WO2024002967A1 - Dispositif de génération d'aérosol - Google Patents

Dispositif de génération d'aérosol Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024002967A1
WO2024002967A1 PCT/EP2023/067314 EP2023067314W WO2024002967A1 WO 2024002967 A1 WO2024002967 A1 WO 2024002967A1 EP 2023067314 W EP2023067314 W EP 2023067314W WO 2024002967 A1 WO2024002967 A1 WO 2024002967A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
heater component
heater
generation device
generating substrate
aerosol
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2023/067314
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Alec WRIGHT
Grzegorz Aleksander PILATOWICZ
Xavier FLAVARD
Eduardo Jose GARCIA GARCIA
Original Assignee
Jt International Sa
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Jt International Sa filed Critical Jt International Sa
Publication of WO2024002967A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024002967A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
    • A24F40/57—Temperature control
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/20—Devices using solid inhalable precursors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to aerosol generation devices, and more specifically aerosol generation device power systems.
  • Aerosol generation devices such as electronic cigarettes and other aerosol inhalers or vaporisation devices are becoming increasingly popular consumer products.
  • Heating devices for vaporisation or aerosolisation are known in the art. Such devices typically include a heating chamber and heater. In operation, an operator inserts the product to be aerosolised or vaporised into the heating chamber. The product is then heated with an electronic heater to vaporise the constituents of the product for the operator to inhale. In some examples, the product is a tobacco product similar to a traditional cigarette. Such devices are sometimes referred to as “heat not bum” devices in that the product is heated to the point of aerosolisation, without being combusted.
  • An object of the invention is to address providing effective power management, and improving usability, amongst others.
  • an aerosol generation device comprising a heating cavity configured to receive and aerosolise an aerosol generating substrate, wherein the heating cavity comprises a heater component and a sensor configured to sense an aerosol generating substrate received in the heating cavity, and wherein the aerosol generation device further comprises an energy storage module and a controller configured to: power the heater component by directing a power flow from the energy storage module to the heater component to pre-heat the heater component to a predetermined temperature; determine, using the sensor, that an aerosol generating substrate has been received in the heating cavity; initiate monitoring a parameter in response to determining that an aerosol generating substrate has been received in the heating cavity; and power the heater component until the monitored parameter meets a predetermined requirement, to re-heat the heater component to the predetermined temperature and compensate a reduction in the heater component temperature due to the received aerosol generating substrate.
  • the aerosol generating substrate Before insertion into the heating cavity, the aerosol generating substrate can be at an ambient temperature (for example, room temperature). Because the aerosol generating substrate is colder than the pre-heated heater component, which has been heated the predetermined temperature (for example, in the range of 230 to 320 °C, or preferably in the range 260 to 320 °C), the insertion of the aerosol generating substrate can cause a drop in the heater component temperature. This temperature drop can cause the heater component to drop below a suitable temperature for aerosol generation. If the operator then inhaled upon the device, such a decreased temperature could cause a negative user experience.
  • the predetermined temperature for example, in the range of 230 to 320 °C, or preferably in the range 260 to 320 °C
  • the heater component By monitoring a parameter in response to determining that an aerosol generating substrate has been received in the heating cavity, and powering the heater component until the monitored parameter meets a predetermined requirement, the heater component is re-heated to the predetermined temperature to compensate this temperature drop. This improves the user experience by ensuring that the heater component is adequately pre-heated before the operator inhales upon the device.
  • the monitored parameter is a timer, and the predetermined requirement is met when a predetermined time has elapsed after initiating monitoring the parameter.
  • the heater component can be efficiently and accurately re-heated to the predetermined temperature by powering the heater component for a predetermined period of time.
  • the monitored parameter is a heater temperature and the predetermined requirement is met when the heater temperature is equal to or greater than a target temperature after initiating monitoring the parameter.
  • the heater component can be efficiently and accurately re-heated to the predetermined heater temperature by powering the heater component until the monitored heater temperature reaches the predetermined temperature.
  • the controller is configured to control the aerosol generation device perform an action when the monitored parameter meets the predetermined requirement.
  • the action comprises controlling a power flow from the energy storage module to the heater component to maintain the heater component at a predetermined temperature for a heating phase where an aerosol is generated for inhalation by an operator.
  • the heating phase of the aerosolisation session in which the operator inhales the aerosol, does not begin until the heater component is sufficiently reheated after the temperature drop due to the insertion of the aerosol generating substrate.
  • the user experience is improved by ensuring that the aerosol is being generated using the predetermined temperature, for inhalation.
  • the action further comprises controlling an indicator of the aerosol generation device to provide an output indicating that the monitored parameter meets the predetermined requirement and the aerosol generation device is readied for the heating phase.
  • the device is ready to begin the heating phase, and the operator can begin to inhale the generated aerosol.
  • the sensor is a temperature sensor and the controller is configured to monitor the temperature of the heater component using the temperature sensor and determine that an aerosol generating substrate has been received in the heating cavity in response to a decrease in the monitored temperature.
  • the aerosol generation device comprises a holding unit configured to receive and aerosolise the aerosol generating substrate, and a charging unit that is connectable to the holding unit, and wherein the charge storage module comprises a first charge storage module and a second charge storage module; the holding unit comprising the heating cavity, and the first charge storage module; the charging unit comprising the second charge storage module; and wherein the controller is configured to: power the heater component by directing a power flow from the second charge storage module to the heater component when the holding unit is connected to the charging unit; and power the heater component by directing a power flow from the first charge storage module to the heater component when the holding unit is disconnected from the charging unit.
  • the controller is configured to: power the heater component by directing a power flow from the second charge storage module to the heater component when the holding unit is connected to the charging unit; and power the heater component by directing a power flow from the first charge storage module to the heater component when the holding unit is disconnected from the charging unit.
  • the aerosol generation device can be realised as a two-part system with a holding unit and charging unit. Operational flexibility can be provided through powering the heater component using the first charge storage module when the holding unit is not connected to the charging unit, or through powering the heater component using the second charge storage module when the holding unit is connected to the charging unit.
  • the controller is configured to power the heater component by: directing a power flow from the second energy storage module to the heater component to pre-heat the heater component to the predetermined temperature when the holding unit is connected to the charging unit; and directing a power flow from the first energy storage module to the heater component to maintain the heater component at the predetermined temperature to aerosolise the aerosol generating substrate when the monitored parameter meets the predetermined requirement and the holding unit is not connected to the charging unit.
  • pre-heating the heater component requires a higher level of power consumption than maintaining the heater component at a predetermined temperature for aerosolisation.
  • the second charge storage module in the charging unit can be used to power the more power intensive pre-heating phase
  • the first charge storage module in the holding unit can be used to power the less power intensive heating phase where the temperature is maintained. Consequently, only a smaller charge storage module may be needed as the first charge storage module, meaning that the holding unit can be dimensioned to be smaller. In this way, the operator only has to lift a smaller holding unit to their mouth for inhalation of the aerosol, thereby improving usability.
  • the controller is configured to power the heater component by: directing a power flow from the second energy storage module to the heater component to pre-heat the heater component to the predetermined temperature when the holding unit is connected to the charging unit; and directing a power flow from the second energy storage module to the heater component to maintain the heater component at the predetermined temperature to aerosolise the aerosol generating substrate when the monitored parameter meets the predetermined requirement and the holding unit is connected to the charging unit.
  • the controller is configured to power the heater component by: directing a power flow from the first energy storage module to the heater component to pre-heat the heater component to the predetermined temperature when the holding unit is not connected to the charging unit; and directing a power flow from the first energy storage module to the heater component to maintain the heater component at the predetermined temperature to aerosolise the aerosol generating substrate when the monitored parameter meets the predetermined requirement and the holding unit is not connected to the charging unit.
  • the heating cavity is configured to receive an aerosol generating substrate that is substantially planar in shape; and the heating cavity comprises two major internal faces, wherein the two major internal faces oppose one another, the aerosol generating substrate is configured to be received between the opposing major internal faces, and the major internal faces are each associated with a heating element of the heater component.
  • Configuring the cavity to receive an aerosol generating substrate that is substantially planar or flat in shape is advantageous in that a heater component and heating cavity are provided, combined with substantially planar aerosol generation substrate, that are very compact in physical size. This improves the usability of the device through being smaller and more comfortable for the operator to hold.
  • the major internal faces comprise a ceramic material and the heating elements are arranged on or embedded in the ceramic material.
  • the cavity is configured to receive an aerosol generating substrate that is rod shaped.
  • an aerosol generation device that offers a user-experience familiar to consumers of traditional cigarettes.
  • an aerosol generation system comprising the aerosol generation device of the first aspect and the aerosol generating substrate.
  • a method of operating an aerosol generation device comprising: a heating cavity configured to receive and aerosolise an aerosol generating substrate, wherein the heating cavity comprises a heater component and a sensor configured to sense an aerosol generating substrate received in the heating cavity, the aerosol generation device further comprising an energy storage module; wherein the method comprises: powering the heater component by directing a power flow from the energy storage module to the heater component to pre-heat the heater component to a predetermined temperature; determining, using the sensor, that an aerosol generating substrate has been received in the heating cavity; initiating monitoring a parameter in response to determining that an aerosol generating substrate has been received in the heating cavity; and powering the heater component until the monitored parameter meets a predetermined requirement, to re-heat the heater component to the predetermined temperature and compensate a reduction in the heater component temperature due to the received aerosol generating substrate.
  • the method of the third aspect can include the preferable features of the aerosol generation device of the first aspect, as appropriate.
  • a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by one or more processors of an aerosol generation device, the aerosol generation device comprising: a heating cavity configured to receive and aerosolise an aerosol generating substrate, wherein the heating cavity comprises a heater component and a sensor configured to sense an aerosol generating substrate received in the heating cavity, the aerosol generation device further comprising an energy storage module; wherein the instructions cause the one or more processors to perform steps comprising: powering the heater component by directing a power flow from the energy storage module to the heater component to pre-heat the heater component to a predetermined temperature; determining, using the sensor, that an aerosol generating substrate has been received in the heating cavity; initiating monitoring a parameter in response to determining that an aerosol generating substrate has been received in the heating cavity; and powering the heater component until the monitored parameter meets a predetermined requirement, to re-
  • the non-transitory computer-readable medium of the fourth aspect can include the preferable features of the aerosol generation device of the first aspect, as appropriate.
  • Figure 1 A is a diagram of a first exemplary aerosol generation device comprising a handpiece and a charging unit, with the handpiece removed from the charging unit;
  • Figure 1 B is a diagram of the first exemplary aerosol generation device comprising a handpiece and a charging unit, with the handpiece received in the charging unit;
  • Figure 1C is a diagram of the first exemplary aerosol generation device comprising the handpiece and a charging unit, with the handpiece pivotally connected to the charging unit;
  • Figure 2 is a diagram of the handpiece of Figures 1 A-C in more detail
  • Figure 3 is a diagram of an aerosol generating substrate configured for use with the handpiece of Figure 2;
  • Figure 4A is a diagram of a heating chamber of the handpiece of Figure 2 with the aerosol generating substrate of Figure 3;
  • Figure 4B is a diagram of the heating chamber of Figure 4A in more detail
  • Figure 5 is a diagram of the mouthpiece portion of the handpiece of Figure 2 in more detail
  • Figure 6 is an exemplary plot of average power delivered to a heater against time for an aerosolisation session
  • Figure 7 is an operational flow chart of a heating control process for an aerosolisation session
  • Figure 8A is a diagram of a second exemplary aerosol generation device comprising a handpiece and a charging unit, with the handpiece received in the charging unit;
  • Figure 8B is a diagram of the second exemplary aerosol generation device comprising a handpiece and a charging unit, with the handpiece removed from the charging unit;
  • Figure 9 a diagram of a third exemplary aerosol generation device.
  • FIGS 1A, 1 B and 1C show various arrangements of a first exemplary aerosol generation device 100 (also known as a vapour generating device, vaping device, or electronic cigarette) comprising a handpiece 10 (also referred to as a holding unit) and a charging unit 50.
  • the handpiece 10 is removably connectable to the charging unit 50.
  • This can be considered a “two-part” aerosol generation device, with the two parts being the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50.
  • the handpiece 10 comprises a first charge storage module 11 , and a heater 47 (also referred to as a heater component).
  • the first charge storage module 11 is configured to power the heater 47 to aerosolise an aerosol generating substrate (not shown), as described in more detail with respect to Figures 2 to 5.
  • An aerosol generating substrate can be considered as a substrate from which an aerosol is generated, by heating.
  • the handpiece 10 also has a mouthpiece 32 upon which an operator inhales during an aerosolisation session to inhale the generated aerosol.
  • the charging unit 50 comprises a second charge storage module 51 that is configured to charge the first charge storage module 11 and power the heater 47.
  • the first charge storage module 11 can be one or more batteries or supercapacitors, or a combination thereof.
  • the first charge storage module 11 can be a fast-charging battery, for example a battery with chemistry such as lithium titanate (LTO). Batteries of this type are able to deliver the high current required at the beginning of an aerosolisation session and have superior safety properties.
  • LTO lithium titanate
  • the second charge storage module 51 can be one or more batteries or supercapacitors, or a combination thereof.
  • the second charge storage module 51 can be a single high energy density lithium-ion battery (or for example a battery using NMC - lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide - chemistry) with moderate power capability.
  • the second charge storage module 51 can be a combination of a high energy density lithium-ion battery with low power capabilities, and a high power battery (such as LTO, or lithium iron phosphate LFP) or a supercapacitor module.
  • the first charge storage module is referred to as the handpiece battery 11
  • the second charge storage module is referred to as the charging unit battery 51 .
  • each of these can be one or more batteries, supercapacitors, or a combination thereof.
  • the charging unit battery 51 has a larger charge storage capacity than the handpiece battery 11. That is, the charging unit battery 51 can hold more charge the handpiece battery 11.
  • the handpiece battery 11 may be capable of powering the heater 47 to aerosolise a first number of aerosol generating substrates, and the charging unit battery 51 may be capable of powering the heater 47 to aerosolise a second number of aerosol generating substrates, wherein the second number is greater than the first number.
  • the handpiece battery 11 may be capable of powering the heater 47 to aerosolise two aerosol generating substrates, and the charging unit battery 51 may be capable of powering the heater 47 to aerosolise twenty aerosol generating substrates.
  • the handpiece 10 can be dimensioned to be smaller than the charging unit 50 to be more comfortable for an operator to hold during an aerosolisation session.
  • the larger charging unit 50 can then be used to charge the handpiece 10 between aerosolisation sessions, or during aerosolisation sessions, when the charging unit and handpiece are in connection.
  • the charging unit 50 is dimensioned to receive and accommodate the handpiece 10 within an opening in the charging unit 50.
  • the charging unit battery 51 connects by connectors in the charging unit opening to corresponding connectors in the handpiece 10 when the handpiece is received in the charging unit 50.
  • a controller in the handpiece 10 or the charging unit 50 can detect a signal between the handpiece connectors and the charging unit connectors and control a power flow from the charging unit battery 51 to the handpiece battery 11.
  • a power flow as discussed herein can be considered as a flow of electric charge, or a current, from one element to another.
  • the charging unit 50 can be considered as a charging case for the handpiece 10.
  • power can flow from the charging unit battery 51 to the heater 47 by the connectors, to power the heater 47 using the charging unit battery 51 .
  • the charging unit battery 51 can store enough charge to fully recharge the handpiece battery 11 a plurality of times.
  • the charging unit battery 51 can itself be charged from an external power source, such as a power bank or mains source, by a connection such as a USB cable, or through connection to a docking station.
  • Figure 1 A shows the handpiece 10 removed from the charging unit 50 so that they are not in connection with one another.
  • Figure 1 B shows the handpiece 10 received in and connected to the charging unit 50.
  • the mouthpiece 32 of the handpiece 10 extends outwardly from the charging unit 50. In this way, the operator can perform an aerosolisation session whilst the handpiece 10 is housed within the charging unit 50.
  • the charging unit 50 and handpiece 10 can be configured so that the handpiece 10 can pivot outwardly from the charging unit 50, whilst still connected to the charging unit 50, by a hinged connection at the end of the handpiece 10 away from the mouthpiece 32, as shown in Figure 1C. This can provide greater access to the handpiece 10 whilst still connected to the charging unit 50.
  • Figures 2 to 5 show the handpiece 10 of the first exemplary aerosol generation device 100 in more detail.
  • Figure 2 shows the handpiece 10 with the connected mouthpiece portion 32.
  • Figure 3 shows an aerosol generating substrate 12 configured for use with the handpiece 10 of Figure 2.
  • Figure 4A shows a heating chamber 45 of the handpiece 10 of Figure 2 with the aerosol generating substrate 12 of Figure 3, and
  • Figure 4B shows the heating chamber 45 in more detail.
  • Figure 5 shows the mouthpiece portion 32 of the handpiece 10 of Figure 2 in more detail.
  • the aerosol generating substrate 12 is planar or flat in shape, for example in the form of flat-shaped cuboid extending along a substrate axis X and having external dimensions LxWxD.
  • the length L of the substrate according to the substrate axis X equals substantially to 33 mm
  • width W and depth D are substantially 12 mm and 1.2 mm, respectively. That is to say, the substrate can be considered planar in shape in that it has a depth that is much shorter than the length and width.
  • the depth D of the substrate 12 is formed by a pair of parallel walls 13A, 13B, referred to as substrate lateral walls 13A, 13B.
  • the width W of the substrate is formed by a pair of parallel walls 14A, 14B, referred to as substrate contact walls 14A, 14B.
  • the aerosol generating substrate 12 can be of other suitable shapes or dimensions.
  • the aerosol generating substrate be in of a circular tube shape, similar to a traditional cigarette.
  • the aerosol generating substrate 12 can comprise a heating portion 15 and a mouthpiece part 16 arranged along the substrate axis X.
  • the aerosol generating substrate 12 may comprise only the heating portion 15.
  • the mouthpiece part has a length L1
  • the heating part has a length L2.
  • the heating portion 15 can be slightly longer than the mouthpiece part 16, that is, L2 can be greater than L1.
  • the heating portion 15 defines an abutting end 18 of the substrate 12 and the mouthpiece part 16 defines a mouth end 20 of the substrate 12.
  • the heating portion 15 and the mouthpiece part 16 may be connected by a wrapper extending around the substrate axis X.
  • the parts 15, 16 may be wrapped by different wrappers and fixed one to the other by any other suitable mean.
  • the wrapper(s) can comprise paper and/or non-woven fabric and/or aluminium and/or a tobacco material (for example cigarillo paper).
  • the wrapper(s) may be porous or air impermeable.
  • the wrapper(s) can form a plurality of airflow channels extending inside the substrate 12 between the abutting end 18 and the mouth end 20.
  • the heating portion 14 is configured to be heated by a heater and comprises an aerosol generating material.
  • the aerosol generating material can be a material that may for example comprise nicotine or tobacco and an aerosol former.
  • tobacco may take the form of various materials such as shredded tobacco, granulated tobacco, tobacco leaf and/or reconstituted tobacco.
  • Suitable aerosol formers include: a polyol such as sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols like propylene glycol or triethylene glycol; a non-polyol such as monohydric alcohols, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerin or vegetable glycerin.
  • the aerosol generating agent may be glycerol, propylene glycol, or a mixture of glycerol and propylene glycol.
  • the substrate may also comprise at least one of a gelling agent, a binding agent, a stabilizing agent, and a humectant.
  • the mouthpiece part 16 is intended to be received inside a mouthpiece 32.
  • the mouthpiece part 16 comprises a core 17 that can provide a filtering functionality.
  • the core 17 can be a foam, or packed strands of fibres.
  • the core 17 can be formed through an extrusion and/or rolling process into a stable shape.
  • the substrate 12 may be shaped to provide one or more airflow channels.
  • the mouthpiece part 16 can have a plurality of venting holes 22 arranged on walls of the substrate, and this can include one of more of the substrate lateral walls 13A, 13B and the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B.
  • the venting holes 22 allow fresh air entering inside the substrate 12 to achieve particular vaping/tasting effects.
  • the handpiece 10 comprises a handpiece body 30 extending along a handpiece axis Y and forming at least one side wall 40 of the handpiece 10.
  • the handpiece body 30 comprises a mouthpiece 32 and a housing 34 arranged successively according to the handpiece axis Y.
  • the mouthpiece 32 and the housing 34 form two different pieces.
  • the mouthpiece 32 is designed to be removably fixed on, or received in, an insertion opening 36 formed at one of the ends of the housing 34. This opening 36 extends perpendicularly to the handpiece axis Y as it is shown on Figure 4 where the mouthpiece 32 is removed from the housing 34.
  • the housing 34 may for example form a substantially rectangular shape with rounded edges, with at least four side walls 40. In other examples, the housing may have at least one different cross-sectional shape, for example a round shape.
  • the housing 34 can be sealed at the end opposite to the insertion opening 36 receiving the mouthpiece 32.
  • the housing 34 can be formed from a single piece or several assembled pieces made of any suitable material like aluminium or plastic.
  • One or more side walls 40 of the housing can have one or more openings for control and/or visual elements.
  • such elements can include one or more of control buttons, touch panels, screens, LEDs, etc.
  • the housing 34 has a slot 42 for an LED indicating at least an ON state of the handpiece 10.
  • the LED can also indicate status information of the handpiece such as a battery state, an error state, etc.
  • the housing 34 contains the handpiece battery (not shown) for powering the handpiece 10, a controller 43 for controlling the operation of the handpiece 10, a heating chamber (also referred to as a heating cavity) 45 for heating the aerosol generating substrate 12 and at least two heating elements 47A, 47B for heating the heating chamber 45.
  • the mouthpiece 32 is configured to connect to the insertion opening 36 while assembling the mouthpiece 32 with the housing 34.
  • the mouthpiece 32 has a through-hole along the handpiece axis Y designed to receive the mouthpiece part 16 of the aerosol generating substrate 12 so that the substrate axis X coincides with the handpiece axis Y.
  • the through-hole can have the same cross-sectional shape as the aerosol generating substrate 12 with internal dimensions slightly greater than the external dimensions of the mouthpiece part 16 of the aerosol generating substrate 12.
  • the through-hole defines a rectangular cross-section for receiving the mouthpiece part 16 of the aerosol generating substrate 12.
  • the mouthpiece 32 can have a recessed portion so that when the mouthpiece 32 is inserted in the insertion opening 36, the recess portion forms an opening 66 forming a flow inlet 66.
  • through-holes can be arranged in sidewalls of the device to provide a channel for air to flow in the heating chamber.
  • the aerosol generating substrate 12 comprises the venting holes 22, at least some of these venting holes 22 are arranged to face the flow inlet 66.
  • the substrate 12 may not include the venting holes 22; in such cases the air can flow into the substrate by being drawn in through the abutting end 18.
  • air can be drawn into the device through a flow inlet 66 in the mouthpiece 32, or sidewalls of the device, to counteract a pressure drop caused by the operator inhaling open the mouthpiece 32.
  • This airflow can be drawn through a channel alongside or around the substrate 12, and into the substrate 12 through the end 18 opposite to the mouth end 20.
  • the mouth end 20 is arranged in, or proximal to, the mouthpiece 32 and is the end of the substrate 12 nearer to the operator’s mouth, in use.
  • the airflow is then drawn through the substrate 12 where it mixes with the generated aerosol, passes out of the mouth end20, through the mouthpiece 32, and flows into the mouth of the operator.
  • the heating chamber 45 can be cupshaped and extend along the handpiece axis Y between an open end 70 into which the aerosol generating substrate 12 is inserted, and an opposing sealed end 71.
  • the heating chamber 45 receives the heating portion 15 of the aerosol generating substrate 12.
  • the heating chamber 45 has substantially the same cross-sectional shape as the aerosol generating substrate 12.
  • the heating chamber 45 defines a rectangular cross-sectional shape with two parallel chamber lateral walls 73A, 73B and two parallel chamber contact walls 74A, 74B.
  • the walls 74A, 74B form two major internal faces in the chamber 45, and oppose one another; the aerosol generating substrate is configured to be received between these opposing major internal faces.
  • the major internal faces each comprise a heating element 47A, 47B of the heater 47.
  • the walls 73A, 73B form two minor internal faces of the chamber, connecting the two major internal faces.
  • the two minor internal faces are smaller than the two major internal faces, and the cavity is configured to receive an aerosol generating substrate that is substantially planar in shape.
  • Each chamber wall 74A, 74B is for example at least 3 times, advantageously 5 times and more advantageously 8 times, wider than each chamber wall 73A, 73B.
  • the heating chamber 45 has a distal wall arranged perpendicularly to the handpiece axis Y and sealing the sealed end 71.
  • the distal wall is adjacent to each of the walls 73A, 73B, 74A, 74B to seal the chamber at the sealed end 71 and form a cup shape of the chamber.
  • the walls 74A, 74B can be ceramic with heater wires or tracks embedded therein or thereon.
  • the walls 74A and 74B with heater wires or tracks embedded therein or thereon form two ceramic heaters; these two ceramic heaters can be arranged in a polymer (for example PEEK) or metal (for example stainless steel) frame.
  • the walls 73A, 73B and 71 can also be ceramic.
  • Such a ceramic heater can provide a compact heating cavity with well-distributed heat directed to the substrate. However, it can require considerably more power to heat (e.g. »10 W and/or » 1600 J) than the heater of an aerosol generation device that is configured to receive a more traditional cigarette or cigarette-like consumable. Such heaters therefore greatly benefit from the heating power management operations described herein.
  • each of the walls 73A, 73B, 74A, 74B, 71 can be of a thermally conductive material, such as a metal, notably a stainless steel. Additionally, at least some of the walls 73A, 73B, 74A, 74B, 71 or all of these walls can form one single piece.
  • the internal dimensions of the heating chamber 45 are defined by the length L3 measured according the handpiece axis Y, the width W3 measured as the distance between the chamber lateral walls 73A, 73B and the depth D3 measured as the distance between the chamber contact walls 74A, 74B. These internal dimensions L3, W3, D3 are chosen basing on the external dimensions L2, W, D of the heating portion 15 of the aerosol generating substrate 12.
  • the depth D3 of the heating chamber 45 can be slightly greater than the depth D of the aerosol generating substrate 12 or substantially equal to this depth D.
  • the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B can be in contact with the chamber contact walls 74A, 74B and notably with contact surfaces of these walls 74A, 74B, when the heating portion 15 of the of the aerosol generating substrate 12 is received inside the heating chamber 45.
  • the chamber contact walls 74A, 74B and notably their contact surfaces are in a tight contact with the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B.
  • the depth D3 of the heating chamber 45 can be slightly less than the normal depth D of the aerosol generating substrate 12.
  • the heating chamber 45 and/or the mouthpiece 32 is(are) configured to compress the heating portion 15 of the aerosol generating substrate 12 by exerting force on the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B. This makes it possible to improve the tight contact between the corresponding contact walls of the heating chamber 45 and the substrate 12 and thus, to improve heat transfer between these walls.
  • the width W3 of the heating chamber 45 can be defined so as at least one pair of facing lateral walls 73A, 13A or 73B, 13B of the heating chamber 45 and the aerosol generating substrate 12 forms an airflow channel between them.
  • an airflow channel is formed along the handpiece axis Y on either lateral side of the aerosol generating substrate 12.
  • no airflow channel between the pairs ef facing lateral walls 73A, 13A or 73B, 13B of the heating chamber 45 and the aerosol generating substrate 12 is formed.
  • the pairs of lateral walls 73A, 13A or 73B, 13B may be in contact. This is suitable when the distal wall 71 or any other wall of the heating chamber 45 forms an opening suitable for air entering.
  • the walls 74A and 74B of the chamber 45 each have a heating element 47A, 47B.
  • the heating elements 47A, 47B form the heater 47 (also referred to as a heater component) of the device.
  • the heating elements 47A, 47B can be arranged in contact with one of the chamber contact walls 74A, 74B outside of the heating chamber 45.
  • the heating element 47A is arranged adjacent to an outer surface of the chamber contact wall 74A and the heating element 47B is arranged adjacent to an outer surface of the chamber contact wall 47A.
  • the chamber contact walls transfer heat from the heating elements 47A, 47B to the aerosol generating substrate 12.
  • the heating elements can be embedded within the chamber walls.
  • the heating element 47A can be embedded in the chamber contact wall 74A, and the heating element 47B can be embedded in the chamber contact wall 74B.
  • the heating elements can be on the chamber walls, internal to the heating chamber 45.
  • the chamber walls can be a ceramic material with a heater track or wire therein or thereon.
  • each heating element 47A, 47B may comprise a polyimide film heater extending along substantially the total area of the outer surface of the corresponding heating wall 74A, 74B or only along a part of this surface.
  • the handpiece 10 can also include an insulator arranged between each heating element 47A, 47B and an inner surface of the housing 34.
  • the same insulator may also be arranged between an outer surface of each of the chamber lateral walls 73A, 73B and the inner surface of the housing 34.
  • the handpiece 10 comprises a controller 43.
  • the controller 43 is configured to control the operation of the handpiece 10. This can include inhibiting and enabling the operation of the device, as well as controlling a power flow of the handpiece battery 11 and the charging unit battery 51 (when connected), based upon an operating mode of the aerosol generation device 100.
  • the controller 43 can be at least one microcontroller unit comprising memory, with instructions stored thereon for operating the handpiece 10, including instructions for inhibiting and enabling the operation of the device, instructions for executing operating modes of the device, instructions for controlling the power flow from the battery, and the like, and one or processors configured to execute the instructions.
  • the controller 43 may be configured to operate separately the operation of each heating element 47A, 47B, according to a heating profile chosen among a predetermined group of heating profiles. The corresponding heating profile may be chosen according to a mode of operation of the handpiece 10 and/or according to at least some external/internal parameters relative to the operation of the handpiece 10.
  • the controller 43 controls a power flow to the heater 47 in the aerosolisation session, wherein an aerosolisation session can include a pre-heating phase and a heating phase.
  • the heater 47 is heated to a predetermined temperature for the generation of an aerosol from the aerosol generating substrate 12.
  • the pre-heating phase can be considered the time during which a pre-heating mode is being executed, for example the time it takes for the heater 47 to reach the predetermined temperature.
  • the pre-heating mode occurs during a first time period of the aerosolisation session.
  • the first time period can be a fixed pre-determined time period. In other examples, the first time period can vary corresponding to the length of time needed to heat the heater 47 to the predetermined temperature.
  • the predetermined temperature can be stored in memory accessible by the controller.
  • the controller 43 ends the pre-heating mode and controls a power flow to the heater 47 to power the heating phase.
  • the controller 43 controls the power flow to the heater 47 to maintain the heater 47 substantially at the predetermined temperature so that an aerosol is generated for the consumer to inhale.
  • a heating phase can be considered the time during which a heating mode is being executed, for example the time during which the heater 47 is aerosolising one (or at least part of one) aerosol generating substrate 12 after the pre-heating phase.
  • the controller 43 can control the power flow to the heater 47 in the heating mode for a second time period of the aerosolisation session. The second time period can be predetermined and stored at the controller 43.
  • Figure 6 shows an exemplary plot of average power 132 delivered to the heater 47 against time 134 for an aerosolisation session.
  • the controller 43 controls the power flow to the heater 47 to apply power to the heater 47 for the first time period 136, until the heater 47 temperature reaches the predetermined temperature.
  • the predetermined temperature may be in the range of 230 to 320 °C, or preferably in the range 260 to 320 °C.
  • the first time period is 20 seconds.
  • the controller 43 is configured to heat the heater 47 to the predetermined temperature within a fixed predetermined first time period. In other examples, the first time period varies depending on how long the heater 47 takes to reach the predetermined temperature.
  • the controller 43 switches the operating mode to the heating phase for the second time period 138 and maintains the heater 47 temperature substantially at the predetermined temperature for this second time period 138.
  • the second time period may be 250 seconds.
  • a lower power level is applied to the heater 47 in the heating phase when maintaining the heater 47 at the predetermined temperature, than the power level applied to the heater 47 to heat it to the predetermined temperature in the pre-heating phase.
  • the power level delivered to the heater 47 can be controlled by various means, for example adjusting the power output from the battery/batteries, or by adjusting the on/off periods in a pulse width modulated power flow.
  • the user of handpiece 10 may be informed that the aerosolisation session has ended, by way of a visual, haptic or audible indicator for example, so that they are aware that the substrate is no longer being aerosolised.
  • FIG 7 shows an operational flow chart of a heating control process for an aerosolisation session (such as that described with reference to Figure 6). This can be applied to the first aerosol generation device 100 described with reference to Figures 1 to 5, and is described with reference to this aerosol generation device. However, the heating control process can also be applied to the second aerosol generation device 800 (later described with reference to Figure 8) and the third aerosol generation device (later described with reference to Figure 9), as well as any other suitable type of aerosol generation device.
  • the controller can be configured determine that an aerosolisation session has been triggered.
  • the controller may determine that an aerosolisation session has been triggered in response to a user input, for example the pressing or operating of a button (for example an ‘ON’ button) on the aerosol generation device that a user can press or operate to begin an aerosolisation session.
  • a button for example an ‘ON’ button
  • the handpiece 10 can be connected to the charging unit 50 when the aerosolisation session is triggered.
  • the operator may connect the handpiece 10 to the charging unit 50, and then trigger the aerosolisation session for example by pressing or operating a button.
  • the handpiece 10 can be disconnected from the charging unit 50 when the aerosolisation session is triggered.
  • the controller is configured to power the heater 47 by directing a power flow to the heater 47 to pre-heat the heater 47 to a predetermined temperature.
  • the controller controls the charging unit battery 51 to direct a power flow to the heater 47, to power the heater 47 for pre-heating.
  • the controller controls the both the handpiece battery 11 and the charging unit battery 51 to direct a power flow to the heater 47, to power the heater 47 for pre-heating, such that both batteries power the heater 47 for the pre-heating.
  • the controller controls the handpiece battery 11 to direct a power flow to the heater 47, to power the heater 47 for pre-heating.
  • the handpiece battery 11 can have a smaller charge storage capacity than the charging unit battery 51 , and therefore can be physically smaller. In turn, this means that the overall size of the handpiece 10 can be minimised as a smaller battery can be used, compared to for example, a one-part aerosol generation device that does not include have a handpiece 10 connectable to a separate charging unit 50.
  • the larger charging unit battery 51 can have a greater charge storage capacity, and a greater current output than the handpiece battery 11.
  • the smaller handpiece battery 11 can have a lower charge storage capacity, and a lower current output than the charging unit battery 51. This means that the charging unit battery 51 can be more suited to the more energy intensive preheating phase, whilst allowing for a smaller size of the handpiece 10 to be achieved as the handpiece battery 11 does not need to be oversized to fulfil the power requirements.
  • the heater 47 when the heater 47 is pre-heated at step 702 using the charging unit battery 51 (or a combination of the charging unit battery 51 and handpiece battery 11) a faster pre-heating can be achieved due to the ability of the larger battery to have a higher current output.
  • a slower pre-heating is carried out due to the lower current output, but only a smaller component (the handpiece 10) needs to be handled by the operator.
  • the predetermined temperature can be in the range of 230 to 320 °C, or preferably in the range 260 to 320 °C.
  • the controller is configured to direct the power flow to the heater 47 for a predetermined time period that corresponds to a known time taken for the heater 47 to be heated to the predetermined aerosolisation temperature for a given current output from the charging unit battery 51 and/or the handpiece battery 11. For example, it may be predetermined that, for the current output, a time period of 20 seconds is the pre-heating time needed to heat the heater 47 to meet the predetermined temperature when using the charging unit battery 51 . On the other hand, it may be predetermined that, for the current output, a time period of 60 seconds is the pre-heating time needed to heat the heater 47 to meet the predetermined temperature when using only the handpiece battery 11.
  • the controller is configured to monitor the heater temperature or heating cavity temperature (for example with a temperature sensing sub-circuit that uses a thermistor proximal to the heater 47 or connected to the heater 47, or that measures the heater temperature based upon a resistance of the heater 47 itself), and maintain the power flow to the heater 47 until the monitored temperature reaches the predetermined temperature. When the predetermined temperature is reached, the pre-heating phase is complete.
  • the aerosol generation device can be configured to notify the operator that the pre-heating phase is complete.
  • the controller can control an indicator, such as one or more of a visual indicator (such as a display screen or light source, for example an LED), an audible indicator (such as a speaker emitting a sound), or a haptic indicator (such as a vibration module) to alert the operator.
  • a visual indicator such as a display screen or light source, for example an LED
  • an audible indicator such as a speaker emitting a sound
  • a haptic indicator such as a vibration module
  • the operator may disconnect the handpiece 10 from the charging unit 50 (if not already disconnected) for the heating phase.
  • This is advantageous as the operator then only has to lift the smaller handpiece 10 to their mouth to inhale the aerosol generated during the heating phase.
  • the operator does not need to lift the device to their mouth during pre-heating as this is before the inhalation of aerosol begins.
  • the faster pre-heating is achieved using the larger charging unit battery 51 without the operator then needing to lift the larger unit to their mouth, whilst then also achieving the advantage of only needing to lift the smaller handpiece 10 to the mouth following the disconnection for the heating phase.
  • the operator may keep the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 connected for the heating phase. This is advantageous as the charging unit battery 51 can be used to power the heater 47 in the heating phase, if the charging unit 50 and handpiece 10 are connected, thereby saving power in the handpiece battery 11 for subsequent aerosolisation sessions.
  • the operator can insert the aerosol generating substrate into the heating cavity 45.
  • the aerosol generating substrate Before insertion into the heating cavity 45, the aerosol generating substrate can be at an ambient temperature (for example, room temperature). Because the aerosol generating substrate is colder than the pre-heated heater 47, which is for example in the range of 230 to 320 °C, or preferably in the range 260 to 320 °C, the insertion of the substrate can cause a drop in the heater temperature. This temperature drop can cause the heater 47 to drop below a suitable temperature for aerosol generation. If the operator then inhaled upon the device, such a decreased temperature could cause a negative user experience. However, this issue is overcome by steps 703 to 705.
  • the controller is configured to determine that the substrate has been received in the heating cavity 45 using a sensor.
  • the sensor can be a temperature sensing sub-circuit configured to measure the heater temperature or the temperature of the heating cavity 45.
  • the sensor may be a thermistor (such as an NTC thermistor) positioned in the cavity 45, and in particular proximal to or in connection with the heater 47.
  • the sensor can be a temperature sensing sub-circuit integrated into the heater 47 itself, and configured to monitor the temperature of the heater 47 based upon a change in temperature of the heater 47.
  • the controller is configured to detect a drop in temperature, using the sensor, with the temperature drop corresponding to the insertion of a substrate into the heating cavity 45.
  • the drop in temperature that corresponds to the insertion of a substrate may be a drop in temperature with a magnitude that exceeds a predetermined temperature change threshold value.
  • a temperature change (or more specifically temperature drop) threshold Through the use of a temperature change (or more specifically temperature drop) threshold, false positive detections of a substrate having been inserted can be mitigated against for example when an ambient temperature change or airflow causes a smaller drop in the measured temperature.
  • the drop in temperature that corresponds to the insertion of a substrate may be a drop in temperature with a magnitude that exceeds a predetermined temperature change threshold value for a predetermined temperature change threshold time value.
  • the insertion of a substrate is determined when there is a drop in temperature that exceeds the predetermined temperature change threshold value for a period of time that exceeds the predetermined temperature change threshold time value.
  • a temperature change threshold time false positives can be further mitigated. For example, a blow of air into/over the heating cavity could cause a temperature drop, but the temperature would quickly rise again. On the other hand, such a quick rise in temperature would not occur following the insertion of the substrate.
  • the use a predetermined temperature change threshold value with a predetermined temperature change threshold time value allows for a distinction between temperature drops that are due to the insertion of a substrate, and temperature drops that are not due to the insertion of a substrate.
  • the sensor used to determine that the substrate has been received in the heating cavity could be a light source sensor, such as a laser, with which the controller is configured to detect the presence of the substrate by a change in reflectance when the substrate is inserted into the heating cavity.
  • the sensor used to determine that the substrate has been received in the heating cavity could be a capacitance sensor, with which the controller is configured to detect the presence of the substrate by a change in capacitance when the substrate is inserted into the heating cavity.
  • the sensor used to determine that the substrate has been received in the heating cavity could be a push switch or pressure sensor, with which the controller is configured to detect the presence of the substrate by an activation of the switch or sensor when the substrate is inserted into the heating cavity and pushes against the switch or sensor.
  • the process proceeds to step 704.
  • the controller initiates monitoring a parameter in response to determining that a substrate has been received in the cavity 45. Simultaneously (or substantially simultaneously) to initiating monitoring the parameter at step 704, the controller also begins step 705.
  • the controller controls a power flow to the heater 47 to power the heater 47 until the monitored parameter meets a predetermined requirement. This is to re-heat the heater 47 to the predetermined temperature and compensate for the reduction in the temperature caused by the substrate when inserted into the heating cavity 45.
  • the monitored parameter is a timer that is initiated when the controller initiates monitoring the parameter.
  • the predetermined requirement is met when a predetermined time has elapsed after initiating monitoring the parameter. This timer can be based upon a clock module associated with the controller.
  • the predetermined time can be of a fixed value, for example 5 seconds, that has been predetermined as a suitable period of time for the heater 47 to be re-heated to the predetermined temperature to compensate for the drop in temperature due to the insertion of the substrate.
  • the predetermined time can be based upon the drop in temperature. For a greater drop in temperature, as measured by the controller using the sensor, a longer predetermined time is used.
  • the controller can access a look-up table, stored in storage accessible by the controller, containing temperature drop values and corresponding predetermined times for re-heating. The controller can determine the predetermined time for re-heating based upon the measured temperature drop.
  • Using a fixed value for the predetermined time is advantageous in that it is computationally more efficient.
  • using a predetermined time based upon the temperature change ensures that the heater 47 is more accurately re-heated, but with greater computational resources being required.
  • the monitored parameter is the temperature of the heater 47 or temperature in the heating cavity 45.
  • the controller can monitor this temperature using the temperature sensing sub-circuit.
  • the predetermined requirement is met when the measured temperature meets a target temperature.
  • the target temperature can be the predetermined temperature, and the predetermined requirement is therefore met when the measured temperature has returned to the predetermined temperature.
  • step 706 In response to the controller determining that the monitored parameter meets the predetermined requirement, the process continues to step 706.
  • the controller controls the aerosol generation device to perform an action when the monitored parameter meets the predetermined requirement.
  • the action can comprise beginning the heating phase of the aerosolisation session, wherein the heater 47 aerosolises the aerosol generating material in the substrate to generate an aerosol for the operator to inhale.
  • the controller controls a power flow from an energy storage module to the heater 47 to maintain the heater 47 at a predetermined temperature for the heating phase.
  • the heating phase is performed with the controller controlling the handpiece battery 11 to direct a power flow from the handpiece battery 11 to the heater 47 to maintain the heater 47 at the predetermined temperature. In this way, the operator only needs to lift the smaller handpiece 10 to their mouth to inhale the generated aerosol. This improves usability.
  • the heating phase is performed with the controller controlling the charging unit battery 51 to direct a power flow from the charging unit battery 51 to the heater 47 to maintain the heater 47 at the predetermined temperature.
  • the heating phase is performed with the controller controlling the charging unit battery 51 and the handpiece battery 11 to direct a power flow from both the charging unit battery 51 and the handpiece battery 11 to the heater 47 to maintain the heater 47 at the predetermined temperature. In this way, the charge level in the handpiece battery 11 can (at least partially) be preserved for subsequent aerosolisation sessions. This improves power management.
  • the option between having the handpiece 10 disconnected or connected to the charging unit 50, for the heating phase, gives the operator flexibility in the operation of the device with the choice between more comfortable operation and power saving.
  • the action can further comprise the controller controlling an indicator of the aerosol generation device to provide an output indicating that the monitored parameter meets the predetermined requirement and the aerosol generation device is readied for the heating phase.
  • the indicator can be one or more of a visual indicator (such as a display screen or light source, for example an LED), an audible indicator (such as a speaker emitting a sound), or a haptic indicator (such as a vibration module) to alert the operator.
  • a visual indicator such as a display screen or light source, for example an LED
  • an audible indicator such as a speaker emitting a sound
  • a haptic indicator such as a vibration module
  • the substrate Whilst in the foregoing description relating to Figure 7, the substrate is described as being inserted after the pre-heating phase, and before the heating phase, the substrate could also be inserted before the pre-heating phase. In this case, no determination of a substrate having been inserted would occur at step 703, and the process would continue directly to the heating phase after the pre-heating phase.
  • the functionality performed by components in the handpiece 10 may be controlled by the controller 43 in the handpiece 10
  • functionality performed by the components in the charging unit 50 may be controlled by a controller in the charging unit 50.
  • all of the functionality performed by components in the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 may be controlled by the controller 43 in the handpiece 10.
  • all of the functionality performed by the components in the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 may be controlled by the controller in the charging unit 50.
  • some of the functionality performed by the components in the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 may be controlled by the controller in the charging unit 50, and some of the functionality performed by components in the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 may be controlled by the controller 43 in the handpiece 10.
  • Figures 8Aand 8B show a second exemplary aerosol generation device 800.
  • the second exemplary aerosol generation device 800 is configured to operate in a corresponding manner to the first exemplary aerosol generation device 100, and as such, the specific detail of the operating processes are not repeated for brevity.
  • the second exemplary aerosol generation device 800 comprises a handpiece or holding unit 810 and a charging unit or charging case 850, in a similar way to the first exemplary aerosol generation device 100.
  • the handpiece 810 is removably connectable to the charging unit 850.
  • Figure 8A shows the handpiece 810 connected to the charging unit 850
  • Figure 8B shows the handpiece 810 disconnected from the charging unit 850.
  • the handpiece 810 comprises a first charge storage module 811 configured to power a heater 847, and provide the same functionality as the first charge storage module 11 of the of the first exemplary aerosol generation device 100.
  • the first charge storage module 811 can be one or more batteries or supercapacitors, or a combination thereof.
  • the first charge storage module 11 can be a fast-charging battery, for example a battery with chemistry such as lithium titanate (LTO). Batteries of this type are able to deliver the high current required at the beginning of an aerosolisation session and have superior safety properties.
  • LTO lithium titanate
  • the charging unit 850 comprises a second charge storage module 851 that is configured to charge the first charge storage module 811 and power the heater 847, and provide the same functionality as the second charge storage module 51 of the of the first exemplary aerosol generation device 100.
  • the second charge storage module 851 can be one or more batteries or supercapacitors, or a combination thereof.
  • the first charge storage module is referred to as the handpiece battery 811
  • the second charge storage module is referred to as the charging unit battery 851.
  • each of these can be one or more batteries, supercapacitors, or a combination thereof.
  • the handpiece 810 comprises a controller 843 configured to provide corresponding functionality to controller 43 in the handpiece 11 of the first exemplary aerosol generation device 100.
  • the handpiece 811 has a body portion or housing 830 containing the controller 843, and the handpiece battery 811.
  • the heater or heater component 847 is contained with the body portion 830.
  • the heater 847 is arranged in a cavity 845 or chamber in the body portion 830.
  • the cavity 845 is accessed by an opening 845A in the body portion 830.
  • the cavity 845 is arranged to receive an associated aerosol generating substrate or consumable 812.
  • the aerosol generating substrate 812 can contain an aerosol generating material, such as a tobacco rod containing tobacco.
  • a tobacco rod can be similar to a traditional cigarette.
  • the cavity 845 can have a cross-section approximately equal to that of the aerosol generating substrate 812.
  • the cavity 845 can have a depth such that when the associated aerosol generating substrate 812 is inserted into the cavity 845, a first end portion 812A of the aerosol generating substrate 812 reaches a bottom portion 845B of the cavity 845 (that is, an end portion 845B of the cavity 845 distal from the cavity opening 845A), and a second end portion 812B of the aerosol generating substrate 812 distal to the first end portion 812A extends outwardly from the cavity 845. In this way, a consumer can inhale upon the aerosol generating substrate 812 when it is inserted into the aerosol generation device 100.
  • the heater 847 is arranged in the cavity 845 such that the aerosol generating substrate 812 engages the heater 847 when inserted into the cavity 845.
  • the heater 847 is arranged as a tube in the cavity such that when the first end portion 812A of the aerosol generating substrate is inserted into the cavity the heater 847 substantially or completely surrounds the portion of the aerosol generating substrate 812 within the cavity 845.
  • the heater 847 can be a wire, such as a coiled wire heater, or a ceramic heater, or any other suitable type of heater.
  • the heater 847 can comprise multiple heating elements sequentially arranged along the axial length of the cavity that can be independently activated (i.e. powered up) in a sequential order.
  • the heater can be arranged as an elongate piercing member (such as in the form of needle, rod or blade) within the cavity; in such an embodiment the heater can be arranged to penetrate the aerosol generating substrate and engage the aerosol generating material when the aerosol generating substrate is inserted into the cavity.
  • the heater can be arranged as an induction heater comprising a susceptor that surrounds, or at least partially surrounds, the substrate in the cavity.
  • the susceptor may be configured as a tube-shape. The susceptor then acts as the heating element of the heater and is heated by induction.
  • the heater 847 is arranged to heat the tobacco, without burning the tobacco, to generate an aerosol. That is, the heater 847 heats the tobacco at a predetermined temperature below the combustion point of the tobacco such that a tobacco-based aerosol is generated.
  • the aerosol generating substrate 812 does not necessarily need to comprise tobacco, and that any other suitable substance for aerosolisation (or vaporisation), particularly by heating without burning the substance, can be used in place of tobacco.
  • the aerosol generating substrate can be a vaporisable liquid.
  • the vaporisable liquid can be contained in a cartridge receivable in the aerosol generation device, or can be directly deposited into the aerosol generation device.
  • the charging unit 850 is dimensioned to receive and accommodate the handpiece 810 within an opening 890 in the charging unit 50.
  • the charging unit battery 851 connects by connectors 880B in the charging unit opening 890 to corresponding connectors 880A in the handpiece 10 when the handpiece 810 is received in the charging unit 850.
  • a controller in the handpiece 810 or the charging unit 850 can detect a signal between the handpiece connectors 880A and the charging unit connectors 880B and control a power flow from the charging unit battery 851 to the handpiece battery 811.
  • the handpiece 810 When received in the charging unit 850, the handpiece 810 can be arranged such that the cavity 845 is accessible from the opening 890 in the charging unit 850. In this way, an aerosol generating substrate 812 can be inserted into the cavity 845 when the handpiece 810 is connected to (or received in) the charging unit. Moreover, the consumer can then perform an aerosolisation session when the handpiece 810 is connected to (or received in) the charging unit by inhaling upon the accessible end 812B of the substrate 812 that extends from the handpiece 810 and charging unit 850.
  • the second exemplary aerosol generation device 800 can perform the same operations for an aerosolisation session, particularly regarding the pre-heating phase and heating phase of an aerosolisation session, the charging unit battery charging the handpiece battery, and the operations described with reference to Figure 7 as those described with reference to the first exemplary aerosol generation device. For brevity, these are not repeated again here.
  • FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of a third exemplary aerosol generation device 900.
  • the third exemplary aerosol generation device 900 is a “one-part” aerosol generation device, in that it does not have a separable handpiece and charging unit. Rather, the third exemplary aerosol generation device 900 is a single unit.
  • the third exemplary aerosol generation device 900 is structurally similar to the handpiece 810 of the second exemplary aerosol generation device 800, with components performing similar functionality.
  • the third exemplary aerosol generation device 900 has a controller 943 similar to the controller 843 of the second exemplary aerosol generation device 800.
  • the third exemplary aerosol generation device 900 has a has a heating cavity 945 accessed by an opening 945A in the body 930 of the device 900, and with a bottom portion 945B, similar to the controller heating cavity 845, opening 845A and bottom portion 845B of the second exemplary aerosol generation device 800.
  • the third exemplary aerosol generation device 900 has a heater 947 similar to the heater 847 of the second exemplary aerosol generation device 800, or any of the heater components or heater types described with reference to Figures 8A-B. As such, for brevity, the detail of these components is not repeated.
  • the heating cavity 945 and heater components 947 of the third exemplary aerosol generation device 900 can be consistent with those of the second exemplary aerosol generation device, and configured to receive a tobacco rod type consumable 912 (similar to the tobacco rod 812) or other type of consumable as described with reference to Figures 8A-B, from which an aerosol can be inhaled upon in a corresponding manner to Figures 8A-B.
  • the heating cavity and heater components of the third exemplary aerosol generation device 900 can be consistent with those of the first exemplary aerosol generation device, and configured to receive the planar type consumable 12 as described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Again, for brevity, the detail of these components is not repeated.
  • the main difference between the third exemplary aerosol generation device 900 and the second exemplary aerosol generation device that the charge storage module of the third exemplary aerosol generation is of a larger capacity and can provide a larger current output.
  • the third exemplary aerosol generation device 900 can power multiple complete aerosolisation sessions (including both the pre-heating phase and heating phase) without connection to an external power supply or charging unit.
  • the charge storage module of the third exemplary aerosol generation device 900 can be one or more batteries or supercapacitors, or a combination thereof.
  • the third exemplary aerosol generation device 900 can be configured to perform the heating control process for an aerosolisation session as described with reference to steps 701 to 706 in Figure 7.
  • the heater powered by the charge storage module 911 (rather than the switchable powering by the handpiece battery and charging unit battery as described for the first and second exemplary aerosol generation devices), and without the connecting/disconnecting of a handpiece from a charging unit (as described with reference to the first and second exemplary aerosol generation devices).
  • a computer-readable medium can include non-volatile media and volatile media.
  • Volatile media can include semiconductor memories and dynamic memories, amongst others.
  • Non-volatile media can include optical disks and magnetic disks, amongst others.

Abstract

Un dispositif de génération d'aérosol (100; 800; 900) comporte une cavité de chauffage (45; 845; 945) comprenant un composant chauffant (47; 847; 947) et un capteur conçu pour détecter un substrat de génération d'aérosol (12; 812; 912). Le dispositif comprend en outre un module de stockage d'énergie (11, 51; 811, 851; 911) et un dispositif de commande (43; 843; 943). Le dispositif de commande est conçu pour alimenter le composant de dispositif de chauffage en dirigeant un flux de puissance du module de stockage d'énergie vers le composant de dispositif de chauffage pour préchauffer le composant de dispositif de chauffage à une température prédéterminée, et déterminer, à l'aide du capteur, qu'un substrat de génération d'aérosol a été reçu dans la cavité de chauffage. Le dispositif de commande est en outre conçu pour initier la surveillance d'un paramètre en réponse à la détermination du fait qu'un substrat de génération d'aérosol a été reçu dans la cavité de chauffage, et alimenter le composant de dispositif de chauffage jusqu'à ce que le paramètre surveillé satisfait une exigence prédéterminée, pour compenser une réduction de la température de composant de dispositif de chauffage due au substrat de génération d'aérosol reçu.
PCT/EP2023/067314 2022-06-27 2023-06-26 Dispositif de génération d'aérosol WO2024002967A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP22181373 2022-06-27
EP22181373.6 2022-06-27

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WO2024002967A1 true WO2024002967A1 (fr) 2024-01-04

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Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3818860A1 (fr) * 2018-08-01 2021-05-12 KT&G Corporation Procédé de régulation de la température d'un dispositif chauffant et dispositif de génération d'aérosol mettant en oeuvre ledit procédé

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3818860A1 (fr) * 2018-08-01 2021-05-12 KT&G Corporation Procédé de régulation de la température d'un dispositif chauffant et dispositif de génération d'aérosol mettant en oeuvre ledit procédé

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