RU2812298C2 - Aerosol-generating apparatus and method for controlling the aerosol-generating apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: electrical engineering.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to aerosol-generating apparatus and methods for controlling aerosol-generating apparatus. Aerosol-generating apparatus comprises a heating unit configured to heat the aerosol-forming material, an indicator unit, and a controller. The controller is configured to activate the heating unit in order to heat the aerosol-forming material and determine a feature of the heating unit. If the determined feature meets at least one criterion, the controller activates the indicator unit in order to indicate that the apparatus is ready to be used.

EFFECT: prompt notification of the user when the apparatus is ready to be used.

25 cl, 19 dwg

Description

Field of technology to which the invention relates

The present invention relates to aerosol generating devices and methods for controlling aerosol generating devices.

State of the art

Smoking products such as cigarettes, cigars, etc. burn tobacco to create tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to create alternative means in which the generation of the respirable medium is carried out without the use of a combustion process. Examples of such products are heating devices in which the release of substances is carried out by heating, but not by burning the material. The material may be tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.

Disclosure of the invention

The first aspect of the present invention relates to an aerosol generating device comprising:

a heating block configured to heat the aerosol-forming material;

indicator unit; And

controller configured to:

turning on the heating block to heat the aerosol-forming material;

determining the characteristics of the heating block; And

if the determined characteristic meets at least one criterion, activating an indicator assembly to indicate the device is ready for use.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating device is disclosed, comprising:

a heating block configured to heat the aerosol-forming material;

indicator unit;

a temperature sensor configured to provide an output signal indicating the temperature of the heating block; And

controller configured to:

turning on the heating block to heat the aerosol-forming material;

receiving an output signal from a temperature sensor;

determining the temperature of the heating block using the output signal from the temperature sensor; And

if the detected temperature meets at least one criterion, activating an indicator assembly to indicate the device is ready for use.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a method for controlling an aerosol generating device, including:

turning on the heating block of the device for heating the aerosol-forming material;

determining the characteristics of the heating block; And

if a certain characteristic satisfies at least one criterion:

turning on the device indicator node to indicate the device is ready for use.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a method for controlling an aerosol generating device, including:

turning on the heating block of the device for heating the aerosol-forming material;

determining the temperature of the heating block using the output signal from the temperature sensor; And

if the determined temperature satisfies at least one criterion:

turning on the device indicator node to indicate the device is ready for use.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating device is disclosed, comprising:

induction winding to generate an alternating magnetic field;

a current collector configured to heat the aerosol-forming material, wherein said current collector can heat up when an alternating magnetic field passes through it;

indicator unit; And

controller configured to:

turning on the induction winding to start generating an alternating magnetic field; And

turning on the indicator assembly to indicate that the device has completed operation or is about to complete operation, for a predetermined period of time after turning on the induction coil to begin heating the aerosol-forming material.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief description of drawings

In fig. 1 is a front view of an example of an aerosol generating device;

in fig. 2 is a front view of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 1, with outer shell removed;

in fig. 3 is a sectional view of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 1;

in fig. 4 – aerosol-generating device shown in FIG. 2, disassembled;

in fig. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the heating block of the aerosol generating device;

in fig. 5B is an enlarged view of the portion of the heating block shown in FIG. 5A;

in fig. 6 – front view of the device;

in fig. 7 – perspective view of the device body;

in fig. 8 – perspective view of the device without housing;

in fig. 9 – perspective view of LEDs installed in the device;

in fig. 10 – external element with many holes;

in fig. 11 – device components located above the LED;

in fig. 12 – diagram of the system, which includes a controller, a heating block, an input interface and an indicator unit;

in fig. 13A–D is an external element illuminated by a plurality of LEDs;

in fig. 14 – block diagram of the device control method; And

in fig. 15 – block diagram of the device control method.

Carrying out the invention

As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming material" refers to materials that produce vaporized components when heated, typically in the form of an aerosol. The aerosol-forming material includes any tobacco-containing material and may, for example, contain one or more of the following components, namely tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. In addition, the aerosol-forming material may include other non-tobacco products which, depending on the type of product, may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol-forming material, for example, may be a solid, liquid, gel, paste, or the like. In addition, the aerosol-forming material may be, for example, a combination or mixture of different materials. The aerosol-forming material is also called "smoking material".

A device is known that heats an aerosol-forming material to vaporize at least one component of the aerosol-forming material, typically to form an aerosol that can be inhaled by a user without burning the aerosol-forming material. Such a device is sometimes called an "aerosol generating device", an "aerosol supply device", a "non-combustion heating device", a "tobacco product heating device" or a "tobacco heating device" and the like. Likewise, so-called electronic cigarettes are currently on the market, which typically vaporize an aerosol-forming material into a liquid that may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol-forming material can be used in the form of a rod, cartridge, cassette, etc. or may be a part thereof inserted into the device. A heater for heating and evaporating the aerosol-forming material may be provided as an "integral" part of the device.

The aerosol-generating device may be configured to insert into it an article containing an aerosol-generating material for heating. The term "article" in the context of the present invention means a component including or containing an aerosol-forming material that is heated during operation for the purpose of evaporation, as well as, if necessary, other components. The user may insert this product into an aerosol generating device prior to heating to form an aerosol that is subsequently inhaled by the user. The specified product may have, for example, a given or specific size, allowing it to be inserted into a heating chamber of the device configured to receive the specified product.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating device is disclosed, comprising: a controller configured to: (i) turn on a heating unit to heat an aerosol-generating material; (ii) determining the characteristics of the heating block; and (iii) if the determined characteristic satisfies at least one criterion, turning on an indicator assembly to indicate the device is ready for use.

Thus, the device can measure or monitor a characteristic of the heating block and, based on this characteristic, promptly notify the user when the device is ready for use. In this way, the device can inform the user that he can begin using the device. This avoids the user having to wait longer than necessary to take a puff of the aerosol, which could result in wasted aerosol and reduced user satisfaction with the device.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the above-mentioned characteristic is the temperature of the heating block. Thus, the controller may detect the temperature of the heating block and operatively turn on the indicator assembly to indicate that the device is ready for use when the temperature meets at least one criterion. The temperature of the aerosol-forming material heated by the heating block may depend on the temperature of the heating block.

Temperature can be measured using a temperature sensor. Accordingly, the device may include a temperature sensor configured to provide an output signal indicative of the temperature of the heating block (eg, a heating block component). The controller receives the output signal from the temperature sensor to determine/calculate the temperature based on this output signal. If the temperature meets/meets the criterion, the controller may turn on a device indicator assembly to indicate that the device is ready for use.

Thus, the device can measure or monitor the temperature of the heating block and, based on this temperature, promptly notify the user when the device is ready for use.

The temperature of the heating block can be measured/determined by other means. For example, the heating block may include a current collector. The current collector may contain two or more different materials with different Curie points. When a material reaches its Curie point (when heated), its properties may change. This change in state can be detected by circuitry within the device. In this way, the controller can determine that the material has reached its Curie point without directly measuring the temperature using a more standard temperature sensor.

The phrase "if a specified characteristic satisfies at least one criterion, turning on an indicator assembly to indicate the device is ready for use" may mean the following: "determining that the characteristic satisfies at least one criterion, and upon determining that the characteristic satisfies the criterion, turning on indicator unit to indicate the device is ready for use."

If the determined temperature is greater than or equal to the threshold temperature, then it may satisfy at least one criterion. Thus, the user will be informed that the device is ready for use only when the temperature exceeds a threshold value. This may ensure that the aerosol-forming material is heated to a minimum temperature. At this threshold temperature, the aerosol-forming material can release sufficient aerosol volume/concentration. If heated below this threshold, the aerosol may be less suitable for inhalation.

The controller may be configured to activate an indicator assembly to indicate that the device is ready for use for a predetermined period of time after the determined temperature has been determined to meet at least one criterion. Over a given period of time, the temperature of the heating block may fluctuate above and below a threshold value as the heating block is driven to maintain its temperature. Thus, the temperature may not always be greater than or equal to the threshold value. The specified period of time provides time for heat to penetrate the aerosol-forming material. The user can then be notified that the device is ready for use at a later point in time. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the predetermined period of time is greater than about 10 seconds, greater than about 15 seconds, or greater than about 20 seconds after the heating block reaches the threshold temperature.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, at least one criterion may be satisfied when the determined temperature has remained greater than or equal to a threshold temperature for at least a predetermined period of time. Accordingly, the aerosol-forming material could be heated at this temperature or at a temperature above it for a certain period of time. This may ensure that heat has time to penetrate into the aerosol-forming material, which can thus generate a greater volume/concentration of aerosol. For example, when the temperature exceeds a threshold value, the temperature of the aerosol-forming material may still be relatively low. The predetermined period of time may be more than about 10 seconds, more than about 15 seconds, or more than about 20 seconds after the heating block reaches the threshold temperature.

The heater may reach a threshold temperature in less than about 5 seconds, or in less than about 3 seconds, or in less than about 2 seconds after the controller turns on the heating unit to begin heating the aerosol-forming material.

The threshold temperature may be the "set point" of the heater, i.e. the temperature at which the heater is located during at least part of the heating cycle. There may be different threshold temperatures during the heating cycle.

The threshold temperature may be greater than about 240°C, greater than about 250°C, greater than about 260°C, greater than about 270°C, greater than about 280°C, or greater than about 290°C. The threshold temperature may be greater than about 240°C and less than about 290°C, greater than about 250°C and less than about 260°C, or greater than about 280°C and less than about 290°C.

In some embodiments, the device is configured to operate in a first mode or a second mode, wherein the heating characteristics of the first mode are different from the heating characteristics of the second mode, and the threshold temperatures of the first and second modes are also different. For example, in the second mode the threshold temperature may be higher. In some embodiments of the invention, the specified period of time is the same for both heating modes. In other embodiments of the invention, the predetermined time period of the first mode is different from the predetermined time period of the second mode. For example, the target time period in the first mode may be higher because the threshold temperature may be lower.

Thus, the device can operate in two or more different heating modes. In a possible embodiment of the invention, heating of the aerosol-forming material in each of the modes can be carried out to different temperatures and/or for different periods of time. Thus, each heating mode may have different characteristics.

For example, in the first heating mode, the threshold temperature may be from about 240°C to about 260°C, and in the second heating mode, the threshold temperature may be from about 270°C to about 290°C.

The device can also operate in other, non-heating modes. For example, the device may be in setup mode. Heating modes and non-heating modes may generally be referred to as operating modes of the device.

The first heating mode may be known as the "default mode" and the second heating mode may be known as the "boost mode". In the second mode, the device can, for example, generate a larger volume of aerosol (or a higher concentration of aerosol) than in the first mode.

The characteristic of the heating block may be the energy used by the heating block. The controller may detect or calculate the amount of energy used by the heater and turn on an indicator assembly to indicate that the device is ready for use when the amount of energy used by the heating unit becomes greater than or equal to an energy threshold. Thus, compliance with the criterion can be achieved when a certain amount of energy used becomes greater than or equal to the threshold value. For example, the controller may determine when the heating block has consumed more than about 50 Joules, or more than about 60 Joules, or more than about 80 Joules, or more than about 100 Joules, or more than about 120 Joules since the heating block began heating the aerosol-forming material. When measuring energy used, the device may no longer need a temperature sensor, which may reduce the number of components required by the device.

The threshold may be a percentage of the total energy used in the heating cycle. The controller may determine when the heating unit has consumed, for example, more than about 2% of the total energy used in the heating cycle, or more than about 3%, or more than about 5%, or more than about 7%, or more than about 10%.

In some embodiments of the invention, the device further includes an input interface configured to receive an input signal for controlling operation of the device. In one embodiment of the invention, the input interface is configured to receive an input signal for selecting a heating mode from a plurality of heating modes, including a first mode and a second mode. In this way, the user can influence or control the input interface to select the heating mode. The controller may detect an input signal for selecting a heating mode, and from the detected input signal, the controller may determine a heating mode to be selected and turn on the heating unit to begin heating the aerosol-forming material in accordance with the selected heating mode. The same input interface can be used to receive an input signal to select a setting mode from a variety of operating modes. Accordingly, in some embodiments of the invention, the device begins heating only after a heating mode has been selected. This makes the device more energy efficient.

Preferably, the controller turns on the heating unit to begin heating the aerosol-forming material in accordance with the selected heating mode at substantially the same time as the selected heating mode is determined. For example, these two events can occur simultaneously. This reduces the wait time required for the user to wait to start using the device. In other embodiments, there may be a slight delay between these events, such as less than 1 second, less than 0.5 seconds, less than 0.1 seconds, less than 0.01 seconds, or less than 0.001 seconds.

In some embodiments of the invention, the indicator assembly provides an indication that the heating block has begun heating the aerosol-forming material. This prevents the user from trying to restart the device.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, the indicator assembly includes a visual component configured to visually indicate that the device is ready for use. For example, the visual component may be a light emitting diode (LED), a plurality of LEDs, a display, an electrophoretic display, or a mechanical element that moves to indicate, for example, one or more device states. In some embodiments of the invention, the visual component is configured to emit light.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the indicator assembly includes a plurality of LEDs, with a number of illuminated LEDs indicating when the device is ready for use. For example, when the heating unit just begins heating the aerosol-forming material, a first number of LEDs may illuminate, and when the device is ready for use, a second number of LEDs may illuminate, the second number being greater than the first number. The first number of LEDs may be zero. The second number may be equal to the total number of LEDs. In this way, the indicator node can indicate how ready the device is for use. When the heating block heats up, the LEDs can turn on sequentially. The LEDs can turn on sequentially depending on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the device contains a plurality of LEDs, for example four LEDs, and these LEDs light up sequentially depending on the temperature of the heating block (ie as it heats up). For example, all four LEDs may be turned off initially. When the temperature rises above the first threshold, one of the four LEDs may turn on. When the temperature rises above the second threshold, the second LED may turn on. When the temperature rises above the third threshold, another LED may turn on, and when the temperature rises above the fourth threshold, all four LEDs turn on. The fourth threshold value may be equal to the aforementioned threshold temperature. Thus, at the moment when the temperature reaches the threshold temperature, all four LEDs may be turned on.

In another possible embodiment of the invention, the device includes a plurality of LEDs, for example four LEDs, and these LEDs turn on sequentially after the controller determines that the temperature has become greater than or equal to a threshold temperature. For example, all four LEDs may be turned off initially. One of the four LEDs may turn on after the first threshold period of time has passed after the controller has detected that the temperature is greater than or equal to the threshold temperature. The first threshold time period may be zero seconds (ie, the LED may turn on when the controller determines that the temperature is greater than or equal to the threshold temperature). The second LED may turn on after a second threshold period of time has passed after the controller has detected that the temperature is greater than or equal to the threshold temperature. The third LED may turn on after a third threshold period of time has passed after the controller has detected that the temperature is greater than or equal to the threshold temperature. The last LED may turn on after a fourth threshold period of time has passed after the controller has detected that the temperature is greater than or equal to the threshold temperature.

In another possible embodiment of the invention, the indicator assembly includes a haptic component configured to provide haptic feedback to indicate that the device is ready for use. For example, the haptic component may be a haptic motor that causes the device to vibrate when it is ready for use. In some embodiments, the haptic component provides haptic feedback in accordance with a first pattern after the heating block begins heating the aerosol-forming material, and provides haptic feedback in accordance with a second pattern when the device is ready for use. The generation of haptic feedback from the first pattern may continue until the device is ready for use or may end after a short period of time. Accordingly, the tactile component may also indicate that the device has begun heating the aerosol-forming material so that the user knows that the device is operating.

In another possible embodiment of the invention, the indicator assembly includes an audible indicator that emits a sound indicating that the device is ready for use. A transducer, buzzer, beeper, etc. can be used as a sound indicator.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the indicator assembly includes a tactile component and a visual component. The haptic component may be configured to provide a sensory indication that the heating unit has begun heating the aerosol-forming material. The visual component may be configured to provide a visual indication that the device is ready for use.

In some embodiments of the invention, the indicator assembly is configured to indicate the time remaining until the end of operation of the device. For example, the indicator unit can provide different types of indications depending on the time remaining until the end of the device operation. The end of operation of the device can be considered the moment when the power supply to the heating block stops (i.e., the moment when the heating block stops heating or maintaining temperature), or when the temperature/volume of the aerosol drops below an acceptable level, which can occur a few seconds after the power supply to the heating unit is stopped. In a possible embodiment of the invention, the device may "shut down" when the temperature of the heating block falls below a second threshold value.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the indicator assembly comprises a plurality of LEDs, with a number of illuminated LEDs indicating the time remaining until the device ends operation. For example, when the device is operating, a first number of LEDs may be illuminated, and when the device is shutting down, a second number of LEDs may be illuminated, the second number being less than the first number. The second quantity may, for example, be zero. The first number may be equal to the total number of LEDs. Thus, the LEDs can turn off as the device approaches shutdown.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the device includes a plurality of LEDs, for example four LEDs, and these LEDs are sequentially turned off depending on the temperature of the heating block (ie, as the end of the heating cycle approaches). For example, at some initial point before the device has finished operating, all four LEDs may be illuminated. When the temperature drops below the first value, one of the four LEDs may turn off. When the temperature drops below the second value, another LED may turn off. When the temperature drops below the third value, another LED may turn off, and when the temperature drops below the fourth value, all four LEDs turn off. The first value may be approximately 5-10°C below the operating temperature of the heating block (i.e. threshold temperature). The second value may be approximately 10-20°C below the operating temperature of the heating block (i.e. threshold temperature). The third value may be approximately 15-30°C below the operating temperature of the heating block (i.e. threshold temperature). The fourth value may be approximately 20 to 40°C below the operating temperature of the heating block (i.e. threshold temperature). The fourth value may be equal to the above-mentioned second threshold value.

In another possible embodiment, the haptic component may provide haptic feedback in a different pattern depending on the temperature of the heating block. For example, the haptic component may provide haptic feedback to indicate a decrease in the temperature of the heating block (which may indicate a period of time remaining). The type of haptic feedback can indicate the amount of time remaining until the task is completed.

In yet another possible embodiment of the invention, the audible indicator may make different sounds depending on the temperature of the heating block (which may indicate the time remaining until the device ends). For example, pitch, tone, sound pattern can change over time.

In yet another possible embodiment of the invention, the controller is configured to turn on an indicator assembly to indicate that the device has completed operation or is about to complete operation. Thus, the indicator assembly can indicate the moment when the device has finished operating or is about to complete operation. For example, when the device finishes operating, the visual indicator may no longer provide a visual indication. In a particular embodiment of the invention, when the device terminates or is about to terminate, all LEDs may turn off. This indicates to the user that he should stop taking puffs from the device.

The controller may turn on the indicator assembly to indicate that the device has completed operation or is about to terminate operation when the determined temperature satisfies the second criterion. The second criterion may be met when the determined temperature becomes less than or equal to the second temperature threshold. The second temperature threshold may be less than the threshold temperature. For example, the second temperature threshold may be approximately 10 to 50°C lower than the above threshold temperature.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, a plurality of LEDs are provided, for example four LEDs, and these LEDs are sequentially turned off as the end of the heating cycle approaches. For example, 20 seconds before the device ends, all four LEDs may light up. When there are 15 seconds left before the device ends, one of the four LEDs may turn off. When there are only 10 seconds left before the device ends, another LED may turn off. When there are only 5 seconds remaining, one more LED may turn off, and when there are 0 seconds remaining, all LEDs may turn off.

In another possible embodiment of the invention, the haptic component may provide haptic feedback in a different pattern depending on the time remaining until the device ends. For example, the haptic component may provide haptic feedback to indicate that a certain period of time remains before the device shuts down. The type of haptic feedback can indicate the amount of time remaining until the task is completed. For example, when the device has 20 seconds left to run, haptic feedback may be of short duration and low intensity, and when there are 5 to 0 seconds left to run, haptic feedback may be longer and of higher intensity.

In yet another possible embodiment of the invention, the sound indicator may produce different sounds depending on the time remaining until the device ends. For example, pitch, tone, sound pattern can change over time.

The heating unit may be configured to heat the aerosol-forming material such that the indicator assembly indicates that the device is ready for use within less than about 30 seconds, or less than about 20 seconds, or less than about 15 seconds, or less than about 10 seconds from being turned on. heating block to begin heating the aerosol-forming material.

It has been found that certain heating blocks, such as induction heating blocks, are capable of heating the aerosol-forming material to a suitable temperature in a shorter period of time compared to other types of heating blocks.

Accordingly, the user of the device can take a puff from the aerosol inhalation device, for example, for less than about 20 seconds. Since certain heating blocks can quickly heat the aerosol-forming material, by the time the device indicates that it is ready for use, the aerosol-forming material will have already released a sufficient amount of aerosol.

As stated above, the device may be configured to operate in a first mode or a second mode, and when the device is operated in the first mode, the heating block component must be heated to a first temperature, and when the device is operated in the second mode, the heating block component must be heated to the second temperature. The second temperature may be higher than the first temperature.

In some embodiments, the time at which the temperature begins to meet at least one criterion depends on the heating mode. For example, the controller may be configured to turn on the heating block to heat a component of the heating block in a second mode to a higher temperature than in the first mode. The time during which the temperature begins to satisfy the criterion in the second mode may be less than when the device is operating in the first mode.

In some embodiments of the invention, the indicator assembly may indicate the selected heating mode. In some embodiments of the invention, this indication is the same indication that indicates that the device is ready for use. Thus, the type of indication used to indicate that the device is ready for use may depend on the selected heating mode. In other embodiments of the invention, an indication indicating the selected heating mode may appear after the heating mode has been selected, but before the device is ready for use. Thus, two different indications can be used. The first indication may indicate the selected heating mode, and the second indication may indicate that the device is ready for use. This may give the user the ability to cancel heating if they accidentally select the wrong mode. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the first indication is provided by a tactile component and the second indication is provided by a visual component. This can be useful because the user can hold the device in their hand while selecting a heating mode, but can place the device on a surface while waiting for the device to be ready for use. It is easier for the user to see the visual indication if they are no longer holding the device in their hand.

The input interface is sometimes also called the user interface. The input interface can be in the form of a button, touch screen, dial, pen, or wireless connection to a mobile device (for example, Bluetooth). The input interface allows the user to select an operating mode from a variety of operating modes. Operating modes may include one or more heating modes and/or a setting mode. When an input interface is affected, it can send one or more signals to the controller indicating that it has been affected. Based on this signal(s), the controller can determine the selected operating mode, such as heating mode or setting mode.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the input interface is in the form of a button, and the input signal is a signal indicating that the button has been released. The controller can receive an input signal from the input interface. Thus, the heating block will begin heating the aerosol-forming material only after the button is released. As long as the user keeps the button pressed, the heating block cannot heat the aerosol-forming material. Thus, the specified period of time begins when the user releases the button. The button can be a software button or a hardware button. The signal may be a single signal, but may also contain two or more signals.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, when acting on the input interface, a signal is additionally provided indicating the length of time during which the button was held down, wherein the controller is configured to detect the influence on the input interface to select a heating mode after: (i) there is a signal is received indicating that the button has been released; and (ii) the length of time the button was held down is determined to be greater than or equal to the time period threshold. The signal indicating the length of time the button was held down may be part of the same signal that indicates the button was released, or may be a separate signal. Thus, in some embodiments of the invention, the heating block may begin heating the pantograph only if the button has remained pressed for a certain period of time greater than or equal to a threshold time period. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the time period threshold is 3 seconds or 5 seconds. If the button is held and released for a period of time less than the threshold, the heating unit cannot begin heating. This prevents the aerosol-forming material from heating up when the user accidentally presses the button, which could result in wasted energy. Thus, if the controller determines that the length of time the button has been held down is less than the threshold value, it will not command the heating unit to begin heating.

The controller may be configured to determine a selected heating mode based on the duration of the period of time during which the button was held down. In a possible embodiment of the invention, the device is configured to operate in a first mode if the length of time the button was held down is greater than or equal to a first time period threshold and less than a second time period threshold, and operates in a second mode if The length of time the button was held down is greater than or equal to the second time period threshold. The first time period threshold may be, for example, 3 seconds, and the second time period threshold may be, for example, 5 seconds. Thus, using the same button, the user can switch on different operating modes. Having just one interface to enable multiple modes can simplify device management and reduce the number of device components. Reducing the number of components can reduce the weight of the device, and also reduces the number of parts that can break or fail.

The heating block may be an induction heating block. For example, the heating block may include one or more induction windings and a current collector. In another possible embodiment of the invention, the heating block may be a resistive heating block. For example, it may resistively heat one or more components that heat the aerosol-forming material.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the heating block includes an induction winding for generating an alternating magnetic field, and a current collector configured to heat the aerosol-forming material, wherein the current collector can heat up when an alternating magnetic field passes through it. The controller is configured to turn on the heating unit for heating the aerosol-forming material by turning on the induction winding to generate an alternating magnetic field. Accordingly, the current collector may be a heated component of the heater block. For example, the induction winding can be designed in such a way that in the first mode it heats the current collector to a first temperature. In the second mode, for example, the induction winding can heat the pantograph to a second temperature. Thus, the temperature sensor measures the temperature of the pantograph. The temperature sensor may be located between the current collector and the first induction winding. Preferably, the temperature sensor is located on the outer surface of the current collector. The temperature sensor can be a thermistor or thermocouple.

It has been discovered that induction heating systems can heat aerosol-forming material to a suitable temperature in a shorter period of time compared to other types of heating blocks, such as resistive heating blocks.

In some embodiments, the induction winding includes a first induction winding and a second induction winding generating a second alternating magnetic field. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the first induction winding is located adjacent the second induction winding in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the device, wherein the controller is configured to turn on the second induction winding to generate a second alternating magnetic field after turning on the indicator assembly to indicate that the device is ready for use . When the device is in use, the aerosol flows along the flow path of the device toward a proximal end of the device, with the first induction winding located closer to the proximal end of the device than the second induction winding.

Thus, the device may include two induction windings, with the first induction winding located closer to the mouth end of the device. Thus, the first induction winding heats the portion of the aerosol-forming material that is located closer to the user's mouth. First, the first induction winding is turned on. The second induction winding can be switched on later. For example, the controller may turn on the second induction winding to generate a second magnetic field at a third predetermined time after the first induction winding is turned on to generate the first magnetic field. The third predetermined time may be, for example, from about 40 seconds to about 60 seconds. The third set time may depend on the mode in which the device is operating.

The first induction winding may continue to generate the first magnetic field while the second induction winding generates the second magnetic field.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the first induction winding has a first length, and the second induction winding has a second length, the first length being less than the second length. The shorter winding length heats a smaller volume of aerosol-forming material, which generates a smaller volume of aerosol, thereby reducing the effect known as "hot puff".

In another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling the above-described aerosol generating device is disclosed. The control method includes turning on the heating block of the device for heating the aerosol-forming material and determining the characteristics of the heating block. If a certain characteristic satisfies at least one criterion, the indicator assembly is turned on to indicate the device is ready for use.

The above-mentioned characteristic may be the temperature of the heating block. For example, in induction heating systems this may be the temperature of the current collector.

If the determined temperature is greater than or equal to the threshold temperature, at least one criterion may be satisfied. The control method may further include activating an indicator assembly to indicate the device is ready for use for a predetermined period of time after the determined temperature is determined to meet at least one criterion.

The method may also further include activating an indicator assembly to indicate the device is ready for use within less than about 30 seconds after the heating unit is turned on to begin heating the aerosol-forming material.

The method may further include activating an indicator assembly to indicate that the device has completed operation or is about to complete operation for a predetermined period of time after the heating unit is turned on to begin heating the aerosol-forming material.

Although the proposed method is described for any type of heating block, it should be understood that this method is also applicable to a device with an induction heating block.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the aerosol-generating device includes an induction winding for generating an alternating magnetic field, a current collector configured to heat the aerosol-generating material, heated when an alternating magnetic field passes through it, an indicator assembly, and a controller. The controller is configured to turn on the induction winding to begin generating the alternating magnetic field, and turn on the indicator unit to indicate that the device has completed operation or is about to complete operation within a predetermined period of time after turning on the induction winding to generate the alternating magnetic field. In this way, the user can be informed when the device has finished or is about to shut down. This prevents the user from attempting to continue using the device when the volume, concentration or temperature of the generated aerosol may no longer be sufficient.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling an aerosol generating device includes turning on an induction winding of the aerosol generating device to generate an alternating magnetic field to heat a susceptor, and turning on an indicator unit of the aerosol generating device to indicate that the device has completed operation or is about to complete operation. operation, for a specified period of time after turning on the induction winding assembly, to begin heating the aerosol-forming material.

Although the proposed method is described using an induction heater as an example, it should be understood that this method is also applicable to a device with a non-induction heating block. For example, instead of an induction winding, the device may include a heating block configured to heat the aerosol-forming material.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the indicator assembly includes one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and an external element located above the one or more LEDs. The outer element includes a plurality of openings visible from the outside of the aerosol generating device. Electromagnetic radiation (eg, in the form of visible light) can pass through a variety of openings and be visible to the user. At least a portion of the outer element may form an outer surface of the device.

The indicator assembly may further comprise a light-forming element located between the one or more LEDs and the external element. The light-forming element may include one or more light guides that direct light through the light-forming element to form a special pattern or design. The light-shaping element may include opaque regions configured to block a portion of the light coming from the LED. The light-forming element may include transparent or translucent regions through which light can pass. Alternatively, the light forming element may include openings through which light can pass. A light-shaping element containing opaque regions and transparent or translucent regions may be more durable than a light-shaping element with holes. Translucent areas can also further diffuse/soften the light.

In some embodiments of the invention, the light shaping element is formed into two or more components by molding one component on top of the other. For example, opaque and transparent/translucent areas can be created from two components molded on top of each other.

In one possible embodiment of the invention, the light-forming element contains an opaque region extending along the periphery (perimeter, circumference) of the light-forming element. This eliminates the possibility of light leaking around the periphery of the outer element. The opaque area can be made in the form of an outer ring.

In one possible embodiment of the invention, the opaque area is black or dark gray.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, the opaque area is cross-shaped.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the device comprises four LEDs, each of which is positioned between adjacent opaque areas such that light from the LEDs is distributed over four quadrants. Opaque areas prevent light from leaking from one quadrant to another.

Preferably, said device is a tobacco heating device, also called a non-combustion heating device.

In fig. 1 shows an example of an aerosol generating device 100 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming medium/material. In principle, the device 100 can be used to heat a replaceable element containing an aerosol-generating medium to generate an aerosol or some other respirable medium that is inhaled by the user of the device 100.

The device 100 includes a housing 102 (in the form of an outer shell) surrounding and housing various components of the device 100. At one end, the device 100 has an opening 104 through which the article 110 can be inserted into it for heating by a heating block. During operation, article 110 may be fully or partially inserted into a heating block, wherein it may be heated by one or more components of the heating block.

The device 100 in the exemplary embodiment includes a first end member 106 including a cover 108 movable relative to the first end member 106 to cover the opening 104 when the article 110 is not inserted. In fig. 1, cover 108 is shown in an open position, however, cover 108 can be moved to a closed position. For example, the user can slide the cover 108 in the direction of arrow "A".

The device 100 may also include an input interface 112, which may include a button or switch that can be pressed to control the device 100. For example, the input interface 112 can be used by a user to turn on the device 100.

The device 100 may also include an electrical connector/component, such as a jack/input 114, into which a cable may be inserted to charge the battery of the device 100. For example, the jack 114 may be a charging jack, such as a USB charging jack. In some embodiments, alternatively or additionally, jack 114 may be used to transfer data between device 100 and another device, such as a computer.

In fig. 2 shows the device 100 shown in FIG. 1, with the outer shell 102 removed and the article 110 removed. The device 100 has a longitudinal axis 134.

As shown in FIG. 2, a first end member 106 is located at one end of the device 100, and a second end member 116 is located at the other end of the device 100. The first and second end members 106, 116 together at least partially define the end surfaces of the device 100. For example, the bottom surface of the second end member member 116 at least partially defines the bottom surface of device 100. The edges of the outer shell 102 may also form portions of the end surfaces. In the present example, cover 108 also forms part of the top surface of device 100.

The end of the device closest to the opening 104 is also called the proximal end (or mouthpiece end) of the device 100 because it is closest to the user's mouth during operation. During operation, the user inserts the article 110 into the opening 104, activates the user control element 112 to turn on the heating of the aerosol-generating material, and takes a puff of the aerosol generated in the device. As a result, the aerosol flows through the device 100 along the path of the aerosol to the proximal end of the device 100.

The other end of the device, located further from the opening 104, is also called the distal end of the device 100 because during operation, this end is furthest from the user's mouth. The user draws in an aerosol generated in the device, and the aerosol flows in a direction away from the distal end of the device 100.

In addition, the device 100 includes a power supply 118. The power source 118 may be, for example, a battery, which may be a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries are, for example, a lithium battery (such as a lithium ion battery), a nickel battery (such as a nickel-cadmium battery), and an alkaline battery. The battery is electrically coupled to the heating unit to supply electrical power when needed and is controlled by a controller (not shown) to heat the aerosol-forming material. In this example, the battery is attached to a central support 120, which holds the battery 118 in place. The center support 120 is also called a battery support or battery holder.

The device further includes at least one electronic module 122. The electronic module 122 may include, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB 122 may support at least one controller, such as a processor, and a memory device. The PCB 122 may also include one or more printed conductors that serve to electrically connect various electronic components of the device 100. For example, battery terminals may be electrically connected to the PCB 122 to provide power to the device 100. The connector 114 may also be electrically connected to the battery through the printed circuits. conductors.

In the exemplary embodiment of the device 100, the heating block is an induction heating block and includes various components for heating the aerosol-forming material of the article 110 by induction heating. Induction heating is the process of heating an electrically conductive object (such as a pantograph) through electromagnetic induction. The induction heating assembly may include an inductive element, such as one or more induction windings, and a device for causing a varying electrical current, such as alternating current, to pass through the inductive element. A changing electric current passing through an inductive element creates a changing magnetic field in it. The changing magnetic field penetrates the pantograph, suitably positioned relative to the inductive element, generating eddy currents inside the pantograph. The pantograph has electrical resistance to eddy currents, and thus the flow of eddy currents overcoming the above-mentioned electrical resistance causes the pantograph to heat up due to Joule heat. In cases where the pantograph contains ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt, heat may also be generated due to losses from magnetic hysteresis in the pantograph, i.e. by changing the orientation of magnetic dipoles in a magnetic material as a result of their alignment with the changing magnetic field. With induction heating, compared to heating by conduction, for example, heat is generated inside the pantograph, resulting in rapid heating. In addition, in this case, no physical contact is required between the induction heater and the current collector, which expands the design and application possibilities.

The induction heating assembly of the device 100 in the present embodiment includes a current collector 132 (hereinafter referred to as a "pantograph"), a first induction winding 124, and a second induction winding 126. The first and second induction windings 124, 126 are made of electrically conductive material. In the present example, the first and second induction windings 124, 126 are made of high frequency winding wire/cable wound in a helical shape to create helical induction windings 124, 126. The high frequency winding wire comprises a plurality of separately insulated wires twisted together to form a single wire. High-frequency winding wires serve to reduce skin effect losses in the conductor. In the considered embodiment of the device 100, the first and second induction windings 124, 126 are made of copper high-frequency winding wire with a rectangular cross-section. In other embodiments of the invention, the high frequency winding wire may have other cross-sectional shapes, such as circular.

The first induction winding 124 is configured to create a first varying magnetic field to heat the first section of the pantograph 132, and the second induction winding 126 is configured to create a second varying magnetic field to heat the second section of the pantograph 132. In the example under consideration, the first induction winding 124 is located adjacent to the second induction winding 126 in a direction along the longitudinal axis 134 of device 100 (ie, the first and second induction windings 124, 126 do not overlap). The current collector 132 may include one current collector or two or more current collectors. The ends 130 of the first and second induction windings 124, 126 can be connected to the PP 122.

It should be understood that in some embodiments of the invention, the first and second induction windings 124, 126 may differ from each other in at least one of their characteristics. For example, the first inductive winding 124 may have at least one characteristic that is different from the second inductive winding 126. More specifically, in one possible embodiment of the invention, the first inductive winding 124 may have an inductance value that is different from the inductance of the second inductive winding 126. How shown in Fig. 2, the first and second induction windings 124, 126 are of different lengths such that the first induction winding 124 is wound around a smaller portion of the pantograph 132 than the second induction winding 126. Thus, the number of turns of the first induction winding 124 may be different from the number of turns of the second induction winding. 126 (provided that the distance between the individual turns is practically the same). In yet another example, the first induction winding 124 may be made of a different material than the second induction winding 126. In some embodiments, the first and second induction windings 124, 126 may be substantially the same.

In the present example, the first induction winding 124 and the second induction winding 126 are wound in opposite directions. This can be useful when the induction windings are activated at different times. For example, the first induction winding 124 may be operated first to heat the first portion of the article 110, and later the second induction winding 126 may be turned on to heat the second portion of the article 110. Winding the turns in opposite directions helps reduce the current induced in the idle winding when used with a control circuit. a certain type. As shown in FIG. 2, the first induction winding 124 is a right-hand wound helix, and the second induction winding 126 is a left-hand wound helix. However, in other embodiments of the invention, the induction windings 124, 126 may be wound in one direction, or the first induction winding 124 may be a left-hand wound helix and the second induction winding 126 may be a right-hand wound helix.

The current collector 132 in this embodiment of the invention is a hollow member and thus is a receptacle into which the aerosol-forming material is inserted. For example, an article 110 may be inserted into the pantograph 132. In the exemplary embodiment, the pantograph 132 is tubular in shape with a circular cross-section.

Shown in FIG. 2, device 100 further includes an insulating element 128, which may be generally tubular in shape and at least partially surround the current collector 132. The insulating element 128 may be made of any insulating material, such as plastic. In this particular embodiment of the invention, the insulating element is made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The insulating element 128 may help isolate various components of the device 100 from heat generated in the current collector 132.

The insulating element 128 may also fully or partially support the first and second induction windings 124, 126. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the first and second induction windings 124, 126 are located around the insulating element 128 and contact the radially outer surface of the insulating element 128. In some embodiments of the invention, the insulating element 128 is not adjacent to the first and second inductive windings 124, 126. For example, there may be a small the gap between the outer surface of the insulating element 128 and the inner surface of the first and second induction windings 124, 126.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the pantograph 132, the insulating element 128, and the first and second induction windings 124, 126 are located coaxially relative to the central longitudinal axis of the pantograph 132.

In fig. 3 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the device 100. In this example, the outer shell 102 is present. Here, the rectangular cross-sectional shape of the first and second induction windings 124, 126 is more clearly visible.

The device 100 further includes a base 136 connected to one end of the pantograph 132 and serving to lock the pantograph 132 in place. The base 136 is connected to the second end member 116.

The device may also further include a second circuit board 138 coupled to input interface 112.

The device 100 further includes a second cover/cap 140 and a spring 142 located near the distal end of the device 100. The spring 142 allows the second cover 140 to be opened to provide access to the pantograph 132. The user can open the second cover 140 to clean the pantograph 132 and/or the base 136.

The device 100 further includes an expansion chamber 144 that extends from the proximal end of the pantograph 132 to the device opening 104. Located at least partially within the expansion chamber 144 is a retaining clip 146 adjacent to and retaining the article 110 when the article 110 is inserted into the device 100. The expansion chamber 144 is connected to the end member 106.

In fig. 4 is an illustration of the device 100 shown in FIG. 1, disassembled, without outer shell 102.

In fig. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the device 100 shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 5B shows the area shown in FIG. 5A, enlarged. In fig. 5A and 5B show an article 110 inserted into the pantograph 132, the size of which is selected such that the outer surface of the article 110 fits tightly against the inner surface of the pantograph 132. This provides the most efficient heating. The article 110 in the present embodiment of the invention contains an aerosol-forming material 110a. This aerosol-forming material 110a is located within the pantograph 132. The article 110 may also include other components such as a filter, wrapping materials, and/or a cooling structure.

As can be seen from Fig. 5B, the outer surface of the pantograph 132 is separated from the inner surface of the induction windings 124, 126 by a distance 150 measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 158 of the pantograph 132. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the distance 150 may be from about 3 to 4 mm, about 3 to 3 .5 mm or approximately 3.25 mm.

In fig. 5B also shows that the outer surface of the insulating element 128 is separated from the inner surface of the induction windings 124, 126 by a distance 152 measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 158 of the pantograph 132. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the distance 152 is approximately 0.05 mm. In another possible embodiment of the invention, the distance 152 is substantially equal to 0 mm, such that the inductive windings 124, 126 touch and fit tightly against the insulating element 128.

In an exemplary embodiment, the wall thickness 154 of the pantograph 132 is between approximately 0.025 and 1 mm, or approximately 0.05 mm.

In an exemplary embodiment, the length of pantograph 132 is between about 40 and 60 mm, between about 40 and 45 mm, or about 44.5 mm.

In an exemplary embodiment, the wall thickness 156 of the insulating element 128 is about 0.25 to 2 mm, about 0.25 to 1 mm, or about 0.5 mm.

In fig. 6 shows the device 100 in a front view. As briefly discussed above, the device may include an input interface 112. In some embodiments of the invention, a user may operate the input interface 112 to control the device 100. An indicator assembly may be located adjacent to the input interface 112 that may indicate to the user the occurrence of one or more events, for example: when the device is ready for use and/or when the device has shut down. The indicator assembly may also indicate the mode in which the device 100 is operating.

In fig. 6 shows an external element 202 located above (ie in front of) the indicator assembly. In other embodiments of the invention, the indicator assembly may be located in another location of the device. In the examples described herein, the indicator assembly includes a visual component configured to provide a visual indication. The visual component contains a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit electromagnetic radiation, such as light, to indicate certain events to the user. It should be appreciated that the indicator assembly may alternatively or additionally include a tactile component or an audible indicator. In the subject device 100, the indicator assembly includes a visual component and a tactile component.

The external element 202 is the outermost component of the input interface 112. The user can press the external element 202 to operate the device 100. As will be described in more detail below, the external element 202 has a plurality of holes 204 through which light from a plurality of LEDs can pass.

In fig. 7 shows a housing 102 (also referred to as the outer shell) of the device 100. An opening 206 is provided in the housing. An external element (not shown in FIG. 7) may be mounted in the opening 206. For example, the external element may be mounted flush with the outer surface of the housing 102 , or may protrude slightly, or may be recessed relative to the outer surface of the housing 102.

In fig. 8 shows device 100 without housing 102. In the exemplary example, outer member 202 is bonded to light-forming member 210 by an adhesive layer 208. The adhesive of adhesive layer 208 may partially or completely cover the interior surface of outer member 202. Surrounding light-forming member 210 is a sealing member 212. B In some embodiments, the device may not include an outer member 202, an adhesive layer 208, a light shaping member 210, and a sealing member 212.

In fig. 9 shows device 100 with outer element 202, light forming element 210, and sealing element 212 removed. Device 100 includes a visual component including four LEDs 214, although in other embodiments the device may include a different number of LEDs, such as one LED or multiple LEDs. 214. The LEDs 214 are mounted below the outer element 202 such that light passes from the LED 214 through a plurality of holes 204 provided in the outer element 202. Thus, light also passes through the light forming element 210 and the adhesive layer 208. Between the LEDs 214 and the outer element 202 one or more additional components may be installed.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, LEDs 214 are located around an input interface 112 configured to detect user input. For example, a user may press or otherwise interact with external element 202, which in turn is detected by input interface 112. Input interface 112 may be in the form of a button or switch that is actuated when the user applies force to external element 202. In another possible embodiment, the input interface 112 and external element 202 may be part of a capacitive sensor that detects when the user touches external element 202.

In fig. 10 is a front view of the outer member 202. As discussed above, the outer member 202 has a plurality of openings 204. In the example, each of the openings 204 is configured as a slot of a specified length and width.

Preferably, the holes 204 are located around the periphery (periphery, outer circumference) of the outer member 202. As shown in FIG. 10, the holes 204 are located closer to the periphery of the outer element 202 than to the center of the outer element 202. This allows the holes 204 to be open (and therefore allows light to be seen) even when the user presses the outer element 202. It is more likely that the user will press on (or hold) the center of outer element 202 than on the edge of outer element 202.

In fig. 11 is an exploded view of device 100 showing some of its components. As discussed above, device 100 may include an adhesive layer 208 applied between the LED 214 and the outer element 202. In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the adhesive layer has the same shape and size as the outer element 202 such that the adhesive covers the openings 204. Thus Thus, light may first pass through the adhesive layer 208 before passing through the openings 204. Thus, the adhesive layer 208 may be transparent or translucent. The translucent adhesive layer 208 helps diffuse light from the LEDs, eliminating the possibility of hot spots. A "hot spot" is an area where the light intensity is higher than the light intensity in the surrounding areas.

In some embodiments, the outer element 202 is attached to the light-forming element 210 by an adhesive layer 208. In the exemplary embodiment, the light-forming element 210 includes one or more opaque regions 230 (which may be connected to each other), as well as one or more translucent or 232 transparent areas (which can also connect to each other). The translucent or transparent regions 232 are also known as light guides because they direct light through the light shaping element 210. Light from the LED 214 can pass through the translucent or transparent regions 232, but is blocked by the opaque regions 230. Thus, the opaque regions 230 reduce the intensity of the light passing through some of the holes 204 (ie, through the holes located above the opaque areas 230). The opaque regions 230 and the translucent or transparent regions 232 may be regions of a single integral component, one or both of which have been treated to impart special optical properties. In another possible embodiment, the opaque regions 230 and the translucent or transparent regions 232 may be separate components molded on top of each other.

In this example, the light-forming element includes an opaque region 238 extending along the periphery (perimeter, circumference) of the light-forming element 210. This eliminates light leakage around the periphery of the outer element 202. The opaque region can be configured, for example, as an outer ring.

In the exemplary embodiment, device 100 includes four LEDs 214, each located between adjacent opaque areas 230 such that light from the LEDs is distributed over four quadrants. In other words, the LEDs 214 may be located below transparent or translucent areas. By distributing the light over four different areas, the user can be provided with different types of display. For example, the number of illuminated quadrants can indicate to the user certain events. Accordingly, light may be blocked by the opaque areas such that light may not pass through some of the openings.

In some embodiments, the areas between the opaque areas 230 are holes and thus do not contain transparent or translucent material.

Between the light-forming element 210 and the LED 214 is a sealing element 212, such as a gasket. The outer diameter of the sealing element 212 is larger than the outer diameters of the outer element 202 and the light-shaping element 210. In some embodiments, the sealing element 210 fits tightly against the inner surface of the housing 102, preventing the possibility of liquid and dust entering the device 100.

Indication of device readiness for use

In fig. 12 is a schematic diagram of a system including a controller 302 (eg, one or more processors), a heating block 304, a temperature sensor 308, an indicator assembly 306, and an input interface 112. In some embodiments, the input interface 112 may not be present. The controller 302 is in communication with the heating block 304, temperature sensor 308, indicator assembly 306, and input interface 112 via one or more wired or wireless connections (shown in dotted line).

The controller 302 may be located, for example, on the PCB 122. The controller 302 may control the operation of the device 100, such as turning on the heating block 304 to heat the aerosol-forming material. In some embodiments, the controller 302 receives input signals from the input interface 112 and performs corresponding operations to control the heating block 304 and the indicator assembly 306. Thus, the user can provide an input signal to the input interface 112 to control the device. In some embodiments of the invention, the heating mode is selected using input interface 112.

As discussed above, indicator node 306 may indicate to the user that one or more events have occurred. To cause indicator node 306 to begin making an indication, controller 302 may send a signal or command to indicator node 306. In the examples shown in FIGS. 6-11, indicator assembly 306 includes a visual component containing a plurality of LEDs 214. It should be appreciated that the following description also applies to other types of indicator assembly 306.

Temperature sensor 308 measures the temperature of heating block 304. For example, temperature sensor 308 may measure the temperature of pantograph 132. Temperature sensor 308 may provide an output signal (e.g., in the form of one or more signals) indicative of the temperature of heating block 304. The output signal may sent to controller 302, which can determine the temperature from this output signal. In some embodiments of the invention, the output signal directly indicates the temperature. In other embodiments of the invention, the output signal is used by the controller to calculate or determine the temperature. Accordingly, controller 302 may control the temperature of a component of heating block 304.

The controller 302 may control the heating block 304 depending on the temperature. For example, controller 302 may maintain heating block 304 at or near a threshold temperature. If the temperature exceeds the threshold temperature, controller 302 may command heating block 304 to lower the temperature. For example, controller 302 may temporarily interrupt heating provided by heating block 304 or reduce the power output of heating block 304. If the temperature is below a threshold temperature, controller 302 may command heating block 304 to increase the temperature. For example, controller 302 may command heating block 304 to begin or continue heating, or increase the power output of heating block 304.

In the examples below, the heating block 304 includes one or more induction windings that create one or more magnetic fields to heat the current collector. The controller 302 may drive the induction coil(s) of the device 100 to generate an alternating magnetic field. For example, controller 302 may send one or more signals to the induction coil(s). Once the induction winding(s) begin to generate an alternating magnetic field, the current collector 132 heats up, which in turn causes any aerosol-forming material located adjacent to the current collector 132 to heat. Thus, the temperature sensor 308 can measure temperature of the current collector 132. It should be understood that the following description also applies to other types of heating blocks 304.

The controller 302 may turn on one or more induction windings to heat the pantograph to a threshold temperature of about 240°C to about 290°C. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the device is configured to operate in a first mode or a second mode, wherein the first and second modes are heating modes. In a possible embodiment of the invention, when the device is operating in a first mode (default mode), the controller 302 may turn on the first induction winding 124 to heat the first region of the pantograph 132 to a threshold temperature of about 240°C to about 260°C, for example, to about 250°C. In another possible embodiment of the invention, the device may operate in a second (boost) mode, and the controller 302 may include a first induction winding 124 to heat the first region of the pantograph 132 to a threshold temperature of about 270°C to about 290°C, such as about 280 °C.

During the heating cycle, the second induction winding 126 may generate a second magnetic field later. For example, the second induction winding 126 may generate the second magnetic field for about 60 seconds to about 130 seconds after the first induction winding 124 finishes generating the first magnetic field. The second induction winding is configured to heat the second region of the pantograph 132. In some embodiments, both induction windings 124, 126 operate simultaneously.

After the first induction winding 124 begins heating the pantograph 132, the controller 302 may periodically or continuously determine the temperature of the heating block 304 based on the output signal from the temperature sensor 308. Thus, the controller 302 determines the temperature of the pantograph 132 and can determine whether this temperature is appropriate. at least one criterion. If the controller 302 determines that the temperature meets the criterion, it turns on the indicator assembly 306 to indicate that the device is ready for use. For example, the controller 302 may send a signal or command to the indicator node 306 to provide a specific indication.

In one possible embodiment of the invention, the criterion is considered to be met if the determined temperature is greater than or equal to the threshold temperature.

In another possible embodiment of the invention, the criterion is considered to be met if the determined temperature is greater than or equal to the threshold temperature, but the controller 302 does not command the indicator node 306 to indicate that the device is ready for use until a predetermined period of time has passed since it was a certain temperature is determined to be greater than or equal to a threshold temperature. This may be useful because, in some embodiments, the temperature of pantograph 132 may fluctuate, rising and falling above and below a threshold temperature. The delay in the command sent to the indicator assembly 306 to indicate that the device is ready for use provides the time required for heat to penetrate the aerosol-forming material. For example, although the temperature of pantograph 132 may be close to the threshold temperature, it may take at least 10 seconds to release the required volume of aerosol. It may take up to approximately 60 seconds for the aerosol-forming material to fully heat up.

In another possible embodiment of the invention, the criterion is considered to be met if it is determined that the determined temperature remained greater than or equal to the threshold temperature for at least a specified period of time. This also provides time for heat to penetrate the aerosol-forming material.

Preferably, the heating block 304 is configured such that the device is ready for use within approximately 30 seconds of the start of heating the aerosol-forming material.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, LEDs 214 emit light to indicate when device 100 is ready for use. For example, one or all of the LEDs 214 may light up when the device 100 is ready for use (ie, after a criterion has been met).

In a particular embodiment of the invention, multiple illuminated LEDs 214 indicate when the device is ready for use. For example, when all LEDs 214 are lit, the device may be ready for use.

In fig. 13A-E show an external element 202 located above four LEDs 214. In the exemplary embodiment, the LEDs 214 light up sequentially as the heating block 304 heats up. For example, the number of LEDs illuminated may indicate how ready the device is for use. When all four LEDs are lit, the device is ready for use.

In fig. 13A depicts a moment when none of the LEDs 214 are illuminated. At this point in time, the criterion is not met, and the controller 302 may or may not turn on the induction winding 124 to begin generating an alternating magnetic field.

In fig. 13B shows the outer element 202 at a later time point than in FIG. 13A. At this point in time, one of the LEDs lights up and light begins to pass through the multiple holes 204, illuminating one quadrant of the outer element 202. This LED could turn on when the temperature of the pantograph 132 exceeds the first threshold value. For example, the device may be operated in a manner in which the temperature of the heating block is maintained at a threshold temperature of approximately 250°C. The first threshold value may be lower than the threshold temperature. For example, the first threshold could be 220°C. Alternatively, the heating block may have already reached the threshold temperature, and the first threshold time period has passed since the threshold temperature was reached. The heating block temperature may still be equal to or greater than the threshold temperature, or may have dropped below the threshold temperature at least once. The first threshold time period may be, for example, 5 seconds from the time the controller determines that the temperature has reached the threshold temperature.

In fig. 13C shows the outer element 202 at a later time point than in FIG. 13B. At this point in time, two LEDs light up and light begins to pass through a certain number of holes 204, illuminating two quadrants of the outer element 202. The second LED could turn on when the temperature of the pantograph 132 exceeds a second threshold value. The second threshold value may be greater than the first threshold value and less than the threshold temperature. For example, the first threshold could be 230°C. Alternatively, the heating block may have already reached the threshold temperature, and a second threshold period of time has passed since the threshold temperature was reached. The heating block temperature may still be equal to or greater than the threshold temperature, or may have dropped below the threshold temperature at least once. The second threshold time period may be, for example, 10 seconds from the time the controller determines that the temperature has reached the threshold temperature.

In fig. 13D shows the outer element 202 at a later time point than in FIG. 13C. At this point in time, three LEDs light up and light begins to pass through a certain number of holes 204, illuminating three quadrants of the outer element 202. The third LED could turn on when the temperature of the pantograph 132 exceeds a third threshold value. The third threshold value may be greater than the second threshold value and less than the threshold temperature. For example, the first threshold could be 240°C. Alternatively, the heating block may have already reached the threshold temperature, and a third threshold time period has passed since the threshold temperature was reached. The heating block temperature may still be equal to or greater than the threshold temperature, or may have dropped below the threshold temperature at least once. The third threshold time period may be, for example, 15 seconds from the time the controller determines that the temperature has reached the threshold temperature.

In fig. 13E shows the outer element 202 at a later time point than in FIG. 13D. At this point in time, all four LEDs turn on and light begins to pass through the holes 204, illuminating the four quadrants of the outer element 202. The fourth LED could turn on when the temperature of the pantograph 132 exceeds the fourth threshold value. The fourth threshold value may be the threshold temperature. Alternatively, the heating block may have already reached the threshold temperature, and a fourth threshold time period has passed since the threshold temperature was reached. The heating block temperature may still be equal to or greater than the threshold temperature, or may have dropped below the threshold temperature at least once. The fourth threshold time period may be, for example, 20 seconds from the time the controller determines that the temperature has reached the threshold temperature. At this point in time, the criterion is satisfied and the device is ready for use. Accordingly, when all four LEDs light up, the indicator assembly 306 indicates that the device is ready for use.

In another possible example, the first threshold time period may be from about 3 seconds to about 5 seconds, the second threshold time period may be from about 6 seconds to about 10 seconds, the third threshold time period may be from about 9 seconds to about 15 seconds, and the fourth threshold time period may be from about 12 seconds to about 20 seconds. The first, second, third and fourth threshold time periods may depend on the mode in which the device is operating. For example, if the device is operating in the first mode (default mode), the first, second, third, and fourth threshold time periods may be longer than the corresponding first, second, third, and fourth threshold time periods when the device is operating in the second (boost) mode. mode. This may be due to the fact that in the second (forced) mode the heating of the aerosol-forming material occurs faster.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the indicator assembly 306 may further comprise a haptic component configured to provide haptic feedback to indicate that the device has begun heating the aerosol-forming material. This can be useful if none of the LEDs are lit when the induction coil begins to generate a magnetic field. Haptic feedback can indicate the mode in which the device is operating.

In another possible embodiment, the indicator assembly 306 may include a haptic component configured to provide haptic feedback to indicate the device is ready for use. This may occur instead of or in addition to any other types of indication. For example, indicator assembly 306 may provide both visual indication and tactile feedback to indicate the device is ready for use.

In another possible embodiment, the indicator assembly 306 may include an audible indicator configured to emit a sound to indicate the device is ready for use. This may occur instead of or in addition to any other types of indication. For example, indicator assembly 306 may provide both a visual indication and an audible sound to indicate the device is ready for use.

Input interface

As discussed above, the controller 302 may receive an input signal from the input interface 112, promptly determine the selected heating mode, and turn on the induction coil 124 to generate an alternating magnetic field. In the exemplary embodiment, the input interface 112 is a single button, wherein the input interface 112 sends a signal to the controller 302 to indicate that the user has acted on the input interface 112. In a particular embodiment of the invention, this signal indicates that the user has released button. Thus, the user can press and hold the button, and the controller 302 will determine the selected heating mode and turn on the induction coil 124 to generate an alternating magnetic field when the button is released.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the user can press and hold a button for different periods of time, and the device operates in a specific mode depending on the length of time the button is held down. Thus, the input signal received from the input interface 112 may also include a signal indicating the length of time that the button has been pressed, and the controller 302 may be configured to turn on the inductive coil 124 to generate an alternating magnetic field when the signal is received. indicating that the button has been released, and when determining that the length of time the button was held down is greater than or equal to a time period threshold. The signal indicating the duration of the time period may indicate time directly or may be a button press signal that allows the controller to determine the duration of time by synchronizing the period between the button press signal and the button release signal. If the time duration is less than the time period threshold, the device 100 does not start heating. Based on the duration of time, the controller 302 can determine which mode has been selected. In a particular embodiment of the invention, if the duration of time is less than a time period threshold, the device 100 may indicate the power level of the device power supply 118.

As already indicated, the device 100 may be configured to operate in a first mode or a second mode. Thus, in particular, if the length of time the button was held down is greater than or equal to the first time period threshold and less than the second time period threshold, the controller 302 commands the device to operate in the first mode. If the length of time the button was held down is greater than or equal to the second time period threshold, the device operates in the second mode. The first time period threshold may be, for example, 3 seconds, and the second time period threshold may be, for example, 5 seconds. Thus, using the same button, the user can switch on different operating modes. If the user holds the button down for more than 3 seconds but less than 5 seconds, the device operates in the first mode.

In a specific example, if the length of time the button was held down is greater than or equal to the third time period threshold, the device will operate in setup mode. Setup mode allows the user to configure device settings. The third time period threshold may be greater than the second time period threshold. In the specific example, the third time period threshold is 8 seconds. If the user holds the button down for more than 5 seconds but less than 8 seconds, the device operates in the second mode.

In another example, if the length of time the button was held down is greater than or equal to the fourth time period threshold but less than the first time period, the device will display the power level of the power supply 118 . The fourth time period threshold may be, for example, 1 second. If the user presses the button for more than 1 second but less than 3 seconds, the device can display the power level. The power level display may be provided by indicator assembly 306. For example, if the power level is between 0 and 25%, one of four LEDs 214 may illuminate. If the power level is between 25 and 50%, two LEDs 214 may illuminate. If the power level is between 50 to 75%, three LEDs 214 may light up. If the power level is 75 to 100%, four LEDs 214 may light up.

Only one specific type of input interface 112 has been described above. In another possible embodiment of the invention, the user selects an operating mode using a touch screen. In another possible embodiment of the invention, one or more input interfaces may be provided. For example, to turn on the device in the first mode, the user may operate the first input interface, and to turn on the device in the second mode, the user may operate the second input interface. Thus, the controller 302 may be configured to turn on the induction coil to generate an alternating magnetic field upon receiving an input signal from one of the above two interfaces, i.e. from the first or second input interface.

Indication of the end of device operation

As discussed above, indicator assembly 306 may indicate that the device is ready for use or that the device has begun heating the aerosol-forming material. Alternatively or additionally, indicator assembly 306 may indicate that the device has completed operation or is about to complete operation. In some embodiments of the invention, the indicator assembly is configured 306 to indicate the time remaining until the end of operation of the device.

The device may be configured to heat the aerosol-forming material for a predetermined period of time. Thus, the controller 302 may include an indicator assembly 306 to indicate that the device has completed operation or is about to complete operation, for a predetermined period of time after turning on the induction winding to generate an alternating magnetic field. The predetermined period of time may be, for example, about 3 minutes, 3 minutes and 30 seconds, or 4 minutes. In some embodiments of the invention, the specified period of time depends on the mode in which the device is operating.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, indicator assembly 306 indicates that the device has completed operation or is about to complete operation by ceasing to provide any readings. For example, while the device is operating, a visual component, such as one or more LEDs, may visually indicate that the device is operating. When the visual indication stops, it informs the user that the device has finished working. For example, if one or more LEDs are lit when the device is running, they may turn off when the device is finished running, thereby indicating to the user that the device has finished running.

In another possible embodiment of the invention, the indicator node 306 informs the user that the device has completed operation by providing a specific indication. For example, the visual component may provide a specific indication to indicate that the device has completed operation or is about to complete operation. This visual indication may differ from the previous visual indication. For example, if one or more LEDs are lit while the device is operating, they may flash in a pattern to indicate that the device has finished or is about to finish.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the indicator assembly 306 may include a haptic component configured to provide haptic feedback to indicate that the device has completed operation or is about to complete operation. In another possible embodiment of the invention, the indicator assembly 306 may include an audible indicator configured to emit a sound to indicate that the device has completed operation or is about to complete operation. Two or more different types of indication may be provided.

In some embodiments of the invention, the controller 302 may turn on the indicator assembly 306 to indicate that the device has completed operation or is about to terminate operation when the determined temperature meets the second criterion. The second criterion may be met when the determined temperature becomes less than or equal to the second temperature threshold. The second temperature threshold may be approximately 10 to 50°C lower than the above threshold temperature. Thus, when the heating block 304 cools below a certain point, the indicator assembly 306 may indicate that the device has completed operation or is about to complete operation.

In some embodiments of the invention, the indicator assembly 306 is configured to indicate the time remaining until the end of operation of the device. For example, the indication can be made at various points in time when the device is approaching the end of operation.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the haptic component may provide haptic feedback 20 seconds before the end of the heating cycle, as well as 15 seconds before the end of the heating cycle, 10 seconds before the end of the heating cycle, 5 seconds before the end of the heating cycle, and at the end of the heating cycle. heating cycle. The haptic feedback provided at any given time may be the same or different. For example, the intensity or duration of the haptic feedback signal may increase as the end of the heating cycle approaches.

In another possible embodiment of the invention, the indicator assembly 306 includes a plurality of LEDs, and the number of illuminated LEDs indicates the time remaining until the device is running. For example, when the device is operating, a first number of LEDs may be illuminated, and when the device is shutting down, a second number of LEDs may be illuminated, the second number being less than the first number. The second quantity may, for example, be zero. The first number may be equal to the total number of LEDs. Thus, the LEDs can turn off as the device approaches shutdown.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, a plurality of LEDs are provided, for example four LEDs, and these LEDs are sequentially turned off as the end of the heating cycle approaches. In fig. 13E may depict the external element 202 during operation of the device. The first and/or second induction windings may be turned on or off at this time. At this time, all four LEDs light up, informing the user that he can still use the device. There may be a threshold period of time remaining before the device ends. For example, there may be 20 seconds left before the device ends.

In one example, the device is considered to have "ended operation" when the first and/or second inductive winding has ceased generating an alternating magnetic field. In another possible embodiment of the invention, the moment of "end of operation of the device" is considered to be the moment when the temperature/volume of the generated aerosol falls below an acceptable value, which may occur some time after the first and/or second induction winding stops generating the magnetic field.

In fig. 13D may show the outer element 202 at a later time point than in FIG. 13E. For example, there may only be 15 seconds left before the device ends. At this point in time, one of the four LEDs turns off and light begins to pass through the multiple openings 204, illuminating three quadrants of the outer element 202.

In fig. 13C may depict the outer element 202 at a later time point than in FIG. 13D. For example, there may only be 10 seconds left before the device ends. At this point in time, two of the four LEDs turn off and light begins to pass through the multiple openings 204, illuminating two quadrants of the outer element 202.

In fig. 13B may show the outer element 202 at a later time point than in FIG. 13C. For example, there may only be 5 seconds left before the device ends. At this point in time, three of the four LEDs turn off and light begins to pass through the multiple openings 204, illuminating one quadrant of the outer element 202.

In fig. 13A may show the outer element 202 at a later time point than in FIG. 13B. For example, at this moment the device could finish working. At this point in time, all four LEDs are off and there is no light. Thus, the indicator unit 306 indicates that the device has finished operating and also indicates the time remaining until the device ends.

In another possible embodiment of the invention, the LEDs turn off sequentially depending on the temperature of the heating block (ie, as the end of the heating cycle approaches). For example, at some initial point before the device has finished operating, all four LEDs may be illuminated. When the temperature drops below the first value, one of the four LEDs may turn off. When the temperature drops below the second value, another LED may turn off. When the temperature drops below the third value, another LED may turn off, and when the temperature drops below the fourth value, all four LEDs turn off. The first value may be approximately 5-10°C below the operating temperature of the heating block (i.e. threshold temperature). The second value may be approximately 10-20°C below the operating temperature of the heating block (i.e. threshold temperature). The third value may be approximately 15-30°C below the operating temperature of the heating block (i.e. threshold temperature). The fourth value may be approximately 20 to 40°C below the operating temperature of the heating block (i.e. threshold temperature). The fourth value may be equal to the above-mentioned second threshold value.

In fig. 14 shows a block diagram of a method for controlling an aerosol-generating device. The control method includes turning on the heating block of the device to heat the aerosol-forming material (see block 402). The method also includes determining the temperature of the heating block from the output signal from the temperature sensor (see block 404). The method also includes activating an indicator assembly to indicate the device is ready for use if the determined temperature meets at least one criterion (see block 406).

In fig. 15 shows a block diagram of another possible method of controlling an aerosol-generating device. As shown at block 502, the method includes energizing the induction coil of the aerosol generating device to generate an alternating magnetic field to heat the current collector. As shown at block 504, the method also includes turning on the indicator assembly of the aerosol generating device to indicate that the device has completed operation or is about to complete operation, for a predetermined period of time after turning on the induction coil assembly to begin heating the aerosol-generating material.

The examples given herein are illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Other embodiments of the present invention are possible. It should be understood that any feature described for any embodiment of the invention may be used alone or in combination with one or more features of any other possible embodiment or any combination of any other possible embodiments of the invention. In addition, equivalent solutions and modifications may be used without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims below.

Claims (45)

1. Aerosol-generating device containing: a heating block configured to heat the aerosol-forming material; indicator unit; And controller configured to: turning on the heating block to heat the aerosol-forming material; determining the characteristics of the heating block; And if the determined characteristic meets at least one criterion, activating an indicator assembly to indicate the device is ready for use. 2. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, in which the characteristic is the temperature of the heating block. 3. Aerosol-generating device according to claim 2, which additionally contains: a temperature sensor configured to provide an output signal indicating the temperature of the heating block; wherein the controller is configured to: receiving an output signal from a temperature sensor; determining the temperature of the heating block using the output signal from the temperature sensor. 4. The aerosol generating device of claim 3, wherein at least one criterion is met if the determined temperature is greater than or equal to a threshold temperature. 5. The aerosol generating device of claim 4, wherein the controller is configured to turn on an indicator assembly to indicate that the device is ready for use for a predetermined period of time after it is determined that the specified temperature meets at least one criterion. 6. The aerosol generating device of claim 3, wherein at least one criterion is met if the determined temperature remained greater than or equal to a threshold temperature for at least a predetermined period of time. 7. Aerosol-generating device according to any one of paragraphs. 4-6, in which the threshold temperature is greater than about 240°C. 8. Aerosol-generating device according to any one of paragraphs. 4-7, which is configured to operate in a first mode or a second mode, wherein the heating characteristics of the first mode are different from the heating characteristics of the second mode, and the threshold temperature of the first mode is different from the threshold temperature of the second mode. 9. Aerosol-generating device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-8, wherein the indicator assembly includes a visual component for indicating the device is ready for use. 10. Aerosol-generating device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-9, wherein the indicator assembly includes a haptic component configured to provide haptic feedback to indicate the device is ready for use. 11. Aerosol-generating device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-10, wherein the indicator assembly includes an audio component configured to emit a sound to indicate the device is ready for use. 12. Aerosol-generating device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-11, wherein the heating block is configured to heat the aerosol-forming material such that the indicator assembly indicates that the device is ready for use within less than about 30 seconds from the time the heating block is turned on to begin heating the aerosol-forming material. 13. Aerosol-generating device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-11, wherein the controller is configured to turn on the heating block to heat the aerosol-forming material so that the indicator assembly indicates that the device is ready for use within less than about 30 seconds from the time the heating block is turned on to begin heating the aerosol-forming material. 14. Aerosol-generating device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-13, wherein the controller is configured to turn on an indicator assembly to indicate that the device has completed operation or is about to complete operation, for a predetermined period of time after turning on the heating unit to heat the aerosol-forming material. 15. Aerosol-generating device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-14, in which the heating block contains: induction winding to generate an alternating magnetic field; a current collector configured to heat the aerosol-forming material, said current collector configured to heat up when an alternating magnetic field passes through it; wherein the controller is configured to turn on the heating unit for heating the aerosol-forming material by turning on the induction winding to generate an alternating magnetic field. 16. The aerosol generating device according to claim 15, in which the induction winding is a first induction winding, and the heating block further comprises a second induction winding for generating a second alternating magnetic field, wherein: the first induction winding is located next to the second induction winding in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the device; the controller is configured to turn on the second induction winding to generate a second alternating magnetic field after turning on the indicator assembly to indicate the device is ready for use; when in use, the aerosol is allowed to flow along the flow path of the device toward a proximal end of the device, with the first induction winding located closer to the proximal end of the device than the second induction winding. 17. A method for controlling an aerosol-generating device, including: turning on the heating block of the device for heating the aerosol-forming material; determining the characteristics of the heating block; And if a certain characteristic satisfies at least one criterion: turning on the device indicator node to indicate the device is ready for use. 18. The method according to claim 17, in which the characteristic is the temperature of the heating block. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein at least one criterion is met if the determined temperature is greater than or equal to a threshold temperature. 20. The method of claim 19, which includes activating an indicator assembly to indicate the device is ready for use for a predetermined period of time after the determined temperature is determined to meet at least one criterion. 21. The method of claim 18, wherein at least one criterion is met if the determined temperature remained greater than or equal to the threshold temperature for at least a predetermined period of time. 22. Method according to any one of paragraphs. 19-21, in which the threshold temperature is greater than about 240°C. 23. Method according to any one of paragraphs. 19-22, in which the device is configured to operate in a first mode or a second mode, wherein the heating characteristics of the first mode are different from the heating characteristics of the second mode, and the threshold temperature of the first mode is different from the threshold temperature of the second mode. 24. Method according to any one of paragraphs. 17-23, which includes activating an indicator assembly to indicate the device is ready for use within less than about 30 seconds after the heating unit is turned on to begin heating the aerosol-forming material. 25. Method according to any one of paragraphs. 17-24, which further includes turning on the indicator assembly to indicate that the device has completed operation or is about to complete operation, for a predetermined period of time after turning on the heating block to begin heating the aerosol-forming material.