Aerosol generation device

Abstract

An aerosol generating device (100; 800; 900) is provided with a heating cavity (45; 845; 945) comprising a heater component (47; 847; 947) and a sensor configured to sense an aerosol forming substrate (12; 812; 912). The device further comprises an energy storage module (11, 51; 811, 851; 911) and a controller (43; 843; 943). The controller is configured to supply power to the heater component by directing an electric power flow from the energy storage module to the heater component to preheat the heater component to a predetermined temperature, and to use the sensor to determine that an aerosol forming substrate is received in the heating cavity. The controller is configured to start monitoring parameters in response to determining that an aerosol forming substrate is received in the heating cavity, and to supply power to the heater component until the monitored parameters meet predetermined requirements in order to compensate for a temperature drop of the heater component due to the received aerosol forming substrate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generation device, and more specifically, to a power system of an aerosol generation device.

Background Art

[0002] Aerosol generation devices such as electronic cigarettes and other aerosol inhalers or vaporization devices are becoming increasingly popular as consumer products.

[0003] Heating devices for vaporization or aerosolization are known in the art. Such devices typically include a heating chamber and a heater. In operation, the operator inserts the product to be aerosolized or vaporized into the heating chamber. The product is then heated by an electric heater to vaporize the components of the product for the operator to inhale. In some examples, the product is a tobacco product similar to a conventional cigarette. Such devices are sometimes referred to as "heat-not-burn" devices in that they are heated until the product is aerosolized without being burned.

[0004] Problems faced by known aerosol generation devices include providing efficient power management and improving operability.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to address, inter alia, providing efficient power management and improving operability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In the first embodiment, an aerosol generating device comprises a heating cavity configured to house and aerosolize an aerosol generating substrate, wherein the heating cavity comprises a heater component and a sensor configured to sense the aerosol generating substrate housed within the heating cavity, and the aerosol generating device comprises an energy storage module and a controller, the controller being To preheat the heater components to a predetermined temperature, power is supplied to the heater components by guiding the power flow from the energy storage module to the heater components. Using a sensor, it is determined that the aerosol-generating substrate is contained within the heated cavity. In response to the determination that the aerosol-generating substrate is contained within the heated cavity, parameter monitoring is initiated. An aerosol generating device is provided, configured to reheat the heater components to a predetermined temperature and to supply power to the heater components until monitored parameters meet predetermined requirements in order to compensate for any temperature drop of the heater components caused by the contained aerosol generating substrate.

[0007] Prior to insertion into the heating cavity, the aerosol-generating substrate may be at ambient temperature (e.g., room temperature). Since the aerosol-generating substrate is colder than the preheated heater component heated to a predetermined temperature (e.g., in the range of 230-320°C, or preferably in the range of 260-320°C), insertion of the aerosol-generating substrate may cause a temperature drop in the heater component. This temperature drop may cause the heater component to fall below a temperature suitable for aerosol generation. If the operator then inhales the device, such a reduced temperature may result in an unpleasant user experience. This temperature drop is compensated for by monitoring parameters in response to the determination that the aerosol-generating substrate has been contained within the heating cavity, and by supplying power to the heater component until the monitored parameters meet predetermined requirements, thereby reheating the heater component to a predetermined temperature. This improves the user experience by ensuring that the heater component is properly preheated before the operator inhales the device.

[0008] Preferably, the parameter being monitored is a timer, and a predetermined requirement is met when a predetermined time has elapsed after monitoring of the parameter has started.

[0009] In this way, by supplying power to the heater components over a predetermined period of time, the heater components can be reheated efficiently and accurately to a predetermined temperature.

[0010] Preferably, the parameter to be monitored is the heater temperature, and a predetermined requirement is met when the heater temperature rises to or above the target temperature after monitoring of the parameter has begun.

[0011] In this way, by supplying power to the heater components until the monitored heater temperature reaches a predetermined temperature, the heater components can be reheated efficiently and accurately to the predetermined heater temperature.

[0012] Preferably, the controller is configured to control the aerosol generating device to perform an operation when the monitored parameters meet predetermined requirements.

[0013] Preferably, this operation includes controlling the power flow from the energy storage module to the heater component to maintain the heater component at a predetermined temperature for a heating phase in which an aerosol is generated for inhalation by the operator.

[0014] Thus, the heating phase of the aerosolization session in which the operator inhales the aerosol does not begin until the heater components are sufficiently reheated after the temperature drop caused by the insertion of the aerosol-generating substrate. Therefore, the user experience is improved by ensuring that the aerosol for inhalation is generated using a predetermined temperature.

[0015] Preferably, the operation further includes controlling an indicator of the aerosol generating device to provide an output indicating that the monitored parameter meets a predetermined requirement and the aerosol generating device is ready for the heating phase.

[0016] In this way, the operator recognizes that the heater has been reheated in response to the insertion of the substrate, that the device is ready to begin the heating phase, and that the operator can begin inhaling the generated aerosol. Providing this state information of the device improves operability.

[0017] Preferably, the sensor is a temperature sensor, and the controller is configured to use the temperature sensor to monitor the temperature of the heater components and determine that the aerosol-generating substrate has been contained within the heating cavity in response to the decrease in the monitored temperature.

[0018] Thus, the temperature change caused by inserting a colder aerosol-generating substrate can be used to determine the presence of the substrate. This eliminates the need to include a separate sensor to detect insertion, thereby simplifying the design and manufacture of the device by reducing the number of required components.

[0019] Preferably, the aerosol generating device comprises a holding unit configured to house and aerosolize an aerosol generating substrate, and a charging unit connectable to the holding unit, and the charge storage module comprises a first charge storage module and a second charge storage module. The holding unit comprises a heating cavity and a first charge storage module. The charging unit includes a second charge storage module, The controller is When the holding unit is connected to the charging unit, power is supplied to the heater component by guiding the power flow from the second charge storage module to the heater component. When the holding unit is separated from the charging unit, it is configured to supply power to the heater component by guiding the power flow from the first charge storage module to the heater component.

[0020] Thus, the aerosol generating device can be realized as a two-component system having a holding unit and a charging unit. Operational flexibility can be provided by supplying power to the heater components using a first charge storage module when the holding unit is not connected to the charging unit, or by supplying power to the heater components using a second charge storage module when the holding unit is connected to the charging unit.

[0021] Preferably, the controller is When the holding unit is connected to the charging unit, power flow is directed from the second energy storage module to the heater component to preheat the heater component to a predetermined temperature, and, The system is configured to power the heater component by directing a power flow from the first energy storage module to the heater component in order to maintain the heater component at a predetermined temperature and aerosolize the aerosol-generating substrate when the monitored parameters meet predetermined requirements and the holding unit is not connected to the charging unit.

[0022] Typically, preheating the heater component requires a higher level of power consumption than maintaining the heater component at a predetermined temperature for aerosolization. Therefore, the second charge storage module in the charging unit can be used to supply power to the preheating phase with a higher power concentration, and the first charge storage module in the holding unit can be used to supply power to the heating phase with a lower power concentration where the temperature is maintained. As a result, only a smaller charge storage module may be required as the first charge storage module, which means that the holding unit can be dimensioned smaller. Thus, the operator only needs to lift the smaller holding unit up to the operator's mouth for inhalation of the aerosol, thereby improving the operability.

[0023] Preferably, the controller when the holding unit is connected to the charging unit, direct the power flow from the second energy storage module to the heater component to preheat the heater component to a predetermined temperature, and when the monitored parameter meets the predetermined requirements and the holding unit is connected to the charging unit, direct the power flow from the second energy storage module to the heater component to maintain the heater component at a predetermined temperature to aerosolize the aerosol generation substrate, so as to be configured to supply power to the heater component.

[0024] Thus, the operator can decide to keep the holding unit connected to the charging unit for the heating phase where the temperature is maintained. This is advantageous because it allows the charge stored in the first charge storage module of the holding unit to be saved for subsequent aerosolization sessions.

[0025] Preferably, the controller when the holding unit is not connected to the charging unit, direct the power flow from the first energy storage module to the heater component to preheat the heater component to a predetermined temperature, and The system is configured to power the heater component by directing a power flow from the first energy storage module to the heater component in order to maintain the heater component at a predetermined temperature and aerosolize the aerosol-generating substrate when the monitored parameters meet predetermined requirements and the holding unit is not connected to the charging unit.

[0026] Thus, the operator only needs to use a holding unit for the aerosolization session, which can provide operational flexibility.

[0027] Preferably, the heating cavity is configured to accommodate a substantially planar aerosol-generating substrate. The heating cavity has two main inner surfaces, the two main inner surfaces facing each other, and the aerosol-generating substrate is configured to be housed between the opposing main inner surfaces, with each main inner surface being associated with a heating element of the heater component.

[0028] Configuring the cavity to accommodate an aerosol-generating substrate whose shape is substantially planar or flat is advantageous in that the heater components and heating cavity, which are very compact in physical size, are provided in combination with the substantially planar aerosol-generating substrate. This improves the operability of the device by being smaller and more comfortable for the operator to hold.

[0029] Preferably, the main inner surface includes a ceramic material, and the heating element is placed on or embedded within the ceramic material.

[0030] In this way, a compact heating cavity is provided in which the heat directed towards the substrate has a good distribution.

[0031] As an alternative preference, the cavity is configured to accommodate a rod-shaped aerosol-generating substrate.

[0032] In this way, an aerosol generating device is provided that offers a user experience familiar to conventional tobacco consumers.

[0033] In a second embodiment, a system is provided comprising the aerosol generating device of the first embodiment and an aerosol generating substrate.

[0034] In a third embodiment, a method for operating an aerosol generating device is provided, wherein the aerosol generating device is The aerosol generating device comprises a heating cavity configured to house and aerosolize an aerosol generating substrate, the heating cavity comprising a heater component and a sensor configured to sense the aerosol generating substrate housed within the heating cavity, and the aerosol generating device further comprises an energy storage module. The method is, To preheat the heater components to a predetermined temperature, power is supplied to the heater components by guiding the power flow from the energy storage module to the heater components. Using a sensor, it is determined that the aerosol-generating substrate is contained within the heated cavity, In response to the determination that the aerosol-generating substrate is contained within the heated cavity, monitoring of parameters is initiated. This includes reheating the heater components to a predetermined temperature and supplying power to the heater components until monitored parameters meet predetermined requirements in order to compensate for any temperature drop in the heater components caused by the contained aerosol-generating substrate.

[0035] The method of the third embodiment may optionally include preferred features of the aerosol generating device of the first embodiment.

[0036] In a fourth aspect, a non-temporary computer-readable medium is provided that stores instructions executable by one or more processors of the aerosol generating device, The aerosol generating device comprises a heating cavity configured to house and aerosolize an aerosol generating substrate, the heating cavity comprising a heater component and a sensor configured to sense the aerosol generating substrate housed within the heating cavity, and the aerosol generating device further comprises an energy storage module. Instructions are sent to one or more processors. The process involves supplying power to the heater components by guiding the power flow from the energy storage module to the heater components in order to preheat the heater components to a predetermined temperature. A step of using a sensor to determine that an aerosol-generating substrate is contained within the heated cavity, The steps include: starting parameter monitoring in response to determining that the aerosol-generating substrate is contained within the heated cavity; The procedure includes the steps of: reheating the heater component to a predetermined temperature and supplying power to the heater component until monitored parameters meet predetermined requirements in order to compensate for any temperature drop of the heater component caused by the contained aerosol-generating substrate.

[0037] The non-transient computer-readable medium of the fourth embodiment may optionally include preferred features of the aerosol generating device of the first embodiment.

[0038] Here, embodiments of the present invention will be described as examples with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0039] [Figure 1A] This is a diagram of a first exemplary aerosol generating device comprising a handpiece and a charging unit, with the handpiece detached from the charging unit. [Figure 1B] This is a diagram of a first exemplary aerosol generating device comprising a handpiece and a charging unit, the handpiece being housed within the charging unit. [Figure 1C]This is a diagram of a first exemplary aerosol generating device comprising a handpiece and a charging unit, the handpiece being pivotably connected to the charging unit. [Figure 2] Figures 1A and 1C show more detailed diagrams of the handpiece. [Figure 3] This is a diagram of an aerosol generating substrate configured for use with the handpiece shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4A] Figure 3 shows the heating chamber of the handpiece shown in Figure 2, which has the aerosol generating substrate shown in Figure 3. [Figure 4B] Figure 4A is a more detailed view of the heating chamber. [Figure 5] Figure 2 is a more detailed view of the mouthpiece portion of the handpiece. [Figure 6] This is an exemplary plot of the time of power supplied to the heater during an aerosolization session. [Figure 7] This is an operational flowchart of the heating control process for an aerosolization session. [Figure 8A] This is a diagram of a second exemplary aerosol generating device comprising a handpiece and a charging unit, the handpiece being housed within the charging unit. [Figure 8B] This is a diagram of a second exemplary aerosol generating device comprising a handpiece and a charging unit, with the handpiece removed from the charging unit. [Figure 9] This is a diagram of a third exemplary aerosol generation device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0040] Figures 1A, 1B, and 1C show various configurations of a first exemplary aerosol generating device 100 (also known as a vapor generating device, vaping device, or e-cigarette) comprising a handpiece 10 (also called a holding unit) and a charging unit 50. The handpiece 10 is detachably connected to the charging unit 50. This can be considered a "two-part" aerosol generating device, where the two parts are the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50.

[0041] The handpiece 10 comprises a first charge storage module 11 and a heater 47 (also called a heater component). As described in more detail with respect to Figures 2 to 5, the first charge storage module 11 is configured to power the heater 47 to aerosolize an aerosol-generating substrate (not shown). The aerosol-generating substrate can be thought of as a substrate from which an aerosol is generated by heating. The handpiece 10 also has a mouthpiece 32, which the operator inhales through the mouthpiece during an aerosolization session to inhale the generated aerosol.

[0042] The charging unit 50 includes a second charge storage module 51 configured to charge the first charge storage module 11 and supply power to the heater 47.

[0043] The first charge storage module 11 may be one or more batteries or supercapacitors, or a combination thereof. The first charge storage module 11 may be a fast-charging battery, for example, a battery having a chemical substance such as lithium titanate (LTO). This type of battery can supply the high current required at the beginning of an aerosolization session and has excellent safety characteristics.

[0044] The second charge storage module 51 may be one or more batteries or supercapacitors, or a combination thereof. In one example, the second charge storage module 51 may be a single high-energy-density lithium-ion battery with moderate power capacity (or, for example, a battery using NMC (lithium nickel-manganese-cobalt oxide) chemical). In another example, the second charge storage module 51 may be a combination of a high-energy-density lithium-ion battery with low power capacity and a high-power battery (e.g., LTO or lithium iron phosphate LFP) or supercapacitor module.

[0045] In the following description, the first charge storage module will be referred to as the handpiece battery 11, and the second charge storage module will be referred to as the charging unit battery 51. However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that each of these may be one or more batteries, supercapacitors, or a combination thereof.

[0046] The charging unit battery 51 has a larger charge storage capacity than the handpiece battery 11. That is, the charging unit battery 51 can hold more charge than the handpiece battery 11. The handpiece battery 11 may be capable of supplying power to the heater 47 to aerosolize a first number of aerosol-generating substrates, and the charging unit battery 51 may be capable of supplying power to the heater 47 to aerosolize a second number of aerosol-generating substrates, where the second number is greater than the first number. For example, the handpiece battery 11 may be capable of supplying power to the heater 47 to aerosolize two aerosol-generating substrates, and the charging unit battery 51 may be capable of supplying power to the heater 47 to aerosolize twenty aerosol-generating substrates.

[0047] Thus, the handpiece 10 can be sized smaller than the charging unit 50 so that it is more comfortable for the operator to hold during an aerosolization session. In that case, the larger charging unit 50 can be used to charge the handpiece 10 between or during an aerosolization session when the charging unit and the handpiece are connected. In this way, there is a technical advantage in providing an aerosol generation device with a smaller, more user-friendly handpiece 10 for aerosolization sessions that can power multiple sessions without the need to connect to an external power source.

[0048] The charging unit 50 is sized to accommodate and adapt to the handpiece 10 within its opening. When the handpiece is housed in the charging unit 50, the charging unit battery 51 connects to a corresponding connector in the handpiece 10 via a connector within the charging unit's opening. A controller in the handpiece 10 or the charging unit 50 can detect signals between the handpiece connector and the charging unit connector and control the power flow from the charging unit battery 51 to the handpiece battery 11. For the purposes of this specification, power flow can be thought of as the flow of charge or current from one element to another. Thus, when the operator inserts the handpiece 10 into the charging unit 50, the handpiece battery 11 and the charging unit battery 51 are connected, and as a result, the handpiece battery 11 can be charged by the charging unit battery 51 via the connection between the connectors. Thus, the charging unit 50 can be thought of as a charging case for the handpiece 10. Similarly, power can flow from the charging unit battery 51 to the heater 47 via the connector in order to power the heater 47 using the charging unit battery 51.

[0049] The charging unit battery 51 can store enough charge to fully recharge the handpiece battery 11 multiple times. The charging unit battery 51 can be charged by itself from an external power source such as a power bank or mains power supply, via a connection such as a USB cable or via a connection to a docking station.

[0050] Figure 1A shows the handpiece 10 removed from the charging unit 50 and unconnected. Figure 1B shows the handpiece 10 housed within the charging unit 50 and connected to it. In the example in Figure 1B, the mouthpiece 32 of the handpiece 10 extends outward from the charging unit 50. In this way, the operator can perform an aerosolization session while the handpiece 10 is housed within the charging unit 50.

[0051] Alternatively, or in addition, in some examples, the charging unit 50 and the handpiece 10 may be configured, as shown in Figure 1C, to allow the handpiece 10 to pivot outward from the charging unit 50 while remaining connected to the charging unit 50, by a hinged connection at the end of the handpiece 10 away from the mouthpiece 32. This may provide greater access to the handpiece 10 while remaining connected to the charging unit 50.

[0052] Figures 2 to 5 show the handpiece 10 of the first exemplary aerosol generating device 100 in more detail. Figure 2 shows the handpiece 10 with a connected mouthpiece portion 32. Figure 3 shows the aerosol generating substrate 12 configured for use with the handpiece 10 of Figure 2. Figure 4A shows the heating chamber 45 of the handpiece 10 of Figure 2 with the aerosol generating substrate 12 of Figure 3, and Figure 4B shows the heating chamber 45 in more detail. Figure 5 shows the mouthpiece portion 32 of the handpiece 10 of Figure 2 in more detail.

[0053] The aerosol-generating substrate 12 has a planar or flat shape, for example, a flat rectangular parallelepiped extending along the substrate axis X and having external dimensions L × W × D. In a specific example, the length L of the substrate along the substrate axis X is substantially equal to 33 mm, and the width W and depth D are substantially 12 mm and 1.2 mm, respectively. That is, the substrate can be considered to have a planar shape in that its depth is much shorter than its length and width.

[0054] The depth D of the substrate 12 is formed by a pair of parallel walls 13A, 13B, called the substrate side walls 13A, 13B. The width W of the substrate is formed by a pair of parallel walls 14A, 14B, called the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B. In other examples, the aerosol-generating substrate 12 may have other preferred shapes or dimensions. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may be a circular tube similar to a conventional cigarette.

[0055] The aerosol generating substrate 12 may comprise a heating portion 15 and a mouthpiece portion 16 arranged along the substrate axis X. However, in some examples, the aerosol generating substrate 12 may comprise only the heating portion 15. The mouthpiece portion has a length L1, and the heating portion has a length L2. In some examples, the heating portion 15 may be slightly longer than the mouthpiece portion 16, i.e., L2 may be greater than L1. The heating portion 15 defines the contact end 18 of the substrate 12, and the mouthpiece portion 16 defines the mouth end 20 of the substrate 12. The heating portion 15 and the mouthpiece portion 16 may be connected by a wrapper extending around the substrate axis X. Alternatively, portions 15 and 16 may be wrapped by different wrappers and secured to each other by any other suitable means. The wrappers may include paper and / or nonwoven fabric and / or aluminum and / or tobacco material (e.g., cigarillo paper). The wrappers may be porous or air-impermeable. The wrapper can form multiple air channels extending into the interior of the base material 12 between the contact end 18 and the mouth end 20.

[0056] The heating section 14 is configured to be heated by a heater and contains an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material may be, for example, a material containing nicotine or tobacco and an aerosol-forming agent. Tobacco can take the form of various materials such as shredded tobacco, granular tobacco, tobacco leaves and / or reconstituted tobacco. Suitable aerosol-forming agents include polyols (e.g., sorbitol, glycerol and glycols such as propylene glycol or triethylene glycol) and non-polyols (e.g., monohydric alcohols, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerin or vegetable glycerin). In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating agent may be glycerol, propylene glycol, or a mixture of glycerol and propylene glycol. The base material may also contain at least one of a gelling agent, a binder, a stabilizer, and a water-retaining agent. When the aerosol-generating material is heated, an aerosol or vapor is formed. It will be understood that the terms aerosol and vapor may be used interchangeably herein. In one example, an aerosol-forming material forms an aerosol when heated by heater 47 without being burned.

[0057] The mouthpiece portion 16 is intended to be housed inside the mouthpiece 32. The mouthpiece portion 16 comprises a core 17 which may provide a filtering function. In some examples, the core 17 may be a foam or a bundle of twisted fibers. The core 17 may be formed into a stable shape by an extrusion and / or rolling process. The substrate 12 may be molded to provide one or more air passages. As shown in the example in Figure 3, the mouthpiece portion 16 may have a plurality of vents 22 located in the walls of the substrate, which may include one of more of the substrate side walls 13A, 13B and the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B. The vents 22 allow fresh air entering the interior of the substrate 12 to achieve a specific vaping / taste effect.

[0058] The handpiece 10 comprises a handpiece body 30 extending along the handpiece axis Y and forming at least one side wall 40 of the handpiece 10. The handpiece body 30 comprises a mouthpiece 32 and a housing 34 arranged continuously along the handpiece axis Y. In the example of Figure 1, the mouthpiece 32 and the housing 34 form two distinct parts. The mouthpiece 32 is designed to be removably fixed to or housed within an insertion opening 36 formed at one end of the housing 34. This opening 36 extends perpendicular to the handpiece axis Y, as shown in Figure 4 with the mouthpiece 32 removed from the housing 34.

[0059] In each cross-section, the housing 34 may form a substantially rectangular shape having, for example, rounded edges and at least four side walls 40. In other examples, the housing may have at least one different cross-sectional shape, for example, a rounded shape. The housing 34 may be sealed at the end opposite to the insertion opening 36 that accommodates the mouthpiece 32. The housing 34 may be formed from a single piece or several assembled pieces made of any preferred material such as aluminum or plastic. One or more side walls 40 of the housing may have one or more openings for control and / or visual elements. For example, such elements may include one or more of control buttons, touch panels, screens, LEDs, etc. In one example, the housing 34 has a slot 42 for an LED that indicates the ON state of the handpiece 10. In some examples, the LED may also indicate handpiece status information, such as battery status, error status, etc.

[0060] The housing 34 also includes a handpiece battery (not shown) for supplying power to the handpiece 10, a controller 43 for controlling the operation of the handpiece 10, a heating chamber 45 (also called a heating cavity) for heating the aerosol generating substrate 12, and at least two heating elements 47A, 47B for heating the heating chamber 45.

[0061] The mouthpiece 32 is configured to connect to the insertion opening 36 while the mouthpiece 32 is being assembled into the housing 34.

[0062] The mouthpiece 32 has a through-hole along the handpiece axis Y, designed to accommodate the mouthpiece portion 16 of the aerosol generating substrate 12 such that the substrate axis X coincides with the handpiece axis Y. The through-hole has the same cross-sectional shape as the aerosol generating substrate 12 and may have internal dimensions that are slightly larger than the external dimensions of the mouthpiece portion 16 of the aerosol generating substrate 12. In one example, the through-hole defines a rectangular cross-section for accommodating the mouthpiece portion 16 of the aerosol generating substrate 12.

[0063] The mouthpiece 32 may have a recess, which, when the mouthpiece 32 is inserted into the insertion opening 36, forms an opening 66 that forms the inlet 66. Alternatively or in addition, through holes may be located in the side walls of the device to provide channels for air to flow through the heating chamber. If the aerosol generating substrate 12 is provided with vents 22, at least some of these vents 22 are positioned to face the inlet 66.

[0064] In some cases, the substrate 12 does not need to include the ventilation holes 22, in which case air can flow into the substrate by being drawn in through the contact end 18. For example, air may be drawn into the device through the inlet 66 of the mouthpiece 32 or the side wall of the device to counteract the pressure drop caused by the inhaling operator opening the mouthpiece 32. This airflow may be drawn into the substrate 12 through channels along or around the substrate 12 and through the end 18 opposite the mouth end 20. The mouth end 20 is the end of the substrate 12 located inside or proximal to the mouthpiece 32 and closer to the operator's mouth during use. The airflow is then drawn in through the substrate 12, where it mixes with the generated aerosol, and flows out through the mouthpiece 32 from the mouth end 20 into the operator's mouth.

[0065] Referring more closely to Figures 4A and 4B, the heating chamber 45 is cup-shaped and can extend along the handpiece axis Y between an open end 70 into which the aerosol-generating substrate 12 is inserted and a sealed end 71 opposite to it. The heating chamber 45 houses the heated portion 15 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12. The heating chamber 45 has substantially the same cross-sectional shape as the aerosol-generating substrate 12. In one example, the heating chamber 45 defines a rectangular cross-sectional shape comprising two parallel chamber side walls 73A, 73B and two parallel chamber contact walls 74A, 74B. The walls 74A, 74B form two main inner surfaces within the chamber 45, facing each other, and the aerosol-generating substrate is configured to be housed between these opposing main inner surfaces. Each of the main inner surfaces comprises heating elements 47A, 47B of a heater 47. The walls 73A, 73B form two minor inner surfaces of the chamber, and the minor inner surfaces connect the two main inner surfaces. The two minor inner surfaces are smaller than the two main inner surfaces, and the cavity is configured to accommodate a substantially planar aerosol-generating substrate. Each chamber wall 74A, 74B has a width that is, for example, at least three times, preferably five times, and more preferably eight times wider than each chamber wall 73A, 73B.

[0066] The heating chamber 45 has a distal wall positioned perpendicular to the handpiece axis Y and sealing the sealing end 71. The distal wall is adjacent to walls 73A, 73B, 74A, and 74B, respectively, to seal the chamber at the sealing end 71 and form the cup shape of the chamber. Walls 74A and 74B may be ceramic in which heater wires or ceramics are embedded in or on them. Preferably, walls 74A and 74B in which heater wires or tracks are embedded in or on them form two ceramic heaters, which may be arranged within a polymer (e.g., PEEK) or metal (e.g., stainless steel) frame. In some examples, walls 73A, 73B, and 71 may also be ceramic.

[0067] Such ceramic heaters can provide a compact heating cavity with good heat distribution directed to the substrate. However, ceramic heaters may require significantly more power to heat (e.g., >>10W and / or >>1600J) than heaters in more traditional aerosol generating devices configured to contain tobacco or tobacco-like consumables. Therefore, such heaters greatly benefit from the heating power management operations described herein.

[0068] In other examples, each of the walls 73A, 73B, 74A, 74B, and 71 may be made of a thermally conductive material, such as a metal, particularly stainless steel. In addition, at least some of the walls 73A, 73B, 74A, 74B, and 71, or all of these walls, can form a single component.

[0069] The internal dimensions of the heating chamber 45 are defined by a length L3 measured along the handpiece axis Y, a width W3 measured as the distance between the chamber side walls 73A and 73B, and a depth D3 measured as the distance between the chamber contact walls 74A and 74B. These internal dimensions L3, W3, and D3 are selected based on the external dimensions L2, W, and D of the heating portion 15 of the aerosol generating substrate 12.

[0070] The depth D3 of the heating chamber 45 may be slightly greater than or substantially equal to the depth D of the aerosol-generating substrate 12. In this case, when the heated portion 15 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 is housed inside the heating chamber 45, the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B may contact the chamber contact walls 74A, 74B, particularly the contact surfaces of these walls 74A, 74B. Advantageously, in this case, the chamber contact walls 74A, 74B, particularly their contact surfaces, are in firm contact with the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B. In other examples, the depth D3 of the heating chamber 45 may be slightly less than the normal depth D of the aerosol-generating substrate 12. In this case, the heating chamber 45 and / or mouthpiece 32 are configured to compress the heated portion 15 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 by applying force to the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B. This improves the tight contact between the corresponding contact walls of the heating chamber 45 and the substrate 12, and thus improves heat transfer between these walls.

[0071] The width W3 of the heating chamber 45 can be defined such that at least one pair of opposing side walls 73A, 13A, or 73B, 13B of the heating chamber 45 and the aerosol generating substrate 12 form an air passage between them. When the heated portion 15 of the aerosol generating substrate 12 is inserted into the heating chamber 45, the air passage is formed on any side of the aerosol generating substrate 12 along the handpiece axis Y. In an alternative configuration, no air passage is formed between the pair of opposing side walls 73A and 13A or 73B and 13B of the heating chamber 45 and the aerosol generating substrate 12. Instead, the pair of side walls 73A, 13A, or the pair of 73B, 13B, may be in contact. This is preferable if the distal wall 71 of the heating chamber 45 or any other wall forms an opening suitable for air to enter.

[0072] The walls 74A and 74B of the chamber 45 each have heating elements 47A and 47B. The heating elements 47A and 47B form the heater 47 of the device (also called the heater component). In one example, the heating elements 47A and 47B may be positioned in contact with one of the chamber contact walls 74A and 74B on the outside of the heating chamber 45. In the example of Figure 4B, heating element 47A is positioned adjacent to the outer surface of chamber contact wall 74A, and heating element 47B is positioned adjacent to the outer surface of chamber contact wall 47A. Thus, the chamber contact walls transfer heat from the heating elements 47A and 47B to the aerosol-generating substrate 12. In other examples, the heating elements may be embedded within the chamber walls. For example, heating element 47A can be embedded in chamber contact wall 74A, and heating element 47B can be embedded in chamber contact wall 74B. In further examples, the heating elements may be on the chamber walls inside the heating chamber 45. As described, the chamber walls are made of ceramic material and may have heater tracks or wires in or on them. In an alternative configuration, each heating element 47A, 47B may be equipped with a polyimide film heater that extends along substantially the entire area of ​​the outer surface of the corresponding heating wall 74A, 74B, or along only a portion of this surface.

[0073] Optionally, the handpiece 10 may include an insulator placed between each heating element 47A, 47B and the inner surface of the housing 34. The same insulator may also be placed between the outer surfaces of each chamber sidewall 73A, 73B and the inner surface of the housing 34.

[0074] The handpiece 10 includes a controller 43. The controller 43 is configured to control the operation of the handpiece 10. This may include blocking and enabling the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 based on its operating mode, as well as controlling the power flow of the handpiece battery 11 and the charging unit battery 51 (if connected).

[0075] The controller 43 may be at least one microcontroller unit, which includes a memory storing instructions for operating the handpiece 10, such as instructions for blocking and enabling the operation of the device, instructions for executing the operating modes of the device, and instructions for controlling the power flow from the battery, and one or more processors configured to execute these instructions.

[0076] The controller 43 may be configured to operate each heating element 47A, 47B separately according to a heating profile selected from a predetermined group of heating profiles. The corresponding heating profile may be selected according to the operating mode of the handpiece 10 and / or according to at least several external / internal parameters relating to the operation of the handpiece 10.

[0077] The controller 43 controls the power flow to the heater 47 during the aerosolization session, and the aerosolization session may include a preheating phase and a heating phase.

[0078] In the preheating phase, the heater 47 is heated to a predetermined temperature to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substrate 12. The preheating phase can be considered as the time during which the preheating mode is performed, for example, the time until the heater 47 reaches the predetermined temperature. The preheating mode occurs during a first period of the aerosolization session. In one example, the first period may be a fixed predetermined period. In other examples, the first period may vary in proportion to the length of time required to heat the heater 47 to the predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature may be stored in a memory accessible by the controller.

[0079] When the preheating phase is complete, the controller 43 controls the power flow to the heater 47 to end the preheating mode and power the heating phase. In the heating phase, the controller 43 controls the power flow to the heater 47 to maintain the heater 47 at a substantially predetermined temperature so that an aerosol for consumer inhalation is generated. The heating phase can be considered as the time during which the heating mode is running, for example, the time during which the heater 47 aerosolizes one (or at least a portion of one) of the aerosol-generating substrates 12 after the preheating phase. The controller 43 may control the power flow to the heater 47 in the heating mode over a second period of the aerosolization session. The second period may be predetermined and stored in the controller 43.

[0080] Figure 6 shows an exemplary plot of the average power 132 supplied to the heater 47 during the aerosolization session against time 134. During the preheating phase, the controller 43 controls the power flow to the heater 47 so that power is applied to the heater 47 over a first period 136 until the heater 47 reaches a predetermined temperature. In one example, the predetermined temperature may be in the range of 230°C to 320°C, preferably in the range of 260°C to 320°C. In one example, the first period is 20 seconds. In some examples, the controller 43 is configured to heat the heater 47 to a predetermined temperature within a fixed, predetermined first period. In other examples, the first period varies depending on the time required for the heater 47 to reach the predetermined temperature.

[0081] When the heater 47 reaches a predetermined temperature, the controller 43 switches the operating mode to a heating phase of a second period 138, and maintains the temperature of the heater 47 substantially at the predetermined temperature for this second period 138. In one example, the second period may be 250 seconds. Typically, when the heater 47 is maintained at a predetermined temperature in the heating phase, a lower power level is applied to the heater 47 than the power level applied to the heater 47 to heat the heater 47 to the predetermined temperature in the preheating phase. This can be seen in Figure 6, where the power supplied to the heater 47 in the second period 138 is lower than the power supplied to the heater 47 in the first period 136. The power level supplied to the heater 47 can be controlled by various means, for example, by adjusting the power output from one or more batteries, or by adjusting the on / off period in a pulse-width modulated power flow.

[0082] Following the aerosolization session, the user of the handpiece 10 may be notified that the aerosolization session has ended, for example, by a visual, tactile, or audible indicator, so that the user of the handpiece 10 recognizes that the substrate is no longer aerosolized.

[0083] Figure 7 shows an operational flowchart of the heating control process for an aerosolization session (as described, for example, with reference to Figure 6). This can be applied to a first aerosol generating device 100, which is described with reference to Figures 1-5. However, the heating control process can also be applied to a second aerosol generating device 800 (described later with reference to Figure 8), a third aerosol generating device (described later with reference to Figure 9), and any other preferred type of aerosol generating device.

[0084] In step 701, the controller may be configured to determine that an aerosolization session has been triggered.

[0085] In some examples, the controller may determine that an aerosolization session has been triggered in response to user input, for example, when the user presses or operates a button on an aerosolizing device (e.g., an "on" button) that the user can press or operate to start an aerosolization session.

[0086] In some examples, the handpiece 10 may be connected to the charging unit 50 when an aerosolization session is triggered. In an exemplary interaction between the operator and the device for initiating an aerosolization session, the operator can connect the handpiece 10 to the charging unit 50 and then trigger the aerosolization session, for example, by pressing or operating a button.

[0087] In another example, when an aerosolization session is triggered, the handpiece 10 may be separated from the charging unit 50.

[0088] In step 702, the controller is configured to supply power to the heater 47 by directing the power flow to the heater 47, thereby preheating the heater 47 to a predetermined temperature.

[0089] If the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 are connected in step 702, the controller controls the charging unit battery 51 to direct the power flow to the heater 47, thereby powering the heater 47 for preheating. Alternatively, if the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 are connected in step 702, the controller controls both the handpiece battery 11 and the charging unit battery 51 to direct the power flow to the heater 47, thereby powering the heater 47 for preheating.

[0090] If the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 are separated in step 702, the controller controls the handpiece battery 11 to direct the power flow to the heater 47 and power the heater 47 for preheating.

[0091] As explained, the handpiece battery 11 has a smaller charge storage capacity than the charging unit battery 51 and can therefore be physically smaller. As a result, this means that the overall size of the handpiece 10 can be minimized, for example, because a smaller battery can be used compared to a single-piece aerosol generating device that does not include the handpiece 10 and can be connected to a separate charging unit 50.

[0092] In contrast, a larger charging unit battery 51 may have a greater charge storage capacity and a higher current output than the handpiece battery 11. A smaller handpiece battery 11 may have a smaller charge storage capacity and a lower current output than the charging unit battery 51. This means that the charging unit battery 51 is more suitable for the preheating phase, which is more energy-intensive, while the handpiece battery 11 does not need to be oversized to meet the power requirements, thus enabling a smaller handpiece 10.

[0093] Thus, when the heater 47 is preheated in step 702 using the charging unit battery 51 (or a combination of the charging unit battery 51 and the handpiece battery 11), faster preheating can be achieved because the larger battery has a higher current output. In contrast, when the heater 47 is preheated in step 702 using only the handpiece battery 11, slower preheating is achieved due to the lower current output, but the operator only needs to handle a smaller component (handpiece 10).

[0094] In one example, the predetermined temperature may be in the range of 230°C to 320°C, or preferably in the range of 260°C to 320°C.

[0095] In some examples, the controller is configured to direct power flow to the heater 47 for a predetermined period corresponding to a known time required for the heater 47 to heat up to a predetermined aerosol temperature, based on a given current output from the charging unit battery 51 and / or the handpiece battery 11. For example, if the charging unit battery 51 is used for the current output, a period of 20 seconds may be predetermined as the preheating time required to heat the heater 47 to reach a predetermined temperature. In contrast, if only the handpiece battery 11 is used for the current output, a period of 60 seconds may be predetermined as the preheating time required to heat the heater 47 to reach a predetermined temperature.

[0096] In another example, the controller is configured to monitor the heater temperature or heating cavity temperature (for example, using a temperature sensing subcircuit that measures the heater temperature based on the resistance of the heater 47, or using a thermistor adjacent to or connected to the heater 47, or based on the resistance of the heater 47 itself) and maintain power flow to the heater 47 until the monitored temperature reaches a predetermined temperature. When the predetermined temperature is reached, the preheating phase is completed.

[0097] The aerosol generating device may be configured to notify the operator that the preheating phase is complete. For example, the controller may control one or more indicators, such as a visual indicator (e.g., a display screen or light source, e.g., an LED), an audible indicator (e.g., a speaker that emits sound), or a tactile indicator (e.g., a vibration module), to alert the operator. In this way, the operator will know that the device is ready to contain the aerosol generating substrate.

[0098] After the preheating phase is complete, the operator may separate the handpiece 10 from the charging unit 50 for the heating phase (if it has not already been separated). This is advantageous because the operator only needs to raise the smaller handpiece 10 to their mouth to inhale the aerosol generated during the heating phase. During preheating, the operator does not need to raise the device to their mouth because aerosol inhalation has not yet begun. Thus, faster preheating is achieved using a larger charging unit battery 51, in which case the operator does not need to raise the larger unit to their mouth, while also achieving the advantage of only needing to raise the smaller handpiece 10 to their mouth after it has been separated for the heating phase.

[0099] Alternatively, the operator may leave the handpiece 10 connected to the charging unit 50 for the heating phase. When the charging unit 50 and the handpiece 10 are connected, the charging unit battery 51 can be used to power the heater 47 during the heating phase, which is advantageous because it saves power from the handpiece battery 11 for subsequent aerosolization sessions.

[0100] When the preheating in step 702 is complete, the operator can insert the aerosol-generating substrate into the heating cavity 45.

[0101] Prior to insertion into the heating cavity 45, the aerosol-generating substrate may be at ambient temperature (e.g., room temperature). Since the aerosol-generating substrate is colder than the preheated heater 47, which is, for example, in the range of 230-320°C, or preferably in the range of 260-320°C, insertion of the substrate may cause a decrease in the heater temperature. This temperature decrease may cause the heater 47 to fall below a temperature suitable for aerosol generation. If the operator then inhales the device, such a reduced temperature may result in an unpleasant user experience. However, this problem is overcome by steps 703-705.

[0102] In step 703, the controller is configured to use a sensor to determine that the substrate has been placed inside the heating cavity 45.

[0103] The sensor may be a temperature-sensing subcircuit configured to measure the heater temperature or the temperature of the heating cavity 45. The sensor may be a thermistor (e.g., an NTC thermistor) located within the cavity 45, particularly in close proximity to or connected to the heater 47. Alternatively, the sensor may be a temperature-sensing subcircuit built into the heater 47 itself and configured to monitor the temperature of the heater 47 based on changes in the heater 47's temperature.

[0104] The controller is configured to use a sensor to detect a temperature drop, which corresponds to the insertion of a substrate into the heating cavity 45. In one example, the temperature drop corresponding to the insertion of a substrate may be a temperature drop exceeding a predetermined temperature change threshold. Using a temperature change (or specifically temperature drop) threshold reduces the likelihood of false positives, for example, when a smaller drop in the measured temperature is caused by ambient temperature changes or airflow. In another example, the temperature drop corresponding to the insertion of a substrate may be a temperature drop exceeding a predetermined temperature change threshold over a predetermined temperature change threshold time value. That is, substrate insertion is determined when there is a temperature drop exceeding a predetermined temperature change threshold over a period exceeding a predetermined temperature change threshold time value. The additional use of a temperature change threshold time can further reduce false positives. For example, ventilation into / above the heating cavity may cause a temperature drop, but the temperature will rise rapidly again. In contrast, such a rapid rise in temperature will not occur after the insertion of a substrate. Therefore, by using a predetermined temperature change threshold together with a predetermined temperature change threshold time value, it becomes possible to distinguish between temperature drops caused by the insertion of the substrate and temperature drops not caused by the insertion of the substrate.

[0105] Alternatively, instead of the sensor being a temperature-sensing subcircuit, the sensor used to determine that the substrate is contained within the heating cavity may be a light source sensor such as a laser, and the controller is configured to detect the presence of the substrate by a change in reflectivity when the substrate is inserted into the heating cavity. In another example, the sensor used to determine that the substrate is contained within the heating cavity may be a capacitance sensor, and the controller is configured to detect the presence of the substrate by a change in capacitance when the substrate is inserted into the heating cavity. In yet another example, the sensor used to determine that the substrate is contained within the heating cavity may be a push switch or pressure sensor, and the controller is configured to detect the presence of the substrate by the activation of the switch or sensor when the substrate is inserted into the heating cavity and the switch or sensor is pressed.

[0106] If the controller determines, using the sensor, that the substrate has been placed inside the heating cavity 45, the process proceeds to step 704.

[0107] In step 704, the controller begins monitoring the parameters in response to determining that the substrate has been placed inside the cavity 45. Simultaneously with (or substantially simultaneously with) starting parameter monitoring in step 704, the controller also begins step 705.

[0108] In step 705, the controller controls the power flow to the heater 47 so that it supplies power to the heater 47 until the monitored parameter meets a predetermined requirement. This is to reheat the heater 47 to a predetermined temperature and compensate for the temperature reduction caused by the substrate when it is inserted into the heating cavity 45.

[0109] In the first example, the parameter being monitored is a timer that starts when the controller begins monitoring the parameter. A predetermined requirement is met after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the start of parameter monitoring. This timer can be based on a clock module associated with the controller.

[0110] The predetermined time can be a fixed value, for example, 5 seconds, which is a predetermined value as a suitable period for reheating the heater 47 to a predetermined temperature to compensate for the temperature drop caused by the insertion of the substrate.

[0111] Alternatively, the predetermined time can be based on the temperature drop. If the temperature drop measured by the controller using a sensor is large, a longer predetermined time is used. For example, the controller can access a lookup table containing temperature drop values ​​and corresponding predetermined times for reheating, stored in a memory accessible by the controller. The controller can determine the predetermined time for reheating based on the measured temperature drop.

[0112] Using a fixed value for the predetermined time is advantageous in terms of computational efficiency. In contrast, using a predetermined time based on temperature changes ensures that the heater 47 is reheated more accurately, but requires greater computational resources.

[0113] In the second example, the parameter being monitored is the temperature of the heater 47 or the temperature of the heated cavity 45. The controller can monitor this temperature using a temperature sensing subcircuit. A predetermined requirement is met when the measured temperature reaches the target temperature. The target temperature can be a predetermined temperature, and therefore the predetermined requirement is met when the measured temperature returns to the predetermined temperature.

[0114] Depending on whether the controller determines that the monitored parameter meets the specified requirements, the process proceeds to step 706.

[0115] In step 706, when the monitored parameters meet the predetermined requirements, the controller controls the aerosol generating device to perform its operation.

[0116] In step 706, this operation may include initiating the heating phase of the aerosolization session, in which the heater 47 aerosolizes the aerosol-generating material in the substrate to produce an aerosol for the operator to inhale. The controller controls the power flow from the energy storage module to the heater 47 to maintain the heater 47 at a predetermined temperature for the heating phase.

[0117] When the handpiece 10 is separated from the charging unit 50, the heating phase is performed by the controller controlling the handpiece battery 11 to direct power flow from the handpiece battery 11 to the heater 47, maintaining the heater 47 at a predetermined temperature. In this way, the operator only needs to lift the smaller handpiece 10 to their mouth to inhale the generated aerosol. This improves operability.

[0118] When the handpiece 10 is not separated from the charging unit 50, the heating phase is performed by the controller controlling the charging unit battery 51 to direct power flow from the charging unit battery 51 to the heater 47 and maintain the heater 47 at a predetermined temperature. Alternatively, when the handpiece 10 is not separated from the charging unit 50, the heating phase is performed by the controller controlling both the charging unit battery 51 and the handpiece battery 11 to direct power flow from both the charging unit battery 51 and the handpiece battery 11 to the heater 47 and maintain the heater 47 at a predetermined temperature. In this way, the charge level of the handpiece battery 11 can be (at least partially) preserved for the subsequent aerosolization session. This improves power management.

[0119] The option of whether the handpiece 10 is separated from or connected to the charging unit 50 for the heating phase provides the operator with flexibility in operating the device, with a choice between more comfortable operation and power saving.

[0120] In step 706, the operation may further include the controller controlling an indicator of the aerosol generating device to provide an output indicating that the monitored parameter meets a predetermined requirement and the aerosol generating device is ready for the heating phase. In some examples, the indicator may be one or more of the following: a visual indicator (e.g., a display screen or light source, e.g., an LED), an audible indicator (e.g., a speaker that emits sound), or a tactile indicator (e.g., a vibration module) to warn the operator. In this way, the operator recognizes that the heater 47 has been reheated in response to the insertion of the substrate, the device is ready to begin the heating phase, and the operator can begin inhaling the generated aerosol.

[0121] In the preceding explanation relating to Figure 7, the substrate is described as being inserted after the preheating phase and before the heating phase; however, the substrate may also be inserted before the preheating phase. In this case, no determination of the inserted substrate is performed in step 703, and the process proceeds directly from the preheating phase to the heating phase.

[0122] In the aforementioned power supply and heating control process, when the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 are not connected to each other, the functions performed by the components within the handpiece 10 may be controlled by the controller 43 within the handpiece 10, and the functions performed by the components within the charging unit 50 may be controlled by the controller within the charging unit 50. When the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 are connected to each other, all the functions performed by the components within the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 may be controlled by the controller 43 within the handpiece 10. In an alternative configuration, when the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 are connected to each other, all the functions performed by the components within the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 may be controlled by the controller within the charging unit 50. In yet another alternative configuration, when the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 are connected to each other, some of the functions performed by the components within the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 may be controlled by the controller within the charging unit 50, and some of the functions performed by the components within the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 may be controlled by the controller 43 within the charging unit 50.

[0123] Figures 8A and 8B show a second exemplary aerosol generating device 800. The second exemplary aerosol generating device 800 is configured to operate in correspondence with the first exemplary aerosol generating device 100, and therefore, for brevity, specific details of the operating process will not be repeated.

[0124] It will be readily apparent that the operating process described with reference to the first exemplary aerosol generating device 100, in particular the heating control process for the aerosolization session, as described with reference to Figure 7, can be readily applied to the second exemplary aerosol generating device 800. It will also be readily apparent that components described with reference to the first exemplary aerosol generating device 100 can be readily applied to the second exemplary aerosol generating device 800, as described with reference to Figures 8A and 8B, even if not explicitly mentioned with reference to Figures 8A and 8B for the sake of brevity.

[0125] The second exemplary aerosol generating device 800, like the first exemplary aerosol generating device 100, comprises a handpiece or holding unit 810 and a charging unit or charging case 850. The handpiece 810 is detachably connectable to the charging unit 850. Figure 8A shows the handpiece 810 connected to the charging unit 850, and Figure 8B shows the handpiece 810 separated from the charging unit 850.

[0126] The handpiece 810 includes a first charge storage module 811 configured to power a heater 847 and provide the same function as the first charge storage module 11 of the first exemplary aerosol generating device 100. The first charge storage module 811 may be one or more batteries or supercapacitors, or a combination thereof. The first charge storage module 11 may be a fast-charging battery, for example, a battery having a chemical such as lithium titanate (LTO). This type of battery can supply the high current required at the beginning of an aerosolization session and has excellent safety characteristics.

[0127] The charging unit 850 includes a second charge storage module 851 configured to charge the first charge storage module 811, power the heater 847, and provide the same functionality as the second charge storage module 51 of the first exemplary aerosol generating device 100. The second charge storage module 851 may be one or more batteries or supercapacitors, or a combination thereof.

[0128] In the following description of the second exemplary aerosol generating device 800, the first charge storage module is referred to as the handpiece battery 811, and the second charge storage module is referred to as the charging unit battery 851. However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that each of these may be one or more batteries, supercapacitors, or a combination thereof.

[0129] The handpiece 810 includes a controller 843 configured to provide functions corresponding to the controller 43 in the handpiece 11 of the first exemplary aerosol generating device 100.

[0130] The handpiece 811 has a main body portion or housing 830 containing a controller 843 and a handpiece battery 811. A heater or heater component 847 is contained within the main body portion 830. In such an example, the heater 847 is located within a cavity 845 or chamber of the main body portion 830. The cavity 845 is accessed by an opening 845A of the main body portion 830. The cavity 845 is configured to house an associated aerosol generating substrate or consumable 812.

[0131] The aerosol-generating substrate 812 may contain an aerosol-generating material such as a tobacco rod containing tobacco. The tobacco rod may be similar to a conventional cigarette. The cavity 845 may have a cross-section approximately equal to the cross-section of the aerosol-generating substrate 812. The cavity 845 may have a depth such that when the associated aerosol-generating substrate 812 is inserted into the cavity 845, the first end 812A of the aerosol-generating substrate 812 reaches the bottom 845B of the cavity 845 (i.e., the end 845B of the cavity 845 distal to the cavity opening 845A), and the second end 812B of the aerosol-generating substrate 812 distal to the first end 812A extends outward from the cavity 845. In this way, the consumer can inhale the aerosol-generating substrate 812 when it is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 100.

[0132] In the examples of Figures 8A and 8B, the heater 847 is positioned within the cavity 845 so as to engage with the aerosol-generating substrate 812 when it is inserted into the cavity 845. In the examples of Figures 8A and 8B, the heater 847 is positioned as a tube within the cavity so as to substantially or completely surround the portion of the aerosol-generating substrate 812 within the cavity 845 when the first end 812A of the aerosol-generating substrate is inserted into the cavity. The heater 847 may be a wire heater, such as a coiled wire heater, or a ceramic heater, or any other preferred type of heater. The heater 847 may comprise multiple heating elements arranged continuously along the axial length of the cavity and capable of being started (i.e., powered on) sequentially and independently.

[0133] In alternative embodiments (not shown), the heater may be positioned within the cavity as an elongated puncturing member (e.g., in the form of a needle, rod, or blade), in which case the heater may be configured to penetrate the aerosol-generating substrate and engage with the aerosol-generating material when the aerosol-generating substrate is inserted into the cavity.

[0134] In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the heater may be configured as an induction heater comprising a susceptor surrounding, or at least partially surrounding, the substrate within the cavity. For example, the susceptor may be configured as a tube. In this case, the susceptor functions as a heating element of the heater and is heated by induction.

[0135] The heater 847 is configured to generate an aerosol by heating the tobacco without combustion. That is, the heater 847 heats the tobacco to a predetermined temperature below the burning point of the tobacco so that a tobacco-based aerosol is generated. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the aerosol-generating substrate 812 does not necessarily have to contain tobacco, and any other substance suitable for aerosolization (or vaporization) by heating without combustion can be used instead of tobacco.

[0136] In an alternative configuration, the aerosol-generating substrate may be a vaporizable liquid. The vaporizable liquid may be contained in a cartridge that can be housed within the aerosol-generating device, or it may be directly introduced into the aerosol-generating device.

[0137] The charging unit 850 is sized to accommodate and adapt to the opening 890 of the charging unit 50 for the handpiece 810. When the handpiece 810 is housed in the charging unit 850, the charging unit battery 851 is connected to the corresponding connector 880A in the handpiece 10 via connector 880B in the opening 890 of the charging unit. A controller in the handpiece 810 or the charging unit 850 can detect signals between the handpiece connector 880A and the charging unit connector 880B and control the power flow from the charging unit battery 851 to the handpiece battery 811.

[0138] When housed in the charging unit 850, the handpiece 810 may be positioned to be accessible to the cavity 845 through an opening 890 in the charging unit 850. In this way, when the handpiece 810 is connected to (or housed in) the charging unit, the aerosol-generating substrate 812 can be inserted into the cavity 845. Furthermore, when the handpiece 810 is connected to (or housed in) the charging unit, the consumer can then perform an aerosolization session by inhaling through the accessible end 812B of the substrate 812 extending from the handpiece 810 and the charging unit 850.

[0139] As already explained, the second exemplary aerosol generating device 800 can perform the same operations for an aerosolizing session as those described with reference to the first exemplary aerosol generating device, particularly with respect to the preheating and heating phases of the aerosolizing session, with respect to the charging unit battery charging the handpiece battery, and with respect to the operations described with reference to Figure 7. For the sake of brevity, these will not be repeated here.

[0140] Figure 9 is a block diagram of a third exemplary aerosol generating device 900. The third exemplary aerosol generating device 900 is a "one-piece" aerosol generating device in that it does not have a detachable handpiece and charging unit. Rather, the third exemplary aerosol generating device 900 is a single unit.

[0141] The third exemplary aerosol generating device 900 is structurally similar to the handpiece 810 of the second exemplary aerosol generating device 800 and has components that perform similar functions. The third exemplary aerosol generating device 900 has a controller 943 similar to the controller 843 of the second exemplary aerosol generating device 800. The third exemplary aerosol generating device 900 has a heating cavity 945, accessed by an opening 945A in the body 930 of the device 900 and having a bottom 945B, which are similar to the controller heating cavity 845, opening 845A, and bottom 845B of the second exemplary aerosol generating device 800. The third exemplary aerosol generating device 900 has a heater 947 similar to the heater 847 of the second exemplary aerosol generating device 800, or one of the heater components or heater types described with reference to Figures 8A-8B. Therefore, for brevity, the details of these components will not be repeated.

[0142] As described, the heating cavity 945 and heater components 947 of the third exemplary aerosol generating device 900 may be adapted to those of the second exemplary aerosol generating device and are configured to house a tobacco rod type consumable 912 (similar to the tobacco rod 812) or other type of consumable, from which an aerosol can be drawn in in the form corresponding to Figures 8A to 8B. Alternatively (in one example not shown in Figure 9), the heating cavity and heater components of the third exemplary aerosol generating device 900 may be adapted to those of the first exemplary aerosol generating device and are configured to house a planar type consumable 12, from which aerosol can be drawn in in the form corresponding to Figures 8A to 8B.

[0143] The main difference between the third exemplary aerosol generating device 900 and the second exemplary aerosol generating device is that the charge storage module of the third exemplary aerosol generating device has a larger capacity and can supply a larger current output. Thus, the third exemplary aerosol generating device 900 can power multiple complete aerosolization sessions (including both the preheating and heating phases) without connection to an external power source or charging unit. The charge storage module of the third exemplary aerosol generating device 900 may be one or more batteries or supercapacitors, or a combination thereof.

[0144] A third exemplary aerosol generating device 900 can be configured to perform a heating control process for an aerosolization session, as described with reference to steps 701-706 of Figure 7. However, the heater is powered by a charge storage module 911 (instead of the switching power supply by the handpiece battery and the charging unit battery as described with reference to the first and second exemplary aerosol generating devices), and there is no connection / disconnection between the handpiece and the charging unit (as described with reference to the first and second exemplary aerosol generating devices).

[0145] In the aforementioned example, the processing steps described herein, performed by the controller, can be stored in a non-temporary computer-readable medium or storage device associated with the controller. Computer-readable media may include non-volatile and volatile media. Volatile media may include, in particular, semiconductor memory and dynamic memory. Non-volatile media may include optical disks and magnetic disks, etc.

[0146] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the embodiments described above are not limiting, and that the features of each embodiment can be appropriately incorporated into other embodiments.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device comprising a heating cavity configured to house and aerosolize an aerosol generating substrate, wherein the heating cavity comprises a heater component and a sensor configured to sense the aerosol generating substrate housed within the heating cavity, and the aerosol generating device comprises a charge storage module and a controller, the controller being In order to preheat the heater component to a predetermined temperature, power is supplied to the heater component by guiding a power flow from the charge storage module to the heater component. Using the aforementioned sensor, it is determined that the aerosol-generating substrate is contained within the heating cavity. In response to the determination that the aerosol-generating substrate is contained within the heating cavity, parameter monitoring is initiated. The heater component is reheated to the predetermined temperature, and power is supplied to the heater component until the monitored parameter satisfies predetermined requirements in order to compensate for the temperature drop of the heater component caused by the contained aerosol generating substrate. An aerosol generating device configured as follows.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the monitored parameter is a timer, and the predetermined requirement is met when a predetermined time has elapsed after the monitoring of the parameter has started.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the monitored parameter is the heater temperature, and the predetermined requirement is met when the heater temperature becomes equal to or greater than the target temperature after monitoring of the parameter has started.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control the aerosol generating device to perform an operation when the monitored parameter satisfies the predetermined requirements.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein the operation includes controlling the power flow from the charge storage module to the heater component to maintain the heater component at a predetermined temperature for a heating phase in which an aerosol is generated for inhalation by the operator.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5, further comprising controlling an indicator of the aerosol generating device to provide an output indicating that the monitored parameter satisfies the predetermined requirements and the aerosol generating device is ready for the heating phase.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a temperature sensor, and the controller is configured to use the temperature sensor to monitor the temperature of the heater component and to determine that an aerosol generating substrate has been contained in the heating cavity in accordance with the decrease in the monitored temperature.

8. The aerosol generating device comprises a holding unit configured to house and aerosolize the aerosol generating substrate, and a charging unit connectable to the holding unit, and the charge storage module comprises a first charge storage module and a second charge storage module. The holding unit comprises the heating cavity and the first charge storage module, The charging unit comprises the second charge storage module, The aforementioned controller, When the holding unit is connected to the charging unit, power is supplied to the heater component by guiding the power flow from the second charge storage module to the heater component. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, configured to supply power to the heater component by guiding a power flow from the first charge storage module to the heater component when the holding unit is separated from the charging unit.

9. The aforementioned controller, When the holding unit is connected to the charging unit, power flow is directed from the second charge storage module to the heater component to preheat the heater component to the predetermined temperature, and When the monitored parameters satisfy the predetermined requirements and the holding unit is not connected to the charging unit, a power flow is directed from the first charge storage module to the heater component in order to maintain the heater component at the predetermined temperature and aerosolize the aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8, configured to supply power to the heater component by means of the heater component.

10. The aforementioned controller, When the holding unit is connected to the charging unit, power flow is directed from the second charge storage module to the heater component to preheat the heater component to the predetermined temperature, and When the monitored parameters satisfy the predetermined requirements and the holding unit is connected to the charging unit, power flow is directed from the second charge storage module to the heater component to maintain the heater component at a predetermined temperature and aerosolize the aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8, configured to supply power to the heater component by means of the heater component.

11. The aforementioned controller, When the holding unit is not connected to the charging unit, power flow is directed from the first charge storage module to the heater component in order to preheat the heater component to the predetermined temperature, and When the monitored parameters satisfy the predetermined requirements and the holding unit is not connected to the charging unit, power flow is directed from the first charge storage module to the heater component in order to maintain the heater component at the predetermined temperature and aerosolize the aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8, configured to supply power to the heater component by means of the heater component.

12. The heating cavity is configured to accommodate a substantially planar aerosol-generating substrate, The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the heating cavity comprises two main inner surfaces, the two main inner surfaces facing each other, the aerosol generating substrate is configured to be housed between the two opposing main inner surfaces, and each of the two main inner surfaces is associated with a heating element of the heater component.

13. An aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation device and an aerosol generation substrate according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A method for operating an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device is The aerosol generating device comprises a heating cavity configured to house and aerosolize an aerosol generating substrate, the heating cavity comprising a heater component and a sensor configured to sense the aerosol generating substrate housed within the heating cavity, and the aerosol generating device further comprises a charge storage module. The aforementioned method, In order to preheat the heater component to a predetermined temperature, power is supplied to the heater component by guiding a power flow from the charge storage module to the heater component, Using the aforementioned sensor, it is determined that the aerosol-generating substrate is contained within the heating cavity, In response to determining that the aerosol-generating substrate is contained within the heating cavity, monitoring of parameters is initiated. The heater component is reheated to the predetermined temperature, and power is supplied to the heater component until the monitored parameter satisfies predetermined requirements in order to compensate for the temperature drop of the heater component caused by the contained aerosol generating substrate. Methods that include...

15. A non-temporary computer-readable medium for storing instructions executable by one or more processors of an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device is The aerosol generating device comprises a heating cavity configured to house and aerosolize an aerosol generating substrate, the heating cavity comprising a heater component and a sensor configured to sense the aerosol generating substrate housed within the heating cavity, and the aerosol generating device further comprises a charge storage module. The instruction is given to one or more processors, The steps include supplying power to the heater component by guiding a power flow from the charge storage module to the heater component in order to preheat the heater component to a predetermined temperature, The steps include determining, using the sensor, that an aerosol-generating substrate is contained within the heating cavity, The steps include: starting parameter monitoring in response to determining that an aerosol-generating substrate has been contained within the heating cavity; The steps include: reheating the heater component to the predetermined temperature and supplying power to the heater component until the monitored parameter satisfies predetermined requirements in order to compensate for the temperature drop of the heater component caused by the contained aerosol generating substrate; A non-temporary computer-readable medium that causes the execution of steps including the following.

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