EP4678042A1

EP4678042A1 - Aerosol generating apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP4678042A1
Application number: EP24187605.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: designation of the inventor has not yet been filed The
Original assignee: Imperial Tobacco Ltd United Kingdom
Current assignee: Imperial Tobacco Ltd United Kingdom
Priority date: 2024-07-10
Filing date: 2024-07-10
Publication date: 2026-01-14
Also published as: WO2026012742A1

Abstract

An aerosol generating apparatus (100) is provided. The aerosol generating apparatus (100) comprises a cavity (108) for receiving a consumable (300); and a heating system (110, 210) for heating a consumable (300) received in the cavity (108) to generate an aerosol. The heating system (110, 210) comprises a heating element (114). The heating system (110) is switchable between a first connection state, wherein the heating element (114) is connected to a heating circuit (116), the heating circuit (116) being operable to supply power to the heating element (114) to cause the heating element (114) to generate heat; and a second connection state, wherein the heating element (114) is connected to a capacitive sensing circuit (118), the capacitive sensing circuit (118) being operable to measure a capacitance via the heating element (114). Also provided is an aerosol generating system and a method of operating an aerosol generating apparatus (100) or an aerosol generating system.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating apparatus.

BACKGROUND

A typical aerosol generating apparatus may comprise a power supply, an aerosol generating unit that is driven by the power supply, an aerosol precursor, which in use is aerosolised by the aerosol generating unit to generate an aerosol, and a delivery system for delivery of the aerosol to a user.
A drawback with known aerosol generating apparatuses is adequate detection and recognition of consumables used with the apparatus to generate an aerosol.
In spite of the effort already invested in the development of aerosol generating apparatuses/systems further improvements are desirable.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides an aerosol generating apparatus comprising a cavity for receiving a consumable inserted along an axis of the cavity; and a heating system for heating a consumable received in the cavity to generate an aerosol. The heating system comprises a heating element. The heating system is switchable between a first connection state, wherein the heating element is connected to a heating circuit, the heating circuit being operable to supply power to the heating element to cause the heating element to generate heat; and a second connection state, wherein the heating element is connected to a capacitive sensing circuit, the capacitive sensing circuit being operable to measure a capacitance in the cavity via the heating element.
Providing an aerosol generating apparatus with a capacitive sensing arrangement can provide additional functionality to the aerosol generating apparatus. For example, a capacitive sensing arrangement enables non-contact measurement of the cavity. Capacitive sensing can provide information such as whether or not a consumable is present in the cavity based on the measured capacitance. Capacitive sensing can provide information on properties of the consumable based on the measured capacitance. Providing an arrangement wherein the heating system comprises a heating element which can be connected either to generate heat or to provide capacitive sensing may allow additional functionality to be introduced without the need to provide an additional sensor component in or around the cavity.
In some examples, the heating system may comprise a plurality of heating elements. The respective heating elements may be arranged to be spaced longitudinally along the axis of the cavity. In this way, in the second connection state, the capacitive sensing circuit may be operable to measure a capacitance at each of a plurality of longitudinally spaced positions in the cavity via the plurality of heating elements. This may therefore enable improved measurement of the capacitance within the cavity. Measurement of a capacitance at each of a plurality of longitudinally spaced positions in the cavity may allow additional data to be gathered via the plurality of capacitance measurements. For example, where a consumable has different capacitive properties at different longitudinal positions along the consumable, measuring the capacitance at the plurality of longitudinally spaced positions can provide improved consumable detection or recognition.
In the first connection state, the heating circuit may be operable to generate heat at each of a plurality of longitudinally spaced positions in the cavity via the plurality of heating elements. Generating heat at each of a plurality of longitudinally spaced positions in the cavity via the plurality of heating elements may enable improved control over heating in the cavity. Generating heat at each of a plurality of longitudinally spaced positions in the cavity via the plurality of heating elements may enable selective or variable heating of different longitudinal positions within the cavity. Selective or variable heating of different longitudinal positions within the cavity may be termed zonal heating.
The aerosol generating apparatus may be operable to detect a position of a consumable in the cavity based on the plurality of measured capacitances. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus may detect how far into the cavity the consumable has been inserted.
Detection of a position of a consumable in the cavity may enable determination of whether a consumable is correctly positioned in the cavity. For example, it may be determined whether a consumable is correctly positioned for a heating cycle to take place. It may be determined that a consumable has a correct position relative to the heating system to allow aerosol to be generated from the consumable. Alternatively, it may enable determination that a consumable is incorrectly positioned in the cavity. An incorrect position of the consumable position relative to the heating system may cause reduced efficiency of aerosol generation. An incorrect position of the consumable position relative to the heating system may prevent aerosol generation. The aerosol generating apparatus may be prevented from heating the heating system (e.g. by preventing switching to the first connection state) when the consumable is determined to be incorrectly positioned.
Where the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to provide zonal heating, the selective or variable heating of different longitudinal positions within the cavity may be matched to the detected consumable position. This can allow energy usage to be reduced by avoiding heating of parts of the cavity that do not contain a part of the consumable.
In some examples, the aerosol generating apparatus is operable to provide a feedback to a user to indicate a detected consumable position in the cavity. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus may provide an audible, visual, or haptic feedback. The feedback may guide the user to correctly position the consumable in the cavity. The feedback may indicate a required direction of movement of the consumable within the cavity to correctly position the consumable within the cavity. The feedback may alert the user to an incorrectly positioned consumable in the cavity.
The aerosol generating apparatus may be configured to initiate a heating cycle of the aerosol generating apparatus based on a determination that a consumable is located at a predetermined position in the cavity. This can enable the aerosol generating apparatus to automatically initiate a heating cycle when the consumable is determined to be correctly positioned within the cavity. This may simplify operation of the aerosol generating apparatus. A heating cycle of the aerosol generating apparatus comprises causing the heating system to heat a consumable received in the cavity so as to generate an aerosol.
The aerosol generating apparatus may be operable to detect a movement of a consumable in the cavity. The aerosol generating apparatus may be operable to detect a movement of the consumable based on the plurality of measured capacitances. The aerosol generating apparatus may be configured to measure the change in capacitance over a measurement period to detect movement of the consumable. Detecting movement of the consumable may allow improved monitoring of the consumable within the cavity. For example, it may allow determination of whether a consumable is being inserted into or removed from the cavity. It may allow determination of whether a consumable is stationarily located at a correct position within the cavity. It may allow determination of whether a consumable is moving through a correct position. Determining that the consumable is moving through a correct position in the cavity rather than being stationary at a correct position in the cavity may reduce false determination that the consumable is located at a correct position in the cavity. The aerosol generating apparatus may be configured to initiate a heating cycle of the aerosol generating apparatus based on a determination of a consumable being stationary and located at a predetermined a position in the cavity.
The aerosol generating apparatus may be operable to determine a characteristic of a consumable inserted in the cavity. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus may be operable to determine a type of consumable inserted in the cavity. The determination may be based on the measured capacitance or the measured capacitances. Different consumable types may have different capacitance properties. The different capacitance properties may arise from the differing compositions of the different consumable types. The aerosol generating apparatus may be provided with a database comprising one or more entries linking a measured capacitance or capacitance range to a consumable type. The aerosol generating apparatus may be provided with a database comprising one or more entries linking a set of measured capacitances or capacitance ranges to a consumable type. For example, a consumable may have different measurable capacitances at different positions along a length of the consumable, and the database entries may include a set of measured capacitances or capacitance ranges to reflect these different measurable capacitances at different positions along a length of the consumable. The aerosol generating apparatus may be operable to perform consumable recognition. Consumable recognition can allow, for example, determination of whether or not an inserted consumable is a legitimate or genuine consumable. This can allow adjustment of aerosol generating apparatus operations according to the consumable that is determined to be inserted.
The heating system may be configured to switch from the second connection state to the first connection state following initiation of a heating cycle of the aerosol generating apparatus. For example, prior to initiation of a heating cycle, the heating system may remain in the second connection state. The heating system may be switched from the second connection state to the first connection state so as to initiate a heating cycle. Prior to initiation of a heating cycle, the aerosol generating apparatus may continuously perform capacitive sensing. Following initiation of a heating cycle, the heating system may switch to the first connection state. Switching to the first connection state enables heating of the heating element and hence of the heating system.
The aerosol generating apparatus may be configured to initiate the heating cycle based on a determination of consumable insertion into the cavity based on the measured capacitance. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus may be configured to initiate the heating cycle based on a determination that a legitimate consumable has been inserted into the cavity.
The aerosol generating apparatus may be operable to set a heating parameter of the heating system for the heating cycle based on the measured capacitance. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus may include a set of predetermined heating profiles associated with particular consumables. The aerosol generating apparatus may include a set of predetermined heating profiles associated with particular capacitance ranges. The heating profiles may include, for example, one or more heating stages. Each heating stage may include a heating rate. Each heating stage may include a heating temperature. Each heating stage may include a heating duration. The aerosol generating apparatus may be able to select a heating profile based on the measured capacitance(s) from the inserted consumable. In this way, the aerosol generating apparatus operation can be tuned according to the inserted consumable type.
The aerosol generating apparatus may select a default heating profile if the measured capacitance(s) do not match a known consumable type. This can enable the aerosol generating apparatus to operate even if the measurement of the consumable does not match with the predetermined values. For example, it may enable the aerosol generating apparatus to operate even if the capacitance sensing circuit generates incorrect measurement of a consumable.
The heating system may be configured to prevent switching from the second connection state to the first connection state when the measured capacitance is outside a predetermined range.
Since the measured capacitance(s) falling outside a predetermined range is likely indicative of an unknown consumable type, operating the aerosol generating apparatus in this way can prevent the aerosol generating apparatus from being operating with incorrect consumables. For example, the measured capacitance(s) falling outside a predetermined range may be indicative of a counterfeit consumable. The measured capacitance(s) falling outside a predetermined range may be indicative of an incorrect consumable type for the aerosol generating apparatus. Operating the aerosol generating apparatus to prevent or stop heating of the heating system when the measured capacitance is outside a predetermined range may provide improved control over aerosol generating apparatus operation.
The aerosol generating apparatus may select a default heating profile if the measured capacitance(s) are within a first range of a capacitance of a known consumable type. The heating system may be prevented from switching from the second connection state to the first connection state when the measured capacitance(s) are outside this first range. This can enable the aerosol generating apparatus to correct for minor sensor errors in the capacitive measurement, while still reducing or preventing operation with incorrect or illegitimate consumables.
The heating system may be configured to alternately switch between the first connection state and the second connection state during a heating cycle. This can enable capacitive sensing to be carried out during the heating cycle. The switching may be periodic. For example, the heating system may switch to the first connection state for a first period. The heating system may switch to the second connection state for a second period. The first and second periods may have the same duration. The first and second periods may have different durations. The switching may be based on the heating operation of the heating element. If power is supplied to the heating element intermittently, for example via pulse width modulation to generate heat, the heating system may be configured to switch to the second connection state when power is not required to be supplied to the heating element to generate heat.
Switching between the first and second connection states during a heating cycle may allow measurement of the capacitance in the cavity during the heating cycle. For example, it may allow detection of consumable removal during the heating cycle. The aerosol generating apparatus may be configured to end the heating cycle based on a detection of consumable removal from the cavity. Ending the heating cycle based on a detection of consumable removal from the cavity may ensure that the aerosol generating apparatus does not continue to operate if the consumable has been removed. Ending the heating cycle based on a detection of consumable removal from the cavity can reduce a chance of overheating of the heating system. Ending the heating cycle based on a detection of consumable removal from the cavity can reduce the chance that a user inadvertently comes into contact with an active heater, improving safety of the aerosol generating apparatus.
Where the capacitance of the consumable changes during the heating cycle, measurement of the capacitance may enable determination of consumable depletion. Consumable depletion refers to depletion of an aerosol forming component of the consumable. The aerosol generating apparatus may be configured to end the heating cycle based on a determination of consumable depletion. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus may be configured to end the heating cycle based on a change in the measured capacitance by more than a threshold amount.
In an arrangement where the aerosol generating apparatus comprises a plurality of heating elements, the aerosol generating apparatus may be operable to provide simultaneous heating and capacitive sensing via the plurality of heating elements. A first set of the heating elements may be in the first connection state, while the second set of the heating elements may be in the second connection state. This may enable, for example, capacitive sensing via the second set of the heating elements during a heating cycle of the aerosol generating apparatus. An effect of capacitive sensing during a heating cycle may be reduced by requiring only a subset of the plurality of heating elements to be switched from the first connection state to the second connection state.
In some arrangements, the aerosol generating apparatus may be configured to initiate a cleaning cycle based on a determination of consumable removal from the measured capacitance. A cleaning cycle might involve operating the heating system at a higher temperature to remove contamination from the heating system. A cleaning cycle might be initiated after each consumable removal. A cleaning cycle might be initiated at regular intervals (for example after a predetermined number of consumable removals).
A measured capacitance falling outside a predetermined range might indicate a contamination on the heating system. For example, a measured capacitance falling outside a predetermined range after a consumable has been removed from cavity might indicate a contamination on the heating system. A cleaning cycle might be initiated based on a measured capacitance falling outside a predetermined range. A cleaning cycle might be initiated based on a measured capacitance falling outside a predetermined range following consumable removal.
In some configurations, the aerosol generating apparatus may be operable to measure the capacitance based on a step response of the capacitive sensing circuit. In some examples, the aerosol generating apparatus may be operable to measure the capacitance based on a frequency of the capacitive sensing circuit. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus may apply a voltage to an electrode of the capacitive sensing circuit, and may measure a time taken for another electrode of the capacitive sensing circuit to reach a particular voltage. Since the time taken for another electrode of the capacitive sensing circuit to reach a particular voltage is influenced by the capacitance of the circuit, operating the capacitive sensing circuit in this way can allow measurement of the capacitance.
The heating system may be arranged on or within a boundary wall of the cavity. This provides outside-in heating for a consumable in the cavity. The heating element(s) may thus wrap around the consumable in the cavity. Sensitivity of a capacitive sensor may be dependent on the surface area of the sensor and on the distance between the capacitive sensor and the object to be sensed. Providing an arrangement wherein the heating element(s) are arranged relative to the consumable in this way may therefore increase the sensitivity of the capacitive sensing by increasing the sensing area and reducing the sensing distance.
The heating system may be arranged to protrude into the cavity from a base of the cavity. For example, the heating system may be a heating rod or a heating blade that extends into the cavity. The heating system may pierce the consumable to provide inside-out heating of the consumable.
Since the heating system, and hence the heating element(s), is in close contact with the consumable, this may provide improved measurement of the consumable.
The aerosol generating apparatus may be configured to generate aerosol from a solid precursor. For example the aerosol generating apparatus may be a heat-not-burn type apparatus which heats a solid precursor such as tobacco without combustion, or without substantial combustion.
The aerosol generating apparatus may comprise additional sensors to the capacitive sensing circuit for sensing properties of a consumable in the cavity. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus may include a light gate comprising a light source and a light detector to detect a consumable in the cavity. The aerosol generating apparatus may be configured to commence capacitive sensing upon detection of a consumable via the light gate.
The aerosol generating apparatus may include a detector to detect fiducial marks on the consumable. The detector may be a barcode reader. The aerosol generating apparatus may be configured to commence capacitive sensing upon detection of a consumable via the detector. The aerosol generating apparatus may be configured to commence detection via the detector upon detection of a consumable via the capacitive sensor.
The aerosol generating apparatus may include a reader to read a near field communication (NFC) chip. The aerosol generating apparatus may be configured to commence capacitive sensing upon reading of a consumable via the reader. The aerosol generating apparatus may be configured to commence reading via the reader upon detection of a consumable via the capacitive sensor.
According to a second aspect, there is provided an aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system comprises an aerosol generating apparatus according to the first aspect and a consumable. The capacitive sensing circuit is configured to detect whether the consumable is present in the cavity when the heating system is in the second connection state based on the measured capacitance in the cavity. The capacitive sensing circuit may be configured to detect whether the consumable is present in the cavity when the heating system is in the second connection state based on a difference between the measured capacitance in the cavity and a known capacitance in the cavity in a state where a consumable is not present in the cavity.
The consumable may include features to enhance position detection. For example, the consumable may include markers detectable by the capacitance sensing. The markers may be located at different longitudinal positions along the consumable. The markers may be, for example, metallic rings on the consumable. The markers may have different longitudinal spacings. For example, a longitudinal spacing between a first pair of adjacent markers may be different from a longitudinal spacing between a second pair of adjacent markers. The markers may have different measurable capacitances. For example, a longitudinal extent of a first marker may be different from a longitudinal extent of a second marker.
The consumable may be configured to have a particular capacitance. For example, the consumable may include a solid aerosol precursor comprising an additive. The additive may be vegetable glycerine. The consumable may include an element such as a cotton plug. The cotton plug may be soaked in vegetable glycerine. The element may include a conductive element, such as at least one metallic ring. Configuring the consumable in this way can alter the capacitance of the consumable to improve consumable recognition.
According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of operating an aerosol generating apparatus of the first aspect or an aerosol generating system of the second aspect. The method comprises steps of placing or providing the aerosol generating apparatus in the second connection state, measuring the capacitance via the heating element; and upon measuring a capacitance associated with presence of a consumable in the cavity, initiating a heating cycle and switching the heating system to the first connection state.
In some examples, the method comprises a step of alternately switching between the first connection state and the second connection state during the heating cycle. In some examples, the method comprises a step of ending the heating cycle based on a determination of consumable removal from the cavity based on the measured capacitance.
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 or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Moreover, the above and/or proceeding 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 drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

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

Fig. 1 is a block system diagram showing an example aerosol generating system.
Fig. 2 is a block system diagram showing an example implementation of the system of Fig. 1, where the aerosol generating system is configured to generate aerosol from a solid precursor.
Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example implementation of the system of Fig. 2.
Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example implementation of an aerosol generating apparatus.
Figs. 5A, 5B and 5C are schematic diagrams showing an example implementation of a heating system of an aerosol generating apparatus.
Figs. 6A, 6B and 6C are schematic diagrams showing an example implementation of a heating system of an aerosol generating apparatus.
Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example implementation of an aerosol generating apparatus.
Fig. 8 is a flow chart showing a method of operating an aerosol generating apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Before describing several examples implementing the present disclosure, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited by specific construction details or process steps set forth in the following description and accompanying drawings. Rather, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure that the systems, apparatuses and/or methods described herein could be embodied differently and/or be practiced or carried out in various alternative ways.
Unless otherwise defined herein, scientific, and technical terms used in connection with the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, and known techniques and procedures may be performed according to conventional methods well known in the art and as described in various general and more specific references that may be cited and discussed in the present specification.
Any patents, published patent applications, and non-patent publications mentioned in the specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
All examples implementing the present disclosure can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While particular examples have been described, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the systems, apparatus, and/or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the methods described herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the inventive concept(s). All such similar substitutions and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope, and concept of the inventive concept(s) as defined by the appended claims.
The use of the term "a" or "an" in the claims and/or the specification may mean "one," as well as "one or more," "at least one," and "one or more than one." As such, the terms "a," "an," and "the," as well as all singular terms, include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Likewise, plural terms shall include the singular unless otherwise required by context.
The use of the term "or" in the present disclosure (including the claims) is used to mean an inclusive "and/or" unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or unless the alternatives are mutually exclusive. For example, a condition "A or B" is satisfied by any of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).
As used in this specification and claim(s), the words "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.
Unless otherwise explicitly stated as incompatible, or the physics or otherwise of the embodiments, examples, or claims prevent such a combination, the features of examples disclosed herein, and of the claims, may be integrated together in any suitable arrangement, especially ones where there is a beneficial effect in doing so. This is not limited to only any specified benefit, and instead may arise from an "ex post facto" benefit. This is to say that the combination of features is not limited by the described forms, particularly the form (e.g. numbering) of example(s), embodiment(s), or dependency of claim(s). Moreover, this also applies to the phrase "in one embodiment," "according to an embodiment," and the like, which are merely a stylistic form of wording and are not to be construed as limiting the following features to a separate embodiment to all other instances of the same or similar wording. This is to say, a reference to 'an,' 'one,' or 'some' embodiment(s) may be a reference to any one or more, and/or all embodiments, or combination(s) thereof, disclosed. Also, similarly, the reference to "the" embodiment 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:
As used herein, an "aerosol generating apparatus" (or "electronic(e)-cigarette") may be an apparatus configured to deliver an aerosol to a user for inhalation by the user. The apparatus may additionally/alternatively be referred to as a "smoking substitute apparatus", if it is intended to be used instead of a conventional combustible smoking article. As used herein a combustible "smoking article" may refer to a cigarette, cigar, pipe, or other article, that produces smoke (an aerosol comprising solid particulates and gas) via heating above the thermal decomposition temperature (typically by combustion and/or pyrolysis). An aerosol generated by the apparatus may comprise an aerosol with particle sizes of 0.2 - 7 microns, or less than 10 microns, or less than 7 microns. This particle size may be achieved by control of one or more of: heater temperature; cooling rate as the vapour condenses to an aerosol; flow properties including turbulence and velocity. The generation of aerosol by the aerosol generating apparatus may be controlled by an input device. The input device may be configured to be user-activated, and may for example include or take the form of an actuator (e.g. actuation button) and/or an airflow sensor.
Each occurrence of the aerosol generating apparatus being caused to generate aerosol for a period of time (which may be variable) may be referred to as an "activation" of the aerosol generating apparatus. The aerosol generating apparatus may be arranged to allow an amount of aerosol delivered to a user to be varied per activation (as opposed to delivering a fixed dose of aerosol), e.g. by activating an aerosol generating unit of the apparatus for a variable amount of time, e.g. based on the strength/duration of a draw of a user through a flow path of the apparatus (to replicate an effect of smoking a conventional combustible smoking article.
The aerosol generating apparatus may be portable. As used herein, the term "portable" may refer to the apparatus being for use when held by a user.
As used herein, an "aerosol generating system" may be a system that includes an aerosol generating apparatus and optionally other circuitry/components associated with the function of the apparatus, e.g. one or more external devices and/or one or more external components (here "external" is intended to mean external to the aerosol generating apparatus). As used herein, an "external device" and "external component" may include one or more of a: a consumable, a charging device, a mobile device (which may be connected to the aerosol generating apparatus, e.g. via a wireless or wired connection); a networked-based computer (e.g. a remote server); a cloud-based computer; any other server system.
An example aerosol generating system may be a system for managing an aerosol generating apparatus. Such a system may include, for example, a mobile device, a network server, as well as the aerosol generating apparatus.
As used herein, an "aerosol" may include a suspension of precursor, including as one or more of: solid particles; liquid droplets; gas. Said suspension may be in a gas including air. An aerosol herein may generally refer to/include a vapour. An aerosol may include one or more components of the precursor.
As used herein, a "precursor" may include one or more of a: liquid; solid; gel; loose leaf material; other substance. The precursor may be processed by an aerosol generating unit of an aerosol generating apparatus to generate an aerosol. The precursor may include one or more of: an active component; a carrier; a flavouring. The active component may include one or more of nicotine; caffeine; a cannabidiol oil; a non-pharmaceutical formulation, e.g. a formulation which is not for treatment of a disease or physiological malfunction of the human body. The active component may be carried by the carrier, which may be a liquid, including propylene glycol and/or glycerine. The term "flavouring" may refer to a component that provides a taste and/or a smell to the user. The flavouring may include one or more of: Ethylvanillin (vanilla); menthol, Isoamyl acetate (banana oil); or other. The precursor may include a substrate, e.g. reconstituted tobacco to carry one or more of the active component; a carrier; a flavouring.
As used herein, a "storage portion" may be a portion of the apparatus adapted to store the precursor. It may be implemented as fluid-holding reservoir or carrier for solid material depending on the implementation of the precursor as defined above.
As used herein, a "flow path" may refer to a path or enclosed passageway through an aerosol generating apparatus, e.g. for delivery of an aerosol to a user. The flow path may be arranged to receive aerosol from an aerosol generating unit. When referring to the flow path, upstream and downstream may be defined in respect of a direction of flow in the flow path, e.g. with an outlet being downstream of an inlet.
As used herein, a "delivery system" may be a system operative to deliver an aerosol to a user. The delivery system may include a mouthpiece and a flow path.
As used herein, a "flow" may refer to a flow in a flow path. A flow may include aerosol generated from the precursor. The flow may include air, which may be induced into the flow path via a puff by a user.
As used herein, a "puff" (or "inhale" or "draw") by a user may refer to expansion of lungs and/or oral cavity of a user to create a pressure reduction that induces flow through the flow path.
As used herein, an "aerosol generating unit" may refer to a device configured to generate an aerosol from a precursor. The aerosol generating unit may include a unit to generate a vapour directly from the precursor (e.g. a heating system or other system) or an aerosol directly from the precursor (e.g. an atomiser including an ultrasonic system, a flow expansion system operative to carry droplets of the precursor in the flow without using electrical energy or other system). A plurality of aerosol generating units to generate a plurality of aerosols (for example, from a plurality of different aerosol precursors) may be present in an aerosol generating apparatus.
As used herein, a "heating system" may refer to an arrangement of at least one heating element, which is operable to aerosolise a precursor once heated. The at least one heating element may be electrically resistive to produce heat from the flow of electrical current therethrough. The at least one heating element may be arranged as a susceptor to produce heat when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. The heating system may be configured to heat a precursor to below 300 or 350 degrees C, including without combustion.
As used herein, a "consumable" may refer to a unit that includes a precursor. The consumable may include an aerosol generating unit, e.g. it may be arranged as a cartomizer. The consumable may include a mouthpiece. The consumable may include an information carrying medium. With liquid or gel implementations of the precursor, e.g. an e-liquid, the consumable may be referred to as a "capsule" or a "pod" or an "e-liquid consumable". The capsule/pod may include a storage portion, e.g. a reservoir or tank, for storage of the precursor. With solid material implementations of the precursor, e.g. tobacco or reconstituted tobacco formulation, the consumable may be referred to as a "stick" or "package" or "heat-not-burn consumable". In a heat-not-burn consumable, the mouthpiece may be implemented as a filter and the consumable may be arranged to carry the precursor. The consumable may be implemented as a dosage or pre-portioned amount of material, including a loose-leaf product.
As used herein, an "information carrying medium" may include one or more arrangements for storage of information on any suitable medium. Examples include: a computer readable medium; a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) transponder; codes encoding information, such as optical (e.g. a bar code or QR code) or mechanically read codes (e.g. a configuration of the absence or presents of cut-outs to encode a bit, through which pins or a reader may be inserted).
As used herein "heat-not-burn" (or "HNB" or "heated precursor") may refer to the heating of a precursor, typically tobacco, without combustion, or without substantial combustion (i.e. localised combustion may be experienced of limited portions of the precursor, including of less than 5% of the total volume).
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 apparatus, or distributed between the apparatus and/or on one or more external devices in communication with the apparatus, e.g. as part of a system.
As used herein, a "processing resource" (or "processor" or "controller") may refer to one or more units for processing data, examples of which may include an ASIC, microcontroller, FPGA, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP) capability, state machine or other suitable component. A processing resource may be configured to execute a computer program, e.g. which may take the form of machine readable instructions, which may be stored on a non-transitory memory and/or programmable logic. The processing resource may have various arrangements corresponding to those discussed for the circuitry, e.g. on-board and/or off board the apparatus as part of the system. As used herein, any machine executable instructions, or computer readable media, may be configured to cause a disclosed method to be carried out, e.g. by an aerosol generating apparatus or system as disclosed herein, and may therefore be used synonymously with the term method.
Referring to Fig. 1, an example aerosol generating system 1 includes a power supply 2, for supply of electrical energy. The system 1 includes an aerosol generating unit 4 that is driven by the power supply 2. The power supply 2 may include an electric power supply in the form of a battery and/or an electrical connection to an external power source. The system 1 includes a precursor 6, which in use is aerosolised by the aerosol generating unit 4 to generate an aerosol. The apparatus 2 includes a delivery system 8 for delivery of the aerosol to a user.
Electrical circuitry (not shown in figure 1) may be implemented to control the interoperability of the power supply 4 and aerosol generating unit 6.
In variant examples, which are not illustrated, the power supply 2 may be omitted since, e.g. an aerosol generating unit implemented as an atomiser with flow expansion may not require a power supply.
Fig. 2 (generically) and Fig. 3 (specifically) set out a heat-not-burn implementation of Fig. 1.
Fig. 2 shows an implementation of the system 1 of Fig. 1, where the aerosol generating system 1 is configured to generate aerosol by a-heat not-burn process.
In this example, the system 1 includes an aerosol generating apparatus comprising device body 50. The system 1 also includes a consumable 70.
In this example, the body 50 includes the power supply 4 and a heating system 52. The heating system 54 includes at least one heating element 54. The body may additionally include any one or more of electrical circuitry 56, a memory 58, a wireless interface 60, one or more other components 62.
The electrical circuitry 56 may include a processing resource for controlling one or more operations of the body 50, e.g. based on instructions stored in the memory 58.
The wireless interface 60 may be configured to communicate wirelessly with an external (e.g. mobile) device, e.g. via Bluetooth.
The other component(s) 62 may include an actuator, one or more user interface devices configured to convey information to a user and/or a charging port, for example (see e.g. Fig. 3).
The body 50 is configured to engage with the consumable 70 such that the at least one heating element 54 of the heating system 52 penetrates into the solid precursor 6 of the consumable. In use, a user may activate the aerosol generating system 1 to cause the heating system 52 of the body 50 to cause the at least one heating element 54 to heat the solid precursor 6 of the consumable (without combusting it) by conductive heat transfer, to generate an aerosol which is inhaled by the user.
Fig. 3 shows an example implementation of the aerosol generating system 1 of Fig. 2.
As depicted in Fig. 3, the consumable 70 is implemented as a stick, which is engaged with the body 50 by inserting the stick into an aperture at a top end 53 of the body 50, which causes the at least one heating element 54 of the heating system 52 to penetrate into the solid precursor 6.
The consumable 70 includes the solid precursor 6 proximal to the body 50, and a filter distal to the body 50. The filter serves as the mouthpiece of the consumable 70 and thus the system 1 as a whole. The solid precursor 6 may be a reconstituted tobacco formulation.
In this example, the at least one heating element 54 is a rod-shaped element with a circular transverse profile. Other heating element shapes are possible, e.g. the at least one heating element may be blade-shaped (with a rectangular transverse profile) or tube-shaped (e.g. with a hollow transverse profile).
In this example, the body 50 includes a cap 51. In use the cap 51 is engaged at a top end 53 of the body 50. Although not apparent from Fig. 3, the cap 51 is moveable relative to the body 50. In particular, the cap 51 is slidable and can slide along a longitudinal axis of the body 50.
The body 50 also includes an actuator 55 on an outer surface of the body 50. In this example, the actuator 55 has the form of a button.
The body 50 also includes a user interface device configured to convey information to a user. Here, the user interface device is implemented as a plurality of lights 57, which may e.g. be configured to illuminate when the system 1 is activated and/or to indicate a charging state of the power supply 4. Other user interface devices are possible, e.g. to convey information haptically or audibly to a user.
The body may also include an airflow sensor which detects airflow in the aerosol generating system 1 (e.g. caused by a user inhaling through the consumable 70). This may be used to count puffs, for example.
In this example, the consumable 70 includes a flow path which transmits aerosol generated by the at least one heating element 54 to the mouthpiece of the consumable.
In this example, the aerosol generating unit 4 is provided by the above-described heating system 52 and the delivery system 8 is provided by the above-described flow path and mouthpiece of the consumable 70.
Fig. 4 illustrates a section view through an aerosol generating apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 is elongate, with a longitudinal axis. A longitudinal extent of the apparatus 100 is greater than a transverse extent of the apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 has a body 102. The body 102 comprises a power supply 104. The body 102 comprises a control unit 106. The control unit 106 is configured to receive power from the power supply 104. The control unit 106 is configured to control functions of the aerosol generating apparatus 100.
The aerosol generating apparatus includes a cavity 108. The cavity 108 opens to a longitudinal end face of the body 102. The cavity 108 is for receiving a consumable 300 from which an aerosol may be generated. A heating system 110 is arranged within a side wall 112 of the cavity 108. The heating system 110 comprises a heating element 114.
The heating system 110 is switchable between a first connection state wherein the heating element 114 is connected to a heating circuit 116 and a second connection state wherein the heating element 114 is connected to a capacitive sensing circuit 118. The heating circuit 116 is operable to supply power to the heating element 114 to cause the heating element 114 to generate heat. The capacitive sensing circuit 118 is operable to perform capacitive sensing of the cavity 108 via the heating element 114. The control unit 106 comprises a switch unit 120 to switch between the first connection state and the second connection state.
The heating system 110 may be switched between the second connection state and the first connection state following initiation of a heating cycle of the aerosol generating apparatus 100. The aerosol generating apparatus 100 may be switchable between the first connection state and the second connection state during a heating cycle of the aerosol generating apparatus 100.
The aerosol generating apparatus 100 may comprise additional sensor(s) for sensing a consumable 300 in the cavity 108. In the illustrated example, a light gate is included as an additional sensor. The light gate includes a light source 122 and a light detector 124. In other examples, the additional sensor may include a barcode reader. In other examples, the additional sensor may include an NFC reader. The additional sensor may be used in conjunction with the capacitive sensing circuit 118 as part of a consumable detection process or a consumable recognition process.
In the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 4, the heating element 114 is formed as a coil which extends helically about the cavity 108. This is further illustrated in Fig. 5A, which illustrates a 2-dimensional plan of the side wall of the cavity 108 and the path of the heating element 114 along the side wall 112 of the cavity 108. The heating element 114 may follow a serpentine path along the side wall 112 of the cavity 108, as illustrated in Fig. 5B. The heating element 114 may have the form of a conductive plate on a side wall 112 of the cavity 108, as illustrated in Fig. 5C. Other arrangements of the heating element may be selected. The arrangement of the heating element 114 may be selected as required to provide a suitable heat generation pattern in the first connection state of the aerosol generating apparatus 100, and to provide suitable capacitive sensing in the second connection state of the aerosol generating apparatus 100.
Capacitive sensing of the cavity 108 via the capacitive sensing circuit provides detection of the presence or absence of a consumable 300 in the cavity 108. Capacitive sensing of the cavity 108 via the capacitive sensing circuit may further provide recognition of the consumable 300 in the cavity 108. The control unit 106 may include a storage unit (not illustrated). The storage unit may comprise a database of consumable types and associated capacitances to enable consumable recognition. The database may comprise heating cycle configurations associated with one or more consumable types.
The heating element 114 may be formed as a plurality of heating elements 114a, 114b... 114n, as illustrated in Fig. 6A, 6B, 6C. Each of the plurality of heating elements 114a, 114b... 114n is separately connectable to the heating circuit 116 or to the capacitive sensing circuit 118. The heating system 110 may be switchable between a first connection state wherein each of the plurality of heating elements 114a, 114b... 114n is connected to the heating circuit 116 and a second connection state wherein each of the plurality of heating elements 114a, 114b... 114n is connected to the capacitive sensing circuit 118. A first set of the plurality of heating elements 114a, 114b... 114n may be in the first connection state and connected to the heating circuit 116 while a second set of the plurality of heating elements 114a, 114b... 114n is in the second connection state and connected to the capacitive sensing circuit 118, for example during a heating cycle of the aerosol generating apparatus 100.
The plurality of heating elements 114 may be arranged as a plurality of coils spaced longitudinally along the cavity 108, as illustrated in Fig. 6A. The plurality of heating elements 114 may be arranged as a plurality of serpentine heating elements spaced longitudinally along the cavity 108, as illustrated in Fig. 6B. The plurality of heating elements 114 may be arranged as a plurality of plates spaced longitudinally along the cavity 108, as illustrated in Fig. 6C.
The plurality of heating elements 114a, 114b... 114n may enable capacitive sensing at a plurality of longitudinally spaced locations along the cavity 108. The aerosol generating apparatus 100 may determine a longitudinal position of a consumable 300 within the cavity. Via capacitive sensing at a plurality of longitudinally spaced locations along the cavity 108 over a period of time, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may detect movement of the consumable 300 along the cavity 108.
As illustrated in Fig. 4, the consumable 300 can include markers 302a, 302b to enable improved detection of the consumable 300 and/or the consumable position within the cavity 108. In the illustrated example, the markers 302a, 302b are metallic rings provided on an outer surface of the consumable 300. The markers 302a, 302b represent distinguishable features when sensed by the capacitive sensing circuit 118. In other examples, the markers may be omitted.
The aerosol generating apparatus 100 may be configured to provide an indication to a user indicating the consumable position within the cavity 108. This may be an audible, visual, or haptic feedback.
The aerosol generating apparatus 100 may be configured to initiate a heating cycle based on detection of a consumable 300 in the cavity 108. The aerosol generating apparatus may be configured to prevent initiation of a heating cycle based on lack of detection of a consumable 300 in the cavity 108. For example, a user input to initiate a heating cycle may be ignored when a consumable 300 is not detected in the cavity 108.
The aerosol generating apparatus 100 may be configured to initiate a heating cycle based on recognition of a permitted consumable 300 in the cavity 108. The aerosol generating apparatus may be configured to prevent initiation of a heating cycle based on failure to recognise a permitted consumable 300 in the cavity 108 in the cavity 108. For example, a user input to initiate a heating cycle may be ignored when a permitted consumable 300 is not detected in the cavity 108.
The aerosol generating apparatus 100 may be configured to initiate a heating cycle based on determination that a consumable 300 is correctly positioned within the cavity 108. The aerosol generating apparatus may be configured to prevent initiation of a heating cycle based on failure to determine that a consumable 300 is correctly positioned within the cavity 108. For example, a user input to initiate a heating cycle may be ignored when a consumable 300 is not correctly positioned in the cavity 108.
The aerosol generating apparatus 100 may be configured to pause or to end a heating cycle based on a determination that a consumable 300 has moved to an incorrect position within the cavity 108. The aerosol generating apparatus 100 may be configured to restart a paused heating cycle based on a determination that the consumable 300 has returned to a correct position within the cavity 108.
The aerosol generating apparatus 100 may be configured to end a heating cycle based on a determination that a consumable 300 has been removed from the cavity 108.
Fig. 7 illustrates an alternative arrangement of an aerosol generating apparatus 200. The heating system 210 is arranged to protrude from a base 226 of the cavity 108. In use, the heating system 210 pierces a consumable 300 inserted into the cavity 108. As with the heating system 110 illustrated in Fig. 4, the heating system 210 includes a heating element 114. The heating system 210 may include a plurality of heating elements 114a, 114b... 114n, the heating elements 114a, 114b... 114n being longitudinally spaced along the cavity 108.
Fig. 8 illustrates a method of operating an aerosol generating apparatus 100 to generate an aerosol. In an optional first step S101, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 receives a user input to commence operation of the aerosol generating apparatus 100. In the second step S102, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 is placed in the second connection state, wherein the heating element 114 is connected to the capacitive sensing circuit 118. In the third step S103, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 performs capacitive sensing via the capacitive sensing circuit 118. If a consumable 300 is not detected by the capacitive sensing circuit 118 - S104 - the aerosol generating apparatus 100 returns to S103. If a consumable is detected by the capacitive sensing circuit 118 - S105 - the heating system 110 switches to the first connection state. In an optional step S106, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 receives a user input to initiate the heating cycle. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may provide a prompt to the user to request user input to initiate the heating cycle. In other arrangements, the heating cycle is automatically initiated and step S106 can be omitted. In S107, power is supplied from the heating circuit 116 to the heating element 114 to generate heat from the heating system 110. In an optional step S108, during the heating cycle, the heating system 110 may intermittently switch to the second connection state. In S109, the heating cycle terminates. The heating cycle may terminate after a predetermined time. The heating cycle may terminate upon detection of a consumable 300 being removed from the cavity 108. In step S110, a cleaning cycle may be performed following termination of the heating cycle. Initiation of the cleaning cycle may be based on a user input. Initiation of the cleaning cycle may be based on a number of heating cycles having been completed. Initiation of the cleaning cycle may be based on a measured capacitance.

Claims

An aerosol generating apparatus (100) comprising:
a cavity (108) for receiving a consumable (300) inserted along an axis of the cavity (108); and

a heating system (110, 210) for heating a consumable (300) received in the cavity (108) to generate an aerosol, the heating system (110, 210) comprising a heating element (114);

wherein the heating system (110) is switchable between

a first connection state, wherein the heating element (114) is connected to a heating circuit (116), the heating circuit (116) being operable to supply power to the heating element (114) to cause the heating element (114) to generate heat; and

a second connection state, wherein the heating element (114) is connected to a capacitive sensing circuit (118), the capacitive sensing circuit (118) being operable to measure a capacitance in the cavity (108) via the heating element (114).
An aerosol generating apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein
the heating system (110, 210) comprises a plurality of heating elements (114), and wherein the respective heating elements (114) are arranged spaced longitudinally along the axis of the cavity (108) such that, in the second connection state, the capacitive sensing circuit (118) is operable to measure a capacitance at each of a plurality of longitudinally spaced positions in the cavity (108) via the plurality of heating elements (114).
An aerosol generating apparatus (100) according to claim 2, wherein
the aerosol generating apparatus (100) is operable to detect a position of the consumable (300) in the cavity (108) based on the plurality of measured capacitances.
An aerosol generating apparatus (100) according to claim 3, wherein
the aerosol generating apparatus (100) is configured to initiate a heating cycle of the aerosol generating apparatus (100) based on a determination that the consumable (300) is located at a predetermined position in the cavity (108).
An aerosol generating apparatus (100) according to either of claim 3 or claim 4, wherein
the aerosol generating apparatus (100) is operable to detect a movement of the consumable (300) in the cavity (108) based on the plurality of measured capacitances.
An aerosol generating apparatus (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein
the aerosol generating apparatus (100) is operable to determine a characteristic of the consumable (300) inserted in the cavity (108) based on the measured capacitance or the measured capacitances.
An aerosol generating apparatus (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein
the heating system (110) is configured to switch from the second connection state to the first connection state following initiation of a heating cycle of the aerosol generating apparatus (100).
An aerosol generating apparatus (100) according to claim 7, wherein
the aerosol generating apparatus (100) is configured to initiate the heating cycle based on a determination of consumable insertion into the cavity (108) based on the measured capacitance.
An aerosol generating apparatus (100) according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein
the aerosol generating apparatus (100) is operable to set a heating parameter of the heating system for the heating cycle based on the measured capacitance.
An aerosol generating apparatus (100) according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein
the aerosol generating apparatus (100) is configured to prevent switching of the heating system (110) from the second connection state to the first connection state when the measured capacitance is outside a predetermined range.
An aerosol generating apparatus (100) according to any of claims 7 to 10, wherein
the heating system (110) is configured to alternately switch between the first connection state and the second connection state during the heating cycle.
An aerosol generating apparatus (100) according to claim 11, wherein
the aerosol generating apparatus (100) is configured to end the heating cycle based on a determination of consumable removal from the cavity based on the measured capacitance.
An aerosol generating apparatus (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein:
the heating system (110) is arranged on or within a wall (112) surrounding the cavity (108); or
the heating system (210) is arranged to protrude into the cavity (108) from a base (226) of the cavity.
An aerosol generating system comprising:
an aerosol generating apparatus (100) according to any preceding claim; and

a consumable (300),

wherein the capacitive sensing circuit (118) is configured to detect whether the consumable is present in the cavity (108) when the heating system (110) is in the second connection state based on the measured capacitance in the cavity.
A method of operating an aerosol generating apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or an aerosol generating system according to claim 14, the method comprising steps of:
providing the heating system (110) in the second connection state;

measuring the capacitance via the heating element (114);

upon measuring a capacitance associated with presence of a consumable (300) in the cavity (108), initiating a heating cycle; and

switching the heating system (110) to the first connection state.