Aerosol provision device, system and cigarette stick detection method

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol provision device, an aerosol provision system, and a cigarette stick detection method. The device comprises an accommodating chamber for accommodating cigarette sticks; a first detection mechanism, arranged within the accommodating chamber, for detecting whether any items have entered the accommodating chamber and generating a first detection result; a second detection mechanism, arranged within the accommodating chamber, for detecting preset parameters of an item entering the accommodating chamber and identifying the category of the item according to the preset parameters, and generating a second detection result; and a judgment module, in communication connection with both the first detection mechanism and the second detection mechanism, for determining whether the item is a cigarette stick according to the first detection result and the second detection result.

Description

[0001] AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE, SYSTEM AND CIGARETTE STICK DETECTION METHOD

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of aerosol provision technology, and particularly to an aerosol provision device, an aerosol provision system, and a cigarette stick detection method.

[0004] Technical Background

[0005] Heat-not-burn aerosol provision devices are electronic products designed to mimic traditional cigarettes in terms of smoke, taste, and sensation. These products, also known as "heat-not-burn" products or tobacco heating devices, generate aerosols by heating, rather than combusting, an aerosol-generating material, such as a tobacco substrate, which is then inhaled by the user.

[0006] Currently, there are two commonly used self-startup heating schemes for cigarette stick insertion in aerosol provision devices:

[0007] 1 . a metal sheet conductor is added inside the cigarette stick, and an electromagnetic coil is correspondingly arranged inside the aerosol provision device. When the cigarette stick is inserted into the aerosol provision device, the electromagnetic coil surrounds the periphery of the cigarette stick. If the insertion of a cigarette stick is detected, the heating device is activated to heat the cigarette stick to generate aerosol for the user to inhale. However, this method may cause the generation of unknown harmful substances after the cigarette stick is heated, which may affect the health of the user, and also has an impact on taste and cost.

[0008] 2. a capacitance detection sensor is added inside the aerosol provision device to detect whether a cigarette stick is inserted. If the insertion of a cigarette stick is detected, the heating device is activated to heat the cigarette stick to generate aerosol for the user to inhale. However, when the humidity of the cigarette stick is low, the change in capacitance value is not obvious, which may lead to the inability of the capacitance detection sensor to detect whether a cigarette stick is inserted, thus resulting in the failure of the self-startup of the aerosol provision device.

[0009] Summary

[0010] In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device which comprises an accommodating chamber for accommodating cigarette sticks and further comprises a first detection mechanism arranged within the accommodating chamber for detecting whether any items have entered the accommodating chamber and generating a first detection result, a second detection mechanism arranged within the accommodating chamber for detecting preset parameters of an item entering the accommodating chamber and identifying the category of the item according to the preset parameters and generating a second detection result, and a judgment module in communication connection with both the first detection mechanism and the second detection mechanism for determining whether the item is a cigarette stick according to the first detection result and the second detection result.

[0011] In embodiments of any of the aforementioned aerosol provision devices, the first detection mechanism may detect whether any items have entered the accommodating chamber of the device. The second detection mechanism may identify the category of the item entering the accommodating chamber. Based on the detection results of the first and second detection mechanisms, it may be determined whether the item entering the accommodating chamber is a cigarette stick. This can improve the accuracy of cigarette stick detection. There is no need to add additional components for auxiliary detection such as metal sheets in the cigarette sticks. Therefore, no unknown harmful substances are generated during the heating process of the cigarette sticks, preventing adverse effects on the health of users.

[0012] In embodiments of any of the aforementioned aerosol provision devices, the first detection mechanism may comprise at least one of a micro switch, an infrared detection device,

[0013] In embodiments of any of the aforementioned aerosol provision devices, the first detection mechanism may comprise a micro switch, which may comprise at least an elastic element arranged within the accommodating chamber and a detection circuit with at least one on / off point. When the elastic element is squeezed, it may act on the on / off point, causing a change in the on / off state of the detection circuit.

[0014] By setting the first detection mechanism as a micro switch, the sensitivity of detecting whether an item has entered the accommodating chamber may be improved, thereby improving the accuracy of cigarette stick detection.

[0015] In embodiments of any of the aforementioned aerosol provision devices, the elastic element may be arranged either on the side wall of the accommodating chamber, extending in the transverse direction, or on the bottom wall of the accommodating chamber, extending in the longitudinal direction.

[0016] In embodiments of any of the aforementioned aerosol provision devices, the detection circuit may comprise a positive line and negative line which are ring-shaped, there may be a plurality of on / off points and a plurality of elastic elements, and each of the on / off points may be arranged between the positive line and the negative line.

[0017] In embodiments of any of the aforementioned aerosol provision devices, the accommodating chamber may have a first opening in fluid communication with the external environment, and the micro switch may further comprise a first support frame, which may comprise a first portion sleeved onto the first opening and a second portion embedded within the accommodating chamber. The first portion may form a second opening that remains in fluid communication with the first opening, while the elastic element may be connected between the first and second portions.

[0018] In embodiments of any of the aforementioned aerosol provision devices, the first portion may be provided with a guiding member to facilitate the entry of an item into the accommodating chamber.

[0019] By adding a guiding member on the first portion, it may guide the item when it is inserted into the accommodating chamber, enabling the item to enter the accommodating chamber more smoothly and improving the user experience.

[0020] In embodiments of any of the aforementioned aerosol provision devices, there may be a plurality of guiding members, and the plurality of guiding members may be arranged at intervals on the first portion.

[0021] In embodiments of any of the aforementioned aerosol provision devices, the first portion and the second portion may be both ring-shaped structures.

[0022] In embodiments of any of the aforementioned aerosol provision devices, a hollow portion may be formed between the first portion and the second portion, and the detection circuit may be arranged on the periphery of the hollow portion.

[0023] In embodiments of any of the aforementioned aerosol provision devices, the micro switch further comprises a second support frame, which is partially embedded in the first support frame and the detection circuit. The second support frame has a through hole configured to allow the elastic element to pass through when the elastic element is squeezed, enabling the elastic element to act on the on / off point and thereby causing a change in the on / off state of the detection circuit.

[0024] In embodiments of any of the aforementioned aerosol provision devices, the second support frame may be provided with a first position limit groove and a second position limit groove, the first portion may be clamped in the first position limit groove, and the second portion may be clamped in the second position limit groove.

[0025] By setting the first position limit groove and the second position limit groove on the second support frame and clamping the first portion and the second portion of the first support frame therein respectively, the assembly stability of the first support frame and the second support frame can be improved.

[0026] In embodiments of any of the aforementioned aerosol provision devices, the detection circuit may be formed into a flexible circuit board.

[0027] In embodiments of any of the aforementioned aerosol provision devices, the elastic element may comprise a conductive material arranged on a side close to the on / off point, the elastic element may move towards a direction close to the on / off point when being squeezed, causing the conductive material to act on the on / off point and the on / off of the detection circuit to change.

[0028] In embodiments of any of the aforementioned aerosol provision devices, the elastic element may comprise an insulating material arranged on a side close to the on / off point, the elastic element may move towards a direction close to the on / off point when being squeezed, causing the insulating material to act on the on / off point and the on / off of the detection circuit to change.

[0029] In embodiments of any of the aforementioned aerosol provision devices, the second detection mechanism may comprise a capacitance detection device.

[0030] In embodiments of any of the aforementioned aerosol provision devices, the preset parameters may comprise dielectric constant.

[0031] In embodiments of any of the aforementioned aerosol provision devices, the first detection mechanism and the second detection mechanism may both have detection circuits, and the detection circuit of the first detection mechanism may be integrated with the detection circuit of the second detection mechanism.

[0032] In embodiments of any of the aforementioned aerosol provision devices, the device further may comprise a heating device, which may be activated or allows the activation of heating when the judgment module determines that the item is a cigarette stick based on the first detection result and the second detection result.

[0033] In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision system, and the system comprises at least the aerosol provision device according to any of the above. In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a cigarette stick detection method based on the aerosol provision device according to any of the above. The method comprises detecting whether any items have entered the accommodating chamber and generating a first detection result, detecting the preset parameters of the item entering the accommodating chamber, identifying the category of the item according to the preset parameters, and generating a second detection result, followed by determining whether the item is a cigarette stick based on the first and second detection results.

[0034] In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising: an accommodating chamber configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising aerosol generating material; a first detection mechanism configured to detect whether an item is received in the accommodating chamber, and generate a first detection result; a second detection mechanism configured to detect a predetermined parameter of an item received in the accommodating chamber, and generate a second detection result; and a determination module configured to receive the first detection result and the second detection result, wherein the determination module is configured to determine whether an item is an article in dependence on the first detection result and the second detection result.

[0035] In embodiments of any of the aforementioned aerosol provision devices, the second detection mechanism may be configured to identify the category of the item according to the predetermined parameter. In embodiments of any of the aforementioned aerosol provision devices, the second detection mechanism may be configured to generate the second detection result in dependence on the identified category of the item.

[0036] In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision system, wherein the system comprises the aerosol provision device according with any of the embodiments described herein, and an article comprising aerosol generating material.

[0037] In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method of detecting an article comprising aerosol generating material in an aerosol provision device, the method comprising: detecting whether an item has been received in a chamber of an aerosol provision device, and generating a first detection result; detecting a predetermined parameter of an item entering the accommodating chamber and generating a second detection result in dependence on the detected predetermined parameter; determining whether the item is an article comprising aerosol generating material according to the first detection result and the second detection result.

[0038] The one or more embodiments may have at least the following beneficial effects: in embodiments, the aerosol provision device may comprise an accommodating chamber for accommodating cigarette sticks. The device may further comprise: a first detection mechanism, arranged within the accommodating chamber, for detecting whether any items have entered the accommodating chamber and generating a first detection result; a second detection mechanism, arranged within the accommodating chamber, for detecting preset parameters of an item entering the accommodating chamber and identifying the category of the item according to the preset parameters, and generating a second detection result; a judgment module, in communication connection with both the first detection mechanism and the second detection mechanism, for determining whether the item is a cigarette stick according to the first detection result and the second detection result. Through the solution of the present application, on the one hand, the accuracy of cigarette stick detection can be improved, avoiding self-startup failure or mis-startup of the aerosol provision device. On the other hand, there is no need to add additional components for auxiliary detection such as metal sheets in the cigarette sticks. Therefore, no unknown harmful substances are generated during the heating process of the cigarette sticks, preventing adverse effects on the health of users. Additional aspects and advantages of the application will be partially described in the following description, some will become apparent from the following description, and others will be learned.

[0039] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0040] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the disclosure will become more understandable. Those skilled in the art can easily understand that these drawings are only for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Moreover, similar numbers in the figures are used to represent similar components, wherein:

[0041] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a partial structure of the aerosol provision device;

[0042] Figure 2 is an exploded view of a partial structure of the aerosol provision device;

[0043] Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of the first detection mechanism of the aerosol provision device;

[0044] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the first detection mechanism of the aerosol provision; and

[0045] Figure 5 is a flowchart of the cigarette stick detection method of the aerosol provision.

[0046] Detailed Description

[0047] The following describes some embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are only for explaining the technical principles and are not intended to limit the scope of protection.

[0048] As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user in use, and includes: combustible aerosol provision systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for roll-your-own or for make-your-own cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokable material); non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosolgenerating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials; and aerosol-free delivery systems that deliver the at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.

[0049] According to the present disclosure, a “combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burned during use in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0050] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of a cigarette, a cigarillo and a cigar.

[0051] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a component for use in a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a filter, a filter rod, a filter segment, a tobacco rod, a spill, an aerosol-modifying agent release component such as a capsule, a thread, or a bead, or a paper such as a plug wrap, a tipping paper or a cigarette paper.

[0052] According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0053] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.

[0054] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0055] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosolgenerating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0056] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality 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 comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0057] Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non- combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosolgenerating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0058] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a noncombustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.

[0059] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent.

[0060] In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosolmodifying agent.

[0061] 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 in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.

[0062] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material that is not intended to be aerosolised. As appropriate, either material may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosolformer materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0063] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance. The active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.

[0064] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12. As noted herein, the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

[0065] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical" includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like.

[0066] Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, Wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens.

[0067] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.

[0068] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0069] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour. As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, Wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, 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, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea 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, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas.

[0070] In some embodiments, the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and / or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.

[0071] In some embodiments, the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3.

[0072] Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and / or flavourants. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise an “ amorphous solid ” , which may alternatively be referred to as a “ monolithic solid” (i.e. non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may for example comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.

[0073] The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.

[0074] The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former 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, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0075] The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0076] The material may be present on or in a support, to form a substrate. The support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material.

[0077] A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0078] A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein. An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosolmodifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form. The aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material.

[0079] An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosolgenerating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0080] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems (which may also be referred to as vapour delivery systems) such as nebulisers or e-cigarettes. Throughout the following description the term "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery system I device and electronic aerosol delivery system I device. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms "aerosol" and "vapour", and related terms such as "vaporise", "volatilise" and "aerosolise", may generally be used interchangeably.

[0081] Aerosol delivery systems (e-cigarettes) often, though not always, comprise a modular assembly comprising a reusable device part and a replaceable (disposable / consumable) cartridge part. Often, the replaceable cartridge part will comprise the aerosol-generating material and the vaporiser (which may collectively be called a “cartomizer” ) and the reusable device part will comprise the power provision (e.g. rechargeable power source) and control circuitry. It will be appreciated these different parts may comprise further elements depending on functionality. For example, the reusable device part will often comprise a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operating status characteristics, and the replaceable cartridge device part in some cases comprises a temperature sensor for helping to control temperature. Cartridges are electrically and mechanically coupled to the control unit for use, for example using a screw thread, bayonet, or magnetic coupling with appropriately arranged electrical contacts. When the aerosol-generating material in a cartridge is exhausted, or the user wishes to switch to a different cartridge having a different aerosol-generating material, the cartridge may be removed from the reusable part and a replacement cartridge attached in its place. Systems and devices conforming to this type of two-part modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-part systems / devices.

[0082] It is common for electronic cigarettes to have a generally elongate shape. For the sake of providing a concrete example, certain embodiments of the disclosure will be taken to comprise this kind of generally elongate two-part system employing disposable cartridges. However, it will be appreciated that the underlying principles described herein may equally be adopted for different configurations, for example single-part systems or modular systems comprising more than two parts, refillable devices and single-use disposables, as well as other overall shapes, for example based on so-called box-mod high performance devices that typically have a boxier shape. More generally, it will be appreciated certain embodiments of the disclosure are based on aerosol delivery systems which are operationally configured to provide functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and the constructional aspects of systems configured to provide the functionality in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure is not of primary significance.

[0083] Current aerosol provision devices for the self-startup heating scheme upon cigarette stick insertion either have problems such as easily causing the generation of unknown harmful substances after cigarette stick heating, which may affect the health of users, and also having an impact on taste and cost, or have the problem that due to the fact that the change in capacitance value is not obvious when the humidity of the cigarette stick is low, it is easy for the capacitance detection sensor to fail to detect whether a cigarette stick is inserted, resulting in the failure of the self-startup of the aerosol provision device.

[0084] The embodiments of the present application creatively propose a new aerosol provision device. This device first detects whether an item has entered the accommodating chamber of the device through the first detection mechanism, then identifies the category of the item entering the accommodating chamber through the second detection mechanism, and finally determines whether the item entering the accommodating chamber is a cigarette stick by combining the detection results of the first and second detection mechanisms. This can improve the accuracy of cigarette stick detection. At the same time, there is no need to add additional components for auxiliary detection such as metal sheets in the cigarette sticks. Therefore, no unknown harmful substances are generated during the heating process of the cigarette sticks, preventing adverse effects on the health of users.

[0085] A cigarette stick as described herein forms an article comprising aerosol generating material.

[0086] Embodiment one Figure 1 is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the aerosol provision device in embodiments, and Figure 2 is an exploded view of a partial structure of the aerosol provision device in embodiments. Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, it generally comprises a housing (not shown in the figure), an accommodating chamber 200, a first detection mechanism 300, a second detection mechanism 400, and a judgment module 500. The accommodating chamber 200 is formed inside the housing and is used to accommodate cigarette sticks. Both the first detection mechanism 300 and the second detection mechanism 400 are arranged in the accommodating chamber 200. The first detection mechanism 300 is configured to detect whether an item has entered the accommodating chamber 200 and generate a first detection result. The second detection mechanism 400 is configured to detect the preset parameters of the item entering the accommodating chamber 200 and identify the category of the item according to the preset parameters, generating a second detection result. The judgment module 500 is in communication connection with both the first detection mechanism and the second detection mechanism and is used to judge whether the item is a cigarette stick according to the first detection result and the second detection result.

[0087] The judgment module 500 acts as a determination module. The accommodating chamber 200 is configured to receive at least a portion of a cigarette stick, acting as an article comprising aerosol generating material. The preset parameter may be known as a predetermined parameter. The second detection mechanism 400 may be configured to detect a predetermined parameter of an item received in the accommodating chamber 200. The second detection mechanism 400 may be configured to detect two or more predetermined parameters.

[0088] In embodiments, the first detection mechanism 300 comprises at least one of a micro switch, an infrared detection device, an ultrasonic detection device, and an optical detection device.

[0089] In embodiments, the first detection mechanism 300 is mainly used to detect whether an item has entered the accommodating chamber. Therefore, in embodiments, the first detection mechanism 300 is not limited, as long as it can achieve the item detection function. Without departing from the inventive concept, any known item detection mechanism applicable to the aerosol provision device can be used as the first detection mechanism 300. For example, as an exemplary rather than restrictive illustration, the first detection mechanism 300 can adopt any one or a combination of several of a micro switch, an infrared detection device, an ultrasonic detection device, and an optical detection device.

[0090] The first detection mechanism 300 may be used to detect when an item is received in the chamber.

[0091] It should be noted here that the first detection mechanism in embodiments is a detection mechanism using a reliable dichotomy method, that is, the first detection result obtained through the first detection mechanism must be one of the two results: inserted or not inserted, and there is no third detection result.

[0092] In embodiments, the first detection mechanism 300 adopts a micro switch. Using a micro switch as the first detection mechanism 300 has a lower cost compared to an infrared detection device and an ultrasonic detection device, and its detection sensitivity is not easily affected by external factors (such as high temperature, e-liquid, cigarette ash, etc.). As is well- known to those skilled in the art, on the one hand, the aerosol provision device needs to heat the cigarette stick at a high temperature during operation, and excessive temperature may damage the precision components in the infrared detection device and the ultrasonic detection device. On the other hand, substances such as e-liquid and cigarette ash are generated during the heating process of the cigarette stick. If e-liquid or cigarette ash adheres to the detection heads of the infrared detection device or the ultrasonic detection device, it will affect the detection sensitivity.

[0093] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4, in embodiments, the micro switch comprises an elastic element 310 and a detection circuit 330. In embodiments, the elastic element 310 is arranged in the accommodating chamber 200. The elastic element 310 can move along the accommodating chamber 200 under the action of an external force (such as the extrusion force of an item on it), that is, when an item squeezes the elastic element 310, the elastic element 310 will move in a direction away from the item. The detection circuit 330 is also arranged in the accommodating chamber 200. The detection circuit 330 includes at least an on / off point, and the on / off point is set at a position opposite to the elastic element 310, so that when the elastic element 310 is squeezed by an item, it acts on the on / off point, causing the on / off state of the detection circuit 330 to change. It can be understood that in embodiments, the direction in which the elastic element 310 moves away from the item is the same as the direction in which it approaches the detection circuit 330.

[0094] In embodiments, the change in the on / off state of the detection circuit 330 can be that the detection circuit 330 changes from the original unconnected state to the connected state, or the detection circuit 330 changes from the original connected state to the unconnected state. When the on / off state of the detection circuit 330 changes, the generated first detection result is that an item has entered the accommodating chamber 200.

[0095] In a specific embodiment, the elastic element 310 is arranged on the side wall of the accommodating chamber 200 and extends in the transverse direction of the accommodating chamber 200.

[0096] In another specific embodiment, the elastic element 310 is arranged on the bottom wall of the accommodating chamber 200 and extends in the longitudinal direction of the accommodating chamber 200. In embodiments, the scheme is illustrated by taking the case where the elastic element 310 is arranged on the side wall of the accommodating chamber 200 and extends in the transverse direction of the accommodating chamber 200 as an example.

[0097] In embodiments, the detection circuit 330 comprises a positive line and a negative line that are ring-shaped. There are a plurality of on / off points and a plurality of elastic elements 310, and each on / off point is arranged between the positive line and the negative line. It should be noted here that in embodiments, when any one of the elastic elements acts on the on / off point, it can cause the on / off state of the detection circuit 330 to change. Thus, compared with the case of only one elastic element 310 and one on / off point, setting multiple on / off points and elastic elements 310 can avoid the situation where the elastic element is not squeezed due to factors such as the cigarette stick being inserted obliquely, resulting in the failure to detect the entry of an item into the accommodating chamber.

[0098] An on / off point may also be referred to as an on / off location.

[0099] Further referring to Figure 4, in embodiments, the elastic element 310 comprises a main body 311 and a protrusion 312. The protrusion 312 is arranged on the surface of the main body 311 on the side close to the side wall of the accommodating chamber 200. In embodiments, the protrusion 312 extends in the direction approaching the side wall of the accommodating chamber 200 on the surface of the main body 311 on the side close to the side wall of the accommodating chamber 200.

[0100] In embodiments, the elastic element 310 comprises a conductive material 320a arranged on the side close to the on / off point. When the elastic element 310 is squeezed, it moves in the direction close to the on / off point, causing the conductive material 320a to act on the on / off point and change the on / off state of the detection circuit. The conductive material includes, but is not limited to, conductive carbon and other materials. For example, if the detection circuit 330 was originally in an unconnected state, when the elastic element 310 is squeezed so that the conductive material 320a is connected to the on / off point, the detection circuit 330 changes to a connected state.

[0101] In embodiments, the elastic element 310 comprises an insulating material 320b arranged on the side close to the on / off point. When the elastic element 310 is squeezed, it moves in the direction close to the on / off point, causing the insulating material 320b to act on the on / off point and change the on / off state of the detection circuit. For example, if the detection circuit 330 was originally in a connected state, when the elastic element 310 is squeezed so that the insulating material 320b is connected to the on / off point, the detection circuit 330 changes to an unconnected state.

[0102] It should be noted here that in embodiments, the specific material of other parts of the elastic element 310 is not limited, as long as it can be displaced when squeezed. Without departing from the inventive concept, any known insulating elastic material can be used as the material for other parts of the elastic element. In embodiments, the elastic element 310 can be a silicone product. In embodiments, the detection circuit 330 is formed as a flexible circuit board. In embodiments, the detection circuit 330 has a ring-shaped structure. Since the structure of the aerosol provision device is relatively compact, the internal space for accommodating various components is relatively small. Therefore, the detection circuit 330 in embodiments is optionally a flexible printed circuit (FPC), which is a highly reliable and extremely flexible printed circuit board made of polyimide or polyester film as the base material. It has the characteristics of high wiring density, light weight, and thin thickness. Therefore, using a flexible circuit board for the detection circuit 330 has the advantage of reducing the occupied space in the device.

[0103] It should be noted here that in embodiments the on / off point is also not limited, as long as it has a conductive function. Without departing from the inventive concept, any known conductive material can be used as the on / off point.

[0104] Further referring to Figure 4, in embodiments, the micro switch also has a first support frame 340. In a specific embodiment, the accommodating chamber 200 has a first opening 210 communicating with the external environment, and items such as cigarette sticks can enter the accommodating chamber 200 through the first opening 210. The first support frame 340 is composed of a first part 341 and a second part 342. The first part 341 is sleeved on the first opening 210 of the accommodating chamber 200, and the first part 341 forms a second opening 343 communicating with the first opening 210. The second part 342 is embedded in the accommodating chamber 200, and the elastic element 310 is connected between the first part 341 and the second part 342. Thus, after an item such as a cigarette stick enters the accommodating chamber 200 through the first opening 210 and the second opening 343, it can squeeze the elastic element 310, causing the elastic element 310 to move in the direction close to the detection circuit 330 and act on the on / off point, thereby changing the on / off state of the detection circuit 330.

[0105] It should be noted here that in embodiments, the specific shapes of the first part 341 and the second part 342 of the first support frame 340 are not limited. Users can set them according to the actual product requirements without departing from the inventive concept. As an exemplary rather than restrictive illustration, in embodiments, both the first part 341 and the second part 342 of the first support frame 340 have a ring-shaped structure.

[0106] Further referring to Figure 4, in embodiments, a hollow portion 344 is formed between the first part 341 and the second part 342, and the detection circuit 330 is arranged on the periphery of the hollow portion 344. Optionally, the detection circuit 330 is ring-shaped, and the ring-shaped detection circuit 330 surrounds the periphery of the hollow portion 344.

[0107] Further referring to Figure 4, in embodiments, a guiding member 345 is provided on the first part 341. In embodiments, the guiding member 345 is arranged at the second opening 343 formed by the first part 341 . One side of the guiding member 345 is fixedly connected to the first part 341 , and the surface of the side of the guiding member 345 away from the first part 341 is a curved surface. The curved surface of the guiding member 345 is formed by the surface of the side of the guiding member 345 away from the first part 341 protruding in the transverse direction of the device away from the first part 341. By adding a guiding member 345 to the first part 341 , it can guide the item when it is inserted into the accommodating chamber 200, enabling the item to enter the accommodating chamber more smoothly and improving the user experience.

[0108] It should be noted here that in embodiments, the number of guiding members 345 is not specifically limited, and users can set it according to the actual product requirements. It can be understood that in order to improve the guiding effect of the guiding member 345 and enable the item to enter the accommodating chamber more smoothly, in embodiments, there are a plurality of guiding members 345, and the plurality of guiding members 345 are arranged at intervals on the first part 341 . For example, the number of guiding members 345 may be 2, 3, 4, 5... and will not be exhaustively listed here.

[0109] Further referring to Figure 4, in embodiments, the micro switch further comprises a second support frame 350. In embodiments, the shape of the second support frame 350 is not specifically limited, and it can be set according to the actual product requirements. As an exemplary rather than restrictive illustration, the second support frame 350 has an overall ringshaped structure, and the second support frame 350 is partially embedded in the first support frame 340 and the detection circuit 330. Further referring to Figure 4, a through-hole 351 is opened on the second support frame 350. The position of the through hole 351 on the second support frame 350 corresponds to the position of the elastic element. The through hole 351 is configured to allow the elastic element 310 to pass through when the elastic element 310 is squeezed, so that the elastic element 310 can act on the on / off point and change the on / off state of the detection circuit 330.

[0110] In embodiments, the elastic element may be displaced in the through hole when the elastic element is displaced.

[0111] Further referring to Figure 4, in embodiments, a first position limit groove 352 and a second position limit groove 353 are provided on the second support frame 350. The first part 341 of the first support frame 340 is clamped in the first position-limit groove 352, and the second part 342 of the first support frame 340 is clamped in the second position limit groove 353. It can be understood that when the second support frame 350 has an overall ring-shaped structure, both the first position limit groove 352 and the second position limit groove 353 are annular grooves arranged along the circumferential direction of the second support frame 350. By setting the first position limit groove 352 and the second position limit groove 353 on the second support frame 350 and clamping the first part 341 and the second part 342 of the first support frame 340 therein respectively, the assembly stability of the first support frame 340 and the second support frame 350 can be improved.

[0112] Further referring to Figure 2, in embodiments, the device also comprises a third support frame 700. The third support frame covers the outside of the detection circuit 330 to protect the detection circuit 330. It should be noted here that in embodiments, the shape of the third support frame 700 is not specifically limited, and it can be set according to the actual product requirements.

[0113] In embodiments, the second detection mechanism 400 includes a capacitance detection device.

[0114] Specifically, the second detection mechanism 400 may adopt a capacitance detection device. In embodiments manner of the capacitance detection device is not limited.

[0115] In embodiments, the preset parameters comprise the dielectric constant.

[0116] Specifically, since the dielectric constants of different items vary, when the second detection mechanism 400 is a capacitance detection device, the category of the item entering the accommodating chamber 200 may be identified by detecting the item's dielectric constant. It can be understood that items that may enter the accommodating chamber 200 include, but are not limited to, cigarette sticks, cleaning brushes, etc. Therefore, the categories of items in the embodiments of this application include, but are not limited to, cigarette sticks, cleaning brushes, etc.

[0117] It is well-known to those skilled in the art that the dielectric constant of tobacco varies significantly with high and low humidity. In particular, when the humidity of tobacco is low, the change in its dielectric constant is not obvious, making it difficult for the second detection mechanism 400 to identify cigarette sticks. In the embodiments of this application, by adding the first detection mechanism 300 based on the second detection mechanism 400, using the first detection mechanism 300 to detect whether an item has entered the accommodating chamber of the device, using the second detection mechanism 400 to identify the category of the item entering the accommodating chamber, and finally combining the detection results of the first detection mechanism 300 and the second detection mechanism 400 to determine whether the item entering the accommodating chamber is a cigarette stick, the accuracy of cigarette stick detection can be improved.

[0118] It can be understood that the second detection mechanism 400, like the first detection mechanism 300, has a detection circuit. In embodiments, the detection circuit 330 of the first detection mechanism 300 is integrated with the detection circuit of the second detection mechanism 400. This arrangement, on the one hand, can reduce the internal space occupied by the device, and on the other hand, can reduce the product cost.

[0119] In embodiments, the device further comprises a heating device 600, which is configured to be activated or allowed to be activated for heating when the judgment module 500 determines that the item is a cigarette stick based on the first detection result and the second detection result.

[0120] Specifically, only when it is determined that the item inserted into the accommodating chamber 200 is a cigarette stick is the aerosol provision device allowed to start. At this time, it is set to automatically activate or allow activation (such as activation by an external command) of the heating device 600 of the aerosol provision device for heating. This can prevent the aerosol provision device from operating due to misjudgment and improve safety performance.

[0121] In embodiments, the device also comprises a power source (not shown in the figure) to supply power to the heating device. It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the power source is not specifically limited. Without departing from the inventive concept of this application, any known power source applicable to the aerosol provision device can be used as the power source in this application.

[0122] In embodiments, the device also comprises an indicator light (not shown in the figure), which is configured to indicate whether the judgment module 500 has determined that the item inserted into the accommodating chamber 200 is a cigarette stick. In embodiments, the indicator light may be configured to display different colors or different brightness levels. Different colors can be used to indicate whether the judgment module 500 has determined that the item inserted into the accommodating chamber 200 is a cigarette stick. For example, when the judgment module 500 determines that the item inserted into the accommodating chamber 200 is a cigarette stick, the indicator light displays one color, and when the judgment module 500 determines that the item inserted into the accommodating chamber 200 is not a cigarette stick, the indicator light displays another color. Or, when the judgment module 500 determines that the item inserted into the accommodating chamber 200 is a cigarette stick, the indicator light displays a color with one brightness level, and when the judgment module 500 determines that the item inserted into the accommodating chamber 200 is not a cigarette stick, the indicator light displays a color with another brightness level.

[0123] In embodiments, the judgment module 500 may be implemented through the microcontroller configured in the aerosol provision device itself. This can eliminate the need to additionally increase the hardware cost of the aerosol supply system. When the judgment module 500 determines whether the item is a cigarette stick based on the first detection result and the second detection result, it can use a matching algorithm for judgment. It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the matching algorithm is not specifically limited. Without departing from the inventive concept of this application, any known matching algorithm can be used in this application.

[0124] Embodiment two

[0125] Corresponding to Embodiment one above, this application also provides an aerosol provision system, which comprises any of the embodiments of the aerosol provision device according of Embodiment one. In this embodiment, the content that is the same as or similar to that in Embodiment one can refer to the above introduction, and will not be repeated hereinafter.

[0126] Embodiment three

[0127] Corresponding to Embodiment one above, this application also provides a cigarette stick detection method based on embodiments of the aerosol provision device of Embodiment one. This method is based on the aerosol provision device provided in Embodiment one. In this embodiment, the content that is the same as or similar to that in Embodiment one can refer to the above introduction, and will not be repeated hereinafter. As shown in Figure 5, the method comprises:

[0128] S100: detecting whether an item has entered the accommodating chamber and generating a first detection result;

[0129] S200: detecting the preset parameters of the item entering the accommodating chamber, and identifying the category of the item according to the preset parameters, and generating a second detection result;

[0130] S300: determining whether the item is a cigarette stick based on the first detection result and the second detection result.

[0131] The present application provides an aerosol provision device and an automatic lidopening method aiming to improve the accuracy of cigarette stick detection and avoid the generation of undesirable harmful substances after cigarette stick heating.

[0132] Each embodiment in this specification is described in a progressive manner. For the same or similar parts among the embodiments, mutual reference can be made. Each embodiment mainly focuses on the differences from other embodiments. In particular, for the system or system embodiments, since they are basically similar to the method embodiments, the description is relatively simple, and the relevant parts can be referred to the description of the method embodiments. The system and system embodiments described above are only illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place, or may be distributed to multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment. A person of ordinary skill in the art can understand and implement it without creative efforts.

[0133] In the description of this specification, the referential terminology "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" means that specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are comprised in at least one embodiment or example. In this specification, the indicative expression of the above-mentioned terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the described specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable way in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0134] Moreover, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used merely for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the characteristics defined as "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly comprise at least one such characteristic. In the description, the term "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0135] In the present application, unless explicitly defined and limited, terms such as "mounting," "connecting," "connection," "fixing," etc., should be understood broadly. For instance, the connection can be a fixed connection or a detachable connection, or integrated; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediary medium, it can be the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless explicitly defined otherwise. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of these terms in the context of the application based on the circumstances.

[0136] Although the embodiments of the application have been shown and described above, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are exemplary and should not be considered as limiting the application. Those skilled in the art within the scope of the application can make variations, modifications, replacements, and variations to the abovedescribed embodiments.

Claims

Claims1. An aerosol provision device comprising: an accommodating chamber configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising aerosol generating material; a first detection mechanism configured to detect whether an item is received in the accommodating chamber, and generate a first detection result; a second detection mechanism configured to detect a predetermined parameter of an item received in the accommodating chamber, and generate a second detection result; and a determination module configured to receive the first detection result and the second detection result, wherein the determination module is configured to determine whether an item is an article in dependence on the first detection result and the second detection result.

2. The aerosol provision device according to claim 1 , wherein the first detection mechanism comprises at least one of a micro switch, an infrared detection device, an ultrasonic detection device, and an optical detection device.

3. The aerosol provision device according to claim 2, wherein the first detection mechanism comprises a micro switch, the microswitch comprising: an elastic element arranged within the accommodating chamber; and a detection circuit comprising an on / off location, wherein the elastic element acts on the detection circuit at the on / off location when the elastic element is displaced such that an on / off state of the detection circuit is changed.

4. The aerosol provision device according to claim 3, wherein the elastic element is on a side wall of the accommodating chamber and extends in the transverse direction of the accommodating chamber; or wherein the elastic element is arranged on a bottom wall of the accommodating chamber and extends in the longitudinal direction of the accommodating chamber.

5. The aerosol provision device according to claim 3, wherein the detection circuit comprises a positive line and a negative line, wherein the detection circuit comprises a plurality of on / off locations, wherein the first detection mechanism comprises a plurality of elastic elements, and wherein each of the plurality of on / off locations are arranged between the positive line and the negative line.

6. The aerosol provision device according to claim 3, wherein the chamber has a first opening in fluid communication with the external environment, andwherein the micro switch comprises a support frame, the support frame comprising a first portion on the first opening and a second portion in the accommodating chamber, wherein the first portion forms a second opening in fluid communication with the first opening, and the elastic element is connected between the first portion and the second portion.

7. The aerosol provision device according to claim 6, wherein the first portion comprises a guiding member configured to facilitate an article being received in the accommodating chamber.

8. The aerosol provision device according to claim 7, wherein the first portion comprises a plurality of guiding members, and wherein the plurality of guiding members are arranged at intervals on the first portion.

9. The aerosol provision device according to claim 6, wherein the first portion and the second portion are each ring-shaped structures.

10. The aerosol provision device according to claim 6, wherein a hollow portion is formed between the first portion and the second portion, and wherein the detection circuit is arranged on the periphery of the hollow portion.11 . The aerosol provision device according to claim 6, wherein the support frame is a first support frame and the micro switch comprises a second support frame at least partially received in the first support frame and the detection circuit, wherein the second support frame defines a through hole, the through hole being configured to allow the elastic element to be displaced in the through hole when the elastic element is displaced such that the elastic element acts on the or each on / off location causing the on / off state of the detection circuit to change.

12. The aerosol provision device according to claim 11 , wherein the second support frame comprises a first position limit groove and a second position limit groove, wherein the first portion is retained in the first position limit groove, and wherein the second portion is retained in the second position limit groove.

13. The aerosol provision device according to any of claims 3 to 12, wherein the detection circuit is formed into a flexible circuit board.

14. The aerosol provision device according to any of claims 3 to 13, wherein the elastic element comprises a conductive material arranged on a side close to the or each on / off location, wherein the elastic element moves towards a direction close to the or each on / off location when being displaced, wherein displacement of the elastic element causes the conductive material to act on the or each on / off location and the on / off state of the detection circuit to change.

15. The aerosol provision device according to any of claims 3 to 14, wherein the elastic element comprises an insulating material arranged on a side close to the or each on / off location, wherein the elastic element moves towards a direction close to the or each on / off location when being displaced, wherein displacement of the elastic element causes the insulating material to act on the or each on / off point and the on / off state of the detection circuit to change.

16. The aerosol provision device according to any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the second detection mechanism comprises a capacitance detection device.

17. The aerosol provision device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the predetermined parameters comprise the dielectric constant of an item.

18. The aerosol provision device according to any of claims 1 to 17, wherein the first detection mechanism and the second detection mechanism each have a detection circuit, and wherein the detection circuit of the first detection mechanism is integrated with the detection circuit of the second detection mechanism.

19. The aerosol provision device according to any of claims 1 to 18, wherein the device comprises a heating arrangement configured to activate or allow the activation of heating upon determination by the determination module that the item is an article according to the first detection result and the second detection result.

20. An aerosol provision system, wherein the system comprises the aerosol provision device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, and an article comprising aerosol generating material.

21. A method of detecting an article comprising aerosol generating material in an aerosol provision device, the method comprising:detecting whether an item has been received in a chamber of an aerosol provision device, and generating a first detection result; detecting a predetermined parameter of an item entering the accommodating chamber and generating a second detection result in dependence on the detected predetermined parameter; determining whether the item is an article comprising aerosol generating material according to the first detection result and the second detection result.

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