Aerosol provision system and its electrical energy control method

Abstract

An aerosol provision system and its electrical energy control method are disclosed. The system comprises a housing (100), wherein the housing comprises a first position (101) and a second position (102) having a temperature difference during use; a thermoelectric material (200), with one end disposed at the first position and the other end arranged at the second position, wherein the temperature at the first position is higher than at the second position.

Description

[0001] AEROSOL PROVISION SYSTEM AND ITS ELECTRICAL ENERGY CONTROL METHOD

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of aerosol provision technology, and particularly relates to an aerosol provision system and its electrical energy control method.

[0004] Background

[0005] In the e-cigarette industry, an aerosol provision system is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating substrate (such as a tobacco-containing or tobacco leaf substrate) for users to inhale. The existing aerosol provision systems may have the following problems in terms of energy efficiency: There is only one source of energy supply in the system, which is the battery. Limited by the volume of the system product, the battery capacity is limited. Only a limited amount of heating can be carried out with a single charge, resulting in limited energy efficiency.

[0006] Summary

[0007] In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision system and its electrical energy control method which may, for example, improve the overall energy efficiency of the aerosol provision system.

[0008] In accordance with a first aspect, there is provided an aerosol provision system. The system comprises: a housing, wherein the housing comprises a first position and a second position having a temperature difference during use; and a thermoelectric material, with one end disposed at the first position and the other end arranged at the second position, wherein the temperature at the first position is higher than at the second position.

[0009] The housing may comprise a heating zone. The first position may be disposed in the heating zone.

[0010] The second position may be at any position outside the heating zone or at a place within the heating zone where the temperature is lower than that of the first position. There is a temperature difference between the second position and the first position, and the thermoelectric material can convert the heat energy resulting from the temperature difference into electrical energy.

[0011] The second position may be located outside the heating zone.

[0012] The second position may be outside the heating zone. The temperature outside the heating zone may be significantly lower than that inside the heating zone during use of the system. The temperature difference between the first position and the second position may be relatively large, so the current generated by the thermoelectric material may be strong, and more electrical energy may be generated.

[0013] The second position may be disposed in the housing.

[0014] The housing part may be the part that the user directly contacts during use so, when designing the system structure, the housing part may be insulated to ensure that the housing does not have temperature changes or has a low temperature during use of the system. Therefore, when the second position is disposed in the housing, the temperature difference between it and the first position (e.g. disposed in the heating zone) is significantly large. As a result, the thermoelectric material may generate a relatively strong current, and more electrical energy may be produced.

[0015] The heating zone may comprise a heating component, and the first position may be disposed at the heating component.

[0016] The second position may be set at a position within the area of the heating component that has a temperature difference from the first position, or it may be set in the area outside the heating component. During use of the system, due to the heating of the heating component, the temperature within its area and around it may change. The thermoelectric material can convert the temperature difference within the area of the heating component or between it and other areas into electrical energy.

[0017] The second position may be located in the heating zone. The first position may be closer to the heating component than the second position.

[0018] The second position may not be on the heating component. During use of the system, the heating component may have a significantly higher temperature compared to other positions, and there may be a temperature difference with other areas. Therefore, the thermoelectric material may convert the temperature difference between the heating component and other positions within the heating zone into electrical energy, and the generated electrical energy may be greater.

[0019] The heating component may comprise a first region and a second region with a temperature difference, wherein the temperature of the first region may be higher than that of the second region. The first position may be located in the first region. The second position may be located in the second region.

[0020] Both the first position and the second position may be on part of the heating component.

[0021] The heating component may comprise a heating element. The first position may be disposed at the heating element.

[0022] The second position may be set at a position within a corresponding area of the heating element that has a temperature difference from the first position, or it may be set in an area outside the heating element. During use of the system, the heating element may generate heat, causing the temperature of itself and the surrounding area to change. The thermoelectric material can convert the thermal energy of the temperature difference within the heating element or between the heating element and other positions into electrical energy.

[0023] The second position may be located in the heating zone. The first position may be closer to the heating element than the second position.

[0024] The second position may not be on the heating element. During use of the system, the heating element may have a significantly higher temperature compared to other positions. That is, there may be a temperature difference with other areas. The thermoelectric material can convert the temperature difference between the heating element and other positions into electrical energy, and the generated electrical energy may be greater.

[0025] The heating component may comprise a first region and a second region with a temperature difference, wherein the temperature of the first region is higher than that of the second region. The first position may be is located in the first region. The second position may be located in the second region.

[0026] Both the first position and the second position may be on the heating element.

[0027] The housing may comprise a battery and a battery containment chamber for accommodating the battery. The first position may be located in the battery containment chamber.

[0028] During use of the battery in the system, for example during a charging or discharging process, heat may be generated, resulting in a temperature difference within its area or around it. The thermoelectric material can convert the temperature difference in the battery area or around it into electrical energy.

[0029] The second position may be located outside the battery containment chamber.

[0030] During use of the battery, there may be a temperature difference between the area outside the battery containment chamber and the battery, and the thermoelectric material can generate greater electrical energy.

[0031] The second position may be located in the battery containment chamber, and the first position may be closer to the battery than the second position.

[0032] The position closer to the battery may have a higher temperature during use of the battery. Therefore, setting the first position closer to the battery than the second position may result in a temperature difference between the two positions, and the thermoelectric material can convert the temperature difference between the two positions into electrical energy.

[0033] The system may comprise an electrical energy circuit. The electrical energy circuit may comprise a control module and the thermoelectric material. The thermoelectric material may be configured to supply power to the control module. The electrical energy converted by the thermoelectric material may be used to supply power to the control module, and the control module may be used to control the power supply to the battery or the heating element of the system, so as to charge the battery or power the heating element for heating.

[0034] The system may comprise an electrical energy circuit. The electrical energy circuit may comprise a battery and the thermoelectric material. The thermoelectric material may be configured to supply power to the battery.

[0035] The electrical energy converted by the thermoelectric material may be directly charged back to the battery to supplement the electrical energy of the battery in a cyclic manner, which may improv power efficiency.

[0036] The system may comprise an electrical energy circuit. The electrical energy circuit may comprise a battery, a control module, and the thermoelectric material. The thermoelectric material may be configured to supply power to at least one of the battery and the control module.

[0037] The electrical energy converted by the thermoelectric material can be directly charged back to the battery, or it can be used by the control module. Further, it can be used by both the battery and the control module simultaneously. This configuration not only improves power efficiency but also provides multiple energy supply channels by collecting the waste heat in the system, which may improve the overall energy efficiency of the system.

[0038] In accordance with a second aspect, there is provided an electrical energy control method for an aerosol provision system. Using the aerosol provision system described in the first aspect, the method comprises: controlling the thermoelectric material to convert the temperature difference between the first position and the second position into electrical energy.

[0039] The aerosol provision system may include any one or more or all of the features described above or below.

[0040] The method may comprise controlling the electrical energy converted by the thermoelectric material to supply power to the system.

[0041] The method may comprise obtaining the electrical energy converted by the thermoelectric material and controlling the electrical energy to supply power to at least one of the batteries and the heating element of the system.

[0042] The electrical energy converted by the thermoelectric material may be used by system itself, or it can be used by the battery and the heating element through control. For example, the electrical energy converted by the thermoelectric material can be controlled according to the battery charge level to supplement the electrical energy of the battery, or it can be used to power the heating element for heating when the heating element is controlled to start. The method may comprise: obtaining the electrical energy required by the heating element during use; and controlling the battery and / or the thermoelectric material of the system to supply power to the heating element according to the electrical energy required by the heating element during use.

[0043] According to the amount of electrical energy required by the heating element during use, the battery and the thermoelectric material can be controlled to cooperate in supplying power to the heating element, which may improve the energy utilization rate. For example, when the heating element uses less electrical energy, the thermoelectric material can be selected to supply energy. This can save the battery energy, may enable the system to be used for a longer time, and may improve the energy efficiency of the system.

[0044] Obtaining the electrical energy required by the heating element of the system during use may comprise: determining the required electrical energy of the heating element at a corresponding time according to the real-time power demand required by the heating element during use.

[0045] Controlling the battery and / or the thermoelectric material of the system to supply power to the heating element according to the electrical energy required by the heating element during use comprises: when the electrical energy required by the heating element is greater than or equal to a first threshold, controlling the battery and the thermoelectric material to jointly supply power to the heating element; and / or, when the electrical energy required by the heating element is less than the first threshold and greater than or equal to a second threshold, controlling the battery to supply power to the heating element; and / or, when the electrical energy required by the heating element is less than the second threshold, controlling the battery or the thermoelectric material to supply power to the heating element. The second threshold is less than the first threshold.

[0046] The method may comprise: when the electrical energy required by the heating element is less than the second threshold, controlling the battery and the thermoelectric material to alternately supply power to the heating element.

[0047] According to another aspect, there is provided an aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material, the system comprising: a thermoelectric material; wherein a first end of the thermoelectric material is disposed at a first position within the system and a second end of the thermoelectric material is disposed at a second position within the system; and wherein, in use, the temperature at the first position is higher than the temperature at the second position.

[0048] The aerosol provision system may include any one or more or all of the features described above or below.

[0049] The aerosol provision system may include a housing. The housing may comprise the first and / or second positions. The first and / or second positions may be within the housing. The system may comprise a heating zone, and the first position may be disposed in the heating zone. The housing may comprise the heating zone.

[0050] The housing may comprise an inner surface. The second position may be disposed on the inner surface of the housing.

[0051] The system may comprise a battery and a battery containment chamber for accommodating the battery. The first position may be located in the battery containment chamber. The housing may comprise the battery and battery containment chamber.

[0052] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of controlling an aerosol provision system, the method comprising: controlling a thermoelectric material to convert a temperature difference between a first position within the system and a second position within the system into electrical energy, wherein the thermoelectric material comprises a first end disposed at the first position and a second end disposed at the second position; and wherein the temperature at the first position is higher than the temperature at the second position.

[0053] The method may utilize and / or be performed using the aerosol provision system described above. The aerosol provision system may include any one or more or all of the features described above or below.

[0054] The method may comprise any one or more or all of the method steps described above or below.

[0055] According to another aspect, there is provided an aerosol provision assembly, comprising the aerosol provision system described above and a consumable comprising aerosol-generating material.

[0056] The aerosol provision system may include any one or more or all of the features described above or below.

[0057] According to another aspect, there is provided an electronic device, comprising: a memory; one or more processors; and one or more application programs stored in the memory; wherein the one or more application programs are configured to, when invoked by one or more of the processors, cause the one or more processors to: control a thermoelectric material of an aerosol provision system to convert a temperature difference between a first position and a second position into electrical energy, wherein the thermoelectric material comprises a first end disposed at the first position and a second end disposed at the second position; and wherein the temperature at the first position is higher than the temperature at the second position.

[0058] The one or more processors may be configured to perform one or more or all of the method steps described above or below.

[0059] According to yet another aspect, there is provided a computer readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: control a thermoelectric material of an aerosol provision system to convert a temperature difference between a first position and a second position into electrical energy, wherein the thermoelectric material comprises a first end disposed at the first position and a second end disposed at the second position; and wherein the temperature at the first position is higher than the temperature at the second position.

[0060] The instructions may be configured such that, when executed by a processor, the processor is caused to perform one or more or all of the method steps described above or below.

[0061] Embodiments may have one or more of the following beneficial effects:

[0062] By configuring the thermoelectric material to convert the thermal energy generated during the use of the system into electrical energy and collecting the waste heat of the system, the energy efficiency of the system may be improved. The thermoelectric material operates without noise, which is environmentally friendly. Further, by converting electrical energy through the thermoelectric material, more energy sources and multiple channels for supplying energy to the system are provided, which may improve the overall power efficiency of the system. Also, since the thermoelectric material can convert electrical energy in the system to supply energy to the system, and the battery is not the only energy source, the battery volume can be appropriately reduced, which may make it possible to reduce the product size, making it more suitable for users, and reducing the costs of the battery and the equipment.

[0063] Additional aspects and advantages will be partially described in the following description, some will become apparent from the following description.

[0064] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0065] 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. Moreover, similar numbers in the figures are used to represent similar components, wherein:

[0066] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of an aerosol provision system;

[0067] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating of the principle of the Seebeck effect;

[0068] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a heating zone of an aerosol provision system with a central heating mode;

[0069] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a heating zone of an aerosol provision system with a surrounding heating mode;

[0070] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of an aerosol provision system having a first position located in a heating zone, and a second position located outside the heating zone;

[0071] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of the aerosol provision system of Figure 5 with a thermoelectric material covering the area between the heating zone and the housing;

[0072] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of an aerosol provision system in which both a first position and a second position are in a heating zone;

[0073] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of an aerosol provision system in which a first position is located at a heating component, and a second position is not on the heating component;

[0074] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of an aerosol provision system in which both a first position and a second position are on a heating component;

[0075] Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of an aerosol provision system in which a first position is located at a heating element, and a second position is not on the heating element;

[0076] Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of an aerosol provision system in which both a first position and a second position are on a heating element;

[0077] Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of an aerosol provision system in which a first position is in a battery containment chamber, and a second position is outside the battery containment chamber;

[0078] Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of an aerosol provision system in which both a first position and a second position are in a battery containment chamber;

[0079] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of an electrical energy circuit of an aerosol provision system;

[0080] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the thermoelectric material in Figure 6;

[0081] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the heat flow direction of the thermoelectric material in Figure 15;

[0082] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the thermoelectric material in Figure 15 converting electrical energy to supply power to the circuit;

[0083] Figure 18 is a schematic structural diagram of the electrical energy control of an aerosol provision system; and

[0084] Figure 19 is a schematic flowchart of an electrical energy control method of an aerosol provision system.

[0085] Detailed Description

[0086] 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 technical principles and are not intended to limit the scope of protection.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.

[0093] 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. 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non- combustible 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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 aerosol-modifying agent.

[0100] 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. 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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 aerosolgenerating 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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 aerosolmodifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form. The aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material.

[0119] 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 aerosol-generating 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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 aerosolgenerating 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] As described in the background, aerosol provision systems are limited by the product volume, resulting in limited energy efficiency. The inventors have found that during use of the system, due to the heat generated by some components, a temperature difference occurs between some areas within the system. This part of thermal energy is often wasted and cannot be effectively utilized. Based on this, an aerosol provision system is proposed that can utilize the waste heat of the system to improve the overall energy efficiency.

[0124] Referring to Figure 1 , the system comprises a housing 100 and a thermoelectric material 200. The housing 100 comprises a first position 101 and a second position 102 that have a temperature difference during use. One end of the thermoelectric material 200 is disposed at the first position 101 , and the other end is disposed at the second position 102, where the temperature at the first position 101 is higher than that at the second position 102. This makes it possible to convert the thermal energy generated during the use of the system into electrical energy by setting the thermoelectric material, and collect the waste heat of the system, which may improve the energy efficiency of the system. Moreover, the thermoelectric material operates without noise and is environmentally sustainable. Further, by converting electrical energy through the thermoelectric material, more energy sources and multiple channels for supplying energy to the system are provided, which may improve the overall power efficiency of the system. Furthermore, since the thermoelectric material can convert electrical energy in the system to supply energy to the system, and the battery is not the only energy source, the volume of the battery can be appropriately reduced, thereby the product size may be reduced, making it more suitable for users, and reducing the costs of the battery and the equipment.

[0125] It should be noted that Figure 1 is merely a simplified diagram of partial structures of an exemplary aerosol provision system. It does not limit the form of the aerosol provision system, nor does it convey the specific positions and fixed structural patterns of various components. It does not specifically limit the first position 101 and the second position 102. Any two positions within the housing 100 that meet the temperature difference condition and allow the setting of the thermoelectric material are within the scope of protection. It also needs to be understood that the aerosol provision system may also comprise other elements not shown in the figure, such as main components like the control module. Their specific positions are not limited.

[0126] Specific embodiments will be described below.

[0127] First, the principle of converting thermal energy into electrical energy by the thermoelectric material in the present application will be explained. The thermoelectric material can directly convert heat into electrical energy through the Seebeck effect. The Seebeck effect refers to the phenomenon that when there is a temperature difference between two points of a conductive material, an electromotive force will be generated between the two points. This electromotive force is called the Seebeck potential or thermoelectric potential.

[0128] For example, as shown in Figure 2, in the thermoelectric material composed of iron and copper, a heat source 300 with a temperature difference is connected in common. Different positions of the heat source 300 have different temperatures. The temperature at position A is higher than that at position B. Therefore, the temperature difference between position A and position B is converted by the thermoelectric material to generate a current I. That is, an electromotive force is generated.

[0129] In one implementation, the housing 100 of the system comprises a heating zone, and the first position 101 is disposed in the heating zone. The heating zone is defined herein as the area where the temperature changes during use of the system. For example, referring to Figures 3 and 4, the heating zone 400 includes the aerosol generation area within the housing 100 and the area through which the high-temperature aerosol passes, and the surrounding area affected by the heating with temperature changes.

[0130] When the consumable 500 is inserted into the system for use, whether it is in the central heating configuration as shown in Figure 3 (the heating element 401 heats inside the consumable 500) or the surrounding heating form as shown in Figure 4 (the coil 4011 is arranged around the consumable containment chamber 402 that accommodates the consumable 500 and performs resistance and / or electromagnetic heating by being energized. The consumable containment chamber 402 can also be a consumable clamping device), during the use process, the heating zone 400 will generate high - temperature aerosol for the user to inhale. The generation and passage of the aerosol will cause the surrounding area or components to have a relatively high temperature, resulting in a temperature difference with other areas.

[0131] Moreover, due to factors such as the distance from the heating center, the different thermal conductivity of various components, or the different temperatures of the passing aerosol, different positions within the heating zone 400 will also have different temperatures. Therefore, when the first position is set in the heating zone 400, the second position can be set outside the heating zone 400 or in an area within the heating zone 400 where the temperature is lower than that of the first position. By setting the thermoelectric material between the first position and the second position with a temperature difference, the temperature difference between the two positions can be converted into electrical energy.

[0132] In an implementation, the first position is disposed in the heating zone 400, and the second position is located outside the heating zone 400. Compared with other areas, the heating zone 400 has a relatively high temperature. That is, there is a temperature difference between the heating zone 400 and the areas outside the heating zone 400. Therefore, the thermoelectric material can generate more electrical energy. For example, an aerosol provision system shown in Figure 5 adopts the central heating form (the same principle applies to the surrounding heating form). It is provided with a consumable containment chamber 402 for accommodating the consumable 500. The heating zone 400 corresponds to the consumable containment chamber 402 and the surrounding area. The first position 101 is located within the heating zone 400 (it can be in contact with the consumable containment chamber 402 or not), and the second position 102 is located on the housing 100 outside the heating zone 400. One end of the thermoelectric material 200 is disposed at the first position 101 , and the other end is disposed at the second position 102 on the housing 100, converting the temperature difference between the two places into electrical energy.

[0133] Further, as shown in Figure 6, the thermoelectric material 200 can cover the entire area between the heating zone 400 and the housing 100, converting all the temperature differences between the heating zone 400 and the housing 100 into electrical energy to provide more energy for the system. It should be understood that the positions in the figure are only schematic and do not specifically limit the first position 101 and the second position 102. Any positions that meet the temperature difference condition and are within the specified area are within the scope of protection.

[0134] In an implementation, both the first position and the second position are located within the heating zone 400. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the first position 101 is located in the area with a relatively high temperature within the heating zone 400 (such as the area corresponding to the central heating element), and the second position 102 is located in a place within the heating zone 400 where the temperature is lower than that of the central heating area, such as on the plastic component connected to other components at the top. The thermoelectric material 200 can convert the temperature difference within the heating zone 400 into electrical energy.

[0135] In an implementation, the housing 100 of the system comprises a heating zone, and the heating zone comprises a heating component. The first position is disposed on the heating component. That is, the thermoelectric material is arranged in contact with the heating component. The heating component can be a component used for heating and assisting in heating the aerosol generating material to generate aerosol or a component through which the aerosol passes. It undergoes temperature changes when the system generates aerosol. For example, the heating component may be the consumable containment chamber 402 in Figures 3 to 7, and the coil 4011 around the consumable containment chamber 402 in Figure 4. The second position can be on the heating component or not on the heating component, as long as it meets the temperature difference condition with the first position.

[0136] In an implementation, for example, as shown in Figure 8, the first position 101 is set on the wall of the consumable containment chamber 402. The consumable 500 adopts the central heating form. The consumable containment chamber 402 can be a metal clamping device, which assists the central heating element in heat conduction so that the consumable 500 can be fully heated to generate aerosol. During use of the system, the temperature of the consumable containment chamber 402 is higher than that of other surrounding areas. One end of the thermoelectric material 200 is disposed at the first position 101. That is, it is arranged in contact with the consumable containment chamber 402. The second position 102 is located in a position within the heating zone 400 that is farther from the heating component, that is, the consumable containment chamber 402, such as the area corresponding to the upper part of the consumable containment chamber 402, converting the temperature difference between the two places into electrical energy.

[0137] In an implementation, both the first position and the second position are on the heating component. Due to factors such as the distance from the heating center, the different thermal conductivity of various components, or the different temperatures of the passing aerosol, different positions on the heating component will also have different temperatures. Therefore, the first position can be set at the high heating point of the heating component, and the second position can be set at the low heating point on the heating component where the temperature is lower than that of the first position.

[0138] For example, as shown in Figure 9, an aerosol provision system adopts the central heating mode. The temperature of the relevant part of the heating component at the position corresponding to the heating element 401 will also be relatively high. Therefore, the area corresponding to the heating element 401 can be defined as the first region 4001. In this region, on the heating component, such as on the wall of the consumable containment chamber 402 corresponding to this region, the temperature is relatively high, and the temperature of other regions in the heating zone is lower than that of the first region 4001 . For example, at the upper or bottom position of the consumable containment chamber 402, the second position 102 is set at the upper or bottom part of the consumable containment chamber 402. The thermoelectric material 200 can convert the temperature difference between the wall of the consumable containment chamber 402 (that is, the heating component) into electrical energy.

[0139] In an implementation, the heating component of the system comprises a heating element, such as the coil 4011 in Figure 4. During use, it is energized to heat the consumable 500 by using the resistance structure or electromagnetic structure to generate aerosol. The first position is set on the heating element, and the second position can be set in the area outside the heating element or on the heating element at a place with a temperature difference from the first position. The thermoelectric material can convert the temperature difference on the heating element or between the heating element and other positions into electrical energy.

[0140] In an implementation, the first position is set on the heating element, and the second position is set outside the heating element. During use of the heating element, the temperature will be significantly higher than that of other areas. Therefore, the electrical energy generated by the thermoelectric material is greater. For example, as shown in Figure 10, an aerosol provision system adopts the surrounding heating form. The first position 101 is set on the coil 4011 , and the second position 102 is set on other positions such as the consumable containment chamber 402 or the housing 100. One end of the thermoelectric material 200 is closely attached to the coil 4011 , and the other end is set at the second position 102. It should be understood that in the figure, only the first position 101 on part of the coil 4011 and the second position 102 at the top position of the consumable containment chamber 402 are illustrated, which is not a specific limitation on the first position 101 and the second position 102. The first position 101 may alternatively be closely attached to the consumable containment chamber 402 or surround the coil 4011 at the same time, and the second position 102 can also be on the housing 100 or on the plastic parts at the upper and lower parts of the consumable containment chamber 402.

[0141] In an implementation, both the first position and the second position are on the heating element. During use of the heating element, the temperature at different positions may vary due to heating requirements and structural positions. Therefore, the thermoelectric material can be used to convert the temperature differences at different positions on the heating element into electrical energy.

[0142] For example, as shown in Figure 11 , an aerosol provision system adopts a comprehensive heating mode combining central heating and surrounding heating. Specifically, the system arranges a coil 4011 around the consumable containment chamber 402. After being energized, it can heat the consumable inserted into the consumable containment chamber 402 through its own resistance. To improve the heating efficiency, when designing the heating structure, a central heating structure may be additionally added inside the consumable containment chamber 402. For example, one way is to set up a heating needle structure inside the consumable containment chamber 402, and electromagnetic induction materials can also be set on the wall of the consumable containment chamber 402. After the coil 4011 arranged around the consumable containment chamber 402 is energized, a changing magnetic field is generated, and the electromagnetic induction materials are heated by sensing the changing magnetic field generated by the coil. The electromagnetic induction materials can also be set on the heating needle to improve the heating efficiency of the heating needle.

[0143] Another possible way, as shown in Figure 11 , is that there is a heating sheet 4012 inside the consumable 500. The heating sheet is made of electromagnetic induction materials. When the external coil 4011 generates a changing magnetic field, the heating sheet 4012 also has a heating effect.

[0144] In use of the combined setting of the above heating methods, the following effects will be brought: the positions with electromagnetic induction materials or the positions with a central heating needle have a higher temperature and a higher heating efficiency, while the positions with only a coil set have a lower temperature compared with the areas of the combined heating method. Therefore, the thermoelectric material can also use the temperature differences at different positions of the heating element to convert electrical energy.

[0145] For example, in Figure 11 , the first position 101 is set on the coil 4011 in the area corresponding to both the heating sheet 4012 and the coil 4011 , and the second position 102 is set on the part heated by the single coil 4011. One end of the thermoelectric material 200 is set at the first position 101 , and the other end is set at the second position 102. It should be understood that Figure 11 only illustrates the setting of the thermoelectric material in one combined heating method and does not limit the specific positions of the first position 101 and the second position 102.

[0146] For example, in the above-mentioned central heating needle structure, the first position 101 is set on the coil 4011 corresponding to the position of the heating needle. Also, for example, when electromagnetic induction materials are set on part of the wall of the consumable containment chamber 402, the first position 102 is set on the coil 4011 corresponding to the electromagnetic induction materials. The specific structure of the combined heating method can be designed according to requirements, and the present application does not specifically limit the heating structure either. Its purpose is to convert the temperature difference on the heating element into electrical energy through the thermoelectric material.

[0147] In an implementation, referring to Figure 1 , the housing 100 also comprises a battery 600 and a battery containment chamber for accommodating the battery 600. The first position 101 is set in the battery containment chamber, and the second position 102 may be disposed either inside the containment chamber or outside the containment chamber. The first position 101 is closer to the battery 600 than the second position 102. The battery generates heat during the charging or discharging process, and the thermoelectric material 200 can use the temperature differences inside or outside the battery chamber to convert electrical energy.

[0148] For example, in Figure 12, the first position 101 is set in the battery containment chamber 601 , which can be set on the battery 600 or at a position close to the battery 600, and the second position 102 is located outside the battery containment chamber 601 , such as the space or area formed by the lower supporting plastic components. The thermoelectric material 200 converts the temperature difference between the two positions into electrical energy.

[0149] Also, for example, in Figure 13, both the first position 101 and the second position 102 are set in the battery containment chamber 601. The first position 101 is closer to the battery 600 than the second position 102. The first position 101 can be set at a position close to the battery 600, and the second position 102 can be selected in the area close to the housing 100 or on the housing 100.

[0150] Based on the above embodiments, the setting position of the thermoelectric material can be any combination of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0151] In an implementation, the system also comprises an electrical energy circuit, which comprises a control module and a thermoelectric material. The thermoelectric material supplies power to the control module to control each device element during use of the system. In another embodiment, the electrical energy circuit comprises a battery and a thermoelectric material, and the thermoelectric material directly supplies power to the battery. That is, power is directly charged back to the main power source for use as an energy supplement. Combining the above two embodiments, the electrical energy circuit can also comprise a battery, a control module, and a thermoelectric material. The thermoelectric material can be selected to supply power to at least one of the battery and the control module. Referring to the schematic diagram of the electrical energy circuit in Figure 14, the control module can control the battery and the thermoelectric material, and the electrical energy converted by the thermoelectric material can be selected to charge the control module and the battery, which may improve the overall power efficiency.

[0152] The thermoelectric material can be in various forms, such as semiconductor modules, two-dimensional flexible films, etc., and there is no specific limitation. Specifically, the thermoelectric material can be chlorides, GeTe, half-Heuslers, Bi2-xSbxTe3 (BST), SnTe, PbTe, Sn1-xSe, Cu2-xSe, BiCuSeO, skutterudites, etc. The thermoelectric efficiency of the thermoelectric material can be evaluated by defining the thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT). Materials with a relatively high thermoelectric figure of merit ZT can be selected, such as GeTe, PbTe, SnSe, and Cu2Se, and the maximum value of their thermoelectric figure of merit ZT is as high as 2.4. In order to have a relatively high thermoelectric figure of merit ZT, the material must have a high Seebeck coefficient. The ratio between the electromotive force and the temperature difference is called the Seebeck coefficient. The larger the Seebeck coefficient, it means that the material generates a larger electromotive force under the same temperature difference (that is, the higher the thermoelectric conversion efficiency). The physical significance of the Seebeck coefficient is that it reflects the thermoelectric conversion ability of the material under a temperature gradient.

[0153] In an implementation, referring to Figures 5 and 6, for the setting of the thermoelectric material, a semiconductor module as shown in Figure 15 is specifically used. The semiconductor module is configured as a cylindrical shape surrounding the consumable containment chamber 402. The inner side of the cylinder is set at the first position 101 (that is, at a position close to the consumable containment chamber 402 or on the consumable containment chamber 402) and the outer side of the cylinder is set at the second position 102, and the second position 102 is on the housing 100.

[0154] Specifically, the semiconductor module comprises several groups of p-type semiconductor materials 201 and n-type semiconductor materials 202, which are connected and installed through a non-conductive substrate 203 between different groups. The direction of the heat flow passing through each group of p-type semiconductor materials 201 and n-type semiconductor materials 202 is as shown in Figure 16. The first position 101 is at a high temperature.

[0155] The principle of converting thermal energy into electrical energy is as shown in Figure 17. The main reason for generating the Seebeck effect is the result of the carriers at the hot end diffusing to the cold end. In the embodiments discussed above, the hot end is the first position 101 , and the cold end is the second position 102. The doped p-type semiconductor material 201 and the n-type semiconductor material 202 are connected to form a pair of thermocouples. Due to the thermoelectric effect, the p-type semiconductor material 201 and the n-type semiconductor material 202 respectively generate a potential difference between the hot end and the cold end. Because of the difference in materials, these two potential differences are not the same. Therefore, it ultimately leads to a potential difference between the cold end and the connection point of the material, forming an electrical energy circuit that can supply power to the load. The load can be a battery or a control module. The Seebeck effect of the semiconductor is relatively significant. Generally, the Seebeck coefficient of the semiconductor is several hundred u. V / K, which is much higher than that of a metal. Therefore, it may be advantageous to use semiconductor materials as the thermoelectric material.

[0156] Further, disclosed herein is an electrical energy control method for an aerosol provision system. Based on the above-mentioned aerosol provision system, the method comprises: controlling the thermoelectric material to convert the temperature difference between the first position and the second position into electrical energy, and collecting the waste heat of the system, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the system. For the configuration and operational principles of the thermoelectric material, refer to the above system implementations, and the repeated parts will not be described again.

[0157] In an implementation, the electrical energy control method comprises controlling the electrical energy converted by the thermoelectric material to supply power to the system. Specifically, referring to the schematic diagram of the electrical energy circuit in Figure 14, the control module can control the battery and the thermoelectric material. Also, the electrical energy converted by the thermoelectric material can be supplied to the control module or the battery for use. The control module can select to use the electrical energy of the battery or the electrical energy of the thermoelectric material for other devices or elements according to the demand, such as the heating element. The principle is as shown in Figure 18. At the same time, the thermoelectric material can obtain electrical energy from other devices such as the heating element. For the general principle and method, refer to the above embodiments of the aerosol provision system.

[0158] In one implementation, referring to Figure 19, the method further comprises the following steps:

[0159] A step S100 of obtaining the electrical energy required by the heating element during use;

[0160] A step S200 of controlling the battery and / or the thermoelectric material of the system to supply power to the heating element according to the electrical energy required by the heating element during use.

[0161] During use of the system, due to reasons such as the user's inhalation method or the difference in consumables, the power used by the heating element during the heating process may differ. The control terminal can determine the electrical energy required by the heating element according to the power demand of the heating element during use. According to the demand for electrical energy, it selects the battery and / or the thermoelectric material to supply power to the heating element, which can effectively use appropriate resources to supply power to the system, which may further improve the overall energy efficiency, and prevent energy waste.

[0162] In an implementation, for the magnitude of the required electrical energy, the specific functional mode of controlling the battery and the thermoelectric material to supply power to the heating element is as follows:

[0163] If the electrical energy required by the heating element is greater than or equal to a first threshold, control the battery and the thermoelectric material to jointly supply power to the heating element;

[0164] If the electrical energy required by the heating element is less than the first threshold and greater than or equal to a second threshold, control the battery to supply power to the heating element;

[0165] If the electrical energy required by the heating element is less than the second threshold, control the battery or the thermoelectric material to supply power to the heating element, or control the battery and the thermoelectric material to alternately supply power to the heating element.

[0166] Wherein the second threshold is less than the first threshold. The logic of electrical energy control and distribution is that when the electrical energy demand of the heating element is low, the thermoelectric material with relatively small production capacity can be used to supply power, and the battery energy is used as a supplement, which is sufficient for the heating element to work normally. When the heating element has a normal working electrical energy demand, in order to ensure its stable operation, the battery that can provide stable power is selected to supply power to the heating element. When the electrical energy demand of the heating element is relatively large, the battery and the thermoelectric material are selected to supply power jointly to ensure the output power and improve the heating efficiency of the heating element. Based on the above method, the use efficiency of the system may be improved, the operational costs of the battery and the equipment may be reduced, and energy waste may be reduced by reasonably distributing and using the electrical energy converted by the thermoelectric material.

[0167] Also disclosed herein is an electronic device, which comprises a memory, one or more processors, and one or more application programs. Wherein, the one or more application programs are stored in the memory, and the one or more application programs are configured to make the one or more processors execute the method described in any of the above technical solutions when called by the one or more processors.

[0168] The electronic device in one or more embodiments comprises a memory and a processor. The memory can be configured to store a program for executing the above described method, and the processor can be configured to execute the program in the memory. The program comprises but is not limited to the program for executing the above described method. For the convenience of description, only parts related to the electronic device will be described below. For other technical details, please refer to the description above.

[0169] In an embodiment, the electronic device can be a control device composed of various electronic components. In some possible implementations, the electronic device may comprise multiple storage devices and multiple processors. The program for executing the above described method can be divided into multiple sub-programs, and each subprogram can be loaded and run by the processor respectively to execute different steps of the method. Specifically, each sub-program can be stored in a different memory respectively, and each processor can be configured to execute the program in one or more memories to jointly implement the method in the above method embodiment. That is, each processor executes different steps of the method respectively to jointly implement the method.

[0170] Those skilled in the art can understand that all or part of the processes in the method of implementing the above embodiment of the present application can also be completed by instructing related hardware through a computer program. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when the computer program is executed by the processor, the steps of the above various method embodiments can be implemented. The computer program may comprise computer program code, and the computer program code can be in the form of source code, object code, an executable file, or some intermediate form, etc. The computer-readable storage medium may comprise: any entity or device, medium, USB flash drive, mobile hard disk, magnetic disk, optical disk, computer memory, read-only memory, random access memory, electrical carrier signal, telecommunication signal, and software distribution medium, etc. that can carry the computer program code. It should be noted that the content comprised in the computer- readable storage medium can be appropriately increased or decreased according to the requirements of legislation and patent practice in the jurisdiction. For example, in some jurisdictions, according to legislation and patent practice, the computer-readable storage medium does not comprise electrical carrier signals and telecommunication signals.

[0171] Further, the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. In an embodiment of a computer-readable storage medium, the computer-readable storage medium can be configured to store a program for executing the above described method, and the program can be loaded and run by the processor to implement the above method. For the convenience of description, only parts related to the computer-readable storage medium are described below. For other technical details, please refer to the description above. The computer-readable storage medium can be a storage device composed of various electronic devices. Optionally, the computer-readable storage medium is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0172] Further, it should be understood that since the setting of each module is only for illustrating the functional modules of the system, the physical devices corresponding to these modules may be the processor itself, or a part of the software in the processor, a part of the hardware, or a part of the combination of software and hardware. Therefore, the number of each module in the figure is only schematic. Those skilled in the art can understand that the various modules in the system can be adaptively split or combined. Such splitting or combining of specific modules will not deviate from the principles described herein, and therefore splitting or combining will fall within the scope of protection.

[0173] In the description, 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 of the present application. 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.

[0174] 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.

[0175] As used herein, 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 context based on the circumstances.

[0176] Although embodiments have been shown and described above, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are exemplary and should not be considered as limiting. Those skilled in the art can make variations, modifications, replacements, and variations to the above-described embodiments.

Claims

Claims1. An aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material, the system comprising: a thermoelectric material; wherein a first end of the thermoelectric material is disposed at a first position within the system and a second end of the thermoelectric material is disposed at a second position within the system; and wherein, in use, the temperature at the first position is higher than the temperature at the second position.

2. The aerosol provision system according to claim 1 , wherein the system comprises a heating zone, and the first position is disposed in the heating zone.

3. The aerosol provision system according to claim 2, wherein the second position is located outside the heating zone.

4. The aerosol provision system according to claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein the system comprises a housing having an inner surface, and the second position is disposed on the inner surface of the housing.

5. The aerosol provision system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heating zone comprises a heating component, and the first position is disposed at the heating component.

6. The aerosol provision system according to claim 5, wherein the second position is located in the heating zone, and the first position is closer to the heating component than the second position.

7. The aerosol provision system according to claim 5, wherein the heating component comprises a first region and a second region having, in use, a temperature difference therebetween, wherein, in use, the temperature of the first region is higher than that of the second region; and wherein the first position is located in the first region, and the second position is located in the second region.

8. The aerosol provision system according to claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein the heatingcomponent comprises a heating element, and the first position is disposed at the heating element.

9. The aerosol provision system according to claim 8, wherein the second position is located in the heating zone, and the first position is closer to the heating element than the second position.

10. The aerosol provision system according to claim 8, wherein the heating element comprises a first region and a second region having, in use, a temperature difference therebetween, wherein, in use, the temperature of the first region is higher than the temperature of the second region; and wherein the first position is located in the first region, and the second position is located in the second region.

11. The aerosol provision system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the system comprises a battery and a battery containment chamber for accommodating the battery, wherein the first position is located in the battery containment chamber.

12. The aerosol provision system according to claim 11 , wherein the second position is located outside the battery containment chamber.

13. The aerosol provision system according to claim 11 , wherein the second position is located in the battery containment chamber, and the first position is closer to the battery than the second position.

14. The aerosol provision system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the system comprises an electrical energy circuit, the electrical energy circuit comprising a control module and the thermoelectric material, and wherein the thermoelectric material is configured to supply power to the control module.

15. The aerosol provision system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the system comprises an electrical energy circuit, the electrical energy circuit comprising a battery and the thermoelectric material, and wherein the thermoelectric material is configured to supply power to the battery.

16. The aerosol provision system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the system comprises an electrical energy circuit, the electrical energy circuit comprising abattery, a control module, and the thermoelectric material, and wherein the thermoelectric material is configured to supply power to at least one of the battery and the control module.

17. A method of controlling an aerosol provision system, the method comprising: controlling a thermoelectric material to convert a temperature difference between a first position within the system and a second position within the system into electrical energy, wherein the thermoelectric material comprises a first end disposed at the first position and a second end disposed at the second position; and wherein the temperature at the first position is higher than the temperature at the second position.

18. The method according to claim 17, comprising controlling the electrical energy converted by the thermoelectric material to supply power to the system.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, comprising obtaining the electrical energy converted by the thermoelectric material and controlling the electrical energy to supply power to at least one of a battery and a heating element of the system.

20. The method according to claim 17, 18 or 19, comprising: obtaining the electrical energy required by a heating element of the system during use; controlling a battery of the system and / or the thermoelectric material of the system to supply power to the heating element according to the electrical energy required by the heating element during use.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein obtaining the electrical energy required by the heating element of the system during use comprises: determining the required electrical energy of the heating element at a corresponding time according to the real-time power demand required by the heating element during use.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21 , wherein controlling the battery of the system and / or the thermoelectric material of the system to supply power to the heating element according to the electrical energy required by the heating element during use comprises: when the electrical energy required by the heating element is greater than or equal to a first threshold, controlling the battery and the thermoelectric material to jointly supply power to the heating element; and / or, when the electrical energy required by the heating element is less than the firstthreshold and greater than or equal to a second threshold, controlling the battery to supply power to the heating element; and / or, when the electrical energy required by the heating element is less than the second threshold, controlling the battery or the thermoelectric material to supply power to the heating element; wherein the second threshold is less than the first threshold.

23. The method according to claim 22, comprising: when the electrical energy required by the heating element is less than the second threshold, controlling the battery and the thermoelectric material to alternately supply power to the heating element.

24. An aerosol provision assembly, comprising the aerosol provision system of any of claims 1 to 16 and a consumable comprising aerosol-generating material.

25. An electronic device, comprising: a memory; one or more processors; and one or more application programs stored in the memory; wherein the one or more application programs are configured to, when invoked by one or more of the processors, cause the one or more processors to: control a thermoelectric material of an aerosol provision system to convert a temperature difference between a first position and a second position into electrical energy, wherein the thermoelectric material comprises a first end disposed at the first position and a second end disposed at the second position; and wherein the temperature at the first position is higher than the temperature at the second position.

26. A computer readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: control a thermoelectric material of an aerosol provision system to convert a temperature difference between a first position and a second position into electrical energy, wherein the thermoelectric material comprises a first end disposed at the first position and a second end disposed at the second position; and wherein the temperature at the first position is higher than the temperature at the second position.

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