Aerosol generating device with air flow detection

European).

AEROSOL PRODUCTION DEVICE WITH AIR FLOW DETECTION

The description relates to aerosol generating systems, and more particularly to devices for generating a user's inhalation aerosol, such as smoking devices. The description relates to an apparatus and method for detecting changes in the air flow of an aerosol generating device, as a standard responding in an economic and reliable manner to inhaling the user or puffing.

Conventional cigarettes with lit ends deliver smoke due to the combustion of tobacco and wrappers that take place at temperatures that can exceed 800 degrees Celsius when puffed. At these temperatures, tobacco is thermally degraded by pyrolysis and combustion. The heat of combustion releases and generates various gaseous combustion products and tobacco distillates. The products are sucked in by the cigarette and cooled and condensed to form a smoke containing the flavors and aromas associated with smoking. At combustion temperatures, not only flavors and aromas are generated, but also many undesirable compounds.

There are known smoking devices for electric heating, which are primarily aerosol generating systems that operate at lower temperatures than conventional cigarettes with lit ends. An example of such an electric smoking device is disclosed in WO2009 / 118085. WO2009 / 118085 discloses an electric smoking system in which a substrate for generating an aerosol is heated by a heating element to generate an aerosol. The temperature of the heating element is regulated within a certain temperature range to ensure that undesirable volatile compounds are not generated and released from the substrate while other desired volatile compounds are released.

It is desirable to provide a puff detection function in the aerosol device in an inexpensive and reliable manner. Detection of puffs is useful, for example for dynamic control of the heating element in the system and for analytical purposes.

In one aspect of this specification, an aerosol-generating device configured for inhaling a user with an aerosol generated is provided, the device includes:

a heating element configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate;

a power source connected to a heating element; and a controller connected to the heating element and to the power supply, the controller being configured to control the power supplied to the heating element from the power source to maintain the temperature of the heating element at the target temperature and configured to monitor changes in the temperature of the heating element or changes in the supply provided to the heating element to detect changes in the air flow next to the heating element indicating the user's inspiration.

The "aerosol generating device" as used herein refers to a device that interacts with a substrate for generating an aerosol to form an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-forming article, e.g. a part of a smoking article. The aerosol generating device may be a smoking device that interacts with the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-forming article that is directly inhaled into the user's lungs through the mouth of the user. The device for producing the aerosol can be a handle.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating substrate" refers to a substrate that can release volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Yesie lotne związki mogą być uwalniane przez podgrzanie substratu do wytwarzania aerozolu. Substrat do wytwarzania aerozolu dogodnie może być częścią wyrobu do tworzenia aerozolu lub wyrobu do palenia.

Zastosowane w niniejszym opisie pojęcia „wyrób do wytwarzania aerozolu” i „wyrób do palenia” dotyczą wyrobu zawierającego substrat do wytwarzania aerozolu mogący uwalniać lotne związki, które mogą tworzyć aerozol. Na przykład wyrobem do wytwarzania aerozolu może być wyrób do palenia, który tworzy aerozol, który jest bezpośrednio wdychany do płuc użytkownika przez usta użytkownika. Wyrób do wytwarzania aerozolu może być jednorazowy. Pojęcie „wyrób do palenia” jest ogólnie dalej stosowany. Wyrobem do palenia może być pręt tytoniowy lub może zawierać pręt tytoniowy.

Zastosowane niniejszym określenia „wdychanie” jest stosowane w zamierzeniu oznaczania działania użytkownika polegającego na zaciągnięciu aerozolu do ciała przez usta lub nos. Wdychanie obejmuje sytuację, kiedy aerozol jest zasysany do płuc użytkownika, a także sytuację, kiedy aerozol przed wydaleniem z ciała użytkownika jest zasysany tylko do jamy ustnej lub jamy nosowej użytkownika.

Sterownik może zawierać programowalny mikroprocesor. W innym przykładzie wykonania, sterownik może zawierać specjalnie zaprojektowany chip elektroniczny, taki jak oparty o bezpośrednio programowalną macierz bramek (FPGA) lub układ scalony zaprojektowany do realizacji z góry ściśle określonego zadania (ASIC). Generalnie, wszelkie urządzenia zdolne do dostarczania sygnału zdolnego do sterowania elementami grzejnymi mogą być stosowane zgodne z przykładami wykonania opisanymi w niniejszym dokumencie. W jednym przykładzie wykonania, sterownik jest skonfigurowany tak, aby monitorowaa difference between the temperature of the heating element and the target temperature to detect a change in the air flow next to the heating element indicating the user's inspiration.

The description provides for detecting changes in airflow through the aerosol generating device, in particular detecting the inhalation or puffs of the user, without the need for a special air flow sensor. This reduces the cost and complexity of providing user breath detection compared to existing devices that include a special air flow sensor and increases reliability because there are fewer components that can potentially fail.

In one embodiment, the controller may be configured to monitor whether the difference between the temperature of the heating element and the target temperature exceeds a threshold value to detect a change in air flow past the heating element indicative of the user's inspiration. The controller may be configured to monitor whether the difference between the temperature of the heating element and the target temperature exceeds a predetermined period of time or predetermined number of measuring cycles to detect a change in air flow past the heating element indicative of a user's inspiration. This ensures that a very brief fluctuation in temperature does not lead to false detection of the user's inspiration.

In another embodiment, the controller may be configured to monitor the difference in power supplied to the heating element and the expected level of power to detect a change in air flow past the heating element indicative of the user's inspiration. Alternatively or additionally, the controller may be configured to compare the rate of temperature change or the rate of change in the power supplied from the threshold level to detect a change in airflow past the heating element indicative of the user's inspiration. The controller can be adapted to regulate the target temperature after detecting a change in the air flow next to the heater. Increased air flow brings more oxygen in contact with the substrate. This increases the probability of burning the substrate at a given temperature. Combustion of the substrate is undesirable. Thus, the target temperature can be lowered as the air flow is increased to reduce the likelihood of burning the substrate. Alternatively or additionally, the controller may be configured to control the power supplied to the heating element when a change in the air flow is detected next to the heating element. The air flow next to the heating element usually has the effect of cooling the heating element. The heating element can be temporarily increased to compensate for cooling. when a change in air flow is detected next to the heating element. The air flow next to the heating element usually has the effect of cooling the heating element. The heating element can be temporarily increased to compensate for cooling. when a change in air flow is detected next to the heating element. The air flow next to the heating element usually has the effect of cooling the heating element. The heating element can be temporarily increased to compensate for cooling.

The power source may be any suitable power source, e.g. a DC voltage such as a battery. In one embodiment of the invention, the power supply is a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power supply may be a nickel metal hydride battery, nickel cadmium battery or a lithium battery, for example a lithium-cobalt, lithium-iron-phosphate or lithi-polymer battery. The power can be supplied to the heating element as an impulse signal. The amount of power supplied to the heating element can be adjusted by changing the duty cycle factor or the pulse width of the power signal.

In one embodiment, the controller may be configured to monitor the temperature of the heating element based on measuring the electrical resistance of the heating element.

This allows the temperature of the heating element to be detected without the need for additional measuring equipment.

The temperature of the heater can be monitored at predetermined intervals, for example every few milliseconds. This can be done continuously or in periods when the power is supplied to the heating element.

The controller may be configured to be ready to detect the next user puff when the difference between the detected temperature and the target temperature is less than the threshold value. The controller can be adapted to the requirements so that the difference between the detected temperature and the target temperature is less than the threshold value for a predetermined time or number of measuring cycles.

The controller may contain memory. The memory can be configured to record detected changes in the air flow or user puffs. The memory can register the number of user puffs or the time of each puff. The memory can be configured to register the temperature of the heating element and the power supplied during each puff. The memory can register any available data from the controller as required.

This user acquisition may be useful for later clinical trials as well as device maintenance and design. The user puff data may be sent to an external memory or processing device via any suitable means to output data. For example, an aerosol generating device may include a wireless transmitter module connected to the controller or memory or a universal serial bus to the controller, or to a (USB) connected memory slot.

Alternatively, the aerosol generating device may be configured to transmit data from the memory to an external memory in the battery charging device whenever the aerosol device is recharged using appropriate data links.

The device can be an electric smoking device. The aerosol generating device may be a smoking device with electric heating comprising an electric heater. The term "electric heater" refers to one or more electrical heating elements.

The electric heater may comprise a single heating element. Alternatively, the electric heater may comprise more than one heating element. The heating element or heating elements may be arranged in order to heat the substrate for aerosol production most efficiently.

The electric heating element may comprise a material that causes electrical resistance. Suitable materials for causing electrical resistance include, but are not limited to: semiconductors, such as doped ceramics, electrically conductive ceramics (such as, for example, molybdenum disilicate), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composite materials made of ceramic material and metallic material . Such composite materials may contain doped or non-doped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbides. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, alloys containing nickel, cobalt, chromium, aluminum, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, gold and iron and superalloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, Timetal® and alloys based on iron-manganese-aluminum. In composite materials, the material that causes electrical resistance can optionally be embedded in an insulating material or placed in capsules of insulating material or coated with it or vice versa, depending on the energy exchange kinetics and the required external physicochemical properties. Ceramic and / or insulating materials may include, for example, alumina or zirconia (ZrO2). Alternatively, the electric heater may comprise a heating infrared heater of a heating element, a photon source or an induction heating element. In composite materials, the material that causes electrical resistance can optionally be embedded in an insulating material or placed in capsules of insulating material or coated with it or vice versa, depending on the energy exchange kinetics and the required external physicochemical properties. Ceramic and / or insulating materials may include, for example, alumina or zirconia (ZrO2). Alternatively, the electric heater may comprise a heating infrared heater of a heating element, a photon source or an induction heating element. In composite materials, the material that causes electrical resistance can optionally be embedded in an insulating material or placed in capsules of insulating material or coated with it or vice versa, depending on the energy exchange kinetics and the required external physicochemical properties. Ceramic and / or insulating materials may include, for example, alumina or zirconia (ZrO2). Alternatively, the electric heater may comprise a heating infrared heater of a heating element, a photon source or an induction heating element. depending on the kinetics of energy exchange and required external physicochemical properties. Ceramic and / or insulating materials may include, for example, alumina or zirconia (ZrO2). Alternatively, the electric heater may comprise a heating infrared heater of a heating element, a photon source or an induction heating element. depending on the kinetics of energy exchange and required external physicochemical properties. Ceramic and / or insulating materials may include, for example, alumina or zirconia (ZrO2). Alternatively, the electric heater may comprise a heating infrared heater of a heating element, a photon source or an induction heating element.

The electric heating element may have any suitable form. For example, the electric heating element may be in the form of a heating blade. Alternatively, the electric heating element may be in the form of a casing or substrate having different electrically conductive parts or a metallic tube for causing electrical resistance. Alternatively, there may also be one or more heating pins or rods that run through the substrate of the aerosol-generating substrate as already described. Alternatively, the electric heating element may be a disc heater (disc terminated) or a combination of a disc heater with heating pins or rods. Other possibilities include a heating duct or fiber, for example from Ni-Cr (nickel-chrome), platinum, gold, silver, tungsten or alloy wire or a heating plate. optionally, the heating element may be embedded in or on the rigid carrier material. In one embodiment, the heating element causing the electrical resistance can be formed using a metal having a defined relationship between temperature and resistance. In such an exemplary apparatus, the metal may be in the form of a strip of a suitable insulating material, such as a ceramic material, and then pressed into another insulating material, such as glass. The heaters formed in this way can be used for both heating and monitoring the temperature of the preheaters during operation. In such an exemplary apparatus, the metal may be in the form of a strip of a suitable insulating material, such as a ceramic material, and then pressed into another insulating material, such as glass. The heaters formed in this way can be used for both heating and monitoring the temperature of the preheaters during operation. In such an exemplary apparatus, the metal may be in the form of a strip of a suitable insulating material, such as a ceramic material, and then pressed into another insulating material, such as glass. The heaters formed in this way can be used for both heating and monitoring the temperature of the preheaters during operation.

The at least one electric heater may comprise a heat sink or a heat accumulator containing material that can absorb and accumulate heat and then release heat into the aerosol generating substrate over time. The radiator can be made of any suitable material or ceramic material. In one embodiment, the material has a high heat capacity (material with perceptible heat storage) or is a material that can absorb and then release heat in a reversible process, such as changing the high temperature phase. Suitable materials with palpable heat storage include silica gel, clay, carbon, glass mat, glass fiber, minerals, metal or alloy, such as aluminum, silver or lead, and cellulosic material, such as paper. Other suitable materials,

The heat sink or heat accumulator can be arranged to be in direct contact with the aerosol forming substrate and able to transfer accumulated heat directly to the substrate. Alternatively, the heat stored in the heat sink or the heat accumulator can be transferred to the aerosol generating substrate by means of a heat conductor, such as a metallic tube.

The electric heating element may heat the substrate for aerosol production through conduction means. The heating element may be partially in contact with the substrate or carrier onto which the substrate is applied. Alternatively, the heat from the electric heating element can be conducted to the substrate by means of a heat conducting element.

Alternatively, the electric heating element may transfer heat to the incoming ambient air, which is sucked in by the smoking system with electric heating during use, which in turn is a substrate for the generation of an aerosol by convection. The surrounding air can be heated before it passes through the aerosol-generating substrate.

In one embodiment, the power is supplied to the electric heater until the heating element or electric heater elements reach a temperature between about 250 ° C and 440 ° C to produce an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substrate. Any suitable temperature sensor and control circuit may be used to control the heating of the heating element or elements to a temperature between about 250 ° C and 440 ° C, including using one or more heaters. This is in contrast to traditional cigarettes where tobacco and cigarette wrap can reach 800 ° C.

The aerosol-generating substrate may be included in the smoking article. In operation, the smoking article containing the aerosol-forming substrate can be completely contained in the aerosol generating device. In this case, the user may engage in a mouthpiece of the aerosol generating device. The mouthpiece can be any part of the aerosol generating device that the user inserts in the mouth for directly applying the aerosol produced by the aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating device. The aerosol is transferred to the mouth of the user through the mouthpiece. Alternatively, during operation, the smoking article containing the aerosol-forming substrate may be partially contained in the aerosol generating device. In this case, the user may contract directly through the mouthpiece of the smoking article.

The smoking article may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The smoking article may be substantially elongated. The smoking article may have a length and perimeter substantially perpendicular to length. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The aerosol-generating substrate may be substantially elongated. The aerosol-generating substrate may also have a length and circumference substantially perpendicular to length. The aerosol-generating substrate may be received in the sliding tank of an aerosol-generating device such that the length of the substrate for generating the aerosol is substantially parallel to the direction of the air flow in the aerosol-generating device.

The total length of the smoking article can be between approximately 30 mm and approximately 100 mm. The outer diameter of the smoking article can be between approximately 5 mm and approximately 12 mm. The smoking article may comprise a filter plug. The filter plug may be located in the lower end of the smoking article. The filter plug can be a cellulose acetate filter plug. In one embodiment, the length of the filter plug is approximately 7 mm, but its length can be between approximately 5 mm and approximately 10 mm.

In one embodiment, the total length of the smoking article is approximately 45 mm. The outer diameter of the smoking article may be approximately 7.2 mm. In addition, the aerosol-forming substrate may have a length of about 10 mm. Alternatively, the length of the substrate for generating the aerosol may be approximately 12 mm. Furthermore, the diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate can be between approximately 5 mm and approximately 12 mm. The smoking article may comprise an outer tissue paper. In addition, the smoking article may comprise a separation between the aerosol forming substrate and the filter plug. The separation may be approximately 18 mm, but may be in the range of approximately 5 mm to approximately 25 mm. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid substrate for the generation of an aerosol. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating substrate may contain both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco aromatic compounds which upon heating are released from the substrate. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-titer material. The aerosol-forming substrate may also include an aerosol former which facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol. Examples of suitable aerosol forming agents are glycerol and propylene glycol. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-titer material. The aerosol-forming substrate may also include an aerosol former which facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol. Examples of suitable aerosol forming agents are glycerol and propylene glycol. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-titer material. The aerosol-forming substrate may also include an aerosol former which facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol. Examples of suitable aerosol forming agents are glycerol and propylene glycol.

If the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid substrate for the production of an aerosol, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain, for example, one or more of: powder, granules, pellets, scraps, threads, strips or sheets containing one or more: plant leaf, tobacco leaf, fragments of a tobacco vein, reconstituted tobacco, homogenised tobacco, extruded tobacco and expanded tobacco. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be in bulk form or it may be provided in a suitable container or cartridge. Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise additional tobacco or tobacco-free volatile aromatics that will be released upon heating of the substrate. The solid substrate for aerosol formation may also contain capsules,

The homogenised tobacco used herein refers to the material produced by the agglomeration of molecular tobacco. Homogenized tobacco can be in the form of a sheet. The content of the aerosol former in the homogenised tobacco material may be greater than 5% by weight based on dry matter. The content of the aerosol former in the homogenised tobacco material can alternatively be between 5% and 30% by weight based on dry matter. The sheets of homogenised tobacco can be made by agglomerating particulate tobacco obtained by milling or grinding another way into the tobacco leaf or vein of tobacco leaves or both plaques and veins of tobacco leaves. Alternatively or additionally, the sheets of homogenised tobacco material may contain one or more tobacco forms, such as tobacco dust, fine tobacco particles and other waste solids of tobacco products have arisen during, for example, the processing, storage and transport of tobacco. The sheets of homogenised tobacco material may contain one or more internal binders, i.e. endogenous tobacco binders, one or more external tobacco binding agents, i.e. exogenous tobacco binding agents or combinations thereof to facilitate agglomeration of molecular tobacco; alternatively or additionally, the sheets of homogenised tobacco material may contain other additives including, but not limited to, tobacco and tobacco-free fibers, aerosol forming agents, humectants, plasticizers, flavorings, fillers, aqueous and anhydrous solvents, and combinations thereof. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a folded corrugated sheet of homogenised tobacco material. The term "fluted sheet" as used herein, means a sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel edges or corrugations. Preferably, when the aerosol-forming article is assembled, the substantially parallel edges or corrugations extend longitudinally or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. This advantageously facilitates the gathering of a sheet of corrugated homogenised tobacco material to form a substrate for the production of an aerosol. However, it is understandable that the corrugated sheets of the homogenised tobacco material to be incorporated into the aerosol forming article may alternatively or additionally have a plurality of substantially parallel edges or corrugations applied at an acute or obtuse angle to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol-generating article is assembled. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a sheet of homogenised tobacco material that is substantially uniformly textured over its substantially entire surface. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a collimated corrugated sheet of homogenised tobacco material comprising a plurality of substantially parallel edges or corrugations that are substantially uniformly spaced from each other over the entire width of the sheet.

Optionally, the aerosol-generating substrate may be provided on or thermally stable in the carrier. The carrier may be in the form of a powder, granulate, pellets, fragmented scraps, threads, strips or sheets. Alternatively, the carrier may be a tubular carrier having a thin layer of a solid substrate applied on its interior surface or on its exterior surface, or both on its internal and external surface. Such a tubular carrier can be formed, for example, of paper or paper-like material, carbon fiber nonwoven mat, low-weight open mesh metallic screen or perforated metallic foil or any other thermally stable polymer matrix.

The solid substrate for aerosol formation can be applied to the surface of the carrier in the form of, for example, a sheet, foam, gel or suspension. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be applied over the entire surface of the carrier or alternatively may be applied in a pattern to provide uneven aroma delivery during use.

Despite the above reference to a solid aerosol-forming substrate for one of ordinary skill in the art, it is evident that other embodiments of the aerosol-forming substrate may be used in other embodiments. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid substrate for the generation of an aerosol. If a liquid substrate for the production of an aerosol is provided, the aerosol generating device preferably comprises means for holding the fluid. For example, a liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be held in a container. Alternatively or additionally, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be absorbed by the porous carrier material. The porous carrier material can be made of any suitable absorbent cork or mass, e.g. foamed metal or plastic, polypropylene, terylene, nylon or ceramic fibers. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be maintained in the porous carrier material prior to use of the aerosol-generating device or alternatively the liquid aerosol-forming substrate material may be released into the porous carrier material during use or immediately before. For example, a liquid aerosol-forming substrate can be provided in a capsule. The capsule shell preferably melts upon heating and releases a liquid aerosol-forming substrate into the porous carrier material. The capsule optionally may comprise a solid in combination with a liquid. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be maintained in the porous carrier material prior to use of the aerosol-generating device or alternatively the liquid aerosol-forming substrate material may be released into the porous carrier material during use or immediately before. For example, a liquid aerosol-forming substrate can be provided in a capsule. The capsule shell preferably melts upon heating and releases a liquid aerosol-forming substrate into the porous carrier material. The capsule optionally may comprise a solid in combination with a liquid. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be maintained in the porous carrier material prior to use of the aerosol-generating device or alternatively the liquid aerosol-forming substrate material may be released into the porous carrier material during use or immediately before. For example, a liquid aerosol-forming substrate can be provided in a capsule. The capsule shell preferably melts upon heating and releases a liquid aerosol-forming substrate into the porous carrier material. The capsule optionally may comprise a solid in combination with a liquid. The capsule shell preferably melts upon heating and releases a liquid aerosol-forming substrate into the porous carrier material. The capsule optionally may comprise a solid in combination with a liquid. The capsule shell preferably melts upon heating and releases a liquid aerosol-forming substrate into the porous carrier material. The capsule optionally may comprise a solid in combination with a liquid.

Alternatively, the carrier may be a nonwoven or bundle of fibers in which the tobacco components are contained. The nonwoven or fiber bundle may comprise, for example, carbon fibers, natural cellulosic fibers or cellulose derivative fibers.

The aerosol generating device may additionally further comprise an air inlet. The aerosol generating device may further comprise an air outlet. The aerosol generating device may further comprise a condensation chamber, through which the aerosol will have the desired characteristics.

The aerosol device is preferably a manual aerosol generating device that the user can comfortably hold between the fingers of one hand. The aerosol generating device may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The aerosol generating device may have a polygonal cross section and a protruding button formed on one of the surfaces: in this embodiment, the outer diameter of the aerosol forming device may be between about 12.7 mm and about 13.65 mm measured from a flat surface to the opposite flat surface ; between about 13.4 mm and about 14.2 mm measured from the edge to the opposite edge (i.e. from the point of intersection of the two surfaces on one side of the aerosol forming device to the corresponding intersection on the other side); and between about 14, 2 mm and about 15 mm measured from the apex of the button to the opposite lower flat surface. The length of the aerosol generating device can be between about 70 mm and 120 mm.

In another aspect of the present description, there is provided a method of detecting a user's inspiration via an electric aerosol generating device, the device comprising a heating element and a power source for supplying power to the heating element, comprising: controlling the power supply of the heating element from the power source to maintain the heating element at the target temperature and monitoring the temperature changes of the heating element or changes in the power supplied to the heating element to detect a change in the air flow next to the heating element indicative of the user's inspiration.

The monitoring step may comprise monitoring the difference between the temperature of the heating element and the target temperature to detect a change in the air flow next to the heating element indicative of the user's inspiration.

The method may further comprise the step of adjusting the target temperature after detecting a change in the air flow next to the heating element indicating the inspiration of the user. As described, increased air flow causes more oxygen in contact with the substrate.

In another aspect of the present description, a computer program has been developed that when run on a computer or other suitable processing device, performing a method according to said other aspect described above. The description includes embodiments that can be implemented as software suitable for actuating an aerosol generating device having a programmable controller as well as other required hardware components.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 schematically shows the main elements of an aerosol device according to one embodiment; Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing control elements of one embodiment;

Fig. 3 is a graph illustrating temperature changes of the heater and power supply during user puffs in accordance with another embodiment; and

Fig. 4 shows a control sequence to determine whether a user's puff takes place in accordance with yet another embodiment.

In Fig. 1, the interior of one embodiment of the aerosol device 100 is schematically depicted. In particular, the components of the aerosol device 100 are not made to scale. For the sake of simplicity, Figs. 1 are omitted that are not essential for understanding the embodiment presented herein.

The aerosol-generating device 100 includes a housing 10 and a substrate for the production of an aerosol 2, e.g. a cigarette. The aerosol-forming substrate 2 is pressed into the housing 10 so that it is in thermal proximity with the heater 20. The substrate for the production of aerosol 2 will release the volatile compounds set at different temperatures. Some of the volatile compounds released from the aerosol-forming substrate 2 are produced only during the heating process. Each volatile compound is released above the characteristic release temperature. By controlling the maximum operating temperature of the aerosol device 100 to be below the release temperature of some volatile compounds, the release or formation of these smoke constituents can be avoided.

In addition, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 includes an electric power source 40, e.g. a rechargeable lithium-ion battery provided in the housing 10. The aerosol generating apparatus 100 further includes a controller 30 that is connected to the heating element 20, an electric power source 40, a substrate detector for aerosol generation 32 and user interface 36, e.g. a graphic display or a combination of an LED indicator light that transmits information about the device 100 to the user.

The aerosol detector substrate detector 32 can detect the presence and identification of a substrate for generating aerosol 2 in thermal proximity with the heater element 20 and transmit signals to the controller 30 for the presence of a substrate for generating aerosol 2. Protecting the substrate detector is optional. The controller 30 controls the user interface 36 to display layout information, e.g. about battery power, temperature, substrate state for aerosol production 2, other messages or combinations of the aforementioned.

The controller 30 additionally controls the maximum operating temperature of the heating element 20. The temperature of the heating element can be detected by a temperature sensor specially designed for this purpose. Alternatively, in another example, the temperature of the heating element is determined by monitoring its electrical resistivity. The electrical resistivity of a wire's length depends on its temperature. The resistivity increases with increasing temperature. The characteristics of the actual resistivity will vary depending on the exact composition of the alloy and the geometric configuration of the heating element 20 and an empirically determined compound that can be used in the controller. Thus, the knowledge of the resistivity ρ at a given time can be used to derive the actual operating temperature of the heating element 20.

Resistance of heating element R = V / I; where V is the voltage flowing through the heating element and I is the current flowing through the heating element 20. The resistance R depends on the configuration of the heating element 20 and also on the temperature and is expressed by the following relationship:

R = p (T) □ L / S equation 1

Where (T) is the temperature dependent on the resistivity, L is the length, S the cross-sectional area of ​​the heating element 20. L and S are constant for a given configuration of the heating element 20 and can be measured. Thus, for a given heating element, the formula R is proportional to ρ (T).

The resistivity of the heating element may be expressed in the form of a polynomial as follows:

p (T) = po □ (1 + α1 T + α2 T²) equation 2

Wherepo is the resistivity at the reference temperature To and αι and a2 are the polynomial coefficients.

In this way, knowing the length and cross-section of the heating element 20 it is possible to determine the resistance R, and thus the resistivity p at a given temperature by measuring the voltage of the heating element V and the current I. The temperature can be obtained directly from the table of LUT values ​​characteristic resistivity versus temperature for the heating element used or by evaluating the polynomial equation (2) above. In one embodiment, the process can be simplified by presenting a resistivity p depending on the temperature curve for one or more, preferably two linear approximations in the temperature range that applies to tobacco. This facilitates the assessment of the temperature that is desired in the controller 30 having limited computational resources.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the device controls of Fig. 1. Fig. 2 also shows a device that is connected to one or more external devices 58, 60. The controller 30 comprises a measuring unit 50 and a control unit 52. The measuring unit is configured to determine the resistance R of the heating element 20. The measuring unit 50 undergoes resistance measurements to the unit. 52. The control unit 52 controls the supply of battery power 40 to the heating element 20 via a toggle switch 54. The controller may include a microprocessor as well as a separate electronic control circuit. In one embodiment, the microprocessor may include a standard assembly such as an internal clock in addition to other assemblies.

During the preparation of temperature control, the target operating temperature of the aerosol device 100 is selected. The selection is based on the release temperature of the volatile compounds that should and should not be released. This predetermined value is then stored in the control unit 52. The control unit 52 includes non-volatile memory 56.

The controller 30 controls the heat of the heating element 20 by controlling the power supply from the battery to the heating element 20. The controller 30 only allows power to be supplied to the heating element 20 when the substrate detector 32 has detected a substrate for generating the aerosol 20 and the user has activated the device. By switching on the switch 54, the power supply is provided as a pulse signal. The pulse width or duty cycle of the signal may be modulated by the control unit 52 to vary the amount of energy supplied to the heating element. In one embodiment, the duty cycle may be limited to 60-80%. This may provide additional security and prevent the user from accidentally raising the compensated temperature of the heater so that the substrate reaches a temperature above the combustion temperature.

In use, the controller 30 measures the resistivity ρ of the heating element 20. The controller 30 then converts the resistivity of the heating element 20 to the actual operating temperature of the heating element by comparing the measured resistivity ρ with the array of LUT (Look-up Table) values. This can be done in the measuring unit 50 or by the control unit 52. In the next step, the controller 30 compares the actual calculated operating temperature with the target operating temperature. Alternatively, the temperature values ​​in the heating profile are pre-converted to a resistance value so the controller regulates resistance instead of temperature, this prevents real-time calculations to convert the resistance to temperature during the smoking session.

If the actual operating temperature is lower than the target operating temperature, then the control unit 52 provides additional electric energy to the heating element 20 to increase the actual operating temperature of the heating element 20. If the actual operating temperature is above the target operating temperature, the control unit 52 reduces the electrical energy delivered to the heating element 20 to lower the actual operating temperature back to the target operating temperature.

The control unit may perform any suitable control technique to control the temperature, such as a simple thermostatic feedback loop or a proportional, integral, differentiating (PID) control technique.

Only the supplied power does not flow to the temperature of the heating element 20. The air flow past the heating element 20 cools the heating element, which reduces its temperature. This cooling effect can be used to detect changes in the air flow through the device. The temperature of the heating element as well as its electrical resistance will decrease as the air flow increases before the control unit 52, bringing the heating element back to the target temperature.

Fig. 3 shows typical temperature changes of the heating element and the power used during use of the aerosol generating device of the type shown in Fig. 1. The level of the supplied power is shown as line 60 and the temperature of the heating element as line 62. The target temperature is shown as dashed line 64.

The initial high power period is necessary initially to bring the heating element to the target temperature as quickly as possible. Once the target temperature has been reached, the applied voltage will drop to the level required to maintain the heating element at the target temperature. However, when the user enters with the substrate 2, the air is sucked past the heating element and cools it until it reaches a temperature below the target temperature. This is shown as feature 66 in Fig. 3. In order to restore the heating element 20 to the target temperature, there is a corresponding spike in the power supply used, shown as feature 68 in Fig. 3. This pattern is repeated throughout the life of the product, in this example in a smoking session in which four puffs are taken.

By detecting temporary changes in the flow temperature or the rate at which the flow temperature changes, the user's incursion or other events related to the air flow can be detected. Fig. 4 illustrates an example of a control process using a Schmitt trigger that can be used within a control unit 52 to determine when a puff takes place. The process in Fig. 4 is based on detecting changes in the temperature of the heating element. In step 400, any state variable that is initially set to 0 is modified to three-quarters of the original value. In step 410, the delta value is determined as the difference between the measured temperature of the heating element and the target temperature. Steps 400 and 410 may be performed in reverse order or simultaneously. In step 415, the delta value is compared to the threshold delta delta. If the delta value is greater than the delta threshold then the state variable is increased by a quarter before moving to step 425. This is shown as step 420. If the delta value is less than the state variable threshold is invariable and the process proceeds to step 425. State variable it is then compared with the status threshold. The threshold for the state of use varies depending on whether the device is fixed when puffing or not pulling. In step 430, the control unit determines whether the device is in a puffing or non-pulling state. At the beginning, i.e. in the first control cycle, the device assumes that it is not able to take. If the delta value is greater than the delta threshold then the state variable is increased by a quarter before moving to step 425. This is shown as step 420. If the delta value is less than the state variable threshold is invariable and the process proceeds to step 425. State variable it is then compared with the status threshold. The threshold for the state of use varies depending on whether the device is fixed when puffing or not pulling. In step 430, the control unit determines whether the device is in a puffing or non-pulling state. At the beginning, i.e. in the first control cycle, the device assumes that it is not able to take. If the delta value is greater than the delta threshold then the state variable is increased by a quarter before moving to step 425. This is shown as step 420. If the delta value is less than the state variable threshold is invariable and the process proceeds to step 425. State variable it is then compared with the status threshold. The threshold for the state of use varies depending on whether the device is fixed when puffing or not pulling. In step 430, the control unit determines whether the device is in a puffing or non-pulling state. At the beginning, i.e. in the first control cycle, the device assumes that it is not able to take. The state variable is then compared to the status threshold. The threshold for the state of use varies depending on whether the device is fixed when puffing or not pulling. In step 430, the control unit determines whether the device is in a puffing or non-pulling state. At the beginning, i.e. in the first control cycle, the device assumes that it is not able to take. The state variable is then compared to the status threshold. The threshold for the state of use varies depending on whether the device is fixed when puffing or not pulling. In step 430, the control unit determines whether the device is in a puffing or non-pulling state. At the beginning, i.e. in the first control cycle, the device assumes that it is not able to take.

If the device is in a non-puffed state, the state variable is compared to the UPPER state threshold in step 440. If the state variable is higher than the UPPER state threshold then the device is determined to be in a puffed state. If not, it is set as being in a non-contracting state. In both cases, the process goes to step 460 and then returns to 400.

If the device is in a puff state, the state variable is compared to the LOW state threshold at step 450. If the state variable is lower than the LOW status threshold then the device is set in a non-puffed state. If not, it is set as being able to be hauled. In both cases, the process proceeds to step 460 and then returns to step 400. UPPER and LOWER threshold values ​​have a direct effect on the number of cycles required by the process to pass between non-draw and take states, and vice versa. In this way, it can be prevented that very brief fluctuations in temperature and noise in the system that are not the result of a user's contract were not detected as a puff. Short fluctuations are effectively filtered. However, the number of cycles needed is preferably chosen as that the puff detection transition can occur before the device compensates for the temperature drop by increasing the power supplied to the heating element. Alternatively, the controller may suspend the compensation process when deciding whether or not a pending action will be taken. In one example, LOWER = 0.06 and UPPER = 0.94, which means that the system will have to go through at least 10 repetition activities when the delta value is greater than the delta threshold to change from not taking to puffing.

The arrangement shown in Fig. 4 may be used to provide counting puffs and if the controller includes a clock, an indication of the time at which each puff takes place. The puffing and non-puffing states can also be used to dynamically control the target temperature. Increased air flow brings more oxygen in contact with the substrate. This increases the probability of burning the substrate at a given temperature. Combustion of the substrate is undesirable. Thus, the target temperature can be lowered when the puffing state is set to reduce the likelihood of burning the substrate. The target temperature may return to its original value when the non-taking state is determined. The process shown in Fig. 4 is just one example of a puff detection process. For example, similar processes which illustrates that FIG. 4 can be carried out by means of the power applied as a measurement or by the rate of change in temperature or rate of change of the applied power supply. It is also possible to use a process similar to that shown in Fig. 4, but using only one status threshold instead of different TOP and LOW thresholds.

Also useful for dynamic control of the aerosol generating device are puff detection data which can be set by the controller 30 for analysis purposes, e.g. in clinical trials and in device maintenance and design processes. Fig. 2 shows the connection of the controller 30 to an external device 58. The number of puffs and time data can be exported to an external device 58 (along with any other captured data) and can be further transferred from the device 58 to other external processing or storing devices.

60. The aerosol generating device may comprise any suitable output data means. For example, the aerosol generating device may include a wireless transmission module connected to the controller memory 30 or 56 or a universal serial bus (USB) connected to the controller 30 or memory 56. Alternatively, the aerosol generating device may be configured to be able to transmit data. from the memory to the external memory in the battery charging device each time the aerosol device is recharged using appropriate data links. The battery charging device can provide more memory for long-term storage of puff data and can then be attached to a corresponding data processing device or to the communication network. Also,

Additional data may also be collected during operation of the aerosol device 100 and passed to an external device 58. Such data may include, for example, a serial number or other identifying information of the aerosol generating device; time at the beginning of the smoking session; the end time of the smoking session and information about the reason for terminating the smoking session.

In one embodiment, a serial number or other information identifying whether tracking information associated with the aerosol device 100 may be stored in the controller 30. For example, such tracking information may be stored in memory 56. The generation of aerosol 100 may not always be connected to the same external device 58 for data transmission or charging purposes, said tracking information may be exported to external data processing or storage devices 60 and collected to provide a more complete picture of user behavior. This will be evident to the average person skilled in the art that knowledge of the operating time of the aerosol generating device, such as starting and stopping a smoking session may also be captured using the methods and devices described herein. For example, using the timer timer 30 or the control unit 52, the start time of the smoking session can be captured and stored by the controller 30. Similarly, the stop time can be recorded when the user or aerosol device 100 ends the session by stopping the power supply to the item The accuracy of these start and stop times can also be increased if a more accurate time is sent to the controller 30 by an external device 58 to correct any loss or inaccuracy. For example, when connecting the controller 30 to an external device 58,

The reason for terminating the smoking session or operating the aerosol device 100 can also be recognized and captured. For example, the controller 52 may include an array of LUT functions (Look-up Table) that includes various reasons for the end of a smoking or work session. An exemplary list of such reasons can be found here.

<td>Session code</td><td>The reason for the end session</td><td>A reason description</td>

<td>0</td><td>(normal completion)</td><td>End of session achieved</td>

<td>1</td><td>(stop by the user)</td><td>The user interrupts experience (after pressing target power button end the session by placing the device to aerosol production in an external device 58, or by the pilot's command</td>

<td>2</td><td>(corruption heater)</td><td>Damage is suspected heater in the light temperature measurements being beyond the time specified earlier range for heating</td>

<td>3</td><td>(incorrect heating level)</td><td>A fault occurs when element temperature heating is above or below specified earlier working temperatures being outside the acceptable range tolerance</td>

<td>4</td><td>(heating Outside)</td><td>The temperature of the element the heating stays higher than the target, even when the power supply is supplied smaller.</td>

The above table shows the number of reasons why the operation or smoking session can be terminated.

This will be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art that using such a device, using the various indications provided by the measuring unit 50 and the control unit 52 provided in the controller 30 alone or in combination with the stored indications relayed in response to the heating control controller 30 of the heating element 20 , the controller 30 may assign the session code with the cause of termination of the aerosol device 100 or smoking session. Other reasons that may be determined from the available data using the above-described methods and devices will be apparent to an ordinary person skilled in the art and can be implemented using the methods and devices described herein,

Other data regarding the user activities of the aerosol device 100 may also be determined using the methods and devices described herein. For example, the user's intake of the aerosol can be accurately quantified because the aerosol device 100 described herein can accurately control the temperature of the heater 20, and because data can be collected by the controller 30 as well as the 50 and 52 units in the controller. 30, the exact profile of the actual use of the device 100 during the session can be obtained.

In one embodiment, the session data captured by the controller 30 can be compared with data determined during the audited session to further facilitate understanding of the user's use of the device 100. For example, first by collecting data using a smoking device under controlled environmental and measurement data, such as the number of puffs, puff volume, puff intervals and resistance of the heating element, a database may be constructed that provides, for example, nicotine levels or other information provided under experimental conditions. Such experimental data can then be compared with the data received by the controller during actual use and used to determine, for example, information about it, how much the user inhaled. In one embodiment, the experimental data may be stored in one or more devices 60 and additional comparison and data processing may take place in one or more devices 60.

To the extent that additional environmental data is required to accurately compare actual user data and experimental data, the control unit 52 may include additional functions to provide such data. For example, the control unit 52 may comprise a humidity sensor or an ambient temperature and moisture data sensor or ambient temperature data may be included as part of the data ultimately provided to the external device 58. The device may also be analyzed to determine which specific experimental data best match behavior during use, e.g. in terms of length and frequency of inhalation and the number of inhalations. The feasible data most suited to the behavior during use can then be used as a basis for analysis and display. This will be evident to the average person skilled in the art that by means of the methods and devices discussed herein, almost any desired information can be intercepted in such a way that its comparison with experimental data is possible and various features associated with the operation of the aerosol device 100 could be accurately marked.