Heating method for an aerosol delivery system and an aerosol delivery system

Abstract

The present application discloses a heating method and an aerosol delivery system for an aerosol delivery system. The heating method comprises: a step in which a sensor of the system obtains sensor data used to characterize a user's heating intention; a step in which a controller of the system receives the sensor data and determines the user's heating intention based on the sensor data, and identifies a target heating profile from a pre-stored heating profile library based on the heating intention; and a step in which the controller controls a heater of the system to heat articles within the system based on the target heating profile.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of aerosol delivery technology, and in particular to a heating method for an aerosol delivery system and an aerosol delivery system. Background Technology

[0002] An aerosol delivery system refers to a system that contains an aerosol-generating material internally and generates an aerosol that users can puff by heating the material (e.g., tobacco) to a specific temperature without combustion.

[0003] Currently, an aerosol delivery system typically includes a housing, a heater arranged within the housing, a power supply, and a controller. The controller is pre-programmed with a fixed heating profile, which is a single temperature profile. During a puffing session, the controller regulates the power supply to the heater based on this heating profile to ensure that the heater provides heat at the specified temperature profile. A commonly used heating profile is illustrated in FIG. 1, where the temperature rises from room temperature (e.g., 25°C) to a preset temperature (e.g., 300°C) and then remains constant at the preset temperature.

[0004] However, this heating profile may not align with the preferences of some users, or users may desire different heating profiles at various points during the puffing session. For example, some users may prefer heating at higher temperatures to achieve denser puffing, while others may want separate heating modes for the puffing and non-puffing phases to strike a balance between energy efficiency and optimal puffing. These diverse demands cannot be met by current aerosol delivery systems, which degrades the user experience.

[0005] According to the first aspect, a heating method for an aerosol delivery system is provided, and the heating method for an aerosol delivery system is,

[0006] A step in which the system's sensor obtains sensor data used to characterize the user's heating intention;

[0007] A step in which a controller of the system receives sensor data, determines the user's heating intention based on the sensor data, and identifies a target heating profile from a pre-stored heating profile library based on the heating intention;

[0008] The controller controls the heater of the system to heat the items within the system based on a target heating profile.

[0009] The system can automatically determine the user's heating intention through data obtained by sensors and determine a corresponding heating profile for heating based on the determined intention. Compared to conventional technology, this eliminates the limitations of the system's inherent heating modes, satisfies the diverse and personalized needs of users, and enhances the user experience. Furthermore, by obtaining data through sensors, the system reduces additional user actions, making it more automatic and convenient.

[0010] Optionally, a pre-stored heating profile library includes heating profiles for puffing and / or heating profiles for non-puffing;

[0011] The heating intention includes a non-puffing intention and / or a puffing intention;

[0012] When the controller determines a non-puffing intention based on sensor data, it determines a heating profile for non-puffing from a heating profile library as a target heating profile based on the non-puffing intention;

[0013] When the controller determines a puffing intention based on sensor data, it determines a heating profile for puffing from a heating profile library as a target heating profile based on the puffing intention.

[0014] Optionally, the heating profile for puffing is a positive heating profile, and the heating profile for non-puffing is a preheating profile;

[0015] The positive heating profile corresponds to the atomization process of the article, and the preheating profile corresponds to the preheating process of the article.

[0016] By determining a preheating profile when the user intends to puff, the system can maintain the preheating temperature, thereby saving energy. On the other hand, if the user intends to puff, the temperature can be rapidly raised using a positive heating profile corresponding to the atomization process. This achieves a balance between energy saving and efficient puffing.

[0017] Optionally, the positive heating profile and the preheating profile are time-related temperature profiles, the start and end times of the positive heating profile are T1hea and T2hea, and the start and end times of the preheating profile are T1pre and T2pre.

[0018] Optionally, during a puffing session, if the controller determines a preheating profile as the target heating profile based on the heating intention, the controller controls the heater of the system to start heating from the T1pre time of the preheating profile.

[0019] Optionally, during a puffing session, if the controller determines a positive heating profile as the target heating profile based on the heating intention, the controller controls the heater of the system to start heating from the T1hea time of the positive heating profile.

[0020] Optionally, the puffing session includes an operation period in which the article is heated to a preset temperature from the start to the end of the puffing session, and the start and end times of the operation period are T1opr and T2opr, respectively;

[0021] During the puffing session, T1hea, T1pre, and T1opr correspond to the same clock, and T2hea, T2pre, and T2opr correspond to the same clock.

[0022] As used herein, "corresponds to the same clock" means that the time is the same. For example, in the example described above, during the puffing session, T1hea, T1pre, and T1opr are at the same time point, and T2hea, T2pre, and T2opr are at the same time point.

[0023] Optionally, during a puffing session, if the controller determines a preheating profile at time Tn as the target heating profile based on the heating intention, the controller controls the heater of the system to start heating from the Tnpre time of the preheating profile;

[0024] Here, Tn corresponds to the same clock as Tnpre, and T1opr ≤ Tn ≤ T2opr.

[0025] Optionally, during a puffing session, if the controller determines a positive heating profile at time Tn as the target heating profile based on the heating intention, the controller controls the heater of the system to start heating from time Tnhea of ​​the positive heating profile;

[0026] Here, Tn corresponds to the same clock as Tnhea, and T1opr ≤ Tn ≤ T2opr.

[0027] During the puffing session process, there may be different temperature requirements corresponding to different points in time. The heating profile may be a temperature profile corresponding to the time axis of the session process, such as a profile that gradually increases as the session process progresses over time. By setting the heating profile to be related to time and having the controller perform heating control by switching the temperature corresponding to time based on the heating profile, the heating temperature can better meet the requirements of the puffing session process, thereby improving the user experience.

[0028] Optionally, the puffing session includes a ramping section in which the article is heated from room temperature to a preset temperature;

[0029] The heating profile library includes ramping profiles corresponding to ramping intervals, and the start and end times of the ramping profiles are T0 and T1, respectively.

[0030] T1, T1hea, T1pre, and T1opr can correspond to the same clock.

[0031] Optionally, the heating profile library includes a warming phase profile and a cooling phase profile;

[0032] The warming section profile is used for the transition from the preheating profile to the positive heating profile when the target heating profile shifts from the preheating profile to the positive heating profile;

[0033] The cooling section profile is used for the transition from the positive heating profile to the preheating profile when the target heating profile shifts from the positive heating profile to the preheating profile.

[0034] The temperature range of the preheating profile can be from 50°C to 230°C. Within this temperature range, the aerosol-generating material does not generate aerosols but can be rapidly switched to a temperature at which aerosols are generated, thereby achieving a balance between energy efficiency and rapid aerosol generation.

[0035] The temperature range of the positive heating profile may be 240°C to 300°C. Within this temperature range, the aerosol-generating material is heated and atomized so that it can be puffed by the user.

[0036] Optionally, the positive heating profile includes a high-temperature positive heating profile and a low-temperature positive heating profile; the puffing intention includes a high-concentration puffing intention and a low-concentration puffing intention;

[0037] When the controller determines a high-concentration puffing intention based on sensor data, it determines a high-temperature positive heating profile from a pre-stored heating profile library as the target heating profile;

[0038] When the controller determines a low-concentration puffing intention based on sensor data, it determines a low-temperature positive heating profile from a pre-stored heating profile library as the target heating profile;

[0039] The atomization concentration of an article corresponding to a high-temperature positive heating profile is higher than the atomization concentration of an article corresponding to a low-temperature positive heating profile.

[0040] Optionally, the controller determines the heating intention based on sensor data and a heating profile corresponding to the system's current operating state.

[0041] Optionally, a pre-stored heating profile library includes a first heating profile and a second heating profile different from the first heating profile;

[0042] The controller determines a first heating intention when sensor data satisfies a first characteristic and the heating profile corresponding to the current operating state is a first heating profile, and determines a second heating profile as a target heating profile based on the first heating intention;

[0043] The controller determines a second heating intention when sensor data satisfies a first characteristic and the heating profile corresponding to the current operating state is a second heating profile, and determines a first heating profile as a target heating profile based on the second heating intention.

[0044] Accordingly, different heating intentions can be determined based on the same data characteristics and the currently active heating profile, thereby enabling the selection and switching of different heating profiles.

[0045] Optionally, the controller receives sensor data before initiating a puffing session, initiates a puffing session based on the sensor data, and determines a target heating profile from a heating profile library. In this embodiment, it is also possible to determine the target heating profile while simultaneously initiating a puffing session based on the sensor data, which is faster and more efficient.

[0046] Sensor data may include at least one of the following:

[0047] Distance between user and system;

[0048] User's puffing status;

[0049] User gestures.

[0050] The pre-stored heating profile library can be located within the system or on an external device.

[0051] According to the second aspect, an aerosol delivery system is provided, and the aerosol delivery system is,

[0052] Housing ― The housing comprises a chamber; the chamber is designed to accommodate an article, the article comprises aerosol-generating materials ―;

[0053] A sensor configured to acquire characteristics of sensor data;

[0054] Controller ― The controller is configured to receive and determine a user's heating intention based on sensor data, determine a target heating profile from a pre-stored heating profile library based on the heating intention, and control a heater to heat aerosol-generating materials based on the target heating profile ―;

[0055] It includes a heater configured to heat aerosol-generating materials based on a target heating profile under the control of a controller.

[0056] The controller may be configured to implement a heating method for an aerosol delivery system as described in the first aspect.

[0057] The sensor may include at least one of the following:

[0058] Distance sensor;

[0059] Infrared sensor;

[0060] radar sensor;

[0061] Airflow sensor;

[0062] Temperature sensor;

[0063] Motion sensor;

[0064] Image sensor.

[0065] The sensor may be arranged on or partially on the housing, within the housing, on or within the article.

[0066] The sensor may be arranged on the side and / or top surface of the housing.

[0067] The sensor can be arranged on the top surface of the housing and can be covered by the top cover of the top surface of the housing.

[0068] The upper cover can be configured to be made of an optically transparent material or an infrared-transmitting material.

[0069] The heater can be configured to heat aerosol-generating materials in a non-combustion manner.

[0070] Based on the aforementioned embodiments, during a puffing session, the user's heating intention can be determined based on data automatically obtained by sensors, and a corresponding heating profile for heating can be determined based on the heating intention. Compared to the prior art, this eliminates the limitations of the system's inherent heating modes, satisfies the diverse and personalized needs of users, and improves the user experience. Furthermore, by obtaining data through sensors, the system becomes more automatic and convenient by reducing additional user actions.

[0071] Additional aspects and benefits will be partially explained in the following description, and some will become apparent from the following description. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0072] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the contents disclosed in this application will be more easily understood. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that these drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Additionally, similar numbers in the drawings are used to denote similar components, wherein: Figure 1 is a heating profile diagram of an aerosol delivery system in the prior art. Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of an aerosol delivery system. Figure 3 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an aerosol delivery system. Figure 4 is a flowchart of the heating method of an aerosol delivery system. Figure 5 is a flowchart of another heating method of an aerosol delivery system. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a heating profile that has no clock correspondence with the puffing session. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a heating profile with a clock correspondence relationship with a puffing session. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the overall heating profile in a puffing session. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a heating profile corresponding to a part of the operating section in a puffing session. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of another heating profile corresponding to a part of the operating section in the puffing session. Explanation of drawing symbols: 100: Housing; 101: Mouthpiece; 102: Article insertion opening; 103: Air intake; 104: Top cover; 200: Chamber; 300: Heater; 400: Power supply; 500: Controller; 600: Sensor; 700: Article. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0073] Some embodiments are described below with reference to the attached drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that these embodiments are intended only to explain technical principles and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0074] As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user upon use, and includes the following:

[0075] Combustible aerosol delivery systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipe or hand-rolled or hand-made cigarettes (regardless of whether they are based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, puffed tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes, or other smokeable materials);

[0076] Non-combustible aerosol delivery systems that release compounds from aerosol-generating materials without burning the aerosol-generating materials, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems that generate aerosols using a combination of aerosol-generating materials; and

[0077] Aerosol-free delivery systems that deliver at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally, or otherwise without forming an aerosol, include but are not limited to articles comprising lozenges, gums, patches, inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco comprising snus or wet snuff, wherein at least one substance may or may not contain nicotine.

[0078] According to the present disclosure, a "combustible" aerosol delivery system is a system in which a constituent aerosol generating material of the aerosol delivery system (or its components) is combusted or burned during use to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0079] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol providing system selected from the group consisting of, for example, cigarettes, cigarillos, and cigars.

[0080] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to components for use in combustible aerosol delivery systems, such as aerosol-modifying agent releasing components such as filters, filter rods, filter segments, tobacco rods, spills, capsules, seals, or beads, or paper such as plug wraps, tipping paper, or cigarette paper.

[0081] According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol delivery system is a system in which the constituent aerosol generating material of the aerosol delivery system (or its components) is not combusted or burned to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0082] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol delivery system, such as an electric non-combustible aerosol delivery system.

[0083] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or an electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol generating material is not a requirement.

[0084] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system and is also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a cigarette heating system.

[0085] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol providing system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol generating materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol generating material and a solid aerosol generating material. The solid aerosol generating material may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0086] Typically, a non-combustible aerosol delivery system may include a non-combustible aerosol delivery device and consumables for use with the non-combustible aerosol delivery device.

[0087] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables comprising an aerosol-generating material and configured for use with non-combustible aerosol-providing devices. Such consumables are referred to as articles throughout the present disclosure.

[0088] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol providing system, such as its non-combustible aerosol providing device, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, an electric power source or a heating power source. In some embodiments, the heating power source comprises a carbon substrate, which may distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol generating material or heat transfer material that is close to the heating power source when energy is supplied.

[0089] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system may include an area for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol-modifying agent.

[0090] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-combustible aerosol delivery device may include an aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material delivery component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol-modifier.

[0091] In some embodiments, the delivery system is an aerosol-free delivery system that delivers at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally, or otherwise without forming an aerosol, and includes, but is not limited to, articles comprising lozenges, gums, patches, inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco including snus or wet snuff, wherein at least one substance may or may not include nicotine.

[0092] In some embodiments, the material to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material not intended to be aerosolized. Where appropriate, either material may include one or more active ingredients, one or more flavors, one or more aerosol-forming material, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0093] In some embodiments, the material to be delivered comprises an active substance. As used herein, the active substance may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may be selected from, for example, nutraceuticals, nootropics, and psychotropic substances. The active substance may occur naturally or be obtained synthetically. The active substance may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco, cannabis, or other plant materials.

[0094] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0095] As noted in the present specification, the active substance may include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

[0096] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanical materials or their components, derivatives, or extracts. As used herein, the term “botanical” includes any material derived from plants, including but not limited to extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husks, outer skins, etc. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally present in the botanical material that is obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, pieces, strips, sheets, etc.

[0097] Examples of plant substances include tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay leaf, licorice, matcha, mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green or black tea, thyme, cloves, cinnamon, coffee, anise seeds (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcumin, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mache, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives. Carbi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab, or any combination thereof. Mint may be selected from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha cv, Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata cv, Mentha piperita cv, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Mentha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata cv, and Mentha suaveolens.

[0098] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plant materials or their components, derivatives, or extracts, and the plant material is tobacco. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plant materials or their components, derivatives, or extracts, and the plant material is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, and hemp.

[0099] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plant materials or their components, derivatives, or extracts, and the plant material is selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0100] In some embodiments, the material to be delivered includes a flavor. As used herein, the terms “flavor” and “flavorant” refer to materials that may be used to create a desired taste, aroma, or other somatosensory sensation in products for adult consumers, where permitted by local regulations. These are naturally occurring flavoring ingredients, plant substances, extracts of plant substances, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white magnolia leaves, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, anise seeds (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruits, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, Scotch, whisky, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, Qat, Nasoir, Betel, Shisha, Pine, Honey Essence, Rose Oil, Vanilla, Lemon Oil, Orange Oil, Orange Blossom, Cherry Blossom, Cassia, Caraway, Cognac, Jasmine, Ylang-ylang, Sage, Fennel, Wasabi, Pimento, Ginger, Coriander, Coffee, Hemp, Mint Oil from Any Species of the genus Mentha, Eucalyptus, Star Anise, Cocoa, Lemongrass, Rooibos, Flax, Ginkgo, Hazelnut, Hibiscus, Bay Leaf, Mate, Orange Peel, Rose, Tea such as Green or Black Tea, Thyme, Juniper, Elderflower, Basil, Bay Leaves, Cumin, Oregano, Paprika, Rosemary, Saffron, Lemon Peel, Mint, Beefsteak Plant, Curcuma, Cilantro, Myrtle, Cassis, Valerian, Pimento, Mache, Marjoram, Olive, Lemon Balm, Lemon Basil, Chives, Carvi, Verbena, Tarragon, Limonene, Thymol, Camphen), Flavor enhancers,Bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, plant matter, or breath fresheners. These may be imitation, synthetic, or natural ingredients or blends thereof. These may be in any suitable form, e.g., liquid such as oil, solid such as powder, or gas.

[0101] In some embodiments, the flavor comprises menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits, and / or red berry. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components extracted from cannabis.

[0102] In some embodiments, the flavor may include a sensory agent, which is intended to achieve a somatosensory sensation that is typically chemically induced and perceived by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) in addition to or instead of the flavor or taste nerves, and may include agents that provide a warming, colding, tingling, or numbing effect. A suitable warming agent may be vanillyl ethyl ether, but is not limited thereto, and a suitable cooling agent may be eucalyptol, WS-3, but is not limited thereto.

[0103] An aerosol generating material is a material capable of generating an aerosol, which can generate an aerosol when, for example, heated, irradiated, or otherwise supplied with energy. The aerosol generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, for example, which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavoring agents. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may include an "amorphous solid," which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material capable of holding some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may include, for example, about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% of amorphous solid to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% of amorphous solid.

[0104] The aerosol-generating material may include one or more active substances and / or flavors, one or more aerosol-forming agent materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0105] The aerosol-forming material may comprise one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0106] One or more other functional materials may include one or more of pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0107] The material may be present on or within a support to form a substrate. The support may be, for example, paper, card, cardboard, paperboard, reconstructed material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or metal alloy, or may include these. In some embodiments, the support includes a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one side or both sides of the material.

[0108] A consumable is an article comprising or composed of an aerosol-generating material, intended for all or part thereof to be consumed during use by a user. The consumable may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material delivery component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol-modifier. The consumable may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol upon use. The heater may include, for example, a combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0109] A susceptor is a material capable of being heated by the penetration of a changing magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically conductive material, so that the penetration of a changing magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, so that the penetration of a changing magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be electrically conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. A device configured to generate a changing magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0110] An aerosol modifier is a substance typically located downstream of the aerosol generation region and is configured to modify the generated aerosol by, for example, altering the taste, flavor, acidity, or other properties of the aerosol. The aerosol modifier may be provided to an aerosol modifier release component operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier. The aerosol modifier may be, for example, an additive or an adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may comprise, for example, one or more of flavoring agents, coloring agents, water, and carbon adsorbents. The aerosol modifier may be, for example, a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol modifier may be in the form of a powder, thread, or granule. The aerosol modifier may not contain a filter material.

[0111] An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to apply thermal energy to the aerosol generating material, thereby releasing one or more volatile substances from the aerosol generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to apply one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy to the aerosol generating material.

[0112] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems, such as nebulizers or e-cigarettes (which may also be referred to as vapor delivery systems). Throughout the following description, the terms "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may be used from time to time, but it will be understood that these terms may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery systems / devices and electronic aerosol delivery systems / devices. Furthermore, as is common in the art, the terms "aerosol" and "vapor," and related terms such as "vaporize," "volatilize," and "aerosolize" may generally be used interchangeably.

[0113] Aerosol delivery systems (e-cigarettes) often, though not always, comprise a modular assembly that includes a reusable device part and a replaceable (disposable / consumable) cartridge part. Often, the replaceable cartridge part includes aerosol-generating material and a vaporizer (collectively referred to as a "cartomizer"), and the reusable device part will include a power supply (e.g., a rechargeable power source) and control circuitry. It should be understood that these different parts may include additional elements depending on their function. For example, the reusable device part will often include a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operating status characteristics, and the replaceable cartridge device part will include a temperature sensor to assist with temperature control in some cases. The cartridges are electrically and mechanically coupled to the control unit for use, using, for example, screw coupling, bayonet coupling, or magnetic coupling with appropriately arranged electrical contacts. If the aerosol generating material in the cartridge is depleted, or if the user wishes to switch to a different cartridge with a different aerosol generating material, the cartridge can be removed from the reusable part and a replacement cartridge can be attached in its place. Systems and devices following this type of two-part modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-part systems / devices.

[0114] Electronic cigarettes generally have an elongated shape. To provide a specific example, certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be considered to include this type of generally elongated two-part system employing disposable cartridges. However, it will be understood that the basic principles described herein may be equally applied to other overall shapes, such as those based on different configurations, e.g., single-part systems or modular systems comprising more than two parts, refillable devices, and single-use disposables, as well as those based on so-called box-mode high-performance devices having a typically more boxier shape. More generally, certain embodiments of the present disclosure are based on aerosol delivery systems operatively configured to provide a function according to the principles described herein, and it will be understood that structural aspects of the systems configured to provide a function according to the specific embodiments of the present disclosure are of no significant importance.

[0115] As described in the background art, current heating profiles of aerosol delivery systems are fixed, making it difficult for users to adjust the system's heating mode according to their expectations during a puffing session. For this reason, the embodiments of the present application creatively propose installing sensors in the system to obtain sensor data and determine the user's heating intention based on the sensor data, and determining a corresponding heating profile from a library of pre-stored heating profiles for heating based on the heating intention. Through this solution, users' personalized and diverse heating needs can be met, the user experience can be enhanced, and the implementation method is more automatic and efficient.

[0116] Below, the proposed aerosol delivery system and its heating method will be introduced in detail through specific embodiments.

[0117] First embodiment

[0118] A first embodiment discloses an aerosol delivery system. In FIG. 2, the internal components of the aerosol delivery system (10) are illustrated in a simplified manner, wherein various component parts are not drawn to scale and components not relevant to understanding the embodiments are omitted. FIG. 3 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the aerosol delivery system.

[0119] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, an aerosol delivery system (10) comprises a housing (100). A mouthpiece (101) is provided in the housing (100), and an article insertion opening (102) is arranged on the mouthpiece (101). An air intake (103) is also arranged on the housing (100). The air intake (103) may be arranged at an end far from the mouthpiece (101) or at other locations on the housing (100).

[0120] A receiving space and an air passage are formed within the housing (100). A chamber (200) for receiving an article (700), a heater (300), a power source (battery assembly) (400), and a controller (500) are arranged in the receiving space. The power source (400) is configured to supply power to the heater (300) under the control of the controller (500), and the heat generated by the energized heater (300) atomizes the aerosol-generating material.

[0121] The air intake (103) and the interior of the heater (300) are internally connected to form an air passage within the housing (100). When the user puffs, external air is drawn in from the air intake (103), passes through the interior of the heater (300), and then flows out from the item (700) to the user.

[0122] The mouthpiece (101) may be formed integrally with the housing (100) or may be detachably separated from the housing (100). A detachable mouthpiece (101) helps in cleaning the mouthpiece (101). Additionally, setting up a detachable mouthpiece (101) can help facilitate access to the interior of the housing (100) and replacement of the aerosol generating material inside the housing (100).

[0123] The power source (400) is configured to provide power to the heater (300) and, specifically, may be a battery assembly. In other embodiments, the battery may be replaced with a portable power source (e.g., a capacitive power storage device such as a supercapacitor or an ultracapacitor), a mechanical power source (a mechanical power spring or a generator), or an alternative chemical energy source (e.g., a fuel cell).

[0124] The article includes an aerosol-generating material, which may be in solid, powder, or liquid form, such as e-liquids, solid cigarettes, etc.

[0125] In embodiments, to satisfy the personalized and diverse heating needs of users, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a sensor (600) is also provided to the aerosol delivery system (10) to obtain sensor data used to characterize the user's heating intention through the sensor (600). A controller (500) receives and determines the user's heating intention based on the sensor data, determines a target heating profile from a pre-stored heating profile library based on the heating intention, and is configured to control the heater (300) to heat. The heater (300) is configured to heat the aerosol generating material based on the target heating profile under the control of the controller.

[0126] In embodiments, sensor data used to characterize the user's heating intention can be obtained through a sensor (600), which can achieve an automatic and efficient determination of the user's heating intention.

[0127] The sensor (600) may be any suitable sensor. As an example, but not a limitation, the sensor (600) may be one or more of a distance sensor, an infrared sensor, a radar sensor, an airflow sensor, a temperature sensor, and a motion sensor. Each of these is used to obtain corresponding types of sensor data, such as distance data between the user and the aerosol delivery system, user gesture data, user puffing data, etc. In one embodiment, the sensor (600) may be multiple types of sensors used to obtain different types of sensor data. Accordingly, the controller (500) is used to comprehensively determine the user's heating intention based on multiple types of sensor data.

[0128] In the present application, each type of sensor (600) may be one or more. In one embodiment, there may be multiple sensors (600), which are used to obtain sensor data of the same type. Correspondingly, a controller (500) is used to comprehensively determine a user's heating intention based on sensor data from multiple sensors.

[0129] The sensor (600) may be arranged at any suitable location in the system. As an example, but not a limitation, the sensor (600) may be arranged on or partially on the housing (100), within the housing (100), on or within the article (700).

[0130] The sensor (600) may be arranged at any suitable location on the housing (100). In one embodiment, the sensor (600) is arranged on the side of the housing (100). For example, if the image sensor is configured to detect user gestures, the sensor may be arranged on the side of the housing (100) because it must occupy a relatively large area. In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the sensor (600) is arranged on the top surface of the housing (100).

[0131] As illustrated in FIG. 3, considering the waterproof and dustproof requirements of the sensor, in one embodiment, the aerosol supply system (10) may also include an upper cover (104) for covering the sensor (600) arranged on the top surface.

[0132] Regarding the upper cover (104), the upper cover (104) may be configured as a sliding upper cover that moves between a position where the article insertion opening (102) is opened and a position where the article insertion opening (102) is closed. To ensure waterproof and dustproof effects, the upper cover (104) may be arranged to cover the sensor (600) regardless of whether it is in a position where the article insertion opening (102) is opened or a position where the article insertion opening (102) is closed.

[0133] The functions of some sensors (600) are less affected by the covering of the upper cover (104), in which case the upper cover (104) can always cover the sensors (600). The functions of some other sensors (600), such as image sensors, infrared sensors, etc., are more affected by the covering of the upper cover (104). To prevent the monitoring effect of the sensors (600) from being affected, in one embodiment, the upper cover (104) may be set as a sliding upper cover that moves between a position covering the sensors (600) and a position exposing the sensors (600). In an alternative embodiment, the upper cover (104) can always cover the sensors (600) to ensure waterproof and dustproof effects, but the upper cover (104) may be made of an optically transparent material (as shown in FIG. 3) or an infrared-transmitting material so that the sensors (600) can operate normally without being affected by the upper cover (104).

[0134] The above embodiments and FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 are all structural examples of non-combustible heating products in an aerosol delivery system. It should be understood that the aerosol delivery system of the present application may also include e-cigarette systems that atomize electronic cigarette liquids or similar products. The present application does not impose specific limitations thereon.

[0135] Second embodiment

[0136] Based on the structure of the aerosol delivery system in the first embodiment above, the second embodiment of the present application discloses a heating method for an aerosol delivery system. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the method specifically comprises:

[0137] S41: Includes a step of obtaining sensor data used by the system's sensor to characterize the user's heating intention.

[0138] For the sensor in the second embodiment of the present application, refer to the relevant description of the first embodiment. It is not described in detail here.

[0139] The user's heating intention represents the heating mode the user expects. For example, the user expects to start heating, not heat, maintain preheating, or heat at a higher temperature. These intentions can be expressed and obtained in a number of possible ways. For example, they can be expressed through user gestures, the user's puffing state, the distance between the user and the system, ambient temperature, etc.; correspondingly, this data can be obtained through image sensors, airflow sensors, distance sensors, temperature sensors, etc.

[0140] As described above, sensor data can be of one or more types. Generally speaking, data of multiple types can improve the accuracy of the controller's judgment. For example, a distance sensor and a temperature sensor are configured to obtain data on the distance between the user and the system and the system's temperature. If the distance decreases and the temperature rises, it indicates that the user is bringing the aerosol delivery system closer to themselves. In this case, this can characterize the user's intention to initiate puffing, that is, heating. Compared to relying solely on temperature, this can reduce controller judgment errors caused by temperature rises due to other reasons.

[0141] As described above, sensor data may be the same type of data obtained by multiple sensors of the same type at different measurement points. For example, multiple distance sensors may be configured to obtain multiple distance data. Through multiple distance data, more accurate data can be obtained by averaging the multiple data and excluding data with large errors.

[0142] S42: A step in which a controller of the system receives sensor data, determines the user's heating intention based on the sensor data, and identifies a target heating profile from a pre-stored heating profile library based on the heating intention;

[0143] To meet the users' requirements for personalized and diverse heating profiles, a heating profile library is pre-stored in the embodiments of the present application. The heating profile library consists of at least two different heating profiles, and these heating profiles correspond to the users' different heating intentions.

[0144] In one embodiment, a heating profile library and the heating profiles therein are pre-stored in an aerosol delivery system; in an alternative embodiment, the heating profile library and the stored heating profiles are stored in an external device and are obtained by the aerosol delivery system through communication with the external device.

[0145] Heating profiles within the heating profile library may be pre-configured at the time of manufacture, or selected or modified by the user after purchase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the user is allowed to select a heating profile from a number of pre-configured options or to customize a heating profile by entering parameters.

[0146] In embodiments of the present application, based on the premise of configuring the above heating profile library, the controller can match a corresponding target heating profile from the above heating profile library based on the user's heating intention to provide the user with an expected experience.

[0147] The controller is configured to determine the user's heating intention through sensor data obtained by the sensors.

[0148] In one embodiment, sensor data may be used to characterize whether the user is puffing or intends to puff, thereby allowing the user's heating intention to be further determined based on whether the user is puffing or intends to puff. For example, if the sensor data is distance data between the user and the aerosol delivery system, when the distance is small, that is, when the user is close to the aerosol delivery system, this indicates that the user intends to puff. At this time, the controller determines that the user has a heating intention expecting to heat to a temperature at which the aerosol can be atomized. When the user moves further away from the aerosol delivery system, this indicates that the user has finished puffing. At this time, the controller determines that the user has a heating intention expecting to lower the temperature.

[0149] In another embodiment, sensor data is used to directly characterize the user's heating intention. Such sensor data may be, for example, user gestures. For example, when the user's gesture is a clenched fist, the controller determines that the user has a heating intention expecting to heat to a temperature at which the aerosol can be atomized. When the user's gesture is an open palm, the controller determines that the user has a heating intention expecting to lower the temperature.

[0150] The controller can directly and uniquely determine a heating intention based on sensor data. In an alternative embodiment, the controller determines a target heating profile based on sensor data and a heating profile corresponding to the current operating state of the system. It is assumed that a pre-stored heating profile library includes a first heating profile and a second heating profile different from the first heating profile. In this case, if the sensor data satisfies a first characteristic and the heating profile corresponding to the current operating state is the first heating profile, the controller determines a first heating intention and determines the second heating profile as the target heating profile based on the first heating intention; if the sensor data satisfies a first characteristic and the heating profile corresponding to the current operating state is the second heating profile, the controller determines a second heating intention and determines the first heating profile as the target heating profile based on the second heating intention.

[0151] The above situation, in which sensor data satisfies the same first characteristic, may mean that the sensor data is exactly the same, for example, that the sensor data are all clenched fists; or that the sensor data are within the same numerical range. For example, if the sensor data is the distance between the user and the system and the first characteristic indicates that the distance is between 0 and 10 cm, then both 2 cm and 10 cm satisfy the first characteristic.

[0152] In one embodiment, the controller may determine a plurality of preheating profiles based on a first characteristic of the sensor data, and further determine a target heating profile from the plurality of preheating profiles based on a heating profile corresponding to the current operating state of the system. For example, the system has a high-temperature heating profile and a low-temperature heating profile, both of which can heat an article to a temperature at which it can be atomized. Based on the distance between the user and the system, it is determined that the user has a heating intention to heat to a temperature at which it can be atomized. At this time, the high-temperature heating profile and the low-temperature heating profile are determined as preheating profiles. Then, based on the low-temperature heating profile corresponding to the current operating state of the system, the high-temperature heating profile is determined as the target heating profile. Compared to a method of determining a target heating profile based solely on sensor data, this embodiment can determine a greater number of target heating profiles based on the same number of sensor data characteristics.

[0153] The first and second heating profiles above may be a heating profile for puffing and a heating profile for non-puffing, respectively, corresponding to the user's puffing and non-puffing intentions. That is, if the user's puffing intention is determined based on sensor data, the heating profile for puffing is taken as the target heating profile; and if the user's non-puffing intention is determined based on sensor data, the heating profile for non-puffing is taken as the target heating profile. As a non-limiting example, the heating profile for puffing is the positive heating profile mentioned below, and the heating profile for non-puffing is the preheating profile mentioned below. The positive heating profile may be configured to include a high-temperature positive heating profile capable of generating a high-concentration aerosol and a low-temperature positive heating profile capable of generating a low-concentration aerosol, corresponding to the user's high-concentration puffing intention and low-concentration puffing intention, respectively. The terms "high temperature" and "low temperature" are relative when comparing the two.

[0154] Specifically, the controller controls the power supply to the heater so that the heater's temperature follows a target heating profile, thereby realizing the heating of an article in the system.

[0155] Based on the above embodiments, the user's heating intention is determined based on sensor data, a corresponding heating profile is determined based on the heating intention, and heating is performed based on the corresponding heating profile. Compared to conventional technology, this eliminates the limitations of the system's inherent fixed heating profile, allows for the satisfaction of users' personalized and diverse heating needs, and improves the user experience. Furthermore, the method of determining the user's heating intention by obtaining data through sensors further reduces additional actions by users, making the system more automatic, efficient, and convenient.

[0156] In one embodiment, the heating profiles of the heating profile library may include a positive heating profile and a preheating profile. The positive heating profile corresponds to the atomization process of the aerosol-generating material. Under the positive heating profile, the aerosol-generating material is heated to generate an aerosol. The preheating profile corresponds to the preheating process of the aerosol-generating material. Under the preheating profile, the aerosol-generating material is heated but not sufficiently to generate an aerosol, or the generated aerosol concentration is low, below a preset concentration, and insufficient to satisfy the user's basic puffing. In one embodiment, the temperature range of the positive heating profile is 240°C to 300°C and / or the temperature range of the preheating profile is 50°C to 230°C.

[0157] Corresponding to the positive heating profile and the preheating profile, the user's heating intention includes a puffing intention and a non-puffing intention. As illustrated in FIG. 5, a heating method for an aerosol delivery system is provided, premised on setting the positive heating profile and the preheating profile, which specifically includes the following steps:

[0158] S51: A step in which the sensor of the system obtains sensor data used to characterize the user's heating intention.

[0159] S52: A step in which the controller of the system receives sensor data and determines the user's heating intention based on the sensor data.

[0160] S531: A step in which, if the controller determines that the heating intention is a non-puffing intention, a preheating profile from the heating profile library is determined as the target heating profile based on the non-puffing intention.

[0161] S532: A step in which, if the controller determines that the heating intention is a puffing intention, a positive heating profile from the heating profile library is determined as the target heating profile based on the puffing intention.

[0162] As mentioned above, the controller can determine the user's heating intention based on factors such as distance, temperature, and the user's puffing state. Considering that the user approaches the aerosol delivery system when intending to puff and moves away when not puffing, in one embodiment, the sensor may be configured as a distance sensor, and the sensor data may be the distance between the user and the system obtained by the distance sensor. The controller is configured to determine the heating intention based on the magnitude relationship between the distance between the user and the system and a preset distance threshold. If the distance between the user and the system is smaller than the preset distance threshold, a puffing intention may be determined; if the distance between the user and the system is larger than the preset distance threshold, a non-puffing intention may be determined. The preset distance threshold may be any suitable value. As a non-limiting example, the preset distance threshold is 40 cm, 20 cm, or 10 cm.

[0163] Considering that approaching the aerosol dispensing system when a user intends to puff leads to an increase in ambient temperature detected by a sensor, and moving away from the aerosol dispensing system when the user is not puffing leads to a decrease in ambient temperature detected by a sensor. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the sensor may be a temperature sensor, and the sensor data may be the ambient temperature obtained by the sensor. The controller is configured to determine a heating intention based on the magnitude relationship between the ambient temperature and a preset temperature threshold. If the ambient temperature is greater than the preset temperature threshold, a puffing intention may be determined; if the ambient temperature is less than another preset temperature threshold, a non-puffing intention may be determined. The preset temperature threshold may be any suitable value.

[0164] S54: A step in which the controller controls the heater of the system to heat an article within the system based on a target heating profile.

[0165] Based on the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, when a user has a puffing intention, if a positive heating profile is determined as the target heating profile, the user can puff. When a user has a non-puffing intention, if a preheating profile is determined as the target heating profile, energy can be saved compared to the positive heating profile. Meanwhile, by maintaining the preheating temperature, the temperature can be rapidly raised to the temperature of the positive heating profile when the user intends to puff, thereby achieving a balance between energy saving and efficient puffing.

[0166] Below, using positive heating profiles and preheating profiles as examples, we will explain in detail how a controller controls a heater based on a target heating profile to heat it during a puffing session.

[0167] Generally, a puffing session includes a ramping period in which the article is heated from room temperature to a preset temperature, and an operation period from the start of heating the article to the preset temperature until the end of the puffing session. Considering that the ramping period is merely a preparatory stage for puffing and occurs only once in the puffing session, whereas positive heating and preheating may occur multiple times and be switched during the puffing session. Accordingly, in one embodiment, a special ramping profile may be set in a heating profile library. This ramping profile corresponds to a ramping period clock, with start and end times T0 and T1, respectively, and is used to complete the ramping period after the start of the puffing session. After entering the operation period, the controller controls the transition between the preheating profile and the positive heating profile. The temperature at the end time of the ramping profile may be set to be the same as the start temperature of the preheating profile.

[0168] The positive heating profile and the preheating profile are time-related temperature profiles. When the controller controls the heater based on the positive heating profile and the preheating profile, a heating method independent of the puffing session clock or a heating method related to the puffing session clock may be adopted.

[0169] As shown in Fig. 6, the start and end times of the positive heating profile are T1hea and T2hea, respectively, and the start and end times of the preheating profile are T1pre and T2pre, respectively.

[0170] In one embodiment of a heating method independent of the clock of a puffing session, whenever the controller switches a target heating profile based on a heating intention in a single puffing session, the controller controls the heater of the system to start heating from the start time of the target heating profile. Specifically, in a single puffing session, when the controller determines a preheating profile as the target heating profile based on a heating intention, the controller controls the heater of the system to start heating from the time T1pre of the preheating profile; and when the controller determines a positive heating profile as the target heating profile based on a heating intention, the controller controls the heater of the system to start heating from the time T1hea of ​​the positive heating profile.

[0171] A puffing session typically lasts about 3 to 5 minutes (the experiential time of smoking a traditional cigarette), with the operating phase accounting for most of the time. Considering extreme cases where the same heating profile is executed over the entire puffing session or the entire operating phase, in one embodiment, the duration of each heating profile may not be shorter than the duration of the puffing session or the entire operating phase. In an alternative embodiment, the duration of each heating profile is shorter than the duration of the puffing session or the entire operating phase. In this case, if a target heating profile is executed until the end time, it may be repeated from the start time of that target heating profile until it is switched to another heating profile.

[0172] In a puffing session, the same heating profile can be selected multiple times. Taking a 5-minute puffing session as an example, a positive heating profile is determined as the target heating profile at the 1st and 3rd minutes of the session. If, according to the above method, each selection starts from the beginning of the heating profile, this means that the same temperature is used at different points in the puffing session. However, the aerosol delivery system has the following characteristics: the aerosol-generating material gradually decreases over time. To achieve the same aerosol concentration, a higher temperature must be provided. That is, to maintain the stability of the aerosol concentration and provide the user with a consistent taste experience throughout the puffing session, the heating temperature of the heater must be continuously increased over time. If each selection of the heating profile starts from the beginning, this means that different temperatures cannot be provided at different points in the puffing session.

[0173] For this reason, in one embodiment of the heating method associated with the clock of the puffing session of the present application, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the positive heating profile and the preheating profile are time-related temperature profiles, the start and end times of the positive heating profile are T1hea and T2hea, respectively, and the start and end times of the preheating profile are T1pre and T2pre, respectively. The start and end times of the operating interval are T1opr and T2opr, respectively. During the puffing session, T1hea, T1pre, and T1opr correspond to the same clock, and T2hea, T2pre, and T2opr correspond to the same clock. During the puffing session, whenever the controller switches the target heating profile based on the heating intention, the controller controls the heater of the system to always start heating from the current time corresponding to the target heating profile and the puffing session. Specifically, during a puffing session, if the controller determines a preheating profile at time Tn as the target heating profile based on a heating intention, the controller controls the heater of the system to start heating from the time Tnpre of the preheating profile; where Tn corresponds to the same clock as Tnpre, and T1opr ≤ Tn ≤ T2opr. If the controller determines a positive heating profile at time Tn as the target heating profile based on a heating intention, the controller controls the heater of the system to start heating from the time Tnhea of ​​the positive heating profile; where Tn corresponds to the same clock as Tnhea, and T1opr ≤ Tn ≤ T2opr.

[0174] As illustrated in FIG. 7, in one embodiment, the positive heating profile and the preheating profile are temperature change profiles and may be profiles having a gradually rising temperature. The temperature may change in a stepwise or smooth manner. When the controller determines the target heating profile at time Tn and controls the heater to start heating from the Tnpre / Tnhea time of the heating profile. In this way, different temperatures may be used for heating or preheating at different points in the puffing session, thereby improving the user experience.

[0175] In one embodiment of a heating method associated with a clock of a puffing session, the fact that the positive heating profile and the preheating profile are temperature change profiles can bring about the beneficial effects mentioned above. However, this does not mean that the present application must adopt this method. In embodiments, both the positive heating profile and the preheating profile mentioned above may be set as constant temperature profiles or temperature change profiles depending on the requirements.

[0176] In embodiments of the heating method associated with the clock of the puffing session, as illustrated in FIG. 7, it can be understood that T1 of the ramping profile corresponds to the same clock as T1hea, T1pre, and T1opr. The ramping profile may be set separately from the positive heating profile and the preheating profile. In an alternative embodiment, the positive heating profile and the ramping profile are set as one profile, and the preheating profile and the ramping profile are set as one profile.

[0177] There is a temperature difference between the positive heating profile and the preheating profile, and the temperature transition between the two profiles must be completed when switching the profiles. In embodiments, the heating profile library may further include a warming section profile and a cooling section profile. The warming section profile is used for the transition from the preheating profile to the positive heating profile when the target heating profile shifts from the preheating profile to the positive heating profile. The cooling section profile is used for the transition from the positive heating profile to the preheating profile when the target heating profile shifts from the positive heating profile to the preheating profile. The warming section profile / cooling section profile may be set independently of the positive heating profile / preheating profile, or may be combined with the positive heating profile / preheating profile to be set as a single profile. For example, if the warming section profile and the positive heating profile are set as a single profile in chronological order, when the preheating profile is switched to the positive heating profile, this combined profile of the warming section and the positive heating profile will be directly selected for heating.

[0178] It can be understood that when the controller needs to switch from a preheating profile to a positive heating profile based on the user's heating intention, a warming section profile can be determined simultaneously. Similarly, when the controller needs to switch from a positive heating profile to a preheating profile based on the user's heating intention, a cooling section profile can be determined simultaneously.

[0179] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of heating based on the positive heating profile and preheating profile of FIG. 6. The ramping interval of the puffing session is from T0 to T1, and the time from T0 to T1 is very short. The operation interval lasts from T1opr to T2opr, and T1 is the same as T1opr. The sensor is a distance sensor, and the sensor data is the distance between the user and the system, and the preset distance threshold is 10 cm. When the system is powered on, the controller will control the heater to complete the ramping interval based on the ramping profile from T0 to T1 during the puffing session. Then, at time T1 and T3, the controller receives the distance between the user and the system transmitted by the sensor as 12 cm and 14 cm, respectively, determines the user's non-puffing intention, and determines the preheating profile as the target heating profile. At times T2 and T4, the controller receives the distance between the user and the system transmitted by the sensor as 5 cm and 3 cm, respectively, determines the user's puffing intention, and determines the positive heating profile as the target heating profile. The transition between the positive heating profile and the preheating profile is achieved through the warming section profile and the cooling section profile. Figure 8 illustrates the temperature profile corresponding to the entire puffing session process.

[0180] The above description used positive heating profiles and preheating profiles as examples. It can be understood that other heating profiles may be set in the heating profile library in the embodiments, and that the above methods are applicable even when using other heating profiles.

[0181] It should be noted that the temperature corresponding to the heating profile for non-puffing may be lower than the temperature corresponding to the heating profile for puffing. For example, the temperature range of the heating profile for puffing is set to 240°C to 300°C, and the temperature range of the heating profile for non-puffing is set to 150°C to 230°C. In another embodiment, the temperature corresponding to the heating profile for non-puffing is higher than the temperature corresponding to the heating profile for puffing. For example, the temperature range of the heating profile for puffing is set to 150°C to 230°C, and the temperature range of the heating profile for non-puffing is set to 240°C to 300°C to achieve heat retention in a high-temperature state. FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate heating profiles corresponding to parts of the operating section process of a puffing session when heating based on the heating profile for puffing and the heating profile for non-puffing. Sensors are provided in the system. The sensors of the system obtain sensor data indicating that the distance between the system and the user is less than 10 cm at times T2' and T4', and based on this, the controller determines the user's puffing intention and determines the heating profile for puffing as the target heating profile. The sensors of the system obtain sensor data indicating that the distance between the system and the user is greater than 10 cm at times T1' and T3', and based on this, the controller determines the user's non-puffing intention and determines the heating profile for non-puffing as the target heating profile. The transition between the two heating profiles is achieved through the warming section profile and the cooling section profile. The difference between FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 is that in FIG. 9, the heating profile for puffing corresponds to a relatively high temperature, specifically 280°C, and the heating profile for non-puffing corresponds to a relatively low temperature, specifically 230°C.On the other hand, in FIG. 10, the heating profile for puffing corresponds to a relatively low temperature, specifically 230°C, and the heating profile for non-puffing corresponds to a relatively high temperature, specifically 280°C.

[0182] In the above embodiment, the target heating profile is determined after the start of the puffing session. In another embodiment, before the start of the puffing session, the controller receives sensor data, starts the puffing session based on the sensor data, and determines a target heating profile from a heating profile library. For example, if the sensor is set to operate continuously and obtains sensor data that is the distance between the user and the system, and this distance is smaller than a preset distance threshold, the controller starts the puffing session based on the sensor data, determines a ramping profile and a positive heating profile from the heating profile library as target heating profiles, and controls the heater to heat based on the target heating profile.

[0183] In the description of this specification, the reference terms “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “examples,” “specific examples,” or “some examples” mean that specific features, structures, materials, or properties described in connection with such embodiments or examples are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the referential expressions of the terms mentioned above do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or properties described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0184] Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," etc. are used solely for descriptive purposes and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance, or as implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Accordingly, features defined as "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In the description, the term "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0185] In this application, terms such as “mounting,” “connecting,” “connecting,” “fixing,” etc., should be understood in a broad sense unless explicitly defined and limited otherwise. For example, a connection may be a fixed connection or a detachable connection, or an integral connection; a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and, unless otherwise explicitly defined, an internal communication between two components or an interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in the context of the disclosure based on the circumstances.

[0186] Although embodiments have been illustrated and described above, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting. A person skilled in the art within the scope of protection may make variations, modifications, substitutions, and changes to the embodiments described above.

Claims

Claim 1 A heating method for an aerosol delivery system, comprising: using a sensor of the system to obtain sensor data used to characterize a user's heating intention; receiving the sensor data in a controller of the system, using the controller to determine the user's heating intention based on the sensor data, using the controller to identify a target heating profile from a pre-stored heating profile library based on the heating intention, using the controller to control a heater of the system to heat an article within the system based on the target heating profile. Claim 2 In claim 1, the pre-stored heating profile library includes a heating profile for puffing and / or a heating profile for non-puffing; the heating intention includes a non-puffing intention and / or a puffing intention; the controller, when determining the non-puffing intention based on the sensor data, determines the heating profile for non-puffing from the heating profile library as the target heating profile based on the non-puffing intention; and the controller, when determining the puffing intention based on the sensor data, determines the heating profile for puffing from the heating profile library as the target heating profile based on the puffing intention, a heating method. Claim 3 A heating method according to claim 2, wherein the positive heating profile corresponds to an atomization process of the article and the preheating profile corresponds to a preheating process of the article. Claim 4 A heating method according to claim 3, wherein the positive heating profile and the preheating profile are time-related temperature profiles, the start and end times of the positive heating profile are T1hea and T2hea, respectively, and the start and end times of the preheating profile are T1pre and T2pre, respectively. Claim 5 In claim 4, a heating method wherein, during a puffing session, when the controller determines the preheating profile as the target heating profile based on the heating intention, the controller controls the heater of the system to start heating from the T1pre time of the preheating profile. Claim 6 In claim 4, a heating method wherein, during a puffing session, if the controller determines the positive heating profile as the target heating profile based on the heating intention, the controller controls the heater of the system to start heating from the T1 hea time of the positive heating profile. Claim 7 In claim 4, the puffing session includes an operation segment in which the article is heated to a preset temperature from the start to the end of the puffing session, and the start and end times of the operation segment are T1opr and T2opr, respectively; and during the puffing session, T1hea, T1pre, and T1opr correspond to the same clock, and T2hea, T2pre, and T2opr correspond to the same clock, a heating method. Claim 8 In claim 7, during a puffing session, if the controller determines the preheating profile at time Tn as the target heating profile based on the heating intention, the controller controls the heater of the system to start heating from the Tnpre time of the preheating profile; wherein Tn corresponds to the same clock as Tnpre and T1opr ≤ Tn ≤ T2opr, a heating method. Claim 9 In claim 7, during a puffing session, if the controller determines the positive heating profile at time Tn as the target heating profile based on the heating intention, the controller controls the heater of the system to start heating from time Tnhea of ​​the positive heating profile; wherein Tn corresponds to the same clock as Tnhea and T1opr ≤ Tn ≤ T2opr, a heating method. Claim 10 In claim 7, the puffing session further includes a ramping segment in which the article is heated from room temperature to the preset temperature; and the heating profile library further includes a ramping profile corresponding to the ramping segment, wherein the start and end times of the ramping profile are T0 and T1, respectively, a heating method. Claim 11 In claim 10, the heating method, wherein T1, T1hea, T1pre, and T1opr correspond to the same clock. Claim 12 In claim 3, the heating profile library further comprises a warming segment profile and a cooling segment profile; the warming segment profile is used for a transition from the preheating profile to the positive heating profile when the target heating profile is shifted from the preheating profile to the positive heating profile; and the cooling segment profile is used for a transition from the positive heating profile to the preheating profile when the target heating profile is shifted from the positive heating profile to the preheating profile, a heating method. Claim 13 A heating method according to claim 3, wherein the temperature range of the preheating profile is 50°C to 230°C; and / or the temperature range of the positive heating profile is 240°C to 300°C. Claim 14 In claim 3, the positive heating profile includes a high-temperature positive heating profile and a low-temperature positive heating profile; the puffing intention includes a high-concentration puffing intention and a low-concentration puffing intention; the controller determines the high-temperature positive heating profile from the pre-stored heating profile library as the target heating profile when determining the high-concentration puffing intention based on the sensor data; the controller determines the low-temperature positive heating profile from the pre-stored heating profile library as the target heating profile when determining the low-concentration puffing intention based on the sensor data; and the atomization concentration of the article corresponding to the high-temperature positive heating profile is higher than the atomization concentration of the article corresponding to the low-temperature positive heating profile, a heating method. Claim 15 A heating method according to claim 1, wherein the controller determines the heating intention based on the sensor data and the heating profile corresponding to the current operating state of the system. Claim 16 In claim 15, the pre-stored heating profile library includes a first heating profile and a second heating profile different from the first heating profile; the controller determines a first heating intention when the sensor data satisfies a first characteristic and the heating profile corresponding to the current operating state is the first heating profile, and determines the second heating profile as the target heating profile based on the first heating intention; and the controller determines a second heating intention when the sensor data satisfies the first characteristic and the heating profile corresponding to the current operating state is the second heating profile, and determines the first heating profile as the target heating profile based on the second heating intention, a heating method. Claim 17 A heating method according to claim 1, wherein the controller receives sensor data before initiating the puffing session, initiates the puffing session based on the sensor data, and determines the target heating profile from the heating profile library. Claim 18 In claim 1, the sensor data is, Distance between the user and the above system; User's puffing status; and A heating method comprising at least one of user gestures. Claim 19 In claim 1, the heating method, wherein the pre-stored heating profile library is located within the system or on an external device. Claim 20 An aerosol providing system comprising: a housing including a chamber designed to accommodate an article including aerosol generating materials; a sensor configured to acquire characteristics of sensor data; a controller configured to receive and determine a user's heating intention based on said sensor data and to determine a target heating profile from a pre-stored heating profile library based on said heating intention; and a heater configured to heat said aerosol generating materials based on said target heating profile under the control of said controller; wherein the controller is configured to control said heater to heat said aerosol generating materials based on said target heating profile. Claim 21 In claim 20, the controller is configured to implement a heating method for an aerosol providing system as described in claim 1, an aerosol providing system. Claim 22 In claim 20, the sensor is, Distance sensor; Infrared sensor; radar sensor; Airflow sensor; Temperature sensor; Motion sensor; and An aerosol delivery system comprising at least one of an image sensor. Claim 23 In claim 20, the sensor is arranged on or partially on the housing, within the housing, on the article, or within the article, in an aerosol providing system. Claim 24 In claim 23, the sensor is arranged on the side and / or top surface of the housing, in an aerosol providing system. Claim 25 In claim 24, the sensor is arranged on the uppermost surface of the housing and covered by an upper cover on the uppermost surface of the housing, in an aerosol providing system. Claim 26 In claim 25, the aerosol providing system is configured such that the upper cover is made of an optically transparent material or an infrared-transmitting material. Claim 27 In claim 21, the aerosol providing system is configured such that the heater heats the aerosol generating materials in a non-combustion manner.

Images