Aerosol generating device for preheating an aerosol product and method of operation thereof

Abstract

According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device includes a heater for heating at least a portion of an aerosol product, and a processor for controlling power supply to the heater based on a pre-heating profile including a first section and a second section, and the processor can obtain a pre-heating profile in which the time corresponding to the second section is modified if the time it takes for the heater to reach a target temperature in the first section is less than a preset range or exceeds the preset range, and supply power to the heater based on the modified pre-heating profile.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device and method of operation that preheats an aerosol product based on a preheating profile. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes, such as a system that generates aerosols by heating a cigarette or an aerosol-generating substance using an aerosol-generating device, rather than by burning a cigarette to generate aerosols.

[0003] When an aerosol product is inserted into the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device can preheat the heater based on a pre-heating profile set for the inserted aerosol product. The pre-heating step of the heater refers to a step of heating the heater to a specific temperature before a user starts smoking so that a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated from the aerosol product when the user smokes through the aerosol product. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is that aerosol products may be manufactured with defects or errors during the manufacturing process. Furthermore, aerosol products may be stored outside of the desired storage environment, in an overly humid state. When such aerosol products are used for smoking, they may not provide sufficient atomization or may impair the tobacco flavor. Therefore, smoking may be less satisfying for the user.

[0005] The problems to be solved through the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the problems described above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Various embodiments according to the present disclosure determine the condition of the aerosol product via the heater ramp rate and attempt to preheat the aerosol product via an altered preheat profile.

[0007] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a heater that heats at least a portion of the aerosol product, and a processor that controls power supply to the heater based on a preheating profile including a first section and a second section. If the time it takes for the heater to reach a target temperature in the first section is less than a preset range or exceeds a preset range, the processor can obtain a preheating profile in which the time corresponding to the second section is changed, and supply power to the heater based on the changed preheating profile.

[0008] In one embodiment, a method of operating an aerosol generating device may include an operation of obtaining a preheating profile in which the time corresponding to the second section is changed when the time required to reach a target temperature in the first section of a preheating profile including a first section and a second section is less than a preset range or exceeds a preset range, and an operation of supplying power to a heater based on the changed preheating profile. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, even if a thin aerosol product is inserted into the aerosol generating device due to thickness errors, additional heating time can be added to provide sufficient heating.

[0010] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, even if an aerosol product containing an excessive amount of moisture is inserted into an aerosol generating device, the aerosol product can be appropriately heated while reducing the heat sensation.

[0011] However, the effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an aerosol generating device changing a preheating profile according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating changing a preheat profile based on the time it takes for a heater to reach a target temperature, according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a preheating profile. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a preheating profile in a normal state, a first abnormal state, and a second abnormal state. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram showing another example of a preheating profile in a first abnormal state and a second abnormal state. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a preheating profile when abnormal operation of a heater is detected; [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The terms used in the examples are currently commonly used terms, and are selected as much as possible while taking into consideration the functions of the present invention. However, this may vary depending on the intentions of engineers in the field, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, the meanings thereof will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention must be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of this disclosure, rather than simply the names of the terms.

[0014] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain component, it does not mean that it excludes other components and may further include other components, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, terms such as "... unit" and "... module" used in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and may be realized by hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0015] As used herein, when a phrase such as "at least one of" precedes an element in a sequence, it modifies the entire element in the sequence, not each individual element in the sequence. For example, the phrase "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted as including a, b, and c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0016] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates the aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette contained in the interior space.

[0017] The aerosol generating device may include a heater. In one embodiment, the heater may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater may include a conductive track, and the heater may be heated when an electric current is passed through the conductive track.

[0018] The heater may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0019] Cigarettes may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be produced in either a sheet or strand form, and the tobacco sheet may be produced from finely chopped tobacco. The tobacco rod may also be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material may be a metal foil such as, but not limited to, aluminum foil.

[0020] The filter rod may also be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may be composed of at least one or more segments. For example, the filter rod may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters out specific components contained in the aerosol.

[0021] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge that holds an aerosol generating substance.

[0022] The aerosol generating device may include a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating material and a body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably coupled to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be integrally formed with the body or assembled and fixed so as not to be detached by a user. The cartridge may be attached to the body with the aerosol-generating material contained therein. However, is not limited thereto, and the aerosol-generating material may be injected into the cartridge when the cartridge is coupled to the body.

[0023] The cartridge may contain an aerosol-forming material in any one of a variety of states, such as a liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel state. The aerosol-forming material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0024] The cartridge is activated by an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body to convert the phase of the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge into a gas phase, thereby generating an aerosol. The aerosol refers to a gas mixture of vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating material and air.

[0025] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device heats a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to the user through the cigarette. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition travels along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device, and the airflow passage can be configured to allow the aerosol to be delivered to the user through the cigarette.

[0026] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method, which refers to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol generating material using ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0027] The aerosol generating device includes a vibrator, and can atomize the aerosol generating material by generating short-period vibrations via the vibrator. The vibrations generated by the vibrator can be ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibrations can be, but is not limited to, a frequency band of about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz.

[0028] The aerosol generating device may further include a wick that absorbs the aerosol-generating substance. For example, the wick may be positioned to surround at least a region of the vibrator or to contact at least a region of the vibrator.

[0029] When a voltage (e.g., an AC voltage) is applied to the vibrator, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations are generated from the vibrator, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator can be transferred to the aerosol-forming substance absorbed in the wick. The aerosol-forming substance absorbed in the wick can be converted into a gas phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transferred from the vibrator, resulting in the generation of an aerosol.

[0030] For example, the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material absorbed into the core is reduced by heat generated from the vibrator, and the reduced viscosity aerosol-generating material is broken down into fine particles by ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator, thereby generating an aerosol, but this is not limited to this.

[0031] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol product contained in the aerosol generating device using induction heating.

[0032] The aerosol generating device may include a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil can apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. When power is supplied from the aerosol generating device to the coil, a magnetic field can be formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor is also a magnetic material that generates heat when an external magnetic field is applied. When the susceptor is located inside the coil and generates heat when a magnetic field is applied, the aerosol product can be heated. Alternatively, the susceptor may be located inside the aerosol product.

[0033] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a cradle.

[0034] The aerosol generating device may be combined with a separate cradle to form a system. For example, the cradle may charge the battery of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the heater may heat the aerosol generating device when the cradle and the aerosol generating device are combined.

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. The present disclosure may be embodied in a form that can be implemented by the aerosol generating device of the various embodiments described above, or may be embodied in various different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0038] 1, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a processor 110 and a heater 120. However, the hardware components within the aerosol generating device 100 are not limited to those illustrated in Fig. 1. A person skilled in the art will understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 100, some of the hardware components illustrated in Fig. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0039] Hereinafter, the operation of each component included in the aerosol generating device 100 will be described without limiting the space in which the component is located.

[0040] In one embodiment, the heater 120 can heat at least a portion of an aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the heater 120 can be supplied with power from a battery (not shown) through the control of the processor 110, and can generate an aerosol by heating at least a portion of the aerosol product via the supplied power.

[0041] In one embodiment, the processor 110 can preheat the aerosol product based on a preheat profile.

[0042] In this disclosure, the term "preheat profile" refers to the temperature profile of the heater 120. More specifically, the term "preheat profile" refers to the temperature profile for controlling the heater during the entire preheat time, which may begin when the aerosol product is inserted or when power to the heater 120 is turned on.

[0043] In the present disclosure, a "preheating profile" may include a temperature increase section, a temperature hold section, and a temperature decrease section. In this case, the temperature increase section, the temperature hold section, and the temperature decrease section may be included in order, but are not limited to this. Furthermore, in the present disclosure, a "preheating profile" may include a "first section" including the temperature increase section and the temperature hold section, and a "second section" including the temperature decrease section, but are not limited to this.

[0044] In one embodiment, the processor 110 may change the preheating profile based on the time it takes for the heater 120 to reach a target temperature in a first section of the preheating profile.

[0045] For example, the processor 110 may change the preheating profile if the time it takes for the heater 120 to reach the target temperature in the first section falls outside a preset range. Here, the "preset range" refers to the time range it takes for the heater 120 to reach the target temperature when the aerosol product inserted in the device is in a normal state (e.g., when a dedicated cigarette is used and / or when the cigarette contains an appropriate moisture content). The changed preheating profile refers to a preheating profile in which the time corresponding to the second section, which includes a temperature drop section, in the existing preheating profile has been changed. This will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 3.

[0046] In one embodiment, the processor 110 can determine the condition of the aerosol product via the time it takes for the temperature of the heater 120 to reach the target temperature.

[0047] For example, if the time it takes for the temperature of the heater 120 to reach the target temperature is within a preset range (e.g., 25 to 27 seconds), the processor 110 can determine that the condition of the aerosol product inserted in the device is normal.

[0048] As another example, if the time it takes for the heater 120 to reach the target temperature is less than the preset range (e.g., 23 seconds), the processor 110 may determine that the condition of the aerosol product inserted in the device is abnormal (e.g., a non-dedicated cigarette or an incompatible cigarette).

[0049] As yet another example, if the time it takes for the heater 120 to reach the target temperature exceeds the preset range (e.g., 29 seconds), the processor 110 may determine that the condition of the aerosol product inserted in the device is abnormal (e.g., an overly moist cigarette).

[0050] In one embodiment, the processor 110 may obtain a modified preheat profile based on the time it takes for the heater 120 to reach the target temperature, and may supply power to the heater 120 according to the modified preheat profile. For example, the processor 110 may supply power to the heater 120 according to the modified preheat profile based on pulse width modulation (PWM) control, proportional integral differential (PID) control, etc.

[0051] FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating an aerosol generating device changing a preheating profile according to one embodiment.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 2, in operation 201, a processor (e.g., processor 110 of FIG. 1) can obtain a modified preheat profile if the time it takes for a heater (e.g., heater 120 of FIG. 1) to reach a target temperature is less than a preset range or exceeds a preset range.

[0053] In one embodiment, the processor 110 may measure the temperature of the heater 120 via a temperature sensor. For example, the aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 100 of FIG. 1) may include a separate temperature sensor disposed between the heater 120 and the processor 110. As another example, the heater 120 itself may function as a temperature sensor and directly transmit data related to the heater temperature to the processor 110.

[0054] In one embodiment, the processor 110 may measure a time corresponding to a temperature increase section in the first section of the preheating profile. That is, the processor 110 may measure a time required for the heater 120 to reach a target temperature. For example, the processor 110 may measure a time required for the heater 120 to reach a target temperature based on data related to the temperature of the heater 120 acquired through a temperature sensor and time data acquired through a separate real time clock (RTC) module.

[0055] In one embodiment, the processor 110 may determine whether the time it takes for the heater 120 to reach the target temperature is within a preset range. In this case, the "preset range" refers to the range of time it takes for the heater 120 to reach the target temperature when the aerosol product inserted into the device is in a normal state. For example, when an aerosol product in a normal state is inserted into the aerosol generating device 100, it may be predetermined that the temperature of the heater 120 will reach the target temperature (e.g., 270°C) within a range of 25 to 27 seconds. In this case, the preset range may also be a range of 25 to 27 seconds.

[0056] In one embodiment, the processor 110 may change the preheat profile if the temperature of the heater 120 does not reach the target temperature within a preset range. For example, the changed preheat profile refers to a preheat profile in which the time corresponding to the second section including the temperature drop section in the existing preheat profile is changed.

[0057] That is, if the temperature of heater 120 reaches the target temperature in 24 seconds, which is less than the preset range (e.g., 25 to 27 seconds), processor 110 may add a first compensation time to the preset time for the second period to obtain a modified preheating profile. Also, if the temperature of heater 120 reaches the target temperature in 35 seconds, which exceeds the preset range, processor 110 may add a second compensation time to the preset time for the second period to obtain a modified preheating profile. In this case, the first compensation time and the second compensation time are different from each other, and a detailed description thereof will be given later with reference to FIG. 3.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the processor 110 may power the heater 120 based on the preheat profile modified in operation 203 .

[0059] In one embodiment, the existing preheating profile may include a temperature increase section PH in which the temperature of the heater 120 increases to a target temperature, a temperature hold section PM in which the temperature of the heater 120 is maintained at the target temperature, and a temperature decrease section PL in which the temperature of the heater 120 decreases to a preheat end temperature. Also, the first section may correspond to the temperature increase section and the temperature hold section, and the second section may correspond to the temperature decrease section.

[0060] In one embodiment, the modified preheating profile refers to a preheating profile in which the time corresponding to the first interval is maintained and only the time corresponding to the second interval is modified.

[0061] For example, in the existing preheating profile, the temperature rise section (P H ) and temperature holding section (P M ) and the first period (P H+P M The time corresponding to the first section (P') of the modified preheating profile H +P' M However, if the temperature of the heater 120 reaches the target temperature substantially earlier, the temperature rise period (P H ) is shortened, and the temperature holding period (P M ) may be relatively long. Also, if the temperature of the heater 120 reaches the target temperature substantially late, the temperature rise period (P H ) becomes longer, and the temperature holding period (P M ) can be relatively short.

[0062] For example, the temperature drop section (P' L The time corresponding to the second section, which is the temperature drop section (P L ) and the time corresponding to the second section, which is the preheating section. That is, the processor 110 may add a compensation time to the time corresponding to the second section of the existing preheating profile, and supply power to the heater 120 during the temperature drop section. However, a detailed description of the added compensation time will be given later with reference to FIG. 3.

[0063] 3 is a flowchart illustrating a process for changing a preheating profile based on a time required for the heater to reach a target temperature, according to an embodiment. In the description of FIG. 3, details that are the same as, similar to, or correspond to those described above may be omitted.

[0064] 3, a processor (e.g., processor 110 of FIG. 1) may determine in operation 301 whether the time it takes for a heater (e.g., heater 120 of FIG. 1) to reach a target temperature is less than a preset range. In this case, the "preset range" refers to the range of time it takes for the heater 120 to reach the target temperature when the aerosol product inserted into the device is in a normal state. For example, when an aerosol product in a normal state is inserted into the aerosol generating device 100, the processor 110 may preset that the temperature of the heater 120 will reach the target temperature (e.g., 270°C) within a range of 25 to 27 seconds. In this case, the preset range is also a range of 25 to 27 seconds.

[0065] In one embodiment, the processor 110 may acquire the time it takes for the heater 120 to reach a target temperature from the time an aerosol product is inserted into the aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 100 of FIG. 1). For example, the processor 110 may detect the insertion of an aerosol product into the aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 100 of FIG. 1) via a separate insertion detection sensor (e.g., a capacitance sensor, an optical sensor, etc.).

[0066] In another embodiment, the processor 110 can obtain the time it takes for the heater 120 to reach the target temperature from the time when power is supplied to the heater 120. For example, the processor 110 can start supplying power to the heater 120 based on a predetermined condition (e.g., whether a user input is received, whether an aerosol product is inserted, etc.), and the processor 110 can control the supply of power to the heater 120 via a battery (not shown).

[0067] According to one embodiment, if the time it takes for the heater 120 to reach the target temperature is less than the preset range, the processor 110 may acquire a first modified pre-heating profile by adding a first compensation time in operation 303. That is, the processor 110 may acquire a first modified pre-heating profile by adding the first compensation time to the preset time for the second section of the pre-heating profile.

[0068] The existing preheating profile has a temperature rise section (P H ) and temperature holding section (P M ) and the temperature drop section (P L ) may include a preset time for the second section including the first section (P ). For example, the existing preheating profile may include a preset predetermined time (e.g., 37 seconds) for the total preheating time. The total preheating time is determined based on the first section (P H +P M ) for the preset time (for example, 30 seconds) and the second section (P L In this example, the preset time of 30 seconds for the first section may include the temperature rise section (P H ) and the temperature holding period (P M ) may include a 4 second setting.

[0069] In one embodiment, if the time it takes for the temperature of the heater 120 to reach the target temperature is less than a preset range, the processor 110 may modify the time corresponding to the second section of the existing pre-heating profile. For example, if the preset range for the time it takes for the heater 120 to reach the target temperature is between 25 and 27 seconds and the temperature of the heater 120 reaches the target temperature in 23 seconds, the processor 110 may modify the time corresponding to the second section of the existing pre-heating profile. That is, the processor 110 may obtain a first modified pre-heating profile by adding a first compensation time (e.g., 5 seconds) to the preset time of 7 seconds for the second section of the existing pre-heating profile.

[0070] According to one embodiment, if the time it takes for the heater 120 to reach the target temperature is not less than the preset range, the processor 110 may determine in operation 305 whether the time it takes for the temperature of the heater 120 to reach the target temperature exceeds the preset range.

[0071] According to one embodiment, if the time it takes for the heater 120 to reach the target temperature exceeds a preset range, the processor 110 may acquire a second modified pre-heating profile by adding a second compensation time in operation 307. That is, the processor 110 may acquire the second modified pre-heating profile by adding the second compensation time to the preset time for the second section of the pre-heating profile.

[0072] In one embodiment, if the time it takes for the heater 120 to reach the target temperature exceeds a preset range, the processor 110 may modify the time corresponding to the second section of the existing pre-heating profile. For example, if the preset range for the time it takes for the heater 120 to reach the target temperature is 25 to 27 seconds, and the temperature of the heater 120 reaches the target temperature after about 29 seconds, the processor 110 may modify the time corresponding to the second section of the existing pre-heating profile. That is, the processor 110 may obtain a second modified pre-heating profile by adding a second compensation time (e.g., 10 seconds) to the preset time of 7 seconds for the second section of the existing pre-heating profile.

[0073] In one embodiment, the second compensation time included in the second modified pre-heating profile is longer than the first compensation time included in the first modified pre-heating profile. In this case, if the time it takes for the heater 120 to reach the target temperature is less than a preset range, the first compensation time serves to compensate for the insufficient heat transferred to the aerosol product so that the aerosol product is heated additionally. Also, if the time it takes for the heater 120 to reach the target temperature exceeds a preset range, the second compensation time serves to alleviate the heat sensation of the aerosol product.

[0074] According to one embodiment, in operation 309, the processor 110 may supply power to the heater 120 based on a preheat profile, which may refer to a modified preheat profile or an existing preheat profile.

[0075] In one embodiment, if the time it takes for the heater 120 to reach the target temperature is less than a preset range, the processor 110 may supply power to the heater 120 based on the first preheating profile. For example, if the time it takes for the heater 120 to reach the target temperature is less than a preset range, the processor 110 may supply power to the heater 120 so that the temperature drop section corresponds to a time (e.g., 12 seconds) obtained by adding a first compensation time (e.g., 5 seconds) to a preset time (e.g., 7 seconds) for the second section in the existing preheating profile.

[0076] In another embodiment, if the time it takes for the heater 120 to reach the target temperature exceeds a preset range, the processor 110 may supply power to the heater 120 based on a second pre-heating profile. For example, if the time it takes for the heater 120 to reach the target temperature exceeds a preset range, the processor 110 may supply power to the heater 120 so that the temperature drop section corresponds to a time (e.g., 17 seconds) obtained by adding a second compensation time (e.g., 10 seconds) to the preset time (e.g., 7 seconds) for the second section in the existing pre-heating profile.

[0077] In yet another embodiment, if the time it takes for the temperature of the heater 120 to reach the target temperature is within a preset range, the processor 110 may supply power to the heater 120 based on an existing preheating profile. For example, if the time it takes for the heater 120 to reach the target temperature is within a preset range, the processor 110 may supply power to the heater 120 so that the temperature drop section corresponds to the temperature drop section for a preset time (e.g., 7 seconds) for the second section in the existing preheating profile.

[0078] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a memory. In this case, the memory may store compensation time data corresponding to the time it takes for the heater 120 to reach the target temperature. For example, if the time it takes for the heater 120 to reach the target temperature is a first time (e.g., 23 seconds), the processor 110 may acquire from the memory a first compensation time (e.g., 5 seconds) that is compensation time data corresponding to the first time. As another example, if the time it takes for the heater 120 to reach the target temperature is a second time (e.g., 29 seconds), the processor 110 may acquire from the memory a second compensation time (e.g., 10 seconds) that is compensation time data corresponding to the second time. As yet another example, if the time it takes for the heater 120 to reach the target temperature is a third time (e.g., 26 seconds), the processor 110 may not acquire from the memory compensation time data corresponding to the third time. That is, the memory may store only compensation time data relating to the case where the time it takes for the heater 120 to reach the target temperature is less than a preset range or exceeds a preset range, but the embodiment of the compensation time data is not limited thereto.

[0079] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a preheating profile.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 4, the existing preheating profile has a temperature rise section (P H ) 402 and the temperature holding section (P M ) 404, and a temperature decreasing section (P L ) 406. The existing preheating profile may also include a preset total preheating time 410. The time interval may be preset for each of a plurality of temperature intervals. For example, the existing preheating profile may have a total preheating time 410 of 37 seconds, a temperature increase interval (P H ) 402 corresponds to 26 seconds, and the temperature holding period (P M ) 404 corresponds to 4 seconds, and the temperature drop period (P L ) 406 may be set to 7 seconds.

[0081] In one embodiment, a processor (e.g., processor 110 of FIG. 1) determines whether heater 120 reaches a target temperature (T t ) is within a preset range 440. For example, if the preset range for the time it takes for the heater 120 to reach the target temperature is 25 seconds to 27 seconds and the temperature of the heater 120 reaches the target temperature within 26 seconds, the processor 110 may supply power to the heater 120 based on the existing pre-heating profile. As another example, if the temperature of the heater 120 does not reach the target temperature within the preset range of 25 seconds to 27 seconds, the processor 110 may supply power to the heater 120 based on a modified pre-heating profile obtained by modifying the time corresponding to the second section 430 of the existing pre-heating profile.

[0082] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a preheating profile in a normal state, a first abnormal state, and a second abnormal state.

[0083] Referring to graph (a) of Figure 5, the existing preheating profile may include a first section 520 and a second section 530. In this case, the existing preheating profile refers to a preheating profile applied to the heater 120 when the aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 100 of Figure 1) is in a normal state. In addition, graph (a), which is the existing preheating profile, may include a preset total preheating time 510a.

[0084] In one embodiment, a processor (e.g., processor 110 in FIG. 1) determines whether a heater (e.g., heater 120 in FIG. 1) is at a target temperature (T t ) is within a preset range 540. For example, if the preset range 540 is between 25 seconds and 27 seconds, the processor 110 determines whether the heater 120 reaches the target temperature (T t It can be determined whether the time it takes for the heater 120 to reach the target temperature (T) is within the range of 25 to 27 seconds. tIf the time it takes to reach the preheat end temperature (T ) is within the preset range 540, the processor 110 may supply power to the heater 120 based on the existing preheat profile including the preset total preheat time 510a. As a result, the second section 530 ends, and the temperature of the heater 120 reaches the preheat end temperature (T f ) can be reached.

[0085] 5, the first modified pre-heating profile may include a first section 520, a second section 530, and a first compensation time 550. In this case, the first modified pre-heating profile refers to a pre-heating profile applied to the heater 120 when the aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generating device 100 is in a first abnormal state. The first abnormal state refers to a state in which the thickness of the aerosol product is excessively thin and heat generated from the heater 120 (e.g., an external heater) is not sufficiently transferred to the aerosol product. In this case, the first modified pre-heating profile, graph (b), may include a total pre-heating time 510b in which a first compensation time 550 is added to a preset total pre-heating time 510a.

[0086] In one embodiment, the processor 110 determines whether the heater 120 reaches a target temperature (T t ) is within a preset range 540. For example, if the preset range 540 is between 25 seconds and 27 seconds, the processor 110 determines whether the heater 120 reaches the target temperature (T t It can be determined whether the time it takes for the heater 120 to reach the target temperature (T) is within the range of 25 to 27 seconds. t If the time taken to reach the preheat end temperature (T ) is less than the preset range 540, the processor 110 may supply power to the heater 120 based on a first modified preheat profile in which a first compensation time 550 is added after the second section 530 of the preheat profile. As a result, when the second section 530 ends, the temperature of the heater 120 reaches the preheat end temperature (T f ) and the preheating end temperature (T f ) can be held in

[0087] 5, the second modified pre-heating profile may include a first section 520, a second section 530, and a second compensation time 555. In this case, the second modified pre-heating profile refers to a pre-heating profile applied to the heater 120 when the aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generating device 100 is in a second abnormal state. The second abnormal state refers to an over-humidified state in which the aerosol product contains a large amount of moisture due to external environmental conditions or manufacturing conditions. In addition, the second modified pre-heating profile, graph (c), may include a total pre-heating time 510c in which a second compensation time 555 is added to a preset total pre-heating time 510a.

[0088] In one embodiment, the processor 110 determines whether the heater 120 reaches a target temperature (T t ) is within a preset range 540. For example, if the preset range 540 is between 25 seconds and 27 seconds, the processor 110 determines whether the heater 120 reaches the target temperature (T t It can be determined whether the time it takes for the heater 120 to reach the target temperature (T) is within the range of 25 to 27 seconds. t If the time it takes to reach the preheat end temperature (T ) exceeds the preset range 540, the processor 110 may supply power to the heater 120 based on a second modified preheat profile in which a second compensation time 555 is added after the second section 530 of the preheat profile. As a result, when the second section 530 ends, the temperature of the heater 120 reaches the preheat end temperature (T f ) and the preheating end temperature (T f ) can be held in

[0089] In one embodiment, the preheat end temperature (T f ) and the preheating end temperature (T f For example, the first modified preheating profile is for additional heating of the aerosol product, and the preheat end temperature (T f) to provide sufficient heating for the aerosol product. As another example, the second modified preheating profile is for reducing the heat sensitivity of the aerosol product, and is set to the preheat end temperature (T f ) and is also a profile for appropriately heating an aerosol product from which a large amount of moisture has been removed.

[0090] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of a preheating profile in the first abnormal state and the second abnormal state.

[0091] 6A, the first modified pre-heating profile may include a first section 620, a second section 630, and a first compensation time 650. In this case, the first modified pre-heating profile refers to a pre-heating profile applied to a heater (e.g., heater 120 in FIG. 1) when an aerosol product inserted into an aerosol generating device (e.g., aerosol generating device 100 in FIG. 1) is in a first abnormal state. The first abnormal state refers to a state in which the thickness of the aerosol product is too thin and heat generated from heater 120 (e.g., an external heater) is not sufficiently transferred to the aerosol product.

[0092] In one embodiment, the temperature of the heater 120 is set to a target temperature (T t ) is within a preset range 640, the processor (e.g., processor 110 of FIG. 1) may supply power to the heater 120 based on a first modified preheating profile in which a first compensation time 650 is added after the second section 630 of the preheating profile. As a result, when the second section 630 ends, the temperature of the heater 120 reaches the first preheating end temperature (T f1 ) and the preheating end temperature (T f1 ) can be held in

[0093] 6(b), the second modified pre-heating profile may include a first section 620, a second section 630, and a second compensation time 655. In this case, the second modified pre-heating profile refers to a pre-heating profile applied to the heater 120 when the aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generating device 100 is in a second abnormal state. The second abnormal state refers to an over-humid state in which the aerosol product contains a large amount of moisture due to external environmental conditions or manufacturing conditions.

[0094] In one embodiment, the heater 120 is heated to a target temperature (T t ) exceeds the preset range 640, the processor 110 may supply power to the heater 120 based on a second modified preheating profile in which a second compensation time 655 is added after the second section 630 of the preheating profile. As a result, when the second section 630 ends, the temperature of the heater 120 reaches the first preheating end temperature (T f1 ) and reaches the second preheating end temperature (T f2 )

[0095] In one embodiment, the final preheat end temperature (T f1 ) and the final preheating end temperature (T f2 ) may be different from each other. For example, the first modified preheating profile is for additional heating of the aerosol product, and the preheating end temperature of the heater 120 is set to the first preheating end temperature (T f1 ) to provide sufficient heating for the aerosol product. As another example, the second modified preheating profile is for reducing the heat sensitivity of the aerosol product, and the preheating end temperature of the heater 120 is maintained at the first preheating end temperature (T f1 ) to the second preheating end temperature (T f2 ) to appropriately heat the aerosol product from which a large amount of moisture has been removed. However, in the present disclosure, the first preheating end temperature (T f1 ) is the second preheating end temperature (T f2) are disclosed, but are not limited thereto.

[0096] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a preheating profile when an abnormal operation of the heater is detected.

[0097] 7, the existing preheat profile may include a first section 720 and a second section 730. The existing preheat profile may also include a preset total preheat time 710. In one embodiment, a processor (e.g., processor 110 of FIG. 1) determines whether the temperature of a heater (e.g., heater 120 of FIG. 1) reaches a target temperature (T t ) is within a preset range 740.

[0098] In one embodiment, the heater 120 is heated to a target temperature (T t If the time it takes for the heater 120 to reach the target temperature (T ) is less than the preset range 740 and less than the first threshold 700, a first abnormal operation 750 may be detected. In this case, the processor 110 may cut off the power supply to the heater 120. For example, the preset range 740 may be set to a range of 25 to 27 seconds, and the first threshold 700 may be set to 23 seconds. In this case, if the heater 120 does not reach the target temperature (T t If it takes 20 seconds to reach 270° C., the processor 110 can cut off the power supply from the battery to the heater 120.

[0099] In another embodiment, the heater 120 is heated to a target temperature (T t If the time it takes for the heater 120 to reach the target temperature (T ) exceeds the preset range 740 and exceeds the second threshold 705, a second abnormal operation 760 may be detected. In this case, the processor 110 may cut off the power supply to the heater 120. For example, the preset range 740 may be set to a range of 25 to 27 seconds, and the second threshold 705 may be set to 29 seconds. In this case, if the heater 120 does not reach the target temperature (T ), the second abnormal operation 760 may be detected. In this case, the processor 110 may cut off the power supply to the heater 120. For example, the preset range 740 may be set to a range of 25 to 27 seconds, and the second threshold 705 may be set to 29 seconds. tIf it takes 30 seconds to reach 270° C., the processor 110 can cut off the power supply from the battery to the heater 120.

[0100] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 800 according to another embodiment.

[0101] The aerosol generating device 800 may include a control unit 810, a sensing unit 820, an output unit 830, a battery 840, a heater 850, a user input unit 860, a memory 870, and a communication unit 880. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 800 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 8. That is, a person skilled in the art of this embodiment would understand that some of the components shown in Fig. 8 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 800.

[0102] The sensing unit 820 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 800 or the state around the aerosol generating device 800 and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 810. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 810 can control the aerosol generating device 800 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 850, restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol product (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0103] The sensing unit 820 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 822, an insertion sensor 824, and a puff sensor 826, but is not limited thereto.

[0104] The temperature sensor 822 may sense the temperature to which the heater 850 (or the aerosol-generating substance) is heated. The aerosol-generating device 800 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 850, or the heater 850 itself may function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 822 may be disposed around the battery 840 to monitor the temperature of the battery 840.

[0105] The insertion detection sensor 824 may detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol product article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 824 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and may detect a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol product article.

[0106] The puff sensor 826 may sense a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or channel, such as a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, or a pressure change.

[0107] The sensing unit 820 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (illuminance) sensor in addition to the above-described sensors (temperature sensor 822, insertion sensor 824, and puff sensor 826). The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, and therefore detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0108] The output unit 830 may output and provide to a user information related to the status of the aerosol generating device 800. The output unit 830 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 832, a haptic unit 834, and an audio output unit 836. When the display unit 832 and the touchpad are layered to form a touch screen, the display unit 832 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0109] The display unit 832 visually provides a user with information related to the aerosol generating device 800. For example, the information related to the aerosol generating device 800 may include various information such as the charge / discharge status of the battery 840 of the aerosol generating device 800, the preheating status of the heater 850, the insertion / removal status of an aerosol generating product, or a status in which use of the aerosol generating device 800 is restricted (e.g., abnormal item detection), and the display unit 832 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 832 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. The display unit 832 may also be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0110] The haptic unit 834 converts an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to provide the user with tactile information related to the aerosol generating device 800. For example, the haptic unit 834 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0111] The acoustic output unit 836 audibly provides the user with information related to the aerosol generation device 800. For example, the acoustic output unit 836 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0112] The battery 840 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 800. The battery 840 can supply power to heat the heater 850. The battery 840 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generating device 800 (e.g., the sensing unit 820, the output unit 830, the user input unit 860, the memory 870, and the communication unit 880). The battery 840 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 840 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0113] The heater 850 can heat the aerosol-generating material by receiving power from the battery 840. Although not shown in Fig. 8, the aerosol-generating device 800 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 840 and supplies the converted power to the heater 850. Furthermore, when the aerosol-generating device 800 generates an aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol-generating device 800 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of the battery 840 into AC power.

[0114] The control unit 810, the sensing unit 820, the output unit 830, the user input unit 860, the memory 870, and the communication unit 880 may perform their functions by receiving power from a battery 840. Although not shown in FIG. 8, the device may further include a power conversion circuit, for example, an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts power from the battery 840 and supplies it to each component.

[0115] In one embodiment, heater 850 may be made of any suitable electrically resistive material, such as, but not limited to, a metal or metal alloy, including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. Heater 850 may also be embodied by, but not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate with a conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0116] In another embodiment, heater 850 is an inductive heater. For example, heater 850 may include a susceptor that generates heat via a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0117] The user input unit 860 receives information input by a user or outputs information to a user. For example, the user input unit 860 may be, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (a touchpad using a contact capacitance method, a pressure resistive film method, an infrared sensing method, a surface ultrasonic conduction method, an integral tension measurement method, a piezoelectric effect method, or the like), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Although not shown in FIG. 8 , the aerosol generating device 800 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, through which the aerosol generating device 800 can connect to another external device to send and receive information or charge the battery 840.

[0118] The memory 870 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 800 and can store data that has been processed by the control unit 810 and data to be processed by the control unit 810. The memory 870 can include at least one type of recording medium selected from the group consisting of a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a micro multimedia card type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 870 can store data related to the operating time of the aerosol generating device 800, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0119] The communication unit 880 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 880 may include a short-range communication unit 882 and a wireless communication unit 884.

[0120] The short-range wireless communication unit 882 may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark)) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee (registered trademark) communication unit, an IrDA (infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark)) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0121] The wireless communication unit 884 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 884 may identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 800 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)).

[0122] The control unit 810 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 800. In one embodiment, the control unit 810 can include at least one processor. The processor can be implemented by an array of multiple logic gates, and can be implemented by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executed by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the controller 810 can also be implemented by other forms of hardware.

[0123] The control unit 810 can control the temperature of the heater 850 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 840 to the heater 850. For example, the control unit 810 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 840 and the heater 850. In another example, a heating direct circuit may control the power supply to the heater 850 in accordance with a control command from the control unit 810.

[0124] The control unit 810 may analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 820 and control subsequent processing. For example, the control unit 810 may control the power supplied to the heater 850 so that the operation of the heater 850 is started or stopped based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 820. As another example, the control unit 810 may control the amount and duration of power supplied to the heater 850 so that the heater 850 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 820.

[0125] The control unit 810 can control the output unit 830 based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 820. For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 826 reaches a preset number, the control unit 810 notifies the user through at least one of the display unit 832, the haptic unit 834, and the audio output unit 836 that the aerosol generating device 800 will soon be shut down.

[0126] An embodiment may also be embodied in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as a program module executed by a computer. Computer-readable media are any available media that can be accessed by a computer, including both volatile and nonvolatile media, and detachable and non-detachable media. Computer-readable media may also include both computer recording media and communication media. Computer recording media include both volatile and non-volatile, detachable and non-detachable media embodied in any method or technology for storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data in a modulated data signal, such as a program module, or other transmission mechanism, and include any information delivery media.

[0127] The above description of the embodiments is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the contents of the claims should be construed as being included in the scope of protection determined by the claims.

Claims

1. In the aerosol generating device, a heater for heating at least a portion of the aerosol product; a processor that controls power supply to the heater based on a preheating profile including a first section and a second section; The processor: If the time taken for the heater to reach a target temperature in the first section is less than a preset range or exceeds the preset range, a compensation time is added to the preset time corresponding to the second section to obtain a modified preheating profile; An apparatus powers the heater based on the modified preheat profile.

2. The processor: If the time required for the heater to reach the target temperature is less than the preset range, a first modified preheating profile is obtained by adding a first compensation time to the preset time for the second section; 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein if the time it takes for the heater to reach the target temperature exceeds the preset range, a second modified preheating profile is obtained by adding a second compensation time longer than the first compensation time to the preset time for the second section.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the preheating end temperature according to the first modified preheating profile and the preheating end temperature according to the second modified preheating profile are the same.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein a preheating end temperature according to the first modified preheating profile and a preheating end temperature according to the second modified preheating profile are different from each other.

5. a memory configured to store compensation time data corresponding to the time it takes for the heater to reach the target temperature; The processor: The apparatus of claim 2 , further comprising: setting the first compensation time or the second compensation time based on the compensation time data obtained from the memory.

6. the first section includes a temperature rising section in which the temperature of the heater rises to the target temperature and a temperature maintaining section in which the temperature is maintained at the target temperature, and the second section is a temperature falling section in which the temperature of the heater falls to a preheating end temperature, The processor: supplying power to the heater during the temperature increase section and the temperature maintenance section during the first section; The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the heater is powered by the temperature drop interval during the modified second interval.

7. The processor:

2. The device of claim 1, wherein power supply to the heater is cut off when the time it takes for the heater to reach the target temperature is less than the preset range and less than a first threshold, or when the time it takes for the heater to reach the target temperature exceeds the preset range and exceeds a second threshold.

8. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first threshold and the second threshold are times it takes for the heater to reach the target temperature when the heater is operating abnormally.

9. 1. A method of operating an aerosol generating device, comprising: and obtaining a modified preheating profile by adding a compensation time to the preset time corresponding to the second section when the time required to reach a target temperature in the first section of the preheating profile including a first section and a second section is less than or exceeds a preset range. The method includes an act of powering a heater based on the modified preheat profile.

10. The acquiring operation is If the time required to reach the target temperature is less than the preset range, obtaining a first modified preheating profile by adding a first compensation time to the preset time for the second section; 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: if the time required to reach the target temperature exceeds the preset range, acquiring a second modified preheating profile for the second section by adding a second compensation time longer than the first compensation time to the preset time.

11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the preheating end temperature according to the first modified preheating profile and the preheating end temperature according to the second modified preheating profile are the same.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein a preheating end temperature according to the first modified preheating profile and a preheating end temperature according to the second modified preheating profile are different from each other.

13. 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising setting the first compensation time or the second compensation time based on compensation time data stored in a memory and corresponding to the time it takes to reach the target temperature.

14. The supplying operation includes: supplying power to the heater during the first section so that the temperature of the heater rises to the target temperature in a temperature rise section; and supplying power to the heater during the modified second interval such that the temperature of the heater drops to a preheat end temperature during a temperature drop interval.

15. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: cutting off power to the heater when the time taken to reach the target temperature is less than the preset range and less than a first threshold, or when the time taken to reach the target temperature exceeds the preset range and exceeds a second threshold.

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