JP2024511570A - Aerosol delivery system - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a novel aerosol generation device and method that can prevent heating of exhausted aerosol generation material and thereby avoid the generation of undesirable fragrances and scents. An aerosol generation device according to the present invention includes an air path including an aerosol generation region, a porous element located downstream of the aerosol generation region located within the air path, and a change in the characteristics of the air flow within the air path. and a sensor for determining and indicating a change in a property of the porous element. [Selection diagram] Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an aerosol generation device, a method for controlling aerosol supply in an aerosol supply device, an aerosol generation system, and an aerosol supply means.

Aerosol delivery systems are known. A common system uses a heater to create an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, which is then inhaled by a user. The aerosol-generating material from which the aerosol is produced is consumed during use of the aerosol delivery system. As the device continues to heat the depleted aerosol-generating material, undesirable fragrances and scents can be generated, degrading the user experience of the aerosol delivery system. Modern systems often use a predetermined period of effective use of the system to indicate that the aerosol generating material within the system has been exhausted.

It is desirable that the aerosol delivery system prevent heating of the depleted aerosol-generating material, thus avoiding the generation of undesirable fragrances and scents.

The present invention is directed to solving some of the above problems.

Aspects of the invention are defined in the appended claims.

According to some embodiments described herein, an aerosol generation device is provided, the aerosol generation device having an air path including an aerosol generation region and a porous aperture downstream of the aerosol generation region located within the air path. a porous element and a sensor for determining a change in a property of air flow within the air path to indicate a change in a property of the porous element.

According to some embodiments described herein, a method of controlling the delivery of an aerosol in an aerosol delivery device is provided, the method comprising the steps of: providing an air path including an aerosol-generating region; and an aerosol-generating medium. providing a porous element downstream of the aerosol generation region; providing a sensor; determining a change in air flow characteristics within the air path with the sensor; The method includes determining a change in a property of the porous element and generating or not generating an aerosol in response to the determined change in the property of the porous element.

According to some embodiments described herein, an aerosol-generating device as described above and an aerosol-generating material located within an aerosol-generating region are provided.

According to some embodiments described herein, an aerosol delivery means is provided, the aerosol delivery means comprising an air path including an aerosol generation region and a porous aperture downstream of the aerosol generation region located within the air path. a porous element and sensing means for determining a change in the properties of the airflow within the air path to indicate a change in the properties of the porous element.

The present teachings will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures.

1 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol delivery device according to an example; FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol delivery device according to an example; FIG.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description of the specific embodiments are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, the invention covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Aspects and features of specific examples and embodiments are discussed/described herein. Certain aspects and features of particular examples and embodiments may be conventionally implemented and, for the sake of brevity, will not be discussed/described in detail. It will therefore be appreciated that aspects and features of the apparatus and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail may be implemented according to any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features. .

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol delivery system, which may also be referred to as an aerosol delivery system, such as an e-cigarette. Throughout the following description, the term "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may be used; however, this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery system/device and electronic aerosol delivery system/device. will be understood. Additionally, as commonly found in the art, the terms "aerosol" and "vapor" and related terms such as "vaporization," "volatilization," and "aerosolization" may also generally be used interchangeably.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example of an aerosol generation device 100 according to the present invention. Aerosol generation device 100 has an air path 110 that includes an aerosol generation region 112. Aerosol generation device 100 also has a porous element 120. Porous element 120 is located downstream of aerosol generation region 112 and within air path 110 . Aerosol generation device 100 has a sensor 130. Sensor 130 is for determining changes in airflow characteristics within air path 110. Changes in the properties of the air flow within the air path 110 are used to indicate changes in the properties of the porous element 120.

Air flowing through aerosol generation device 100 enters device 100 through air inlet 102 . Air flows through the aerosol generation region 112 along the air path 110 and exits the device 100 through the porous element 120 and through the air outlet 104. The air exiting the device 100 through the air outlet 104 is an aerosol and may have fragrance compounds, etc. entrained in the air or aerosol. The direction of travel of air flowing through device 100 is indicated by arrow A in FIG.

Device 100 can have a heater and wick arrangement within aerosol generation region 112 to generate an aerosol for inhalation. Since this part of the device 100 is not the focus of the present invention, it will not be described in detail. Suffice it to say that any aerosol generation mechanism (also referred to herein as an aerosol generation component) may be utilized in the invention described herein.

Porous element 120 is removably insertable into device 100. Access to the device 100 may be provided, such as by a retractable door or a non-removable portion, so that a user can insert the porous element 120 into the device 100. Porous element 120 includes a flavoring agent or the like. When the aerosol generated within the aerosol generation region 112 passes through the porous element 120, perfume compounds may be entrained within the aerosol. The porous element 120 thus allows the user to modify the aerosol generated by the device 100 and thus tailor it to his or her preferences.

Porous element 120 can have multiple channels through element 120, thereby allowing airflow to pass through porous element 120. As the airflow passes through the channels, compounds (eg, flavorants) from the porous element 120 can be entrained into the airflow for inhalation by the user. The airflow from the aerosol generation region 112 through the porous element 120 can be relatively hot and/or relatively humid. Typically, aerosols are produced within a temperature range of 50 to 350 degrees Celsius. Moisture in the aerosol can occur due to airflow entraining aerosolized e-liquid that can be used within the device 100 to form an aerosol. Therefore, such airflow should be relatively hot and relatively humid. As used herein, comparatively refers to airflow flowing through device 100 that is not heated or entrained by any components across aerosol generation region 112.

When hot and/or humid airflow passes through the channels of porous element 120, the channels can begin to structurally deteriorate. The porous element 120 is structurally degraded as a whole, not just the channels. Porous element 120 is made from tobacco, for example, and deteriorates structurally when repeatedly exposed to high temperature and/or high humidity airflow. Therefore, as the channels distort under the influence of the heat and humidity of the aerosol passing through the porous element 120, the channels of the porous element 120 may begin to deteriorate and thus close. As such, porous element 120 can be arranged to become less porous with time of use of device 100.

Therefore, the porosity of porous element 120 depends in some way on the usage time of device 100. The porosity of porous element 120 also depends on the intensity of use of device 100. For example, a user who desires a higher temperature and/or higher water content aerosol (e.g., an aerosolized e-liquid) may have a lower temperature and/or a lower water content aerosol than a user who desires a lower temperature and/or lower water content aerosol. Each puff causes greater structural deterioration of the porous element 120 and its channels. Therefore, the degradation of porous element 120 is related not only to the time of use, but also to the intensity of use of device 100. The invention therefore advantageously provides a solution that can compensate for differences in the usage behavior of different users.

The channels of porous element 120 do not necessarily close at the same time, but according to the distribution of high priority channels and other low priority channels through which airflow travels through porous element 120. Therefore, the channel is likely to close over a period of use.

When a particular channel closes, airflow is forced through the remaining open channels. Some of the remaining open channels may then also close as the device 100 is further used and a flow of hot and/or humid air is directed through those channels and into the porous element 120. Accordingly, the channels within the porous element 120 gradually close, until eventually no channels are open enough to allow substantial passage of airflow, and the airflow through the air path 110 is reduced. It will be appreciated that there will be substantially no passage through the porous element 120. In particular, not all channels need to be closed in order for airflow to substantially no longer pass through. Only enough channels need to be closed. In one example, only 40% of the channels need to be closed to effect a noticeable change in the characteristics of the airflow passing through. Different flavored tobaccos may have different percentage inhibition levels, and these can be offset accordingly. For example, one porous element with a first fragrance may only need 40% of its channels closed before a noticeable change in airflow properties occurs, and a different porous element with a second fragrance may The quality factor may require a higher (or lower) percentage of channels to be closed to achieve the same effect.

Sensor 130 may be arranged to detect a change in a property or properties of airflow passing through air path 110. Sensor 130 in the example shown in FIG. 1 is located downstream of porous element 120 and within housing 101 of device 100. The porous element 120 may be structurally degraded such that the number of channels (referring to the original total number of channels) is substantially reduced, allowing air to pass through the porous element 120. In examples, the pressure of airflow through the degraded porous element 120 can be different than the airflow through the original, undegraded porous element 120. Similarly, the speed of airflow through the fewer remaining open channels can also be different.

Sensor 130 may calculate basic characteristics of airflow through air path 110 during initial use of device 100. This can include, for example, air flow pressure, temperature, inclusions (such as gas inclusions), vapor density, and humidity. From these basic measurements, significant deviations from these characteristics (changes in characteristics) can be detected by the sensor 130 by providing a basic operating range such that further measurements compensate for natural variations. Sensor 130 can be a digital sensor and can detect internal pressure to indicate changes in porous element 120 to a user. The change in content can be, for example, an increase from the basic proportion of oxygen in the air stream. This can also be related to any other aspect of the inclusions of the air stream, such as particulate matter in the air stream, or other elements, such as hydrogen, nitrogen, etc.

As the porous element 120 deteriorates with use, the airflow characteristics change such that it is consistently outside of the normal operating range established when the porous element 120 was new and thus had not deteriorated. do. Accordingly, sensor 130 detection of air properties can be used to provide guidance regarding the condition of porous element 120. This can be used to determine whether the porous element 120 has deteriorated structurally to the extent that replacement of the porous element 120 is recommended or required.

When such a determination is made, a warning may be provided to the user to notify the user that porous element 120 should be removed from device 100 and replaced. The warning may take the form of a visual stimulus, such as a light from a light emitting diode (LED) located on the housing 101. The warning can be an auditory stimulus, such as a noise or oscillation from a speaker. Device 100 can be connected to other devices, such as a smartphone, and device 100 can provide a warning to the other device or devices that porous element 120 should be replaced. Accordingly, the sensor 120 can act as a feedback mechanism to provide a stimulus to the user to replace the worn porous element 120 in a timely manner according to the user's own preferences.

Sensors 130 can be used to detect changes in two or more properties and provide additional data regarding the probability of structural changes in porous element 120. For example, if the airflow humidity, temperature, and pressure all exhibit significant changes from established operating ranges, the porous element 120 is likely to grade and require replacement. On the other hand, if only the temperature changes, porous element 120 may not require replacement. Multiple sensors may be provided to detect multiple characteristics of airflow through air path 110.

One or more sensors 130 can be located upstream or downstream of porous element 120 to best detect the relevant characteristic. For example, if the humidity upstream of the porous element 120 is very high, the high humidity airflow may have difficulty passing through the porous element 120 as a result of there being no available intact channels for airflow. there's a possibility that. At this point, porous element 120 may require replacement.

Although the above discussion relates to a porous element 120 having unique channels, it is clear that this also applies to elements that are permeable to air, and the permeability of the element deteriorates with use. Any other such elements would also be suitable variations of the present disclosure.

During degradation of porous element 120, element 120 may condense into a non-porous (or relatively non-porous) solid mass. This prevents airflow from passing through element 120. If this were to continue for a relatively long period of time, it would become very difficult to inhale the device 100 and would degrade the user experience of the device 100. Therefore, the present invention prevents this.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an example of an aerosol generation device 200 according to the present invention. Aerosol generation device 200 has an air path 210 that includes an aerosol generation region 212. Aerosol generation device 200 also has a porous element 220. Porous element 220 is located downstream of aerosol generation region 212 and within air path 210 . Aerosol generation device 200 has a sensor 230. Sensor 230 is for determining changes in airflow characteristics within air path 210. Changes in the properties of air flow within air path 210 are used to indicate changes in the properties of porous element 220.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, sensor 230 is connected to controller 240. Controller 240 is connected to an aerosol generation component 214, such as a heater or vibrator, for delivering aerosol from an aerosol generation medium within device 200. In use, aerosol generation component 214 is activated by controller 240 to provide an aerosol within aerosol generation region 212 . The aerosol is entrained into the air stream along air path 210. The aerosol passes through porous element 220 and entrains additional components. The aerosol can then exit the device through air outlet 204.

As mentioned above, with use, porous element 220 deteriorates and airflow through porous element 220 is affected. When sensor 230 detects a change in airflow characteristics, sensor 230 can send a signal to controller 240, which controls aerosol generation component 214 to cease operation of aerosol generation component 214. do. In this way, device 200 can be prevented from activating when porous element 220 has degraded to a predetermined amount. This can then be signaled to the user, so that the user is aware of the need to replace porous element 220.

As discussed above, preventing activation of device 200 can provide multiple safety benefits. For example, preventing device 200 from operating when the temperature of the airflow is too high may prevent operation of aerosol generation component 214 outside of the intended temperature range. This helps avoid reducing the lifetime of the aerosol generating component 214 and thus increases the lifetime of the device 200 as a whole. Further, if the aerosol generation component 214 begins to supply too much thermal energy to the airflow, the sensor 230 can detect this and provide a signal to the controller 240, which can cause the device 200 to By preventing operation, wear and tear of the aerosol generation component 214, etc., can be prevented. Other such problems due to incorrect operation of device 200 may also be detected by sensor 230 and prevented by controller 240. Therefore, the power override managed by sensor 230 and controller 240 is generally beneficial to the lifetime of device 200.

Preventing operation of device 200 may occur in response to controller 240 detecting that a change in a characteristic is outside of a predetermined acceptable value for the characteristic. This predetermined acceptable value can be programmed into device 200 during production. Such pre-programmed values may have been calculated as a result of a test or the like. Alternatively, the predetermined value is obtained by the sensor 230 and determined by the controller 240 during the first use of the porous element 220, when no degradation is occurring, or when the degradation that has occurred is limited. It can be based on the operating range for the characteristic basis, which is stored. Controller 240 can compare readings from sensor 230 to predetermined values and prevent or allow activation of device 200 accordingly. For example, if the reading is within a predetermined acceptable range, controller 240 allows device 200 to power up. On the other hand, if the reading is outside the predetermined acceptable range, controller 240 prevents device 200 from powering up.

As discussed above, other characteristics of airflow, including pressure, may also be used in determining whether device 200 should be activated. Preventing operation of the device 200 when the airflow pressure is significantly outside of standard operating conditions may also help limit the use of the device 200 at altitudes that may cause leakage from the device 200. can. Further, since device 200 operates after element 220 is replaced or after device 200 is moved to an area where airflow is more favorable for use of device 200, preventing operation of device 200 is temporary. It is something. Therefore, there is no requirement that device 200 be electrically reset. This therefore improves the user experience of device 200.

Degradation of the porous element 220 as described above may occur over a predetermined range of puffs, but as discussed, this depends on the intensity of use by a particular user. Additionally, the size of the porous element 220 also affects the number of puffs that the porous element 220 can undergo before it degrades to the point that it affects the performance of the device 200. The number of puffs can be about 30 puffs for smaller porous elements 220, about 50 puffs for larger porous elements 220, or about 60 puffs or more for even larger elements 220. The device 200 described herein can offset an individual user's usage habits, thereby making the present invention highly effective in indicating to the user that the porous element 220 should be replaced. Accurate.

In one example, relatively humid aerosol passes through porous element 220 on its way to air outlet 204 . Because moisture condenses within the channels of porous element 220, the moisture content of porous element 220 increases with use of device 200. At a predetermined moisture content, porous element 220 becomes structurally degraded and a replacement porous element 220 should be provided within device 200 for continued use of device 200. The user will be notified of this. As used herein, moisture content refers to how many water molecules are present within the porous element 220 as a percentage of the total porous element 220. In connection with the above, the deposition rate may be in the range of 0-2 mg per puff for any of PG, VG, water, etc. Alternatively, the deposition rate can be up to 5 mg per puff.

In one example, porous element 220 may be sufficiently degraded when exposed to an air flow of about 5° C. to about 250° C. for a predetermined period of time. This does not necessarily depend on the puff, as different users may have different puff lengths, etc. The lower temperature ranges discussed above (eg, just above freezing) may be suitable for the production of water aerosols, such as by nebulizers. The higher temperature ranges discussed above may be suitable for porous element 220 located immediately next to the atomizer. In conjunction with the above temperature ranges, a preferred range may be from about 40°C to about 120°C.

In certain examples, porous element 220 can be a perfume pod that is replaceable within device 200. Flavoring agents can be either tobacco and glycols, extracts such as licorice, hydrangea, trumpet leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, cloves, menthol, mentha, aniseed, cinnamon, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach. , apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, Cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, bell pepper, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or mint oil from any species of the Mentha genus), flavor enhancer, bitter receptor site blocker, sensory receptor site active agents or stimulants, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g. sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), as well as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, vegetable substances, or may include other additives such as breath fresheners. Fragrances can be man-made, synthetic, or natural ingredients, or mixtures thereof.

Sensor 230 may be capable of detecting the orientation of device 200. This is advantageous because the sensor 230 can indicate its orientation to the controller 240, and the controller 240 can prevent activation of the device 200 when the device 200 is in an unsafe orientation for use. For example, in one example, device 200 includes a liquid supply and a wick arrangement for aerosol generation. Device 200 generates an aerosol by heating the liquid within the wick. If the device 200 is in an orientation that prevents liquid from reaching the wick in sufficient quantity or at a sufficient rate to prevent wick depletion, the sensor 230 can provide a signal to the controller 240; Controller 240 can prevent device 200 from starting up. Sensor 230 can be a gyroscope or a magnetic element, etc. that can be used to measure the orientation of device 200. Accordingly, such a sensor 230 and controller 240 arrangement can help prevent hot puffs. Hot puffs can create an unpleasant experience for the user and can potentially damage the heater by operating at temperatures above the intended operating temperature for the heater.

In one example of aerosol generation component 214 provided herein, aerosol generation component 214 can have one or more heaters. In one example, aerosol generation component 214 can have two heaters. The two heaters may have the same or different operating temperatures. The two heaters can provide thermal energy to different parts of the aerosol generation medium to allow for more tailored aerosol generation. The heaters can alternatively be used in series (to reduce the per puff usage of each heater and thus extend the life of the heaters). Two or more controllers 240 may be connected to two or more heaters.

In one example, sensor 230 is a pressure sensor. Such a pressure sensor 230 can also be used as a secondary activation signal provider. When a user inhales with device 200, sensor 230 senses changes in airflow pressure. Sensor 230 can detect that a pressure change in the airflow should initiate operation of device 200. In this manner, the constructions disclosed herein enable a device 200 that requires no effort from the user to activate, and only requires inhaling the device 200. This configuration may also help limit the risk of device 200 overheating as a result of activation of device 200 prior to actual use of device 200.

The disclosed constructs can be implemented in systems with replaceable consumables, such as porous element 220. The construct can also be used within a system that is itself disposed of after use. A warning to the user would then be relevant when a new system is needed, rather than when a new element 220 should be provided.

Therefore, the air path including the aerosol-generating region and the porous element located downstream of the aerosol-generating region located within the air path, and the changes in the properties of the porous element by determining changes in the properties of the air flow within the air path. An aerosol generation device has been described that includes a sensor for indicating.

The aerosol delivery system can be used in tobacco industry products, such as non-combustible aerosol delivery systems.

In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product includes one or more components of a non-combustible aerosol delivery system, such as a heater and an aerosolizable substrate.

In one embodiment, the aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device.

In one embodiment, an electronic cigarette includes a heater, a power source capable of powering the heater, an aerosolizable substrate such as a liquid or gel, a housing, and an optional mouthpiece.

In one embodiment, the aerosolizable substrate is contained within or on a substrate container. In one embodiment, the substrate container is combined with or includes a heater.

In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a heated product that releases one or more compounds by non-combustively heating the substrate material. The substrate material is an aerosolizable material, which can be, for example, a tobacco or other non-tobacco product, and may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the heating device product is a tobacco heating product.

In one embodiment, the heating product is an electronic device.

In one embodiment, a tobacco heating product includes a heater, a power source capable of powering the heater, and an aerosolizable substrate, such as a solid or gel material.

In one embodiment, the heated product is a non-electronic article.

In one embodiment, the heating product provides thermal energy to the aerosolizable substrate without electronic means, such as by burning the aerosolizable substrate, such as a solid or gel material, and a combustible material, such as charcoal. It is equipped with a heat source capable of

In one embodiment, the heated product also includes a filter capable of filtering the aerosol produced by heating the aerosolizable substrate.

In some embodiments, the aerosolizable substrate material can include an aerosol or aerosol generator or humectant, such as glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, or diethylene glycol.

In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a composite system for producing an aerosol by non-combustible heating of a combination of substrate materials. The substrate material may, for example, constitute a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the composite system includes a liquid or gel substrate and a solid substrate. The solid substrate can be, for example, a tobacco or other non-tobacco product and may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the composite system includes a liquid or gel base and tobacco.

In order to address various problems and advance the technology, this entire disclosure sets forth by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention can be implemented to provide superior electronic aerosol delivery systems. The advantages and features of this disclosure are merely a representative sample of embodiments and are not intended to be exhaustive and/or exclusive. The advantages and features of this disclosure are presented solely to assist in understanding and teach the claimed features. The advantages, embodiments, examples, features, features, structures, and/or other aspects of this disclosure are limitations on this disclosure as defined in the claims, or limitations on the equivalents of the claims. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and/or spirit of this disclosure. The various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. . In addition, this disclosure encompasses other inventions not claimed herein but that may be claimed in the future.

Claims (14)

an air path including an aerosol-generating region;
a porous element downstream of the aerosol generation region located within the air path;
and a sensor for determining a change in the properties of airflow within the air path to indicate a change in the properties of the porous element. The sensor is
the pressure of the air flow within the air path;
the temperature of the air flow within the air path;
the humidity of the air flow within the air path;
vapor density in the air path;
The aerosol generation of claim 1, arranged to determine a change in at least one of: a change in the content of the air flow within the air path; and a change in the directional characteristics of the air flow of the air path. device. Also equipped with a controller,
the controller is arranged to receive a signal related to the determination of the sensor regarding a change in air flow characteristics within the air path;
3. An aerosol generation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller is arranged to prevent activation of the aerosol generation device in response to a predetermined value of the determination of the sensor. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the porous element is arranged such that the porosity decreases with time of use. the porous element comprising a plurality of channels through the porous element through which air can pass;
2. The porous element is arranged to close a majority of the plurality of channels to prevent air from passing through the channels when a predetermined usage amount is exceeded. The aerosol generation device according to any one of 4 to 4. A majority of the plurality of channels of the porous element are arranged to close when the porous element is exposed to an air flow of about 40-120° C. for a predetermined period of time. 5. The aerosol generation device according to any one of 5. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the porous element comprises a flavoring agent. 8. The aerosol generating device of claim 7, wherein the flavoring agent is at least one of menthol, fruit, tobacco, or mixtures thereof. 1. A method of controlling the delivery of an aerosol in an aerosol delivery device, the method comprising:
providing an air path including an aerosol-generating region;
providing an aerosol generation medium;
providing a porous element downstream of the aerosol generation region;
a step of preparing a sensor;
determining, with the sensor, a change in the characteristics of airflow within the air path;
then determining a change in the properties of the porous element;
generating or not generating an aerosol in response to the determined change in the property of the porous element. the step of generating or not generating an aerosol in response to the determined change in the property of the porous element;
determining whether the characteristic is outside a predetermined acceptable value range for the characteristic;
generating an aerosol when the characteristic is within a predetermined range of acceptable values, and not generating an aerosol when the characteristic is outside a predetermined range of acceptable values. 9. 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of indicating to a user that no aerosol is being generated as a result of the characteristic being outside a predetermined acceptable value range. The characteristics of the air flow within the air path are
the temperature of the air flow within the air path;
the pressure of the air flow within the air path upstream of the porous element;
the pressure of the air flow within the air path downstream of the porous element;
the humidity of the air flow within the air path;
12. A method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein at least one of: vapor density in the air path; content of the air flow in the air path; and orientation of the air path. An aerosol supply system comprising an aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and an aerosol generation material located within the aerosol generation region. an air path including an aerosol-generating region;
a porous element downstream of the aerosol generation region located within the air path;
and sensing means for determining a change in the properties of air flow within the air path to indicate a change in the properties of the porous element.

Images