Aerosol generating device for alcohol sensing, and a method thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides an aerosol-generating device (300), comprising: a housing (310); a heating chamber (380) configured to at least partially contain an aerosol-generating article, and to heat the portion of the aerosol-generating article (200) inserted in the heating chamber (380); an airflow pathway (390) configured to guide air across the heating chamber (380); an opening (350) provided at a proximal end of the airflow pathway (390); and a sensing unit (360), comprising a sensor (362), the sensor (362) being arranged such that it is configured to obtain information related to presence and / or content of one or more volatile alcohols, or one or more volatile organic compounds, deposited in at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article (200), and / or at least a part of the opening (350).

Description

[0001] Aerosol generating device for alcohol sensing, and a method thereof

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device. In particular, the invention relates to an aerosol-generating device comprising a sensor configured to obtain information related to the presence and / or content of one or more volatile alcohols or one or more volatile organic compounds.

[0004] Background

[0005] Aerosol-generating devices commonly found on the market comprise an aerosolgenerating unit for generating an aerosol for consumption by a user. Aerosolgenerating devices may be used as smoking alternatives or for oral medical delivery.

[0006] The use of reduced-risk or modified-risk nicotine products has grown rapidly in recent years as an alternative to the use of traditional nicotine products. Several types of aerosol-generating devices are currently available on the market, based on varying aerosolization techniques and aerosol-generating substrates. One example of aerosolgenerating devices, known as “heat-not-burn” products and / or systems (HNB), employs heating of an aerosol generating article to generate aerosol rather than burning it. The aerosol generating articles for use with aerosol-generating devices may take various forms, which may include e.g., a stick, a rod, a sheet, a disk, and granules. The aerosol-generating device may be configured to change the heating profile (temperature, heating time, and heating sequences) to control aerosol production and improve user satisfaction as well as safety.

[0007] It is desirable to further improve the user experience of use of aerosol generating device, for example, by adapting the operation of the device based on a status of a user that may be determined by a sensor for detecting data related to users during the use of the device.

[0008] Summary of the Invention

[0009] The objective of the present invention is to provide an aerosol-generating device and method of operating a device claimed in any of claims 1 to 15, which overcome one or more of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art. A first aspect of the invention provides an aerosol-generating device, comprising: a housing; a heating chamber configured to at least partially contain an aerosolgenerating article, and to heat the portion of the aerosol-generating article inserted in the heating chamber; an airflow pathway configured to guide air across the heating chamber; an opening provided at a proximal end of the airflow pathway; and a sensing unit, comprising a sensor, the sensor being arranged such that it is configured to obtain information related to presence and / or content of one or more volatile alcohols, or one or more volatile organic compounds, deposited in at least a portion of the aerosolgenerating article, and / or at least a part of the opening.

[0010] The term “volatile” is used herein to indicate that a compound vaporizes readily at ambient temperature. In particular, volatile alcohol has a higher vapor pressure at room temperature than non-volatile alcohol, for example, aerosol formers, such as propylene glycol and glycerin, that are typically included in an aerosol-generating substrate used with many types of aerosol-generating device. Preferably, the volatile alcohol has a higher vapor pressure at room temperature than water. Some examples of volatile alcohol may be ethanol, isopropanol, and methanol.

[0011] In other words, the expression “sensor is configured to obtain information related to presence and / or content of one or more volatile alcohols” is used herein to indicate that the sensor of the device according to the invention detects the presence and / or content of alcohol that is different from non-volatile alcohol, for example, aerosol formers, such as propylene glycol and glycerin, that are typically included in an aerosol-generating substrate used with many types of aerosol-generating device.

[0012] In some embodiments, the one or more volatile alcohol may comprise ethanol. It has to be also noted that herein the term “detect” is used to indicate that the sensor is able to measure / evaluate the presence and / or the content of one or more volatile alcohol, or one or more organic volatile compound.

[0013] Although the embodiments described herein will mainly focus on the detection of one or more volatile alcohols, in particular ethanol, any other volatile organic compound, preferably transferred from the saliva or breath of the user, may be sensed by the sensing unit according to the present invention. For example, the one or more volatile substances may comprise a volatile organic material, preferably a volatile organic material that is associated with alcohol consumption by the user. More specifically, one or more volatile compounds may comprise acetaldehyde. It is known that alcohol consumption may increase content of acetaldehyde in saliva and / or breath. Because acetaldehyde is also volatile, it may be detected additionally or alternatively in a similar manner by employing a suitable sensor for the detection of this material.

[0014] In other words, information relating to the presence and / or content of one or more volatile organic compounds other than alcohol, e.g. acetaldehyde, can be obtained by means of the sensor.

[0015] In use, aerosol vapor generated in the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device is released from the opening of the device to be inhaled by a user. The opening may comprise a mouthpiece for holding the device in the user-mouth. Alternatively, the mouthpiece may be a part of the aerosol-generating article which is protruding from the opening of the device when the aerosol-generating article is inserted in the heating chamber. In such a case, the aerosol / generating article may be in the form of a cigarette stick comprising a filter element disposed at a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article and acting as the mouthpiece.

[0016] During a vaping session, the user’s saliva may be transferred to the mouthpiece through the user’s lips, holding the mouthpiece therebetween. Alternatively, or additionally, a breath of the user may be received by the mouthpiece and may propagate through the body of the aerosol-generating article. Subsequently, the saliva and / or substances contained in the breath transferred to the mouthpiece may be at least partially deposited or condensed in at least a portion of the aerosol generating article.

[0017] For example, the one or more volatile alcohols may comprise ethanol.

[0018] When the user consumes an alcoholic drink, the concentration of ethanol in the user’s breath and saliva may increase. If the user in such a state puffs on the device, at least a part of ethanol in the saliva and / or the breath may be transferred and deposited in at least a portion of the aerosol generating article and / or the mouthpiece. As mentioned above, according to possible embodiment the mouthpiece can be a part of the aerosolgenerating article, or it can be a portion of the opening of the device.

[0019] Because ethanol is volatile even at an ambient temperature such as room temperature, it may subsequently evaporate and be released from at least portion of the aerosol generating article. For example, when the aerosol generating article is in the form of a cigarette stick, at least a portion of ethanol in user’s saliva and / or breath maybe deposited in at least a part of the aerosol-generating article, such as the filter element, the aerosol-generating substrate, the wrapper paper. Alternatively, or additionally, other liquid absorbing materials may be used to capture the portion of ethanol deposited from user’s saliva and / or breath.

[0020] Because ethanol is volatile even at room temperature, some part of the deposited ethanol may evaporate to transform into gaseous ethanol and released. When the cigarette stick is used as the aerosol-generating article, at least a part of the gaseous ethanol may be released through the wrapper to the airflow pathway. The gaseous ethanol may also be released through a proximal end of the aerosol generating article into the airflow pathway or within an area adjacent to the opening of the device.

[0021] According to an aspect, the sensor of the sensing unit is arranged to receive at least a part of air entraining the released ethanol so as to generate a signal indicative of the qualitative and / or quantitative information related to the released ethanol, such as presence and / or concentration of the ethanol in the air at a portion of the airflow pathway.

[0022] According to an aspect, the sensor of the sensing unit is configured to generate a signal indicative of the presence and / or concentration of ethanol in the air adjacent to the sensor. By providing the sensor such that the sensor receives air entraining the volatile alcohol (ethanol, in this case) to its sensing element (e.g., a sensor electrode), the sensor may provide a signal that corresponds or relates to the amount of the volatile alcohol released. Preferably, the sensor may be located in the vicinity of the portion where ethanol is released in order to improve the accuracy of sensing.

[0023] The sensing unit may be configured to measure / evaluate the presence and / or content of one or more volatile alcohols deposited in at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article and / or at least a part of the mouthpiece based on the signal generated by the sensor, which in turn provides information concerning the one or more volatile alcohols in the user’s saliva or breath. The sensing unit may be further configured to compare the result to a predetermined threshold to determine the state of the user regarding alcohol-drink consumption.

[0024] According to an aspect, the sensor is arranged to receive the air entraining the one or more volatile alcohols, or one or more volatile organic compounds, that have been transferred and deposited from the user’s saliva and / or breath to the at least a portion of the aerosol generating article and / or the mouthpiece and that have been subsequently released therefrom and entrained in the air. Preferably, the sensor of the sensing unit may be located vicinity of the portion where the one or more volatile alcohols deposited are released, so that the air entraining a large portion of the one or more volatile alcohols, or one or more volatile organic compounds, may be diffused to a sensing surface of the sensor.

[0025] In some embodiments, the sensor is configured to obtain information related to presence and / or content of one or more volatile alcohols, or one or more volatile organic compounds, transferred and deposited in at least a portion of the aerosol generating article and / or at least part of the opening by the saliva and / or the breath of the user, the one or more volatile alcohols, or one or more volatile organic compounds subsequently evaporate and being released from the at least portion of the aerosol generating article and / or at least part of the opening.

[0026] In some embodiments, the sensor is configured to detect alcohol in air after an inhalation or an exhalation, or between consecutive inhalations or exhalations. Sensing of the one more volatile alcohol may be performed after an inhalation or an exhalation, or between consecutive inhalations or exhalations, i.e., when there is no active airflow through the airflow pathway.

[0027] In some embodiments, the sensor is configured to obtain information related to presence and / or content of one or more volatile alcohols, or one or more volatile organic compounds, in the air within at least a portion of the airflow pathway or within an area adjacent to the opening for insertion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0028] In some embodiments, the sensor may be configured to detect alcohol, or one or more volatile organic compounds, in air passing through the airflow pathway.

[0029] In some embodiments, the sensor is configured to detect alcohol content, or one or more volatile organic compounds content, in air passing through the airflow pathway during an inhalation or an exhalation.

[0030] By employing the sensor as described above, the device may perform sensing of the one or more volatile alcohol, or one or more volatile organic compounds, during an inhalation or exhalation, in addition to or alternatively to after an inhalation or an exhalation, or between consecutive inhalations or exhalations.

[0031] In some embodiment where sensing of the one or more volatile alcohol, or of the one or more volatile organic compounds, may be performed during exhalation, the user may blow air into the device when the sensor is activated. In this case, the sensor may directly detect the one or more alcohol (or the one or more volatile organic compounds,) in breath exhaled by the user, in addition to the one or more volatile alcohols transferred from user to the aerosol-generating article or the mouthpiece of the device which were subsequently evaporated therefrom.

[0032] In some embodiments, the sensor is positioned within the airflow pathway to detect alcohol (or one or more volatile organic compounds) content in the air passing through the airflow pathway, or within the housing and in fluid communication with the airflow pathway. In particular, the sensing element of the sensor can be arranged such that the air that entrains the one or more volatile alcohol (or one or more volatile organic compounds), which have originally been in the saliva and breath of the user and transferred as described earlier, may at least partially flow or diffuse over the sensing element of the sensor.

[0033] In some embodiments, the sensor is provided on an external surface of the housing, in particular close to the opening of the device. Advantageously, a change of a sensor signal is generated by the sensor upon exposure to the air entraining the one or more volatile alcohols (or one or more volatile organic compounds) evaporated from at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article, and / or at least a part of the opening of the aerosol-generating device is greater than a detection limit of the sensor.

[0034] Provision of the sensor on the external surface of the housing may prevent the sensor from been directly exposed to heat generated by the aerosol-generating device for aerosol production or to hot aerosol vapor traveling through the airflow pathway during aerosol production. In this way, reliability of sensing by the sensor may be improved.

[0035] By protecting the sensor from heat, the lifetime of the sensor may be effectively prolonged.

[0036] The sensor may be configured to determine a concentration of alcohol (or of one or more volatile organic compounds) in the air. By measuring the concentration of the or more volatile alcohols (or one or more volatile organic compounds) in the air by the sensor, the content of one or more volatile alcohols deposited in at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article, and / or at least a part of the opening may be estimated. The results may be further compared with a predetermined threshold value used to determine the state of user, such as the state of alcohol consumption.

[0037] The sensor may be a metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) sensor, preferably a tin oxide (Sn02) sensor. In some embodiments, the sensing unit may further comprises circuitry configured to control operation of the sensor. The circuitry may activate or deactivate the sensor as required. The sensor is activated only during the step of determination of the state of the user, otherwise it is switched off for energy saving.

[0038] The circuitry may be further configured to receive and analyze the signal from the sensor indictive of the presence and / or the concentration of the one or more alcohols (or of one or more volatile organic compounds) in air to determine the state of the user.

[0039] The aerosol-generating device may further comprise feedback means for providing a notification or indication to the user based on a signal sent by the sensing unit to the feedback means sensing

[0040] The feedback means maybe an audio and / or visual feedback means for providing an audio, haptic, or visual notification or indication.

[0041] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating device may comprises a control unit configured to activate or deactivate an aerosol-generating unit of the aerosol-generating device based on the information obtained by the sensor. For example, if the information obtained by the sensor exceed a predetermined threshold value, the device stops operation of an aerosol-generating unit.

[0042] The control unit maybe configured to control aerosol production by adjusting at least one operating parameter of the aerosol-generating unit. When the aerosol-generating unit is a heating element, The control unit may adjust at least one of a heater power, a heating temperature, and a heat profile based on the information obtained by the sensor. This may allow an improved user experience of vaping with the aerosolgenerating device to be achieved.

[0043] In some embodiments, the device may further comprise an input means for accepting input from a user. Therefore, it is possible to receive input from the user of the device.

[0044] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method of operating the aerosolgenerating device according to any one of preceding embodiments herein disclosed and / or claimed. The method may comprise: obtaining, by the sensing unit, information related to presence and / or content of one or more volatile alcohols or one or more volatile organic compounds deposited in at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article, and / or at least a part of the opening; controlling, by the control unit, the device based on the detection from the sensing unit. Aspect and / or features herein disclosed and / or claimed with reference to the aerosol generating device can be applied to the method.

[0045] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0046] To illustrate the technical features of embodiments of the present invention more clearly, the accompanying drawings provided for describing the embodiments are introduced briefly in the following. The accompanying drawings in the following description are merely some embodiments of the present invention, modifications on these embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims.

[0047] Fig. la and ib shows an example aerosol-generating device according to the invention.

[0048] Fig.2a and 2b show an example of aerosol generation with example placements of a sensor according to the invention.

[0049] Fig. 3 shows an example of an arrangement of the aerosol-generating article and the sensing unit of the aerosol-generating device according to the invention.

[0050] Fig. 4 shows the flowchart describing the method of detecting the state of the user and operating the device.

[0051] Detailed description

[0052] The foregoing descriptions are only implementation manners of the present invention, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this. Any variations or replacements can be easily made through person skilled in the art. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be subject to the protection scope of the attached claims.

[0053] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described hereinafter and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For ease of understanding and brevity, certain features shown in the drawings have not been described in detail, and certain features have been omitted entirely for ease of understanding. As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating device”, “E-cigarette”, or “electronic cigarette” may include an electronic cigarette system configured to deliver an aerosol to a user, including an aerosol for smoking. All the oriental terms, such as “up”, “down”, “upper” “down” “above”, “below”, etc., refers to the relative position of the components of the aerosol- generating device 1 in its use position. Furthermore, terms such as “top”, “bottom”, “left”, “right” refers to relative positions based on the figures and illustrations.

[0054] It has to be noted that although the embodiments described herein will mainly focus on the detection of one or more volatile alcohols, in particular ethanol, any other volatile substances, preferably transferred from saliva or breath of the user, may be sensed by the sensing unit according to the present invention. For example, the one or more volatile substance may comprise a volatile organic material, preferably a volatile organic material that is associated with the alcohol consumption by the user. More specifically, one or more volatile compound may comprise acetaldehyde. It is known that alcohol consumption may increase content of acetaldehyde in saliva and / or breath. Because acetaldehyde is also volatile, it may be detected additionally or alternatively in a similar manner by employing a suitable sensor for detection of this material. The following description and embodiments will apply mutatis mutandis to other possible embodiments directed to the detection of one or more volatile organic compounds. The device, according to the invention, is, for this purpose provided with a suitable sensor.

[0055] The aerosol-generating device (also called a device) is used for aerosol delivery to a user, including medicinal use or for smoking. Aerosol is generated by means of an aerosol generating unit (e.g., a heater, atomizer or nebulizer) which generates aerosol that is delivered to the user for inhalation from an aerosol generating article. The device is portable and is capable of being held by the user, preferably with one hand.

[0056] The aerosol may include a suspension of the precursor as one or more of : solid particles; liquid droplets; gas. Said suspension may be in gas, including air. Aerosol herein may generally refer to / include a vapor. Aerosol may include one or more components of the precursor. The aerosol may have a particle size of 0.5-7 microns. The particle size may be less than 10 or 7 microns. The precursor may comprise one or more of: nicotine, caffeine, or another active component. The active component may be carried with an article, which may be a liquid.

[0057] The aerosol-forming substrate (or substrate) may refer to one or more of a: liquid; solid; gel; other substance. The precursor may be processable by an atomizer of the apparatus to form an aerosol as defined herein. The article may include propylene glycol (PG) or glycerine, such as vegetable glycerine (VG), which volatises at a certain temperature. IO

[0058] The aerosol-generating article (also referred to as consumable item, or article, or article) comprises an aerosol forming substrate. In one embodiment, the article may include a tobacco material in various forms, such as shredded tobacco and granulated tobacco, and / or the tobacco material may include tobacco leaves and / or reconstituted tobacco, such as sheets, strips, and foam, if it is suitable for a t-vapor. In another embodiment, the aerosol-generating article may be in the form of a cartridge comprising an aerosol forming substrate.

[0059] Referring to Figs. 1A to 1C, there is shown a first example of an aerosol-generating system too according to the invention. The aerosol-generating system too comprises an aerosol-generating device 300 and an aerosol-generating article 200.

[0060] Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B, respectively show isometric and schematic cross-sectional view of a first example of the aerosol-generating system too. Fig. 1C shows a schematic view of the system too comprising the aerosol-generating article 200 inserted in the aerosolgenerating device 300.

[0061] In this example, the aerosol-generating article 200 is in the form of a cigarette stick. The aerosol-generating article 200 comprises an aerosol-generating substrate 202 formed in an elongated cylindrical rod. The aerosol-generating article 200 comprises a proximal end 210 and a distal end 220. The aerosol generating article 200 further comprises a mouthpiece 400 positioned downstream of the aerosol generating substrate with respect to the direction of airflow during a user inhalation. The mouthpiece 400 may comprise a filter element comprising, for example, cellulose acetate fibers. The aerosol generating substrate 202 and the mouthpiece 400 are arranged in coaxial alignment inside a wrapper (e.g., a paper wrapper) to hold the components in position to form the cylindrical rod of the aerosol-generating substrate. The mouthpiece 400 may further comprises a cooling element comprising for example a hollow paper tube and arranged in coaxial alignment inside a wrapper and disposed to extend between the aerosol-generating substrate and the filter element.

[0062] The aerosol-generating device 300 comprises a housing 310, which is an external casing for the device for accommodating all components of the aerosol-generating device 300. The housing 310 may form any shape or size suitable. The housing 310 may be formed of any suitable material or layers of material.

[0063] The aerosol-generating device 300 comprises a heating chamber 380 configured to accommodate at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 200, an aerosol- generating unit 320 for generating aerosol from the aerosol-generating article 200 received in the heating chamber 380, an opening 350 in fluid communication with the heating chamber 380 and configured to release the aerosol generated in the heating chamber from the aerosol-generating device to be inhaled by a user, an airflow pathway 390 configured to guide air across the heating chamber 380. The heating chamber 380 may be arranged as a part of the airflow pathway 390.

[0064] The aerosol-generating device 300 further comprises an air inlet 392 for allowing external air to enter in the aerosol-generating device during the user inhalation on the aerosol-generating device.

[0065] The airflow pathway 390 typically is arranged to extend between the air inlet 392 and the opening 350. In this way, the airflow pathway 390 forms a main airflow channel that allows to establish airflow from the exterior of the aerosol-generating device through the heating chamber 380 to the opening 350.

[0066] In some embodiments, the opening 350 is configured to allow air to flow in as well as flow out therethrough.

[0067] In the example shown in Figs.iA-iC, the opening 350 is arranged at a proximal end surface of the housing 310, and the air inlet 392 is arranged at a distal end surface of the housing 310 which is opposite to the proximal end surface. However, both the opening 350 and the air inlets 392 maybe arranged at different positions of the housing 310. The airflow pathway 390 maybe designed accordingly.

[0068] Although the airflow pathway in this example is a straight channel running through the aerosol-generating device 300, the airflow pathway 390 may comprise one or more bended or curved part.

[0069] Referring to Figs. 1A to 1C, the airflow pathway 390 comprises a proximal part 390b and a distal part 390a. In this example, the distal part 390a of the airflow pathway 390 comprises the heating chamber 380.

[0070] The heating chamber 380 comprises a tubular cavity having a cylindrical side wall. The opening 350 is provided downstream of the heating chamber 380 with respect to the airflow direction during a user’s inhalation. The size and shape of heating chamber 380 and the opening 350 are configured such that the aerosol-generating substrate 202 of the aerosol-generating article 200 is fully inserted in the heating chamber 380, while the proximal end 210 remains outside of the aerosol-generating device 300 when the aerosol-generating article 200 is inserted in the heating chamber 380.

[0071] Although, the heating chamber 380 of this embodiment is a tubular heating chamber, the chamber may be provided in a form or other heating chamber shape in other embodiments, depending on the shape and dimension of the aerosol-generating article 200, so that the aerosol-generating article 200 may be inserted in the heating chamber 380 through the opening 350 and held in the heating chamber 380 without significantly deforming the aerosol-generating article 200. In this way, the aerosolgenerating article 200 may be easily removed after use.

[0072] The aerosol-generating unit 320 is arranged to heat the heating chamber 380, or the at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 200 received therein. The aerosolgenerating unit 320 may comprises a resistive heater. The heater may be disposed to surround the cylindrical wall of the heating chamber 380, such that the aerosolgenerating substrate 202 of the aerosol-generating article 200 is received in a portion of the heating chamber that is surrounded by the heater.

[0073] Alternatively, the aerosol-generating unit 320 may comprise an induction heating unit having an induction coil and a susceptor. In such a case, the susceptor may be disposed in a part of the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively, the susceptor may be included in the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating unit may be additionally provided with one or more additional layers, including insulation. The insulation that surrounds the heater may be provided and may partly or fully cover the heating chamber.

[0074] The device further comprises a power storage and / or power supply unit 330, such as a battery, which is adapted to supply power to the electronic components of aerosolgenerating device, such as the heating unit. This enables the heater to generate the heat required to generate aerosol.

[0075] The aerosol-generating device 300 further comprises a sensing unit 360 configured to obtain information related to presence and / or content of one or more volatile alcohols deposited in at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article, and / or at least a part of the opening. The sensing unit 360 comprises a sensor 362 configured to generate a signal indicative of the presence and / or concentration of the one or more volatile alcohol, such as ethanol, in air adjacent to sensor 362.

[0076] The sensor 362 is arranged such that it is configured to detect the one or more alcohol in the air within at least a portion of the airflow pathway or within an area adjacent to the opening for insertion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0077] The sensor 362 may be a metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) sensor, which is a gas sensor widely used to detect and measure the concentration of various gases in the environment. It consists of a thin oxide layer insulating a metal electrode on a semiconductor substrate.

[0078] In particular, the sensor 362 maybe a tin dioxide (Sn02) sensor. The sensor 362 may be, for example, a MQ-3 gas sensor.

[0079] A MOS sensor typically has a metal gate electrode separated from the semiconductor material by an insulating oxide layer. When the MOS sensor is exposed to a target gas, interactions occur at the surface of the oxide layer. These interactions can include adsorption and desorption of gas molecules. The adsorption or desorption of gas molecules at the oxide-semiconductor interface causes changes in the electrical properties of the semiconductor. This, in turn, affects the electrical conductivity of the MOS structure. By measuring the electrical conductivity or resistance of the semiconductor, the MOS sensor can detect the presence and concentration of the target gas. Gas molecules adsorbed on the oxide layer can either donate or withdraw electrons, influencing the conductivity in a predictable way. MOS sensors can be highly selective to specific gases or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by tailoring the oxide material and sensor design. The possibility to tailor the detection of specific gases or volatile organic compounds makes it possible to use it for different applications, such as sensing alcohol.

[0080] The sensor 362 is configured to generate a signal indicative of the presence or absence of at least one of one or more alcohols. Additionally, or alternatively, the sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of the concentration of at least one of the one or more volatile alcohols in the air.

[0081] For instance, the signal generated by the sensor may be an analog output voltage that is directly proportional to the alcohol concentration. It is possible to convert the analog signal into a digital format using a high-precision comparator. This enables effective use of the output and allows precise measurement and digital processing of the alcohol concentration data.

[0082] The sensor 362 may be configured to selectively detect a specific alcohol. The sensitivity of the sensor to ethanol or another compound can be adjusted. The adjustment may be achieved through a simple electronic means, for example, by the biasing resistor. By enabling the sensor to be calibrated for different levels of alcohol detection, it is possible to enhance its versatility and accuracy in varying environments.

[0083] In some embodiments, the sensor 362 is configured to detect alcohol in air after an inhalation or an exhalation or between consecutive inhalations or exhalations.

[0084] In some embodiments, the sensor 362 is configured to detect alcohol in air passing through the airflow pathway. In such a case, the sensor may be configured to detect alcohol content in air passing through the airflow pathway during an inhalation or an exhalation.

[0085] The sensing unit 360 further comprises circuitry 364 configured to control operation of the sensor 362. The circuitry 364 maybe configured to activate or deactivate the sensor as required. In some embodiments, the circuitry activates the sensor 362 only during the step of determination of the state of the user, otherwise it is switched off for energy saving.

[0086] For instance, the circuitry 364 may activate the sensor 362 based on predetermined conditions. For example, it may activate the sensor after a predetermined time or after detecting a predetermined number of puffs. Additionally, the circuitry 364 may automatically deactivate after a certain period of time, based on one or more predetermined conditions such as the usage state, or the state of the power supply, etc.

[0087] The circuitry 364 may be further configured to receive and analyze the signal from the sensor 362 indictive of the presence and / or the concentration of the one or more alcohols in air to determine the state of the user.

[0088] In the example shown in Figs. 1B and 1C, the circuitry 364 is arranged in the sensing unit 360. However, it may be arranged as a part electrically connected to but separated from the sensing unit 360. The device further comprises a control unit 340 that controls operation of various components (e.g., the aerosol-generating unit 320, the power supply unit 330 and the sensing unit 360) of the aerosol-generating device 300. The control unit 340 maybe provided as a printed circuit board (PCB), and electronically connected to the aerosolgenerating unit 320 and the power supply unit 330.

[0089] The control unit 340 may be configured to activate or deactivate an aerosol-generating unit 320 based on the information obtained by the sensor 362.

[0090] The control unit 340 may be configured to control aerosol production by adjusting at least one operating parameter, such as the heating temperature, or the heating profile) of the aerosol-generating unit 320.

[0091] The control unit 340 may be further configured to control the power supply unit 330 and / or the aerosol-generating unit 320 based on the state of the user determined by the sensing unit 360.

[0092] The aerosol-generating device 300 may further comprise an input means (not shown). In this way, the user may be able to select a desired operation setting from predefined settings, and / or the user may be able to customize at least one parameter of the operation of the device.

[0093] For example, if the sensing unit 360 provides the information that the level of the one or more volatile alcohol deposited exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the control unit may require further authentication for using the device or require manual changing of the mode of operation. The user may provide the authentication or manual input through the input means.

[0094] The aerosol-generating device 300 may comprise feedback means (not shown) for providing a notification or indication to the user based on the state of the user determined by the sensing unit 360. The feedback means maybe an audio and / or visual feedback means for providing an audio, haptic, or visual notification or indication.

[0095] Referring to Figs.2A and 2B, there is shown a second example of an aerosol generating system 100 which is similar to the first example of the aerosol generating system 100 shown in Figs. 1A to 1C, and in which corresponding components are identified using the same reference numerals. In this example, the aerosol-generating article 200 comprises the aerosol-generating substrate 202 in the form of a plate, disk, or sheet. Unlike the first example shown in Figs. 1A to 1C, the aerosol-generating substrate 202 is configured such that it is fully accommodated in the aerosol-generating device 300.

[0096] The airflow pathway 390 in this example comprises the distal part 390a, the proximal part 390b, and a middle part 390c extending between the distal part 390a and the proximal part 390b. The middle part 390c comprises the heating chamber 380.

[0097] The heating chamber 380 and the aerosol-generating unit are configured such that the aerosol-generating article 200 is fully included in the heating chamber 380 and the aerosol-generating substrate 202 is positioned adjacent to the aerosol-generating unit 320.

[0098] The aerosol-generating device further comprises the mouthpiece 400 disposed as a part of the opening 350. In this case, the proximal part 390b of the airflow pathway 390 extends through the mouthpiece 400, so that the aerosol generated in the heating chamber is delivered to the user through the though hole of the mouthpiece 400. The mouthpiece may further comprise a filter element comprising, for example, cellulose acetate fibers and disposed within at least a part of the airflow pathway in the mouthpiece.

[0099] As shown in Figs.1A to 1C and Figs. 2A and 2B, the sensing unit 360 maybe arranged such that the sensor 362 is arranged to receive at least a part of air entraining the released one or more volatile alcohols so as to generate a signal indicative of the qualitative and / or quantitative information related to the released ethanol, such as presence and / or concentration of the ethanol in air at a portion of the airflow pathway 390.

[0100] Referring to Fig.3A, there is shown a schematic drawing of an example of the arrangement of the sensing unit 360 and the aerosol-generating article 200 of the first example shown in Fig.iA-iC inserted in the aerosol-generating device 300.

[0101] The sensing unit 360 in this example is arranged such that the sensor 362 is in fluid communication with the airflow pathway 390. In particular, the sensor 362 is positioned within the airflow pathway, or within the housing and in fluid communication with the airflow pathway 390. Specifically, the sensor 362 in this example is arranged in the proximal part 390b of the airflow pathway 390, that comprises the heating chamber 380. The sensor 362 is preferably arranged between the opening 350 and the part heated by the aerosol generating unit 320. In this way, sensor 362 is protected to some extent from heat produced by the aerosol-generating unit 320.

[0102] As described earlier, when user performs puff on the device, at least a part of saliva and / or breath of the user may be transferred via user’s lips to the aerosol-generating system 100. In this example, the at least a part of saliva and / or breath of the user is deposited in at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 200 (shown as the area indicated with a dot pattern in Fig. 3). In particular, the at least a part of saliva and / or breath of the user is deposited at least a part of the mouthpiece 400 of the aerosolgenerating article 200. If the saliva or breath contains the one or more volatile alcohols, for example ethanol, the one or more volatile alcohols deposited may subsequently evaporate.

[0103] As indicated with arrows in Fig.sA, at least a part of the one or more alcohols deposited and transformed in gas state may be released through the side wall of the aerosol generating article 200 comprising the wrapper paper. Then, the one or more alcohols released from the wrapper paper may be delivered through the airflow pathway to the sensor 362. Additionally, the one or more alcohols may also be released through the proximal end 210 of the aerosol generating article 200. At least a part of the one or more alcohols released from the proximal end 210 may also reach the sensor 362 through the airflow pathway.

[0104] Referring to Fig.3B, there is shown a schematic drawing of another example of the arrangement of the sensing unit 360 and the aerosol-generating article 200 of the first example shown in Fig.iA-iC inserted in the aerosol-generating device 300.

[0105] In this example, the sensor is provided on an external surface of the housing 310, in particular close to the opening of the device 300. The sensor 362 is configured to measure a part of the one or more alcohols released from the aerosol-generating article 200 as explained for the example shown in Fig. 3A. The released one or more alcohols may subsequently delivered to an area adjacent to the opening of the device where the sensor 362 is arranged.

[0106] Preferably, the sensor 362 is provided close to the opening of the device 300. Providing the sensor 362 closed to the opening 350 allows to minimize the distance between the opening 350 as well as the proximal end 210 where the one or more alcohols deposited in and released from the aerosol-generating article 200, so that sensor 362 may be able to generate a greater signal than configurations where the sensor 362 is disposed further from the opening 350. It is preferred that the position of sensor 362 is close enough such that the sensor 362 is able to detect a change of a sensor signal generated by the sensor upon exposure to the air entraining the one or more volatile alcohols evaporated from at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article, and / or at least a part of the opening of the aerosol-generating device, sensor

[0107] For the aerosol-generating system 100 as shown in Figs. 2A and 2B, where the aerosolgenerating device 300 is configured to fully accommodate the aerosol-generating article 200, the alcohol sensor 362 may be placed in close proximity to the mouthpiece 400 arranged at the opening 350.

[0108] In use, the sensing unit 360 may activate the sensor 362 after an inhalation or an exhalation, or between consecutive inhalations or exhalations. In this case, the one or more volatile alcohols released from the aerosol-generating article 200 is delivered to sensor 362 mainly by diffusion. Thus, it is particularly preferred that the sensor 362 is arranged in the vicinity of the portion of the aerosol-generating article 200 where the one or more volatile alcohols deposited during the previous one or more inhalations and / or exhalations are released.

[0109] Alternatively, or additionally, the sensing unit 360 may activated the sensor 362 to detect alcohol content in air passing through the airflow pathway during an inhalation or an exhalation. In such a case, sensor 362 may be arranged downstream, with respect to the direction of airflow caused by the inhalation or the exhalation, of the portion of the aerosol-generating article 200 where the one or more volatile alcohols deposited during the previous one or more inhalations and / or exhalations are released. Hence, when the sensing is performed during an exhalation, the sensor 362 maybe arranged at a longitudinal position of the device between the portion where the one or more volatile alcohols deposited are released and the mouthpiece 400 or the opening 350. When the sensing is performed during an inhalation, the sensor 362 may be arranged at a longitudinal position of the device between the portion where the one or more volatile alcohols deposited are released and the air inlet 392.

[0110] Referring to Fig. 4, there is provided one example of a method 500 of determining the state of the user by use of the aerosol-generating system too according to any one of preceding embodiments and operating the aerosol-generating device 300 of the aerosol-generating system 100.

[0111] In step 502, saliva or a breath of the user is received in the mouthpiece 400 of the aerosol-generating system 100.

[0112] For example, user places their lips on the aerosol-generating system and starts a vaping session. Upon contact of the user’s lips to the mouthpiece 400, some portion of saliva of the user may be transferred to the mouthpiece 400. Additionally, or alternatively, if the user exhales or inhales on the mouthpiece 400, at least portion of breath of the user maybe introduced in the aerosol-generating system 100 through the mouthpiece 400.

[0113] In step 504, the saliva and / or breath of the user received in the aerosol-generating may be transferred and deposited in at least a part of the aerosol-generating system 100.

[0114] For example, the saliva and / or breath of the user may be deposited in a part of the mouthpiece 400, which may comprise a liquid absorbing material, such as a filter element or a wrapper paper.

[0115] The saliva and / or breath of the user may be deposited in the part of the mouthpiece 400 comprising the liquid absorbing material. When the user’s saliva and / or breath contains one or more volatile alcohols, the one or more volatile alcohols is deposited in the part of the mouthpiece 400.

[0116] The one or more volatile alcohols may subsequently evaporate due to their high volatility. As described in detail earlier, the evaporated one or more volatile alcohols may be released from the part where the one or more volatile alcohols have been deposited. In this way, the evaporated one or more alcohols released may be entrained in air withing the airflow pathway 390 and / or in air vicinity of the opening 350, i.e. the mouthpiece 400.

[0117] In step 506, the one or more alcohols that have been deposited, evaporated and released as described above may be measured by the sensor 362 of the sensing unit 360. The sensor 362 generates a signal indicative of the presence or concentration of the one or more alcohols in air around the sensor 362.

[0118] In step 508, the sensing unit 360 determines the state of the user based on the signal generated by the sensor 362. Upon exposure of sensor 362 to the air entraining the one or more volatile alcohols, sensor 362 generates a signal indicative of the presence and / or the concentration of the one or more alcohols in air. The signal from the sensor 362 is received by the circuitry 364. Based on the signal, the circuitry 364 determines the state of the user.

[0119] For example, circuitry 364 determines the state of user by comparing the concentration of the one or more volatile alcohols in air measured by the sensor 362 and a threshold value. In some embodiments, the threshold value may be a predetermined threshold value. Alternatively, the threshold value maybe derived from adjustment of the predetermined threshold value based on, for example, one or more environmental factors, such as temperature.

[0120] In step 508, the circuitry 364 of the sensing unit 360 determines whether the state of the user determined in step 506 corresponds to a target state.

[0121] In the case where the one or more alcohols is ethanol, sensor 362 is configured to measure ethanol concentration in air. The signal generated by the sensor 362 relates to the amount of the released ethanol that has been originated from the saliva and / or breath of the user, which has been transferred to the mouthpiece upon use of the device 300. When the saliva and / or breath of the user includes a certain level of ethanol, at least a portion of ethanol may be transferred and deposited in the aerosol-generating system too and released therefrom. Therefore, the signal generated by sensor 362 may correlate with the presence and concentration of ethanol in the saliva and / or breath of the user, which may be used to determine the state of user regarding consumption of alcohol drinks.

[0122] Accordingly, the circuitry 364 determines the state of the user and compares the state of the user with a target state. For example, if the signal from the sensor 362 exceeds the threshold value, the circuitry may determine that the user has consumed a certain amount of alcoholic drinks. If the signal from sensor 362 does not exceed the threshold value, the circuitry may determine that the user has not consumed a certain amount of alcohol drinks, which may be set as the target state.

[0123] In step 510, circuitry 364 compares the state of the user with a target state and determine whether the state of the user corresponds to the target state. For example, the target state may be the state where the user has not consumed a certain amount of alcoholic drinks. The control unit 340 subsequently controls the operation of the aerosol-generating device 300 based on the determination in step 510.

[0124] When the state of the user corresponds to the target state in step 510, the control unit 340 controls the operation of the aerosol-generating device 200 in a first condition set for the target state (step 512). The first condition may be a default setting of the standard operation of the aerosol-generating device 300 for producing aerosol.

[0125] When the state of the user does not corresponds the target state in step 510, the control unit 340 controls the operation of the aerosol-generating device 300 based on the state of the user (step 514). In some embodiments, the control unit 340 may limit some device functionality or issue user alerts.

[0126] List of reference signs

[0127] 100 Aerosol Generating System

[0128] 200 Aerosol Generating Article

[0129] 202 Aerosol Generating Substrate

[0130] 210 Proximal End of Aerosol Generating Article

[0131] 220 Distal End of Aerosol Generating Article

[0132] 300 Aerosol Generating Device

[0133] 310 Housing

[0134] 320 Aerosol Generating Unit

[0135] 330 Power Supply Unit

[0136] 340 Control Unit

[0137] 350 Opening

[0138] 360 Sensing Unit

[0139] 362 Alcohol Sensor

[0140] 362 Sensor

[0141] 364 Circuitry

[0142] 380 Heating Chamber

[0143] 390 Airflow Pathway

[0144] 390a Distal Part of the Airflow Pathway

[0145] 390b Proximal Part of the Airflow Pathway

[0146] 390c Middle Part of the He Airflow Pathway

[0147] 392 Air Inlets

[0148] 400 Mouthpiece

Claims

Claims1. An aerosol-generating device, comprising: a housing; a heating chamber configured to at least partially contain an aerosol-generating article, and to heat the portion of the aerosol-generating article inserted in the heating chamber; an airflow pathway configured to guide air across the heating chamber; an opening provided at a proximal end of the airflow pathway; and a sensing unit, comprising a sensor, the sensor being arranged such that it is configured to obtain information related to presence and / or content of one or more volatile alcohols, or one or more volatile organic compounds, deposited in at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article, and / or at least a part of the opening, wherein the sensor is configured to obtain information related to presence and / or content of one or more volatile alcohols, or one or more volatile organic compounds, in air after an inhalation or an exhalation, or between consecutive inhalations or exhalations.

2. The aerosol-generating device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor is configured to obtain information related to presence and / or content of one or more volatile alcohols, or one or more volatile organic compounds, in the air within at least a portion of the airflow pathway or within an area adjacent to the opening for insertion of the aerosol-generating article.

3. The aerosol-generating device of claim 2, wherein the sensor is configured to obtain information related to presence and / or content of one or more volatile alcohols, or one or more volatile organic compounds, transferred and deposited in at least a portion of the aerosol generating article and / or at least part of the opening by the saliva and / or the breath of the user, the one or more volatile alcohols, or one or more volatile organic compounds subsequently evaporate and being released from the at least portion of the aerosol generating article and / or at least part of the opening.

4. The aerosol-generation device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor is configured to obtain information related to presence and / or content of one or more volatile alcohols, or one or more volatile organic compounds, in air passing through the airflow pathway during an inhalation or an exhalation.

5. The aerosol-generating device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor is positioned within the airflow pathway, or within the housing and in fluid communication with the airflow pathway.

6. The aerosol-generating device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor is provided on an external surface of the housing, in particular close to the opening of the device.

7. The aerosol-generating device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor is configured to determine a concentration of one or more volatile alcohols or one or more volatile organic compounds in the air.

8. The aerosol-generating device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor is an alcohol sensor and / or a volatile organic compound sensor, such as a metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) sensor or a tin oxide (Sn02) sensor.

9. The aerosol-generating device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensing unit further comprises circuitry configured to control operation of the sensor.

10. The aerosol-generating device of any one of the preceding claims, the device further comprises feedback means for providing a notification or indication to the user based on a signal sent by the sensing unit to the feedback means.

11. The aerosol-generating device of claim io, wherein the feedback means is an audio and / or visual feedback means for providing an audio, haptic, or visual notification or indication.

12. The aerosol-generating device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises a control unit configured to activate or deactivate an aerosol-generating unit of the aerosol-generating device based on the information obtained by the sensor.

13. The aerosol-generating device of claim 12, wherein the control unit is configured to control aerosol production by adjusting at least one operating parameter of the aerosol-generating unit.

14. The aerosol-generating device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor is located in the vicinity of the portion where the one or more volatile alcohols deposited are released by diffusion during periods of no active airflow.

15. Method of operating a device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises: obtaining, by the sensing unit, information related to presence and / or content of one or more volatile alcohols or one or more volatile organic compounds deposited in at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article, and / or at least a part of the opening, controlling, by the control unit, the device based on the detection from the sensing unit.

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