How to operate an aerosol generator

Abstract

A method for operating an aerosol generator of an aerosol delivery device includes determining a resonant frequency f0 of one or more inductive elements and supplying an alternating current to the one or more inductive elements for a plurality of time cycles, each time cycle comprising one or more first periods T1 and one or more second periods T2. During the first periods T1, the one or more inductive elements are supplied with an alternating current at a first frequency f1, where 0.9≦f1 / f0≦1.1. During the second periods T2, the one or more inductive elements are supplied with an alternating current at a different second frequency f2, where (a) f2 / f0≦0.9 or (b) f2 / f0≧1.1. This approach is simpler to implement and requires fewer components in the electronic circuitry than turning off the alternating current during the second periods T2.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating an aerosol generator of an aerosol supply device, an electronic circuit for an aerosol generator of an aerosol supply device, an aerosol supply device, an aerosol generation system, and a method for generating an aerosol.

Background Art

[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars burn tobacco during use to generate tobacco smoke. As an alternative to these articles, attempts have been made to provide products that release compounds without combustion. Examples of such products include so-called "non-combustion heating type" products or tobacco heating devices or products that release compounds by heating without burning the material. This material may be, for example, a tobacco product or other non-tobacco product, and may or may not contain nicotine.

[0003] An aerosol supply device including an aerosol generator is known, and this aerosol generator includes two induction coils.

[0004] It is desirable to provide an improved method for operating an aerosol generator.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect, a method for operating an aerosol generator of an aerosol supply device is provided. This method includes determining the resonance frequency f0 of one or more induction elements, and supplying an alternating current to the one or more induction elements over a plurality of time cycles, each time cycle comprising one or more first periods T1 and one or more second periods T2, during the one or more first periods T1, supplying the alternating current to the one or more induction elements at a first frequency f1, where 0.9 ≦ f1 / f0 ≦ 1.1, A step of supplying the alternating current to one or more inductive elements at a different second frequency f2 during one or more second periods T2, wherein (a) f2 / f0 ≤ 0.9 or (b) f2 / f0 ≥ 1.1 and f2 > 0, It is equipped with.

[0006] According to various embodiments, an aerosol generator for an aerosol supply device is provided, which is configured to provide alternating current to one or more inductive elements. For example, the inductive elements may comprise a coil or an inductive coil. The resonant frequency f0 of this inductive element may be determined. The aerosol generator may be energized for a long period of time (which may be several minutes). This long period may correspond to a single usage session. This long period or entire usage session can be subdivided into multiple time cycles, each time cycle may last for, for example, one second.

[0007] A single time cycle can be further subdivided into multiple first periods T1 and multiple second periods T2 inserted between them. For example, a time cycle lasting 1 second may be subdivided into multiple 10-millisecond first periods T1, and multiple second periods T2 may be inserted between the subsequent multiple first periods T1, where the second periods T2 may also be 10 milliseconds long. It will, of course, be understood that the first periods T1 may be longer or shorter than 10 milliseconds. Similarly, the second periods T2 may also be longer or shorter than 10 milliseconds.

[0008] Therefore, although this is merely an example, a usage session lasting 180 seconds can be thought of as having 180 time cycles, each lasting 1 second. Each 1-second time cycle may be subdivided into, for example, 50 first periods T1 and 50 second periods T2. The first and second periods T1 and T2 may each last 10 milliseconds.

[0009] According to various embodiments, the aerosol generator may be configured to supply alternating current to an inductive element during each first period T1, during which the inductive element may be considered energized or in the ON state. During the subsequent second period T2, the inductive element may be considered unenergized or in the OFF state.

[0010] During the first period T1, the aerosol generator may be configured to supply an alternating current to the inductive element at a frequency f1 close to the determined resonant frequency f0 of the inductive element. In particular, the alternating current may be supplied at a frequency f1 within ±10% of the determined resonant frequency f0 of the inductive element. As a result of being driven at a frequency f1 close to the resonant frequency f0 of the inductive element, an efficient process is established. Consequently, an induced current is appropriately generated in a coil that forms part of the inductive element or in a susceptor placed in close proximity to the inductive coil, and the susceptor is heated during each first period T1.

[0011] In contrast, during the second period T2, the aerosol generator is configured to supply alternating current to the inductor element at a frequency f2 that is either sufficiently lower or sufficiently higher than the determined resonant frequency f0 of the inductor element. In particular, the alternating current is supplied at a frequency f2 that is at least 10% lower or at least 10% higher than the determined resonant frequency f0 of the inductor element. As a result of being driven at a frequency f2 that is not close to the resonant frequency f0 of the inductor element, the driving frequency is inefficient, and the inductor element can be considered to be substantially off. Consequently, substantially no induced current is generated in the coil that forms part of the inductor element or in the susceptor placed in close proximity to the inductor coil, and therefore the susceptor is not heated by the alternating current applied to the inductor element during the second period T2.

[0012] It will be understood that the alternating current is not turned off during one or more second periods T2, i.e., the frequency f2 is not reduced to zero. However, since the frequency f2 is far enough away from the resonant frequency f0 of the inductive element, virtually no current is induced in the susceptor placed in close proximity to the inductive element, and therefore the susceptor is not heated during the second period T2.

[0013] The advantage of this method, which is based on various embodiments and involves substantially applying an alternating current to an inductive element, and repeatedly switching the frequency of the applied alternating current between a first frequency f1 close to the resonant frequency f0 and a second frequency f2 farther from the resonant frequency f0, is that it is simpler to implement compared to methods that turn off the alternating current during the second period T2. Furthermore, it can relax the tolerance of electronic components in the electronic circuit, and the process places less demand on individual components in the electronic circuit. As a result, the failure rate of individual electronic components is reduced, which extends the lifespan of the electronic circuit and improves the reliability of the electronic circuit.

[0014] According to various embodiments, the electronic circuits according to various embodiments, and the method of repeatedly switching the frequency of the AC current between a first frequency f1 close to the resonant frequency f0 and a second frequency f2 farther from the resonant frequency f0, rather than repeatedly switching the AC current on and off, imposes fewer demands on the DC battery. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, according to various embodiments, the DC battery is configured to supply a DC voltage to a plurality of H-bridge driver circuits, each H-bridge driver circuit being connected to a current switching circuit comprising two dual MOSFETs. The driver circuits continuously change the direction of the current supplied to the terminals of an inductive element (e.g., a coil or inductive coil) at a relatively high frequency. As a result, the combination of the H-bridge driver circuits and the MOSFETs driven by the H-bridge driver circuits substantially generates an AC current from the DC battery. For illustrative purposes only, the generated AC current may have a frequency of about 2 MHz.

[0015] The method, as demonstrated in various embodiments, places less demand on DC batteries and is therefore understood to extend the lifespan of DC batteries. In particular, the method, as demonstrated in various embodiments, includes rapidly switching the frequency of the applied AC current between a frequency f1 close to the resonant frequency f0 of the inductive element and a frequency f2 detuned from the resonant frequency f0.

[0016] Therefore, according to various embodiments, it will be understood that the DC battery will not be repeatedly switched on and off at high frequencies (this occurs when pulsed DC signals are repeatedly supplied to the H-bridge driver circuit).

[0017] According to various embodiments, an aerosol generator is provided. In this aerosol generator, the frequency at which an alternating current drives an induction coil is repeatedly switched between a first frequency f1 close to the resonant frequency f0 and a second frequency f2 detuned from the resonant frequency f0. This method of repeatedly switching the frequency of the applied current between a frequency f1 close to the resonant frequency f0 and a frequency f2 detuned from the resonant frequency f0, rather than switching the alternating current on and off, makes it possible to provide a more durable, simpler, and more power-efficient electronic circuit, and in particular, reduces the requirements for DC batteries.

[0018] The advantage of the disclosed method is that the electronic circuit can be designed to utilize less power overall, even though the AC circuit is not turned off during the second period T2. This is because the electronic circuit does not need to include components that require fast switching of the AC current. Instead, according to various embodiments, the AC current is repeatedly switched every few milliseconds between a frequency f1 close to the resonant frequency f0 and a frequency f2 far from the resonant frequency f0, but the frequency f2 is not zero.

[0019] Optionally, f0 is within the range of (i) < 0.5 MHz, (ii) 0.5 ~ 1.0 MHz, (iii) 1.0 ~ 1.5 MHz, (iv) 1.5 ~ 2.0 MHz, (v) 2.0 ~ 2.5 MHz, (vi) 2.5 ~ 3.0 MHz, (vii) 3.0 ~ 3.5 MHz, (viii) 3.5 ~ 4.0 MHz, or (ix) > 4.0 MHz.

[0020] Optionally, f1 is within the range of (i) < 0.5 MHz, (ii) 0.5 ~ 1.0 MHz, (iii) 1.0 ~ 1.5 MHz, (iv) 1.5 ~ 2.0 MHz, (v) 2.0 ~ 2.5 MHz, (vi) 2.5 ~ 3.0 MHz, (vii) 3.0 ~ 3.5 MHz, (viii) 3.5 ~ 4.0 MHz, or (ix) > 4.0 MHz.

[0021] Optionally, f2 is within the range of (i) < 0.5 MHz, (ii) 0.5 ~ 1.0 MHz, (iii) 1.0 ~ 1.5 MHz, (iv) 1.5 ~ 2.0 MHz, (v) 2.0 ~ 2.5 MHz, (vi) 2.5 ~ 3.0 MHz, (vii) 3.0 ~ 3.5 MHz, (viii) 3.5 ~ 4.0 MHz, or (ix) > 4.0 MHz.

[0022] Optionally, one or more inductive elements may comprise one or more inductive coils.

[0023] According to another aspect, an electronic circuit for an aerosol generator of an aerosol supply device is provided. This electronic circuit is A circuit element configured to determine the resonant frequency f0 of one or more inductive elements, A driver device for supplying alternating current to one or more inductive elements over multiple time cycles, wherein each time cycle comprises one or more first periods T1 and one or more second periods T2, The driver device is equipped with, (i) During use, an alternating current is supplied to one or more inductive elements at a first frequency f1 during one or more first periods T1, where 0.9 ≤ f1 / f0 ≤ 1.1. (ii) During use, an alternating current is supplied to one or more inductive elements at different second frequencies f2 during one or more second periods T2, where (a) f2 / f0 ≤ 0.9 or (b) f2 / f0 ≥ 1.1 and f2 > 0. It is structured in this way.

[0024] Optionally, f0 is within the range of (i) < 0.5 MHz, (ii) 0.5 to 1.0 MHz, (iii) 1.0 to 1.5 MHz, (iv) 1.5 to 2.0 MHz, (v) 2.0 to 2.5 MHz, (vi) 2.5 to 3.0 MHz, (vii) 3.0 to 3.5 MHz, (viii) 3.5 to 4.0 MHz, or (ix) > 4.0 MHz.

[0025] Optionally, f1 is within the range of (i) < 0.5 MHz, (ii) 0.5 to 1.0 MHz, (iii) 1.0 to 1.5 MHz, (iv) 1.5 to 2.0 MHz, (v) 2.0 to 2.5 MHz, (vi) 2.5 to 3.0 MHz, (vii) 3.0 to 3.5 MHz, (viii) 3.5 to 4.0 MHz, or (ix) > 4.0 MHz.

[0026] Optionally, f2 is within the range of (i) < 0.5 MHz, (ii) 0.5 to 1.0 MHz, (iii) 1.0 to 1.5 MHz, (iv) 1.5 to 2.0 MHz, (v) 2.0 to 2.5 MHz, (vi) 2.5 to 3.0 MHz, (vii) 3.0 to 3.5 MHz, (viii) 3.5 to 4.0 MHz, or (ix) > 4.0 MHz.

[0027] Optionally, one or more inductive elements comprise one or more inductive coils.

[0028] According to another aspect, an aerosol supply device comprising the above electronic circuit is provided.

[0029] Optionally, the aerosol supply device further comprises an aerosol generator.

[0030] Optionally, the aerosol generator comprises one or more inductive elements.

[0031] Optionally, one or more inductive elements comprise one or more inductive coils.

[0032] According to another aspect, an aerosol generation system is provided. This aerosol generation system the above aerosol supply device and Aerosol product comprising an aerosol generating material, It is equipped with.

[0033] In other respects, a method for generating an aerosol is provided. This method is The steps include preparing the aerosol supply device described above, The steps include inserting an aerosol product comprising an aerosol generating material into an aerosol supply device, The steps include: applying power to an aerosol supply device in order to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material, It is equipped with. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] Various embodiments will be described below with reference to the attached drawings for illustrative purposes only.

[0035] [Figure 1] This diagram illustrates the electronic circuit of an aerosol supply device equipped with two induction coils, and shows the aerosol product placed inside the heating chamber of the aerosol supply device. [Figure 2] This figure shows in detail a portion of the electronic circuit of an aerosol supply device according to various embodiments, in which two induction coils are each driven by an H-bridge configuration comprising two driver circuits, each driver circuit configured to drive two MOSFETs. [Figure 3] This figure shows a method for operating an aerosol generator or aerosol supply device according to various embodiments. [Figure 4] This diagram schematically shows the electronic circuitry for an aerosol generator in an aerosol supply device according to various embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] Induction heating is a process of heating an electrically conductive object (or susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. An induction heater may comprise an induction element, such as one or more coils or one electromagnet (the coils may be part of the electromagnet), and a circuit for passing a fluctuating current, such as an alternating current, through the one or more coils. The fluctuating current in the coils generates a fluctuating magnetic field. This fluctuating magnetic field penetrates a susceptor appropriately positioned relative to the one or more coils, generating eddy currents within the susceptor. Since the susceptor has electrical resistance to eddy currents, the flow of eddy currents against this resistance causes the susceptor to be heated by Joule heating. If the susceptor contains a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, heat may also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses within the susceptor. That is, heat may also be generated by a change in the orientation of magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material as a result of the orientation of magnetic dipoles aligning with the fluctuating magnetic field. Compared to conduction heating, induction heating allows for rapid heating because the heat is generated inside the susceptor. Furthermore, because no physical contact is required between the induction heater and the susceptor, it offers greater flexibility in construction and application.

[0037] An induction heater can be thought of as comprising an RLC circuit, in which resistance (R) provided by a resistor, inductance (L) provided by an inductive element (e.g., one or more coils or one electromagnet configured to inductively heat a susceptor), and capacitance (C) provided by a capacitor are connected in series. In some cases, the resistance is provided by the ohmic resistance of the part of the circuit connecting the inductor and the capacitor, so the RLC circuit does not necessarily have to include a resistor itself. Such a circuit can be called, for example, an LC circuit. Such a circuit may exhibit electrical resonance. Electrical resonance occurs at a particular resonant frequency when the imaginary parts of the impedances or admittances of multiple circuit elements have the same absolute value and opposite signs, and therefore cancel each other out.

[0038] In RLC or LC circuits, resonance occurs when the collapsing magnetic field of an inductor generates a current that charges a capacitor within its winding. The capacitor then discharges, providing a current that creates a magnetic field within the inductor. Energy is stored in the electric field while the capacitor is charging, and in the magnetic field while the current flows through the inductor. Energy can be transferred from one side to the other within the circuit, and this can have oscillatory properties. When the circuit is driven at the resonant frequency, the series impedance of the inductor and capacitor is minimized, and the circuit current is maximized. Therefore, by driving an RLC or LC circuit at or near its resonant frequency, effective and / or efficient induction heating can be provided.

[0039] As those skilled in the art will understand, a transistor is a semiconductor device for switching electronic signals. A transistor typically has at least three terminals for connection to an electronic circuit. A field-effect transistor (FET) is a specific type of transistor that can vary its effective conductance by utilizing the effect of an applied electric field.

[0040] A field-effect transistor may comprise a body B, a source terminal S, a drain terminal D, and a gate terminal G. The field-effect transistor includes an active channel containing semiconductor material, through which charge carriers (e.g., electrons or holes) flow between the source S and the drain D. The conductivity of the channel, i.e., the conductivity between the drain D terminal and the source S terminal, is a function of the potential difference between the gate G terminal and the source S terminal (which is generated, for example, by the potential applied to the gate terminal G).

[0041] Enhancement-mode FETs are a type of field-effect transistor. In an enhancement-mode FET, when the voltage between the gate G and source S is substantially zero, the FET is in the off state (i.e., substantially inhibits the passage of current), and when the voltage between the gate G and source S is not substantially zero, the enhancement-mode FET switches to the on state (i.e., substantially allows the passage of current).

[0042] An n-channel (or n-type) field-effect transistor (n-FET) is a field-effect transistor in which the channel contains an n-type semiconductor, where electrons are the majority carriers and holes are the minority carriers. For example, the n-type semiconductor can include an intrinsic semiconductor (e.g., silicon) doped with a donor impurity (e.g., phosphorus). In an n-channel FET, the drain terminal D is placed at a higher potential than the source terminal S (i.e., there is a positive drain-source voltage, or in other words, a negative source-drain voltage). To turn on the n-channel FET (i.e., to allow current to flow), a switching potential higher than the potential of the source terminal S is applied to the gate terminal G.

[0043] A p-channel (or p-type) field-effect transistor (p-FET) is a field-effect transistor whose channel contains a p-type semiconductor, where holes are the majority carriers and electrons are the minority carriers. For example, the p-type semiconductor can include an intrinsic semiconductor (e.g., silicon) doped with acceptor impurities (e.g., boron). In a p-channel FET, the source terminal S is placed at a higher potential than the drain terminal D (i.e., there is a negative drain-source voltage, or in other words, a positive source-drain voltage). To turn on the p-channel FET (i.e., to allow current to flow), a switching potential lower than the potential of the source terminal S (and, for example, higher than the potential of the drain terminal D) is applied to the gate terminal G.

[0044] A metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) is a field-effect transistor in which the gate terminal G is electrically insulated from the semiconductor channel by an insulating layer. In some examples, the gate terminal G is a metal and the insulating layer is an oxide (e.g., silicon dioxide), thus making it a "metal-oxide-semiconductor." However, in other examples, the gate may be made of a non-metallic material (e.g., polysilicon), and the insulating layer may be made of a non-oxide material (e.g., another dielectric material). Nevertheless, such devices are usually called metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), and the terms metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor or MOSFET used in this document should be understood to include such devices.

[0045] One type of MOSFET is the n-channel (or n-type) MOSFET, where the semiconductor is n-type. An n-channel MOSFET (n-MOSFET) can be operated in the same way as described above in relation to an n-channel FET. Another type of MOSFET is the p-channel (or p-type) MOSFET, where the semiconductor is p-type. A p-channel MOSFET (p-MOSFET) can be operated in the same way as described above in relation to a p-channel FET.

[0046] n-MOSFETs typically have lower source-drain resistance than p-MOSFETs. It will be understood that when an n-MOSFET is in the ON state (i.e., when current is flowing), it generates less heat compared to a p-MOSFET. Therefore, n-MOSFETs waste less energy during operation compared to p-MOSFETs. Furthermore, n-MOSFETs typically have shorter switching times (i.e., the characteristic response time from when the switching potential applied to the gate terminal G is changed until the MOSFET changes whether current is flowing) compared to p-MOSFETs. This allows for higher switching speeds and improved switching control.

[0047] As will be explained in detail below, an H-bridge is an electronic circuit that switches the polarity of the voltage applied to a load. In relation to aerosol supply devices, an H-bridge circuit can be used to quickly switch the direction of current flow through an inductor coil. It will be understood that by using a MOSFET as a high-speed switch, the direction of current flowing through the inductor coil can be quickly switched. As a result, by applying a DC voltage to an H-bridge circuit comprising multiple MOSFETs, an electronic circuit can be provided that allows AC current to flow through the inductor coil. According to various embodiments, the frequency of the AC current may be about 2 MHz.

[0048] As will be described in detail below, the MOSFET used to supply alternating current to the induction coil in the H-bridge may, according to various embodiments, include an enhancement-type n-channel MOSFET.

[0049] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the electronic circuit 106 of the aerosol supply device 100. The aerosol supply device 100 includes an aerosol generator comprising two induction heating elements 108 and 109 and a control electronic device for energizing these heating elements 108 and 109. The aerosol supply device 100 may have a single induction heating element, but as shown in Figure 1, the aerosol supply device 100 may have a first induction heating element 108 and a second induction heating element 109. The first induction heating element 108 may be configured to heat the first susceptor 110a when in use, and the second induction heating element may be configured to heat the second susceptor 110b when in use.

[0050] The aerosol product 116 is shown inserted into the aerosol supply device 100, and it is understood that the aerosol product 116 contains an aerosol generating material, which is heated by the first and second susceptors 110a, 110b when in use. It is understood that the first and second susceptors 110a, 110b are heated by induction of an electric current within them. The first and second susceptors 110a, 110b may contain ferromagnetic portions which may include metals such as iron, nickel, or cobalt. When an alternating current is passed through either or both of the first and second inductive elements 108, 109, the alternating current raises the temperature of the corresponding first and / or second susceptors 110a, 110b by Joule heating and / or magnetic hysteresis heating. Therefore, it is understood that the electronic circuit 106 is configured to pass alternating current through the first and second inductive elements 108 and 109, inducing the corresponding currents into the first and second susceptors 110a and 110b, thereby raising the susceptors 110a and 110b to a high temperature, and thereby heating the aerosol-generating material (provided as part of the aerosol product 116).

[0051] A DC power supply 104 is provided, which forms part of the electronic circuit 106. The DC power supply 104 may include a battery or battery pack. The DC power supply 104 is configured to supply DC power to the electronic circuit 106. The electronic circuit 106 is electrically connected to first and second inductive elements 108 and 109. Each inductive element 108 and 109 may include, for example, an electromagnet containing one or more coils or solenoids. The first and second inductive elements 108 and 109 may be formed from copper wire. The electronic circuit 106 is configured to convert the DC current provided by the DC power supply 104 into AC current and supply it to the first and second inductive elements 108 and 109. The electronic circuit 106 is configured to drive the first and second inductive elements 108 and 109 at a relatively high frequency, for example, about 2 MHz.

[0052] The first and second susceptors 110a and 110b are positioned relative to the first and second inductive heating elements 108 and 109 such that induced energy is transferred from the first and second inductive heating elements 108 and 109 to the first and second susceptors 110a and 110b. When an alternating current is passed through either or both of the first and second inductive elements 108 and 109, the alternating current raises the temperature of the corresponding first and / or second susceptors 110a and 110b by Joule heating and / or magnetic hysteresis heating. The first and / or second susceptors 110a and 110b are positioned to heat the aerosol-generating material, provided as part of the aerosol product 116, by, for example, conduction, convection and / or radiation heating, in order to generate an aerosol when in use.

[0053] In various embodiments, the first and / or second susceptors 110a, 110b may form part of the aerosol supply device 100. Alternatively, the first and / or second susceptors 110a, 110b and the aerosol generating material may be configured to form an integrated unit or consumable, which may be inserted into and / or removed from the aerosol supply device 100, and which may be disposable. In some examples, the first and second induction elements 108, 109 may be removable from the aerosol supply device 100, for example, for replacement. The aerosol supply device 100 may be handheld. The aerosol supply device 100 may be configured to heat the aerosol generating material to produce an aerosol for the user to inhale.

[0054] It should be noted that the term "aerosol-generating material" as used in this book includes materials that provide volatile components upon heating. These volatile components are usually provided in the form of vapor or aerosol. Aerosol-generating materials may be non-tobacco-containing materials or tobacco-containing materials. For example, an aerosol-generating material may be tobacco or contain tobacco. An aerosol-generating material may contain, for example, one or more of the following: tobacco itself, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco extracts, homogenized tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-generating materials can be in the form of crushed tobacco, cut rag tobacco, extruded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, reconstituted materials, liquids, gels, gelled sheets, powders, or aggregates. Aerosol-generating materials may also contain other non-tobacco products. These non-tobacco products may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. Aerosol-generating materials may contain one or more wetting agents, such as glycerol or propylene glycol.

[0055] The aerosol supply device 100 may have an outer casing (not shown). This casing may be configured to house a DC battery 104, an electronic circuit 106, and first and second inductive elements 108, 109, and optionally further first and second susceptors 110a, 110b. This casing may include a mouthpiece to allow the aerosol generated during use to exit the aerosol supply device 100.

[0056] During use, the user may activate the electronic circuit 106 to pass alternating current through the first and second inductive elements 108 and 109, for example by activating a button or via a puff detection unit (not shown), thereby inductively heating the first and second susceptors 110a and 110b, and consequently heating the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol. The generated aerosol may be mixed with air drawn in through an air inlet (not shown) of the aerosol supply device 100. The aerosol-air mixture may then be directed towards the mouthpiece, from which the aerosol may exit the aerosol supply device 100 and be inhaled by the user.

[0057] An aerosol supply device 100 comprising an electronic circuit 106 and further comprising first and second inductive elements 108, 109 combined with first and second susceptors 110a, 110b may be configured to heat the aerosol-generating material to a certain temperature range in order to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material without burning the aerosol-generating material. For example, according to various embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may be heated to a temperature in the range of 50-100°C, 100-150°C, 150-200°C, 200-250°C, 250-300°C, or above 300°C.

[0058] According to various embodiments, a DC power supply 104 (which may include a battery pack) may be connected to a driver device 124 for supplying electrical energy to first and second inductive elements 108, 109 (which may include two coils). The driver device 124 may be connected to the positive terminal 126 of the battery pack 104, which provides a relatively high potential, and to the negative terminal 128 of the battery pack 104 or to ground GND, which provides a relatively low, zero, or negative potential. Thus, a voltage is generated across the driver device 124.

[0059] The driver device 124 includes first full H-bridge driver circuits 142, 144 coupled to two dual MOSFETs 130, 132 to supply alternating current to the first inductive element 108. The two dual MOSFETs 130, 132 may each comprise an enhancement-type n-channel MOSFET.

[0060] The driver device 124 further comprises second full H-bridge driver circuits 146, 148 coupled to two additional dual MOSFETs 134, 136 to supply alternating current to the second inductive element 109. The two additional dual MOSFETs 134, 136 may each comprise an enhancement-type n-channel MOSFET. Thus, the entire driver device may comprise eight MOSFETs 130, 132, 134, 136, each of which may comprise an enhancement-type n-channel MOSFET.

[0061] Referring to Figure 2, the electronic circuit 106 may include a first full H-bridge comprising a pair of MOSFETs 130 connected to the first terminal of the first inductor element 108 (driven by a first H-bridge driver circuit 142) and a pair of MOSFETs 132 connected to the second terminal of the first inductor element 108 (driven by a second H-bridge driver circuit 144). The first inductor element 108 may also include a first inductor coil 120.

[0062] A second full H-bridge is provided, which comprises two MOSFETs 134 connected to the first terminal of the second inductor element 109 (driven by a third H-bridge driver circuit 146) and two MOSFETs 136 connected to the second terminal of the second inductor element 109 (driven by a fourth H-bridge driver circuit 148). The second inductor element 109 may also include a second induction coil 122.

[0063] Each pair of MOSFETs 130, 132, 134, and 136 may be connected to the high potential VBAT or VBAT POWER+ of the battery pack 104 and the negative potential POWER- or GND (shown in Figure 1, but omitted in Figure 2). Referring to Figure 1, a resistor 140 (e.g., 2 mΩ) may be provided in the connection line between the battery pack 104 and the pairs of MOSFETs 130, 132, 134, and 136.

[0064] Therefore, the driver device 124 shown in Figure 1 may include a first H-bridge driver circuit 142, a second H-bridge driver circuit 144, a third H-bridge driver circuit 146, and a fourth H-bridge driver circuit 148. The driver circuits 142, 144, 146, and 148 are configured to drive the switching elements or pairs of MOSFETs 130, 132, 134, and 136, that is, to control each pair of MOSFETs 130, 132, 134, and 136 to either a conducting or non-conducting state in order to drive each of them, i.e., to change the direction of the current between the terminals of the inductive elements 108 and 109.

[0065] As shown in detail in Figure 2, the four driver circuits 142, 144, 146, and 148 may be given a bias voltage or supply voltage of, for example, 5V. The required value may vary depending on the specific driver. This supply voltage may be obtained from the high-potential VBAT POWER+ (Figure 1) or VBAT (Figure 2) from the battery pack 104, or via a buck boost regulator or DC-DC converter 150 or other suitable regulator.

[0066] The aerosol supply device 100 may be operated in a first normal or standard operating mode and a second or boost operating mode. When the aerosol supply device 100 is operating in the second or boost operating mode, it may be desirable to raise the temperature of one or both of the susceptors 110a, 110b, for example, to raise the temperature profile. In the second or boost operating mode, a 5V DC voltage may be supplied to the driver circuits 142, 144, 146, and 148.

[0067] In the first operating mode, drivers 142, 144, 146, and 148 may be supplied with a low voltage, for example, 3.3V. This supply voltage can be obtained from a buck boost regulator or a DC-DC converter 150 via a voltage regulator 152. The voltage regulator 152 may include a low-dropout (LDO) regulator.

[0068] Thus, the driver device 124 is configured to supply alternating current from the input DC current from the battery pack 104 to the coils 120, 122 or their corresponding LC circuits, which are used to drive the first and second inductive elements 108, 109 or the coils 120, 122 during use.

[0069] Referring to Figure 1, a central control unit 154, such as a microcontroller unit (MCU), may be provided. The central control unit 154 functions as a controller for the driver circuits 142, 144, 146, and 148. That is, the central control unit 154 may be configured to control the driver circuits 142, 144, 146, and 148 by, for example, providing them with pulse width modulation (PWM) signals, and then the driver circuits 142, 144, 146, and 148 control the dual MOSFETs 130, 132, 134, and 136.

[0070] The central control unit 154 may be configured to set the frequency at which the dual MOSFETs 130, 132, 134, and 136 switch between a conduction state and a non-conduction state. As a result, the central control unit 154 is substantially configured to set the frequency of the alternating current applied to the inductive elements 108 and 109.

[0071] According to various embodiments, the central control unit 154 may be configured to determine the resonant frequency f0 of the inductive elements 108 and 109. Furthermore, the central control unit 154 may be configured to supply alternating current to the inductive elements 108 and 109 at a first frequency f1, for example, within 10% of the resonant frequency f0. The central control unit 154 may also be configured to supply alternating current to the inductive elements 108 and 109 at a second frequency f2, for example, at least 10% lower than the resonant frequency f0 or at least 10% higher than the resonant frequency f0.

[0072] The central control unit 154 may also control various other functions and elements of the electronic circuit 106. For example, the central control unit 154 may control the buck boost regulator or DC-DC converter 150 and voltage regulator 152 to supply either 5V (boost mode) or 3.3V (normal mode) to the driver circuits 142, 144, 146, and 148.

[0073] As shown in Figure 1, the electronic circuit 106 may also include a battery charging circuit 156, which is connected to the battery pack 104 via a positive terminal 126 and may also be connected to ground GND. The battery charging circuit 156 may be connected to an interface 158, such as a USB interface, for example, via a positive connection line 160 for high potential and a corresponding negative connection line 161. This makes it possible to charge or recharge the battery pack 104 by, for example, connecting a power plug to an aerosol supply device 100.

[0074] A USB temperature sensor 162, such as a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) temperature sensor, may be located on interface 158 and connected to the central control unit 154. The USB temperature sensor 162 monitors the temperature of interface 158 and enables control of battery 104 charging. For example, if it is determined that the temperature of interface 158 exceeds a maximum desired temperature threshold, charging may be interrupted.

[0075] A data connection line 164 (e.g., a universal synchronous / asynchronous transceiver (USART) or other type of connection) may be provided between the interface 158 and the central control unit 154. This enables data exchange between the central control unit 154 and an external device connected to the aerosol supply device 100 via the interface 158, for example, to control charging. Both data transfer directions are indicated in Figure 1 by two arrow lines: one from the central control unit 154 to the interface 158 and another from the interface 158 to the central control unit 154.

[0076] A debug connection line 166 (e.g., serial wire debug (SWD) or other type of connection line) may be provided between interface 158 and central control unit 154. The debug connection line 166 enables debugging of central control unit 154 via an external device connected to the aerosol supply device 100 through interface 158. Both data transfer directions are indicated by two arrow lines: one from central control unit 154 to interface 158 and one from interface 158 to central control unit 154.

[0077] The battery charging circuit 156 may be configured to supply power to the central control unit 154 via the power line 168. For example, the central control unit 154 may be supplied with a voltage of 2.5V. Any suitable type of voltage regulator 170 may be used to generate the required supply voltage for the central control unit 154.

[0078] In various embodiments, a battery temperature sensor 172 (e.g., an NTC temperature sensor) may be provided on the battery pack 104 and connected to the central control unit 154. The battery temperature sensor 172 allows monitoring of the temperature of the battery pack 104 and control of its charging. For example, if the battery pack 104 is determined to be excessively hot, charging may be interrupted. Furthermore, the normal operation of the aerosol supply device 100 may be controlled based on the temperature of the battery pack 104.

[0079] A temperature sensor 174 (e.g., an NTC temperature sensor) may be provided in close proximity to the first and second inductive elements 108, 109 or the corresponding coils 120, 122 and connected to a central control unit 154. According to various embodiments, a thermocouple temperature sensor 176 may also be provided. In particular, each coil 120, 122 may be monitored by a separate thermocouple 176, and one or both thermocouples 176 may be connected to the central control unit 154. A reference voltage Ref may be supplied to a first comparator 178 coupled to the temperature sensor 174. Similarly, a reference voltage Ref may be supplied to a second comparator 180 coupled to a thermocouple 180. These comparators 178, 180 may be provided to achieve a measurable voltage, thereby enabling monitoring of the temperature of the coils 120, 122 or the corresponding inductive elements 108, 109 and controlling their operation. For example, the operating frequency of the alternating current applied to the inductors 108, 109 can be changed, altered, increased, or decreased depending on the measured temperature of the inductors 108, 109 or the coils 120, 122. For example, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the resonant frequency f0 of the coils 120, 122 or the inductors 108, 109 may change with temperature. For example, if the temperature of the inductors 108, 109 increases over time, the resonant frequency f0 of the inductors 108, 109 or the coils 120, 122 may decrease over time.

[0080] The central control unit 154 may be configured to measure the current supplied to the inductive elements 108, 109 or coils 120, 122 using dual MOSFETs (switches) 130, 132, 134, 136. For example, a current sensing unit I_SENSE may be provided on a line connected between the MOSFETs 130, 132, 134, 136 and / or H-bridge driver circuits 142, 144, 146, 148 and the negative terminal 128 of resistor 140. An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 182 may be used to convert the measured current into a digital voltage level and provide it to the central control unit 154.

[0081] An indicator light 184 (e.g., an LED) may be provided to indicate one of several operating states of the aerosol supply device 100. The LED 184 may be an RGB LED, i.e., an LED capable of providing illumination across the entire visible light spectrum or only a portion thereof. For example, the LED 184 may be lit to display red, green, blue, white and a variety of different hues. The indicator light 184 may be powered via a voltage regulator 152 and may also be controlled by a central control unit 154. The indicator light 184 may be provided as part of a user interface located on the outside of the aerosol supply device 100.

[0082] A button or key 186 may be provided, for example, on the external housing of the aerosol supply device 100. The button or key 186 may be used to change the operating mode of the aerosol supply device 100, or to turn the power on or off, etc. The button or key 186 may be connected to a central control unit 154, and the central control unit 154 may receive signals provided by the operation of the button or key 186 and may perform, for example, any necessary operational changes.

[0083] A tactile motor 188 or any other tactile feedback element may be provided. The tactile motor 188 may be powered by a battery pack 104 and may be controlled by a central control unit 154. This allows the user of the aerosol supply device 100 to receive tactile feedback during use.

[0084] The central control unit 154 or its driver controller portion may be configured to control the frequency of the alternating current supplied to the coils 120, 122 or the LC circuit comprising these coils via the driver device 124, and thus control the frequency of the alternating current flowing through the inductive elements 108, 109 or the coils 120, 122. The inductive elements 108, 109 or the corresponding coils 120, 122 can be operated in various operating modes in which only one or both of the inductive elements 108, 109 are energized at any particular time.

[0085] As described above, the LC circuit may exhibit resonance. The central control unit 154 or its driver controller portion may control the frequency of the alternating current flowing through the coils or the LC circuit (i.e., the drive frequency) to be at or near the resonant frequency of one or both of the coils 120, 122 or the LC circuit. For example, the drive frequency may be in the MHz range, for example, in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 MHz (e.g., 1 MHz). In other embodiments, the drive frequency may be in the range of 1 to 2 MHz. It will be understood that other frequencies may be used depending on the specific coil or LC circuit (and / or its components) and / or the susceptors 110a, 110b used. For example, it will be understood that the resonant frequency f0 of the LC circuit may depend on the inductance L of the coils 120, 122 and the capacitance C of the circuit, and therefore on the inductive elements 108, 109, the capacitor and the susceptors 110a, 110b.

[0086] When the central control unit 154 or its driver controller portion is activated during use, for example by the user, the central control unit 154 or its driver controller portion may control the driver device 124 to supply alternating current to one or more of the coils 120, 122 or the LC circuit, and therefore to supply alternating current to the inductive elements 108, 109, thereby causing induction heating of the susceptors 110a, 110b. When the susceptors 110a, 110b become hot, they may heat the aerosol-generating material that forms part of the aerosol product 116, and as a result, an aerosol may be generated for inhalation by the user.

[0087] Referring to Figure 2, a portion of the electronic circuit 106 of the aerosol supply device 100 in Figure 1 is shown schematically in more detail. As explained with reference to Figure 1, the driver device may have an H-bridge configuration with a total of two full H-bridges, one for each of the coils 120 and 122. Each full H-bridge has four switching elements, which may consist of multiple transistors or pairs of MOSFETs 130, 132, 134, and 136. The four pairs of MOSFETs 130, 132, 134, and 136 may be provided as two dual MOSFETs for each full H-bridge. The dual MOSFETs 130, 132, 134, and 136 are shown in Figure 2, with two pairs of MOSFETs 130, 132, 134, and 136 provided for each of the coils 120 and 122. Each pair of MOSFETs 130, 132, 134, and 136 is connected to the high-potential VBAT POWER+ or VBAT of the battery pack and to the negative-potential POWER- or GND (not shown here).

[0088] Therefore, two half-H-bridge drivers 142, 144;146, 148 are provided for each full H-bridge, or for each pair of dual MOSFETs 130, 132, 134, 136. The H-bridge drivers 142, 144;146, 148 may be provided with a bias or supply voltage of, for example, 5V (e.g., in boost operation mode) and a bias or supply voltage of, for example, 3.3V (e.g., in standard operation mode), as described above.

[0089] As described above with reference to Figure 1, a central control unit such as the MCU 154 functions as a controller for drivers 142, 144, 146, and 148. That is, the MCU 154 may be configured to control drivers 142, 144, 146, and 148 and to provide them with clock signals. For example, a first clock signal CLK1 may be provided to the first driver 142, and a second clock signal CLK2 may be provided to the second driver 144. In this case, these drivers 142 and 144 are configured to drive pairs of MOSFETs 130 and 132 connected to the first coil 120. A third clock signal CLK3 may be provided to the third driver 146, and a fourth clock signal CLK4 may be provided to the fourth driver 148. In this case, these drivers 146 and 148 are configured to drive pairs of MOSFETs 134 and 136 connected to the second coil 122.

[0090] Methods for operating the aerosol generator of the aerosol supply device 100 according to various embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 3. The aerosol supply device 100 includes a control system configured to determine the resonant frequency f0 of one or more induction elements 108, 109 that form part of the aerosol supply device 100 in the first step 401.

[0091] In the second step 402, the control system is configured to supply alternating current to one or more inductive elements 108, 109 over multiple time cycles. Each time cycle may have, for example, a certain period (e.g., a period of 1 second). Each time cycle may be further considered to have multiple first periods T1 and multiple second periods T2 inserted between them. In the third step 403, the control system is configured to supply alternating current to one or more inductive elements 108, 109 at a first frequency f1 during each first period T1. The first frequency f1 is configured to be within 10% of the resonant frequency f0, i.e., 0.9 ≤ f1 / f0 ≤ 1.1.

[0092] The control system may then, in the fourth step 404, supply alternating current at a second different frequency f2 to one or more inductive elements 108, 109 during each second period T2. The second frequency f2 is different from the first frequency f1 and, in particular, sufficiently different from the resonant frequency f0. For example, the second frequency f2 may be less than 90% of the resonant frequency f0, or the second frequency may be greater than 110% of the resonant frequency f0. In other words, according to various embodiments, either f2 / f0 ≤ 0.9 or f2 / f0 ≥ 1.1. It will be understood that the second frequency is greater than zero, i.e., f2 > 0.

[0093] According to various embodiments, f0 may be within the range of (i) < 0.5 MHz, (ii) 0.5 ~ 1.0 MHz, (iii) 1.0 ~ 1.5 MHz, (iv) 1.5 ~ 2.0 MHz, (v) 2.0 ~ 2.5 MHz, (vi) 2.5 ~ 3.0 MHz, (vii) 3.0 ~ 3.5 MHz, (viii) 3.5 ~ 4.0 MHz, or (ix) > 4.0 MHz. For example, an embodiment is conceivable in which f1 is within the range of (i) < 0.5 MHz, (ii) 0.5 ~ 1.0 MHz, (iii) 1.0 ~ 1.5 MHz, (iv) 1.5 ~ 2.0 MHz, (v) 2.0 ~ 2.5 MHz, (vi) 2.5 ~ 3.0 MHz, (vii) 3.0 ~ 3.5 MHz, (viii) 3.5 ~ 4.0 MHz, or (ix) > 4.0 MHz. Optionally, f2 may be within the range of (i) < 0.5 MHz, (ii) 0.5 ~ 1.0 MHz, (iii) 1.0 ~ 1.5 MHz, (iv) 1.5 ~ 2.0 MHz, (v) 2.0 ~ 2.5 MHz, (vi) 2.5 ~ 3.0 MHz, (vii) 3.0 ~ 3.5 MHz, (viii) 3.5 ~ 4.0 MHz, or (ix) > 4.0 MHz. One or more inductive elements 108, 109 may be provided with one or more inductive coils 120, 122.

[0094] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, according to various embodiments, the aerosol supply device 100 is provided with an aerosol generator, which may be configured to supply alternating current to one or more inductive elements 108, 109 (e.g., coils, or inductive coils 110a, 110b). The resonant frequencies f0 of the inductive elements 108, 109 may be determined by an electronic circuit 106.

[0095] The aerosol generator may be energized for a long period of time (which may be several minutes). For example, an aerosol product 116 may be inserted into the aerosol supply device 100, and a usage session lasting 3-4 minutes may be initiated. Thus, a usage session may last for several minutes, and this time may be subdivided into multiple time cycles, where a single cycle may last for 1 second.

[0096] It will be understood that the duration of a single time cycle may be set to a convenient time corresponding to the clock signal given to the electronic circuit 106. A single time cycle may be further subdivided into multiple first periods T1 and multiple second periods T2 inserted between them. For example, a time cycle lasting 1 second may be subdivided into multiple 10-millisecond first periods T1, with multiple second periods T2 inserted between subsequent first periods T1, where the second periods T2 may also be 10 milliseconds long. It will, of course, be understood that the first periods T1 may be longer or shorter than 10 milliseconds. Similarly, the second periods T2 may also be longer or shorter than 10 milliseconds.

[0097] According to various embodiments, the aerosol generator may be configured to supply alternating current to inductive elements 108 and 109 during a first period T1. During this period, the inductive elements 108 and 109 can be considered energized or in the ON state. In the subsequent second period T2, the inductive elements 108 and 109 can be considered unenergized or in the OFF state.

[0098] During the first period T1, the aerosol generator is configured to supply alternating current to the inductors 108 and 109 at a frequency f1 close to the determined resonant frequency f0 of the inductors 108 and 109. In particular, this alternating current is supplied at a frequency f1 within ±10% of the determined resonant frequency f0 of the inductors 108 and 109. As a result of being driven at a frequency f1 close to the resonant frequency f0 of the inductors 108 and 109, an efficient process is established. Consequently, an induced current is appropriately generated in the susceptors 110a and 110b, which are positioned close to the coils or induction coils 120 and 122 that form part of the inductors 108 and 109, and the susceptors 110a and 110b become hot as a result.

[0099] In contrast, during the second period T2, the aerosol generator is configured to supply alternating current to the inductors 108 and 109 at a frequency f2 that is sufficiently lower or higher than the determined resonant frequency f0 of the inductors 108 and 109. In particular, the alternating current is supplied at a frequency f2 that is at least 10% lower or at least 10% higher than the determined resonant frequency f0 of the inductors 108 and 109. As a result of being driven at a frequency not close to the resonant frequency f0 of the inductors 108 and 109, the driving frequency is highly inefficient, and the inductors 108 and 109 can be considered to be substantially off. Consequently, substantially no induced current is generated in the coils that form part of the inductors 108 and 109 or in close proximity to the induction coils 120 and 122, and the susceptors 110a and 110b are not heated by the alternating current applied to the inductors 108 and 109.

[0100] It will be understood that the alternating current is not turned off during one or more second periods T2, i.e., the frequency f2 is not reduced to zero. However, since the frequency f2 is sufficiently far from the resonant frequency f0 of the inductive elements 108 and 109, virtually no current is induced in the susceptors 110a and 110b, which are positioned close to the inductive elements 108 and 109.

[0101] The method, according to various embodiments, involves substantially applying an alternating current to inductive elements 108 and 109, and repeatedly switching the frequency of the applied alternating current between a first frequency f1 close to the resonant frequency f0 and a second frequency f2 farther from the resonant frequency f0. The advantage of this method is its simpler implementation compared to methods that turn off the alternating current during the second period T2. Furthermore, it allows for relaxed tolerances for electronic components within the electronic circuit 106, and the process places less demand on individual components within the electronic circuit 106. As a result, the failure rate of individual electronic components is reduced, extending the lifespan of the electronic circuit 106 and improving its reliability. A further advantage is that the entire electronic circuit 106 can be designed to utilize less power, even though the alternating current is not turned off during the second period T2. This is because the electronic circuit 106 does not need to include components that require fast turning off of the alternating current. According to various embodiments, instead of fast switching off, the alternating current is repeatedly switched every few milliseconds between a frequency f1 close to the resonant frequency f0 and a frequency f2 far from the resonant frequency f0.

[0102] Therefore, it will be understood that an aerosol generator is provided in which the frequency of driving the induction coils 108 and 109 with alternating current is repeatedly switched between a first frequency f1 close to the resonant frequency f0 and a second frequency f2 detuned from the resonant frequency f0. By switching the frequency to a frequency f2 detuned from the resonant frequency f0 instead of turning off the alternating current, it becomes possible to provide an electronic circuit 106 that is more durable, simpler, and more power-efficient.

[0103] According to various embodiments, the electronic circuit 106 and the method of repeatedly switching the AC current between a first frequency f1 close to the resonant frequency f0 and a second frequency f2 far from the resonant frequency f0, rather than repeatedly switching the AC current on and off, place less demand on the DC battery 104. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the DC battery 104 shown in Figure 1 supplies DC voltage to H-bridge driver circuits 142, 144, 146, and 148 connected to pairs of MOSFETs 130, 132, 134, and 136, respectively. The H-bridge driver circuits 142, 144, 146, and 148 continuously change the direction of the current supplied to the terminals of the inductive elements 106, 108 (e.g., coils or inductive coils 120, 122), thereby generating AC current from the DC battery 104.

[0104] It will be understood that the methods according to the various embodiments place less demand on the DC battery 104 and therefore extend the lifespan of the DC battery 104.

[0105] Figure 4 shows two components of the electronic circuit 501 for the aerosol generator of the aerosol supply device 100. According to various embodiments, a circuit element 502 is provided configured to determine the resonant frequency f0 of one or more inductive elements 108, 109. The electronic circuit also includes a driver device 503.

[0106] According to various embodiments, the driver device 503 may be configured to supply alternating current to one or more inductive elements 108, 109 over a plurality of time cycles. Each time cycle has one or more first periods T1 and one or more second periods T2. According to various embodiments, the driver device 503 is first configured, when in use, to supply alternating current to one or more inductive elements 108, 109 at a first frequency f1 for one or more first periods T1, where 0.9 ≤ f1 / f0 ≤ 1.1.

[0107] The driver device 503 may also be configured, when in use, to supply alternating current to one or more inductive elements 108, 109 at a second different frequency f2 for one or more second periods T2, where (a) f2 / f0 ≤ 0.9 or (b) f2 / f0 ≥ 1.1 and f2 > 0. According to various embodiments, f0 may be in the range of (i) < 0.5 MHz, (ii) 0.5 ~ 1.0 MHz, (iii) 1.0 ~ 1.5 MHz, (iv) 1.5 ~ 2.0 MHz, (v) 2.0 ~ 2.5 MHz, (vi) 2.5 ~ 3.0 MHz, (vii) 3.0 ~ 3.5 MHz, (viii) 3.5 ~ 4.0 MHz, or (ix) > 4.0 MHz. Optionally, f1 may be within the range of (i) < 0.5 MHz, (ii) 0.5 ~ 1.0 MHz, (iii) 1.0 ~ 1.5 MHz, (iv) 1.5 ~ 2.0 MHz, (v) 2.0 ~ 2.5 MHz, (vi) 2.5 ~ 3.0 MHz, (vii) 3.0 ~ 3.5 MHz, (viii) 3.5 ~ 4.0 MHz, or (ix) > 4.0 MHz. Optionally, f2 may be within the range of (i) < 0.5 MHz, (ii) 0.5 ~ 1.0 MHz, (iii) 1.0 ~ 1.5 MHz, (iv) 1.5 ~ 2.0 MHz, (v) 2.0 ~ 2.5 MHz, (vi) 2.5 ~ 3.0 MHz, (vii) 3.0 ~ 3.5 MHz, (viii) 3.5 ~ 4.0 MHz, or (ix) > 4.0 MHz.

[0108] To address various issues and advance technology, this disclosure provides various embodiments as examples. The advantages and features of this disclosure are representative of the embodiments only and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. They are presented solely for the purpose of understanding and teaching the claimed invention. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures and / or other aspects of this disclosure are not intended to limit the disclosure or its equivalents as defined by the claims, and other embodiments may be used or modified without departing from the spirit of the claims. Various embodiments may appropriately comprise, have, or essentially have, various combinations of elements, parts, features, parts, processes, means, etc., not specifically described herein, and it is understood that the features of the cited claims may be combined with the features of the independent claims in combinations other than those explicitly described in the claims. This disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. A method for operating an aerosol generator of an aerosol supply device, The steps include determining the resonant frequency f0 of one or more induction elements, A step of supplying alternating current to one or more induction elements over a plurality of time cycles, wherein each time cycle comprises one or more first periods T1 and one or more second periods T2. A step of supplying the alternating current to one or more inductive elements at a first frequency f1 during one or more first periods T1, wherein 0.9 ≤ f1 / f0 ≤ 1.1 A step of supplying the alternating current to one or more inductive elements at a different second frequency f2 during one or more second periods T2, wherein (a) f2 / f0 ≤ 0.9 or (b) f2 / f0 ≥ 1.1 and f2 > 0, A method for providing this.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein f0 is within the range of (i) < 0.5 MHz, (ii) 0.5 to 1.0 MHz, (iii) 1.0 to 1.5 MHz, (iv) 1.5 to 2.0 MHz, (v) 2.0 to 2.5 MHz, (vi) 2.5 to 3.0 MHz, (vii) 3.0 to 3.5 MHz, (viiii) 3.5 to 4.0 MHz, or (ix) > 4.0 MHz.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein f1 is within the range of (i) < 0.5 MHz, (ii) 0.5 to 1.0 MHz, (iii) 1.0 to 1.5 MHz, (iv) 1.5 to 2.0 MHz, (v) 2.0 to 2.5 MHz, (vi) 2.5 to 3.0 MHz, (vii) 3.0 to 3.5 MHz, (viiii) 3.5 to 4.0 MHz, or (ix) > 4.0 MHz.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein f2 is within the range of (i) < 0.5 MHz, (ii) 0.5 to 1.0 MHz, (iii) 1.0 to 1.5 MHz, (iv) 1.5 to 2.0 MHz, (v) 2.0 to 2.5 MHz, (vi) 2.5 to 3.0 MHz, (vii) 3.0 to 3.5 MHz, (viiii) 3.5 to 4.0 MHz, or (ix) > 4.0 MHz.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the one or more induction elements comprises one or more induction coils.

6. An electronic circuit for an aerosol generator in an aerosol supply device, A circuit element configured to determine the resonant frequency f0 of one or more inductive elements, A driver device for supplying alternating current to one or more induction elements over multiple time cycles, wherein each time cycle comprises one or more first periods T1 and one or more second periods T2, The driver device is equipped with, (i) During use, the alternating current is supplied to the one or more inductive elements at a first frequency f1 during one or more first periods T1, where 0.9 ≤ f1 / f0 ≤ 1.1, (ii) During use, the alternating current is supplied to the one or more inductive elements at a different second frequency f2 during one or more second periods T2, where (a) f2 / f0 ≤ 0.9 or (b) f2 / f0 ≥ 1.1 and f2 > 0. An electronic circuit configured in such a way.

7. The electronic circuit according to claim 6, wherein f0 is within the range of (i) < 0.5 MHz, (ii) 0.5 to 1.0 MHz, (iii) 1.0 to 1.5 MHz, (iv) 1.5 to 2.0 MHz, (v) 2.0 to 2.5 MHz, (vi) 2.5 to 3.0 MHz, (vii) 3.0 to 3.5 MHz, (viiii) 3.5 to 4.0 MHz, or (ix) > 4.0 MHz.

8. The electronic circuit according to claim 6, wherein f1 is within the range of (i) < 0.5 MHz, (ii) 0.5 to 1.0 MHz, (iii) 1.0 to 1.5 MHz, (iv) 1.5 to 2.0 MHz, (v) 2.0 to 2.5 MHz, (vi) 2.5 to 3.0 MHz, (vii) 3.0 to 3.5 MHz, (viiii) 3.5 to 4.0 MHz, or (ix) > 4.0 MHz.

9. The electronic circuit according to claim 6, wherein f2 is within the range of (i) < 0.5 MHz, (ii) 0.5 to 1.0 MHz, (iii) 1.0 to 1.5 MHz, (iv) 1.5 to 2.0 MHz, (v) 2.0 to 2.5 MHz, (vi) 2.5 to 3.0 MHz, (vii) 3.0 to 3.5 MHz, (viiii) 3.5 to 4.0 MHz, or (ix) > 4.0 MHz.

10. The electronic circuit according to claim 6, wherein the one or more inductive elements comprises one or more inductive coils.

11. An aerosol supply device comprising the electronic circuit described in claim 6.

12. The aerosol supply device according to claim 11, further comprising an aerosol generator.

13. The aerosol supply device according to claim 12, wherein the aerosol generator comprises one or more induction elements.

14. The aerosol supply device according to claim 13, wherein the one or more induction elements comprises one or more induction coils.

15. The aerosol supply device according to claim 11, Aerosol product comprising an aerosol generating material, An aerosol generation system equipped with the following features.

16. A method for generating an aerosol, The steps of preparing the aerosol supply device described in claim 11, The steps include inserting an aerosol product comprising an aerosol generating material into the aerosol supply device, The steps include: energizing the aerosol supply device to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating material, A method for providing this.

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