CN114126431A

CN114126431A - System and method for testing heating systems used in aerosols

Info

Publication number: CN114126431A
Application number: CN202080046340.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: R·N·巴蒂斯塔; R·卡利; A·勒布; L·W·布雷曼
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Current assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date: 2019-06-28
Filing date: 2020-06-23
Publication date: 2022-03-01
Also published as: EP3979843C0; JP7526215B2; EP3979843A1; PL3979843T3; BR112021023678A2; KR20220027066A; US20220232902A1; HUE064207T2; ES2962481T3; JP2022540772A; EP3979843B1; WO2020260319A1

Abstract

A system and method for determining the state of a heating system for use in an aerosol-generating article is disclosed.

Description

System and method for testing heating systems used in aerosols

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to a system and method. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a system for determining the state of a heating system for use in an aerosol-generating article or an aerosol-generating device, and a method for determining the state of a heating system for use in an aerosol-generating article or an aerosol-generating device.

Background

Various devices for generating aerosols have been proposed in the art. For example, devices for generating aerosols have been proposed which heat, rather than burn, the aerosol-forming substrate. Heated smoking devices, in which tobacco is heated rather than combusted, are one type of such devices. The purpose of such smoking devices is to reduce the formation of undesirable and harmful smoke constituents in conventional cigarettes, such as those produced by the combustion and pyrolytic degradation of tobacco. These heated smoking devices are commonly referred to as "heated non-burning" devices.

Known aerosol-generating devices of the "heat-not-burn" variety typically comprise a device portion comprising a battery and control electronics; a cartridge portion comprising a supply of liquid aerosol-generating substrate held in a liquid storage portion; and an electrically operated heater assembly acting as a vaporizer. The cartridge portion typically includes not only a supply of liquid aerosol-generating substrate and an electrically operated heater assembly, but also a mouthpiece through which a user can draw aerosol into his mouth. The cartridge portion comprising both the supply of aerosol-generating substrate and the vaporiser held in the liquid storage portion is sometimes referred to as a "cartomiser" or "atomiser".

Vaporizers typically include "coil and wick" technology (and variations thereof) as their heating technology. That is, the coils of the heater wire are wound around an elongate wick immersed in the liquid aerosol-generating substrate. A capillary material soaked in an aerosol-generating substrate supplies liquid to the wick.

However, an alternative type of vaporizer is a grid heater unit. The grid heater unit typically comprises a plurality of wires or a mesh foil defining a heating surface and a liquid permeable surface. A transport material is provided to transport the liquid aerosol-generating substrate to the wire or mesh foil. The resistivity of the wire/mesh foil is selected such that the desired heat output is achieved for a given power supplied to the wire/mesh foil.

An example of a cartridge comprising a grid heater unit is shown in fig. 1. Further description of such a cartridge (above what is given below) and other alternative cartridges of this type can be found in WO 2015/117702.

The cartridge 20 of figure 1 comprises a generally cylindrical housing 24 sized and shaped to be received in a cavity of a corresponding aerosol-generating device. The housing comprises a capillary material 22 soaked in a liquid aerosol-generating substrate. The housing has an open end to which the heater assembly 30 is secured. The heater assembly 30 includes a substrate 34 having an opening 35 formed therein, a pair of electrical contacts 32 secured to the substrate and separated from each other by a gap, and a plurality of electrically conductive heater filaments 36 spanning the opening and secured to the electrical contacts on opposite sides of the opening 35. The heater assembly 30 is covered by a removable cover 26. The lid comprises a liquid impermeable plastic sheet that is glued to the heater assembly but can be easily peeled off. Tabs are provided on the sides of the lid to allow the user to grasp the lid when peeling it off.

Another example of a cartridge 1000 including a grid heater cell is shown in fig. 2. The cartridge 1000 includes an outer shell 1050 having a mouthpiece with a mouthpiece opening 1100, and a connecting end 1150 opposite the mouthpiece. Within the housing 1050 is a liquid storage compartment holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate 1310. The liquid storage compartment has a first portion 1300 and a second portion 1350, and liquid is contained in the liquid storage compartment by three additional components: an upper storage compartment housing 1370, a heater bracket 1340, and an end cap 1380. A heater assembly 1200 including a fluid permeable heating element 1220 (i.e., a mesh heater) and a transport material 1240 is held in a heater bracket 1340. The retaining material 1360 is disposed in the second portion 1350 of the liquid storage compartment and abuts the transport material 1240 of the heater assembly 1200. The retaining material 1360 is arranged to deliver liquid to the delivery material 1240 of the heater assembly 1200. The first portion 1300 of the liquid storage compartment is larger than the second portion 1350 of the storage compartment and occupies the space between the heater assembly 1200 and the mouthpiece opening 1100 of the cartridge 1000. The liquid in the first portion 1300 of the storage compartment may travel to the second portion 1350 of the liquid storage compartment through liquid channels 1330 on either side of the heater assembly 1200. In this example, two channels are provided to provide a symmetrical structure, but only one channel is required. The channel is a closed liquid flow path defined between the upper storage compartment housing 1370 and the heater bracket 1340.

Since the heating system is an integral part of the "heat not burn" device function, proper quality control during manufacture and assembly is required. For example, the resistivity of a grid heating system must meet specifications. Currently, due to the structural differences between grid heating systems and "coil and core" systems, there is no suitable system to test the appropriate characteristics of grid-based heating systems in a manner suitable for implementation in larger scale production lines.

US 2018/0049478 a1 discloses systems, apparatuses and methods for assembling cartridges for aerosol delivery devices.

Disclosure of Invention

An aspect of the invention provides a system for determining the resistivity of a heating system for use in an aerosol-generating article, the system comprising:

a receptacle for receiving a plurality of components, each component including a heating system to be tested; and

a test assembly, the test assembly comprising:

a plurality of sensor units, each sensor unit comprising at least one pair of electrical contacts configured to pass a current therethrough and configured to obtain a signal related to a characteristic of a heating system of one of the plurality of elements; and

a processor configured to receive the signals obtained by the sensor unit and to determine a resistivity of the heating system of each of the plurality of elements.

In some embodiments, the sensor unit is held in the test assembly by gravity. This makes it possible to hold the sensor unit in a convenient manner, but still allow a displacement, for example a vertical displacement, if a wrongly assembled element for testing is brought into contact with the sensor unit.

In certain embodiments, the sensor unit is retained in the test assembly and is configured to effect vertical displacement. For example, vertical displacement within the test assembly.

Another aspect of the invention provides a system for determining the state of a heating system for use in an aerosol-generating article, the system comprising:

a test assembly, the test assembly comprising:

a sensor arrangement configured to obtain a signal related to a characteristic of the heating system of each element of the plurality of elements; and

a processor configured to receive the signals obtained by the sensor device and to determine a state of the heating system for each of the plurality of elements.

Suitably, the signal relating to the characteristic of the heating system of each of the plurality of elements is obtained by the sensor arrangement substantially simultaneously. This allows to optimize the test procedure of the heating system as part of the production line in terms of speed and efficiency. That is, by testing multiple heating systems substantially simultaneously, the testing process is accelerated.

Suitably, the test component is configured to obtain the signal when the test component is in the test configuration. More suitably, the test assembly is movable relative to the receptacle to bring the sensor device (e.g. sensor unit) into the test configuration. Having separate test and non-test configurations between which the test assembly is movable allows the test assembly to remain separate from the receptacle while no testing is being performed. This provides an opportunity to fill or refill the receptacles between test operations, thus helping to maintain an efficient test/production line. This allows another batch of components to be positioned for testing. This can be repeated repeatedly and rapidly to obtain a continuous flow of the element to be tested.

Suitably, the sensor device comprises a plurality of sensor units, each sensor unit being configured to obtain a signal related to a characteristic of the heating system of one of the plurality of elements. Providing the sensor device as a plurality of sensor units ensures a compact and customizable method of simultaneously testing a plurality of heating systems of each of a plurality of components, while monitoring the accuracy of each heating system testing the respective components.

Suitably, the sensor unit is removable from the test assembly. By configuring the sensor unit to be removable from the test assembly, the assembly can be customized/adjusted according to the characteristics that need to be tested or the heating system to be tested, or both. For example, a sensor unit configured to obtain a signal related to a first characteristic may be replaced with a sensor unit configured to obtain a signal related to a second characteristic.

Suitably, at least one sensor unit of the plurality of sensor units comprises at least one pair of electrical contacts. More suitably, the pair of electrical contacts is a pair of electrical pins. More suitably, in the test configuration, the pair of electrical contacts each contact a portion of the heating system of the corresponding element. The inclusion of electrical contacts within the sensor unit allows for testing of characteristics related to the resistivity of the heating system by obtaining signals related to voltage or current.

Suitably, the sensor unit is biasedly retained in the test assembly. By biasing the sensor unit within the test assembly, the sensor unit may be configured to quickly return to the non-test configuration. This helps to ensure a fast and efficient production line. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, the sensor unit is maintained biased in the non-testing configuration.

Suitably, at least one sensor unit of the plurality of sensor units comprises at least an optical sensor. The use of optical sensors allows testing of characteristics related to the spatial position of the element or the physical condition of the heating system, for example by obtaining an image of the element/heating system.

Suitably, at least one sensor unit of the plurality of sensor units further comprises at least one illumination element for illuminating a corresponding heating system to be tested. This is particularly useful when used in combination with an optical sensor.

Suitably, the obtained signal relates to at least one of a current, a voltage or light.

Suitably, the characteristic tested relates to at least one of a resistivity of a heating system of the element, a spatial position of the element, or a physical condition of the heating system of the element.

Suitably, the determined state (e.g. resistivity) is at least one of the integrity of the heating system, the conformance of the heating system to a predetermined condition, or the functionality of the heating system.

Suitably, the receptacle is a plate having a plurality of cavities, each cavity being configured to receive a component. More suitably, the number of cavities is larger than the number of sensor units in the sensor device.

Suitably, the receptacle is rotatable about an axis.

Suitably, the processor determines the state of the heating system, e.g. resistivity, by comparing the obtained signals with a given data set.

Suitably, the heating system of each element comprises a mesh foil.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of determining the resistivity of a heating system for use in an aerosol-generating article, the method comprising:

providing a system comprising:

a receptacle for receiving a plurality of components; and

a test assembly, the test assembly comprising:

a processor;

filling the receptacle with a plurality of components, each component including a heating system to be tested;

actuating the plurality of sensor units to obtain signals related to characteristics of the heating system of each of the plurality of elements; and

determining, with a processor, a resistivity of the heating system for each of the plurality of elements from the obtained signals.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of determining the state of a heating system for use in an aerosol-generating article, the method comprising:

providing a system comprising:

a receptacle for receiving a plurality of components; and

a test assembly, the test assembly comprising:

a sensor device; and

a processor;

actuating the sensor device to obtain a signal related to a characteristic of the heating system of each of the plurality of elements; and

determining, with a processor, a state of the heating system for each of the plurality of elements from the obtained signals.

Suitably, the method further comprises the step of bringing the test component into a test configuration.

Suitably, the method further comprises the steps of: removing the plurality of components from the receptacle and refilling the receptacle with another plurality of components.

Suitably, the system of the second aspect of the invention is the system of the first aspect of the invention.

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide the following advantages: a system for determining a state (e.g. resistivity) of a heating system for use in an aerosol-generating article is provided, the system being capable of testing a plurality of elements, each element comprising a heating system.

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide the following advantages: the system is capable of testing the heating system in real time to reduce the impact on the assembly line that generates and utilizes the heating system.

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide the following advantages: the system is capable of testing multiple components simultaneously, each component including a heating system.

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide the following advantages: the system is suitable for use with a grid heater system.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that form an aerosol, for example, by heating, combustion, or chemical reaction.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating substrate" is used to describe a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article may be visible or invisible and may comprise vapour (e.g. fine particles of a substance in the gaseous state, which is typically a liquid or solid at room temperature) as well as gas and liquid droplets of condensed vapour.

As used herein, the term "element" refers to a component that includes the heating system to be tested (i.e., its state, e.g., resistivity, is to be determined). In an example, the element is a component of an aerosol-generating device of the "heat non-burning" kind, which incorporates a heating system of the aerosol-generating device.

As used herein, the term "heating system" refers to a system that is incorporated within an element capable of providing heat. In an example, the heating system is adapted to heat an aerosol-generating substrate within an aerosol-generating device. In an example, the heating system includes a mesh foil for providing heat when an electrical current flows therethrough.

As used herein, the term "receptacle" refers to a component configured to receive a plurality of elements. In an example, the receptacle is a plate having a plurality of cavities for receiving a plurality of components.

As used herein, the term "test component" refers to a component configured to perform a test operation on a plurality of elements. For a test operation, the test component obtains signals with a sensor device (e.g., a sensor unit) and processes the received signals with a processor.

As used herein, the term "sensor device" refers to a device, including a sensor, capable of obtaining a signal related to a characteristic of a heating system. The sensor means may comprise one or more sensors or sensor units or a plurality of sensor units (e.g. electrical or optical sensors) capable of obtaining signals related to one or more characteristics of the heating system. In described examples, a sensor device includes a plurality of sensor units. As used herein, the term "sensor unit" refers to a unit component (e.g., a unit that is removable from a test assembly) capable of obtaining a signal related to a characteristic of a heating system, including a sensor.

As used herein, the term "electrical contact" refers to an electrical conductor configured to pass an electrical current therethrough in order to obtain an electrical signal to measure, for example, resistivity or capacitance.

As used herein, the term "optical sensor" refers to a sensor configured to obtain an optical signal (e.g., an optical image, light intensity data, temperature spectrum, etc.).

For the avoidance of doubt, any feature described herein is equally applicable to any aspect of the invention. Within the scope of the present application, it is expressly contemplated that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set forth in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims or in the following detailed description and drawings, particularly the various features thereof, may be employed independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one aspect or embodiment of the invention are applicable to all aspects or embodiments unless such features are incompatible. Examples

Embodiment 1. a system for determining the state of a heating system for use in an aerosol-generating article, the system comprising:

a test assembly, the test assembly comprising:

Embodiment 2. the system of embodiment 1, wherein the signal related to the characteristic of the heating system of each of the plurality of elements is obtained by the sensor device substantially simultaneously.

Embodiment 3. the system of any of embodiments 1 or 2, wherein the test component is configured to obtain the signal when the test component is in the test configuration.

Embodiment 4. the system of embodiment 3, wherein the sensor device comprises a plurality of sensor units, each sensor unit configured to obtain a signal related to a characteristic of the heating system of one of the plurality of elements.

Embodiment 5. the system of embodiment 4, wherein at least one sensor unit of the plurality of sensor units comprises at least one pair of electrical contacts, wherein in the test configuration, the pair of electrical contacts each contact a portion of the heating system of the corresponding element.

Embodiment 6. the system of embodiment 5, wherein the sensor unit is biasedly retained in the test assembly.

Embodiment 7 the system of any of embodiments 4-6, wherein at least one sensor unit of the plurality of sensor units comprises at least an optical sensor.

Embodiment 8 the system of any of embodiments 1-7, wherein the obtained signal relates to at least one of current, voltage, or light.

Embodiment 9 the system of any of embodiments 1-8, wherein the characteristic tested relates to at least one of a resistivity of a heating system of the element, a spatial position of the element, or a physical condition of the heating system of the element.

Embodiment 10 the system of any of embodiments 1-9, wherein the determined status is at least one of integrity of the heating system, conformance of the heating system to a predetermined condition, or functionality of the heating system.

Embodiment 11 the system of any of embodiments 1-10, wherein the receptacle is a plate having a plurality of cavities, each cavity configured to receive a component.

Embodiment 12 the system of any of embodiments 1-11, wherein the heating system of each element comprises a mesh foil.

Embodiment 13. a method of determining the state of a heating system for use in an aerosol-generating article, the method comprising:

providing a system comprising:

a receptacle for receiving a plurality of components; and

a test assembly, the test assembly comprising:

a sensor device; and

a processor;

Embodiment 14. the method of embodiment 13, wherein the method further comprises the step of bringing the test assembly into a test configuration.

Embodiment 15. the method of embodiment 13 or embodiment 14, wherein the method further comprises the steps of: removing the plurality of components from the receptacle and refilling the receptacle with another plurality of components.

Drawings

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

figure 1 shows a cartridge for use in an aerosol-generating device;

figure 2 shows another cartridge for use in an aerosol-generating device;

FIG. 3 illustrates a profile view of an exemplary system for determining a condition of a heating system;

FIG. 4 shows a sensor unit for use in a system for determining the condition of a heating system; and is

Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the system of fig. 3.

Detailed Description

Referring now to fig. 3, a system 100 for determining a condition (e.g., resistivity) of a heating system is shown. The system 100 includes a receptacle 102 for receiving a plurality of components (not shown), each of which includes a heating system to be tested.

In this example, the element is a component of an aerosol-generating article or device of the "heat non-combustible" kind, which component incorporates a heating system for the aerosol-generating article or device. In particular, the element corresponds to a cartridge for an aerosol-generating device, the cartridge being configured to be connected to a body of the aerosol-generating device. In the described example, the heating system of each element comprises a grid heater unit. That is, the heating system includes a mesh foil configured to provide a thermal output in response to a flow of electrical current therethrough. For example, the element may be a cartridge as described in WO2015/117702 or as otherwise described above.

In this example, the receptacle 102 is a plate having a plurality of cavities 104, each configured to receive a component. In the example shown in fig. 3, the plate is circular in shape, with the cavities arranged around the circumference of the plate.

The proximal end of the cartridge (i.e., the end of the cartridge proximate the heating system, such as the mouthpiece end of the cartridge) is received by the receptacle. The heating system is exposed upward.

The system 100 also includes a testing component 106. The test assembly 106 includes a sensor device, such as a sensor unit, configured to obtain a signal related to a characteristic of the heating system of each of the plurality of elements. The test assembly 106 also includes a processor configured to receive signals obtained by the sensor device (e.g., sensor unit) and determine a state (e.g., resistivity) of the heating system of each of the plurality of elements.

As a first step of the method for determining the state (e.g. resistivity) of a heating system using the most general form of the system 100, the capsule 102 is filled with a plurality of elements, each comprising a heating system to be tested. In embodiments, receptacle 102 is filled with a linear feed of elements to the vessel. That is, the receptacle 102 is configured to rotate relative to the feed point. In this example, the receiver 102 is mounted to the shaft 120 via a mount 150. As the receptacle rotates, the elements are introduced into each cavity in turn. In embodiments, the element may be carried in a disc.

Secondly, a sensor device, e.g. a sensor unit, is actuated to obtain a signal related to a characteristic of the heating system of each of the plurality of elements. In an embodiment, the obtained signal relates to at least one of current, voltage, or light. In such cases, the tested characteristic relates to at least one of a resistivity of a heating system of the element, a spatial position of the element, or a physical condition of the heating system of the element.

For example, a signal related to the current or voltage within the heating system may be used as an indication/measurement of the resistivity of the heating system of the element. Such a signal may result from applying a potential difference across two points of the heating system.

Similarly, the light-related signal may be used as an indication/measurement of the spatial position of the element (or the heating system within the element) or the physical condition of the heating system of the element. For example, the optical signal may be used to form an image of the heating system or element from which the position, orientation, or physical condition of the heating system or element may be determined. In embodiments, the measured/monitored light may be at an infrared frequency such that the temperature of the heating system may be monitored (e.g., a temperature response may be measured in response to an applied voltage), or the measured/monitored light may be at a UV frequency. Alternatively (or additionally), the light signal may be a magnitude of light passing between two points. For example, a properly positioned heating system may prevent light from passing between these two points.

Third, the processor determines a state, such as resistivity, of the heating system for each of the plurality of elements from the obtained signals. In an embodiment, the determined state (e.g., resistivity) is at least one of an integrity of a heating system of the element, a conformance of the heating system of the element to a predetermined condition, or a functionality of the heating system of the element. In other words, the determined state may relate to the suitability of the heating system for the purpose. For example, the obtained signal may indicate that one or more characteristics of the heating system of the element are indicative of an anomaly in the manufacture of the heating system or a quality issue (e.g., loss of integrity, non-compliance with resistivity performance, etc.).

In an embodiment, the determined state may relate to an ability of the test assembly to test a desired characteristic of a heating system of the component test element. For example, the predetermined condition that the heating system must meet may be its position within the receptacle. This may be important because if the heating system of the component (or the component itself) is not properly located within the receptacle, the required testing (e.g., electrical testing) cannot be performed.

The processor may determine the state of the heating system of the element, such as resistivity, in any suitable manner. For example, the processor may determine a state of the heating system, such as resistivity, by comparing the obtained signals to a given data set. That is, if the signal indicates that a characteristic of the heating system (e.g., resistivity) is above a threshold, the processor may conclude that the state of the heating system is a first state (e.g., the heating system meets a predetermined condition). In the same manner, if the signal indicates that the characteristic of the heating system is below the threshold, the processor may conclude that the state of the heating system is the second state (e.g., the heating system is not in compliance with the predetermined condition). In an alternative example, the processor may conclude that the state of the heating system is the first state if the signal indicates that the characteristic is equal to a certain value (e.g., spatial position), and the state of the heating system is the second state if the signal indicates that the characteristic is not equal to the value. The given data set may be provided by a server connected to the processor within the network.

In an embodiment, the processor may determine a state of the heating system, such as resistivity, from the signals relating to the plurality of characteristics. For example, a state (e.g., resistivity or, for example, consistency with a predetermined condition) may only be assigned when a plurality of characteristics of the heating system of the element are above/below (or equal to/unequal to) a predetermined threshold.

In an embodiment, the processor may manipulate the obtained signals prior to comparison with a given data set. That is, the signal obtained in its original state may not directly correspond to the characteristics of the heating system of the element. In such cases, the processor may use the obtained signal to calculate a further metric or value corresponding to the desired characteristic.

The state (e.g., resistivity) of the heating system of the component determined by the processor may be used to determine how to further process the component (or its heating system) within the production line. That is, the arrangement allows real-time data processing and feedback within the production line.

For example, it may be desirable that an element having a heating system that has a state, such as resistivity, that indicates that the heating system is not suitable for the purpose should be removed from the production line (e.g., the heating system lacks integrity, fails a predetermined condition, or does not function as intended). In such examples, the processor may be configured to actuate a device for removing one or more defective elements from the production line (either directly from the receptacle or further down the production line).

In further examples, the processor may store a state, such as resistivity (or an assigned value associated therewith, such as 1 or 0), in the memory to allow the state, such as resistivity, of the element to be used further down the production line in a decision process, such as removing a defective element from the production line. The state (e.g., resistivity) may be stored on a server. For example, the processor may send a status (e.g., resistivity) to a server connected to the processor within the network. In further examples, the decision process may be performed on a server.

In further examples, the determined state (e.g., resistivity) may be that the heating system is in the wrong location and, therefore, other characteristics of the heating system cannot be properly tested. In such instances, the element may be rejected, or its position within the receptacle may be corrected by suitable actuation means.

Once the testing operation is completed, the plurality of components may be removed from the receptacle. The receptacle may then be refilled with another plurality of components that require testing.

In this example, the test component 106 is configured to obtain a signal when the test component is in a test configuration. That is, the test component has a test or active configuration and a non-test or inactive configuration. In other words, further steps of the method may include the step of bringing the testing component 106 into a testing configuration prior to actuating the sensor device, e.g. the sensor unit.

The testing component 106 is movable relative to the receptacle 102 to bring a sensor device (e.g., a sensor unit) into a testing configuration. A test configuration is a configuration in which a sensor device (e.g., a sensor unit) is sufficiently close to a plurality of elements to obtain a desired signal. In particular embodiments, the test configuration may require that the sensor device (e.g., sensor unit) be in contact with the heating system or element (i.e., where contact is required to obtain a signal, such as where the sensor is a pair of electrical contacts). In an alternative example, the test configuration may only require that the sensor device (e.g., sensor unit) be close enough to collect the desired signal or information to acquire an image or reading of the ambient field, in which case no contact between the sensor device (e.g., sensor unit) and the element is required.

In certain embodiments, the test component 106 is vertically movable relative to the receptacle 102 to bring the test component 106 into a testing configuration. In this example, the test assembly 106 and the holder 102 are mounted on a shaft 120. The test assembly 106 is mounted on a shaft 120 via a mounting assembly 122. The test assembly 106 is slidably mounted on the mounting assembly 122. Prior to the testing operation, the testing component 106 is actuated to slide on the mounting component 122 toward the receptacle 102 to bring the testing component 106 into a testing configuration.

Additionally or alternatively, in certain embodiments, the test component 106 may be rotatably mounted on the shaft 120 to allow relative rotation between the test component 106 and the receptacle 102 to bring the test component 106 into the testing configuration.

Once in the testing configuration, the testing component 106 may perform testing operations on the heating system received within the receptacle 102. That is, the sensor device (e.g., sensor unit) may obtain a signal from the element/heating system of the element within receptacle 102 related to the desired characteristic. In an embodiment, the signal related to the characteristic of the heating system of each element of the plurality of elements is obtained substantially simultaneously by a sensor device (e.g. a sensor unit).

After the test operation, the test component 106 can then move out of the test configuration back to the non-test configuration. The element can then be removed from the receptacle and then optionally refilled for further testing operations. A non-test configuration may be defined as a relative configuration between test component 106 and receptacle 102 that allows receptacle 102 to be filled or unfilled with components as desired.

In the example shown in the figure, the receptacle 102 is configured to receive more components than the test component 106 can test in a given moment. That is, the number of cavities 104 in receptacle 102 is greater than the number of sensor cells 108 in a sensor device (e.g., sensor cell) (as described below). In this way, the receptacle may be completely filled with more than one of the plurality of elements at a given time. In other words, the receptacles may be filled with one or more test batches of components. The test component 106 can be lowered into its test configuration to perform test operations on the first plurality of elements. The test assembly 106 and/or the holder 102 may then be rotated to allow the test assembly 106 to perform a test operation on the second plurality of components. In further examples, the number of sensor units 108 within the test assembly 106 may correspond to the elements received within the receptacle 102. In such cases, the receptacle contains a single plurality of components that can be tested simultaneously by the testing assembly.

In this example, the sensor device (e.g., sensor unit) comprises a plurality of sensor units 108, each sensor unit 108 being configured to obtain a signal related to a characteristic of the heating system of at least one of the plurality of elements.

Fig. 4 shows an example of the sensor unit 108. In this example, the sensor unit 108 includes a housing 116. The housing 116 is configured to house at least some of the sensing components of the sensor unit 108. In this example, the sensor unit 108 includes a shoulder portion 118.

The testing component 106 is configured to receive the sensor unit 108 therein. FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the test assembly 106 with a plurality of sensor units 108 received therein.

In this example, the test assembly 106 includes a plate portion 128 that is covered by an optional cover portion 130. When used, the cover portion 130 can provide protection for hardware (e.g., wiring) within the test assembly 106. The plate portion 128 includes holes or channels disposed therethrough, each hole configured to receive a sensor unit 108. Each hole in the plate portion 128 includes a flange portion (not shown) that engages the shoulder portion 118 of the corresponding sensor unit 108 to allow the sensor unit 108 to be seated within the hole. This may prevent the sensor unit from rotating within the corresponding hole of the plate portion 128.

In this example, the location of the hole in the plate portion 128, and thus the subsequent location of each sensor unit 108, corresponds to the location of the component (i.e., the heating system to be tested) located within the receptacle 102. That is, the sensor unit 108 is positioned such that when the test component 106 enters its test configuration, the sensor unit 108 is able to obtain signals from the corresponding elements as needed.

The hardware of the sensor unit 108 is coupled to the processor by any suitable connection to allow the obtained signals to be transmitted to the processor.

In the example shown in fig. 4, each of the plurality of sensor units includes at least one pair of electrical contacts 110. The sensor unit 108 is configured such that when in the test configuration, the pair of electrical contacts 110 each contact a portion of the heating system of the corresponding element. For example, for a grid heating system, in a test configuration, electrical contacts 110 may be in contact with portions of the grid.

In this example, the electrical contacts 110 are supported by a support structure 114 extending from a housing 116 to prevent damage to the contacts 110. In an embodiment, the end of the support structure 114 from which the contacts 110 extend allows a degree of movement (e.g., lateral movement) of the contacts 110 without causing damage thereto.

In an embodiment, the electrical contacts 110 (in this example, electrical pins) may obtain an electrical signal from the heating system. That is, a potential difference may be applied between electrical contacts 110, and the resulting current passing from a first one of the contacts to a second one of the contacts through the heating system may be measured. In this way, the electrical characteristics, such as resistivity, of the heating system may be determined as previously described. The electrical contacts are coupled via connection points 132 (shown in fig. 5) to a wiring system (not shown) that allows electrical signals to be transmitted to the processor.

Based on the electrical characteristics, the processor may determine a state of the heating system, such as resistivity, for example, whether the heating system may function as desired, whether the heating system meets predetermined conditions, or whether the integrity of the heating system is not compromised. Sensor units that include electrical contacts are particularly useful for testing grid heater systems that require a given resistivity for effective operation.

In an embodiment, the contact areas 112 of the contacts 110 may be configured with different shapes depending on the surface/material of the heating system being tested or the particular characteristics being tested.

In other examples, each sensor unit 108 may include an optical sensor. The optical sensor may comprise an imaging device, such as a camera. The imaging device may be configured to obtain signals relating to any desired frequency, such as visual frequency, UV or infrared frequency.

The optical sensor may be used to test a characteristic, such as the spatial position of the element or the physical condition of the heating system of the element. For example, an optical sensor may be used to determine whether the component is in a position required for further testing. In another example, an optical sensor may be used to check the position of the test arrangement relative to the element (e.g., to indicate whether the element is too close to the test arrangement). In another example, the optical sensor may be used to check whether contact is made between a portion of the test arrangement (e.g., electrical contacts of the sensor unit) and the heating system, which may be used as an indication of a successful test operation. In this example, an optical sensor may be used to check for the presence of any marks resulting from the contact.

The sensor unit 108 may optionally comprise at least one illumination element for illuminating the corresponding heating system to be tested. The lighting elements may emit light at any desired frequency, such as UV or visible wavelengths, to illuminate the heating system. The signals obtained by the corresponding optical sensors may correspond to light reflected from the heating system.

In particular embodiments, each sensor unit 108 may be configured to obtain signals related to one or more characteristics as desired (e.g., each sensor unit 108 may include a pair of electrical contacts and/or an optical sensor and/or another sensor device, such as a sensor unit).

In further embodiments, the plurality of sensor cells 108 may each be the same, or alternatively may vary in their configuration (e.g., the plurality of sensor cells may include at least one sensor cell configured to obtain a signal related to a first characteristic and at least one sensor cell configured to obtain a signal related to a second characteristic). In alternate examples, the sensors may be arranged in any suitable manner. For example, the plurality of sensor cells 108 may include two or more different "types" of sensor cells (i.e., two or more different groups of sensor cells, each group configured to measure a different characteristic or set of characteristics). Examples thereof may be a set of sensor units each comprising an electrical contact, and another set of sensor units comprising an optical sensor. The groups of sensor units may be arranged side-by-side within the test assembly, or the sensor units may alternate between the sensor units of each group. In each case, the test assembly and/or the receptacle may be rotated between test operations to allow each element to be tested by the sensor units of each group.

In certain embodiments (e.g., the particular embodiment shown in the illustrated example), the sensor unit is removable from the test component 106. That is, the sensor unit may be removed from the channel of the test 106, if desired. Such removal allows different test operations (i.e., obtaining different signals) to be performed, if desired. This may be necessary, for example, if a batch of different components needs to be tested.

Various modifications to the detailed arrangements described above are possible. For example, in an alternative example, the heating system for each element may include a coil and wick heating system.

It should be understood that the sensor devices (e.g., sensor units) described in the above examples are not exhaustive. For example, the sensor device (e.g., sensor unit) may include a temperature sensor (e.g., to monitor a temperature response to an applied voltage), a molecular or gas sensor device.

The single sensor unit 108 may be configured to obtain signals from one or more of the heating systems of the elements. In particular, a single sensor unit 108 may be positioned in such a way that it can obtain signals from more than one (e.g., two adjacent heating systems). In such cases, a single sensor unit 108 may include separate sets of sensors to obtain signals from one or more heating systems simultaneously.

The sensor unit 108 may be secured within the test assembly 106 prior to a testing operation. In an alternative example, the sensor unit remains free within the test assembly 106. That is, the sensor unit 108 is held within the channel in the test assembly 106 under its own weight only. In this manner, if the component (or its heating system) is located in an incorrect position within the receptacle 102 when entering the testing configuration, the testing component 106 can still reach the testing configuration without damaging the testing component 106 or the component to be tested. That is, the sensor units 108 may be displaced from (or within) their respective channels to accommodate incorrectly positioned elements. In certain embodiments, the shoulder portion 118 of the sensor unit 108 may prevent rotation of the sensor unit 108, yet still allow for displacement or movement, e.g., vertical movement, from the test assembly. This is to prevent damage.

In an embodiment, the sensor unit 108 may be biased to remain within the test assembly 106. For example, the sensor unit 108 may be spring actuated such that the test configuration is achieved by movement of the sensor unit 108 against the bias of the spring, rather than movement of the test assembly 106 as a whole. In this manner, a fast "reload" (i.e., return to a non-test configuration) of the sensor unit may be achieved once the test operation is complete. This is particularly relevant for sensor units that require contact with the heating system to obtain a signal (e.g. sensor units comprising electrical contacts). In related embodiments, the electrical contacts 110 may be moved or biased in the same manner.

It will also be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in the drawings provide significant advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention as described herein.

The schematic drawings are not necessarily to scale and are presented for illustrative, non-limiting purposes. The figures depict one or more aspects described in the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that other aspects not depicted in the drawings fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A system for determining the resistivity of a heating system for use in an aerosol-generating article, the system comprising:

a test assembly, the test assembly comprising:

a plurality of sensor units, each sensor unit comprising at least one pair of electrical contacts configured to pass an electrical current therethrough and configured to obtain a signal related to a characteristic of the heating system of each element of the plurality of elements; and

a processor configured to receive the signals obtained by the sensor unit and to determine a resistivity of the heating system for each of the plurality of elements.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the signal related to the characteristic of the heating system of each element of the plurality of elements is obtained by the sensor unit substantially simultaneously.

3. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the test component is configured to obtain the signal when the test component is in a test configuration.

4. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the sensor unit is biasedly retained in the test assembly.

5. The system of any preceding claim, wherein at least one sensor unit of the plurality of sensor units comprises at least an optical sensor.

6. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the obtained signal relates to at least one of current, voltage or light.

7. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the characteristic tested relates to at least one of a resistivity of the heating system of the element, a spatial position of the element, or a physical condition of the heating system of the element.

8. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the determined resistivity is at least one of an integrity of the heating system, a conformance of the heating system to a predetermined condition, or a functionality of the heating system.

9. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the receptacle is a plate having a plurality of cavities, each cavity configured to receive an element.

10. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the heating system of each element comprises a mesh foil.

11. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the sensor unit is held under its own weight within the channel of the test component.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the sensor units are displaceable from or within their respective channels.

13. A method of determining a state of a heating system for use in an aerosol-generating article, the method comprising:

providing a system, the system comprising:

a receptacle for receiving a plurality of components; and

a test assembly, the test assembly comprising:

a plurality of sensor units, each sensor unit comprising at least one pair of electrical contacts configured to pass an electrical current therethrough and configured to obtain a signal related to a characteristic of the heating system of one of the plurality of elements; and

a processor;

determining, with the processor, a resistivity of the heating system for each element of the plurality of elements from the obtained signals.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the method further comprises the step of bringing the test component into a test configuration.

15. The method according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the method further comprises the steps of: removing the plurality of components from the receptacle and refilling the receptacle with a further plurality of components.