RU2818905C2 - Method of operating inductively heated aerosol-generating system with several temperature profiles - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: smoking accessories.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a method of controlling an aerosol-generating system, an aerosol-generating system, and an aerosol-generating device for an aerosol-generating system. Aerosol-generating system comprises: an induction heating assembly configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate; and a power supply unit configured to supply power to the induction heating assembly. Layout for induction heating comprises induction heating element (10) comprising at least one current collector (12, 14), heated by the penetration of a variable magnetic field for heating the aerosol-forming substrate; first induction coil (32); and second induction coil (34). Method includes exciting a first variable current in first induction coil (32) such that first induction coil (32) generates a first variable magnetic field which heats a first portion of induction heating element (10) and controlling the first varying current such that the temperature of the first part of the induction heating element (10) increases from the initial temperature in accordance with the first operating temperature profile. Method further includes exciting second variable current in second induction coil (34) such that second induction coil (34) generates second variable magnetic field, which heats second part of induction heating element (10), and controlling the second variable current such that the temperature of the second part of the induction heating element (10) increases from the initial temperature in accordance with the second operating temperature profile. Second working temperature profile differs from the first working temperature profile.

EFFECT: invention enables to heat one part of the aerosol-generating article without indirect simultaneous heating of the adjacent aerosol-generating article and adjusting the temperature of the first part of the induction heating element to the temperature indicated by the first temperature profile at that moment in time.

26 cl, 9 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to a method for controlling an aerosol generating system having an induction heating arrangement, an aerosol generating system having an induction heating arrangement, and an aerosol generating device having an induction heating arrangement.

The prior art has proposed a number of electrical aerosol generating systems in which an aerosol generating device having an electrical heater is used to heat an aerosol generating substrate such as a tobacco plug. One of the goals of such aerosol-generating systems is to reduce the amount of known harmful smoke components produced by combustion and pyrolytic degradation of tobacco in conventional cigarettes. Typically, the aerosol generating substrate is provided as part of an aerosol generating article that is inserted into a cavity in the aerosol generating device. In some known systems for heating the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which it is capable of releasing volatile components capable of forming an aerosol, a resistive heating element, such as a heating plate, is inserted into or located around the aerosol-forming substrate when the article is contained. into an aerosol generating device. Other aerosol generating systems use an induction heater instead of a resistive heating element. An induction heater typically includes an induction coil forming part of the aerosol generating device and a susceptor located in thermal proximity to the aerosol generating substrate. The inductor generates a varying magnetic field to generate eddy currents and hysteresis losses in the pantograph, causing the pantograph to heat up, thereby heating the aerosol-forming substrate. Inductive heating provides the ability to generate an aerosol without the heater affecting the aerosol-generating product. This may increase the ease with which the heater can be cleaned.

Some known aerosol generating devices contain more than one induction coil, with each induction coil configured to heat a different portion of the current collector. Such aerosol generating devices may be used to heat different parts of the aerosol generating article at different times or to different temperatures. However, for such aerosol generating devices, it may be difficult to heat one portion of the aerosol generating article without indirectly simultaneously heating an adjacent portion of the aerosol generating article.

US Patent Application No. 2018/0192700 A1 describes an induction heating assembly for generating an aerosol from an aerosol precursor material in an aerosol supply system, the induction heating assembly including: a susceptor and an excitation coil for inducing a current in the susceptor to heat it. The susceptor includes regions of different susceptibility to induced current from the field coil such that, during use, the surface of the susceptor in the regions of different susceptibility is heated to different temperatures by the current induced by the field coil. A node may have multiple coils and may support selective activation of multiple coils, where the user can select or specify which coil(s) to activate.

Publication WO 2018/178095 A1 describes an induction coil device for use with a device for heating smoking material to vaporize at least one component of the smoking material. The induction coil device includes a plate having opposite first and second sides, a first flat helical coil of electrically conductive material mounted on the first side of the plate, and a second flat helical coil of electrically conductive material mounted on the second side of the plate. The first and second planar helical coils may be axially aligned with each other. An elongated tubular support may be provided to provide support during use of the article containing the smokable material. The tubular support may contain a heating material that is heated by the penetration of alternating magnetic fields to heat the internal volume of the support and thus acts as a heating element. The controller may be configured to cause appropriate portions of the heating element to heat at different times.

Publication WO 2019/030168 A1 describes an aerosol-generating device comprising a chamber, at least one conical-shaped heating element extending into the chamber, and a conical-shaped induction coil located around at least part of the chamber. The heating element may include multiple heating elements, and the induction coil may include multiple independently controlled induction coils for heating the plurality of heating elements.

It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating device that would mitigate or eliminate these problems with prior art systems.

The present invention provides a method for controlling an aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system comprises: an induction heating arrangement configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate; and a power supply configured to supply power to the induction heating arrangement. The induction heating arrangement comprises: an induction heating element comprising at least one current collector heated by penetrating a varying magnetic field to heat an aerosol-forming substrate; a first induction coil; and a second induction coil. The method includes: driving a first varying current in a first induction coil such that the first induction coil generates a first varying magnetic field that heats a first portion of the induction heating element, and controlling the first varying current such that the temperature of the first portion of the induction heating element increases from an initial temperature. temperature in accordance with the first operating temperature profile. The method further includes: driving a second varying current in a second induction coil such that the second induction coil generates a second varying magnetic field that heats a second portion of the induction heating element, and controlling the second varying current such that the temperature of the second portion of the induction heating element increases from initial temperature in accordance with the second operating temperature profile. The second operating temperature profile is different from the first operating temperature profile.

The present invention controls a first varying current to increase the temperature of a first portion of an induction heating element from an initial temperature in accordance with a first temperature profile. The first temperature profile represents a change in a predetermined desired temperature of the first part of the induction heating element over time. At any given point in time, if the actual temperature of the first part of the induction heating element differs from the temperature of the first temperature profile at that point in time, the first varying current is controlled so as to regulate the temperature of the first part of the induction heating element to the temperature indicated by the first temperature profile at this moment in time.

Likewise, a second varying current is controlled to increase the temperature of the second portion of the induction heating element from an initial temperature in accordance with a second temperature profile. The second temperature profile represents a change in a predetermined desired temperature of the second portion of the induction heating element over time. At any given point in time, if the actual temperature of the second part of the induction heating element differs from the temperature of the second temperature profile at that point in time, the second varying current is controlled so as to regulate the temperature of the second part of the induction heating element to the temperature indicated by the second temperature profile at this moment in time.

Advantageously, heating different parts of the aerosol-generating substrate with different temperature profiles can generate an aerosol with particularly desirable characteristics. Advantageously, heating different parts of the aerosol-forming substrate with different temperature profiles can generate an aerosol with the desired characteristics over a longer period of time than if parts of the aerosol-forming substrate were heated to the same temperature, as described in more detail below, especially with reference to fig. 9.

The present invention provides an aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system contains: a substrate that forms an aerosol; an induction heating arrangement configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate; a power supply configured to supply power to the induction heating arrangement; and controller. The induction heating arrangement comprises: an induction heating element comprising at least one current collector (susceptor) heated by penetrating a varying magnetic field to heat the aerosol-forming substrate; a first induction coil; and a second induction coil. The controller is configured to perform the method steps described above.

In particular, according to the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating substrate; an induction heating arrangement configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate; a power supply configured to supply power to the induction heating arrangement; and controller. The induction heating arrangement comprises: an induction heating element comprising at least one current collector heated by penetrating a varying magnetic field to heat an aerosol-forming substrate; a first induction coil; and a second induction coil. The controller is configured to: drive a first varying current in the first induction coil to generate a first varying magnetic field for heating a first portion of the induction heating element, and control the first varying current such that the temperature of the first portion of the induction heating element increases from an initial temperature in accordance with the first operating temperature. temperature profile. The controller is further configured to: drive a second varying current in the second induction coil to generate a second varying magnetic field for heating a second portion of the induction heating element, and control the second varying current such that the temperature of the second portion of the induction heating element increases from an initial temperature in accordance with the second operating temperature profile. The second operating temperature profile is different from the first operating temperature profile.

The present invention provides an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device is configured to accommodate an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol generating substrate and an induction heating element comprising at least one current collector heated by penetrating a varying magnetic field to heat the aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating device comprises: a first induction coil; a second induction coil; a power supply configured to supply power to the first induction coil and the second induction coil; and controller. The controller is configured to drive a first varying current in the first induction coil to generate a first varying magnetic field for heating a first portion of an induction heating element of an aerosol generating article housed in the aerosol generating device, and controlling the first varying current such that the temperature of the first portion of the induction heating element heating element increases from the initial temperature in accordance with the first operating temperature profile. The controller is further configured to drive a second varying current in the second induction coil to generate a second varying magnetic field for heating a second portion of the induction heating element of the aerosol generating article housed in the aerosol generating device, and controlling the second varying current such that the temperature of the second portion the induction heating element increases from the initial temperature in accordance with the second operating temperature profile. The second operating temperature profile is different from the first operating temperature profile.

Specifically, the present invention provides an aerosol generating device comprising: an induction heating arrangement configured to heat an aerosol generating substrate; a power supply configured to supply power to the induction heating arrangement; and controller. The induction heating arrangement comprises: an induction heating element comprising at least one current collector heated by penetrating a varying magnetic field to heat an aerosol-forming substrate; a first induction coil; and a second induction coil. The controller is configured to perform the method steps described above.

Specifically, the present invention provides an aerosol generating device comprising: an induction heating arrangement configured to heat an aerosol generating substrate; a power supply configured to supply power to the induction heating arrangement; and controller. The induction heating arrangement comprises: an induction heating element comprising at least one current collector (susceptor) heated by penetrating a varying magnetic field to heat an aerosol-forming substrate; a first induction coil; and a second induction coil. The controller is configured to drive a first varying current in the first induction coil to generate a first varying magnetic field for heating a first portion of an induction heating element of an aerosol generating article housed in the aerosol generating device, and controlling the first varying current such that the temperature of the first portion of the induction heating element heating element increases from the initial temperature in accordance with the first operating temperature profile. The controller is further configured to drive a second varying current in the second induction coil to generate a second varying magnetic field for heating a second portion of the induction heating element of the aerosol generating article housed in the aerosol generating device, and controlling the second varying current such that the temperature of the second portion the induction heating element increases from the initial temperature in accordance with the second operating temperature profile. The second operating temperature profile is different from the first operating temperature profile.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" means a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Such volatile compounds can be released by heating the substrate to form an aerosol. The aerosol-generating substrate is typically part of the aerosol-generating article.

As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating article” refers to an article containing an aerosol-forming substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. For example, an aerosol generating product may be one that generates an aerosol that is directly inhaled by a user inhaling or puffing from a mouthpiece at the proximal or user end of the system. The aerosol-generating product may be disposable. An article containing a substrate forming an aerosol containing tobacco may be referred to as a tobacco stick in the context of this document.

As used herein, the term “aerosol generating device” refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol.

As used herein, the term “aerosol generating system” refers to the combination of an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article. In an aerosol generating system, an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating device cooperate to generate a respirable aerosol.

As used herein, the term "varying current" includes any type of current that changes over time to generate a varying magnetic field. The term "variable current" is intended to include varieties of alternating current. In case the changing current is alternating current, the alternating current generates an alternating magnetic field.

As used herein, the term “length” means the primary dimension in the longitudinal direction of an aerosol generating device or aerosol generating article or a component of an aerosol generating device or an aerosol generating article.

As used herein, the term "width" means the basic dimension in the transverse direction of an aerosol generating device or aerosol generating article, or a component of an aerosol generating device or an aerosol generating article, at a specific location along its length. The term "thickness" means the dimension in the transverse direction perpendicular to the width.

As used herein, the term "cross-section" is used to describe the cross-section of an aerosol generating device or aerosol generating article, or a component of an aerosol generating device or aerosol generating article, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction at a particular location along its length.

As used herein, the term “proximal” refers to the user end or mouth end of an aerosol generating device or aerosol generating article. The proximal end of a component of an aerosol generating device or aerosol generating article is the end of the component closest to the user end or mouthpiece end of the aerosol generating device or aerosol generating article. As used herein, the term "far" refers to the end opposite the near end.

The first varying current and the second varying current may be controlled such that: in the first phase, the first varying current is supplied to the first induction coil; and in the second phase, a second varying current is supplied to the second coil.

In some embodiments, in the first phase, driving the first varying current and the second varying current alternately drives the first varying current in the first induction coil and drives the second varying current in the second induction coil.

In some embodiments, in the second phase, driving the first varying current and the second varying current alternately drives the first varying current in the first induction coil and drives the second varying current in the second induction coil.

The first phase may have a predetermined duration. The second phase may have a predetermined duration. The duration of the first phase and the duration of the second phase may be the same. The duration of the second phase may differ from the duration of the first phase. Advantageously, this may cause the system to heat the first portion of the aerosol-forming substrate and the second portion of the aerosol-forming substrate for different periods of time. The duration of the second phase may be less than the duration of the first phase. The duration of the second phase may be longer than the duration of the first phase.

The duration of the first phase can be from about 50 seconds to about 200 seconds. The duration of the second phase ranges from approximately 50 seconds to approximately 200 seconds. The total duration of the first phase and the second phase may be from about 100 seconds to about 400 seconds. The total duration of the first phase and the second phase may be from about 150 seconds to about 300 seconds.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises a puff sensor configured to detect when a user takes a puff on the aerosol receiving system. In these embodiments, the duration of the first phase may be based on a first predetermined number of puffs detected by the puff sensor. The first predetermined number of puffs may be from 2 to 5. In these embodiments, the duration of the second phase may be based on the second predetermined number of puffs detected by the puff sensor. The second predetermined number of puffs may be from 2 to 5. In these embodiments, the total duration of the first phase and the second phase may be based on the total predetermined number of puffs detected by the puff sensor. The total predetermined number of puffs can range from 3 to 10 puffs by the user.

In some preferred embodiments, the first phase ends upon detection of the first maximum number of puffs or before the first maximum duration is reached. The first maximum number of puffs can be from 2 to 5, and the first maximum duration is from 50 seconds to approximately 200 seconds.

In some preferred embodiments, the second phase ends upon detection of the second maximum number of puffs, or sooner upon reaching the second maximum duration. The second maximum number of puffs may be from 2 to 5, and the second maximum duration may be from 50 seconds to approximately 200 seconds.

The first varying current may be controlled such that the temperature of the first portion of the induction heating element increases from an initial temperature in accordance with a first operating temperature profile. The first temperature profile represents a change in a predetermined desired temperature of the first part of the induction heating element over time. At any given point in time, if the actual temperature of the first part of the induction heating element differs from the temperature of the first temperature profile at that point in time, the first varying current is controlled so as to regulate the temperature of the first part of the induction heating element to the temperature indicated by the first temperature profile at this moment in time.

Likewise, a second varying current may be controlled to increase the temperature of the second portion of the induction heating element from an initial temperature in accordance with a second temperature profile. The second temperature profile represents a change in a predetermined desired temperature of the second portion of the induction heating element over time. At any given point in time, if the actual temperature of the second part of the induction heating element differs from the temperature of the second temperature profile at that point in time, the second varying current is controlled so as to regulate the temperature of the second part of the induction heating element to the temperature indicated by the second temperature profile at this moment in time.

In some embodiments, the first operating temperature profile is substantially constant. In some embodiments, the first operating temperature profile changes over time.

In some embodiments, the second operating temperature profile is substantially constant. In some embodiments, the second operating temperature profile changes over time.

In some embodiments, in at least a portion of the first phase, the first operating temperature profile exceeds the second operating temperature profile. In these embodiments, in at least a portion of the first phase, the first operating temperature profile exceeds the second operating temperature profile by at least about 50 degrees Celsius. The first operating temperature profile may exceed the second operating temperature profile throughout the first phase.

In some embodiments, in the second phase, the first operating temperature profile and the second operating temperature profile are substantially the same. In some embodiments, in the second phase, the second operating temperature profile is within about 5 degrees Celsius of the first operating temperature profile.

In some embodiments, in at least a portion of the second phase, the second operating temperature profile exceeds the first operating temperature profile. In these embodiments, in the second phase, the second operating temperature profile may exceed the first operating temperature profile by no more than about 50 degrees Celsius.

In some embodiments, the first operating temperature profile is substantially constant during at least a portion of the first phase. The first operating temperature profile may be constant during the first phase.

In some embodiments, the first operating temperature profile is substantially constant during at least a portion of the second phase. The first operating temperature profile may be constant during the second phase.

In some embodiments, the second operating temperature profile is substantially constant during at least a portion of the second phase. The second operating temperature profile may be constant during the second phase.

The first operating temperature profile may range from about 180 degrees Celsius to 300 degrees Celsius during at least a portion of the first phase. The first operating temperature profile may range from about 160 degrees Celsius to about 260 degrees Celsius during at least a portion of the second phase. The second operating temperature profile may range from about 180 degrees Celsius to about 300 degrees Celsius during at least a portion of the second phase.

In some embodiments, in the first phase, driving the first varying current and the second varying current alternately drives the first varying current in the first induction coil and drives the second varying current in the second induction coil.

In some embodiments, in the second phase, driving the first varying current and the second varying current alternately drives the first varying current in the first induction coil and drives the second varying current in the second induction coil.

In some embodiments, in at least a portion of the first phase, the second varying current is driven at the same time as the first varying current.

In some embodiments, in at least a portion of the second phase, the first varying current is driven at the same time as the second varying current.

In some preferred embodiments, the second varying current is not driven when the first varying current is driven; and the first varying current is not driven when the second varying current is driven.

The present invention provides an induction heating element for an aerosol generating system.

The induction heating element can take any suitable shape. The induction heating element can be of one-piece construction. An induction heating element can contain several integral structures. The induction heating element can be oblong. The induction heating element may have any suitable cross-section. For example, the induction heating element may have a circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, triangular or other polygonal cross-section.

In some embodiments, the induction heating element may include an internal heating element. As used herein, the term "internal heating element" refers to a heating element configured to be inserted into an aerosol-generating substrate.

In some embodiments, the induction heating element may form part of the aerosol generating device and may be configured to penetrate the aerosol generating substrate when the aerosol generating substrate is accommodated in the device. In these embodiments, the internal heating element is preferably configured to be inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate. The internal heating element may be in the form of a plate. The internal heating element may be in the form of a pin. The internal heating element may be cone-shaped. In case the aerosol generating device includes a device cavity for receiving an aerosol generating substrate, preferably an internal heating element extends into the device cavity.

In some embodiments, the induction heating element may form a portion of an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-generating substrate. In these embodiments, the induction heating element may be incorporated into the aerosol-forming substrate. In these embodiments, the induction heating element may be at least partially enveloped by the aerosol-forming substrate.

In some embodiments, the induction heating element may be an external heating element. As used herein, the term “external heating element” refers to a heating element configured to heat the outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate. The external heating element is preferably configured to at least partially enclose the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-forming substrate is accommodated in the aerosol-generating device. The induction heating element may be configured to heat an outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-forming substrate is received within the cavity of the induction heating element.

In those embodiments where the induction heating element forms part of an aerosol generating device, the induction heating element may be configured to substantially surround the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-generating substrate is accommodated in the device.

In those embodiments where the induction heating element forms part of an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-generating substrate, the induction heating element may surround the aerosol-generating substrate. In these embodiments, the induction heating element may be in the form of a wrapper wrapped around an aerosol-forming substrate.

The induction heating element may include a cavity for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate. The induction heating element may include an outer side and an inner side opposite the outer side. The inner side may at least partially define a cavity of the induction heating element for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate. The first part of the induction heating element may be tubular and define a cavity portion of the induction heating element. The second portion of the induction heating element may be tubular and define a cavity portion of the induction heating element.

In some embodiments, the induction heating element includes multiple internal cavities to accommodate an aerosol-forming substrate. An internal cavity of the first induction heating element portion may define a first induction heating element cavity, and an internal cavity of a second induction heating element portion may define a second induction heating element cavity.

In some preferred embodiments, the induction heating element includes a single internal cavity for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate. In these embodiments, the interior cavity of the first induction heating element portion defines a portion of the single interior cavity of the induction heating element, and the interior cavity of the second induction heating element portion defines a second portion of the single interior cavity of the induction heating element. In some preferred embodiments, the induction heating element is a tubular induction heating element. The inner surface of the tubular induction heating element may define a cavity of the induction heating element.

In those embodiments where the aerosol generating device includes a device cavity for receiving an aerosol generating substrate, an induction heating element may at least partially surround the device cavity. The cavity of the induction heating element may be aligned with the cavity of the device.

In some embodiments, the induction heating arrangement includes at least one internal heating element and at least one external heating element.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article includes a first induction heating element portion, and the aerosol generating device includes a second induction heating element portion.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article includes a second induction heating element portion, and the aerosol generating device includes a first induction heating element portion.

The induction heating element contains at least one current collector. The induction heating element may comprise a single current collector. The induction heating element may consist of a single current collector. The first part of the induction heating element may include a first current collector. The second part of the induction heating element may include a second current collector.

As used herein, the term "susceptor" refers to an element containing a material that is capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat. When the pantograph is in a changing magnetic field, the pantograph heats up. Heating of the pantograph may result from at least one of hysteresis losses and eddy currents induced in the pantograph, depending on the electrical and magnetic properties of the pantograph material.

The current collector may comprise any suitable material. The current collector may be formed from any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to aerosolize the aerosol-forming substrate. Preferred pantographs may be heated to temperatures in excess of approximately 250 degrees Celsius. Preferred current collectors may be formed from an electrically conductive material. As used herein, the term "electrically conductive" refers to materials having an electrical resistivity of less than or equal to 1×10 ^-4 ohm-meter (Ohm⋅m), at twenty degrees Celsius. Preferred current collectors may be formed from a thermally conductive material. As used herein, the term "thermal conductive material" is used to describe a material having a volumetric thermal conductivity of at least 10 watts per meter-Kelvin (W/(m⋅K)) at 23 degrees Celsius and 50 percent relative humidity, when measured using the method modified transient planar source (MTPS).

Suitable materials for the current collector include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel, nickel compounds, titanium and composite metal materials. Some preferred current collectors contain metal or carbon. Some preferred current collectors contain ferromagnetic material, such as ferritic iron, a ferromagnetic alloy such as ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel, ferromagnetic particles and ferrite. Some preferred current collectors are composed of ferromagnetic material. A suitable pantograph may contain aluminum. A suitable pantograph may consist of aluminum. The current collector may contain at least about 5 percent, at least about 20 percent, at least about 50 percent, or at least about 90 ferromagnetic or paramagnetic materials.

Preferably, the current collector is formed from a material that is substantially impermeable to gas. In other words, preferably the current collector is formed from a material that is not permeable to gas.

The current collector of the induction heating element can take any suitable shape. For example, the pantograph may be oblong. The pantograph may have any suitable cross-section. For example, the pantograph may have a circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, triangular, or other polygonal cross-section.

The first part of the induction heating element may be a tubular current collector. The second part of the induction heating element may be a tubular current collector. The tubular current collector contains an annular body defining an internal cavity. The pantograph cavity may be configured to accommodate an aerosol-forming substrate. The pantograph cavity may be an open cavity. The pantograph cavity may be open at one end. The pantograph cavity can be open at both ends.

In some multiple pantograph embodiments, all pantographs may be substantially identical. For example, the second pantograph may be substantially identical to the first pantograph. All pantographs can be formed from the same material. All pantographs can have the same shape and size. Making each pantograph identical to the other pantographs can ensure that each pantograph is heated to substantially the same temperature and heated at substantially the same rate when a given varying magnetic field is applied.

In some embodiments, the second pantograph differs from the first pantograph in at least one characteristic. The second pantograph may be formed from a material different from the material of the first pantograph. The shape and dimensions of the second pantograph may be different from the shape and dimensions of the first pantograph. The second pantograph may have a length that is greater than the length of the first pantograph. Making each pantograph different from other pantographs can ensure that each pantograph is adapted to optimally heat different aerosol-forming substrates.

In one example, the first aerosol-forming substrate may require heating to a first temperature to generate a first aerosol with the desired characteristics, and the second aerosol-forming substrate may require heating to a second temperature different from the first temperature to generate a second aerosol with the desired characteristics. In this example, the first susceptor may be formed from a first material suitable for heating the first aerosol-forming substrate to a first temperature, and the second susceptor may be formed from a second material different from the first material suitable for heating the second aerosol-forming substrate to second temperature.

In another example, an aerosol-generating article may comprise a first aerosol-generating substrate having a first length, and a second aerosol-generating substrate having a second length different from the first length, such that heating the second aerosol-generating substrate generates a different amount of aerosol, than heating the first aerosol-forming substrate. In this embodiment, the first pantograph may have a length substantially equal to the first length, and the second pantograph may have a length substantially equal to the second length.

In some preferred embodiments, the first pantograph is an elongated tubular pantograph and the second pantograph is an oblong tubular pantograph. In these preferred embodiments, the first pantograph and the second pantograph may be substantially aligned. In other words, the first pantograph and the second pantograph may be coaxially aligned.

The induction heating element may contain any suitable number of current collectors. The induction heating element may contain several current collectors. The induction heating element may comprise at least two current collectors. For example, an induction heating element may contain three, four, five or six current collectors. If the induction heating element contains more than two pantographs, an intermediate element may be placed between each adjacent pair of pantographs.

In some preferred embodiments, the pantograph may include a pantograph layer provided on the support body. In embodiments with a first pantograph and a second pantograph, each of the first pantograph and the second pantograph may be formed from a support body and a pantograph layer. The placement of a pantograph in a changing magnetic field induces eddy currents in close proximity to the surface of the pantograph, that is, it creates an effect called the skin effect. Accordingly, it is possible to form a susceptor from a relatively thin layer of susceptor material, which at the same time ensures efficient heating of the susceptor in the presence of a changing magnetic field. Constructing the susceptor from a support body and a relatively thin susceptor layer can facilitate the production of an aerosol generating article that is simple, inexpensive and reliable.

The supporting main part can be made of a material that is not subject to induction heating. Advantageously, this can reduce heating of the pantograph surfaces that are not in contact with the aerosol-forming substrate, where the surfaces of the support body form the pantograph surfaces that are not in contact with the aerosol-generating substrate.

The support body may contain electrical insulating material. As used herein, the term “electrical insulating” refers to materials having an electrical resistivity of at least 1×10 ⁴ ohm-meter (Ω⋅m) at twenty degrees Celsius.

The supporting main part can be thermally insulating. As used herein, the term "thermal insulating material" is used to describe a material having a volumetric thermal conductivity of less than or equal to approximately 40 watts per meter-Kelvin (W/(m⋅K)) at a temperature of 23 degrees Celsius and 50 percent relative humidity, when measured with using the modified transient planar source (MTPS) method.

Forming the support body of the thermal insulating material may provide a thermal barrier between the current collector layer and other components of the induction heating arrangement, such as an induction coil surrounding the induction heating element. Advantageously, this can reduce heat transfer between the current collector and other components of the induction heating system.

The support body may be a tubular support body, and a current collector layer may be provided on an inner surface of the tubular support body. By providing a susceptor layer on the inner surface of the support body, it is possible to position the susceptor layer adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity of the induction heating element, improving heat transfer between the susceptor layer and the aerosol-forming substrate.

In some preferred embodiments with a first pantograph and a second pantograph, the first pantograph comprises a tubular support body formed from a thermal insulation material and a pantograph layer on an inner surface of the tubular support body. In some preferred embodiments, the second pantograph comprises a tubular support body formed from a thermal insulating material and a pantograph layer on an inner surface of the tubular support body.

The current collector may be provided with a protective outer layer, for example a protective ceramic layer or a protective glass layer. The protective outer layer can improve the strength of the pantograph and make the pantograph easier to clean. The protective outer layer may substantially enclose the current collector. The current collector may contain a protective coating formed from glass, ceramics or inert metal.

The induction heating element may include a space between a first induction heating element portion and a second induction heating element portion.

The gap may be of any suitable size to thermally insulate the first portion of the induction heating element from the second portion of the induction heating element.

The induction heating element may include an intermediate element positioned between the first induction heating element portion and the second induction heating element portion. The intermediate element may be positioned in a space between the first induction heating element portion and the second induction heating element portion. The intermediate element may extend between the first induction heating element portion and the second induction heating element portion. The intermediate element may contact the end of the first part of the induction heating element. The intermediate element may contact the end of the second part of the induction heating element. The intermediate element may be attached to the end of the first part of the induction heating element. The intermediate element may be attached to the end of the second part of the induction heating element. The intermediate element may connect the second induction heating element portion to the first induction heating element portion. If the intermediate element connects the second induction heating element portion to the first induction heating element portion, the intermediate element may provide structural support to the induction heating element. Advantageously, the intermediate element can provide the induction heating element as a single integral element that can be easily removed from the induction heating arrangement and replaced.

The intermediate element may take any suitable shape. The intermediate element may have any suitable cross-section. For example, the intermediate element may have a circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, triangular or other polygonal cross-section. The intermediate element may be tubular. The tubular intermediate element contains an annular body defining an internal cavity. The intermediate element may be configured to allow gas to penetrate from the outside of the intermediate element into the internal cavity. The cavity of the intermediate element may be configured to accommodate a portion of the aerosol-generating article. The cavity of the intermediate element may be an open cavity. The spacer cavity may be open at one end. The cavity of the intermediate element can be open at both ends.

In some preferred embodiments, the first induction heating element portion and the second induction heating element portion are tubular current collectors, and the intermediate element is a tubular intermediate element. In these embodiments, the tubular first pantograph, tubular second pantograph, and tubular intermediate member may be substantially aligned. The tubular first pantograph, the tubular intermediate member, and the tubular second pantograph may be arranged end to end in the form of a tubular rod. The internal cavities of the tubular first pantograph, the tubular intermediate member, and the tubular second pantograph may be substantially aligned. The internal cavities of the tubular first pantograph, the tubular intermediate member, and the tubular second pantograph may define a cavity of the induction heating element.

The intermediate element may be formed from any suitable material.

In preferred embodiments, the intermediate element is formed from a different material relative to the first induction heating element portion and the second induction heating element portion.

The intermediate element may include thermal insulating material for thermally insulating the first portion of the induction heating element from the second portion of the induction heating element. The intermediate element may comprise a material having a volumetric thermal conductivity of less than or equal to approximately 100 milliwatts per meter-Kelvin (mW/(m⋅K)) at a temperature of 23 degrees Celsius and 50 percent relative humidity, as measured using a modified transient planar source (MTPS) method ). Providing an intermediate element formed of a thermal insulation material in the space between the first induction heating element part and the second induction heating element part can further reduce heat transfer between the first induction heating element part and the second induction heating element part. Advantageously, this can improve the ability of the induction heating element to selectively heat separate portions of the aerosol-forming substrate. This may also make it possible to reduce the size of the gap between the first induction heating element portion and the second induction heating element portion and, in turn, reduce the size of the induction heating element.

The intermediate element may include electrically insulating material for electrically insulating the first induction heating element portion from the second induction heating element portion. The current collector may comprise a material having an electrical resistivity of at least 1×10 ⁴ ohm-meter (Ohm⋅m) at twenty degrees Celsius.

The intermediate element may comprise at least one of the following: thermal insulation material for thermally insulating the first part of the induction heating element from the second part of the induction heating element; and an electrical insulating material for electrically insulating the first part of the induction heating element from the second part of the induction heating element. In some preferred embodiments, the intermediate element comprises thermal insulating material for thermally insulating a first induction heating element portion from a second induction heating element portion and electrically insulating material for electrically insulating a first induction heating element portion from a second induction heating element portion.

Particularly preferred materials for the intermediate element may include polymeric materials such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), liquid crystal polymers such as Kevlar, certain types of cement, glass and ceramic materials such as zirconia (ZrO2), silicon nitride (Si3N4) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3).

The intermediate element may be gas permeable. In other words, the intermediate element is configured to allow gas to penetrate through the intermediate element. Typically, the intermediate element is configured to allow gas to pass from one side of the intermediate element to the other side of the intermediate element. The intermediate element may comprise an outer side and an inner side opposite the outer side. The intermediate element may be configured to allow gas to penetrate from the outside to the inside.

In some embodiments, the intermediate member includes an air passage configured to allow air to flow through the intermediate member. In these embodiments, the intermediate element does not necessarily have to be made of a gas-permeable material. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the intermediate member is formed from a gas-impermeable material and includes an air passage configured to allow air to pass through the intermediate member. The intermediate element may contain several air passages. The intermediate element may comprise any suitable number of air passages, for example two, three, four, five or six air passages. In case the intermediate element contains multiple air passages, the air passages may be evenly spaced from the intermediate element.

If the intermediate element is a tubular intermediate element defining an internal cavity, the intermediate element may include an air passage configured to allow air flow from the outer surface of the intermediate element into the internal cavity. The intermediate element may include an air passage extending from the outer surface to the inner surface. In case the tubular intermediate member contains multiple air passages, the air passages may be evenly spaced around the circumference of the tubular intermediate member.

The induction heating element may be included in the induction heating arrangement.

The induction heating arrangement further includes an induction coil. Preferably, the induction heating arrangement includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil.

The first induction coil is configured such that a varying electric current supplied to the first induction coil generates a varying magnetic field. The first induction coil is positioned relative to the induction heating element such that a varying electric current supplied to the first induction coil generates a varying magnetic field that heats the first induction heating element portion of the induction heating element.

The second induction coil is configured such that a varying electric current supplied to the second induction coil generates a varying magnetic field. The second induction coil is positioned relative to the induction heating element such that a varying electric current supplied to the second induction coil generates a varying magnetic field that heats the second induction heating element portion of the induction heating element.

The induction coil can be of any suitable shape. For example, the induction coil may be a planar induction coil. A flat induction coil can be wound in a spiral, essentially in a plane. Preferably, the induction coil is a tubular induction coil defining an internal cavity. Typically, a tubular induction coil is wound helically around an axis. The induction coil can be oblong. Particularly preferably, the induction coil can be an elongated tubular induction coil. The induction coil may have any suitable cross-section. For example, the induction coil may have a circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, triangular or other polygonal cross-section.

The induction coil may be formed from any suitable material. The induction coil is formed from an electrically conductive material. Preferably, the induction coil is formed from a metal or a metal alloy.

In case the induction coil is a tubular induction coil, preferably the induction heating element portion is located inside the inner cavity of the induction coil. Particularly preferably, the first induction coil is a tubular induction coil, and at least a part of the first induction heating element part is located inside the inner cavity of the first induction coil. The length of the tubular first induction coil may be substantially similar to the length of the first portion of the induction heating element. Particularly preferably, the second induction coil is a tubular induction coil, and at least a part of the second induction heating element part is located inside the inner cavity of the second induction coil. The length of the tubular second induction coil may be substantially similar to the length of the second portion of the induction heating element.

In some embodiments, the second telecoil is substantially identical to the first telecoil. In other words, the first induction coil and the second induction coil have the same shape, size and number of turns. Particularly preferably, the second induction coil is substantially identical to the first induction coil in those embodiments where the second induction heating element portion is substantially identical to the first induction heating element portion.

In some embodiments, the second induction coil is different from the first induction coil. For example, the second induction coil may have a different length, number of turns, or cross-section than the first induction coil. Particularly preferably, the second induction coil is different from the first induction coil in those embodiments where the second induction heating element part is different from the first induction heating element part.

The first induction coil and the second induction coil may be arranged in any suitable arrangement. Particularly preferably, the first induction coil and the second induction coil are coaxially aligned along an axis. In case the first induction coil and the second induction coil are elongated tubular induction coils, the first induction coil and the second induction coil can be coaxially aligned along the longitudinal axis so that the internal cavities of the coils are aligned along the longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments, the first induction coil and the second induction coil are wound in the same direction. In some embodiments, the second induction coil is wound in a direction different from the first induction coil.

The induction heating arrangement may contain any suitable number of induction coils. An induction heating element contains several induction coils. The induction heating arrangement includes at least two induction coils. Preferably, the number of induction coils of the induction heating arrangement is equal to the number of current collectors of the induction heating element. The number of induction coils of the induction heating arrangement may be different from the number of current collectors of the induction heating element. In case the number of induction coils is equal to the number of pantographs, preferably each induction coil is placed around a pantograph. Particularly preferably, each induction coil extends substantially along the length of the pantograph around which it is placed.

The induction heating element may include a flux concentrator. A flux concentrator may be placed around the induction coil of the induction heating arrangement. The flux concentrator is configured to deform the changing magnetic field generated by the induction coil in the direction of the induction heating element.

Advantageously, by deforming the electromagnetic field in the direction of the induction heating element, the flux concentrator can concentrate the magnetic field on the induction heating element. This may increase the efficiency of the induction heating arrangement compared to embodiments in which a flux concentrator is not provided. As used herein, the phrase “concentrate a magnetic field” means to deform a magnetic field such that the magnetic energy density of the magnetic field increases at the location where the magnetic field is “concentrated.”

As used herein, the term "flux concentrator" refers to a component having a high relative magnetic permeability that serves to concentrate and direct the magnetic field or magnetic field lines generated by the induction coil. As used herein, the term "relative permeability" refers to the ratio of the magnetic permeability of a material or medium, such as a flux concentrator, to the magnetic permeability of free space, "μ ₀ ", where μ ₀ is 4π× ¹⁰⁻⁷ newton per square ampere (NA ⁻² ).

As used herein, the term “high relative magnetic permeability” refers to a relative magnetic permeability of at least 5 at 25 degrees Celsius, for example at least 10, at least 20, at least 30, at least 40, at at least 50, at least 60, at least 80 or at least 100 degrees Celsius. These exemplary values preferably refer to relative permeability values for a frequency of 6 to 8 megahertz (MHz) and a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius.

The flow concentrator may be made of any suitable material or combination of materials. Preferably, the flux concentrator comprises a ferromagnetic material, for example a ferrite material, ferrite powder held in a binder, or any other suitable material containing a ferritic material, such as ferritic iron, ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel.

In some embodiments, the induction heating arrangement includes a flux concentrator positioned around the first induction coil and the second induction coil. In these embodiments, the flux concentrator is configured to deform a varying magnetic field generated by the first induction coil toward a first induction heating element portion of the induction heating element and is configured to deform a varying magnetic field generated by the second induction coil toward a second induction heating element portion of the induction heating element. heating element.

In some of these embodiments, the flux concentrator portion extends into an intermediate element between the first induction heating element portion and the second induction heating element portion. The passage of the flux concentrator portion into the intermediate element between the first induction heating element portion and the second induction heating element portion may further deform the magnetic field generated by the first induction coil and the magnetic field generated by the second induction coil. This additional deformation may result in an additional concentration of the magnetic field generated by the first induction coil toward the first induction heating element portion and an additional concentration of the magnetic field generated by the second induction coil toward the second induction heating element portion. This can further improve the efficiency of the induction heating arrangement.

In some embodiments, the induction heating assembly includes multiple flux concentrators. In some preferred embodiments, a separate flux concentrator is placed around each induction coil. Providing each induction coil with a dedicated flux concentrator may allow the flux concentrator to be optimally configured to deform the magnetic field generated by the induction coil. Such an arrangement can also provide the formation of an induction heating arrangement from modular induction heating assemblies. Each induction heating assembly may include an induction coil and a flux concentrator. Providing modular induction heating assemblies can speed up the standardized production of induction heating assemblies and provide the ability to remove and replace individual assemblies.

In some preferred embodiments, the induction heating arrangement comprises: a first flux concentrator disposed around a first induction coil, a first flux concentrator configured to deform a varying magnetic field generated by the first induction coil toward a first portion of the induction heating element; and a second flux concentrator disposed around the second induction coil, the second flux concentrator configured to deform a varying magnetic field generated by the second induction coil toward the second portion of the induction heating element.

In these preferred embodiments, a portion of the first flux concentrator may extend into an intermediate element between the first induction heating element portion and the second induction heating element portion. In these preferred embodiments, a portion of the second flux concentrator may extend into an intermediate element between the first induction heating element portion and the second induction heating element portion. The passage of a portion of the flux concentrator into the intermediate element between the pantographs may allow the flux concentrator to further deform the magnetic field generated by the induction coil in the direction of the pantograph.

The induction heating arrangement may further comprise an induction heating arrangement body. The housing can connect together the induction heating element, induction coils and flux concentrators. This can help to consolidate the relative arrangements of the components of the induction heating arrangement and improve the interface between the components. Preferably, the body of the induction heating arrangement is formed from an electrical insulating material.

In the event that the induction heating arrangement includes separate induction heating units comprising an induction coil and a flux concentrator, each induction heating unit may include an induction heating unit body. The induction heating unit body can assemble the components of the induction heating unit and improve the interface between components. Preferably, the body of the induction heating unit is formed from an electrically insulating material.

The induction heating arrangement may be contained within an aerosol generating device.

The aerosol generating device may include a power supply. The power supply may be any suitable type of power supply. The power supply may be a DC power supply. In some preferred embodiments, the power supply is a battery, such as a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The power supply may be another type of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power supply may need to be recharged. The power supply may have a capacity that can store sufficient energy for one or more uses of the device. For example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to continuously generate an aerosol for a period of approximately six minutes, which corresponds to the typical time required to smoke a conventional cigarette, or for a period that is a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to support a predetermined number of device uses or individual activations. In one embodiment, the power supply is a DC power supply having a DC supply voltage in the range of about 2.5 volts to about 4.5 volts and a DC supply current in the range of about 1 amp to about 10 amps (corresponding to DC power supply power ranges from approximately 2.5 watts to approximately 45 watts).

The aerosol generating device may comprise a controller coupled to an induction heating arrangement and a power supply. In particular, the aerosol generating device may include a controller coupled to the first induction coil and the second induction coil and the power supply. The controller is configured to control the power supply to the induction heating assembly from the power supply. The controller may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor, a microcontroller, or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other electronic circuit capable of providing control. The controller may contain additional electronic components. The controller may be configured to control the supply of current to the induction heating arrangement. Current may be supplied to the induction heating assembly continuously upon activation of the aerosol generating device, or may be supplied intermittently, such as from puff to puff.

The aerosol generating device may advantageously comprise a DC/AC converter, which may include a Class C, Class D or Class E power amplifier. The DC/AC converter may be located between the power supply and the induction heating arrangement.

The aerosol generating device may further comprise a DC/DC converter between the power supply and the DC/AC converter. The controller may be configured to control the first varying current by controlling the amplitude of the first varying current using a DC-DC converter. The controller may be configured to control the second varying current by controlling the amplitude of the second varying current using a DC-DC converter.

In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to drive the first varying current in the form of a plurality of pulses. In these embodiments, the controller may be configured to control the first varying current through pulse width modulation.

In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to drive a second varying current in the form of a plurality of pulses. In these embodiments, the controller may be configured to control the second varying current through pulse width modulation.

The aerosol generating device may include a first switch between the power supply and the first induction coil and a second switch between the power supply and the second induction coil. The controller may be adapted to turn the first switch on and off at a first switching speed to drive a first varying current in the first induction coil while the second switch remains turned off. The controller may be adapted to turn the second switch on and off at a second switching speed to drive a second varying current in the second induction coil while the first switch remains turned off.

The controller may be configured to supply varying current to the induction heating arrangement at any suitable frequency. The controller may be configured to supply varying current to the induction heating assembly at a frequency of from about 5 kilohertz to about 30 megahertz. In some preferred embodiments, the controller is configured to supply varying current to the induction heating assembly from about 5 kilohertz to about 500 kilohertz. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to supply high frequency varying current to the induction heating arrangement. As used herein, the term “high frequency alternating current” refers to alternating current with a frequency of about 500 kilohertz to about 30 megahertz. The high frequency varying current may have a frequency of from about 1 megahertz to about 30 megahertz, such as from about 1 megahertz to about 10 megahertz, or, for example, from about 5 megahertz to about 8 megahertz.

The aerosol generating device may comprise a device housing. The body of the device may be oblong. The device body may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics or composite materials containing one or more of such materials, or thermoplastic materials suitable for use in the food or pharmaceutical industries, for example polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyethylene. Preferably the material is light and non-fragile.

The device body may define a device cavity for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate. The cavity of the device may be configured to accommodate at least a portion of the aerosol generating article. The cavity of the device can have any suitable shape and size. The cavity of the device may be substantially cylindrical. The device cavity may have a substantially circular cross-section.

An induction heating element may be placed in the cavity of the device. An induction heating element may be placed around the cavity of the device. If the induction heating element is a tubular induction heating element, the induction heating element may surround a cavity of the device. The inner surface of the induction heating element may form the inner surface of a cavity of the device.

The first induction coil and the second induction coil may be placed in the cavity of the device. The first induction coil and the second induction coil may be placed around the cavity of the device. The first induction coil and the second induction coil may surround the device cavity. The inner surface of the first induction coil and the second induction coil may define an inner surface of the device cavity.

The device may have a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end. Preferably, the device cavity is located at the proximal end of the device.

The device cavity may have a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The proximal end of the device cavity may be substantially open to receive the aerosol generating article.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device further comprises a cover movable over a proximal end of the device cavity to prevent insertion of the aerosol generating article into the device cavity.

In some preferred embodiments, the first induction coil is located near the proximal end of the device cavity, and the second induction coil is located near the distal end of the device cavity. In these preferred embodiments, the controller may be configured to initiate heating of the aerosol-forming substrate by driving a first varying current in the first induction coil and subsequently driving a second varying current in the second induction coil. This action heats the proximal portion of the device cavity before heating the distal portion of the device cavity.

The body of the device may include an air inlet. The air inlet hole may be configured to allow ambient air to enter the device body. The body of the device may include any suitable number of air inlet openings. The body of the device may contain multiple air inlets.

The body of the device may include an air outlet. The air outlet may be configured to allow air to enter the device cavity from the device body. The body of the device may include any suitable number of air outlets. The device body may contain multiple air outlets.

In case the intermediate element of the induction heating element is gas-permeable, the aerosol generating device may define an air flow path extending from the air inlet to the intermediate element of the induction heating element. Such an air flow path may allow air to be drawn through the aerosol generating device, through the air inlet, and into the device cavity through the intermediate member.

In some embodiments, the device cavity includes a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end. In these embodiments, the device cavity may be open at the proximal end to receive the aerosol generating article. In these embodiments, the device cavity may be substantially closed at the distal end. The device body may include an air outlet at a distal end of the device cavity. The aerosol generating device may further comprise an annular seal towards a proximal end of the device cavity. The ring seal may extend into the cavity of the device. The O-ring may provide a substantially airtight seal between the body of the device and the outer surface of the aerosol generating article contained within the cavity of the device. This may reduce the amount of air drawn into the device cavity during use through any gaps between the outer surface of the aerosol generating article and the inner surface of the device cavity. This may increase the volume of air drawn into the aerosol generating article through the permeable intermediate members.

In some embodiments, the device body includes a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may include at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet. The mouthpiece may contain more than one air inlet. The one or more air inlets may reduce the temperature of the aerosol before delivery to the user and may reduce the concentration of the aerosol before delivery to the user.

In some embodiments, the mouthpiece is provided as part of the aerosol generating article. As used herein, the term “mouthpiece” refers to a portion of an aerosol generating system placed in the mouth of a user to directly inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating system from an aerosol generating article housed in the aerosol generating device.

In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to monitor the supply of current to the induction heating assembly. The controller may be configured to determine the temperature of the induction heating element based on the monitored current. The controller may be configured to monitor the first varying current and determine the temperature of the first portion of the induction heating element based on the monitored first varying current. The controller may be configured to monitor the second varying current and determine the temperature of the second portion of the induction heating element based on the monitored second varying current.

The aerosol generating device may include a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may be configured to sense the temperature of the induction heating element. The controller may be configured to control the first varying current based on the temperature of the induction heating element measured by the temperature sensor. The controller may be configured to control the second varying current based on the temperature of the induction heating element measured by the temperature sensor.

The temperature sensor may be any suitable type of temperature sensor. For example, the temperature sensor may be a thermocouple, a negative temperature coefficient RTD, or a positive temperature coefficient RTD.

In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol generating device may comprise a first temperature sensor adapted to measure the temperature of the first portion of the induction heating element. In these embodiments, the controller may be configured to control the first varying current based on the temperature of the first portion of the induction heating element as measured by the first temperature sensor.

In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol generating device may include a second temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of the second portion of the induction heating element. In these embodiments, the controller may be configured to control the second varying current based on the temperature of the second portion of the induction heating element as measured by the second temperature sensor.

The aerosol generating device may include a user interface for activating the device, such as a button to initiate heating of the aerosol generating device.

The aerosol generating device may include a display for indicating the status of the aerosol generating device or substrate.

The aerosol generating device may include a sensor for detecting the presence of an aerosol generating substrate. In the event that the aerosol generating device includes a device cavity for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol generating device may include a sensor for detecting the presence of an aerosol-forming substrate in the device cavity. If the aerosol generating device is configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating device may include an aerosol generating article sensor configured to detect the aerosol generating article in the cavity of the device.

In the event that the aerosol-forming substrate sensor detects the presence of the aerosol-forming substrate, the controller may be configured to initiate heating by driving a first varying current in the first induction coil.

In the event that the aerosol generating article sensor detects the presence of an aerosol generating article in the device cavity, the controller may be configured to initiate heating by driving a first varying current in the first induction coil.

The aerosol-generating substrate sensor and the aerosol-generating product sensor may comprise any suitable type of sensor. For example, the sensor may be an optical, acoustic, capacitive or inductive sensor.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article includes an induction heating element. In these embodiments, the aerosol generating device may comprise an aerosol generating product sensor comprising an inductor. In these embodiments, the aerosol generating article sensor may be configured to detect a change in inductance when the aerosol generating article is placed in the device cavity to detect the presence of an aerosol generating article in the device cavity.

The aerosol generating device may include a puff sensor configured to detect when a user takes a puff on the aerosol generating system. As used herein, the term “pull” refers to the pull exerted by a user on an aerosol generating system to receive an aerosol.

Preferably, the aerosol generating device is portable. The aerosol-generating device may be comparable in size to a traditional cigar or cigarette. The aerosol generating device may have an overall length of from about 30 millimeters to about 150 millimeters. The aerosol generating device may have an outer diameter of from about 5 millimeters to about 30 millimeters.

The aerosol generating device may form part of an aerosol generating system.

The aerosol generating system may further comprise an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article may comprise a first aerosol generating substrate; and a second aerosol-forming substrate. When an aerosol-generating article is received in a device cavity, at least a portion of the first aerosol-generating substrate may be received in a first portion of the device cavity, and at least a portion of a second aerosol-generating substrate may be received in a second portion of the device cavity.

An induction heating element forming part of an arrangement for induction heating of an aerosol generating device is configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may contain nicotine. The nicotine-containing substrate forming the aerosol may be a matrix of nicotine salt.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain solid components and liquid components. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate is solid.

The aerosol-forming substrate may contain material of plant origin. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the aerosol-forming substrate when heated. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain homogenized material of plant origin. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenized tobacco material. Homogenized tobacco material can be formed by agglomerating tobacco into particles. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an assembled corrugated sheet of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term “corrugated sheet” means a sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel folds or corrugations.

The aerosol-forming substrate may contain at least one aerosol-forming substance. An aerosol generating agent is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds which, when used, promotes the formation of a dense and stable aerosol and which is essentially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the system. Suitable aerosol-forming agents are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerol; polyhydric alcohol esters such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. Preferred aerosol formers may include polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol. Preferably, the aerosol-forming agent is glycerol. When present, the homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol forming agent content equal to or greater than 5 percent by weight on a dry weight basis, such as from about 5 percent to about 30 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain other additives and ingredients such as flavoring agents.

The aerosol-generating substrate may be contained in the aerosol-generating article. An aerosol generating device comprising an induction heating assembly may be configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article may have any suitable shape. The aerosol generating article may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The aerosol generating article may be essentially oblong. The aerosol generating article may have a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to the length.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided in the form of an aerosol-generating segment containing the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating segment may contain multiple aerosol generating substrates. The aerosol generating segment may comprise a first aerosol generating substrate and a second aerosol generating substrate. In some embodiments, the second aerosol-forming substrate is substantially the same as the first aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the second aerosol-forming substrate is different from the first aerosol-forming substrate.

In case the aerosol generating segment contains multiple aerosol generating substrates, the number of aerosol generating substrates may be the same as the number of current collectors in the induction heating element. Likewise, the number of aerosol-forming substrates may be the same as the number of induction coils in the induction heating arrangement.

The aerosol generating segment may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The aerosol generating segment may be essentially oblong. The aerosol generating segment may also have a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to the length.

In the event that the aerosol-generating segment contains multiple aerosol-forming substrates, the aerosol-forming substrates may be arranged end to end along the axis of the aerosol-generating segment. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating segment may comprise a gap between adjacent aerosol generating substrates.

In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol generating article may have an overall length of from about 30 millimeters to about 100 millimeters. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article has an overall length of approximately 45 millimeters. The aerosol generating article may have an outer diameter of from about 5 millimeters to about 12 millimeters. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article may have an outer diameter of approximately 7.2 millimeters.

The aerosol generating segment may have a length of from about 7 millimeters to about 15 millimeters. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating segment may be approximately 10 millimeters or 12 millimeters in length.

The aerosol generating segment preferably has an outer diameter that is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol generating article. The outer diameter of the aerosol generating segment can be from about 5 millimeters to about 12 millimeters. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating segment may have an outer diameter of approximately 7.2 millimeters.

The aerosol generating product may include a filter plug. The filter plug may be located at the proximal end of the aerosol generating product. The filter plug may be a cellulose acetate filter plug. In some embodiments, the filter plug may have a length of from about 5 millimeters to about 10 millimeters. In some preferred embodiments, the filter plug may be approximately 7 millimeters in length.

As mentioned above, the aerosol generating article may comprise at least a portion of an induction heating element. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article includes an entire induction heating element. The first portion of the induction heating element may be configured to heat the first portion of the aerosol-forming substrate. The first portion of the induction heating element may be substantially embedded within the first portion of the aerosol-forming substrate. The first portion of the induction heating element may substantially surround the first portion of the aerosol-forming substrate. The second portion of the induction heating element may be configured to heat the second portion of the aerosol-forming substrate. The second portion of the induction heating element may be substantially incorporated into the second portion of the aerosol-forming substrate. The second portion of the induction heating element may substantially surround the second portion of the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol generating article may comprise an outer wrapper. The outer wrapper may be formed from paper. The outer wrap may be permeable to gas in the aerosol generating segment. Particularly, in embodiments providing multiple aerosol-forming substrates, the outer wrap may include perforations or other air inlets at the interface between adjacent aerosol-forming substrates. Where a gap is provided between adjacent aerosol-forming substrates, the outer wrap may include perforations or other air inlets in the gap. This can provide a direct supply of air to the aerosol-forming substrate without being drawn in through another aerosol-forming substrate. This can increase the amount of air taken up by each aerosol-forming substrate. This can improve the characteristics of the aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol generating article may also include a gap between the aerosol generating substrate and the filter plug. The gap may be approximately 18 millimeters in size, but may range in size from about 5 millimeters to about 25 millimeters.

Thus, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling an aerosol generating system, the system comprising:

an aerosol generating device containing:

a device cavity configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate, the device cavity having a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end, the proximal end being substantially open to receive the aerosol-forming substrate;

an induction heating arrangement configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the induction heating arrangement comprises:

an induction heating element comprising at least one susceptor heated by the penetration of a varying magnetic field to heat the aerosol-forming substrate;

a first induction coil located near a proximal end of the device cavity; And

a second induction coil located near the distal end of the device cavity; And

a power supply configured to supply power to the induction heating arrangement,

wherein the method includes the following:

when the aerosol-forming substrate is placed in the cavity of the device, heating the aerosol-forming substrate is initiated by driving a first varying current in the first induction coil such that the first induction coil generates a first varying magnetic field that heats the first portion of the induction heating element, and controlling a first varying current such that the temperature of the first portion of the induction heating element increases from an initial temperature in accordance with the first operating temperature profile; And

then driving a second varying current in the second induction coil such that the second induction coil generates a second varying magnetic field that heats the second portion of the induction heating element, and controlling the second varying current such that the temperature of the second portion of the induction heating element increases from an initial temperature to according to the second operating temperature profile,

wherein:

the second operating temperature profile is different from the first operating temperature profile; And

the first varying current and the second varying current are controlled such that:

in the first phase, a first varying current is supplied to the first induction coil;

in the second phase, a second varying current is supplied to the second coil;

in at least a portion of the first phase, the first operating temperature profile exceeds the second operating temperature profile; And

in at least a portion of the second phase, the second operating temperature profile exceeds the first operating temperature profile, wherein the second operating temperature profile exceeds the first operating temperature profile by no more than 50 degrees Celsius.

Preferably, the first operating temperature profile changes over time.

Preferably, the second operating temperature profile changes over time.

Preferably, in at least a portion of the first phase, the first operating temperature profile exceeds the second operating temperature profile by at least 50 degrees Celsius.

Preferably, the first operating temperature profile exceeds the second operating temperature profile during the first phase.

Preferably, the first phase has a predetermined duration.

Preferably, the second phase has a predetermined duration.

Preferably, the duration of the second phase is less than the duration of the first phase.

Preferably, the duration of the second phase is greater than the duration of the first phase.

Preferably, in the first phase, driving the first varying current and the second varying current is performed alternately to drive the first varying current in the first induction coil and to drive the second varying current in the second induction coil.

Preferably, in the second phase, driving the first varying current and the second varying current is performed alternately to drive the first varying current in the first induction coil and to drive the second varying current in the second induction coil.

Preferably, driving the second varying current is not carried out when driving the first varying current; and driving the first varying current is not performed when driving the second varying current.

Preferably, the first varying current is driven in the form of a plurality of pulses, and the first varying current is controlled by pulse width modulation.

Preferably, the second varying current is driven in the form of a plurality of pulses, and the second varying current is controlled by pulse width modulation.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a device is provided that generates an aerosol, comprising:

a device cavity configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate, the device cavity having a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end, the proximal end being substantially open to receive the aerosol-forming substrate;

an induction heating arrangement configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the induction heating arrangement comprises:

an induction heating element comprising at least one susceptor heated by the penetration of a varying magnetic field to heat the aerosol-forming substrate;

a first induction coil located near a proximal end of the device cavity; And

a second induction coil located near the distal end of the device cavity;

a power supply configured to supply power to the induction heating arrangement; And

a controller configured to perform the steps of the method described above.

According to the third aspect of the invention, a device is created that generates an aerosol containing:

a device cavity configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate, the device cavity having a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end, the proximal end being substantially open to receive the aerosol-forming substrate;

an induction heating arrangement configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the induction heating arrangement comprises:

an induction heating element comprising at least one susceptor heated by the penetration of a varying magnetic field to heat the aerosol-forming substrate;

a first induction coil located near a proximal end of the device cavity; And

a second induction coil located near the distal end of the device cavity;

a power supply configured to supply power to the induction heating arrangement; And

controller configured to:

initiating heating of the aerosol-forming substrate, when the aerosol-forming substrate is placed in the cavity of the device, by driving a first varying current in a first induction coil to generate a first varying magnetic field for heating the first portion of the induction heating element and controlling the first varying current such that the temperature the first part of the induction heating element is increased from an initial temperature in accordance with the first operating temperature profile;

subsequently driving a second varying current in the second induction coil to generate a second varying magnetic field for heating a second portion of the induction heating element and controlling the second varying current such that the temperature of the second portion of the induction heating element increases from an initial temperature in accordance with a second operating temperature profile,

wherein:

the second operating temperature profile is different from the first operating temperature profile; And

control of the first varying current and the second varying current is carried out in such a way that:

in the first phase, a first varying current is supplied to the first induction coil;

in the second phase, a second varying current is supplied to the second coil;

in at least a portion of the first phase, the first operating temperature profile exceeds the second operating temperature profile; And

in at least a portion of the second phase, the second operating temperature profile exceeds the first operating temperature profile, wherein the second operating temperature profile exceeds the first operating temperature profile by no more than 50 degrees Celsius.

Preferably, the second coil is wound in a direction different from the winding direction of the first coil.

Preferably, the second coil has a different number of turns than the first coil.

Preferably, the length of the second coil is different from the length of the first coil.

Preferably, a first induction coil is positioned around the device cavity, a second induction coil is positioned around the device cavity, a first induction heating element portion is positioned between the first induction coil and the device cavity, and a second induction heating element portion is positioned between the second induction coil and the device cavity.

Preferably, the induction heating element is a tubular induction heating element defining an internal cavity, the cavity of the device being located in the internal cavity of the induction heating element.

Preferably, the controller is configured to drive the first varying current in the form of a plurality of pulses, and wherein the controller is configured to control the first varying current by pulse width modulation.

Preferably, the controller is configured to drive the second varying current in the form of a plurality of pulses, wherein the controller is configured to control the second varying current by pulse width modulation.

Preferably, the aerosol generating device further comprises a first switch between the power supply and the first induction coil and a second switch between the power supply and the second induction coil, wherein the controller is configured to turn the first switch on and off at a first switching speed to drive the first varying current at the first induction coil when the second switch remains off, wherein the controller is configured to turn the second switch on and off at a second switching speed to drive a second varying current in the second induction coil when the first switch remains off.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising:

an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-generating substrate; And

the above-described aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to receive the aerosol generating article.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising:

an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-generating substrate;

an aerosol generating device containing:

a device cavity configured to receive an aerosol generating article, the device cavity having a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end, the proximal end being substantially open to receive the aerosol generating article;

an induction heating arrangement configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the induction heating arrangement comprises:

an induction heating element comprising at least one susceptor heated by the penetration of a varying magnetic field to heat the aerosol-forming substrate;

a first induction coil located near a proximal end of the device cavity; And

a second induction coil located near the distal end of the device cavity;

a power supply configured to supply power to the induction heating arrangement; And

a controller configured to perform the steps of the method described above.

It should also be understood that individual combinations of the various features described above may be implemented, provided and used independently.

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

Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of an induction heating element according to one embodiment of the present invention placed between a pair of induction coils;

Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of an induction heating element according to one embodiment of the present invention placed between a pair of induction coils;

Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an induction heating element according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the induction heating element of FIG. 3;

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the aerosol generating system includes an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating device having an induction heating arrangement;

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the proximal end of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 5;

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating system shown in FIG. 5, wherein the aerosol generating article is housed in the aerosol generating device;

Fig. 8 is a schematic illustration of an induction heating element according to one embodiment of the present invention placed between a pair of induction coils; And

Fig. 9 is a graph of temperature versus time for the induction heating element shown in FIG. 8.

In fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an induction heating element 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The induction heating element 10 is an elongated tubular element with a circular cross section. The induction heating element 10 includes a first pantograph 12, a second pantograph 14, and a space 15 between the first pantograph 12 and the second pantograph 14. Both the first pantograph 12 and the second pantograph 14 are elongated tubular members with a circular cross-section. The first pantograph 12 and the second pantograph 14 are coaxially aligned, end to end, along the longitudinal axis AA.

The induction heating element 10 includes a cylindrical cavity 20, open at both ends, defined by the internal surfaces of the first pantograph 12 and the second pantograph 14. The cavity 20 is configured to receive a portion of a cylindrical aerosol generating article (not shown) containing an aerosol generating substrate such that the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article may be heated by the first susceptor and the second susceptor, thereby heating the aerosol-generating substrate.

The cavity 20 contains three parts: a first part 22 at the first end defined by the inner surface of the tubular first pantograph 12, a second part 24 at the second end opposite the first end defined by the inner surface of the tubular second pantograph 14, and an intermediate part 26 defined by the space 15 between the first a pantograph 12 and a second pantograph 14. The first pantograph 12 is configured to heat the first part of the aerosol-generating product housed in the first part 22 of the cavity 20, and the second pantograph 14 is configured to heat the second part of the aerosol-generating product housed in the second part 24 of the cavity 20.

The first induction coil 32 is positioned around the first pantograph 12 and extends substantially the length of the first pantograph 12. As such, the first pantograph 12 is surrounded by the first induction coil 32 substantially along its length. When a varying electric current is applied to the first induction coil 32, the first induction coil 32 generates a varying magnetic field concentrated in the first portion 22 of the cavity 20. Such varying magnetic field generated by the first induction coil 32 induces eddy currents in the first pantograph 12, causing the first pantograph to heat up. pantograph 12.

A second induction coil 34 is positioned around the second pantograph 14 and extends substantially the length of the second pantograph 14. As such, the second pantograph 14 is surrounded by a second induction coil 34 substantially along its length. When a varying electric current is applied to the second induction coil 34, the second induction coil 34 generates a varying magnetic field concentrated in the second portion 24 of the cavity 20. Such varying magnetic field generated by the second induction coil 34 induces eddy currents in the second pantograph 14, causing the second pantograph to heat up. pantograph 14.

The gap 15 between the first pantograph 12 and the second pantograph 14 provides a space between the first pantograph 12 and the second pantograph 14 that is not inductively heated by the application of a varying magnetic field generated by either the first induction coil 32 or the second induction coil 34. In addition, the gap 15 provides thermally insulating the second pantograph 14 from the first pantograph 12, so that the rate of heat transfer between the first pantograph 12 and the second pantograph 14 is reduced compared to an induction heating element in which the first pantograph and the second pantograph are placed adjacent to each other in direct thermal contact. As a result, providing a gap 15 between the first pantograph 12 and the second pantograph 14 provides selective heating of the first part 22 of the cavity 20 by the first pantograph 12 with minimal heating of the second part 24 of the cavity 20 and provides selective heating of the second part 24 of the cavity 20 by the second pantograph 14 with minimal heating of the first part 22 cavities 20.

The first pantograph 12 and the second pantograph 14 may be heated simultaneously by simultaneously applying a varying electric current to the first induction coil 32 and the second induction coil 34. Alternatively, the first pantograph 12 and the second pantograph 14 may be heated independently or alternately by applying a varying electric current to the first induction coil 32 in the absence of current being supplied to the second induction coil 34 and by subsequently applying a varying electric current to the second induction coil 34 in the absence of current being supplied to the first induction coil 32. It is also provided that the varying electric current can be supplied to the first induction coil 32 and the second induction coil 34 in some order.

In fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of an induction heating element according to another embodiment of the present invention. The induction heating element shown in FIG. 2 is essentially identical to the induction heating element shown in FIG. 1, and the same reference numerals are used to describe the same features.

The induction heating element 10 in FIG. 2 is an elongated tubular element with a circular cross-section. The induction heating element 10 includes a first pantograph 12 and a second pantograph 14. The difference between the induction heating element 10 in FIG. 1 and induction heating element 10 in FIG. 2 is that the induction heating element 10 in FIG. 2 includes an intermediate element 16 positioned between the first pantograph 12 and the second pantograph 14. In the embodiment of FIG. 2 there is still a gap between the first pantograph 12 and the second pantograph 14, however the gap is filled by an intermediate member 16. In this embodiment, the intermediate member 16 is attached to the end of the first pantograph 12 and is also attached to the end of the second pantograph 14. Attaching the intermediate member 16 to the end of the first pantograph 12 and attaching the intermediate member 16 to the end of the second pantograph 14 indirectly connects the first pantograph 12 to the second pantograph 14. Advantageously, the indirect attachment of the first pantograph 12 to the second pantograph 14 allows the induction heating element to form an integral structure.

The intermediate element 16 contains thermal insulation material. The thermal insulation material is also electrical insulating. In this embodiment, the intermediate element 16 is formed from a polymeric material such as PEEK. As such, the intermediate member 16 between the first pantograph 12 and the second pantograph 14 provides a space between the first pantograph 12 and the second pantograph 14 that is not inductively heated upon application of a varying magnetic field generated by either the first induction coil 32 or the second induction coil 34. In addition, , the intermediate element 16 provides thermal insulation of the second pantograph 14 from the first pantograph 12, so that the rate of heat transfer between the first pantograph 12 and the second pantograph 14 is reduced, compared with an induction heating element in which the first pantograph and the second pantograph are placed adjacent to each other, in direct thermal contact. The spacer 16 may also further reduce the rate of heat transfer between the first pantograph 12 and the second pantograph 14 compared to the gap 15 of the induction heating element 10 shown in FIG. 1. As a result, the intermediate element 16 between the first pantograph 12 and the second pantograph 14 provides selective heating of the first part 22 of the cavity 20 by the first pantograph 12 with minimal heating of the second part 24 of the cavity 20 and provides selective heating of the second part 24 of the cavity 20 by the second pantograph 14 with minimal heating first part 22 cavity 20.

In fig. 3-7 are schematic illustrations of an aerosol generating system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol generating system includes an aerosol generating device 100 and an aerosol generating article 200. The aerosol generating device 100 includes an induction heating arrangement 110 according to the present invention. The induction heating assembly 110 includes an induction heating element 120 according to the present invention.

In fig. 3 and 4 show schematic representations of an induction heating element 120. The induction heating element 120 includes: a first pantograph 122, a second pantograph 124, a third pantograph 126, a first intermediate element 128, and a second intermediate element 130. The first intermediate element 128 is located between the first pantograph 122 and the second pantograph 124. The second intermediate element 130 is located between the second pantograph 124 and the third pantograph 126.

In this embodiment, each of the first pantograph 122, the second pantograph 124, and the third pantograph 126 are the same. Each of the pantographs 122, 124, 126 is an elongated tubular pantograph defining an internal cavity. Each pantograph and its corresponding internal cavity are essentially cylindrical with a circular cross-section that is constant along the length of the pantograph. The internal cavity of the first pantograph 122 defines the first section 134. The internal cavity of the second pantograph 124 defines the second section 136. The internal cavity of the third pantograph defines the third section 138.

Likewise, the first intermediate element 128 and the second intermediate element 130 are identical. The intermediate elements 128, 130 are tubular, defining an internal cavity. Each intermediate element 128, 130 is essentially cylindrical with a circular cross-section that is constant along the length of the intermediate element. The outer diameter of the intermediate members 128, 130 is equal to the outer diameter of the pantographs 122, 124, 126, so that the outer surface of the intermediate members 128, 130 can be aligned flush with the outer surface of the pantographs 122, 124, 126. The inner diameter of the intermediate members 128, 130 is also equal to the inner diameter diameter of pantographs 122, 124, 126 such that the inner surface of the intermediate members 128, 138 can be flush with the inner surface of pantographs 122, 124, 126.

The first pantograph 122, the first intermediate member 128, the second pantograph 124, the second intermediate member 130, and the third pantograph 126 are arranged end to end and coaxially aligned along the B-B axis. In this arrangement, the pantographs 122, 124, 126 and intermediate members 128, 130 form a tubular elongated cylindrical structure. This structure forms an induction heating element 120 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

The elongated tubular induction heating element 120 includes an internal cavity 140. The induction heating element cavity 140 is defined by the internal cavities of the current collectors 122, 124, 126 and the internal cavities of the intermediate elements 128, 130. The induction heating element cavity 140 is configured to receive an aerosol generating segment of the product 200 , generating an aerosol, as described in more detail below.

The intermediate elements 128, 130 are formed from electrical insulating and thermal insulating material. As such, pantographs 122, 124, 126 are essentially electrically and thermally isolated from each other. The material of the intermediate elements 128, 130 is also essentially gas-tight. In this embodiment, the tubular induction heating element 120 is substantially gas-tight from the outer surface to the inner surface defining the induction heating element cavity 140.

In fig. 5, 6 and 7 show schematic cross-sections of an aerosol generating device 100 and an aerosol generating article 200.

The aerosol generating device 100 includes a generally cylindrical device body 102, with a shape and size similar to a traditional cigarette. The device body 102 defines a device cavity 104 at the proximal end. The device cavity 104 is substantially cylindrical, open at the proximal end, and substantially closed at the distal end opposite the proximal end. The device cavity 104 is configured to receive the aerosol generating segment 210 of the aerosol generating article 200. Accordingly, the length and diameter of the device cavity 104 are substantially similar to the length and diameter of the aerosol generating segment 210 of the aerosol generating article 200.

The aerosol generating device 100 further includes a power supply 106 in the form of a rechargeable nickel-cadmium battery, a controller 108 in the form of a printed circuit board including a microprocessor, an electrical connector 109, and an induction heating arrangement 110. All of the power supply 106, controller 108, and induction heating assembly 110 are housed within the device housing 102. An arrangement 110 for induction heating of the aerosol generating device 100 is located at the proximal end of the device 100 and is generally located around the device cavity 104. An electrical connector 109 is located at the distal end of the device housing 109 opposite the device cavity 104.

The controller 108 is configured to control the supply of power from the power supply 106 to the induction heating assembly 110. The controller 108 further includes a DC-AC converter including a Class D power amplifier, and is configured to supply varying current to the induction heating arrangement 110. The controller 108 is also configured to control the recharging of the power supply 106 from the electrical connector 109. In addition, the controller 108 includes a puff sensor (not shown) configured to detect that a user is taking a puff on the aerosol generating article housed in the device cavity 104.

The induction heating assembly 110 includes three induction heating units, including a first induction heating unit 112, a second induction heating unit 114, and a third induction heating unit 116. The first induction heating unit 112, the second induction heating unit 114, and the third induction heating unit 116 are substantially identical. .

The first induction heating assembly 112 includes a cylindrical tubular first induction coil 150, a cylindrical tubular first flux concentrator 152 disposed around the first induction coil 150, and a cylindrical tubular first induction assembly housing 154 disposed around the first flux concentrator 152.

The second induction heating assembly 114 includes a cylindrical tubular second induction coil 160, a cylindrical tubular second flux concentrator 162 disposed around the second induction coil 160, and a cylindrical tubular second induction assembly housing 164 disposed around the second flux concentrator 162.

The third induction heating assembly 116 includes a cylindrical tubular third induction coil 170, a cylindrical tubular third flux concentrator 172 disposed around the third induction coil 170, and a cylindrical tubular third induction assembly housing 174 disposed around the third flux concentrator 172.

Accordingly, each induction heating assembly 112, 114, 116 forms a substantially tubular assembly with a circular cross-section. In each induction heating assembly 112, 114, 116, a flux concentrator extends along the proximal and distal ends of the induction coil such that the induction coil is located within the annular cavity of the flux concentrator. Likewise, the housing of each induction heating assembly extends along the proximal and distal ends of the flux concentrator such that the flux concentrator and induction coil are housed within the annular cavity of the induction heating assembly housing. This arrangement allows the flux concentrator to concentrate the magnetic field generated by the induction coil into the internal cavity of the induction coil. This arrangement also allows the induction unit housing to contain the flux concentrator and induction coil within the induction unit housing.

The induction heating assembly 110 further includes an induction heating element 120. The induction heating element 120 is positioned around the inner surface of the device cavity 104. In this embodiment, the device body 102 defines the inner surface of the device cavity 104. However, it is contemplated that in some embodiments, the interior surface of the device cavity is defined by the interior surface of the induction heating element 120.

Induction heating assemblies 112, 114, 116 are located around the induction heating element 120 such that the induction heating element 120 and induction heating assemblies 112, 114, 116 are concentrically located around the cavity 104 of the device. The first induction heating assembly 112 is located around the first susceptor 122 at the distal end of the device cavity 104. A second induction heating assembly 114 is located around a second susceptor 124 in the central portion of the device cavity 104. A third induction heating assembly 116 is located around a third susceptor 126 at the proximal end of the device cavity 104. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, flux concentrators may also extend into intermediate elements of the induction heating element to further deform the magnetic fields generated by the induction coils towards the current collectors.

The first induction coil 150 is connected to the controller 108 and the power supply 106, and the controller 108 is configured to supply a varying electrical current to the first induction coil 150. When the varying electrical current is supplied to the first induction coil 150, the first induction coil 150 generates a varying magnetic field that heats the first pantograph 122 by induction.

The second induction coil 160 is connected to the controller 108 and the power supply 106, and the controller 108 is configured to supply a varying electrical current to the second induction coil 160. When the varying electrical current is supplied to the second induction coil 160, the second induction coil 160 generates a varying magnetic field that heats the second pantograph 124 by induction.

The first induction coil 170 is connected to the controller 108 and the power supply 106, and the controller 108 is configured to supply a varying electric current to the third induction coil 170. When the varying electric current is supplied to the third induction coil 170, the third induction coil 170 generates a varying magnetic field that heats the third pantograph 126 by induction.

The device body 102 also defines an air inlet 180 in close proximity to the distal end of the device cavity 106. The air inlet 180 is configured to draw ambient air into the device housing 102. An air flow path 181 is defined through the device between the air inlet 180 and the air outlet at the distal end of the device cavity 104 to allow air from the air inlet 180 to be drawn into the device cavity 104.

The aerosol generating article 200 is generally provided in the form of a cylindrical rod having a diameter similar to the inner diameter of the device cavity 104. The aerosol generating article 200 includes a cylindrical cellulose acetate filter plug 204 and a cylindrical aerosol generating segment 210 wrapped together with an outer cigarette paper wrapper 220.

The filter plug 204 is located at the proximal end of the aerosol generating article 200 and forms the mouthpiece of the aerosol generating system upon which the user takes a puff to receive the aerosol generated by the system.

The aerosol generating segment 210 is located at the distal end of the aerosol generating article 200 and has a length substantially equal to the length of the device cavity 104. The aerosol generating segment 210 contains multiple aerosol generating substrates, including: a first aerosol generating substrate 212 at the distal end of the aerosol generating article 200, a second aerosol generating substrate 214 adjacent the first aerosol generating substrate 212, and a third substrate 216, which forms an aerosol, at the proximal end of the segment 210, which generates an aerosol, adjacent to the second substrate 216, which forms an aerosol. It should be understood that in some embodiments, two or more aerosol-forming substrates may be formed from the same materials. However, in this embodiment, each of the aerosol-forming substrates 212, 214, 216 is different. The first aerosol-forming substrate 212 comprises a collected and corrugated sheet of homogenized tobacco material, without additional flavoring agents. The second aerosol-forming substrate 214 comprises an assembled and corrugated sheet of homogenized tobacco material containing a menthol flavoring agent. The third aerosol-forming substrate contains a flavoring agent in the form of menthol and does not contain tobacco material or any other source of nicotine. Each of the aerosol-forming substrates 212, 214, 216 also contains additional components, for example, one or more aerosol-forming agents and water, such that heating the aerosol-forming substrate generates an aerosol with the desired organoleptic properties.

The proximal end of the first aerosol generating substrate 212 is open because it is not covered by the outer wrap 220. In this embodiment, air is able to be drawn into the aerosol generating segment 210 through the proximal end of the first aerosol generating substrate 212 at the proximal end of the article 200.

In this embodiment, the first aerosol-forming substrate 212, the second aerosol-forming substrate 214, and the third aerosol-forming substrate 216 are arranged end to end. However, it is contemplated that in other embodiments, a gap may be provided between the first aerosol-forming substrate and the second aerosol-forming substrate, and a gap may be provided between the second aerosol-forming substrate and the third aerosol-forming substrate.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the aerosol generating segment 210 of the aerosol generating article 200 is placed in the device cavity 104, the length of the first aerosol generating substrate 212 is such that the first aerosol generating substrate 212 extends from the distal end of the device cavity 104, through the first region 134 of the first pantograph 122 and to the first intermediate element 128. The length of the second aerosol-forming substrate 214 is such that the second aerosol-forming substrate 214 extends from the first intermediate element 128, through the second region 136 of the second pantograph 124 and to the second intermediate element 130. The length of the third aerosol-forming substrate 216 is such that the third aerosol-forming substrate 216 extends from the second intermediate member 130 to the proximal end of the device cavity 104.

In use, when the aerosol generating article 200 is housed in the device cavity 104, the user can puff on the proximal end of the aerosol generating article 200 to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating system. When a user takes a puff at the proximal end of the aerosol generating article 200, air is drawn into the device body 102 at the air inlet 180 and is drawn along the air flow path 181 into the device cavity 104. Air is drawn into the aerosol generating article 200 at the proximal end of the first aerosol generating substrate 212 through an outlet at the distal end of the device cavity 104.

In this embodiment, the controller 108 of the aerosol generating device 100 is configured to supply power to the induction coils of the induction heating arrangement 110 in a predetermined sequence. The predetermined sequence involves applying a varying electrical current to the first induction coil 150 during the first puff from the user, then applying a varying electrical current to the second induction coil 160 during the second puff from the user after the first puff has been completed, and then applying a varying electrical current to the first induction coil 150. current to the third induction coil 170 during the third puff from the user after the second puff has been completed. On the fourth puff, the sequence begins again at the first induction coil 150. This sequence results in heating of the first aerosol-forming substrate 212 on the first puff, heating of the second aerosol-forming substrate 214 on the second puff, and heating of the third aerosol-forming substrate 216 on the third puff. Since the aerosol generating substrates 212, 214, 216 of the article 100 are all different, this sequence results in a different user experience with each puff of the aerosol generating system.

It should be understood that the controller 108 may be configured to supply power to the induction coils in a different sequence or simultaneously, depending on the desired delivery of the aerosol to the user. In some embodiments, the user may be able to control the aerosol generating device to change the sequence.

In fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of an induction heating element 310 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The induction heating element 310 is an elongated tubular element with a circular cross section. The induction heating element 310 includes a separate elongated current collector having a first part 312 and a second part 314. Both the first part 312 and the second part 314 are elongated tubular elements with a circular cross section. The first portion 312 and the second portion 314 are coaxially aligned, end to end, along the longitudinal axis AA.

The induction heating element 310 includes a cylindrical cavity 320, open at both ends, defined by the internal surfaces of the first portion 312 and the second portion 314. The cavity 320 is configured to receive a portion of a cylindrical aerosol generating article (not shown) containing an aerosol generating substrate such that the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article may be heated by the first susceptor and the second susceptor, thereby heating the aerosol-generating substrate.

It should be understood that the induction heating element 310 may form part of the aerosol generating device or may form part of the aerosol generating article. In those embodiments where the induction heating element 310 forms part of the aerosol generating device, the cavity 320 is adapted to receive a portion of the aerosol generating article containing the aerosol generating substrate. In those embodiments where the induction heating element 310 forms a portion of the aerosol generating article, the induction heating element 310 surrounds the portion of the aerosol generating article containing the aerosol generating substrate. In these embodiments, the induction heating element 310 may be in the form of a wrap around the outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate.

The cavity 320 contains two parts: a first part 322 at a first end defined by the inner surface of the first part 312 of the induction heating element 310, and a second part 324 at a second end opposite the first end defined by the inner surface of the second part 314 of the induction heating element 310. The first part 312 induction heating element 310 is configured to heat a first portion of an aerosol generating article housed in a first portion 322 of cavity 320, and a second portion 314 of induction heating element 310 is configured to heat a second portion of an aerosol generating article housed in a second portion 324 of cavity 320.

The first induction coil 332 is positioned around the first portion 312 of the induction heating element 310 and extends substantially along the length of the first portion 312 of the induction heating element 310. Thus, the first portion 312 of the induction heating element 310 is surrounded by the first induction coil 332 substantially along its length. When a varying electric current is applied to the first induction coil 332, the first induction coil 332 generates a varying magnetic field concentrated in the first portion 322 of the cavity 320. Such varying magnetic field generated by the first induction coil 332 induces eddy currents in the first portion 312 of the induction heating element 310. , causing the first portion 312 of the induction heating element 310 to heat up.

A second induction coil 334 is positioned around a second portion 314 of the induction heating element 310 and extends substantially along the length of the second portion 314 of the induction heating element 310. Thus, the second portion 314 of the induction heating element 310 is surrounded by the second induction coil 334 of the induction heating element 310 substantially along its length. length. When a varying electric current is applied to the second induction coil 334, the second induction coil 334 generates a varying magnetic field concentrated in the second portion 324 of the cavity 320. Such varying magnetic field generated by the second induction coil 334 induces eddy currents in the second portion 314 of the induction heating element 310. , causing the second pantograph 314 to heat up.

The first portion 312 of the induction heating element 310 and the second portion 314 of the induction heating element 310 may be heated simultaneously by simultaneously applying varying electrical current to the first induction coil 332 and the second induction coil 334. Alternatively, the first portion 312 of the induction heating element 310 and the second portion 314 of the induction heating element 310 may be heated independently or alternately by applying a varying electrical current to the first induction coil 332 in the absence of a current supply to the second induction coil 334 and by subsequently applying a varying electrical current to the second induction coil 334 in the absence of a current supply to the first induction coil 332. It is also provided that that varying electrical current may be applied to the first induction coil 332 and the second induction coil 334 in sequence.

Temperature sensors in the form of thermocouples are also provided on the outer surfaces of the induction heating element 310. A first thermocouple 342 is provided on the outer surface of the first part 312 of the induction heating element 310 for measuring the temperature of the first part 312 of the induction heating element 310. A second thermocouple 344 is provided on the outer surface of the second part 314 induction heating element 310 for measuring the temperature of the second part 314 of the induction heating element 310.

In fig. 9 shows a plot of temperature 402 as a function of time 404 during one heating cycle of the first portion 312 of the induction heating element 310 using readings obtained from the first thermocouple 342 and the second portion of the induction heating element 310 using readings obtained from the second thermocouple 344. In fig. 9, the temperature of the first portion 312 of the induction heating element 310 obtained from the first thermocouple 342 is shown by solid line 406. In FIG. 9, the temperature of the second portion 314 of the induction heating element 310 obtained from the second thermocouple 344 is shown by broken line 408.

As shown in FIG. 9, when heating begins, the first portion 312 of the induction heating element 310 quickly heats up during the first phase 410 and reaches operating temperature after the first period 414 of approximately 60 seconds. The second portion 314 of the induction heating element 310 heats up during the first phase 410, but much more slowly than the first portion 312. The temperature of the first portion 312 of the induction heating element 310 is higher than the temperature of the second portion 314 of the induction heating element 310 during the first phase 410. The second portion 314 of the induction heating element 310 heating element 310 does not reach operating temperature during the first phase 410. In this embodiment, by operating temperature is meant the desired temperature at which the most desirable aerosol is released from the aerosol-forming substrate.

Also, as shown in FIG. 9, after a second period 416 of approximately 150 seconds from the start of heating, the first phase 410 ends and the second phase 412 begins. In the second phase 412, the first portion 312 of the induction heating element 312 is heated to a lower temperature, but still within approximately 50 degrees. Celsius from operating temperature. Also in the second phase 412, the second portion 314 of the induction heating element 310 is rapidly heated to operating temperature and reaches operating temperature after the third period 418, which is approximately 210 seconds from the start of heating.

In particular, in FIG. 9 shows a desired temperature profile for an aerosol generating system, with a first portion 312 of the induction heating element 310 configured to heat a proximal portion of the aerosol-forming substrate and a second portion 314 of the inductive heating element 310 configured to heat a distal portion of the aerosol-forming substrate. A proximal portion of the aerosol-generating substrate is closer to the mouthpiece end of the aerosol-generating article that contains the aerosol-generating substrate. This temperature profile on the aerosol-generating substrate allows the generation of an aerosol with the desired characteristics throughout the extended period of aerosol generation. Heating the proximal portion of the aerosol-generating substrate before heating the distal portion of the substrate facilitates optimal delivery of the generated aerosol to the user. In particular, it is believed that this occurs because the hot aerosol from the heated proximal portion of the aerosol-forming substrate does not interact with the unheated distal portion of the aerosol-forming substrate during the first phase, and therefore the hot aerosol from the proximal portion does not release volatile compounds from far part.

Such a temperature profile can be achieved by exciting varying currents in the first induction coil 312 and the second induction coil 314 in various ways. For example, in the first phase, a first varying current may be driven in the first induction coil 312 during a first duty cycle, and a second varying current may be driven in the second induction coil 314, wherein the duty cycle of the second varying current is less than the duty cycle of the first varying current, such that that the current driven in the first induction coil 312 is greater than the current driven in the second induction coil 314 during the first phase. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the varying current is not applied to the second induction coil 314 in the first phase 410. The opposite may apply in the second phase, such that the duty cycle of the first varying current is less than the duty cycle of the second varying current.

It should be understood that the embodiments described above are specific examples only, and other embodiments are contemplated in accordance with the present invention.

The following list of numbered items is also provided in accordance with the present invention.

1. A method for controlling an aerosol-generating system, wherein the system contains:

an induction heating arrangement configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the induction heating arrangement comprises:

an induction heating element comprising at least one current collector heated by penetrating a varying magnetic field to heat the aerosol-forming substrate;

a first induction coil; And

a second induction coil; And

a power supply configured to supply power to the induction heating arrangement,

wherein the method includes:

driving a first varying current in the first induction coil such that the first induction coil generates a first varying magnetic field that heats a first portion of the induction heating element, and controlling the first varying current such that the temperature of the first portion of the induction heating element increases from an initial temperature according to with the first operating temperature profile; And

driving a second varying current in a second induction coil such that the second induction coil generates a second varying magnetic field that heats a second portion of the induction heating element, and controlling a second varying current such that the temperature of the second portion of the induction heating element increases from an initial temperature according to with a second operating temperature profile,

wherein:

the second operating temperature profile is different from the first operating temperature profile.

2. The method according to paragraph 1, wherein the first operating temperature profile is essentially constant.

3. Method according to point 1, wherein the first operating temperature profile changes over time.

4. The method according to any of paragraphs 1, 2 and 3, wherein the second operating temperature profile is substantially constant.

5. The method according to any of paragraphs 1, 2 and 3, wherein the second operating temperature profile changes over time.

6. The method according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, wherein the first varying current and the second varying current are controlled such that:

in the first phase, a first varying current is supplied to the first induction coil; And

in the second phase, a second varying current is supplied to the second coil.

7. The method according to paragraph 6, wherein in at least part of the first phase the first operating temperature profile exceeds the second operating temperature profile.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein in at least a portion of the first phase, the first operating temperature profile exceeds the second operating temperature profile by at least about 50 degrees Celsius.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the first operating temperature profile exceeds the second operating temperature profile during the first phase.

10. The method according to any of paragraphs 6-9, wherein in the second phase the first operating temperature profile and the second operating temperature profile are essentially the same.

11. The method according to any of paragraphs 6-9, wherein in the second phase the second operating temperature profile is within 5 degrees Celsius of the first operating temperature profile.

12. The method according to any of paragraphs 6-9, wherein in at least part of the second phase the second operating temperature profile exceeds the first operating temperature profile.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein in the second phase the second operating temperature profile exceeds the first operating temperature profile by no more than about 50 degrees Celsius.

14. The method according to any of claims 6-13, wherein the first operating temperature profile is substantially constant during at least a portion of the first phase.

15. The method according to paragraph 14, wherein the first operating temperature profile is constant during the first phase.

16. The method according to any of claims 6-15, wherein the first operating temperature profile is substantially constant during at least part of the second phase.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the first operating temperature profile is substantially constant during the second phase.

18. The method according to any of claims 6-17, wherein the second operating temperature profile is substantially constant during at least a portion of the second phase.

19. The method according to paragraph 18, wherein the second operating temperature profile is constant during the second phase.

20. The method according to any one of claims 6-19, wherein the first operating temperature profile is from about 180 degrees Celsius to 300 degrees Celsius during at least a portion of the first phase.

21. The method of any one of claims 6-20, wherein the first operating temperature profile is from about 160 degrees Celsius to about 260 degrees Celsius during at least a portion of the second phase.

22. The method according to any one of paragraphs 6-21, wherein the second operating temperature is from about 180 degrees Celsius to about 300 degrees Celsius during at least a portion of the second phase.

23. The method according to any one of paragraphs 6-22, wherein the first phase has a predetermined duration.

24. The method according to paragraphs 6-23, with the second phase having a predetermined duration.

25. The method according to any of paragraphs 6-24, wherein the duration of the second phase is less than the duration of the first phase.

26. The method according to any of paragraphs 6-24, wherein the duration of the second phase exceeds the duration of the first phase.

27. The method according to any one of paragraphs 6-26, wherein the duration of the first phase is from about 50 seconds to about 200 seconds.

28. The method according to any one of paragraphs 6-27, wherein the duration of the second phase is from about 50 seconds to about 200 seconds.

29. The method according to any one of paragraphs 6-28, wherein the total duration of the first phase and the second phase is from about 100 seconds to about 400 seconds.

30. The method according to any one of paragraphs 6-29, wherein the system further comprises a puff sensor configured to detect when a user takes a puff on the aerosol receiving system.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the duration of the first phase is based on a first predetermined number of puffs detected by the puff sensor.

32. The method according to paragraph 31, wherein the first predetermined number of puffs is from 2 to 5.

33. The method of any one of claims 30-32, wherein the duration of the second phase is based on a second predetermined number of puffs detected by the puff sensor.

34. The method according to paragraph 33, wherein the second predetermined number of puffs is from 2 to 5.

35. The method according to any one of claims 30-34, wherein the total duration of the first phase and the second phase is based on the total predetermined number of puffs detected by the puff sensor.

36. The method according to paragraph 35, wherein the total predetermined number of puffs is from 3 to 10 puffs by the user.

37. The method according to paragraph 30, wherein the first phase ends after detection of the first maximum number of puffs or earlier when the first maximum duration is reached.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the first maximum number of puffs is from 2 to 5, and the first maximum duration is from 50 seconds to about 200 seconds.

39. The method according to any one of paragraphs 30, 37 or 38, wherein the second phase ends when the second maximum number of puffs is detected or earlier when the second maximum duration is reached.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the second maximum number of puffs is from 2 to 5, and the second maximum duration is from 50 seconds to about 200 seconds.

41. The method according to any one of paragraphs 6 to 40, wherein in the first phase, driving the first varying current and the second varying current is performed alternately to drive the first varying current in the first induction coil and to drive the second varying current in the second induction coil.

42. The method according to any one of paragraphs 6 to 41, wherein in the second phase, driving the first varying current and the second varying current is performed alternately to drive the first varying current in the first induction coil and to drive the second varying current in the second induction coil.

43. The method according to any one of paragraphs 6-42, wherein in at least part of the first phase, the second varying current is excited at the same time as the first varying current.

44. The method according to any one of paragraphs 6 to 43, wherein in at least a portion of the second phase, the first varying current is driven at the same time as the second varying current.

45. The method according to any of paragraphs 1-42, wherein:

driving the second changing current is not carried out when driving the first changing current; And

driving the first varying current is not carried out when driving the second varying current.

46. The method according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 45, wherein the method further includes monitoring the first varying current and determining the temperature of the first portion of the induction heating element based on the monitored first varying current.

47. The method according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 46, wherein the method further includes monitoring the second varying current and determining the temperature of the second portion of the induction heating element based on the monitored second varying current.

48. The method according to any one of paragraphs 1-45, wherein the system further comprises a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the induction heating element.

49. The method according to paragraph 48, wherein the first varying current is controlled based on the temperature of the induction heating element measured by the temperature sensor.

50. The method according to claim 48 or 49, wherein the second varying current is controlled based on the temperature of the induction heating element measured by the temperature sensor.

51. The method according to paragraphs 1-45, wherein the system contains:

a first temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the first part of the induction heating element; And

a second temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the second portion of the induction heating element.

52. The method according to claim 51, wherein the first varying current is controlled based on the temperature of the first part of the induction heating element measured by the first temperature sensor.

53. The method according to paragraph 51 or 52, wherein the second varying current is controlled based on the temperature of the second part of the induction heating element measured by the second temperature sensor.

54. The method according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 53, wherein the power supply is a DC power supply, and the system further comprises a DC-AC converter between the power supply and the induction heating arrangement.

55. The method according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 54, wherein the first varying current is driven in the form of a plurality of pulses, and wherein the first varying current is controlled by pulse width modulation.

56. The method according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 55, wherein the second varying current is driven in the form of a plurality of pulses, and wherein the second varying current is controlled by pulse width modulation.

57. The method according to paragraph 54, wherein the system further comprises a DC-DC converter between the power supply and the DC-AC converter.

58. The method according to claim 57, wherein the first varying current is controlled by controlling the amplitude of the first varying current using a DC-DC converter.

59. The method according to claim 57 or 58, wherein the second varying current is controlled by controlling the amplitude of the second varying current using a DC-DC converter.

60. The method according to any one of paragraphs 1-59, wherein the system further comprises an aerosol-forming substrate sensor configured to detect the presence of an aerosol-forming substrate at the heating site by the induction heating element.

61. The method according to paragraph 60, wherein the method additionally includes:

detecting the presence of an aerosol-forming substrate using an aerosol-forming substrate sensor; And

driving a first varying current in the first induction coil upon detection of an aerosol-forming substrate.

62. An aerosol generating system, wherein the aerosol generating system contains:

aerosol-forming substrate;

an induction heating arrangement configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the induction heating arrangement comprises:

an induction heating element comprising at least one current collector heated by penetrating a varying magnetic field to heat the aerosol-forming substrate;

a first induction coil; And

a second induction coil;

a power supply configured to supply power to the induction heating arrangement; And

a controller configured to perform the steps of the method according to any one of paragraphs 1-61.

63. An aerosol generating system, wherein the aerosol generating system contains:

aerosol-forming substrate;

an induction heating arrangement configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the induction heating arrangement comprises:

an induction heating element comprising at least one current collector heated by penetrating a varying magnetic field to heat the aerosol-forming substrate;

a first induction coil; And

second induction coil,

a power supply configured to supply power to the induction heating arrangement; And

controller configured to:

driving a first varying current in the first induction coil to generate a first varying magnetic field for heating a first portion of the induction heating element and controlling the first varying current such that the temperature of the first portion of the induction heating element increases from an initial temperature in accordance with a first operating temperature profile;

driving a second varying current in a second induction coil to generate a second varying magnetic field for heating a second portion of the induction heating element and controlling the second varying current such that the temperature of the second portion of the induction heating element increases from an initial temperature in accordance with a second operating temperature profile,

wherein the second operating temperature profile differs from the first operating temperature profile.

64. The aerosol generating system of claim 62 or 63, wherein the induction heating element comprises a first portion, a second portion, and a space between the first portion and the second portion.

65. The aerosol generating system according to paragraph 64, wherein the first part is a first pantograph and the second part is a second pantograph.

66. An aerosol generating system according to paragraph 64 or 65, wherein the intermediate element is located between the first part and the second part.

67. An aerosol generating system according to paragraph 66, wherein the intermediate element contains thermal insulation material.

68. An aerosol generating system according to paragraph 66 or 67, wherein the intermediate element contains electrical insulating material.

69. The aerosol generating system of claim 62 or 63, wherein the induction heating element is comprised of an elongated pantograph, and wherein the first induction heating element portion comprises a first pantograph portion, and the second induction heating element portion comprises a second pantograph portion.

70. An aerosol generating system according to any of paragraphs 62-69, wherein the aerosol generating system comprises:

an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-generating substrate; And

an aerosol-generating device containing a device cavity configured to accommodate an aerosol-generating product.

71. An aerosol generating system according to paragraph 70, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a power supply and a controller.

72. An aerosol generating system according to claim 70 or 71, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a first induction coil and a second induction coil.

73. The aerosol generating system of claim 72, wherein a first induction coil is disposed around a device cavity, and wherein a second induction coil is disposed around a device cavity.

74. The aerosol generating system of claim 73, wherein the cavity of the device has a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end, and wherein the proximal end is substantially open to receive the aerosol generating article.

75. The aerosol generating system of claim 74, wherein the first induction coil is located near the proximal end of the device cavity and the second induction coil is located near the distal end of the device cavity.

76. The aerosol generating system of claim 75, wherein the controller is configured to initiate heating of the aerosol generating substrate when the aerosol generating article is placed within the device cavity by driving a first varying current in the first induction coil and then driving a second varying current. in the second induction coil.

77. An aerosol generating system according to paragraphs 72-76, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises an induction heating element.

78. The aerosol generating system of claim 77, wherein the induction heating element is a tubular induction heating element defining an internal cavity, and wherein the cavity of the device is located in the internal cavity of the induction heating element.

79. The aerosol generating system of claim 77 or 78, wherein an induction heating element is disposed around a cavity of the device, a first portion of the induction heating element is disposed between the first induction coil and the cavity of the device, and a second portion of the induction heating element is disposed between the second induction coil. and the cavity of the device.

80. The aerosol generating system of claim 77, wherein the induction heating element extends into the cavity of the device and is configured to penetrate the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is placed in the cavity of the device.

81. An aerosol generating system according to paragraph 80, wherein the induction heating element is in the form of a plate or pin.

82. An aerosol generating system according to paragraphs 72-76, wherein the aerosol generating product contains an induction heating element.

83. The aerosol generating system of claim 82, wherein the induction heating element substantially surrounds the aerosol-generating substrate such that the induction heating element is adapted to heat an outer surface of the aerosol-generating substrate.

84. The aerosol generating system of claim 82 or 83, wherein the induction heating element is a tubular induction heating element defining an internal cavity, and wherein the aerosol generating substrate is disposed in the internal cavity of the induction heating element.

85. The aerosol generating system of any one of claims 82, 83, or 84, wherein the induction heating element comprises a metal wrapper substantially surrounding the aerosol generating substrate.

86. The aerosol generating system of claim 82, wherein the induction heating element is located within the aerosol-generating substrate such that the induction heating element is substantially enveloped by the aerosol-generating substrate.

87. The aerosol generating system of claim 86, wherein the induction heating element comprises an elongated current collector substantially enclosed by an aerosol generating substrate.

88. The aerosol generating system of claim 86, wherein the induction heating element comprises a plurality of current collectors disposed within the aerosol generating substrate.

89. An aerosol generating system as set forth in claims 82 to 88, wherein the aerosol generating article is in the form of a rod having a proximal end and a distal end, and wherein a mouthpiece is provided at the proximal end and an aerosol generating substrate is provided at the distal end. .

90. The aerosol generating system of claim 89, wherein the first portion of the induction heating element is located near the proximal end of the aerosol-forming substrate and the second portion of the induction heating element is located near the distal end of the aerosol-forming substrate.

91. The aerosol generating system of paragraphs 72 to 76, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises a first induction heating element portion and the aerosol generating device comprises a second induction heating element portion.

92. The aerosol generating system of paragraphs 72 to 76, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises a second induction heating element portion and the aerosol generating device comprises a first induction heating element portion.

93. The aerosol generating system according to paragraphs 82-92, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises an aerosol generating product sensor configured to detect the presence of an aerosol generating product in the cavity of the device, wherein the aerosol generating product sensor comprises an induction coil and is configured to detect a change in inductance when the aerosol generating article is placed in the cavity of the device.

94. The aerosol-generating system of claim 93, wherein the controller is further configured to initiate heating of the aerosol-generating substrate upon detecting the presence of an aerosol-generating article in the cavity of the device.

95. The aerosol generating system of any one of claims 62 to 94, wherein the system further comprises a puff sensor configured to detect when a user takes a puff on the aerosol receiving system, and wherein the controller is configured to drive a first varying current in the first coil. when a tightening is detected on the system.

96. The aerosol generating system of any one of claims 70-95, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises an aerosol generating segment, wherein the aerosol generating segment comprises a first aerosol generating substrate and a second aerosol generating substrate.

97. The aerosol-generating system of claim 96, wherein the first aerosol-generating substrate is adapted to be heated by the first portion of the induction heating element when the aerosol-generating article is housed in the aerosol-generating device, and wherein the second aerosol-generating substrate , adapted to be heated by the second part of the induction heating element when the aerosol generating article is housed in the aerosol generating device.

98. The aerosol-generating system of paragraph 96 or 97, wherein the composition of the second aerosol-forming substrate is substantially identical to the composition of the first aerosol-forming substrate.

99. An aerosol-generating system according to paragraph 96 or 97, wherein the composition of the second aerosol-forming substrate is different from the composition of the first aerosol-forming substrate.

100. A method of operating an aerosol generating system according to any one of paragraphs 62-99, the method comprising the steps of a method according to any one of paragraphs 1-61.

101. An aerosol generating device for an aerosol generating system according to any one of paragraphs 62-99.

102. An aerosol-generating device configured to receive an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-generating substrate and an induction heating element comprising at least one current collector heated by penetrating a varying magnetic field to heat the aerosol-generating substrate, the device, aerosol generating, contains:

a first induction coil; And

second induction coil,

a power supply configured to supply power to the first induction coil and the second induction coil; And

controller configured to:

driving a first varying current in the first induction coil to generate a first varying magnetic field for heating a first portion of an induction heating element of an aerosol generating article housed in the aerosol generating device, and controlling the first varying current such that the temperature of the first portion of the induction heating element increases from initial temperature in accordance with the first operating temperature profile;

driving a second varying current in the second induction coil to generate a second varying magnetic field for heating a second portion of the induction heating element of the aerosol generating article housed in the aerosol generating device, and controlling the second varying current such that the temperature of the second portion of the induction heating element increases from initial temperature in accordance with the second operating temperature profile,

wherein:

the second operating temperature profile is different from the first operating temperature profile.

103. An aerosol generating device containing:

an induction heating arrangement configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the induction heating arrangement comprises:

an induction heating element comprising at least one current collector heated by penetrating a varying magnetic field to heat the aerosol-forming substrate;

a first induction coil; And

a second induction coil;

a power supply configured to supply power to the induction heating arrangement; And

a controller configured to perform the steps of the method according to any one of paragraphs 1-61.

104. An aerosol generating device containing:

an induction heating arrangement configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the induction heating arrangement comprises:

an induction heating element comprising at least one current collector heated by penetrating a varying magnetic field to heat the aerosol-forming substrate;

a first induction coil; And

second induction coil,

a power supply configured to supply power to the induction heating arrangement; And

controller configured to:

driving a first varying current in the first induction coil to generate a first varying magnetic field for heating a first portion of the induction heating element and controlling the first varying current such that the temperature of the first portion of the induction heating element increases from an initial temperature in accordance with a first operating temperature profile;

driving a second varying current in a second induction coil to generate a second varying magnetic field for heating a second portion of the induction heating element and controlling the second varying current such that the temperature of the second portion of the induction heating element increases from an initial temperature in accordance with a second operating temperature profile,

wherein:

the second operating temperature profile is different from the first operating temperature profile.

105. The aerosol generating device of claim 103 or 104, wherein the induction heating element comprises a first portion, a second portion, and a space between the first portion and the second portion.

106. The aerosol generating device according to paragraph 105, wherein the first part is a first pantograph and the second part is a second pantograph.

107. An aerosol generating device according to paragraph 105 or 106, wherein the intermediate element is located between the first part and the second part.

108. An aerosol-generating device according to paragraph 107, wherein the intermediate element contains thermal insulation material.

109. An aerosol-generating device according to paragraph 107 or 108, wherein the intermediate element contains electrical insulating material.

110. The aerosol generating device of claim 103 or 104, wherein the induction heating element is comprised of an elongated pantograph, and wherein the first induction heating element portion comprises a first pantograph portion, and the second induction heating element portion comprises a second pantograph portion.

111. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of paragraphs 103-110, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a device cavity configured to receive an aerosol-generating substrate, wherein a first induction coil is placed around the device cavity, a second induction coil is placed around the cavity of the device, a first induction heating element portion is disposed between the first induction coil and the device cavity, and a second induction heating element portion is disposed between the second induction coil and the device cavity.

112. The aerosol generating system of paragraph 111, wherein the induction heating element is a tubular induction heating element defining an internal cavity, and wherein the cavity of the device is located in the internal cavity of the induction heating element.

113. An aerosol generating system according to any one of paragraphs 103-110, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a device cavity configured to receive an aerosol generating substrate, and wherein an induction heating element extends into the device cavity and is configured to penetrate into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity of the device.

114. An aerosol generating system according to paragraph 113, wherein the induction heating element is in the form of a plate or pin.

115. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of paragraphs 102-110, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a device cavity configured to receive an aerosol-generating substrate.

116. The aerosol generating device of any one of paragraphs 113-115, wherein a first induction coil is disposed around a cavity of the device, and a second induction coil is disposed around a cavity of the device.

117. The aerosol generating device of paragraphs 111-116, wherein the cavity of the device has a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end, and wherein the proximal end is substantially open to receive the aerosol generating article.

118. The aerosol generating device of claim 117, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises a cover movable over a proximal end of the device cavity to prevent insertion of the aerosol generating article into the device cavity.

119. The aerosol generating device of claim 117 or 118, wherein the first induction coil is located near the proximal end of the device cavity and the second induction coil is located near the distal end of the device cavity.

120. The aerosol-generating device of claim 119, wherein, when the aerosol-generating article is placed within the cavity of the device, the controller is adapted to initiate heating of the aerosol-generating substrate by driving a first varying current in the first induction coil and then driving a second varying current. in the second induction coil.

121. The aerosol generating device according to any one of paragraphs 111-120, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises an aerosol generating product sensor configured to detect the presence of an aerosol generating product in a cavity of the device.

122. The aerosol-generating device of claim 121, wherein the aerosol-generating product sensor comprises an induction coil and is configured to detect a change in inductance when the aerosol-generating product is inserted into a cavity of the device to detect the presence of an aerosol-generating product in device cavity.

123. The aerosol generating device of claim 121 or 122, wherein when the aerosol generating article sensor detects the presence of an aerosol generating article in the cavity of the device, the controller is adapted to initiate heating by driving a first varying current in the first induction coil and then driving a second varying current in the second induction coil.

124. The aerosol generating device of any one of paragraphs 102-123, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises a puff sensor configured to detect when a user takes a puff on the aerosol receiving system.

125. The aerosol generating device of claim 124, wherein when the puff sensor detects a puff on the system, the controller is adapted to initiate heating by driving a first varying current in the first induction coil and then driving a second varying current in the second induction coil.

126. The aerosol generating device of any one of paragraphs 104-127, wherein the controller is configured to monitor the first varying current and determine the temperature of the first portion of the induction heating element based on the monitored first varying current.

127. The aerosol generating device according to any one of paragraphs 102-126, wherein the controller is configured to monitor the second varying current and determine the temperature of the second portion of the induction heating element based on the monitored second varying current.

128. The aerosol generating device according to any one of paragraphs 102-125, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the induction heating element.

129. The aerosol generating device of claim 128, wherein the controller is configured to control the first varying current based on the temperature of the induction heating element measured by the temperature sensor.

130. The aerosol generating device of claim 128 or 129, wherein the controller is configured to control the second varying current based on the temperature of the induction heating element measured by the temperature sensor.

131. An aerosol-generating device, according to paragraphs 102-125, wherein the aerosol-generating device additionally contains:

a first temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the first part of the induction heating element; And

a second temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the second portion of the induction heating element.

132. The aerosol generating device of claim 131, wherein the controller is configured to control the first varying current based on the temperature of the first portion of the induction heating element measured by the first temperature sensor.

133. The aerosol generating device of claim 131 or 132, wherein the controller is configured to control the second varying current based on the temperature of the second portion of the induction heating element as measured by the second temperature sensor.

134. An aerosol generating device according to any one of paragraphs 102-133, wherein the power supply is a DC power supply, and the system further comprises a DC-AC converter between the power supply and the induction heating arrangement.

135. The aerosol generating device of any one of paragraphs 102-1342, wherein the controller is configured to drive the first varying current in the form of a plurality of pulses, and wherein the controller is configured to control the first varying current by pulse width modulation.

136. The aerosol generating device according to any one of paragraphs 102-135, wherein the controller is configured to drive the second varying current in the form of a plurality of pulses, and wherein the controller is configured to control the second varying current by pulse width modulation.

137. The aerosol generating device according to paragraph 134, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises a DC/DC converter between the power supply and the DC/AC converter.

138. The aerosol generating device of claim 137, wherein the controller is configured to control the first varying current by controlling the amplitude of the first varying current using a DC/DC converter.

139. The aerosol generating device of claim 137 or 138, wherein the controller is configured to control the second varying current by controlling the amplitude of the second varying current using a DC/DC converter.

140. The aerosol generating device according to any one of paragraphs 102-139, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises a first switch between the power supply and the first induction coil and a second switch between the power supply and the second induction coil, wherein the controller is adapted to turn on and turning off the first switch at a first switching speed to drive a first varying current in the first induction coil when the second switch remains off, and wherein the controller is adapted to turn on and off the second switch at a second switching speed to drive a second varying current in the second induction coil when the first switch remains off.

141. The aerosol generating device according to any one of paragraphs 102-140, wherein the first induction coil and the second induction coil are wound in the same direction.

142. The aerosol generating device of any one of paragraphs 102-140, wherein the second coil is wound in a direction different from the winding direction of the first coil.

143. An aerosol generating device according to any of paragraphs 102-142, wherein the controller is additionally configured in such a way that:

in the first phase, a first varying current is supplied to the first induction coil; And

in the second phase, a second varying current is supplied to the second coil.

144. The aerosol generating device according to paragraph 143, wherein the controller is further configured such that, in the first phase, the first varying current and the second varying current are alternately driven to drive the first varying current in the first induction coil and to excite the second varying current in the second induction coil. reel.

145. The aerosol generating device according to claim 143 or 144, wherein the controller is further configured such that, in the second phase, the first varying current and the second varying current are alternately driven to drive the first varying current in the first induction coil and to drive the second varying current in second induction coil.

146. The aerosol generating device according to any one of paragraphs 143, 144 or 145, wherein the first phase has a predetermined duration.

147. An aerosol generating device according to any one of paragraphs 143-146, wherein the second phase has a predetermined duration.

148. An aerosol generating device according to any of paragraphs 143-147, wherein the duration of the second phase is less than the duration of the first phase.

149. An aerosol generating device according to any of paragraphs 143-147, wherein the duration of the second phase exceeds the duration of the first phase.

150. The aerosol generating device of any one of paragraphs 143-149, wherein the duration of the first phase is from about 50 seconds to about 200 seconds.

151. The aerosol generating device of any one of paragraphs 143-150, wherein the duration of the second phase is from about 50 seconds to about 200 seconds.

152. An aerosol generating device according to any one of paragraphs 143-151, wherein the total duration of the first phase and the second phase is from about 100 seconds to about 400 seconds.

153. The aerosol generating device of any one of paragraphs 143-152, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises a puff sensor configured to detect when a user takes a puff on the aerosol receiving system.

154. The aerosol generating device of claim 153, wherein the duration of the first phase is based on a first predetermined number of puffs detected by the puff sensor.

155. The aerosol generating device of paragraph 154, wherein the first predetermined number of puffs is from 2 to 5.

156. The aerosol generating device of any one of paragraphs 153-155, wherein the duration of the second phase is based on a second predetermined number of puffs detected by the puff sensor.

157. The aerosol-generating device according to paragraph 156, wherein the second predetermined number of puffs is from 2 to 5.

158. The aerosol generating device of any one of paragraphs 153-157, wherein the total duration of the first phase and the second phase is based on the total predetermined number of puffs detected by the puff sensor.

159. The aerosol-generating device of paragraph 158, wherein the total predetermined number of puffs is from 3 to 10 puffs by the user.

160. An aerosol-generating device as specified in paragraph 153, with the first phase ending upon detection of the first maximum number of puffs or earlier upon reaching the first maximum duration.

161. The aerosol generating device of paragraph 160, wherein the first maximum number of puffs is from 2 to 5, and the first maximum duration is from 50 seconds to approximately 200 seconds.

162. The aerosol generating device of any one of paragraphs 153, 160, or 161, wherein the second phase ends upon detection of a second maximum number of puffs or earlier upon reaching a second maximum duration.

163. The aerosol generating device of paragraph 162, wherein the second maximum number of puffs is from 2 to 5, and the second maximum duration is from 50 seconds to approximately 200 seconds.

164. An aerosol generating device according to any of paragraphs 143-163, wherein the controller is designed in such a way that:

the first varying current is controlled such that the temperature of the first part of the induction heating element increases from an initial temperature in accordance with the first operating temperature profile; And

the second varying current is controlled such that the temperature of the second portion of the induction heating element is increased from an initial temperature in accordance with a second operating temperature profile.

165. An aerosol generating device according to paragraph 164, wherein the first operating temperature profile is substantially constant.

166. An aerosol generating device according to paragraph 164, wherein the first operating temperature profile changes over time.

167. An aerosol generating device according to any one of paragraphs 164, 165, and 166, wherein the second operating temperature profile is substantially constant.

168. The aerosol generating device of any one of claims 164, 165, and 166, wherein the second operating temperature profile varies over time.

169. The aerosol generating device of claim 164, wherein in at least a portion of the first phase the first operating temperature profile exceeds the second operating temperature profile.

170. The aerosol generating device of claim 169, wherein in at least a portion of the first phase, the first operating temperature profile exceeds the second operating temperature profile by at least about 50 degrees Celsius.

171. The aerosol generating device of paragraph 169 or 170, wherein the first operating temperature profile exceeds the second operating temperature profile throughout the first phase.

172. An aerosol generating device according to any one of paragraphs 164-171, wherein in the second phase the first operating temperature profile and the second operating temperature profile are substantially the same.

173. An aerosol generating device according to any one of paragraphs 164-171, wherein in the second phase the second operating temperature profile is within 5 degrees Celsius of the first operating temperature profile.

174. The aerosol generating device of any one of paragraphs 164-171, wherein in at least a portion of the second phase the second operating temperature profile exceeds the first operating temperature profile.

175. The aerosol generating device of paragraph 174, wherein in the second phase the second operating temperature profile exceeds the first operating temperature profile by no more than about 50 degrees Celsius.

176. The aerosol generating device of any one of paragraphs 164-175, wherein the first operating temperature profile is substantially constant during at least a portion of the first phase.

177. The aerosol generating device according to paragraph 176, wherein the first operating temperature profile is constant during the first phase.

178. The aerosol generating device of any one of paragraphs 164-177, wherein the first operating temperature profile is substantially constant during at least a portion of the second phase.

179. The aerosol generating device according to paragraph 178, wherein the first operating temperature profile is constant during the second phase.

180. The aerosol generating device of any one of paragraphs 164-169, wherein the second operating temperature profile is substantially constant during at least a portion of the second phase.

181. The aerosol generating device of claim 180, wherein the second operating temperature profile is constant during the second phase.

182. The aerosol generating device of any one of paragraphs 164-181, wherein the first operating temperature profile is from about 180 degrees Celsius to 300 degrees Celsius during at least a portion of the first phase.

183. The aerosol generating device of any one of paragraphs 164-182, wherein the first operating temperature profile is from about 160 degrees Celsius to about 260 degrees Celsius during at least a portion of the second phase.

184. The aerosol generating device of any one of paragraphs 164-183, wherein the second operating temperature is from about 180 degrees Celsius to about 300 degrees Celsius during at least a portion of the second phase.

185. The aerosol generating device according to any one of paragraphs 143 to 184, wherein in the first phase, the first varying current and the second varying current are alternately driven to drive the first varying current in the first induction coil and to drive the second varying current in the second induction coil.

186. The aerosol generating device according to any one of paragraphs 143 to 185, wherein in the second phase, the first varying current and the second varying current are alternately driven to drive the first varying current in the first induction coil and to drive the second varying current in the second induction coil.

187. A device generating an aerosol, according to any of paragraphs 102-186, in this case:

driving the second changing current is not carried out when driving the first changing current; And

driving the first varying current is not carried out when driving the second varying current.

188. The aerosol generating device of any one of paragraphs 143-184, wherein in at least a portion of the first phase, the second varying current is driven at the same time as the first varying current.

189. The aerosol generating device according to any one of paragraphs 143-185 and 188, wherein in at least a portion of the second phase, the first varying current is driven at the same time as the second varying current.

190. An aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to any one of paragraphs 102-189 and an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-generating substrate.

Claims (79)

1. A method for controlling an aerosol-generating system, wherein the system contains: an aerosol generating device containing: a device cavity configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate, the device cavity having a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end, the proximal end being substantially open to receive the aerosol-forming substrate; an induction heating arrangement configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the induction heating arrangement comprises: an induction heating element comprising at least one susceptor heated by the penetration of a varying magnetic field to heat the aerosol-forming substrate; a first induction coil located near a proximal end of the device cavity; And a second induction coil located near the distal end of the device cavity; And a power supply configured to supply power to the induction heating arrangement, wherein the method includes the following: when the aerosol-forming substrate is placed in the cavity of the device, heating the aerosol-forming substrate is initiated by driving a first varying current in the first induction coil such that the first induction coil generates a first varying magnetic field that heats the first portion of the induction heating element, and controlling a first varying current such that the temperature of the first portion of the induction heating element increases from an initial temperature in accordance with the first operating temperature profile; And then driving a second varying current in the second induction coil such that the second induction coil generates a second varying magnetic field that heats the second portion of the induction heating element, and controlling the second varying current such that the temperature of the second portion of the induction heating element increases from an initial temperature to according to the second operating temperature profile, wherein: the second operating temperature profile is different from the first operating temperature profile; And the first varying current and the second varying current are controlled such that: in the first phase, a first varying current is supplied to the first induction coil; in the second phase, a second varying current is supplied to the second coil; in at least a portion of the first phase, the first operating temperature profile exceeds the second operating temperature profile; And in at least a portion of the second phase, the second operating temperature profile exceeds the first operating temperature profile, wherein the second operating temperature profile exceeds the first operating temperature profile by no more than 50 degrees Celsius. 2. The method according to claim 1, in which the first operating temperature profile changes over time. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, in which the second operating temperature profile changes over time. 4. Method according to any one of paragraphs. 1-3, wherein in at least a portion of the first phase, the first operating temperature profile exceeds the second operating temperature profile by at least 50 degrees Celsius. 5. Method according to any one of paragraphs. 1-4, wherein the first operating temperature profile exceeds the second operating temperature profile during the first phase. 6. Method according to any one of paragraphs. 1-5, in which the first phase has a predetermined duration. 7. Method according to any one of paragraphs. 1-6, in which the second phase has a predetermined duration. 8. Method according to any one of paragraphs. 1-7, in which the duration of the second phase is less than the duration of the first phase. 9. Method according to any one of paragraphs. 1-7, in which the duration of the second phase is greater than the duration of the first phase. 10. Method according to any one of paragraphs. 1 to 9, wherein in the first phase, driving the first varying current and the second varying current is performed alternately to drive the first varying current in the first induction coil and to drive the second varying current in the second induction coil. 11. Method according to any one of paragraphs. 1-10, wherein in the second phase, driving the first varying current and the second varying current is performed alternately to drive the first varying current in the first induction coil and to drive the second varying current in the second induction coil. 12. Method according to any one of paragraphs. 1-11, in which: driving the second changing current is not carried out when driving the first changing current; And driving the first varying current is not carried out when driving the second varying current. 13. Method according to any one of paragraphs. 1-12, wherein the first varying current is driven in the form of a plurality of pulses, and the first varying current is controlled by pulse width modulation. 14. Method according to any one of paragraphs. 1-13, wherein the second varying current is driven as a plurality of pulses, and the second varying current is controlled by pulse width modulation. 15. An aerosol generating device containing: a device cavity configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate, the device cavity having a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end, the proximal end being substantially open to receive the aerosol-forming substrate; an induction heating arrangement configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the induction heating arrangement comprises: an induction heating element comprising at least one susceptor heated by the penetration of a varying magnetic field to heat the aerosol-forming substrate; a first induction coil located near a proximal end of the device cavity; And a second induction coil located near the distal end of the device cavity; a power supply configured to supply power to the induction heating arrangement; And a controller configured to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims. 1-14. 16. An aerosol generating device containing: a device cavity configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate, the device cavity having a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end, the proximal end being substantially open to receive the aerosol-forming substrate; an induction heating arrangement configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the induction heating arrangement comprises: an induction heating element comprising at least one susceptor heated by the penetration of a varying magnetic field to heat the aerosol-forming substrate; a first induction coil located near a proximal end of the device cavity; And a second induction coil located near the distal end of the device cavity; a power supply configured to supply power to the induction heating arrangement; And controller configured to: initiating heating of the aerosol-forming substrate, when the aerosol-forming substrate is placed in the cavity of the device, by driving a first varying current in a first induction coil to generate a first varying magnetic field for heating the first portion of the induction heating element and controlling the first varying current such that the temperature the first part of the induction heating element is increased from an initial temperature in accordance with the first operating temperature profile; subsequently driving a second varying current in the second induction coil to generate a second varying magnetic field for heating a second portion of the induction heating element and controlling the second varying current such that the temperature of the second portion of the induction heating element increases from an initial temperature in accordance with a second operating temperature profile, wherein: the second operating temperature profile is different from the first operating temperature profile; And control of the first varying current and the second varying current is carried out in such a way that: in the first phase, a first varying current is supplied to the first induction coil; in the second phase, a second varying current is supplied to the second coil; in at least a portion of the first phase, the first operating temperature profile exceeds the second operating temperature profile; And in at least a portion of the second phase, the second operating temperature profile exceeds the first operating temperature profile, wherein the second operating temperature profile exceeds the first operating temperature profile by no more than 50 degrees Celsius. 17. The aerosol generating device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the second coil is wound in a direction different from the winding direction of the first coil. 18. An aerosol generating device according to any one of paragraphs. 15-17, in which the second coil has a different number of turns than the first coil. 19. An aerosol generating device according to any one of paragraphs. 15-18, in which the length of the second coil is different from the length of the first coil. 20. An aerosol generating device according to any one of paragraphs. 15-19, in which a first induction coil is placed around the device cavity, a second induction coil is placed around the device cavity, a first induction heating element portion is placed between the first induction coil and the device cavity, and a second induction heating element portion is placed between the second induction coil and the device cavity. . 21. The aerosol generating device according to claim 20, wherein the induction heating element is a tubular induction heating element defining an internal cavity, wherein the cavity of the device is located in the internal cavity of the induction heating element. 22. An aerosol generating device according to any one of paragraphs. 15-21, wherein the controller is configured to drive the first varying current in the form of a plurality of pulses, and wherein the controller is configured to control the first varying current by pulse width modulation. 23. An aerosol generating device according to any one of paragraphs. 15-22, wherein the controller is configured to drive a second varying current in the form of a plurality of pulses, wherein the controller is configured to control the second varying current by pulse width modulation. 24. An aerosol generating device according to any one of paragraphs. 15-23, further comprising a first switch between the power supply and the first induction coil and a second switch between the power supply and the second induction coil, wherein the controller is configured to turn on and off the first switch at a first switching speed to drive a first varying current in the first induction coil when the second switch remains off, wherein the controller is configured to turn the second switch on and off at a second switching speed to drive a second varying current in the second induction coil when the first switch remains off. 25. An aerosol generating system containing: an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-generating substrate; And an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims. 15-24, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to accommodate an aerosol generating article. 26. An aerosol generating system containing: an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-generating substrate; an aerosol generating device containing: a device cavity configured to receive an aerosol generating article, the device cavity having a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end, the proximal end being substantially open to receive the aerosol generating article; an induction heating arrangement configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the induction heating arrangement comprises: an induction heating element comprising at least one susceptor heated by the penetration of a varying magnetic field to heat the aerosol-forming substrate; a first induction coil located near a proximal end of the device cavity; And a second induction coil located near the distal end of the device cavity; a power supply configured to supply power to the induction heating arrangement; And a controller configured to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims. 1-14.

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