Aerosol generating device comprising a light-based heating component

Abstract

The invention relates to an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating article. The invention further relates to the aerosol generating article, a system comprising the aerosol generating device and the aerosol generating article and a method for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device comprising a heating chamber for receiving at least a part of the aerosol generating article and at least an aerosol generating module. The aerosol generating module comprising a light source configured to emit light for heating to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating article received in the heating chamber and a first set of one or more micro-mirror devices. Each of the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices comprising an actuatable first reflective surface configured to move between a non-activated position and one or more activated positions, each of the first reflective surfaces configured to move independently to each other, wherein the first reflective surface is arranged such that, when the first reflective surface is at the non-activated position, the first reflective surface is substantially in parallel to a direction of a first light path of the light emitted by the light source and is positioned such that the light passes over the first reflective surface, and wherein the first reflective surface is moved to intersect the first light path of the emitted light from the light source when the first reflective surface is at the one or more activated positions.

Description

[0001] December 12, 2025 ational SA J177604WO CKA / swc

[0002] AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE COMPRISING A LIGHT-BASED HEATING COMPONENT

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device comprising a light-based heating component. The invention also relates to a system that comprises the aerosol generating device and a consumable, and a method of generating aerosol generating using such a system.

[0005] Technical background

[0006] Aerosol generating devices which heat, rather than burn, an aerosol generating material to produce an aerosol for inhalation have become popular with consumers in recent years. Devices of this type generate an aerosol or vapour by heating an aerosol generating material to a temperature typically in the range 150°C to 300°C, and in some cases as high as 350°C. This temperature range is quite low compared to a conventional cigarette where the aerosol generating material is heated to a combustion temperature.

[0007] The aerosol generating material may be a solid, semi-solid (e.g. gel) or liquid. For example, the aerosol generating article may include a solid or semi-solid aerosol generating substrate comprising plant derived material, such as tobacco. The aerosol generating articles can take various forms, for example an elongate cylindrical stick or a flat-shaped cuboid. Alternatively, the aerosol generating article may include the liquid aerosol generating substrate. In such a case, the aerosol generating device or a cartridge for storing the aerosol generating material may include a heater configured to produce vapour from aerosol generating liquid transferred from a cartridge or tank to a wick arranged adjacent to the heater.

[0008] Typically, the entirety of the aerosol generating substrate is heated during each user inhalation (or ‘puff) to generate an inhalable aerosol, but this is inefficient and may leadto the generation of an aerosol that has inconsistent qualities (e.g., sensory qualities, nicotine content) between user inhalations (or ‘puffs’), for example as the aerosol generating substrate becomes depleted.

[0009] A technique to heat only a desired portion of the aerosol generating substrate that corresponding to a single puff may overcome this issue. For this purpose, the aerosol generating substrate may comprise a plurality of discrete portions that are heated individually and sequentially for each puff.

[0010] One technique for heating such a substrate may be light radiation. The light-based heating, which is a non-contact heating method, heats an aerosol generating substrate for producing aerosol. The light-based heating allows to localize heating at a predetermined area where the light is spotted. The light-based heating may allow for instant heating of the irradiated area. In order to precisely irradiate a target portion of the aerosol generating substrate by light, one or more additional optical components to manipulate light from a light source is required.

[0011] An aerosol generating device is typically a portable, hand-held device. Therefore, it is particularly important that the size and weight of the device is maintained in the acceptable range. Therefore, it is desirable that the size and number of the optical components are minimized while providing a precise guiding of the light. It is also desirable that the device is suitable for manufacturing.

[0012] There is a need for an improved aerosol generating device that overcomes the issues mentioned above, and where the aerosol generating device is designed specifically for light-based heating of the aerosol generating substrate. It is an objective of this invention to provide an aerosol generating device that is suitable for directing the light towards a predetermined target portion of the substrate without significantly increasing the volume and weight of the device. Furthermore, it is also an objective to provide a mechanical structure of the aerosol generating device such that the device is suitable for manufacturing.Summary of the Disclosure

[0013] According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating article comprising a heating chamber for receiving at least a part of the aerosol generating article and at least an aerosol generating module. The aerosol generating module comprising a light source configured to emit light for heating to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating article received in the heating chamber and a first set of one or more micromirror devices.

[0014] Each of the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices comprises an actuatable first reflective surface configured to move between a non-activated position and one or more activated positions. Each of the first reflective surfaces configured to move independently to each other.

[0015] The first reflective surface is arranged such that, when the first reflective surface is at the non-activated position, the first reflective surface is substantially in parallel to a direction (L) of a light path of the light emitted by the light source. Here, the direction (L) is a direction of the light path directly extending from the light source.

[0016] Preferably, the light source emits substantially parallel rays (or beam) of light.

[0017] Alternatively, the light source may emit a slightly divergent or convergent beam of light. In such a case, the direction (L) is defined as the central axis of the beam emitted.

[0018] Additionally, the first reflective surfaces are positioned such that the light passes over the first reflective surface. This way, the light is not hit or blocked by the one or more micromirror device at the non-activated position.

[0019] The first reflective surfaces are configured to move so as to intersect the light path of the emitted light from the light sources when the first reflective surfaces are at one of the one or more activated positions. In this way, the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices receives the light directly from the light source and provides the first reflection of the light. The light reflected on one of the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices may bedirected towards a desired target portion of the aerosol generating article. For some embodiments, the aerosol generating device may further comprise one or more mirrors that reflect the light coming from the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices.

[0020] In use, one of the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices may be moved into one of the one or more activated positions such that it reflects the light in a predetermined direction. In this way, the light first encounters the activated micro-mirror device. This means that a specific mirror of the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices that reflects the light is determined by which mirror is activated.

[0021] The first set of one or more micro-mirror devices has the one or more activated positions such that the direction of the reflected light is different among these different activated positions. This way, one micro-mirror device may direct the light for irradiating different target portions of the aerosol generating substrate. Such a micro-mirror device advantageously reduces the number of components required for the aerosol generating module and therefore contributes to a reduction in size of the aerosol generating module. According to some embodiments, the light reflected on the one of the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices may be directed such that the light irradiates a target portion of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0022] Alternatively, the light reflected on the one of the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices may be further reflected on another micro-mirror device to be directed towards a predetermined portion of the aerosol generating substrate, as further discussed later. According to some embodiments, the aerosol generating device may further comprise one or more of the aerosol generating modules.

[0023] Each of the aerosol generating modules may be operated simultaneously or in sequence. The aerosol generating device may be configured to accommodate multiple aerosol generating substrates. Each of the aerosol generating modules may be arranged to irradiate different one or more of the multiple aerosol generating substrates. Each of the multiple aerosol generating substrates may be configured to generate aerosol vaporwhich is identical or different to each other. This way, the aerosol generating device may have more flexibility in the amount and flavor of aerosol vapor generation.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the aerosol generating module further comprises a second set of one or more micro-mirror devices. Each of the second set of one or more micro-mirror devices comprising an actuatable second reflective surface configured to move between a non-activated position and one or more activated positions.

[0025] Each of the second reflective surfaces configured to move independently to each other. Each of the second set of one or more micro-mirror devices is configured to receive and reflect the light reflected by one of the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices when the second reflective surface is at the one or more activated positions. Thus, the second set of one or more micro-mirror devices is arranged such that it does not interfere with the light before the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices reflects the light from the light source.

[0026] Typically, one of the second set of one or more micro-mirror devices is activated. The light reflected by one of the first set of one or more micro-mirror device encounters the activated micro-mirror device of the second set of one or more micro-mirror devices. This means that a specific mirror of the second set of one or more micro-mirror devices that reflects the light is determined by which mirror is activated.

[0027] In one example configuration, the aerosol generating device is configured to irradiate an aerosol generating substrate having a plurality of discrete portions. The first set of one or more micro-mirror devices and the second set of one or more micro-mirror devices may be arranged to direct the light to each of the target positions corresponding to each of the plurality of discrete portions of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0028] When one of the first reflective surfaces of the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices is at one of the activated positions, it reflects the light coming from the light source. After the light is reflected by a mirror in the first set, it is then directed to one of the mirrors of the second set of one or more micro-mirror devices for a second reflection. The final position of the light in a target irradiation space (i.e., the space in the heating chamber where the aerosol generating substrate is accommodated) is defined by the combinationof the activated mirrors in both the first and second sets of one or more micro-mirror devices.

[0029] For example, when the plurality of discrete portions of the aerosol generating substrate is arranged to form an X-Y matrix, the aerosol generating device is configured such that the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices determines the X-coordinate in the target irradiation space, and the second set of one or more micro-mirror devices determines the Y-coordinate.

[0030] The first and second sets of one or more micro-mirror devices are arranged such that the light is directed to a desired portion of the aerosol generating substrate with an optimal angle of incidence, preferably the light incident being 0 degrees, meaning that the light comes perpendicular to the incident surface.

[0031] According to any one of the preceding embodiments, each of the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices or the second set of one or more micro-mirror devices comprises a MEMS mirror including a mirror plate having the first or second reflective surface, a frame connected to the mirror plate and one or more electromechanical actuators configured to change a tilt angle of the mirror plate relative to the frame to move the MEMS mirror into the one or more activated positions.

[0032] The MEMS mirror is formed on a single chip of semiconductor substrate, such as a silicon chip, like many known MEMS devices.

[0033] In such a configuration, top surfaces of the mirror plate, the frame and the one or more electromechanical actuators are aligned on a top plane of the MEMS mirror at the nonactivated position.

[0034] The MEMS mirror comprises a mirror plate that is attached to the frame via the one or more electromechanical actuators.

[0035] The mirror plate may comprise a layer of metallic coating. The metallic coating may comprise gold. The metallic coating may comprise electroplated gold. Alternatively, the reflective surface may comprise aluminium, silver, or dielectric coating.The mirror plate may further comprise a protection coating. The protection coating may comprise silicon dioxide (glass). Other suitable materials for the protection coating may include silicon monoxide, silicon nitride diamond-like carbon, oxide layers such as aluminium oxide.

[0036] The actuators may comprise an electromagnetic actuator, electrostatic actuator, piezoelectric actuator, electrothermal actuator, pneumatic actuator, mechanical actuator or any other actuator to achieve a rotational movement of the mirror plate.

[0037] According to some embodiment, the MEMS mirror may comprise the movable mirror plate suspended by one or more torsion bars or flexures for controlling the movement of the mirror plate, a metallic coil formed around the mirror plate, and a magnet positioned to generate the magnetic field to interact with the coil when current flow through the coil to produce Lorenz force.

[0038] According to some embodiment, the MEMS mirror may comprise the movable mirror plate suspended by one or more torsion bars or flexures configured to be electrostatically actuated to tilt the mirror plate.

[0039] According to some embodiment, the MEMS mirror may comprise the movable mirror plate suspended by one or more bimorph actuator, which consists of layers of piezoelectric material and silicon.

[0040] According to some embodiment, a plurality of the MEMS mirrors may be formed on a single chip. The first and / or the second set of one or more micro-mirror devices may be arranged on a single chip. This allows to simplify assembly and arrangement of the aerosol generating module in the aerosol generating device.

[0041] According to any one of the preceding claims, at least one of the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices and the second set of one or more micro-mirror devices is a singleaxis micro-mirror device actuatable to have variable tilt angle along a first axis. The mirror device may comprise a single set of torsion bars or hinges that allow the mirror to tilt along one axis. Such a mirror device is simple in its design which is advantageous for manufacturing and control.According to any one of the preceding embodiments, at least one of the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices and the second set of one or more micro-mirror devices is a dual-axis micro-mirror devices actuatable to have variable tilt angle along the first axis as well as a second axis which is different from the first axis.

[0042] The dual-axis micro mirror device may comprise two sets of actuation mechanisms, wherein each of the sets corresponds to each axis. The dual-axis movement of the micromirror device allows for more flexible and variable reflection of light, enabling it to cover a larger target area. Consequently, fewer mirrors may be required compared to using single-axis micro-mirror devices.

[0043] According to some embodiment, the aerosol generating module comprises a single dualaxis mirror device. The dual axis mirror device may be configured to redirect light across the aerosol generating substrate. In this configuration, variations in an angle of incidence of the light at different portion of the aerosol generating substrate may be greater than the configuration where multiple micro-mirror devices are used. The variation of the light intensity due to the variations in the angle of incidence may lead to variations in a power of the light source, which may be compensated, which will be described further in the following paragraphs.

[0044] The aerosol generating device may further comprises a plurality of the aerosol generating modules, each comprising a dual-axis mirror device and a light source. In this way, the variation in the angle of incidence of the light across the aerosol generating article may be reduced, allowing the power modulation of the light source to be omitted.

[0045] According to any preceding embodiments, the light source comprises a coherent light source and / or a guided non-coherent light source.

[0046] In some embodiment, the light source comprises a laser, an LED, an LEP and / or other light emitting sources configured to generate coherent or guided non-coherent light, preferably in the UV to IR range.

[0047] Preferably, the light source may be a semiconductor laser such as a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL), a vertical-external-cavity surface-emitting laser (VECSEL), or a topological-cavity surface-emitting laser (TCSEL). These light sourcessuit in particular because they can output enough light power, for obtaining reduced heating time until enough aerosol is produced.

[0048] Preferably, the light source is configured to emit light with a wavelength range comprises visible light (for example a wavelength range between 400 and 700 nanometers) or infrared light (for example a wavelength range between 700 nanometers and 1 millimeter). The light source may be configured such that the power of light emitted from the light source is modulated by electrical pulse width modulation. The light, after being reflected by one or more of the micro-mirror devices, may be incident on the target portion of the aerosol generating substrate at an angle of incidence. This angle of incidence is variable, depending on the arrangement of the light source, the micro-mirror devices on which the light is reflected, and the target portion of the aerosol generating substrate. The difference in the angle of incidence results in a variation in the intensity of the light irradiating the aerosol generating substrate. Therefore, the light source is preferably configured to modulate the light to compensate for changes in light intensity due to the difference in the angle of incidence on the target portion of the aerosol generating substrate. Preferably, the power modulation of the light source is applied based on the position of each target position, in function of the angle of incidence of the light such that the light source irradiates any target portion of the aerosol generating substrate at a constant heating power.

[0049] According to some embodiment, the light source is modulated by electrical pulse width modulation or linearly, using a current / voltage driven modulation.

[0050] According to some embodiment, the light source is provided with a shutter configured to block the light from the at least one light source with a variable pulse frequency and interval.

[0051] For example, the shutter is a MEMS shutter. The MEMS shutter may comprise a shutter blade and a support structure for allowing the shutter blade to be actuated to block and unblock the light path of the light to control the light transmission at a variable duty cycle, so that a beam average output light density varies accordingly.Alternatively, or additionally, the light source is provided with a filter arranged to change the intensity of the light from the light source.

[0052] According to any one of the preceding embodiments, the aerosol generating device comprises one or more heaters configured to heat at least one of the reflective surfaces of the one or more micro-mirror devices.

[0053] Because the one or more micro-mirror devices are arranged adjacent to the aerosol generating substrate which generates aerosol vapor during light heating, they are susceptible to contamination, for example, by condensation or deposits from the aerosol vapor. When the reflective surface of the micro-mirror device is contaminated, the light may be absorbed on the reflective surface which leads to loss of the light intensity.

[0054] For example, the one or more heaters may be configured to heat the reflective surface during and / or after an aerosol generation session to prevent deposition or condensation of the aerosol vapor.

[0055] Additionally, or alternatively, the one or more heaters may be configured to heat the reflective surface to clean or decompose any deposit after the session. The one or more heaters may be activated during the cleaning session to heat the reflective surface to a temperature where pyrolysis of the deposits may occur.

[0056] According to some embodiment, the micro-mirror device may comprise a heater in the form of a plate. The heater may be a ceramic heater. The micro-mirror device may comprise a layer of the reflective surface arranged on a surface of the heater.

[0057] Optionally, the one or more micro-mirror devices may further comprise a protection layer formed on the surface of the reflective surface. Preferably the protection layer is transparent to the light from the light source so that the loss of the light intensity is minimized. The protection layer may be formed of glass. The protection layer allows to prevent direct deposition of deposits and condensation of the aerosol vapor on the reflective surface, which advantageously improves the lifetime of the micro-mirror device.Additionally, or alternatively, the one or more micro-mirror devices may comprise a vibrating device configured to vibrate the one or more micro-mirror devices to clean residue of the deposits or condensation of the aerosol vapor.

[0058] The vibrating device may be configured to generate ultrasonic waves, e.g., the waves between 20 to 40 kHz. The vibrating device may be arranged adjacent to the micro-mirror devices, especially the reflective surfaces the micro-mirror devices.

[0059] Preferably, the vibrating device may be used in combination with the one or more heaters during cleaning session. In this way, the removal of the deposits or condensation of the aerosol vapor may be accelerated.

[0060] According to the second aspect of the invention, a method of aerosol generation comprises providing the aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding embodiments and an aerosol generating article at least partially accommodated in the heating chamber, actuating one of the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices to one of the activated positions and emitting the light from the light source.

[0061] When the aerosol generating module comprises the second set of one or more micromirror devices, one of the second set of one or more micro-mirror devices to one of the activated positions, such that the light reflected by the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices is received by the one of the second set of one or more micro-mirror devices. The power of the light source may be modulated in function of an angle of incidence of the light to the aerosol generating article. The power of light from the light source is modulated by electrical pulse width modulation or linearly, using current / voltage driven modulation. The light, after being reflected by one or more of the micro-mirror devices, may be incident on the target portion of the aerosol generating substrate at an angle of incidence which is dependent on the arrangement of the light source, the micro-mirror devices on which the light is reflected, and the target portion of the aerosol generating substrate. The difference in the angle of incidence results in a variation in the intensity of the light irradiating the aerosol generating substrate. Therefore, the light source is preferably configured to modulate the light to compensate for changes in light intensity due to the difference in the angle of incidence on the target portion of the aerosolgenerating substrate. Preferably, the power modulation of the light source is applied based on the position of each target position, in function of the angle of incidence of the light such that the light source irradiates any target portion of the aerosol generating substrate at a constant heating power.

[0062] As described earlier, the light source may be modulated by electrical pulse width modulation.

[0063] Alternatively, or additionally, the light source is provided with a shutter configured to block the light from the at least one light source with a variable pulse frequency and interval. For example, the shutter is a MEMS shutter. The MEMS shutter may comprise a shutter blade and a support structure for allowing the shutter blade to be actuated to block and unblock the light path of the light to control the light transmission at a variable duty cycle, so that a beam average output light density varies accordingly.

[0064] Alternatively, or additionally, the light source is provided with a filter arranged to change the intensity of the light from the light source

[0065] Optionally, thew method of aerosol generation further comprises a cleaning process for cleaning the one or more micro-mirror devices, for example for the reflective surfaces of the one or more micro-mirror devices during and / or after activation of the light source to emit light.

[0066] When the aerosol generating device comprises one or more heaters configured to heat at least one of the reflective surfaces of the one or more micro-mirror devices, the method further comprises a heating of at least one of the one or more micro-mirror devices during and / or after activation of the light source to emit light. The heating step is aimed at preventing or removing deposition or condensation of the aerosol vapor on the reflective surface of the one or more micro-mirror devices during and / or after an aerosol generation session. Preferably, all of the one or more micro-mirror devices are heated.

[0067] Additionally, or alternatively, the method comprises a step wherein the reflective surface of the one or more micro-mirror devices is heated to deep clean or decompose anydeposit after the aerosol generation session. In this step, the reflective surface may be heated to a temperature where pyrolysis of the deposits may occur.

[0068] Additionally, or alternatively, the cleaning process may be performed by vibrating the one or more micro-mirror devices by the vibrating device. The vibrating device may be configured to provide vibrations, for example ultrasonic waves, to the reflective surfaces of the one or more micro-mirror devices.

[0069] Preferably, the vibrating element may be used during heating of the at least one of the one or more micro-mirror devices during and / or after activation of the light source to emit light. In this way, the removal of the deposits or condensation of the aerosol vapor may be accelerated, and the effect of cleaning may be enhanced.

[0070] According to the third aspect of the invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating device according to any one of the precedent embodiments of the aerosol generating device, and an aerosol generating article having a plurality of discrete portions of the aerosol generating substrate, the aerosol generating article being at least partially accommodated in the heating chamber.

[0071] The aerosol generating article may comprise a matrix or an array configuration.

[0072] In some embodiment, the aerosol generating module of device is configured to manipulate the light from the light source such that each of the plurality of discrete portions of the aerosol generating substrate can be irradiated separately.

[0073] In some embodiments, the matrix is defined by X-Y coordinates, forming a grid-like structure. For instance, the plurality of discrete portions of the aerosol generating substrate may be arranged in a 5x4 configuration, wherein the matrix comprises 5 columns and 4 rows, resulting in a total of 20 discrete portions.

[0074] Each of the plurality of discrete portions of the aerosol generating substrate may comprises a metered-dose of the aerosol generating substrate. The dose may correspond to a single puff. Thus, the metered-dose may correspond to a dose of aerosol generating substrate to be delivered to a user during a single inhalation or puff. The metered-dose of aerosol generating substrate includes a component or components required togenerate an aerosol. For example, the metered-dose may comprise a predetermined amount of tobacco or nicotine or a flavourant or a combination of these.

[0075] The metered-dose may also comprise an aerosol former. The aerosol generating substrate may comprise any type of solid or semi-solid material. Example types of aerosol generating solids include powder, granules, pellets, shreds, strands, particles, gel, strips, loose leaves, cut filler, porous material, foam material or sheets. The aerosol generating substrate may comprise plant derived material and in particular, may comprise tobacco. It may advantageously comprise reconstituted tobacco, for example including tobacco and any one or more of cellulose fibres, tobacco stalk fibres and inorganic fillers such as CaCO3. The reconstituted tobacco may comprise tobacco sheets of any kind (paper-like sheets, cast tobacco sheets, etc.) in full sheets being crimped, folded and / or rolled or sheet fragments, and in an orientated gathered form (e.g., parallel arrangement or weaved pattern of substantially identical sheet fragments) or in randomly arranged form (e.g., sheet fragments of various sizes and shapes in bulk mixed form as tobacco cut filler).

[0076] Examples of aerosol formers include polyhydric alcohols and mixtures thereof such as glycerine or propylene glycol. In other possible examples, the aerosol former may include other alcohols, such as ethanol, 1 ,3-propanediol, or may include water. Typically, the aerosol generating substrate may comprise an aerosol former content of between approximately 5% and approximately 50% on a dry weight basis of the aerosol generating substrate. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating substrate may comprise an aerosol former content of between approximately 10% and approximately 20% on a dry weight basis of the aerosol generating substrate, and possibly approximately 15% on a dry weight basis of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0077] Upon being heated, each of the discrete aerosol generating substrate segments may release volatile compounds. The volatile compounds may include nicotine or flavour compounds such as tobacco flavouring.

[0078] The plurality of discrete portions of the aerosol generating substrate may be substantially planar. Each of the plurality of discrete portions of the aerosol generating substrate may comprise a substantially same thickness across the aerosol generating article. Each ofthe plurality of discrete portions of the aerosol generating substrate may comprise a substantially same thickness across the aerosol generating article. In this way, the characteristics of aerosol generation of each of the plurality of discrete portions of the aerosol generating substrate are similar to each other, allowing for more consistent and controlled aerosol generation.

[0079] In an example, the aerosol generating system comprises the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices arranged to direct light to each of a corresponding discrete portion of the aerosol generating article.

[0080] Each of the one or more micro-mirror devices may have one activated position. In such a case, the number of the one or more micro-mirror devices required corresponds to the total number of the plurality of discrete portions of the aerosol generating substrate comprised in the aerosol generating article.

[0081] Preferably, each of the one or more micro-mirror devices may have two or more activated positions and each of the one or more micro-mirror devices may be able to irradiate two or more of the plurality of discrete portions of the aerosol generating substrate. In this configuration, the number of the one or more micro-mirror devices required may be less than the total number of the plurality of discrete portions of the aerosol generating substrate comprised in the aerosol generating article. Such a configuration advantageously simplifies the aerosol generating module. Moreover, each of the micromirror devices may be configured to flexibly define the target portions where the light is directed, allowing the aerosol generating device to adapt to different aerosol generating articles with varying arrangements of discrete portions.

[0082] An example of the aerosol generating system comprises an aerosol generating device having multiple aerosol generating modules, for instance two aerosol generating modules, arranged in a heating chamber.

[0083] The one or more micro-mirror devices of the aerosol generating modules in this example are MEMS mirrors, each of them has a top surface which corresponds to its reflective surface the surface of the mirror plate) when the MEMS mirror is at the non-activated position.For both aerosol generating modules, the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices is arranged such that the top surfaces of all of the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices are aligned on a same plane. The light source is arranged such that the light emitted by the light source passes in parallel to the plane of the top surfaces such that the light passes over the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices when they are not activated.

[0084] According to some embodiments, components of the aerosol generating modules may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The first set of one or more micro-mirror devices may be mounted on one surface of PCB so that the top surfaces of the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices are easily aligned in the same plane. The light source may also be mounted on the same surface of the PCB. When the aerosol generating device has an elongated shape having a proximal end and a distal end, the PCB is arranged so that the direction of the light from the light source is oriented in a longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device, the longitudinal direction being a direction from the proximal end and to the distal end, or vice versa. This arrangement can be more space-efficient for accommodating multiple micro-mirror devices.

[0085] The aerosol generating device may further comprise an airflow channel extending from an air inlet to an air outlet (a mouthpiece outlet) to deliver the aerosol generated in the heating chamber to be inhaled by a user through a mouthpiece. The heating chamber may be configured to accommodate the aerosol generating article such that each of the plurality of discrete portions of the aerosol generating substrate may be located adjacent to an airflow channel so that the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate is efficiently delivered to the mouthpiece outlet. The airflow channel may be arranged substantially in parallel to the direction of the light emitted by the light source, the direction being aligned with the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device. In this configuration, multiple aerosol generating modules may be arranged along the peripheral surface of the heating chamber facing the airflow channel and the aerosol generating article with the plurality of discrete portions of the aerosol generating substrate is arranged to surround the airflow channel.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0086] To illustrate the technical features of embodiments of the present invention more clearly, the accompanying drawings provided for describing the embodiments are introduced briefly in the following. The accompanying drawings in the following description are merely some embodiments of the present invention, modifications on these embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims.

[0087] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,

[0088] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,

[0089] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,

[0090] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device and article in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,

[0091] FIG. 5 shows an aerosol generating device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,

[0092] FIG. 6 shows an aerosol generating device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,

[0093] FIG. 7 shows an aerosol generating device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,

[0094] FIG. 8 shows an aerosol generating device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,

[0095] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.Detailed Description of Embodiments

[0096] The foregoing descriptions are only implementation manners of the present invention, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this. Any variations or replacements can be easily made through person skilled in the art. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be subject to the protection scope of the attached claims.

[0097] In the following, any positional relationships, such as “above", “below ’, “between”, “upper”, “lower”, “middle”, “central” etc. are to be interpreted and understood in view of their respective positional relationship in the drawings. With this, the relationship of the components, layers, entities to each other do not change, even if the device is turned upside down or rotated, as the reference system is depicted in the drawings.

[0098] Fig. 1 shows an aerosol generating device 100 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating article 200 according to the present invention. The aerosol generating device comprises a heating chamber 110 for receiving at least a part of the aerosol generating article 200. The heating chamber 110 may have an elongated cylindrical shape, corresponding generally to the shape and size of a traditional cigarette or to the shape and size of a heat-not-burn tobacco stick. Preferably, the heating chamber comprises an opening for inserting the aerosol generating article 200 and another opening functioning as an air inlet 112. The example shown in Fig. 1 , the aerosol generating article is inserted through the opening 111 and air is drawing through the aerosol generating article 200 through the air inlet 112. In this example, the opening 111 is provided at a proximal position of the heating chamber 110 and the air inlet 112 is arranged at a distal position of the heating chamber 110 opposite the opening. In another example, the air inlet 112 may be provided at a side portion of the air channel, introducing air from a side of the aerosol generating article int the heating chamber 110.

[0099] In addition, the heating chamber 110 may comprise one or more light entering portions 110a configured to allow light to enter the heating chamber 110. In some embodiments, the one or more light entering portions 110a are implemented as openings at the side ofthe heating chamber 110. In other embodiments, the one or more light entering portions 110a are implemented using a material that allows light (or at least a substantial amount of light or of the energy of the light) to pass through the material. Alternatively, the heating chamber 110 may comprise light absorbing portions configured to absorb the light / light energy and heat up. This way, the light absorbing portions provide heat to the heating chamber 110. The example aerosol generating device shown of Fig. 1 comprises a plurality of light entering portions 110a that allow light to enter the heating chamber 110. The aerosol generating device 100 further comprises at least an aerosol generating module. The at least one aerosol generating module may be implemented using a printed circuit board, PCB, 125. In some examples, and as illustrated in the particular example of Fig. 1, the aerosol generating device may comprise two or more aerosol generating modules, wherein each of the aerosol generating modules may be operated simultaneously or in sequence.

[0100] The at least one aerosol generating module comprises a light source 120 configured to emit light L for heating to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating article 200 received in the heating chamber 110.

[0101] The at least one aerosol generating module further comprises a first set of one or more micro-mirror devices 121. In the example illustrated in Fig. 5, the aerosol generating device comprises two aerosol generating modules. Each of the aerosol generating modules in the example of Fig. 1 comprise a light source 120 and a first set of three micromirror devices 121. Preferably, the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices 121 are arranged on the PCB 125 of the aerosol generating module. Each of the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices 121 comprises an actuatable first reflective surface 122 configured to move between a non-activated position and one or more activated positions. Each of the first reflective surfaces configured to move independently to each other. The first reflective surface is arranged such that, when the first reflective surface is at the nonactivated position, the first reflective surface is substantially in parallel to a direction (L) of a light path of the light emitted by the light source. Here, the direction (L) is a direction of the light path directly extending from the light source. Additionally, the first reflective surfaces are positioned such that the light passes over the first reflective surface. Thisway, the light is not hit or blocked by the one or more micro-mirror device at the nonactivated position. The first reflective surfaces are configured to move so as to intersect the light path of the emitted light from the light sources when the first reflective surfaces are at one of the one or more activated positions.

[0102] In this way, the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices receives the light directly from the light source and provides a first reflection of the light. The light reflected on one of the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices may be directed towards a desired target portion of the aerosol generating article. For some embodiments, the aerosol generating device may further comprise one or more mirrors that reflect the light coming from the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices.

[0103] In use, one of the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices may be moved into one of the one or more activated positions such that it reflects the light in a predetermined direction. In this way, the light first encounters the activated micro-mirror device. This means that a specific mirror of the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices that reflects the light is determined by which mirror is activated. In the example of Fig. 1, in the bottom aerosol generating module, the second micro-mirror device from the light source is in the activated position, reflecting the emitted light from the light source 120 towards the heating chamber 110. In this example, the second micro-mirror device from the light source 120 of the second aerosol generating module is in the activated position. In Fig. 1, the second aerosol generating module is the module arranged above the first aerosol generating module in the drawing. The configuration of the micro-mirror modules of Fig. 1 would mean that the portion of the heating chamber corresponding to the first micro-mirror device of the second aerosol generating module and corresponding to the third micro-mirror device of the first aerosol generating module would receive the light from the light source 120 of the second aerosol generating module. Similarly, the portion of the heating chamber corresponding to the middle micro-mirror device of the two aerosol generating modules would receive light from the light source 120 of the first aerosol generating module. This shows that the two aerosol generating modules allow to heat different portions of the heating chamber 110 individually.The first set of one or more micro-mirror devices 121 has the one or more activated positions such that the direction of the reflected light is different among these different activated positions. This way, one micro-mirror device 121 may direct the light for irradiating different target portions of the heating chamber 110. In particular, the light reflected by one of the first set of one or more micro-mirror 121 devices may be directed such that the light irradiates a target portion of the heating channel. For example, the central micro-mirror of the first aerosol generating module could be changed in a way such that the light is reflected towards a position corresponding to the first or third micromirror device 121.

[0104] Preferably, the light source 120 is a semiconductor laser such as a vertical-cavity surfaceemitting laser (VCSEL), a vertical-external-cavity surface-emitting laser (VECSEL), or a topological-cavity surface-emitting laser (TCSEL). These light sources 120 suit in particular because they can output enough light power, for obtaining reduced heating time until enough aerosol is produced.

[0105] Preferably, the light source 120 is configured to emit light with a wavelength range comprising visible light (for example a wavelength range between 400 and 700 nanometers) or infrared light (for example a wavelength range between 700 nanometers and 1 millimeter).

[0106] The light source 120 may be configured such that the power of light emitted from the light source is modulated by electrical pulse width modulation. The light, after being reflected by one or more of the micro-mirror devices, surfaces the target portion of the aerosol generating substrate 201a, 201b at an angle of incidence. This angle of incidence is variable, depending on the arrangement of the light source, the micro-mirror devices on which the light is reflected, and the target portion of the aerosol generating substrate. Figs. 2 and 3 show different angle of incidences for two alternative embodiments. In Fig.

[0107] 2, a single micro-mirror device 121 is configured to cover irradiating at least 5 aerosol generating substrates 201a, 201 b. Fig. 3 shows a similar arrangement, where the at least 5 aerosol generating substrates are covered by a plurality of micro-mirror devices 121. In this example, two micro-mirror devices 121 are provided. Figs. 2 and 3 also show the corresponding angles of incidences of the light contacting the aerosol generatingsubstrates for the respective arrangements of micro-mirror devices 121. In Figs. 2 and 3, [a] resembles the arrangement of the corresponding micro-mirror devices 121 , [b] shows the maximum angle of incidence (90°), and [c] illustrates a minimum angle of incidence (45° and 88°). The minim angle of incidence occurs of the lateral (left-right direction in the drawings) offset between the micro-mirror devices 121 and the aerosol generating substrate 201a, 201b is large.

[0108] As can be seen in Figs. 2 and 3, the angle of incidence is substantially smaller for the single micro-mirror device 121 arrangement of Fig. 2, resulting in a broader light beam entering the aerosol generating substrate 201a, 201b. This leads to a larger area being irradiated by the light when entering the aerosol generating substrate 201a, 201b. For example, if the thickness of the light beam is d, the maximum length b occurs at the minimum angle of incidence. For Fig. 2 the minimum angle of incidence is 45°, corresponding to a maximum length b of 2*d. In comparison, in Fig. 3, due to multiple micro-mirror devices 121 being arranged above the respective aerosol generating substrates 201a, 201b, the minimum angle is at around 85-89°, leading to a maximum length b of close to 1*d.

[0109] The difference in the angle of incidence and corresponding length results in a variation in the intensity of the light irradiating the aerosol generating substrate 201 a, 201 b. Therefore, the light source 120 is preferably configured to modulate the light to compensate for changes in light intensity due to the difference in the angle of incidence on the target portion of the aerosol generating substrate 201a, 201b. Preferably, the power modulation of the light source 120 is applied based on the position of each target position, in function of the angle of incidence of the light such that the light source 120 irradiates any target portion of the aerosol generating substrate 201a, 201b at a constant heating power. Preferably, the light source is modulated by electrical pulse width modulation. In other embodiments, the light source 120 is provided with a shutter configured to block the light from the at least one light source 120 with a variable pulse frequency and interval. The shutter may be a MEMS shutter. The MEMS shutter may comprise a shutter blade and a support structure for allowing the shutter blade to be actuated to block and unblock the light path of the light to control the light transmission at a variable duty cycle, so that abeam average output light density varies accordingly. Alternatively, or additionally, the light source 120 is provided with a filter arranged to change the intensity of the light from the light source 120.

[0110] In some examples, the light source 120 may emit a slightly divergent or convergent beam of light. In such a case, the direction (L) is defined as the central axis of the beam emitted. Fig. 4 shows the aerosol generating device of Fig. 1, wherein the aerosol generating article is inserted into the heating chamber 110 of the aerosol generating device. Any aspects discussed with respect to Figs. 1 to 3 apply also for the device / system of Fig. 4. The aerosol generating article comprises one or more aerosol generating substrates. The aerosol generating substrates are configured to generate an inhalable aerosol when being heated. For example, the aerosol generating substrate may be one or more of a tobacco material, a glycerol material, such as vegetable glycerine and / or a propylene glycol material.

[0111] The aerosol generating device may be configured to accommodate multiple aerosol generating substrates. Each of the aerosol generating modules may be arranged to irradiate different one or more of the multiple aerosol generating substrates. For example, in Fig. 4, the first aerosol generating module may be configured to irradiate the lower three aerosol generating substrates 201a of the aerosol generating article 200, while the second aerosol generating module may be configured to irradiate the upper three aerosol generating substrates 201b of the aerosol generating article 200. Each of the multiple aerosol generating substrates 201a, 201b may be configured to generate aerosol vapor which is identical or different to each other. This way, the aerosol generating device may have more flexibility in the amount and flavor of aerosol vapor generation. In the example of Fig. 4, the aerosol generating substrates 201a, 201b are illustrated as separate portions. In some examples, each pair of aerosol generating substrate 201a, 201b may be formed of a single ring-shaped or cylindrical shaped aerosol generating substrate. Furthermore, each set of upper aerosol generating substrates 201 b and each set of lower aerosol generating substrates 201a may be formed as a single sheet of aerosol generating substrate. In the example of Fig. 4, this would correspond to two sheets - one for the upper aerosol generating substrates 201b and one for the lower aerosol generatingsubstrates 201a. Alternatively, the set of upper aerosol generating substrates 201b and the set of lower aerosol generating substrates 201a may be a single sheet of aerosol generating substrate.

[0112] In the example of Fig. 4, the aerosol generating article 200 comprises a mouthpiece at the proximal end of the heating channel 110. A user may draw on the mouthpiece of the aerosol generating article such that air entering through the air inlet 112 is drawn through the aerosol generating article 200. Preferably, the aerosol generating article has an outer shape corresponding to the inner shape of the heating channel, such that the aerosol generating article 200 fits snuggly into the heating channel. This improves the heating properties and the stability of the system and ensures that the aerosol generating substrate will be positioned above the corresponding micro-mirror devices 121. The aerosol generating article 200 will be described in more detail below.

[0113] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating module further comprises a second set of one or more micro-mirror devices 123. Each of the second set of one or more micro-mirror devices 123 comprising an actuatable second reflective surface 124 configured to move between a non-activated position and one or more activated positions.

[0114] The second set of one or more micro-mirror devices 123 may be configured similar to how the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices 121 are configured. Further, the second set of one or more micro-mirror devices 123 may have the same capabilities as the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices 121. This means any aspects discussed with respect to the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices 121 applies for the second set of one or more micro-mirror devices 123. For example, each of the second reflective surfaces 124 are configured to move independently to each other.

[0115] Further, each of the second set of one or more micro-mirror devices 123 is configured to receive and reflect the light reflected by one of the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices 121 when the second reflective surface is at the one or more activated positions. Thus, the second set of one or more micro-mirror devices 123 is arranged such that it does not interfere with the light before the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices 121 reflects the light from the light source 120.Typically, one of the second set of one or more micro-mirror devices is activated. The light reflected by one of the first set of one or more micro-mirror device 121 encounters the activated micro-mirror device of the second set of one or more micro-mirror devices 123. This means that a specific mirror of the second set of one or more micro-mirror devices that reflects the light is determined by which mirror is activated. This means that the relationship between the second set of one or more micro-mirror devices 123 to the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices 121 is similar to the relationship of the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices 121 to the light source 120, i.e., the activated first micro-mirror device 121 functions as light source for the second set of one or more micromirror devices 123.

[0116] In the exemplary aerosol generating article 200 of Fig.4, the aerosol generating substrate portions 201a, 201b were arranged in a linear manner, wherein each aerosol generating module was configured to heat one of the linear arrangements of aerosol generating substrates 201a, 201b. However, more complex aerosol generating substrate arrangement are also possible. For example, there may be aerosol generating articles in which the aerosol generating substrates are arranged in a matrix-form, having multiple aerosol generating substrates in a row-direction and multiple aerosol generating substrates in a column-direction. One such examples is the aerosol generating substrate in Fig.3.

[0117] In this example configuration, the aerosol generating device is configured to irradiate an aerosol generating substrate having a plurality of discrete portions 301. The first set of one or more micro-mirror devices 121 and the second set of one or more micro-mirror devices 123 may be arranged to direct the light to each of the target positions corresponding to each of the plurality of discrete portions of the aerosol generating substrate. The example arrangement of Fig. 5 shows two sets of one or more micro-mirror devices 121, 123 as described with respect to Figs. 1 to 4. However, further sets such one or more micro-mirror devices 121 , 123 may be provided.

[0118] As shown in Fig. 5, when one of the first reflective surfaces 122 of the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices 121 is at one of the activated positions, it reflects the light coming from the light source 120. After the light is reflected by a mirror in the first set, itis then directed to one of the mirrors of the second set of one or more micro-mirror devices 123 for a second reflection. The final position of the light in a target irradiation space (i.e., the space in the heating chamber 110 where the aerosol generating substrate 301 is accommodated) is defined by the combination of the activated mirrors in both the first and second sets of one or more micro-mirror devices.

[0119] For example, when the plurality of discrete portions of the aerosol generating substrate 301 is arranged to form an X-Y matrix, the aerosol generating device is configured such that the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices determines 121 the X-coordinate in the target irradiation space, and the second set of one or more micro-mirror devices 123 determines the Y-coordinate.

[0120] The first and second sets of one or more micro-mirror devices may be arranged such that the light is directed to a desired portion of the aerosol generating substrate 301 with an optimal angle of incidence, preferably the light incident being 0 degrees, meaning that the light comes perpendicular to the incident surface. In particular, the first and second sets of one or more micro-mirror devices may be arranged directly above or below the respective desired portion of the aerosol generating substrate 301.

[0121] Preferably, each of the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices or the second set of one or more micro-mirror devices comprises a MEMS mirror. The MEMS mirror includes a mirror plate having the first or second reflective surface 122, 124, 127, a frame connected to the mirror plate and one or more electromechanical actuators configured to change a tilt angle of the mirror plate relative to the frame to move the MEMS mirror into the one or more activated positions.

[0122] The MEMS mirror may be formed on a single chip of semiconductor substrate, such as a silicon chip, like many known MEMS devices. In such a configuration, top surfaces of the mirror plate, the frame and the one or more electromechanical actuators are aligned on a top plane of the MEMS mirror at the non-activated position. Preferably the mirror plate is attached to the frame via the one or more electromechanical actuator and may comprise a layer of metallic coating. The metallic coating may comprise gold. The metallic coating may comprise electroplated gold. Alternatively, the reflective surface 122, 124, 127 may comprise aluminium, silver, or dielectric coating. The mirror plate may furthercomprise a protection coating. The protection coating may comprise silicon dioxide (glass). Other suitable materials for the protection coating may include silicon monoxide, silicon nitride diamond-like carbon, oxide layers such as aluminium oxide.

[0123] The actuators may comprise an electromagnetic actuator, electrostatic actuator, piezoelectric actuator, electrothermal actuator, pneumatic actuator, magnetic actuator, or any other actuator to achieve a rotational movement of the mirror plate.

[0124] In some embodiments, the MEMS mirror may comprise the movable mirror plate suspended by one or more torsion bars or flexures for controlling the movement of the mirror plate, a metallic coil formed around the mirror plate, and a magnet positioned to generate the magnetic field to interact with the coil when current flow through the coil to produce Lorenz force. According to some embodiments, the movable mirror plate suspended by one or more torsion bars or flexures may be configured to be electrostatically actuated to tilt the mirror plate. In further embodiments, the movable mirror plate may be suspended by one or more bimorph actuator comprising layers of piezoelectric material and silicon. According to some embodiment, a plurality of the MEMS mirrors may be formed on a single chip. The first and / or the second set of one or more micro-mirror devices 121, 123 may be arranged on a single chip.

[0125] According to any one of the preceding claims, at least one of the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices and the second set of one or more micro-mirror devices is a singleaxis micro-mirror device actuatable to have variable tilt angle along a first axis. The mirror device may comprise a single set of torsion bars or hinges that allow the mirror to tilt along one axis.

[0126] In a further embodiment, at least one of the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices 121 and the second set of one or more micro-mirror devices 123 is a dual-axis micromirror devices 126 actuatable to have variable tilt angle along the first axis as well as a second axis which is different from the first axis. The dual-axis micro-mirror device comprises a reflective surface 127.

[0127] The dual-axis micro mirror device 126 may comprise two sets of actuation mechanisms, wherein each of the sets corresponds to each axis. The dual-axis movement of the micro-mirror device allows for more flexible and variable reflection of light, enabling it to cover a larger target area. Consequently, fewer mirrors may be required compared to using single-axis micro-mirror devices 121, 123.

[0128] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating module comprises a single dual-axis mirror device 126. An implementation of an aerosol generating device with a single dual-axis mirror device 126 is shown in Fig. 6. The various aspects discussed with respect to Figs.

[0129] 1 to 5 apply also to this embodiment. The dual axis mirror device 126 may be configured to redirect light across the aerosol generating article and across at least a portion of the arrangement of aerosol generating substrates 301. In this configuration, variations in an angle of incidence of the light at different portion of the aerosol generating substrate may be greater than the configuration where multiple micro-mirror devices are used. The variation of the light intensity due to the variations in the angle of incidence may lead to variations in a power of the light source, which may be compensated, which will be described further in the following paragraphs.

[0130] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may further comprise a plurality the aerosol generating modules, each comprising a dual-axis mirror device 126 and a light source 120. This is shown in Fig. 7, where two such aerosol generating modules with dual-axis mirror device 126 are provided. Any aspects discussed with respect to Figs. 1 to 6 apply also to the example shown in Fig. 7. While this example shows only a single dual-axis mirror device 126 per aerosol generating module, each aerosol generating module may comprise a plurality of such dual-axis mirror devices 126. Each of the aerosol generating modules may be configured to irradiate a portion of the aerosol generating article 200, and thus a portion of the plurality of aerosol generating substrates 301. In this way, the variation in the angle of incidence of the light across the aerosol generating article can be reduced.

[0131] According to any one of the above embodiments described with respect to Figs. 1 to 7, the aerosol generating device comprises one or more heaters configured to heat at least one of the reflective surfaces of the one or more micro-mirror devices.

[0132] Because the one or more micro-mirror devices are arranged adjacent to the aerosol generating substrate which generates aerosol vapor during light heating, they aresusceptible to contamination, for example, by condensation or deposits from the aerosol vapor. When the reflective surface 122, 124, 127 of the micro-mirror device is contaminated, the light may be absorbed on the reflective surface 122, 124, 127 which leads to loss of the light intensity.

[0133] For example, the one or more heaters may be configured to heat the reflective surface 122, 124, 127 during and / or after an aerosol generation session to prevent deposition or condensation of the aerosol vapor.

[0134] Additionally, or alternatively, the one or more heaters may be configured to heat the reflective surface 122, 124, 127 to clean or decompose any deposit after the session. The one or more heaters may be activated during the cleaning session to heat the reflective surface 122, 124, 127 to a temperature where pyrolysis of the deposits may occur.

[0135] In some embodiments, the micro-mirror device 121, 123, 126 may comprise a heater in the form of a plate. The heater may be a ceramic heater. The micro-mirror device 121, 123, 126 may comprise a layer of the reflective surface 122, 124, 127 arranged on a surface of the heater. This is illustrated in Fig. 8, where two such micro-mirror devices 121, 123, 126 are shown. The micro devices are similar to the micro devices discussed with respect to Figs. 1 to 7. On the left [a] a micro-mirror device 122, 124, 127 with contamination is shown. On the right [b] a micro-mirror device 122, 124, 127 is shown, where heat H was applied to the heater 128, removing the contamination.

[0136] Optionally, the one or more micro-mirror devices may further comprise a protection layer 129 formed on the surface of the reflective surface. Preferably the protection layer 129 is transparent to the light from the light source so that the loss of the light intensity is minimized. The protection layer 129 may be formed of glass. The protection layer 129 allows to prevent direct deposition of deposits and condensation of the aerosol vapor on the reflective surface 122, 124, 127, which advantageously improves the lifetime of the micro-mirror device 121, 123, 126.

[0137] Additionally, or alternatively, the one or more micro-mirror devices 122, 124, 127 may comprise a vibrating device configured to vibrate the one or more micro-mirror devices 122, 124, 127 to clean residue of the deposits or condensation of the aerosol vapor.The vibrating device may be configured to generate ultrasonic waves, e.g., the waves between 20 to 40 kHz. The vibrating device may be arranged adjacent to the micro-mirror devices, especially the reflective surfaces the micro-mirror devices.

[0138] Preferably, the vibrating device may be used in combination with the one or more heaters during cleaning session. In this way, the removal of the deposits or condensation of the aerosol vapor may be accelerated.

[0139] Another aspect of the invention is directed to a method for generating an aerosol. The method steps are shown in Fig. 9.

[0140] In step S110, the aerosol generating device is provided. The aerosol generating device 100 is the aerosol generating device 100 according to any one of the preceding embodiments and as described with respect to Figs. 1 to 5. The aerosol generating article 200 is provide at least partially accommodated in the heating chamber 110 of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0141] Subsequently, in step S120, one of the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices 121 is actuated into one of the activated positions. As described above, by actuating one of the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices 121 into one of the activated positions, the reflective surface 122 is positioned in the light emitting path of the light source 120. Afterwards, in step S130, light is emitted from the light source 120. Since the reflective surface 122 is positioned in the light emitting path of the light source 120, the light is directed onto the reflective surface 122 of the one of the first set of one or more micromirror devices.

[0142] Further steps S131 and S132 relate to a subroutine for modulating the light emitted from the light source 120 in step S130.

[0143] In step S131, the power of the light source 120 may be modulated as a function of an angle of incidence of the light to the aerosol generating article, preferably using electrical pulse width modulation. The light, after being reflected by one or more of the micro-mirror devices, may be incident on the target portion of the aerosol generating substrate at an angle of incidence which is dependent on the arrangement of the light source, the micro-mirror devices on which the light is reflected, and the target portion of the aerosol generating substrate. The difference in the angle of incidence results in a variation in the intensity of the light irradiating the aerosol generating substrate 301. Therefore, the light is preferably modulated by the light source to compensate for changes in light intensity due to the difference in the angle of incidence on the target portion of the aerosol generating substrate. Preferably, the power modulation of the light source is applied based on the position of each target position, in function of the angle of incidence of the light such that the light source irradiates any target portion of the aerosol generating substrate at a constant heating power. As described earlier, the light source may be modulated by electrical pulse width modulation.

[0144] In step S132, alternatively, or additionally, the light emitted from the light source 120 is modulated using a shutter configured to block the light from the at least one light source 120 with a variable pulse frequency and interval.

[0145] For example, the shutter may be a MEMS shutter. The MEMS shutter may comprise a shutter blade and a support structure for allowing the shutter blade to be actuated to block and unblock the light path of the light to control the light transmission at a variable duty cycle, so that a beam average output light density varies accordingly.

[0146] Alternatively, or additionally, an optional step of filtering the light to change the intensity of the light from the light source 120 may be performed by means of a filter provided with the light source 120.

[0147] Optionally, the method of aerosol generation further comprises cleaning the one or more micro-mirror devices S133. For example for reflective surfaces 128 of the one or more micro-mirror devices during and / or after activation of the light source to emit light. Step S133 maybe performed after light is emitted from the light source 120, or after modulating the light of steps S131 , S132.

[0148] When the aerosol generating device comprises one or more heaters 128 configured to heat at least one of the reflective surfaces 122, 124, 127 of the one or more micro-mirror devices 121, 123, 126, the cleaning step S133 further comprises a step of heating of at least one of the one or more micro-mirror devices 121, 123, 126 during and / or afteractivation of the light source 120 to emit light. The heating step is aimed at preventing or removing deposition or condensation of the aerosol vapor on the reflective surface of the one or more micro-mirror devices during and / or after an aerosol generation session. Preferably, all of the one or more micro-mirror devices are heated. Additionally, or alternatively, the cleaning step S133 comprises a step of heating the reflective surface of the one or more micro-mirror devices to deep clean or decompose any deposit after the aerosol generation session. In this step, the reflective surface may be heated to a temperature where pyrolysis of the deposits may occur.

[0149] Additionally, or alternatively, the cleaning step S133 may be performed by vibrating the one or more micro-mirror devices by the vibrating device. The vibrating device may be configured to provide vibrations, for example ultrasonic waves, to the reflective surfaces of the one or more micro-mirror devices. Preferably, the vibrating step may be performed during heating of the at least one of the one or more micro-mirror devices 121 , 123, 126 during and / or after activation of the light source 120 to emit light. In this way, the removal of the deposits or condensation of the aerosol vapor may be accelerated, and the effect of cleaning may be enhanced.

[0150] A further aspect of the invention is directed to an aerosol generating article 200 and an aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating device 100 according to any one of the precedent embodiments and as described with respect to any of Figs. 1 to 9 and comprising the aerosol generating article 200 having a plurality of discrete portions of the aerosol generating substrate 201a, 201b, 301, the aerosol generating article 200 being at least partially accommodated in the heating chamber 110. The aerosol generation article is shown in Fig. 4.

[0151] The aerosol generating article may comprise a matrix or an array configuration of aerosol generating substrate 201a, 201b, 301.

[0152] As described above, the aerosol generating module of device 100 is configured to manipulate the light from the light source 120 such that each of the plurality of discrete portions of the aerosol generating substrate can be irradiated separately. In some embodiments, the matrix is defined by X-Y coordinates, forming a grid-like structure. For instance, the plurality of discrete portions of the aerosol generating substrate 201a, 201 b,301 may be arranged in a 5x4 configuration, wherein the matrix comprises 5 columns and 4 rows, resulting in a total of 20 discrete portions.

[0153] Each of the plurality of discrete portions of the aerosol generating substrate 201a, 201b, 301 may comprise a metered-dose of the aerosol generating substrate 201a, 201b, 301. The dose may correspond to a single puff. Thus, the metered-dose may correspond to a dose of aerosol generating substrate 201a, 201b, 301 to be delivered to a user during a single inhalation or puff. The metered-dose of aerosol generating substrate 201a, 201b, 301 includes a component or components required to generate an aerosol. For example, the metered-dose may comprise a predetermined amount of tobacco or nicotine or a flavourant or a combination of these.

[0154] The metered-dose may also comprise an aerosol former. The aerosol generating substrate 201 a, 201b, 301 may comprise any type of solid or semi-solid material. Example types of aerosol generating solids include powder, granules, pellets, shreds, strands, particles, gel, strips, loose leaves, cut filler, porous material, foam material or sheets. The aerosol generating substrate 201a, 201b, 301 may comprise plant derived material and in particular, may comprise tobacco. It may advantageously comprise reconstituted tobacco, for example including tobacco and any one or more of cellulose fibres, tobacco stalk fibres and inorganic fillers such as CaCO3. The reconstituted tobacco may comprise tobacco sheets of any kind (paper-like sheets, cast tobacco sheets, etc.) in full sheets being crimped, folded and / or rolled or sheet fragments, and in an orientated gathered form (e.g., parallel arrangement or weaved pattern of substantially identical sheet fragments) or in randomly arranged form (e.g., sheet fragments of various sizes and shapes in bulk mixed form as tobacco cut filler).

[0155] Examples of aerosol formers include polyhydric alcohols and mixtures thereof such as glycerine or propylene glycol. In other possible examples, the aerosol former may include other alcohols, such as ethanol, 1 ,3-propanediol, or may include water. Typically, the aerosol generating substrate may comprise an aerosol former content of between approximately 5% and approximately 50% on a dry weight basis of the aerosol generating substrate. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating substrate may comprise an aerosol former content of between approximately 10% and approximately 20% on a dryweight basis of the aerosol generating substrate, and possibly approximately 15% on a dry weight basis of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0156] Upon being heated, each of the discrete aerosol generating substrate 201a, 201b, 301 segments may release volatile compounds. The volatile compounds may include nicotine or flavour compounds such as tobacco flavouring.

[0157] The plurality of discrete portions of the aerosol generating substrate 201a, 201b, 301 may be substantially planar. Each of the plurality of discrete portions of the aerosol generating substrate may comprise a substantially same thickness across the aerosol generating article. Each of the plurality of discrete portions of the aerosol generating substrate may comprise a substantially same thickness across the aerosol generating article. In this way, the characteristics of aerosol generation of each of the plurality of discrete portions of the aerosol generating substrate are similar to each other, allowing for more consistent and controlled aerosol generation.

[0158] In an example, the aerosol generating system comprises the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices 121 arranged to direct light to each of a corresponding discrete portion of the aerosol generating article 200.

[0159] Each of the one or more micro-mirror devices may have one activated position. In such a case, the number of the one or more micro-mirror devices required corresponds to the total number of the plurality of discrete portions of the aerosol generating substrate 201a, 201b, 301 comprised in the aerosol generating article 200.

[0160] Preferably, each of the one or more micro-mirror devices may have two or more activated positions and each of the one or more micro-mirror devices may be able to irradiate two or more of the plurality of discrete portions of the aerosol generating substrate. In this configuration, the number of the one or more micro-mirror devices required may be less than the total number of the plurality of discrete portions of the aerosol generating substrate comprised in the aerosol generating article. Such a configuration advantageously simplifies the aerosol generating module. Moreover, each of the micromirror devices may be configured to flexibly define the target portions where the light is directed, allowing the aerosol generating device to adapt to different aerosol generating articles with varying arrangements of discrete portions.An example of the aerosol generating system comprises an aerosol generating device 100 having multiple aerosol generating modules, for instance two aerosol generating modules.

[0161] The one or more micro-mirror devices of the aerosol generating modules in this example are MEMS mirrors, each of them has a top surface which corresponds to its reflective surface the surface of the mirror plate) when the MEMS mirror is at the non-activated position.

[0162] For both aerosol generating modules, the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices is arranged such that the top surfaces of all of the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices are aligned on a same plane. The light source is arranged such that the light emitted by the light source passes in parallel to the plane of the top surfaces such that the light passes over the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices when they are not activated.

[0163] According to some embodiment, components of the aerosol generating modules may be mounted on the PCB 125. The first set of one or more micro-mirror devices may be mounted on one surface of PCB 125 so that the top surfaces of the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices are easily aligned in the same plane. The light source 120 may also be mounted on the same surface of the PCB 125. When the aerosol generating device 100 has an elongated shape having a proximal end and a distal end, the PCB 125 is arranged so that the direction of the light from the light source 120 is oriented in a longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 100, the longitudinal direction being a direction from the proximal end and to the distal end, or vice versa. This arrangement can be more space-efficient for accommodating multiple micro-mirror devices.

[0164] The aerosol generating device 100 may further comprise an airflow channel extending from the air inlet 112 to an air outlet (a mouthpiece outlet) to deliver the aerosol generated in the heating chamber 110 to be inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece. The heating chamber 110 may be configured to accommodate the aerosol generating article 200 such that each of the plurality of discrete portions of the aerosol generating substrate 201a, 201b, 301 may be located adjacent to an airflow channel so that the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate 201a, 201b, 301 is efficiently delivered to themouthpiece outlet. The airflow channel may be arranged substantially in parallel to the direction of the light emitted by the light source 120, the direction being aligned with the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 100. In this configuration, multiple aerosol generating modules may be arranged along the peripheral surface of the heating chamber 110 facing the airflow channel and the aerosol generating article 200 with the plurality of discrete portions of the aerosol generating substrate 201a, 201b, 301 is arranged to surround the airflow channel.

Claims

December 12, 2025 ational SA J177604WO CKA / swcClaims1. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating article 100 comprising:• a heating chamber 110 for receiving at least a part of the aerosol generating article 200; and• at least an aerosol generating module, the aerosol generating module comprising:o a light source 120 configured to emit light for heating to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating article 200 received in the heating chamber 110;o a first set of one or more micro-mirror devices 121 , each of the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices 121 comprising:■ an actuatable first reflective surface 122 configured to move between a non-activated position and one or more activated positions, each of the first reflective surfaces 122 configured to move independently to each other,wherein the first reflective surface 122 is arranged such that, when the first reflective surface 122 is at the non-activated position, the first reflective surface 122 is substantially in parallel to a direction of a first light path (L) of the light emitted by the light source 120 and is positioned such that the light passes over the first reflective surface 122, and wherein the first reflective surface 122 is moved to intersect the first light path (L) of the emitted light from the light source 120 when the first reflective surface 122 is at the one or more activated positions.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating module further comprises:• a second set of one or more micro-mirror devices 123, each of the second set of one or more micro-mirror devices 123 comprising:• an actuatable second reflective surface 124 configured to move between a nonactivated position and one or more activated positions, each of the second reflective surfaces 124 configured to move independently to each other, wherein each of the second set of one or more micro-mirror devices 124 is configured to receive and reflect the light reflected by one of the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices when the second reflective surface is at the one or more activated positions.

3. The aerosol generating device according to the preceding claim, wherein each of the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices or the second set of one or more micro-mirror devices comprises a MEMS mirror including:• a mirror plate having the first or second reflective surface;• a frame connected to the mirror plate; and• one or more electromechanical actuators configured to change a tilt angle of the mirror plate relative to the frame to move the MEMS mirror into the one or more activated positions,wherein top surfaces of the mirror plate, the frame and the one or more electromechanical actuators are aligned on a top plane of the MEMS mirror at the non-activated position.

4. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein at least one of the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices and the second set of one or more micro-mirror devices is a single-axis micro-mirror device actuatable to have variable tilt angle along a first axis.

5. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein at least one of the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices and the second set of one or more micro-mirror devices is a dual-axis micro-mirror devices actuatable to have variable tilt angle along the first axis as well as a second axis which is different from the first axis.

6. The aerosol generating device according to any preceding claims, wherein the light source comprises a coherent light source.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein the light source comprises a laser.

8. The aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light source is configured such that the power of light emitted from the light source is modulated by electrical pulse width modulation.

9. The aerosol generating device according to any one of preceding claims, wherein each of the light source is provided with a shutter configured to block the light from the at least one light source with a variable pulse frequency and interval.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9, wherein the shutter is a MEMS shutter.

11. The aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises one or more heaters configured to heat at least one of the reflective surfaces of the one or more micro-mirror devices.

12. A method of aerosol generation comprising:providing the aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims and an aerosol generating article at least partially accommodated in the heating chamber; actuating one of the first set of one or more micro-mirror devices to one of the activated positions; andemitting the light from the light source.

13. The method of aerosol generation according to claim 12, wherein the power of the light from the light source is modulated in function of an angle of incidence of the light to the aerosol generating article.

14. The method of aerosol generation according to claim 12 or 13, wherein when aerosol generating device comprises one or more heaters configured to heat at least one of the reflective surfaces of the one or more micro-mirror devices, the method further comprises heating of the at least one micro-mirror device during and / or after activation of the one or more of the light source to emit light.

15. An aerosol generating system comprisingthe aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 ; andan aerosol generating article having a plurality of discrete portions of the aerosol generating substrate, the aerosol generating article being at least partially accommodated in the heating chamber.

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