An Aerosol Generating Device

Abstract

An aerosol generating device includes a heating assembly. The heating assembly includes a heating compartment arranged to receive an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device further includes a detection mechanism. The detection mechanism is configured to detect user commands based on movement of the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment by a user. Each one of a set of different defined movements of the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment by a user corresponds to a different assigned user command detectable by the detection mechanism. The aerosol generating device further includes a controller configured to control the operation of the aerosol generating device based on user commands detected by the detection mechanism.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly to an aerosol generating device for heating an aerosol generating substrate to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

The popularity and use of reduced-risk or modified-risk devices (also known as vaporisers) has grown rapidly in recent years as an alternative to the use of traditional tobacco products. Various devices and systems are available that heat or warm, rather than burn, an aerosol generating substrate to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

A commonly available reduced-risk or modified-risk device is an aerosol generating device, or so-called heat-not-burn device. Devices of this type generate an aerosol or vapour by heating an aerosol generating substrate, for instance comprised in an aerosol generating article such as a heated tobacco stick, to a temperature typically in the range 150° C. to 300° C., in a heating compartment. Heating the aerosol generating substrate to a temperature within this range, without burning or combusting the aerosol generating substrate, generates a vapour which typically cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by a user of the device.

Typically, aerosol generating devices include user inputs, for instance in the form of buttons, for various user commands such as turning on the heater. It is desirable to have access to more user commands, such as increasing temperature or displaying battery status, to provide a user with greater control over the device. Generally, to provide access to more user commands additional buttons or different ways of pressing an existing button or buttons (such as long-press or different button combinations) are required. Such arrangements are generally more complex and thus less user-friendly.

There is, therefore, a need to provide an aerosol generating device which mitigates this drawback.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising:

• • a heating assembly, wherein the heating assembly comprises a heating compartment arranged to receive an aerosol generating article;
  • a detection mechanism configured to detect user commands based on movement of the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment by a user, wherein each one of a set of different defined movements of the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment by a user corresponds to a different assigned user command detectable by the detection mechanism; and
  • a controller configured to control the operation of the aerosol generating device based on user commands detected by the detection mechanism.

In examples of the disclosure, manipulation of an aerosol generating article in the heating compartment by a user enables a potentially very large number of different user commands to be readily accessed. This provides a user with greater control over the device using only a single user input, i.e., manipulation of the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment. Such an arrangement negates the requirement to provide additional buttons or different ways of pressing an existing button or buttons to provide additional user commands. The device is therefore less complex and more user-friendly.

The set of different defined movements may include a user rotating the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment, wherein clockwise and anticlockwise rotation correspond to different assigned user commands. The set of different defined movements may include a user tilting the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment, wherein different tilting directions correspond to different assigned user commands. A potentially very large number of different user commands are therefore readily accessed by straightforward user actions.

Possibly, the detection mechanism comprises a plurality of inputs, wherein the inputs are arranged such that each one of the set of different defined movements activates an input corresponding to a user command assigned to that movement. This arrangement ensures that each defined movement corresponds to a user command assigned to that movement by virtue of a specific input.

Possibly, the detection mechanism comprises at least one moveable member, wherein the detection mechanism is configured such that the at least one moveable member is displaceable by a defined movement of the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment by a user to activate an input corresponding to a user command assigned to that defined movement. This arrangement provides a robust mechanism for activating an input based on a defined movement of the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment by a user

Possibly, the detection mechanism is configured such that a user tilting the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment displaces a moveable member to activate an input corresponding to a user command assigned to a user tilting the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment. This arrangement provides a robust mechanism for activating an input based on a user tilting the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment.

Possibly, the detection mechanism is configured such that a user tilting the aerosol generating article in any one of a set of different directions in the heating compartment displaces a moveable member to activate an input corresponding to a user command assigned to a user tilting the aerosol generating article in that direction. This arrangement provides a robust mechanism for activating different inputs based on a user tilting the aerosol generating article in different directions in the heating compartment.

Possibly, the detection mechanism is configured such that a user rotating the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment displaces a moveable member comprising a magnet to change the orientation of the magnet relative to a hall sensor to activate an input in the form of a hall sensor output signal caused by the change in orientation, the input corresponding to a user command assigned to a user rotating the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment. This arrangement provides a robust mechanism for determining whether a user has rotated the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment based on a readily detectable hall sensor output signal.

Possibly, the detection mechanism is configured such that a user rotating the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment displaces a moveable member comprising a magnet to change the orientation of the magnet relative to a hall sensor, wherein

• • a first input is activated by a clockwise rotation in the form of a first hall sensor output signal caused by the change in orientation, the first input corresponding to a user command assigned to clockwise rotation; and
  • a second input is activated by an anticlockwise rotation in the form of a second hall sensor output signal caused by the change in orientation, the second input corresponding to a user command assigned to anticlockwise rotation, wherein the first and second hall sensor output signals are different. This arrangement provides a robust mechanism for determining whether a user has rotated the aerosol generating article clockwise or anticlockwise in the heating compartment based on readily detectable and distinguishable hall sensor output signals.

The magnet may comprise a diametrically magnetised circular magnet having a north pole and a south pole. The north pole may be defined by one curved side and the south pole may be defined by the opposite curved side.

Possibly, the detection mechanism is configured such that a user rotating the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment displaces a moveable member comprising openings causing one or more of the openings to move in and out of alignment with a light emitter and light receiver arranged on either side of the moveable member to activate an input in the form of a light intensity signature, the input corresponding to a user command assigned to a user rotating the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment. This arrangement provides another robust mechanism for determining whether a user has rotated the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment based on a readily detectable light intensity signature.

Possibly, the detection mechanism is configured such that a user rotating the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment displaces a moveable member comprising triangular shaped openings causing one or more of the triangular shaped openings to move in and out of alignment with a light emitter and light receiver arranged on either side of the moveable member to define a light intensity signature, wherein

• • a first input is activated by a clockwise rotation in the form of a first light intensity signature, the first input corresponding to a user command assigned to clockwise rotation; and
  • a second input is activated by an anticlockwise rotation in the form of a second light intensity signature, the second input corresponding to a user command assigned to anticlockwise rotation, wherein the first and second light intensity signatures are different. This arrangement provides another robust mechanism for determining whether a user has rotated the aerosol generating article clockwise or anticlockwise in the heating compartment based on readily detectable and distinguishable light intensity signatures.

Possibly, the detection mechanism comprises at least one image sensor, wherein the detection mechanism is configured such that the at least one image sensor detects changes between consecutive images of the aerosol generating article as a user rotates the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment to activate an input in the form of a consecutive images signature, the input corresponding to a user command assigned to a user rotating the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment. This arrangement provides another robust mechanism for determining whether a user has rotated the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment based on a readily detectable consecutive images signature.

Possibly, the detection mechanism comprises at least one image sensor, wherein the detection mechanism is configured such that the at least one image sensor detects changes between consecutive images of the aerosol generating article as a user rotates the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment, wherein

• • a first input is activated by a clockwise rotation in the form of a first consecutive images signature, the first input corresponding to a user command assigned to clockwise rotation; and
  • a second input is activated by an anticlockwise rotation in the form of a second consecutive images signature, the second input corresponding to a user command assigned to anticlockwise rotation, wherein the first and second consecutive images signatures are different. This arrangement provides another robust mechanism for determining whether a user has rotated the aerosol generating article clockwise or anticlockwise in the heating compartment based on readily detectable and distinguishable consecutive images signatures.

The detection mechanism may comprise an LED to illuminate the aerosol generating article to facilitate detection of consecutive images.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a first example of an aerosol generating device;

FIG. 2a is a diagrammatic perspective view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 showing clockwise and anticlockwise rotation of an aerosol generating article;

FIG. 2b is a diagrammatic perspective view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 showing example tilting directions of an aerosol generating article;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a second example of an aerosol generating device;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic top view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic top detail view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view of a strain gauge;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a third example of an aerosol generating device;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic top view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic top detail view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a push button;

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a fourth example of an aerosol generating device;

FIG. 12a is a diagrammatic cross-sectional detail view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 11 comprising an aerosol generating article;

FIG. 12b is another diagrammatic cross-sectional detail view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 11 showing clockwise and anticlockwise rotation of an aerosol generating article;

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a circular magnet:

FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a fifth example of an aerosol generating device;

FIG. 15a is a diagrammatic cross-sectional detail view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 14 comprising an aerosol generating article;

FIG. 15b is another diagrammatic cross-sectional detail view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 14 showing clockwise and anticlockwise rotation of an aerosol generating article;

FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a light emitter/receiver arrangement;

FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic detail view of a triangular shaped opening and a light source;

FIG. 18a is a graphical representation of a first light intensity signature;

FIG. 18b is a graphical representation of a second light intensity signature;

FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a sixth example of an aerosol generating device;

FIG. 20a is a diagrammatic cross-sectional detail view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 19 comprising an aerosol generating article;

FIG. 20b is another diagrammatic cross-sectional detail view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 19 showing clockwise and anticlockwise rotation of an aerosol generating article; and

FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an image sensor arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, there is shown diagrammatically a first example of an aerosol generating device 10 according to the present disclosure. The aerosol generating device 10 is configured to be used with an aerosol generating article 16 such that the aerosol generating device 10 and the aerosol generating article 16 together form an aerosol generating system.

The aerosol generating device 10 may equally be referred to as a “heated tobacco device”, a “heat-not-burn tobacco device”, a “device for vaporising tobacco products”, and the like, with this being interpreted as a device suitable for achieving these effects. The features disclosed herein are equally applicable to devices which are designed to vaporise any aerosol generating substrate.

The aerosol generating device 10 is a hand-held, portable, device, by which it is meant that a user is able to hold and support the device unaided, in a single hand. The aerosol generating device 10 has a first (or proximal) end 48 and a second (or distal) end 50 and comprises a device housing 52.

The aerosol generating device 10 includes a controller 20. The aerosol generating device 10 may include a user interface for controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device 10 via the controller 20.

The controller 20 is configured to detect the initiation of use of the aerosol generating device 10, for example, in response to a user input, such as a button press to activate the aerosol generating device 10, or in response to a detected airflow through the aerosol generating device 10, or in response to a user command as described in more detail below. As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, an airflow through the aerosol generating device 10 is indicative of a user inhalation or ‘puff’. The aerosol generating device 10 may, for example, include a puff detector, such as an airflow sensor (not shown), to detect an airflow through the aerosol generating device 10.

The controller 20 includes electronic circuitry. The aerosol generating device 10 includes a power source 54, such as a battery. The power source 54 and the electronic circuitry may be configured to operate at a high frequency in the case of an inductively heated vapour generating device 10. For example, the power source 54 and the electronic circuitry may be configured to operate at a frequency of between approximately 80 KHz and 500 kHz, possibly between approximately 150 KHz and 250 kHz, and possibly at approximately 200 kHz. The power source 54 and the electronic circuitry could be configured to operate at a higher frequency, for example in the MHz range, if required.

The aerosol generating device 10 comprises a heating assembly 12. The heating assembly 12 further comprises a heating compartment 14. The heating compartment 14 is arranged to receive an aerosol generating article 16. In some examples, the heating compartment 14 has a substantially cylindrical cross-section. The heating compartment 14 defines a cavity.

The heating compartment 14 has a first end 56 and a second end 58. The heating compartment 14 includes an opening 60 at the first end 56 for receiving an aerosol generating article 16. In the illustrated example, the heating compartment 14 includes a substantially cylindrical side wall 62, i.e., a side wall 62 which has a substantially circular cross-section.

The aerosol generating article 16 comprises an aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating substrate may be any type of solid or semi-solid material. Example types of aerosol generating solids include powder, granules, pellets, shreds, strands, particles, gel, strips, loose leaves, cut leaves, cut filler, porous material, foam material or sheets. The aerosol generating substrate may comprise plant derived material and in particular, may comprise tobacco. It may advantageously comprise reconstituted tobacco.

The aerosol generating substrate may comprise an aerosol-former. Examples of aerosol-formers include polyhydric alcohols and mixtures thereof such as glycerine or propylene glycol. Typically, the aerosol generating substrate may comprise an aerosol-former content of between approximately 5% and approximately 50% on a dry weight basis. In some example, the aerosol generating substrate 16 may comprise an aerosol-former content of between approximately 10% and approximately 20% on a dry weight basis, and possibly approximately 15% on a dry weight basis.

Upon heating, the aerosol generating substrate may release volatile compounds. The volatile compounds may include nicotine or flavour compounds such as tobacco flavouring.

The shape of the aerosol generating article 16 corresponds to the shape of the heating compartment 14. The aerosol generating article 16 may be generally cylindrical or rod-shaped. The aerosol generating article 16 may be formed substantially in the shape of a stick, and may broadly resemble a cigarette, having a tubular region with an aerosol generating substrate arranged in a suitable manner. The aerosol generating article 16 may be a disposable and replaceable article which may, for example, contain tobacco as the aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating article 16 may be a heated tobacco stick. The aerosol generating article 16 is a consumable.

The aerosol generating article 16 has a first end 64 (or mouth end), a second end 66, and comprises a filter 68 at the first end 64. The filter 68 acts as a mouthpiece and may comprise an air-permeable plug, for example comprising cellulose acetate fibres.

The aerosol generating substrate and filter 68 may be circumscribed by a paper wrapper and may, thus, be embodied as an aerosol generating article 16. One or more vapour collection regions, cooling regions, and other structure may also be included in some designs.

To use the aerosol generating device 10, a user inserts an aerosol generating article 16 through the opening 60 into the heating compartment 14, so that the second end 66 of the aerosol generating article 16 is positioned at the second end 58 of the heating compartment 14 and so that the filter 68 at the first end 64 of the aerosol generating article 16 projects from the first end 56 of the heating compartment 14 to permit engagement by a user's lips.

The heating assembly 12 comprises a heater (not shown) arranged to heat the aerosol generating substrate of an aerosol generating article 16 received in the heating compartment 14.

The heating assembly 12 may be an induction heating assembly (not shown). The induction heating assembly further comprises an induction coil (not shown). The induction coil is arranged to be energised to generate an alternating electromagnetic field for inductively heating an induction heatable susceptor (not shown), i.e., a heater.

The induction heatable susceptor may be arranged around the periphery of the heating compartment 14. Alternatively, the induction heatable susceptor may be arranged to project into the heating compartment 14 from the second end 58 (e.g., as a heating blade or pin) to penetrate the aerosol generating substrate when the aerosol generating article 16 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 10. In other examples, the induction heatable susceptor is instead provided in the aerosol generating substrate during manufacture of the aerosol generating article 16. In such examples, the aerosol generating article 16 comprises the induction heatable susceptor.

The induction coil can be energised by the power source 54 and controller 20. The induction coil may comprise a Litz wire or a Litz cable. It will, however, be understood that other materials could be used.

The induction coil may extend around the heating compartment 14. Accordingly, the induction coil may be annular. The induction coil may be substantially helical in shape. In some examples, the circular cross-section of a helical induction coil may facilitate the insertion of an aerosol generating article 16 and optionally one or more induction heatable susceptors, into the heating compartment 14 and ensure uniform heating of the aerosol generating substrate.

The induction heatable susceptor comprises an electrically conductive material. The induction heatable susceptor may comprise one or more, but not limited to, of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, aluminium, iron, nickel, nickel containing compounds, titanium, mild steel, stainless steel, low carbon steel and alloys thereof, e.g., nickel chromium or nickel copper, and composites of metallic materials. In some examples, the induction heatable susceptor comprises a metal selected from the group consisting of mild steel, stainless steel, and low carbon stainless steel.

In use, with the application of an electromagnetic field in its vicinity, the induction heatable susceptor(s) generate heat due to eddy currents and magnetic hysteresis losses resulting in a conversion of energy from electromagnetic to heat.

The induction coil may be arranged to operate in use with a fluctuating electromagnetic field having a magnetic flux density of between approximately 20 mT and approximately 2.0 T at the point of highest concentration.

An alternative approach is to employ a resistive heating assembly (not shown). In such cases, the heater comprises a resistive heater (not shown). The resistive heater may surround the aerosol generating substrate and transfer heat to an outer surface of the aerosol generating substrate, for instance, the resistive heater may be arranged around the periphery of the heating compartment 14. Alternatively, the resistive heater may be arranged to project into the heating compartment 14 from the second end 58 (e.g., as a heating blade or pin) to penetrate the aerosol generating substrate when the aerosol generating article 16 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 10. In use, current from the power supply 54 is supplied directly to the resistive heater to generate heat.

In use, heat from the heater (i.e., induction heatable susceptor or resistive heater) is transferred to the aerosol generating substrate of an aerosol generating article 16 positioned in the heating compartment 14, for example by conduction, radiation and convection, to heat the aerosol generating substrate (without burning the aerosol generating substrate) and thereby generate a vapour which cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by a user of the aerosol generating device 10, for instance, through the filter 68. The vaporisation of the aerosol generating substrate is facilitated by the addition of air from the surrounding environment, e.g., through an air inlet (not shown).

In general terms, a vapour is a substance in the gas phase at a temperature lower than its critical temperature, which means that the vapour can be condensed to a liquid by increasing its pressure without reducing the temperature, whereas an aerosol is a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets, in air or another gas. It should, however, be noted that the terms ‘aerosol’ and ‘vapour’ may be used interchangeably in this specification, particularly with regard to the form of the inhalable medium that is generated for inhalation by a user.

The aerosol generating device 10 further comprises a detection mechanism 18. The detection mechanism 18 is configured to detect user commands based on movement of an aerosol generating article 16 in the heating compartment 14 by a user. Accordingly, the detection mechanism 18 is configured to detect user commands based on manipulation of an aerosol generating article 16 by a user in the heating compartment 14.

Each one of a set of different defined movements 19 of the aerosol generating article 16 in the heating compartment 14 by a user corresponds to a different assigned user command detectable by the detection mechanism 18.

The controller 20 is configured to control the operation of the aerosol generating device 10 based on user commands detected by the detection mechanism 18.

User commands include at least: turning on the heater of the heating assembly 12 to start a heat up process, increasing the temperature of the heating compartment 14, decreasing the temperature of the heating compartment 14, displaying the battery 54 status. As foreshadowed above, the controller 20 may also be configured to detect the initiation of use of the aerosol generating device 10 in response to a user command.

In examples of the disclosure, manipulation of an aerosol generating article 16 in the heating compartment 14 by a user enables a potentially very large number of different user commands to be readily accessed. This provides a user with greater control over the device 10 using only a single user input, i.e., manipulation of the aerosol generating article 16 in the heating compartment 14. Such an arrangement negates the requirement to provide additional buttons or different ways of pressing an existing button or buttons to provide additional user commands. The device 10 is therefore less complex and more user-friendly.

As illustrated in FIG. 2a, in some examples the set of different defined movements 19 include a user rotating the aerosol generating article 16 in the heating compartment 14. A user rotating the aerosol generating article 16 in the heating compartment 14 means a user causes the aerosol generating article 16 to turn or move about a longitudinal axis of the heating compartment 14 to some extent. Clockwise and anticlockwise rotation correspond to different assigned user commands. Accordingly, the detection mechanism 18 is configured such that clockwise and anticlockwise turns of the aerosol generating article 16 provide different user commands.

As illustrated in FIG. 2b, in some examples the set of different defined movements 19 include a user tilting the aerosol generating article 16 in the heating compartment 14. Different tilting directions correspond to different assigned user commands.

In some examples, the set of different defined movements 19 may include a user rotating the aerosol generating article 16 in the heating compartment 14 (as illustrated in FIG. 2a) and a user tilting the aerosol generating article 16 in the heating compartment 14 (as illustrated in FIG. 2b). In such examples, clockwise rotation, anticlockwise rotation, and different tilting directions each correspond to different assigned user commands.

A potentially very large number of different user commands are therefore readily accessed by straightforward user actions.

In the illustrated example, the detection mechanism 18 comprises a plurality of inputs 22. The inputs 22 are arranged such that each one of the set of different defined movements 19 activates an input 22 corresponding to a user command assigned to that movement 19. This arrangement ensures that each defined movement corresponds to a user command assigned to that movement by virtue of a specific input 22.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 to 6, there is shown a second example of an aerosol generating device 100 according to the present disclosure. The aerosol generating device 100 is similar to the aerosol generating device 10 described above and corresponding elements are designated using the same reference numerals.

The detection mechanism 18 of aerosol generating device 100 is configured such that a user tilting an aerosol generating article 16 in the heating compartment 14 activates an input 22. The input 22 corresponds to a user command assigned to a user tilting the aerosol generating article 16 in the heating compartment 14.

In the illustrated example, the detection mechanism 18 is configured such that a user tilting the aerosol generating article 16 in any one of a set of different directions in the heating compartment 14 activates an input 22 corresponding to a user command assigned to a user tilting the aerosol generating article 16 in that direction. Accordingly, a user tilting the aerosol generating article 16 in different directions in the heating compartment 14 activates different inputs 22. Each input 22 activated corresponds to a user command assigned to a user tilting the aerosol generating article 16 in a particular direction. This arrangement provides a robust mechanism for activating different inputs 22 based on a user tilting the aerosol generating article 16 in different directions in the heating compartment 14.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, in the illustrated example the input 22 or inputs 22 comprise strain gauges 25. In particular, inputs 22 in the form of strain gauges 25 are disposed on opposing sides (labelled 1 and 2) and on an external surface 27 of the heating compartment 14 toward the top of the heating compartment 14. Only a single strain gauge 25 is in fact visible in FIG. 5. In use, when the aerosol generating article 16 is tilted in a direction to contact an internal surface 29 of a one of the opposing sides (either 1 or 2), the strain gauge 25 located on the corresponding external surface 27 will sense a force, thus activating an input 22. The input 22 activated corresponds to a user command assigned to a user tilting the aerosol generating article 16 in that direction in the heating compartment 14.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 to 10, there is shown a third example of an aerosol generating device 110 according to the present disclosure. The aerosol generating device 110 is similar to the aerosol generating devices 10, 100 described above and corresponding elements are designated using the same reference numerals.

The detection mechanism 18 of the aerosol generating device 110 comprises at least one moveable member 24. In the illustrated example, the at least one moveable member 24 is in communication with the heating compartment 14. The at least one moveable member 24 may be disposed, or at least partially disposed, in the heating compartment 14.

The detection mechanism 18 of aerosol generating device 110 is configured such that a user tilting an aerosol generating article 16 in the heating compartment 14 displaces a moveable member 24 to activate an input 22. The input 22 corresponds to a user command assigned to a user tilting the aerosol generating article 16 in the heating compartment 14. This arrangement provides another robust mechanism for activating an input 22 based on a user tilting the aerosol generating article 16 in the heating compartment 14.

In the illustrated example, the detection mechanism 18 is configured such that a user tilting the aerosol generating article 16 in any one of a set of different directions in the heating compartment 14 displaces a moveable member 24 to activate an input 22 corresponding to a user command assigned to a user tilting the aerosol generating article 16 in that direction. Accordingly, a user tilting the aerosol generating article 16 in different directions in the heating compartment 14 activates different inputs 22. Each input 22 activated corresponds to a user command assigned to a user tilting the aerosol generating article 16 in a particular direction. This arrangement provides another robust mechanism for activating different inputs 22 based on a user tilting the aerosol generating article 16 in different directions in the heating compartment 14.

As best shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, in the illustrated example the input 22 or inputs 22 are disposed behind a respective moveable member(s) 24. The inputs 22 comprise push buttons 23 or tactile switches.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, in the illustrated example two inputs 22 (labelled A and B) in the form of push buttons 23 are disposed on opposing sides of the heating compartment 14 and behind respective moveable members 24 (labelled 1 and 2). The moveable members 24 form a top section of the heating compartment 14. In use, when the aerosol generating article 16 is tilted in a direction to displace one of the two moveable members 24 (either 1 or 2), a button 23 located behind that moveable member 24 (either A or B) is pressed thus activating an input 22. The input 22 activated corresponds to a user command assigned to a user tilting the aerosol generating article 16 in that direction in the heating compartment 14.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 to 13, there is shown a fourth example of an aerosol generating device 120 according to the present disclosure. The aerosol generating device 120 is similar to the aerosol generating devices 10, 100, 110 described above and corresponding elements are designated using the same reference numerals.

As best shown FIG. 12b, the detection mechanism 18 of the aerosol generating device 120 is configured such that a user rotating an aerosol generating article 16 in the heating compartment 14 displaces a moveable member 24. In the illustrated example, the moveable member 24 comprises a magnet 26 as shown in FIG. 13. Displacing the moveable member 24 changes the orientation of the magnet 26 relative to a hall sensor 28 (labelled A) to activate an input 22 corresponding to a user command assigned to a user rotating the aerosol generating article 16 in the heating compartment 14. The input 22 is in the form of a hall sensor output signal caused by the change in orientation of the magnet 26 relative to the hall sensor 28.

This arrangement provides a robust mechanism for determining whether a user has rotated the aerosol generating article 16 in the heating compartment 14 based on a readily detectable hall sensor output signal.

In the illustrated example, a first input 22 is activated by a clockwise rotation in the form of a first hall sensor output signal caused by the change in orientation of the magnet 26 relative to the hall sensor 28. The first input 22 corresponds to a user command assigned to clockwise rotation. A second input 22 is activated by an anticlockwise rotation in the form of a second hall sensor output signal caused by the change in orientation of the magnet 26 relative to the hall sensor 28. The second input 22 corresponds to a user command assigned to anticlockwise rotation. The first and second hall sensor output signals are different enabling them to be distinguished.

In the illustrated example, the magnet 26 comprises a diametrically magnetised circular magnet 30 having a north pole 32 and a south pole 34. The north pole 32 is defined by one curved side of the circular magnet 30. The south pole 34 is defined by the opposite curved side of the circular magnet 30. In such examples, the moveable member 24 is the diametrically magnetised circular magnet 30 having a north pole 32 and a south pole 34.

In the illustrated example, the diametrically magnetised circular magnet 30 is disposed towards the top of the heating compartment 14. Rotating the aerosol generating article 16 in the heating compartment 14 will caused the circular magnet 30 to also turn, i.e., rotate. The hall sensor 28 therefore detects the rotation of the circular magnet 30. The direction of rotation of the circular magnet 30, and thus the direction of rotation of the aerosol generating article 16, is determined based on the induced current on the hall sensor 28. Accordingly, two different user commands can be actioned depending on the direction of rotation of the aerosol generating article 16.

This arrangement provides a robust mechanism for determining whether a user has rotated the aerosol generating article 16 clockwise or anticlockwise in the heating compartment 14 based on readily detectable and distinguishable hall sensor output signals.

Referring now to FIGS. 14 to 18, there is shown a fifth example of an aerosol generating device 130 according to the present disclosure. The aerosol generating device 130 is similar to the aerosol generating devices 10, 100, 110, 120 described above and corresponding elements are designated using the same reference numerals.

The detection mechanism 18 of the aerosol generating device 130 is also configured such that a user rotating the aerosol generating article 16 in the heating compartment 14 displaces a moveable member 24. The moveable member 24 comprises openings 38. In particular, the moveable member 24 is a disk 45 with openings 38 extending therethrough. Displacing the moveable member 24 causes one or more of the openings 38 to move in and out of alignment with a light emitter 40 and light receiver 42 arranged on either side of the moveable member 24 to activate an input corresponding to a user command assigned to a user rotating the aerosol generating article 16 in the heating compartment 14. The input is in the form of a light intensity signature.

This arrangement provides another robust mechanism for determining whether a user has rotated the aerosol generating article 16 in the heating compartment 14 based on a readily detectable light intensity signature.

The moveable member 24 may comprise triangular shaped openings 44 as best illustrated in FIG. 17. In such examples, a first input 22 is activated by a clockwise rotation in the form of a first light intensity signature, which is graphically represented in FIG. 18a. The first input 22 corresponds to a user command assigned to clockwise rotation.

Referring to FIG. 18a and reading the graph from left to right, the first light intensity signature is characterised by a progressive increase in light intensity from a base value to a maximum value as each triangular shaped opening 44 moves into alignment with the light emitter 40 and light receiver 42 as the moveable member 24 is displaced by a user rotating the aerosol generating article 16 clockwise in the heating compartment 14. In practice, a dim light will initially appear which will then brighten to the maximum value. The light intensity will decrease sharply to the base value as each triangular shaped opening 44 moves out of alignment with the light emitter 40 and light receiver 42. The light intensity signature observed is caused by each triangular shaped opening 44 moving into alignment with the light emitter 40 and light receiver 42 pointed-end first.

A second input 22 is activated by an anticlockwise rotation in the form of a second light intensity signature, which is graphically represented in FIG. 18b. The second input 22 corresponds to a user command assigned to anticlockwise rotation.

Referring to FIG. 18b and reading the graph from right to left, the second light intensity signature is characterised by a sharp increase in light intensity from a base value to a maximum value as each triangular shaped opening 44 moves into alignment with the light emitter 40 and light receiver 42 as the moveable member 24 is displaced by a user rotating the aerosol generating article 16 anticlockwise in the heating compartment 14. In practice, a bright light will initially appear at the maximum light intensity value which will then dim to the base value as each triangular shaped opening 44 moves out of alignment with the light emitter 40 and light receiver 42. The light intensity signature observed is caused by each triangular shaped opening 44 moving into alignment with the light emitter 40 and light receiver 42 flat-end first.

Accordingly, the triangular shaped openings 44 are arranged such that clockwise rotation of the aerosol generating article 16 causes each triangular shaped opening 44 to move into alignment with the light emitter 40 and light receiver 42 pointed-end first. Furthermore, the triangular shaped openings 44 are arranged such that anticlockwise rotation of the aerosol generating article 16 causes each triangular shaped opening 44 to move into alignment with the light emitter 40 and light receiver 42 flat-end first.

The first and second light intensity signatures are therefore different enabling them to be readily distinguished.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 15a and 15b, in the illustrated example the disk 45 is disposed towards the top of the heating compartment 14. Rotating the aerosol generating article 16 in the heating compartment 14 will caused the disk 45 to also turn, i.e., rotate. The direction of rotation of the disk 45, and thus the direction of rotation of the aerosol generating article 16, is determined based on the detected light intensity signature, i.e., whether the first or second light intensity signature is detected. Accordingly, two different user commands can be actioned depending on the direction of rotation of the aerosol generating article 16.

This arrangement provides another robust mechanism for determining whether a user has rotated the aerosol generating article 16 clockwise or anticlockwise in the heating compartment 14 based on readily detectable and distinguishable light intensity signatures.

Referring now to FIGS. 19 to 21, there is shown a sixth example of an aerosol generating device 140 according to the present disclosure. The aerosol generating device 140 is similar to the aerosol generating devices 10, 100, 110, 120, 130 described above and corresponding elements are designated using the same reference numerals.

The detection mechanism 18 of the aerosol generating device 140 comprises at least one image sensor 46, for instance as illustrated in FIG. 21. The detection mechanism 18 is configured such that the at least one image sensor 46 detects changes between consecutive images of the aerosol generating article 16 as a user rotates the aerosol generating article 16 in the heating compartment 14 to activate an input 22 in the form of a consecutive images signature. The input 22 corresponds to a user command assigned to a user rotating the aerosol generating article 16 in the heating compartment 14.

This arrangement provides another robust mechanism for determining whether a user has rotated the aerosol generating article 16 in the heating compartment 14 based on a readily detectable consecutive images signature.

As best illustrated in FIG. 20b, in the illustrated example a first input 22 is activated by a clockwise rotation in the form of a first consecutive images signature. The first input 22 corresponds to a user command assigned to clockwise rotation. A second input is activated by an anticlockwise rotation in the form of a second consecutive images signature. The second input 22 corresponding to a user command assigned to anticlockwise rotation. The first and second consecutive images signatures are different enabling them to be distinguished.

This arrangement provides another robust mechanism for determining whether a user has rotated the aerosol generating article 16 clockwise or anticlockwise in the heating compartment 14 based on readily detectable and distinguishable consecutive images signatures.

In some example, the detection mechanism 18 comprises an LED to illuminate the aerosol generating article 16 to facilitate detection of consecutive images.

In the illustrated example, the at least one image sensor 46 is disposed behind a glass window that forms part of the top of the heating compartment 14. Accordingly, movement of the aerosol generating article 16 is detected through motion tracking (detecting the changes between consecutive images).

In some examples, the detection mechanism 18 is configured such that a user tilting or rotating an aerosol generating article 16 in the heating compartment 14 activates different inputs 22 respectively corresponding to a user command assigned to a user tilting or rotating the aerosol generating article 16 in the heating compartment 14. For instance, the detection mechanism 18 may comprise the arrangement of the second or third example aerosol generating devices 100, 110 in combination with the arrangement of any of the fourth, fifth or sixth example aerosol generating devices 120, 130, 140.

In such examples, a user tilting the aerosol generating article 16 in different directions in the heating compartment 14 may activate different inputs 22. Each input 22 activated corresponds to a user command assigned to a user tilting the aerosol generating article 16 in a particular direction in the heating compartment 14. Furthermore, in such examples clockwise and anticlockwise rotation of the aerosol generating article 16 in the heating compartment 14 may also activate different inputs 22. Each input 22 activated respectively corresponds to a user command assigned to clockwise or anticlockwise rotation of the aerosol generating article 16 in the heating compartment 14.

In some examples, a user rotating and/or tilting the aerosol generating article 16 in the heating compartment 14 to different degrees may correspond to different user commands. For instance, rotation through 45, 90, 180, and 360 degrees may correspond to different user commands.

The Figures also illustrate a method of manufacturing an aerosol generating device 10, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140 according to examples of the disclosure. The Figures also illustrate a method of providing an aerosol generating system according to examples of the disclosure.

Although exemplary embodiments have been described in the preceding paragraphs, it should be understood that various modifications may be made to those embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Thus, the breadth and scope of the claims should not be limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments.

Any combination of the above-described features in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device comprising: a heating assembly, wherein the heating assembly comprises a heating compartment arranged to receive an aerosol generating article;a detection mechanism configured to detect user commands based on movement of the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment by a user, wherein each one of a set of different defined movements of the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment by a user corresponds to a different assigned user command detectable by the detection mechanism; anda controller configured to control the operation of the aerosol generating device based on user commands detected by the detection mechanism.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the set of different defined movements includes a user rotating the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment, wherein clockwise and anticlockwise rotation correspond to different assigned user commands.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the set of different defined movements includes a user tilting the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment, wherein different tilting directions correspond to different assigned user commands.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the detection mechanism comprises a plurality of inputs arranged such that each one of the set of different defined movements activates an input of the plurality of inputs corresponding to a user command assigned to that movement.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein the detection mechanism further comprises at least one moveable member, wherein the detection mechanism is configured such that the at least one moveable member is displaceable by a defined movement of the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment by a user to activate an input of the plurality of inputs corresponding to a user command assigned to that defined movement.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein the detection mechanism is configured such that a user tilting the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment displaces a moveable member to activate an input of the plurality of inputs corresponding to a user command assigned to a user tilting the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein the detection mechanism is configured such that a user tilting the aerosol generating article in any one of a set of different directions in the heating compartment displaces a moveable member to activate an input of the plurality of inputs corresponding to a user command assigned to a user tilting the aerosol generating article in that direction.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein the detection mechanism is configured such that a user rotating the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment displaces a moveable member comprising a magnet to change an orientation of the magnet relative to a hall sensor to activate an input of the plurality of inputs in the form of a hall sensor output signal caused by the change in orientation, the input corresponding to a user command assigned to a user rotating the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein the detection mechanism is configured such that a user rotating the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment displaces a moveable member comprising a magnet to change an orientation of the magnet relative to a hall sensor, wherein a first input of the plurality of inputs is activated by a clockwise rotation in the form of a first hall sensor output signal caused by the change in orientation, the first input corresponding to a user command assigned to clockwise rotation; anda second input of the plurality of inputs is activated by an anticlockwise rotation in the form of a second hall sensor output signal caused by the change in orientation, the second input corresponding to a user command assigned to anticlockwise rotation, wherein the first and second hall sensor output signals are different.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8, wherein the magnet comprises a diametrically magnetised circular magnet having a north pole and a south pole, wherein the north pole is defined by one curved side and the south pole is defined by an opposite curved side.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein the detection mechanism is configured such that a user rotating the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment displaces a moveable member comprising openings causing one or more of the openings to move in and out of alignment with a light emitter and light receiver arranged on either side of the moveable member to activate an input of the plurality of inputs in the form of a light intensity signature, the input corresponding to a user command assigned to a user rotating the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein the detection mechanism is configured such that a user rotating the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment displaces a moveable member comprising triangular shaped openings causing one or more of the triangular shaped openings to move in and out of alignment with a light emitter and light receiver arranged on either side of the moveable member to define a light intensity signature, wherein a first input of the plurality of inputs is activated by a clockwise rotation in the form of a first light intensity signature, the first input corresponding to a user command assigned to clockwise rotation; anda second input of the plurality of inputs is activated by an anticlockwise rotation in the form of a second light intensity signature, the second input corresponding to a user command assigned to anticlockwise rotation, wherein the first and second light intensity signatures are different.

13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein the detection mechanism further comprises at least one image sensor, wherein the detection mechanism is configured such that the at least one image sensor detects changes between consecutive images of the aerosol generating article as a user rotates the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment to activate an input of the plurality of inputs in the form of a consecutive images signature, the input corresponding to a user command assigned to a user rotating the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment.

14. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein the detection mechanism further comprises at least one image sensor, wherein the detection mechanism is configured such that the at least one image sensor detects changes between consecutive images of the aerosol generating article as a user rotates the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment, wherein a first input of the plurality of inputs is activated by a clockwise rotation in the form of a first consecutive images signature, the first input corresponding to a user command assigned to clockwise rotation; anda second input of the plurality of inputs is activated by an anticlockwise rotation in the form of a second consecutive images signature, the second input corresponding to a user command assigned to anticlockwise rotation, wherein the first and second consecutive images signatures are different.

15. The aerosol generating device according to claim 13, wherein the detection mechanism further comprises an LED to illuminate the aerosol generating article to facilitate detection of consecutive images.

16. An aerosol generating device comprising: a heating assembly, wherein the heating assembly comprises a heating compartment arranged to receive an aerosol generating article;a plurality of inputs configured to detect user commands based on movement of the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment by a user, wherein each one of a set of different defined movements of the aerosol generating article in the heating compartment by a user corresponds to a different assigned user command detectable by the plurality of inputs, wherein the plurality of inputs are arranged such that each one of the set of different defined movements activates an input of the plurality of inputs corresponding to a user command assigned to that movement; anda controller configured to control operation of the aerosol generating device based on user commands detected by the detection mechanism.