Aerosol Generation Device with Adjustable RTD and RTD-Based Automatic Power Control

Abstract

The invention relates to an aerosol generation device (110). In particular, the invention relates to an aerosol generation device configured for adjusting a resistance-to-draw (RTD) of the device and for controlling a supplied power based on the RTD. A first aspect of the invention is an aerosol generation device comprising an aerosol generation unit (130) for generating aerosol and an adjusting unit (200) comprising a movable member (210) and configured for being set to a setting of a plurality of settings for mechanically adjusting the resistance-to-draw (RTD) through a mouthpiece (110) by moving the movable member. The plurality of settings allows a user to consistently and predictably adjust the RTD of the device as preferred.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to an aerosol generation device. In particular, the invention relates to an aerosol generation device configured for adjusting a resistance-to-draw (RTD) of the device and for controlling a supplied power based on the RTD.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Aerosol generation devices commonly comprise an aerosol generation unit in which an aerosol generation substrate such as an e-liquid or a tobacco stick are heated for generating an aerosol. The generated aerosol may then be consumed via an airflow caused by a puff or inhalation operation of a user. Heating of the substrate is governed, on the one hand, by the temperature of a heating element for heating the substrate, and, on the other hand, a cooling effect due to the airflow through the vaporizer.

Furthermore, changing the ratio in an air-volume-to-e-liquid-mixture in cooperation with changing the temperature of the heating element may change the vapor pressure and boiling point of the mixture. The results are different chemical compositions of the generated aerosol. To prevent physically harmful chemical compositions of the generated aerosol and to ensure optimal and safe consumption of the generated aerosol, both the temperature of the heating element and the airflow must be controlled.

Some aerosol generation devices allow a user to manually control the power supplied to the heating element to control heating of the aerosol generation substrate. Some aerosol generation devices allow a user to manually control the airflow of the device by changing an RTD through an outlet opening or mouthpiece of the device. Some aerosol generation devices allow both the power and the RTD to be manually controlled by a user.

Such configurations are disadvantageous and prone to be operated under non-optimal or even harmful conditions. To provide an optimal user experience, different users may require different RTDs due to different body physiques, inhalation strengths, inhalation behavior or puffing behavior. The same user may also wish to change the RTD of the device, for example, based on the time of day or for different consumables.

However, when changing the RTD of the device, a user may not know whether the temperature of the heating element needs to be adjusted and, if so, how to adjust the temperature of the heating element and/or to which temperature the heating element should be adjusted. Consequently, the user may adjust the heating element to a wrong or non-optimal temperature or may simply chose not to adjust the temperature of the heating element. Therefore, it is difficult and cumbersome to achieve optimal and safe operation of the aerosol generation device and consumption of the generated aerosol by the user.

Therefore, there is a need for an aerosol generation device that ensures optimal and safe operation and aerosol consumption while allowing a user to adapt the RTD of the device according to his/her preference.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Some or all of the above objectives are achieved by the invention as defined by the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are defined by the features of the dependent claims.

A first aspect of the invention is an aerosol generation device comprising an aerosol generation unit for generating aerosol and an adjusting unit comprising a movable member and configured for being set to a setting of a plurality of settings for mechanically adjusting the resistance-to-draw (RTD) through a mouthpiece by moving the movable member. The plurality of settings allows a user to consistently and predictably adjust the RTD of the device as preferred.

According to a second aspect, in the preceding aspect, the moveable member is configured to move relative to an airflow path of the aerosol generation device to change an effective cross-section of the airflow path for changing the RTD. Such a configuration is cost-efficient and durable, as no valves or intricate mechanisms are required for changing the RTD.

According to a third aspect, in the preceding aspect, the moveable member is provided with one or more through-holes, and in a setting of the plurality of settings, at least a portion of at least one of the through-holes is arranged in the airflow path. The one or more through-holes each provide a well-defined cross-section for the airflow path and thus allow a setting of the adjusting unit to correspond to a well-defined RTD of the aerosol generation device. This enables consistent and predictable operation of the aerosol generation device.

According to a fourth aspect, in the preceding aspect, changing from a setting of the adjusting unit to a different setting includes changing a portion of at least one of the through-holes arranged in the airflow path to a different portion arranged in the airflow path, or changing at least one of the through-holes to a different through-hole of which at least a portion becomes arranged in the airflow path.

According to a fifth aspect, in the preceding aspect, changing the setting of the adjusting unit further includes changing the number of through-holes of which at least a portion is in the airflow path. This associates a change in setting with a well-defined change in the RTD of the device.

According to a sixth aspect, in any one of the second to fifth aspects, the moveable member is provided with a plurality of through-holes, and different through-holes have different effective cross-sections.

Any one of the fourth to sixths aspects are advantageous because they allow a change in a setting of the adjusting unit to be associated with a well-defined change in the cross-section of the airflow path through the adjusting unit and thus allows the change in a setting to be associated with a well-defined change in the RTD of the aerosol generation device. This further improves the consistency and predictability of the operation of the aerosol generation device.

According to a seventh aspect, in any one of the second to sixth aspects, the movable member is configured to rotate or pivot relative to the airflow path. This allows the movable member to be arranged and operate within the spatial constraints of the aerosol generation device, as the rotation or pivot axis of the movable member stays fixed without any translational movement relative to the aerosol generation device when the movable member is rotated or pivoted.

According to an eighth aspect, in the preceding aspect, at least one of the through-holes extends through the movable member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation or pivot axis of the movable member.

According to a ninth aspect, in any one of the seventh to eighth aspects, the moveable member is arranged with its rotation or pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the airflow path.

According to a tenth aspect, in the seventh aspect, at least one of the through-holes extends through the movable member in a direction substantially parallel to the rotation or pivot axis of the movable member.

According to an eleventh aspect, in any one of the seventh to tenth aspects, the moveable member is arranged with its rotation or pivot axis substantially parallel to the airflow path.

My one of the eighth to the eleventh aspects allows the movable member to be employed accounting for various shapes and trajectories of the airflow path through the aerosol generation device such as bends and turns.

According to a twelfth aspect, in any one of the second to eleventh aspects, the movable member is a rotatable disc, on which at least one of the through-holes is provided. A rotatable disc offers the advantages of any one of the preceding aspects and is simple and cost-efficient to manufacture.

According to a thirteenth aspect, in any one of the preceding aspects, the moveable member comprises an actuating element accessible on and/or from an exterior of the aerosol generation device, that causes the moveable member to move when operated. The actuating element allows a user to select and/or change a setting of the adjusting unit and an associated RTD of the aerosol generation device.

According to a fourteenth aspect, in the preceding aspect, the actuating element is movable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generation device.

According to a fifteenth aspect, in any one of the preceding aspects, the aerosol generation device comprises a detecting unit for detecting the setting of the adjusting unit, and a control unit for controlling a power supplied to the aerosol generation unit, based on the detected setting of the adjusting unit. This allows the power supplied to the aerosol generation unit to account for a change in the RTD of the device, ensuring an optimal and safe operating condition of the aerosol generation device.

According to a sixteenth aspect, in the preceding aspect, the detecting unit comprises at least one of a potentiometer, optical sensor, and hall sensor for detecting the setting of the adjusting unit. These detecting units are capable of accurately detecting a change in the position or movement of the moveable member within the spatial constraints of the aerosol generation device.

According to a seventeenth aspect, in any one of fifteenth to sixteenth aspects, the control unit is configured for changing the supplied power based on data stored in a database. A database provides the aerosol generation device with different predetermined power settings for different settings of the adjusting unit.

According to an eighteenth aspect, in the preceding aspect, the aerosol generation device is configured for storing the database. In this manner, the database does not need to be received or read and is readily accessible to the control unit when a setting of the adjusting unit is changed.

According to a nineteenth aspect, in the preceding aspect, the aerosol generation device is configured for receiving the database from an external source, the external source comprising an electronic device and a consumable for use with the aerosol generation device. This allows the aerosol generation device to be supplied with a database for controlling the supplied power based on the detected RTD setting. This allows control of the device to be changed or updated.

According to a twentieth aspect, in any one of the seventeenth to nineteenth aspects, the data comprises one or more database entries that associate a setting of the adjusting unit with a supplied power. The database entries provide the aerosol generation device with a power to be supplied based on an associated detected setting of the adjusting unit to ensure optimal and safe operation of the aerosol generation.

According to a twenty-first aspect, in the preceding aspect, the database comprises one or more lookup tables that comprise one or more entries that each match a setting of the adjusting unit to a supplied power. A lookup table is a simple data array that is fast to read and process and thus reduces the computational power the aerosol generation device requires.

According to a twenty-second aspect, in the twentieth aspect, the database comprises one or more lookup tables that comprise one or more entries that each match a setting of the adjusting unit to a power difference, and the control unit is configured to change a supplied power based on a nominal power offset by the power difference. This allows the supplied power to be controlled not based on an absolute power but based on a nominal power that may change to account for different operational conditions.

According to a twenty-third aspect, in the preceding aspect, the one or more entries each further match a setting of the adjusting unit to a maximum power, and the control unit is configured to change a supplied power based on the lower power of the nominal power offset by the power difference and the maximum power. In this way, any power that is supplied based on a nominal power does not exceed a power limit to prevent an aerosol generation substrate from being heated to too high temperatures. This ensures safe operation of the aerosol generation device and/or safe consumption of the consumable.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect, in any one of the twenty-first to twenty-third aspects, one or more lookup tables are associated with at least one of: a time of day, a consumable for use with the aerosol generation device and an operating condition of the aerosol generation device. Having different lookup tables for different operating conditions allows the operation of the device to be adapted to and account for different operating conditions.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect, in any one of the twenty-second to twenty-fourth aspects, the nominal power is settable by a user.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect, in any one of the twenty-second to twenty-fifth aspects, one or more power differences are settable by a user.

The twenty-fifth and twenty-sixth aspects allow a user to adjust operation of the aerosol generation device based on personal preferences.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect, in any one of the fifteenth to twenty-sixth aspects, the control unit is configured to temporarily restrict or suspend the supplied power based on a duration of the supplied power and the detected setting of the adjusting unit. This ensures safe operation of the aerosol generation device and/or safe consumption of the consumable by preventing an aerosol generation substrate to be heated to too high temperatures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an aerosol generation device with an adjusting unit arranged in the airflow path of an aerosol generation device, according to embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 2A to 2F illustrate a frontal view, a perspective view, and cross-sectional views of a movable member of an adjusting unit according to embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 3A to 3E illustrate a perspective view, and frontal views, of a movable member of an adjusting unit according to embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of an adjusting unit arranged in the airflow path, FIGS. 4B and 4C illustrate a frontal cross-sectional view and a perspective view of a movable member of the adjustment unit in a first setting, and FIGS. 4D and 4E illustrate a frontal view and a perspective view of the movable member of the adjusting unit in a second setting, according to embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of an adjusting unit arranged in the airflow path, FIGS. 5B and 5C illustrate a frontal cross-sectional view and a perspective view of a setting of the adjustment unit, and FIGS. 5D and 5E illustrate a frontal view and a perspective view of a different setting of the movable member of the adjusting unit, according to embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a frontal cross-sectional view of a movable member of an adjusting unit in a setting and a different setting, according to embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a frontal view of a movable member of an adjusting unit in a setting and a different setting, according to embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 8A to 8D illustrate a database and database entries, according to embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 9 shows a flow chart illustrating a method of adjusting a supplied power based on a detected RTD setting of an aerosol generation device with a control unit and a detection unit, according to embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an aerosol generation device 100 comprising an outlet opening or mouthpiece 110 that is positioned downstream of an aerosol generation unit 130 in an airflow direction of the airflow path 120 that extends from an air inlet to the mouthpiece 110. The aerosol generation device 100 comprises an adjusting unit 200 that is positioned in the airflow path 120 for adjusting a resistance-to-draw (RTD) of the aerosol generation device, a detection unit 300 for detecting a setting of the adjusting unit, and a control unit 400 for controlling a power supplied to an aerosol generation unit configured for generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol generation substrate.

The opening 110 may be adapted depending on the type of consumables. For example, in an e-vapor device, the opening no may be a mouthpiece ergonomically shaped for a mouth of a user. In a t-vapor device, the opening may be configured for receiving a portion of a tobacco stick from one end of the tobacco stick while the other end remains outside the device such that a user may puff using the other end. Additionally, while the positions of the air inlet and air outlet of the airflow path are shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B to be positioned either at opposing or adjacent surfaces of the device, the air inlet and outlet may be independently placed on any appropriate surface of portion of the device. There may be more than one air inlet for the airflow path 120. While the airflow paths are shown to have a straight trajectory and two straight trajectories connected in a 90° angle turn, the airflow path may have any appropriate trajectory. For example, the airflow path may comprise one or more spirals, U-turns, wave-like trajectories, or a combination thereof.

At least a portion of the adjusting unit 200 is arranged to be in the airflow path 120. The adjusting unit is configured to change the RTD that a user experiences through the mouthpiece or outlet opening 110. Operation of the adjusting unit 200 will be described below in the context of FIGS. 2A through 7B. While the adjusting unit 200 is shown to be arranged within the aerosol generation device 100 and upstream of the aerosol generation unit 130 in the airflow direction through the airflow path 120, the adjusting unit 200 may be arranged at any appropriate position. For example, the adjusting unit 200 may be arranged downstream of the aerosol generation unit 130, or, alternatively, the adjusting unit 200 may be arranged near or adjacent to the air inlet, or the adjusting unit 200 may substantially form the air inlet.

The detection unit 300 may be arranged adjacent or proximate to the adjusting unit for detecting a setting and a corresponding RTD of the device. In particular, the detection unit 300 may be configured to detect a translational, rotational, or a combination of a translational and rotational movement of a moveable member 210 of the adjusting unit 200. The detection unit will be described in more detail in the context of FIGS. 2A through 7B.

FIG. 2A and 2B illustrate a movable member 210 of an adjusting unit 200 according to embodiments of the invention. The movable member 210 is configured to rotate around a rotation axis 210R that extends into and is perpendicular to the viewing plane of FIG. 2A. While the moveable member 210 is shown to be of a circular shape, the moveable member 210 may have any appropriate shape, such as an elliptical shape, a polygonal shape, or an irregular shape. Additionally, the moveable member 210 may be formed as a rotatable disc. Furthermore, while the rotation axis 210R is shown to be substantially positioned in the center of the circular shape of the moveable member 210, the rotation axis may be positioned at any appropriate position. For example, the rotation axis 210R may not extend through the moveable member 210 but may be positioned such that it extends in a line positioned outside of the moveable member 210. The moveable member 210 comprises one or more through-holes 211, 212, 213, 214 that extend through the moveable member in the direction parallel to the rotation axis 210R. While the moveable member 210 is illustrated to have four through-holes, the moveable member may have any appropriate number of through-holes. While the through-holes 211, 212, 213, 214 are shown to be substantially circularly shaped, the through-holes may have any suitable shape, such as a triangular, rectangular, polygonal, elliptical or a similar shape. Additionally, different through-holes may have different shapes or be of different sizes, i.e. different through-holes may have different cross-sections. The through-holes 211, 212, 213, 214 may be arranged in a circular shape and may be arranged concentric to the circular shape of the moveable member 210. Alternatively, the through-holes 211, 212, 213, 214 may be arranged to form any appropriate shape. Additionally, the through-holes 211, 212, 213, 214 may be arranged such that the centers of the through-holes 211, 212, 213, 214 are equidistantly spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the circular shaped moveable member 210. Alternatively, the through-holes may be spaced apart by any suitable distance or distances from each other in the circumferential direction on the moveable member 210. As shown in FIG. 2B, the adjusting unit 200 is positioned such that the rotation axis 210R is substantially parallel to the airflow direction of the airflow path 120 and that a portion of the moveable member is positioned in the airflow path 120. The arrows shown in FIGS. 2A through 2F illustrate the airflow direction through the airflow path 120. Cross-sections of the through-holes 211, 212, 213, 214 are preferably equal to or smaller than the cross-section of the airflow path 120 (illustrated as a dotted circle) at the position at which the portion of the moveable member 210 is arranged in the airflow path 120.

In a first setting, one through-hole 213 of the through-holes 211, 212, 213, 214 is substantially positioned in the airflow path 120 such that air flowing through the airflow path 120 flows through the one through-hole 213 of the through-holes 211, 212, 213, 214 of the moveable member 210. Positioning a through-hole with a well-defined cross-section defines a well-defined RTD of the airflow path 120 of the aerosol generation device 100. By moving, or in this case rotating the moveable member 210, a setting of the adjusting unit can be changed. By rotating the moveable member 210 such that a different one of the through-holes 211, 212, 213, 214 is positioned in the airflow path 120, a setting of the adjusting unit 200 is changed to a different setting. As shown in FIGS. 2C to 2F, since different through-holes 211, 212, 213, 214 have different cross-sections, different settings of the adjusting unit 200 correspond to different RTDs of the aerosol generation device 100. A decrease in the area of the cross-section that is positioned in the airflow path 120 therefore leads to an increase in the RTD of the aerosol generation device. Vice versa, an increase in the area of the cross-section leads to a decrease in the RTD of the aerosol generation device.

FIGS. 3A through 3E illustrate a portion of an adjusting unit 200 according to embodiments of the invention. The adjusting unit 200 comprises a single through-hole 211 that has a slit shaped cross-section. The slit shaped cross-section is shaped such that it extends in a circumferential direction on the moveable member 210 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 210R. The rotation axis 210R extends substantially perpendicular to and into the viewing plane and may be a rotation axis as described in the context of FIGS. 2A through 2F. The through-hole 211 extends through the moveable member 210 in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 210R. The slit shaped cross-section comprises a curved or bent shape that is shaped such that in one circumferential direction, the slit becomes narrower, while in the opposite circumferential direction, the slit becomes wider. Alternatively, the cross-section may have any suitable shape that becomes narrower in one direction and wider in the opposite direction of the circumferential direction of the moveable member 210. While the cross-section of the airflow path 120 is in this case shown as a rectangular shape (dotted rectangle), the airflow path 120 may be an airflow path as described in the context of FIGS. 2A through 2F. The adjusting unit 200 may be positioned such that the rotation axis 210R is substantially parallel to the airflow direction of the airflow path 120 and that a portion of the moveable member is positioned in the airflow path 120. In a first setting, as illustrated in FIG. 3C, only a portion of the through-hole 211 with a well-defined cross-section is positioned in the airflow path 120, thus defining an RTD of the aerosol generation device. As shown in FIG. 3D, when the moveable member 210 is rotated to a different position, the adjusting unit is changed to a different setting. In the different setting, a different portion of the through-hole 211 with a well-defined cross-section that is smaller than the cross-section as shown in FIG. 3C is positioned in the airflow path 120, thus defining an RTD that is larger than the RTD for the setting shown in FIG. 3C. As shown in FIG. 3E, when the moveable member 210 is rotated to another different position, the adjusting unit is changed to another different setting. In the other different setting, another different portion of the through-hole 211 with a well-defined cross-section that is smaller than the cross-sections as shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D is positioned in the airflow path 120, thus defining an RTD that is larger than the RTD for the settings shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D. While three distinct settings are illustrated, the moveable member 210 may be rotated to any suitable position for a plurality of settings with different well-defined cross-sections and associated RTDs. In any of the embodiments described in the context of FIGS. 2A through 3E, the adjusting unit may comprise a setting in which no through-hole or no portion of the through-hole is positioned in the airflow path 120 to close the airflow path 120. Such a configuration may be used if, for example, the device is not in use and ingress of unwanted particles or liquids is to be prevented to protect the aerosol generation device 100. In contrast to embodiments described in the context of FIGS. 2A and 2B, the adjusting unit 200 as described in the context of FIGS. 3A through 3E may comprise not only a discrete spectrum of settings, but a continuous spectrum of settings and corresponding RTDs.

FIGS. 4A through 4E illustrate a portion of an adjusting unit 200 with a moveable member 210 according to embodiments of the invention. As can be seen in FIG. 4A, the adjusting unit 200 is suitable for being arranged in an airflow path with a trajectory that features a substantially rectangular turn. The adjusting unit 200 is configured to be arranged in the turn. An inlet opening of the adjusting unit 200 that will be described in the context of FIGS. 4B through 4E is in communication with an upstream portion 120a of the airflow path 120 while an outlet opening of the adjusting unit 200 that will be described in the context of FIGS. 4B through 4E is in communication with a downstream portion 120b of the airflow path 120. Alternatively, instead of being in communication with an upstream portion 120a of the airflow path 120, the inlet opening may be directly in communication with an outside of the aerosol generation device. The arrows illustrate the trajectory of air flowing in and out of the adjusting unit 200. The illustrated upstream portion 120a and the downstream portion 120b merely serve to illustrate the direction of airflow through the airflow channel and the orientation of the adjusting unit 200 relative to the airflow path 120. The adjusting unit 200 is arranged in the airflow path such that any air flowing through the airflow path 120 must traverse the adjusting unit 200. Hence, any gaps the upstream portion 120a, the adjusting unit 200, and the downstream portion 120b, through which air may exit the airflow path 120, are to be avoided.

As can be seen in FIGS. 4B through 4E, the moveable member 210 comprises a tubular shape that is arranged on the outside of a member body 210a with a corresponding tubular shape relative to a rotation axis 210R that extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the viewing plane. Alternatively, the moveable member 210 may be arranged on the inside of the member body 210a. As illustrated in FIG. 4B, the moveable member 210 and the member body 210a each comprise an opening that is open in a radial direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 210R. As illustrated in FIG. 4B, the adjusting unit 200 further comprises a wall 210b that closes the tubular moveable member 210 and the tubular member body 210a in one direction parallel to the rotation axis 210R. In a first setting, the moveable member is rotated such that the position of the inlet openings of the moveable member 210 and the member body 210a substantially overlap to open an inlet opening of the adjusting unit 200. An opening of the moveable member 210 that is not closed by the wall 210b opposite the opening of the moveable member 210 that is closed by the wall 210b of the member body 211 forms the outlet opening of the adjusting unit 200. The arrows in FIG. 4C illustrate the direction of air flow through the adjusting unit 200. Air enters a through-hole 211 through the inlet opening opened due to the openings of the moveable member 210 and the member body 210a overlapping and exits through the outlet opening formed by the opening of the tubular moveable member 210 that is not closed by the wall 210b. Such a configuration of the adjusting unit 200 may be used when the airflow path 120 through the aerosol generation device comprises not only a straight trajectory but comprises a turn and/or curve. Such may be the case when the air inlet of the aerosol generation device and the air outlet of the aerosol generation device are arranged as shown in FIG. 1B. In this case, the rotation axis 210R is perpendicular to the airflow direction from the upstream portion 120a of the airflow path 120 and parallel to the airflow direction to the downstream portion 120b of the airflow path 120, as shown in FIG. 4A. While the member body 210a and the wall 210b are shown to be parts of the adjusting unit 200, the member body 210a and the wall 210b may be formed by a wall and/or similar restricting arrangement that forms at least part of the airflow path 120 through the aerosol generation device 100.

A setting of the adjusting unit 200 may be a configuration as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The inlet opening of the adjusting unit 200 is opened by the overlapping of the opening of the moveable member with the opening of the member body 210a. The inlet opening has a well-defined cross-section and therefore defines a RTD of the aerosol generation device. By rotating the moveable member 210 around the rotation axis 210R against the member body 210a, the adjusting unit 200 may change to a different setting as illustrated in FIGS. 4C and 4D. In the different setting, due to the rotation of the moveable member, the opening of the moveable only partially overlaps with the opening of the member body 210a to form an inlet opening with a different and in this case smaller cross-section than the inlet opening of the setting shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The different setting therefore defines a different and in this case larger RTD than the setting shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. As the embodiments described in the context of FIGS. 3A through 3E, embodiments described in the context of FIGS. 4A through 4E may comprise not only a discrete spectrum of settings, but also a continuous spectrum of settings and therewith associated RTDs.

FIGS. 5A through 5E illustrate a portion of an adjusting unit 200 according to embodiments of the invention. As can be seen in FIG. 5A, the adjusting unit 200 may be configured to be arranged in an airflow path with a substantially straight trajectory. An inlet opening of the adjusting unit 200 that will be described in the context of FIGS. 5B through 5E is in communication with an upstream portion 120a of the airflow path 120 while an outlet opening of the adjusting unit 200 that will be described in the context of FIGS. 5B through 5E is in communication with a downstream portion 120b of the airflow path 120. Alternatively, instead of being in communication with an upstream portion 120a of the airflow path 120, the inlet opening may be directly in communication with an outside of the aerosol generation device. The arrows illustrate the trajectory of air flowing in and out of the adjusting unit 200. The illustrated upstream portion 120a and the downstream portion 120b merely serve to illustrate the direction of airflow through the airflow channel and the orientation of the adjusting unit 200 relative to the airflow path 120. The adjusting unit 200 is arranged in the airflow path such that any air flowing through the airflow path 120 must traverse the adjusting unit 200. Hence, any gaps between the upstream portion 120a, the adjusting unit 200, and the downstream portion 120b, through which air may exit the airflow path 120, are to be avoided.

Like embodiments described in the context of FIGS. 4A through 4E, the adjusting unit 200 comprises a moveable member 210 that comprises a tubular shape. The moveable member 210 is arranged on the inside of a body member 210a that comprises a corresponding tubular shape. Alternatively, the body member 210a may be arranged on the inside of the moveable member 210. The adjusting unit 200 further comprises two walls 210b (only one wall 210b is shown) that close the tubular moveable member and/or the member body in the directions parallel to the rotation axis and perpendicular to the airflow directions indicated by the arrows. The rotation axis 210R is perpendicular to the airflow direction of air both from the upstream portion 120a of the airflow path 120 into the adjusting unit 200 and to the downstream portion 120b of the airflow path from the adjusting unit 200. While the member body 210a and the walls 210b are shown to be a part of the adjusting unit 200, member body 210a and the walls 210b may be formed by one or more walls or similar restricting arrangements that form at least part of the airflow path 120 through the aerosol generation device 100. Both the moveable member 210 and the body member 210a comprise two corresponding openings that are diametrically opposed relative to the rotation axis 210R of the moveable member that extends into and is parallel to the viewing plane. When respective corresponding openings of the moveable member 210 and of the member body 210a at least partially overlap, an inlet opening and a diametrically opposed corresponding outlet opening of the adjusting unit 200 are opened. A through-hole 211 of the adjusting unit is thus opened and extends from the inlet opening through the inner space of the tubular moveable member 210 to the outlet opening in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 210R.

A setting of the adjusting unit 200 may be a configuration as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The moveable member 210 is rotated against the member body 210a such that the respective corresponding openings of the moveable member 210 and member body 210a fully overlap to fully open the through hole 211. In the setting, the inlet opening and the outlet opening both have a well-defined cross-section and thus define a RTD of the aerosol generation device 100 associated with the setting. A different setting of the adjusting unit 200 may be a configuration as shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D. The moveable member 210 is rotated against the member body 210a such that the respective corresponding openings of the moveable member 210a and member body 210a partially overlap to partially open the through hole 211. In the different setting, the inlet opening and the outlet opening both have well-defined cross-sections that are different from the respective cross-sections of the fully opened through-hole and thus define a different RTD of the aerosol generation device 100 associated with the different setting. In another different setting, the moveable member may be rotated such that the through-hole 211 is closed due to corresponding openings of the moveable member 210 and of the member body 210a not overlapping at all.

It should be noted that while the openings of the moveable member 210 and the opening of the member body 210a are arranged diametrically opposed, i.e. spaced apart in a circumferential direction by a rotation angle of substantially 180° around the rotation axis 210R of the moveable member, the respective openings of the moveable member 210 and respective openings of the member body 210a may be spaced apart in the circumferential direction by a different rotation angle relative to the rotation axis 210R. As a result, the inlet opening and the outlet opening of the adjusting unit may be spaced apart in the circumferential direction by the different rotation angle relative to the rotation axis 210R. As the embodiments described in the context of FIGS. 3A through 4D, embodiments described in the context of FIGS. 5A through 5E may also comprise not only a discrete spectrum of settings, but also a continuous spectrum of settings and therewith associated RTDs.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate modifications of embodiments as described in the context of FIGS. 5A through 5E by having a moveable member 210 that is not tubular, but that may be formed as a cylinder. Such embodiments may be configured to be arranged in a turn of an airflow path with a trajectory featuring one or more turns. A through-hole 211 extends through the moveable member in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 210R. The rotation axis 210R is perpendicular to the airflow direction. A different through hole 212 with a smaller cross-section than the through hole 211 extends through the moveable member in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 210R and different from the extension direction of the through-hole 211. While the through-holes 211 and 212 are illustrated to perpendicularly intersect each other, the through-holes 211 and 212 may intersect each other at any suitable angle, and additionally may not intersect at all by, for example, being offset from each other in direction parallel to the rotation axis 210R. The moveable member rotates around the rotation axis 210R relative to member body 210a. The member body 210a comprises two openings that are diametrically opposed to each other. The two openings of the member body 210a may preferably have a larger cross-section than the through-holes 211 and 212. While the member body 210a is shown to be a part of the adjusting unit 200, the member body 210a may be formed by one or more walls or similar restricting arrangements that form at least part of the airflow path 120 through the aerosol generation device 100. Additionally, the moveable member 210 may comprise more than two through-holes, and through-holes may have different cross-sections.

A first setting of the adjusting unit 200 may be a configuration illustrated in FIG. 6A. The through-hole 211 is aligned with the openings of the member body 210a and is thus positioned in the airflow path 120 of the aerosol generation device 100. The through-hole 211 has a well-defined cross-section and thus defines a RTD of the aerosol generation device. In a different setting, the movable member is rotated such that the through-hole 212 is positioned in the airflow path 120. The through-hole 212 has a well-defined cross-section different from the through-hole 211 and thus defines a different RTD than the through-hole 211. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the through-holes 211 may have a non-linear trajectory. As shown, the through-holes 211 and 212 may have a trajectory that features a 90° turn. Alternatively, the trajectory of through-holes may feature a turn with a different angle.

In any of the embodiments described above, a detecting unit 300 is arranged in the aerosol generation device 100 to detect a setting of the adjusting unit 200. The detecting unit 300 may comprise at least one of a potentiometer, optical sensor, and hall sensor. The detecting unit 300 and the adjusting unit may be configured such that the detecting unit is capable of detecting a movement and/or change in orientation of the moveable member 210 around a rotation or pivot axis of the adjusting unit. For example, the detecting unit 300 and the adjusting unit 200 may be configured such that a rotation of the moveable member 210 as described above results in a change in a resistance of the potentiometer. As another example, moveable member 210 may be provided with markings that may be detected by an optical sensor such as a camera or optical scanner. The markings are configured such that an orientation or movement of the moveable member 210 may be detected by the optical sensor. As yet another example, the moveable member 210 may be provided with magnetic markings that may be detected by a magnetic sensor such as a hall sensor. The markings may be configured such that a movement or change in orientation of the moveable member may be detected as a change in signal strength by the magnetic sensor.

In general, there are many possibilities for the sensor mechanism that will be well known to persons skilled in the art of actuators and associated sensors. The sensor should generally be kept out of the airflow path to avoid contamination of the airflow through the airflow path. Alternatively, the sensor may be encapsulated or encased within an inert protective material which is transparent to the medium being sensed. If the sensor is an optical sensor, the protective material is transparent to light and may therefore comprise, for example, a transparent food safe plastics material such as polycarbonate or a transparent ceramic material such as glass or quartz, or a similar material. If the sensor is a magnetic sensor, the protective material is transparent to magnetic fields and may therefore comprise, for example, a food safe plastics material such as polycarbonate or a ceramic material or a similar material. One particularly preferred arrangement is where the movable member and corresponding sensor may operate as a user interface for performing additional operations over and above controlling the RTD and associated power. For example, where there is an RTD setting in which the airflow path is completely closed off, for example to prevent ingress of dust or dirt into the airflow path, this could additionally operate to switch the device into a low power or sleep state (this position thence being referred to as the “off” position). In addition, a further move in the “off” direction (possibly against a biasing spring that will automatically return the actuator to the “off” position) may cause the device to display the remaining amount of charge left in the battery of the device, for example via a set of one or more colored LEDs or via an electronic display etc.

The aerosol generation device may be provided with an actuating element that is accessible to and/or from the outside of the device. Such an actuating element may be a mechanical element such as a dial, knob, or slider. By moving the mechanical actuating element, the moveable member 210 of the aerosol generation device 100 is moved or rotated to change a setting of the adjusting unit 200. Movement of the mechanical actuating element may be coupled to movement and/or rotation of the moveable member by mechanical linkages such as levers, rotary gears, or similar arrangements, or may be linked via magnetic elements. The actuating element may also be an electro-mechanical element that comprises a motor that is configured to move and/or rotate the moveable member 210 and an input means such as a touch-sensitive area or buttons that when operated cause the motor to move and/or rotate the moveable member.

The actuating element may additionally have additional buttons or sensors contained thereon to enable the actuating element or actuator to perform yet more functions controllable by the user. For example, it might include a button or touch sensitive area which can be used to switch the device between a puff-actuated device (in which the device detects user inhalation via a pressure or airflow sensor) and a button actuated device in which case the actuator could additionally include a button or touch sensitive area which can be used to control activation of the heater.

FIG. 8A schematically illustrates a structure of a portion of a database DB according to embodiments of the invention. The database DB comprises one or more database entries DE1, DE2, DE3 that comprise information that associate a setting of the adjusting unit 200 with a power P that is to be supplied to the aerosol generation unit 130 for generating an aerosol. The database DB may be stored on the aerosol generation device 100. Additionally, or alternatively, the database DB or one or more database entries DE1, DE2, DE3 may be received by the aerosol generation device from an external source such as an external electronic device or a consumable. For example, each consumable may have a database DB or one or more database entries DE1, DE2, DE3 that are configured for optimally controlling the aerosol generation device 100 for use with the consumable. Additionally, or alternatively, a database and/or one or more database entries may be created by a user or automatically for a user based on his/her puffing behavior for optimally controlling the aerosol generation device 100 based on the puffing behavior. The database and/or one or more database entries DE1, DE2, DE3 may then be received by the aerosol generation device 100 via a data communication link. The external device may be a computer (e.g. a server computer) accessible remotely by the aerosol generation device such as via an internet connection and either a wired or wireless connection to an intermediate device such as a smartphone, personal computer, or router. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the external device may be a consumable for use with the aerosol generation device; in such a case, the consumable device includes a digital memory storing the database. The database may be communicated to the aerosol generation device via a wired connection, e.g. where the consumable includes a printed circuit board having a memory and printed connections for establishing a data connection to the aerosol generation device when connected to the device. Alternatively, the digital memory can be part of a self-contained wireless module such as an “RFID tag” which may be passive, i.e. able to scavenge power from an RF signal generated by the aerosol generation device, or active, i.e. containing its own power source typically in the form of a small battery. Especially if a passive wireless module is employed, instead of the consumable storing the entire database table, it may simply store an identifier for the table which can then be used by the aerosol generating device to locate the table e.g. from a remote server, from local cache storage of the aerosol generation device or from an intermediary device such as a smartphone or router, etc. Additionally, independent of where the database is obtained from, it is preferable if the user can modify the table, preferably within constraints set by the device manufacturer, such that user preferences etc. can be reflected in the database.

Database entries DE1, DE2, DE3 may be lookup tables LT1, LT2, LT3 that comprise table entries that match a setting S1, S2, S3 of the adjusting unit 200 to a power to be supplied to the aerosol generation unit 130, as exemplified for lookup table LT1 in FIG. 8B. Additionally, or alternatively, lookup tables LT1, LT2, LT3 may comprise table entries that match a setting S1, S2, S3 of the adjusting unit 200 to a power difference PΔ1, PΔ2, PΔ3 by which a nominal power of the aerosol generation device 100 that is supplied to the aerosol generation unit 130 is to be offset, as exemplified for lookup table LT2 in FIG. 8C. Additionally, lookup tables LT1, LT2, LT3 may match a setting S1, S2, S3 of the adjusting unit 200 with a respective maximum power P_max1, P_max2, P_max3 that may be supplied to the aerosol generation unit 130. The nominal power may be a standard power predetermined by the manufacturer of the aerosol generation device and/or consumable, and/or may be set and adjusted by a user based on personal preference. A respective maximum power may serve to protect a user and/or the aerosol generation device 100 by preventing non-optimal or harmful operating temperatures at which the aerosol generation unit 130 may generate a physically harmful aerosol or damage the aerosol generation device. Note that different maximum powers may be associated with different settings of the adjusting unit.

Additionally, different database entries such as different lookup tables may be associated with different operating conditions or parameters. For example, different database entries may be associated with different users to account for different puffing behaviors, and/or may be associated with a different time of day to account for changes in puffing behavior or preference based on a time of day, and/or may be associated with different consumables to account for different heating requirements of different aerosol generation substrates, and/or may be associated with different ambient air temperatures or changes in ambient air humidity to account for different air compositions and characteristics. Alternatively, a single look up table that applies for a range of different values such as time of day, type of consumable being used and/or operating conditions of the device, may have values which are modified as per the twenty-second and twenty-third aspects using differences which depend upon one or more of the time of day, type of consumable and/or operating conditions of the device.

While the power differences PΔ1, PΔ2, PΔ3 may be set by a user, it is however preferable that the maximum power for each combination of possible operating conditions of the device and each type of consumable is not settable by a user. Rather it is preferable if such maximum power values are set at manufacture of the aerosol generating device and/or set or adjusted by a remote server which may, for example, be associated with the aerosol device manufacturer or another trusted third party.

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a process of determining a power to be supplied to the aerosol generation unit 130 based on a detected setting of the adjusting unit 200. In step S0, the detection unit detects a setting of the adjusting unit 200. In S1, the control unit reads the database DB and determines that the database DB comprises one or more database entries DE. In step S2, the control unit proceeds to select a respective database entry DE, wherein the selection may be based on an operation condition or parameters as described above. The selection may be done based on an identifier such as an ID tag provided with a consumable or identification information of a user, or an electronic signal provided by an internal clock of the aerosol generation device or one or more sensors for detecting ambient conditions of the aerosol generation device. As a next step, the control unit proceeds to determine the power that is to be supplied to the aerosol generation unit 130. If in step S2 a database entry such as a lookup table LT1 as described in the context of FIG. 8B is selected, the control unit obtains the power associated with the detected setting and proceeds to step S9 to cause the associated power to be supplied to the aerosol generation unit 130. If in step S2 a database entry such as lookup table LT2 as described in the context of FIG. 8C is selected, in step S4, the control unit obtains the power difference associated with the detected setting. Next, in step S5, the nominal power of the aerosol generation device 100 is detected. As a last step S9, the aerosol generation unit 130 is provided with a power that is the detected nominal power offset by the associated power difference. If in step S2 a database entry such as lookup table LT3 as described in the context of FIG. 8D is selected, in step S6, the control unit obtains the power difference associated with the detected setting. Next, in step S7, the nominal power of the aerosol generation device 100 is detected. In a next step S8, a power to be supplied is selected based on which is lower: the detected nominal power offset by the associated power difference or the associated maximum power. In step S9, the selected power is supplied to the aerosol generation unit 130.

As a modification of embodiments of the invention described above, the control unit 400 may be configured to control power that is supplied to the aerosol generation unit 130 based on operation of an actuating element for allowing a user to select and/or change a setting S1, S2, S3 of the adjusting unit 200 and thus an RTD of the aerosol generation device 100 associated with the setting S1, S2, S3 of the adjusting unit 200.

The actuating element can be brought into a plurality of setting states by the user, wherein each setting state is associated with a setting S1, S2, S3 of the adjusting unit 200 and thus an associated RTD. Each association of a setting state with a setting S1, S2, S3 of the adjusting unit 200 may be a predetermined association that is preferably predetermined as part of the manufacturing process. A database DB may comprise one or more database entries DE1, DE2, DE3 such as lookup tables LT1, LT2, LT3 that match each setting state of the actuating element with a power to be supplied to the aerosol generation unit 130, as described above in the context of FIGS. 8A to 9. As a result, a power to be supplied to the aerosol generation unit 130 can be associated with an RTD of the aerosol generation device 100 in a preferably predetermined manner without requiring a detection unit 300 for detecting a setting S1, S2, S3 of the adjusting unit 200. The detection unit 300 may consequently be omitted.

While this disclosure has described certain embodiments and generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of example embodiments does not define or constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the scope of this disclosure, as defined by the independent and dependent claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS USED

• 100: aerosol generation device
• 110: mouthpiece
• 120: airflow path
• 120a: upstream portion of airflow path
• 120b: downstream portion of airflow path
• 130: aerosol generation unit
• 200: adjusting unit
• 210: movable member
• 210a: member body
• 210b: wall
• 211/212/213/214: through-holes
• 210R: rotation/pivot axis
• 300: detection unit
• 400: control unit
• DB: database
• DE1, DE2, DE3: database entry
• LT1, LT2, LT3: lookup table
• S1/S2/S3: adjusting unit setting
• P1/P2/P3: power
• PΔ1/PΔ2/PΔ3: power difference
• P_max1/P_max2/P_max3: maximum power

Claims

1. An aerosol generation device, comprising:

an aerosol generation unit for generating aerosol; and

an adjusting unit comprising a movable member and configured for being set to a setting of a plurality of settings for mechanically adjusting the resistance-to-draw (RTD) through a mouthpiece by moving the movable member,

wherein the moveable member is configured to move relative to an airflow path of the aerosol generation device to change an effective cross section of the airflow path for changing the RTD.

2. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit for controlling a power supplied to the aerosol generating unit.

3. The aerosol generation device according to claim 2, further comprising a detecting unit for detecting the setting of the adjusting unit,

wherein the control unit is configured for controlling the power supplied to the aerosol generating unit based on the detected setting of the adjusting unit.

4. The aerosol generation device according to claim 3, wherein the detecting unit comprises a potentiometer, a optical sensor, or a hall sensor for detecting the setting of the adjusting unit.

5. The aerosol generation device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit is configured for changing the supplied power based on data stored in a database.

6. The aerosol generation device according to claim 5, wherein the aerosol generation device is configured for storing the database.

7. The aerosol generation device according to claim 5, wherein the data comprises one or more database entries that associate a setting of the adjusting unit with a supplied power.

8. The aerosol generation device according to claim 7, wherein the database comprises one or more lookup tables that comprise one or more entries that each match a setting of the adjusting unit to a supplied power.

9. The aerosol generation device according to claim 7, wherein the database comprises one or more lookup tables that comprise one or more entries that each match a setting of the adjusting unit to a power difference, and the control unit is configured to change the supplied power based on a nominal power offset by the power difference.

10. The aerosol generation device according to claim 9, wherein the one or more entries each further match a setting of the adjusting unit to a maximum power, and the control unit is configured to change a supplied power based on the lower power of the nominal power offset by the power difference and the maximum power.

11. The aerosol generation device according to claim 8, wherein the one or more lookup tables are associated with at least one of: a time of day, a consumable for use with the aerosol generation device and an operating condition of the aerosol generation device.

12. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein

the moveable member is provided with one or more through holes, and wherein

in a setting of the plurality of settings, at least a portion of at least one of the through holes is arranged in the airflow path,

wherein changing from a first setting of the adjusting unit to a second setting includes:

changing a portion of at least one of the through holes arranged in the airflow path to a different portion arranged in the airflow path; or

changing at least one of the through holes to a different through hole of which at least a portion is arranged in the airflow path.

13. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the moveable member is provided with a plurality of through holes and different through holes have different effective cross-sections.

14. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the movable member is configured to rotate or pivot relative to the airflow path.

15. The aerosol generation device according to claim 14,

wherein the moveable member is provided with one or more through holes, and

wherein at least one of the through holes extends through the movable member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation or pivot axis of the movable member, or

wherein at least one of the through holes extends through the movable member in a direction substantially parallel to the rotation or pivot axis of the movable member.

16. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the moveable member comprises an actuating element accessible on and/or from an exterior of the aerosol generation device, that causes the moveable member to move when operated.