EA040338B1 - STEAM GENERATING DEVICE WITH SENSORS FOR MEASURING DEFORMATION CREATED BY MATERIAL GENERATING STEAM - Google Patents

Description

Background of the invention

In traditional cigarettes, the tobacco is burned and the smoke is inhaled. An alternative to traditional cigarettes are devices that heat rather than burn. Heat rather than burn devices heat the tobacco at a lower temperature to vaporize or aerosolize rather than burn it. Another alternative to traditional cigarettes is the vaporization of liquid products, which can be formed from a mixture of propylene glycol, glycerin and nicotine.

Heating devices for evaporation or aerosolization are known from the prior art. Such devices typically include a heating chamber and a heater. During operation, the operator inserts the product to be evaporated into the heating chamber. The product is then heated by an electronic heater to vaporize the constituents of the product for inhalation by the operator. In some instances, the tobacco product may be similar to a traditional cigarette, in other instances, the product may be a liquid or an encapsulated liquid.

Problems encountered in known devices are to provide optimal heating profiles and avoid the use of poor quality counterfeit steam generating materials to achieve an optimal user experience.

Brief description of the invention

According to one aspect, the present invention provides a device for generating steam, comprising a chamber for accommodating a material generating steam, an evaporator for evaporating a material generating steam placed in the chamber, at least one strain gauge configured to measure the stress created by the material generating steam placed in the chamber, and a controller configured to determine the operation, which depends on the measured voltage. Thus, the steam generating material can be placed in the steam generating device and the operation can be determined based on the measured voltage, so that the next step can be performed automatically without the need for additional user intervention.

Preferably, the evaporator is a heater configured to interact with the vapor generating material placed in the chamber. Thus, the steam generating material can be heated to generate steam.

The heater may protrude from the bottom of the chamber and be inserted into the steam generating material during use. Thus, the combination of a strain gauge on the side wall of the chamber and a heater protruding from the bottom of the chamber to be inserted into the vapor generating material provides a simple and convenient device configuration.

The heater may be an elemental type heater, an infrared heater, a laser heater, an induction heater, or any other suitable means for heating the vaporized product. Alternatively, an ultrasonic evaporator may be used instead of a heater.

Preferably, the voltage generated is related to the size or shape of the vapor generating material placed in the chamber. Thus, the user does not have to separately enter specific information related to the vapor generating material to optimize the performance of the vapor generating device, in particular for the inserted vapor generating material, since this can be determined automatically based on the generated voltage.

Preferably, at least one strain gauge is connected to at least one side wall of the chamber. Thus, the vapor generating material placed in the chamber can interact with at least one strain gauge to effect a stress determination.

Preferably, two or more strain gauges are present. Thus, the applied voltage can be averaged across multiple strain gauges, thereby providing a more accurate measurement.

Preferably, two or more strain gauges are evenly distributed around the side walls of the chamber. In this way, the steam generating material is guided to the center of the chamber for efficient engagement with the heater.

The strain gauge(s) may be in the form of a plate. In this manner, the vapor generating material interacts effectively with the strain gauge(s) as it is inserted into the chamber.

The total applied stress can be calculated as the average stress generated within each of the strain gauges.

Strain gauges can be made from a flexible material with resilient properties, such as plastic.

Strain gauges can be located in the same plane in the chamber. Alternatively, the strain gauges can be shifted relative to each other in the direction of insertion of the vapor generating material along the length of the chamber.

Preferably, the strain gauge(s) is(are) configured to guide the steam generating material to a desired position in the chamber. Thus strain gauges can help ensure that the vapor generating material is properly positioned in the chamber, for example to engage with the evaporator.

Preferably, the strain gauge(s) is(are) oriented in the insertion direction.

Thus, the orientation in the direction of insertion can direct the vapor generating material towards the bottom of the chamber so that it can be inserted completely.

Preferably, the evaporator is at the end of the chamber opposite the chamber opening, and the strain gauge(s) is(are) located closer to the chamber opening than the evaporator. Thus, the vapor generating material can interact with strain gauges for measurement prior to interaction with the evaporator; this can provide a more accurate determination since only the pressure of the strain gauge on the steam generating material is present during the determination. In addition, the strain gauge(s) can act as a guide so that the vapor generating material can be effectively inserted with respect to the position of the evaporator; whereby the steam generating material can be guided into the correct position before engaging with the evaporator.

Preferably, the size of the air inlet formed by the cross-sectional area of the chamber, the strain gauge(s) and the vapor generating material placed in the chamber is adjusted according to the cross-sectional shape of the vapor generating material placed in the chamber, thereby adjusting the draw resistance. In this way, the user experience can be improved as the draw resistance can be optimally adjusted for each steam generating material.

Preferably, the controller is configured to compare a measured voltage generated by the vapor generating material placed in the chamber and a predetermined threshold voltage and select an operation that prevents the vapor generating device from operating with the vapor generating material placed in the chamber if the measured voltage is less than or greater than the specified threshold voltage. Thus, it is possible to prevent the operation of the vapor generating device with the vapor generating material if the vapor generating material generates a voltage that is less than a predetermined threshold voltage; if the vapor generating material generates a voltage that is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, an operation may be selected to allow the vapor generating device to operate with the vapor generating material. This can advantageously prevent the use of an unsuitable vapor generating material in the device, thereby preventing the device and/or vapor generating material from possibly being damaged or malfunctioning. In addition, poor connection between the vapor generating material and the evaporator or overheating of the vapor generating material can be prevented if the size of the vapor generating material is not suitable for the evaporator.

Preferably, the controller is configured to compare the measured voltage generated by the vapor generating material placed in the chamber and the stored information corresponding to the voltages generated by the approved vapor generating materials, determining whether the vapor generating material placed in the chamber is an approved vapor generating material. steam, based on comparing and selecting an operation that prevents the steam generating device from operating with the steam generating material placed in the chamber if the steam generating material does not match the approved steam generating material. Thus, it is possible to prevent the operation of the steam generating apparatus with the steam generating material if the steam generating material is not an approved steam generating material based on comparison; if the steam generating material is determined to be an approved material based on comparison, an operation can be selected that enables the steam generating device to work with the steam generating material. Advantageously, this can prevent the use of third party steam generating materials which may provide a sub-optimal user experience.

Preferably, the controller is configured to compare the measured voltage generated by the steam generating material placed in the chamber with the stored information corresponding to the voltages generated by the steam generating materials with the associated stored heating profiles and selecting an operation, wherein the operation is a heating profile from the stored heating profiles for use with the vapor generating material placed in the chamber, based on the measured voltage. Thus, the user experience can be improved by heating the steam generating material to the optimum temperature.

Preferably, the controller is configured to determine the type of vapor generating material disposed in the chamber based on the sensed voltage and to indicate the type of vapor generating material disposed in the chamber to the user of the vapor generating apparatus. In this way, the user can verify that the correct vapor generating material is inserted without having to remove the vapor generating material from the chamber.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a system comprising the device according to the first aspect with a vapor generating material placed in the chamber.

The vapor generating material may be a tobacco rod such as a cigarette.

Alternatively, the vapor generating material may be a capsule containing liquid in an envelope. The capsule may have a liquid-permeable portion, such as a layer of cotton,

- 2 040338 located in such a way that it is between the heater and the liquid reservoir inside the capsule, so that the liquid can be supplied to the heater.

The vapor generating material (eg, a consumable containing tobacco) may be a capsule containing a vaporizable substance within a breathable material. Alternatively, the vapor generating material may be a volatile substance retained within the material, which is not breathable, but which contains appropriate perforations or holes to allow air to flow. Alternatively, the vapor generating material may itself be a vaporizable material. Alternatively, the vapor generating material may be formed substantially in the form of a handle, which may contain a mouthpiece filter. In this case, the vapor generating material may be a sheet, such as a vaporized substance wrapped in paper. In other words, the vapor generating material may comprise a rod with a vaporizable substance (such as tobacco) wrapped in a wrapper such as paper in the form of a rod. The steam generating rod may include a filter, such as an acetate filter, at its end. The material containing the vaporizable material may have a high air permeability to allow air to pass through the high temperature resistant material. Examples of suitable breathable materials include cellulose fibers, paper, cotton and silk. The breathable material may also act as a filter. Alternatively, the vapor generating material may be a vaporizable substance wrapped in paper. If an electric magnetic field is used to generate heat, the material containing the vaporized substance may be a material that is electrically insulating and non-magnetic.

The vaporizable substance (eg, tobacco) may be any suitable vapor-forming substance. The substance may be a solid or semi-solid. The substance may contain material of plant origin, and in particular, the substance may contain tobacco. Typically, the vaporized substance is a solid or semi-solid tobacco substance. Exemplary types of steam-generating solid or semi-solid materials include powder, granules, grains, chips, filaments, porous material, foam, or sheets. The substance may be foamed tobacco; the foamed tobacco typically contains a plurality of fine tobacco particles and may also typically contain some volume of water and/or a moisturizing additive such as a humectant. Foamed tobacco may be porous and may allow air or steam to flow through the foam. Preferably, the material to be vaporized may contain an aerosol generating agent. Examples of aerosol forming agents include polyhydric alcohols and mixtures thereof such as glycerol or propylene glycol. Typically, the volatilized material may have an aerosolizing agent content of from about 5% to about 50% by dry weight. Preferably, the vaporizable material may have an aerosolizing agent content of about 10-20% by dry weight. More preferably, the vaporizable material may have an aerosolizing agent content of about 15% by dry weight. Also, the volatilized substance may be the aerosol generating substance itself. In this case, the vaporized substance may be a liquid. Also in this case, the vapor generating material may have a liquid retaining material (for example, a bundle of fibers, a porous material such as ceramic, etc.) which retains the liquid to be vaporized by the evaporator, such as a heater, and enables generating and releasing/releasing vapor from the liquid-retaining substance towards the air outlet for inhalation by the user. If an electric magnetic field is used to generate heat, the solid or semi-solid vaporizable substance helps to hold and hold the current collector within the vapor generating material, so that heat can be provided efficiently and permanently.

In the context of the present invention, aerosol and vapor can be considered interchangeable terms. That is, an aerosol is a vapor, and a vapor is an aerosol. An aerosol for smoking may refer to an aerosol with a particle size of 0.5-7 microns. The particle size may be less than 10 or 7 microns.

In some cases, the steam generating device uses an induction heating system. The power supply and the circuitry of the steam generating device can be configured to operate at a high frequency. Preferably, the power supply and circuitry can be configured to operate at a frequency of about 80 to 500 kHz, preferably about 150 to 250 kHz, more preferably about 200 kHz. The node may be configured to operate when used with an alternating electromagnetic field having a magnetic flux density from about 0.5 Tesla (T) to about 2.0 T at the point of greatest concentration. While the induction coil may comprise any suitable material, typically the induction coil may comprise a high frequency stranded winding wire or a high frequency stranded winding cable.

The current collector may comprise one or more, but not limited to, aluminum, iron, nickel, stainless steel, and their alloys, such as nichrome. When applying an electromagnetic field

- 3 040338 near it, the pantograph can generate heat due to eddy currents and magnetic hysteresis losses, leading to the conversion of electromagnetic energy into thermal energy.

The chamber may have a substantially circular cross section defined by the side wall. Alternatively, the cross section may be square, rectangular, oval or any other shape with one or more side walls. The vapor generating material may have a substantially circular cross section. Alternatively, the cross section may also be square, rectangular, oval, or any other suitable shape. The cross-sectional shape of the steam generating device or the steam generating material may or may not match the cross-sectional shape of the chamber.

Brief description of graphic materials

In FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a steam generating system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 2A shows a schematic sectional view of the heating chamber.

In FIG. 2B is a schematic sectional view along line A of FIG. 2A.

In FIG. 3A shows a schematic sectional view of the heating chamber.

In FIG. 3B is a schematic sectional view along line A of FIG. 3A.

In FIG. 4A shows a schematic sectional view of the heating chamber.

In FIG. 4B is a schematic sectional view along line A of FIG. 4A.

In FIG. 5A-D show a schematic representation of the interaction of heaters and steam generating materials of various sizes.

Detailed description

In FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a steam generating system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system comprises a steam generating device 1 and a steam generating material 2. In an embodiment, the vapor generating material is a tobacco rod 2. The vapor generating device 1 comprises a housing 5 in which a chamber 3 is located. 3 to vaporize the vaporized components of the tobacco rod 2.

An internal power supply 7, such as a rechargeable battery, is located in the housing 5 to supply power to the heater 6. An external power supply 8 is located in connection with the internal power supply 7, so that the internal power supply 7 can be charged and recharged as needed. The internal power supply 7 is connected to the heater 6 via the controller 9. The controller 9 is configured to provide power to the heater 6 when commanded by a user input, for example, via an operation button on the housing 5. Alternatively, the controller 9 is configured to automatically supply power to the heater 6 upon detection of the tobacco rod 2 in the chamber 3. The heater 6 may be an element type heater, an infrared heater, a laser heater, an induction heater, or any other suitable means for heating the vaporized product. Alternatively, an ultrasonic evaporator may be used instead of a heater.

In use, tobacco rod 2 is inserted through opening 10 and placed in chamber 3. Heater 6 has a pointed shape that engages tobacco rod 2 by being inserted into tobacco rod 2. Tobacco rod 2 is heated by heater 6 and then the user can draw from the heated tobacco rod 2 for steam generation. The user can then remove the spent tobacco rod 2 through the opening 10 at the end of use.

The sensors 4 are located in the chamber 3 to measure one or more physical properties of the tobacco rod 2. The sensors are strain gauges 4 attached to the side walls 12 of the chamber 3. The strain gauges 4 are explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A and 4B.

In FIG. 2A and B show the chamber 3 in transverse sections. In FIG. 2A shows the chamber 3 in cross section perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the tobacco rod 2. FIG. 2B shows the chamber 3 in cross section along line A in FIG. 2A. Chamber 3 has a substantially circular cross section defined by side wall 12. In alternative embodiments, the cross section may also be square, rectangular, oval, or any other shape with one or more side walls. The four strain gauges 4 extend from the side wall 12 of the chamber 3 inwards towards the center of the chamber 3 and in the insertion direction of the tobacco rod 2 towards the heater 6. By this arrangement, the tobacco rod 2 is guided towards the center of the chamber 3 and towards the heater 6, thus the tobacco rod 2 easily engages with the heater. Although four strain gauges 4 are shown, any other number of strain gauges 4 may be used in alternative embodiments. The strain gauges 4 are flat in shape. The strain gauges 4 are coplanar in the chamber 3. In alternative embodiments, the strain gauges can be moved relative to each other in the direction of insertion of the tobacco rod along the length of the chamber.

The strain gauges 4 are located between the heater 6 and the opening 10 into the chamber 3, so that when the tobacco rod 2 is inserted into the chamber 3, the tobacco rod 2 interacts with the strain gauges 4

- 4 040338 until it engages with heater 6.

In FIG. 3A and B are schematic representations of the chamber 3 after insertion of the tobacco rod 2 of the first size. In FIG. 3A shows the chamber 3 in cross section perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the tobacco rod 2. FIG. 3B shows the chamber 3 in cross section along the line A of FIG. 3A.

In FIG. 4A and B show schematic views of the chamber 3 after the insertion of the second size tobacco rod 2. In FIG. 4A shows the chamber 3 in cross section perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the tobacco rod 2. FIG. 4B shows the chamber 3 in cross section along line A in FIG. 4A.

The diameter of the tobacco rod 2 of the second dimension is larger than the diameter of the tobacco rod 2 of the first dimension, as shown in FIG. 3A, B and 4A, B, respectively. The tobacco rod 2 has a substantially circular cross section. In alternative embodiments, the cross section may also be square, rectangular, oval, or any other suitable shape. The cross-sectional shape of the vapor generating device or the tobacco rod may not match the cross-sectional shape of the chamber.

When the tobacco rod 2 is placed in the chamber 3, it engages with the heater 6 so that the tobacco rod 2 can be heated to vaporize. When the tobacco rod 2 is inserted into the chamber 3, it interacts with the strain gauges 4. This interaction causes stress in the strain gauges 4. This stress is proportional to how far the strain gauges 4 are displaced in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the tobacco rod 2. The strain gauges are displaced by bending the strain gauge 4 to the side wall 12 of the chamber 3 due to the applied pressure from abutting the tobacco rod 2. The applied stress to each of the strain gauges 4 refers to the dimensions or cross-sectional shape of the tobacco rod 2. The total applied stress can be calculated as the average stress generated within each of the strain gauges . The strain gauges 4 are made of a flexible material with elastic properties, such as plastic.

Inserting a thicker tobacco rod 2 or a larger diameter rod into the chamber 3 will cause the strain gauges 4 to bend more than bending with a thinner tobacco rod 2 or a smaller diameter rod. This is visually shown in Fig. 3B and 4B showing that the strain gauges 4 are bent more towards the larger second size tobacco rod 2 (FIG. 4B) than towards the smaller first size tobacco rod 2 (FIG. 3B).

Looking at FIG. 3A and B, the part of the chamber 3 not occupied by the strain gauge 4 or the tobacco rod 2 constitutes the air inlet region 11. If a larger second size tobacco rod 2 is inserted (FIG. 4A), the air inlet area 11 is smaller than if a smaller first size tobacco rod 2 is inserted (FIG. 3A). Reducing the area of the air inlet region increases the resistance when the user draws from the vaporizer. This difference in resistance to airflow can affect the feel of the user, and the shape of the tobacco rod can be designed to select the appropriate resistance that suits each type (or flavor) of tobacco. The draw resistance can be adjusted according to the different size of the air inlet area 11 .

The tobacco rod 2 applies voltage to the strain gauges 4; strain gauges 4 measure this voltage. The strain gauges 4 are electrically connected to the controller 9 and send an electrical signal corresponding to the voltage measurement to the controller 9. From the voltage measurement, the controller 9 determines the operation to be performed by the steam generating device. The controller that determines the operation is the same controller that controls the heater 6. In an alternative arrangement, different controllers may be used. The operation may include enabling or preventing operation of the device 1 with the tobacco rod 2 placed, displaying information to the user, or selecting a heating profile for the placed tobacco rod 2.

Some types of tobacco rod 2 may be thicker and other types may be thinner and thus different voltages will be applied. For tobacco rods with different thicknesses, it may be necessary to apply different heating profiles. Thicker tobacco rods can have a larger volume of tobacco product to be heated and also reduce the size of the air inlets 11 . In an example, the operation determined by the controller 9 in response to the measured voltage generated by the tobacco rod 2 is to apply a specific heating profile to the tobacco rod 2. The controller 9 stores various voltage values and corresponding heating profiles related to different thicknesses of the tobacco rod 2. Controller 9 compares the measured voltage with the stored voltage values and selects the most suitable heating profile based on the comparison. Tobacco rods that create the first tension, i.e. having a first thickness, the first heating profile is assigned, and tobacco rods with a second tension, i.e. having a second thickness, assign a second heating profile. The present invention is not limited to only two heating profiles and two generated voltages; any number of heating profiles can be used, corresponding to any number of generated voltages. By measuring the voltage generated by the tobacco rod, the controller 9

- 5 040338 can select the most suitable heating profile for different thicknesses of the tobacco rod, which helps to optimize the user experience.

In another example, the measured voltage generated by the tobacco rod 2 placed in the chamber 3 is used to determine whether the tobacco rod 2 is an approved or non-type approved tobacco rod 2. In this case, the measured voltage is compared by the controller 9 with the voltage values corresponding to the approved type tobacco rod 2 stored in the controller 9. If, as determined, the measured voltage generated by the tobacco rod 2 corresponds to the stored type approved voltage values, the controller 9 selects an operation, which allows the heating of the tobacco rod 2 by the heater 6. If the measured voltage generated by the tobacco rod 2 does not match the stored voltage values of the approved type, the tobacco rod 2 is determined to be an unapproved type and the controller selects an operation that prohibits the heating of the tobacco rod 2 by the heater 6 This management of the use of approved and non-approved tobacco rods is used to prevent the use of non-approved or counterfeit tobacco rods that can have a negative impact on the user's experience.

In another example, the measured voltage generated by the tobacco rod 2 placed in the chamber 3 is used to determine the type of tobacco rod 2, thus the type can be displayed to the user. The measured voltage is compared by the controller 9 with the voltage values of known types of tobacco rod 2 stored in the controller 9. The controller selects the type of tobacco rod 2 that has the stored voltage value that best matches the measured voltage. The type of tobacco rod 2 is displayed to the user on the display screen. Alternatively, the type of tobacco rod 2 may be displayed by means of LEDs or the like.

In an alternative embodiment, the vapor generating material 2 is a capsule 2 containing vaporizing ingredients, in this embodiment the ingredients may be liquid. In such an embodiment, the vapor generating device is configured and operates as previously described with reference to tobacco rods. In this embodiment, the capsule 2 has a recess sized to engage with the corresponding protrusion of the heater 6. In this embodiment, the diameter of the capsule must be greater than the predetermined diameter of the heater 6 in the chamber 3, otherwise the protrusion of the heater 6 will be larger than the capsule recess 2 and the capsule 2 will not be able to engage with the heater 6. Alternatively, the heater has a pointed shape which is inserted into the capsule. Again, in this embodiment, the diameter of the capsule must be larger than the predetermined diameter of the heater 6 in the chamber 3, otherwise the tip of the heater 6 will be larger than the capsule 2 and the capsule 2 will not be able to engage with the heater 6. In FIG. 5A-D show the interaction of a fixed size heater 6 and increasing size capsules 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D (diameter increases from 2A to 2D). In this case, strain gauges 4 measure the applied stress generated by the placed capsule. A capsule with a larger diameter will generate more stress than a capsule with a smaller diameter. The controller 9 stores a voltage threshold corresponding to capsule diameters that are greater than or equal to the stored diameter of the heater 6. The controller 9 compares the measured voltage with the stored voltage threshold to determine if the capsule has a diameter greater than or equal to the known predetermined diameter of the heater 6, or a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the heater. If the measured voltage generated by the capsule is greater than or equal to the threshold and therefore corresponds to a capsule diameter that is greater than or equal to the known predetermined diameter of the heater 6, the capsule is determined to be suitable for use in the steam generating device 1, and the controller 8 selects the operation, which allows heating of the capsule 2 heater. If the measured voltage generated by the capsule is below the threshold and therefore corresponds to a capsule diameter that is less than the known predetermined diameter of the heater 6, the capsule is determined not to be suitable for use in the steam generating device 1 and the controller selects an operation that prohibits the heater from heating the unsuitable capsule 2. Therefore, the controller 9 prevents the heating of the unsuitable type of capsules by the heater 6 while allowing the heating of the appropriate type of capsules by the heater 6. This ensures that a suitable engagement of the capsule with the heater is achieved before heating and reduces the risk of overheating of the capsule or heating va capsule that cannot be hooked properly. In another embodiment, this vapor generating device arrangement can be used with tobacco rods instead of capsules.

The described features and embodiments may be combined into any suitable arrangement without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (15)

CLAIM 1. A device that generates steam, containing a chamber for placing material that generates steam; an evaporator for evaporating the vapor generating material placed in the chamber; - 6 040338 at least one strain gauge, configured to measure the stress that occurs in the strain gauge when it is deformed, caused by the placement of a vapor-generating material in the chamber, and a controller configured, depending on the measured voltage, to perform an operation from the group: preventing the device from operating with the vapor generating material placed in the chamber, determining the type of vapor generating material placed in the chamber, or selecting a heating profile for the vapor generating material placed in the chamber. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the evaporator is a heater configured to interact with the vapor generating material placed in the chamber. 3. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the voltage generated is related to the size or shape of the vapor generating material placed in the chamber. 4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one strain gauge is connected to at least one side wall of the chamber. 5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two or more strain gauges are present. 6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that two or more strain gauges are evenly distributed around the side walls of the chamber. 7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the strain gauge(s) is(are) configured to guide the steam generating material to a desired position in the chamber. 8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the strain gauge(s) is(are) oriented in the insertion direction. 9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the evaporator is located at the end of the chamber opposite the chamber opening and the strain gauge(s) is (are) located closer to the chamber opening than the evaporator. 10. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the size of the air inlet formed by the cross-sectional area of the chamber, the strain gauge(s) and the vapor generating material placed in the chamber is adjusted in accordance with the cross-sectional shape of the vapor generating material placed in the chamber, thereby adjusting the puff resistance. 11. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the controller is configured to compare the measured voltage created by the material that generates steam placed in the chamber, with a given voltage threshold; and selecting an operation that prevents the steam generating device from operating with the steam generating material placed in the chamber if the measured voltage is less than or greater than a predetermined voltage threshold. 12. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the controller is configured to compare the measured voltage generated by the vapor generating material placed in the chamber with stored information corresponding to voltages generated by approved vapor generating materials; determining whether the vapor generating material placed in the chamber is an approved vapor generating material based on the comparison; and selecting an operation that prevents the vapor generating device from operating with the vapor generating material disposed in the chamber if the vapor generating material does not conform to the approved vapor generating material. 13. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the controller is configured to compare the measured voltage generated by the steam generating material placed in the chamber with stored information corresponding to the voltages generated by the steam generating materials with associated stored heating profiles; and selecting an operation, the operation being a heating profile, from the stored heating profiles for use with the vapor generating material placed in the chamber, based on the measured voltage. 14. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the controller is configured to determine the type of material that generates steam placed in the chamber, based on the measured voltage; and indicating the type of vapor generating material disposed in the chamber to the user of the vapor generating apparatus. 15. A steam generating system comprising an apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims with a steam generating material placed in a chamber.