Aerosol generating device with detachable battery

Abstract

An aerosol generating device (100) comprises a first separable section (101) comprising a heating module (103) including a chamber (106) having an opening (107) to receive an aerosol generating article (108), a second separable section (102) comprising a primary power source (109) to power the heating module (103). The first separable section (101) comprises a holding arrangement (105) to detachably attach the first separable section (101) to the second separable section (102), the holding arrangement (105) comprising a plurality of magnetic pins (604) arranged on a first side (601) of the first separable section (101), and an electrical track (104) disposed around the chamber (106) of the heating module (103) to power a heating element (111) of the chamber (106) or move the magnetic pins (604) along the longitudinal direction (110) of the aerosol generating device (100), based on whether electric current supplied from the primary power source (109) to the electrical track (104) is direct current or alternating current.

Description

[0001] AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE WITH DETACHABLE BATTERY

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to an aerosol generating device and more specifically, to an aerosol generating device which is suitable for attaching or detaching a battery.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] An aerosol-generating device is designed to produce aerosol by heating an aerosolgenerating substrate housed in an aerosol-generating article. Unlike traditional methods that involve burning or combusting tobacco, the aerosol-generating device heats the substrate to produce aerosol for inhalation during a vaping session. In recent years, the use of such tobacco products has gained popularity compared to traditional methods.

[0006] To operate the aerosol-generating device, a battery or any other kind of replaceable power source is required. However, in conventional aerosol-generating devices, the battery is fully embedded within the structure of the device, making removal and replacement challenging because several components must be dismantled and removed to replace the battery. Consequently, not only access to the battery is difficult, but there is also always a possibility that the device might malfunction if the person attempting to remove and replace a battery does not properly reassemble and reconnect all elements correctly. Furthermore, providing users access to the functional elements of the device inside the housing thereof allows dirt ingress, which may harm performance and introduce new safety challenges.

[0007] Another technique is to place the battery within a dedicated battery module integrated into the sides of the aerosol-generating device, which can then be replaced with a new battery module when required. However, replacing the old battery module with anew one still presents the issue of how to securely integrate the battery module with the rest of the device. The replacement of the battery module must be done securely, as unintended removal may cause safety concerns. Adding additional features makes the aerosol- generating device more complex and increases its size. Therefore, any utilization of existing features should minimize the impact on the secure locking feature.

[0008] In light of the above discussion, there is a need for an aerosol generating device that allows a battery to be replaced by simply locking and unlocking the battery within the aerosol generating device that aids in overcoming the above stated drawbacks. Further, the aerosol generating device should be suitable for attaching or detaching the battery module in order to replace the battery by avoiding the above-mentioned drawbacks.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] The present disclosure seeks to provide an aerosol generating device.

[0011] The present disclosure also seeks to provide a detachable aerosol generating device suitable for attaching or detaching the battery module.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising: a first separable section comprising a heating module, and the heating module includes a chamber having an opening to receive an aerosol generating article; and a second separable section comprising a primary power source that is configured to power the heating module, wherein the first separable section further comprises a holding arrangement that is configured to detachably attach the first separable section to the second separable section along a longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device, the holding arrangement comprising a plurality of magnetic pins arranged on a first side of the first separable section, and an electrical track disposed around the chamber of the heating module and configured to power a heating element of the chamber or move the magnetic pins along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device, based on whether electric current supplied from the primary power source to the electrical track is a direct current or an alternating current.

[0013] Additionally, the electrical track may correspond to at least one of an induction coil or a resistive heating coil. The electrical track may be configured to power the heating element of the chamber based on the supplied electric current being the alternating current. The electrical track may be configured to move the magnetic pins along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device based on the supplied electric current being the direct current.

[0014] A plurality of recesses may be provided on a second side of the second separable section. Each magnetic pin of the plurality of magnetic pins may be locatable in a corresponding recess of the plurality of recesses.

[0015] The second side may be parallel to the first side, and the first side and the second side may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device.

[0016] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, according to any of the above aspects, each magnetic pin of the plurality of magnetic pins is held by a first ferromagnetic material arranged on the first side of the first separable section.

[0017] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, according to any one of the above aspects, a supply of the direct current to the electrical track along a first current direction causes each magnetic pin of the plurality of magnetic pins to move towards a second ferromagnetic material arranged on the second side of the second separable section. Further, the movement causes each magnetic pin of the plurality of magnetic pins to protrude into a corresponding recess of the plurality of recesses, causing the first separable section to detachably attach to the second separable section.

[0018] Additionally, the protrusion of each magnetic pin of the plurality of magnetic pins into the corresponding recess of the plurality of recesses may be configured to align the first separable section with the second separable section on a third side that includes the holding arrangement. Further, the third side may be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device. In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, according to any one of the above aspects, the supply of the direct current to the electrical track along a second current direction causes each magnetic pin of the plurality of magnetic pins to move back towards the first ferromagnetic material arranged on the first side of the first separable section. Further, the movement causes each magnetic pin of the plurality of magnetic pins to retract within the first separable section, causing the first separable section to detach from the second separable section.

[0019] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, according to any one of the above aspects, a plurality of springs is disposed within the first separable section. A first end of each spring of the plurality of springs is connected to a first side of the first separable section. Further, a second end of each spring of the plurality of springs is connected to a corresponding magnetic pin of the plurality of magnetic pins included in the holding arrangement. An expansion of each spring of the plurality of springs causes the corresponding magnetic pin to move towards the second separable section. The movement causes each magnetic pin of the plurality of magnetic pins to protrude into a corresponding recess of a plurality of recesses on the second separable section, causing the first separable section to detachably attach to the second separable section.

[0020] Additionally, a supply of the direct current to the electrical track along a third current direction causes each magnetic pin of the plurality of magnetic pins to move back towards a third ferromagnetic material arranged on the first side of the first separable section. Further, the movement causes each magnetic pin of the plurality of magnetic pins to retract within the first separable section, causing the first separable section to detach from the second separable section.

[0021] In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, according to any one of the above aspects, the aerosol generating device further comprises an electromagnet arranged on a first side of the first separable section. A supply of the direct current to the electrical track along a fourth current direction causes the electromagnet to move each magnetic pin of the plurality of magnetic pins included in the holding arrangement towards the second separable section. Further, the movement causes each magnetic pin of the plurality of magnetic pins to protrude into a corresponding recess of a plurality of recesses on the second separable section, causing the first separable section to detachably attach to the second separable section.

[0022] Additionally, a supply of the direct current to the electrical track along a fifth current direction causes each magnetic pin of the plurality of magnetic pins to move back towards the first side of the first separable section, and the electromagnet is de-energized based on the direct current supplied to the electromagnet from the primary power source along the fifth current direction. Further, the movement causes each magnetic pin of the plurality of magnetic pins to retract within the first separable section, causing the first separable section to detach from the second separable section.

[0023] In an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, according to any one of the above aspects, the holding arrangement further comprises a plurality of slots and grooves directed perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device. Further, the plurality of slots and grooves is configured to prevent heating of the holding arrangement.

[0024] In a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, according to any one of the above aspects, the first separable section is detachably attached to the second separable section using one of a bayonet fitting or a threaded fitting.

[0025] Additional aspects, advantages, features, and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.

[0026] It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0027] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

[0029] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device having an electrical track in the form of an induction coil, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device having an electrical track in the form of a resistive heating coil, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device having an electrical track that is supplied with an alternating current, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device having an electrical track that is supplied with a direct current, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device having a first side, a second side, a plurality of magnetic pins, and a plurality of recesses, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 7A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device having an electrical track that is supplied with a direct current in a first current direction, causing a first separable section to detachably attach to a second separable section, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG. 7B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device having an electrical track that is supplied with a direct current in a second current direction, causing a first separable section to detach from a second separable section, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 8A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device having a plurality of springs, that expand, causing a first separable section to detachably attach to a second separable section, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 8B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device, which has an electrical track supplied with a direct current in a third direction, causing a first separable section to detach from a second separable section, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] FIG. 9A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device, which has an electromagnet, and an electrical track supplied with a direct current in a fourth direction, causing a first separable section to detachably attach to a second separable section, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] FIG. 9B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device, which has an electromagnet, and an electrical track supplied with a direct current in a fifth direction, causing a first separable section to detach from a second separable section, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0041] FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device having a holding arrangement with plurality of slots and grooves, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0043] The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible.

[0044] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship terms "one end", "another end", "the other end", "outside", "inside", "upper", "lower", "above", "top", "bottom", "horizontal", "coaxial", "central", "length", "distance", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description. Specifically, the orientation or positional relationship terms should be understood as the aerosol-generating device being in its upright position (top-down) and / or taking the centre of the opening of the heating chamber as the centre point or reference. Otherwise, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention should be understood according to specific situations that make the most technical sense for the skilled person in the art.

[0045] As an overview of an aerosol-generating device of an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol-generating device with some of its subassemblies. FIG. 2 to FIG. 10 show more details of some of the subassemblies. For ease of understanding and brevity, certain features shown in the drawings have not been described in detail and certain features have been omitted entirely. As used herein, the term "aerosol generation device", "E-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may include an electronic cigarette system configured to deliver an aerosol to a user, including an aerosol for smoking.

[0046] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol generating device 100 includes a first separable section 101, a heating module 103, a chamber 106 having an opening 107, an aerosol generating article 108, a second separable section 102, a primary power source 109, a holding arrangement 105, a longitudinal direction 110, an electrical track 104, and a heating element 111. In an exemplary embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may be a heat-not-bum device and the aerosol generating article 108 may be a heated tobacco stick (HTS).

[0047] The first separable section 101 includes a heating module 103. The heating module 103 further includes a chamber 106 having an opening 107 that is configured to receive an aerosol generating article 108. The shape of the first separable section 101 may be one of, but not limited to, a rectangular shape with rounded comer, a squared shape, or a circular shape. Further, the shape of the second separable section 102 may be similar to the first separable section 101 or may be different from the first separable section 101.

[0048] The heating module 103 is made from stainless steel, for example. Examples of the stainless steel may include but are not limited to a steel with a food grade such as 316L that is made very thin to allow high thermal conductivity. This allows high heat to transfer through the thin walls but low heat to the bottom of the heating module 103. The aerosol generating article 108 may include an aerosol substrate section, a tubular cooling section, and a filter section. The chamber 106 further includes the opening 107 that is configured to receive the aerosol generating article 108. For example, a diameter of the aerosol generating article 108 is similar to a diameter of the opening 107. As another example, a diameter of the aerosol generating article 108 is smaller than a diameter of the opening 107. The opening 107 is configured to accommodate the aerosol generating article 108 such that the aerosol substrate section and the tubular cooling section are placed inside the opening 107 and the filter section remains outside of the opening 107. Further, the aerosol substrate section is configured to accommodate an aerosol substrate material. The second separable section 102 further includes the primary power source 109 that is configured to power the heating module 103. The heating module 103 is configured to heat the aerosol substrate material of the aerosol generating article 108 to generate aerosol. For example, the primary power source 109 may be a replaceable battery.

[0049] The first separable section 101 further includes the holding arrangement 105 that is configured to detachably attach the first separable section 101 to the second separable section 102 along the longitudinal direction 110 of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the longitudinal direction 110 of the aerosol generating device 100 may correspond to a direction along a length of the aerosol generating device 100. The holding arrangement 105 is a system or assembly designed to secure the first separable section 101 to the second separable section 102. The holding arrangement 105 may typically involve a combination of mechanical, electronic, or biometric components that work together to lock and unlock the first separable section 101 with the second separable section 102. Additionally, the holding arrangement 105 may be configured to prevent unauthorized access to the primary power source 109. For example, the holding arrangement 105 may include a plurality of magnetic pins (a plurality of magnetic pins 604 as shown in FIG. 6).

[0050] Further, the aerosol generating device 100 includes the electrical track 104 that is disposed around the chamber 106 of the heating module 103. The electrical track 104 also known as an inductor, is a passive electrical component that consists of a wire wound into a coil shape. When an electric current passes through the electrical track 104, the electrical track 104 generates a magnetic field around itself. The electrical track 104 is configured to power the heating element 111 of the chamber 106. Further, the electrical track 104 is configured to move the holding arrangement 105 along the longitudinal direction 110 of the aerosol generating device 100, based on whether electric current supplied from the primary power source 109 to the electrical track 104 is direct current (direct current 501 as shown in FIG. 5) or alternating current (alternating current 401 as shown in FIG. 4).

[0051] According to an embodiment, when the electric current supplied to the electrical track 104 corresponds to the alternating current, the electrical track 104 is configured to power the heating element 111 of the chamber 106. Based on the heating of the heating element 111 of the chamber 106, the aerosol substrate material of the aerosol generating article 108 is heated to generate aerosol.

[0052] According to another embodiment, when the electric current supplied to the electrical track 104 corresponds to the direct current, the electrical track 104 is configured to move the holding arrangement 105 along the longitudinal direction 110 of the aerosol generating device 100. Based on the movement of the holding arrangement 105, the first separable section 101 detachably attaches to the second separable section 102 or detaches from the second separable section 102. This detachment may facilitate an easy replacement of the primary power source 109. According to another embodiment, the first separable section 101 is detachably attached to the second separable section 102 using one of a bayonet fitting or a threaded fitting. The bayonet fitting comprises a male component on the first separable section 101 and a female component on the second separable section 102. The male component includes tabs or pins, and the female component has corresponding slots to hold the pin. The threaded fitting includes a male thread that is disposed on the first separable section 101 and a female thread that is disposed on the second separable section 102. Further, as the user manually aligns the male thread and the female thread together and rotates the first separable section 101 over the second separable section 102, the first separable section 101 is detachably attached to the second separable section 102.

[0053] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device having an electrical track in the form of an induction coil, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Diagram 200 includes the aerosol generating device 100 having an induction coil 201 disposed around the chamber 106. The induction coil 201 is configured to power the heating element 111 of the chamber 106. The induction coil 201, also known as a spark coil, is a type of electrical transformer used to generate high-voltage pulses from a low-voltage direct current (DC) supply. The induction coil 201 operates on a principle of electromagnetic induction and consists of two coils of wire: a primary coil and a secondary coil, wound around a common iron core. Both of the primary coil and the secondary coil are made of a material that includes, but not limited to, iron as iron enhances magnetic coupling. Further, there is a change in the magnetic field of the induction coil 201 that induces a high voltage due to electromagnetic induction to heat the heating element 111 of the chamber 106. The heating of the heating element 111 is configured to heat the aerosol generating article 108.

[0054] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device having an electrical track in the form of a resistive heating coil, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Diagram 300 includes the aerosol generating device 100 having the resistive heating coil 301 disposed around the chamber 106. The resistive heating coil 301 is configured to power the heating element 111 of the chamber 106. The resistive heating coil 301 is a type of electrical heating element that converts electrical energy into heat through the process of resistive (or Joule) heating. When an electric current passes through the resistive heating coil 301, an electrical resistance of the material causes the resistive heating coil 301 to heat up. The heat is then transferred to the surrounding environment or to a specific object that needs to be heated. Further, the heat from the heating element 111 of the chamber 106 is configured to heat the aerosol generating article 108.

[0055] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device having an electrical track that is supplied with an alternating current, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Diagram 400 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device 100 having the electrical track 104 is supplied with the alternating current 401. The alternating current 401 is a type of electrical current in which the flow of electric charge periodically reverses direction. The electrical track 104 is configured to power the heating element 111 of the chamber 106 based on the supplied electric current being the alternating current 401.

[0056] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device having an electrical track that is supplied with a direct current, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Diagram 500 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device 100 having the electrical track 104 is supplied with the direct current 501. The direct current 501 is a type of electrical current in which the electric charge flows in a single direction. The electrical track 104 is configured to move the holding arrangement 105 along the longitudinal direction 110 of the aerosol generating device 100 based on the supplied electric current being the direct current 501. Additionally, the supply of the direct current 501 causes the first separable section 101 to detachably attach to or to detach from the second separable section 102 based on the movement of the holding arrangement 105.

[0057] According to an embodiment, a computing device communicatively connected with the aerosol generating device 100 is configured to switch between the alternating current 401 and the direct current 501. For example, the computing device may include control circuitry or a switch. The computing device may be controlled by a user or via execution of a computer-executable code on the computing device to switch between the alternating current 401 and the direct current 501. FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device having a first side, a second side, a plurality of magnetic pins, and a plurality of recesses, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Diagram 600 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device 100 that includes a first side 601, a second side 602, a plurality of recesses 603, and a plurality of magnetic pins 604. The holding arrangement 105 is arranged on the first side 601 of the first separable section 101. For example, the first side 601 of the first separable section 101 is a bottom surface of the first separable section 101. Further, the plurality of recesses 603 is provided on a second side 602 of the second separable section 102. For example, the second side 602 of the second separable section 102 is an upper surface of the second separable section 102. The first side 601 and the second side 602 are parallel to each other. Further, both the first side 601 of the first separable section 101 and the second side 602 of the second separable section 102 are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 110 of the aerosol generating device 100. The holding arrangement 105 includes a plurality of magnetic pins 604. Each magnetic pin of the plurality of magnetic pins 604 is held by a first ferromagnetic material 605 arranged on the first side 601 of the first separable section 101. The plurality of magnetic pins 604 is configured to move along the longitudinal direction 110 of the aerosol generating device 100 based on the supply of the direct current 501 to the electrical track 104. The first ferromagnetic material 605 exhibits strong magnetic properties due to the alignment of its magnetic moments. This material may be magnetized to create permanent magnets or may be attracted to existing magnets. The first ferromagnetic material 605 is configured to hold the plurality of magnetic pins 604 within the first separable section 101. Examples of the first ferromagnetic material 605 may include but not limited to silicon iron, nanocrystalline alloys and amorphous metal alloys. Additionally, the holding arrangement 105 is designed to detachably connect the first separable section 101 to the second separable section 102. This connection is facilitated by the actuation of multiple magnetic pins 604, driven by magnetic induction, even when the primary power source 109 is not operational.

[0058] FIG. 7A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device having an electrical track that is supplied with a direct current in a first current direction, causing a first separable section to detachably attach to a second separable section, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Diagram 700A illustrates a cross sectional view of the aerosol generating device 100 having the electrical track 104 that is supplied with the direct current 501 in a first current direction 701. The first current direction 701 is parallel to the longitudinal direction 110 of the aerosol generating device 100. The diagram 700A further illustrates a cross sectional view of the aerosol generating device 100 having a second ferromagnetic material 702. The second ferromagnetic material 702 is arranged on the second side 602 of the second separable section 102. For example, a magnetic property of the second ferromagnetic material 702 may be similar to a magnetic property of the first ferromagnetic material 605. As another example, a magnetic property of the second ferromagnetic material 702 may be different from a magnetic property of the first ferromagnetic material 605.

[0059] According to an embodiment, a supply of the direct current 501 to the electrical track 104 along the first current direction 701 causes each magnetic pin 604 of the plurality of magnetic pins 604 to move towards the second ferromagnetic material 702 arranged on the second side 602 of the second separable section 102. The movement causes each magnetic pin 604 of the plurality of magnetic pins 604 to protrude into a corresponding recess of the plurality of recesses 603, causing the first separable section 101 to detachably attach to the second separable section 102. The dimensions of each magnetic pin 604 of the plurality of magnetic pins 604 may be similar to dimensions of corresponding recess of the plurality of recesses 603. Further, the protrusion of each magnetic pin 604 of the plurality of magnetic pins 604 into the corresponding recess of the plurality of recesses 603 is configured to align the first separable section 101 with the second separable section 102 on a third side 703 that includes the holding arrangement 105. The third side 703 may be parallel to the longitudinal direction 110 of the aerosol generating device 100. Additionally, the second ferromagnetic material 702 is configured to hold the plurality of magnetic pins 604 between the first separable section 101 and the second separable section 102.

[0060] FIG. 7B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device having an electrical track that is supplied with a direct current in a second current direction, causing a first separable section to detach from a second separable section, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Diagram 700B illustrates a cross sectional view of the aerosol generating device 100 having the electrical track 104 that is supplied with the direct current 501 in a second current direction 704. The second current direction 704 is parallel to the longitudinal direction 110 of the aerosol generating device 100. Additionally, the second current direction 704 is an opposite direction to the first current direction 701.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the supply of the direct current 501 to the electrical track 104 along a second current direction 704 causes each magnetic pin 604 of the plurality of magnetic pins 604 to move back towards the first ferromagnetic material 605 arranged on the first side 601 of the first separable section 101. Further, the movement causes each magnetic pin 604 of the plurality of magnetic pins 604 to retract within the first separable section 101, causing the first separable section 101 to detach from the second separable section 102. Additionally, the first ferromagnetic material 605 is configured to hold back the plurality of magnetic pins 604 within the first separable section 101.

[0062] FIG. 8A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device having a plurality of springs, that expand, causing a first separable section to detachably attach to a second separable section, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Diagram 800A illustrates a cross sectional view of the aerosol generating device 100, that includes a plurality of springs 801. Each spring 801 of the plurality of springs 801 has a first end 802 and a second end 803. The plurality of springs 801 are disposed within the first separable section 101. Further, the first end 802 of each spring 801 of the plurality of springs 801 is connected to the first side 601 of the first separable section 101 and the second end 803 of each spring 801 of the plurality of springs 801 is connected to a corresponding magnetic pin 604 of the plurality of magnetic pins 604 included in the holding arrangement 105. For example, the first end 802 may be a top surface of each spring 801 of the plurality of springs 801 and the second end 803 of each spring 801 of the plurality of springs 801 is a bottom surface of each spring 801 of the plurality of springs 801.

[0063] According to an embodiment, an expansion 804 of each spring 801 of the plurality of springs 801 causes the corresponding magnetic pin 604 to move towards the second separable section 102. Further, the movement causes each magnetic pin 604 of the plurality of magnetic pins 604 to protrude into the corresponding recess 603 of the plurality of recesses 603 disposed on the second separable section 102, causing the first separable section 101 to detachably attach to the second separable section 102.

[0064] FIG. 8B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device, which has an electrical track supplied with a direct current in a third direction, causing a first separable section to detach from a second separable section, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Diagram 800B illustrates a cross sectional view of the aerosol generating device 100 having the electrical track 104 that is supplied with the direct current 501 in the third current direction 805. The third current direction 805 may be parallel to the longitudinal direction 110 of the aerosol generating device 100. Additionally, the third current direction 805 may be parallel to the second current direction 704.

[0065] According to an embodiment, a supply of the direct current 501 to the electrical track 104 along a third current direction 805 causes each magnetic pin 604 of the plurality of magnetic pins 604 to move back towards a third ferromagnetic material 806 arranged on the first side 601 of the first separable section 101. The third ferromagnetic material 806 exhibits strong magnetic properties due to the alignment of its magnetic moments. This material may be magnetized to become permanent magnets or may be attracted to existing magnets. The magnetic property of the third ferromagnetic material 806 may be similar to or different from a magnetic property of the first ferromagnetic material 605. Further, the movement causes each magnetic pin 604 of the plurality of magnetic pins 604 to retract within the first separable section 101, causing the first separable section 101 to detach from the second separable section 102. The third ferromagnetic material 806 is configured to hold the plurality of magnetic pins 604 within the first separable section 101

[0066] FIG. 9A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device, which has an electromagnet, and an electrical track supplied with a direct current in a fourth direction, causing a first separable section to detachably attach to a second separable section, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Diagram 900A illustrates a cross sectional view of the aerosol generating device 100 having an electromagnet 901 arranged on the first side 601 of the first separable section 101. The electromagnet 901 is a type of magnet in which the magnetic field is produced by an electric current. The magnetic field disappears when the current is turned off. The electromagnet 901 is widely used in various applications due to the ability to be turned on and off and to have the strength adjusted by changing the amount of electric current flowing through the electromagnet 901. Examples of the electromagnet 901 may include, but are not limited to, Strontium Ferrite and Barium Ferrite.

[0067] According to an embodiment, a supply of the direct current 501 to the electrical track 104 along a fourth current direction 902 causes the electromagnet 901 to move each magnetic pin 604 of a plurality of magnetic pins 604 included in the holding arrangement 105 towards the second separable section 102. The fourth current direction 902 may be parallel to the longitudinal direction 110 of the aerosol generating device 100. Additionally, the fourth current direction 902 may be parallel to the first current direction 701. Further, the movement causes each magnetic pin 604 of the plurality of magnetic pins 604 to protrude into a corresponding recess of a plurality of recesses 603 on the second separable section 102, causing the first separable section 101 to detachably attach from the second separable section 102.

[0068] FIG. 9B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device, which has an electromagnet, and an electrical track supplied with a direct current in a fifth direction, causing a first separable section to detach from a second separable section, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Diagram 900B illustrates a cross sectional view of the aerosol generating device 100 having the electrical track 104 that is supplied with the direct current 501 in the fifth current direction 903. The fifth current direction 903 may be parallel to the longitudinal direction 110 of the aerosol generating device 100. Additionally, the fifth current direction 903 may be parallel to the third current direction 805.

[0069] According to an embodiment, a supply of the direct current 501 to the electrical track 104 along the fifth current direction 903 causes each magnetic pin 604 of the plurality of magnetic pins 604 to move back towards the first side 601 of the first separable section 101. Further, the electromagnet 901 is de-energized based on the direct current 501 supplied to the electromagnet 901 from the primary power source 109 along the fifth current direction 903. Further, the movement causes each magnetic pin 604 of the plurality of magnetic pins 604 to retract within the first separable section 101, causing the first separable section 101 to detach from the second separable section 102.

[0070] FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device having a holding arrangement with a plurality of slots and grooves, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Diagram 1000 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device 100, featuring the holding arrangement 105, which includes a plurality of slots and grooves 1001 directed perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 110 of the aerosol generating device 100. The plurality of slots and grooves 1001 are configured to prevent heating of the holding arrangement 105 by reducing eddy currents. The plurality of slots and grooves 1001 are substantially perpendicular to the magnetic field that flows in the holding arrangement 105. The plurality of slots and grooves 1001 creates physical gaps in the material that minimise the distance eddy currents may travel, thus reducing heating of the holding arrangement 105. Alternatively, to reduce the eddy currents, the choice of materials with low electrical conductivity is crucial. A material with low electrical conductivity is configured to minimize eddy current losses through the holding arrangement 105.

[0071] Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as “including,” “comprising,” “incorporating,” “have,” “is” used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An aerosol generating device (100), comprising: a first separable section (101) comprising a heating module (103), and the heating module (103) includes a chamber (106) having an opening (107) to receive an aerosol generating article (108); and a second separable section (102) comprising a primary power source (109) that is configured to power the heating module (103), wherein the first separable section (101) further comprises a holding arrangement (105) that is configured to detachably attach the first separable section (101) to the second separable section (102) along a longitudinal direction (110) of the aerosol generating device (100), the holding arrangement (105) comprising a plurality of magnetic pins (604) arranged on a first side (601) of the first separable section (101), and an electrical track (104) disposed around the chamber (106) of the heating module (103) and configured to power a heating element (111) of the chamber (106) or move the magnetic pins (604) along the longitudinal direction (110) of the aerosol generating device (100), based on whether electric current supplied from the primary power source (109) to the electrical track (104) is direct current or alternating current.

2. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the electrical track (104) corresponds to at least one of an induction coil (201) or a resistive heating coil (301).

3. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the electrical track (104) is configured to power the heating element (111) of the chamber (106) based on the supplied electric current being the alternating current (401).

4. The aerosol generating device (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the electrical track (104) is configured to move the magnetic pins (604) along the longitudinal direction (110) of the aerosol generating device (100) based on the supplied electric current being the direct current (501).

5. The aerosol generating device (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein a plurality of recesses (603) is provided on a second side (602) of the second separable section (102), the second side (602) is parallel to the first side (601), and the first side (601) and the second side (602) are perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (110) of the aerosol generating device (100).

6. The aerosol generating device (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein each magnetic pin (604) of the plurality of magnetic pins (604) is held by a first ferromagnetic material (605) arranged on the first side (601) of the first separable section (101).

7. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 6 when dependent on claim 5, wherein a supply of the direct current (501) to the electrical track (104) along a first current direction (701) causes each magnetic pin (604) of the plurality of magnetic pins (604) to move towards a second ferromagnetic material (702) arranged on the second side (602) of the second separable section (102), and the movement causes each magnetic pin (604) of the plurality of magnetic pins (604) to protrude into a corresponding recess of the plurality of recesses (603), causing the first separable section (101) to detachably attach to the second separable section (102).

8. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 7, wherein the protrusion of each magnetic pin (604) of the plurality of magnetic pins (604) into the corresponding recess of the plurality of recesses (603) is configured to align the first separable section (101) with the second separable section (102) on a third side (703) that includes the holding arrangement (105), and the third side (703) is parallel to the longitudinal direction (110) of the aerosol generating device (100).

9. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 7, wherein the supply of the direct current (501) to the electrical track (104) along a second current direction (704) causes each magnetic pin (604) of the plurality of magnetic pins (604) to move back towards the first ferromagnetic material (605) arranged on the first side (601) of the first separable section (101), and the movement causes each magnetic pin (604) of the plurality of magnetic pins (604) to retract within the first separable section (101), causing the first separable section (101) to detach from the second separable section (102).

10. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1, further comprising: aplurality of springs (801) disposed within the first separable section (101), wherein a first end (802) of each spring (801) of the plurality of springs (801) is connected to a first side (601) of the first separable section (101), a second end (803) of each spring (801) of the plurality of springs (801) is connected to a corresponding magnetic pin (604) of the plurality of magnetic pins (604) included in the holding arrangement (105), an expansion (804) of each spring (801) of the plurality of springs (801) causes the corresponding magnetic pin (604) to move towards the second separable section (102), and the movement causes each magnetic pin (604) of the plurality of magnetic pins (604) to protrude into a corresponding recess of a plurality of recesses (603) on the second separable section (102), causing the first separable section (101) to detachably attach to the second separable section (102).

11. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 10, wherein a supply of the direct current (501) to the electrical track (104) along a third current direction (805) causes each magnetic pin (604) of the plurality of magnetic pins (604) to move back towards a third ferromagnetic material (806) arranged on the first side (601) of the first separable section (101), and the movement causes each magnetic pin (604) of the plurality of magnetic pins (604) to retract within the first separable section (101), causing the first separable section (101) to detach from the second separable section (102).2212. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1, further comprising: an electromagnet (901) arranged on a first side (601) of the first separable section(101), wherein a supply of the direct current (501) to the electrical track (104) along a fourth current direction (902) causes the electromagnet (901) to move each magnetic pin (604) of the plurality of magnetic pins (604) included in the holding arrangement (105) towards the second separable section (102), and the movement causes each magnetic pin (604) of the plurality of magnetic pins (604) to protrude into a corresponding recess of a plurality of recesses (603) on the second separable section (102), causing the first separable section (101) to detachably attach to the second separable section (102).

13. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 12, wherein a supply of the direct current (501) to the electrical track (104) along a fifth current direction (903) causes each magnetic pin (604) of the plurality of magnetic pins (604) to move back towards the first side (601) of the first separable section (101), and the electromagnet (901) is de-energized based on the direct current (501) supplied to the electromagnet (901) from the primary power source (109) along the fifth current direction (903), the movement causes each magnetic pin (604) of the plurality of magnetic pins (604) to retract within the first separable section (101), causing the first separable section (101) to detach from the second separable section (102).

14. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the holding arrangement (105) further comprises a plurality of slots and grooves (1001) directed perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (110) of the aerosol generating device (100).

15. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first separable section (101) is detachably attached to the second separable section (102) using one of a bayonet fitting or a threaded fitting.

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