Aerosol supply system

Abstract

The present invention provides a novel aerosol generating device and method that can prevent heating of exhausted aerosol generating materials and thus avoid the generation of undesirable flavors and scents. [Solution] The aerosol generating device according to the present invention comprises an air path including an aerosol generation region, a porous element located within the air path downstream of the aerosol generation region, and a sensor for determining a change in the characteristics of the air flow within the air path to indicate a change in the characteristics of the porous element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generation device, a method for controlling the supply of aerosol in an aerosol supply device, an aerosol generation system, and an aerosol supply means.

Background Art

[0002] Aerosol supply systems are known. A typical system uses a heater to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material, which is then inhaled by a user. The aerosol generating material from which the aerosol is generated is consumed during use of the aerosol supply system. When the device continues to heat the depleted aerosol generating material, undesirable flavors and odors can be generated, which may degrade the user experience of the aerosol supply system. Modern systems often use the effective use of a predetermined period of the system to indicate that the aerosol generating material within the system has been depleted.

[0003] It is desirable for the aerosol supply system to prevent heating of the depleted aerosol generating material and thus avoid the generation of undesirable flavors and odors.

[0004] The present invention aims to solve some of the above problems.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Aspects of the present invention are defined in the appended claims.

[0006] According to some embodiments described herein, an aerosol generation device is provided, the aerosol generation device comprising an air path including an aerosol generation region, a porous element downstream of the aerosol generation region located within the air path, and a sensor for determining a change in the characteristics of the air flow within the air path and indicating a change in the characteristics of the porous element.

[0007] According to some embodiments described herein, a method for controlling the supply of aerosol in an aerosol supply device is provided. The method includes preparing an air passage including an aerosol generation region, preparing an aerosol generation medium, preparing a porous element downstream of the aerosol generation region, preparing a sensor, determining, by the sensor, a change in the characteristics of the air flow in the air passage, and then determining a change in the characteristics of the porous element, and generating or not generating aerosol in response to the determined change in the characteristics of the porous element.

[0008] According to some embodiments described herein, an aerosol generation device as described above and an aerosol generation material located within the aerosol generation region are provided.

[0009] According to some embodiments described herein, an aerosol supply means is provided. The aerosol supply means includes an air passage including an aerosol generation region, a porous element downstream of the aerosol generation region located within the air passage, and sensing means for determining a change in the characteristics of the air flow in the air passage to indicate a change in the characteristics of the porous element.

[0010] The present teachings will be described below with reference to the following figures for purposes of illustration only.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Although various modifications and alternative forms are possible in the present invention, specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the drawings and detailed description of the specific embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, the present invention encompasses all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0013] Certain examples and aspects and features of the embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of the certain examples and embodiments can be implemented as in the past and, for the sake of brevity, will not be discussed / described in detail herein. Therefore, it will be understood that those aspects and features of the apparatus and method discussed herein that are not described in detail can be implemented according to any conventional technique for implementing such aspects and features.

[0014] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol supply system, which can also be referred to as an aerosol supply system such as an e-cigarette. Throughout the following description, the terms "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may be used, but it will be understood that this term can be used interchangeably with aerosol supply systems / devices and electronic aerosol supply systems / devices. Further, as is commonly seen in the art, the terms "aerosol" and "vapor", as well as related terms such as "vaporization", "volatilization", and "aerosolization" can generally be used interchangeably.

[0015] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an example of an aerosol generation device 100 according to the present invention. The aerosol generation device 100 has an air passage 110 including an aerosol generation region 112. The aerosol generation device 100 also has a porous element 120. The porous element 120 is located downstream of the aerosol generation region 112 and is located within the air passage 110. The aerosol generation device 100 has a sensor 130. The sensor 130 is for determining a change in the characteristics of the air flow within the air passage 110. The change in the characteristics of the air flow within the air passage 110 is used to indicate a change in the characteristics of the porous element 120.

[0016] The air flowing through the aerosol generation device 100 enters the device 100 from an air inlet 102. The air flows along the air passage 110 through the aerosol generation region 112 and exits the device 100 from an air outlet 104 through the porous element 120. The air exiting the device 100 from the air outlet 104 is an aerosol and can have, for example, air or a flavor compound entrained in the aerosol. The direction of travel of the air flowing through the device 100 is indicated by arrow A in Figure 1.

[0017] The device 100 can have a heater and wick assembly for generating an aerosol for inhalation within the aerosol generation region 112. Since the main focus of the present invention is not this part of the device 100, it will not be described in detail herein. It is sufficient to say that any aerosol generation mechanism (also referred to herein as an aerosol generation component) can be utilized in the present invention described herein.

[0018] The porous element 120 is removably insertable into the device 100. Access to the device 100 can be enabled by an opening and closing door or a non-removable part so that the user can insert the porous element 120 into the device 100. The porous element 120 contains, for example, a flavorant. When the aerosol generated in the aerosol generation region 112 passes through the porous element 120, the flavor compound can be entrained in the aerosol. Thus, the porous element 120 enables the user to modify the aerosol generated by the device 100 and thus suit their preferences.

[0019] The porous element 120 can have a plurality of channels through the element 120, thereby enabling an air flow to pass through the porous element 120. When the air flow passes through the channels, compounds (such as flavorants) from the porous element 120 can be entrained in the air flow for inhalation by the user. The air flow passing from the aerosol generation region 112 through the porous element 120 can become relatively hot and / or relatively humid. Typically, the aerosol is generated within a temperature range of 50 to 350 degrees Celsius. The moisture in the aerosol can result from the air flow entraining the aerosolized e-liquid that can be used within the device 100 to form the aerosol. Thus, such an air flow should be relatively hot and relatively humid. As used herein, relatively is in comparison to an air flow passing through the device 100 that is not heated or entrained by any component across the aerosol generation region 112.

[0020] When a high-temperature and / or high-humidity air stream passes through the channels of the porous element 120, the channels may begin to structurally deteriorate. The porous element 120 deteriorates structurally not only in terms of the channels but also as a whole. The porous element 120 is made, for example, from tobacco and structurally deteriorates when repeatedly exposed to a high-temperature and / or high-humidity air stream. Therefore, when the channels are distorted under the influence of the heat and humidity of the aerosol passing through the porous element 120, the channels of the porous element 120 may begin to deteriorate and thus close. In this way, the porous element 120 can be arranged to have a lower porosity over the usage time of the device 100.

[0021] Therefore, the porosity of the porous element 120 depends in some way on the usage time of the device 100. The porosity of the porous element 120 also depends on the usage intensity of the device 100. For example, a user who desires a higher-temperature and / or higher-water-content aerosol (e.g., an aerosolized e-liquid) causes a greater structural deterioration of the porous element 120 and its channels per puff compared to a user who desires a lower-temperature and / or lower-water-content aerosol. Therefore, the deterioration of the porous element 120 is related not only to the usage time but also to the intensity of use of the device 100. Therefore, it is advantageous for the present invention to provide a solution that can offset the differences in the usage behaviors of different users.

[0022] The channels of the porous element 120 do not necessarily close simultaneously, but close according to the distribution between channels with a higher priority for the air stream to move through the porous element 120 and other channels with a lower priority. Therefore, the channels are likely to close over the usage period.

[0023] When a particular channel closes, the airflow is forced to pass through the remaining open channels. Next, when device 100 is further used and an airflow of high temperature and / or high humidity is sent through those channels into the porous element 120, some of the remaining open channels may also close. Thus, the channels in the porous element 120 gradually close, and ultimately, it is understood that the airflow through the air path 110 will substantially stop passing through the porous element 120 because there are no channels left that are open enough to allow substantial passage of the airflow. In particular, not all channels need to close for the airflow to substantially stop passing. It is only necessary for a sufficient number of channels to close. In one example, only 40% of the channels need to close to cause a significant change in the characteristics of the passing airflow. Different flavored tobaccos may have different levels of blocking rates, and these can be compensated for accordingly. For example, one porous element with a first flavor may only need 40% of its channels to close before a significant change in the characteristics of the airflow occurs, while a different porous element with a second flavor may need a higher (or lower) percentage of its channels to close to achieve the same effect.

[0024] The sensor 130 can be arranged to detect a change in one or several characteristics of the airflow passing through the air path 110. The sensor 130 in the example shown in FIG. 1 is arranged downstream of the porous element 120 and is located within the housing 101 of the device 100. In an example where the porous element 120 structurally deteriorates, as a result, the number of channels (referring to the original total number of channels) substantially decreases, and the airflow can pass through the porous element 120. The pressure of the airflow through the deteriorated porous element 120 can be different from that of the airflow through the original non-deteriorated porous element 120. Similarly, the velocity of the airflow through the fewer remaining open channels can also be different.

[0025] During the first use of device 100, sensor 130 can calculate the basic characteristics of the air flow through air path 110. This can include, for example, the pressure, temperature, contents (such as gas contents), vapor density, and humidity of the air flow. From these basic measurements, sensor 130 can detect significant deviations (changes in characteristics) from these characteristics by providing a basic operating range that cancels out natural variations with further measurements. Sensor 130 can be a digital sensor and can detect internal pressure and indicate changes in porous element 120 to the user. The change in contents can be, for example, an increase from the basic oxygen ratio in the air flow. This can also be related to the contents of the air flow, such as particulate matter in the air flow, or any other aspect related to other elements, such as hydrogen, nitrogen, etc.

[0026] Since porous element 120 deteriorates with use, the characteristics of the air flow change such that they consistently fall outside the normal operating range established when porous element 120 was new and thus not deteriorated. Therefore, the detection of sensor 130 of the air characteristics can be used to provide guidance regarding the condition of porous element 120. Using this, it can be determined whether porous element 120 has structurally deteriorated to the extent that replacement of porous element 120 is recommended or required.

[0027] When such a determination is made, a warning can be provided to the user, notifying the user that the porous element 120 should be removed from the device 100 and replaced. The warning can take the form of a visual stimulus such as light from a light-emitting diode (LED) located on the housing 101. The warning can be an auditory stimulus such as noise or an oscillating sound from a speaker. The device 100 can be connected to other devices such as a smartphone, and the device 100 can provide a warning to one or more other devices that the porous element 120 should be replaced. Thus, the sensor 120 can operate as a feedback mechanism to provide the user with an incentive to replace the depleted porous element 120 in a timely manner according to the user's preference.

[0028] The sensor 130 can be used to detect changes in two or more characteristics and provide additional data regarding the probability of a structural change in the porous element 120. For example, if the humidity, temperature, and pressure of the air flow all show significant changes from an established operating range, the porous element 120 is likely to be degraded and in need of replacement. On the other hand, if only the temperature changes, the porous element 120 may not need to be replaced. Multiple sensors can be provided to detect multiple characteristics of the air flow through the air path 110.

[0029] One or more sensors 130 can be located upstream or downstream of the porous element 120 to best detect the relevant characteristics. For example, if the humidity is very high upstream of the porous element 120, it may be due to the lack of an available unimpaired channel for the air flow, resulting in difficulty for the high-humidity air flow to pass through the porous element 120. At this point, the porous element 120 may need to be replaced.

[0030] The above discussion relates to the porous element 120 having a specific channel, but it is clear that this also applies to elements that can pass air, and the permeability of the element deteriorates with use. Any other such element should also be a suitable modification of the present disclosure.

[0031] During the deterioration of the porous element 120, the element 120 can condense into a non-porous (or relatively non-porous) solid mass. This prevents the air flow from passing through the element 120. If this continues for a relatively long time, it should become very difficult to inhale the device 100, and it should degrade the user experience of the device 100. Therefore, the present invention prevents this.

[0032] Figure 2 shows a schematic view of an example of an aerosol generating device 200 according to the present invention. The aerosol generating device 200 has an air path 210 including an aerosol generation region 212. The aerosol generating device 200 also has a porous element 220. The porous element 220 is located downstream of the aerosol generation region 212 and within the air path 210. The aerosol generating device 200 has a sensor 230. The sensor 230 is for determining a change in the characteristics of the air flow within the air path 210. The change in the characteristics of the air flow within the air path 210 is used to indicate a change in the characteristics of the porous element 220.

[0033] In the example shown in Figure 2, the sensor 230 is connected to a controller 240. The controller 240 is connected to an aerosol generation component 214 such as a heater or a vibrator for supplying an aerosol from the aerosol generation medium within the device 200. During use, the aerosol generation component 214 is activated by the controller 240 to supply an aerosol within the aerosol generation region 212. The aerosol is entrained in the air flow along the air path 210. The aerosol passes through the porous element 220 and entrains further components. The aerosol can then exit the device through the air outlet 204.

[0034] As described above, with use, the porous element 220 deteriorates and the airflow through the porous element 220 is affected. When the sensor 230 detects a change in the characteristics of the airflow, the sensor 230 can send a signal to the controller 240, and the controller 240 controls the aerosol generating component 214 to stop the operation of the aerosol generating component 214. In this way, when the porous element 220 deteriorates to a predetermined amount, the device 200 can be prevented from starting. Then, this can be signaled to the user, whereby the user recognizes the need to replace the porous element 220.

[0035] As described above, preventing the activation of the device 200 can provide a plurality of safety benefits. For example, by preventing the device 200 from operating when the temperature of the airflow is excessively high, the operation of the aerosol generating component 214 outside the intended temperature range can be prevented. This helps to avoid reducing the lifespan of the aerosol generating component 214 and thus increases the lifespan of the device 200 as a whole. Further, if the aerosol generating component 214 begins to supply too much thermal energy to the airflow, the sensor 230 can detect this and provide a signal to the controller 240, and the controller 240 can prevent the consumption of the aerosol generating component 214, etc., by preventing further operation of the device 200. Other such problems resulting from incorrect operation of the device 200 can also be detected by the sensor 230 and prevented by the controller 240. Therefore, the power override managed by the sensor 230 and the controller 240 is generally advantageous for the lifespan of the device 200.

[0036] Prevention of the operation of device 200 can be performed in response to the controller 240 detecting that a change in a characteristic is outside a predetermined acceptable range of values for the characteristic. Such predetermined acceptable values can be programmed into device 200 during production. Such pre-programmed values can be considered as being calculated as a result of inspections and the like. Alternatively, the predetermined values can be based on an operating range for the characteristic obtained by sensor 230 and stored by controller 240 when no degradation has occurred or when the degradation that has occurred is limited during the first use of porous element 220. Controller 240 can compare the reading from sensor 230 with the predetermined values and, accordingly, prevent or permit the activation of device 200. For example, if the reading is within the predetermined acceptable range, controller 240 permits device 200 to activate. On the other hand, if the reading is outside the predetermined acceptable range, controller 240 prevents device 200 from activating.

[0037] As discussed above, other characteristics of the air flow, including pressure, can also be used in determining whether device 200 should be activated. Preventing the operation of device 200 when the pressure of the air flow is significantly outside the range of standard operating conditions also helps to limit the use of device 200 at altitudes where leakage from device 200 could occur. Further, since device 200 operates after element 220 has been replaced or after device 200 has been moved to an area where the air flow is more suitable for the use of device 200, the prevention of the operation of device 200 is temporary. Thus, there is no requirement that device 200 should be electrically reset. This thereby improves the user experience of device 200.

[0038] Deterioration of the porous element 220 as described above may occur over a predetermined performance range, but as discussed, this depends on the intensity of use by a particular user. Further, the size of the porous element 220 also affects the number of puffs that can be taken before deterioration such that the porous element 220 affects the performance of the device 200. This number of puffs can be about 30 puffs for a smaller porous element 220, about 50 puffs for a larger porous element 220, or about 60 or more puffs for an even larger element 220. The device 200 described herein can account for the usage habits of individual users, and thereby the present invention is very accurate in indicating to the user that the porous element 220 should be replaced.

[0039] In one example, during passage to the air outlet 204, a relatively high humidity aerosol passes through the porous element 220. Since moisture condenses within the channels of the porous element 220, the moisture content of the porous element 220 increases with use of the device 200. At a predetermined moisture content, the porous element 220 is in a structurally deteriorated state, and the user is notified that a replacement porous element 220 should be provided within the device 200 for continued use of the device 200. As used herein, moisture content refers to what proportion of the total porous element 220 contains water molecules. In connection with the foregoing, the deposition rate can be in the region of 0 to 2 mg per puff for any of PG, VG, water, etc. Alternatively, the deposition rate can be up to 5 mg per puff.

[0040] In one example, the porous element 220 can be sufficiently degraded when exposed to an air flow of about 5°C to about 250°C for a predetermined period. Since different users may have different puff lengths and the like, this is not necessarily puff-dependent. The lower temperature ranges discussed above (e.g., above freezing) can be suitable for the generation of water aerosols by a nebulizer or the like. The higher temperature ranges discussed above can be suitable for the porous element 220 disposed immediately adjacent to the atomizer. In connection with the above temperature ranges, a preferred range can be from about 40°C to about 120°C.

[0041] In a particular example, the porous element 220 can be a replaceable flavor pod within the device 200. The flavor can be either tobacco or glycol, and can include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, phyllostachys pubescens leaves, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, peppermint, anise, cinnamon, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, cubeb, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, bell pepper, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), flavor enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or alternative sugars (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, thaumatin, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, plant substances, or breath fresheners. The flavor can be artificial, synthetic, or natural components, or a mixture thereof.

[0042] Sensor 230 can be capable of detecting the orientation of device 200. This is advantageous because sensor 230 can indicate its orientation to controller 240, and controller 240 can prevent the activation of device 200 when device 200 is in a dangerous orientation for use. For example, in one example, device 200 includes a liquid supply part and a wick structure for aerosol generation. Device 200 generates an aerosol by heating the liquid in the wick. When device 200 is in an orientation where the liquid is prevented from reaching the wick in an amount or at a rate sufficient to prevent the depletion of the wick, sensor 230 can provide a signal to controller 240, and controller 240 can prevent the activation of device 200. Sensor 230 can be a gyroscope or a magnetic element or the like that can be used to measure the orientation of device 200. Thus, such a configuration of sensor 230 and controller 240 can assist in preventing high-temperature puffs. High-temperature puffs can result in an unpleasant experience for the user and may damage the heater by operating at a temperature above the intended operating temperature of the heater in some cases.

[0043] In one example of the aerosol generation component 214 provided herein, the aerosol generation component 214 can have one or more heaters. In one example, the aerosol generation component 214 can have two heaters. The two heaters can have the same operating temperature or different operating temperatures. The two heaters can provide thermal energy to different parts of the aerosol generation medium to enable the generation of an aerosol more to one's preference. The heaters can alternatively be used in series (to reduce the use per puff of each heater and thus extend the life of the heater). Two or more controllers 240 may be connected to two or more heaters.

[0044] In one example, sensor 230 is a pressure sensor. Such a pressure sensor 230 can also be used as a secondary activation signal provider. When the user inhales with device 200, sensor 230 senses the change in pressure of the air flow. Sensor 230 can detect that the change in air flow pressure should initiate the operation of device 200. In this way, the configurations disclosed herein enable device 200, which does not require effort from the user to activate and only requires the user to inhale on device 200. This configuration can also help limit the risk of device 200 overheating as a result of activation before actual use of device 200.

[0045] The disclosed configurations can be implemented within a system having a replaceable consumable, such as porous element 220. The configurations can also be used within a system that is itself discarded after use. A warning to the user should then relate to when a new system is required, rather than when a new element 220 should be provided.

[0046] Accordingly, an aerosol generating device has been described that includes an air passage including an aerosol generation region, a porous element downstream of the aerosol generation region located within the air passage, and a sensor for determining a change in the characteristics of the air flow within the air passage to indicate a change in the characteristics of the porous element.

[0047] The aerosol supply system can be used within tobacco industry products, such as non-combustible aerosol supply systems.

[0048] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product comprises one or more components of a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a heater and an aerosolizable substrate.

[0049] In one embodiment, the aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device.

[0050] In one embodiment, the electronic cigarette comprises a heater, a power source capable of supplying power to the heater, an aerosolizable substrate such as a liquid or a gel, a housing, and optionally a mouthpiece.

[0051] In one embodiment, the aerosolizable substrate is contained within or on a substrate container. In one embodiment, the substrate container is combined with or comprises the heater.

[0052] In one embodiment, the tobacco industrial product is a heating product that releases one or more compounds by non - combustively heating a substrate material. The substrate material is an aerosolizable material that can be, for example, tobacco or other non - tobacco products, and may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the heating device product is a tobacco heating product.

[0053] In one embodiment, the heating product is an electronic device.

[0054] In one embodiment, the tobacco heating product comprises a heater, a power source capable of supplying power to the heater, and an aerosolizable substrate such as a solid or a gel material.

[0055] In one embodiment, the heating product is a non - electronic article.

[0056] In one embodiment, the heating product comprises an aerosolizable substrate such as a solid or a gel material and a heat source capable of supplying thermal energy to the aerosolizable substrate without using electronic means, such as by burning a combustion material such as charcoal.

[0057] In one embodiment, the heating product also comprises a filter capable of filtering the aerosol generated by heating the aerosolizable substrate.

[0058] In some embodiments, the aerosolizable base material can include an aerosol or aerosol-forming agent or humectant such as glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, or diethylene glycol.

[0059] In one embodiment, the tobacco product is a composite system for generating an aerosol by non-combustion heating of a combination of base materials. The base materials can, for example, constitute a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the composite system includes a liquid or gel base and a solid base. The solid base can, for example, be tobacco or other non-tobacco products, and may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the composite system includes a liquid or gel base and tobacco.

[0060] To address various problems and evolve the technology, the present disclosure shows, by way of example, various embodiments that can implement the claimed invention to provide an excellent electronic aerosol supply system. The advantages and features of the present disclosure are merely representative samples of the embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages and features of the present disclosure are presented only to assist in understanding the claimed features and to teach such features. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the present disclosure should not be considered as limitations to the present disclosure as defined in the claims or to the equivalents of the claims, and that other embodiments can be utilized and modifications can be made without departing from the scope and / or spirit of the present disclosure. The various embodiments can suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. Additionally, the present disclosure also encompasses other inventions that are not claimed herein but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An air passage including an aerosol generation region, a porous element downstream of the aerosol generation region located within the air passage, a sensor for determining a change in the characteristics of the air flow within the air passage to indicate a change in the characteristics of the porous element, comprising: the sensor being arranged to determine a change in the pressure of the air flow within the air passage, the porous element containing a flavorant, an aerosol generation device.

2. The sensor is the temperature of the air flow within the air passage, the humidity of the air flow within the air passage, the vapor density within the air passage, and a change in the contents of the air flow within the air passage, arranged to determine at least one change in the characteristics of. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1.

3. Further comprising a controller, the controller being arranged to receive a signal related to the determination of the sensor regarding a change in the characteristics of the air flow within the air passage, the controller being arranged to prevent activation of the aerosol generation device in response to a predetermined value of the determination of the sensor. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The porous element is arranged such that the porosity decreases with use time. The aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The flavorant is at least one of menthol, fruit, tobacco, or a mixture thereof. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1.

6. A method for controlling the supply of an aerosol in an aerosol supply device, comprising: providing an air passage including an aerosol generation region; providing an aerosol generation medium; providing a porous element downstream of the aerosol generation region; providing a sensor; determining, by the sensor, a change in the characteristics of the air flow within the air passage; next, determining a change in the characteristics of the porous element; generating or not generating an aerosol in response to the determined change in the characteristics of the porous element including, the characteristics of the air flow within the air passage being the pressure of the air flow within the air passage upstream of the porous element, the pressure of the air flow within the air passage downstream of the porous element, at least one of, the porous element containing a flavorant, a method.

7. The step of generating, or not generating, an aerosol in response to the determined change in the property of the porous element, determining whether the property is outside a predetermined acceptable value range of the property; generating an aerosol when the property is within a predetermined acceptable value range and not generating an aerosol when the property is outside the predetermined acceptable value range The method according to claim 6, comprising:

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising the step of indicating to the user that no aerosol is generated as a result of the property being outside a predetermined acceptable value range.

9. The property of the air flow in the air path is the temperature of the air flow in the air path, the humidity of the air flow in the air path, the vapor density in the air path, and the contents of the air flow in the air path, The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, which is at least one of:

10. An aerosol supply system comprising an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and an aerosol generating material located within the aerosol generation region.

11. An air path including an aerosol generation region, a porous element downstream of the aerosol generation region located within the air path, sensing means for determining a change in the property of the air flow in the air path to indicate a change in the property of the porous element, the sensing means being arranged to determine a change in the pressure of the air flow in the air path, the porous element containing a flavorant, Aerosol supply means.

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