WO2023139206A1

WO2023139206A1 - Modular device with free rotation indexed user interface

Info

Publication number: WO2023139206A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/051359
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ricardo CALI
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
Priority date: 2022-01-24
Filing date: 2023-01-20
Publication date: 2023-07-27

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular aerosol-generating device comprising a main body. The main body comprises a controller and a power supply. The modular aerosol-generating device further comprises at least one user interface module being removably attachable to the main body. When the at least one user interface module is attached to the main body, the controller is configured to detect a rotational manipulation of the at least one user interface module with respect to the main body. The invention further relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article or cartridge and an aerosol-generating device.

Description

MODULAR DEVICE WITH FREE ROTATION INDEXED USER INTERFACE

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device. The present disclosure further relates to an aerosol-generating system.

It is known to provide an aerosol-generating device for generating an inhalable vapor. Such devices may heat aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate are volatilised without burning the aerosolforming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be present in solid form or in liquid form. Aerosol-forming substrate may be provided as part of an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may have a rod shape for insertion of the aerosol-generating article into a cavity, such as a heating chamber, of the aerosol-generating device. A heating element may be arranged in or around the heating chamber for heating the aerosol-forming substrate once the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosolgenerating device. In addition or alternatively, a cartridge comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be attached to or inserted into the aerosol-generating device for supplying the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the device for aerosol generation.

It is known to control different functionalities of an aerosol-generating device via user interface elements such as push-buttons. Provision of additional push-buttons may increase the complexity and costs of an aerosol-generating device.

It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device or system that provides high functionality. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device or system that can be operated in different operational of functional modes. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device or system that is child secure. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device or system that prevents unauthorized usage. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device or system that has a simplified operating method. It would be desirable to have an aerosol-generating device or system that is customizable.

According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a modular aerosolgenerating device comprising a main body. The main body may comprise a controller and a power supply. The modular aerosol-generating device may further comprise at least one user interface module being removably attachable to the main body. When the at least one user interface module is attached to the main body, the controller may be configured to detect a rotational manipulation of the at least one user interface module with respect to the main body.

According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a modular aerosolgenerating device comprising a main body. The main body comprises a controller and a power supply. The modular aerosol-generating device further comprises at least one user interface module being removably attachable to the main body. When the at least one user interface module is attached to the main body, the controller is configured to detect a rotational manipulation of the at least one user interface module with respect to the main body.

A modular aerosol-generating device with high functionality may be provided. A modular aerosol-generating device with different operational of functional modes may be provided. A child secure modular aerosol-generating device may be provided. A modular aerosol-generating device with unauthorized usage prevention may be provided. A modular aerosol-generating device simple user handling may be provided. A customizable modular aerosol-generating device may be provided.

By the controller being configured to detect a rotational manipulation, provision of additional push buttons may be avoided.

The at least one user interface module may be arranged downstream of the main body. The at least one user interface module may be configured connectable to a proximal end of the main body. The main body may be configured connectable to a distal end of the at least one user interface module. The connection of the at least one user interface module with the main body may be reversible. The at least one user interface module may be connectable independently from the rotational orientation of the at least one user interface module with respect to the main body.

The rotational manipulation may be an axial rotation around a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device. The at least one user interface module may be axially rotatable in both opposing first and second directions.

The controller may be configured to control operation of the device based on a detected rotational manipulation of the at least one user interface module with respect to the main body.

The controller may be configured to initiate one or more operational modes based on one or more rotational manipulations of the at least one user interface module with respect to the main body. The controller may be configured to initiate one or more operational modes based on detection of one or more rotational orientations of the at least one user interface module with respect to the main body. The controller may be configured to initiate one or more operational modes based on detection of one or more rotational movements of the at least one user interface module with respect to the main body.

Initiation of an operational mode may comprise activation or deactivation of a control function of the aerosol-generating device. The controller may be configured to activate a first control function in response to detecting a rotational manipulation in the first direction. The controller may be configured to activate a second control function in response to detecting a rotational manipulation in the second direction. A control function may be an operational mode as defined herein.

The controller may be configured to initiate one or more operational modes based on detection of a rotational movement of the at least one user interface module with respect to the main body. The detection of the rotational movement may be one or both of detection of an angle of rotation and detection of a direction of rotation of the at least one user interface module with respect to the main body.

An operational mode may be unlocking of the aerosol-generating device. For example, a locked device may be unlocked by a user conducting a predetermined sequence of rotational manipulations. Only an authorized user knowing the preset sequence may thus be able to use the device. An operational mode may be controlling operation of a heating element of the aerosol-generating device. For example, based on a rotational manipulation, the controller may set one or both of a heating start point, a heating end point, a heating duration, and a heating temperature.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise one or more indicators for a user to visually verify a rotational orientation of the main body with respect to the at least one user interface.

One or both of the main body and the at least one user interface module may comprise at least one of light source arrangements and markings. A light source arrangement may comprise arrays of light emitting diodes (LED). A marking may comprise at least one of a bar, a number or a letter. The light emitting diodes and markings may provide an identification of the rotational orientation of the at least one functional module with respect to the main body.

The light source arrangement may also indicate different operational modes based on different illumination patterns of the light emitting diodes.

The controller may be configured to only allow operation of the aerosol-generating device upon detection of a preset sequence of rotational manipulations. Preferably the preset sequence may comprise at least three subsequently detected rotational manipulations. Allowing operation of the aerosol-generating device only upon detection of a preset sequence of rotational manipulation, may prevent unauthorized use. The main body and the at least one user interface module may comprise lines and numbers or letters and the user may perform rotational manipulations to generate a preset number or letter sequence. Thereby, unauthorized usage may be prevented. A child secure aerosol-generating device may be provided. A device with anti-theft means may be provided.

When detached, the at least one functional module and the main body may provide no individual functionality. When only one of the at least one functional module and the main body comes into the possession of an unauthorized user, usage of the aerosol-generation may not be possible. For example, it may suffice for a user to only lock up the functional module in a safe in order to prevent unauthorized ones from using the device which may be place-saving.

A value of the electrical resistance between the main body and the at least one user interface module may depend on their relative rotational orientation. The controller may be configured to detect the rotational manipulation of the at least one user interface module in dependence of one or both of the absolute value of the electrical resistance and changes in the value of the electrical resistance.

The controller may be configured to detect an increase of the determined electrical resistance. The controller may be configured to detect a decrease of the determined electrical resistance. The controller may be configured to detect the direction of rotation of the at least one user interface module with respect to the main body in dependence of the detected electrical resistance. For example, when the at least one user interface module is rotated in the first direction, an increase of determined electrical resistance may be detected, and when the at least one user interface module is rotated in the second direction, a decrease of determined electrical resistance may be detected.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a terminal track comprising an arrangement of alternating electrically conductive segments and non-conductive segments and a terminal connector electrically connectable to different electrically conductive segments of the terminal track based on a relative rotational orientation of the terminal connector with respect to the terminal track. The terminal track may be preferably an annular terminal track. The main body may comprise one of the terminal track and the terminal connector, and the at least one user interface module may comprise the respective other. The controller may be configured to detect the rotational manipulation of the at least one user interface module with respect to the main body based on a rotational orientation or a rotational movement of the terminal track with respect to the terminal connector.

By rotating the at least one user interface module with respect to the main body, the terminal connector may be alternately in physical contact with the electrically conductive segments and the non-conductive segments depending on the relative rotational orientation. When the terminal connector is in physical contact with an electrically conductive segment, an electric contact may be established and detected. When the terminal connector is in physical contact with a non-conductive segment, there may be no electric contact. Thereby, the controller may alternately detect a presence and an absence of an electric contact. The controller may be configured to detect one or both of the rotational orientation and the rotational movement of the at least one user interface module with respect to the main body by evaluating a sequence in time of alternatingly detected presences and absences of electrical contacts. For example, the controller may detect durations in time between successive events of detection of electric contacts. Depending on the amount of time that passes between two or more events of detection of an electric contact, a rotational orientation or movement may be detected.

The controller may receive different electrical signals from electrical contacts of the terminal connector with the different electrically conductive segments. The controller may be configured to detect one or both of the rotational orientation and the rotational movement of the at least one user interface module with respect to the main body in dependence of the received electrical signals. The electrical signals may be the detected electrical resistances.

The main body may comprise the terminal track and the at least one user interface module may comprise the terminal connector. The main body may comprise a plurality of terminal tracks, preferably annular terminal tracks, more preferably three annular terminal tracks. The at least one user interface module may comprise a plurality of terminal connectors, preferably three terminal connectors.

The main body may comprise the terminal track and the at least one user interface module may comprise the terminal connector. The electrically conductive segments of the terminal track may be separately connected to the controller. Connecting the electrically conductive segments separately to the controller, may allow the controller to detect the rotational orientation of the at least one user interface module with respect to the main body based on an electric connection established between the terminal connector and the respective segment. Alternatively, the electrically conductive segments may be commonly connected to the controller. The electrically conductive segments may be connected to two electrical terminals which may be connected to the controller.

The electrically conductive segments of the terminal track may have the same length. The individual electrically conductive segments of the terminal track may have different lengths. The terminal track may be annular. The electrically conductive segments may have a successively increasing length along a circumferential direction of the annular terminal track. The length of the terminal tracks may be measured along the annular terminal track. The different lengths of the electrically conductive segments may result in different absolute values of the electrical resistance of the individual segments which, in turn, may result in different measured electric resistances when different segments are connected to the terminal connector in different rotational orientations.

At least two of the electrically conductive segments of the terminal track may differ in their electric resistances. The electrically conductive segments may comprise a copper alloy. The individual electrically conductive segments having the same length, may comprise different copper alloys with distinctive conductive properties. The different copper alloys may result in a different absolute value of the electrical resistance, when connected to the terminal connector.

For example, the electrically conductive segments may be arranged to provide increasing absolute values of the electrical resistance along a clockwise circumferential direction of the annular terminal track. Thereby, when the at least one user interface module is rotated clockwise with respect to the main body, the controller may detect an increase in the detected absolute values of the electrical resistance. When the at least one user interface module is rotated counter-clockwise with respect to the main body, the controller may detect a decrease in the detected absolute values of the electrical resistance. Thereby the controller may detect one or both of the direction of rotation and angle of rotation of the at least one user interface module with respect to the main body.

The controller may comprise a timer for measuring time intervals. The controller may be configured to detect the rotational manipulation based on information received from the timer. The timer may be configured to measure time intervals of electrical connections being alternatively present and absent during rotation of the at least one user interface module with respect to the main body. The timer may be configured to measure time intervals of electrical connections between the terminal connector and the electrically conductive segments of the terminal track.

The aerosol-generating device may further comprise the heating element. The controller may be configured to control the heating element in dependence of the detected rotational manipulation of the at least one user interface module. The controller may be configured to control one or both of a temperature and a heating duration of the heating element in dependence of the detected rotational manipulation of the at least one user interface module.

The at least one user interface module may be rotatable in opposing first and second directions with respect to the main body, and the controller may be configured to control the temperature of the heating element based on a rotational manipulation in the first direction, and the controller may be configured to control the heating duration of the heating element based on a rotational manipulation in the second direction.

The at least one user interface module may comprise a first user interface module and a second user interface module. The first user interface module may be removably attachable to the main body. The second user interface module may be removably attachable to one or both of the first user interface module and the main body. When the first user interface module is connected to the main body and the second user interface module is connected to the first user interface module, the three pieces may be individually axially rotatable with respect to one another and the controller may be configured to detect a rotational manipulation of the three pieces with respect to one another.

The controller may be configured to control the temperature of the heating element in dependence of the rotation of the first user interface module and to control the heating duration of the heating element in dependence of the rotation of the second user interface module. The controller may be configured to control the temperature of the heating element in dependence of the rotation of the second user interface module and to control the heating duration of the heating element in dependence of the rotation of the first user interface module.

The at least one user interface module may comprise a first connection element arranged at a distal end of the at least one user interface module. The main body may comprise a second connection element arranged at a proximal end of the main body. The first connection element may be configured to be connectable to the second connection element. The first user interface module may comprise a first connection element arranged at a distal end and a second connection element arranged at a proximal end of the first user interface module. The second user interface module may comprise a first connection element arranged at a distal end.

The first and second connection elements may have a cylindrical shape. The first and second connection elements may be annular. The first and second connection elements may be configured to provide a connection around 360 degrees along the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device. The first and second connection elements may be configured to be connectable to each other independently of their rotation around the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device. Thereby, an easy to handle assembly may be provided.

The first and second connection elements may be configured to provide mechanical, electrical and hermetic coupling. The first and second connection elements may provide a hermetical coupling of the at least one user interface module and the main body. A mechanical coupling means that the at least one functional module and the main body, of the modular aerosol-generating device may be connected to each other without an easy disassembly. An electrical connection means that current flow between the at least two pieces of the modular aerosol-generating device may be ensured.

The first connection element may comprise an annular recess and the second connection elements comprises a tubular protrusion. Alternatively, the first connection element may comprise a tubular protrusion and the second connection element may comprise an annular recess. The annular recess may be configured to receive the tubular protrusion.

The annular recess and the tubular protrusion may have matching shapes. The annular recess and the tubular protrusion may provide a mechanical connection of the at least two pieces, at least one functional module and main body, of the modular aerosol-generating device.

The tubular protrusion and the annular recess may have an outer and an inner diameter measure in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device. The tubular protrusion and the annular recess may have the same outer and inner diameters. The outer diameters of the tubular protrusion and the annular recess may be smaller than the external diameters of the at least one user interface module and the main body measured in the same direction.

The outer diameter of the tubular protrusion and the annular recess may be between 6 to 19 millimeters, preferably between 9 to 16 millimeters, more preferably 12 millimeters. The inner diameter of the tubular protrusion and the annular recess may be between 5 to 14 millimeters, preferably between 8 to 12 millimeters, more preferably 9 millimeters.

The annular recess may comprise two side surfaces. The two side surfaces may be an inner side surface and an outer side surface. The inner side surface may be closer to the longitudinal axis of the annular recess than the outer side surface. The annular recess may comprise a bottom portion. The bottom portion may comprise a bottom surface on the bottom of the recess. The bottom surface may be transversal to the longitudinal axis of the recess.

The annular recess may have a depth measured in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device The depth may be between 3 to 7 millimeters, preferably between 4 to 6 millimeters, more preferably 6 millimeters.

The tubular protrusion may be a hollow cylinder. The tubular protrusion may comprise two side surfaces. The two side surfaces may be an inner side surface and an outer side surface. The inner side surface may be closer to the longitudinal axis of the tubular protrusion than the outer side surface. The tubular protrusion may comprise a distal end. The distal end may be the end pointing away from the center of the functional module. The tubular protrusion may comprise a top surface at the distal end. The top surface may be transversal to the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device.

The tubular protrusion may have a height measured in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device. The height may be between 4 to 11 millimeters, preferably between 5 to 9 millimeters, more preferably 7 millimeters.

The first connection element may comprise a first magnetic connection element and the second connection element may comprise a second magnetic connection element. The annular recess may comprise a first magnetic connection element and the tubular protrusion may comprise a second magnetic connection element. The first and second magnetic connection elements may be annular. The first and second magnetic connection elements may provide a magnetic connection of the at least one user interface module and the main body, of the modular aerosol-generating device. The mechanical coupling of the tubular protrusion and the annular recess of two pieces of the modular aerosol-generating system, may provide a close proximity of the first and second magnetic connection elements. Thereby, also weaker magnetic connection elements may provide a strong connection.

The annular recess may comprise the first magnetic connection element at the bottom portion of the annular recess. The tubular protrusion may comprise the second magnetic connection element at the distal end of the tubular protrusion. The annular recess may comprise the first magnetic connection element behind the bottom surface. The tubular protrusion may comprise the second magnetic connection element behind the top surface.

The first magnetic connection element may comprise an annular magnet and the second magnetic connection element may comprise a metallic ring, or vice versa. Alternatively, both the first and second magnetic connection elements may comprise an annular magnet. The annular magnet may be a permanent magnet or an electrical magnet. The metallic ring may comprise ferromagnetic material.

The annular magnet may have an outer and an inner diameter measured in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device. The outer diameter may be between 9 to 20 millimeters, preferably between 11 to 18 millimeters, more preferably 15 millimeters. The inner diameter may be between 4 to 18 millimeters, preferably between 6 to 16 millimeters, more preferably 12 millimeters. The annular magnet may have a height measured in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device. The height may be between 1 to 5 millimeters, preferably between 2 to 4 millimeters, more preferably 3 millimeters. The metallic ring may have the same dimensions than the annular magnet. The metallic ring may have a smaller height than the annular magnet.

The permanent or electrical magnet may provide a holing force of 40 to 400 grams, preferably 80 to 120 grams. The permanent magnet may comprise ferrite or neodymium or both.

The first connection element may comprise a first electrical connection portion and the second connection element may comprise a second electrical connection portion. The first and second electrical connection portions may be configured to be electrical connectable to each other. The first and second electrical connection portions may provide electrical coupling of the main body with the at least one user interface module. The annular recess may comprise the first electrical connection portion and the tubular protrusion may comprise the second electrical connection portion. The annular recess may comprise the first electrical connection portion on an inner surface and the tubular protrusion may comprise the second electrical connection portion on an inner surface. Alternatively, the annular recess may comprise the first electrical connection portion on an outer surface and the tubular protrusion may comprise the second electrical connection portion on an outer surface.

The first electrical connection portion may comprise a plurality of individual first electric contact elements, preferably three or six first electric contact elements. The second connection portion may comprise a plurality of individual second electric contact elements, preferably in the form of three annular tracks. The plurality of individual first electric contact elements may be a plurality of terminal connectors. The plurality of terminal connectors may be a first, second and third terminal connector. Alternatively, the first electrical connection portion may comprise three additional first, second and third terminal connectors, on an opposing side of the annular recess. The opposing first, second and third terminal connectors may be connected via wirings, respectively. The plurality of individual second electrical contact elements may be a first, second and third annular terminal track. The first, second and third terminal connectors may be configured to be connected to the first, second and third annular terminal tracks, respectively.

The first and second annular terminal tracks may be continuous annular terminal tracks. Thereby, providing a permanent electrical connection regardless of the rotational orientation of the at least one user interface module with respect to the main body, when connected.

The third annular terminal track may comprise the alternating electrically conductive segments and non-conductive segments. The third annular terminal track may provide the determination of the rotational manipulation of the at least one user interface module.

The second electric contact elements may be formed as recesses. The first, second and third annular terminal tracks may be coated into recesses of the surface of the tubular protrusion. The electrically conductive segments of the third annular terminal track may be elevated from the surface of the tubular protrusion. Thereby haptic feedback may be provided.

The first electric contact elements may be formed as protrusions, preferably spring- loaded pins. The first, second and third terminal connectors may be formed as protrusions. The protrusions may comprise rounded contact heads. The rounded contact heads may have matching shapes with the recesses of the second electric contact elements.

When the second connection element is full inserted into the first connection element, the first electrical connection portion may be in contact with the second electrical connection portion. Thereby the contact heads of the spring-loaded pins may be pressed back through a housing of the at least one user interface module and the springs may be tensioned. The mechanical tension of the springs may press the contact heads of the first electric contact elements against the second contact elements respectively. Thereby, an additional mechanical coupling may be provided. An additional mechanical coupling may make the first and second magnetic connection elements redundant.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a rotational angle sensor, preferably a magnetic hall sensor. The controller may be configured to detect the rotational manipulation based on the signal received from the rotational angle sensor. The magnetic hall sensor may comprise an inductor arranged in the main body and a rotor arranged in the at least one user interface module. Alternatively, the magnetic hall sensor may comprise an inductor arranged in the at least one user interface and a rotor arranged in the main body.

The main body may comprise the rotor or inductor behind the top surface of the tubular protrusion of the second connection element. The at least one user interface module may comprise the rotor or inductor behind the bottom surface of the annular recess of the first connection element.

The rotor element may comprise multiple magnetic elements, preferably three magnetic elements. The inductor may be segmented into units, preferably eight units. The magnetic elements of the rotor may influence the magnetic flux. The inductor may be configured to detect a change in the magnetic flux. Thereby the position of the rotor elements may be determined.

The first user interface module may be a functional module. Preferably the functional module may comprise a cavity configured for receiving a functional consumable. The second user interface module may be a mouthpiece. Preferably the mouthpiece may comprise a heating chamber configured for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate.

In one embodiment the first user interface module is a functional module and the second user interface module is a mouthpiece comprising the heating chamber. The functional module is connected to the main body and the mouthpiece is connected to the functional module. The mouthpiece may comprise a first connection element with the first electrical connection portion at a distal end of the mouthpiece. The first electrical connection portion of the mouthpiece may comprise on two opposing sides the first, second and third terminal connectors. The functional module may comprise a second connection element with the second electrical connection portion at a proximal end of the functional module. The second electrical connection portion of the functional module may comprise the first, second and third annular terminal tracks. The functional module may further comprise a first connection portion with the first electrical connection portion at a distal end of the functional module. The first electrical connection portion of the functional module may comprise on two opposing sides first, second and third terminal connectors. The main body may comprise a second connection element with the second electrical connection portion at a proximal end of the main body. The second electrical connection portion of the functional module may comprise the first, second and third annular terminal tracks. The first and second annular terminal tracks may be continuously annular terminal tracks, thereby providing a permanent electrical connection of the three pieces. The third annular terminal track may be the segmented annular terminal track comprising the alternating electrically conductive and non-conductive segments. The third terminal connector of the first electrical connection portion may be configured to be connected to the electrically conductive segments. By rotation of the functional module and the mouthpiece, the controller may be configured to detect the rotational orientation and rotational movements of the individual components with respect to each other in dependence of the contact of the third terminal connector with the electrically conductive segments. The controller may be configured to control the heating chamber in dependence from the detected positions and movements. The controller may be configured to unlock the aerosol-generating device in dependence from the detected positions and movements.

The mouthpiece may comprise a cavity configured to receive an aerosol-generating article or a cartridge. The cavity may be the heating chamber. The cavity may have an elongate shape. The aerosol-generating article or cartridge may comprise aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article or cartridge may comprise susceptor material.

The mouthpiece may comprise the heating element arranged at least partly around the cavity. Preferably the heating element may be an inductive heating element comprising at least one inductor coil for inductively heating the aerosol-generating article or cartridge.

The mouthpiece may comprise a distal opening configured to be fluidly connected to the functional module or the main body. The distal opening may have a diameter measured in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device. The diameter of the distal opening of the mouthpiece may be smaller than a diameter of the cavity measured in the same direction. The mouthpiece may comprise a proximal opening. The mouthpiece may receive the aerosol-generating article or cartridge through the proximal opening.

The mouthpiece may comprise an airflow channel. Preferably, the airflow channel may be a central airflow channel. The mouthpiece may be hollow.

The mouthpiece may have a length measured in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device. The length may be between 31 to 47 millimeters, preferably between to 33 to 40 millimeters, more preferably 36.5 millimeters. The mouthpiece may have an outer diameter measured in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device. The outer diameter may be between 6 to 22 millimeters, preferably between 9 to 19, more preferably 18.4 millimeters.

The functional module may be hollow. The functional module may comprise a distal opening. The functional module may comprise a lateral air inlet between the second and first connection element and proximal to the second connection element. The lateral air inlet may be positioned on an outer side surface of the functional module. Providing the functional module with a lateral air inlet may allow air flow when the functional module is arranged between the mouthpiece and the main body. The lateral air inlet may be a lateral groove.

The lateral air inlet may have a diameter measured in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device. The diameter may be between 0.15 to 1.7 millimeters, preferably between 0.35 to 1.15 millimeters.

When the mouthpiece and functional module are assembled, the lateral air inlet of the functional module may provide a fluid connection to the mouthpiece.

The functional module may comprise wirings connecting the plurality of individual second electric contact elements of the second electrical connection portion with the plurality of individual first electric contact elements of the first electrical connection portion.

The functional module may have a length measure in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device. The length may be between 17 to 32 millimeters, preferably between 20 to 30 millimeters, more preferably between 24 to 26 millimeters, more preferably 25.3 millimeters. The functional module may have an outer diameter measured in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosolgenerating device. The outer diameter may be between 6 to 22 millimeters, preferably between 9 to 19, more preferably 18.4 millimeters.

The functional module may comprise a cavity configured for receiving a functional consumable, preferably wherein the cavity is a cylindrical cavity. The cavity may have a diameter measured in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosolgenerating device. The diameter may be smaller than the inner diameter of the tubular protrusion and the annular recess. The diameter of the cavity may be larger than a diameter of the distal opening measured in the same direction. The cavity of the functional module may have approximately the same diameter than a diameter of the functional consumable measured in the same direction. The cavity of the functional module may be fluidly connected to the distal opening. Thereby, a functional consumable, when inserted into the cavity, may be easily removed by a thin object. Such a thin object may be for example a pen.

The cavity of the functional module may be fluidly connected to the lateral air inlet of the functional module. The cavity of the functional module may be fluidly connected to the lateral air inlet via an inclined airflow channel.

The main body may comprise an air inlet. When the mouthpiece and the main body are assembled without the functional module, the lateral air inlet of the main body may provide a fluid connection to the mouthpiece. The air inlet of the main body may be a lateral air inlet. The air inlet of the main body may be a lateral groove. The air inlet of the main body may have a diameter measured in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosolgenerating device. The diameter may be between 0.15 to 1.7 millimeters, preferably between 0.35 to 1.15 millimeters.

The main body may have a length measured in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device. The main body may have a length measure in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device. The length may be between 55 to 127 millimeters, preferably between 60 to 90, more preferably between 65 to 70 millimeters, more preferably 67.3 millimeters. The main body may have an outer diameter measured in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device. The outer diameter may be between 6 to 22 millimeters, preferably between 9 to 19, more preferably 18.4 millimeters.

The present invention further relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article or cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and the aerosol-generating device described herein. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a heating chamber for insertion of the aerosol-generating article or cartridge. The aerosol-generating system may further comprise a functional consumable. The functional consumable may comprise filter material. The functional consumable may consist of filter material.

The functional consumable may comprise ceramic material. The ceramic material may comprise silicon carbide, silicon-based compounds, cordierite, silica, and zirconium-based ceramic compounds. The functional consumable may be porous. The porosity of the functional consumable may be between 30 to 80 percent, preferably 40 to 70 percent, more preferably between 50 to 60 percent.

As used herein, the ‘porosity’ is defined as the percentage of a unit volume which is void of material. The porosity is may be derived using standard method and equation giving a decimal value for porosity. Knowing the pore volume of a defined volume of material (Vp) and its total volume (Vt), porosity (Pt) is given by the ratio Vp / Vt. To express porosity as a percent, that decimal is simply multiplied by 100%. For example, Pt = 0.51 , therefore 0.51 x 100% = 51%.

The functional consumable may comprise porous basalt stone-based materials. The functional consumable may comprise basalt stone-based materials and silica-based compounds.

The functional consumable may comprise at least one of a sensorial medium, an aerosol-forming substrate or a flavourant. The flavourant may comprise licorice, Wintergreen, cherry and berry type flavorings, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cinnamon, cardamon, apium graveolents, clove, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, Japanese mint, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmin, chamomile, menthol, ylang, sage, fennel, pimenta, ginger, anise, chai, coriander, coffee, mint oils from a species of the genus Mentha, cocoa, and combinations thereof.

The ceramic material may be impregnated by liquid flavourant.

The functional consumable may have a cylindrical shape. The functional consumable may have a diameter measured in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device. The functional consumable may have a length measure in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device. The diameter of the functional consumable may be at least equal to the length of the functional consumable. The diameter of the functional consumable may be greater than the length of the functional consumable. The diameter of the functional consumable may be between 4.5 to 11 millimeters, preferably between 6 to 9 millimeters. The length of the consumable may be between 4.5 to 11 millimeters.

The functional consumable may comprise a distal sealing layer, configured to hermetically seal the distal opening of the functional module, when the functional consumable is received within the cavity. The distal sealing base may preferably be a laminated foil. The laminated foil may be adjacent to the bottom portion of the functional consumable. The laminated foil may be branded. Thereby, the functional consumer may directly identify the connect and function of the functional consumable.

When the functional consumable is received within the functional module, the lateral air inlet of the functional module may be the only air inlet of the modular aerosol-generating system. Thereby, a specific RTD may be ensured.

When the functional consumable is received within the cavity of the functional module and when the mouthpiece, the functional module and the main body are assembled, the resistance to draw (RTD) of the system may be between 10 to 65 mm H20, preferably between 30 to 60 mm H20 measured according to ISO Standard 6565:2002. Such RTD refers to the static pressure difference between the lateral air inlet of the functional module and the outlet of a mouth end of the aerosol-generating article, received within the cavity of the mouthpiece, from which the consumer inhales the generated aerosol, when it is traversed by an air flow under steady conditions in which the volumetric flow is 17.5 milliliters per second at the mouth end, as the outlet of the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of the liquid held in the liquid storage portion of the cartridge. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of the liquid sensorial media held in the liquid storage portion of the cartridge. The liquid storage portion may contain a liquid aerosolforming substrate. Alternatively or in addition, the liquid storage portion may contain a solid aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the liquid storage portion may contain a suspension of a solid aerosol-forming substrate and a liquid. Preferably, the liquid storage portion contains a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

Preferably, a liquid nicotine or flavor/flavorant containing aerosol-forming substrate may be employed in the liquid storage portion of the cartridge.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. The nicotine-containing aerosolforming substrate may be a nicotine salt matrix.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise plant-based material. The aerosolforming substrate may comprise tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material including volatile tobacco flavour compounds which are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenised plant-based material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenised tobacco material. Homogenised tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol-former. An aerosolformer is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, in use, facilitates formation of a dense and stable aerosol and that is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the temperature of operation of the device. Suitable aerosol-formers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols, such as triethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butanediol and glycerine; esters of polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. Preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1 , 3-butanediol. Preferably, the aerosol former is glycerine. Where present, the homogenised tobacco material may have an aerosolformer content of equal to or greater than 5 percent by weight on a dry weight basis, and preferably from 5 percent to 30 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise other additives and ingredients, such as flavourants.

As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-generating article’ refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. For example, an aerosol-generating article may be an article that generates an aerosol that is directly inhalable by the user drawing or puffing on a mouthpiece at a proximal or userend of the device. An aerosol-generating article may be disposable. The aerosol-generating article may be insertable into the heating chamber of the modular aerosol-generating device.

As used herein, the term ‘liquid storage portion’ refers to a storage portion comprising a liquid sensorial media and, additionally or alternatively, an aerosol-forming substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. The liquid storage portion may be configured as a container or a reservoir for storing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

The liquid storage portion may be configured as a replaceable tank or container. The liquid storage portion may be any suitable shape and size. For example, the liquid storage portion may be substantially cylindrical. The cross-section of the liquid storage portion may, for example, be substantially circular, elliptical, square or rectangular.

As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-generating device’ refers to a device that interacts with one or both of an aerosol-generating article and a cartridge to generate an aerosol.

As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-generating system’ refers to the combination of an aerosol-generating device with one or both of a cartridge and an aerosol-generating article. In the system, the aerosol-generating device and one or both of the aerosol-generating article and the cartridge cooperate to generate a respirable aerosol.

Preferably, the modular aerosol-generating device is portable. The modular aerosolgenerating device may have a size comparable to a conventional cigar or cigarette. The device may be an electrically operated smoking device. The device may be a handheld aerosolgenerating device. The modular aerosol-generating device may have a total length between 30 millimeters and 150 millimeters. The aerosol-generating device may have an external diameter between 5 millimeters and 30 millimeters.

The modular aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing. The housing may be elongate. The housing may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics or composite materials containing one or more of those materials, or thermoplastics that are suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, for example polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyethylene. Preferably, the material is light and non-brittle.

The housing may comprise at least one air inlet. The housing may comprise more than one air inlet.

The modular aerosol-generating device may comprise a heating element. The heating element may be an inductive heater. The heating element may comprise at least one inductor coil for inductively heating one or more susceptors. Alternatively, the heating element may be a resistive heater.

Operation of the heating element may be triggered by a puff detection system. Alternatively, the heating element may be triggered by pressing an on-off button, held for the duration of the user’s puff. The puff detection system may be provided as a sensor, which may be configured as an airflow sensor to measure the airflow rate. The airflow rate is a parameter characterizing the amount of air that is drawn through the airflow path of the aerosol-generating device per time by the user. The initiation of the puff may be detected by the airflow sensor when the airflow exceeds a predetermined threshold. Initiation may also be detected upon a user activating a button. The sensor may also be configured as a pressure sensor.

The modular aerosol-generating device may include additional components, such as, for example a charging unit for recharging an on-board electric power supply in an electrically operated or electric aerosol-generating device.

As used herein, the term ‘proximal’ refers to a user-end, or mouth-end of the modular aerosol-generating device or system or a part or portion thereof, and the term ‘distal’ refers to the end opposite to the proximal end. When referring to the heating chamber, the term ‘proximal’ refers to the region closest to the open end of the cavity and the term ‘distal’ refers to the region closest to the closed end.

As used herein the term ‘lateral’ refers to a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device.

As used herein, the terms ‘upstream’ and ‘downstream’ are used to describe the relative positions of components, or portions of components, of the modular aerosol-generating device in relation to the direction in which a user draws on the modular aerosol-generating device during use thereof. The term ‘airflow path’ as used herein denotes a channel suitable to transport gaseous media. An airflow path may be used to transport ambient air. An airflow path may be used to transport an aerosol. An airflow path may be used to transport a mixture of air and aerosol.

As used herein, a ‘susceptor’ or ‘susceptor element’ means an element that heats up when subjected to an alternating magnetic field. This may be the result of eddy currents induced in the susceptor element, hysteresis losses, or both eddy currents and hysteresis losses. During use, the susceptor element is located in thermal contact or close thermal proximity with an aerosol-forming substrate received in the aerosol-generating article or cartridge. In this manner, the aerosol-forming substrate is heated by the susceptor such that an aerosol is formed.

The susceptor material may be any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to aerosolize an aerosol-forming substrate. The following examples and features concerning the susceptor may apply to one or both of the susceptor element of the cartridge, a susceptor of an aerosol-generating device, and a susceptor of an aerosolgenerating article. Suitable materials for the susceptor material include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steels, niobium, aluminium, nickel, nickel containing compounds, titanium, and composites of metallic materials. Preferred susceptor materials comprise a metal or carbon. Advantageously the susceptor material may comprise or consists of a ferromagnetic or ferri-magnetic material, for example, ferritic iron, a ferromagnetic alloy, such as ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel, ferromagnetic particles, and ferrite. A suitable susceptor material may be, or comprise, aluminium. The susceptor material may comprise more than 5 percent, preferably more than 20 percent, more preferably more than 50 percent, or more than 90 percent of ferromagnetic, ferri-magnetic or paramagnetic materials. Preferred susceptor materials may be heated to a temperature in excess of 250 degrees Celsius without degradation.

The susceptor material may be formed from a single material layer. The single material layer may be a steel layer.

The susceptor material may comprise a non-metallic core with a metal layer disposed on the non-metallic core. For example, the susceptor material may comprise metallic tracks formed on an outer surface of a ceramic core or substrate.

The susceptor material may be formed from a layer of austenitic steel. One or more layers of stainless steel may be arranged on the layer of austenitic steel. For example, the susceptor material may be formed from a layer of austenitic steel having a layer of stainless steel on each of its upper and lower surfaces. The susceptor element may comprise a single susceptor material. The susceptor element may comprise a first susceptor material and a second susceptor material. The first susceptor material may be disposed in intimate physical contact with the second susceptor material. The first and second susceptor materials may be in intimate contact to form a unitary susceptor. In certain embodiments, the first susceptor material is stainless steel and the second susceptor material is nickel. The susceptor element may have a two-layer construction. The susceptor element may be formed from a stainless steel layer and a nickel layer.

Intimate contact between the first susceptor material and the second susceptor material may be made by any suitable means. For example, the second susceptor material may be plated, deposited, coated, clad or welded onto the first susceptor material. Preferred methods include electroplating, galvanic plating and cladding.

The modular aerosol-generating device may comprise a power supply for powering the heating element. The power supply may comprise a battery. The power supply may be a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power supply may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery, for example a lithium-cobalt, a lithium-iron- phosphate, lithium titanate or a lithium-polymer battery. The power supply may require recharging and may have a capacity that enables to store enough energy for one or more usage experiences; for example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to continuously generate aerosol for a period of around six minutes or for a period of a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to provide a predetermined number of puffs or discrete activations of the heating element.

The power supply may be a direct current (DC) power supply. In one embodiment, the power supply is a DC power supply having a DC supply voltage in the range of 2.5 Volts to 4.5 Volts and a DC supply current in the range of 1 Amp to 10 Amps (corresponding to a DC power supply in the range of 2.5 Watts to 45 Watts). The modular aerosol-generating device may advantageously comprise a direct current to alternating current (DC/AC) inverter for converting a DC current supplied by the DC power supply to an alternating current. The DC/AC converter may comprise a Class-D, Class-C or Class-E power amplifier. The AC power output of the DC/AC converter is supplied to the induction coil.

The power supply may be adapted to power an inductor coil and may be configured to operate at high frequency. A Class-E power amplifier is preferable for operating at high frequency. As used herein, the term ‘high frequency oscillating current’ means an oscillating current having a frequency of between 500 kilohertz and 30 megahertz. The high frequency oscillating current may have a frequency of from 1 megahertz to 30 megahertz, preferably from 1 megahertz to 10 megahertz, and more preferably from 5 megahertz to 8 megahertz.

In another embodiment the switching frequency of the power amplifier may be in the lower kHz range, e.g. between 100 kHz and 400 KHz. In the embodiments, where a Class-D or Class-C power amplifier is used, switching frequencies in the lower kHz range are particularly advantageous. The modular aerosol-generating device may comprise a controller. The controller may be electrically connected to the inductor coil. The controller may be electrically connected to the first induction coil and to the second induction coil. The controller may be configured to control the electrical current supplied to the induction coil(s), and thus the magnetic field strength generated by the induction coil(s).

The power supply and the controller may be connected to the inductor coil(s).

The controller may be configured to be able to chop the current supply on the input side of the DC/AC converter. This way the power supplied to the inductor coil(s) may be controlled by conventional methods of duty-cycle management.

Below, there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

Example Ex 1 : A modular aerosol-generating device comprising a main body comprising a controller and a power supply; and at least one user interface module being removably attachable to the main body, wherein, when the at least one user interface module is attached to the main body, the controller is configured to detect a rotational manipulation of the at least one user interface module with respect to the main body.

Example Ex 2: The aerosol-generating device according to example Ex 1 , wherein the rotational manipulation is an axial rotation around a longitudinal axis of the aerosolgenerating device.

Example Ex 3: The aerosol-generating device according to example Ex 2, wherein the at least one user interface module is axially rotatable in both opposing first and second directions.

Example Ex 4: The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the controller is configured to control operation of the device based on a detected rotational manipulation of the at least one user interface module with respect to the main body, preferably, wherein the controller is configured to initiate one or more operational modes based on one or more rotational manipulations of the at least one user interface module with respect to the main body.

Example Ex 5: The aerosol-generating device according to examples Ex 3 or

Ex 4, wherein the controller is configured to initiate one or more operational modes based on detection of one or more rotational orientations of the at least one user interface module with respect to the main body.

Example Ex 6: The aerosol-generating device according to examples Ex 3 or

Ex 4, wherein the controller is configured to initiate one or more operational modes based on detection of a rotational movement of the at least one user interface module with respect to the main body.

Example Ex 7: The aerosol-generating device according to example Ex 6, wherein detection of the rotational movement is one or both of detection of an angle of rotation and detection of a direction of rotation of the at least one user interface module with respect to the main body.

Example Ex 8: The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the controller is configured to only allow operation of the aerosol-generating device upon detection of a preset sequence of rotational manipulations, preferably wherein the preset sequence comprises at least three subsequently detected rotational manipulations.

Example Ex 9: The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein a value of the electrical resistance between the main body and the at least one user interface module depends on their relative rotational orientation, and wherein the controller is configured to detect the rotational manipulation of the at least one user interface module in dependence of one or both of the absolute value of the electrical resistance and changes in the value of the electrical resistance.

Example Ex 10: The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, comprising a terminal track, preferably an annular terminal track, comprising an arrangement of alternating electrically conductive segments and non-conductive segments; and a terminal connector electrically connectable to different electrically conductive segments of the terminal track based on a relative rotational orientation of the terminal connector with respect to the terminal track, wherein the main body comprises one of the terminal track and the terminal connector and the at least one user interface module comprises the respective other, and wherein the controller is configured to detect the rotational manipulation of the at least one user interface module with respect to the main body based on a rotational orientation or a rotational movement of the terminal track with respect to the terminal connector.

Example Ex 11 : The aerosol-generating device according to example Ex 10, wherein the main body comprises the terminal track and the at least one user interface module comprises the terminal connector, and wherein the electrically conductive segments of the terminal track are separately connected to the controller.

Examples Ex 12: The aerosol-generating device according to any of examples Ex 10 or Ex 11 , wherein the electrically conductive segments of the terminal track have the same length or a different length.

Example Ex 13: The aerosol-generating device according to any of examples Ex

10 to Ex 12, wherein the terminal track is annular, and wherein the electrically conductive segments have a successively increasing length along a circumferential direction of the annular terminal track.

Example Ex 14: The aerosol-generating device according to any of examples Ex

10 to Ex 13, wherein at least two of the electrically conductive segments of the terminal track differ in their electrical resistance.

Example Ex 15: The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the controller comprises a timer for measuring time intervals.

Example Ex 16: The aerosol-generating device according to example Ex 15, wherein the controller is configured to detect the rotational manipulation based on information received from the timer.

Example Ex 17: The aerosol-generating device according to examples Ex 15 or

Ex 16, wherein the timer is configured to measure time intervals of electrical connections being alternatively present and absent during rotation of the at least one user interface module with respect to the main body.

Example Ex 18: The aerosol-generating device according to a combination of example Ex 17 and any of examples Ex 10 to Ex 14, wherein the timer is configured to measure time intervals of electrical connections between the terminal connector and the electrically conductive segments of the terminal track.

Example Ex 19: The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises a heating element, and wherein the controller is configured to control the heating element in dependence of the detected rotational manipulation of the at least one user interface module.

Example Ex 20: The aerosol-generating device according to example Ex 19, wherein the controller is configured to control one or both of a temperature and a heating duration of the heating element in dependence of the detected rotational manipulation of the at least one user interface module.

Example Ex 21 : The aerosol-generating device according to example Ex 20, wherein, the at least one user interface module is rotatable in opposing first and second directions with respect to the main body, wherein, the controller is configured to control the temperature of the heating element based on a rotational manipulation in the first direction, and wherein the controller is configured to control the heating duration of the heating element based on a rotational manipulation in the second direction.

Example Ex 22: The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the at least one user interface module comprises a first user interface module and a second user interface module, wherein the first user interface module is removably attachable to the main body and the second user interface module is removably attachable to one or both of the first user interface module and the main body, wherein, when the first user interface module is connected to the main body and the second user interface module is connected to the first user interface module, the three pieces are individually axially rotatable with respect to one another, and wherein the controller is configured to detect a rotational manipulation of the three pieces with respect to one another.

Example Ex 23: The aerosol-generating device according to example Ex 22, wherein the controller is configured to control the temperature of the heating element in dependence of the rotation of the first user interface module and to control the heating duration of the heating element in dependence of the rotation of the second user interface module, or vice versa.

Example Ex 24: The aerosol-generating device according to examples Ex 22 or

Ex 23, wherein the first user interface module is a functional module, preferably wherein the functional module comprises a cavity configured for receiving a functional consumable, and wherein the second user interface module is a mouthpiece, preferably wherein the mouthpiece comprises a heating chamber configured for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate.

Example Ex 25: The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the at least one user interface module comprises a first connection element arranged at a distal end of the at least one user interface module, and wherein the main body comprises a second connection element arranged at a proximal end of the main body, and wherein the first connection element is configured to be connectable to the second connection element.

Example Ex 26: The aerosol-generating device according to example Ex 25, wherein the first connection element comprise an annular recess and the second connection elements comprises a tubular protrusion, or vice versa, and wherein the annular recess is configured to receive the tubular protrusion.

Example Ex 27: The aerosol-generating device according to examples Ex 25 or

Ex 26, wherein first connection element comprises a first magnetic connection element and the second connection element comprises a second magnetic connection element.

Example Ex 28: The aerosol-generating device according to any of examples Ex

25 to Ex 27, wherein the first connection element comprises a first electrical connection portion and the second connection element comprises a second electrical connection portion, and wherein the first and second electrical connection portions are configured to be electrical connectable to each other.

Example Ex 29: The aerosol-generating device according to examples Ex 28, wherein the first electrical connection portion comprises a plurality of individual first electric contact elements, preferably three or six first electric contact elements and the second connection portion comprises a plurality of individual second electric contact elements, preferably in the form of three annular tracks. Example Ex 30: The aerosol-generating device according to example Ex 29, wherein the second electric contact elements are formed as recesses.

Example Ex 31 : The aerosol-generating device according to example Ex 30, wherein the first electric contact elements are formed as protrusions, preferably spring-loaded pins.

Example Ex 32: The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, comprising a rotational angle sensor, preferably a magnetic hall sensor, and wherein the controller is configured to detect the rotational manipulation based on the signal received from the rotational angle sensor.

Example Ex 33: The aerosol-generating device according to example Ex 32, wherein the rotation angle sensor is a magnetic hall sensor, and wherein the hall sensor comprises an inductor arranged in the main body and a rotor arranged in the at least one user interface module, or vice versa.

Example Ex 34: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the at least one user interface module is rotatable in opposing first and second directions with respect to the main body; wherein the controller is configured to activate a first control function in response to detecting a rotational manipulation in the first direction, and wherein the controller is configured to activate a second control function in response to detecting a rotational manipulation in the second direction.

Example Ex 35. An aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article or cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate; and an aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples; wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a heating chamber for insertion of the aerosol-generating article or cartridge.

Example Ex 36: The aerosol-generating system according to example Ex 35, comprising a functional consumable, wherein the functional consumable comprises filter material, preferably wherein the functional consumable consists of filter material.

Features described in relation to one embodiment may equally be applied to other embodiments of the invention.

The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figs. 1A and 1 B show a modular aerosol-generating device;

Figs. 2A and 2B show a modular aerosol-generating system;

Figs. 3A and 3B show a mouthpiece of a modular aerosol-generating device;

Figs. 4A and 4B show a functional module of a modular aerosol-generating device;

Figs. 5A and 5B show a main body of a modular aerosol-generating device; Figs. 6A and 6B show connection elements of an aerosol-generating device;

Figs. 7A and 7B show a functional module and a main body of a modular aerosolgenerating device; and

Figs. 8A, 8B and 8C show connection elements of a modular aerosol-generating device.

Fig. 1A shows a perspective view of a modular aerosol-generating device 10 in a disassembled state. The modular aerosol-generating device 10 comprises a mouthpiece 12 and two user interface modules, namely a functional module 14 and a main body 16. The functional module 14 can be connected to the mouthpiece 12. The main body 16 can be connected to the functional module 14. Fig. 1 B shows the modular aerosol-generating device 10 of Fig. 1A in an assembled state.

Figs. 2A and 2B show perspective views of an aerosol-generating system comprising the assembled modular aerosol-generating device 10 of Fig. 1 B and an aerosol-generating article 18 or cartridge 18. The aerosol-generating article or cartridge 18 may comprise susceptor material (not shown). For example, an aerosol-generating article 18 may be used which may comprise a proximal portion comprising a mouthpiece filter and a distal portion comprising a susceptor and a tobacco material. An outer surface of mouthpiece 12 comprises a light source arrangement 20. The light source arrangement 20 comprises arrays of light emitting diodes (LEDs). An outer surface of each the functional module 14 and the main body 16 comprises markings 22. The light source arrangement 20 and the markings 22 are not shown in Figs. 1A and 1 B.

The light source arrangement 20 and the markings 22 allow for a user to visually verify the relative rotational orientations of the mouthpiece 12, the functional module 14 and the main body 16 with respect to each other. By rotating one or more of the individual components 14, 16 clockwise and/or counter-clockwise, different operational modes can be set by a user. Different rotational movements are indicated by arrows in Figs. 2A and 2B.

For example, by turning the functional module 14 counter-clockwise from the configuration shown in Fig. 2A to the configuration shown in Fig. 2B, a higher heating temperature may be set.

For example, by turning the main body 16 clockwise from the configuration shown in Fig. 2A to the configuration shown in Fig. 2B, the heating duration may be adjusted.

A user may thus configure an individual user experience.

Optionally, the aerosol-generating device 10 comprises a safety mechanism for prevention against unauthorized usage. In order to unlock the device for use, a user must first follow a preset sequence of individual clockwise and counter-clockwise turnings of the functional module 14 and the main body 16, with respect to the mouthpiece 12. Only an authorized user knowing the preset sequence is thus able to unlock and use the device. Fig. 3A shows a cross sectional view of a mouthpiece 12 and an aerosol-generating article or cartridge 18. The mouthpiece 12 of Fig. 3A may be used in the aerosol-generating device 10 and system of Figs. 1A and 1 B and 2A and 2B.

Fig. 3B shows a cross section of the mouthpiece 12 of Fig. 3A. The aerosol-generating article or cartridge 18 can be received within a cavity 24 of the mouthpiece 12. The cavity 24 is fluidly connected to a distal opening 26. The mouthpiece 12 comprises a light source arrangement 20 on an outer surface. The mouthpiece 12 comprises a heating element 28 with one or more inductive coils 30. The mouthpiece 12 comprises at a distal end a first connection element 32. The first connection element 32 comprises an annular recess 34. The annular recess comprises a bottom surface 36 covering a first magnetic connection element 38. The first magnetic connection element 38 may be an annular magnet or a metallic ring. The annular recess 34 comprises a first electrical connection portion 40. The first electrical connection portion 40 comprises six first electric contact elements. The six first electric contact elements are first, second and third terminal connectors 42, 44 and 46 and, on an opposing side of the annular recess 34, first, second and third terminal connectors 42’, 44’ and 46’. The first electric contact elements 42, 44, 46, 42’, 44’ and 46’ are positioned on an inner surface of the annular recess 34.

Fig. 4A shows a perspective view of a functional module 14. Fig. 4B shows a cross section of the functional module 14 of Fig. 4A. The functional module 14 of Figs. 4A and 4B may be used in the aerosol-generating device 10 and system of Figs. 1A and 1 B and 2A and 2B.

The functional module 14 comprises a second connection element 48 arranged at a proximal end of the functional module 14, and a first connection element 32 arranged at a distal end of the functional module 14. The first connection element 32 of the functional module 14 is configured identical to the first connection element 32 of the mouthpiece 12. The second connection element 48 comprises a tubular protrusion 50. The tubular protrusion 50 comprises a top surface 52 covering a second magnetic connection element 54. The second magnetic connection element 54 may be an annular magnet or a metallic ring. Both the first and second magnetic connection elements 38 and 54 may be annular magnets. Alternatively, one of the first and second magnetic connection elements 38 and 54 may be an annular magnet and the other may be a metallic ring.

The second connection element 48 further comprises a second electrical connection portion 56. The second electrical connection portion 56 comprises three second electric contact elements. The three second electric contact elements are first, second and third annular terminal tracks 58, 60, and 62. The second electric contacts 58, 60 and 62 are arranged on an inner surface of the tubular protrusion 50. The third annular terminal track 62 is a segmented annular terminal track, comprising an arrangement of alternating electrically conductive segments 64 and electrically insulating, non-conductive segments 66.

The functional module further comprises a wiring 68. The wiring 68 electrically connects each of the second electric contact elements 58, 60 and 62 with a respective first electric contact element 42, 44 and 46.

The functional module 14 further comprises a lateral air inlet 70. The lateral air inlet 70 comprises a lateral groove 72. The functional module 14 further comprises a cavity 74. The cavity 74 is fluidly connected to the lateral air inlet 70 via an inclined airflow channel 76. The cavity 74 is fluidly connected to a distal opening 78. The cavity 74 is configured to receive a functional consumable 80. The functional consumable 80 comprises a distal sealing layer 82. The distal sealing layer 82 may be a laminated foil. The distal sealing layer 80 provides a hermetical sealing of the distal opening 78, when the functional consumable 80 is inserted into functional module 14.

Fig. 5A shows the main body 16 in a perspective view. Fig. 5B shows a cross section of the main body 16 of Fig. 5A. The main body 16 comprises a second connection element 48. The second connection element 48 of the main body 16 is configured identical to the second connection element 48 of the functional module 14. The second connection element 48 of the main body thus comprises the tubular protrusion 50 with the second electric contacts 58, 60 and 62. The main body 16 further comprises an air inlet 84. The air inlet 84 comprises a lateral groove 86. The main body 16 further comprises a controller 88 to control power supply 90 and power plug connector 92. The second electric contacts 58, 60 and 62 are connected to the controller 88.

Fig. 6A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the first connection element 32. One or both of the mouthpiece 12 and the distal end of the functional module 14 may comprise a first connection element 32 as shown in Fig. 6A. The first connection element 32 of Fig. 6A comprises the first electrical connection portion 40 located within the annular recess 34. The first electrical connection portion 40 comprises the six first electric contact elements, namely on one side of the annular recess 34, the first, second and third terminal connectors 42, 44 and 46 and, on an opposing side of the annular recess 34, first, second and third terminal connectors 42’, 44’ and 46’ (not shown). The six first electric contact elements 42, 44, 46, 42’, 44’ and 46’ are shaped as protrusions on an inner surface of the annular recess 34. The protrusions may be configured as spring-loaded pins 94 with rounded contact heads as indicated by an arrow pointing towards an additional cross-sectional detail view in Fig. 6A.

Fig. 6B is a perspective view of the second connection element 48. One or both of the proximal end of the functional module 14 and the main body 16 may comprise a second connection element 48 as shown in Fig. 6B. The second connection element 48 of Fig. 6B comprises the second electrical connection portion 56 within the tubular protrusion 50. The second electrical connection portion 56 comprises the three second electric contact elements on an inner surface. The three second electric contact elements are the first, second and third annular terminal tracks 58, 60 and 62. The third annular terminal track 62 comprises the alternating electrically conductive segments 64 and non-conductive segments 66. The electrically conductive segments 64 may have a successively increasing length along a circumferential direction of the annular terminal track 62. Alternatively, the electrically conductive segments 64 may have the same length. The electrically conductive segments 64, having the same length, may comprise different electrically conductive materials with different electrical resistances.

When the second connection element 48 is inserted into the first connection element 32, the first electrical connection portion 40 is connected to with the second electrical connection portion 56. In the connected configuration, the first and second terminal connectors 42, 44, 42’ and 44’ are permanently electrically contacted to the first and second annular terminal tracks 58 and 60. The electric contact between the third terminal tracks 46 and 46’ and the third annular terminal track is however dependent on the relative rotational orientation of the mouthpiece 12, the functional module 14 and the main body 16 with respect to each other. The controller 88 may detect a variation in electric resistance in dependence of the rotational orientation.

For example, each conductive segment 64 may be assigned to its individual value of electric resistance. Thus, depending on a measured electric resistance of the contact between the terminal connectors 46 and 46’ and a respective electrically conductive segment 64, the controller 88 may determine the position of one or both of the mouthpiece 12 and the functional module 14 with respect to the main body 16.

The annular terminal tracks of the main body 16 and the functional module 14 can comprise different patterns of electrically conductive segments 64.

One or both of the first, second and third annular terminal tracks 58, 60 and 62 may be provided as coatings on an inner surface of the tubular protrusion 50. The electrically conductive segments 64 may be embossed or raised to provide haptic feedback for a user during rotation.

The first, second and third annular terminal tracks 58, 60 and 62 may be provided on annular recesses 98 formed on the inner surface of the tubular protrusion 50 as indicated by an arrow pointing towards an additional cross-sectional detail view in Fig. 6B. The second contact element 62 may be embossed or raised to provide haptic feedback for a user during rotation.

When the second connection element 48 is fully inserted into the first connection element 32, the first electrical connection portion 40 is in contact with the second electrical connection portion 56. When the first electric contact elements 42, 44, 46, 42’, 44’ and 46’ are configured as spring-loaded pins 94 with rounded contact heads, the contact heads of the spring-loaded pins 94 are pressed back and the springs are tensioned. The mechanical tension of the springs presses the contact heads of the first electric contact elements 42, 44, 46, 42’, 44’ and 46’ against the second contact elements 58, 60 and 62, respectively. When the second contact elements 58, 60 and 62 are formed as recesses 96, a mechanical coupling may be provided by the rounded contact heads of the spring-loaded pins 94 being pressed by the springs into the recesses 94. The mechanical coupling may provide a secure releasable attachment of the second connection element 48 to the first connection element 32 such that the first and second magnetic connection elements 38 and 54 may be omitted.

Figs. 7A and 7B show an embodiment of a modular aerosol-generating device. Fig. 7A shows a cross section of a functional module 102. Fig. 7B shows a cross-section of a main body 104. The functional module 102 is configured similar to the functional module 14 with the difference that the second electrical connection portion 56 of the functional module 102 additionally comprises a fourth terminal connector 106. The fourth terminal connector 106 is connected via a wiring 108 to the third annular terminal track 62 of the tubular protrusion 50. The other components of the functional module 102 are the same as in the functional module 14. The main body 104 additionally comprises a fourth annular terminal track 110. The other components of the main body 104 are the same as in the main body 16. When the functional module 102 is connected to the main body 104 by insertion of the tubular protrusion 50 of the main body 104 into the annular recess 34 of the functional module 102, the fourth terminal connector 106 and the fourth annular terminal track 110 are electrically connected. This allows the control unit to determine whether the functional module 102 or the mouthpiece 12 is connected to the main body 104.

Figs. 8A, 8B and 8C show an alternative embodiment of the first and second connection elements 32 and 48 of the modular aerosol-generating device 10. In this embodiment, the first and second connection elements 32 and 48 comprise a magnetic sensor arrangement to replace both the third terminal connectors 46 and 46’ and the third annular terminal track 62. Furthermore, the first and second magnetic connection elements 38 and 54 are omitted. The other components are the same.

The magnetic sensor arrangement comprises a rotor element 114 to replace the third terminal connectors 46 and 46’ and an inductor element 116 to replace the third annular terminal track 62, or vice versa.

Fig. 8A exemplarily shows a cross section of a functional module 112. The tubular protrusion 50 of the functional module comprises an annular rotor element 114 covered by the top surface 52 and arranged to interact with an inductor element 116 of a corresponding mouthpiece. The annular recess 34 comprises an annular inductor element 116 covered by the bottom surface 36 and arranged to interact with a rotor element 114 of a corresponding main unit. Fig. 8B shows a top view of the functional module 112. The rotor element 114 comprises one or more, for example three, magnetic segments 122.

Fig. 8C shows a top view of a respective inductor element 116 which is segmented into one or more, for example eight, segments 124.

When the functional module 112 is connected to a mouthpiece comprising an inductor element 116, the magnetic segments 122 alter the magnetic flux experienced by the inductor element 116 in dependence of the relative rotational orientation of the rotor element 114 with respect to the inductor element 116. The controller 88 may be electrically connected to the inductor 116 and may be configured to determine the rotational orientation based on an electric signal received from the inductor element 116.

For example, each segment 124 of the inductor element 116 may be configured as an individual inductor coil as indicated by an enlarged cutout in Fig. 8C. Movement of a magnetic segment 122 relative to the inductor coil may induce an electric current in the inductor coil. The current induced in the inductor coil of a respective segment 124 may be measured by the controller 88. Based on these data, the controller 88 may determine the relative rotational position of the rotor element 114.

Alternatively, each segment of the inductor element 116 may be configured as a Halltype sensor. When a magnetic segment 122 of the rotor element overlies the Hall-type sensor, a Hall voltage may be measured by the controller 88. Based on these data, the controller 88 may determine the relative rotational position of the rotor element 114.

For example, the inductor element 116 may be segmented in eight segments 124. If magnetic segment 122 of the rotor element 114 matches with a segment 124 of the inductor element 116, the electrical characteristics are changed, and, based thereon, the rotational position of the rotor element 114 may be determined by the controller.

Alternatively, the mouthpiece may comprise a rotor element 114, the main body may comprise an inductor element 1161 and the functional module 112 may comprise a rotor element 114 provided at the annular recess 34 and an inductor element 116 provided at the tubular protrusion 50.

Claims

1 . A modular aerosol-generating device comprising a main body comprising a controller and a power supply; and at least one user interface module being removably attachable to the main body; wherein, when the at least one user interface module is attached to the main body, the controller is configured to detect a rotational manipulation of the at least one user interface module with respect to the main body.

2. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the rotational manipulation is an axial rotation around a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device.

3. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 2, wherein the at least one user interface module is axially rotatable in both opposing first and second directions.

4. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to control operation of the device based on a detected rotational manipulation of the at least one user interface module with respect to the main body, preferably, wherein the controller is configured to initiate one or more operational modes based on one or more rotational manipulations of the at least one user interface module with respect to the main body.

5. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the controller is configured to initiate one or more operational modes based on detection of one or more rotational orientations of the at least one user interface module with respect to the main body; or wherein the controller is configured to initiate one or more operational modes based on detection of a rotational movement of the at least one user interface module with respect to the main body, preferably, wherein detection of the rotational movement is one or both of detection of an angle of rotation and detection of a direction of rotation of the at least one user interface module with respect to the main body.

6. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to only allow operation of the aerosol-generating device upon detection of a preset sequence of rotational manipulations, preferably wherein the preset sequence comprises at least three subsequently detected rotational manipulations.

7. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a value of the electrical resistance between the main body and the at least one user interface module depends on their relative rotational orientation, and wherein the controller is configured to detect the rotational manipulation of the at least one user interface module in dependence of one or both of the absolute value of the electrical resistance and changes in the value of the electrical resistance.

8. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a terminal track, preferably an annular terminal track, comprising an arrangement of alternating electrically conductive segments and non-conductive segments; and a terminal connector electrically connectable to different electrically conductive segments of the terminal track based on a relative rotational orientation of the terminal connector with respect to the terminal track, wherein the main body comprises one of the terminal track and the terminal connector and the at least one user interface module comprises the respective other, and wherein the controller is configured to detect the rotational manipulation of the at least one user interface module with respect to the main body based on a rotational orientation or a rotational movement of the terminal track with respect to the terminal connector.

9. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 8, wherein the electrically conductive segments of the terminal track have the same length or a different length, preferably, wherein the terminal track is annular, and wherein the electrically conductive segments have a successively increasing length along a circumferential direction of the annular terminal track.

10. The aerosol-generating device according to any of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein at least two of the electrically conductive segments of the terminal track differ in their electrical resistance.

11. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller comprises a timer for measuring time intervals, preferably, wherein the controller is configured to detect the rotational manipulation based on information received from the timer, more preferably, wherein the timer is configured to measure time intervals of electrical connections being alternatively present and absent during rotation of the at least one user interface module with respect to the main body.

12. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises a heating element, and wherein the controller is configured to control the heating element in dependence of the detected rotational manipulation of the at least one user interface module, preferably, wherein the controller is configured to control one or both of a temperature and a heating duration of the heating element in dependence of the detected rotational manipulation of the at least one user interface module.

13. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 12, wherein, the at least one user interface module is rotatable in opposing first and second directions with respect to the main body, wherein, the controller is configured to control the temperature of the heating element based on a rotational manipulation in the first direction, and wherein the controller is configured to control the heating duration of the heating element based on a rotational manipulation in the second direction.

14. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one user interface module comprises a first user interface module and a second user interface module, wherein the first user interface module is removably attachable to the main body and the second user interface module is removably attachable to one or both of the first user interface module and the main body, wherein, when the first user interface module is connected to the main body and the second user interface module is connected to the first user interface module, the three pieces are individually axially rotatable with respect to one another, and wherein the controller is configured to detect a rotational manipulation of the three pieces with respect to one another, preferably, wherein the controller is configured to control the temperature of the heating element in dependence of the rotation of the first user interface module and to control the heating duration of the heating element in dependence of the rotation of the second user interface module, or vice versa.

15. An aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article or cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate; and an aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims; wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a heating chamber for insertion of the aerosol-generating article or cartridge.