JP7636411B2 - Aerosol generating device, controller for aerosol generating device, and method for controlling aerosol generating device - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device for heating a consumable to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user. The consumable may include tobacco or other suitable aerosol substrate material.

The popularity and use of risk reduction or risk modification devices (also known as vaporizers) has grown rapidly in recent years as an aid to assist regular smokers wishing to quit smoking traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, and rolling tobacco. A variety of devices and systems are available that heat or warm an aerosolizable substance, as opposed to burning tobacco in traditional tobacco products.

A commonly available risk reduction or risk modification device is the heated substrate aerosol generator or heat-not-burn device. This type of device generates an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol substrate, which typically includes moist tobacco or other suitable aerosolizable material, to a temperature typically in the range of 150°C to 350°C. By heating rather than burning or combusting the aerosol substrate, an aerosol is released that includes the components desired by the user, but without the toxic and carcinogenic by-products of combustion and burning. Furthermore, aerosols generated by heating tobacco or other aerosolizable material typically do not include the burnt or bitter taste that can result from combustion and burning, which can be unpleasant to the user. Thus, the substrate does not require sugars and other additives that are typically added to such materials to make the smoke and/or vapor more palatable to the user.

In this type of device, it is desirable to provide heat to the consumable as efficiently as possible to reduce power consumption, and it is also desirable to provide heat to the consumable as quickly as possible to reduce the wait time the user must wait to obtain the aerosol.

According to a first aspect, the present disclosure provides an aerosol generating apparatus for generating an aerosol from an elongated consumable, the apparatus comprising: a heating chamber having a side wall, an end wall, and an opening opposite the end wall, the opening configured to receive the elongated consumable into the heating chamber; a side heater configured to supply heat from the side wall into the heating chamber; an end heater configured to supply heat from the end wall into the heating chamber; and a controller configured to control the side heater and the end heater, the controller configured to activate the side heater and the end heater during a first period of time and activate only one of the side heater and the end heater during a second period of time, the first period of time being a time during which the elongated consumable is heated from a first temperature to or towards an aerosol-generating temperature at least higher than the first temperature, and the second period of time being a time during which the elongated consumable is maintained at or elevated above the aerosol-generating temperature.

Optionally, side or end heaters are disposed on the inner surface of the heating chamber.

Optionally, the side heaters and end heaters are disposed on the exterior surface of the heating chamber.

Optionally, the side heater or end heater comprises a resistive track.

Optionally, the side heaters are separated from the end heaters by spacing elements that are insulating materials.

Optionally, the spacing element is part of a side wall or an end wall.

Optionally, the aerosol generating device further comprises a cap having a tubular portion configured to allow the consumable to be inserted into and removed from the heating chamber.

Optionally, the aerosol generating device further comprises an airflow channel configured to allow air to flow through the consumable within the heating chamber, the airflow channel including an aperture through the end wall or one or more inward protrusions from the side wall.

Optionally, the aerosol generating device further comprises an inner chamber adapted to be removably inserted into the heating chamber and adapted to house the consumable, the inner chamber comprising a second side wall and a second end wall.

Optionally, the aerosol generating device having an inner chamber further comprises an airflow channel configured to allow air to flow through the consumable in the heating chamber, the airflow channel comprising an aperture through the end wall and the second end wall or one or more inward protrusions from the second side wall.

Optionally, the controller is configured to measure the temperature of the heating chamber during the second period by measuring the resistance of one of the side heater and the end heater that is not activated during the second period.

According to a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a system comprising an aerosol generating device as described above and an elongated consumable product disposed within the heating chamber.

According to a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a controller for an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising: a heating chamber with a side wall, an end wall, and an opening opposite the end wall, the opening configured to receive an elongated consumable into the heating chamber; a side heater configured to supply heat from the side wall into the heating chamber; and an end heater configured to supply heat from the end wall into the heating chamber; the controller is configured to activate the side heater and the end heater during a first period of time and activate only one of the side heater and the end heater during a second period of time, the first period being a time during which the elongated consumable is heated from a first temperature to or toward an aerosol-generating temperature at least higher than the first temperature, and the second period being a time during which the elongated consumable is maintained at or elevated above the aerosol-generating temperature.

According to a fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of controlling an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising a heating chamber having a side wall, an end wall, and an opening opposite the end wall, the opening configured to receive an elongated consumable into the heating chamber, a side heater configured to supply heat from the side wall into the heating chamber, and an end heater configured to supply heat from the end wall into the heating chamber, the method including activating the side heater and the end heater during a first period of time and activating only one of the side heater and the end heater during a second period of time, the first period of time being a time during which the elongated consumable is heated from a first temperature to or towards an aerosol-generating temperature at least higher than the first temperature, and the second period of time being a time during which the elongated consumable is maintained at or elevated above the aerosol-generating temperature.

According to a fifth aspect, the present disclosure provides an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an elongate consumable product, the device comprising:
The heating chamber includes a side wall, an end wall, and an opening opposite the end wall, the opening configured to receive an elongated consumable into the heating chamber; a side heater configured to supply heat into the heating chamber from the side wall; an end heater configured to supply heat into the heating chamber from the end wall; and a controller configured to control the side heater and the end heater, the controller configured to measure a resistance of a first one of the side heater and the end heater.

Optionally, the controller is configured to perform a voltage measurement across a first of the side heater and the end heater and determine a measured resistance value from the measurement.

Optionally, the controller is configured to compare the measured resistance value to a stored resistance value.

Optionally, the controller is configured to determine a temperature of a first one of the side heaters and the end heater from the measured resistance value.

Optionally, the controller is configured to compare the determined temperature to a stored temperature.

Optionally, the controller is configured to detect an event in which aerosol is drawn from the consumable from the measured resistance.

Optionally, the controller is configured to count the number of times aerosol is drawn from the consumable.

Optionally, the controller is configured to control power supplied to a second of the end heaters and the side heaters for supplying heat into the heating chamber as a function of the measured resistance value, the second heater being different from the first heater.

Optionally, the controller is configured to control power supplied to each of the side heater and the end heater to supply heat into the heating chamber, where power is supplied to the side heater and/or the end heater during a first period and power is supplied to only one of the side heater and the end heater during a second period, the first period being a predetermined time during which resistance is not measured and the second period being a time during which resistance is measured using one of the side heater and the end heater that is not powered for heating.

Optionally, side or end heaters are disposed on the inner surface of the heating chamber.

Optionally, the side heaters and end heaters are disposed on the exterior surface of the heating chamber.

Optionally, the side heater or end heater comprises a resistive track formed on the surface of the heating chamber.

Optionally, the side heaters are separated from the end heaters by spacing elements that are insulating materials.

Optionally, the spacing element is part of a side wall or an end wall.

Optionally, the aerosol generating device further comprises an airflow channel configured to allow air to flow through the consumable within the heating chamber, the airflow channel comprising an aperture through the end wall or one or more inward protrusions from the side wall.

1A and 1B show schematic cross-sections of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a schematic example of a temperature profile of an aerosol generating device. FIG. 3 shows a schematic example of a temperature profile of an aerosol generating device. 4A-4D show schematic diagrams of alternative heater configurations in an aerosol generating device. FIG. 5 illustrates a further optional feature of the aerosol generating device. 6A and 6B show further optional features of the aerosol generating device. 7A and 7B show further optional features of the aerosol generating device. 8A and 8B show further optional features of the aerosol generating device.

1A and 1B show schematic cross-sections of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

The aerosol generating device 100 comprises a heating chamber 110, which itself comprises a side wall 111, an end wall 112, and an opening 113 opposite the end wall. The side wall 111 is adapted to surround an elongated consumable 2, which may have, for example, a circular or polygonal cross section. The opening 113 is configured to accommodate the consumable 2 within the heating chamber 110 and allows the consumable 2 to be added to or removed from the heating chamber 110.

The side heater 120 is configured to supply heat into the heating chamber from the side wall 111, and the end heater 130 is configured to supply heat into the heating chamber from the end wall 112. The specific heater arrangement and design are described below with reference to Figures 4A-4D.

1B, when the consumable 2 is present in the heating chamber, the consumable may be heated by either or both of the side heater 120 and the end heater 130. The controller 140 is configured to control the side heater 120 and the end heater 130. The side heater 120 and the end heater 130 may receive power directly from the controller 140, or the side heater 120 and the end heater 130 may receive power via a connection to the power supply of the device 100, and the controller 140 may control the use of power to drive the heaters, for example, by controlling transistors. In such an arrangement, a relatively low power controller 140 can be used with a relatively high power heater.

Additionally, the controller 140 may be configured to measure the resistance of either or both of the side heater 120 and the end heater 130. The controller 140 may control the side heater 120 and/or the end heater 130 based on the resistance measurements, as described further below.

As additionally shown in FIG. 1B, the device 100 may include a cap 150, which prevents a user of the device 100 from directly contacting the (potentially hot) heating chamber 110.

In addition, the cap 150 may include a tubular portion 151 configured to allow the consumable to be inserted into and removed from the heating chamber, as shown in FIG. 1B. This configuration allows the tubular portion 151 to act as an extension of the heating chamber 110, allowing the device 100 to support a longer consumable 2, for example, including a filter portion in addition to the aerosol substrate 21.

Specifically, in this embodiment, the cap 150 comprises an outer tubular portion and an inner tubular portion, as shown in FIG. 1B. The cap 150 may further comprise an optional lid (not shown) for closing the end opening to keep the heating chamber clean when not in use.

The outer tubular portion of the cap 150 is configured to fit over (or around) at least a portion of the body of the aerosol generating device 100. The outer tubular portion provides a surface for the cap 150 to engage with the body, making it more difficult for the cap 150 to be accidentally removed, thereby increasing the mechanical safety of the aerosol generating device.

In other embodiments, the cap 150 may be configured to surround the consumable 2, as shown in FIG. 1B, and may include a mouthpiece instead of a protruding consumable. In such embodiments, the cap 150 may include a filter to filter the aerosol before it is inhaled by the user.

Now, referring to Figures 2 and 3, the controller 140 may be configured to activate the side heater 120 and the end heater 130 during a first period T1, and to activate only one of the side heater 120 and the end heater 130 during a second period T2.

2 and 3 each show schematic diagrams of an exemplary temperature profile in which the consumable is initially heated to a temperature at which aerosol can be generated. When the consumable is sufficiently hot, the user draws aerosol from the consumable. This drawing action, or "puff," draws ambient air into the heating chamber, replacing the heated aerosol-rich air inhaled by the user, thereby lowering the temperature within the heating chamber. As a result, the temperature profile after the initial heating includes a gradual temperature rise interrupted by a drop as the user inhales a puff of aerosol.

The first period T1 may be the time during which the elongated consumable 2 (more specifically, the aerosol substrate 21 of the consumable 2) is heated from a first temperature towards an aerosol generation temperature θ that is higher than the first temperature. If the aerosol generating device is being used for the first time, the first temperature is the ambient temperature. On the other hand, if the aerosol generating device has been used recently, the first temperature may be higher than the ambient temperature. The aerosol generation temperature θ is typically in the range of 150°C to 350°C and is the temperature at which the aerosol is generated from the consumable 2.

The first period T1 may be a period of relatively rapid heating to bring the consumable to a temperature at which an aerosol can be generated.

In a simple control configuration, the first period T1 may have a fixed period configured by the controller 140.

Alternatively, the first period T1 may end when the aerosol generating temperature is reached, as shown in FIG. 2.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3, the first period T1 may extend beyond the minimum aerosol generation temperature θ. For example, the transition from the first period T1 to the second period T2 may be triggered when the device 100 detects a temperature decrease associated with a puff event.

As a further alternative, the first period T1 may end before the aerosol-generating temperature is actually reached. In this alternative, dual heating may be used in the first period T1 to provide momentum to assist in the initial heating of the consumable towards the aerosol-generating temperature θ, and once this initial assistance is completed, a single heater may be used in the second period T2 for the remaining heating required prior to the first puff from the consumable 2.

The second period T2 may be the time during which the consumable 2 is maintained at or above the aerosol generating temperature θ.

As previously mentioned, each time a puff of aerosol is inhaled by the user, the temperature in the heating chamber 110 decreases. Therefore, to maintain the temperature of the consumable 2, one of the side heater and the end heater used in the second period T2 may be controlled to continue to supply heat to the heating chamber 110.

In a simple control configuration, one heater may be controlled to continuously supply heat to the heating chamber 110 during the second period T2.

Alternatively, the one heater used in the second period T2 may be controlled according to the maximum temperature of the heating chamber 110 and may be deactivated when the maximum temperature is reached or exceeded. This would, for example, prevent the heating chamber 110 from reaching a temperature at which the aerosol substrate 21 may begin to burn.

In addition, more complex heating control configurations may be used. For example, the controller 140 may be configured to control one heater to deliver heat into the heating chamber more quickly after a puff occurs and more slowly when the heating chamber is closer to the maximum temperature.

The aerosol generating device 100 may additionally include one or more user inputs (e.g., buttons or sliders). The controller 140 may be configured to control the side heaters and the end heaters in response to one or more user inputs. For example, the user inputs may be used to set any of the length of time of the first period, the maximum temperature of the first period, the heating power of the first period, the length of time of the second period, the maximum temperature of the second period, and the heating power of the second period. Additionally, the user inputs may include an on/off control to completely start and stop the device. The on/off control may be provided as a hard switch connected to the power source for safety.

As mentioned above, in a simple configuration, the controller 140 may control the side heater 120 and the end heater 130 purely based on timing (and optionally one or more user inputs). However, in other embodiments, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a temperature sensor located in or near the heating chamber 110, and the controller 140 may be configured to measure the temperature of the heating chamber 110.

In one example, the side heater 120 or the end heater 130 may be used as a temperature sensor. More specifically, the controller 140 may measure the resistance of the side heater or the end heater and determine the temperature from the resistance using a predetermined temperature-dependent resistance characteristic.

To measure the resistance of heater 120 or 130, controller 140 may be configured to take a voltage measurement across the heater and determine the resistance therefrom. For example, controller 140 may provide a fixed current through the heater and measure the voltage across the heater while the fixed current is flowing. Similarly, controller 140 may be configured to measure the current flowing through the heater when a fixed voltage is applied across the heater.

The predetermined temperature-dependent resistance characteristic may include one or more stored resistance thresholds, each of which corresponds to a temperature of the heater 120 or 130. The controller 140 may be configured to compare a measured heater resistance to one or more stored resistance thresholds as part of controlling the one or more heaters 120, 130. For example, the controller 140 may be configured to compare a measured resistance value to a stored target resistance value.

In such an embodiment, the controller 140 need not store actual temperature corresponding data, but may simply use the stored resistance value to compare with the measured resistance. Instead, the controller may be configured to actually determine the temperature of the heater (side heater 120 or end heater 130) from the measured resistance. This may be useful, for example, to display the measured temperature to a user and assist the user in controlling the aerosol generating device 100 according to the user's preferences via one or more user inputs, as described above. When the controller 140 determines the temperature of the heater, the stored resistance threshold or stored target resistance value, as described above, may be replaced with the stored temperature threshold or stored target temperature.

As discussed above, when a user draws a puff of aerosol from consumable 2, the temperature in heating chamber 110 decreases. By measuring the resistance of the first heater (which, as discussed above, corresponds to the temperature of heating chamber 110), controller 140 may be configured to detect a puff event in which a user draws aerosol from the consumable. For example, controller 140 may count the total number of puffs of aerosol drawn from consumable 2 during an aerosol generation session.

Additionally or alternatively, the controller 140 may be configured to determine the magnitude of a puff event. The magnitude of the temperature drop associated with a puff depends on the amount of ambient air that is drawn into the heating chamber 110 to replace the inhaled aerosol-rich air. Thus, the magnitude of the puff event also corresponds to a change in the resistance of the heater.

The consumable 2 typically contains a finite amount of aerosol substrate 21 and is capable of generating only a predetermined amount of aerosol. Thus, by counting the number of puffs or the size of the puffs, the controller 140 may be configured to determine when the consumable 2 should be replaced. The aerosol generating device 100 may be equipped with an indicator to indicate to the user when the consumable 2 should be replaced, and the controller 140 may turn on the indicator when the puff count exceeds a threshold.

As a specific example of temperature measurement, during the second period, only one of the side heater 120 and the end heater 130 is activated to supply heat to the heating chamber 110. Since the other of the side heater 120 and the end heater 130 is not functioning as a heat source at that time, the other heater should have a temperature indicative of the average temperature inside the heating chamber 110 where the consumable 2 is located. Thus, the controller 140 may be configured to measure the temperature of the heating chamber 110 during the second period by measuring the resistance of one of the side heater 120 and the end heater 130, which is not activated during the second period.

Additionally or alternatively, the controller 140 may be configured to measure the temperature of the heating chamber 110 by measuring the resistance of an active one of the side heaters 120 and the end heater 130 when the active heater is supplying heat to the heating chamber 110. In this case, the active heater is likely to be hotter than the average temperature of the heating chamber 110. However, the temperature measurement of the heating chamber 110 may be determined based on the resistance of the active heater, a predetermined temperature-dependent resistance characteristic of the heater, and a predetermined temperature distribution model of the heating chamber 110.

Alternatively, the controller 140 may be configured not to measure the temperature during the first period T1 if either or both of the heaters 120, 130 are supplying heat to the heating chamber 110.

Meanwhile, at other times, for example during the second period T2, the controller 140 may supply power to only one of the side heater 120 and the end heater 130 and control the supplied power as a function of the measured resistance obtained from the other of the side heater 120 and the end heater 130. Since one heater is not functioning as a heat source at that time, it can be expected that the heater has a temperature indicative of the average temperature inside the heating chamber 110 in which the consumable 2 is located. The controller 140 may therefore be configured to measure the temperature of the heating chamber 110 by measuring the resistance of the heater that is not activated and, based on this, control the power supplied to the other heater that is activated.

More generally, once the temperature is sensed as described above, the controller 140 may use the temperature measurement when controlling the side heaters 120 and the end heaters 130. For example, the controller 140 may be configured to control the power supplied to the heaters as a function of the temperature measurement.

For example, in the second period, if only one of the side heater 120 and the end heater 130 is used to supply heat to the heating chamber 110, the other of the side heater 120 and the end heater 130 may be used to derive the temperature from the measured resistance value. The controller 140 may then control the power supplied to one of the side heater 120 and the end heater 130 to heat the heating chamber 110 as a function of temperature. Specifically, if the temperature exceeds the target temperature of the heating chamber 110, the supplied power may be decreased, and if the temperature falls below the target temperature, the supplied power may be increased. The controller 140 may, for example, perform PID control of the supplied power based on the temperature measurement to stably control the temperature in the heating chamber 110. The supplied power may be controlled by varying the voltage across or the current through the heater supplying heat into the heating chamber 110. Alternatively, the heater may be controlled with a switching cycle, and power control may be performed using pulse width modulation (PWM).

As a first general example of control by the controller 140, a process for controlling the side heater 120 or the end heater 130 may include:
1. Set a target temperature for a first heater, which is one of the side heater 120 and the end heater 130. The target temperature may be, for example, a temperature that is at or exceeds the aerosol generation temperature θ. The controller 140 may store the target temperature in an internal memory. The target temperature may be a predetermined value.
2. Measure the voltage across the first heater.
3. Calculate the resistance of the first heater based on the voltage measurement.
4. Calculate a temperature value corresponding to the first heater based on the calculated resistance measurement, which may be, for example, a temperature corresponding to a resistance threshold, or may be calculated by using the resistance measurement and a continuous predetermined temperature dependent resistance characteristic.
5. Compare the calculated temperature value of the first heater to the target temperature.
6. Adjust the power signal supplied to the second heater (the other of the side heater 120 and end heater 130) to reduce the difference between the calculated temperature value of the first heater and the target temperature using a PID algorithm that controls the PWM duty cycle of the power signal.

As a second general example of control by the controller 140, a process for controlling the side heater 120 or the end heater 130 may include:
1. Set a target temperature for a first heater, which is one of the side heater 120 and the end heater 130. The target temperature may be, for example, the aerosol generation temperature θ or a temperature above it. The target temperature may be a predetermined value.
2. Calculate a target resistance value of the first heater corresponding to the target temperature, which may be, for example, a resistance corresponding to a temperature threshold, or may be calculated by using the target temperature and a continuous predetermined temperature dependent resistance characteristic. The controller 140 may store the target resistance value in an internal memory.
3. Measure the voltage across the first heater.
4. Calculate the resistance of the first heater based on the voltage measurements.
5. Compare the calculated resistance of the first heater to the target resistance.
6. Adjust the power signal supplied to the second heater (the other of the side heater 120 and end heater 130) to reduce the difference between the calculated resistance value and the target resistance value of the first heater using a PID algorithm that controls the PWM duty cycle of the power signal.

Figures 4A-4D show schematic diagrams of alternative heater configurations in an aerosol generating device.

FIGS. 4A and 4B provide different views of the first heater configuration. In FIG. 4A, a side view is provided showing the sidewall 111 and the opening 113. In FIG. 4B, a closed end view is provided showing the exterior of the sidewall 111 and end wall 112.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the side heater 120 may be disposed on the exterior surface of the side wall 111 of the heating chamber 110. In this configuration, heat is provided from the side heater 120 through the side wall 111 into the heating chamber.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 4B, an end heater 130 may be provided on the outer surface of the end wall 112 of the heating chamber 110. In this configuration, heat is supplied from the end heater 130 through the end wall 112 into the heating chamber.

For example, each of the side heaters 120 and end heaters 130 may be a film heater with a resistive heater track attached to or encased in the outer surface of each of the side and end walls 111, 112. Alternatively, each heater may be a resistive heater track formed directly on the outer surface of the corresponding wall 111, 112. As a further alternative, each heater may be a free-standing metal sheet.

As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, if a heater is provided on the exterior surface of the heating chamber 110, the side walls 111 and end walls 112 should be thermally conductive to allow heat to pass from the heater into the heating chamber. For example, the side walls 111 and end walls 112 may comprise a metal such as copper, or may comprise carbon, for example in the form of graphite.

Because the side heaters 120 and end heaters 130 are located on the outer surface of the heating chamber, it is easy to connect power to each heater.

Figures 4C and 4D provide different views of the second heater configuration. In Figure 4C, a side view is provided showing the sidewall 111 and opening 113. In Figure 4D, an open end view is provided showing the inner surface of the sidewall 111 and end wall 112.

As shown in FIG. 4C, the side heater 120 may be disposed on the inner surface of the side wall 111 of the heating chamber 110. In this configuration, heat is provided directly from the side heater 120 into the heating chamber.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 4D, an end heater 130 may be provided on the inner surface of the end wall 112 of the heating chamber 110. In this configuration, heat is supplied directly from the end heater 130 into the heating chamber.

4A and 4B, each of the side heaters 120 and end heaters 130 may be a film heater with a resistive heater track attached to or encased in the inner surface of each of the side and end walls 111 and 112. Alternatively, each heater may be a resistive heater track formed directly on the inner surface of the corresponding wall 111, 112. As a further alternative, each heater may be a free-standing metal sheet.

As shown in Figures 4C and 4D, if a heater is provided on the inner surface of the heating chamber 110, the side walls 111 and end walls 112 are preferably not thermally conductive in order to retain heat within the heating chamber. For example, the side walls 111 and end walls 112 may include an insulating material such as a ceramic.

The side heaters 120 and end heaters 130 may be located on the inner surface of the heating chamber to improve the efficiency of heat delivery into the heating chamber. However, such a configuration requires that power connections be provided either through the openings 113 or through the side walls 111 and/or end walls 112.

Combinations of the first and second configurations are possible. For example, the side heater 120 may be located on the outer surface of the heating chamber while the end heater 130 may be located on the inner surface of the heating chamber, or vice versa.

Additionally, the side heaters 120 and/or end heaters 130 may be integrated into the respective side and end walls of the heating chamber. For example, the heaters may be molded into the respective walls, or the heating chamber may include inner and outer walls with the heaters located therebetween. With this configuration, the outer walls may be adapted to provide insulation to retain heat, while the inner walls are adapted to conduct heat from the respective heaters to the interior of the heating chamber.

Returning to FIG. 5, the side heater 120 may be separated from the end heater 130 by a spacing element that is insulating.

For example, the heating chamber 110 and heaters 120, 130 may be surrounded by a spacing element in the form of an insulating material 115, such as a ceramic. The insulating material 115 additionally reduces heat leakage from the heating chamber and improves the efficiency of the heating chamber. Additionally, if the device 100 includes heat-sensitive components, the insulating material 115 helps protect these components while still achieving the necessary temperature in the heating chamber for aerosol generation.

In addition, the spacing element may be part of a side wall or an end wall. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, spacing element 116 is located at the junction between side wall 111 and end wall 112. This may be an annular ring of insulating material, such as ceramic, connecting side wall 111 to end wall 112.

By insulating the side heaters from the end heaters, it is possible to supply heat to the interior of the heating chamber 110 independently of the side walls 111 and end walls 112. This increases the level of control possible over the thermal profile of the consumable 2 being heated within the heating chamber 110.

6A and 6B, in order for a user to draw a puff of aerosol from the consumable 2, air must be able to flow into or through the consumable 2. This can be achieved simply by providing a highly porous consumable. However, this is preferably achieved by providing air flow channels 117 within the aerosol generating device.

As shown in FIG. 6A, a first example of an airflow channel comprises an aperture through the end wall 112. As further shown in FIG. 6A, the airflow channel 117 may connect to an intake point through the body of the aerosol generating device 100. In this configuration, when a user draws a puff of aerosol from one end of the consumable, aerosol-rich air flows from the end of the consumable 2 while ambient air flows through the airflow channel. The airflow channel may additionally or alternatively comprise an aperture through the side wall 111.

As shown in FIG. 6B, a second example of the airflow channel 117 includes a space between the consumable 2 and the sidewall 111. This space can be provided by modifying the inner surface of the sidewall 111 to include one or more inward protrusions, such as ribs, that extend between the end wall 112 and the opening 113. The consumable 2 can be accommodated along the protrusion in the heating chamber 110, and air can flow through the airflow channel 117, including the space between the protrusion, the sidewall 111, and the consumable 2. Furthermore, if the consumable 2 is compressible, the consumable 2 can be compressed along the protrusion, similar to FIG. 8B described below.

With reference to Figures 7A and 7B, the aerosol generating device 100 may include an inner chamber 300 adapted to be removably inserted into the heating chamber 110 and adapted to house the consumable 2.

The inner chamber 300 comprises a second side wall 301 and a second end wall 302. The second side wall and the second end wall are adapted to be inserted against or adjacent to the side wall 111 and the end wall 112. In such a configuration, when the consumable is heated in the heating chamber, heat is supplied from the side heater 120 and/or the end heater 130 through the respective side wall 111 and/or end wall 112 of the heating chamber 110 and through the respective second side wall 301 and/or second end wall 302 of the inner chamber 300. The second side wall 301 and the second end wall 302 may be made of a thermally conductive material, for example a metallic material such as copper or aluminum.

The inner chamber 300 is a preferred feature because it is useful for cleaning the aerosol generating device 100. The consumable 2 may leave debris in the aerosol generating device when the consumable is removed. For example, the aerosol substrate 21 may include dried or powdered material tightly or loosely held in a wrapper. This dried or powdered material may leak out of the end of the consumable 2. Any debris left by the consumable must be removed. If not, the cap and/or heating chamber may gradually fill with clogged debris, reducing the heating efficiency of the aerosol generating device and/or reducing the amount of aerosol the device can generate from the consumable. The surfaces that heat the consumable are typically the most difficult to clean, for example due to a hardening effect on the debris from the consumable 2. Moreover, even with diligent cleaning, some of the clogged debris will eventually accumulate, limiting the life of the aerosol generating device. In view of these issues, the inner chamber 300 is advantageous in that it can be cleaned and replaced independently of the heating chamber 110 or the cap 150.

7A and 7B, the inner chamber 300 includes a flange 303 adapted to remain on the outside of the heating chamber 110. In this embodiment, the flange 303 has a wider outer diameter than the heating chamber such that the flange 303 does not fit within the heating chamber. The flange 303 has the advantage of making it easier to grip and remove the heating chamber from the inner chamber 300.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the flange 303 has a substantially lower thermal conductivity than the second side wall 301 and the second end wall 302. For example, in an embodiment in which the second side wall 301 and the second end wall 302 comprise a metallic material, the flange 303 may comprise, for example, rubber, heat-resistant plastic, or cork. This lower thermal conductivity improves safety by preventing a user from burning their hands when removing the inner chamber 300 from the device, even if the device has recently been used to heat a consumable. In addition, using a flange 303 with a low thermal conductivity means that there is more freedom in the selection of materials for the cap 150, without the need to be resistant to the high temperatures associated with direct contact with the heating chamber 110. Alternatively, the entire inner chamber 300 may be constructed from a single material to simplify manufacturing.

Now, referring to Figures 8A and 8B, the inner chamber 300 may include airflow channels 317 similar to those described above for the heating chamber 110, the airflow channels 317 being configured to allow air to flow past the consumables within the heating chamber 110.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8B, the airflow channel 317 may include a space between the consumable 2 and the second sidewall 301. This space may be provided by modifying the inner surface of the sidewall 301 to include one or more inward protrusions, such as ribs, extending between the second end wall 301 and the opening 113, as shown in FIG. 8A. The consumable 2 may be accommodated along the protrusions in the inner chamber 300, and air may flow through the airflow channel 317, including the protrusions 318, the space between the second sidewall 301 and the consumable 2. Furthermore, if the consumable 2 is compressible, the consumable 2 may be compressed along the protrusions, as shown in FIG. 8B.

Alternatively, as an extension of the concept shown in FIG. 6A, the airflow channel 117 may comprise an aperture through the end wall 112 and the second end wall 302. As further shown in FIG. 6A, the airflow channel 117 may connect to an inlet point through the body of the aerosol generating device 100. In this configuration, when a user draws a puff of aerosol from one end of the consumable, aerosol-rich air flows from the end of the consumable 2 while ambient air flows through the airflow channel. The airflow channel may additionally or alternatively comprise an aperture through the side wall 111 and the second side wall 301.

Two or more of the body of the aerosol generating device (i.e., the portion comprising the heating chamber 110), the cap 150, and the inner chamber 300 may be adapted to be attached to one another. This has the advantage of securing the device 100 when the user is using the device to generate an aerosol from a consumable.

For example, the body or inner chamber 300 may include an attachment portion for removably attaching the inner chamber to the body. The attachment portion may take the form of, for example, a friction fit surface, a threaded fit surface, a releasable elastic clip, or a manually engaged fastener. Additionally, the side wall 111 may include a protrusion or recess that engages with a complementary feature on the second side wall 301 of the inner chamber 300.

The cap 150 or inner chamber 300 may include an attachment portion for removably attaching the inner chamber to the cap. This may similarly be accomplished by a friction fit, a threaded fit, a removable elastic attachment, or a manually engaged fastener. Removably attaching the inner chamber to the cap allows the cap 150 to be used as a handle for removing the inner chamber 300. Once the cap 150 and inner chamber 300 are separated from the heating chamber 110 after the consumables have been used and left behind debris or residue, the inner chamber 300 may be separated from the cap 150 for quick cleaning or to replace the inner chamber 300 with a new, clean inner chamber.

Additionally, to retain the inner chamber 300 within the heating chamber 110, the cap 150 and the body may be adapted to be removably attached to one another, for example, the cap 150 and the body may have complementary features that rotate and interlock with one another. More specifically, the cap 150 and the body may be adapted to form a threaded fit.

In other embodiments, the heating chamber 110, inner chamber 300, and cap 150 may not be attached to one another, and the device 100 may rely on gravity to hold it in the correct orientation to be assembled.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a system may be provided, comprising an aerosol generating device as described above, with an elongated consumable disposed within the heating chamber. In this form, the system may be used directly by a user to generate an inhalable aerosol, without the need to separately provide a consumable.

The controller 140 for the aerosol generating device 100 as described above may be manufactured as a single component before being added to the aerosol generating device 100. In such a case, the controller 140 may already be configured to provide a particular heating profile. For example, the controller may be configured to activate the side heater 120 and the end heater 130 during a first period of time and activate only one of the side heater 120 and the end heater 130 during a second period of time. As in the above-described embodiment, the first period of time is the time during which the elongated consumable 2 is heated from a first temperature to or toward at least an aerosol-generating temperature θ that is higher than the first temperature. The second period of time is the time during which the elongated consumable 2 is maintained at or elevated above the aerosol-generating temperature θ.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, the controller 140 may be omitted and the side heater 120 and the end heater 130 may be externally controlled. In such embodiments, the aerosol generating device may otherwise be as described above. The aerosol generating device may be controlled according to a method that includes activating the side heater 120 and the end heater 130 during a first period of time and activating only one of the side heater 120 and the end heater 130 during a second period of time. The first period of time is the time during which the elongated consumable 2 is heated from a first temperature to or toward at least an aerosol-generating temperature that is higher than the first temperature. The second period of time is the time during which the elongated consumable is maintained at or elevated above the aerosol-generating temperature θ.

From the above description, it will be appreciated that many features of the described embodiments function independently with independent advantages. Thus, the inclusion or omission of each of these independent features from the embodiments of the invention defined in the claims may be independently selected.

Although the cap 150 and the inner chamber 300 are described above as parts of the aerosol generating device, these parts are separable (as described above) and each of the cap 150 and the inner chamber 300 may be generated separately. For example, the inner chamber 300 as described above may be distributed on its own as a spare part for the aerosol generating device 100. By allowing replacement of only the inner chamber 300, the life of the aerosol generating device may be extended while only replacing the minimum parts that are most at risk of degradation due to debris remaining within the device.

In the embodiments described above, the cap 150 includes an opening through which the consumable 2 can protrude (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1B). However, in other embodiments, there is no such opening. For example, the cap 150 may include a mouthpiece and a filter, or the cap 150 may be adapted to completely enclose the consumable 2 within the device 100. In such embodiments, rather than expecting the user to remove the consumable 2 from the heating chamber 110, the device may include an actuator for inserting the consumable 2 into the heating chamber and/or removing the consumable from the heating chamber.

The term "heater" should be understood to mean any device for outputting sufficient thermal energy to form an aerosol from an aerosol substrate. The transfer of thermal energy to the aerosol substrate can be conductive, convective, radiative, or any combination of these means.

The heater may be electrically powered, combustion powered, or powered by any other suitable means. Electrically powered heaters may include resistive track elements (optionally including insulating packaging), inductive heating systems (e.g., including electromagnets and high frequency oscillators), and the like.

The aerosol generating device may have a control circuit with a single user operable button to trigger the aerosol generating device to turn on. This keeps the controls simple and reduces the possibility that the user will misuse the aerosol generating device or fail to control it correctly. However, in some cases the input controls available to the user may be more complex than this, for example to control the temperature, for example within pre-set limits, to vary the flavor balance of the vapor, or to switch between, for example, a power saving mode and a quick heating mode.

The aerosol substrate includes tobacco, e.g., in dried or cured form, optionally with additional ingredients for flavor or to provide a smoother or more satisfying experience. In some examples, the aerosol substrate, such as tobacco, may be treated with a vaporizer. The vaporizer may improve the production of vapor from the aerosol substrate. The vaporizer may include, for example, a polyol, such as glycerol, or a glycol, such as propylene glycol. In some cases, the aerosol substrate may not even include tobacco or nicotine, but instead may contain natural or synthetic ingredients to provide flavoring, volatility, improved smoothness, and/or other satisfying effects. The aerosol substrate may be provided as a solid or paste-type material in shredded, pelleted, powdered, granular, strip or sheet form, optionally a combination thereof. In some examples, both solid and liquid/gel portions may be included.

The aerosol generating device may equally be referred to as a "heated tobacco device," "heated non-combustion tobacco device," "device for vaporizing tobacco products," etc., and is to be construed as a device suitable for achieving these effects. The features disclosed herein are equally applicable to devices designed to vaporize any aerosol substrate.

The consumable may be a prepackaged substrate carrier. The substrate carrier may be generally similar to a cigarette with a tubular region having an aerosol substrate configured in a suitable form. Some designs may also include filters, vapor collection regions, cooling regions, and other structures. For example, a flexible flat material such as an outer layer of paper or other foil to hold the aerosol substrate in place may also be provided to further enhance the similarity to a cigarette or the like. The substrate carrier may fit within or be longer than the heating chamber. In such an embodiment, the aerosol may be provided directly from the substrate carrier, which functions as a mouthpiece for the aerosol generating device.

As used herein, the term "volatile" refers to a material that can be readily changed from a solid or liquid state to a gaseous state. As a non-limiting example, a volatile material may have a boiling or sublimation temperature near room temperature at ambient pressure. Thus, "volatilize" or "volatilize" shall be interpreted to mean to cause (a material) to volatilize and/or to evaporate or disperse into a vapor.

As used herein, the term "vapour" (or "vapor") means: (i) the form into which a liquid is spontaneously transformed by the action of a sufficient degree of heat; or (ii) liquid/moisture particles suspended in the atmosphere and visible as a cloud of steam/smoke; or (iii) a fluid that fills space like a gas, but can be liquefied by pressure alone when below a critical temperature.

Consistent with this definition, the term "vaporize" (or "vaporize") means: (i) to change or cause to change into a vapor, and (ii) when a particle changes physical state (i.e., from a liquid or solid to a gaseous state).

As used herein, the term "atomize" (or "atomize") shall mean: (i) the conversion (of a substance, especially a liquid) into very small particles or droplets, and (ii) where the particles remain in the same physical state (liquid or solid) as they were before atomization.

As used herein, the term "aerosol" shall mean a system of particles dispersed in air or gas, such as a mist, fog, or smoke. Accordingly, the term "aerosolize" (or "aerosolize") means to make into an aerosol and/or to disperse as an aerosol. Note that the meaning of aerosol/aerosolize is consistent with each of volatilization, atomization, and vaporization defined above. For the avoidance of doubt, aerosol is used consistently to describe a mist or droplets containing atomized, volatilized, or vaporized particles. Aerosol also includes a mist or droplets containing any combination of atomized, volatilized, or vaporized particles.

Claims (13)

1. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an elongated consumable product, the device comprising:
a heating chamber having a side wall, an end wall, and an opening opposite the end wall, the opening configured to receive the elongated consumable into the heating chamber;
a side heater configured to supply heat from the sidewall into the heating chamber;
an end heater configured to supply heat from the end wall into the heating chamber;
a controller configured to control the side heater and the end heater, the controller being configured to activate the side heater and the end heater during a first time period and activate only one of the side heater and the end heater during a second time period, the first time period being a time during which the elongated consumable is heated from a first temperature to or towards an aerosol-generating temperature at least higher than the first temperature, and the second time period being a time during which the elongated consumable is maintained at or elevated above the aerosol-generating temperature ,
The aerosol generating device, wherein the controller is configured to measure the temperature of the heating chamber during the second period by measuring the resistance of one of the side heater and the end heater, which is not activated during the second period . The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the side heater or the end heater is disposed on the inner surface of the heating chamber. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the side heater and the end heater are disposed on the outer surface of the heating chamber. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the side heater or the end heater comprises a resistive track. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the side heater is separated from the end heater by a spacing element that is a thermal insulator. The aerosol generating device of claim 5, wherein the spacing element is part of the side wall or the end wall. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a cap having a tubular portion configured to allow the consumable to be inserted into and removed from the heating chamber. and an airflow channel configured to allow air to flow through the consumable within the heating chamber, the airflow channel comprising:
an aperture through the end wall; or
8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, comprising one or more inward protrusions from the side wall. The aerosol generating device of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an inner chamber adapted to be removably inserted into the heating chamber and adapted to house the consumable, the inner chamber comprising a second side wall and a second end wall. and an airflow channel configured to allow air to flow through the consumable within the heating chamber, the airflow channel comprising:
10. The aerosol generating device of claim 9, comprising an aperture through the end wall and the second end wall, or one or more inward protrusions from the second side wall. A system comprising an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and an elongated consumable product disposed within the heating chamber. 1. A controller for an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising: a heating chamber having a side wall, an end wall, and an opening opposite the end wall, the opening configured to receive an elongated consumable into the heating chamber; a side heater configured to supply heat into the heating chamber from the side wall; and an end heater configured to supply heat into the heating chamber from the end wall;
the controller is configured to activate the side heater and the end heater during a first time period and activate only one of the side heater and the end heater during a second time period, the first time period being a time during which the elongated consumable is heated from a first temperature to or towards an aerosol-generating temperature at least greater than the first temperature, and the second time period being a time during which the elongated consumable is maintained at or elevated above the aerosol-generating temperature;
The controller is configured to measure a temperature of the heating chamber during the second period by measuring a resistance of one of the side heater and the end heater that is not activated during the second period . 1. A method of controlling an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising: a heating chamber having a side wall, an end wall, and an opening opposite the end wall, the opening configured to receive an elongated consumable into the heating chamber; a side heater configured to supply heat into the heating chamber from the side wall; and an end heater configured to supply heat into the heating chamber from the end wall, the method comprising:
activating the side heater and the end heater during a first time period and activating only one of the side heater and the end heater during a second time period, the first time period being a time during which the elongated consumable is heated from a first temperature to or toward an aerosol-generating temperature that is at least greater than the first temperature, and the second time period being a time during which the elongated consumable is maintained at or elevated above the aerosol-generating temperature;
The method of claim 1, wherein the temperature of the heating chamber during the second period is measured by measuring a resistance of one of the side heater and the end heater that is not activated during the second period .

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