Aerosol generating device having a switch

Abstract

The aerosol-generating device has a body configured to receive an aerosol-generating substrate, a heating element configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate, a power source operably connected to the heating element, a controller configured to control the power source and the heating element, and a switch including a sensor for detecting the presence of an actuator. The switch is operably connected to the controller. A method for using the aerosol-generating device includes positioning the actuator adjacent to the sensor, detecting the presence of the actuator, and controlling the supply of power to the heating element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device provided with a switch. The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device provided with a docking station for a mouthpiece.

Background Art

[0002] Conventional shisha devices are used for smoking tobacco and are configured such that vapor and smoke pass through a water tray before inhalation by the consumer. The shisha device may include one outlet or may include two or more outlets so that the device can be used simultaneously by two or more consumers. The use of shisha devices is considered by some to be an entertainment activity and a social experience.

[0003] Typically, conventional shisha is used in combination with a substrate, which in the art is referred to as water tobacco, tobacco molasses, or simply molasses. Conventional shisha substrates are relatively high in sugar content (up to about 50% compared to about 20% typically found in conventional tobacco substrates such as combustible paper-wrapped tobacco in some cases). The tobacco used in shisha devices may be mixed with other ingredients, for example, to increase the amount of vapor and smoke produced, or to change the flavor, or both.

[0004] Conventional shisha devices employ charcoal (such as charcoal pellets) to heat the tobacco substrate and sometimes to combust it to generate an aerosol for the user to inhale. Using charcoal to heat the tobacco may cause the tobacco or other ingredients to burn wholly or partially. Additionally, charcoal may generate harmful or potentially harmful products such as carbon monoxide, which may mix with the shisha vapor and may pass through the water tray to the outlet.

[0005] One way to reduce the production of carbon monoxide and combustion by-products is to use e-liquid instead of tobacco. A shisha device that uses e-liquid removes combustion by-products but takes away the traditional tobacco-derived experience from shisha consumers.

[0006] Other shisha devices have been proposed that employ an electric heater to heat the tobacco without burning it. Such an electrically heated non-combustion shisha device heats the tobacco substrate to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the substrate without burning the substrate, and thus reduces or eliminates the by-products associated with the combustion of tobacco.

[0007] The shisha device may employ a cartridge for containing an aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may be filled with such an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may include tobacco, preferably a shisha substrate, such as molasses (a mixture of tobacco, water, sugar, and other ingredients (such as glycerin, flavorants, etc.)). The heating system of the electrically heated shisha device heats the contents of the cartridge to generate an aerosol, which is carried to the user through an air flow path.

[0008] To facilitate the air flow through the cartridge and the flow of aerosol from the cartridge, the shisha cartridge may have one or more holes through one or more walls. The cartridge may include one or more holes in the top, or one or more holes in the bottom, or both one or more holes in the top and one or more holes in the bottom. The holes may also be arranged along the side of the cartridge. As another method, the top may be open, i.e., the top wall may be partially or completely absent. Any holes or openings in the top and bottom walls may be closed by a removable (e.g., peelable) sealing layer such as a film, sticker, or liner during storage. The removable layer may protect the contents (e.g., molasses) from exposure to air and oxygen. The removable layer may be removed (e.g., pulled or peeled off) by the user prior to the first use of the cartridge.

[0009] If the holes or openings of the cartridge remain unsealed, it may lead not only to leakage problems but also to the loss of freshness (e.g., water content) or contamination of the substrate. For one or more reasons such as maintaining freshness, preventing leakage of the substrate, or maintaining the quality and integrity of the substrate during storage, it is desirable to close or seal the openings or holes of the cartridge before use or between uses if not all the contents of the cartridge are used at once.

[0010] An aerosol generating device such as a shisha device typically comprises a vessel containing a liquid, and a conduit in fluid communication with a receptacle for housing the vessel and the aerosol forming substrate. The vessel may include an upper space above the liquid and an outlet between the upper space and the outside of the vessel. The upper space outlet may be connected to a hose equipped with a mouthpiece for delivering the aerosol to the consumer.

[0011] While a user is using an aerosol generating device (such as a shisha device), the user may wish to temporarily stop using the aerosol generating device. Thereafter, the user may wish to resume using the aerosol generating device after the temporary stop. The user may wish for any temperature adjustment, such as raising and lowering the temperature, to be automatic during use of the device. While the user stops using the aerosol generating device, the user may wish to place the mouthpiece simply and hygienically.

[0012] A shisha device having an activation element in the mouthpiece has been proposed. The activation element may include a switch activatable by the user or a smoking sensor arranged to detect the user's smoking in the mouthpiece. The activation element is operably connected to the control electronic circuit of the aerosol generating device. Activation of the activation element may cause the control electronics to activate the heating element.

[0013] It is desirable to provide an aerosol generating device having an alternative switching mechanism. It is desirable to provide an aerosol generating device that can be easily switched between two or more operating modes. It is desirable to provide an aerosol generating device having improved power management. It is desirable to provide an aerosol generating device having improved energy efficiency. To conserve energy, it is desirable to provide an aerosol generating device that can be easily switched from an aerosol generating mode to a standby mode. To conserve energy, it is desirable to provide an aerosol generating device that can be easily switched off. Actuating device It is desirable to provide an aerosol generating device having the ability to switch from one operating mode to another depending on the presence or absence of Actuating device . By contacting the device with

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device comprises an alternative switching mechanism. The aerosol generating device may comprise a system that enables the device to be easily switched between two or more operating modes. The aerosol generating device may comprise a system that enables the device to be easily switched from an aerosol generating mode to an off or standby mode. The aerosol generating device may comprise a system that enables the device to be easily switched between an aerosol generating mode and a standby mode. The aerosol generating device may Actuating device comprise a switch including a sensor for detecting the presence of Actuating deviceIt may be the handle of the mouthpiece. The switch may provide the ability to detect the presence of the mouthpiece handle. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device includes a docking station for the mouthpiece handle. The docking station may have the ability to detect the presence of the mouthpiece handle.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device has the ability to switch from one operating mode to another using a magnetic switch. The aerosol generating device Actuating device may have the ability to switch from one operating mode to another by contacting the device. The aerosol generating device may have the ability to switch from one operating mode to another by contacting the device with the mouthpiece handle.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device includes a docking station for the mouthpiece handle. The docking station for the mouthpiece handle may have the ability to switch the heating element to the standby mode when the mouthpiece handle is docked. The docking station for the mouthpiece handle may have the ability to switch the heating element off when the mouthpiece handle is docked. The docking station for the mouthpiece handle may have the ability to switch the heating element to the aerosol generation mode when the mouthpiece handle is removed from the docking station.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the switch may include a magnetic mechanism. The switch Actuating device may include a magnetic docking station for. For example, the switch may include a magnetic docking station for the handle of the mouthpiece. The aerosol generating device enables the user to dock the mouthpiece onto the device body.

[0018] The aerosol generating device may comprise one or more heating elements or heating element components. Different heating element components may be configured to operate in cooperation or separately during different operating modes. The aerosol generating device may comprise a heating element having the ability to rapidly heat the aerosol generating substrate from a standby temperature to an aerosol generating temperature. The device may comprise an induction heating component having the ability to rapidly heat the aerosol generating substrate to the aerosol generating temperature.

[0019] The aerosol generating device may comprise a first heating element component for preheating. The aerosol generating device may comprise a first heating element component for maintaining the standby temperature in the standby mode. The first heating element component may include a resistive heating component.

[0020] The aerosol generating device may comprise a second heating element component for heating to the aerosol generating temperature in the aerosol generating mode. The second heating element component may include an induction heating component.

[0021] The aerosol generating device may enable a user to easily set the heating element of the device to the standby mode and the aerosol generating mode. For example, the device may enable the user to set the heating element to the standby mode when the user intends to temporarily stop using the device. The device may enable the user to set the heating element to the aerosol generating mode when the user intends to use the device. The device Actuating device may automatically set the heater to the standby mode when placed on a switch on the device body (e.g., adjacent to a sensor). The device Actuating device may automatically set the heater to the aerosol generating mode when moved or removed from the switch (e.g., picked up by the user). According to one embodiment, the device saves energy by enabling the heating element to be heated to a lower temperature in the standby mode.

[0022] The device enables the user to easily set the heating element of the device to the standby mode and the aerosol generation mode. For example, when the user intends to temporarily stop using the device, the device enables the user to set the heating element to the standby mode. When the user intends to use the device, the device enables the user to easily set the heating element to the aerosol generation mode. The device Actuating device may automatically set the heater to the standby mode when it is placed (e.g., on or adjacent to a sensor) on a switch on the device body. The device Actuating device may automatically set the heater to the aerosol generation mode when it is moved or removed from the switch (e.g., picked up by the user).

[0023] The device advantageously saves energy by being able to lower the temperature of the heating element in the standby mode or turn off the heating element when use is temporarily stopped.

[0024] Actuating device may be the handle of the mouthpiece. The switch Actuating device may include a docking station for (e.g., the mouthpiece). Conveniently, the user can indicate an intention to use the device by simply picking up the mouthpiece from the docking station of the device. Conveniently, the user can indicate an intention to temporarily stop or stop using the device by placing the mouthpiece on the docking station.

[0025] The device may provide a convenient docking station for the mouthpiece on the device body. One or both of the docking station and the mouthpiece may include magnets. In one embodiment, the docking station includes a magnet and the mouthpiece is configured to be held in place by the magnet. In one embodiment, the mouthpiece includes a magnet and the docking station includes a corresponding magnetic coupling element. The docking station may include a mechanical seat configured to support the mouthpiece. The docking station may include contacts configured to contact a part of the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may include a mouthpiece handle. The mouthpiece may include a mouthpiece body. The mouthpiece may include a mouthpiece coupling element configured to couple with the docking station. The coupling element may be part of the body or the handle.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device includes a body configured to receive an aerosol generating substrate, a heating element configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate, a power source operably connected to the heating element, a controller configured to control the power source and the heating element, Actuating device and a switch including a sensor for detecting the presence of, and the switch is operably connected to the controller. The switch may include a magnetic switch. The switch may include Actuating device a magnetic docking station configured to receive. Actuating device may include a mouthpiece handle. The controller may Actuating device be configured to establish a standby mode of the heating element when the presence of is detected. The controller may Actuating device be configured to establish an aerosol generating mode of the heating element when the absence of is detected.

[0027] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device includes a main body configured to receive an aerosol generating substrate, a heating element configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate, a power source operably connected to the heating element, and a controller configured to control the power source and the heating element, Actuating device and a switch including a sensor for detecting the presence of Actuating device . The switch is operably connected to the controller. The switch may include a magnetic switch. The switch may include Actuating device a magnetic docking station configured to receive Actuating device . The controller may be configured to establish a standby mode of the heating element when the presence of Actuating device is detected. The controller may be configured to establish an aerosol generating mode of the heating element when the absence of

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for using an aerosol generating device includes Actuating device stationing Actuating device adjacent to the sensor, detecting the presence of Actuating device , and controlling the power supply to the heating element. The method may include switching the device on, and when switching the device on, the controller starts a preheating mode. The method may include Actuating device detecting the presence or absence of Actuating device , and controlling the power supplied to the heating element according to the presence or absence of Actuating deviceAs the controller detects the absence of , the controller may select an aerosol generation mode.

[0029] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for using an aerosol generating device comprises Actuating device positioning adjacent to a sensor, Actuating device detecting the presence of , and controlling the power supply to the heating element. The method may include switching the device on, and as the device is switched on, the controller initiates a preheating mode. The method may include Actuating device detecting the presence or absence of , Actuating device and controlling the power supplied to the heating element according to the presence or absence of . Controlling may include maintaining the heating element at a first temperature such as a preheating temperature or a standby temperature. Controlling the heating element at the first temperature may be part of a standby mode. Controlling may include raising the temperature of the heating element to heat the aerosol generating substrate from the first temperature to a second temperature such as an operating temperature or an aerosol generating temperature. Controlling the heating element at the second temperature may be part of an aerosol generation mode. The method may include Actuating device as the controller detects the presence of , the controller may select a standby mode. The method may include Actuating device as the controller detects the absence of , the controller may select an aerosol generation mode.

[0030] The term "aerosol" is used herein to refer to a suspension of solid particles or droplets, or a combination of solid particles and droplets in a gas. The gas may be air. The solid particles or droplets may contain one or more volatile flavor compounds. The aerosol may be visible or invisible. The aerosol may contain vapors of substances that are normally liquid or solid at room temperature. The aerosol may contain vapors of substances that are normally liquid or solid at room temperature in combination with solid particles, or in combination with droplets, or in combination with both solid particles and droplets. In some embodiments, the aerosol contains nicotine.

[0031] The term "aerosol-forming substrate" is used herein to refer to a material having the ability to release one or more volatile compounds capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may be heated to volatilize one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol. As an alternative to heating or combustion, in some cases, volatile compounds may be released by a chemical reaction or by a mechanical stimulus such as ultrasound. The aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed inside the cartridge. The aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid, or may contain both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may be loaded onto a carrier or support by adsorption, coating, impregnation or other methods. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain nicotine. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain plant-derived materials. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may contain a non-tobacco-containing material. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain a homogenized plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain a homogenized tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain at least one aerosol-forming body. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain other additives and components (such as flavorants).

[0032] The term "standby temperature" is used herein to describe the temperature or temperature range targeted or achieved by the aerosol-generating device during standby mode. The temperature may refer to the temperature of the heating element active in standby mode, or the temperature of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0033] The term "aerosol-generating temperature" is used herein to describe the temperature or temperature range targeted or achieved by the aerosol-generating device during aerosol-generating mode. The temperature may refer to the temperature of the heating element active in aerosol-generating mode, or the temperature of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0034] The terms "integral" and "integrally formed" are used herein to describe elements formed in an integral piece (a single non - disassemblable item). An integral or integrally formed component may be configured such that it cannot be removably separated from each other without causing structural damage to the integral piece.

[0035] Also, as used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include embodiments having a plural referent, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0036] As used herein, "or" generally means "either, or the other, or both", unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0037] The term "about" is used herein in conjunction with a numerical value to include the normal variations in the measured values as would be expected by one of ordinary skill in the art and is understood to have the same meaning as "approximately". The term "about" is understood to encompass a typical error range. A typical error range may be, for example, ±5% of the indicated value.

[0038] As used herein, "have", "having", "include", "including", "comprise", "comprising", or the like are used in an unrestricted sense and generally mean "including but not limited to". Of course, "consisting essentially of", "consisting of", and the like are subsumed by "comprising" and the like.

[0039] The terms "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that may provide certain advantages in certain situations. However, in the same or other situations, other embodiments may also be preferred. Moreover, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments is not intended to imply that other embodiments are not useful, nor is it intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure, including the claims.

[0040] As used herein, the term "substantially" has the same meaning as "significantly" and can be understood to mean that the degree of the meaning of the subsequent term being modified is at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 98%. The term "not substantially" as used herein has the same meaning as "not significantly" and also has the opposite meaning of "substantially", that is, the degree of the meaning of the subsequent term being modified is 10% or less, 5% or less, or 2% or less.

[0041] Any directions referred to herein, such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "above", "below" and other directions or orientations, are described herein for clarity and brevity and are not intended to limit the actual device or system. The devices and systems described herein can be used in numerous directions and orientations.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device comprises a body configured to receive an aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating device comprises a heating element configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate. The heating element may be configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate to an aerosol generating temperature at which aerosol can be generated. The heating element may be configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate to a standby temperature. The standby temperature may be lower than the aerosol generating temperature. The standby temperature may also be regarded as a preheating temperature.

[0043] The heating element is preferably an electrically heated heating element. The heating element may include one or more heating components. The one or more heating components may be similar or different in type and function. The one or more heating components may be configured to operate simultaneously. The one or more heating components may be configured to operate during a specific operating mode. For example, the heating element may include a resistive heating component. The heating element may include an inductive heating component. In some embodiments, the heating element includes a resistive heating component and an inductive heating component. The resistive heating component may be used to heat the aerosol generating substrate to a standby temperature. The inductive heating component may be used to heat the aerosol generating substrate to an aerosol generating temperature. According to one embodiment, the controller may switch the device to a standby mode in which the heating element is at or is heated to a standby temperature. According to one embodiment, the controller may switch the device to an aerosol generating mode in which the heating element is at or is heated to an aerosol generating temperature.

[0044] The aerosol generating device comprises a power source operably connected to a heating element. Any suitable power source may be used. For example, the power source may include a battery or a set of batteries. The batteries of the power source may be rechargeable, or removable and replaceable, or rechargeable, removable and replaceable. Any suitable battery may be used. For example, a commercially available heavy-duty type battery or a standard battery (such as a battery used for industrial heavy-duty power tools). As another method, the power source may be any type of power including a supercapacitor or a hypercapacitor. As another method, the assembly may be connected to an external power supply source and may be electrically and electronically designed for such purposes. Regardless of the type of power source employed, the power source preferably provides sufficient energy for the normal functioning of the assembly during at least one shisha session until the aerosol is depleted from the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge before being recharged or before requiring connection to an external power supply source. The power source preferably provides sufficient energy for the normal functioning of the assembly during at least about 70 minutes of continuous operation of the device before being recharged or before requiring connection to an external power supply source.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device comprises a controller. The controller may be configured to control the power source and the heating element. The controller may be configured to Actuating device establish a standby mode of the heating element when Actuating device is present. The controller may be configured to

[0046] establish an aerosol generation mode of the heating element when is absent. The controller may be configured to receive a signal from a switch.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device comprises a switch. The switch may be operably connected to the controller. The switch and the controller may Actuating device cooperate to change the heating mode of the heating element based on the presence or absence of

[0047] In some embodiments, the switch may include a magnetic switch. The switch may Actuating device include a magnetic docking station for Actuating device It may be a mouthpiece or a part thereof such as a mouthpiece handle. The switch Actuating device may be switched from one position or state to another when it comes into contact with the switch or is removed from the switch. The mouthpiece may be configured to be held in place by a magnet. The mouthpiece may include a connecting element configured to connect to a docking station. For example, the mouthpiece may include a magnet or a magnetic material. Accordingly, the switch may include a magnetic material or a magnet. The switch may Actuating device be configured to detect the presence or absence of Actuating device It may be configured to trigger the switch. The switch may be configured to detect the presence or absence of a mouthpiece handle. The mouthpiece handle may be configured to trigger the switch. The controller may be configured to establish a standby mode of the heating element when the mouthpiece handle is docked to the magnetic docking station. The controller may be configured to establish an aerosol generation mode of the heating element when the mouthpiece handle is not docked to the magnetic docking station.

[0048] The switch may form part of an electrical circuit. The switch may have a first position or first state in which the electrical circuit is open (i.e., electricity does not flow through the circuit). The switch may have a second position or second state in which the electrical circuit is closed (i.e., electricity can flow through the circuit). Actuating device By placing it adjacent to the switch, the switch can be in the first position or first state. From near the switch Actuating deviceBy removing it, the switch can move to a second position or a second state. By docking the mouthpiece handle onto the magnetic docking station, the switch can be in a first position or a first state. By removing the mouthpiece handle from the magnetic docking station, the switch can move to a second position or a second state.

[0049] The switch may include a sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of Actuating device . The switch may be configured to send a signal indicating the presence or absence of Actuating device . Actuating device Upon receiving a signal from the switch regarding the presence or absence of Actuating device (when Actuating device is present), or the aerosol generation mode (when Actuating device is absent), the controller can control the power supply and the heating element to standby mode ( Actuating device is present) or the aerosol generation mode ( Actuating device is absent). Actuating device may be the mouthpiece. The switch may include any suitable type of sensor such as a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, a conductive sensor, a mechanical switch, etc. The switch may include a magnetic relay, an electrical relay, an electromagnetic relay, an electromechanical relay, etc. In one embodiment, the switch includes a magnetic relay. The switch may include Actuating device contacts configured to contact Actuating device . The sensor may be positioned at the contacts. The contacts may also include a magnet. The magnet may also help position the mouthpiece handle at the contacts.

[0050] The aerosol generating device may comprise a first electrical circuit and a second electrical circuit. The first electrical circuit may include a first heating component. The second electrical circuit may include a second heating component. At least one of the electrical circuits may include a capacitor operably connected to the heating component on the circuit. The first electrical circuit may be a preheating circuit. The first electrical component may include a resistive heating element. The second electrical circuit may be a booster heating circuit. The second electrical component may include an inductive heating element. The second electrical circuit may include a capacitor. By including a capacitor in the circuit, faster heating is provided and it may help to conserve power (e.g., a battery). The second electrical circuit may be configured to heat the aerosol forming substrate to the aerosol forming temperature. The second electrical circuit may have the ability to heat the aerosol generating substrate at a faster heating rate than the first electrical circuit.

[0051] A method for using the aerosol generating device may include turning on the device. The method may include placing Actuating device on the switch and actuating the switch to a first position or a first state. The method may include Actuating device detecting the presence of. Actuating device Placing on the switch may include Actuating device placing adjacent to the sensor and Actuating device detecting the presence of. Actuating device Placing on the switch may include Actuating device docking with a magnetic docking station. The method may include Actuating device the controller selecting a standby mode upon detecting the presence of. The method may include Actuating device establishing a standby mode of the heating element upon placing on the switch. The method may include Actuating devicePlacing it on the switch may include establishing a preheating mode of the heating element. The method may include controlling the power supply to the heating element. Controlling may include heating the heating element to maintain the aerosol generation substrate at a first temperature, such as a preheating temperature or a standby temperature. Controlling the heating to the first temperature may be part of the standby mode.

[0052] The method may Actuating device include removing it and actuating the switch to a second position or a second state. The method may Actuating device include establishing an aerosol generation mode of the heating element upon removal of Actuating device The removal of Actuating device may include removing it from the magnetic docking station. The method may Actuating device include detecting the absence of Actuating device The removal of Actuating device may include removing it from the sensor and Actuating device detecting the absence of Actuating device The method may include the controller selecting the aerosol generation mode upon detecting the absence of Actuating device The method may include establishing an aerosol generation mode of the heating element upon removal of Actuating device from the switch. The method may include controlling the power supply to the heating element. Controlling may include raising the temperature of the heating element to heat the aerosol generation substrate from the first temperature to a second temperature, such as an operating temperature or an aerosol generation temperature. Controlling the heating element to the second temperature may be part of the aerosol generation mode.

[0053] Establishing the standby mode may include starting a first heating program of the heating element. The first heating program may include heating the aerosol generating substrate received in the body to a first temperature. In some cases, the first temperature may be the temperature of the heating element or a heating element component. The first temperature may be 100 °C or higher, 120 °C or higher, 140 °C or higher, or 160 °C or higher. The first temperature may be 200 °C or lower, 180 °C or lower, or 160 °C or lower. In some embodiments, the first temperature is in the range of 100 °C to 200 °C, or 120 °C to 180 °C. The first heating program may include using a first heating component.

[0054] Establishing the aerosol generating mode may include starting a second heating program of the heating element. The second heating program may include heating the aerosol generating substrate received in the body to a second temperature. In some cases, the second temperature may be the temperature of the heating element or a heating element component. The second temperature may be 160 °C or higher, 170 °C or higher, 180 °C or higher, or 200 °C or higher. The second temperature may be 260 °C or lower, 240 °C or lower, or 220 °C or lower. In some embodiments, the second temperature is in the range of 160 °C to 260 °C, or 170 °C to 240 °C. The second heating program may include using a second heating component.

[0055] The aerosol generating device may comprise a shisha system. The shisha system can be used by placing a cartridge in a receptacle and turning on the shisha device. While the mouthpiece is on the docking station, the heating element can be in standby mode. Initially, the heating element can be in a preheating stage. When the temperature of the heating element or the aerosol generating substrate reaches the target standby temperature, the heating element can remain in standby mode and maintain the standby temperature. When the mouthpiece is removed from the docking station (e.g., picked up by the user) and is no longer detected by the sensor, the shisha device can switch to aerosol generation mode. In aerosol generation mode, the heating element can heat the aerosol generating substrate to the aerosol generation temperature.

[0056] In some embodiments, the cartridge is a shisha cartridge that can be used with any suitable shisha device. The shisha device may include a receptacle for receiving the cartridge. The shisha device may include a heating element configured to contact or be in proximity to the body of the cartridge when the cartridge is received within the receptacle. The heating element may form at least a portion of the receptacle. For example, the heating element may form at least a portion of the surface of the receptacle. The shisha cartridge may be configured to transfer heat from the heating element to the aerosol-forming substrate within the cavity of the cartridge by conduction. In some embodiments, the heating element includes an electric heating element. In some embodiments, the heating element includes a resistive heating component. For example, the heating element may include one or more resistive wires or other resistive elements. The resistive wire may be in contact with a thermally conductive material to distribute the generated heat over a wider area. Examples of suitable conductive materials include aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, and combinations thereof. The heating element may form at least a portion of the surface of the receptacle. In some embodiments, the heating element includes an inductive heating component. The inductive heating component may include an induction coil. The inductive heating component may include a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor material may be included as part of the cartridge for the aerosol-generating substrate or may be disposed within the cartridge.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a controller. The controller may be operably connected to a power source. The controller may be operably connected to a switch. The controller may be operably connected to a heating element. The controller may be configured to control the heating of the heating element. The controller may be configured to control the temperature at which the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge is heated. The controller may include one or more of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) state machine, a digital signal processor, a gate array, a microprocessor, or equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuitry. The control electronics may include a memory containing instructions that cause one or more components of the circuit to perform the functions or aspects of the control electronics. The functions attributed to the control electronics in the present disclosure may be embodied as one or more of software, firmware, or hardware. The controller may comprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The controller may be configured to regulate the supply of power. The power may be supplied to the heater element in the form of current pulses.

[0058] The aerosol generating device may include a controller comprising one or more processors (e.g., a microprocessor). The one or more processors may operate on an associated data storage or memory to access a processing program or routine and one or more types of data that may be used to implement exemplary methods. For example, a processing program or routine stored in the data storage may control a power source or a heating element, or both the power source and the heating element, individually control each of the power source and the heating element, receive an input from a switch or a sensor, implement a program or scheme using the power source and the heating element, call one or more programs associated with one or more operating modes, supply power to one or more heating elements, and heat one or more heating elements, a normalization algorithm, a comparison algorithm, or a program or routine for any other processing used to implement one or more exemplary methods and processes described herein. The data storage or memory may be further configured to store data related to one or more processes or schemes for controlling the heating element, data and formulas related to one or more operating modes such as a standby mode and an aerosol generation mode, and any other data or formulas necessary to implement the processes and methods described herein.

[0059] In one or more embodiments, a method of using an aerosol generating device may be described as being implemented using one or more computer programs executed on one or more programmable processors including a processing capability (e.g., a microcontroller, or a programmable logic device), a data storage (e.g., volatile or non-volatile memory, or a storage element), an input device, and an output device. The program code or logic described herein may be applied to input data to perform the functions described herein and generate desired output information. The output information may be applied as an input to one or more other devices or processes as described herein or as would be applied in a known manner.

[0060] The computer program product used to implement the processes described in this specification may be provided using any programmable language, such as a high-level procedural or object-oriented programming language suitable for communication with a computer system. Any such program product may be stored, for example, on any suitable device, such as a storage medium readable by a general-purpose or special-purpose program, or on a controller device for configuring and operating a computer when the device suitable for performing the procedures described herein is read. In other words, in at least one embodiment, the aerosol generation method may be implemented using a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium configured with a computer program, and the storage medium so configured causes the computer to operate in a specific and predetermined manner for performing the functions described herein.

[0061] The exact configuration of the controller of the aerosol generator is not limited, and in essence, any device having the ability to provide appropriate computing and control capabilities for implementing the method may be used. Considering the above, it will be readily apparent that the functions may be implemented in any manner known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the computer language, controller, or any other software / hardware used to implement the processes described herein is not limited to the scope of the systems, processes, or programs described herein (e.g., the functions provided by such processes or programs). The methods and processes, or various components described in this disclosure, including those resulting from this system, may be implemented at least in part in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. For example, various embodiments of the present technology may be implemented within one or more processors, including one or more microprocessors, DSPs, ASICs, FPGAs, CPLDs, microcontrollers, or any other equivalent integrated logic circuits or discrete logic circuits, as well as any combination of such components. When implemented in software, the functions belonging to the systems, devices, and methods described in this disclosure may be embodied as instructions on a computer-readable medium such as RAM, ROM, NVRAM, EEPROM, FLASH (registered trademark) memory, magnetic data storage media, optical data storage media, or the like. The instructions may be executed by one or more processors and support one or more embodiments of the functions.

[0062] The controller may be configured to receive an input indicating a desired mode. The mode may refer to one or more operating parameters over time. For example, the mode may refer to a heating temperature or a heating profile (e.g., defining the temperature and rate of heating). For example, the standby mode may refer to a standby temperature. The aerosol generation mode may refer to an aerosol generation temperature. A user or manufacturer may define a specific temperature or heating profile for the mode. The input received by the controller may be an input from a sensor. The controller may be configured to receive an input from a sensor configured to sense the presence or absence of Actuating device and may be configured to receive an input from a sensor configured to sense the presence or absence of a mouthpiece. Based on the received input, the controller may be configured to initiate a mode such as the standby mode or the aerosol generation mode. Based on the received input, the controller may control the power to one or more heating elements. For example, the controller may turn on the power to one or more heating elements. The controller may lower the power input to one or more heating elements. The controller may turn off the power to one or more heating elements. The controller may raise the power input to one or more heating elements.

[0063] In some embodiments, the control electronics may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element and to control the supply of power to the heating element in response to the electrical resistance of the heating element. In this way, the control electronic circuit may regulate the temperature of the resistive element.

[0064] The aerosol generating device may include a temperature sensor such as a thermocouple. The temperature sensor may be operably coupled to a control electronic circuit to control the temperature of the heating element. The temperature sensor may be positioned at any suitable location. For example, the temperature sensor may be configured to be inserted into the cartridge when received within a receptacle to monitor the temperature of the heated aerosol-forming substrate. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor may be in contact with the heating element. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor may be positioned to detect the temperature at or near the aerosol outlet of the aerosol generating device. The sensor may transmit a signal regarding the sensed temperature to a controller. The controller may adjust the heating of the heating element in response to the signal to achieve an appropriate temperature at the sensor.

[0065] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes an aerosol generating element including a cartridge receptacle, a heating element, an aerosol outlet, and an air inlet. The cartridge receptacle is configured to receive a cartridge according to the present disclosure containing an aerosol-forming substrate. The heating element may define at least a portion of the surface of the receptacle.

[0066] The aerosol generating device includes an air inlet channel in fluid connection with the receptacle. In use, when the substrate inside the cartridge is heated, the aerosol-forming components in the substrate vaporize. Air flowing from the air inlet channel through the cartridge becomes entrained with the aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming components in the cartridge.

[0067] Some electrically heated aerosol generating devices (e.g., hookah devices) employ preheated air and typically employ an air flow path such that air moves near the heat source with smoking. Further, some electrically heated aerosol generating devices employ elements that increase radiative heat transfer by increasing the surface area to be heated.

[0068] The air intake channel may include one or more openings through the cartridge receptacle such that air from outside the hookah device can flow through the channel and through one or more openings into the cartridge receptacle. If the channel includes more than one opening, the channel may include a manifold for directing the air flowing through the channel to each opening. The aerosol generating device preferably includes more than one air intake channel.

[0069] As will be described in more detail below, the cartridge includes one or more openings (such as an inlet or outlet) formed in the body to allow air to flow through the cartridge. If the receptacle includes one or more inlet openings, at least some of the inlets in the cartridge may be aligned with the openings at the top of the receptacle. The cartridge may include alignment features configured to mate with complementary alignment mechanisms in the receptacle to align the cartridge inlet with the receptacle opening when the cartridge is inserted into the receptacle.

[0070] The air entering the cartridge may flow over, through, or over and through the aerosol forming substrate, entraining the aerosol, and exiting the cartridge and receptacle via the aerosol outlet. From the aerosol outlet, the air carrying the aerosol enters the vessel of the aerosol generating device via the stem pipe.

[0071] The aerosol generating device may include any suitable vessel that defines an internal volume configured to contain a liquid and defines an outlet in an upper space above the liquid filling level. The vessel may include an optically transparent or opaque housing that enables the consumer to observe the contents contained in the vessel. The vessel may include a liquid filling boundary such as a liquid filling line. The housing of the vessel may be formed of any suitable material. For example, the vessel housing may include glass or a suitable rigid plastic material. The vessel is preferably removable from a portion of the aerosol generating assembly that includes the aerosol generating element so that the consumer can fill, empty, or clean the vessel.

[0072] The vessel may be filled by the consumer up to the liquid filling level. The liquid preferably includes water, and one or more colorants, or flavorants, or both colorants and flavorants may optionally be infused therein. For example, the water may be infused with one or both of a plant extract and a herb extract.

[0073] The aerosol entrained in the air exiting the aerosol outlet of the receptacle may move through a conduit positioned within the vessel. The conduit may be connected to the aerosol outlet of the aerosol generating element and may have an opening below the liquid filling level of the vessel such that the aerosol flowing through the vessel enters the upper space of the vessel through the opening after passing through the liquid and then exits through the upper space outlet for delivery to the consumer.

[0074] The cartridge may include any suitable body that defines a cavity. The aerosol forming substrate may be disposed within the cavity of the cartridge. The body is preferably formed from one or more heat resistant materials such as a heat resistant metal or a polymer. The body may include a thermally conductive material. For example, the body may include any of aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, any alloy thereof, and combinations thereof. The body preferably includes aluminum.

[0075] The cartridge may be of any suitable shape. For example, the cartridge may have a shape configured to be received by a shisha device. The cartridge may have a substantially cubic shape, a cylindrical shape, a frustoconical shape, or any other suitable shape. The cartridge preferably has a generally cylindrical shape or a generally frustoconical shape.

[0076] The aerosol generating device is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate within the cartridge. The device may be configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge by conduction. The cartridge is preferably shaped and sized so as to be able to contact the heating element of the aerosol generating device or to minimize the distance from the heating element of the aerosol generating device in order to provide efficient heat transfer from the heating element to the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge. The heat may be generated by any suitable mechanism (e.g., by resistive heating or by induction). A susceptor may be provided in the cartridge to facilitate induction heating. For example, the cartridge body may be made of or include a material (e.g., aluminum) that can function as a susceptor, or the susceptor material may be provided within a cavity of the cartridge. The susceptor material may be provided within the cavity of the cartridge in any form (e.g., powder, solid block, fragment, etc.).

[0077] Any suitable aerosol-forming substrate may be provided within a cavity defined by the body of the cartridge. The aerosol-forming substrate is preferably a substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate is a substrate capable of releasing a compound capable of forming an aerosol. The volatile compound may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The volatile compound may be released by a chemical reaction or by a mechanical stimulus such as ultrasound. The aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid, or may contain both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may be loaded onto a carrier or support by adsorption, coating, impregnation or other means.

[0078] The aerosol-forming substrate may contain nicotine. The nicotine-containing aerosol-forming substrate may contain a nicotine salt matrix. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain plant-derived materials. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate contains tobacco. The tobacco-containing material preferably contains volatile tobacco flavor compounds released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain a homogenized tobacco material. The homogenized tobacco material may be formed by aggregating particulate tobacco. As another method or additionally, the aerosol-forming substrate may contain non-tobacco-containing materials. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain a homogenized plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain at least one aerosol-forming body. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain other additives and components (such as flavoring agents). Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate is a shisha substrate. The shisha substrate is understood to mean a consumable material suitable for use in a shisha device. The shisha substrate may contain molasses.

[0079] The aerosol-forming substrate may include, for example, one or more of powders, granules, pellets, fragments, spaghetti, flakes, or sheets. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain one or more of herb leaves, tobacco leaves, fragments of tobacco stems, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, expanded tobacco.

[0080] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol-forming agent. Suitable aerosol-forming agents include compounds, or mixtures of compounds, which facilitate the formation of a high-density stable aerosol during use and which are substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating device. Suitable aerosol-forming agents are well known in the art and include polyhydric alcohols (such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerol), esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol monoacetate, diacetate or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of monocarboxylic, dicarboxylic or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate), but are not limited thereto. Particularly preferred aerosol-forming agents are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof (such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, most preferably glycerol). The aerosol-forming substrate may contain any suitable amount of aerosol-forming agent. For example, the aerosol-forming agent content of the substrate may be 5% or more on a dry weight basis, preferably more than 30% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming agent content may be less than about 95% on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming agent content is preferably at most about 55%.

[0081] The aerosol-forming substrate preferably comprises nicotine and at least one aerosol-forming agent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming agent is glycerol or a mixture of glycerol and one or more other suitable aerosol-forming agents (such as those described above).

[0082] The aerosol-forming substrate may contain other additives and components (such as flavorings, sweeteners, etc.). In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate contains one or more sugars in any suitable amount. The aerosol-forming substrate preferably contains invert sugar. Invert sugar is a mixture of glucose and fructose obtained by splitting sucrose. The aerosol-forming substrate preferably contains from about 1% to about 40% by weight of sugar (such as invert sugar). In some embodiments, one or more sugars may be mixed with a suitable carrier such as corn starch or maltodextrin.

[0083] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate contains one or more sensation promoters. Suitable sensation enhancers include flavorings and sensation agents (such as cooling agents). Suitable flavorings include natural or synthetic menthol, peppermint, spearmint, coffee, tea, spices (such as cinnamon, clove, ginger, or combinations thereof), cocoa, vanilla, fruit flavors, chocolate, eucalyptus, geranium, eugenol, ylang-ylang, byakushin, anethole, linalool, and any combination thereof.

[0084] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate is in the form of a suspension. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may contain molasses. As used herein, "molasses" means an aerosol-forming substrate composition containing at least about 20% sugar. For example, molasses may contain at least about 25% sugar, such as at least about 35% by weight of sugar. Typically, molasses contains less than about 60% sugar, such as less than about 50% by weight of sugar.

[0085] Any suitable amount of aerosol-forming substrate (e.g., molasses or tobacco substrate) may be placed in the cavity. In some preferred embodiments, from about 3 g to about 25 g of aerosol-forming substrate is placed in the cavity. The cartridge may contain at least 6 g, at least 7 g, at least 8 g, or at least 9 g of aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may contain up to 15 g, up to 12 g, up to 11 g, or up to 10 g of aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, from about 7 g to about 13 g of aerosol-forming substrate is placed in the cavity.

[0086] The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided on or embedded in a thermally stable carrier. The term "thermally stable" is used herein to denote a material that does not substantially degrade at the temperatures at which the substrate is typically heated (e.g., from about 150 °C to about 300 °C). The carrier may comprise a thin layer on which the substrate is deposited on a first major surface, or on a second major outer surface, or on both the first major surface and the second major surface. The carrier may be formed of, for example, paper or paper-like material, non-woven carbon fiber mat, low-mass coarse-mesh metallic screen, or perforated metal foil, or any other thermally stable polymeric matrix. Alternatively, the carrier may take the form of a powder, granule, pellet, fragment, spaghetti, shred, or sheet. The carrier may be a non-woven or bundle of fibers incorporating tobacco components. The non-woven or bundle of fibers may comprise, for example, carbon fibers, natural cellulose fibers, or cellulose derivative fibers.

[0087] The body of the cartridge may include one or more walls. In some embodiments, the body includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and side walls. The side walls may be cylindrical or frustoconical, extending from the bottom to the top. The body may include one or more components. For example, the side walls and the bottom wall may be a single, integral component. The side walls and the bottom wall may be two components configured to engage with each other in any suitable manner. For example, the side walls and the bottom wall may be configured to engage with each other by screwing or interference fitting. The side walls and the bottom wall may be two components joined together. For example, the side walls and the bottom wall may be joined together by welding or by an adhesive. The top wall and the side walls may be a single, integral component. The side walls and the top wall may be two components configured to engage with each other in any suitable manner. For example, the side walls and the top wall may be configured to engage with each other by screwing or interference fitting. The side walls and the top wall may be two components joined together. For example, the side walls and the top wall may be joined together by welding or by an adhesive. The top wall, the side walls, and the bottom wall may all be a single, integral component. The top wall, the side walls, and the bottom wall may be three separate components configured to engage with each other in any suitable manner. For example, the top wall, the side walls, and the bottom wall may be configured to engage with each other by screwing, interference fitting, welding, or an adhesive.

[0088] One or more walls of the body may form a heatable wall or surface. As used herein, "heatable wall" and "heatable surface" mean an area of a wall or surface that may be heated either directly or indirectly. The heatable wall or surface may function as a heat transfer surface through which heat may be transferred from the outside of the body to the cavity or the inner surface of the cavity.

[0089] The body of the cartridge preferably has a length of about 15 cm or less (e.g., the axial length along the vertical central axis). In some embodiments, the body has a length of about 10 cm or less. The body may have an inner diameter of about 1 cm or more. The inner diameter of the body may be about 1.75 cm or more. The cartridge has a heatable surface area of about 70 cm 2 ~ about 100 cm 2 such as about 25 cm 2 ~ about 100 cm 2 or the like. The volume of the cavity may be about 10 cm 3 ~ about 50 cm 3 and may preferably be about 25 cm 3 ~ about 40 cm 3 In some embodiments, the body has a length in the range of about 3.5 cm to about 7 cm. The inner diameter of the body may be about 1.5 cm to about 4 cm. The body has a heatable surface area of about 70 cm 2 ~ about 100 cm 2 such as about 30 cm 2 ~ about 100 cm 2 or the like. The volume of the cavity may be about 10 cm 3 ~ about 50 cm 3 and may preferably be about 25 cm 3 ~ about 40 cm 3 The body is preferably cylindrical or frustoconical.

[0090] The cartridge body may include one or more openings or ventilation holes through one or more walls of the body. The ventilation holes may be an inlet, an outlet, or both. The ventilation holes may be disposed on the bottom wall, the upper wall, the side surface of the cartridge, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the cartridge includes one or more inlets and one or more outlets to enable air to flow through the aerosol-forming substrate when the cartridge is used in an aerosol-generating device. In some cases, the upper wall of the cartridge may be absent or may define one or more openings to form one or more inlets of the cartridge. The bottom wall of the cartridge may define one or more openings to form one or more outlets of the cartridge. The one or more inlets and outlets are preferably sized and shaped to provide a suitable draw-through resistance (RTD) through the cartridge. In some embodiments, the RTD through the cartridge from the inlet to the outlet may be from about 10 mm of H2O to about 50 mm of H2O, preferably from about 20 mm of H2O to about 40 mm of H2O. The RTD of a sample refers to the difference in static pressure between two ends of the sample when the sample is traversed by an air flow under stable conditions where the volumetric flow rate is 17.5 milliliters per second at the output end. The RTD of a specimen may be measured using the method described in ISO standard 6565:2002.

[0091] One or more openings on the body may cover 5% or more, 10% or more, 15% or more, or 20% or more, or 25% or more of the area of the wall on which the opening is located. For example, if the opening is on the upper wall, the opening may cover at least 5% of the area of the upper wall. One or more openings on the body may cover 75% or less, 50% or less, 40% or less, or 30% or less of the area of the wall having the opening.

[0092] The cartridge may further include a seal or layer covering one or more inlets and optionally a second seal or layer covering one or more outlets, prior to use. The cartridge may include a first removable seal covering one or more inlets and a second removable seal covering one or more outlets. The first seal and the second seal are preferably sufficient to prevent air from flowing through the inlets and outlets to prevent leakage of the contents of the cartridge and to extend the shelf life. The seal may comprise a sticker, foil, or a peelable label of the like. The label, sticker, or foil may be affixed to the cartridge in any suitable manner, such as by adhesive, shrink wrapping, welding, or other means of joining to the container. The seal may include a tab that may be gripped to peel or remove the label, sticker, or foil from the cartridge.

[0093] For illustrative purposes, one method for using an aerosol generating device, such as a shisha device as described herein, is provided below in chronological order. The vessel may be removed from the other components of the shisha device and filled with water. One or more of natural fruit juices, plant extracts, and herbal extracts may be added to the water for flavoring. The amount of liquid added should cover a portion of the conduit but should not exceed the fill level mark that may optionally be present on the vessel. The vessel is then reassembled into the shisha device. The cartridge may be prepared by removing any removable layer (if present). A portion of the aerosol generating element may be removed or opened to allow the cartridge to be inserted into the receptacle. The aerosol generating element is then reassembled or closed. The device may then be turned on. The sensor may detect the presence of the mouthpiece on the docking station and may accordingly send a signal to the controller. Upon receipt of the signal, the controller may initiate the heating profile of the heating element according to the standby mode. The heating element may preheat the aerosol generating substrate to the standby temperature. By removing the mouthpiece from the docking station, the sensor may detect the absence of the mouthpiece and may accordingly send a signal to the controller. Upon receipt of the signal, the controller may initiate the heating profile of the heating element according to the aerosol generating mode. The heating element may be heated to a temperature above the vaporization temperature of the aerosol forming substrate but below the combustion temperature to heat the aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol forming compound of the aerosol forming substrate vaporizes to generate an aerosol. The user may smoke the mouthpiece as desired. The user may continue to use the device for a desired length of time or until the aerosol is no longer visible or is no longer delivered. The user may set the mouthpiece to be returned to the docking station. The sensor may detect the presence of the mouthpiece and may accordingly send a signal to the controller. Upon receipt of the signal, the controller may initiate the heating profile of the heating element according to the standby mode.In some embodiments, the device may be arranged to automatically stop when the available aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge, or a compartment of the cartridge, is depleted. In some embodiments, the consumer may refill the device with a fresh cartridge, for example, after receiving an indication from the device that the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge is depleted or nearly depleted. The hookah device may be switched off by the consumer at any time, for example, by switching off the device's switch.

[0094] The hookah device may have any suitable air management. In one example, the user's smoking action creates a suction effect, causing a low pressure inside the device, which draws external air through the device's air inlet, into the air inlet channel, and into the receptacle. The air can then flow through the cartridge within the receptacle and can be entrained with the aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming substrate. The air containing the entrained aerosol then exits the aerosol outlet of the receptacle and flows through a conduit into the liquid inside the vessel. The aerosol then forms bubbles and exits the liquid into the upper space above the level of the liquid in the vessel, exits the upper space outlet, and passes through a hose and mouthpiece for delivery to the consumer. The flow of external air and the flow of aerosol inside the hookah device may be driven by the user's smoking action.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0095] Reference is now made to the drawings, which illustrate one or more embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood that other embodiments, which are not necessarily shown in the drawings, are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components. The use of different numbers to refer to components in different figures is not intended to indicate that components with different numbers are not the same or similar to other components with different numbers. The figures are presented for illustrative purposes and not for purposes of limitation. The schematic diagrams presented in the figures are not necessarily to scale.

[0096]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0097] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of an aerosol generator 100. The device 100 includes a vessel 17 that defines an internal volume configured to contain a liquid 19 and defines an upper space outlet 15 above the filling level of the liquid 19. The liquid 19 preferably includes water, and one or more colorants, or one or more flavorants, or one or more colorants and one or more flavorants may optionally be injected into this water. For example, one or both of a plant extract and a herb extract may be injected into the water.

[0098] Device 100 comprises an aerosol generating element 130. The aerosol generating element 130 includes a receptacle 140 configured to receive a cartridge 200 containing an aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol generating element 130 may also include a heating element 160. The heating element 160 may form at least one surface of the receptacle 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating element 160 defines a side surface of the receptacle 140. The aerosol generating element 130 also includes an air intake channel 170 that draws air into the device 100. In some embodiments, a portion of the air intake channel 170 is formed by the heating element 160 to heat the air before it enters the receptacle 140. The preheated air then enters the cartridge 200, which is also heated by the heating element 160 and conveys the aerosol generated by the aerosol former and the aerosol forming substrate. The air exits the aerosol generating element 130 and enters a conduit 190.

[0099] The conduit 190 conveys air and aerosol into the vessel 17 below the level of the liquid 19. The air and aerosol may bubble through the liquid 19 and exit through the upper space outlet 15 of the vessel 17. A hose 20 may be attached to the upper space outlet 15 to convey the aerosol to the user's mouth. The mouthpiece 25 may be attached to the hose 20 or may form part of it. An exemplary airflow path of the device in use is illustrated by the thick arrows in FIG. 1. The mouthpiece 25 is disposed at the downstream end of the hose 20.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the apparatus 100 includes a docking station 300 for the mouthpiece 25. The docking station 300 may include a switch 400. The switch 400 may be operably connected to the controller 30. The mouthpiece 25 may include a connecting element 253. The connecting element 253 may be configured to connect to the docking station 300. For example, the docking station 300 may include a magnet, and the connecting element 253 may include a magnetic material. The docking station 300 may be placed at any suitable position of the apparatus 100, such as on the apparatus body. The switch 400 may be configured to transmit a signal indicating the presence or absence of the mouthpiece 25 to the controller 30. The switch 400 may communicate with the controller 30 by wire or wirelessly. The controller 30 may be operably connected to the power supply 35. The controller 30 may be operably connected to the heating element 160.

[0101] The controller 30 and the power supply 35 may be located at any suitable position of the aerosol generating element 130, including locations other than the bottom portion of the element 130 as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0102] Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, various embodiments of the cartridge 200 are shown. The cartridge 200 may include side walls 212, an upper wall 215, and a bottom wall 213 that define a cavity 218. The side walls 212 may be cylindrical or frustoconical as illustrated. FIG. 2A shows the cartridge 200 with a portion of the upper part 215 removed, showing the cavity 218 inside the body. The cartridge 200 may define a central axis A that extends through the cartridge 200. As shown in FIG. 2B, the upper part may include a flange 219 extending from the side walls 212. The flange 219 may be placed on the shoulder portion of the receptacle of the shisha device so that the cartridge 200 can be easily removed from the receptacle after use by gripping the flange.

[0103] Figures 3A and 3B respectively illustrate the aerosol generator 100 with the mouthpiece 25 docked to the docking station 300 and removed from the docking station 300. The docking station 300 can be disposed anywhere along the housing 180 of the device. For example, the docking station 300 may be constructed within the wall of the housing 180. The aerosol generating element 130 may include a cap 131. The cap 131 may be removably and partially disposed within the housing 180.

[0104] In Figure 3A, the mouthpiece handle 252 is connected to the docking station 300. The user can remove the mouthpiece 25 from the docking station 300 as shown in Figure 3B. According to one embodiment, the switch 400 has the ability to sense the presence of the mouthpiece 25. According to one embodiment, the switch 400 has the ability to send a signal to the controller 30 regarding the presence of the mouthpiece 25 on the docking station 300 as in Figure 3A or regarding the absence of the mouthpiece 25 from the docking station 300 as in Figure 3B.

[0105] The docking station 300 and the switch 400 can be operably connected to the controller 30 as shown in Figure 4A. The connection may be a wired connection or a wireless connection. The controller 30 may be operably connected to the power supply 35. The controller 30 may be operably connected to the heating element 160. The power supply 35 may be operably connected to the heating element 160.

[0106] The docking station 300 may include one or more magnets 310. As shown in FIG. 4B, the one or more magnets 310 may be configured to receive the mouthpiece 25. The one or more magnets 310 may form part of an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit may also include one or more of the controller 30, the power supply 35, and the heating element 160. The one or more magnets 310 may form the switch 400 or part thereof. By docking the mouthpiece 25 onto the docking station 300, the electrical circuit may be opened. By docking the mouthpiece 25 onto the docking station 300, the switch 400 may move to a first position or a first state. In the first position or the first state, the switch 400 may send a signal indicating the presence of the mouthpiece 25 to the controller 30. In response, the controller 30 may start the standby mode or turn off the power to the heating element 160. By removing the mouthpiece 25 from the docking station 300, the electrical circuit may be closed. By removing the mouthpiece 25 from the docking station 300, the switch may move to a second position or a second state. In the second position or the second state, the switch 400 may send a signal indicating the absence of the mouthpiece 25 to the controller 30. In response, the controller 30 may start the aerosol generation mode.

[0107] The mouthpiece 25 may include a mouthpiece handle body 252 connected to the hose 20. The mouthpiece 25 may include a connecting element 253. The connecting element 253 may form part of the mouthpiece handle body 252. The connecting element 253 may be embedded in the mouthpiece handle body 252. The connecting element 253 may be disposed on the surface of the mouthpiece handle body 252. The connecting element 253 may include a magnet or a magnetic material.

[0108] According to another embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, one or more magnets 255 are disposed within the mouthpiece handle body 252. The corresponding coupling element 313 is disposed within the switch 400. Alternatively, the magnets may be disposed in both the mouthpiece handle body 252 and the switch 400. By bringing one or more magnets 255 of the mouthpiece 25 adjacent to or in contact with the switch 400, the switch 400 can be triggered and an operating mode such as the standby mode can be initiated. By removing one or more magnets 255 of the mouthpiece 25 from the switch 400, the switch 400 can be triggered and another operating mode such as the aerosol generation mode can be initiated.

[0109] Thus, an aerosol generating device having a switch is described. Various modifications and variations of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. While the present invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should of course not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, it is intended that various modifications of the described methods for practicing the present invention, which are obvious to those skilled in the mechanical arts, chemical arts, and aerosol generating article manufacturing or related fields, fall within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a main body configured to receive an aerosol generating substrate; a heating element configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate; a power source operably connected to the heating element; a controller configured to control the power source and the heating element; a switch including a sensor for detecting the presence of an operating device, the switch being operably connected to the controller; and the controller is configured to establish a standby mode of the heating element when the presence of the operating device is detected. An aerosol generating device.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the switch includes a magnetic switch.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein the switch includes a magnetic docking station configured to receive the operating device.

4. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operating device includes a mouthpiece handle.

5. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the controller is configured to establish an aerosol generating mode of the heating element when the absence of the operating device is detected.

6. The heating element includes a first heating element component including a resistive heating component, and / or a second heating element component including an inductive heating component. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a capacitor operably connected to the heating element.

8. A method for using an aerosol generating device, the device comprising: a main body configured to receive an aerosol generating substrate; a heating element configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate; a power source operably connected to the heating element; a controller configured to control the power source and the heating element; a switch including a sensor for detecting the presence of an operating device, the switch being operably connected to the controller; and the controller is configured to establish a standby mode of the heating element when the presence of the operating device is detected, and the method includes positioning the operating device adjacent to the sensor and detecting the presence of the operating device. A method, including controlling power supply to the heating element. **Claim 9** Removing the operating device and detecting the absence of the operating device, The method according to claim 8, further comprising establishing an aerosol generation mode of the heating element. **Claim 10** The method according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the switch includes a magnetic switch. **Claim 11** The method according to claim 10, wherein the switch includes a magnetic docking station configured to receive the operating device, and positioning the operating device adjacent to the sensor includes docking the operating device to the magnetic docking station. **Claim 12** The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the operating device includes a mouthpiece handle. **Claim 13** The method further includes establishing a standby mode of the heating element, in which the heating element heats the aerosol generation substrate received in the main body to a first temperature, optionally, the first temperature is 100 °C or higher, 120 °C or higher, 140 °C or higher, or 160 °C or higher, and optionally, the first temperature is 200 °C or lower, 180 °C or lower, or 160 °C or lower. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12. **Claim 14** In the aerosol generation mode, the heating element heats the aerosol generation substrate received in the main body to a second temperature, optionally, the second temperature is 160 °C or higher, 170 °C or higher, 180 °C or higher, or 200 °C or higher, and optionally, the second temperature is 260 °C or lower, 240 °C or lower, or 220 °C or lower. The method according to claim 9 and any one of claims 10 to 13 citing claim 9.

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