are connected in parallel between node N3718 and the output of operational amplifier 3708. For example, resistor 3710 may have a resistance of 3.3 kilohms, and capacitor 3714 may have a capacitance of 18 nanofarads. The negative input of operational amplifier 3708 is also connected to node N3718. Resistors 3710 and 3712 and capacitor 3714 are connected in a low-pass filter circuit configuration.

[0095] The heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 uses an operational amplifier 3708 to measure the voltage difference between the input voltage signal COIL_OUT and the output voltage signal COIL_RTN, and outputs a scaled heater voltage measurement signal COIL_VOL representing the voltage across the heater 336. The heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 outputs the scaled heater voltage measurement signal COIL_VOL to the ADC pin of the controller 2105 for digital sampling and measurement by the controller 2105.

[0096] The gain of the operational amplifier 3708 can be set based on surrounding passive electrical elements (e.g., resistors and capacitors) to improve the dynamic range of voltage measurement. In one embodiment, the dynamic range of the operational amplifier 3708 can be achieved by scaling the voltage so that the maximum voltage output matches the maximum input range of the ADC (e.g., about 2.5V). In at least one exemplary embodiment, the scaling may be about 402mV per V, and thus the heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 can measure up to about 2.5V / 0.402V = 6.22V.

[0097] The voltage signals COIL_OUT and COIL_RTN are clamped by diodes 3720 and 3722, respectively, to reduce the risk of damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD) events.

[0098] In some exemplary embodiments, a four-wire / Kelvin measurement can be used, and the voltage signals COIL_OUT and COIL_RTN can be measured at the measurement contact point (also called a voltage-sensing connection (rather than the main power contact)) to take into account the contact resistance and bulk resistance of the power interface (e.g., electrical connector) between the heater 336 and the aerosol generating device 100.

[0099] Figure 10 shows an exemplary embodiment of the heater current measurement circuit 21258 shown in Figure 8.

[0100] Referring to Figure 10, the output current signal COIL_RTN_I is input to a 4-terminal (4T) measuring resistor 3802 connected to ground. The differential voltage across the 4-terminal measuring resistor 3802 is scaled by the operational amplifier 3806, which outputs a heater current measurement signal COIL_CUR indicating the current flowing through the heater 336. The heater current measurement signal COIL_CUR is output to the ADC pin of the controller 2105, where the controller 2105 performs digital sampling and measurement of the current flowing through the heater 336.

[0101] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 10, a four-terminal measuring resistor 3802 can be used to reduce errors in current measurements using four-wire / Kelvin current measurement techniques. In this embodiment, noise on the voltage measurement path can be reduced by separating the current measurement path from the voltage measurement path.

[0102] The gain of the operational amplifier 3806 can be set to improve the dynamic range of the measurement. In this embodiment, the scaling of the operational amplifier 3806 is approximately 0.820 V / A, and therefore the heater current measurement circuit 21258 can measure up to approximately 2.5 V / (0.820 V / A) = 3.05 A.

[0103] Referring to Figure 10 in more detail, the first terminal of the four-terminal measuring resistor 3802 is connected to the terminal of the heater 336 to receive the output current signal COIL_RTN_I. The second terminal of the four-terminal measuring resistor 3802 is connected to ground. The third terminal of the four-terminal measuring resistor 3802 is connected to a low-pass filter circuit (R / C filter) including resistor 3804, capacitor 3808, and resistor 3810. For example, the resistance of resistor 3804 may be 100 ohms, the resistance of resistor 3810 may be 8.2 kilohms, and the capacitance of capacitor 3808 may be 3.3 nanofarads.

[0104] The output of the low-pass filter circuit is connected to the positive input of the operational amplifier 3806. The low-pass filter circuit reduces inaccuracies caused by switching noise resulting from the PWM signal applied to energize the heater 336, and furthermore, it can have the same phase response / group delay in both current and voltage.

[0105] The heater current measurement circuit 21258 further includes resistors 3812 and 3814 and capacitor 3816. The resistors 3812 and 3814 and capacitor 3816 are connected in a low-pass filter circuit configuration to the fourth terminal of the four-terminal measuring resistor 3802, the negative input of the operational amplifier 3806, and the output of the operational amplifier 3806, with the output of the low-pass filter circuit connected to the negative input of the operational amplifier 3806. For example, resistors 3812 and 3814 may have resistances of 100 ohms and 8.2 kilohms, respectively, and capacitor 3816 may have a capacitance of 3.3 nanofarads.

[0106] The operational amplifier 3806 outputs a differential voltage as the heater current measurement signal COIL_CUR to the ADC pin of the controller 2105, and the controller 2105 samples and measures the current passing through the heater 336.

[0107] According to at least this exemplary embodiment, the configuration of the heater current measuring circuit 21258 is similar to that of the heater voltage measuring circuit 21252, except that a low-pass filter circuit including resistors 3804 and 3810 and capacitor 3808 is connected to the terminals of the four-terminal measuring resistor 3802, and a low-pass filter circuit including resistors 3812 and 3814 and capacitor 3816 is connected to another terminal of the four-terminal measuring resistor 3802.

[0108] The controller 2105 averages multiple samples (e.g., voltage) over a time window (e.g., approximately 1 ms) corresponding to the "tick" time (control loop iteration time) used by the aerosol generating device 100, and can convert this average into a mathematical representation of the voltage and current across the heater 336 by applying a scaling value. The scaling value can be determined based on the gain setting implemented in each operational amplifier, which may be specific to the hardware of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0109] The controller 2105 can filter the converted voltage and current measurements, for example, by using a three-tap moving average filter to attenuate measurement noise. The controller 2105 then uses the filtered measurements to measure the resistance R of the heater 336. HEATER (R HEATER =COIL_VOL / COIL_CUR), power P applied to heater 336 HEATER (P HEATER It is possible to calculate things like (=COIL_VOL * COIL_CUR).

[0110] According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the gain settings of the passive elements in the circuit shown in Figure 9 and / or Figure 10 can be adjusted to match the output signal range to the input range of the controller 2105.

[0111] Figure 11 shows the electrical system of an aerosol generating device including a separate compensation voltage measurement circuit in one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0112] As shown in Figure 11, the contact interface between the heater 336 and the electrical system 2100 of the aerosol generating device includes a four-wire / Kelvin configuration having an input power contact 6100, an input measurement contact 6200, an output measurement contact 6300, and an output power contact 6400.

[0113] The voltage measurement circuit 21252A receives the measurement voltage COIL_OUT_MEAS at the input measurement contact 6200 and the output measurement voltage COIL_RTN_MEAS at the output measurement contact 6300. The voltage measurement circuit 21252A is the same circuit as the voltage measurement circuit 21252 shown in Figure 9 and outputs a scaled heater voltage measurement signal COIL_VOL. Although COIL_OUT and COIL_RTN are shown in Figure 9, it should be understood that in exemplary embodiments without a separate compensated voltage measurement circuit, the voltage measurement circuit 21252 may receive voltage at the input measurement contact 6200 and output measurement contact 6300 instead of the input power contact 6100 and output power contact 6400.

[0114] The system shown in Figure 11 further includes a compensating voltage measurement circuit 21250. The compensating voltage measurement circuit 21250 is the same as the voltage measurement circuit 21252A, except that it receives the voltage COIL_OUT at the input power contact 6100, the voltage COIL_RTN at the output power contact 6400, and outputs a compensating voltage measurement signal VCOMP.

[0115] The current measurement circuit 21258 receives the output current signal COIL_RTN_I at the output power contact 6400 and outputs the heater current measurement signal COIL_CUR.

[0116] The compensation voltage measurement signal VCOMP can be used to adjust the target power of a heater, as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 151,375, filed on January 18, 2021. The entire contents of that application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0117] Figures 12A to 12C are circuit diagrams showing a heating engine control circuit according to an exemplary embodiment. The heating engine control circuit shown in Figures 12A to 12C is an embodiment of the heating engine control circuit 2127 shown in Figure 8.

[0118] The heating engine control circuit includes a boost converter circuit 7020 (Figure 12A), a first stage 7040 (Figure 12B), and a second stage 7060 (Figure 12C).

[0119] The boost converter circuit 7020 is configured to generate a voltage signal VGATE (e.g., 9V supply) (also called a power signal or input voltage signal) from a voltage source BATT to power the first stage 7040 based on a first power enable signal PWR_EN_VGATE (also called a shutdown signal). The controller may generate the first power enable signal PWR_EN_VGATE to have a logic high level when the aerosol generating device is ready for use. In other words, the first power enable signal PWR_EN_VGATE has a logic high level at least when the controller detects that the capsule is properly connected to the aerosol generating device. In other exemplary embodiments, the first power enable signal PWR_EN_VGATE has a logic high level when the controller detects that the capsule is properly connected to the aerosol generating device AND the controller detects an action such as a button being pressed.

[0120] The first stage 7040 drives the heating engine control circuit 2127 using the input voltage signal VGATE from the boost converter circuit 7020. The first stage 7040 and the second stage 7060 form a buck-boost converter circuit.

[0121] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 12A, the boost converter circuit 7020 generates the input voltage signal VGATE only when a first enable signal PWR_EN_VGATE is asserted (present). The controller 2105 can cut off power to the first stage 7040 of VGATE by deasserting (stopping or terminating) the first enable signal PWR_EN_VGATE. The first enable signal PWR_EN_VGATE may function as a device state power signal to perform an aerosol generation off operation in device 1000. In this embodiment, the controller 2105 can perform an aerosol generation off operation by deasserting the first enable signal PWR_EN_VGATE, thereby disabling power to the first stage 7040, the second stage 7060, and the heater 336. The controller 2105 can then enable aerosol generation in device 1000 by asserting the first enable signal PWR_EN_VGATE again to the boost converter circuit 7020.

[0122] The controller 2105 can generate a first enable signal PWR_EN_VGATE at a logic level so that the boost converter circuit 7020 outputs an input voltage signal VGATE having a high level (9V or approximately 9V) to enable power to the first stage 7040 and heater 336 depending on the aerosol generation conditions in device 1000. The controller 2105 can generate a first enable signal PWR_EN_VGATE at another logic level so that the boost converter circuit 7020 outputs an input voltage signal VGATE having a low level (0V or approximately 0V) to disable power to the first stage 7040 and heater 336, thereby performing a heater-off operation.

[0123] Referring more closely to the boost converter circuit 7020 in Figure 12A, capacitor C36 is connected between the voltage source BATT and ground. Capacitor C36 may have a capacitance of 10 microfarads.

[0124] The first terminal of inductor L1006 is connected to node Node1 between the voltage source BATT and capacitor C36. Inductor L1006 functions as the main storage element of the boost converter circuit 7020. Inductor L1006 may have an inductance of 10 microhenries.

[0125] Node1 is connected to the voltage input pin A1 of the boost converter chip U11. In some exemplary embodiments, the boost converter chip may be the TPS61046.

[0126] The second terminal of inductor L1006 is connected to the switch pin SW of boost converter chip U11. The enable pin EN of boost converter chip U11 is configured to receive the first enable signal PWR_EN_VGATE from controller 2105.

[0127] In the embodiment shown in Figure 12A, the boost converter chip U11 functions as the main switching element of the boost converter circuit 7020.

[0128] Resistor R53 is connected between the enable pin EN of the booster converter chip U11 and ground and functions as a pull-down resistor to ensure that heater 336 does not operate when the first enable signal PWR_EN_GATE is in an undefined state. Resistor R53 may have a resistance of 100 kilohms in some exemplary embodiments.

[0129] The voltage output pin VOUT of the boost converter chip U11 is connected to the first terminal of resistor R49 and the first terminal of capacitor C58. The second terminal of capacitor C58 is connected to ground. The voltage output from the voltage output pin VOUT is the input voltage signal VGATE.

[0130] The second terminal of resistor R49 and the first terminal of resistor R51 are connected at the second node Node2. The second node Node2 is connected to the feedback pin FB of the booster converter chip U11. The booster converter chip U11 is configured to generate an input voltage signal VGATE of approximately 9V using the ratio of the resistance of resistor R49 to the resistance of resistor R51. In some exemplary embodiments, resistor R49 may have a resistance of 680 kilohms and resistor R51 may have a resistance of 66.5 kilohms.

[0131] Capacitors C36 and C58 act as smoothing capacitors and may have capacitances of 10 microfarads and 4.7 microfarads, respectively. Inductor L1006 may have an inductance selected based on the desired output voltage (e.g., 9V).

[0132] Referring to Figure 12B, the first stage 7040 receives the input voltage signal VGATE and the second enable signal COIL_Z. The second enable signal is a pulse-width modulated (PWM) signal and is input to the first stage 7040.

[0133] The first stage 7040 includes, in particular, an integrated gate driver U6 configured to convert a small current signal from the controller 2105 into a large current signal to control the switching of the transistors of the first stage 7040. The integrated gate driver U6 is also configured to convert a voltage level from the controller 2105 into the voltage level required for the transistors of the first stage 7040. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 12B, the integrated gate driver U6 is a half-bridge driver. However, the exemplary embodiment should not be limited to this embodiment.

[0134] More specifically, the input voltage signal VGATE from the boost converter circuit 7020 is input to the first stage 7040 via a filter circuit including a resistor R22 and a capacitor C32. The resistor R22 has a resistance of 10 ohms, and the capacitor C32 may have a capacitance of 1 microfarad.

[0135] A filter circuit including resistor R22 and capacitor C32 is connected at node Node3 to the VCC pin (pin 4) of the integrated gate driver U6 and the anode of Zener diode D2. The second terminal of capacitor C32 is connected to ground. The anode of Zener diode D2 is connected at node Node7 to the first terminal of capacitor C32 and the boost pin BST (pin 1) of the integrated gate driver U6. The second terminal of capacitor C31 is connected to the switching node pin SWN (pin 7) of the integrated gate driver U6 and lies between transistors Q2 and Q3 at node Node8. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 12B, the Zener diode D2 and capacitor C31 form part of a bootstrap charge pump circuit connected between the input voltage pin VCC and the boost pin BST of the integrated gate driver U6. Since capacitor C31 is connected to the input voltage signal VGATE from the boost converter circuit 7020, capacitor C31 is charged to a voltage approximately equal to the input voltage signal VGATE via diode D2. Capacitor C31 may have a capacitance of 220 nanofarads.

[0136] Referring further to Figure 12B, resistor R25 is connected between the high-side gate driver pin DRVH (pin 8) and the switching node pin SWN (pin 7). The first terminal of resistor R29 is connected to the low-side gate driver pin DRVL at node Node 9. The second terminal of resistor R29 is connected to ground.

[0137] The resistor R23 and capacitor C33 form a filter circuit connected to the input pin IN (pin 2) of the integrated gate driver U6. The filter circuit is configured to remove high-frequency noise from the second heater enable signal COIL_Z input, which is input to input pin IN. The second heater enable signal COIL_Z is a PWM signal from the controller 2105. Therefore, the filter circuit is designed to remove the high-frequency components of the PWM square wave pulse train, slightly shortening the rise and fall times of the square wave edges so that the transistor is gradually turned on / off.

[0138] Resistor R24 ​​is connected to the filter circuit and input pin IN at node Node10. Resistor R24 ​​is used as a pull-down resistor, and when the second heater enable signal COIL_Z is floating (or undefined), the input pin IN of the integrated gate driver U6 is held at a logic low level to prevent heater 336 from operating.

[0139] The resistor R30 and capacitor C37 form a filter circuit connected to pin OD (pin 3) of the integrated gate driver U6. The filter circuit is configured to remove high-frequency noise from the input voltage signal VGATE input to pin OD.

[0140] Resistor R31 is connected to the filter circuit and pin OD at node Node11. Resistor R31 is used as a pull-down resistor, and when the input voltage signal VGATE is floating (or undefined), pin OD of the integrated gate driver U6 is held at a logic low level to prevent heater 336 from operating. The signal output from the filter circuit formed by resistor R30 and capacitor C37 is called the filtered signal GATEON. R30 and R31 also act as a splitter, splitting the signal VGATE to approximately 2.5V for input to the transistor driver chip.

[0141] Transistors Q2 and Q3, which are field-effect transistors (FETs), are connected in series between the voltage source BATT and ground. In addition, the first terminal of inductor L3 is connected to the voltage source BATT. The second terminal of inductor L3 is connected to the first terminal of capacitor C30 and the drain of transistor Q2 at node 12. The second terminal of capacitor C30 is connected to ground. Inductor L3 and capacitor C30 form a filter to reduce and / or prevent transient spikes from the voltage source BATT.

[0142] The gate of transistor Q3 is connected to the low-side gate driver pin DRVL (pin 5) of the integrated gate driver U6, the drain of transistor Q3 is connected to the switching node pin SWN (pin 7) of the integrated gate driver U6 at node Node 8, and the source of transistor Q3 is connected to ground (GND). When the low-side gate drive signal output from the low-side gate driver pin DRVL is high, transistor Q3 enters a low-impedance state (ON) and connects node Node 8 to ground.

[0143] As mentioned above, capacitor C31 is connected to the input voltage signal VGATE from the boost converter circuit 7020, so capacitor C31 is charged via diode D2 to a voltage equal to or substantially equal to the input voltage signal VGATE.

[0144] When the low-side gate drive signal output from the low-side gate driver pin DRVL is low, transistor Q3 switches to a high-impedance state (OFF), and the high-side gate driver pin DRVH (pin 8) is internally connected to the boost pin BST in the integrated gate driver U6. As a result, transistor Q2 is in a low-impedance state (ON), thereby connecting the switching node SWN to the voltage source BATT and pulling the switching node SWN (Node 8) to the voltage of the voltage source BATT.

[0145] In this case, node Node7 is raised to a bootstrap voltage V(BST) ≈ V(VGATE) + V(BATT), and the gate-source voltage of transistor Q2 becomes the same as, or substantially the same as, the input voltage signal VGATE (e.g., V(VGATE)), regardless of (or independently of) the voltage from the voltage source BATT. The circuit configuration ensures that the BST voltage does not change even if the voltage source voltage drops, i.e., that the transistor switches efficiently even if the voltage source BATT changes.

[0146] As a result, the switching node SWN (Node 8) provides a signal switched to a high current that can be used to generate a voltage output to the second stage 7060 (and a voltage output to the heater 336). The voltage output has a maximum value equal to that of the battery voltage source BATT, but is otherwise substantially independent of the voltage output from the battery voltage source BATT.

[0147] The first terminal of capacitor C34 and the anode of Zener diode D4 are connected to the output terminal of the second stage 7060 at node Node13. Capacitor C34 and resistor R28 are connected in series. The second terminal of capacitor C34 and the first terminal of resistor R28 are connected. The cathode of Zener diode D4 and the second terminal of resistor R28 are connected to ground.

[0148] Capacitor C34, Zener diode D4, and resistor R28 form a back EMF (electric and magnetic field) protection circuit to prevent energy from inductor L4 (shown in Figure 7C) from returning to the first stage 7040.

[0149] Resistor R25 is connected between the gate of transistor Q2 and the drain of transistor Q3. Resistor R25 acts as a pull-down resistor to ensure that transistor Q2 switches to high impedance more reliably.

[0150] The output of the first stage 7040 is substantially independent of the voltage source voltage and is below the voltage source voltage. When the second heater enable signal COIL_Z is 100% PWM, transistor Q2 is always operating, and the output of the first stage 7040 is the voltage source voltage or substantially the voltage source voltage.

[0151] Figure 12C shows the second stage 7060. The second stage 7060 boosts the voltage of the output signal from the first stage 7040. More specifically, when the second heater enable signal COIL_Z is at a constant logic high level, the third enable signal COIL_X is activated and can boost the output of the first stage 7040. The third enable signal COIL_X is a PWM signal from the controller 2105. The controller 2105 controls the pulse width of the third enable signal COIL_X to boost the output of the first stage 7040 and generate the input voltage signal COIL_OUT. When the third enable signal COIL_X is at a constant low logic level, the output of the second stage 7060 becomes the output of the first stage 7040.

[0152] The second stage 7060 receives the input voltage signal VGATE, the third enable signal COIL_X, and the filtered signal GATEON.

[0153] The second stage 7060 includes, in particular, an integrated gate driver U7 configured to convert a small current signal from the controller 2105 into a large current signal to control the switching of the transistors of the second stage 7060. The integrated gate driver U7 is also configured to convert a voltage level from the controller 2105 into the voltage level required for the transistors of the second stage 7060. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 12B, the integrated gate driver U7 is a half-bridge driver. However, the exemplary embodiment should not be limited to this embodiment.

[0154] More specifically, the input voltage signal VGATE from the boost converter circuit 7020 is input to the second stage 7060 via a filter circuit including a resistor R18 and a capacitor C28. The resistor R18 has a resistance of 10 ohms, and the capacitor C28 may have a capacitance of 1 microfarad.

[0155] The filter circuit, including resistor R18 and capacitor C28, is connected at node 14 to the VCC pin (pin 4) of the integrated gate driver U7 and the anode of Zener diode D1. The second terminal of capacitor C28 is connected to ground. The anode of Zener diode D2 is connected at node 15 to the first terminal of capacitor C27 and the boost pin BST (pin 1) of the integrated gate driver U7. The second terminal of capacitor C27 is connected to the switching node pin SWN (pin 7) of the integrated gate driver U7, and is located between transistors Q1 and Q4 at node 16.

[0156] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 12C, the Zener diode D1 and capacitor C27 form part of a bootstrap charge pump circuit connected between the input voltage pin VCC and the boost pin BST of the integrated gate driver U7. Since capacitor C27 is connected to the input voltage signal VGATE from the boost converter circuit 7020, capacitor C27 is charged via diode D1 to a voltage approximately equal to the input voltage signal VGATE. Capacitor C31 may have a capacitance of 220 nanofarads.

[0157] Referring further to Figure 12C, resistor R21 is connected between the high-side gate driver pin DRVH (pin 8) and the switching node pin SWN (pin 7). The gate of transistor Q4 is connected to the low-side gate driver pin DRVL (pin 5) of the integrated date driver U7.

[0158] The first terminal of inductor L4 is connected to the output of the first stage 7040, and the second terminal of inductor L4 is connected to node Node 16. Inductor L4 functions as the primary energy storage element for the output of the first stage 7040. In exemplary operation, when the integrated gate driver U7 outputs a low-level signal from the low-side gate driver pin DRVL (pin 5), transistor Q4 switches to a low-impedance state (ON), thereby allowing current to flow through inductor L4 and transistor Q4. This stores energy in inductor L4, and the current increases linearly over time. The current in the inductor is proportional to the transistor's switching frequency (controlled by the third heater enable signal COIL_X).

[0159] The resistor R10 and capacitor C29 form a filter circuit connected to the input pin IN (pin 2) of the integrated gate driver U7. The filter circuit is configured to remove high-frequency noise from the third heater enable signal COIL_X input to input pin IN.

[0160] Resistor R20 is connected to the filter circuit and input pin IN at node Node17. Resistor R20 is used as a pull-down resistor, and when the third heater enable signal COIL_X is floating (or undefined), the input pin IN of the integrated gate driver U7 is held at a logic low level to prevent heater 336 from operating.

[0161] The resistor R30 and capacitor C37 form a filter circuit connected to pin OD (pin 3) of the integrated gate driver U6. The filter circuit is configured to remove high-frequency noise from the input voltage signal VGATE input to pin OD.

[0162] Pin OD of the integrated gate driver U7 receives the filtered signal GATEON.

[0163] Transistors Q1 and Q4 are field-effect transistors (FETs). The gate of transistor Q1 and the first terminal of resistor R21 are connected to the high-side gate driver pin DRVH (pin 8) of the integrated gate driver U7 at node 18.

[0164] The source of transistor Q1 is connected at node Node16 to the second terminal of resistor R21, the anode of Zener diode D3, the drain of transistor Q4, the first terminal of capacitor C35, the second terminal of capacitor C27, and the switching node pin SWN (pin 7) of integrated gate driver U7.

[0165] The gate of transistor Q4 is connected at node 19 to the low-side gate driver pin DRVL (pin 5) of the integrated gate driver U7 and to the first terminal of resistor R27. The source of transistor Q4 and the second terminal of resistor R27 are connected to ground.

[0166] The second terminal of capacitor C35 is connected to the first terminal of resistor R29. The second terminal of resistor R29 is connected to ground.

[0167] The drain of transistor Q1 is connected at node Node 20 to the first terminal of capacitor C36, the cathode of Zener diode D3, and the cathode of Zener diode D5. The second terminal of capacitor C36 and the anode of Zener diode D5 are connected to ground. The output terminal 7065 of the second stage 7060 is connected to node Node 20 and outputs the input voltage signal COIL_OUT. The output terminal 7065 functions as the output of the heating engine control circuit 2127.

[0168] Capacitor C35 may also be a smoothing capacitor, and the inrush current is limited by the resistor. Zener diode D3 is a blocking diode that prevents the voltage at node Node20 from being released into capacitor C35. Capacitor C36 is an output capacitor charged by the second stage 7060 (and also reduces the ripple of COIL_OUT), and Zener diode D5 is an ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection diode.

[0169] When the low-side gate drive signal output from the low-side gate driver pin DRVL is high, transistor Q4 enters a low-impedance state (ON), connecting node Node16 to ground and increasing the energy stored in the magnetic field of inductor L4.

[0170] As mentioned above, capacitor C27 is connected to the input voltage signal VGATE from the boost converter circuit 7020, so capacitor C27 is charged via diode D1 to a voltage equal to or substantially equal to the input voltage signal VGATE.

[0171] When the low-side gate drive signal output from the low-side gate driver pin DRVL is low, transistor Q4 switches to a high-impedance state (OFF), and the high-side gate driver pin DRVH (pin 8) is internally connected to the bootstrap pin BST in the integrated gate driver U7. As a result, transistor Q1 enters a low-impedance state (ON), and the switching node SWN is connected to inductor L4.

[0172] In this case, node 15 is raised to the bootstrap voltage V(BST) ≈ V(VGATE) + V(INDUCTOR), and the gate-source voltage of transistor Q1 becomes equal to or substantially equal to the input voltage signal VGATE (e.g., V(VGATE)), regardless of (or independently of) the voltage from inductor L4. Since the second stage 7060 is a boost circuit, the bootstrap voltage is also called the boost voltage.

[0173] The switching node SWN (Node8) is connected to the inductor voltage, the output capacitor C36 is charged, and it generates a voltage output signal COIL_OUT (voltage output to heater 336) which is substantially independent of the voltage output from the first stage 7040.

[0174] Figures 13A and 13B show a method for controlling a heater in a non-flammable aerosol generating device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0175] Many non-flammable devices utilize preheating of organic materials (e.g., tobacco) before use. Preheating is used to raise the temperature of the material to the point where the compound of interest begins to volatilize, ensuring that the appropriate volume and composition of aerosol is contained within the first negative pressure applied by an adult operator.

[0176] In at least some exemplary embodiments, applied energy is used as a basis for controlling the heater during preheating. Using applied energy to control the heater improves the quality and consistency of the first negative pressure applied by an adult operator. In contrast, time and temperature are typically used as a basis for controlling preheating.

[0177] The methods shown in Figures 13A to 13B may be implemented in the controller 2105. In one embodiment, the methods shown in Figures 13A to 13B may be implemented as part of a device manager finite state machine (FSM) software implementation executed in the controller 2105.

[0178] As shown in Figure 13A, this method includes raising the heater temperature to the preheating temperature in S1300. The controller can raise the heater temperature to the preheating temperature by first applying maximum power. Figure 13B further illustrates an exemplary embodiment of S1300.

[0179] As shown in Figure 13B, in S1320, the controller detects that a capsule has been inserted into the aerosol generating device. In some exemplary embodiments, the controller obtains a signal from an on / off switch connected to a door shown in Figures 1-2 and 4-5. In other exemplary embodiments, the aerosol generating device further (or alternatively) includes a capsule detection switch. The capsule detection switch detects whether the capsule is properly inserted (e.g., the capsule detection switch is pressed / closed when the capsule is properly inserted). If the capsule is properly inserted, the controller can generate a signal PWR_EN_VGATE (shown in Figure 12A) as a logic high level. In addition, the controller may perform a heater continuity check to determine that the capsule is inserted and that the heater resistance is within a specified range (e.g., ±20%).

[0180] After the capsule is inserted (detected by a switch) and / or when the aerosol generating device 100 is turned on (e.g., by pressing a button), the heater 336 may be powered for a short duration (approximately 50 ms) by a low-power signal (approximately 1 W) from the heating engine control circuit, and the resistance can be calculated from the voltage and current measured during this energy impulse. If the measured resistance is within the specified range (e.g., nominal 2100 mΩ ± 20%), the capsule is considered acceptable and the system proceeds with aerosol generation.

[0181] The low power and short duration are intended to provide minimal heating to the capsule (to prevent any aerosol generation).

[0182] When the controller detects that a capsule has been inserted in S1320, it retrieves operating parameters from memory. These operating parameters include the maximum power level (P maxThe operating parameters may include values ​​that identify the preheating temperature and preheating energy threshold. For example, the operating parameters may be predetermined based on empirical data, or they may be adjusted based on measurements obtained from the capsule (e.g., voltage and current). However, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. In addition or alternatively, the operating parameters may include different preheating temperatures for subsequent instances of a multi-instance device. For example, the controller may obtain operating parameters for the initial instance and operating parameters for a second subsequent instance. In addition, the controller sets the puff count (e.g., the number of instances where the negative pressure exceeds the threshold / the number of puffs detected) to zero.

[0183] In S1325, the controller determines whether preheating has been initiated. In some exemplary embodiments, the controller may initiate preheating upon receiving input from the on-product control unit indicating that the user has pressed a button to initiate preheating. In some exemplary embodiments, this button may be different from the button that powers on the aerosol generating device, and in other exemplary embodiments, this button may be the same as the button that powers on the aerosol generating device. In other exemplary embodiments, preheating may be initiated based on another input, such as sensing an airflow above a threshold level, device movement (e.g., sensed by an accelerometer), or sensing capsule insertion. In other exemplary embodiments, the on-product control unit may allow an adult operator to select one or more temperature profiles (operating parameters associated with each temperature profile are stored in memory).

[0184] If the controller determines that preheating has not started, the method proceeds to S1330, where the controller determines whether the off-timer has elapsed. If the off-timer has not elapsed, the method returns to S1330. If the controller determines that the off-timer has elapsed, it causes the aerosol generating device to display an "off" state and turns off the power in S1335. The off-timer is started when the detected airflow falls below a threshold level. The off-timer is used to display an "off" state based on a period of inactivity, such as 15 minutes. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited to 15 minutes. For example, the duration of the off-timer may be 2 minutes or 10 minutes.

[0185] In S1325, if the controller determines that preheating has started (for example, by detecting input from the on-product control unit), in S1340, it obtains the operating parameters associated with the input from the on-product control unit from memory. In the embodiment, if the aerosol generation instance is not the initial instance of the capsule, the controller can obtain the operating parameters associated with the instance number. For example, memory can store different temperature targets based on the instance number and / or puff count (for example, different temperature targets for each of multiple instance numbers) and different target energy levels to be used for preheating based on the instance number.

[0186] The first instance occurs when the controller starts the preheating algorithm for the first time after detecting that a capsule has been removed and a capsule has been inserted. Furthermore, the instance number is incremented if the instance times out (e.g., after 8 minutes) or if the user switches off the device during the instance.

[0187] Once the operating parameters are obtained in S1340, the controller can cause the aerosol generating device to display an indication via the aerosol indicator that preheating has started.

[0188] In S1345, the controller ramps up the heater to the maximum available power (via the VGATE, COIL_Z, and COIL_X signals provided to the heating engine control circuit 2127) (for example, the controller provides a maximum available power of 10W within 200ms). More specifically, the controller requests maximum power but ramps up to it to reduce the instantaneous load on the power supply. In exemplary embodiments, the maximum available power is a value set based on the battery capacity to minimize overshoot so that the aerosol-forming substrate is not burned by the heater (i.e., how much energy can be put into the aerosol-forming substrate without burning). The maximum available power can be set based on empirical evidence and may be 10-15W. In S1345, the controller provides the maximum available power until it determines that it is approaching the heater's preheating temperature (e.g., 280°C). While 280°C is used as an exemplary preheating temperature for the heater, it should be understood that exemplary embodiments are not limited to this. For example, the preheating temperature of a heater may be less than 400°C, such as 350°C. Furthermore, the preheating temperature may be based on the material in the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0189] The controller can determine the heater temperature using the voltage measured from the heater voltage measurement circuit (e.g., COIL_VOL) and the voltage measured from the compensation voltage measurement circuit, and can also determine the current measured from the heater current measurement circuit (e.g., COIL_RTN_I). The controller may also determine the temperature of heater 336 in any known way (e.g., based on a relatively linear relationship between the resistance of heater 336 and its temperature).

[0190] Furthermore, the controller uses the measured current COIL_RTN_I and the measured voltage COIL_RTN to determine the resistance of heater 336, heater resistor R Heatercan be determined (e.g., using Ohm's law or other known methods). For example, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the controller divides the measured voltage COIL_RTN (or the compensated voltage VCOMP) by the measured current COIL_RTN_I to obtain the heater resistance R Heater and can be set as such.

[0191] In some exemplary embodiments, the voltage COIL_RTN measured at the measurement contact for resistance calculation can be used for temperature control.

[0192] For example, the controller 2105 can determine (i.e., estimate) the temperature using the following formula: R Heater =R0[1 + □(T - T0)] where □ is the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) value of the heater material, R0 is the starting resistance, T0 is the starting temperature, R Heater is the determined value of the current resistance, and T is the estimated temperature.

[0193] The starting resistance R0 is stored in the memory 2130 by the controller 2105 during preheating. More specifically, the controller 2105 can measure the starting resistance R0 when the power applied to the heater 336 reaches a value at which the influence of measurement error on temperature calculation is reduced. For example, the controller 2105 can measure the starting resistance R0 when the power supplied to the heater 336 is 1 W (the resistance measurement error is less than about 1%). However, such a wattage for measuring the starting resistance R0 is not limited to 1 W.

[0194] The starting temperature T0 is the ambient temperature at the time when the controller 2105 measures the starting resistance R0. The controller 2105 can determine the starting temperature T0 using an on-board thermistor or any temperature measurement device that measures the starting temperature T0. In other exemplary embodiments, the starting temperature T0 may be a fixed value such as 25 °C.

[0195] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, a measurement interval of 10 ms (milliseconds) can be used for measurements from the heater current measurement circuit 21258 and the heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 (as this may be the maximum sample rate). However, in at least one other exemplary embodiment, a measurement interval of 1 ms (the system's tick rate) can be used for resistance-based heater measurements.

[0196] In other exemplary embodiments, determining the heater temperature value may involve obtaining the heater temperature value from a lookup table (LUT) based on the determined resistance. In some exemplary embodiments, a LUT indexed by the change in resistance relative to the starting resistance can be used.

[0197] The LUT can store multiple temperature values ​​corresponding to multiple heater resistances. The obtained heater temperature value may be the temperature value corresponding to the determined resistance from among the multiple temperature values ​​stored in the LUT.

[0198] Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 100 can store a lookup table (LUT) (for example, in memory 2130) that stores multiple heater resistance values ​​as indices for multiple corresponding heater temperature values ​​(these are also stored in the LUT). As a result, the controller uses a predetermined heater resistance R as an index in the LUT to identify (for example, look up) the corresponding heater temperature T from among the heater temperatures stored in the LUT. Heater The current temperature of heater 336 can be estimated using this method.

[0199] When the controller determines that the target preheating temperature is approaching, it begins to reduce the power supplied to the heater to avoid temperature overshoot.

[0200] The proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller (shown in Figure 14) applies proportional control based on the error signal (i.e., the target temperature minus the currently determined temperature). As the error signal decreases towards zero, the controller 2105 begins to reduce the applied power (this is largely controlled by the proportional term (P) of the PID controller, but the integral term (I) and the derivative term also contribute).

[0201] The P, I, and D values ​​balance each other's overshoot, delay time, and steady-state error, controlling how the PID controller adjusts its output. The P, I, and D values ​​can be derived empirically or through simulation.

[0202] Figure 14 shows a block diagram illustrating a temperature heating engine control algorithm according to at least some exemplary embodiments.

[0203] Referring to Figure 14, the temperature heating engine control algorithm 900 uses a PID controller 970 to control the amount of power applied to the heating engine control circuit 2127 to achieve a desired temperature. For example, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, as will be discussed in more detail below, the temperature heating engine control algorithm 900 includes obtaining a determined temperature value 974 (e.g., determined as described above), obtaining a target temperature value 976 (e.g., preheating temperature, first heating temperature, second heating temperature, etc.) from memory 2130, and controlling the level of power supplied to the heater by a PID controller (e.g., PID controller 970) based on the determined heater temperature value and the target temperature value.

[0204] Furthermore, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the target temperature 976 functions as a setpoint (i.e., a temperature setpoint) of a PID control loop controlled by the PID controller 970. In some exemplary embodiments, each puff is associated with a temperature setpoint. After a puff is detected, the controller can heat the heater to the target temperature associated with the subsequent puff before the subsequent puff occurs.

[0205] As a result, the PID controller 970 continuously adjusts the level of the power control signal 972 to control the power waveform 930 (i.e., COIL_X and COIL_Z) output to the heating engine control circuit 2127 by the power level setting operation 944, so that the difference (e.g., the magnitude of the difference) between the target temperature 976 and the determined temperature 974 becomes smaller or minimized. The difference between the target temperature 976 and the determined temperature 974 can also be considered as the error value that the PID controller 970 tries to reduce or minimize.

[0206] For example, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the power level setting operation 944 outputs a power waveform 930 such that the level of the power waveform 930 is controlled by the power control signal 972. The heating engine control circuit 2127 increases or decreases the amount of power supplied to the heater 336 by the power supply 1234 in proportion to the increase or decrease in the magnitude of the power level of the power level waveform output to the heating engine control circuit 2127. As a result, by controlling the power control signal 972, the PID controller 970 controls the level of power supplied to the heater 336 (e.g., by the power supply 1234) such that the magnitude of the difference between the target temperature value (e.g., target temperature 976) and the determined temperature value (e.g., determined temperature 974) is reduced or minimized.

[0207] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the PID controller 970 may operate according to known PID control methods. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the PID controller 970 can generate two or more terms from among proportional terms (P), integral terms (I), and differential terms (D), and the PID controller 970 can use these two or more terms to adjust or correct the power control signal 972 according to known methods. In some exemplary embodiments, the same PID settings can be used for the initial heating phase and the subsequent heating phase. The preheating phase can be considered as the period during which heating occurs before the first puff is detected, and the heating phase can be considered as the time from the end of one puff to the beginning of the subsequent puff.

[0208] In some exemplary embodiments, the PID terms may differ in the preheating phase, the temperature phase, and the puffing phase. For example, in the preheating phase and the subsequent heating phase, the P term may be 100, the I term 0, and the D term 0. In the puffing phase, the P term may be 500, the I term 1, and the D term 0.

[0209] In other exemplary embodiments, different PID settings may be used for each phase (for example, if the temperature targets used for the initial heating phase and the subsequent heating phase are substantially different). For example, the PID settings can be changed as the aerosol-forming substrate in the capsule is depleted (for example, the P term can be reduced).

[0210] Figures 15B and 16B illustrate an embodiment in which the level of the power waveform 930 can change over time as the PID controller 970 continuously corrects the power control signal 972 provided to the power level setting operation 944. Figures 15B and 16B show exemplary ways in which the level of the power waveform 930 can change as the target temperature and energy threshold are reached. The power in Figures 15B and 16B is COIL_VOL*COIL_CUR.

[0211] In Figures 15B and 16B, as the temperature approaches the setpoint, the PID loop begins to reduce the applied power from a power jump, which reduces the overshoot of the target temperature.

[0212] Figures 15B and 16B will be discussed in more detail below.

[0213] Referring again to Figure 13B, in S1350, the controller determines the estimated energy delivered to the heater during the process of heating the heater to the preheating temperature.

[0214] As shown in Figure 13B and as previously discussed, the controller controls the power supplied to the heater in S1345. In S1350, the controller determines whether the estimated energy applied to the heater has reached the preheating energy threshold. More specifically, the controller estimates the energy delivered to the heater by integrating (or summing samples of) the power delivered to the heater since preheating began. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller determines the power applied to the heater every millisecond (power = COIL_VOL * COIL_CUR) and uses this determined power as part of the integration (or summation).

[0215] If the controller determines that the preheating energy threshold has not been met, the method continues to monitor the preheating energy in S1350.

[0216] In some exemplary embodiments, when the controller determines that the applied energy has reached a preheating energy threshold (e.g., 75 J), it may cause the aerosol generating device to output a preheating complete indicator via an aerosol indicator to inform an adult user that preheating is complete.

[0217] Referring to both Figures 13A and 13B, in S1305, the controller reduces the heater temperature to a first target heating temperature. The first target heating temperature (i.e., the first temperature setpoint) is associated with a puff count of zero.

[0218] To heat the heater to a first target heating temperature, the controller reduces the power supplied to the heater using the temperature control algorithm described in Figure 14. The first target heating temperature is a different temperature setpoint from the target preheating temperature.

[0219] In some exemplary embodiments, when the controller determines that the heater has reached or fallen below a first target heating temperature plus an offset (e.g., a first temperature setpoint plus 5%), the aerosol generating device outputs a ready-to-use indicator via an aerosol indicator to indicate to an adult user that the device is ready for use. In some exemplary embodiments, a preheating complete indicator is output, followed by a ready-to-use indicator. In other exemplary embodiments, the aerosol generating device outputs a ready-to-use indicator but does not output a preheating complete indicator.

[0220] An adult operator can initiate aerosol generation after the preheating temperature target has been reached. More specifically, the controller 2105 can detect the negative pressure applied by the adult operator and, once the preheating temperature target is reached, initiate aerosol generation (i.e., supply power to the heater so that it reaches a temperature sufficient to generate aerosols).

[0221] During operation, the airflow sensor detects the airflow.

[0222] In S1355, the controller monitors the input from the airflow sensor to determine whether the detected airflow exceeds a first airflow threshold. An airflow exceeding the first airflow threshold indicates that puffing is occurring. If the controller determines that the detected airflow does not exceed the first airflow threshold, in S1357, it determines whether the threshold time has elapsed and the device enters shutdown (also called sleep) mode or idle mode. If the threshold time has not elapsed, the process returns to S1355, and the controller continues to control the heater temperature according to the temperature target.

[0223] In the embodiment shown in Figure 13B, time is used to determine whether to turn off the aerosol generating device and / or put it into idle mode, but it should be understood that other criteria may be used. For example, the controller may decide to stop aerosol generation after a threshold time or instance energy consumption occurs that exceeds a threshold negative pressure. Furthermore, it should be understood that a pressure value and threshold may be used instead of an airflow value and threshold.

[0224] The airflow sensor provides measurements to the controller 2105 every 20 ms. The controller uses threshold detection, which averages several samples (e.g., seven samples), to reduce noise. For example, the controller averages several sample values ​​from the airflow sensor and determines whether the average exceeds a first airflow threshold (e.g., 1 ml / sec).

[0225] In some exemplary embodiments, the controller determines that sufficient negative pressure is applied to the aerosol generating device to initiate an aerosol generating event (i.e., a puff) when the detected airflow is equal to a first threshold, while in other exemplary embodiments, the controller determines that sufficient negative pressure is not applied to the aerosol generating device to initiate an aerosol generating event when the detected airflow is equal to a first threshold.

[0226] In S1355, if the controller determines that the detected airflow exceeds a first threshold, it increases the puff count and reduces the power supply to the heater. In some exemplary embodiments, the controller stops supplying power to the heater when the end of a puff is detected. For example, the controller may set the PWM set duty cycle to zero for a certain period (e.g., predetermined) when the end of a puff is detected, even if the target power is above zero. After the period, the controller then controls the PWM according to the target power associated with the temperature setpoint. In embodiments, the period may be 1 ms, but is not limited to this.

[0227] The process proceeds to S1360. In S1360, the controller determines whether the puff count is equal to the maximum puff count (i.e., the last puff). If the controller determines that the puff count is equal to the maximum puff count, it cuts off power to the heater in S1370 and turns off the device in S1335.

[0228] Figure 13C shows an alternative embodiment using separate timers for idle mode and power-off mode. The timer used in S1357 may be called the first timer, and the timer used for idle mode may be called the second timer. Both the first and second timers can be activated when capsule insertion is detected in S1320.

[0229] If no puff is detected in S1355, the controller determines whether the second timer has expired. The second timer may be a fixed time (e.g., 60 seconds). In some exemplary embodiments, the fixed period of the second timer may be a time calculated by the controller based on previous usage patterns (e.g., at least one of the longest measured time to the first puff, the longest puff interval, or the longest time the device is idle). If the second timer has not expired, the controller continues to monitor whether a puff has been detected in S1355.

[0230] If the controller determines that the second timer has expired, it puts the device into idle mode by lowering the heater temperature to the idle temperature setpoint in S1392. The idle temperature setpoint is a temperature setting to preserve volatile contents in the capsule and reduce battery consumption. The idle temperature setpoint may be a fixed value (e.g., 120°C). In some exemplary embodiments, the idle temperature setpoint is a ratio of the current temperature setpoint associated with the puff count (e.g., 50% of the temperature setpoint associated with the puff count) or a fixed offset to the current temperature setpoint associated with the puff count (e.g., 100°C lower than the temperature setpoint associated with the puff count). When the idle temperature setpoint is based on the current temperature setpoint associated with the puff count, the device takes into account the current usage state of the capsule (i.e., if the capsule is partially depleted, a higher idle temperature setting is used).

[0231] In S1357, the controller determines whether the first timer has expired. If the first timer has expired, in S1370 the controller cuts off power to the heater. If the controller determines that the first timer has not expired, in S1394 it determines whether any activity associated with the device has been detected.

[0232] Activity may be detected by a motion sensor such as an accelerometer, or by a change in pressure or rate of change in pressure measured by an ambient pressure sensor. In some exemplary embodiments, activity may be the initiation of a puff, the movement of the device, or the activation of a button. The motion sensor may be a change in pressure or rate of change in pressure measured by an accelerometer or an ambient pressure sensor. Detected activity may be the initiation of a puff, the movement of the device, the activation of a button, or connection to a charger.

[0233] If no activity is detected, the controller returns to S1357. If activity is detected, in S1396, the controller raises the heater temperature to the temperature setpoint (i.e., the temperature setpoint associated with the puff count) when the device enters idle mode and resets the second timer. Then, in S1355, the controller monitors whether a puff has occurred.

[0234] It should be understood that when the controller detects a puff or activity (as described above with reference to S1394), the controller resets the second timer. Consequently, in S1355, the controller resets the second timer if it detects a puff.

[0235] Referring again to Figure 13B, if the puff count in S1360 is less than the maximum puff count, the controller waits in S1373 until the puff ends (for example, when the measured airflow falls below the airflow threshold indicating that no more puffs are occurring), and in S1375 determines the temperature setpoint associated with the puff count. It should be understood that the airflow threshold indicating the start of a puff and the airflow threshold indicating the end of a puff may be the same or different, as described in U.S. Application No. 17 / 151,409, filed on January 18, 2021. The entire contents of that application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0236] If the current temperature setpoint is associated with a puff count, the controller does not change the temperature setpoint, and the method returns to S1355. If the temperature setpoint associated with the puff count is not the current temperature setpoint, in S1380, the controller changes the current temperature setpoint to the temperature setpoint associated with the puff count and heats the heater according to the temperature setpoint associated with the subsequent puff. The puff count may be managed as disclosed in application No. 17 / 947,334, filed on 19 September 2022. The entire contents of that application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0237] Next, the method returns to S1355.

[0238] The LUT can store the correspondence between temperature setpoints and puff counts. According to at least one exemplary embodiment, each temperature setpoint associated with a puff is greater than or equal to the temperature setpoint associated with the previous puff. According to at least one exemplary embodiment, at least two consecutive puffs are associated with the same temperature setpoint.

[0239] Figures 15A to 15B show the temperature profile and target power profile of a heater (e.g., heater 336) using the method shown in Figures 13A to 13B. In the embodiments shown in Figures 15A to 15B, the final target temperature Tn is higher than the preheating temperature Tpre.

[0240] Figure 15A shows the heater temperature profile according to the puff count, and Figure 15B shows the target power profile superimposed on the temperature profile shown in Figure 15A. In the embodiment shown in Figures 15A and 15B, there is one preheating temperature setpoint and seven heating temperature setpoints for a maximum puff count of 14. However, it should be understood that a different number of preheating temperature setpoints and heating temperature setpoints can be used. Furthermore, the maximum puff count may be more or less than 14.

[0241] Referring to Figures 15A and 15B, at t0 the controller receives an input regarding the start of preheating. This input causes the controller to ramp up power to the heater, supplying maximum power P to reach the target preheating temperature Tpre. max Apply the power. As mentioned above, as the target temperature approaches, the controller reduces the power applied to the heater to reduce the possibility of temperature overshoot and maintain the target preheating temperature Tpre. en The controller then determines that the preheating energy has been reached and sets the current temperature setting to the first target heating temperature T1. The first target heating temperature T1 corresponds to a puff count of zero.

[0242] At t1, the controller detects sufficient airflow (or pressure or pressure change) to initiate an aerosol generation event (i.e., a puff is detected) and reduces the power supplied to the heater. In some exemplary embodiments, this is the minimum power P min It is possible.

[0243] At t2, the controller detects that the airflow is no longer sufficient for the aerosol generation event (i.e., the puff has ended). The controller then determines the temperature setpoint associated with a puff count of 1. In the embodiments shown in Figures 15A and 15B, the temperature setpoint associated with a puff count of 1 is the first target heating temperature T1 (i.e., the same temperature setpoint associated with a puff count of zero). The controller then powers the heater to return the temperature to the first target heating temperature T1 due to the temperature drop from the puff. The controller then powers the heater to maintain the temperature at the first target heating temperature T1 until a second puff is detected.

[0244] At t3, the controller detects sufficient airflow (or pressure or pressure change) to initiate an aerosol generation event (i.e., a puff is detected), and in some exemplary embodiments, the power supplied to the heater is reduced to a minimum power P min Lower it.

[0245] At t4, the controller detects that the airflow is no longer sufficient for the aerosol generation event (i.e., the puff has ended).

[0246] Next, the controller determines the temperature setpoint associated with a puff count of 2. In the embodiment shown in Figures 15A and 15B, the temperature setpoint associated with a puff count of 2 is the second target heating temperature T2 (i.e., a different temperature setpoint associated with a puff count of zero). The controller sets the current temperature setpoint to the second target heating temperature T2 and powers the heater to raise the temperature to the second target heating temperature T2. The controller then powers the heater to maintain the temperature at the second target heating temperature T2 until a third puff is detected.

[0247] This process continues until the maximum puff count is reached. As illustrated, the temperature setpoint increases as the puff count increases. More specifically, each temperature setpoint (i.e., target heating temperatures T1 to Tn) is higher than the previous setpoint and lower than the next setpoint. For example, target heating temperature T4 is higher than target heating temperature T3 and lower than target heating temperature T5.

[0248] In the embodiments shown in Figures 15A and 15B, the first target heating temperature T1 is 235°C to 240°C. The final target heating temperature Tn may be higher than the target preheating temperature, for example, 290°C. The temperature setpoint is determined based on sensory and analytical data to ensure consistency in the threshold number of capsule puffs (e.g., the maximum number of puffs). For example, the change between adjacent temperature setpoints (e.g., between the first heating temperature and the subsequent second heating temperature) may be 5 to 10°C.

[0249] Figure 16A shows the heater temperature profile according to the puff count, and Figure 16B shows the target power profile superimposed on the temperature profile shown in Figure 16A. The process for carrying out the embodiments shown in Figures 16A to 16B is the same as in Figures 15A to 15B, except that the heating temperature setpoint is different and the heating temperature setpoint is smaller in the embodiments shown in Figures 16A to 16B.

[0250] In the embodiments shown in Figures 16A and 16B, the first target heating temperature T1 is 235°C to 240°C. The final target heating temperature Tn may be the same as or lower than the target preheating temperature, for example, 280°C.

[0251] While several exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein, it should be understood that other variations are possible. Such variations shall not be considered a departure from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, and all such modifications that would be obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be included in the following claims.

[0252] While the description is based on specific embodiments and drawings, modifications, additions, and substitutions of exemplary embodiments can be made in various ways according to the description by those skilled in the art. For example, the described techniques may be performed in a different order than those of the described methods, and / or the elements of the described systems, architectures, devices, circuits, etc., may be connected or coupled in a different way than the above-described methods, or the results may be adequately achieved by other elements or equivalents.

Claims

1. Aerosol generating device, A sensor configured to detect at least one puff, The aerosol generating device, Raise the heater temperature to the preheating temperature. Before the first detected puff among the detected puffs, the temperature of the heater is lowered to a first heating temperature lower than the preheating temperature. A processing circuit configured to increase the temperature of the heater based on the number of at least one detected puffs, An aerosol generating device characterized by containing [something].

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the at least one detected puffs is associated with a temperature setpoint.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuit is configured to raise the temperature of the heater to a second heating temperature after a first number of at least one detected puffs, the first number being greater than 1.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, characterized in that the second heating temperature is higher than the first heating temperature and lower than the preheating temperature.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein the at least one detected puff is a plurality of detected puffs, and the processing circuit is configured to cause the aerosol generating device to maintain the first heating temperature up to a second number of the plurality of detected puffs, and after the second number of the plurality of detected puffs, raise the temperature of the heater to a third heating temperature, wherein the second number of the plurality of detected puffs is greater than 2.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the processing circuit is configured to raise the temperature of the heater when the number of at least one detected puffs reaches a predetermined number.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, characterized in that the processing circuit is configured to raise the temperature of the heater to the final heating temperature when the number of at least one detected puffs reaches a predetermined number.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, characterized in that the processing circuit is configured to cause the aerosol generating device to maintain the temperature of the heater at the final heating temperature until the number of at least one detected puffs reaches the maximum number.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8, characterized in that the final heating temperature is less than or equal to the preheating temperature.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8, characterized in that the final heating temperature is higher than the preheating temperature.

11. The processing circuit is connected to the aerosol generating device, The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is configured to reduce the power to the heater to a first power during at least one of the detected puffs.

12. The at least one detected puff is a plurality of detected puffs, and the processing circuit provides the aerosol generating device, The aerosol generating device according to claim 11, characterized in that it is configured to supply a second power to the heater for a certain period of time between adjacent puffs of the plurality of detected puffs, wherein the second power is greater than the first power.

13. The processing circuit is connected to the aerosol generating device, The aerosol generating device according to claim 12, wherein a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller is used to supply the second power to the heater for a certain period of time, and the processing circuit is configured to cause the aerosol generating device to change at least one of the proportional, integral, and differential terms of the PID controller.

14. The aerosol generating device according to claim 13, characterized in that the processing circuit is configured to cause the aerosol generating device to maintain the values ​​of the proportional term, the integral term, and the differential term of the PID controller for the specified period of time.

15. The processing circuit is connected to the aerosol generating device, Determine the voltage and current applied to the heater over a certain period of time. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is configured to lower the temperature of the heater to the first heating temperature based on the voltage and current applied to the heater over the aforementioned period of time.

16. The processing circuit is connected to the aerosol generating device, Determine the sum of the products of the voltage applied to the heater and the current applied to the heater. The aerosol generating device according to claim 15, configured to determine whether the sum is greater than a threshold, and characterized in that when the sum is greater than the threshold, the temperature of the heater decreases to the first heating temperature.

17. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is configured to receive a capsule containing an aerosol-forming substrate heated by the heater.

18. The aerosol generating device according to claim 17, characterized in that the heater is located inside the capsule.

19. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the heater is located outside the capsule.

20. A method for generating aerosols within an aerosol generating device, Raising the temperature of the heater of the aerosol generating device to the preheating temperature, The process involves lowering the temperature of the heater to a first heating temperature, After lowering the temperature of the heater to the first heating temperature, at least one puff is detected. The temperature of the heater is increased based on the number of at least one detected puffs, A method characterized by including the following.

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