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

Abstract

The present application discloses a heating method and an aerosol providing system for an aerosol providing system. The heating method comprises the steps of: a puffing switch of the system receiving touch motion data from a user—the touch motion data is used to characterize the user's heating intention—; a controller of the system determining the user's heating intention based on the touch motion data and determining a target heating profile from a pre-stored heating profile library based on the heating intention; and the controller controlling a heater of the system to heat articles within the system based on the target heating profile.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention 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., cigarettes) to a certain temperature without combustion.

[0003] Currently, an aerosol delivery system typically includes a housing, a heater arranged within the housing, a power source, 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 a denser puff, while others may desire different 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 a 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 puffing switch receives touch motion data from the user — the touch motion data is used to characterize the user's heating intention —;

[0007] A step in which a controller of the system determines the user's heating intention based on touch operation data, and determines 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] Based on touch motion data received by a puffing switch, the user's heating intention can be determined, and a corresponding heating profile can be determined based on the heating intention. Compared to conventional technology, this eliminates limitations on the system's inherent heating modes, satisfies the diverse and personalized needs of users, and improves the user experience.

[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 touch motion data, it determines a heating profile for non-puffing from a pre-stored heating profile library based on the non-puffing intention as a target heating profile;

[0013] When the controller determines a puffing intention based on touch motion data, it determines a heating profile for puffing from a pre-stored 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 non-puffing, the system can maintain the preheating temperature in this case, thereby saving energy. Meanwhile, if the user intends puffing, the system can rapidly raise the temperature to 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 Tn 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 the time of the puffing session and enabling the controller to perform heating control by switching the time-corresponding temperature based on the heating profile, the heating temperature can better satisfy 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] The heating profile library may include warming phase profiles and cooling phase profiles.

[0032] The warming section profile can be used to 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 can be used to 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 may be 50°C to 230°C; and / or, the temperature range of the positive heating profile may be 240°C to 300°C.

[0035] 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;

[0036] When the controller determines a high-concentration puffing intention based on touch motion data, it determines a high-temperature positive heating profile from a pre-stored heating profile library as the target heating profile;

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

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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 rapidly transition to a temperature at which aerosols are generated, thereby achieving a balance between energy efficiency and rapid aerosol generation.

[0040] 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 the user can puff it.

[0041] The controller can determine the heating intention based on touch operation data and a heating profile corresponding to the system's current operating state.

[0042] Optionally, a pre-stored heating profile library includes a first heating profile and a second heating profile different from the first heating profile;

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

[0044] The controller determines a second heating intention when touch operation data satisfies a first characteristic and the heating profile corresponding to the current operation state is a second heating profile, and determines a first heating profile as a target heating profile based on the second heating intention.

[0045] Accordingly, different heating intentions are determined based on identical data characteristics and the currently active heating profile, thereby enabling the selection and switching of different heating profiles.

[0046] Optionally, the controller receives touch motion data before starting the puffing session, starts the puffing session based on the touch motion data, and selects a target heating profile from the heating profile library. In this embodiment, it is also possible to determine the target heating profile while simultaneously starting the puffing session based on the touch motion data, which is faster and more efficient.

[0047] Touch motion data may include at least one of the following:

[0048] Pressing the puffing switch;

[0049] Release of the puffing switch;

[0050] Number of contact actions for the puffing switch within a first preset time;

[0051] Duration of touch action for the puffing switch.

[0052] Optionally, there are multiple puffing switches, and contact actions for different puffing switches correspond to different touch action data.

[0053] The pre-stored heating profile library can be located within the system or on an external device connected to the system's communication link.

[0054] According to a second aspect, an aerosol delivery system is provided, and the aerosol delivery system is,

[0055] Housing including a chamber — the chamber is designed to accommodate an article, the article comprising aerosol-generating materials —;

[0056] A puffing switch configured to acquire user touch gesture data — touch gesture data is used to characterize the user's heating intention —;

[0057] Controller ― The controller is configured to receive and determine the user's heating intention based on touch motion 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 ―;

[0058] It includes a heater configured to heat aerosol-generating materials based on a target heating profile under the control of a controller.

[0059] The controller can be configured to implement a heating method for the above aerosol delivery system.

[0060] Optionally, the system includes a power switch;

[0061] The controller is configured to turn on the power based on a user's contact action with the power switch;

[0062] The distance between the puffing switch and the power switch is greater than the preset distance; and / or,

[0063] The shape of the puffing switch is different from the power switch; and / or,

[0064] The color of the puffing switch is different from the power switch.

[0065] The puffing switch can be arranged on the side and / or top surface of the housing.

[0066] The heater can be configured to heat aerosol-generating materials in a non-combustion manner.

[0067] Based on the aforementioned embodiments, during a puffing session, the user's heating intention can be determined based on data obtained by the puffing switch, and a corresponding heating profile can be determined based on the heating intention for heating. 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.

[0068] Additional aspects and benefits will be partially explained in the following description. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0069] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the content 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. 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 diagram of the structure 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 inlet; 200: Chamber; 300: Heater; 400: Power supply; 500: Controller; 600: Puffing switch; 700: Article; 800: Power switch. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0070] Some embodiments are described below with reference to the attached drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are intended only to explain technical principles and are not intended to limit the scope of protection.

[0071] 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:

[0072] 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);

[0073] 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

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol providing system selected from the group consisting of, for example, cigarettes, cigarillos, and cigars.

[0077] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to components for use in combustible aerosol delivery systems, such as filters, filter rods, filter segments, tobacco rods, spills, aerosol-modifier releasing components, such as capsules, threads, or beads, or paper such as plug wraps, tipping paper, or cigarette paper.

[0078] According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol delivery system is a system in which a constituent aerosol generating material (or its components) of the aerosol delivery system is not combusted or burned to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0079] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol delivery system, such as an electric non-combustible aerosol delivery system.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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 combinations thereof. These may be in any suitable form, e.g., liquid such as oil, solid such as powder, or gas.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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. An 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," and the aerosol generating material 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 an amorphous solid, or about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% of an amorphous solid.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] One or more other functional materials may include one or more of pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] Aerosol delivery systems (e-cigarettes) often, though not always, comprise a modular assembly that includes a reusable device portion and a replaceable (disposable / consumable) cartridge portion. Often, the replaceable cartridge portion includes an aerosol generating material and a vaporizer (collectively referred to as a "cartomizer"), and the reusable device portion will include a power supply (e.g., a rechargeable power source) and control circuitry. It should be understood that these different portions may include additional elements depending on their function. For example, the reusable device portion will often include a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operating status characteristics, and the replaceable cartridge device portion 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, threaded, bayonet, or magnetic couplings 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 portion and a replacement cartridge attached in its place. Systems and devices that follow this type of two-part modular configuration can generally be referred to as two-part systems / devices.

[0111] 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.

[0112] As described in the background art, the 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. The embodiments creatively propose installing puffing switches in the system to obtain touch gesture data and determine the user's heating intention based on the touch gesture data, thereby determining a corresponding heating profile from a pre-stored library of heating profiles for heating based on the heating intention. Through this solution, users' personalized and diverse heating needs can be met, and the user experience can be enhanced.

[0113] Below, an aerosol delivery system and its heating method will be introduced in detail through specific embodiments.

[0114] First embodiment

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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 inlet (103) is also arranged on the housing (100). The air inlet (103) may be arranged at an end far from the mouthpiece (101) or at other locations on the housing (100).

[0117] 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.

[0118] The air inlet (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 inlet (103), passes through the interior of the heater (300), and then flows out from the item (700) to the user.

[0119] The mouthpiece (101) may be formed integrally with the housing (100) or may be detachably separated from the housing (100). The detachable mouthpiece (101) facilitates cleaning of the mouthpiece (101). Additionally, the detachable mouthpiece (101) may help facilitate access to the interior of the housing (100) and replacement of the aerosol generating material within the housing (100).

[0120] The power source (400) is configured to provide electrical energy 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).

[0121] The article includes an aerosol-generating material, and the aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a solid, powder, or liquid, such as e-liquids, solid cigarettes, etc.

[0122] In embodiments, to satisfy the personalized and diverse heating needs of users, a puffing switch (600) is also provided on the aerosol supply system (10), as illustrated in FIG. 2, to obtain touch motion data used to characterize the user's heating intention through the puffing switch (600). A controller (500) receives and determines the user's heating intention based on the touch motion 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.

[0123] The puffing switch (600) may be any suitable puffing switch. As an example, not a limitation, the puffing switch (600) may be a hardware button or key, or a touch button or key, etc. In embodiments, the puffing switch (600) is a number of types of puffing switches.

[0124] Each type of puffing switch (600) may be one or more, that is, there may be multiple puffing switches (600) of a specific type. In embodiments, there are multiple puffing switches (600). Accordingly, the controller (500) is used to comprehensively determine the user's heating intention based on touch operation data from multiple puffing switches.

[0125] The puffing switch (600) may be arranged at any suitable location in the system. As an example that is not a limitation, the puffing switch (600) may be arranged on or partially on the housing (100) or within the housing (100).

[0126] The puffing switch (600) may be arranged at any suitable location on the housing (100). In one embodiment, the puffing switch (600) is arranged on the side of the housing (100). In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the puffing switch (600) is arranged on the top surface of the housing (100).

[0127] The type selection of the puffing switch (600) and the wiring connection relationship with the controller (500) may be based on switch settings of the existing technology. The embodiments do not impose specific limitations on this.

[0128] In embodiments, the aerosol dispensing system further includes a power switch (800). The controller (500) is configured to turn on the power based on a user's contact action with the power switch (800). In embodiments, the puffing switch and the power switch are set independently, and to distinguish between the two switches and prevent malfunction, they may be set according to at least one of the following:

[0129] The distance between the puffing switch and the power switch is greater than the preset distance;

[0130] The shape of the puffing switch is different from the power switch; and

[0131] The color of the puffing switch is different from the power switch.

[0132] In other embodiments, it can be understood that the puffing switch and the power switch may be integrated into one. The controller executes different controls based on different actions of the integrated switch by the user. For example, the user's power on / off actions and heating intention actions are distinguished according to different consecutive press times and different consecutive press counts of the switch.

[0133] In embodiments, the puffing session may be terminated or restarted by pressing and holding the puffing switch or by pressing the puffing switch multiple times in succession, such as twice.

[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 an aerosol delivery system may also include e-cigarette systems that atomize e-liquids or similar products. The present disclosure does not impose any specific limitations thereon.

[0135] Second embodiment

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

[0137] S41: The system's puffing switch obtains touch motion data used to characterize the user's heating intention.

[0138] For the puffing switch of the second embodiment, refer to the relevant description of the first embodiment. It will not be 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, stop heating, maintain preheating, or heat at a higher temperature. These intentions can be expressed and obtained through various possible ways by the user's actions on the puffing switch, such as pressing, releasing, number of presses, and press duration.

[0140] In embodiments, a plurality of puffing switches may be provided. Contact actions for different puffing switches correspond to different touch action data and further correspond to different heating intentions. For example, a puffing switch corresponding to a puffing intention and a puffing switch corresponding to a non-puffing intention are configured.

[0141] In another embodiment, a single puffing switch may be configured. Different numbers of contact actions to the puffing switch and / or different durations of contact actions to the puffing switch within a first preset time correspond to different touch action data and further correspond to different heating intentions. For example, two consecutive presses within 5 seconds indicate a puffing intention, and three consecutive presses indicate a non-puffing intention. Of course, multiple puffing switches may also be configured, and different actions for each puffing switch correspond to different heating intentions. For example, a first puffing switch corresponding to a puffing intention and a second puffing switch corresponding to a non-puffing intention are configured. And different durations of pressing the first puffing switch indicate different puffing intentions, such as a puffing intention for a high-concentration aerosol and a puffing intention for a low-concentration aerosol.

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

[0143] To meet users' requirements for personalized and diverse heating profiles, a heating profile library is pre-stored. The heating profile library consists of at least two different heating profiles, which correspond to 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] 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, thereby providing the user with the expected experience.

[0147] The controller can directly and uniquely determine a heating intention based on touch motion data. In an alternative embodiment, the controller determines a target heating profile based on touch motion 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 touch motion 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 touch motion 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.

[0148] The above situation, in which touch motion data satisfies the same first characteristic, may mean that the touch motion data is exactly the same. For example, the touch motion data all relate to pressing the same puffing switch. This may also mean that the touch motion data is within the same numerical range. For example, if the touch motion data is the duration of pressing the puffing switch and the first characteristic indicates that the time is between 2 and 4 seconds, then both 2 seconds and 4 seconds satisfy the first characteristic.

[0149] In one embodiment, the controller needs to determine a plurality of preheating profiles based on a first characteristic of touch motion 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 touch motion data, this embodiment can determine a greater number of target heating profiles based on the same number of touch motion data characteristics.

[0150] 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, when determining the user's puffing intention, the heating profile for puffing is taken as the target heating profile; and when determining the user's non-puffing intention, 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.

[0151] S43: A step in which the controller controls a heater of the system to heat an article (one or more articles) within the system based on a target heating profile.

[0152] 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.

[0153] Based on the above embodiments, a user's heating intention is determined based on touch motion data, a corresponding heating profile is determined based on the heating intention, and heating is performed based on the corresponding heating profile. Compared to the prior art, 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.

[0154] The heating profiles in the heating profile library may include positive heating profiles and preheating profiles. 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 is not sufficient to satisfy the user's basic puffing. In some embodiments, 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.

[0155] 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:

[0156] S51: A step in which the puffing switch of the system obtains touch motion data used to characterize the user's heating intention.

[0157] S52: A step in which the controller of the system receives touch motion data and determines the user's heating intention based on the touch motion data.

[0158] 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.

[0159] 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.

[0160] 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.

[0161] 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 has an intention to puff, thereby achieving a balance between energy saving and efficient puffing.

[0162] 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.

[0163] Generally, a puffing session includes a ramping phase in which the article is heated from room temperature to a preset temperature, and an operation phase in which the article is heated to the preset temperature from the start to the end of the puffing session. It is considered that the ramping phase is merely a preparatory stage for puffing and occurs only once in the puffing session, whereas positive heating and preheating can occur multiple times and be switched during the puffing session. Therefore, a special ramping profile may be set in the heating profile library. This ramping profile corresponds to the ramping phase clock, with start and end times T0 and T1, respectively, and is used to complete the ramping phase after the start of the puffing session. After entering the operation phase, 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 equal to the start temperature of the preheating profile.

[0164] The positive heating profile and the preheating profile are time-related temperature profiles. When the controller controls the heater to heat 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.

[0165] 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.

[0166] In an embodiment of a heating method independent of the clock of a puffing session, in one puffing session, whenever the controller switches a target heating profile based on a heating intention, the heater of the system is controlled to start heating from the start time of the target heating profile. Specifically, in one 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.

[0167] A puffing session typically lasts for about 3 to 5 minutes (the experiential time of smoking a traditional cigarette), with the operating phase accounting for most of the time. Considering the extreme case where the same heating profile is executed over the entire puffing session or the entire operating phase, 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 loop back from the start time of that target heating profile until it is switched to another heating profile.

[0168] In a puffing session, the same heating profile can be selected multiple times. Taking a puffing session lasting 5 minutes as an example, a positive heating profile is determined as the target heating profile at the 1st and 3rd minutes of the session. If each selection starts from the beginning of the heating profile according to the above method, 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.

[0169] For this reason, in embodiments of a heating method associated with a clock of a puffing session, 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 heater of the system is controlled to always start heating from the current time corresponding to the target heating profile and the puffing session. Specifically, during the puffing session, if the controller determines the preheating profile as the target heating profile at time Tn based on the heating intention, the controller controls the heater of the system to start heating from the time Tnpre of the preheating profile; Here, Tn corresponds to the same clock as Tnpre, and T1opr ≤ Tn ≤ T2opr. When 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; here, Tn corresponds to the same clock as Tnhea, and T1opr ≤ Tn ≤ T2opr.

[0170] The positive heating profile and preheating profile can be temperature change profiles, or profiles with gradually increasing temperatures. The temperature can 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, different temperatures can be used for heating or preheating at different points in the puffing session, thereby improving the user experience.

[0171] In embodiments 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 such a method must be adopted. In embodiments, the positive heating profile and the preheating profile mentioned above may both be set as constant temperature profiles or temperature change profiles depending on the requirements.

[0172] 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.

[0173] 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 profiles. The heating profile library may further include warming section profiles and cooling section profiles. The warming section profile is used to 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 to 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 can be set independently of the positive heating profile / preheating profile, or 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 switches to the positive heating profile, this combined profile of the warming section and the positive heating profile will be directly selected for heating.

[0174] 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.

[0175] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of heating based on the positive heating profile and preheating profile of FIG. 6. The ramping period of the puffing session is from T0 to T1, and the time from T0 to T1 is very short. The operation period lasts from T1opr to T2opr, and T1 is the same as T1opr. The system is provided with a first puffing switch and a second puffing switch. When the system is powered on, the controller will control the heater to complete the ramping period based on the ramping profile from T0 to T1 during the puffing session. Then, at times T1 and T3, the controller receives touch operation data from the first puffing switch, 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 touch operation data from the second puffing switch, 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.

[0176] The above explanation used positive heating profiles and preheating profiles as examples. Other heating profiles can be configured in the heating profile library, and it can be understood that the methods described above are applicable even when using other heating profiles.

[0177] In embodiments, 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 other embodiments, 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.

[0178] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate heating profiles corresponding to parts of the operating phase process of a puffing session when heating based on a heating profile for puffing and a heating profile for non-puffing. A puffing switch is provided in the system. The controller of the system determines that the puffing switch is pressed at times T2' and T4', and accordingly determines the user's puffing intention and determines the heating profile for puffing as the target heating profile. The controller of the system determines that the puffing switch is released at times T1' and T3', and accordingly 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 a warming phase profile and a cooling phase 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.

[0179] 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 touch operation data from the puffing switch, starts the puffing session based on the touch operation data, and determines the target heating profile from the heating profile library. For example, if the puffing switch is set to operate continuously, the user can obtain touch operation data by pressing the second puffing switch. Based on this data, the controller starts the puffing session and determines the ramping profile and the positive heating profile from the heating profile library as the target heating profile, and controls the heater to heat based on the target heating profile.

[0180] 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 disclosure. 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.

[0181] 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 technical features described. 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.

[0182] In this disclosure, 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 integrated connection; a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; an internal communication between two components or an interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly defined. Those skilled in the art may understand the specific meanings of these terms in the context of this disclosure based on the circumstances.

[0183] 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 supply system, comprising the steps of: receiving touch operation data from a user by means of a puffing switch of the system—the touch operation data being used to characterize the user's heating intention—; determining the user's heating intention based on the touch operation data using a controller of the system, and determining a target heating profile from a pre-stored heating profile library based on the heating intention using the controller; and controlling a heater of the system to heat an article within the system based on the target heating profile using the controller. Claim 2 A heating method according to claim 1, wherein 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 touch motion data, determines the heating profile for non-puffing from the pre-stored 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 touch motion data, determines the heating profile for puffing from the pre-stored heating profile library as the target heating profile based on the puffing intention. Claim 3 In claim 2, the heating profile for puffing is a positive heating profile, and the heating profile for non-puffing is a preheating profile; and the positive heating profile corresponds to an atomization process of the article, and the preheating profile corresponds to a preheating process of the article, a heating method. 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 time T1pre 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 section profile and a cooling section profile; the warming section profile is used to 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; and the cooling section profile is used to 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, 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 touch operation 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 touch operation 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 touch operation 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 touch operation data satisfies a first characteristic and the heating profile corresponding to the current operation state is the first heating profile, and determines the second heating profile as the target heating profile based on the first heating intention; the controller determines a second heating intention when the touch operation data satisfies the first characteristic and the heating profile corresponding to the current operation 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 any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the controller receives touch operation data before starting the puffing session, starts the puffing session based on the touch operation data, and selects the target heating profile from the heating profile library. Claim 18 In any one of claims 1 to 16, the touch operation data is Pressing of the above puffing switch; Release of the above puffing switch; The number of contact operations for the puffing switch within a first preset time; A heating method comprising at least one of the duration of a touch operation for the above-mentioned puffing switch. Claim 19 A heating method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the puffing switch comprises a plurality of puffing switches, and contact actions for different puffing switches correspond to different touch action data. Claim 20 A heating method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the pre-stored heating profile library is located within the system or on an external device connected to a communication link of the system. Claim 21 An aerosol providing system comprising: a housing including a chamber designed to accommodate an article including aerosol generating materials; a puffing switch configured to acquire user touch motion data ― said touch motion data is used to characterize said user's heating intention ―; a controller configured to receive and determine said user's heating intention based on said touch motion 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 said controller is configured to control said heater to heat said aerosol generating materials based on said target heating profile. Claim 22 In claim 21, the aerosol providing system is configured such that the controller implements a heating method for the aerosol providing system as described in any one of claims 1 to 20. Claim 23 In claim 21, the system further comprises a power switch; and the controller is configured to turn on the power based on a user's contact action with the power switch; the distance between the puffing switch and the power switch is greater than a preset distance; and / or the shape of the puffing switch is different from the power switch; and / or the color of the puffing switch is different from the power switch, an aerosol providing system. Claim 24 In claim 21, the puffing switch is arranged on the side and / or top surface of the housing, an aerosol providing system. Claim 25 In claim 21, the aerosol providing system is configured such that the heater heats the aerosol generating materials in a non-combustion manner.

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