Container for aerosol generating substrate

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating substrate container for an aerosol generating device (12), comprising: a chamber (22) configured and sized to accommodate an aerosol generating substrate (14), the chamber (22) having an opening (36) configured to receive the aerosol generating substrate (14), and walls (28, 30, 44) extending from the opening (36); and a substrate detector (51) configured to detect deformation of the walls (28, 30, 44) caused by the aerosol generating substrate (14), the substrate detector (51) including a detection layer disposed on the walls (28, 30, 44) and configured to deform together with the walls.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to aerosol generating systems, and more particularly, to an aerosol-generating substrate container and a method for manufacturing the same. [[Background Art]]

[0002] The popularity and use of risk reduction devices or risk modification devices (also known as vaporizers) have grown rapidly in recent years as an alternative to the use of conventional tobacco products. Various devices and systems are available that heat, rather than burn, an aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

[0003] Commonly available risk reduction devices or risk modification devices are substrate-heating aerosol generating devices, i.e., so-called non-combustion heating devices. This type of device generates an aerosol or vapor, for example, by heating an aerosol-generating substrate, typically comprising moist leaf tobacco or other suitable vaporizable material contained within an aerosol-generating article, to a temperature typically in the range of 150°C to 300°C or 350°C in a heating chamber. By heating the aerosol-generating substrate to a temperature within this range without burning or combusting the aerosol-generating substrate, vapor is generated, which typically cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by a user of the device.

[0004] Aerosol-generating substrates usable with an aerosol generating device can take various forms, for example, the shape of an elongated cylindrical stick or a flat rectangular parallelepiped. The form of the aerosol-generating substrate often involves a trade-off between convenience, aesthetics, and heating efficiency. A receptacle or container for the aerosol-generating substrate in an aerosol generating device is often manufactured in a required shape that fits the substrate.

[0005] To ensure the safe operation of an aerosol generator and to maximize its energy efficiency, the device must be able to reliably recognize the aerosol generating substrate. More specifically, certain functions, such as heating, may be activated only when the aerosol generating substrate is inserted into the aerosol generator. This disclosure aims to address this need. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention provides an aerosol generation system that addresses some or all of the aforementioned needs.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the following disclosure presents an aerosol generating substrate container for an aerosol generating device, which container is A chamber configured and sized to accommodate an aerosol generating substrate, comprising an opening configured to receive the aerosol generating substrate, and a wall extending from the opening, A substrate detector configured to detect wall deformation caused by an aerosol-generating substrate, comprising a detection layer disposed on the wall and configured to deform together with the wall.

[0008] In this configuration, the aerosol generator can easily detect the presence of the aerosol-generating substrate. This solution makes detection more precise and efficient, especially considering that the substrate is relatively small and may only cause slight deformation of the chamber. Furthermore, the device remains portable and compact.

[0009] In a second aspect of the present invention according to a first aspect of the present invention, the detection layer is preferably a strain gauge comprising and / or made from silver nanoparticles.

[0010] This solution reduces manufacturing costs. It also promises the ability to detect and measure even slight variations in the walls. In particular, this solution makes it possible to measure the level of strain / deformation in the chamber, thereby preventing inaccurate detections. The preferred material chosen for this solution allows strain gauges to be easily deposited on the chamber (usually made from a thermally conductive material, such as metal). The choice of material also allows the strain gauges to withstand high temperatures.

[0011] In a third aspect of the present invention, according to any one of the aforementioned aspects of the present invention, the strain gauge is a Rosette type, a T-Rosette, or a double parallel strain gauge, and it is preferable that the strain gauge is a linear type strain gauge.

[0012] The selected type of strain gauge ensures accurate deformation detection.

[0013] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, according to any one of the second or third aspects of the present invention, the strain gauge is mounted on a wall or printed or deposited on a wall.

[0014] This configuration makes the sensor thinner and more durable, especially through printing or deposition.

[0015] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, according to any one of the aforementioned aspects, the strain gauge has been printed or deposited on a wall by the processes of flexographic printing, gravure printing, screen printing, inkjet printing, sputter deposition, and / or aerosol jet printing.

[0016] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, according to any one of the aforementioned embodiments, a thermal insulation layer is placed between the wall and the substrate detector.

[0017] In the seventh aspect of the present invention as described above, the heat insulating layer comprises or consists of a high-temperature heat insulating material, preferably a heat insulating material capable of withstanding at least 350°C, more preferably aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide, and / or silicon nitride.

[0018] This configuration protects the substrate detector, especially during the process of heating the substrate.

[0019] In an eighth aspect of the present invention according to any one of the above-described embodiments, the wall has an inner surface on one side and an outer surface on the other side, the inner surface being positioned to face the aerosol generating substrate when the aerosol generating substrate is fully received inside the container body, and the substrate detector is positioned on the outer surface.

[0020] In the ninth aspect of the present invention according to any one of the aforementioned aspects, the opening has an elongated shape, preferably an oval, or preferably a rectangle or polygon with rounded corners.

[0021] In a tenth aspect of the present invention according to any one of the aforementioned aspects, the wall comprises a first side wall, a second side wall, and a connecting wall section connecting the first side wall and the second side wall.

[0022] In an eleventh aspect of the present invention according to any one of the embodiments described above, the substrate detector is at least partially located in at least one section of the connecting wall section.

[0023] This configuration allows for more sensitive detection of the substrate.

[0024] In a twelfth aspect of the present invention according to either the tenth or eleventh aspect, the aerosol generating substrate container is arranged such that deformation occurs at least in the connecting wall section when the aerosol generating substrate is received inside the container.

[0025] In a thirteenth aspect of the present invention according to any one of the tenth to twelfth aspects, when the aerosol-generating substrate is not received in the aerosol-generating substrate container, the connecting wall section has a curved cross-section, and when the aerosol-generating substrate is received in the aerosol-generating substrate container, the connecting wall section is configured to deform at least partially.

[0026] In a fourteenth aspect of the present invention according to any one of the tenth to thirteenth aspects, the connecting wall section protrudes into or protrudes out of a space surrounded by two side walls.

[0027] In a fifteenth aspect of the present invention according to any one of the preceding aspects, at least one cross-section of the connecting wall section has a V-shape, an arc shape, or a corrugated shape with rounded corners and / or sharp corners.

[0028] In a sixteenth aspect of the present invention according to any one of the preceding aspects, there is a discrete or continuous change in the thickness of the wall when proceeding along the periphery of the wall.

[0029] In a seventeenth aspect of the present invention according to any one of the preceding aspects, the aerosol-generating substrate container further comprises a heater configured to heat the inserted substrate.

[0030] According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the following disclosure presents a method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating substrate container according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects, the method comprising the step of providing a substrate detector on the wall of the container body, preferably by a printing or deposition process, more preferably by a process selected from flexographic printing, gravure printing, screen printing, inkjet printing, sputter deposition, and / or aerosol jet printing.

[0031] In a nineteenth aspect of the present invention according to the preceding aspect, the manufacturing method further comprises the step of providing a heat insulating layer between the wall and the substrate detector before providing the substrate detector on the wall.

[0032] Next, a preferred embodiment will be described as just one example, with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus suitable for using the aerosol generating substrate container according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic perspective view of a nearly flat aerosol generating substrate for use with the aerosol generator shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a schematic perspective view of the aerosol generating substrate container according to the present invention, used in the apparatus shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4a-4b] Specifically, this is a schematic perspective view of a portion of an aerosol generating substrate container, showing a heating chamber equipped with strain gauges, and a magnified view of that portion. [Figure 5] Specifically, this is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating substrate container showing a heating chamber having strain gauges and an insulating layer. [Figures 6a-6f] This schematic diagram shows the movement of the first and second side walls and the deformation of the connecting wall section of the aerosol generating substrate container from a resting position (Figure 4a / Figure 4b) to a deflected / deformed position (Figure 4e / 4f) when inserting the aerosol generating substrate into the aerosol generating substrate container through the opening. [Figures 7a-7f] This is a schematic diagram of various examples of connecting wall sections between the first and second side walls of a heating chamber, which have strain gauges for the aerosol generating substrate container. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below, along with the attached drawings.

[0035] In this specification, the terms “aerosol generator,” “vaporizer system,” “inhaler,” or “electronic cigarette” may include electronic cigarettes configured to deliver an aerosol or vapor containing an aerosol for smoking to a user. The illustrated embodiments of the aerosol generator system in this invention are schematic, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that some components, such as aerosol inlets and outlets, and operator modules or computer modules, can be combined into a single unit.

[0036] [Aerosol generation system] Figures 1 to 3 show an aerosol generation system 10 comprising an aerosol generator 12 and an aerosol generating substrate 14. The aerosol generating substrate 14 is substantially planar, meaning that its effective thickness is much thinner than the extensions in other dimensions. The aerosol generator 12 operates in conjunction with the aerosol generating substrate 14, which is shown in more detail in Figure 2, and specifically heats or warms the aerosol generating substrate 14 to generate vapor containing one or more volatile components. The vapor may typically cool and condense to form an aerosol for inhalation by the user of the device 12.

[0037] The aerosol generator 12 comprises a device body 16 extending along the device axis Y. The device body 16 comprises a nozzle 18 and a housing 20 arranged continuously along the device axis Y. The nozzle 18 has an outlet 19. According to the example in Figure 1, the nozzle 18 and the housing 20 form two distinct parts. Specifically, the nozzle 18 is designed to be detachably attached to the housing 20, for example, by being fixed to an insertion opening 36 formed at one end of the housing 20, or by being designed to be received within the insertion opening 36. In this case, when the nozzle 18 is removed from the housing 20, the aerosol generating substrate 14 can be inserted into the device 12 through the insertion opening 36. According to an alternative example (not shown), the nozzle 18 may be movable relative to the housing 20 from a closed position to an open position in which the aerosol generating substrate 14 can be inserted into the inside of the device 12 (but not limited to being slidable and / or rotatable). In another example (not shown), the nozzle 18 and the housing 20 may form a single part, i.e., the nozzle 18 is not removable from the housing 20. In this case, for example, the aerosol generating substrate 14 can be inserted into the aerosol generating device 12 through the outlet 19, which is the insertion opening 36 of the aerosol generating device 12.

[0038] The housing 20 defines the boundaries of the internal space of the aerosol generator 12, receiving various elements designed to perform various functions of the aerosol generator 12. This internal space can receive, for example, a power source such as a battery (which may be a rechargeable battery) for powering the device 12, a control device such as one with electronic circuits for controlling the operation of the device 12, and an aerosol generating substrate container having a chamber (specifically, a heating chamber) 22 for receiving and housing the aerosol generating substrate 14. The housing 20 may further include an air passage and / or air inlet for introducing air into the chamber 22.

[0039] Referring to Figure 3, the chamber 22 is adapted to receive the aerosol generating substrate 14. The chamber 22 may form a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape extending along the apparatus axis Y, complementing the shape of the aerosol generating substrate 14. That is, the chamber 22 is dimensioned to accommodate the aerosol generating substrate 14. The chamber 22 has a proximal end 24, a distal end 26, and a longitudinal axis extending between these proximal and distal ends 24 and 26. In the illustrated example, the longitudinal axis of the chamber 22 corresponds to the apparatus axis Y. That is, the longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to the insertion direction of the aerosol generating substrate 14.

[0040] The chamber 22 comprises walls 28, 30, and 44 extending along the proximal end 24 and the distal end 26 (or the device axis Y). Specifically, the walls 28, 30, and 44 comprise a first side wall 28 and a second side wall 30 extending along the device axis Y. In a preferred embodiment, the walls 28, 30, and 44 further comprise a connecting wall section 44 connecting the first side wall 28 and the second side wall 30, which will be described in detail below. The chamber 22 defines an (insertion) opening 36 at the proximal end 24. Thus, the proximal end 24 is the open end 38 of the chamber 22, configured to receive the aerosol generating substrate 14 into the heating chamber 22 in the longitudinal direction along the longitudinal axis (or the device axis Y). The wall has outer surfaces 28a, 30a, 44a and inner surfaces 28b, 30b, 44b, the inner surfaces being on the side of walls 28, 30, 44 opposite to the outer surfaces 28a, 30a, 44a, and these inner surfaces face the internal space of chamber 22. That is, as in the illustrated example, the first inner surface 28b and the second inner surface 30b are arranged facing each other and opposite each other.

[0041] The first side wall 28 has a first longitudinal edge 28c and a second longitudinal edge 28d that extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chamber 22 (and therefore the device axis Y). The second side wall 30 also has a first longitudinal edge 30c and a second longitudinal edge 30d that extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chamber 22 (and therefore the device axis Y). As best shown in Figure 3, the first side wall 28 and the second side wall 30 are connected (indirectly) via their respective first longitudinal edges 28c, 30c and second longitudinal edges 28d, 30d. As previously stated, it is preferable that the chamber 22 includes an integrated connecting wall section 44. The connecting wall sections 44 are elastically connected and positioned between the first longitudinal edges 28c, 30c of the first side wall 28 and the second side wall 30, and between the connected second longitudinal edges 28d, 30d of the first side wall 28 and the second side wall 30. These connecting wall sections 44 are flexible, allowing the first side wall 28 and the second side wall 30 to move relative to each other in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (and therefore the device axis Y), thereby changing the distance S between the first side wall 29 and the second side wall 30, specifically between the first heating surface 28b and the second heating surface 30b. Although the illustrated example shows two connecting wall sections 44, a single connecting wall section 44 can also be provided between the first longitudinal edges 28c, 30c of the first side wall 29 and the second side wall 30, or between the second longitudinal edges 28d, 30d of the first side wall 28 and the second side wall 30. One of the first longitudinal edges 28c, 30c of the first side wall 28 and the second side wall 30, and one of the second longitudinal edges 28d, 30d of the first side wall 28 and the second side wall 30, can also be connected by a rigid connector.

[0042] In other embodiments, the connecting wall section 44 is the section between the first side wall 28 and the second side wall 30 (i.e., integrated with the first side wall 28 and the second side wall 30). That is, the connecting wall section 44 may be the peripheral portion of the side walls 28 and 30 without the longitudinal edges 28c, 28d, 30c, and 30d. For example, the cross-section of the chamber 22 may be oval, and the connecting wall section 44 may be a sharp corner of the oval. Thus, when the substrate 14 is inserted into the chamber 22, the entire walls 28, 30, and 44 deform elastically, or mainly the connecting wall section (and therefore the peripheral portion) of the walls 28, 30, and 44 deforms.

[0043] The walls 28, 40, 55, and especially the connecting wall section 44, typically contain or are made of a thin thermally conductive material, preferably a metal such as stainless steel, to allow heat to be conducted to the aerosol-generating substrate 14 that is contained. The thickness may be between 25 μm and 200 μm, preferably between 50 μm and 175 μm, and most preferably between 75 μm and 150 μm.

[0044] The aerosol generator 12 comprises at least one heater 40. In the illustrated example, the aerosol generator 12 comprises two heaters 40, for example, a first planar heater 40a and a second planar heater 40b, but in other (not illustrated) examples, the heater 40 may comprise a single heater extending (e.g., wrapped around) the chamber 22. The heater 40 may be positioned in contact with the outer surfaces 28a, 30a of the corresponding first and second side walls 28 and 30. The heater 40 may be substantially planar and may comprise a thin-film heater, such as a polyimide film heater, extending along substantially the entire area of ​​the outer surfaces 28a, 30a, or along only a portion of the outer surfaces 28a, 30a. In the latter case, the width of this portion may be substantially equal to the width of the aerosol generating substrate 14. The heater 40 is preferably a resistance heater, powered by a power supply and controlled by a control device of the aerosol generator 12. In some cases, the aerosol generator 12 may include a single heater 40 attached to one of the outer surfaces 28a, 30a of the first side wall 28 and the second side wall 30. If a thermally conductive material is used for the walls, the heat generated by the heater 40 can be conducted from the outer surfaces 28a, 30a to the inner surfaces 28b, 30b. The aerosol generating substrate 14 is intended to be heated by the heater 40.

[0045] In other embodiments, the aerosol generator 12 may heat the aerosol generating substrate 14 by providing other forms of power, such as electric power and electromagnetic induction heating.

[0046] [Aerosol generating substrate] Referring to Figure 2, the aerosol generating substrate 14 is, for example, a flat rectangular parallelepiped extending along the substrate axis X with external dimensions La × Wa × Da. In a typical example, the length La of the aerosol generating substrate 14 along the axis X of the material is in the range of 20 to 45 mm, preferably 25 to 40 mm, more preferably 28 to 36 mm, for example 33 mm. The width Wa is in the range of 8 to 18 mm, preferably 10 to 16 mm, more preferably 10 to 14 mm, for example 12 mm. The thickness Da is in the range of 1 to 5 mm, preferably 1 to 3 mm, more preferably 1 to 2 mm, for example 1.4 mm. According to various examples, the values ​​La, Wa, and Da can be selected within a range of ±40%. According to other examples, the aerosol generating substrate 14 may have any other suitable flat shape and / or external dimensions.

[0047] When placed and contained within the chamber 22, the aerosol generating substrate 14 remains almost flat.

[0048] The aerosol generating substrate 14 typically contains an aerosol generating material such as a cigarette. The aerosol generating substrate 14 may be surrounded by a wrapper 42 extending around the axis X of the object. This wrapper 42 may include, for example, paper and / or nonwoven fabric and / or aluminum foil. The wrapper 42 may be porous or air impermeable.

[0049] When the aerosol generating substrate 14 is placed or housed in the chamber 22, the main surfaces of the aerosol generating substrate 14 (the top and bottom surfaces in Figure 2) are in contact with at least the inner surfaces 28b and 30b of the wall. The distal end of the aerosol generating substrate 14 is usually positioned at the distal end 26 of the chamber 22.

[0050] In other embodiments, the aerosol generating substrate 14 may be a cartridge-like container that contains a liquid for the aerosol and has an outer casing made of, for example, plastic and / or metal. Its dimensions may be the same as or identical to those of the aerosol generating substrate in the above embodiments. That is, for example, an embodiment of the aerosol generating substrate 14 being a flat rectangular parallelepiped is equally applicable to an embodiment of the aerosol generating substrate 14 being a liquid container.

[0051] [Substrate detector] To recognize the presence / insertion / removal of the aerosol generating substrate 14, the aerosol generating substrate container is equipped with a substrate detector (or deformation detector) 51. As shown in Figure 2, this substrate detector 51 is located in the chamber 22. The substrate detector 51 is configured to detect the presence / insertion / removal of the aerosol generating substrate 14, more specifically the aerosol generating substrate 14. More specifically, the substrate detector 51 is configured to detect changes in the walls 28, 30, 44, specifically strain, deformation, or displacement, resulting from the presence / insertion / removal of the aerosol generating substrate 14. The substrate detector 51 is connected to a control device, and therefore, when deformation or displacement of the walls 28, 30, 44 is detected, the control device recognizes the presence / insertion / removal of the substrate 14 and can, for example, switch on the aerosol generating device 12 or start certain functions of the device 12, such as heating.

[0052] When the substrate detector 51 is applied, the aerosol generator 12 can recognize the presence of the aerosol generating substrate 14. Therefore, proper functioning of the aerosol generator 12 is ensured from a safety standpoint, and thus the lifespan of the aerosol generator 12 is extended. In addition, certain functions, such as heating, are activated only when the aerosol generating substrate 14 is placed or contained within the container, thus maximizing energy efficiency.

[0053] Given the choice of wall material, the shape of the chamber 22 may permanently change and deform as a result of natural wear and tear. Therefore, it is preferable that the present invention provides a detection layer (or detection film), which is included in the substrate detector 51 and configured to detect changes in the walls 28, 30, and 44 of the chamber 22, specifically elastic deformation or displacement of the walls of the chamber 22. The detection layer is positioned on the walls 28, 30, and 44 so that it can deform together with the walls 28, 30, and 44. Specifically, the detection layer is positioned in the elastic areas of the walls where deformation occurs when the aerosol generating substrate 14 is inserted. In a preferred embodiment, the detection layer is positioned in at least the connecting wall section 44. Since the detection layer is applied to the areas where deformation occurs and deforms together with the walls, even slight deformations can be detected and measured by this detection layer.

[0054] As shown in Figures 4a and 4b, a detection layer can be placed on the outer surfaces 28a, 30a, and 44a, or on the inner surfaces 28b, 30b, and 44b of the chamber 22 (not shown). The detection layer is used in this way to determine the deformation, i.e., force, applied to the wall by the aerosol substrate 14. In one preferred embodiment, the detection layer is applied in this order across the first side wall 28, the connecting wall section 44, and the second side wall 30. In another preferred embodiment, the detection layer is applied only to the connecting wall section 44. In yet another preferred embodiment, as shown in Figures 4a and 4b, the detection layer is placed across the connecting wall section 44 and one of the first side wall 28 and the second side wall 30, and also across the connecting wall section 44 and one of the first side wall 28 and the second side wall 30. This ensures that the force applied to the wall is reliably transmitted to the detection layer. The configuration of the preferred embodiment ensures that deformation is measured in a timely and accurate manner, and that only a relatively narrow area on the walls 28, 30, and 44 is required for the detection layer. This configuration also makes it possible to recognize the insertion of the substrate 14 even when it has only slightly entered the opening 36 of the chamber 22. Thus, the control device can quickly determine the presence of the substrate 14 and switch off the substrate detector 51 just before heating begins, thereby further protecting the sensor from high temperatures.

[0055] As shown in Figure 5, it is preferable that the thermal insulation layer 52 is placed between the wall and the substrate detector 51. The thermal insulation layer 52 comprises or consists of a high-temperature thermal insulation material, preferably a thermal insulation material capable of withstanding at least 350°C, such as aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide, Kapton, and / or silicon nitride. The thermal insulation layer 52 protects the detector 51 from overheating.

[0056] In a more preferred embodiment, the aforementioned heat insulating layer 52 is part of the substrate detector 51. That is, the heat insulating layer 52 serves as a carrier substrate for the substrate detector 51, which will be described in detail below.

[0057] As shown in Figures 3, 4a, and 4b, the detection layer is preferably a strain gauge containing and / or made from silver nanoparticles. A strain gauge is a thin-film metal sensor whose electrical resistance changes when force is applied. The strain gauge measures the level of wall deformation based on the applied force or the change in strain therein.

[0058] In this configuration, the substrate detector 51 can easily detect temporary deformation of the chamber's shape. Therefore, even if the shape of the aerosol generating container changes permanently due to the passage of time and frequent use, the substrate detector 51 can still detect the presence of the aerosol generating substrate 14.

[0059] As mentioned above, this configuration also offers the advantage of being able to measure the degree of deformation precisely and accurately. Therefore, in cooperation with the control device, the aerosol generator 12 can determine the thickness of the aerosol generating substrate 14. This allows the aerosol generator 12 to detect even slight differences between various aerosol generating substrates 14. In one preferred embodiment, the aerosol generator 12 can recognize a specific type or model of the aerosol generating substrate 14 based on the thickness measured by the detection layer. Then, specific configurations such as the heating temperature corresponding to the type or model of the aerosol generating substrate 14 are set accordingly. Furthermore, in this preferred embodiment, since elastic deformation is measured only when the aerosol generating substrate 14 is inserted into the heater, i.e., only while the heater is at ambient temperature, the strain gauge does not need to operate at high temperatures. This also extends the working life of the strain gauge. The strain gauge offers further advantages in terms of being inexpensive and small. Because it is a very thin, flat metal film, it can be easily installed in the chamber 22 without occupying any further space inside the aerosol generator 12.

[0060] Although only strain gauges are described, any other known type of force or deformation sensor that forms a layer can be used.

[0061] [Process for detecting aerosol-generating substrates] The following section illustrates the detection process for the insertion of the aerosol-generating substrate 14, along with Figures 6a to 6f.

[0062] In the configurations shown in Figures 6a and 6b, there is no aerosol generating substrate 14 placed inside the chamber 22. The connecting wall section 44 is biased towards a relaxed configuration or has a curved cross section. In this relaxed configuration, the first side wall 28 and the second side wall 30, and the connecting wall section 44 are in a resting position where the first gap between the first inner surface 28b and the second inner surface 30b is S1. That is, as shown in Figure 6b, the height of the curved cross section is equal to the height of the first gap S1. The substrate detector 51 (and therefore the detection layer or strain gauge) is in the first configuration, and no force is applied to the substrate detector 51.

[0063] As shown in Figures 6c and 6d, when the aerosol generating substrate 14 is inserted into the chamber 22 through the opening 36, the connecting wall section 44 is configured to transition from a relaxed configuration to a loaded configuration, or at least partially straighten, via a transition configuration. In this transition configuration, the first side wall 28 and the second side wall 30 are slightly pushed apart by the aerosol generating substrate 14 and are in a partially deflected position, where the second gap S2 is between the first heating surface 28b and the second heating surface 30b in the AA line where the substrate detector 51 is located. That is, when an outward force is applied to the first side wall 28 and the second side wall 30, this force is also applied to the connecting wall section 44. Therefore, this force causes a deformation structure in the connecting wall section 44 and the substrate detector 51. The second gap S2 is wider than the first gap S1. Therefore, the substrate detector 51 is in a partially loaded configuration and a force is applied to the substrate detector 51. The substrate detector 51 is in a second form as shown in 6d, and continuously detects and measures the strain or force applied thereto. In a preferred embodiment where the substrate detector 51 is a strain gauge, the strain gauge detects the applied force and transmits the data generated accordingly to the control device.

[0064] In the loaded configurations of Figures 6e and 6f, the first side wall 28 and the second side wall 30 are further pushed apart by the aerosol-generating substrate 14 and are in a deflected position, where the third gap between the first heating surface 28b and the second heating surface 30b is S3. Thus, the connecting wall section 44 is further straightened, and the height of this straightened connecting wall section 44 is equal to the height of the gap S3. The third gap S3 is wider than the second gaps S2 and S1. The substrate detector 51 is in a third configuration as shown in Figure 6f, and therefore a greater force is applied to the substrate detector 51. Thus, the substrate detector 51 detects and measures the strain or force applied thereto. The substrate detector 51 then preferably transmits the data to the control device. The control device may store a table, and the control device may determine that the aerosol generating substrate 14 is inserted into the chamber 22 only if the transferred data exceeds a predetermined threshold (for example, if the substrate 14 is fully inserted and therefore the space is S3, or if the applied force exceeds a certain value).

[0065] The aerosol generating substrate 14 has a thickness Da that is wider than the distance S1 between the first heating surface 28b and the second heating surface 30b when the first side wall 28 and the second side wall 30 are in their initial resting position. Therefore, when the aerosol generating substrate 14 is first inserted into the heating chamber 22, it pushes apart the first side wall 28 and the second side wall 30 so that they are in the partially deformed position, which is most clearly visible in Figures 6c and 6d, and allows them to move from the resting position shown in Figures 6a and 6b to the deflected position shown in Figures 3 and 6e and 6f, and further allows the connecting wall section 44 to transition from a relaxed configuration to a partially loaded configuration and then to a loaded configuration. The chamber 22 may have a flared or tapered opening 36, as shown in Figures 6a and 6b, to facilitate the insertion of the aerosol generating substrate 14 into the chamber 22. Alternatively, the lateral leading edge at the distal end of the aerosol generating substrate 14 may be tapered or inclined to facilitate insertion of the aerosol generating substrate 14 into the heating chamber 22.

[0066] For example, in an aerosol generating substrate 14 with a thickness Da of 1 mm to 5 mm, the displacement of the first side wall 28 and the second side wall 30, which increases the gap between the first side wall 28 and the second side wall 30 (more specifically, between the first heating surface 28b and the second heating surface 30b) by up to 1 mm, or more typically up to 0.5 mm, may be sufficient to achieve good contact between the first heating surface 28b and the second heating surface 30b and the aerosol generating substrate 14, while at the same time allowing the user to insert the aerosol generating substrate 14 into the chamber 22 without any obstruction of the aerosol generating substrate 14, for example, due to crushing or shattering during insertion due to high compressive force. In the case of an aerosol generating substrate 14 with a thickness approximately equal to 1.4 mm, the displacement of the first side wall 28 and the second side wall 30, which increases the gap between the first side wall 28 and the second side wall 30 (more specifically, between the first heating surface 28b and the second heating surface 30b) by 0.025 mm to 0.3 mm, may be sufficient to achieve good contact between the first heating surface 28b and the second heating surface 30b and the aerosol generating substrate 14, while at the same time allowing the aerosol generating substrate 14 to be inserted relatively easily.

[0067] Due to the elastic properties of the connecting wall section 44, when this section 44 is in a loaded configuration, it is configured to apply a compressive force F to the aerosol generating substrate 14 placed in the heating chamber 22 via the first side wall 28 and the second side wall 30. This compressive force F is schematically shown by the arrow in Figure 6e. Specifically, when the connecting wall section 44 is in a loaded configuration, it biases to return to a relaxed configuration, and therefore biases to move the first side wall 28 and the second side wall 30 to a resting position. When the aerosol generating substrate 14 is not present in the heating chamber 22, it will be understood that the first side wall 28 and the second side wall 30 are free to return to a resting position where a first gap S1 exists between the first heating surface 28b and the second heating surface 30b. However, when the aerosol generating substrate 14 is present in the chamber 22, the aerosol generating substrate 14 normally prevents the first side wall 28 and the second side wall 30 from returning to their resting positions, and therefore a compressive force F is applied to the main surface of the aerosol generating substrate 14. The compressive force F applied to the main surface of the aerosol generating substrate 14 is proportional to the distance ΔS (where ΔS = S2 - S1) that deflects the first side wall 28 and the second side wall 30 from their resting positions to deflected positions when the aerosol generating substrate 14 is inserted into the heating chamber 22 through the open end 38. As mentioned above, the distance ΔS that the first side wall 28 and the second side wall 30 are deflected by does not have to be a long distance (1 mm or less, typically 0.5 mm or less). Therefore, for example, at least a portion of the reaction force opposite to the compressive force due to the insertion of the aerosol-generating substrate 14 is applied to the substrate detector 51, and thus the substrate detector can detect and measure the strain applied thereto.

[0068] Next, referring to Figures 7a to 7f, the opening 36 preferably has an elongated shape such as an oval, or preferably a rectangular or polygonal shape with rounded corners. The connecting wall section 44 protrudes into or out of the space enclosed by the two side walls 28, 30. At least one cross-section of the connecting wall section 44 has a V-shape, arc shape, or wave shape with rounded and / or sharp corners. Specifically, the integrally formed connecting wall section 44 can be formed in any suitable manner, taking a relaxed configuration when unbiased (due to the absence of aerosol generating substrate 14 in the heating chamber 22) and a loaded configuration when biased (due to the presence of aerosol generating substrate 14 in the heating chamber 22). For clarity, the substrate detector 51 is omitted in Figures 7a to 7f, but it should be understood that this substrate detector 51 is applied to the chamber 22 in the same way as described above.

[0069] In the first, second, and third examples shown in Figures 7a to 7c, the connecting wall section 44 is formed by structural features or deformations in the first longitudinal edges 28c, 30c and / or the second longitudinal edges 28d, 30d, thereby biasing the first chamber wall 28 and the second chamber wall 30 to a resting position when no aerosol generating substrate 14 is present in the heating chamber 22.

[0070] In the first and second examples shown in Figures 7a and 7b, the connecting wall section 44 is substantially V-shaped and protrudes inward into the internal space of the heating chamber 22. In the first example shown in Figure 7a, the V-shaped connecting wall section 44 has three sharp edges. In the second example shown in Figure 7b, a preferred embodiment, the V-shaped connecting wall section 44 has three rounded edges. The stiffness of the connecting wall section 44 may be controlled by using sharp or rounded edges. For example, a V-shaped connecting wall section 44 with rounded edges may be less stiff than a V-shaped connecting wall section 44 with sharp edges. Also, using rounded edges may reduce stress concentration along the edges of the V-shaped connecting wall section 44. The V-shaped connecting wall section 44 with rounded edges in Figure 7d is a preferred embodiment because it is relatively easy to attach the substrate detector 51 to the rounded corner, and it is not easily damaged by wear and tear caused by continuous deformation. Since this change is relatively linear, the deformation can also be measured with relative precision.

[0071] In the third example shown in Figure 7c, the connecting wall section 44 has a first portion projecting outward away from the heating chamber 22 and a second portion projecting inward into the internal space of the heating chamber 22. The connecting wall section 44 has three rounded edges. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the shape of the connecting wall section 44 shown in Figure 7c, and, for example, the radius of curvature of the rounded edges, can be adjusted to achieve optimal rigidity of the connecting wall section 44.

[0072] In the fourth example shown in Figure 7d, the connecting wall section 44 is formed by a continuous change in the thickness of the first chamber wall 28 and the second chamber wall 30, resulting in a semi-annular connecting wall section 44 of varying thickness that protrudes outward away from the heating chamber 22. The change in thickness can be selected to achieve optimal rigidity of the connecting wall section 44.

[0073] In the fifth and sixth examples shown in Figures 7e and 7f, the connecting wall section 44 may include one or more regions, such as edges, whose thickness varies discretely to achieve optimal stiffness of the connecting wall section 44, specifically reduced stiffness.

[0074] In the fifth example shown in Figure 7e, the connecting wall section 44 is roughly V-shaped and protrudes outward away from the heating chamber 22. As can be seen, the thickness decreases at the outermost edge of the connecting wall section 44, which tends to reduce the rigidity of the connecting wall section 44 at this point, and thereby reduce the overall rigidity of the connecting wall section 44.

[0075] In the sixth example shown in Figure 7f, the connecting wall section 44 is approximately V-shaped and protrudes inward into the internal space of the heating chamber 22. The V-shaped connecting wall section 44 has rounded edges and is therefore similar to the V-shaped connecting wall section 44 described above with reference to Figure 7b. In contrast to Figure 7b, the thickness of the two outermost edges of the connecting wall section 44 decreases, which reduces the rigidity of the connecting wall section 44 at these points and tends to reduce the overall rigidity of the connecting wall section 44.

[0076] The examples described above with reference to Figures 7a to 7e are not contradictory. For example, the connecting wall section 44 may be formed using structural features or deformations, and / or continuous and / or discrete changes in thickness, and this connecting wall section 44 may have any suitable external or geometric shape. Importantly, the connecting wall section 44 biases the first chamber wall 28 and the second chamber wall 30 to a resting position, so that when inserted into the heating chamber 22 through the opening end 38, the first chamber wall 28 and the second chamber wall 30 apply a compressive force F to the aerosol generating substrate 14, and when the aerosol generating substrate 14 is not present in the heating chamber 22, the first chamber wall 28 and the second chamber wall 30 return to a resting position. As a result, a counter-reaction force or strain on the first chamber wall 28 and the second chamber wall 30 is applied to the detection layer in such a way that deformation of the chamber 22 can be detected.

[0077] Preferred external and geometric shapes may also be selected to optimize the airflow through the aerosol generator 12 when the aerosol generating substrate 14 is placed inside the heating chamber 22, taking into account, for example, the increase or decrease in the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space of the heating chamber 22 as the first chamber wall 28 and the second chamber wall 30 move from a resting position to a deflected position.

[0078] [How to implement strain gauges] Regarding a method for installing strain gauges on walls 28, 30, and 44, in a preferred embodiment, the substrate detector 51 is placed directly on the insulation layer 52. Typically, the strain gauges (specifically, the substrate carriers) are bonded to the surfaces of walls 28, 30, and 44 by using an adhesive, such as X280 room-temperature curing adhesive. However, this method may experience measurement errors due to aging degradation.

[0079] Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the strain gauge is printed or deposited on a substrate carrier, preferably the aforementioned thermal insulation layer 52, by a process of flexographic printing, gravure printing, screen printing, inkjet printing, sputter deposition, and / or aerosol jet printing.

[0080] A manufacturing method for directly depositing strain gauges may include the following steps:

[0081] -Material preparation step: A step of polishing the walls 28, 30, 44, preferably the outer surfaces 28a, 30a, 44a to reduce their surface roughness.

[0082] This step reduces the layer thickness of the strain gauges for sufficient electrical insulation properties. For example, a polishing technique using a Dremel® 4000 multi-tool with Wolfcraft® 2134000 2 / B polishing paste is employed. Walls 28, 30, and 44 are then manually polished using a Hoffmann Group® Garant 552100ZY1012 polishing head at an angle of approximately 45°, a speed of 20,000 rpm, and a contact pressure of approximately 1.1 ± 0.1 MPa. The average roughness depth (Rz) is reduced from 1.43 μm to 0.57 μm, and the average roughness (Ra) is reduced from 0.27 μm to 0.1 μm. After polishing, walls 28, 30, and 44 are washed with acetone and isopropanol to remove any organic residues.

[0083] -Layer deposition step: A step of sputter depositing an insulating layer, preferably a heat insulating layer 52, onto polished walls 28, 30, 44, and a step of depositing a structured sensor layer on top of this insulating layer.

[0084] This deposit was subjected to 275W of power, 15 sccm of argon flux, and approximately 9.2 × 10⁻⁶ -3This is carried out by using a sputtering pressure of mbar. On top of the insulating layer, the sensor preferably contains or is made from silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) (specifically, is manufactured by using them).

[0085] The following describes a more specific and preferred embodiment. The sensor structure is manufactured using aerosol jet printing technology. Specifically, these strain sensors are printed onto a thermal insulation layer 52. This printing process involves the deposition and sintering of silver nanoparticles to create a conductive film that forms the sensor electrodes. To ensure a clean and robust sensor structure, this manufacturing process includes the following steps:

[0086] -Material preparation step: Preferably, a step of preparing the walls 28, 30, and 44 by washing, adjusting, and neutralizing.

[0087] Specifically, walls 28, 30, and 44 undergo a thorough cleaning process that includes degreasing with CSM-2 degreasing agent to remove contaminants, followed by surface polishing with silicon carbide paper. Furthermore, walls 28, 30, and 44 are prepared and neutralized to create a surface suitable for nanoparticle printing.

[0088] - H cement application: A step of applying H cement to the location on the heat insulating layer 52 for the sensor material.

[0089] Specifically, to define the area where the sensor material will be printed, Kapton tape is used as a temporary dam and a blade tip as a leveler, and H cement is applied to the aforementioned desired positions on the walls 28, 30, and 44. To achieve the desired thickness, the H cement is then preferably air-dried and heat-cured.

[0090] - Atmospheric plasma treatment: A step in which the surface of the H cement is treated with atmospheric plasma.

[0091] Specifically, the surface of the H cement is treated with atmospheric plasma to improve adhesion and ensure proper printing.

[0092] - Sensor printing: A step of printing the sensor material onto the heat insulating layer 52, preferably using 3D printing, and more preferably using an aerosol jet micro-additive printer.

[0093] Three-dimensional printing techniques, specifically the aerosol jet (AJ) method, proved particularly useful for printing various materials. Silver nanoparticle films exhibit significantly enhanced stability and oxidation resistance at high temperatures. The porous geometric shape of sintered nanoparticle films results in a high Poisson's ratio and high gauge factor, which is believed to lead to improved sensor performance and measurement accuracy even at high temperatures.

[0094] An aerosol jet micro-additive printer is used to deposit silver nanoparticle ink onto a prepared substrate. The printer's atomizer generates a mist of the ink solution, which is guided by a carrier gas and focused to form a microjet that exits from a nozzle. The printing process involves multiple lateral passages for forming individual electrodes using at least three layers of deposited ink.

[0095] - Sensor printing: A step of sintering printed sensor material.

[0096] Specifically, the silver nanoparticle-printed film is sintered in a programmable oven at 200°C for 6.5 hours. This process fabricates a conductive film, forming the electrodes for the strain sensor and ensuring stable electrical performance with minimal changes in microstructure even at temperatures below 500°C.

[0097] The manufacturing processes described herein result in improved strain sensors, making them suitable for a variety of applications requiring accurate and reliable strain measurement. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0098] 12 Aerosol Generator 14 Aerosol generating substrate 16 Main unit of the device 18 nozzles 19 Exit 20 Housing 22 Chambers 24 and 26 Proximal and distal ends 28 and 30 First side wall and second side wall 28c, 30c and 28d, 30d First longitudinal edge and second longitudinal edge 36 Opening 38 Open end 40 Heater 40a and 40b First planar heater and second planar heater 42 Rappers 44 Connecting wall section 28a, 30a, 44a Exterior 28b, 30b, 44b inner 51 Substrate detector 52 Insulating layer

Claims

1. an aerosol generating substrate container for an aerosol generating device (12), A chamber (22) configured and sized to accommodate an aerosol generating substrate (14), the chamber (22) comprising an opening (36) configured to receive the aerosol generating substrate (14), and walls (28, 30, 44) extending from the opening (36), an aerosol generating substrate container comprising a substrate detector (51) configured to detect deformation of the walls (28, 30, 44) caused by the aerosol generating substrate (14), the substrate detector (51) including a detection layer disposed on the walls (28, 30, 44) and configured to deform together with the walls (28, 30, 44).

2. The aerosol generating substrate container according to claim 1, wherein the detection layer preferably contains and / or is a strain gauge made of silver nanoparticles, and preferably the strain gauge is a linear, Rosette type, T-Rosette, or double parallel strain gauge.

3. The aerosol generating substrate container according to claim 2, wherein the strain gauge is attached to the wall or printed or deposited on the wall.

4. The aerosol generating substrate container according to claim 3, wherein the strain gauge is printed or deposited on the wall by a process of flexographic printing, gravure printing, screen printing, inkjet printing, sputter deposition, and / or aerosol jet printing.

5. An aerosol generating substrate container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a heat insulating layer (52) is disposed between the wall and the substrate detector (51), and preferably the heat insulating layer comprises or consists of a high-temperature heat insulating material, preferably a heat insulating material capable of withstanding at least 350°C, more preferably aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide, and / or silicon nitride.

6. The aerosol generating substrate container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the wall (28, 30, 44) has an inner surface on one side of the wall and an outer surface on the other side of the wall, the inner surface is positioned to face the aerosol generating substrate when the aerosol generating substrate is fully received by the container body, and the substrate detector (51) is positioned on the outer surface.

7. The aerosol generating substrate container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the opening has an elongated shape, preferably an oval shape, or preferably a rectangle or polygon with rounded corners.

8. The aerosol generating substrate container according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the wall comprises a first side wall (28), a second side wall (30), and a connecting wall section connecting the first side wall (28) and the second side wall (30), preferably the substrate detector (51) is at least partially located in at least one of the connecting wall sections, and / or the aerosol generating substrate container is arranged such that deformation occurs in at least the connecting wall section when the aerosol generating substrate is received in the aerosol generating substrate container.

9. The aerosol generating substrate container according to claim 8, wherein the connecting wall section has a curved cross-section when the aerosol generating substrate is not received in the aerosol generating substrate container, and is configured to deform at least partially when the aerosol generating substrate is received in the aerosol generating substrate container.

10. The aerosol generating substrate container according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the connecting wall section protrudes into or out of the space enclosed by the two side walls.

11. The aerosol generating substrate container according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein at least one of the connecting wall sections has a cross-section that is V-shaped, arc-shaped, or corrugated, with rounded corners and / or sharp corners.

12. The aerosol generating substrate container according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein there is a discrete or continuous change in the thickness of the wall as it moves along the periphery of the wall.

13. An aerosol generating substrate container according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a heater configured to heat the inserted substrate.

14. A method for manufacturing an aerosol generating substrate container according to any one of claims 1 to 13, A method that preferably includes the step of providing the substrate detector (51) on the wall of the container body by a printing or deposition process, more preferably by a flexographic printing, gravure printing, screen printing, inkjet printing, sputter deposition, and / or aerosol jet printing process.

15. A method for manufacturing an aerosol generating substrate container according to claim 14, A method further comprising the step of providing a heat insulating layer between the wall and the substrate detector (51) before providing the substrate detector (51) to the wall.

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