A heated (HNB) aerosol generating device including inter-suction heater control, and a method for controlling the heater.

Abstract

At least one exemplary embodiment provides a system for controlling a heater in a non-combustible aerosol generating device, the system including a memory storing computer readable instructions and a controller configured to execute the computer readable instructions to cause the non-combustible aerosol generating device to: detect an airflow in the non-combustible aerosol generating device, apply a first power to the heater based on the detected airflow, apply a second power to the heater after applying the first power based on a target pre-heat temperature and the detected airflow being less than an airflow threshold, and apply a third power to the heater, the third power being greater than the second power, after applying the second power based on the target pre-heat temperature and the detected airflow being less than an airflow threshold.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a heated-needle-burn (HNB) aerosol generating device and a method for controlling a heater within the aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Some electronic devices are configured to avoid substantial thermal decomposition of plant material by heating it to a temperature sufficient to release its components while maintaining the temperature below the burning point of the plant material. Such devices may be called aerosol generating devices (e.g., heated aerosol generating devices), and the heated plant material may be tobacco. In some examples, the plant material may be introduced directly into the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device. In other examples, the plant material may be pre-packaged in individual containers to facilitate insertion into or removal from the aerosol generating device. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] At least one embodiment relates to a heated (HNB) aerosol generating device. In an exemplary embodiment, the aerosol generating device may include:

[0004] At least one embodiment relates to a system for controlling a heater in a non-flammable aerosol generating device. The system includes a memory for storing computer-readable instructions and a controller configured to execute the computer-readable instructions to cause the non-flammable aerosol generating device to detect an airflow within the non-flammable aerosol generating device; to apply a first power to the heater based on the detected airflow; to apply a second power to the heater after the first power has been applied, based on a preheating temperature and the detected airflow being less than an airflow threshold; and to apply a third power greater than the second power to the heater after the second power has been applied, based on the preheating temperature and the detected airflow being less than the airflow threshold.

[0005] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the airflow threshold is a first threshold, and the controller is configured to cause the non-flammable aerosol generating device to apply the first power when the detected airflow exceeds a second threshold.

[0006] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the second threshold is greater than the first threshold.

[0007] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the controller is configured to cause the non-flammable aerosol generating device to determine a heating temperature, reduce the first power based on the heating temperature and the suction temperature, and apply the second power based on the suction temperature and the preheating temperature.

[0008] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the preheating temperature and the suction temperature are equal.

[0009] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the suction temperature is higher than the preheating temperature.

[0010] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the controller is configured to cause the non-combustible aerosol-generating device to determine a heating temperature, increase the first power after detecting the air flow and before applying the second power, and increase the second power before applying the third power.

[0011] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the first power is less than the second power.

[0012] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the controller comprises a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller, and the controller is configured to cause the non-combustible aerosol-generating device to change at least one of the proportional term, the integral term, and the derivative term of the PID controller based on the detected air flow.

[0013] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the controller is configured to cause the non-combustible aerosol-generating device to increase the proportional term when the detected air flow is greater than the second threshold, and decrease the proportional term when the detected air flow is less than the first threshold.

[0014] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the system further comprises a sensor configured to detect the air flow and output a signal indicative of the magnitude of the air flow to the controller.

[0015] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the preheating temperature is lower than 400°C.

[0016] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the preheating temperature is 320°C.

[0017] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the preheating temperature is 300°C.

[0018] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the first power is a set maximum power.

[0019] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the second power is the set minimum power.

[0020] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the minimum set power is 1W.

[0021] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the controller is configured to cause the non-flammable aerosol generating device to determine a heating temperature, and the third power is applied by the application of the third power when the heating temperature is the preheating temperature.

[0022] At least one exemplary embodiment provides a non-flammable aerosol generating system. The system includes a heater and a circuit configured to cause a non-flammable aerosol generating device to detect an airflow within the non-flammable aerosol generating device, to apply a first power to the heater based on the detected airflow, to apply a second power to the heater after the first power has been applied based on a preheating temperature and that the detected airflow is less than an airflow threshold, and to apply a third power to the heater greater than the second power after the second power has been applied based on the preheating temperature and that the detected airflow is less than the airflow threshold.

[0023] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the system further includes a removable capsule containing the heater, configured to direct the airflow along the longitudinal axis of the capsule.

[0024] At least one exemplary embodiment provides a system for controlling a heater in a non-flammable aerosol generating device. The system includes a memory for storing computer-readable instructions and a controller configured to execute the computer-readable instructions to cause the non-flammable aerosol generating device to: detect an airflow within the non-flammable aerosol generating device; apply a first power to the heater when the detected airflow exceeds a first threshold; reduce the first power to achieve an inhalation temperature while the detected airflow exceeds the first threshold; apply a second power to the heater that is less than the first power after reducing the first power to achieve the inhalation temperature when the detected airflow is less than a second threshold that is less than the first threshold; and apply a third power to the heater that is greater than the second power after applying the second power when the detected airflow is less than a second threshold.

[0025] At least one exemplary embodiment provides a system for controlling a heater in a non-flammable aerosol generating device. The system includes a memory for storing computer-readable instructions, and a controller configured to execute the computer-readable instructions to achieve a preheating temperature by applying preheating power to the non-flammable aerosol generating device, to detect airflow within the non-flammable aerosol generating device, to apply a first power less than the preheating power to the heater when the detected airflow exceeds a first threshold, to increase the first power while the detected airflow exceeds the first threshold to achieve an suction temperature lower than the preheating temperature, and to apply a second power greater than the increased first power to the heater after increasing the first power to achieve the suction temperature when the detected airflow is less than a second threshold less than the first threshold.

[0026] Various features and advantages of embodiments not limited to this disclosure may become more apparent by reading the detailed description together with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be understood as limiting the claims. Unless explicitly stated, the accompanying drawings should not be assumed to be drawn to an accurate scale. Various dimensions in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0027] [Figure 1A] [Figure 1B] [Figure 1C] Figures 1A to 1C show various perspective views of an aerosol generating device according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0028] [Figure 2A] Figure 2A shows the aerosol generating device shown in Figures 1A to 1C, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0029] [Figure 2B] Figure 2B shows a capsule for the aerosol generating device shown in Figures 1A to 1C, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0030] [Figure 2C] [Figure 2D] Figures 2C and 2D show a part of the aerosol generating device from Figures 1A to 1C removed, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0031] [Figure 2E] [Figure 2F] Figures 2E and 2F are cross-sectional views of the aerosol generating device shown in Figures 1A to 1C, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0032] [Figure 3]Figure 3 shows the electrical systems of aerosol generating devices and capsules according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0033] [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a heater voltage measurement circuit according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0034] [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a heater current measurement circuit according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0035] [Figure 6A] [Figure 6B] Figures 6A and 6B show a compensation voltage measurement circuit and algorithm according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0036] [Figure 7A] [Figure 7B] [Figure 7C] Figures 7A to 7C are circuit diagrams showing a heating engine control circuit according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0037] [Figure 8A] [Figure 8B] Figures 8A and 8B illustrate methods for controlling a heater in a non-flammable aerosol generating device according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0038] [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing a temperature heating engine control algorithm according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0039] [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a timing diagram of the method shown in Figures 8A and 8B, according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0040] [Figure 11A] [Figure 11B] Figures 11A and 11B illustrate a method for controlling a heater in a non-flammable aerosol generating device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0041] [Figure 11C] Figure 11C is a timing diagram of the method shown in Figures 11A and 11B, which uses a one-step temperature preheating, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0042] [Figure 11D] Figure 11D is a timing diagram of the method shown in Figures 11A and 11B, which uses a two-stage temperature preheating method, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0043] [Figure 11E] Figure 11E is a timing diagram of the method shown in Figures 11A and 11B, which uses a two-stage temperature preheating method, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0044] [Figure 11F] Figure 11F is a timing diagram of the method shown in Figures 11A and 11B, which uses a two-stage temperature preheating method, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0045] [Figure 11G] Figure 11G is a timing diagram for a non-flammable aerosol generating device that does not perform inter-puff heating control. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0046] Several detailed exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein. However, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are provided solely for the purpose of describing the exemplary embodiments. However, the exemplary embodiments may be carried out in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited only to the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0047] Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments are subject to various modifications and changes, which are shown in the drawings and described in detail herein. However, the exemplary embodiments are not intended to be limited to any particular form disclosed, but rather encompass all modifications, equivalents, and changes. Throughout the description with respect to the drawings, similar reference numerals indicate similar elements.

[0048] When one component or layer is described as "on top of," "connected to," "linked to," "attached to," "adjacent to," or "covering" another component or layer, that component or layer may be directly on top of, connected to, linked to, attached to, adjacent to, or covering the other component or layer, or there may be an intervening component or layer. Conversely, when one component is described as "directly on top of," "directly connected to," or "directly linked to" another component or layer, there is no intervening component or layer. Throughout the specification, similar reference numerals indicate similar components. In this specification, the word "and / or" includes any and all combinations or subcombinations of one or more items listed with this word.

[0049] In this specification, terms such as first, second, third, etc., are used to describe various members, regions, layers, and / or parts, but it should be understood that these members, regions, layers, and / or parts are not limited to these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one member, region, layer, or part from another. Accordingly, the first member, region, layer, or part described below may also be described as the second member, region, layer, or part without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0050] In this specification, terms describing spatial relationships (e.g., “below,” “below,” “bottom,” “above,” “top,” etc.) are used for convenience to describe the illustrated relationship between one member or feature and another member or feature. It should be understood that these terms describing spatial relationships are intended to include various orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation shown in the drawings. For example, if the device in the drawing is inverted, a member described as being “below” or “below” another member or feature would be “above” that other member or feature. Therefore, the term “below” can include both upward and downward orientations. The device may have other orientations (90-degree rotation or other orientations), and the terms describing spatial relationships used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0051] The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing various exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit them. The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" used herein are intended to include plural cases unless explicitly stated otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that the terms "includes," "includes," "equips," and / or "equips" herein specify the presence of the features, integers, processes, operations, and / or components described herein, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, processes, operations, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0052] In this specification, when the terms “approximately” and “substantially” are used in relation to numerical values, the numerical values ​​in which these terms are used are intended to have a tolerance of ±10% of the stated value unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0053] All terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art in the field to which the exemplary embodiments belong, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, these terms, including those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their respective field meanings, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly specified otherwise herein.

[0054] Figure 1A is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1B is a rear perspective view of the aerosol generating device of Figure 1A. Figure 1C is an upstream perspective view of the aerosol generating device of Figure 1A. As shown in Figures 1A to 1C, the aerosol generating device 10 is configured to receive an aerosol-generating material and heat it to produce an aerosol. The aerosol generating device 10 includes, among various constituent elements, a front housing 1202, a rear housing 1204, and a bottom housing 1206, which are connected to a frame 1208 (e.g., a chassis). A door 1210 is also rotatably connected to / mounted to the front housing 1202. For example, the door 1210 is configured to move or swing around a hinge 1212 and to switch between an open position and a closed position by reversibly engaging with / disengaging from the front housing 1202 via a latch 1214. The aerosol-generating material may be contained within a capsule 100 (e.g., Figure 2) and loaded into the aerosol-generating device 10 via a door 1210. During operation of the aerosol-generating device 10, the generated aerosol may be drawn out of the aerosol-generating device 10 via an aerosol outlet 1102 defined by the mouth end segment 1104 of a mouthpiece 1100 (e.g., Figure 2).

[0055] As shown in Figure 1B, the aerosol generating device 10 includes a first button 1218 and a second button 1220. The first button 1218 may be a preheating button, and the second button 1220 may be a power button (or vice versa). Furthermore, one or both of the first button 1218 and the second button 1220 may include a light-emitting diode (LED), which is configured to emit visible light when the first button 1218 and / or the second button 1220 are pressed. If both the first button 1218 and the second button 1220 include LEDs, the emitted light may be the same color or different colors. The light may also be the same intensity or different intensities. Furthermore, the light may be configured as continuous light or as intermittent light. For example, the light associated with the power button (e.g., the second button 1220) may flash / flash momentarily to indicate that the power level (e.g., battery) is low and needs charging. Although the aerosol generating device 10 is shown as having two buttons, it should be understood that it may have more (e.g., three) or fewer buttons depending on the desired interface and function.

[0056] The aerosol generating device 10 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The rectangular parallelepiped has a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface, a first side surface between the front surface and the rear surface, a second side surface opposite the first side surface, a downstream end surface, and an upstream end surface opposite the downstream end surface. In this specification, "upstream" (and vice versa, "downstream") refers to the flow of the aerosol, and "proximal" (and vice versa, "distal") refers to the adult operating the aerosol generating device 10 during aerosol generation. The aerosol generating device 10 is shown as having a rectangular parallelepiped shape with a polygonal cross-section (e.g., a rectangular parallelepiped other than a cube with rounded corners), but it should be understood that exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, in some embodiments, the aerosol generating device 10 may have a cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section (e.g., a cylinder), or a cylindrical shape with an elliptical cross-section (e.g., an elliptical cylinder).

[0057] As shown in Figure 1C, the aerosol generating device 10 includes an inlet insert 1222, which is configured to allow ambient air to enter the device body 1200 (e.g., Figure 2). In one exemplary embodiment, the inlet insert 1222 defines an orifice as an air inlet that fluidly communicates with the aerosol outlet 1102. As a result, when the aerosol outlet 1102 is sucked (e.g., puffed) or negative pressure is applied to it, ambient air is drawn into the device body 1200 through the orifice in the inlet insert 1222. The size (e.g., diameter) of the orifice in the inlet insert 1222 can be adjusted to provide a desired overall resistance to suction (RTD) while taking into account other variables in the flow path (e.g., capsule 100). In other embodiments, the inlet insert 1222 may be omitted entirely, and the air inlet may be defined by the bottom housing 1206.

[0058] The aerosol generating device 10 may further include a jack 1224 and a port 1226. In one exemplary embodiment, the jack 1224 allows for the download of operational information for research and development (R&D) purposes (e.g., via an RS232 cable). The port 1226 is configured to receive current from an external power source (e.g., via a USB / mini USB cable), thereby charging the internal power supply within the aerosol generating device 10. The port 1226 may also be configured to send and / or receive data to and from another aerosol generating device or other electronic devices (e.g., a phone, tablet, computer) (e.g., via a USB / mini USB cable). Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 10 may be configured to communicate wirelessly with another electronic device (e.g., a phone) via application software (app) installed on that electronic device. In such an example, an adult operator may control the aerosol generating device 10 via the app and engage in other forms of communication (e.g., locating the aerosol generating device, checking usage information, changing operating parameters, etc.).

[0059] Figure 2A is a front perspective view of the aerosol generating device shown in Figures 1A to 1C, with the mouthpiece 1100 and capsule 100 separated from the device body. As shown in Figure 2, the aerosol generating device 10 includes a device body 1200 configured to receive the capsule 100 and the mouthpiece 1100. In one exemplary embodiment, the device body 1200 defines a receiving portion 1228 configured to receive the capsule 100. The receiving portion 1228 may take the form of a cylindrical socket with outwardly extending side slots facing each other in the diametrical direction, thereby accommodating the electrical ends / contacts of the capsule 100. However, it should be understood that the receiving portion 1228 may take other forms depending on the shape / configuration of the capsule 100.

[0060] As described above, the device body 1200 includes a door 1210, which is configured to open to allow insertion of the capsule 100 and the mouthpiece 1100, and to close to hold the capsule 100 and the mouthpiece 1100. The mouthpiece 1100 includes a mouth end (e.g., the mouth end of the mouth end segment 1104) and an opposing capsule end (e.g., the capsule end of the capsule end segment 1106). In one exemplary embodiment, the capsule end is larger than the mouth end and is configured to prevent the mouthpiece 1100 from detaching from the capsule 100 when the door 1210 of the device body 1200 is closed. The capsule 100 may become invisible once it has been received / secured in the device body 1200 and is ready to generate an aerosol, while the mouth end segment 1104 defining the aerosol outlet 1102 of the mouthpiece 1100 remains visible. As shown in the figure, the mouth end segment 1104 of the mouthpiece 1100 may extend from and through the downstream end face of the device body 1200. Furthermore, the mouth end segment 1104 of the mouthpiece 1100 may be located closer to the front than to the rear of the device body 1200.

[0061] In some examples, the device body 1200 of the aerosol generating device 10 may optionally include a mouthpiece sensor and / or a door sensor. The mouthpiece sensor may be positioned on the edge of the receiving portion 1228 (for example, adjacent to the front of the device body 1200). The door sensor may be positioned on the portion of the front housing 1202 adjacent to the hinge 1212 and within the swing path of the door 1210. In one exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece sensor and the door sensor are spring-loaded (e.g., retractable) projections configured as safety switches. For example, the mouthpiece sensor may be retracted / pressed (e.g., activated) when the mouthpiece 1100 is fully engaged with the capsule 100 loaded into the receiving portion 1228. The door sensor may also be retracted / pressed (e.g., activated) when the door 1210 is fully closed. In such an example, the control circuit of the device body 1200 may allow heating of the aerosol-generating material inside the capsule 100 by supplying current to the capsule 100 (for example, preheating is permitted when the first button 1218 is pressed). Conversely, the control circuit of the device body 1200 (for example, the controller 2105) may block or stop the supply of current when the mouthpiece sensor and / or door sensor are not activated or are deactivated (for example, when they are released). Thus, heating of the aerosol-generating material will not begin unless the mouthpiece 1100 is fully inserted and / or the door 1210 is fully closed. Similarly, if the door 1210 is opened while the aerosol-generating material is heating, the supply of current to the capsule 100 is interrupted / stopped.

[0062] The capsule 100, as will be described in more detail herein, generally includes a housing that defines an inlet opening, an outlet opening, and a channel between the inlet and outlet openings. The aerosol-generating material is placed within the chamber of the housing. A heater may further extend from the outside into the housing. The housing may include a body and an upstream section. The body of the housing includes a proximal end and a distal end. The upstream section of the housing may be configured to engage with the distal end of the body.

[0063] Figure 2B shows a capsule for the aerosol generating device shown in Figures 1A to 1C, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0064] The aerosol-generating material contained within the capsule 100 may be in the form of a first aerosol-generating material 160a and a second aerosol-generating material 160b. In one exemplary embodiment, the first aerosol-generating material 160a and the second aerosol-generating material 160b are housed between a first cover 110 and a second cover 120. During the operation of the aerosol-generating device 10, the first aerosol-generating material 160a and the second aerosol-generating material 160b can generate aerosols by being heated by a heater 336. As described in more detail herein, the heater 336 includes a first end 142, an intermediate section 144, and a second end 146. Furthermore, during the manufacturing process, before assembling the capsule 100, the heater 336 may be mounted on the base section 130.

[0065] As shown in the figure, the first cover 110 of the capsule 100 defines a first upstream groove 112, a first recess 114, and a first downstream groove 116. The first upstream groove 112 and the first downstream groove 116 can each be in the form of a series of grooves. Similarly, the second cover 120 of the capsule 100 defines a second upstream groove, a second recess, and a second downstream groove 126. In one exemplary embodiment, the second upstream groove, the second recess, and the second downstream groove 126 of the second cover 120 are the same as the first upstream groove 112, the first recess 114, and the first downstream groove 116 of the first cover 110, respectively. In particular, in some examples, the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 have identical and complementary structures. In such an example, a complementary structure is obtained by engaging the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 with the base portion 130 while they are facing each other. As a result, one part can be used interchangeably as either the first cover 110 or the second cover 120, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0066] The first recess 114 of the first cover 110 and the second recess of the second cover 120 jointly form a chamber, which is configured to accommodate the intermediate portion 144 of the heater 336 when the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 are connected to the base portion 130. The first aerosol-generating material 160a and the second aerosol-generating material 160b may also be contained within the chamber, thereby making thermal contact with the intermediate portion 144 of the heater 336 when the capsule 100 is assembled. The chamber may have a maximum dimension extending from one of the inlet openings (e.g., the inlet opening of the upstream channel 162) to one of the outlet openings (e.g., the outlet opening of the downstream channel 166) opposite to the inlet opening. In one exemplary embodiment, the housing of the capsule 100 has a longitudinal axis, and the maximum dimension of the chamber extends along the longitudinal axis of the housing.

[0067] The first downstream groove 116 of the first cover 110 and the second downstream groove 126 of the second cover 120 jointly form a downstream channel 166. Similarly, the first upstream groove 112 of the first cover 110 and the second upstream groove of the second cover 120 jointly form an upstream channel 162. The downstream channel 166 and the upstream channel 162 are small or narrow enough to hold the first aerosol-generating material 160a and the second aerosol-generating material 160b within the chamber, but large or wide enough to allow air and / or aerosols to pass through when the first aerosol-generating material 160a and the second aerosol-generating material 160b are heated by the heater 336.

[0068] In one example, the first aerosol-generating material 160a and the second aerosol-generating material 160b may each be in a connected and integrated form (e.g., a sheet, pallet, or tablet). The connected and integrated form is configured to maintain its shape and allow the first aerosol-generating material 160a and the second aerosol-generating material 160b to be arranged in a unified manner within the first recess 114 of the first cover 110 and the second recess of the second cover 120, respectively. In such an example, the first aerosol-generating material 160a may be placed on one side of the intermediate portion 144 of the heater 336 (for example, the side facing the first cover 110), and the second aerosol-generating material 160b may be placed on the other side of the intermediate portion 144 of the heater 336 (for example, the side facing the second cover 120), substantially filling the first recess 114 of the first cover 110 and the second recess of the second cover 120, respectively. This would cause the intermediate portion 144 of the heater 336 to be sandwiched / embedded between the first aerosol-generating material 160a and the second aerosol-generating material 160b. Alternatively, one or both of the first aerosol-generating material 160a and the second aerosol-generating material 160b may be in a loose form (e.g., particles, fibers, powder, fragments, or chips) that does not have a set shape, and when introduced, may take the shape of the first recess 114 of the first cover 110 and / or the second recess of the second cover 120.

[0069] As described above, the housing of the capsule 100 may include a first cover 110, a second cover 120, and a base portion 130. When the capsule 100 is assembled, the housing may have a height of approximately 30 mm to 40 mm (e.g., 35 mm), but the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the first recess 114 of the first cover 110 and the second recess of the second cover 120 may each have a depth of approximately 1 mm to 4 mm (e.g., 2 mm). In such an example, the chamber formed by the first recess 114 of the first cover 110 and the second recess of the second cover 120 may have an overall thickness of approximately 2 mm to 8 mm (e.g., 4 mm). Accordingly, the first aerosol-generating material 160a and the second aerosol-generating material 160b may each have a thickness of approximately 1 mm to 4 mm (e.g., 2 mm) when connected and integrated. As a result, the first aerosol-generating material 160a and the second aerosol-generating material 160b can be heated relatively quickly and uniformly by the intermediate section 144 of the heater 336.

[0070] The control circuit may instruct the power supply to supply current to the heater 336. The current supply from the power supply may be in response to manual operation (e.g., button activation) or to automatic operation (e.g., puff-activated). As a result of the current supply, the capsule 100 may be heated and generate an aerosol. Furthermore, the aerosolization temperature may be monitored and controlled using the change in the resistance value of the heater. The generated aerosol can be inhaled from the aerosol generating device 10 through the mouthpiece 1100. The control circuit (e.g., controller 2105) may also maintain the temperature of the capsule 100 between inhalations by instructing the power supply to supply current to the heater 336.

[0071] As described herein, an aerosol-producing material is a material or combination of such materials capable of producing an aerosol. An aerosol is a substance generated or produced by the devices and their equivalents disclosed and claimed herein. Such materials may contain compounds (e.g., nicotine, cannabinoids), and when the material is heated, an aerosol containing this compound is produced. The heating may be below the combustion temperature, thereby producing the aerosol without causing substantial thermal decomposition of the aerosol-producing material or substantial generation of combustion byproducts (if any). Thus, in some exemplary embodiments, no thermal decomposition occurs during heating and the production of the aerosol therefrom. In other examples, some thermal decomposition and combustion byproducts may occur, but to a relatively small extent and / or may be considered merely incidental.

[0072] The aerosol-producing substance may be a fibrous material. The fibrous material may be, for example, a plant material. The fibrous material is configured to release a compound when heated. The compound may be a natural component of the fibrous material. The fibrous material may be, for example, a plant material such as tobacco, and the released compound may be nicotine. The term “tobacco” includes any tobacco plant material, which includes tobacco leaves, tobacco plugs, reconstituted tobacco, compressed tobacco, shaped tobacco, or powdered tobacco obtained from one or more species of the tobacco plant, e.g., Nicotiana rustica and Nicotiana tabacum, and combinations thereof.

[0073] In some exemplary embodiments, the tobacco material may include material obtained from any member of the genus Nicotiana. Furthermore, the tobacco material may include a blend of two or more different tobacco species. Examples of suitable types of tobacco material that can be used include, but are not limited to, yellow tobacco, barley tobacco, dark tobacco, Maryland tobacco, Oriental tobacco, rare tobacco, specialty tobacco, and blends thereof. The tobacco material may be provided in any suitable form, which includes, but is not limited to, tobacco layers, processed tobacco material (e.g., increased volume tobacco or puffed tobacco), processed tobacco stems (e.g., cut and rolled stems or cut and puffed stems), reconstituted tobacco material, and blends thereof. In some exemplary embodiments, the tobacco material is substantially in the form of a mass of dry tobacco. In further exemplary embodiments, the tobacco material may be mixed with and / or combined with at least one of propylene glycol, glycerin, subcombinations thereof, or combinations thereof.

[0074] The compounds may also be natural components of medicinal plants that possess medically acceptable therapeutic effects. For example, the medicinal plant could be a cannabis plant, and the compounds could be cannabinoids. Cannabinoids interact with receptors in the body to produce a wide range of effects. As a result, cannabinoids have been used for various medical purposes (e.g., pain, nausea, epilepsy, and mental illness). The fibrous material may include leaf and / or flower material obtained from one or more species of cannabis plants (e.g., Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis). In some examples, the fibrous material is a mixture containing 60-80% (e.g., 70%) of Cannabis sativa and 20-40% (e.g., 30%) of Cannabis indica.

[0075] Examples of cannabinoids include tetrahydrocannabinol (THCA), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabichromene (CBC), and cannabigerol (CBG). Tetrahydrocannabinol (THCA) is a precursor of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) is a precursor of cannabidiol (CBD). Tetrahydrocannabinol (THCA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) can be converted to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), respectively, by heating. In one exemplary embodiment, heat from a heater (e.g., heater 336 shown in Figure 2B) may cause decarboxylation, thereby converting tetrahydrocannabinol (THCA) in capsule 100 to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and / or cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) in capsule 100 to cannabidiol (CBD).

[0076] In the case where both tetrahydrocannabinol (THCA) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are present in capsule 100, decarboxylation and the resulting conversion will decrease tetrahydrocannabinol (THCA) and increase tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). During heating of capsule 100, at least 50% (e.g., at least 87%) of tetrahydrocannabinol (THCA) may be converted to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Similarly, in the case where both cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and cannabidiol (CBD) are present in capsule 100, decarboxylation and the resulting conversion will decrease cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and increase cannabidiol (CBD). During heating of capsule 100, at least 50% (e.g., at least 87%) of cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) may be converted to cannabidiol (CBD).

[0077] Furthermore, the compound may be a non-natural additive, or may contain even more non-natural additives, which are then introduced into the fibrous material. In one example, the fibrous material may contain at least one of the following: cotton, polyethylene, polyester, rayon, or combinations thereof (e.g., in the form of gauze). In another example, the fibrous material may contain a natural material such as a cellulose material (e.g., a non-tobacco material and / or a non-cannabis material). In either example, the compound introduced may include nicotine, cannabinoids, and / or flavoring agents. The flavoring agents may be from natural sources such as plant extracts (e.g., tobacco extract, cannabis extract) and / or from artificial sources. In yet another example, when the fibrous material contains tobacco and / or cannabis, the compound may contain one or more flavoring agents (e.g., menthol, mint, vanilla), or even more. Thus, the compounds in the aerosol-producing material may contain natural components and / or non-natural additives. In this regard, it should be understood that the level of natural components in the aerosol-producing material can be increased by supplementation. For example, the level of nicotine in a given amount of tobacco can be increased by supplementing with a nicotine-containing extract. Similarly, the level of one or more cannabinoids in a given amount of cannabis can be increased by supplementing with a cannabinoid-containing extract.

[0078] The first cover 110 and the second cover 120 further define a first groove 118 and a second groove 128, respectively. The first groove 118 and the second groove 128 together form a downstream groove, which is configured to accommodate the first annular member 150a. Similarly, the base portion 130 defines an upstream groove 138, which is configured to accommodate the second annular member 150b. As described above, the base portion 130 includes an engagement assembly 136, which is configured to facilitate connection with the first cover 110 and the second cover 120. The engagement assembly 136 may be integrally formed with the base portion 130. In one exemplary embodiment, the base portion 130 defines a base-side inlet 132 and a base-side outlet 134 that is in fluid communication with it. The engagement assembly 136 is in the form of a protruding edge / collar on each side of the base outlet 134. Furthermore, each of the first cover 110 and the second collar 120 defines a slot, which is configured to receive the corresponding protruding edge / collar from the engagement assembly 136. As a result, the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 interlock (and further connect to each other) with the engagement assembly 136 of the base portion 130 (e.g., via their distal ends) to further form the housing of the capsule 100.

[0079] The first cover 110 and the second cover 120 may be formed from, for example, a liquid crystal polymer, PEEK (polyetheretherketone), or aluminum.

[0080] To manufacture the heater 336, the sheet material may be cut or processed in other ways (e.g., punching, electrochemical etching, die cutting, laser cutting). The sheet material may be formed of one or more conductors configured to be Joule heated (also known as ohm heating / resistive heating). Suitable conductors for the sheet material include iron alloys (e.g., steel, iron aluminide), nickel alloys (e.g., nichrome), and / or ceramics (e.g., metal-coated ceramics). For example, the steel may be of the type known in the art as SS316L, but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. The sheet material may have a thickness of about 0.1 to 0.3 mm (e.g., 0.15 to 0.25 mm). The heater 336 may have a resistance of about 0.5 to 2.5 ohms (e.g., 1 to 2 ohms).

[0081] The heater 336 includes a first end 142, an intermediate section 144, and a second end 146. The first end 142 and the second end 146 are configured to receive current from a power source while the heater 336 is operating. When the heater 336 is operating (for example, by being Joule heated), the temperatures of the first aerosol-generating material 160a and the second aerosol-generating material 160b may rise, generating aerosols that can be drawn in through the downstream channel 166 of the capsule 100 or released in other ways. The first end 142 and the second end 146 may each include a fork terminal to facilitate electrical connection to a power source (for example, via a connecting bolt), but the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. Furthermore, since the heater 336 may be manufactured from sheet material, the first end 142, the second end 146, and the intermediate section 144 may be coplanar. Furthermore, the intermediate portion 144 of the heater 336 may have a planar and winding shape resembling compression vibration or a zigzag, having multiple parallel segments (e.g., 8 to 16 parallel segments). However, it should be understood that other shapes (e.g., spiral shape, floral shape) are also possible for the intermediate portion 144 of the heater 336.

[0082] In one exemplary embodiment, the heater 336 extends through the base portion 130. In such an example, the respective endpoints of the first end 142 and the second end 146 can be considered as external segments of the heater 336 projecting from opposite sides of the base portion 130. In particular, the intermediate portion 144 of the heater 336 is located downstream of the base portion 130 and is aligned with the base-side outlet 134. During manufacturing, the heater 336 may be embedded within the base portion 130 by injection molding (e.g., insert molding, overmolding). For example, the heater 336 may be embedded such that the intermediate portion 144 is between a pair of protruding edges / collars of the engagement assembly 136, at an equal distance from the pair of protruding edges / collars.

[0083] In the drawings, the first end 142 and the second end 146 of the heater 336 are shown as projections (e.g., fins) extending from both sides of the base portion 130. However, it should be understood that in some exemplary embodiments, the first end 142 and the second end 146 of the heater 336 may be configured to form part of the side surface of the capsule 100. For example, the exposed portions of the first end 142 and the second end 146 of the heater 336 may have dimensions / directions such that they rest on / bend (and further follow the basic contour of the base portion 130) on both sides of the base portion 130. As a result, in addition to forming part of the side surface of the capsule 100, the first end 142 and the second end 146 may constitute a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact, respectively.

[0084] Figure 2C shows the aerosol generating device with some parts removed from Figure 1A to Figure 1C. Figure 2D shows the aerosol generating device with some parts removed from Figure 2. As shown in Figures 2C and 2D, the frame 1208 (e.g., a metal chassis) acts as a base for the internal components of the aerosol generating device 10, and these internal components may be mounted directly or indirectly to the frame 1208. With respect to the structures / components shown in the drawings and described above, please understand that the relevant teachings are also applicable to the relevant parts of the specification and may not be repeated for the sake of brevity. In one exemplary embodiment, a bottom housing 1206 is fixed to the upstream end of the frame 1208. Furthermore, a receiving section 1228 (e.g., receiving the capsule 100) may be mounted on the front side of the frame 1208. Between the receiving section 1228 and the bottom housing 1206 is an inflow channel 1230, which is configured to direct the incoming ambient airflow toward the capsule 100 located within the receiving section 1228. Inflowing air may enter through an inflow insert 1222 (e.g., Figure 1C), which may be located on the distal end of the inflow channel 1230. Furthermore, the receiving portion 1228 and / or the inflow channel 1230 may include a flow sensor (e.g., an integrated flow sensor).

[0085] The cover 1232 and the power supply 1234 within it (e.g., Figure 2E) may be mounted on the rear side of the frame 1208. A first power terminal block 1236a and a second power terminal block 1236b may be provided to establish an electrical connection with the capsule 100 (e.g., located in the receptacle 1228 and covered by the capsule end segment 1106 of the mouthpiece 1100), thereby facilitating the supply of current. For example, the first power terminal block 1236a and the second power terminal block 1236b may establish the essential electrical connection between the power supply 1234 and the capsule 100 via the first end 142 and the second end 146 of the heater 336. The first power terminal block 1236a and / or the second power terminal block 1236b may be made of brass.

[0086] The aerosol generating device 10 may further include a plurality of printed circuit boards (PCBs) configured to facilitate its operation. In one exemplary embodiment, a first printed circuit board 1238 (e.g., a power bridge PCB and an I2C) is mounted at the downstream end of the cover 1232 for the power supply 1234. A second printed circuit board 1240 (e.g., an HMI PCB) is mounted behind the cover 1232. In another example, a third printed circuit board 1242 (e.g., a serial port PCB) is fixed to the front of the frame 1208 and positioned behind the inflow channel 1230. A fourth printed circuit board 1244 (e.g., a USB-C PCB) is positioned between the rear of the frame 1208 and the cover 1232 for the power supply 1234. However, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments with respect to printed circuit boards described herein are not limited to those described above, as their size, shape and position can vary depending on the desired features of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0087] Figure 2E is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device shown in Figures 1A to 1C. Figure 2F is another cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device shown in Figures 1A to 1C. It should be understood that for structures / components shown in the drawings and described above, the relevant teachings are also applicable to the relevant parts of the specification and may not be repeated for the sake of brevity. Figures 2E and 2F show the mouth end segment 1104 of the mouthpiece 1100 defining an aerosol outlet 1102 in the form of a single outlet. However, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the aerosol outlet 1102 may be in the form of multiple smaller outlets (e.g., 2 to 6 outlets). In some examples, the multiple outlets may be in the form of four outlets. The outlets may be radially aligned and / or angled outward, thereby causing the aerosol flow to branch out.

[0088] In one exemplary embodiment, at least one of a filter or a flavor medium may be appropriately placed within the mouth end segment 1104 of the mouthpiece 1100. In such an example, the filter and / or flavor medium are downstream from the chamber 164, and as a result, the generated aerosol passes through at least one of the filter or flavor medium and then exits through at least one aerosol outlet 1102. The filter can reduce or prevent particles from the aerosol-generating material (e.g., aerosol-generating material 160a and / or aerosol-generating material 160b) from being accidentally inhaled from the capsule 100. The filter may further help to lower the temperature of the aerosol to give it a desired mouthfeel. The flavor medium (e.g., flavor beads) may release flavoring components as the aerosol passes through the flavor medium, thereby giving the aerosol a desired taste. The flavoring components may be the same as those described above with respect to the aerosol-generating material. Furthermore, the filter and / or flavor medium may be in the connected and integrated form described above with respect to the aerosol-generating material, or in a loose form.

[0089] The aerosol generating device 10 may further include a third annular member 150c positioned within the receiving portion 1228. The third annular member 150c (e.g., an elastic O-ring) is configured to establish an airtight seal when the base portion 130 of the capsule 100 is fully inserted into the receiving portion 1228. As a result, most, if not all, of the air drawn into the receiving portion 1228 passes through the capsule 100, and very little, if any, of the air bypasses the capsule 100. In one exemplary embodiment, the first annular member 150a, the second annular member 150b, and / or the third annular member 150c may be made of transparent silicone.

[0090] In addition to the printed circuit board described above, the aerosol generating device 10 may further include a fifth printed circuit board 1246 (e.g., main PCB) positioned between the frame 1208 and the power supply 1234. The power supply 1234 may be a 900mAh battery, but the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. The operation of the aerosol generating device 10 may be further improved by positioning a sensor 1248 upstream of the capsule 100. The sensor 1248 may be, for example, an airflow sensor. Considering the sensor 1248 in addition to the first button 1218 and the second button 1220, the operation of the aerosol generating device 10 may be automatic (e.g., puff-activated) or manual (e.g., activated by a button). In at least one exemplary embodiment, the sensor may be a microelectrochemical system (MEMS) flow sensor, a pressure sensor, or other type of sensor configured to measure airflow, such as a hot-wire anemometer.

[0091] When the aerosol generating device 10 is activated, the capsule 100 inside the device body 1200 is heated, which can generate an aerosol. In one exemplary embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may be activated by the detection of airflow by a sensor 1248 and / or by the generation of a signal linked to the pressing of a first button 1218 and / or a second button 1220. For airflow detection, ambient air is drawn into the device body 1200 via the inlet channel 1230 by sucking into or applying negative pressure to the aerosol outlet 1102 of the mouthpiece 1100, and the air may first pass through the inlet insert 1222 (e.g., Figure 1C). Once inside the device body 1200, the air flows through the inlet channel 1230 to the receiving section 1228, where it is detected by the sensor 1248. After the sensor 1248, the air continues to pass through the receiving section 1228 and enters the capsule 100 via the base section 130. In particular, the airflow passes through the base inlet 132 of the capsule 100, then through the upstream channel 162, and flows into the chamber 164. Furthermore, the control circuit (e.g., controller 2105) can instruct the power supply to supply current to the heater 336, thereby maintaining the temperature of the capsule 100 during suction.

[0092] When the sensor 1248 detects airflow, the control circuit may instruct the power supply 1234 to supply current to the capsule 100 via the first end 142 and second end 146 of the heater 336. As a result, the temperature of the middle section 144 of the heater 336 rises, thereby increasing the temperature of the aerosol-generating material (e.g., aerosol-generating material 160a and / or aerosol-generating material 160b) in the chamber 164, resulting in the release of volatile substances by the aerosol-generating material and the production of an aerosol. The produced aerosol is pulled in by the air flowing through the chamber 164. In particular, the produced aerosol in the chamber 164 passes through the downstream channel 166 of the capsule 100 and then exits the aerosol generating device 10 through the aerosol outlet 1102 of the mouthpiece 1100.

[0093] Further details of aerosol generating devices, capsules, and / or aerosol generating materials and / or alternatives thereof may be found herein, but also refer to U.S. Patent Application No. XX / XXX,XXX, titled “HEAT-NOT-BURN (HNB) AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICES AND CAPSULES” (Agent Reference Number 24000NV-000717-US), U.S. Patent Application No. XX / XXX,XXX, titled “HEAT-NOT-BURN AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICES WITH A FLIP-TOP LID” (Agent Reference Number 24000NV-000719-US), and U.S. Patent Application No. XX / XXX,XXX, titled “CAPSULES INCLUDING EMBEDDED HEATERS AND "HEAT-NOT-BURN (HNB) AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICES" (Capsules containing embedded heaters, and heated (HNB) aerosol generators) (Agent reference number 24000NV-000667-US), U.S. Patent Application No. XX / XXX,XXX, filed concurrently with this application, title of invention "CLOSED SYSTEM CAPSULE WITH AIRFLOW, HEAT-NOT-BURN (HNB) AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICES, AND METHODS OF GENERATING AN AEROSOL" (Closed system capsule with airflow, heated (HNB) aerosol generator, and methods for generating an aerosol) (Agent reference number 24000NV-000630-US), U.S. Patent Application No. XX / XXX,XXX, filed concurrently with this application, title of invention "AEROSOL-GENERATING CAPSULES (Aerosol Generating Capsules) (Agent Reference Number 24000NV-000716-US), U.S. Patent Application No. XX / XXX, filed concurrently with this application,This can be seen in application number XXX, titled "HEAT-NOT-BURN (HNB) AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICES AND CAPSULES" (Agent reference number 24000NV-000734-US). The entire disclosures of each of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0094] Figure 3 shows the electrical systems of aerosol generating devices and capsules according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0095] As shown in Figure 3, the electrical system includes an aerosol generating device electrical system 2100 and a capsule electrical system 2200. The aerosol generating device electrical system 2100 may be contained in the aerosol generating device 10, and the capsule electrical system 2200 may be contained in the capsule 100.

[0096] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 3, the capsule electrical system 2200 includes a heater 336.

[0097] The capsule electrical system 2200 may further include a main electrical / data interface (not shown) for transmitting power and / or data between the aerosol generating device 10 and the capsule 100. According to at least one exemplary embodiment, for example, the electrical contact shown in Figure 2B may act as the main electrical contact, but the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0098] The aerosol generating device electrical system 2100 includes a controller 2105, a power supply 1234, a device sensor or measurement circuit 2125, a heating engine control circuit 2127, an aerosol indicator 2135, on-product controls 2150 (e.g., buttons 1218 and 1220 shown in Figure 1B), a memory 2130, and a clock circuit 2128. In some exemplary embodiments, the controller 2105, power supply 1234, device sensor or measurement circuit 2125, heating engine control circuit 2127, memory 2130, and clock circuit 2128 are located on the same PCB (e.g., main PCB 1246). The aerosol generating device electrical system 2100 may further include a capsule electrical / data interface (not shown) for transmitting power and / or data between the aerosol generating device 10 and the capsule 100.

[0099] The power supply 1234 may be an internal power supply that provides power to the aerosol generating device 10 and the capsule 100. The power supply from the power supply 1234 may be controlled by the controller 2105 via a power control circuit (not shown). The power control circuit may include one or more switches or transistors that regulate the power output from the power supply 1234. The power supply 1234 may be a lithium-ion battery or a different type thereof (e.g., a lithium-ion polymer battery).

[0100] The controller 2105 is configured to control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 10. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the controller 2105 may include processing circuits such as hardware including logic circuits, a combination of hardware / software such as a processor that runs software, or a combination of these. More specifically, processing circuits may include, but are not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a system-on-a-chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and the like.

[0101] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 3, the controller 2105 is configured as an input / output (I / O) interface (e.g., general-purpose input / output (GPIO)), an integrated circuit (I 2 C) is shown as a microcontroller including an interface (such as a serial peripheral interface bus (SPI) interface), a multi-channel analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and a clock input terminal. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited to this embodiment. In at least one embodiment, the controller 2105 may be a microprocessor.

[0102] The memory 2130 is shown as being located outside the controller 2105. In some exemplary embodiments, the memory 2130 may be mounted on the controller 2105.

[0103] The controller 2105 is communicatively connected to the device sensor 2125, the heating engine control circuit 2127, the aerosol indicator 2135, the memory 2130, the on-product control 2150, the clock circuit 2128, and the power supply 1234.

[0104] The heating engine control circuit 2127 is connected to the controller 2105 via GPIO (General Purpose Input / Output) pins. The memory 2130 is connected to the controller 2105 via SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) pins. The clock circuit 2128 is connected to the clock input pin of the controller 2105. The aerosol indicator 2135 is connected to the interintegrated circuit (I 2 C) It is connected to the controller 2105 via the interface and SPI / GPIO pins. The device sensor 2125 is connected to the controller 2105 via the corresponding pins of the multi-channel ADC.

[0105] The clock circuit 2128 may be a timing mechanism such as an oscillator circuit, and the controller 2105 can determine a hot capsule alert for the aerosol generating device 10 (e.g., 30 seconds after an instance occurs) by tracking the idle time, preheating length, aerosol generation (suction) length, combinations of idle time and aerosol generation (suction) length, and power usage time. The clock circuit 2128 may further include a dedicated external clock crystal, which is configured to generate a system clock for the aerosol generating device 10.

[0106] Memory 2130 may be a non-volatile memory, which executes the algorithm described herein by storing operating parameters and computer-readable instructions for the controller 2105. In one embodiment, memory 2130 may be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), such as flash memory.

[0107] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the device sensor 2125 may include multiple sensors or measurement circuits configured to supply signals indicating sensor information or measurement information to the controller 2105. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the device sensor 2125 includes a heater current measurement circuit 21258, a heater voltage measurement circuit 21252, and a compensation voltage measurement circuit 21250. The electrical system in Figure 3 may further include sensors described with reference to Figures 1A to 2F.

[0108] The heater current measurement circuit 21258 may be configured to output a signal (e.g., voltage) indicating the current flowing through the heater 336. An exemplary embodiment of the heater current measurement circuit 21258 will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 5.

[0109] The heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 may be configured to output a signal (e.g., voltage) indicating the voltage in the heater 336. An exemplary embodiment of the heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 4.

[0110] The compensation voltage measurement circuit 21250 may be configured to output a signal (e.g., voltage) indicating the resistance of the power interface (e.g., electrical connector) between the capsule 100 and the aerosol generating device 10. In some exemplary embodiments, the compensation voltage measurement circuit 21250 may supply the compensation voltage measurement signal to the controller 2105. Exemplary embodiments of the compensation voltage measurement circuit 21250 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 6A and 6B.

[0111] As described above, the compensation voltage measurement circuit 21250, the heater current measurement circuit 21258, and the heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 are connected to the controller 2105 via the pins of the multi-channel ADC. To measure the characteristics and / or parameters of the aerosol generating device 10 and capsule 100 (e.g., voltage, current, resistance, temperature of heater 336), the multi-channel ADC of the controller 2105 can sample the output signals from the device sensor 2125 at a sampling rate suitable for the given characteristics and / or parameters measured by each device sensor.

[0112] The aerosol generating device electrical system 2100 may measure the airflow flowing through the aerosol generating device 10 by including a sensor 1248. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the sensor may be a microelectrochemical system (MEMS) flow sensor, a pressure sensor, or other type of sensor configured to measure airflow, such as a hot-wire anemometer. In one exemplary embodiment, the output of the sensor measuring the airflow to the controller 2105 is a value (in units: ml / s or cm) instantaneously measured via a digital interface or SPI. 3The flow rate is 1 mL / s). In another exemplary embodiment, the sensor may be a hot-wire anemometer, a digital MEMS sensor, or any other known sensor. The flow sensor may function as a puff sensor by detecting aspiration when the flow rate is 1 mL / s or greater, and then terminating aspiration when the flow rate drops to 0 mL / s. In one exemplary embodiment, sensor 1248 may be a MEMS flow sensor based on a differential pressure sensor, in which case the differential pressure (in Pascals) is converted to an instantaneous flow reading (in mL / s) using a curve fitting calibration function or a lookup table (a curve fitting calibration function or lookup table of flow values ​​for each differential pressure reading). In another exemplary embodiment, the flow sensor may be a capacitive pressure drop sensor.

[0113] The heating engine control circuit 2127 is connected to the controller 2105 via GPIO pins. The heating engine control circuit 2127 is configured to control (enable and / or disable) the heater 336 by controlling the power supplied to the heater 336 of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0114] The controller 2105 can indicate the status and / or operation of the aerosol generating device 10 to an adult operator by controlling the aerosol indicator 2135. The aerosol indicator 2135 may act at least partially via a light guide and may include a power indicator (e.g., an LED). The power indicator may be activated when the controller 2105 senses that an adult operator has pressed a button. The aerosol indicator 2135 may further include a vibrator, speaker, or other feedback mechanism that can indicate the current state of an aerosol generation parameter (e.g., aerosol volume) controlled by the adult operator.

[0115] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the controller 2105 can heat the aerosol-generating material according to a heating profile (e.g., heating based on volume, temperature, taste, etc.) by controlling the power to the heater 336. The heating profile can be obtained based on empirical data and stored in the memory 2130 of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0116] Figure 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of the heater voltage measurement circuit 21252.

[0117] As shown in Figure 4, the heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 includes registers 3702 and 3704, which are connected in a voltage divider configuration between a terminal configured to receive the input voltage signal COIL_OUT and ground. The resistance values ​​of registers 3702 and 3704 may be 8.2 kilohms and 3.3 kilohms, respectively. The input voltage signal COIL_OUT may be the voltage input to the heater 336 (the voltage at the input terminal of the heater 336). Node N3716 between registers 3702 and 3704 is connected to the positive input of the operational amplifier (Op-Amp) 3708. Capacitor 3706, connected between node N3716 and ground, forms a low-pass filter circuit (R / C filter), thereby stabilizing the voltage input to the positive input of Op-Amp 3708. The capacitance value of capacitor 3706 may be, for example, 18 nanofarads. The filter circuit can further reduce inaccuracies caused by switching noise introduced by the PWM signal used to supply energy to the heater 336, and can have the same phase response / group delay for both current and voltage.

[0118] The heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 further includes registers 3710 and 3712 and capacitor 3714. Register 3712 is connected between N3718 and a terminal configured to receive the output voltage signal COIL_RTN, and may have a resistance value of, for example, 8.2 kilohms. The output voltage signal COIL_RTN is the voltage output from heater 336 (the voltage at the output terminal of heater 336).

[0119] Register 3710 and capacitor 3714 are connected in parallel between node N3718 and the output of Op-Amp 3708. For example, register 3710 may have a resistance of 3.3 kilohms, and capacitor 3714 may have a capacitance of 18 nanofarads. The negative input of Op-Amp 3708 is further connected to node N3718. Registers 3710 and 3712, along with capacitor 3714, are connected in a low-pass filter configuration.

[0120] The heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 uses an Op-Amp 3708 to measure the voltage difference between the input voltage signal COIL_OUT and the output voltage signal COIL_RTN, and outputs a scaled heater voltage measurement signal COIL_VOL, which represents the voltage of the heater 336. The heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 outputs the scaled heater voltage measurement signal COIL_VOL to the ADC pin of the controller 2105 so that the controller 2105 can perform digital sampling and measurement.

[0121] The gain of the Op-Amp3708 can be set based on surrounding passive electrical elements (e.g., resistors and capacitors) to improve the dynamic range of voltage measurements. In one embodiment, the dynamic range of the Op-Amp3708 can be achieved by scaling the voltage to match the maximum voltage output to the maximum input range of the ADC (e.g., 2.5V). In at least one exemplary embodiment, the scaling is 402mV per 1V, so the heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 can measure down to approximately 2.5V / 0.402V = 6.22V.

[0122] The voltage signals COIL_OUT and COIL_RTN are clamped by diodes 3720 and 3722, respectively, reducing the risk of damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD) events.

[0123] In some exemplary embodiments, a 4-wire / Kelvin measurement may be used, and voltage signals COIL_OUT and COIL_RTN may be measured at the measurement contacts (also called voltage-sensing connections (but not the main power contacts)), thereby taking into account the contact resistance and bulk resistance of the power interface (e.g., electrical connector) between the heater 336 and the aerosol generating device 10.

[0124] Figure 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of the heater current measurement circuit 21258 shown in Figure 3.

[0125] As shown in Figure 5, the output current signal COIL_RTN_I is input to a 4-terminal (4T) measurement register 3802 connected to ground. The differential voltage of the 4-terminal measurement register 3802 is scaled by Op-Amp 3806. Op-Amp 3806 outputs a heater current measurement signal COIL_CUR, which indicates the current flowing through the heater 336. The heater current measurement signal COIL_CUR is output to the ADC pin of the controller 2105 so that the controller 2105 can digitally sample and measure the current flowing through the heater 336.

[0126] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 5, a four-terminal measuring register 3802 may be used to reduce current measurement errors using a four-wire / Kelvin current measurement technique. In this embodiment, noise in the voltage measurement path can be reduced by separating the current measurement path from the voltage measurement path.

[0127] The gain of the Op-Amp3806 can be set to improve the dynamic range of the measurement. In this embodiment, the scaling of the Op-Amp3806 may be approximately 0.820 V / A, and therefore the heater current measurement circuit 21258 can measure up to approximately 2.5 V / (0.820 V / A) = 3.05 A.

[0128] As shown in detail in Figure 5, the first terminal of the four-terminal measuring register 3802 receives the output current signal COIL_RTN_I by being connected to the terminal of the heater 336. The second terminal of the four-terminal measuring register 3802 is connected to ground. The third terminal of the four-terminal measuring register 3802 is connected to a low-pass filter circuit (R / C filter) that includes register 3804, capacitor 3808, and register 3810. For example, the resistance of register 3804 may be 100 ohms, the resistance of register 3810 may be 8.2 kilohms, and the capacitance of capacitor 3808 may be 3.3 nanofarads.

[0129] The output of the low-pass filter circuit is connected to the positive input of Op-Amp3806. The low-pass filter circuit can reduce inaccuracies caused by switching noise introduced by the PWM signal applied to supply energy to heater 336, and can also have the same phase response / group delay for both current and voltage.

[0130] The heater current measurement circuit 21258 further includes resistors 3812 and 3814 and capacitor 3816. The resistors 3812 and 3814 and capacitor 3816 are connected to the fourth terminal of the four-terminal measurement resistor 3802, the negative input of Op-Amp 3806, and the output of Op-Amp 3806 in the configuration of a low-pass filter circuit. The output of the low-pass filter circuit is connected to the negative input of Op-Amp 3806. For example, the resistors 3812 and 3814 may have resistance values ​​of 100 ohms and 8.2 kilohms, respectively, and the capacitor 3816 may have a capacitance value of 3.3 nanofarads.

[0131] The Op-Amp3806 outputs a differential voltage, which serves as the heater current measurement signal COIL_CUR, to the ADC pin of the controller 2105, enabling the controller 2105 to sample and measure the current flowing through the heater 336.

[0132] At least according to this exemplary embodiment, the configuration of the heater current measurement circuit 21258 is similar to that of the heater voltage measurement circuit 21252, except that a low-pass filter circuit including registers 3804 and 3810 and capacitor 3808 is connected to a terminal of the four-terminal measurement register 3802, and a low-pass filter circuit including registers 3812 and 3814 and capacitor 3816 is connected to another terminal of the four-terminal measurement register 3802.

[0133] The controller 2105 can calculate the average of multiple samples (e.g., voltage samples) over a time window (e.g., approximately 1 ms) corresponding to the "tick" time (control loop iteration time) used within the aerosol generating device 10, and can convert this average into a mathematical representation of the voltage and current of the heater 336 by applying scaling values. The scaling values ​​may be determined based on the gain settings performed on each Op-Amp, and these gain settings may be specific to the hardware of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0134] The controller 2105 can attenuate measurement noise by filtering the converted voltage and current measurements, for example, using a 3-tap moving average filter. The controller 2105 then uses the filtered measurements to determine the resistance value R of the heater 336. HEATER (R HEATER =COIL_VOL / COIL_CUR), power P applied to heater 336 HEATER (P HEATER It is possible to calculate values ​​such as (=COIL_VOL * COIL_CUR).

[0135] According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the gain settings of the passive elements of the circuit shown in Figure 4 and / or Figure 5 can be adjusted to match the output signal range of the controller 2105 to the input range.

[0136] Figure 6A shows an electrical system of an aerosol generating device, including a separate compensation voltage measurement circuit, according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0137] As shown in Figure 6A, the contact interface between the heater 336 and the aerosol generating device electrical system 2100 includes a 4-wire / Kelvin structure having an input power contact 6100, an input measurement contact 6200, an output measurement contact 6300, and an output power contact 6400.

[0138] The voltage measurement circuit 21252A receives the measured voltage value COIL_OUT_MEAS at the input measurement contact 6200 and the output measured voltage value COIL_RTN_MEAS at the output measurement contact 6300. The voltage measurement circuit 21252A is the same circuit as the voltage measurement circuit 21252 shown in Figure 4 and outputs the scaled heater voltage measurement signal COIL_VOL. Figure 4 shows COIL_OUT and COIL_RTN, but it should be understood that in exemplary embodiments that do not include a separate compensating voltage measurement circuit, the voltage measurement circuit 21252 may receive voltage at the input measurement contact 6200 and output measurement contact 6300 instead of the input power contact 6100 and output power contact 6400.

[0139] The system shown in Figure 6A further includes a compensation voltage measurement circuit 21250. The compensation voltage measurement circuit 21250 is the same as the compensation voltage measurement circuit 21252A, but differs in that it receives the voltage COIL_OUT at the input power contact 6100, receives the voltage COIL_RTN at the output power contact 6400, and outputs a compensation voltage measurement signal VCOMP.

[0140] The current measurement circuit 21258 receives the output current signal COIL_RTN_I at the output power contact 6400 and outputs the heater current measurement signal COIL_CUR.

[0141] Figure 6B shows a method for adjusting the target power for a heater using a compensation voltage measurement signal, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0142] The controller 2105 may perform the method shown in Figure 6B.

[0143] In S6500, the controller initiates the power delivery loop for the heater. In 6505, the controller retrieves operating parameters from memory (e.g., heating engine control circuit threshold voltage, power loss threshold, and wet timer limit).

[0144] In the 6510, the controller determines whether the power lost at contact PCONTACT exceeds a loss threshold. The controller may determine the power lost at contact PCONTACT as follows: PCONTACT=abs((VCOMP*COIL_CUR)-(COIL_VOL*COIL_CUR))

[0145] The loss threshold may be the absolute value of the power applied to the heater (e.g., 3W) or a percentage (e.g., 25%).

[0146] If the controller determines that the lost power PCONTACT is below the loss threshold, the controller clears the wet flag in S6515. The controller monitors the compensation voltage measurement signal VCOMP in S6520 and determines in S6525 whether the compensation voltage measurement signal VCOMP has exceeded the threshold voltage VMAX. The threshold voltage VMAX may be the rated voltage of the heating engine control circuit 2127.

[0147] If the controller determines that the compensation voltage measurement signal VCOM does not exceed the threshold voltage VMAX, the controller proceeds to the next iteration loop (i.e., the next tick time) in S6530. If the controller determines that the compensation voltage measurement signal VCOM exceeds the threshold voltage VMAX, the controller reduces the heater power target for the next iteration loop in S6532 and proceeds to the next iteration loop in S6530.

[0148] Therefore, if the power loss PCONTACT is less than the loss threshold, the controller reduces the contact heating effect by lowering the applied power.

[0149] Returning to S6510, if the controller determines that the power loss PCONTACT is greater than the loss threshold, the controller determines in 6535 whether the wet flag is set. If the controller determines in S6535 that the wet flag is set, the controller terminates heating in S6550 (for example, by not supplying power to the heater).

[0150] If the controller determines in S6535 that the wet flag is not set, the controller determines in S6540 whether the wet timer is running. The wet timer is used to allow increased power loss over a desired / selected period of time (e.g., 200ms).

[0151] If the controller determines that the wet timer is not running, the controller starts the wet timer using S6545 and then monitors the compensation voltage measurement signal VCOMP using 6520.

[0152] If the controller determines in S6540 that the wet timer is running, it determines in S6555 whether the wet timer has elapsed. If the controller determines that the wet timer has not elapsed, it monitors the compensation voltage measurement signal VCOMP in S6520. Therefore, when the wet timer is running, it is permitted for the power loss at contact PCONTACT to exceed the power loss threshold.

[0153] If the controller determines that the wet timer has elapsed, it sets the wet flag in 6560. The controller then lowers the heater power target in S6565 so that the power loss at contact PCONTACT is less than the loss threshold, and monitors the compensation voltage measurement signal VCOMP in 6520. More specifically, the controller sets a power limit that the PID controller can use (i.e., the power range is limited to a lower range (e.g., 6W instead of 12W) rather than allowing the PID loop to use the entire power range). The controller continues to use the same temperature error input but responds more slowly because the power limit has been lowered.

[0154] In another exemplary embodiment, the controller may change the temperature target.

[0155] The resistance of the contacts changes with temperature (or, the resistance of the contacts may decrease as the "wet current" removes the oxide layer of the contacts). As a result, the percentage of power lost in the power contacts may change during use. The electrical system improves power delivery to the heater by compensating for power loss in the contacts (for example, by increasing power once a wet drop occurs, the latency to reach the heater temperature may be reduced).

[0156] As shown in Figure 6B, in each of the second and subsequent iterations of the power delivery loop, the controller 2105 may re-enter the "wet" process (for example, thereby responding to a change in contact force), but a wet flag is used to ensure that the controller does not re-enter the process consecutively.

[0157] Figures 7A to 7C are circuit diagrams of a heating engine control circuit according to an exemplary embodiment. The heating engine control circuit shown in Figures 7A to 7C is an example of the heating engine control circuit 2127 shown in Figure 3.

[0158] The heating engine control circuit includes a boost conversion circuit 7020 (Figure 7A), a first stage 7040 (Figure 7B), and a second stage 7060 (Figure 7C).

[0159] The boost conversion circuit 7020 is configured to supply power to the first stage 7040 based on a first power enable signal PWR_EN_VGATE (also called a shutdown signal) by generating a voltage signal VGATE (e.g., 9V power supply) (also called a power signal or input voltage signal) from a voltage source BATT. The controller generates the first power enable signal PWR_EN_VGATE, which may have a logic high level when the aerosol generating device is ready to be used. In other words, the first power enable signal PWR_EN_VGATE has a logic high level at least when the controller detects that the capsule is properly connected to the aerosol generating device. In other exemplary embodiments, the first power enable signal PWR_EN_VGATE has a logic high level when the controller detects that the capsule is properly connected to the aerosol generating device and the controller detects an action such as a button being pressed.

[0160] The first stage 7040 drives the heating engine control circuit 2127 using the input voltage signal VGATE from the boost conversion circuit 7020. The first stage 7040 and the second stage 7060 form a buck boost conversion circuit.

[0161] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 7A, the boost converter circuit 7020 generates the input voltage signal VGATE only when the first enable signal PWR_EN_VGATE is asserted (present). The controller 2105 may cut power to the first stage 7040 by deasserting (stopping or terminating) the first enable signal PWR_EN_VGATE. The first enable signal PWR_EN_VGATE may act as a device state power signal to perform an aerosol generation off operation in device 1000. In this embodiment, the controller 2105 may perform an aerosol generation off operation by deasserting the first enable signal PWR_EN_VGATE, thereby disabling power to the first stage 7040, the second stage 7060, and the heater 336. The controller 2105 may then enable aerosol generation in device 1000 by asserting the first enable signal PWR_EN_VGATE again to the boost converter circuit 7020.

[0162] The controller 2105 may enable power to the first stage 7040 and heater 336 in response to the aerosol generation status at device 1000 by generating a first enable signal PWR_EN_VGATE at a logic level such that the boost conversion circuit 7020 outputs an input voltage signal VGATE having a high level (9V or around it). The controller 2105 may also disable power to the first stage 7040 and heater 336 by generating a first enable signal PWR_EN_VGATE at a different logic level such that the boost conversion circuit 7020 outputs an input voltage signal VGATE having a low level (0V or around it), thereby performing a heater-off operation.

[0163] To describe the boost conversion circuit 7020 in Figure 7A in more detail, a capacitor C36 is connected between the voltage source BATT and ground. Capacitor C36 may have a capacitance value of 10 microfarads.

[0164] The first terminal of inductor L1006 is connected to node Node1 between the voltage source BATT and capacitor C36. Inductor L1006 acts as the main storage element of the boost conversion circuit 7020. Inductor L1006 may have an inductance of 10 microhenries.

[0165] Node1 is connected to the voltage input pin A1 of the boost converter chip U11. In some exemplary embodiments, the boost converter chip may be the TPS61046.

[0166] The second terminal of inductor L1006 is connected to the switch pin SW of the boost converter chip U11. The enable pin EN of the boost converter chip U11 is configured to receive the first enable signal PWR_EN_VGATE from the controller 2105.

[0167] In the embodiment shown in Figure 7A, the boost converter chip U11 acts as the main switching element of the boost conversion circuit 7020.

[0168] Register R53 acts as a pull-down register by being connected between the enable pin EN of the booster converter chip U11 and ground, ensuring that the operation of the heater 336 is blocked when the first enable signal PWR_EN_VGATE is in an intermediate state. In some exemplary embodiments, register R53 may have a resistance value of 100 kilohms.

[0169] The voltage output pin VOUT of the boost converter chip U11 is connected to the first terminal of register R49 and the first terminal of capacitor C58. The second terminal of capacitor C58 is connected to ground. The voltage output by the voltage output pin VOUT is the input voltage signal VGATE.

[0170] The second terminal of register R49 and the first terminal of register R51 are connected to each other at the second node Node2. The second node Node2 is connected to the feedback pin FB of the booster converter chip U11. The booster converter chip U11 is configured to generate an input voltage signal VGATE at approximately 9V using the ratio of the resistance of register R49 to the resistance of register R51. In some exemplary embodiments, register R49 may have a resistance of 680 kilohms and register R51 may have a resistance of 66.5 kilohms.

[0171] Capacitors C36 and C58 act as smoothing capacitors and may have capacitance values ​​of 10 microfarads and 4.7 microfarads, respectively. Inductor L1006 may have an inductance selected based on the desired output voltage (e.g., 9V).

[0172] As shown in Figure 7B, the first stage 7040 receives an input voltage signal VGATE and a second enable signal COIL_Z. The second enable signal is a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal and is the input to the first stage 7040.

[0173] The first stage 7040 includes, among other various configuration requirements, an integrated gate driver U6, which is configured to convert a low-current signal from the controller 2105 into a high-current signal to control the switching of the transistors in the first stage 7040. The integrated gate driver U6 is further configured to convert the voltage level from the controller 2105 to the voltage level required by the transistors in the first stage 7040. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 7B, the integrated gate driver U6 is a half-bridge driver. However, the exemplary embodiment is not limited to this example.

[0174] More specifically, the input voltage signal VGATE from the boost conversion circuit 7020 is input to the first stage 7040 via a filter circuit including a resistor R22 and a capacitor C32. The resistor R22 may have a resistance of 10 ohms, and the capacitor C32 may have a capacitance of 1 microlarad.

[0175] The filter circuit, including the resistor R22 and capacitor C32, is connected at node Node3 to the VCC pin (pin 4) of the integrated gate driver U6 and the anode of the Zener diode D2. The second terminal of capacitor C32 is connected to ground. The anode of Zener diode D2 is connected at node Node7 to the first terminal of capacitor C32 and the boost pin BST (pin 1) of the integrated gate driver U6. The second terminal of capacitor C31 is connected at node Node8 to the switching node pin SWN (pin 7) of the integrated gate driver U6 and between transistors Q2 and Q3. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 7B, the Zener diode D2 and capacitor C31 form part of a bootstrap charge pump circuit connected between the input voltage pin VCC and the boost pin BST of the integrated gate driver U6. Because capacitor C31 is connected to the input voltage signal VGATE from the boost conversion circuit 7020, capacitor 31 is charged via diode D2 to a voltage approximately equal to the input voltage signal VGATE. Capacitor C31 may have a capacitance value of 220 nanofarads.

[0176] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7B, register R25 is connected between the high-side gate driver pin DRVH (pin 8) and the switching node pin SWN (pin 7). The first terminal of register R29 is connected to the low-side gate driver pin DRVL at node Node9. The second terminal of register R29 is connected to ground.

[0177] The resistor R23 and capacitor C33 form a filter circuit connected to the input pin IN (pin 2) of the integrated gate driver U6. The filter circuit is configured to remove high-frequency noise from the second heater enable signal COIL_Z input to input pin IN. The second heater enable signal COIL_Z is a PWM signal from the controller 2105. Therefore, the filter circuit is designed to filter out the high-frequency components of the PWM sinusoidal pulse train, slightly reducing the number of rising and falling edges on the sinusoidal wave, resulting in the transistor gradually turning on and off.

[0178] Register R24 ​​is connected to the filter circuit and the input pin IN at node Node10. Register R24 ​​is used as a pull-down register, and when the second heater enable signal COIL_Z is floating (or uncertain), the input pin IN of the integrated gate driver U6 is held at a logic low level, thereby preventing the heater 336 from operating.

[0179] The resistor R30 and capacitor C37 form a filter circuit connected to pin OD (pin 3) of the integrated gate driver U6. The filter circuit is configured to remove high-frequency noise from the input voltage signal VGATE input to pin OD.

[0180] Register R31 is connected to the filter circuit and pin OD at node Node11. Register R31 is used as a pull-down register, and when the input voltage signal VGATE is floating (or uncertain), pin OD of the integrated gate driver U6 is held at a logic low level, thereby preventing the heater 336 from operating. The signal output by the filter circuit formed by register R30 and capacitor C37 is called the filtered signal GATEON. R30 and R31 are further division circuits, which divide the signal VGATE to -2.5V for input to the transistor driver chip.

[0181] Transistors Q2 and Q3 are field-effect transistors (FETs) connected in series between the voltage source BATT and ground. Furthermore, the first terminal of inductor L3 is connected to the voltage source BATT. The second terminal of inductor L3 is connected at node 12 to the first terminal of capacitor C30 and the drain of transistor Q2. The second terminal of capacitor C30 is connected to ground. Inductor L3 and capacitor C30 form a filter that reduces and / or blocks transient spikes from the voltage source BATT.

[0182] The gate of transistor Q3 is connected to the low-side gate driver pin DRVL (pin 5) of the integrated gate driver U6, the drain of transistor Q3 is connected to the switching node pin SWN (pin 7) of the integrated gate driver U6 at node Node 8, and the source of transistor Q3 is connected to ground GND. When the low-side gate drive signal output from the low-side gate driver pin DRVL is HIGH, transistor Q3 is in a low impedance state (ON), and therefore node Node 8 is connected to ground.

[0183] As described above, since capacitor C31 is connected to the input voltage signal VGATE from the boost conversion circuit 7020, capacitor 31 is charged via diode D2 to a voltage equal to or substantially equal to the input voltage signal VGATE.

[0184] When the low-side gate drive signal output from the low-side gate driver pin DRVL is LOW, transistor Q3 switches to a high-impedance state (OFF), and the high-side gate driver pin DRVH (pin 8) is internally connected to the boost pin BST in the integrated gate driver U6. As a result, transistor Q2 enters a low-impedance state (ON), and thus the switching node SWN (Node 8) is drawn to the voltage of the voltage source BATT by connecting the switching node SWN to the voltage source BATT.

[0185] In this case, node Node7 rises to the bootstrap voltage V(BST) = V(VGATE) + V(BATT), which allows the gate-source voltage of transistor Q2 to be equal to or substantially equal to the input voltage signal VGATE (e.g., V(VGATE)), regardless of (or independently of) the voltage of the voltage source BATT. The circuit configuration ensures that the BST voltage does not change when the voltage source drops, i.e., the transistor switches efficiently when the voltage of the voltage source BATT changes.

[0186] As a result, the switching node SWN (Node 8) supplies a high-current switched signal. This signal can be used to generate a voltage that is output to the second stage 7060 (and to the heater 336), which has a maximum value equal to the battery voltage source BATT, but is otherwise substantially independent of the voltage output from the battery voltage source BATT.

[0187] The first terminal of capacitor C34 and the anode of Zener diode D4 are connected to the output terminal to the second stage 7060 at node Node 13. Capacitor C34 and resistor R28 are connected in series. The second terminal of capacitor C34 and the first terminal of resistor R28 are connected to each other. The cathode of Zener diode D4 and the second terminal of resistor R28 are connected to ground.

[0188] Capacitor C34, Zener diode D4, and resistor R28 form a back EMF (electric and magnetic field) prevention circuit that prevents energy from inductor L4 (shown in Figure 7C) from returning to the first stage 7040.

[0189] The resistor R25 is connected between the gate of transistor Q2 and the drain of transistor Q3. The resistor R25 acts as a pull-down resistor, ensuring that transistor Q2 switches to a higher impedance more reliably.

[0190] The output of the first stage 7040 is substantially independent of the voltage source voltage and is less than or equal to the voltage source voltage. When the second heater enable signal COIL_Z is 100% PWM, transistor Q2 is always operating, and the output of the first stage 7040 is the voltage source voltage or substantially the voltage source voltage.

[0191] Figure 7C shows the second stage 7060. The second stage 7060 increases the voltage of the output signal from the first stage 7040. More specifically, when the second heater enable signal COIL_Z is at a constant high logic level, the third enable signal COIL_X is activated and can increase the output of the first stage 7040. The third enable signal COIL_X is a PWM signal from the controller 2105. The controller 2105 increases the output of the first stage 7040 and generates the input voltage signal COIL_OUT by controlling the pulse width of the third enable signal COIL_X. When the third enable signal COIL_X is at a constant low logic level, the output of the second stage 7060 is the output of the first stage 7040.

[0192] The second stage 7060 receives the input voltage signal VGATE, the third enable signal COIL_X, and the filtered signal GATEON.

[0193] The second stage 7060 includes, among other configuration requirements, an integrated gate driver U7, which is configured to convert a low-current signal from the controller 2105 into a high-current signal to control the switching of the transistors in the second stage 7060. The integrated gate driver U7 is further configured to convert the voltage level from the controller 2105 to the voltage level required by the transistors in the second stage 7060. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 7B, the integrated gate driver U7 is a half-bridge driver. However, the exemplary embodiment is not limited to this example.

[0194] More specifically, the input voltage signal VGATE from the boost conversion circuit 7020 is input to the second stage 7060 via a filter circuit including a resistor R18 and a capacitor C28. The resistor R18 may have a resistance of 10 ohms, and the capacitor C28 may have a capacitance of 1 microfarad.

[0195] The filter circuit, including the resistor R18 and capacitor C28, is connected at node 14 to the VCC pin (pin 4) of the integrated gate driver U7 and the anode of the Zener diode D1. The second terminal of capacitor C28 is connected to ground. The anode of Zener diode D2 is connected at node 15 to the first terminal of capacitor C27 and the boost pin BST (pin 1) of the integrated gate driver U7. The second terminal of capacitor C27 is connected at node 16 to the switching node pin SWN (pin 7) of the integrated gate driver U7 and between transistors Q1 and Q4.

[0196] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 7C, the Zener diode D1 and capacitor C27 form part of a bootstrap charge pump circuit connected between the input voltage pin VCC and the boost pin BST of the integrated gate driver U7. Since capacitor C27 is connected to the input voltage signal VGATE from the boost conversion circuit 7020, capacitor C27 is charged via diode D1 to a voltage approximately equal to the input voltage signal VGATE. Capacitor C31 may have a capacitance value of 220 nanofarads.

[0197] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7C, register R21 is connected between the high-side gate driver pin DRVH (pin 8) and the switching node pin SWN (pin 7). The gate of transistor Q4 is connected to the low-side gate driver pin DRVL (pin 5) of the integrated gate driver U7.

[0198] The first terminal of inductor L4 is connected to the output of the first stage 7040, and the second terminal of inductor L4 is connected to node Node 16. Inductor L4 acts as the primary energy storage element of the output of the first stage 7040. In the exemplary embodiment, when the integrated gate driver U7 outputs a low-level signal from the low-side gate driver pin DRVL (pin 5), transistor Q4 switches to a low-impedance state (ON), thereby allowing current to flow through inductor L4 and transistor Q4. This stores energy in inductor L4, and the current increases linearly over time. The current in the inductor is proportional to the switching frequency of the transistor (controlled by a third heater enable signal COIL_X).

[0199] The resistor R10 and capacitor C29 form a filter circuit connected to the input pin IN (pin 2) of the integrated gate driver U7. The filter circuit is configured to remove high-frequency noise from the third heater enable signal COIL_X input to input pin IN.

[0200] Register R20 is connected to the filter circuit and the input pin IN at node Node17. Register R20 is used as a pull-down register, and when the third heater enable signal COIL_X is floating (or uncertain), the input pin IN of the integrated gate driver U7 is held at a logic low level, thereby preventing the heater 336 from operating.

[0201] The resistor R30 and capacitor C37 form a filter circuit connected to pin OD (pin 3) of the integrated gate driver U6. The filter circuit is configured to remove high-frequency noise from the input voltage signal VGATE input to pin OD.

[0202] Pin OD of the integrated gate driver U7 receives the filtered signal GATEON.

[0203] Transistors Q1 and Q4 are field-effect transistors (FETs). The gate of transistor Q1, register R21, and the first terminal are connected at node 18 to the high-side gate driver pin DRVH (pin 8) of the integrated gate driver U7.

[0204] The source of transistor Q1 is connected at node Node16 to the second terminal of register R21, the anode of Zener diode D3, the drain of transistor Q4, the first terminal of capacitor C35, the second terminal of capacitor C27, and the switching node pin SWN (pin 7) of integrated gate driver U7.

[0205] The gate of transistor Q4 is connected at node Node 19 to the low-side gate driver pin DRVL (pin 5) of the integrated gate driver U7 and to the first terminal of register R27. The source of transistor Q4 and the second terminal of register R27 are connected to ground.

[0206] The second terminal of capacitor C35 is connected to the first terminal of resistor R29. The second terminal of resistor R29 is connected to ground.

[0207] The drain of transistor Q1 is connected at node Node 20 to the first terminal of capacitor C36, the cathode of Zener diode D3, and the cathode of Zener diode D5. The second terminal of capacitor C36 and the anode of Zener diode D5 are connected to ground. The output terminal 7065 of the second stage 7060 is connected to node Node 20 and outputs the input voltage signal COIL_OUT. The output terminal 7065 acts as the output of the heating engine control circuit 2127.

[0208] Capacitor C35 may be a smoothing capacitor, and the resistor limits the incoming current. Zener diode D3 is a reverse current blocking diode, preventing the voltage at node Node20 from discharging to capacitor C35. Capacitor C36 is an output capacitor charged by the second stage 7060 (further reducing the ripple of COIL_OUT), and Zener diode D5 is an ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection diode.

[0209] When the low-side gate drive signal output from the low-side gate driver pin DRVL is HIGH, transistor Q4 is in a low-impedance state (ON), thereby connecting node Node16 to ground and increasing the energy stored in the magnetic field of inductor L4.

[0210] As described above, since capacitor C27 is connected to the input voltage signal VGATE from the boost conversion circuit 7020, capacitor C27 is charged via diode D1 to a voltage equal to or substantially equal to the input voltage signal VGATE.

[0211] When the low-side gate drive signal output from the low-side gate driver pin DRVL is LOW, transistor Q4 is switched to a high-impedance state (OFF), and the high-side gate driver pin DRVH (pin 8) is internally connected to the bootstrap pin BST in the integrated gate driver U7. As a result, transistor Q1 enters a low-impedance state (ON), and therefore the switching node SWN is connected to inductor L4.

[0212] In this case, node 15 rises to the bootstrap voltage V(BST) = V(VGATE) + V(INDUCTOR), which allows the gate-source voltage of transistor Q1 to be equal to or substantially equal to the voltage of the input voltage signal VGATE (e.g., V(VGATE)), regardless of (or independently of) the voltage from inductor L4. Since the second stage 7060 is a boost circuit, the bootstrap voltage can also be called the boost voltage.

[0213] The switching node SWN (Node8) is connected to the inductor voltage, and the output capacitor C36 is charged to generate a voltage output signal COIL_OUT (voltage output to heater 336) which is substantially independent of the voltage output from the first stage 7040.

[0214] Figures 8A and 8B illustrate a method for controlling a heater in a non-flammable aerosol generating device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0215] Many non-flammable devices utilize preheating of organic materials (e.g., tobacco) before use. Preheating is used to raise the temperature of the material to a temperature at which the compound of interest begins to evaporate and a first negative pressure applied by an adult operator contains an appropriate amount and composition of aerosol.

[0216] In at least one exemplary embodiment, applied energy is used as a basis for controlling the heater during preheating. Controlling the heater using applied energy improves the quality and consistency of the first negative pressure applied by an adult operator. On the other hand, time and temperature are commonly used as a basis for controlling preheating.

[0217] The methods shown in Figures 8A and 8B may be performed on the controller 2105. In one embodiment, the methods shown in Figures 8A and 8B may be performed as part of a device manager finite state machine (FSM) software execution performed by the controller 2105.

[0218] As shown in Figure 8A, this method includes applying a first power based on a first target preheating temperature in S805. An exemplary embodiment of S805 is further shown in Figure 8B.

[0219] As shown in Figure 8B, the controller detects that a capsule has been inserted into the aerosol generating device. In some exemplary embodiments, the controller obtains a signal from an on / off switch connected to a door shown in Figures 1A to 1C. In other exemplary embodiments, the aerosol generating device further (or instead) includes a capsule detection switch. The capsule detection switch detects whether the capsule has been properly inserted (e.g., the capsule detection switch is pressed / closed when the capsule has been properly inserted). When the capsule has been properly inserted, the controller may generate a signal PWR_EN_VGATE (shown in Figure 7A) as a logic high level. The controller may also determine that the capsule has been inserted and the heater resistance is within a specific range (±20%) by performing a heater continuity check.

[0220] After the capsule is inserted (as detected by the switch) and / or when the aerosol generating device 10 is powered on (e.g., by button operation), the heater 336 may be briefly (-50 ms) subjected to a low-power signal (-1W) from the heating engine control circuit, and the resistance value can be calculated from the measured voltage and current values ​​during this energy impulse. If the measured voltage value falls within a specific range (e.g., nominal 2100 mΩ ± 20%), the capsule is considered acceptable and the system can proceed with aerosol generation.

[0221] Low power and short duration are intended to minimize capsule heating (thus preventing aerosol generation).

[0222] In S825, the controller obtains operating parameters from memory. The operating parameters are the maximum power level (P maxThe operating parameters may include, for example, a value that identifies the initial preheating temperature, subsequent preheating temperatures, and a preheating energy threshold. The operating parameters may be predetermined based on empirical data, or adjusted based on measurements obtained from the capsule (e.g., voltage and current). However, exemplary embodiments are not limited to these. For multi-instance devices, the operating parameters may, in addition to or instead of the above, include various initial preheating temperatures for subsequent instances. The controller may, for example, obtain operating parameters for the first instance and operating parameters for the subsequent second instance.

[0223] In S830, the controller may cause the aerosol generating device to display an "ON" state. The controller may also cause the aerosol generating device to display an "ON" state by generating a visual indicator and / or tactile feedback.

[0224] In S835, the controller determines whether preheating has been initiated. In some exemplary embodiments, the controller may initiate preheating upon receiving input from on-product control indicating that the consumer has pressed a button to initiate preheating. In some exemplary embodiments, this button may be different from the button that powers on the aerosol generating device, and in other exemplary embodiments, this button may be the same as the button that powers on the aerosol generating device. In other exemplary embodiments, preheating may be initiated based on another input, such as sensing that the airflow is above a threshold level. In other exemplary embodiments, on-product control may allow an adult operator to select one or more temperature profiles (each temperature profile associated with operating parameters stored in memory).

[0225] If the controller determines that preheating has not started, the method proceeds to S880, where the controller determines whether the off-timer has elapsed. If the off-timer has not elapsed, the method returns to S830. If the controller determines that the off-timer has elapsed, the controller displays the "off" state on the aerosol generating device in S885 and powers it off in S890. The off-timer is started when the detected airflow falls below a threshold level. The off-timer is used to display the "off" state if there has been no operating state for a certain period of time (e.g., 15 minutes). However, the exemplary embodiment is not limited to 15 minutes. The off-timer may be, for example, 2 minutes or 10 minutes.

[0226] If the controller determines in S835 that preheating has started (for example, by detecting input from on-product control), the controller retrieves the operating parameters related to the input from on-product control from memory. In embodiments where the aerosol generation instance is not the first instance for the capsule, the controller may retrieve the operating parameters related to the instance number. The memory may store, for example, various temperature targets (different temperature targets for each instance number) based on the instance number, and further store various target energy levels to be used for preheating based on the instance number.

[0227] The first instance occurs when the controller starts the preheating algorithm for the first time after detecting that a capsule has been removed and another capsule has been inserted. Therefore, if the instance times out (e.g., after 8 minutes) or if the consumer turns off the device while it is in instance, the instance number will be incremented.

[0228] When the controller obtains the operating parameters in S840, it causes the aerosol generating device to indicate via the aerosol indicator that preheating has started.

[0229] In S850, the controller ramps up the power to the maximum usable power for the heater (via the VGATE, COIL_Z and COIL_X signals supplied to the heating engine control circuit 2127) (for example, the controller supplies a maximum usable power of 10 W within 200 ms). More specifically, the controller requests the maximum power, and by ramping up to the maximum power, the instantaneous load on the power source is reduced. In an exemplary embodiment, the maximum usable power is a set value based on the capacity of the battery, and is a value that minimizes overshoot to prevent the aerosol-generating substance from being burned by the heater (i.e., the maximum value of energy that can be input without burning the aerosol-generating substance). The maximum usable power may be set by empirical evidence, and may be between 10 and 15 W. In S855, the controller supplies the maximum usable power until it determines that the heater is approaching the initial target preheating temperature (e.g., 320°C). Although 320°C is used as an example of the initial target preheating temperature for an aerosol-generating substance comprising tobacco, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. The initial target preheating temperature for an aerosol-generating substance comprising tobacco may be, for example, less than 400°C, and may be 350°C, for example. Further, the initial target preheating temperature is based on the materials in the aerosol-generating substance. The controller may determine the temperature of the heater using the measured voltage value from the heater voltage measurement circuit (e.g., COIL_VOL) and the measured voltage value from the compensation voltage measurement circuit, and may determine the measured current value from the heater current measurement circuit (e.g., COIL_RTN_I). The controller may determine the temperature of the heater 336 in any known manner (e.g., may determine it based on the relatively linear relationship between the resistance value of the heater 336 and temperature).

[0230] Further, the controller uses the measured current value COIL_RTN_I and the measured voltage value COIL_RTN to calculate the heater resistance value R, which is the resistance value of the heater 336 HeaterThe heater resistance R can be determined (for example, by using Ohm's law or other known methods). For example, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the controller divides the measured voltage value COIL_RTN (or compensation voltage value VCOMP) by the measured current value COIL_RTN_I to obtain the heater resistance R Heater It is possible to calculate this.

[0231] In some exemplary embodiments, the measured voltage value COIL_RTN, measured at the measuring contact for resistance calculation, may be used for temperature control.

[0232] The controller 2105 can determine (i.e., estimate) the temperature using, for example, the following formula. R Heater =R0[1+α(T-T0)] In the above formula, α is the temperature coefficient of the resistance (TCR) value of the heater material, R0 is the starting resistance value, T0 is the starting temperature, and R Heater is the current resistance determination value, and T is the estimated temperature.

[0233] The starting resistance R0 is stored in memory 2130 by controller 2105 during the initial preheating. More specifically, controller 2105 can measure the starting resistance R0 when the power applied to heater 336 reaches a value that has little effect on measurement error for temperature calculation. For example, controller 2105 can measure the starting resistance R0 when the power supplied to heater 336 is 1W (resistance measurement error is less than approximately 1%).

[0234] The starting temperature T0 is the ambient temperature when the controller 2105 measures the starting resistance R0. The controller 2105 may determine the starting temperature T0 using an onboard thermistor or any temperature measuring device.

[0235] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, a measurement interval of 10 ms (milliseconds) may be used to perform measurements by the heater current measurement circuit 21258 and the heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 (because this is the maximum sampling rate). However, in at least one other exemplary embodiment, a measurement interval of 1 ms (the system's tick rate) may be used for resistance-based heater measurements.

[0236] In other exemplary embodiments, determining the heater temperature value may include obtaining the heater temperature value from a lookup table (LUT) based on the determined resistance value. In some exemplary embodiments, a LUT indexed by the change in resistance value relative to a starting resistance value may be used.

[0237] The LUT can store multiple temperature values ​​corresponding to each of multiple heater resistance values, and the obtained heater temperature value may be the temperature value corresponding to the determined resistance value from among the multiple temperature values ​​stored in the LUT.

[0238] Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 10 may store a lookup table (LUT) (for example, in memory 2130) that stores multiple heater resistance values ​​as indices, and these indices are indices for multiple heater temperature values, each corresponding to one of the indices, which are also stored in the LUT. As a result, the controller can store the previously determined heater resistance value R Heater By using this as an index in the LUT and estimating the current temperature of heater 336, the corresponding heater temperature T can be identified (for example, investigated) from among the heater temperatures stored in the LUT.

[0239] Once the controller determines that the initial target preheating temperature is approaching, it avoids temperature overshoot by starting to reduce the power applied to the heater to an intermediate power level in S855.

[0240] The proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller (shown in Figure 9) performs proportional control based on the error signal (i.e., target temperature - current determined temperature). Therefore, when the error signal decreases toward zero, the controller 2105 begins to reduce the applied power (this is largely controlled by the proportional term (P) of the PID controller, but the integral term (I) and derivative terms also contribute).

[0241] The P, I, and D values ​​balance overshoot, latency, and steady-state error, controlling how the PID controller adjusts its output. The P, I, and D values ​​may be derived empirically or through simulation.

[0242] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing temperature heating engine control algorithms according to at least some exemplary embodiments.

[0243] As shown in Figure 9, the temperature heating engine control algorithm 900 uses a PID controller 970 to control the amount of power applied to the heating engine control circuit 2127, thereby achieving a desired temperature. According to some exemplary embodiments, for example, as will be described in more detail below, the temperature heating engine control algorithm 900 includes obtaining a determined temperature value 974 (e.g., determined as described above), obtaining a target temperature value (e.g., target temperature 976) from the memory 2130, and controlling the power level supplied to the heater by the PID controller (e.g., PID controller 970) based on the determined heater temperature value and the target temperature value.

[0244] Furthermore, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the target temperature 976 acts as a setpoint (i.e., a temperature setpoint) within a PID control loop controlled by the PID controller 970.

[0245] As a result, the PID controller 970 continuously corrects the level of the power control signal 972, thereby controlling the power waveforms 930 (i.e., COIL_X and COIL_Z) output to the heating engine control circuit 2127 by the power level setting operation 944. This control is performed so that the difference (e.g., the magnitude of the difference) between the target temperature 976 and the determined temperature 974 is reduced or minimized. The difference between the target temperature 976 and the determined temperature 974 can also be thought of as the error value that the PID controller 970 tries to reduce or minimize.

[0246] For example, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the power level setting operation 944 outputs a power waveform 930 such that the level of the power waveform 930 is controlled by the power control signal 972. The heating engine control circuit 2127 increases or decreases the amount of power supplied to the heater 336 by the power supply 1234 in proportion to the increase or decrease in the magnitude of the power level of the power level waveform output to the heating engine control circuit 2127. As a result, the PID controller 970 controls the power level supplied to the heater 336 by controlling the power control signal 972 (for example, controlled by the power supply 1234). This control is performed so as to reduce or minimize the magnitude of the difference between the target temperature value (e.g., target temperature 976) and the determined temperature value (e.g., determined temperature 974).

[0247] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the PID controller 970 may operate according to known PID control methods. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the PID controller 970 may generate two or more terms from among proportional terms (P), integral terms (I), and differential terms (D). The PID controller 970 may use these two or more terms to adjust or correct the power control signal 972 according to known methods. In some exemplary embodiments, the same PID settings may be used for the first preheating phase and the subsequent preheating phase.

[0248] In another exemplary embodiment, different PID settings may be used for each phase (for example, the temperature target for the first preheating and the temperature target for subsequent preheating may be substantially different).

[0249] Figure 10 shows an example of how the level of the power waveform 930 can change over time while the PID controller 970 continuously corrects the power control signal 972 supplied to the power level operator 944. Figure 10 shows an example of how the level of the power waveform 930 can change as temperature and energy reach their respective thresholds. The power in Figure 10 is COIL_VOL*COIL_CUR. In Figure 10, as the temperature approaches the setpoint, the PID loop adjusts the applied power to the maximum power P max It starts to decrease from there. This reduces the overshoot of the target temperature.

[0250] Figure 10 will be discussed in more detail below.

[0251] As shown in Figure 8A, in S810, the controller determines the estimated energy delivered to the heater as part of the first power application.

[0252] As shown in Figure 8B and described above, in S855 the controller controls the power supplied to the heater. In S860 the controller determines whether the estimated energy applied to the heater has reached the preheating energy threshold. More specifically, the controller estimates the energy delivered to the heater by integrating (or summing samples of) the power delivered to the heater since preheating began. In one exemplary embodiment, the controller determines the power applied to the heater (power = COIL_VOL * COIL_CUR) every millisecond and uses the determined power as part of the integral (or sum).

[0253] If the controller determines that the preheating energy threshold has not yet been reached, the method proceeds to S855, where power is supplied to the heater as part of the heater preheating process.

[0254] When the controller determines that the applied energy has reached the preheating energy threshold (e.g., 75 J), the controller instructs the aerosol generating device to output a preheating completion signal via the aerosol indicator in S865.

[0255] As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, when the preheating energy threshold is reached, the controller applies a second power to the heater in S815. The second power is less than the first power.

[0256] The controller changes the heater's initial target preheating temperature to the next preheating temperature (e.g., 300°C) and thus reduces the input power to the second power using the temperature control algorithm shown in Figure 9. The next preheating temperature may be based on empirical data and may be lower than the initial target preheating temperature. In some exemplary embodiments, the next preheating temperature may be based on the number of times negative pressure has been applied to the device with a capsule inside.

[0257] Figures 8B and 10 show preheating to the next preheating temperature target, but an adult operator may start aerosol generation after the first preheating temperature target is reached. More specifically, the controller 2105 may start aerosol generation (i.e., power the heater so that it reaches a temperature sufficient to produce aerosols) when it detects that negative pressure has been applied by an adult operator and the first preheating temperature target has been reached.

[0258] The preheating energy threshold may be determined based on empirical data, or it may be determined to be the energy sufficient to generate a desired / selected amount of aerosol when a negative pressure higher than the pressure threshold is applied.

[0259] In S875, an adult operator may apply negative pressure to the aerosol generating device. In response, the aerosol generating device heats the pre-aerosol substance inside the capsule to generate the aerosol.

[0260] By using the applied energy as a factor to control the heater and / or the temperature during heating, sensory experience and energy efficiency are improved, and as a result, battery power is conserved.

[0261] Figure 10 is a timing diagram of the method shown in Figures 8A and 8B. At T1, preheating is started, and the controller applies a first power to the heater by increasing the power. In this embodiment, the first power is the maximum power P max At T2, the controller determines that the heater is approaching its initial preheating temperature Temp1 (due to a decrease in the error signal within the PID control loop), and adjusts the power applied to P max From intermediate power P int By starting to lower it, temperature overshoot is avoided. Intermediate power P int The reduction to includes at least two intervals, Int1 and Int2. The controller reduces the power at a faster rate (i.e., with a larger slope) than the rate in interval Int2. Interval Int2 has a smaller rate of change, thereby reaching the intermediate power P at virtually the same time that the controller determines that the initial preheating temperature Temp1 has been reached. int This makes it possible to reach this point. The PID settings used for preheating may be the same for both intervals Int1 and Int2 (e.g., P=100, I=0.25, and D=0). The change in power application during intervals Int1 and Int2 is a result of the decrease in the temperature error signal.

[0262] At T3, the controller determines that the initial preheating temperature Temp1 has been reached. At T4, the controller determines that the applied energy has reached the preheating energy threshold and reduces the power to the second power P2 to maintain the heater temperature at the next preheating temperature Temp2.

[0263] Intermediate power P intThe transition from to the second power P2 includes two intervals Int3 and Int4. In Int3, the controller reduces the power at a first slope. In Int4, the controller increases the power at a slope whose magnitude is smaller than the magnitude of the first slope. When the power is P dip , the controller starts the interval Int4. P dip is smaller than the second power P2.

[0264] FIGS. 11A to 11F illustrate a method of controlling a heater in a non-combustible aerosol-generating device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0265] As described below, the aerosol-generating device can regulate the power / energy delivered to the heater during a single puff (e.g., a 2 to 4 second puff) that enhances the sensory experience. These methods may be referred to as inter-puff control.

[0266] In both the heating basket and tobacco rod configurations of the aerosol-generating device, the thermal response can be slow relative to the period in which negative pressure is applied to the device by an adult operator. As a result, such aerosol-generating devices include neither a puff sensor nor an air flow rate sensor.

[0267] However, the aerosol-generating device of the exemplary embodiment includes an air flow sensor (e.g., air flow sensor 1248) that detects when the negative pressure exceeds a threshold and when the negative pressure falls below the threshold.

[0268] The methods of FIGS. 11A to 11F may be executed in the controller 2105. In one example, the methods of FIGS. 11A to 11F may be executed as part of the execution of device manager finite state machine (FSM) software running on the controller 2105.

[0269] As shown in Figure 11A, when the aerosol generating device receives input and turns on, or or begins preheating, the controller starts the preheating algorithm in S1102. Preheating may be performed according to the exemplary embodiments described with reference to Figures 8A to 10.

[0270] In S905, the airflow sensor detects the airflow. Figure 11B shows further details of the airflow detection. As shown in Figure 11B, in S1125 the controller controls the heater temperature to raise it to a preheating temperature target (e.g., the initial preheating temperature target). While controlling the heater temperature according to the preheating temperature target, the controller monitors the input from the airflow sensor in S1130 to determine whether the detected airflow exceeds a first airflow threshold. If it is determined that the detected airflow does not exceed the first airflow threshold, the controller determines in S1175 whether a threshold time has elapsed for the device to shut down or enter sleep mode. If the threshold time has not elapsed, the process returns to S1125, and the controller continues to control the heater temperature according to the preheating temperature target. In the embodiment of Figure 11B, time is used to determine whether the aerosol generating device should be turned off, but it should be understood that other criteria may also be used to determine whether the aerosol generating device should be turned off. For example, the controller may decide to prohibit aerosol generation after a threshold number of suctions have been performed, or when the threshold time exceeds a negative pressure threshold or, for example, an (instance) energy consumption threshold.

[0271] If the controller determines in S1130 that the detected airflow has exceeded a first threshold, it determines in S1135 that sufficient negative pressure has been applied to the aerosol generating device to initiate an aerosol generation event. Figures 11A to 11F show the airflow sensor, but it should be understood that a pressure sensor or other type of sensor that detects suction due to negative pressure may be used instead of or in addition to the airflow sensor.

[0272] The airflow sensor supplies size measurements to the controller 2105 every 20 milliseconds. The controller reduces noise using a threshold detection value, which is the average of multiple samples (e.g., seven samples). For example, the controller averages the sizes of multiple samples from the airflow sensor and determines whether the average value exceeds a first airflow threshold (e.g., 1 ml / sec).

[0273] In some exemplary embodiments, the controller determines that when the detected airflow is equal to a first threshold, a negative pressure sufficient to initiate an aerosol generation event is being applied to the aerosol generating device. In another exemplary embodiment, the controller determines that when the detected airflow is equal to a first threshold, a negative pressure sufficient to initiate an aerosol generation event is not being applied to the aerosol generating device.

[0274] As shown in Figure 11A, in S1110, the controller applies a first power based on the detected airflow. As shown in Figure 11B, when the controller determines that a negative pressure sufficient to initiate an aerosol generation event has been applied to the aerosol generating device, in S1140, it loads the suction temperature and proportional-integral-derivative (PID) settings from memory.

[0275] Memory (e.g., 2130) may store predefined thresholds used to set PID settings and temperature setpoints (target temperatures). For example, during preheating, a PID setting (e.g., P=100, I=0.25, D=0) may be set for high accuracy and slow response. When it is detected that the airflow exceeds a first airflow threshold (thus initiating the suction phase), the controller may set a PID setting, and the airflow is compensated using a corresponding PID setting (e.g., P=300, I=1, D=0). The PID settings remain constant during the operating phase (i.e., preheating or suction (e.g., when negative pressure exceeds a threshold)). For example, when it is determined that sufficient negative pressure (e.g., exceeding the first airflow threshold) has been applied, the controller may increase the power delivered to the heater by increasing the proportional and integral settings, thereby avoiding / reducing the temperature drop from the heater or achieving higher or lower temperatures with low latency.

[0276] In S1145, the controller generates a command to supply first power to the heater according to the detected airflow and target temperature associated with the PID settings. The system may, by performing low-latency detection of the start of suction detection, switch to a higher temperature setpoint (target temperature) with a higher P value for the suction period to improve the quality of the aerosol produced, and then return to the maintenance temperature level between suctions (e.g., preheating temperature). This is to reduce battery depletion and loss of volatile substances from the capsule.

[0277] In one exemplary embodiment, the controller supplies the maximum available power to the heater by applying a proportional ratio related to the set maximum power (e.g., 10W). Once it is determined using voltage and current measurement circuits that the heater is approaching the target event temperature (e.g., 320°C), the controller maintains the target event temperature by reducing the power delivered to the heater. When suction is detected, a new PID setting may be drawn up by the controller.

[0278] In S1150, the controller monitors the input from the airflow sensor while controlling the heater temperature according to the target temperature associated with the detected airflow, thereby determining whether the detected airflow is less than a second threshold.

[0279] If the controller determines that the detected airflow exceeds the second airflow threshold, the method returns to S1145, and the controller continues to control the heater temperature according to the target temperature associated with the detected airflow. If the controller determines in S1150 that the detected airflow does not exceed the second threshold, the controller determines in S1155 that there is not enough negative pressure applied to the aerosol generating device to continue the aerosol generation event.

[0280] In some exemplary embodiments, when the detected airflow is equal to a second airflow threshold, the controller determines that a negative pressure sufficient to sustain the aerosol generation event is being applied to the aerosol generating device. In another exemplary embodiment, when the detected airflow is equal to a second airflow threshold, the controller determines that a negative pressure sufficient to sustain the aerosol generation event is not being applied to the aerosol generating device.

[0281] In some exemplary embodiments, the first and second airflow thresholds may be different, and in other exemplary embodiments, the first and second airflow thresholds may be the same. In some exemplary embodiments, the first airflow threshold is greater than the second airflow threshold. The period from when the pressure exceeds the first airflow threshold until it falls below the second airflow threshold may be called the suction phase.

[0282] As shown in Figures 11A and 11B, in S1115 (more specifically S1160 in Figure 11B), when the detected airflow is smaller than a second threshold, the controller applies a second power to the heater. The second power is based on the target preheating temperature.

[0283] In some exemplary embodiments, the controller in S1160 retrieves a PID setting related to the set minimum power (e.g., 1W) to deliver the set minimum power to the heater.

[0284] In S1165, the controller uses measurements from the current and voltage measurement circuits to determine whether the heater has reached the target preheating temperature. If it is determined that the heater is not below the target preheating temperature, the controller continues to apply a second power (e.g., minimum power) in S1160. If it is determined that the heater is below the target preheating temperature, the controller applies a third power to the heater in S1120 to regulate / maintain the preheating temperature determined by the controller using the current and voltage measurements.

[0285] Figure 11C is a timing diagram of the method shown in Figures 11A and 11B, which uses a one-stage temperature preheating, according to at least one exemplary embodiment. In the embodiment shown in Figure 11C, the suction temperature target Draw1 is higher than the preheating temperature Temp3.

[0286] At T1, the controller receives an input regarding the start of the preheating algorithm, thereby increasing the power to the maximum power P. max The power is applied to the heater. At T2, the controller determines whether the heater has reached its target preheating temperature Temp3. As described above, as the temperature approaches the target, the controller reduces the likelihood of temperature overshoot by decreasing the power applied to the heater, thereby maintaining the target preheating temperature Temp3. At T3, the controller detects a negative pressure sufficient to initiate an aerosol generation event (i.e., suction) and constructs a fast power response system to apply the first power. In some exemplary embodiments where an airflow from the negative pressure is present, the first power is the maximum power P maxcan be. The controller establishes a fast power response by modifying PID settings. Upon determining at T4 that the heater temperature is approaching the target draw temperature Draw1, the controller reduces the first power delivered to the heater to a power sufficient to maintain the target draw temperature Draw1. At T5, the controller detects that the negative pressure is not sufficient to continue the aerosol generation event, and applies a second power. In some exemplary embodiments, the second power is the minimum power P min can be. At T6, the controller determines that the heater is below or equal to the target preheating temperature Temp1, and causes power P2 (the third power) to be applied to the heater, thereby regulating / maintaining the preheating temperature Temp3 determined by the controller using the current and voltage measurements.

[0287] Figure 11D is a timing diagram of the method shown in Figures 11A and 11B using two-stage temperature preheating, in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 11D, the two-stage preheating is the preheating described with reference to Figures 8A to 10. In the example shown in Figure 11D, the draw target temperature Draw2 is the same as the initial target preheating temperature (shown as Temp1 in Figure 11D).

[0288] In Figure 11D, the temperature and power waveforms up to time T1 are those described with reference to Figure 10.

[0289] At T1, the controller detects a negative pressure sufficient to start an aerosol generation event (i.e., a draw), and applies the first power. In some exemplary embodiments, the first power is the maximum power P max can be. Upon determining at T2 that the heater temperature is approaching the target draw temperature Draw2, the controller reduces the first power delivered to the heater to a power P sufficient to maintain the target draw temperature Draw2 main down. Power P main can be higher than the power P that maintains the initial preheating temperature Temp1 int . Power P main is power P intThe potentially higher temperature is due to the additional cooling effect from the airflow from the suction, in order to achieve the same (or substantially the same) temperature as the preheating temperature. At T3, the controller detects that the negative pressure is not sufficient to continue the aerosol generation event and power P dip Apply power P. dip The current is lower than the power P2 required to maintain the next preheating temperature Temp2. ​​At T4, the controller determines that the heater is approaching the next preheating temperature Temp2 and applies power P2 to the heater to regulate / maintain the next preheating temperature Temp2, as determined by the controller using current and voltage measurements.

[0290] Figure 11E is a timing diagram of the method shown in Figures 11A and 11B, which employs two-stage temperature preheating, according to at least one exemplary embodiment. In the embodiment shown in Figure 11D, the two-stage preheating is the preheating described with reference to Figures 8A to 10. In the embodiment shown in Figure 11E, the suction target temperature Draw3 is lower than the first target preheating temperature (shown as Temp1 in Figure 11E) and lower than the next target preheating temperature (shown as Temp2). By using a suction target temperature lower than the first target preheating temperature and lower than the next target suction temperature, the perception of the aerosol's warmth to the aerosol produced during suction is reduced / minimized.

[0291] In Figure 11E, the temperature and power waveforms up to time T1 are explained with reference to Figure 10.

[0292] At T1, the controller detects a negative pressure sufficient to initiate an aerosol generation event (i.e., suction) and applies a first power. In some exemplary embodiments, the first power is a minimum value P min This is possible. The gradient decreasing to the first power is steeper than the gradient increasing to the maximum power after preheating begins. Once it is determined that the heater temperature is approaching the target suction temperature Draw3 at T3, the controller sets the first power delivered to the heater to a power P sufficient to maintain the target suction temperature Draw3. main2 Raise it up to this point. Power P main2The power P2 may be higher than the power P2 required to maintain the next preheating temperature Temp2. ​​At T3, the controller detects that the negative pressure is not sufficient to sustain the aerosol generation event and increases the power to apply power P2, thereby raising the temperature to the next preheating temperature Temp2 and maintaining it.

[0293] Figure 11F is a timing diagram of the method shown in Figures 11A and 11B, which uses two-stage temperature preheating, according to at least one exemplary embodiment. In the embodiment shown in Figure 11F, the two-stage preheating is the preheating described with reference to Figures 8A to 10. In the embodiment shown in Figure 11F, the suction target temperature is the following target preheating temperature (shown as Temp2). By using the following target preheating temperature as the suction target temperature, a consistent quality aerosol is produced during suction.

[0294] In Figure 11F, the temperature and power waveforms up to time T1 are explained with reference to Figure 10.

[0295] At T1, the controller detects a negative pressure sufficient to initiate an aerosol generation event (i.e., suction) and constructs a fast power response system to apply a first power. In some exemplary embodiments where an airflow from the negative pressure is present, the first power is power P main3 This is possible. Fast power response (i.e., change in PID settings) and power P main3 This allows the aerosol generating device to have the suction temperature as the next target preheating temperature. At T2, the controller detects that the negative pressure is not sufficient to continue the aerosol generation event and maintains the next preheating temperature Temp2 by reducing the power and applying power P2. While the temperature is kept substantially constant before and after T2, the controller reduces the power at T2 due to the reduced airflow from the reduced negative pressure.

[0296] The fast power response shown in Figures 11C to 11F is due to the controller dynamically changing the PID settings when suction and / or negative pressure exceeding the first threshold was detected.

[0297] Figure 11G is a timing diagram for a non-flammable aerosol generating device without inter-puff heating control. At T7, an adult operator applies negative pressure, but the aerosol generating device does not increase power quickly enough to maintain the temperature, causing a temperature drop. As a result, the temperature of the heater (and aerosol generating material) does not recover until the adult operator stops suctioning with negative pressure at T8.

[0298] While many exemplary embodiments have been described herein, it should be understood that other variations are also possible. Such variations should not be considered to deviate from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, and all modifications that are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be included in the following claims.

Claims

1. A system for controlling a heater in a non-flammable aerosol generating device, Memory for storing computer-readable instructions, A controller that executes the computer-readable command to the non-flammable aerosol generating device, To detect the airflow within the non-flammable aerosol generating device, Based on the detection of the airflow exceeding a first airflow threshold, a first power is applied to the heater. After applying the first power, a second power is applied to the heater based on the preheating temperature and the detected airflow being smaller than a second airflow threshold, wherein the second airflow threshold is smaller than the first airflow threshold, After applying the second power, a third power greater than the second power is applied to the heater based on the preheating temperature and the detected airflow being less than the second airflow threshold. A controller configured to perform the following actions, A system that includes this.

2. The controller controls the non-flammable aerosol generating device, Determining the heater temperature, The first power is reduced based on the heater temperature and the suction temperature, Applying the second power based on the suction temperature and the preheating temperature, The system according to claim 1, configured to cause [something].

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the preheating temperature and the suction temperature are equal.

4. The system according to claim 2, wherein the suction temperature is higher than the preheating temperature.

5. The controller controls the non-flammable aerosol generating device, Determining the heater temperature, After detecting the airflow and before applying the second power, increase the first power, Before applying the third power, the second power is increased, The system according to claim 1, configured to cause [something].

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the first power is less than the second power.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the controller includes a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller, and the controller is configured to cause the non-flammable aerosol generating device to modify at least one of the proportional, integral, and differential terms of the PID controller based on the detected airflow.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to increase the proportional term when the detected airflow is greater than the first airflow threshold and decrease the proportional term when the detected airflow is less than the second airflow threshold.

9. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor configured to detect the airflow and output a signal indicating the magnitude of the airflow to the controller.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the preheating temperature is lower than 400°C.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the preheating temperature is 320°C.

12. The system according to claim 10, wherein the preheating temperature is 300°C.

13. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first power is the set maximum power.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the second power is the set minimum power.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein the minimum set power is 1W.

16. The system according to claim 14, wherein the controller is configured to cause the non-flammable aerosol generating device to determine the heater temperature, and the third power is applied when the heater temperature is the preheating temperature.

17. A non-flammable aerosol generating system, Heater and, A circuit, which is used in a non-flammable aerosol generating device, To detect the airflow within the non-flammable aerosol generating device, Based on the detection of the airflow exceeding a first airflow threshold, a first power is applied to the heater. After applying the first power, a second power is applied to the heater based on the preheating temperature and the detected airflow being smaller than a second airflow threshold. After applying the second power, a third power greater than the second power is applied to the heater based on the preheating temperature and the detected airflow being less than the second airflow threshold. A circuit configured to cause this, A non-flammable aerosol generating system including [unspecified material].

18. The non-flammable aerosol generating system according to claim 17, further comprising a removable capsule including the heater, wherein the removable capsule is configured to direct the airflow along the longitudinal axis of the capsule.

19. A system for controlling a heater in a non-flammable aerosol generating device, Memory for storing computer-readable instructions, A controller that executes the computer-readable command to the non-flammable aerosol generating device, To detect the airflow within the non-flammable aerosol generating device, When the detected airflow exceeds a first threshold, a first power is applied to the heater. The first power is reduced while the detected airflow exceeds the first threshold to achieve the suction temperature, When the detected airflow is less than a second threshold which is less than the first threshold, the first power is reduced to achieve the suction temperature, and then a second power which is less than the first power is applied to the heater. After applying the second power, when the detected airflow is smaller than the second threshold, a third power greater than the second power is applied to the heater. A controller configured to perform the following actions, A system that includes this.

20. A system for controlling a heater in a non-flammable aerosol generating device, Memory for storing computer-readable instructions, A controller that executes the computer-readable command to the non-flammable aerosol generating device, The preheating temperature is achieved by applying preheating power, To detect the airflow within the non-flammable aerosol generating device, When the detected airflow exceeds a first threshold, a first power less than the preheating power is applied to the heater. The first power is increased while the detected airflow exceeds the first threshold to achieve a suction temperature lower than the preheating temperature, When the detected airflow is less than a second threshold which is less than the first threshold, the first power is increased to achieve the suction temperature, and then a second power greater than the increased first power is applied to the heater. A controller configured to perform the following actions, A system that includes this.

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