Aerosol generating apparatus and method of use thereof

Abstract

An aerosol generation apparatus comprising a controller 50 configured to instruct aerosol generating unit circuitry 60 and monitor the status of the aerosol generating unit circuitry. The controller compares the aerosol generating unit instructed status and aerosol generating unit actual status to identify the presence of faults within the aerosol generation apparatus. The present disclosure includes a method of detecting faults, a computer readable medium storing instructions to perform the method, and a system including the aerosol generating unit and an article configured to hold aerosol-forming material.

Description

[0001] P01717

[0002] 1

[0003] AEROSOL GENERATING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF FIELD

[0004] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generation apparatus.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] It is known to provide aerosol generation apparatus having aerosol generating unit circuitry configured to operate an aerosol-generating unit for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material. For example, a device may have a circuitry to power a heater which, when powered forms an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material. Such an aerosol generation apparatus is typically configured to operate an aerosol-generating unit for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material only under specific circumstances reflecting whether the user is actively using the aerosol generation apparatus.

[0007] Such aerosol generation apparatuses may develop faults which cause the aerosol generating unit circuitry to operate the aerosol-generating unit to generate an aerosol at times when this is not desired.

[0008] It is against this background that the present invention has been developed.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] The present disclosure provides in a first aspect, an aerosol generation apparatus that comprises aerosol generating unit circuitry configured to operate an aerosol-generating unit for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material, and a controller configured to detect an aerosol generating unit actual status. The aerosol generating unit actual status includes an actual operating state and an actual non-operating state. The controller is further configured to identify the presence of a fault by comparing an aerosol generating unit instructed status and the aerosol-generating unit actual status. In this manner, an aerosol generation apparatus according to the present invention can identify the presence of faults in the device. This may improve safety, by identifying incorrect operation of the device, such as when a heater is active whilst it has not been instructed to be active.

[0011] The controller may be configured to instruct the aerosol generating unit circuitry according to an aerosol generating unit instructed status. The aerosol generating unit instructed status includes an instructed active state and an instructed inactive state. In the instructed active state, the controller instructs the aerosol generating unit circuitry to operate the aerosol generating unit to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming material, and in the instructed inactive state the controller does not instruct the aerosol generating unit circuitry to operate the aerosol generating unit to generate an aerosol from the aerosolforming material. This alleviates the need for an additional controller to instruct the aerosol generating unit circuitry.

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[0014] In the actual operating state, the controller may detect that the aerosol generating unit circuitry is drawing power above a predetermined power threshold. In the actual non-operating state, the controller may not detect that the aerosol generating unit circuitry is drawing power above the predetermined power threshold. This may allow the controller to detect the state of the aerosol generating unit circuitry with sensors (e.g. voltmeters.) onboard the controller, rather than requiring an additional sensor, e.g., a temperature sensor.

[0015] The aerosol generating apparatus may further comprise an aerosol generating unit control line configured to activate the aerosol generating unit circuitry. The control line may be electrically connected to both the controller and aerosol generating unit circuitry. The controller may be configured to determine an aerosol generating unit control line status indicating whether the aerosol generating unit control line is in a control line active state or a control line inactive state. The controller may be configured to identify the presence of a fault by comparing the aerosol generating unit control line status with at least one of the aerosol-generating unit instructed status and the aerosol-generating unit actual status. In this manner, an aerosol generating apparatus may be able to identify faults in an aerosol generating unit control line in addition to identifying faults in the aerosol generating unit control circuitry. The aerosol generation apparatus may further comprise an airflow sensor. The airflow sensor may be a pressure sensor. The controller may be configured to receive an airflow sensor status including an airflow active state when a user is indicated as performing an inhalation and an airflow inactive state when the user is not indicated as performing an inhalation. The controller may be configured to change the aerosol generating unit instructed state from the instructed active state to the instructed inactive state in response to an airflow active state exceeding a maximum inhalation duration. In this manner, the aerosol generating unit control circuitry can be prevented from being active for too long, even if there is a fault with the puff sensor that indicates a user is performing an inhalation indefinitely.

[0016] The controller may be configured to identify the presence of a fault by comparing the airflow sensor status with at least one of the aerosol-generating unit instructed status and the aerosol-generating unit actual status. This means that the presence of additional types of fault can be identified (i.e. faults other than those causing a difference in the aerosol-generating unit instructed status and aerosol-generating unit actual status). For example, a fault may be identified if the aerosol generating unit instructed status is in an instructed active state whilst the airflow sensor status is in an airflow inactive state.

[0017] The controller may be configured to compare the aerosol generating unit instructed status and the aerosol-generating unit actual status in response to an event. The event may be engagement and / or disengagement of an aerosol generating article with the aerosol generating apparatus. The event may be the initiation or termination of an inhalation by a user of the aerosol generating apparatus. The event may be a change in the aerosol generating unit actual status. The event may be a change in the aerosol generating unit instructed status. By checking for faults when an aerosol generating article is inserted, the aerosol generation apparatus can ensure the user has a fault-free aerosol generation session. When an aerosol generating article is removed or the user stops inhaling the aerosol generating unit actual status should not be in an actual operating state. Therefore, by checking for faults when an

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[0020] aerosol generating article is removed or termination of an inhalation by a user, the aerosol generation apparatus can ensure that the aerosol generating unit has deactivated correctly. Likewise, initiation of an inhalation by a user is typically associated with an activation of the aerosol generating unit. By checking for faults at the initiation of an inhalation by a user, the aerosol generation apparatus can ensure that the aerosol generating unit has activated correctly. A change in the aerosol generating unit actual status should accompany a change in the aerosol generating unit instructed status. Therefore, by comparing the aerosol generating unit instructed status and the aerosol-generating unit actual status in response to a change in either status, the aerosol generation apparatus may identify a fault at the earliest possible opportunity. By comparing the aerosol generating unit instructed status and the aerosol-generating unit actual status in response to an event, the controller may use less power over time than if either status were compared at regular intervals or on a continuous basis. If the controller compares other values (e.g. an airflow sensor status), these comparisons may also be made in response to any of the above events.

[0021] The controller may be configured to compare the aerosol generating unit actual status and the aerosolgenerating unit instructed status at regular intervals. This may reduce the amount of time a fault is present before the controller identifies the presence of a fault. This may also improve safety, by preventing the user from operating a faulty aerosol generation apparatus. The controller may be configured to compare statuses or values other than the aerosol generating unit actual status and the aerosol-generating unit instructed status. These other statuses may also be compared at regular intervals or on a continuous basis.

[0022] The controller may be configured to, upon identifying the presence of a fault, prevent the user from operating the aerosol-generating unit to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming material. This may improve the user experience, for example by preventing operation of an aerosol generating unit which has been in an actual operating state due to a fault. For example, the aerosol generating unit may have been in an actual operating state for a sufficient time to damage a heater coil of the device, leading to a diminished user experience. The aerosol generation apparatus may prevent operation of the aerosol generation unit by maintaining the aerosol generating unit instructed status in the instructed inactive state.

[0023] The controller may be configured to, after preventing the user from operating the aerosol-generating unit to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming material, re-permit the user to operate the aerosolgenerating unit generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming material after a predetermined length of time has elapsed from detection of the presence of the fault. This may prevent the device being operated continuously whilst a fault is present. Additionally, this may allow time for the fault to be resolved (for instance if the fault is caused by a spilled liquid aerosol precursor).

[0024] The controller may be configured to, after preventing the user from operating the aerosol-generating unit to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming material, re-permit the user to operate the aerosolgenerating unit generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming material after the aerosol generating apparatus is connected to an external power supply. This may prevent the device being operated

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[0027] continuously whilst a fault is present. Additionally, this may allow time for the fault to be resolved (for instance if the fault is caused by a spilled liquid aerosol precursor).

[0028] The aerosol generating unit circuitry may include a power supply line for the aerosol generating unit, and detecting the actual status may include measuring the power supply line for the aerosol generating unit. Measuring the power supply line may include measuring a voltage of the power supply line. The actual status of the aerosol generating unit actual status may be determined to be active when a measured voltage on the power supply line is higher than a predetermined voltage threshold. This means that the controller can accurately determine the aerosol generating unit actual status even if the power supply line is noisy, or a measured voltage on the power supply line is non-zero even when the aerosol generating unit actual status is in the actual non-operating state.

[0029] The aerosol generation apparatus may comprise a power source and a switch, wherein the switch is configured to selectively supply power to the aerosol generating unit circuitry based on the aerosol generating unit instructed state.

[0030] The aerosol generation apparatus may comprise a computer readable medium. The controller may be configured to, upon detecting the presence of a fault, store a flag within the computer readable medium. This may allow the controller to record the frequency or type of fault. This may allow the controller or user to recognise whether a fault is temporary or persistent. If the fault is persistent a user may wish to repair or replace the aerosol generation apparatus.

[0031] The aerosol generating unit may include a heater configured to aerosolise a liquid aerosol generating substrate. The present invention may be particularly effective with liquid aerosol generating substrates since some faults may be caused by liquid aerosol generating substrates leaking to portions of the aerosol generating apparatus not configured to contact the liquid aerosol generating substrate (e.g. any portion other than a tank and an aerosol generating unit). Alternatively, the aerosol generating unit may be configured to produce an aerosol by heating a solid aerosol precursor (such as tobacco) to a temperature below its combustion temperature.

[0032] The controller may be configured to, in response to identifying the presence of a fault, notify the user of the presence of a fault. This may be by issuing a warning to a display, providing haptic feedback, producing a noise, issuing a notification to a second device. This allows the user to act on the identification for example by replacing or repairing the aerosol generating apparatus, replacing the heat generating unit, stopping operating the aerosol generating apparatus or charging the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0033] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of detecting faults in an aerosol generation apparatus comprising an aerosol generating unit circuitry configured to operate an aerosolgenerating unit generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material. The method comprises a step of detecting an aerosol-generating unit actual status, the aerosol generating unit actual status including an actual operating state and an actual non-operating state. In the actual operating state, the controller detects that the aerosol generating unit circuitry is drawing power above a predetermined power

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[0036] threshold. In the actual non-operating state, the controller does not detect that the aerosol generating unit circuitry is drawing power above the predetermined power threshold. The method further comprises a step of identifying the presence of a fault by comparing aerosol generating unit instructed status and the aerosol-generating unit actual status. The method also comprises a step of identifying the presence of a fault by comparing aerosol generating unit instructed status and the aerosol-generating unit actual status.

[0037] The method may include instructing the aerosol generating unit circuitry according to an aerosol generating unit instructed status, the aerosol generating unit instructed status including an instructed active state and an instructed inactive state. In the instructed active state, the controller instructs the aerosol generating unit circuitry to operate the aerosol generating unit to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material, and in the instructed inactive state the controller does not instruct the aerosol generating unit circuitry to operate the aerosol generating unit to generate an aerosol from an aerosolforming material.

[0038] The method may include method steps relating to any features of the first aspect of the invention. According to a third aspect, the invention comprises a computer readable medium storing machine executable instructions which, when executed by an aerosol generation apparatus, cause the aerosol generation apparatus to enact a method according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0039] According to a fourth aspect, the invention comprises an aerosol generation system. The aerosol generation system comprises an aerosol generation apparatus according to a first aspect of the invention and an article. The article comprises a storage portion configured to hold an aerosol-forming material, and an aerosol-generating unit for generating an aerosol from the aerosol-forming material. The preceding summary is provided for purposes of summarizing some examples to provide a basic understanding of aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, the above-described features should not be construed to narrow the scope of the subject matter described herein in any way. Moreover, the above and / or following examples may be combined in any suitable combination to provide further examples, except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following text and the accompanying figures.

[0040] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0041] Aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of examples in reference to the appended figures in which like numerals denote like elements.

[0042] Figure 1 shows an example of an aerosol-generating system;

[0043] Figure 2 shows internal components of the aerosol-generating system;

[0044] Figure 3 shows a simplified schematic of internal components of an aerosol generation apparatus;

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[0047] Figure 4 shows a method according to a second aspect of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 5 shows a partial circuit diagram of the airflow sensor, and another partial circuit diagram including aerosol generation unit circuitry, a power supply connection and a switch.

[0049] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0050] It is to be understood that the present disclosure, which includes the specification and claim(s), is not limited by specific construction details or process steps. Rather, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein can be embodied and practiced in various alternative ways without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0051] Unless defined otherwise, scientific and technical terms used herein have their meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art and that known techniques and procedures may be performed according to conventional methods.

[0052] In the present disclosure, the terms “a” and “an” may mean “one”, “one or more”, “at least one”, and “one or more than one” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Likewise, plural terms shall include the singular unless otherwise required by context.

[0053] In the present disclosure, the term “or” means an inclusive “and / or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or unless the alternatives are mutually exclusive.

[0054] In the present disclosure, the terms “comprising, “having,” “including,” or “containing” (and any forms thereof, such as “comprise” and “comprises,” “have” and “has,” “includes” and “include,” or “contains” and “contain,” respectively) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[0055] Unless stated otherwise, the features of examples disclosed herein, and of the claims, may be integrated together in any suitable arrangement such that combinations of features are not limited by the described forms, particularly the form (e.g. numbering) of example(s), embodiment(s), or dependency of claim(s). This also applies to the phrase “in one example”, “according to an example” and the like, which are merely a stylistic form of wording not to be construed as limiting the features to a separate embodiment. This is to say, a reference to ‘an,’ ‘one,’ or ‘some’ examples(s) may be a reference to any one or more, and / or all examples, or combination(s) thereof, disclosed. Also, similarly, reference to “the” example may not be limited to the immediately preceding embodiment. Further, all references to one or more embodiments or examples are to be construed as non-limiting to the claims. The present disclosure may be better understood in view of the following explanations, wherein the terms used that are separated by “or” may be used interchangeably.

[0056] Figure 1 shows an example of an aerosol-generating system 1. In this example, the aerosolgenerating system 1 is an electronic vapour product (EVP) configured to produce an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material 10 (e.g. a liquid or gel precursor), although it will be appreciated that the invention may be similarly applicable to a heat-not-burn product (HNB) configured to produce an

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[0059] aerosol from heating an aerosol-forming material (e.g. a solid precursor such as tobacco) to a temperature below its combustion temperature.

[0060] The term “aerosol-forming material” refers to a substrate or formulation capable of releasing volatile components that can form an aerosol, e.g. by releasing volatile compounds in the aerosol-forming material. An “aerosol” is a dispersion of solid particles and / or liquid droplets dispersed in a gas. The aerosol may be visible or invisible.

[0061] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the internal components of the aerosol-generating system 1. The aerosol-generating system 1 comprises an aerosol-generating unit 2 configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material 10 held in a storage portion 3 of the aerosolgenerating system 1 (implemented here as a “tank”). In this example, the aerosol-generating unit 2 is a heating system including a heating element 2a although it will be appreciated that an aerosolgenerating unit comprising an ultrasonic element, atomiser or similar component may be provided. The aerosol-forming material 10 may be referred to as “e-liquid”. Typically, the aerosol-forming material 10 includes a base liquid and optionally nicotine and / or flavourings such that the resulting aerosol contains nicotine and / or flavourings.

[0062] The aerosol-generating system 1 includes a power source 4. In this example, the power source 4 includes a battery 4a configured to supply electrical energy to operate the aerosol-generating unit 2 and other components. The aerosol-generating system 1 may be powered, alternatively or in addition to the battery 4a, by an external power source. In an alternative example, the power source 4 may be omitted, e.g. an aerosol aerosol-generating unit implemented as an atomiser with flow expansion may not require a power supply.

[0063] The aerosol-generating system 1 includes an aerosol-delivery system 5 for delivery of the aerosol to a user. In this example, the aerosol-delivery system 5 comprises an air inlet 6, a mouthpiece 8, and an air passageway 7 extending therebetween via a region in proximity to the aerosol-generating unit 2. The aerosol-generating unit 2 includes a wick 2b having at least one end that extends into the storage portion 3 and is configured to draw aerosol-forming material 10 out from the storage portion 3. In this example, the heating element 2a is in the form of a heating filament wrapped around a portion of the wick 2b. In this manner, the heating element 2a can heat up the aerosol-forming material 10 drawn out of the storage portion 3 by the wick 2b to produce the aerosol, which is then drawn through the air passageway 7 to the mouthpiece 8. In other examples, the heating element 2a may be a mesh heater, ceramic heater, or other means of generating heat. The heating element 2a may be part of an induction heater having a susceptor configured to produce heat when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field.

[0064] The aerosol-generating system 1 may be a two-part construction comprising a device body 20 and an article 30 (alternatively referred to as a “pod” or “cartomizer”) configured to be releasably connected / disconnected by an end user. The device body 20 and article 30 are each configured to house respective components of the aerosol-generating system 1.

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[0067] In some examples, the article 30 may be configured to be disposed of upon depletion of aerosolforming material 10 from the storage portion, in which case the article 30 may referred to as a “consumable”. Alternatively, the article 30 may be configured for reuse, such that it is configured to be refillable upon depletion of the aerosol-forming material 10 from the storage portion.

[0068] In this example, the device body 20 comprises the power source 4, and the article 30 comprises the aerosol-generating unit 2 and storage portion 3, although it will be appreciated that the device body 20 and article 30 may house any respective set of components. The device body 20 and article 30 are configured to physically interlock to secure the article 30 relative to the device body 20.

[0069] Upon connection, electrical connectors 40 of the device body 20 and article 30 may establish an electrical connection between the device body 20 and the article 30. In this way, electrical power can be supplied from the power source 4 to the aerosol-generating unit 2 (or other components of the article 30) without the article 30 needing to have its own power supply.

[0070] The device body 20 may include any one or more of electrical circuitry, a memory, a wireless interface, and one or more other components. The device body 20 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) 25 on which components of the electrical circuitry, memory, wireless interface, and other components may be mounted.

[0071] The electrical circuitry may include a processing resource for controlling one or more operations of the body 20 and article 30, e.g. based on instructions stored in the memory. The wireless interface may be configured to communicate wirelessly with an external (e.g. mobile) device, e.g. via Bluetooth. The other component(s) may include one or more user interface devices configured to convey information to a user, a pressure sensor 15, and / or a charging port 18 (see e.g. figure 2).

[0072] The aerosol-generating system 1 may comprise one or more input and / or output elements. In this example, the aerosol-generating system 1 includes an input element in the form of an airflow sensor 15. In this example, the airflow sensor 15 is a pressure sensor arranged to detect a “puff” of the user, and particularly the resultant change in air pressure, i.e. a vacuum pressure generated by the user. Alternatively, or in addition, the aerosol-generating system 1 may include other means of detecting airflow, such as a flowmeter or microphone. The user can thereby activate the aerosol-generating unit 2 when inhaling through the mouthpiece 8. The aerosol-generating unit 2 creates an aerosol which is carried by the flow through the air passageway 7 and out of the mouthpiece 8.

[0073] The input and / or output elements may form part of a user interface (Ul) of the aerosol-generating system 1. For instance, figure 2 shows an output element in the form of a light (e.g. an LED) 17. The light 17 is configured to convey information to the user regarding the state of the system 1. It will be appreciated that the input element(s) may be provided in various forms, such as touch screens, switches, and sensors, and the output element(s) may be provided in various forms, such as display screens, speakers, or a haptic output generated by a vibration generator.

[0074] Figure 3 is a diagram of the components of the aerosol generation apparatus. The aerosol generating apparatus comprises aerosol generating unit circuitry 60 configured to operate an aerosol-generating

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[0077] unit 70. Operating the aerosol generating unit 70 involves providing power to the aerosol generating unit 70 such that the aerosol generating unit produces an aerosol from an aerosol generating medium. The aerosol generating apparatus includes a controller 50 which is a microcontroller. The aerosol generating unit circuitry 60, under normal conditions, operates the aerosol generating unit 70 based on a signal provided by the controller 50. The controller 50 may determine an appropriate aerosol generating unit instructed status based on for example an output of a puff sensor, whether the device is in an active state or a sleep state, a user input, an internal logical process (such as the ‘timing-out’ process described below) or any combination thereof. For example, the aerosol generating unit instructed status may be an instructed active state just after the user takes an inhalation. The controller 50 instructs the aerosol generating unit circuitry 60 according to the aerosol generating unit instructed status. In this example, the aerosol generating unit instructed status is either an instructed active state or an instructed inactive state, however the aerosol generating unit instructed status may include other states, for example a low-power state in which the controller 50 instructs the aerosol generating unit circuitry 60 to operate the aerosol generating unit 70 to generate a limited amount of aerosol from the aerosol-forming material. In the instructed active state, the controller 50 instructs the aerosol generating unit circuitry 60 to operate the aerosol generating unit 70 to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming material. In the instructed inactive state, the controller 50 does not instruct the aerosol generating unit circuitry 60 to operate the aerosol generating unit 70 to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming material.

[0078] The aerosol generating unit circuitry 60 should not operate the aerosol generating unit 70 to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming material unless instructed to do so. Therefore, according to correct operation of the aerosol generation apparatus, the aerosol generating unit circuitry 60 should not operate the aerosol generating unit 70 to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming material when the aerosol generating unit status is in an instructed inactive state.

[0079] In some embodiments, the controller 50 may receive an aerosol generating unit instructed status rather than (or in addition to) instructing the aerosol generating unit circuitry 60 according to an aerosol generating unit instructed status. In this embodiment there may be an additional controller configured to instruct the aerosol generating unit circuitry 60 according to an aerosol generating unit instructed status.

[0080] In this example, the aerosol generating unit circuitry 60 has two terminals 62 which are electrically connected to the aerosol generating unit 70. When the aerosol generating unit circuitry 60 operates the aerosol generating unit 70, a power supply may be connected to these terminals 62. It will therefore be apparent that the aerosol generating unit circuitry 60 may be configured to operate an aerosol generating unit 70, when the aerosol generating unit 70 itself is not present (i.e. by providing a power supply to the terminals 62). In some examples the aerosol generating unit 70 may not be present (as indicated by the dashed lines). The power supply may be an internal battery, or an external power supply connected to the aerosol generation apparatus such as a charger.

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[0083] The aerosol generating unit circuitry 60 is an example of electrical circuitry. As used herein, "electrical circuitry" may refer to one or more electrical components, examples of which may include: an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC); electronic / electrical componentry (which may include combinations of transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors etc); one or more processors; a non-transitory memory (e.g. implemented by one or more memory devices), that may store one or more software or firmware programs; a combinational logic circuit; interconnection of the aforesaid. The electrical circuitry may be located entirely at the device, or distributed between the device and / or on one or more external devices in communication with the device, e.g. as part of the system. An example of the electrical circuitry 60 is shown in Figure 5, and discussed below.

[0084] The controller 50 is also configured to detect an aerosol generating unit actual status. The aerosol generating unit actual status reflects a measured (rather than instructed) state of the aerosol generating unit circuitry 60. In an example, the aerosol generating unit actual status is either an actual operating state or an actual non-operating state. In other examples the aerosol generating unit actual status may have other states (for example an actual low-power state). In the actual operating state, the aerosol generating unit circuitry 60 draws power above (or equal to) a predetermined power threshold. In the actual non-operating state, the aerosol generating unit circuitry 60 draws power below the predetermined power threshold. In this example, one of the terminals 62 acts as a power supply line for the aerosol generating unit 70. The controller detects aerosol generating unit actual status by measuring the voltage on this power supply line via a connection 54 between the controller 50 and the power supply line. Other methods of detecting aerosol generating unit actual status are considered, for example measuring the voltage over a component in the aerosol generating unit circuitry 60, or by measuring another value that can be used to measure the power drawn by the aerosol generating unit circuitry 60.

[0085] The controller 50 is configured to identify the presence of a fault by comparing aerosol generating unit instructed status and the aerosol-generating unit actual status. Under correct operation of the aerosolgeneration apparatus, the aerosol generating unit actual status should correspond to (i.e. match) the aerosol generating unit instructed status. That is, when the generating unit instructed status is an instructed active state, the aerosol generating unit actual status should be an actual operating state. When the generating unit instructed status is an instructed inactive state, the aerosol generating unit actual status should be an actual non-operating state. If the apparatus has more aerosol generating unit instructed statuses, then there will be more corresponding aerosol generating unit actual statuses reflecting correct operation of the apparatus.

[0086] If the aerosol generating unit actual status does not correspond to (i.e. match) the aerosol generating unit instructed status, this may indicate a fault. For example, a short circuit in the aerosol generation apparatus may lead to power from a power supply being delivered to terminals 62 of the aerosol generating unit circuitry 60 even when the aerosol generating unit instructed status is not an instructed active state. Similarly, if a connection to the terminals 62 breaks, power may not be supplied to the aerosol generating unit circuitry 60 even when the aerosol generating unit instructed

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[0089] status is in an instructed active state. Therefore, the controller 50 identifies the presence of a fault when the generating unit instructed status is an instructed active state and the aerosol generating unit actual status is in an actual non-operating state. The controller 50 also identifies the presence of a fault when the generating unit instructed status is an instructed inactive state and the aerosol generating unit actual status is in an actual operating state.

[0090] In this example, the controller 50 is connected to the aerosol generating unit circuitry 60 by an aerosol generating unit control line 52. The aerosol generating unit control line is configured to convey an instruction from the controller 50 to the aerosol generating unit circuitry 60. To convey an instruction, the controller 50 may change an aerosol generating unit control line status indicating whether the aerosol generating unit control line is in a control line active state or a control line inactive state. In this example, the aerosol generating unit circuitry 60 is configured to operate depending on the aerosol generating unit control line status. Under correct operation of the aerosol-generation apparatus, the aerosol generating unit actual status should correspond to (i.e. match) the aerosol generating unit control line status. Under correct operation of the aerosol-generation apparatus, the aerosol generating unit instructed status should correspond to (i.e. match) the aerosol generating unit control line status.

[0091] If for example the aerosol generating unit control line status is in a control line active state, but the aerosol generating unit actual status is in an actual non-operating state, this may indicate a problem with the control line 52. If at least one of the aerosol generating unit instructed status and aerosolgenerating unit actual status does not correspond to (i.e. match) the aerosol generating unit control line status, then the controller 50 identifies the presence of a fault.

[0092] The controller 50 may determine the aerosol generating unit control line status in a number of ways. For example, the controller 50 may be configured to monitor the aerosol generating unit control line 52 directly. Alternatively, the controller 50 may measure a voltage of the aerosol generating unit control line 52 with a separate monitoring line (not depicted).

[0093] In this example, the aerosol generating unit control line provides a signal to a switch (not depicted) in the aerosol generating unit circuitry 60. The switch controls the delivery of power from a power source (e.g. battery) to the aerosol generating unit 70. In some examples, the switch is a field-effect transistor (FET) with source, gate and drain electrodes. The aerosol generating unit control line is electrically connected to the gate electrode of the FET, thereby controlling the supply of power through the source and drain electrodes of the FET. In this manner, the controller 50 can control the supply of power through the source and drain of the FET and therefore control the power through the aerosol generating unit circuitry 60.

[0094] The aerosol generating apparatus has an airflow sensor 80 in communication with the controller 50, for example via a wired connection 82. The controller 50 is configured to receive an airflow sensor status from the airflow sensor 80. The airflow sensor status includes an airflow active state when a user is indicated as performing an inhalation and an airflow inactive state when the user is not

[0095] 008922676indicated as performing an inhalation. In some implementations, under correct operation of the aerosol-generation apparatus, the aerosol generating unit actual status should be in an actual nonoperating state while the airflow sensor state is in an airflow inactive state. Alternatively, the aerosol generating unit actual status may be in an actual low-power state while the airflow sensor state is in an airflow inactive state.

[0096] If the airflow sensor status does not correspond to (i.e. match) the aerosol generating unit instructed status or aerosol generating unit actual status, this may indicate a fault. For example, if the airflow sensor status is in an airflow inactive state, and the aerosol generating unit instructed status is in an instructed active state or the aerosol generating unit actual state is in an actual operating state then there may be a problem with a component of the device. Therefore, the controller is configured to identify the presence of a fault by comparing the airflow sensor status with at least one of the aerosol generating unit instructed status and the aerosol-generating unit actual status.

[0097] The aerosol generation unit may be configured to limit the amount of time that the aerosol generating unit circuity 60 is active, by ‘timing-out’ a vaping session if the aerosol generation apparatus detects that the user is inhaling for longer than a predetermined amount of time. In an example, the controller 50 is configured to change the aerosol generating unit instructed state from the instructed active state to the instructed inactive state in response to an airflow active state exceeding a maximum inhalation duration. The maximum inhalation duration may be for example 5 seconds. The controller may be configured to activate the aerosol generating circuitry 60 only if a minimum inhalation interval has elapsed between the end of a previous inhalation and the beginning of a new inhalation. The minimum inhalation interval may be for example 1 second.

[0098] The controller 50 may compare the aerosol generating unit instructed status and the aerosolgenerating unit actual status (or indeed the aerosol generating unit control line status or airflow sensor status) in response to an event. These events may include engagement and / or disengagement of an aerosol generating article with the aerosol generating apparatus; the initiation or termination of an inhalation by a user of the aerosol generating apparatus; a change in the aerosol generating unit actual status; and a change in the aerosol generating unit instructed status. The aerosol generation apparatus may include an aerosol detection sensor configured to provide a signal indicating the engagement or disengagement of an aerosol generating article. For example, the aerosol generation apparatus may include a light sensor configured to detect the presence of an aerosol generating article.

[0099] Alternatively, the controller 50 may compare the aerosol generating unit instructed status and the aerosol-generating unit actual status (or indeed the aerosol generating unit control line status or airflow sensor status) at regular intervals. For example, the controller may perform a comparison every 100 milliseconds.

[0100] If the controller 50 identifies the presence of a fault, the controller 50 prevents the user from operating the aerosol generating unit circuitry 60 to generate aerosol from the aerosol generating unit 70 (if present). In this example, a typical action to operate the device (e.g. performing an inhalation) does

[0101] 00892267613

[0102] not result in the aerosol generating unit instructed status transitioning to an active state. In other examples, a typical action to operate the device may not result in the aerosol generating unit control line status transitioning to / remaining in a control line inactive state or the such. Alternatively, the controller may prevent the user engaging an aerosol generating article into the device (by e.g. locking a door).

[0103] After preventing the user from operating the aerosol-generating unit to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming material, the controller 50 is configured to re-permit the user to operate the aerosolgenerating unit generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming material after a predetermined length of time has elapsed from detection of the presence of the fault, for example 1 hour. Alternatively, the controller 50 may be configured to re-permit the user to operate the aerosol-generating unit generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming material after the aerosol generating apparatus is connected to an external power outlet. The external power outlet could be a charger for the aerosol generation apparatus.

[0104] In some embodiments, the controller instructs the aerosol generation apparatus according to a comparison of the aerosol generating unit instructed status, aerosol generating unit actual status and airflow sensor status. Each possible combination of statuses may be given a reference, as shown in the table below. Additionally, each combination of statuses may be provided with an indication of whether a fault is present, and an indication of whether the fault is severe. That is, if no action is taken, whether the fault could lead to an incorrect activation of the aerosol generating unit control circuitry 60.

[0105] Table I:

[0106] Airflow Aerosol

[0107] sensor generating unit Aerosol generating

[0108] Reference status instructed status unit actual status State

[0109] Normal

[0110] Operation

[0111] 1 Inactive Inactive Inactive "Off" Condition

[0112] 2 Active Inactive Inactive Fault, minor

[0113] 3 Inactive Active Inactive Fault, minor

[0114] 4 Active Active Inactive Fault, minor

[0115] 5 Inactive Inactive Active Fault, severe

[0116] 6 Active Inactive Active Fault, severe

[0117]

[0118] 7 Inactive Active Active Fault, severe

[0119] 00892267614

[0120] Normal

[0121] Operation

[0122]

[0123] 8 Active Active Active "On" Condition

[0124] Each referenced combination of statuses may be explained as in the table below. In an embodiment, the controller takes action based on detecting the referenced combination of statuses as shown in the table below.

[0125] Table II:

[0126] Reference Explanations Device response

[0127] 1 No additional response required.

[0128] possible faulty Create flag including fault condition (airflow sensor status, Firmware condition, aerosol generating unit instructed status and aerosol or inhalation generating unit actual status)

[0129] duration exceeds

[0130] maximum inhalation Set the Aerosol generating unit instructed status to the duration, inactive state until the aerosol generation apparatus returns or inhalation occurs to Normal Operation "Off" condition. I.e. set the aerosol before minimum generating unit control line status to the inactive state until inhalation interval the aerosol generation apparatus returns to Normal between inhalations Operation "Off" condition.

[0131] has elapsed,

[0132] or inhalation If Normal Operation "Off" condition is reached, allow user to duration to short, initiate a new vaping / smoking session. I.e. allow the Aerosol or possible fault in generating unit instructed status to transition to the active 2 airflow sensor. state

[0133] Create flag including fault condition (airflow sensor status, aerosol generating unit instructed status and aerosol generating unit actual status)

[0134] Set the Aerosol generating unit instructed status to the possible faulty inactive state until the aerosol generation apparatus returns Firmware condition, to Normal Operation "Off" condition. I.e. set the aerosol or Pod heater track generating unit control line status to the inactive state until open-circuit the aerosol generation apparatus returns to Normal or Pod removed Operation "Off" condition.

[0135] during active

[0136] session If Normal Operation "Off" condition is reached, allow user to or FET not initiate a new vaping / smoking session. I.e. allow the Aerosol connected to generating unit instructed status to transition to the active 3 battery state.

[0137] Create flag including fault condition (airflow sensor status, Pod heater track aerosol generating unit instructed status and aerosol open-circuit generating unit actual status)

[0138] or Pod removed

[0139] during active Set the Aerosol generating unit instructed status to the session inactive state until the aerosol generation apparatus returns

[0140]

[0141] 4 or FET not to Normal Operation "Off" condition. I.e. set the aerosol

[0142] 008922676P01717

[0143] 15

[0144] connected to generating unit control line status to the inactive state until battery the aerosol generation apparatus returns to Normal Operation "Off" condition.

[0145] If Normal Operation "Off" condition is reached, allow user to initiate a new vaping / smoking session. I.e. allow the Aerosol generating unit instructed status to transition to the active state

[0146] Create flag including fault condition (airflow sensor status, aerosol generating unit instructed status and aerosol generating unit actual status).

[0147] The device should enter a deactivation state where the only function available is the reading fault monitoring information.

[0148] The device should enter a deactivation state that prevents Battery short- the user from starting any new vaping / smoking sessions. circuited directly to

[0149] Heater. The user should never use the aerosol generating apparatus 5 Runway condition. again.

[0150] Create flag including fault condition (airflow sensor status, aerosol generating unit instructed status and aerosol generating unit actual status).

[0151] The device should enter a deactivation state where the only function available is the reading fault monitoring information.

[0152] The device should enter a deactivation state that prevents Battery short- the user from starting any new vaping / smoking sessions circuited directly to

[0153] Heater. The user should never use the aerosol generating apparatus 6 Runway condition. again.

[0154] Create flag including fault condition (airflow sensor status, Battery short- aerosol generating unit instructed status and aerosol circuited directly to generating unit actual status).

[0155] Heater.

[0156] FET Enable circuit The device should enter a deactivation state where the only short-circuited function available is the reading fault monitoring "Active-Condition", information.

[0157] or possible faulty The device should enter a deactivation state that prevents Firmware condition, the user from starting any new vaping / smoking sessions (FET Enable signal

[0158] latched "Active- The user should never use the aerosol generating apparatus 7 Condition") again.

[0159]

[0160] 8 No additional response required

[0161] As disclosed in the above table, in the case of severe faults, the aerosol generating apparatus should not be used again.

[0162] 008922676P01717

[0163] 16

[0164] In this example, the aerosol generation unit circuitry has two terminals 62 for connection with an aerosol generating unit 70. One of these terminals 62 acts as a power supply line which can be measured to detect the power drawn by the aerosol generating unit circuitry 60. The controller 50 then uses the measured power drawn by the aerosol generating unit circuitry 60 to infer aerosol generating unit actual status. In this example, a measurement line 54 is connected to a power supply line of the aerosol generating unit circuitry 60 measuring voltage. This voltage measurement is used to calculate the power being drawn through the aerosol generating unit circuitry 60. In this example, there may be a small voltage measured on the power supply line regardless of the aerosol generating unit actual status. Therefore, the controller determines that the aerosol generating unit actual status is in an actual operating state when the measured voltage is below a predetermined threshold and that the aerosol generating unit actual status is in an actual non-operating state when the measured voltage is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold.

[0165] In this example, the aerosol generation apparatus has a computer readable medium which stores information relating to the operation of the device. When the controller 50 identifies the presence of a fault, a flag is created which is stored in the computer readable medium. The flag stores data relating to the fault. For instance, the flag may include the time of the fault and the reason for the fault. The flag may include the aerosol generating unit instructed status, aerosol generating unit actual status, aerosol generating unit control line status, or airflow sensor status at the time of the fault. This information may be used later to diagnose the cause of the fault, either by the controller 50, the user, or an external device.

[0166] In an example, the aerosol generating unit comprises a tank which is configured to hold a liquid aerosolisable medium. The aerosol generating unit also includes a heater. When sufficient power is supplied to the heater, a portion of the heater (e.g. a coil with an absorbent wick) heats up to produce an aerosol. The heater may also use a resistive track, microwave heating, infrared heating or similar. In other embodiments, the device heats a solid aerosolisable medium with an aerosol generating unit which is built into the aerosol generation apparatus. The aerosol generating apparatus may be for example a heated tobacco device.

[0167] Figure 4 shows a method according to a second aspect of the present invention. According to the second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of detecting faults in an aerosol generation apparatus. The method includes a first step S10 of instructing the aerosol generating unit circuitry according to an aerosol generating unit instructed status as outlined above. This instruction may be provided by the user or by the controller 50. For example, a user may press a button which should cause the aerosol generating unit to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material.

[0168] The method includes a second step S20 of detecting an aerosol-generating unit actual status, the aerosol generating unit actual status including an actual operating state and an actual non-operating state, as outlined above. The detection may be achieved by a monitoring line (as discussed above). The method includes a third step S30 of identifying the presence of a fault by comparing aerosol generating unit instructed status and the aerosol-generating unit actual status (as outlined above).

[0169] 00892267617

[0170] Figure 5 shows a partial circuit diagram of the airflow sensor 80, and another partial circuit diagram including aerosol generation unit circuitry 60, a connection to power supply 110 and a switch 130. The partial circuit diagram of the airflow sensor 80 has a connection to power supply 110 and a ground 120. A microphone 150 in the airflow sensor has a connection to the power supply 110 and a connection to the ground 120. A third terminal of the microphone 150 is connected to the controller (not depicted).

[0171] The partial circuit diagram of the aerosol generating unit circuitry 60 shows components which may be in an embodiment an aerosol generation apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention. The aerosol generation apparatus has a power supply 110 and a ground 120. Between the power supply 110 and ground 120 are terminals 62 which are configured to electrically connect to an aerosol generating unit in an article. The apparatus has a switch 130 which is a MOSFET having a source electrode connected to the power supply 110 and a drain electrode connected to one of the terminals 62. The switch 130 has a gate electrode which connects to a controller (not depicted) via aerosol generating unit control line 52.

[0172] In this embodiment, the aerosol generation apparatus has two measurement lines 54 connecting to a power supply line placed (at least in part) between the switch 130 and one of the terminals 62. These two measurement lines 54 connect to a controller (not depicted). The aerosol generating unit circuitry 60 has two connections to the power supply 110. One of these connections to the power supply 110 passes power through a second switch 140 (which may also be a MOSFET) to one of the terminals 62. The second switch 140 is controlled by the controller (not depicted) via a monitoring control line 160 to apply a voltage to the terminals 62. When this voltage is applied, the controller monitors the two measurement lines 54 to calculate the heat of an element of an aerosol generating unit connected to the terminals 62.

[0173] 008922676

Claims

P0171718CLAIMS1. An aerosol generation apparatus comprising:aerosol generating unit circuitry configured to operate an aerosol-generating unit for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material, anda controller configured to:instruct the aerosol generating unit circuitry according to an aerosol generating unit instructed status, the aerosol generating unit instructed status including an instructed active state and an instructed inactive state;wherein in the instructed active state the controller instructs the aerosol generating unit circuitry to operate the aerosol generating unit to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming material, and in the instructed inactive state the controller does not instruct the aerosol generating unit circuitry to operate the aerosol generating unit to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming material; detect an aerosol generating unit actual status, the aerosol generating unit actual status including an actual operating state and an actual non-operating state;wherein in the actual operating state the controller detects that the aerosol generating unit circuitry is drawing power above a predetermined power threshold, and in the actual non-operating state the controller does not detect that the aerosol generating unit circuitry is drawing power above the predetermined power threshold; andidentify the presence of a fault by comparing aerosol generating unit instructed status and the aerosol-generating unit actual status.

2. The aerosol generation apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an aerosol generating unit control line configured to activate the aerosol generating unit circuitry; wherein the controller is configured to determine:an aerosol generating unit control line status indicating whether the aerosol generating unit control line is in a control line active state or a control line inactive state; andwherein the controller is configured to identify the presence of a fault by comparing the aerosol generating unit control line status with at least one of the aerosol generating unit instructed status and the aerosol-generating unit actual status.

3. The aerosol generation apparatus of claim 1 or 2, further comprising an airflow sensor; wherein the controller is configured to receive:an airflow sensor status including an airflow active state when a user is indicated as performing an inhalation and an airflow inactive state when the user is not indicated as performing an inhalation; and008922676P0171719wherein the controller is configured to change the aerosol generating unit instructed state from the instructed active state to the instructed inactive state in response to an airflow active state exceeding a maximum inhalation duration.

4. The aerosol generation apparatus of claim 3 wherein the controller is configured to identify the presence of a fault by comparing the airflow sensor status with at least one of the aerosol generating unit instructed status and the aerosol-generating unit actual status.

5. The aerosol generation apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to compare the aerosol generating unit instructed status and the aerosol-generating unit actual status in response to an event, the event including at least one of:engagement and / or disengagement of an aerosol generating article with the aerosol generating apparatus;the initiation or termination of an inhalation by a user of the aerosol generating apparatus; a change in the aerosol generating unit actual status; anda change in the aerosol generating unit instructed status.

6. The aerosol generation apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to compare the aerosol generating unit actual status and the aerosol-generating unit instructed status at regular intervals.

7. The aerosol generation apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein, the controller is configured to, upon identifying the presence of a fault, prevent the user from operating the aerosolgenerating unit to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming material and optionally:re-permit the user to operate the aerosol-generating unit generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming material after either:a predetermined length of time has elapsed from detection of the presence of the fault;the aerosol generating apparatus is connected to an external power outlet.

8. The aerosol generation apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol generating unit circuitry includes a power supply line for the aerosol generating unit, and detecting the actual status includes measuring the power supply line for the aerosol generating unit, optionally wherein measuring the power supply line includes measuring a voltage of the power supply line.008922676P01717209. The aerosol generation apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the actual status of the aerosol generating unit actual status is determined to be active when a measured voltage on the power supply line is higher than a predetermined voltage threshold.

10. The aerosol generation apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a power source and a switch, wherein the switch is configured to selectively supply power to the aerosol generating unit circuitry based on the aerosol generating unit instructed state.

11. The aerosol generation apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising an computer readable medium, wherein the controller is configured to, upon detecting the presence of a fault, store a flag within the computer readable medium.

12. The aerosol generation apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol generating unit includes a heater configured to aerosolise a liquid aerosol generating substrate.

13. A method of detecting faults in an aerosol generation apparatus comprising:an aerosol generating unit circuitry configured to operate an aerosol-generating unit generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material; andthe method comprising steps of:instructing the aerosol generating unit circuitry according to an aerosol generating unit instructed status, the aerosol generating unit instructed status including an instructed active state and an instructed inactive state;wherein in the instructed active state the controller instructs the aerosol generating unit circuitry to operate the aerosol generating unit to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material, and in the instructed inactive state the controller does not instruct the aerosol generating unit circuitry to operate the aerosol generating unit to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material; detecting an aerosol-generating unit actual status, the aerosol generating unit actual status including an actual operating state and an actual non-operating state;wherein in the actual operating state the controller detects that the aerosol generating unit circuitry is drawing power above a predetermined power threshold, and in the actual non-operating state the controller does not detect that the aerosol generating unit circuitry is drawing power above the predetermined power threshold; andidentifying the presence of a fault by comparing aerosol generating unit instructed status and the aerosol-generating unit actual status.008922676P017172114. A computer readable medium storing machine executable instructions which, when executed by an aerosol generation apparatus, cause the aerosol generation apparatus to perform a method according to claim 13.

15. An aerosol generation system comprising:an aerosol generation apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 12; and an article comprising:a storage portion configured to hold an aerosol-forming material; and an aerosol-generating unit for generating an aerosol from the aerosolforming material.008922676

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