Aerosol generation system equipped with electrochemical sensor switch
The aerosol generation system with an electrochemical sensor switch addresses the issue of inconsistent user experience and energy waste by detecting aerosol-forming marker thresholds to shut off the heater, enhancing energy efficiency and user satisfaction.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS SA
- Filing Date
- 2021-12-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-29
AI Technical Summary
Conventional aerosol generation systems fail to accurately detect when an aerosol-generating article has depleted its aerosol-forming substrate, leading to inconsistent user experience and wasteful energy consumption.
An aerosol generation system equipped with an electrochemical sensor switch that detects an aerosol-forming marker, triggering the control electronics to shut off the heater when the marker exceeds or falls below a predetermined threshold, ensuring the aerosol-generating article is not heated when depleted.
This approach improves energy management by reducing wasted energy consumption and provides a consistent and satisfying user experience by preventing heating of depleted aerosol-generating articles.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generator and an aerosol article. The aerosol generator comprises an electrochemical sensor switch capable of detecting an aerosol forming marker in the aerosol article.
Background Art
[0002] An aerosol generation system for delivering an aerosol to a user typically comprises an atomizer configured to generate an inhalable aerosol from an aerosol forming substrate. Some known aerosol generation systems comprise a thermal atomizer such as an electric heater or an induction heating device. The thermal atomizer is configured to heat and vaporize the aerosol forming substrate to generate an aerosol. A typical aerosol forming substrate used in an aerosol generation system is a nicotine formulation, which may be a liquid nicotine formulation containing an aerosol former such as glycerin and / or propylene glycol.
[0003] It is desirable to provide an aerosol generation system that can provide improved battery life and create a consistent and satisfactory user experience.
Summary of the Invention
[0004] An aerosol generating system is provided. The aerosol generating system may include an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating system may include an aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol generating system may include an aerosol forming marker. The aerosol generating system may include an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may be configured to receive an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device may include control electronic equipment. The aerosol generating device may include an electrochemical sensor switch operably connected to the control electronic equipment. The electrochemical sensor switch may be configured to change from a first state to a second state when the electrochemical sensor switch detects an amount of aerosol forming marker that exceeds or falls below a predetermined threshold amount. The aerosol generating device may include a heater. The heater may be operably connected to the control electronic equipment via the electrochemical sensor switch. The control electronic equipment may be configured to stop the heater when the electrochemical sensor switch changes from a first state to a second state.
[0005] An aerosol generation system is also provided, comprising an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate and an aerosol-forming marker, and an aerosol generating device configured to receive the aerosol generating article, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises control electronic equipment, an electrochemical sensor switch operably connected to the control electronic equipment, configured to change from a first state to a second state when detecting an amount of aerosol-forming marker exceeding or falling below a predetermined threshold amount, and a heater operably connected to the control electronic equipment via the electrochemical sensor switch, wherein the control electronic equipment is configured to stop the heater when the electrochemical sensor switch changes from the first state to the second state.
[0006] Aerosol generating articles and methods for operating an aerosol generating system comprising such articles are also provided. The method may include a control electronic device stopping the heater of the aerosol generating device in response to an electrochemical sensor switch detecting that the amount of aerosol formation marker exceeds or falls below a predetermined threshold amount.
[0007] A method for operating an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating device is also provided, the method comprising a control electronic device stopping the heater of the aerosol generating device in response to an electrochemical sensor switch detecting that the amount of aerosol formation marker exceeds or falls below a predetermined threshold amount.
[0008] Stopping the heater when the electrochemical sensor switch detects an amount of aerosol-forming marker exceeding or falling below a predetermined threshold may allow the aerosol-generating system to automatically stop heating the aerosol-generating article at approximately the point when the aerosol-forming substrate is depleted.
[0009] This can lead to improved energy management because it reduces the amount of energy wasted when the aerosol generator heats up depleted aerosol-generating materials.
[0010] Furthermore, since users cannot accidentally heat aerosol-generating articles that have depleted aerosol-forming substrates, the user experience may also be improved. As a result, a more consistent and satisfying user experience may be provided to users.
[0011] As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating article” refers to an article for generating an aerosol. An aerosol-generating article typically includes an aerosol-forming substrate that is suitable for and intended to be heated or burned in order to release volatile compounds that can form aerosols. Conventional cigarettes are ignited when a user holds a flame to one end of the cigarette and draws air through the other end. The localized heat produced by the flame and the oxygen in the air drawn through the cigarette ignites the end of the cigarette, and the resulting combustion produces inhalable smoke. In contrast, in “heated aerosol-generating articles,” an aerosol is generated by heating the aerosol-forming substrate rather than by burning the aerosol-forming substrate. Known heated aerosol-generating articles include, for example, electrically heated aerosol-generating articles.
[0012] As used herein, the term “aerosol-forming substrate” refers to a substrate having the ability to generate volatile compounds (which can form aerosols) upon heating. The aerosols generated from the aerosol-forming substrate may be invisible to the human eye and may include vapors (e.g., gaseous particulate matter of a substance that is normally liquid or solid at room temperature), as well as condensed vapors or aerosols in gaseous and droplet form.
[0013] As used herein, the term "aerosol generator" refers to a device comprising a heater or heating element that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article in order to generate an aerosol.
[0014] As used herein, the term “aerosol-forming marker” refers to one or more compounds or substances that have the ability to generate volatile compounds (which can form aerosols) upon heating. Aerosol-forming markers differ from aerosol-forming substrates in that they are intended to be detected by an electrochemical sensor switch when in their aerosolized form. Therefore, aerosol-forming markers are typically selected from compounds or substances that are not normally present in aerosol-forming substrates. Examples of suitable aerosol-forming markers are discussed below.
[0015] In one example, the "amount" of the aerosol-forming marker is the concentration of the aerosol-forming marker. In such an example, the electrochemical sensor switch is configured to change from a first state to a second state when it detects that the concentration of the aerosol-forming marker exceeds or falls below a predetermined threshold amount.
[0016] The aerosol-generating article may include a storage section containing an aerosol-forming marker.
[0017] The storage section may be located within the aerosol-forming substrate.
[0018] The storage unit may be located away from the location where the heater heats the aerosol-forming substrate. The storage unit may be located adjacent to the location where the heater heats the aerosol-forming substrate.
[0019] The aerosol-generating article may have multiple storage compartments, each of which contains an aerosol-forming marker.
[0020] Each storage unit may have a volume that causes the release of aerosol-forming markers at a rate of 30 to 50 parts per million per volume.
[0021] Each storage unit may include a capsule. In one embodiment, each capsule may have an outer shell. The outer shell may be formed from a thermally decomposable material. Thus, when the outer shell is heated to a specific temperature, the outer shell may thermally decompose the material and release an aerosol-forming marker. The specific material forming the outer shell may be selected to correspond to a specific temperature at which the outer shell decomposes. In one embodiment, the outer shell may be formed from wax. The wax may be thermally reactive.
[0022] The material from which the outer shell is formed may be selected based on a desired period of heating before the outer shell decomposes, allowing the aerosol-forming marker to leak out. The thickness of the outer shell may also be selected based on a desired period of heating before the outer shell decomposes, allowing the aerosol-forming marker to leak out. In this way, the configuration of the outer shell can be used to control the timing of the release of the aerosol-forming marker, and thus provide some control over the timing of the heater shutdown.
[0023] In one embodiment, each capsule may have a cylindrical shape. In another embodiment, each capsule may have a spherical shape. In yet another embodiment, each capsule may have a cubic shape. In yet another embodiment, each capsule may have a disc shape.
[0024] The aerosol-generating article may include a hollow cellulose acetate tube.
[0025] The aerosol-generating article may include a spacer element.
[0026] The aerosol-generating article may include a mouthpiece filter.
[0027] The aerosol-forming substrate, hollow cellulose acetate tube, spacer element, and mouthpiece filter may be arranged in a continuous manner. The aerosol-forming substrate, hollow cellulose acetate tube, spacer element, and mouthpiece filter may also be arranged in coaxial alignment.
[0028] The aerosol-generating article may include tobacco paper.
[0029] The aerosol-forming substrate, the hollow cellulose acetate tube, the spacer element, and the mouthpiece filter may be assembled by the tobacco paper.
[0030] The aerosol-generating article may have a mouth end and a distal end. In use, the user may insert the mouth end into their mouth.
[0031] The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided in the form of a plug.
[0032] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a susceptor.
[0033] The susceptor may be a plurality of susceptor particles that can be deposited on or embedded within the aerosol-forming substrate. The susceptor particles may be immobilized by the aerosol-forming substrate and may remain in their initial position. The susceptor particles may be uniformly distributed within the aerosol-forming substrate. Due to the particle characteristics of the susceptor, heat may be generated according to the distribution of the particles within the aerosol-forming substrate. Alternatively, the susceptor may be in the form of one or more sheets, strips, fragments or rods that can be positioned adjacent to or embedded within the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may include one or more susceptor strips.
[0034] <00001 The aerosol-forming marker may be located away from the location where the heater heats the aerosol-forming substrate. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming marker may be located adjacent to the location where the heater heats the aerosol-forming substrate.
[0037] The aerosol-forming marker may be located on the radially outer portion of the aerosol-forming substrate.
[0038] Positioning the aerosol formation marker on the radially outer portion of the aerosol-forming substrate may allow the aerosol formation marker to aerosolize relatively slowly when a heating blade type heater is used to heat the aerosol-forming substrate. This arrangement may be advantageous in one example where control electronics trigger a heater shutdown when the amount of aerosol formation marker detected by an electrochemical sensor switch exceeds a predetermined threshold amount.
[0039] Positioning the aerosol formation marker on the radially outer portion of the aerosol-forming substrate may allow the aerosol formation marker to aerosolize relatively quickly when a heater is used to heat the aerosol-forming substrate from the outside. This arrangement may be advantageous in one example where control electronics trigger a heater shutdown when the amount of aerosol formation marker detected by an electrochemical sensor switch falls below a predetermined threshold.
[0040] Alternatively, the aerosol-forming marker may be located in the radially central portion of the aerosol-forming substrate.
[0041] Positioning the aerosol formation marker at the radial center of the aerosol-forming substrate may allow the aerosol formation marker to aerosolize relatively quickly when a heating blade type heater is used to heat the aerosol-forming substrate. This arrangement may be advantageous in one example where control electronics trigger a heater shutdown when the amount of aerosol formation marker detected by an electrochemical sensor switch falls below a predetermined threshold.
[0042] Positioning the aerosol formation marker at the radial center of the aerosol-forming substrate can allow the aerosol formation marker to aerosolize relatively slowly when a heater is used to heat the aerosol-forming substrate from the outside. This arrangement may be advantageous in one example where control electronics trigger a heater shutdown when the amount of aerosol formation marker detected by an electrochemical sensor switch exceeds a predetermined threshold amount.
[0043] The aerosol-forming marker may contain any substance that can be aerosolized so that the substance can be detected by an electrochemical sensor switch when it is in its aerosolized form. The aerosol-forming marker may contain any substance that can be aerosolized and is not typically present in the aerosol-forming substrate. In one example, the aerosol-forming marker may be an isomer. In one example, the aerosol-forming marker may contain an isomer of xylene. In one example, the aerosol-forming marker may contain an amine-containing compound.
[0044] The aerosol-forming marker may be a gel. In another embodiment, the aerosol-forming marker may be a solid.
[0045] The storage section for storing the aerosol-forming marker may be located within the aerosol-forming substrate.
[0046] The aerosol generator may be equipped with any suitable type of heater. For example, the heater may include an electric heater. In one embodiment, the heater may include an electric heater comprising one or more heating elements. The one or more heating elements may be resistance heating elements.
[0047] In one embodiment, the heater may include a heating blade for heating the aerosol generating article from the inside. The heater may include a heating blade for heating the aerosol generating article from the inside when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device. In this embodiment, when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device, the heater blade can penetrate the aerosol forming substrate. This may allow the aerosol forming substrate to be heated directly without heating the external wrapper of the aerosol generating article. The heating blade may be an internal heating blade. The heater can heat the aerosol forming substrate from its inside.
[0048] In another embodiment, the heater may include a heater arrangement configured to heat the aerosol generating article from the outside. The heater may include a heater arrangement configured to heat the aerosol generating article from the outside when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device. In this embodiment, when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device, the heater arrangement can heat the aerosol forming substrate by directly heating the outer surface of the aerosol generating article. The heater may partially or completely surround the aerosol forming substrate and heat the aerosol forming substrate from the outside in a circumferential direction.
[0049] In another embodiment, the heater may comprise an induction heating device. The induction heating device typically comprises an induction source configured to be connected to the susceptor, which may be provided outside or inside the aerosol-forming substrate. The induction source generates an alternating electromagnetic field, which induces magnetization or eddy currents within the susceptor. The susceptor may be heated as a result of hysteresis losses or induced eddy currents, which heats the susceptor by ohmic heating or resistance heating.
[0050] The aerosol generator may further include a susceptor. The susceptor may be as described above in relation to the aerosol generating article.
[0051] An aerosol generator equipped with an induction heating device may be configured to receive an aerosol generating article having an aerosol-forming substrate and a susceptor that is thermally close to the aerosol-forming substrate. Typically, the susceptor is in direct contact with the aerosol-forming substrate, and heat is transferred from the susceptor to the aerosol-forming substrate mainly by conduction.
[0052] Examples of electrically operated aerosol generating systems having an induction heating device and an aerosol generating article having a susceptor are described in WO-A1-95 / 27411 and WO-A1-2015 / 177255.
[0053] The aerosol generator may include a main body into which an aerosol generating article can be inserted. The aerosol generator may also include a housing into which an aerosol generating article can be inserted.
[0054] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator may be equipped with an electrochemical sensor switch. The aerosol generator may be equipped with one or more electrochemical sensor switches. The aerosol generator may be equipped with multiple electrochemical sensor switches.
[0055] The aerosol generator may include a battery. The aerosol generator may include a main body. The aerosol generator may also include a retaining and fixing device for holding the aerosol generating article in place when the article is inserted into the main body.
[0056] In one embodiment, each electrochemical sensor switch is configured to determine an indicator of when an aerosol formation marker in an aerosol-generating article is aerosolized. The electrochemical sensor switch changes from a first state to a second state when it detects that the amount or concentration of the aerosol formation marker exceeds a predetermined threshold amount. In response to the electrochemical sensor switch changing from the first state to the second state, the control electronic equipment stops the heater.
[0057] In another embodiment, each electrochemical sensor switch is configured to determine an indicator at which an aerosol formation marker ceases to aerosolize during aerosol generation. The electrochemical sensor switch changes from a first state to a second state when it detects that the amount or concentration of the aerosol formation marker falls below a predetermined threshold amount. In response to the electrochemical sensor switch changing from the first state to the second state, the control electronic equipment stops the heater.
[0058] Each electrochemical sensor switch may have a sensitivity of 10 parts per million to 100 parts per million per volume. Preferably, each electrochemical sensor switch may have a sensitivity of 20 parts per million to 70 parts per million per volume.
[0059] Each electrochemical sensor switch may have a different conductivity in the first state than in the second state.
[0060] Any suitable electrochemical sensor switch can be used to detect aerosol-forming marker compounds.
[0061] Each electrochemical sensor switch may include a chemically resistant material. In one embodiment, each electrochemical sensor switch may include a coating of a chemically resistant material. In one embodiment, each electrochemical sensor switch may include a layer of a chemically resistant material.
[0062] Each electrochemical sensor switch may include a semiconducting material. In one embodiment, each electrochemical sensor switch may include a coating of semiconducting material. In one embodiment, each electrochemical sensor switch may include a layer of semiconducting material.
[0063] Each electrochemical sensor switch may contain one or more carbon nanotubes. In one example, each electrochemical sensor switch may contain a composite of one or more carbon nanotubes and a metalloporphyrin that is chemically sensitive to an aerosol formation marker.
[0064] Each electrochemical sensor switch may include coating carbon nanotubes or single-walled carbon nanotubes with gold-hafnium. Including coating carbon nanotubes or single-walled carbon nanotubes with gold-hafnium can amplify detection capability.
[0065] Control electronics may be configured to control the operation of a heater or other electrical component. Control electronics may be provided in any suitable form, for example, a controller, or a memory and controller. The controller may include one or more application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) state machines, digital signal processors, gate arrays, microprocessors, or equivalent discrete logic circuits or integrated logic circuits. Control electronics may include memory containing instructions that cause one or more components of the control electronics to perform a function or aspect of the control electronics. The functions attributed to control electronics in this disclosure may be embodied as one or more software, firmware, or hardware.
[0066] The control electronics may be configured to control the operation of the heater.
[0067] The control electronic equipment may receive and process signals from the electrochemical sensor switch.
[0068] The control electronics may be configured to shut down the heater by cutting off the power supply to it.
[0069] The control electronics may be configured to trigger an alarm output when the heater stops. For example, the control electronics may trigger the illumination of a light, such as an LED. In another embodiment, the control electronics may output sound through a speaker.
[0070] The control electronics may be configured to restart the heater when a new aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generator.
[0071] The method of operating the aerosol generating system may include any of the features described above with respect to the aerosol generating system.
[0072] Naturally, any features described herein in relation to one embodiment of an aerosol-forming substrate, aerosol-generating article, aerosol-generating device, or aerosol-generating system may also be applicable to other embodiments of the aerosol-forming substrate, aerosol-generating article, aerosol-generating device, or aerosol-generating system according to this disclosure. Features described in relation to one embodiment may be equally applicable to another embodiment according to this disclosure. Naturally, the aerosol generator according to this disclosure may also be an aerosol-generating device without a cartridge. Therefore, any features described herein in relation to a cartridge may be equally applicable to an aerosol-generating device.
[0073] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exclusive list of non-limiting embodiments is provided below. One or more features of these embodiments may be combined with one or more features of other embodiments, forms, or aspects described herein.
[0074] Example 1 Aerosol generating system, an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate and an aerosol-forming marker, The aerosol generator comprises an aerosol generator configured to receive an aerosol generating article, and the aerosol generator is Control electronic equipment and, An electrochemical sensor switch operably connected to a control electronic device, wherein the electrochemical sensor switch is configured to change from a first state to a second state when it detects an amount of an aerosol formation marker that exceeds or falls below a predetermined threshold amount, A heater operably connected to control electronics via an electrochemical sensor switch, An aerosol generation system in which the control electronics are configured to shut off the heater when the electrochemical sensor switch changes from a first state to a second state.
[0075] Example 2: The aerosol generating system according to Example 1, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises a storage section containing an aerosol formation marker.
[0076] Example 3: The aerosol generating system according to Example 1 or Example 2, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises a plurality of storage compartments, each of which contains an aerosol formation marker.
[0077] Example 4: The aerosol generating system according to Example 2 or Example 3, wherein each storage unit includes a capsule.
[0078] Example 5: The aerosol generating system according to Example 4, wherein each capsule has an outer shell.
[0079] Example 6: The aerosol generating system according to Example 5, wherein the outer shell is formed from a pyrolytic material.
[0080] Example 7: The aerosol generating system according to Example 5 or Example 6, wherein the outer shell is formed from wax.
[0081] Example 8: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the aerosol formation marker is located at one position within the aerosol generating article.
[0082] Example 9: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the aerosol-forming marker is positioned at multiple locations within the aerosol-generating article.
[0083] Example 10: An aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the aerosol formation marker is located on the radially outer portion of the aerosol formation substrate.
[0084] Example 11: An aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the aerosol formation marker is located in the radially central portion of the aerosol-forming substrate.
[0085] Example 12: An aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the aerosol formation marker contains an isomer of xylene.
[0086] Example 13: An aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the aerosol formation marker contains an amine-containing compound.
[0087] Example 14: An aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the aerosol formation marker is a gel.
[0088] Example 15: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the heater comprises a heating blade for heating an aerosol generating article from the inside.
[0089] Example 16: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 15, comprising a heater arrangement configured such that the heater heats the aerosol generating article from the outside.
[0090] Example 17: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 16, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a main body into which an aerosol generating article can be inserted.
[0091] Example 18: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 17, wherein the aerosol generating device is equipped with a plurality of electrochemical sensor switches.
[0092] Example 19: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 18, wherein each electrochemical sensor switch has a different conductivity in the first state than in the second state.
[0093] Example 20: An aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 1 to 19, wherein each electrochemical sensor switch contains a chemically resistant material.
[0094] Example 21: An aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 1 to 19, wherein each electrochemical sensor switch contains a semiconducting material.
[0095] Example 22: The aerosol generation system according to Example 20 or Example 21, wherein each electrochemical sensor switch comprises one or more carbon nanotubes.
[0096] Example 23: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 22, wherein the control electronic equipment is configured to stop the heater by stopping the power supply to the heater.
[0097] Example 24: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 23, wherein the control electronic equipment is configured to trigger an alarm output when the heater is stopped.
[0098] Example 25 A method for operating an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating article, A method comprising the control electronic equipment shutting off the heater of an aerosol generator in response to an electrochemical sensor switch detecting that the amount of an aerosol formation marker exceeds or falls below a predetermined threshold amount.
[0099] Example 26: A method of operating the aerosol generating system according to Example 25, comprising stopping the heater by having a control electronic device stop supplying electricity to the heater.
[0100] Example 27: A method of operating the aerosol generating system according to Example 25 or Example 26, comprising triggering an alarm output when the control electronic equipment stops the heater. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0101] [Figure 1] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a first embodiment of an aerosol generating article using an aerosol generating system as described herein. [Figure 2] Figure 2 schematically illustrates the aerosol generating article of Figure 1 when inserted into a first embodiment of an aerosol generating device using the aerosol generating system described herein. [Figure 3] Figure 3 schematically illustrates a second embodiment of an aerosol generating article using an aerosol generating system as described herein. [Figure 4] Figure 4 schematically illustrates the aerosol generating article of Figure 3 when inserted into a second embodiment of an aerosol generating device using the aerosol generating system described herein. [Figure 5] Figure 5 schematically illustrates a first embodiment of how to operate the aerosol generation system shown in Figures 1 and 2. [Figure 6] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a second embodiment of how to operate the aerosol generation system shown in Figures 1 and 2.
[0102] Aerosol generating systems for delivering aerosols to users typically comprise an atomizer configured to generate an inhalable aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate. Some known aerosol generating systems comprise a thermal atomizer, such as an electric heater or induction heater. The thermal atomizer is configured to heat and vaporize the aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. A typical aerosol-forming substrate used in aerosol generating systems is a nicotine preparation, which may be a liquid nicotine preparation containing an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin and / or propylene glycol.
[0103] Aerosol-generating articles typically contain a certain amount of aerosol-forming substrate. However, the aerosol-forming substrate in an aerosol-generating article can be consumed at different rates by different users. This means that the point at which an aerosol-generating article stops providing the expected experience to a user can differ among different users.
[0104] Conventional aerosol generating systems cannot detect the point at which an aerosol generating item ceases to provide the expected experience to the user. This means that conventional aerosol generating systems determine when an item has depleted its aerosol-forming substrate based on "standard" settings such as the number of puffs or duration. As a result, variations in the consumption of aerosol-forming substrate in an aerosol generating item by different users can cause many problems.
[0105] Firstly, users attempting to consume aerosols from aerosol-generating articles where the aerosol-forming substrate is depleted or nearly depleted will be given an unsatisfactory and inconsistent user experience.
[0106] Secondly, heating an aerosol generating article whose aerosol-forming substrate is depleted or nearly depleted wastes energy, which reduces the battery life of the aerosol generating device.
[0107] It is desirable to provide an aerosol generation system that can determine when an aerosol-generating article may deplete its aerosol-forming substrate, or when it is approaching depletion of its aerosol-forming substrate.
[0108] The present invention described in this application attempts to address this problem. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a first embodiment of the aerosol generating system 100 according to the present invention. The aerosol generating system 100 includes an aerosol generating article 1000 and an aerosol generating device 2000. Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the aerosol generating article 1000. Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of the aerosol generating article 1000 when inserted into the first embodiment of the aerosol generating device 2000.
[0109] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the aerosol generating article 1000 includes four elements: an aerosol-forming substrate 1010, a hollow cellulose acetate tube 1020, a spacer element 1030, and a mouthpiece filter 1040. The four elements 1010, 1020, 1030, and 1040 are arranged in a continuous and coaxial alignment. The four elements 1010, 1020, 1030, and 1040 are assembled by tobacco paper 1050 to form the aerosol generating article 1000.
[0110] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the aerosol generating article 1000 has an oral end 1060 and a distal end 1070. The user may insert the oral end 1060 into their mouth during use. The distal end 1070 is located at the end of the aerosol generating article 1000 opposite to the oral end 1060. The embodiment of the aerosol generating article 1000 shown in Figure 1 is particularly suitable for use in an electrically operated aerosol generator equipped with a heater for heating the aerosol forming substrate 1010.
[0111] In one embodiment, when assembled, the aerosol generating article 1000 is approximately 45 millimeters long and has an outer diameter of approximately 7.2 millimeters and an inner diameter of approximately 6.9 millimeters.
[0112] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the aerosol-forming substrate 1010 is provided in the form of a plug made by crimping a sheet of aerosol-forming substrate. The sheet is assembled, crimped, and wrapped with filter paper (not shown) to form the plug. The aerosol-forming substrate may be tobacco. The tobacco may be in any form. For example, the tobacco may be cut or fine fragments of leaves or stems. The tobacco may be reconstituted. The tobacco may be extruded. The tobacco may be in powder form. The tobacco may be in granular form. The tobacco may be compressed. The tobacco may be formed. The tobacco may be pelletized. The tobacco may be in the form of a tobacco extract. The tobacco may be processed, reconstituted, or otherwise prepared. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain flavor elements. The flavor elements may include, for example, menthol, cocoa, vanilla, or licorice. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain an aerosolizing enhancer such as glycerin or propylene glycol.
[0113] An embodiment of the aerosol-generating article 1000 shown in Figure 1 is designed to engage with an aerosol generator for consumption. Such an aerosol generator includes means for heating an aerosol-forming substrate 1010 to a sufficient temperature to form an aerosol. Typically, the aerosol generator may include a heating element surrounding the aerosol-generating article 1000 adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate 1010, or a heating element inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 1010.
[0114] When engaged with the aerosol generator, the user inhales the mouth end 1060 of the aerosol generating article 1000, and the aerosol forming substrate 1010 is heated to a temperature of approximately 375 degrees Celsius. At this temperature, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol forming substrate 1010. These compounds condense to form an aerosol. The aerosol is drawn into the user's mouth through the filter 1040. The heater may be a resistance heater.
[0115] The aerosol-generating article 1000 contains an aerosol-forming marker 1080. The aerosol-forming marker 1080 may be an isomer of xylene. In this embodiment, the aerosol-forming marker 1080 is an isomer of xylene. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the aerosol-generating article 1000 has a storage compartment, and the aerosol-forming marker 1080 is stored in the storage compartment. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the storage compartment is a capsule. The capsule has an outer shell. The outer shell may be formed from any suitable material that can decompose to release the aerosol-forming marker 1080. For example, the capsule shell may be formed from a pyrolytic material such as wax.
[0116] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, when the outer shell is heated to a specific temperature, it begins to thermally decompose, releasing the aerosol-forming marker 1080 from the storage unit.
[0117] The storage unit for storing the aerosol-forming marker 1080 may be located at any position within the aerosol-generating article 1000. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the storage unit for storing the aerosol-forming marker 1080 is contained within the aerosol-forming substrate 1010.
[0118] The storage section for the aerosol-forming marker 1080 may be located within the aerosol-forming substrate 1010 in a way that allows the aerosol-forming marker 1080 to be aerosolized only after at least a large portion of the aerosol-forming substrate 1010 has been aerosolized. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the storage section for the aerosol-forming marker 1080 is located in the radially outer portion of the aerosol-generating article 1000. This is because, as discussed below, the first embodiment of the aerosol-generating article 1000 is designed to be inserted into an aerosol generator 2000 that includes a heating blade.
[0119] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the aerosol generating article 1000 shown in Figure 1 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 2000.
[0120] Figure 2 shows only a portion of the aerosol generator 2000. The aerosol generator includes a heater for heating the aerosol-forming substrate 1010 of the aerosol-generating article 1000. In the embodiment of Figure 2, the heater 2090 is a heating blade. In the embodiment of Figure 2, the heater 2090 is installed in a receiving chamber. The aerosol generator 2000 defines a number of air holes 2100 to allow air to flow into the aerosol-generating article 1000. The airflow is indicated by arrows in Figure 2. The aerosol-generating article 1000 in Figure 2 is the same as that described with respect to Figure 1.
[0121] Due to the geometric shape of the aerosol-generating article 1000 and the position of the heater 2090, the aerosol-generating article 1000 experiences a temperature gradient across its diameter when heated by the aerosol generator 2000. The radially inner or central portion of the aerosol-generating article 1000 exhibits a higher temperature than the radially outer portion of the aerosol-generating article 1000. Therefore, the region of the aerosol-forming substrate 1010 located in the radial center is the first region of the aerosol-forming substrate 1010 to aerosolize. Eventually, the radially outer region of the aerosol-forming substrate 1010 is also heated to a temperature sufficient to begin aerosolization. At this point, the aerosol-forming marker 1080 located in the radially outer region of the aerosol-forming substrate 1010 in this embodiment also aerosolizes.
[0122] The aerosol generator 2000 has a power source. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the power source is a battery 2110.
[0123] The aerosol generator 2000 includes control electronic equipment 2120 for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator 2000. The control electronic equipment 2120 may include a processor or similar.
[0124] The aerosol generator 2000 has an electrochemical sensor switch 2130. In another embodiment, the aerosol generator 2000 may have a plurality of electrochemical sensor switches. In the embodiment of Figure 2, the electrochemical sensor switch 2130 is operably connected to the control electronic equipment 2120. The electrochemical sensor switch 2130 is configured to change from a first state to a second state when it detects an amount of aerosol formation marker 1080 that exceeds or falls below a predetermined threshold amount. In the embodiment of Figure 2, the electrochemical sensor switch 2130 has a different conductivity in the first state than in the second state.
[0125] The control electronic equipment 2120 is configured to shut down the heater 2090 in response to the electrochemical sensor switch 2130 changing from a first state to a second state.
[0126] In other words, the control electronic device 2120 stops the heater 2090 when the electrochemical sensor switch 2130 detects that the amount of aerosol formation marker 1080 exceeds or falls below a predetermined threshold amount.
[0127] In some embodiments, the control electronic device 2120 stops the heater 2090 when the electrochemical sensor switch 2130 detects an amount of aerosol formation marker 1080 that exceeds a predetermined threshold amount. In some embodiments, the control electronic device 2120 stops the heater 2090 when the electrochemical sensor switch 2130 detects an amount of aerosol formation marker 1080 that falls below a predetermined threshold amount.
[0128] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a second embodiment of the aerosol generating system 300 according to the present invention. The aerosol generating system 300 includes an aerosol generating article 3000 and an aerosol generating device 4000. Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of the aerosol generating article 3000. Figure 4 shows the second embodiment of the aerosol generating article 3000 when inserted into the first embodiment of the aerosol generating device 4000.
[0129] The aerosol-generating article 3000 shown in Figure 3 is similar to the aerosol-generating article 1000 shown in Figure 1, except for the position of the aerosol-forming marker 3080. In the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, the storage section for the aerosol-forming marker 1080 is located in the radially outer portion of the aerosol-generating article 1000. In contrast, in the second embodiment shown in Figure 3, the storage section for the aerosol-forming marker 3080 is located in the radially central portion of the aerosol-generating article 3000.
[0130] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the aerosol generating article 3000 includes four elements: an aerosol-forming substrate 3010, a hollow cellulose acetate tube 3020, a spacer element 3030, and a mouthpiece filter 3040. The four elements 3010, 3020, 3030, and 3040 are arranged in a continuous and coaxial alignment. The four elements 3010, 3020, 3030, and 3040 are assembled by tobacco paper 3050 to form the aerosol generating article 3000.
[0131] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the aerosol generating article 3000 has an oral end 3060 and a distal end 3070. The user may insert the oral end 3060 into their mouth during use. The distal end 3070 is located at the end of the aerosol generating article 3000 opposite to the oral end 3060. The embodiment of the aerosol generating article 3000 shown in Figure 3 is particularly suitable for use in an electrically operated aerosol generator equipped with a heater for heating the aerosol forming substrate 3010.
[0132] In one embodiment, when assembled, the aerosol generating article 3000 is approximately 45 millimeters long and has an outer diameter of approximately 7.2 millimeters and an inner diameter of approximately 6.9 millimeters.
[0133] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the aerosol-forming substrate 3010 is provided in the form of a plug made by crimping a sheet of aerosol-forming substrate. The sheet is assembled, crimped, and wound with filter paper (not shown) to form the plug.
[0134] An embodiment of the aerosol-generating article 3000 illustrated in Figure 3 is designed to engage with an aerosol generator for consumption. Such an aerosol generator includes means for heating the aerosol-forming substrate 3010 to a sufficient temperature to form an aerosol. Typically, the aerosol generator may include a heating element surrounding the aerosol-generating article 3000 adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate 3010, or a heating element inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 3010.
[0135] When engaged with the aerosol generator, the user inhales the mouth end 3060 of the aerosol generating article 3000, and the aerosol forming substrate 3010 is heated to a temperature of approximately 375 degrees Celsius. At this temperature, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol forming substrate 3010. These compounds condense to form an aerosol. The aerosol is drawn into the user's mouth through the filter 3040.
[0136] The aerosol-generating article 3000 contains an aerosol-forming marker 3080. The aerosol-forming marker 3080 may be an isomer of xylene. In this embodiment, the aerosol-forming marker 3080 is an isomer of xylene. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the aerosol-generating article 3000 has a storage compartment, and the aerosol-forming marker 3080 is stored in the storage compartment. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the storage compartment is a capsule. The capsule has an outer shell. The outer shell may be formed from any suitable material that can decompose to release the aerosol-forming marker 3080. For example, the capsule shell may be formed from a pyrolytic material such as wax.
[0137] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, when the outer shell is heated to a specific temperature, the outer shell begins to decompose thermally, releasing the aerosol-forming marker 3080 from the storage unit.
[0138] The storage unit for storing the aerosol-forming marker 3080 may be located at any position within the aerosol-generating article 3000. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the storage unit for storing the aerosol-forming marker 3080 is contained within the aerosol-forming substrate 3010.
[0139] The storage section for the aerosol-forming marker 3080 may be located within the aerosol-forming substrate 3010 in a way that allows the aerosol-forming marker 3080 to be aerosolized only after at least a large portion of the aerosol-forming substrate 3010 has been aerosolized. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the storage section for the aerosol-forming marker 3080 is located in the radially central portion of the aerosol-generating article 3000. This is because, as discussed below, a second embodiment of the aerosol-generating article 3000 is designed to be inserted into an aerosol generator 4000 which includes an external heater that partially surrounds the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article 1000. In this configuration, the heater heats the aerosol-forming substrate 3010 from the outside.
[0140] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the aerosol generating article 3000 shown in Figure 4 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 4000.
[0141] Figure 4 shows only a portion of the aerosol generator 4000. The aerosol generator includes a heater 4090 for heating the aerosol-forming substrate 4010 of the aerosol-generating article 4000. In the embodiment of Figure 4, the heater 4090 is arranged to partially surround the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article 3000. The aerosol generator 4000 defines one or more air holes 4100 to allow air to flow into the aerosol-generating article 3000. The airflow is indicated by arrows in Figure 4. The aerosol-generating article 3000 in Figure 4 is the same as that described with respect to Figure 3.
[0142] Due to the geometric shape of the aerosol-generating article 1000 and the position of the heater 2090, the aerosol-generating article 1000 experiences a temperature gradient across its diameter when heated by the aerosol generator 2000. The radially outer portion of the aerosol-generating article 1000 exhibits a higher temperature than the radially inner portion of the aerosol-generating article 1000. Therefore, the radially outer region of the aerosol-forming substrate 1010 is the first region of the aerosol-forming substrate 1010 to aerosolize. Finally, the radially inner region of the aerosol-forming substrate 1010 is also heated to a temperature sufficient to begin aerosolization. At this point, the aerosol-forming marker 1080 located in the radially inner region of the aerosol-forming substrate 1010 in this embodiment also aerosolizes.
[0143] The aerosol generator 4000 has a power source. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the power source is a battery 4110.
[0144] The aerosol generator 4000 includes control electronic equipment 4120 for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator 4000. The control electronic equipment 4120 may include a processor or similar.
[0145] The aerosol generator 4000 has an electrochemical sensor switch 4130. In another embodiment, the aerosol generator 4000 may have a plurality of electrochemical sensor switches. In the embodiment of Figure 4, the electrochemical sensor switch 4130 is operably connected to the control electronic equipment 4120. The electrochemical sensor switch 4130 is configured to change from a first state to a second state when it detects an amount of aerosolized aerosol formation marker 3080 that exceeds or falls below a predetermined threshold amount. In the embodiment of Figure 4, the electrochemical sensor switch 4130 has a different conductivity in the first state than in the second state.
[0146] The control electronic equipment 4120 is configured to shut down the heater 4090 in response to the electrochemical sensor switch 4130 changing from a first state to a second state.
[0147] In other words, the control electronic device 4120 stops the heating blade 4090 when the electrochemical sensor switch 4130 detects that the amount of aerosol formation marker 3080 exceeds or falls below a predetermined threshold amount.
[0148] In some embodiments, the control electronic device 4120 stops the heating blade 4090 when the electrochemical sensor switch 4130 detects an amount of aerosol formation marker 3080 that exceeds a predetermined threshold amount. In some embodiments, the control electronic device 4120 stops the heating blade 4090 when the electrochemical sensor switch 4130 detects an amount of aerosol formation marker 3080 that falls below a predetermined threshold amount.
[0149] Here, two embodiments of how to operate the aerosol generation system shown in Figures 1 and 2 will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6.
[0150] In the first embodiment shown in Figure 5, the control electronic device 2120 stops the heater 2090 when the electrochemical sensor switch 2130 detects an amount of aerosol formation marker 1080 that exceeds a predetermined threshold amount.
[0151] In S100, the user is using an aerosol generating article 1000. The aerosol generating article 1000 is inserted into an aerosol generator 2000, and the heater 2090 heats the aerosol forming substrate 1010, which begins to aerosolize. Heating the aerosol forming substrate 1010 also heats the capsule containing the aerosol forming marker 1080. The user extracts the generated aerosol through the mouthpiece filter 1040.
[0152] When the capsule containing the aerosol-forming marker 1080 is sufficiently heated, the capsule melts, releasing the aerosol-forming marker 1080 into the aerosol-forming substrate 1010. The release of the aerosol-forming marker 1080 from the capsule allows the aerosol-forming marker 1080 to be aerosolized by the heater 2090.
[0153] Since the electrochemical sensor switch 2130 is in close proximity to the aerosol-forming substrate 1010, the electrochemical sensor switch 2130 is also relatively close to the aerosol-forming marker 1080 that is being aerosolized. When the electrochemical sensor switch 2130 detects the presence of the aerosol-forming marker 1080, it notifies the control electronic equipment 2110.
[0154] In S110, the control electronic equipment 2110 compares the detected amount of aerosol formation marker 1080 with a predetermined threshold amount. For example, the control electronic equipment 2110 may compare the detected concentration of aerosol formation marker 1080 with a predetermined threshold concentration.
[0155] If, in S120, the amount of aerosolized aerosol-forming marker 1080 is not greater than a predetermined threshold amount, the method proceeds to S130.
[0156] In S130, the control electronic equipment 2110 does not take any further action regarding the detection amount of the aerosolized aerosol formation marker 1080.
[0157] If, in S140, the amount of aerosolized aerosol-forming marker 1080 is greater than a predetermined threshold amount, the method proceeds to S140.
[0158] At S150, the control electronic device 2110 shuts off the heater. For example, the heater may shut off the power supply from the battery 2110 to the heater 2090.
[0159] In the first embodiment, the aerosol formation marker 1080 is aerosolized from the start of the user experience. When the aerosol formation marker 1080 is depleted to the point where the concentration of aerosolized aerosol formation marker 1080 detected by the electrochemical sensor switch 2130 falls below a certain predetermined threshold, the control electronic equipment 2120 turns off the heater 2090.
[0160] In the second embodiment shown in Figure 6, the control electronic device 2120 stops the heater 2090 when the electrochemical sensor switch 2130 detects that the amount of aerosol formation marker 1080 falls below a predetermined threshold amount.
[0161] In S200, the user is using an aerosol generating article 1000. The aerosol generating article 1000 is inserted into the aerosol generator 2000, and the heater 2090 heats the aerosol forming substrate 1010, which begins aerosolization. Heating the aerosol forming substrate 1010 also heats the capsule containing the aerosol forming marker 1080. The user extracts the generated aerosol through the mouthpiece filter 1040.
[0162] When the capsule containing the aerosol-forming marker 1080 is sufficiently heated, the capsule melts, releasing the aerosol-forming marker 1080 into the aerosol-forming substrate. The release of the aerosol-forming marker 1080 from the capsule allows the aerosol-forming marker 1080 to be aerosolized by the heater 2090.
[0163] Since the electrochemical sensor switch 2130 is in close proximity to the aerosol-forming substrate 1010, the electrochemical sensor switch 2130 is relatively close to the aerosol-forming marker 1090 that is being aerosolized. When the electrochemical sensor switch 2130 detects the presence of the aerosol-forming marker 1080, it notifies the control electronic equipment 2120.
[0164] In S210, the control electronic equipment 2120 compares the detected amount of aerosol formation marker 1080 with a predetermined threshold amount. For example, the control electronic equipment 2120 may compare the detected concentration of aerosol formation marker 1080 with a predetermined threshold concentration.
[0165] If, in S220, the amount of aerosolized aerosol-forming marker 1080 is not less than a predetermined threshold amount, the method proceeds to S230.
[0166] In S230, the control electronic equipment 2120 does not take any further action regarding the detection amount of the aerosolized aerosol formation marker 1080.
[0167] If, in S240, the amount of aerosolized aerosol-forming marker 1080 is less than a predetermined threshold amount, the method proceeds to S240.
[0168] At S250, the control electronic device 2120 shuts down the heater 2090. For example, the heater may shut off the power supply from the battery 2110 to the heater 2090.
[0169] In the second embodiment, the aerosol formation marker 1080 is aerosolized some time after the start of the user experience. The exact timing at which the aerosol formation marker 1080 begins to aerosolize depends on how the aerosol-generating article 1000 is being used. For example, if the user is using the aerosol-generating article 1000 very quickly, the aerosol formation marker 1080 will begin to aerosolize sooner than if the user is using the aerosol-generating article 1000 slowly. The aerosolization of the aerosol formation marker 1080 can provide an indicator of the actual use of the aerosol-generating article 1000 by the user. When the aerosol formation marker 1080 is aerosolized to the extent that the concentration of aerosolized aerosol formation marker 1080 detected by the electrochemical sensor switch 2130 increases beyond a certain predetermined threshold, the control electronic equipment 2120 turns off the heater 2090.
[0170] A first embodiment of the method described with respect to Figure 5 may have the same advantages as the method described with respect to Figure 6.
[0171] Advantageously, with the above configuration, the aerosol generator 2000 can automatically stop heating the aerosol generating article 1000 when the aerosol forming substrate 1010 is depleted. This can lead to more efficient energy management of the battery 2110, as the battery 2110 can stop supplying power to the heater 2090 when there is no more aerosol forming substrate 1010 left to aerosolize.
[0172] Advantageously, with the above configuration, the user cannot attempt to generate aerosol-generating items 1000 using the depleted aerosol-forming substrate 1010, thus potentially providing the user with a more consistent and satisfying user experience.
[0173] The embodiments described above are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Other embodiments consistent with the exemplary embodiments described above will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Features described in one embodiment may also be applicable to other embodiments.
Claims
1. an aerosol generation system, an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate and an aerosol-forming marker, The aerosol generating device comprises an aerosol generating device configured to receive the aerosol generating article, and the aerosol generating device is Control electronic equipment and, An electrochemical sensor switch operably connected to the control electronic device, wherein the electrochemical sensor switch is configured to change from a first state to a second state when it detects an amount of aerosol formation marker that exceeds or falls below a predetermined threshold amount, The system comprises a heater operably connected to the control electronic equipment via the electrochemical sensor switch, The control electronic equipment is configured to stop the heater when the electrochemical sensor switch changes from the first state to the second state. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article comprising a storage section, the storage section comprising a capsule, the capsule comprising the aerosol forming marker, and the capsule comprising an outer shell formed from a pyrolytic material.
2. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises a plurality of storage units.
3. The aerosol generating system according to claim 2, wherein each storage unit contains a capsule containing the aerosol-forming marker.
4. The aerosol generating system according to claim 3, wherein each capsule has an outer shell.
5. The aerosol generating system according to claim 4, wherein the outer shell is formed from a pyrodeizable material.
6. The aerosol generating system according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the outer shell is formed from wax.
7. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the aerosol-forming marker is located on the radially outer portion of the aerosol-forming substrate.
8. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the aerosol-forming marker is located in the radially central portion of the aerosol-forming substrate.
9. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the aerosol-forming marker comprises an isomer of xylene or an amine-containing compound.
10. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the aerosol-forming marker is a gel.
11. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the electrochemical sensor switch has a different conductivity in the first state than in the second state.
12. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the electrochemical sensor switch includes a chemically resistant material.
13. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the electrochemical sensor switch includes a semiconducting material.
14. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein each electrochemical sensor switch comprises one or more carbon nanotubes.