Aerosol generator power supply system

Abstract

The aerosol generating device (100) includes a power supply system (500, 600, 700) and a controller (102). The power supply system includes a first energy storage module (104) and a second energy storage module (106). The controller is configured to control a pulse-width modulated power flow of the power supply system to a heater associated with the aerosol generating device. The pulse-width modulated power flow includes one or more pulse-width modulated periods, each having an on period and an off period. The controller is further configured to control the second energy storage module to charge the first energy storage module during the off periods of the pulse-width modulated periods. The first energy storage module may be a supercapacitor module, and the second energy storage module may be a battery module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, and more specifically, to an aerosol generating device power supply system.

Background Art

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

[0003] Heating devices for vaporization or aerosolization are known in the art. Such devices typically include a heating chamber and a heater. During operation, the operator inserts the product to be aerosolized or vaporized into the heating chamber. Thereafter, the product is 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 the product is heated to the aerosolization point without being burned.

[0004] Problems faced by known aerosol generating devices include providing sufficiently rapid heating and efficient use of energy.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to a first aspect, an aerosol generating device comprising: A power supply system including a first energy storage module and a second energy storage module; A controller, the controller Controls the pulse width modulation power flow of the power supply system to a heater associated with the aerosol generating device, the pulse width modulation power flow including one or more pulse width modulation cycles each having an on period and an off period; Control the second energy storage module to charge the first energy storage module during the pulse width modulation period off period. A controller and, An aerosol generator is provided, which includes [the specified component].

[0006] In this way, while the first energy storage module is supplying power to the heater, it is also continuously charged by the second energy storage module. This allows the first energy storage module to supply power to the heater for a longer period of time until its charge level is depleted. Because the first energy storage module is charged while supplying power to the heater, it does not need to store as much charge as energy storage modules in conventional power systems that are not charged while supplying power to the heater. This makes it possible to make the first energy storage module physically smaller, which in turn improves safety.

[0007] In a preferred first implementation of the first embodiment, the first energy storage module is a supercapacitor module, and the second energy storage module is a battery module.

[0008] A supercapacitor module can be considered a high-power storage module, and a battery can be considered a high-energy storage module. In this configuration, the power system does not rely solely on the battery, so there is no compromise between energy requirements and power requirements. By using a combination of a high-energy battery and a high-power supercapacitor, it is possible to consider energy requirements and power requirements separately in the power system design, thereby providing greater flexibility to meet both energy and power requirements.

[0009] Continuous charging of the supercapacitor module during the pulse width modulation period off-period in an aerosolization session allows for the use of supercapacitors with lower energy capacities (i.e., smaller supercapacitors). This enables reductions in size and cost.

[0010] Preferably, the supercapacitor module includes at least one supercapacitor. Preferably, the supercapacitor module includes multiple supercapacitors connected in series. Preferably, the supercapacitor module includes two supercapacitors connected in series. Preferably, the battery module includes at least one battery. Preferably, the battery module includes a high-energy battery. Preferably, the battery module includes a lithium-ion battery.

[0011] Preferably, the controller is The power supply system is further configured to control the system so that pulse-width modulated power flow is provided to the heater only from the supercapacitor module during the pulse-width modulation period-on period.

[0012] Powering the heater solely with a supercapacitor module reduces losses during operation. For example, a boost converter (such as a DC / DC voltage converter) is not required between the supercapacitor module and the heater. In this way, the aerosol generator can provide the same energy consumption as a conventional system, but the increased losses reduce the total energy capacity stored in the power system.

[0013] The battery module is used solely to charge the supercapacitor module and does not power the heater, thus reducing battery loss. This minimizes wasted power, allowing the operator to perform multiple aerosolization sessions from a single battery charge.

[0014] Preferably, the controller is The battery module is configured to control the supercapacitor module so that it is not charged during the pulse width modulation period on.

[0015] Preferably, the power supply system includes a supercapacitor module connected in parallel with a battery module, and a voltage converter is connected between the supercapacitor module and the battery module.

[0016] Preferably, the power supply system includes a supercapacitor module connected in parallel with a battery module, and a voltage converter is connected between the supercapacitor module and the battery module.

[0017] Preferably, the power supply system is A first switching means connected between a battery module and a supercapacitor module, the first switching means being controlled by a controller to control the battery module to charge the supercapacitor module during the off period of the pulse width modulation cycle, The second switching means is configured to be positioned between the supercapacitor module and the heater, and the second switching means is controlled by a controller to control the pulse width modulated power flow from the supercapacitor module to the heater.

[0018] With this configuration of the power supply system, it becomes possible to separate the battery module from the supercapacitor module through power management. While the battery has an increased risk of related safety risks and a potential decrease in lifespan, the supercapacitor has a reduced safety risk and a potential increase in robustness and reliability. Preferably, only the supercapacitor module supplies power to the heater, and the battery module is only used to charge the supercapacitor module, and the battery module does not directly transfer energy to the heater. This enhances the overall safety and reliability of the power supply system. By not directly supplying power to the heater, the maximum current requirement for the battery is reduced, the stress on the battery is decreased, and its lifespan and reliability can be improved.

[0019] Preferably, the switching means is a transistor controlled by a controller. In this way, the switching means can be effectively used to cause control of the power flow within the power supply system.

[0020] In a preferred second implementation form of the first aspect, the first energy storage module is a first supercapacitor module, and the second energy storage module is a second supercapacitor module.

[0021] In this way, by powering the aerosol generator only with technology based on supercapacitors, no battery is required within the aerosol generator. This means that the battery is not placed near the operator's mouth during use in an aerosolization session. This improves the safety of the aerosol generator.

[0022] Preferably, the pulse width modulation power flow to the heater includes only the power flow from the first supercapacitor module and does not include the power flow from the second supercapacitor module.

[0023] Preferably, the power supply system includes first switching means connected between the first supercapacitor module and the second supercapacitor module, and the first switching means is controlled by a controller to control the second supercapacitor module to charge the first supercapacitor module during the off period of the pulse width modulation cycle, and / or second switching means configured to be disposed between the first supercapacitor module and the heater, and the second switching means is controlled by a controller to control the pulse width modulation power flow from the first supercapacitor module to the heater.

[0024] Preferably, the first supercapacitor module includes at least one supercapacitor or two or more supercapacitors connected in series. Preferably, the supercapacitor of the first supercapacitor module is a conventional supercapacitor. Preferably, the first supercapacitor module includes two 2.5V supercapacitors connected in series, and the first supercapacitor module is set to 5V as a whole.

[0025] Preferably, the second supercapacitor module includes at least one hybrid capacitor (also known as a hybrid supercapacitor). The hybrid capacitor can have a higher operating voltage, higher capacitance, and higher energy density than a conventional supercapacitor. The hybrid capacitor can have a lower power supply capacity than a conventional supercapacitor. Preferably, the second supercapacitor module includes a 3.7V hybrid capacitor, and the second supercapacitor module is set to 3.7V as a whole.

[0026] In a preferred third implementation of the first aspect, the first energy storage module is a supercapacitor module, and the second energy storage module is a battery module. During the ON period, the controller controls the battery module and supercapacitor module to supply power to the heater. During the off-period, the controller controls the battery module to charge the supercapacitor module.

[0027] A supercapacitor module can be considered a high-power energy storage module, and a battery can be considered a high-power energy storage module. In this configuration, the power system does not rely solely on the battery, so there is no compromise between energy requirements and power requirements. By using a combination of a high-energy battery and a high-power supercapacitor, it is possible to consider energy requirements and power requirements separately in the power system design, thereby providing greater flexibility to meet both energy and power requirements.

[0028] Another advantage is that, compared to standard battery-based power systems, the maximum current flowing through the power system is reduced, resulting in improved overall system safety.

[0029] Continuous charging of the supercapacitor module during the pulse width modulation period off-period in an aerosolization session allows for the use of supercapacitors with lower energy capacities (i.e., smaller supercapacitors). This enables reductions in size and cost. Because the capacity of the supercapacitor module is much smaller than that of the battery module, the supercapacitor module can be charged very quickly, which means that the discharge current of the battery module is only high for a short time.

[0030] Preferably, the supercapacitor module includes at least one supercapacitor. Preferably, the supercapacitor module includes multiple supercapacitors connected in series. Preferably, the supercapacitor module includes two supercapacitors connected in series. Preferably, the battery module includes at least one battery. Preferably, the battery module includes a high-energy battery. Preferably, the battery module includes a lithium-ion battery.

[0031] Preferably, the power supply system further includes switching means configured to switch the power supply system between a second configuration for an on-period and a first configuration for an off-period, wherein in the second configuration, the supercapacitor module and the battery module are connected in series, and in the first configuration, the supercapacitor module and the battery module are connected in parallel.

[0032] Advantageously, when the supercapacitor module and battery module are in the first configuration, there is no need to control the charging of the supercapacitor module. Due to the high charge acceptance of the supercapacitor module, charging can occur naturally, eliminating the need for a voltage converter. This reduces power system losses.

[0033] This configuration enables high power supply to heaters (especially high-resistance heaters exceeding 1Ω or alternative heating technologies such as induction heaters) without the need for a boost voltage converter. In this way, losses introduced into the power supply system through such converters are eliminated.

[0034] Preferably, the switching means is a transistor controlled by a controller. In this way, the switching means can be effectively used to control the power flow within the power supply system.

[0035] Preferably, the power supply system is configured to apply the combined potential of the battery module and the supercapacitor module to the heater during the ON period.

[0036] The combined potential of the battery module and supercapacitor module provides a higher voltage compared to a standard single-cell power supply system. This makes it possible to supply the same power with a lower current. In this way, the system loss is P LOSS =I 2 R SYSTEM This is significantly reduced. Furthermore, because the required maximum current is smaller, greater flexibility is achieved in terms of the type of battery used compared to the standard power supply system of aerosol generators.

[0037] Preferably, each of the preceding implementation forms of the power supply system is capable of operating in multiple selectable operating modes of the aerosolization session, the multiple operating modes include a float mode, and the controller is The power supply system is configured to control the heater to apply a pulse-width modulated power flow to the heater within a first duty cycle range in order to maintain the heater at a substantially aerosol-generating temperature.

[0038] In this way, power can be applied to the heater to generate aerosols from the aerosol generating consumables, which can be controlled using pulse width modulation, while also charging the first energy storage module during the pulse width modulation cycle off period, thereby improving the length of time that the first energy storage module can supply power to the heater.

[0039] Preferably, the multiple operating modes further include a preheating mode, and the controller, To heat the heater to an aerosol generation temperature, the power supply system is configured to control the application of a pulse-width modulated power flow to the heater during a preheating mode prior to the float mode, with a second duty cycle range different from a first duty cycle range.

[0040] Preferably, the first duty cycle range includes one or more pulse width modulation periods having a first duty cycle ratio D1, and the second duty cycle range includes one or more pulse width modulation periods having a second duty cycle ratio D2, where D2 = D1 × K, and K is the coefficient of >>1.

[0041] In this way, the heater can be rapidly heated to the aerosol generation temperature during the preheating mode, and then maintained at the aerosol generation temperature, resulting in lower power consumption in the float mode.

[0042] In one example, D1 is much smaller than 1, and D2 is close to 1 but less than 1. In another example, D1 is << 0.5 and D2 is ≥ 0.5. In yet another example, the first duty cycle is configured to apply < 3W in float mode, and the second duty cycle is configured to apply approximately 16W in preheat mode.

[0043] Preferably, the multiple operating modes include a post-float mode, and the controller is After the float mode, the pulse-width modulated power flow to the heater is disabled for the remainder of the aerosolization session. It is configured to control the second energy storage module to charge the first energy storage module.

[0044] In this way, after the pulse width modulated power flow is disabled, the residual heat maintained in the heater can continue to aerosolize the aerosol-generating consumables without directly applying power to the heater. At the same time, the second energy storage module can at least partially charge the first energy storage module for the next aerosolization session during the remainder of the current aerosolization session. That is, the first energy storage module is charged to perform the next preheating mode.

[0045] Preferably, the second energy storage module can be controlled to continue charging the first energy storage module even after the end of an aerosolization session, until the first energy storage module is sufficiently charged for the next aerosolization session.

[0046] In a second embodiment, a method for controlling a power supply system of an aerosol generator, wherein the power supply system includes a first energy storage module and a second energy module, and the method is Controlling the pulse-width modulated power flow of a power supply system to a heater associated with an aerosol generator, wherein the pulse-width modulated power flow includes one or more pulse-width modulation periods, each having an on period and an off period. Controlling the second energy storage module to charge the first energy storage module during the pulse width modulation period off period, A method including this is provided.

[0047] Optionally, the second embodiment may include preferred features of the first embodiment.

[0048] In a third embodiment, when executed by one or more processors of a controller configured to operate together with an aerosol generator power supply system including a first energy storage module and a second energy storage module, Controlling the pulse-width modulated power flow of a power supply system to a heater associated with an aerosol generator, wherein the pulse-width modulated power flow includes one or more pulse-width modulation periods, each having an on period and an off period. Controlling the second energy storage module to charge the first energy storage module during the pulse width modulation period off period, This provides a non-temporary, computer-readable medium for storing instructions that cause one or more processors to control the power system.

[0049] Optionally, the third embodiment may include preferred features of the first embodiment.

[0050] In the fourth aspect, an aerosol generator, A power supply system including a first supercapacitor module and a second supercapacitor module, It is a controller, and the controller is Control the power flow of the first supercapacitor module to supply power to a heater associated with the aerosol generator. It is configured to control the power flow of the second supercapacitor module in order to charge the first supercapacitor module. Controller and An aerosol generator is provided, which includes [the specified component].

[0051] In this way, by powering the aerosol generator solely with supercapacitor-based technology, a battery is not required within the aerosol generator. This means that a battery is not placed near the operator's mouth during use in an aerosolization session. This improves the safety of the aerosol generator.

[0052] Preferably, the aerosol generator includes electrical connections for charging components, including a battery module, while the power supply system does not include a battery.

[0053] In this way, the second supercapacitor module can be charged for further aerosolization sessions. Preferably, the charging component is an external charging module. Preferably, this may be a power bank or an external charger.

[0054] Preferably, the first supercapacitor module includes at least one supercapacitor, and / or the second supercapacitor module includes at least one hybrid capacitor.

[0055] Preferably, the first supercapacitor module includes two or more supercapacitors connected in series. Preferably, the supercapacitors in the first supercapacitor module are conventional supercapacitors. Preferably, the first supercapacitor module includes two 2.5V supercapacitors connected in series, making the first supercapacitor module 5V as a whole.

[0056] Hybrid capacitors (also known as hybrid supercapacitors) may have higher operating voltages, higher capacitances, and higher energy densities than conventional supercapacitors. Hybrid capacitors may have lower power supply capabilities than conventional supercapacitors. Preferably, the second supercapacitor module includes a 3.7V hybrid capacitor, making the second supercapacitor module as a whole 3.7V.

[0057] In this way, the first supercapacitor module can be charged using a second supercapacitor module based on a hybrid capacitor with higher capacitance and higher energy density, and the heater can be powered using the first supercapacitor module based on a conventional supercapacitor with higher power supply capacity.

[0058] Preferably, the first supercapacitor module and the second supercapacitor module are connected in parallel, and the power supply system is A first switching means connected between a first supercapacitor module and a second supercapacitor module, wherein the first switching means is controlled by a controller to control the second supercapacitor module to charge the first supercapacitor module, and / or A second switching means configured to be positioned between a first supercapacitor module and a heater, the second switching means further includes a second switching means controlled by a controller to control the power flow from the first supercapacitor module to the heater.

[0059] Preferably, the switching means is a transistor controlled by a controller. In this way, the switching means can be effectively used to control the power flow within the power supply system.

[0060] Preferably, the power flow of the first supercapacitor module is a pulse-width modulated power flow that includes one or more pulse-width modulation periods, each having an on period and an off period. The controller is The system is further configured to control the power flow of the second supercapacitor module so as to charge the first supercapacitor module during the pulse width modulation period off period.

[0061] In this way, while the first supercapacitor module is supplying power to the heater, it is also continuously charged by the second supercapacitor module. This allows the first supercapacitor module to supply power to the heater for a longer period of time until its charge level is depleted. Because the first supercapacitor module is charged while supplying power to the heater, it does not need to store as much charge as energy storage modules in conventional power systems that are not charged while supplying power to the heater. This makes it possible to make the first supercapacitor module physically smaller and also improves safety.

[0062] Preferably, the power supply system is capable of operating in float mode, and in float mode, the controller, The system is configured to control a first supercapacitor module to apply a pulse-width modulated power flow to the heater over a first duty cycle range in order to maintain the heater at a substantially aerosol-generating temperature.

[0063] In this way, power can be applied to the heater to generate aerosols from the aerosol generating consumables, which can be controlled using pulse width modulation, while also charging the first supercapacitor module during the pulse width modulation period off, thereby improving the length of time that the first supercapacitor module can supply power to the heater.

[0064] Preferably, the power supply system is capable of operating in preheating mode, and in preheating mode, the controller, The system is configured to control the first supercapacitor module to apply a pulse-width modulated power flow to the heater during a preheating mode prior to the float mode, in a second duty cycle range different from a first duty cycle range, in order to heat the heater to an aerosol generation temperature.

[0065] Preferably, the first duty cycle range includes one or more pulse width modulation periods having a first duty cycle ratio D1, and the second duty cycle range includes one or more pulse width modulation periods having a second duty cycle ratio D2, where D2 = D1 × K, and K is the coefficient of >>1.

[0066] In this way, the heater can be rapidly heated to the aerosol generation temperature during the preheating mode, and then maintained at the aerosol generation temperature, resulting in lower power consumption in the float mode.

[0067] In one example, D1 is much smaller than 1, and D2 is close to 1 but less than 1. In another example, D1 is << 0.5 and D2 is ≥ 0.5. In yet another example, the first duty cycle is configured to apply < 3W in float mode, and the second duty cycle is configured to apply approximately 16W in preheat mode.

[0068] Preferably, the power supply system is capable of operating in post-float mode, and in post-float mode, the controller, After the float mode, the power flow to the heater is disabled for the remainder of the aerosolization session. It is configured to control the second energy storage module to charge the first energy storage module.

[0069] In this way, after the pulse width modulated power flow is disabled, the residual heat maintained in the heater can continue to aerosolize the aerosol-generating consumables without directly applying power to the heater. At the same time, the second supercapacitor module can at least partially charge the first supercapacitor module for the next aerosolization session while the current aerosolization session is still ongoing. That is, the first supercapacitor module is charged to perform the next preheating mode.

[0070] Preferably, the second supercapacitor module can be controlled to continue charging the first supercapacitor module even after the end of the aerosolization session, until the first supercapacitor module is sufficiently charged for the next aerosolization session.

[0071] In a fifth embodiment, an aerosol generator charging component is provided that can be connected to the aerosol generator of the fourth embodiment, the aerosol generator charging component being configured to charge a second supercapacitor module when connected to the aerosol generator.

[0072] In this way, the operator of the aerosol generator can perform multiple aerosolization sessions before connecting the aerosol generator to an external charging component (such as a power bank, docking station, or main power supply). This allows for a smaller aerosol generator that is easier to handle and safer because it does not have a battery.

[0073] Preferably, the aerosol generator charging component includes a battery module configured to provide charge to the power supply system of the aerosol generator.

[0074] Thus, the charging component can be a portable charging component that does not require an external power source, such as a main power supply, to charge the second supercapacitor module.

[0075] Preferably, the aerosol generator charging component is a charging case configured to house the aerosol generator. Alternatively, the aerosol generator charging component is a docking station and / or power bank.

[0076] In the sixth embodiment, a system is provided that includes an aerosol generator according to the fourth embodiment and an aerosol generator charging component according to the fifth embodiment.

[0077] In the seventh aspect, a method for controlling a power supply system of an aerosol generator, wherein the power supply system includes a first supercapacitor module and a second supercapacitor module, and the method is Controlling the power flow of the first supercapacitor module to supply power to a heater associated with the aerosol generator, A method is provided which includes controlling the power flow of a second supercapacitor module to charge a first supercapacitor module.

[0078] Optionally, the seventh embodiment may include preferred features of the fourth embodiment.

[0079] In the eighth aspect, when executed by one or more processors of a controller configured to operate with an aerosol generator power supply system including a first supercapacitor module and a second supercapacitor module, Controlling the power flow of the first supercapacitor module to supply power to a heater associated with the aerosol generator, Controlling the power flow of the second supercapacitor module to charge the first supercapacitor module, This provides a non-temporary, computer-readable medium for storing instructions that cause one or more processors to control the power system.

[0080] Optionally, the eighth embodiment may include preferred features of the fourth embodiment.

[0081] Here, embodiments of the present invention will be described as examples with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0082] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of an aerosol generator. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart illustrating the operating modes of the aerosol generator. [Figure 3] This is a plot of heater temperature versus aerosolization session time. [Figure 4] This is a plot of pulse-width modulated power flow. [Figure 5A] This is a circuit diagram of a power supply system including a supercapacitor module and a battery module. [Figure 5B] Figure 5A shows a current-to-time plot of pulse-width modulated power flow entering and leaving the supercapacitor module of the power supply system. [Figure 5C]Figure 5A shows dual plots of heater temperature versus time and supercapacitor module charge state versus aerosolization session time using the power supply system. [Figure 6] This is a circuit diagram of a power supply system including a first supercapacitor module and a second supercapacitor module. [Figure 7A] This is a circuit diagram of a power supply system including a supercapacitor module and a battery module. [Figure 7B] This is the circuit diagram of the power supply system shown in Figure 7A of the first configuration. [Figure 7C] Figure 7A is a circuit diagram of the power supply system in the second configuration. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0083] Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the components of an aerosol generator 100 or vapor generator, also known as an e-cigarette. For the purposes of this disclosure, it will be understood that the terms vapor and aerosol are interchangeable.

[0084] The aerosol generator 100 comprises a main body 112 including a controller 102 and a power supply system including a first energy storage module 104 and a second energy storage module 106. The power supply system is capable of operating in a plurality of selectable operating modes. Although only one first energy storage module 104 and one second energy storage module 106 are mentioned herein, those skilled in the art will understand that the power supply system may, as appropriate, include one or more first energy storage modules and one or more second energy storage modules. The controller 102 is configured to control the power flow of the first energy storage module 104 and the second energy storage module 106 based on the selected operating mode, as will be described later. The controller 102 may be at least one microcontroller unit including a memory storing instructions for operating the aerosol generator 100, including instructions for executing the selectable operating modes and instructions for controlling the power flow, and one or one processor configured to execute the instructions.

[0085] In some examples, the first energy storage module 104 is a supercapacitor module 104, and the second energy storage module 106 is a battery module 106. In other examples, the second energy storage module 106 is also a supercapacitor module (i.e., a second supercapacitor module) 106.

[0086] In one example, the heater 108 is housed within a main body portion 112. In such an example, as shown in Figure 1, the heater 108 is located in a cavity 110 or chamber within the main body portion 112. The cavity 110 is accessed through an opening 110A in the main body portion 112. The cavity 110 is configured to receive associated aerosol generating consumables 114. The aerosol generating consumables may include aerosol generating materials such as a tobacco rod containing tobacco. The tobacco rod may be similar to a conventional cigarette. The cavity 110 has a cross-section approximately equal to the cross-section of the aerosol generating consumable 114, and a depth such that when the associated aerosol generating consumable 114 is inserted into the cavity 110, the first end 114A of the aerosol generating consumable 114 reaches the bottom 110B of the cavity 110 (i.e., the end 110B of the cavity 110 distal to the cavity opening 110A), and the second end 114B of the aerosol generating consumable 114 distal to the first end 114A extends outward from the cavity 110. In this way, the consumer can inhale the aerosol generating consumable 114 once it is inserted into the aerosol generator 100. In the example of Figure 1, the heater 108 is positioned within the cavity 110 so as to engage with the heater 108 when the aerosol generating consumable 114 is inserted into the cavity 110. In the example in Figure 1, the heater 108 is positioned as a tube within the cavity such that when the first end 114A of the aerosol generating consumable is inserted into the cavity, the heater 108 substantially or completely surrounds a portion of the aerosol generating consumable 114 within the cavity 110. The heater 108 may be a wire heater, such as a coiled wire heater, or a ceramic heater, or any other suitable type of heater. The heater 108 may include a plurality of heating elements arranged continuously along the axial length of the cavity, which can be operated (i.e., powered on) sequentially and independently.

[0087] In another embodiment (not shown), the heater may be positioned within the cavity as an elongated perforating member (such as in the form of a needle, rod, or blade), in which embodiment the heater may be configured to penetrate the aerosol generating consumable and engage with the aerosol generating material when the aerosol generating consumable is inserted into the cavity.

[0088] In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the heater may be in the form of an induction heater. In such an embodiment, a heating element (i.e., a susceptor) can be provided within the consumable, which is inductively coupled to an induction element (i.e., an induction coil) within the cavity when the consumable is inserted into the cavity. The induction heater then heats the heating element by induction.

[0089] The heater 108 is configured to generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating consumable 114 to a predetermined temperature during an aerosolization session. An aerosolization session can be thought of as the time when the apparatus is operating to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating consumable 114. In the example where the aerosol generating consumable 114 is a tobacco rod, the aerosol generating consumable 114 contains tobacco. The heater 108 is configured to generate an aerosol by heating the tobacco without burning it. That is, the heater 108 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 consumable 114 does not necessarily have to contain tobacco, and any other suitable substance for aerosolization (or vaporization) by heating without burning the substance can be used instead of tobacco.

[0090] Alternatively, the aerosol generating consumable may be a vaporizable liquid. The vaporizable liquid may be contained in a cartridge that can be accepted into the aerosol generator, or it may be added directly into the aerosol generator.

[0091] The controller 102 is configured to control the power flow of the first energy storage module 104 and the second energy storage module 106 based on the selected operating mode of the aerosolization session. The operating modes include preheating mode, float mode, and post-float mode.

[0092] The progression from preheating mode to float mode, and then to post-float mode, can be understood from Figure 2.

[0093] In preheating mode 202, the heater 108 associated with the aerosol generator 100 is heated to a predetermined temperature for generating aerosols from the aerosol generating consumables 114. The preheating phase can be considered as the time during which the preheating mode is performed, for example, the time it takes for the heater 108 to reach the predetermined temperature. The preheating mode occurs in the first time period of the aerosolization session. In one example, the first time period may be a fixed predetermined time period. In other examples, the first time period may vary in proportion to the length of time required to heat the heater 108 to the predetermined temperature.

[0094] When the heater reaches a predetermined temperature, the controller 102 controls the power system to exit preheating mode 202 and implement float mode 204. In float mode 204, the controller 102 controls the power flow from the power system to maintain the heater 108 at substantially a predetermined temperature so that an aerosol for consumer inhalation is generated. The float phase can be considered as the time during which float mode is being performed, for example, the time during which the heater 108 aerosolizes one (or at least a portion of one) aerosol-generating consumable 114 after the preheating phase. The controller 102 can control the power system to operate float mode during a second time period of the aerosolization session. The second time period can be predetermined and stored in the controller 102.

[0095] After the end of the second time period, the controller 102 switches the operating mode to post-float mode 206. In post-float mode, the controller 102 disables the power flow from the power system to the heater so that the heater is no longer powered. The heater retains residual thermal energy despite the power flow being disabled. In post-float mode, this residual heat is used to continue heating the consumables. The post-float phase can be considered as the time during which post-float mode is being performed. The post-float phase corresponds to the third time period of the aerosolization session.

[0096] Figure 3 shows an exemplary plot of heater temperature 304 versus time 302. During the preheating phase, the controller 102 controls the power supply system to apply power to the heater over a first time period 308 until the heater temperature reaches a predetermined temperature 306. In one example, the predetermined temperature is 230°C. In one example, the first time period is 20 seconds. In some examples, the controller 102 is configured to heat the heater to a predetermined temperature within a fixed, predetermined first time period. In other examples, the first time period varies depending on how long it takes for the heater to reach the predetermined temperature.

[0097] When the heater reaches a predetermined temperature 306, the controller 102 switches the operating mode to float mode for a second time period 310 and maintains the heater temperature substantially at the predetermined temperature 306 for this second time period 310. In one example, the second time period may be 250 seconds.

[0098] After the end of the second time period 310, the controller 102 switches the operating mode to post-float mode for the third time period 312. As power is no longer applied, the heater temperature decreases as the third time period 312 progresses. The end of the third time period 312 can be configured to coincide with a decrease in heater temperature below a threshold. This threshold may correspond to a temperature above the ambient temperature, but below which the consumables are no longer usefully heated. In one example, the third time period may be 20 seconds.

[0099] After the end of the third time period 312, the user of the aerosol generator may be notified by a visual or audible indication that the aerosolization session is complete, so as to realize that the consumables are no longer being aerosolized.

[0100] In preheating mode and float mode, the controller 102 controls the power flow from the power supply system to the heater such that the power flow is a pulse-width modulated power flow having one or more pulse-width modulation periods. An exemplary pulse-width modulated power flow is shown in Figure 4. A pulse-width modulated power flow includes one or more pulse-width modulation (PWM) periods 402 (also known as pulse-width modulation switching periods). A single PWM period or switching period 402 includes one PWM period "on period" D and one PWM period "off period" 1-D. The combination of the PWM period on period D and the PWM period off periods 1-D forms the overall PWM period or switching period 402.

[0101] During the PWM-ON period of the PWM cycle, power is applied to the heater. That is, the power lines to the heater are closed by the switch that implements PWM control. During the PWM-OFF period, no power is applied to the heater. That is, the power lines to the heater are open by the switch that implements PWM control. Thus, one pulse-width modulation period 402 includes one switching of power between the ON and OFF states, and therefore the pulse-width modulation power flow includes a continuous supply of power to the heater with a power flow that is rapidly switched between the PWM-ON and OFF periods by the duty cycle.

[0102] The pulse width modulation duty cycle corresponds to the on-period (D) as the ratio of the total period of period 402 (D + (1 - D)) (i.e., the sum of the "on-period" and "off-period" of the switching period 402).

[0103] A pulse-width modulated power flow containing multiple PWM periods continuously supplies power to a heater based on the average power of the PWM on-period and PWM off-period, determined by the duty cycle. The amount of power supplied to the heater is controlled by controlling the duty cycle. A higher duty cycle in the pulse-width modulated power flow supplies a higher average power, while a lower duty cycle supplies a lower average power. That is, a higher duty cycle results in a larger ratio of period 402 to the "on-period" D compared to a lower duty cycle. In this way, careful control of the power level applied to the heater can be achieved by controlling the duty cycle of the pulse-width modulated power flow.

[0104] In float mode, the controller 102 is configured to control the power supply system to apply a pulse-width modulated power flow to the heater within a first duty cycle range in order to maintain the heater at a substantially predetermined aerosol generation temperature. In preheating mode, the controller 102 is configured to control the power supply system to apply a pulse-width modulated power flow to the heater within a second duty cycle range, which is different from the first duty cycle range, in order to heat the heater to the aerosol generation temperature. The second duty cycle range may have a higher duty cycle than the first duty cycle range, so that a larger amount of power is applied to the heater to rapidly heat it to the predetermined temperature, while a smaller amount of power is used to maintain the heater at the predetermined temperature. The first duty cycle range includes one or more PWM periods with a first duty cycle ratio D1, and the second duty cycle range includes one or more PWM periods with a second duty cycle ratio D2, where the relationship between D1 and D2 can be considered as D2 = D1 * K, where K is a coefficient >>1 and can be selected as an implementation option. The theoretical maximum duty cycle is 1 with no off period, or close to but less than 1 with a very short off period. In an example, the first duty cycle range includes one or more duty cycles with a duty cycle ratio much smaller than 1, and the second duty cycle range includes one or more duty cycles with a duty cycle ratio close to but less than 1. In another example, the first duty cycle range includes one or more duty cycles with a duty cycle ratio << 0.5, and the second duty cycle range includes one or more duty cycles with a duty cycle ratio ≥ 0.5. In a further example, the first duty cycle is configured to apply <3W in float mode, and the second duty cycle is configured to apply approximately 16W in preheat mode.

[0105] In some cases, the PWM power flow in float mode can be considered a first PWM power flow, and the PWM power flow in preheating mode can be considered a second PWM power flow.

[0106] In float mode, the controller 102 is configured to control the second energy storage module to charge the first energy storage module during the pulse width modulation period off period. A more specific implementation of this concept will be described with reference to Figures 5A-5C, 6, and 7. In this way, the first energy storage module can be charged in stages during float mode, thereby increasing the time it can supply power to the heater. This makes it possible to miniaturize the first energy storage module.

[0107] In post-float mode, the controller 102 is configured to control the second energy storage module 106 to continuously charge the first energy storage module 106 until the first energy storage module 104 is fully charged. In this way, the first energy storage module is fully charged for the preheating mode of the next aerosolization session.

[0108] Figure 5A shows a first specific implementation of the power supply system 500 described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0109] In the power supply system 500 of Figure 5A, the first energy storage module 504 is a supercapacitor module 504, and the second energy storage module 506 is a battery module 506. The supercapacitor module 504 includes one or more supercapacitors, and the battery module 506 includes one or more batteries.

[0110] In a particular example, the supercapacitor module 504 may be implemented as two supercapacitors connected in series. These supercapacitors may be conventional types, each having a voltage of 2.5V, thereby providing a supercapacitor module 504 with a total voltage of 5V. Thus, the voltage (U2) of the supercapacitor module 504 may be 5V. In other examples, multiple supercapacitors can be connected in series to meet the voltage requirements necessary to power a heater. Connecting multiple smaller supercapacitors in series rather than using one large supercapacitor offers advantages in terms of design flexibility.

[0111] The battery module 506 may be implemented as a single battery. This could be a high-energy battery such as a battery using lithium-ion technology, aluminum-ion technology, or zinc-ion technology, or any other suitable type of battery. Alternatively, the battery module may contain multiple batteries. In a particular example, the battery is a lithium-ion battery with a voltage of 3.7V. Therefore, the voltage (U1) of the battery module 506 may be 3.7V. The battery module 506 can be built into the aerosol generator 100. In other examples, the battery module 506 may not be a battery specifically built into the device 100, but rather a power bank that can be attached to / detached from the aerosol generator 100. The battery module 506 does not have to be exclusively a built-in battery or a separate power bank; rather, the battery module can use a combination of these two, and when the built-in battery is completely discharged, the power bank can be connected, allowing an aerosolization session to be performed without the need to first charge the built-in battery.

[0112] The supercapacitor module 504 and the battery module 506 are connected in parallel to a DC / DC voltage converter 530 located between them. The DC / DC voltage converter 530 is positioned to boost the voltage of the battery module 506 in order to charge the supercapacitor module 504 from the battery module 506. A first switching means 522 is positioned between the battery module 506 and the converter 530. The supercapacitor module 504 can be connected in parallel to a heater 508, indicated as a load 508, by a second switching means 524 positioned between them. The heater 508 itself is not a component of the power supply system 500 but is rather powered by the power supply system 500. The first switching means 522 and the second switching means 524 may be transistors connected to a controller 102 (not shown in Figure 5A).

[0113] During preheating mode and float mode, controlling the pulse-width modulated power flow of the power system 500 includes controlling the supercapacitor module 504 to power the heater 508 and the battery module 506 to charge the supercapacitor module 504. In preheating mode and float mode, only the supercapacitor module 504 powers the heater 508, and the battery module 506 charges the supercapacitor module 504. During the PWM cycle on period of the pulse-width modulated power flow, the supercapacitor module 504 powers the heater, and during the PWM cycle off period, the battery module 506 charges the supercapacitor module 504. That is, during preheating mode and float mode, the supercapacitor module 504 switches between powering the heater 508 during the on portion of the duty cycle and being charged by the battery module 506 during the off portion of the duty cycle. The battery module 506 does not charge the supercapacitor module 504 during the on portion of the duty cycle.

[0114] In float mode, the pulse-width modulated power flow operates within a first duty cycle range that includes one or more PWM periods having a first duty cycle ratio D1. In preheating mode, the supercapacitor module 504 supplies the pulse-width modulated power flow to the heater 508 within a second duty cycle range that includes one or more PWM periods having a second duty cycle ratio D2. The relationship between D1 and D2 can be considered as D2 = D1 * K, where K is a coefficient >>1 and can be selected as an implementation option. In one example, the first duty cycle ratio can be much smaller than 1, and the second duty cycle ratio can be close to but less than 1. In another example, the first duty cycle ratio can be << 0.5, and the second duty cycle ratio can be ≥ 0.5. In a further example, the first duty cycle is configured to apply < 3W in float mode, and the second duty cycle is configured to apply approximately 16W in preheating mode.

[0115] The controller 102, the first switching means 522, and the second switching means 524 can trigger this control over heating and charging. During the PWM cycle on period of the pulse width modulated power flow, the controller 102 controls the first switching means 522 to open the second switching means 524. In this way, power flows from the supercapacitor module 504 to the heater 508 during the PWM on period, while the battery module 506 is disconnected from the supercapacitor module 504 and the heater 508. During the PWM cycle off period of the pulse width modulated power flow, the controller 102 controls the first switching means 522 to close the second switching means 524. In this way, power flows from the battery module 506 to the supercapacitor module 504 to charge the supercapacitor module 504, while the supercapacitor module 504 is disconnected from the heater 508. Therefore, during pulse-width modulated power flow, a quick switch is made between supplying power to the heater 508 during the PWM cycle on period and charging the supercapacitor module 504 during the PWM cycle off period.

[0116] In some examples, there may be a slight delay between opening the first switching means 522 and closing the second switching means 524. This prevents power flow from the battery module 506 from unintentionally reaching the heater 508 during the ON period of the duty cycle of the pulse-width modulated power flow.

[0117] Figure 5B shows a plot of current 546 versus time 544 of pulse-width modulated power flow entering and leaving the supercapacitor module during an exemplary portion of the preheating mode or float mode. During the PWM period on period (D) of the switching period 402, power flows out of the supercapacitor module 504 with a first amplitude 554. The solid line 550 shows the power flow leaving the supercapacitor module 504, and the intermittent line 552 shows the power flow entering the supercapacitor module 504. During the PWM period off period (1-D), power flows into the supercapacitor module 504 with a second amplitude 556. In this way, the power flow 552 entering the supercapacitor module 504 during the PWM period off period (1-D) at least partially compensates for the power flow 550 leaving the supercapacitor module 504 during the PWM period on period. In one example, the first amplitude 554 is 10A and the second amplitude 556 is 2A.

[0118] During post-float mode, the controller 102 controls the opening of the second switching means 524 to close the first switching means 522. Thus, the power flow to the heater 508 is disabled, and the supercapacitor module 504 no longer supplies power to the heater 508. Because the first switching means 522 is closed, the battery module 506 continuously charges the supercapacitor module 504 until it is fully charged. In this way, the supercapacitor module 504 has an appropriate charge level for the preheating mode of the next aerosolization session.

[0119] Figure 5C shows dual plots of the temperature 570 vs. time 574 of the heater 508 and the charge state 572 vs. time 574 of the corresponding supercapacitor module 504 during an aerosolization session including preheating mode 308, float mode 310, and post-float mode 312.

[0120] During preheating mode 308, the heater 508 is powered by the supercapacitor module 504, for example, at a high duty cycle, and the temperature of the heater 508 rises to a predetermined temperature. During this preheating 308, the charge level of the supercapacitor module 504 decreases as it supplies power to the heater 508.

[0121] In float mode 310, the heater 508 is powered by the supercapacitor module 504 and maintained at a predetermined temperature. As described, the pulse-width modulated power flow is configured such that the supercapacitor module 504 supplies power to the heater 508 during the PWM cycle on period, and the battery module 506 charges the supercapacitor module during the PWM cycle off period. Therefore, the charge level of the supercapacitor module 504 decreases during the PWM cycle on period and increases during the PWM cycle off period of the pulse-width modulated power flow. This is visually represented in Figure 5C by the rise and fall of the charge level 572 of the supercapacitor module 504 as time 574 in float mode 310. Since the amount of charge flowing from the battery module 506 to the supercapacitor module 504 during the PWM cycle off period does not perfectly balance the amount of charge flowing out to the heater 508 during the PWM cycle on period, the charge level of the supercapacitor module 504 has an overall downward trend across float mode 310. The overall decrease in the charge level of this supercapacitor module 504 is slower than if stepwise charging were not applied during the PWM cycle off period. Therefore, the supercapacitor module 504 can power the heater 508 for a longer period by stepwise charging during the PWM cycle off period.

[0122] In post-float mode 312, the heater temperature decreases because the supercapacitor module 504 no longer supplies power to the heater 508. During and, if necessary, beyond post-float mode, the battery module 506 continuously charges the supercapacitor module 504, thereby increasing the charge level of the supercapacitor module 504 until it is fully charged. The battery module 506 can charge the supercapacitor module 504 slowly, thereby requiring only a small maximum current. This reduces stress on the battery and improves its lifespan.

[0123] The battery module 506 can store enough charge to charge the supercapacitor module 504 for multiple aerosolization sessions. When the battery module 506's charge level becomes empty, the device 100 can be connected to a separate external power source such as a main charger, USB charger, or power bank to charge the battery module 506.

[0124] In an example where a power bank can be connected to the aerosol generator 100, the power bank can function as a battery module 506 and charge the supercapacitor module 504 during the PWM period off period of the pulse width modulated power flow. In this way, even if the internal battery module becomes depleted, the aerosolization session can still be performed by the power bank performing the operations that would have been performed by the internal battery module. This makes it possible for the operator to perform an aerosolization session without having to first charge the internal battery module.

[0125] A pulse-width modulated power range in which the supercapacitor module 504 powers the heater 508 during the PWM cycle on period of the pulse-width modulated power flow and the battery module 506 charges the supercapacitor module 504 during the PWM cycle off period of the pulse-width modulated power flow is advantageous because the stepwise charging during the off period ensures that the supercapacitor module 504 continuously has sufficient charge to power the heater throughout the float mode. Furthermore, this stepwise charging of the supercapacitor module 504 means that a smaller supercapacitor can be used, as the supercapacitor module has low energy / capacitance requirements (for example, <0.05Wh required per aerosolization session), resulting in lower costs and improved safety.

[0126] Without charging during the PWM cycle off period, the supercapacitor's charge level will soon drop, and without additional assistance from the battery to the heater 508, the supercapacitor module 504 will be unable to power the heater 508 throughout the float mode.

[0127] Directly powering the heater with a battery, or supplementing the power flow from the supercapacitor to the heater with a power flow from the battery to the heater, can be disadvantageous if a boost converter is required for the battery, which typically has a voltage level lower than the voltage level required to power the heater. Such a boost converter can introduce losses into the system. Since the supercapacitor module 504 has a higher voltage level than the battery, a boost converter is not required when the heater is powered solely by the supercapacitor module 504. This eliminates the boost-related losses that would induce such losses.

[0128] Another advantage is that the supercapacitor module 504 has lower internal resistance than a typical battery, thereby reducing system losses compared to systems where the heater is powered by a battery.

[0129] Figure 6 shows a second specific implementation of the power supply system 600 described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0130] In the power supply system 600 of Figure 6, the first energy storage module 604 is the first supercapacitor module 604, and the second energy storage module 606 is the second supercapacitor module 606. The first supercapacitor module 604 includes at least one supercapacitor. In a particular example, the first supercapacitor module 604 may be implemented as two supercapacitors connected in series. These supercapacitors may be conventional type supercapacitors, each having a voltage of 2.5V, thereby providing the first supercapacitor module 604 with a total voltage of 5V. Thus, the voltage (U2) of the first supercapacitor module 604 may be 5V. The second supercapacitor module 606 includes at least one hybrid capacitor (also known as a hybrid supercapacitor). The hybrid capacitor has a higher operating voltage, higher capacitance, and higher energy density than the (conventional) supercapacitor of the first supercapacitor module 604. However, the hybrid capacitor has a lower power supply capability than the (conventional) supercapacitor of the first supercapacitor module 604. In a specific example, the second supercapacitor module 604 may be implemented as a hybrid capacitor having a voltage of 3.7V. Therefore, the voltage (U1) of the second supercapacitor module 606 may be 3.7V.

[0131] The power system 600 does not include a battery, but further includes an electrical connector 634' configured to connect to an external charging component 634 which may include a battery module.

[0132] The external charging component 634 is separate from the aerosol generator 100, which includes the power supply system 600, but is connectable to it. That is, the aerosol generator is a handpiece including the power supply system 600, and this handpiece is connectable to the separate external charging component 634. Because there is no battery in the aerosol generator 100 (i.e., no battery in the handpiece), consumers do not bring a battery close to their mouths during an aerosolization session. This results in improved safety.

[0133] In a particular example, the external charging component 634 is a portable charging case. The charging case is sized to receive and house the aerosol generator within the chamber. The charging case includes a battery that connects to connector 634' when the aerosol generator is received into the charging case. In this way, when the operator inserts the aerosol generator into the charging case, the power system 600 connects to the battery contained within the charging case, and the battery quickly charges the second supercapacitor module 606. The battery can store enough energy to fully charge the second supercapacitor module 606 multiple times. The battery in the charging case can itself be charged from an external power source such as a power bank or main power supply via a connection such as a USB cable or a connection to a docking station. In an exemplary usage process, the operator removes the aerosol generator from the charging case in which it was being charged, performs an aerosolization session (or multiple aerosolization sessions), and then reinserts the aerosol generator into the charging case so that the second supercapacitor module 606 is charged for future aerosolization sessions. The second supercapacitor module 606 may be configured to store sufficient charge for a first predetermined number of aerosolization sessions or puffs. The portable charging case may be configured to store sufficient charge for charging the second supercapacitor module 606 over a second predetermined number of aerosolization sessions or puffs greater than the first predetermined number of aerosolization sessions of puffs.

[0134] In another example, the external charging component 634 is a power bank equipped with a battery that may be rechargeable itself. In yet another example, the external charging component 634 is a docking station equipped with a battery that may be rechargeable itself or that can be powered externally, for example, from a main power source. The power bank or docking station may be portable.

[0135] A DC / DC voltage converter 632 is located between the electrical connector 634' and the second supercapacitor module 606. It is configured to properly convert the voltage from the external charging component 634 to the power supply system 600.

[0136] The first supercapacitor module 604 and the second supercapacitor module 606 are connected in parallel to a DC / DC voltage converter 630 positioned between them. The DC / DC voltage converter 630 is positioned to boost the voltage of the second supercapacitor module 606 in order to charge the first supercapacitor module 604 from the second supercapacitor module 606. A first switching means 622 is connected between the first supercapacitor module 604 and the second supercapacitor module 606. The first switching means 622 is controlled by a controller 102 (not shown in Figure 6) to control the second supercapacitor module 606 to charge the first supercapacitor module 604. A second switching means 624 is configured to be positioned between the first supercapacitor module 604 and the heater 608. The second switching means 624 is controlled by a controller 102 to control the power flow from the first supercapacitor module 604 to the heater 608. In one example, the first switching means 622 and the second switching means 624 are transistors controlled by the controller 102. The heater 608 itself is not a component of the power supply system 600, but rather is powered by the power supply system 600.

[0137] During the preheating mode and the float mode, controlling the pulse-width modulated power flow of the power supply system 600 includes controlling the first supercapacitor module 604 to power the heater 608 and the second supercapacitor module 606 to charge the first supercapacitor module 604. In the preheating mode and the float mode, only the first supercapacitor module 604 powers the heater 608, and the second supercapacitor module 606 charges the first supercapacitor module 604. During the PWM cycle on period of the pulse-width modulated power flow, the first supercapacitor module 604 powers the heater 608, and during the PWM cycle off period, the second supercapacitor module 606 charges the first supercapacitor module 604. In other words, during the preheating mode and the float mode, the first supercapacitor module 604 switches between supplying power to the heater 608 during the ON portion of the duty cycle and being charged by the second supercapacitor module 606 during the OFF portion of the duty cycle. The second supercapacitor module 606 does not charge the first supercapacitor module 604 during the ON portion of the duty cycle.

[0138] In float mode, the pulse-width modulated power flow operates within a first duty cycle range that includes one or more PWM periods having a first duty cycle ratio D1. In preheating mode, the first supercapacitor module 604 can supply the pulse-width modulated power flow to the heater 608 within a second duty cycle range that includes one or more PWM periods having a second duty cycle ratio D2. The relationship between D1 and D2 can be considered as D2 = D1 * K, where K is a coefficient >>1 and can be selected as an implementation option. In one example, the first duty cycle ratio can be much smaller than 1, and the second duty cycle ratio can be close to but less than 1. In another example, the first duty cycle ratio can be << 0.5, and the second duty cycle ratio can be ≥ 0.5. In a further example, the first duty cycle is configured to apply <3W in float mode, and the second duty cycle is configured to apply approximately 16W in preheat mode.

[0139] The controller 102, the first switching means 622, and the second switching means 624 can trigger this control over heating and charging. During the PWM cycle on period of the pulse width modulated power flow, the controller 102 controls the first switching means 622 to open the second switching means 624. In this way, power flows from the first supercapacitor module 604 to the heater 608 during the PWM cycle on period, while the second supercapacitor module 606 is disconnected from the first supercapacitor module 604 and the heater 608. During the PWM cycle off period of the pulse width modulated power flow, the controller 102 controls the first switching means 622 to close the second switching means 624. In this way, power flows from the second supercapacitor module 606 to the first supercapacitor module 604 to charge the first supercapacitor module 604, while the first supercapacitor module 604 is disconnected from the heater 608. Therefore, during pulse-width modulated power flow, a rapid switch is made between supplying power to the heater 608 during the PWM cycle on period and charging the first supercapacitor module 604 during the PWM cycle off period.

[0140] In some examples, there may be a slight delay between opening the first switching means 622 and closing the second switching means 624. This prevents power flow from the second supercapacitor module 606 from unintentionally reaching the heater 608 during the ON period of the duty cycle of the pulse-width modulated power flow.

[0141] In the configuration variation described with reference to Figure 6, both the first supercapacitor module 604 and the second supercapacitor module 606 can supply power to the heater during the PWM cycle on period, and the second supercapacitor module 606 can charge the first supercapacitor module 604 during the PWM cycle off period. This can be achieved by the first switching means 622 and the second switching means 624, both of which are closed during the PWM cycle on period, and the second switching means 624, which is open, and the first switching means 622, which is closed during the PWM off period. In this way, the second supercapacitor module 606 can be used to boost the power flow to the heater during the PWM on period. This makes it possible to use a smaller first supercapacitor module 604.

[0142] The power supply of the heater 608 by the first supercapacitor module 604 during the PWM cycle on period of the pulse-width modulated power flow, and the at least partial charging of the first supercapacitor module 604 by the second supercapacitor module 606 during the PWM cycle off period of the pulse-width modulated power flow, can be visually understood as in the plot of Figure 5B. However, those skilled in the art will understand that in this case the solid line 550 represents the power flow out of the first supercapacitor module 604 during the PWM cycle on period (D) of the pulse-width modulated power flow, and the intermittent line 552 represents the power flow entering the first supercapacitor module 604 from the second supercapacitor module 606 during the PWM cycle off period (1-D) of the pulse-width modulated power flow.

[0143] During post-float mode, the controller 102 controls the opening of the second switching means 624 to close the first switching means 622. Thus, the power flow to the heater 608 is disabled, and the first supercapacitor module 604 no longer supplies power to the heater 608. Because the first switching means 622 is closed, the second supercapacitor module 606 continuously charges the first supercapacitor module 604 until the first supercapacitor module 604 is fully charged. In this way, the first supercapacitor module 604 has an appropriate charge level for the preheating mode of the next aerosolization session.

[0144] Those skilled in the art will understand that the dual plot in Figure 5C can also provide a representation of the charge state 572 (i.e., charge level) of the first supercapacitor module 604 and the temperature of the heater 608 when the first supercapacitor module 604 supplies power to the heater 608 in preheating mode 308 and float mode 310, is charged by the second supercapacitor module 606, and is charged by the second supercapacitor module 606 in post-float mode 312.

[0145] A second supercapacitor module 606 (including, for example, a hybrid capacitor) can store enough charge to charge the first supercapacitor module 604 for multiple aerosolization sessions. When the charge level of the second supercapacitor module 606 becomes empty, the aerosol generator 100 can be connected to an external charging component 634 via an electrical connector 634'. The external charging component 634 then charges the second supercapacitor module 606. In this way, the operator of the aerosol generator 100 can perform multiple aerosolization sessions before connecting the aerosol generator 100 to the external charging component 634 (such as a power bank or dock). This allows for a smaller aerosol generator 100 that is easier to handle and safer because the aerosol generator itself does not have a battery. In some examples, the aerosol generator can be connected to an external charging component using appropriate power connectors and electronics, and the aerosolization sessions can be performed using the external charging component instead of the second supercapacitor module.

[0146] A DC / DC converter 632 is positioned between the charging component 634 and the second supercapacitor module 606. This DC / DC converter 632 is configured to boost the voltage of the external charging component 634 in order to charge the second supercapacitor module 606.

[0147] Figure 7A shows a third specific implementation of the power supply system described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0148] In the power supply system 700 of Figure 7, the first energy storage module 704 is a supercapacitor module 704, and the second energy storage module 706 is a battery module 706. The supercapacitor module 704 includes at least one supercapacitor. In a particular example, the supercapacitor module 704 may be implemented as a 3.7V supercapacitor. Therefore, the voltage (U2) of the supercapacitor module 704 may be 3.7V. Alternatively, the supercapacitor module 704 may include two or more supercapacitors connected in series. The battery module 706 may be implemented as a single battery. This may be a high-energy battery such as a battery using lithium-ion technology, aluminum-ion technology, or zinc-ion technology, or any other suitable type of battery. Alternatively, the battery module may include multiple batteries. In a particular example, the battery is a lithium-ion battery with a voltage of 3.7V. Therefore, the voltage (U1) of the battery module 706 may be 3.7V.

[0149] The supercapacitor module 704 and the battery module 706 are connected in a switchable configuration, which allows them to be connected in parallel in a first configuration (as shown in Figure 7B) and in series in a second configuration (as shown in Figure 7C). This switchable configuration is achieved by a first switching means 722, a second switching means 724, a third switching means 726, and a fourth switching means 728. These switching means may be transistors and may be controlled by a controller 102 (not shown in Figures 7A-7C).

[0150] In the first configuration, the first switching means 722 and the fourth switching means 728 are closed, while the second switching means 724 and the third switching means 726 are open. In this way, the battery module 706 and the supercapacitor module 704 are connected in parallel and disconnected from the heater. Thus, power flows from the battery module 706 to the supercapacitor module 704, charging the supercapacitor module 704. Because the second switching means 724 is open, power does not flow to the heater 708, and therefore no load is applied. The heater 708 itself is not a component of the power supply system 700 but is rather powered by the power supply system 700.

[0151] In the second configuration, the first switching means 722 and the fourth switching means 728 are open, while the second switching means 724 and the third switching means 726 are closed. In this way, the battery module 706 and the supercapacitor module 704 are connected in series and further connected to the heater 708. Therefore, the combined series power flow from both the battery module 706 and the supercapacitor module 704 flows to the heater 708 and supplies power to the heater 708. Thus, the load applied to the heater (U LOAD ) is equal to the sum of the voltage of the battery module (U1) and the voltage of the supercapacitor module (U2).

[0152] Control of the pulse-width modulated power flow of the power supply system 700 includes the controller 102 switching the power supply system 700 between a second configuration during the PWM cycle on period of the pulse-width modulated power flow (Figure 7C) and a first configuration during the PWM cycle off period of the pulse-width modulated power flow (Figure 7B). In this way, during the PWM cycle on period, both the battery module 706 and the supercapacitor module 704 supply power to the heater 708, and during the PWM cycle off period, the battery module 706 charges the supercapacitor module 704.

[0153] In other words, during the PWM cycle ON period of the pulse width modulated power flow, the second switching means 724 and the third switching means 726 are closed, while the first switching means 722 and the fourth switching means 728 are open. During the PWM cycle OFF period of the pulse width modulated power flow, the second switching means 724 and the third switching means 726 are open, while the first switching means 722 and the fourth switching means 728 are closed.

[0154] When switching from the PWM cycle on period to the PWM cycle off period, the second switching means 724 and the third switching means 726 open, and the first switching means 722 and the fourth switching means 728 close. For safety reasons, there may be a slight delay between the opening of the second switching means 724 and the third switching means 726 and the closing of the first switching means 722 and the fourth switching means 728. This prevents unwanted current flow.

[0155] Similarly, when switching from the PWM cycle off period to the PWM cycle on period, the first switching means 722 and the fourth switching means 728 open, and the second switching means 724 and the third switching means 726 close. In this case as well, there may be a slight delay between the opening of the first switching means 722 and the fourth switching means 728 and the closing of the second switching means 724 and the third switching means 726. This prevents unwanted current flow.

[0156] Controller 102 is connected to a first switching means 722, a second switching means 724, a third switching means 726, and a fourth switching means 728, each of which is configured to switch between a first configuration and a second configuration for pulse-width modulated power flow to the heater 708. That is, Controller 102 is configured to switch these switching means 722, 724, 726, and 728 between a first configuration during the PWM period off period of the pulse-width modulated power flow and a second configuration during the PWM period on period of the pulse-width modulated power flow in order to control the power supply system 700 to provide the heater 708 with a pulse-width modulated power flow having the required duty cycle.

[0157] In some examples, controller 102 is a single controller configured to control each of the first switching means 722, the second switching means 724, the third switching means 726, and the fourth switching means 728. In other examples, controller 102 may include separate controllers connected to each of the first switching means 722, the second switching means 724, the third switching means 726, and the fourth switching means 728, which are configured to operate simultaneously. In yet another example, controller 102 may include a first controller configured to control the first switching means 722 and the fourth switching means 728, and a second controller configured to control the second switching means 724 and the third switching means 726, with the first and second controllers configured to operate simultaneously.

[0158] By using the same (or similar) voltage supercapacitor module 704 and battery module 706, the need for a DC / DC boost voltage converter between them is eliminated, thereby reducing system losses. Another advantage is that the series connection between the battery module 706 and the supercapacitor module 704 allows their power flows to be combined to power the heater 708, thus enabling the use of lower voltage supercapacitors and batteries. This allows for miniaturization of the device and enhances safety considerations.

[0159] During preheating mode, controlling the pulse-width modulated power flow of the power supply system 700 to the heater 708 includes controlling the power supply system 700 to switch between a second configuration (Figure 7C) during the PWM period on period of the pulse-width modulated power flow and a first configuration (Figure 7B) during the PWM period off period of the pulse-width modulated power flow. In preheating mode, the controller 102 is configured to switch the power supply system 700 between the first and second configurations to supply the heater 708 with pulse-width modulated power flow over a second duty cycle range including one or more PWM periods having a second duty cycle ratio D2.

[0160] During float mode, the control of the pulse-width modulated power flow of the power supply system 700 includes controlling the power supply system 700 to switch between a second configuration (Figure 7C) during the PWM period on period of the pulse-width modulated power flow and a first configuration (Figure 7B) during the PWM period off period of the pulse-width modulated power flow. In float mode, the controller 102 is configured to switch the power supply system 700 between the first and second configurations so that the pulse-width modulated power flow supplies power to the heater 708 in a first duty cycle range including one or more PWM periods having a first duty cycle ratio D1. In this way, during float mode, the power supply system is controlled so that both the battery module 706 and the supercapacitor module 704 supply power to the heater during the PWM period on period of the pulse-width modulated power flow, and the battery module 706 charges the supercapacitor module during the off period of the pulse-width modulated power flow.

[0161] The relationship between D1 and D2 can be considered as D2 = D1 * K, where K is a coefficient >>1 and can be selected as an implementation option. In one example, the first duty cycle ratio can be much smaller than 1, and the second duty cycle ratio can be close to but less than 1. In another example, the first duty cycle ratio can be << 0.5, and the second duty cycle ratio can be ≥ 0.5. In yet another example, the first duty cycle is configured to apply < 3W in float mode, and the second duty cycle is configured to apply approximately 16W in preheat mode.

[0162] The power supply to the heater 708 by the supercapacitor module 704 and the battery module 706 during the PWM cycle on period of the pulse-width modulated power flow, and at least partial charging of the supercapacitor module 704 by the battery module 706 during the PWM cycle off period of the pulse-width modulated power flow, can be visually understood as in the plot in Figure 5B. However, those skilled in the art will understand that in this case, the solid line 550 represents the power flow out of the supercapacitor module 704 during the on period (D) of the duty cycle of the pulse-width modulated power flow, and the intermittent line 552 represents the power flow into the supercapacitor module 704 from the battery module 706 during the off period (1-D) of the duty cycle of the pulse-width modulated power flow.

[0163] During post-float mode, the controller 102 controls the first switching means 722, the second switching means 724, the third switching means 726, and the fourth switching means 728 so that the power system is always in the first configuration (Figure 7B). Thus, the power flow to the heater 708 is disabled, and the battery module 706 continuously charges the supercapacitor module 704 until the supercapacitor module 704 is fully charged. In this way, the supercapacitor module 704 has an appropriate charge level for the next aerosolization session.

[0164] Those skilled in the art will understand that the dual plot in Figure 5C can also provide a representation of the charge state 572 (i.e., charge level) of the supercapacitor module 704 and the temperature 570 of the heater 708 during the preheating mode 308, float mode 310, and post-float mode 312 of the power supply system 700. During preheating mode 308, the temperature of the heater 708 rises to a predetermined temperature. During this preheating 308, the charge level of the supercapacitor module 704 decreases as the supercapacitor module 704 supplies power to the heater 708 for rapid heating. During float mode 310, the temperature of the heater 708 is maintained at a predetermined temperature, and the charge level of the supercapacitor module 704 decreases during the PWM cycle on period and increases during the PWM cycle off period of the pulse width modulated power flow. During post-float mode 312, the battery module 706 continuously charges the supercapacitor module 704, thereby increasing the charge level of the supercapacitor module 704 until it is fully charged.

[0165] The battery module 706 can store enough charge to charge the supercapacitor module 704 for multiple aerosolization sessions. When the charge level of the battery module 706 becomes depleted, the aerosol generator 100 can be connected to an external charging component or power source to charge the battery module 706. In this way, the operator of the aerosol generator 100 can perform multiple aerosolization sessions before connecting the aerosol generator 100 to an external charging component or power source.

[0166] In the foregoing description, the controller 102 can store instructions for executing one or more operating modes and execute them as needed. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the controller 102 can be configured to execute any of the aforementioned operating modes in combination with each other as needed. The processing steps described herein, performed by the controller 102, can be stored in a non-temporary computer-readable medium or storage device associated with the controller 102. Computer-readable media may include non-volatile media and volatile media. Volatile media may, in particular, include semiconductor memory and dynamic memory. Non-volatile media may, in particular, include optical disks and magnetic disks.

[0167] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the preceding embodiments described above are not limiting. Features of each embodiment can be incorporated into other embodiments as needed.

Claims

1. Aerosol generator, A power supply system including a first energy storage module and a second energy storage module, A controller, wherein the controller is Controls the pulse-width modulated power flow of the power supply system to a heater associated with the aerosol generator, wherein the pulse-width modulated power flow includes one or more pulse-width modulation periods, each having an on period and an off period. The power supply system is controlled to supply power to the heater from the first energy storage module and the second energy storage module during the pulse width modulation period on period. The second energy storage module is controlled to charge the first energy storage module during the pulse width modulation cycle off period. A controller and, Aerosol generators, including those mentioned above.

2. The aerosol generator according to claim 1, wherein the first energy storage module is a supercapacitor module and the second energy storage module is a battery module.

3. The aforementioned controller The aerosol generator according to claim 2, configured to control the battery module so as not to charge the supercapacitor module during the pulse width modulation period on period.

4. The aerosol generator according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the power supply system includes the supercapacitor module connected in parallel with the battery module, and a voltage converter is connected between the supercapacitor module and the battery module.

5. The aforementioned power supply system A first switching means connected between the battery module and the supercapacitor module, wherein the first switching means is controlled by the controller to control the battery module to charge the supercapacitor module during the off period of the pulse width modulation period, A second switching means configured to be positioned between the supercapacitor module and the heater, the second switching means being controlled by the controller to control the pulse width modulated power flow from the supercapacitor module to the heater, An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising:

6. The first energy storage module is a supercapacitor module, and the second energy storage module is a battery module. During the ON period, the controller controls the battery module and the supercapacitor module to supply power to the heater. During the aforementioned off period, the controller controls the battery module to charge the supercapacitor module. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The aerosol generator according to claim 6, further comprising a switching means configured to switch the power supply system between a second configuration for the on period and a first configuration for the off period, wherein in the second configuration, the supercapacitor module and the battery module are connected in series, and in the first configuration, the supercapacitor module and the battery module are connected in parallel.

8. The aerosol generator according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the power supply system is configured to apply the sum potential of the battery module and the supercapacitor module to the heater during the ON period.

9. The power supply system is capable of operating in a plurality of selectable operating modes of the aerosolization session, the plurality of operating modes including a float mode, and the controller, The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the power supply system is configured to control the power supply system to apply the pulse width modulated power flow to the heater within a first duty cycle range in order to maintain the heater substantially at an aerosol generation temperature.

10. The plurality of operating modes further include a preheating mode, and the controller, The aerosol generator according to claim 9, wherein the power supply system is configured to control the power supply system to apply the pulse width modulated power flow to the heater in a second duty cycle range different from the first duty cycle range during a preheating mode prior to the float mode in order to heat the heater to the aerosol generation temperature.

11. The first duty cycle range includes one or more pulse width modulation periods having a first duty cycle ratio D1, The second duty cycle range includes one or more pulse width modulation periods having a second duty cycle ratio D2, D2 = D1 × K, where K is the coefficient of >>1. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10.

12. The plurality of operating modes include a post-float mode, and the controller, After the float mode, the pulse-width modulated power flow to the heater is disabled for the remainder of the aerosolization session. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 9 to 11, configured to control the second energy storage module to charge the first energy storage module.

13. A method for controlling a power supply system of an aerosol generator, wherein the power supply system includes a first energy storage module and a second energy storage module, and the method is Controlling the pulse-width modulated power flow of the power supply system to a heater associated with the aerosol generator, wherein the pulse-width modulated power flow includes one or more pulse-width modulation periods, each having an on period and an off period. Controlling the power supply system to supply power to the heater from the first energy storage module and the second energy storage module during the pulse width modulation period on period, Controlling the second energy storage module to charge the first energy storage module during the pulse width modulation period off period, Methods that include...

14. When executed by one or more processors of a controller configured to operate together with a power supply system for an aerosol generator including a first energy storage module and a second energy storage module, Controlling the pulse-width modulated power flow of the power supply system to a heater associated with the aerosol generator, wherein the pulse-width modulated power flow includes one or more pulse-width modulation periods, each having an on period and an off period. Controlling the power supply system to supply power to the heater from the first energy storage module and the second energy storage module during the pulse width modulation period on period, Controlling the second energy storage module to charge the first energy storage module during the pulse width modulation period off period, This causes one or more processors to control the power supply system. A non-temporary computer-readable medium for storing instructions.

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