US20250234935A1

US20250234935A1 - Aerosol generating device and method of operating the same

Info

Publication number: US20250234935A1
Application number: US18/698,462
Authority: US
Inventors: Jongsub Lee; Sangkyu Park; Wooseok CHUNG; Byungsung CHO; Daenam HAN
Original assignee: KT&G Corp
Current assignee: KT&G Corp
Priority date: 2021-10-19
Filing date: 2022-10-12
Publication date: 2025-07-24
Also published as: EP4418923A1; WO2023068639A1; EP4418923A4; JP2024538079A

Abstract

An aerosol generating device and a method of operating the same are provided. The aerosol generating device includes: a heater to heat an aerosol generating substance; a puff sensor to provide output corresponding to a puff by a user; an input device to receive a user input; and a controller to identify that the user input corresponds to first data, determine, after identifying that the user input corresponds to the first data, an inhalation pattern associated with inhalation by the user, based on the output provided by the puff sensor, determine, a heating profile corresponding to the inhalation pattern, based on the determined inhalation pattern; and control power supplied to the heater according to the heating profile.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device and a method of operating the same.

BACKGROUND ART

An aerosol generating device is a device that extracts certain components from a medium or a substance by producing an aerosol. The medium may contain a multicomponent substance. The substance contained in the medium may be a multicomponent flavoring substance. For example, the substance contained in the medium may include a nicotine component, an herbal component, and/or a coffee component. Recently, various research on aerosol generating devices has been conducted.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

It is an objective of the present disclosure to solve the above and other problems. It is another objective of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device that can determine an inhalation pattern of a user to generate the amount of vapor corresponding to the inhalation pattern of the user when the user inhales an aerosol, and a method of operating the same.
It is yet another objective of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device that can allow a user to conveniently personalize the operation of the aerosol generating device by performing a determination of an inhalation pattern based on a user input signal related to the determination of the inhalation pattern, and a method of operating the same.
It is yet another objective of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device that can increase user convenience by initializing an inhalation pattern based on a user input signal related to the initialization of the inhalation pattern, and a method of operating the same.
It is yet another objective of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device that can allow a user to easily check an input of his or her inhalation pattern by informing the user of a start and an end of a determination of the inhalation pattern, and a method of operating the same.

Technical Solution

According to one aspect of the subject matter described in this application, an aerosol generating device includes: a heater configured to heat an aerosol generating substance; a puff sensor configured to provide output corresponding to a puff by a user; an input device configured to receive a user input; and a controller configured to: identify that the user input corresponds to first data, determine, after identifying that the user input corresponds to the first data, an inhalation pattern associated with inhalation by the user, based on the output provided by the puff sensor, determine, a heating profile corresponding to the inhalation pattern, based on the determined inhalation pattern; and control power supplied to the heater according to the heating profile.
According to another aspect of the subject matter described in this application, a method for operating an aerosol generating device having an input device is provided. The method may include: identifying that a user input received from the input device corresponds to first data; determining, after the identifying that the user input corresponds to the first data, an inhalation pattern associated with inhalation by the user, based on an output provided by a puff sensor; and determining a heating profile corresponding to the inhalation pattern, based on the determined inhalation pattern.

Advantageous Effects

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an inhalation pattern of a user may be determined to generate the amount of vapor corresponding to the inhalation pattern of the user when the user inhales an aerosol.
According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a determination of an inhalation pattern may be performed based on a user input signal related to the determination of the inhalation pattern, thereby allowing a user to conveniently personalize the operation of the aerosol generating device.
According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an inhalation pattern may be initialized based on a user input signal related to the initialization of the inhalation pattern to thereby increase user convenience.
According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a user may easily check an input of his or her inhalation pattern by informing the user of a start and an end of a determination of the inhalation pattern.
The additional scope of applicability of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following detailed description. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and alterations are possible, without departing from the idea and scope of the present disclosure, and therefore it should be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are provided only for illustration.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generating device.

FIGS. 2 to 4 are views referenced to describe examples of an aerosol generating device.

FIGS. 5 to 7 are views referenced to describe examples of a stick.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of operating an aerosol generating device.

FIGS. 9 to 12 are views for explaining the method of operating the aerosol generating device.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are flowcharts illustrating examples of a method of operating an aerosol generating device.

FIG. 15 is a view for explaining the method of operating the aerosol generating device.

Best Model

Description will now be given in detail according to exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of brief description with reference to the drawings, the same or equivalent components are provided with the same or similar reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.
In the following description, a suffix such as “module” and “unit” may be used to refer to elements or components. Use of such a suffix herein is merely intended to facilitate description of the specification, and the suffix itself is not intended to give any special meaning or function.
In the present disclosure, that which is well known to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art has generally been omitted for the sake of brevity. The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand the technical idea of the present disclosure and it should be understood that the idea of the present disclosure is not limited by the accompanying drawings. The idea of the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents, and substitutes besides the accompanying drawings.
It will be understood that although the terms “first”, “second”, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.
It will be understood that when a component is referred to as being “connected to” or “coupled to” another component, it may be directly connected to or coupled to another component, or intervening components may be present. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another component, there are no intervening components present.
As used herein, a singular representation is intended to include a plural representation unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 1 , an aerosol generating device 10 may include a communication interface 11, an input/output interface 12, an aerosol generating module 13, a memory 14, a sensor module 15, a battery 16, and/or a controller 17.
In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may consist of only a body 100. In this case, components included in the aerosol generating device 10 may be disposed in the body 100. In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may consist of a cartridge 200, which contains an aerosol generating substance, and a body 100. In this case, components included in the aerosol generating device 10 may be disposed in at least one of the body 100 and the cartridge 200.
The communication interface 11 may include at least one communication module for communication with an external device and/or a network. For example, the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wired communication such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB). For example, the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wireless communication such as Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), ZigBee, or Near-Field Communication (NFC).
The input/output interface 12 may include an input device 121 for receiving a command from a user and/or an output device 122 for outputting information to the user. For example, the input device 121 may include a touch panel, a physical button, a microphone, etc. For example, the output device 122 may include a display device for outputting visual information, such as a display or a light-emitting diode (LED), an audio device for outputting auditory information, such as a speaker or a buzzer, a motor for outputting tactile information, such as a haptic effect, etc.
The input/output interface 12 may transmit data corresponding to a command input by the user through the input device 121 to another component (or other components) of the aerosol generating device 10. The input/output interface 12 may output information corresponding to data received from another component (or other components) of the aerosol generating device 10 through the output device 122.
The aerosol generating module 13 may generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating substance. Here, the aerosol generating substance may be a substance in a liquid state, a solid state, or a gel state, which can produce an aerosol, or a combination of two or more aerosol generating substances.
In one embodiment, the liquid aerosol generating substance may be a liquid including a tobacco-containing material having a volatile tobacco flavor component. In another embodiment, the liquid aerosol generating substance may be a liquid including a non-tobacco material. For example, the liquid aerosol generating substance may include water, solvents, nicotine, plant extracts, flavorings, flavoring agents, vitamin mixtures, etc.
The solid aerosol generating substance may include a solid material based on a tobacco raw material such as a reconstituted tobacco sheet, shredded tobacco, or granulated tobacco. In addition, the solid aerosol generating substance may include a solid material having a taste control agent and a flavoring material. For example, the taste control agent may include calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium oxide, etc. For example, the flavoring material may include a natural material such as herbal granules, or may include a material such as silica, zeolite, or dextrin, which includes an aroma ingredient.
In addition, the aerosol generating substance may further include an aerosol forming agent such as glycerin or propylene glycol.
The aerosol generating module 13 may include at least one heater 131.
The aerosol generating module 13 may include an electro-resistive heater. For example, the electro-resistive heater may include at least one electrically conductive track. The electro-resistive heater may be heated by the current flowing through the electrically conductive track. Here, the aerosol generating substance may be heated by the heated electro-resistive heater.
The electrically conductive track may include an electro-resistive material. In one example, the electrically conductive track may be formed of a metal material. In another example, the electrically conductive track may be formed of a ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite of a ceramic material and metal.
The electro-resistive heater may include an electrically conductive track that is formed in any of various shapes. For example, the electrically conductive track may have any one of a tubular shape, a plate shape, a needle shape, a rod shape, and a coil shape.
The aerosol generating module 13 may include a heater that uses an induction-heating method, namely, an induction heater. For example, the induction heater may include an electrically conductive coil. The induction heater may generate an alternating magnetic field, which periodically changes in direction, by adjusting the current flowing through the electrically conductive coil. In this case, when the alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnetic body, energy loss may occur in the magnetic body due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss, and the lost energy may be released as thermal energy. Accordingly, the aerosol generating substance located adjacent to the magnetic body may be heated. Here, an object that generates heat due to the magnetic field may be referred to as a susceptor.
Meanwhile, the aerosol generating module 13 may generate ultrasonic vibrations to thereby produce an aerosol from the aerosol generating substance.
The aerosol generating module 13 may be referred to as a cartomizer, an atomizer, or a vaporizer.
The memory 14 may store therein programs for processing and controlling each signal in the controller 17. The memory 14 may store therein data processed and data to be processed by the controller 17.
For example, the memory 14 may store therein applications designed for the purpose of performing various tasks that can be processed by the controller 17. For example, the memory 14 may selectively provide some of the stored applications in response to a request from the controller 17.
For example, the memory 14 may store therein data regarding an operation time of the aerosol generating device 10, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, the number of charging times of the battery 16, the number of discharging times of the battery 16, at least one temperature profile, a user's inhalation pattern, charging/discharging, etc. Here, the “puff(s)” may refer to inhalation by the user, and the “inhalation” may refer to the user's act of taking air or other substances into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the user's mouth or nose.
The memory 14 may include at least one of volatile memory (e.g., dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), and synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM)), nonvolatile memory (e.g., flash memory), a hard disk drive (HDD), and a solid-state drive (SSD).
The sensor module 15 may include at least one sensor.
For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for sensing a puff (hereinafter referred to as a “puff sensor” 151). Here, the puff sensor 151 may be implemented as a proximity sensor such as an IR sensor, a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, or the like.
For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for sensing a temperature of the heater included in the aerosol generating module 13 and a temperature of the aerosol generating substance (hereinafter referred to as a “temperature sensor”). In this case, the heater included in the aerosol generating module 13 may serve as the temperature sensor. For example, the electro-resistive material of the heater may be a material having a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR). The sensor module 15 may measure the resistance of the heater, which varies according to temperature, to thereby sense the temperature of the heater.
For example, when a stick is capable of being inserted into the body 100 of the aerosol generating device 10, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for sensing insertion of the stick (hereinafter referred to as a “stick detection sensor” 152).
For example, when the aerosol generating device 10 includes a cartridge, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for sensing mounting/removal (or attachment/detachment) of the cartridge 200 to/from the body 100 and a position (hereinafter referred to as a “cartridge detection sensor” 153).
In this case, the stick detection sensor 152 and/or the cartridge detection sensor 153 may be implemented as an inductance-based sensor, a capacitance sensor, a resistance sensor, or a Hall IC using a Hall effect.
For example, the sensor module 15 may include a voltage sensor for sensing a voltage applied to a component (e.g., the battery 16) provided in the aerosol generating device 10 and/or a current sensor for sensing a current.
For example, the sensor module 15 may include at least one sensor for sensing the movement of the aerosol generating device 10 (hereinafter referred to as a “motion sensor” 154). Here, the motion sensor 154 may be implemented as at least one of a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor.
The battery 16 may supply power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 10 under the control of the controller 17. The battery 16 may supply power to other components provided in the aerosol generating device 10. For example, the battery 16 may supply power to the communication module included in the communication interface 11, the output device included in the input/output interface 12, and the heater included in the aerosol generating module 13.
The battery 16 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 16 may be a lithium-ion battery or a lithium polymer (Li-polymer) battery, but is not limited thereto. For example, when the battery 16 is rechargeable, a charge rate (C-rate) of the battery 16 may be 10C, and a discharge rate (C-rate) thereof may be 10C to 20C. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In addition, for stable use, the battery 16 may be designed to retain 80% or more of its original capacity at 2,000 full charge and discharge cycles. The aerosol generating device 10 may further include a battery protection circuit module (PCM), which is a circuit for protecting the battery 16. The battery protection circuit module (PCM) may be disposed adjacent to an upper surface of the battery 16. For example, in order to prevent overcharging and overdischarging of the battery 16, the battery protection circuit module (PCM) may cut off an electrical path to the battery 16 when a short circuit occurs in a circuit connected to the battery 16, when an overvoltage is applied to the battery 16, or when an excessive current flows through the battery 16.
The aerosol generating device 10 may further include a charging terminal to which power supplied from the outside is input. For example, the charging terminal may be provided at one side of the body 100 of the aerosol generating device 10. The aerosol generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 using the power supplied through the charging terminal. In this case, the charging terminal may be configured as a wired terminal for USB communication, a pogo pin, or the like.
The aerosol generating device 10 may wirelessly receive power supplied from the outside through the communication interface 11. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may wirelessly receive power using an antenna included in the communication module for wireless communication. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 using the wirelessly supplied power.
The controller 17 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 10. The controller 17 may be connected to each of the components provided in the aerosol generating device 10. The controller 17 may transmit and/or receive a signal to and/or from each of the components, thereby controlling the overall operation of each of the components.
The controller 17 may include at least one processor. The controller 17 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 10 through the processor included therein. Here, the processor may be a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). Alternatively, the processor may be a dedicated device such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or any of other hardware-based processors.
The controller 17 may perform any one of a plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 10. For example, the controller 17 may perform any one of a plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 10 (e.g., a preheating function, a heating function, a charging function, and a cleaning function) according to the state of each of the components provided in the aerosol generating device 10, a user command received through the input/output interface 12, and the like.
The controller 17 may control the operation of each of the components provided in the aerosol generating device 10 based on data stored in the memory 14. For example, the controller 17 may control such that predetermined power is supplied from the battery 16 to the aerosol generating module 13 for a predetermined time based on data stored in the memory 14 such as the temperature profile and the user's inhalation pattern.
The controller 17 may determine the occurrence or non-occurrence of a puff through the puff sensor 151 included in the sensor module 15. For example, the controller 17 may check a temperature change, a flow change, a pressure change, and a voltage change in the aerosol generating device 10 based on values sensed by the puff sensor 151. For example, the controller 17 may determine the occurrence or non-occurrence of a puff according to the result of checking based on a value sensed by the puff sensor 151.
The controller 17 may control the operation of each of the components provided in the aerosol generating device 10 according to the occurrence or non-occurrence of a puff and/or the number of puffs. For example, the controller 17 may control the temperature of the heater to be changed or maintained based on the temperature profile (heating profile) stored in the memory 14.
The controller 17 may control such that the supply of power to the heater is interrupted according to a predetermined condition. For example, the controller 17 may control such that the supply of power to the heater is cut off when the stick is removed, when the cartridge is removed, when the number of puffs reaches the predetermined maximum number of puffs, when a puff is not sensed for a predetermined time or longer, or when the remaining capacity of the battery 16 is less than a predetermined value.
The controller 17 may calculate the remaining capacity (hereinafter referred to as the “remaining amount of power”) with respect to the full charge capacity of the battery 16. For example, the controller 17 may calculate the remaining amount of power of the battery 16 based on a value sensed by the voltage sensor and/or the current sensor included in the sensor module 15.
The controller 17 may control such that power is supplied to the heater using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.
For example, the controller 17 may control such that a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and a predetermined duty ratio is supplied to the heater using the PWM method. In this case, the controller 17 may control power supplied to the heater by adjusting the frequency and the duty ratio of the current pulse.
For example, the controller 17 may determine a target temperature to be controlled based on the temperature profile (heating profile). In this case, the controller 17 may control power supplied to the heater using the PID method, which is a feedback control method using a difference value between the temperature of the heater and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value with respect to time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value with respect to time.
For example, the controller 17 may control power supplied to the heater based on the temperature profile (heating profile). The controller 17 may control a length of a heating section for heating the heater, the amount of power supplied to the heater during the heating section, and the like. The controller 17 may control the power supplied to the heater based on the target temperature of the heater.
Although the PWM method and the PID method are described as exemplary methods of controlling the supply of power to the heater, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Other various control methods, such as a proportional-integral (PI) method and a proportional-differential (PD) method, may also be used.
Meanwhile, the controller 17 may control such that power is supplied to the heater according to a predetermined condition. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning a space into which a stick is inserted is selected according to a command input by the user through the input/output interface 12, the controller 17 may control such that predetermined power is supplied to the heater.
FIGS. 2 to 4 are views for explaining an aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device 10 may include a body 100 and/or a cartridge 200.
Referring to FIG. 2 , the aerosol generating device 10 according to this embodiment may include a body 100 configured to allow a stick 20 to be inserted into a space defined by a housing 101 thereof.
The stick 20 may be similar to a general combustive cigarette. For example, the stick 20 may be divided into a first part including an aerosol generating substance and a second part including a filter and the like. Alternatively, the second part of the stick 20 may also include an aerosol generating substance. For example, an aerosol generating substance made in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second part.
The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 10, and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 10, or portions of the first part and the second part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 10. A user may inhale an aerosol while holding the second part in his or her mouth. As outside or external air passes through the first part, an aerosol may be generated, and the generated aerosol may pass through the second part to be delivered to the mouth of the user.
The body 100 may have a structure that allows external air to be introduced therein with the stick 20 inserted. Here, the external air introduced into the body 100 may pass through the stick 20 to flow into the mouth of the user.
A heater may be disposed in the body 100 at a position corresponding to a position at which the stick 20 is inserted into the body 100. Although the heater in FIG. 2 is illustrated as an electrically conductive heater 110 including an electrically conductive track of a needle-shape, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
The heater may heat an inside and/or outside of the stick 20 by using power supplied from the battery 16. In this case, an aerosol may be generated in the heated stick 20. Here, the user may puff on one end of the stick 20 with his or her mouth to inhale a tobacco-flavored aerosol.
Meanwhile, according to a predetermined condition, the controller 17 may control such that power is supplied to the heater even when the stick 20 is not inserted into the body 100. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning the space into which the stick 20 is inserted is selected according to a command input by the user through the input/output interface 12, the controller 17 may control predetermined power to be supplied to the heater.
The controller 17 may monitor the number of puffs upon insertion of the stick 20 into the body 10 based on a value sensed by the puff sensor 151.
When the inserted stick 20 is removed from the body 100, the controller 17 may initialize the current number of puffs stored in the memory 14.
Referring to FIG. 3 , the aerosol generating device 10 according to this embodiment may include a body 100 that supports a cartridge 200 and the cartridge 200 that contains an aerosol generating substance.
In one embodiment, the cartridge 200 may be configured to be detachably attached to the body 100. In another embodiment, the cartridge 200 may be integrally formed with the body 100. For example, at least a portion of the cartridge 200 may be inserted into an inner space defined by a housing 101 of the body 100, allowing the cartridge 200 to be mounted to the body 100.
The body 100 may have a structure that allows external air to be introduced therein with the cartridge 200 inserted. Here, the external air introduced into the body 100 may pass through the cartridge 200 to flow into the mouth of the user.
The controller 17 may determine mounting/removal of the cartridge 200 to/from the body 100 through the cartridge detection sensor included in the sensor module 15. For example, the cartridge detection sensor may transmit a pulse current through one terminal connected to the cartridge 200. In this case, the cartridge detection sensor may detect connection or disconnection of the cartridge 200 based on whether the pulse current is received through another terminal.
The cartridge 200 may include a heater 210 that heats an aerosol generating substance and/or a storage portion 220 that stores the aerosol generating substance. For example, a liquid delivery element impregnated with (containing) the aerosol generating substance may be disposed in the storage portion 220. An electrically conductive track of the heater 210 may have a structure wound around the liquid delivery element. As the liquid delivery element is heated by the heater 210, an aerosol may be produced. Here, the liquid delivery element may be a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.
The cartridge 200 may include an insertion space 230 configured to allow a stick 20 to be inserted therein. For example, the cartridge 200 may include an insertion space defined by an inner wall (not shown) extending in a circumferential direction along a direction in which the stick 20 is inserted. Here, an inside of the inner wall may be open vertically to define the insertion space. The stick 20 may be inserted into the insertion space 230 defined by the inner wall.
The insertion space into which the stick 20 is inserted may have a shape corresponding to a shape of a portion of the stick 20 inserted into the insertion space. For example, when the stick 20 has a cylindrical shape, the insertion space may be formed in a cylindrical shape.
When the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space, an outer circumferential surface of the stick 20 may be surrounded by the inner wall to be in contact with the inner wall.
A portion of the stick 20 may be inserted into the insertion space 230 of the cartridge 200, and the remaining portion may be exposed to the outside.
The user may inhale an aerosol while holding one end of the stick 20 in his or her mouth. An aerosol generated by the heater 210 may pass through the stick 20 to be delivered to the mouth of the user. Here, a material included in the stick 20 may be added to the aerosol while passing through the stick 20, and the material-added aerosol may be inhaled into the mouth of the user through the one end of the stick 20.
Referring to FIG. 4 , the aerosol generating device 10 according to this embodiment may include a body 100 that supports a cartridge 200 and the cartridge 200 that contains an aerosol generating substance. The body 100 may be configured such that a stick 20 is insertable into an insertion space 130.
The aerosol generating device 10 may include a first heater configured to heat the aerosol generating substance stored in the cartridge 200. For example, when a user puff on one end of the stick 20 with his or her mouth, an aerosol generated by the first heater may pass through the stick 20. Here, a flavoring may be added to the aerosol while passing through the stick 20. The flavored aerosol may be inhaled into the mouth of the user through the one end of the stick 20.
In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may include a first heater configured to heat the aerosol generating substance stored in the cartridge 200 and a second heater configured to heat the stick 20 inserted into the body 100. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating substance stored in the cartridge 200 and the stick 20 through the first heater and the second heater, respectively.
FIGS. 5 to 7 are views for explaining a stick according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Overlapping descriptions in FIGS. 5 to 7 will be omitted.
Referring to FIG. 5 , a stick 20 according to this embodiment may include a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first part described above with reference to FIG. 2 may include the tobacco rod 21. The second part described above with reference to FIG. 2 may include the filter rod 22.
The filter rod 22 in FIG. 5 is shown as a single segment but is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 22 may include a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a first segment for cooling an aerosol and a second segment for filtering a predetermined component included in the aerosol. In addition, when necessary, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment performing another function.
A diameter of the stick 20 may be in a range of 5 mm to 9 mm, and a length of the stick 20 may be about 48 mm. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a length of the tobacco rod 21 may be about 12 mm, a length of the first segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 10 mm, a length of the second segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 14 mm, and a length of a third segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 12 mm. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
The stick 20 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one hole through which external air is introduced or internal gas is discharged. In one example, the stick 20 may be wrapped by one wrapper 24. In another example, the stick 20 may be wrapped by two or more wrappers 24 in an overlapping manner. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped by a first wrapper 241. For example, the filter rod 22 may be wrapped by second wrappers 242, 243, and 244. The tobacco rod 21 and the filter rod 22, which are wrapped by the respective wrappers, may be coupled to each other. The entire stick 20 may be rewrapped by a third wrapper 245. When the filter rod 22 consists of a plurality of segments, each of the segments may be wrapped by an individual wrapper (242, 243, 244). In addition, the entire stick 20 in which the segments respectively wrapped by the individual wrappers are coupled to one another may be rewrapped by another wrapper.
The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of general filter wrapping paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be porous wrappers or non-porous wrappers. In addition, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of paper and/or an aluminum laminate packaging material with oil resistance.
The third wrapper 243 may be made of hard wrapping paper. For example, a basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be in a range of 88g/m²to 96g/m². For example, a basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be in a range of 90g/m²to 94g/m². In addition, a thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be in a range of 120 μm to 130 μm. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be 125 μm.
The fourth wrapper 244 may be made of an oil-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, a basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in a range of 88 g/m²to 96 g/m². For example, a basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in a range of 90 g/m²to 94 g/m². In addition, a thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in a range of 120 μm to 130 μm. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be 125 μm.
The fifth wrapper 245 may be made of sterile paper (MFW). Here, the sterile paper (MFW) may refer to paper specially designed to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, and the like compared to general paper. For example, a basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in a range of 57 g/m²to 63 g/m². For example, a basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be 60 g/m². In addition, a thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in a range of 64 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be 67 μm.
A predetermined material may be added into the fifth wrapper 245. Here, an example of the predetermined material may be silicone, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicone may have properties such as heat resistance having little change with temperature, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency to water, electrical insulation, etc. However, other than the silicone, any material having the above-described properties may be applied onto or coated on the fifth wrapper 245.
The fifth wrapper 245 may prevent combustion of the stick 20. For example, when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 110, there may exist a possibility of combustion of the stick 20. In detail, when the temperature rises above the ignition point of any one of the materials included in the tobacco rod 21, the stick 20 may be combustible. However, as the fifth wrapper 245 includes a non-combustible material, the combustion of the stick 20 may be prevented.
In addition, the fifth wrapper 245 may prevent the body 100 from being contaminated by materials generated in the stick 20. Liquid materials may be generated in the stick 20 due to a puff by a user. For example, as an aerosol produced in the stick 20 is cooled by external air, liquids (e.g., moisture, etc.) may be generated. As the stick 20 is wrapped by the fifth wrapper 245, the liquids generated in the stick 20 may be prevented from leaking out of the stick 20.
The tobacco rod 21 may include an aerosol generating substance. For example, the aerosol generating substance may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. Also, the tobacco rod 21 may contain other additives such as a flavoring agent, a wetting agent, and/or an organic acid. In addition, a flavoring liquid, such as menthol or humectant, may be added to the tobacco rod 21 by being sprayed onto the tobacco rod 21.
The tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be formed as a sheet. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be formed as strands. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be formed as shredded tobacco obtained by finely cutting a tobacco sheet. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be surrounded by a heat conductive material. For example, the heat conductive material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. For example, the heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may evenly distribute heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21 to thereby increase conduction of the heat applied to the tobacco rod 21. As a result, the taste of tobacco may be improved. The heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may serve as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. Although not shown in the drawing, the tobacco rod 21 may further include an additional susceptor, in addition to the heat conductive material surrounding an outside thereof.
The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. Moreover, the filter rod 22 is not limited to a particular shape. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylinder type rod. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a tube type rod including a hollow therein. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a recess type rod. When the filter rod 22 consists of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may have a different shape from the others.
The first segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tube-shaped structure including a hollow therein. The first segment may prevent an inner material of the tobacco rod 21 from being pushed back upon insertion of the heater 110, and may provide the effect of cooling an aerosol. A diameter of the hollow included in the first segment may be appropriately determined or selected in a range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.
A length of the first segment may be appropriately determined in a range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the first segment may be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.
The second segment of the filter rod 22 cools an aerosol generated when the heater 110 heats the tobacco rod 21. Thus, the user may inhale an aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.
A length or diameter of the second segment may be variously determined according to the shape of the stick 20. For example, the length of the second segment may be appropriately selected in a range of 7 mm to 20 mm. More preferably, the length of the second segment may be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.
The second segment may be made by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, a flavoring liquid may be applied to a fiber made of polymers. Alternatively, the second segment may be made by weaving a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid and a fiber made of polymers together. Alternatively, the second segment may be made of a crimped polymer sheet.
For example, a polymer may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.
As the second segment is made of the woven polymer fiber or the crimped polymer sheet, the second segment may include a single channel or a plurality of channels extending in a longitudinal direction. Here, the “channel” may refer to a passage through which gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.
For example, the second segment made of a crimped polymer sheet may be made from a material having a thickness between 5 μm and 300 μm, namely, between 10 μm and 250 μm. Also, a total surface area of the second segment may be between 300 mm²/mm and 1000 mm²/mm. In addition, an aerosol cooling element may be made from a material with a specific surface area between 10 mm²/mg and 100 mm²/mg.
Meanwhile, the second segment may include a thread containing a volatile flavor component. Here, the volatile flavor component may be menthol, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thread may be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide at least 1.5 mg of menthol to the second segment.
The third segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. A length of the third segment may be appropriately selected in a range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.
The filter rod 22 may be manufactured to generate flavor. In one example, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the filter rod 22. In another example, a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into the filter rod 22.
In addition, the filter rod 22 may include at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may perform a function of generating flavor. The capsule 23 may also perform a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring material is wrapped with a film. The capsule 23 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.
Referring to FIG. 6 , a stick 30 according to this embodiment may further include a front-end plug 33. The front-end plug 33 is disposed on one side opposite a filter rod 32 with respect to a tobacco rod 31. The front-end plug 33 may prevent the tobacco rod 31 from being separated to the outside. The front-end plug 33 may prevent a liquefied aerosol from flowing into the aerosol generating device 10 from the tobacco rod 31 while smoking.
The filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. The first segment 321 may correspond to the first segment of the filter rod 22 of FIG. 5 . The second segment 322 may correspond to the third segment of the filter rod 22 of FIG. 5 .
A diameter and an overall length of the stick 30 may correspond to the diameter and the overall length of the stick 20 of FIG. 5 . For example, a length of the front-end plug 33 may be about 7 mm, a length of the tobacco rod 31 may be about 15 mm, a length of the first segment 321 may be about 12 mm, and a length of the second segment 322 may be about 14 mm. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
The stick 30 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 35 may have at least one hole through which external air is introduced or internal gas is discharged. For example, the front-end plug 33 may be wrapped by a first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 may be wrapped by a second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 may be wrapped by a third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 may be wrapped by a fourth wrapper 354. Then, the entire stick 30 may be rewrapped by a fifth wrapper 355.
In addition, the fifth wrapper 355 may have at least one perforation 36. For example, the perforation 36 may be formed in an area surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but is not limited thereto. For example, the perforation 36 may serve to transfer heat generated by the heater 210 of FIG. 3 to an inside of the tobacco rod 31.
Also, the second segment 322 may include at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 may perform a function of generating flavor. The capsule 34 may also perform a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring material is wrapped with a film. The capsule 34 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.
The first wrapper 351 may be made by coupling a metal foil, such as aluminum foil, to general filter wrapping paper. For example, a total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be in a range of 45 μm to 55 μm. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be 50.3 μm. In addition, a thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be in a range of 6 μm to 7 μm. For example, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be 6.3 μm. In addition, a basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be in a range of 50 g/m²to 55 g/m². For example, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be 53 g/m².
The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be made of general filter wrapping paper. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be porous wrappers or non-porous wrappers.
For example, porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be 35000 CU, but is not limited thereto. In addition, a thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be in a range of 70 μm to 80 μm. For example, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be 78 μm. In addition, a basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be in a range of 20 g/m²to 25 g/m². For example, the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be 23.5 g/m².
For example, porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be 24000 CU, but is not limited thereto. In addition, a thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be in a range of 60 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be 68 μm. In addition, a basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be in a range of 20 g/m²to 25 g/m². For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be 21 g/m².
The fourth wrapper 354 may be made of PLA laminated paper. Here, the PLA laminated paper may refer to a three-layer paper consisting of a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, a thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be in a range of 100 μm to 120 μm. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 110 μm. In addition, a basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be in a range of 80 g/m²to 100 g/m². For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 88 g/m².
The fifth wrapper 355 may be made of sterile paper (MFW). Here, the sterile paper (MFW) may refer to paper specially designed to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, and the like compared to general paper. For example, a basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in a range of 57 g/m²to 63 g/m². For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 60 g/m². In addition, a thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in a range of 64 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 67 μm.
A predetermined material may be added into the fifth wrapper 355. Here, an example of the predetermined material may be silicone, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicone has properties such as heat resistance with little change with temperature, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency to water, electrical insulation, etc. However, other than the silicone, any material having the above-described properties may be applied (or coated) onto the fifth wrapper 355.
The front-end plug 33 may be made of cellulose acetate. In one example, the front-end plug 33 may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. A mono denier of a filament constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be in a range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filament constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be in a range of 4.0 to 6.0. For example, a mono denier of a filament of the front-end plug 33 may be 5.0. In addition, a cross section of the filament of the front-end plug 33 may be a Y-shape. A total denier of the front-end plug 33 may be in a range of 20000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of the front-end plug 33 may be in a range of 25000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of the front-end plug 33 may be 28000.
In addition, when necessary, the front-end plug 33 may include at least one channel. A shape of a cross section of the channel of the front-end plug 330 may be formed in various ways.
The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to FIG. 5 . Therefore, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted.
The first segment 321 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a tube-shaped structure including a hollow therein. The first segment 321 may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, a mono denier and a total denier of the first segment 321 may be the same as the mono denier and the total denier of the front-end plug 33.
The second segment 322 may be made of cellulose acetate. A mono denier of a filament of the second segment 322 may be in a range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filament of the second segment 322 may be in a range of 8.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filament of the second segment 322 may be 9.0. In addition, a cross section of the filament of the second segment 322 may be a Y-shape. A total denier of the second segment 322 may be in a range of 20000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of the second segment 322 may be 25000.
Referring to FIG. 7 , a stick 40 may include a medium portion 410. The stick 40 may include a cooling portion 420. The stick 40 may include a filter portion 430. The cooling portion 420 may be disposed between the medium portion 410 and the filter portion 430. The stick 40 may include a wrapper 440. The wrapper 440 may wrap the medium portion 410. The wrapper 440 may wrap the cooling portion 420. The wrapper 440 may wrap the filter portion 430. The stick 40 may have a cylindrical shape.
The medium portion 410 may include a medium 411. The medium portion 410 may include a first medium cover 413. The medium portion 410 may include a second medium cover 415. The medium 411 may be disposed between the first medium cover 413 and the second medium cover 415. The first medium cover 413 may be disposed at one end of the stick 40. The medium portion 410 may have a length of 24 mm.
The medium 411 may contain a multicomponent substance. The substance contained in the medium may be a multicomponent flavoring substance. The medium 411 may be composed of a plurality of granules. Each of the plurality of granules may have a size of 0.4 mm to 1.12 mm. The granules may account for approximately 70% of the volume of the medium 411. A length L2 of the medium 411 may be 10 mm. The first medium cover 413 may be made of an acetate material. The second medium cover 415 may be made of an acetate material. The first medium cover 413 may be made of a paper material. The second medium cover 415 may be made of a paper material. At least one of the first medium cover 413 and the second medium cover 415 may be made of a paper material to be crumpled with wrinkles, and a plurality of gaps may be formed between the wrinkles to allow air to flow therethrough. Each of the gaps may be smaller than each of the granules of the medium 411. A length L1 of the first medium cover 413 may be less than the length L2 of the medium 411. A length L3 of the second medium cover 415 may be less than the length L2 of the medium 411. The length L1 of the first medium cover 413 may be 7 mm. The length L2 of the second medium cover 415 may be 7 mm.
Accordingly, each of the granules of the medium 411 may be prevented from being separated from the medium portion 410 and the stick 40.
The cooling portion 420 may have a cylindrical shape. The cooling portion 420 may have a hollow shape. The cooling portion 420 may be disposed between the medium portion 410 and the filter portion 430. The cooling portion 420 may be disposed between the second medium cover 415 and the filter portion 430. The cooling portion 420 may be formed in the shape of a tube that surrounds a cooling path 424 formed therein. The cooling portion 420 may be thicker than the wrapper 440. The cooling portion 420 may be made of a paper material thicker than that of the wrapper 440. A length L4 of the cooling portion 420 may be equal or similar to the length L2 of the medium 411. The length L4, which is the length of the cooling portion 420 and the cooling path 424, may be 10 mm. When the stick 40 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 10, at least a portion of the cooling portion 420 may be exposed to an outside of the aerosol generating device 10.
Accordingly, the cooling portion 420 may support the medium portion 410 and the filter portion 430, and may achieve the rigidity of the stick 40. In addition, the cooling portion 420 may support the wrapper 440 between the medium portion 410 and the filter portion 430, and may provide a portion to which the wrapper 440 is adhered. In addition, heated air and aerosol may be cooled while passing through the cooling path 424 in the cooling portion 420.
The filter portion 430 may be configured as a filter made of an acetate material. The filter portion 430 may be disposed at another end of the stick 40. When the stick 40 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 10, the filter portion 430 may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 10. A user may inhale air while holding the filter portion 430 in his or her mouth. A length L5 of the filter portion 430 may be 14 mm.
The wrapper 440 may wrap or surround the medium portion 410, the cooling portion 420, and the filter portion 430. The wrapper 440 may define an outer appearance of the stick 40. The wrapper 440 may be made of a paper material. An adhesive portion 441 may be formed along one edge of the wrapper 440. The wrapper 440 may surround the medium portion 410, the cooling portion 420 and the filter portion 430, and the adhesive portion 441 formed along the one edge of the wrapper 440 and another edge of the wrapper 440 may be adhered to each other. The wrapper 440 may surround the medium portion 410, the cooling portion 420, and the filter portion 430, but may not cover one end and another end of the stick 40.
Accordingly, the wrapper 440 may fix the medium portion 410, the cooling portion 420, and the filter portion 430, and may prevent these components from being separated from the stick 40.
A first thin film 443 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the first medium cover 413. The first thin film 443 may be disposed between the wrapper 440 and the first medium cover 413, or may be disposed outside the wrapper 440. The first thin film 443 may surround the first medium cover 413. The first thin film 443 may be made of a metal material. The first thin film 443 may be made of an aluminum material. The first thin film 443 may be in close contact with or coated on the wrapper 440.
A second thin film 445 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the second medium cover 415. The second thin film 445 may be disposed between the wrapper 440 and the second medium cover 415, or may be disposed outside the wrapper 440. The second thin film 445 may be made of a metal material. The second thin film 445 may be made of an aluminum material. The second thin film 445 may be in close contact with or coated on the wrapper 440.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 9 is a view for explaining the operation of the aerosol generating device.
Referring to FIG. 8 , the aerosol generating device 10 may receive a user input signal in operation S810.
The user input signal may be generated by a user input through the input device 121. For example, the user input signal may include at least one of a button input through a physical button and a touch input through a touch panel.
In operation S820, the controller 17 of the aerosol generating device 10 may compare the received user input signal with first data. The controller 170 may determine whether the user input signal corresponds to the first data. The first data may be prestored in the memory 14, and the controller 17 may determine whether the user input signal corresponds to the first data based on reception of the user input signal.
The first data may include information regarding the occurrence or non-occurrence of an input of a predetermined button, the predetermined number of button inputs during a predetermined time period, the occurrence or non-occurrence of a touch input of a predetermined pattern, and the predetermined number of touch inputs during a predetermined time period. The first data may be referred to as a first condition or a first set value.
When an input of the predetermined button occurs, when the number of touch inputs during the predetermined time period corresponds to the predetermined number of times, when a touch input of the predetermined pattern occurs, or when the number of touch inputs during the predetermined time period corresponds to the predetermined number of times, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine that the user input signal corresponds to the first data.
Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether an event signal corresponds to first data. The motion sensor 154 of the aerosol generating device 10 may generate an event signal in response to the movement of the aerosol generating device 10. The aerosol generating device 10 may compare the event signal generated by the motion sensor 154 with the first data to determine whether the event signal corresponds to the first data.
The event signal may include a tap input signal, a shake (or shaking) input signal, and the like. The first data may include information regarding the predetermined number of tap signals during a predetermined time period, the predetermined number of shake signals during a predetermined time period, and the like.
For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether a tap input of tapping the aerosol generating device 10 is received based on a signal of the acceleration sensor and/or the gyro sensor. When the tap input is received, the aerosol generating device 10 may count the number of tap inputs during a predetermined time period upon reception of a first tap input. When the number of tap inputs during the predetermined time period is the same as the predetermined number of tap inputs of the first data, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine that the event signal corresponds to the first data.
For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether a shake input of shaking the aerosol generating device 10 is received based on a signal of the acceleration sensor and/or the gyro sensor. When the shake input is received, the aerosol generating device 10 may count the number of shake inputs during a predetermined time period upon reception of a first shake input. When the number of shake inputs during the predetermined time period is the same as the predetermined number of shake inputs of the first data, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine that the event signal corresponds to the first data.
Based on a determination that the user input signal corresponds to the first data, the aerosol generating device 10 may receive a puff signal generated by user inhalation (inhalation by a user) from the puff sensor 151 in operation S830.
Meanwhile, based on a determination that the event signal corresponds to the first data, the aerosol generating device 10 may receive a puff signal generated by user inhalation from the puff sensor 151 in operation S830.
The aerosol generating device 10 may determine an inhalation pattern associated with the user inhalation based on the puff signal.
The aerosol generating device 10 may calculate the intensity of user inhalation, the total inhalation amount, the inhalation amount per unit time, a time interval between puffs (hereinafter referred to as an “puff interval”) and/or an inhalation time period based on values sensed by at least one sensor, which are stored in the memory 14.
Referring to FIG. 9 , the aerosol generating device 10 may calculate a sample pressure value 600 by using at least some of the pressure values sensed by the pressure sensor 151. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may calculate a representative value (e.g., an average value, a median value, etc.) of the pressure values continuously sensed for a predetermined time period as the sample pressure value 600. The time interval between sample pressure values 600 may be constant or uniform.
The aerosol generating device 10 may calculate a slope between the sample pressure values 600. When the slope between the sample pressure values 600 is less than a first reference, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine that a puff occurs. Here, the first reference may refer to a minimum level of pressure change (e.g.,−4 hpa/ms) at which it can be determined that the pressure has decreased due to the user inhalation.
Also, the aerosol generating device 10 may select a first sample pressure value 601, obtained when the slope between the sample pressure values 600 is less than the first reference, as a reference pressure value, and may determine a time point corresponding to the first sample pressure value 601 as a puff occurrence time.
By contrast, when the slope between the sample pressure values 600 is greater than or equal to a second reference after the puff occurrence time, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine that the puff ends. Here, the second reference may refer to a level of pressure change (e.g.,−0.2 hpa/ms) at which it can be determined that the pressure is no longer being reduced by the user inhalation.
In addition, the aerosol generating device 10 may select a second sample pressure value 603, obtained when the slope between the sample pressure values 600 is greater than or equal to the second reference, as a minimum pressure value, and may determine a time point corresponding to the second sample pressure value 603 as a puff ending time.
The aerosol generating device 10 may determine a time period 610 from the puff occurrence time to the puff ending time as a user's inhalation time period.
The aerosol generating device 10 may calculate the inhalation intensity based on the time period 610 from the puff occurrence time to the puff ending time, a largest slope 620 among the slopes calculated from the puff occurrence time, the second sample pressure value 603 selected as the minimum pressure value, and/or a difference 630 between the reference pressure value and the minimum pressure value.
For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may calculate the inhalation intensity in consideration of the magnitude of the largest slope 620, among the slopes calculated from the puff occurrence time to the puff ending time.
For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may calculate the inhalation intensity in response to a ratio of the difference 630 between the reference pressure value and the minimum pressure value to the time period 610 from the puff occurrence time to the puff ending time.
For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may calculate the inhalation intensity in response to the second sample pressure value 603, selected as the minimum pressure value.
In addition, the aerosol generating device 10 may calculate the total inhalation amount and/or the inhalation amount per unit time during a puff.
For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may calculate the total inhalation amount based on the result of integrating the graph of the values sensed by the pressure sensor in the time domain, and may determine the result of dividing the calculated total inhalation amount by the inhalation time period as the inhalation amount per unit time.
For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may calculate the total inhalation amount based on a predetermined calculation formula using the inhalation intensity and the inhalation time period as independent variables, and may determine the result of dividing the calculated total inhalation amount by the inhalation time period as the inhalation amount per unit time.
Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 10 may calculate the inhalation intensity, the total inhalation amount, the inhalation amount per unit time, and/or the inhalation time period for each of the multiple puff sections that constitute the heating section, and may determine a user's inhalation pattern based on the inhalation intensity, the total inhalation amount, the inhalation amount per unit time, and/or the inhalation time period calculated for each of the multiple puff sections.
For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine a representative value (e.g., an average value, a median value, etc.) of the inhalation intensities calculated for each of the multiple puff sections as the user's inhalation intensity.
For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine a representative value of the total inhalation amounts calculated for each of the plurality of puff sections as the user's total inhalation amount.
For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine a representative value of the inhalation amounts per unit time calculated for each of the multiple puff sections as the user's inhalation amount per unit time.
For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine a representative value of the inhalation time periods calculated for each of the multiple puff sections as the user's inhalation time period.
For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine a representative value of the puff intervals calculated for each of the multiple puff sections as the user's puff interval.
The aerosol generating device 10 may determine the inhalation pattern according to at least one of the calculated inhalation intensity, the inhalation amount, the puff interval, and the inhalation time period.
For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may classify the inhalation pattern into a plurality of types according to a high or low inhalation intensity and a long or short inhalation time period. For example, the controller 17 may divide the inhalation pattern into “Type 1”, in which the inhalation intensity is relatively high and the inhalation time period is relatively long, “Type 2”, in which the inhalation intensity is relatively high and the inhalation time period is relatively short, “Type 3”, in which the inhalation intensity is relatively short and the inhalation time period is relatively long, and “Type 4”, in which the inhalation intensity is relatively short and the inhalation time period is relatively short. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the user inhalation pattern may also be classified according to the total inhalation amount, the inhalation amount per unit time, the puff interval, or the like.
Referring back to FIG. 8 , the aerosol generating device 10 may determine, based on the user's inhalation pattern, a heating profile corresponding to the inhalation pattern in operation S840.
The heating profile may be plural. A plurality of heating profiles may be prestored in the memory 14. Each of the heating profiles may correspond to one inhalation pattern type. For example, a first heating profile may correspond to an inhalation pattern of Type 1, a second heating profile may correspond to an inhalation pattern of Type 2, a third heating profile may correspond to an inhalation pattern of Type 3, and a fourth heating profile may correspond to an inhalation pattern of Type 4.
The controller 17 may determine, among the plurality of heating profiles stored in the memory 14, the heating profile corresponding to the user's inhalation pattern as a heating profile for the operation of the aerosol generating device 10.
The heating profile may include at least one of a length of the heating section, the amount of power supplied to the heater during the heating section, and a target temperature of the heater in the heating section.
The controller 17 may control power supplied to the heater based on the heating profile. The controller 17 may control the length of the heating section for heating the heater, the amount of power supplied to the heater during the heating section, and the like. The controller 17 may control the power supplied to the heater based on the target temperature of the heater.
FIGS. 10 to 12 are views for explaining the operation of the aerosol generating device. FIGS. 10 and 11 are views illustrating a signal of the puff sensor 151 over time, and FIG. 12 illustrates a signal of the stick detection sensor 152 as a stick is removed from a stick insertion space.
Referring to FIG. 10 , when a user input signal corresponds to first data, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine an inhalation pattern associated with user inhalation for a predetermined time period. For example, when a user input signal received from the input device 121 corresponds to the first data, the aerosol generating device 10 may receive a puff signal 710 generated by user inhalation from the puff sensor 15, and may determine an inhalation pattern associated with the user inhalation based on a puff corresponding to a predetermined number among puffs occurring after receiving the user input signal.
In relation to the determination of the inhalation pattern, the memory 14 of the aerosol generating device 10 may store information about the predetermined number of puffs. For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , the memory 14 may store information containing three (3) for the predetermined number of puffs related to the determination of the inhalation pattern.
On the basis of a time T1 at which the user input signal the same as the first data is input, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine the inhalation pattern associated with the user inhalation based on puffs p1, p2, and p3 corresponding to the predetermined number. The aerosol generating device 10 may not use a puff (p4, . . . ) occurring after the puffs corresponding to the predetermined number for determining the inhalation pattern.
Meanwhile, on the basis of the time T1 at which the user input signal the same as the first data is input, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine the inhalation pattern associated with the user inhalation based on puffs occurred during a predetermined time period. For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , the aerosol generating device 10 may determine the inhalation pattern associated with the user inhalation based on puffs occurred from the time T1 to a time T2 at which a predetermined time has elapsed from the time T1. In this case, the number of puffs used to determine the user's inhalation pattern may vary depending on the user and the circumstance.
Referring to FIG. 11 , when a user input signal corresponds to first data, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine an inhalation pattern associated with user inhalation for a predetermined time period. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may receive a puff signal 720 generated by user inhalation from the puff sensor 151, may determine an ending time of a puff series, and may determine the inhalation pattern associated with the user inhalation based on puffs occurred from after reception of the user input signal to the ending time of the puff series. The ending time of the puff series may refer to a time at which a series of consecutive puffs (puff series) taken by the user inhalation ends.
For example, as shown in FIG. 11 , when a puff does not occur for a preset first time period after the occurrence of a puff p5, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine that it is a puff ending time T3.
Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 10 may monitor the number of puffs from a time at which a puff is initially detected, and may determine that the puff is completed when the number of puffs reaches the maximum number of puffs. Alternatively, when a preset second time period (e.g., 4 minutes and 30 seconds) has elapsed from a time at which a puff is initially detected, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine that the puff is completed.
Information about the first time period, the second time period, and/or the maximum number of puffs for determining the puff ending time may be stored in the memory 14.
The aerosol generating device 10 may determine the user's inhalation pattern based on puffs occurred from after reception of the user input signal to the puff ending time.
The aerosol generating device 10 may determine the inhalation pattern associated with the user inhalation based on puffs (p1, . . . p5) occurred up to the puff ending time T3, with respect to a time T1 at which the user input signal corresponding to the first data is input.
Referring to FIG. 12 , when a user input signal corresponds to first data, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine a user's inhalation pattern based on puffs until a stick 400 is removed from the aerosol generating device 10.
The aerosol generating device 10 may include an insertion portion 214 having an elongated space. The stick 400 may be inserted into the insertion portion 214 of the aerosol generating device 10, and may be heated by the heater to generate an aerosol.
The aerosol generating device 10 may include a stick detection sensor 152. The stick detection sensor 152 may be provided in the body 100 to be disposed at one side of a space of the insertion portion 214. The stick detection sensor 152 may output a signal corresponding to the stick 400 inserted into the insertion portion 214.
The signal output by the stick detection sensor 152 may change when the stick 400 is removed. The aerosol generating device 10 may detect a change in signal output by the stick detection sensor 152 to determine removal of the stick 400 from the insertion portion 214. The aerosol generating device 10 may determine the user's inhalation pattern based on puffs occurred from a time T1 at which the user input signal is received to a time T5 at which the stick 400 is removed from the insertion portion 214.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 13 , the aerosol generating device 10 may initialize a heating profile based on a user input signal. The aerosol generating device 10 may initialize the heating profile by changing the heating profile to a default heating profile.
The aerosol generating device 10 may operate based on the default heating profile. The default heating profile may be a heating profile that is basically applied when the aerosol generating device 10 is shipped after production. The default heating profile may be a heating profile that corresponds to an average smoking pattern representative of smoking patterns of the users.
The memory 14 may store a plurality of heating profiles therein. The plurality of heating profiles may include heating profiles corresponding to each type of the smoking patterns and a default heating profile.
Since operations S910, S920, S930, and S940 of FIG. 13 are the same as the operations S810 to S840 of FIG. 8 , detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.
In operation S920, when the user input signal does not correspond to first data, the aerosol generating device 10 may not determine a user's inhalation pattern until a user input signal is input again.
In operation S950, the aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether the received user input signal corresponds to second data. The controller 17 may determine whether the user input signal corresponds to the second data.
The second data may be prestored in the memory 14, and the controller 17 may determine, based on reception of the user input signal, whether the user input signal corresponds to the second data.
The second data may include information regarding the occurrence or non-occurrence of an input of a predetermined button, the predetermined number of button inputs during a predetermined time period, the occurrence or non-occurrence of a touch input of a predetermined pattern, and the predetermined number of touch inputs during a predetermined time period. The second data may be referred to as a second condition or a second set value.
Based on a determination that the user input signal corresponds to the second data, the aerosol generating device 10 may initialize the heating profile in operation S960. The aerosol generating device 10 may control power supplied to the heater based on the default heating profile.
Meanwhile, based on a determination that an event signal corresponds to the second data, the aerosol generating device 10 may initialize the determined heating profile in operation S960. The aerosol generating device 10 may control power supplied to the heater based on the default heating profile.
Based on a determination that the user input signal does not correspond to the second data, the aerosol generating device 10 may not change the heating profile in operation S970. When the user input signal does not correspond to the second data, the aerosol generating device 10 may maintain the existing heating profile. The existing heating profile may be a heating profile used to heat the heater for the previous user inhalation.
The controller 17 may control the power supplied to the heater based on the heating profile. The controller 17 may control a length of the heating section for heating the heater, the amount of power supplied to the heater during the heating section, and the like. The controller 17 may control the power supplied to the heater based on a target temperature of the heater.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 14 , the aerosol generating device 10 may initialize a heating profile based on removal and/or mounting of a cartridge. The aerosol generating device 10 may initialize the heating profile by changing the heating profile to a default heating profile.
The aerosol generating device 10 may operate based on the default heating profile. The default heating profile may be a heating profile that is basically applied when the aerosol generating device 10 is shipped after production. The default heating profile may be a heating profile corresponding to an average smoking pattern representative of smoking patterns of the users.
The memory 14 may store a plurality of heating profiles therein. The plurality of heating profiles may include heating profiles corresponding to each type of the smoking patterns and a default heating profile.
The aerosol generating device 10 may include the cartridge 200. The cartridge 200 may be mounted to or removed from the body 100 of the aerosol generating device 10. The cartridge 200 may include an aerosol generating substance therein. The aerosol generating device 10 may include the cartridge detection sensor 153 configured to detect mounting and removal of the cartridge 200. For example, the cartridge detection sensor 153 may include a connection terminal. The connection terminal may be provided in the body 100. As the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100, the connection terminal may be electrically connected to electrodes provided in the cartridge 200.
In operation S1010, the aerosol generating device 10 may detect a change in signal output by the cartridge detection sensor 153 to detect mounting of the cartridge 200 to the body 100 or removal of the cartridge 200 from the body 100.
In operation S1020, the aerosol generating device 10 may initialize the determined heating profile when the cartridge 200 is removed from the body 100, or when the cartridge 200 is mounted again after the removal.
The aerosol generating device 10 may control power supplied to the heater based on the default heating profile.
Based on a determination that the cartridge 200 is not removed from the body 100, the aerosol generating device 10 may monitor whether a user input signal is received in S1010. In response to receiving the user input signal, the aerosol generating device 10 may compare the user input signal with first data.
Since operations S1030, S1040, S1050, and S1060 of FIG. 14 are the same as the operations S810 to S840 of FIG. 8 , detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.
In operation S1040, when the user input signal does not correspond to the first data, the aerosol generating device 10 may not determine a user's inhalation pattern until a user input signal is input again.
Based on a determination that the user input signal does not correspond to the first data, the aerosol generating device 10 may not change the heating profile in operation S1070. Based on the user input signal not corresponding to the first data, the aerosol generating device 10 may maintain the existing heating profile used to heat the heater during the previous user inhalation.
The controller 17 may control the power supplied to the heater based on the heating profile. The controller 17 may control a length of the heating section for heating the heater, the amount of power supplied to the heater during the heating section, and the like. The controller 17 may control the power supplied to the heater based on a target temperature of the heater.
FIG. 15 is a view for explaining the operation of the aerosol generating device.
Referring to FIG. 15 , when determining a user's inhalation pattern, the aerosol generating device 10 may output information corresponding to this.
When a user input signal received from the input device 121 corresponds to first data, the aerosol generating device 10 may output, through the output device 122, information corresponding to a start of a determination of an inhalation pattern, and may output, through the output device 122, information corresponding to an end of the determination of the inhalation pattern upon completing the determination of the inhalation pattern associated with user inhalation. For example, the information output through the output device 122 may include a vibration signal, an audio signal, and the like.
The information corresponding to the start of determining the inhalation pattern and the information corresponding to the end of determining the inhalation pattern may be different. For example, when the determination of the inhalation pattern is started, the aerosol generating device 10 may output two vibration signals, and when the determination of the inhalation pattern is completed, the aerosol generating device 10 may output three vibration signals. However, the output information is not limited thereto.
As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an inhalation pattern of a user may be determined to generate the amount of vapor corresponding to the inhalation pattern of the user when the user inhales an aerosol.
According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a determination of an inhalation pattern may be performed based on a user input signal related to the determination of the inhalation pattern, thereby allowing a user to conveniently personalize the operation of the aerosol generating device.
According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an inhalation pattern may be initialized based on inhalation pattern initialization and a user input signal to thereby increase user convenience.
According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a user may easily check an input of his or her inhalation pattern by informing the user of a start and an end of a determination of the inhalation pattern.
Referring to FIGS. 1 to 15, an aerosol generating device 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include: a heater 131 to heat an aerosol generating substance; a puff sensor 151 to output a signal corresponding to a puff by a user; an input device 121 to receive a user input; and a controller 17 to control power supplied to the heater 131. The controller 17 may be configured to: determine, based on a signal received from the puff sensor 151, an inhalation pattern associated with inhalation by the user, so as to determine, based on the determined inhalation pattern, a heating profile corresponding to the inhalation pattern; and in response to a user input signal received from the input device 121 corresponding to first data, determine an inhalation pattern associated with inhalation by the user.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 17 may be configured to, in response to the user input signal received from the input device 121 corresponding to the first data, determine the inhalation pattern associated with the inhalation by the user based on a puff corresponding to a predetermined number occurring after receiving the user input signal.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 17 may be configured to: determine an ending time of a puff series; and determine the inhalation pattern associated with the inhalation by the user based on a puff occurred from after reception of the user input signal to the ending time of the puff series.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device 10 may further include an insertion portion 214 having an elongated space; and a stick detection sensor 152 to output a signal corresponding to a stick 400 inserted into the insertion portion 214. The controller 17 may be configured to detect, through the stick detection sensor 152, removal of the stick 400 from the insertion portion 214, and to determine the inhalation pattern associated with the inhalation by the user based on a puff occurred from after reception of the user input signal to a time at which the stick 400 is removed from the insertion portion 214.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 17 may be configured to: calculate, based on the signal received from the puff sensor 151, at least one of an inhalation intensity, an inhalation amount, an inhalation interval, and an inhalation time period; and determine the inhalation pattern based on at least one of the calculated inhalation intensity, the inhalation amount, the inhalation interval, and the inhalation time period.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device 10 may further include a memory 14 to store a plurality of heating profiles. The controller 17 may be configured to determine a heating profile corresponding to the inhalation pattern from among the plurality of heating profiles.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heating profile may include at least one of a length of a heating section, the amount of power supplied to the heater 131 during the heating section, and a target temperature of the heater 131 in the heating section.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 17 may be configured to, in response to the user input signal received from the input device 121 corresponding to second data, initialize the heating profile, so as to control the power supplied to the heater 131 based on a default heating profile.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device 10 may further include a cartridge 200 containing an aerosol generating substance; and a cartridge detection sensor 153 to detect mounting and removal of the cartridge 200. The controller 17 may be configured to: detect, through the cartridge detection sensor 153, mounting or removal of the cartridge 200; and initialize the heating profile in response to the cartridge 200 being removed from the aerosol generating device 10 or the cartridge 200 being mounted again after the removal, so as to control the power supplied to the heater 131 based on a default heating profile.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the user input signal may include at least one of a button input and a touch input.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device 10 may further include a motion sensor 154. The controller 17 may be configured to, based on an event signal received from the motion sensor 154 in response to movement of the aerosol generating device 10 corresponding to first data, determine an inhalation pattern associated with inhalation by the user.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device 10 may further include an output device 122. The controller 17 may be configured to: in response to a user input signal received from the input device 121 corresponding to first data, output, through the output device 122, information corresponding to a start of a determination of an inhalation pattern; and after completing the determination of the inhalation pattern associated with inhalation by the user, output, through the output device 122, information corresponding to an end of the determination of the inhalation pattern.
A method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include: receiving a user input signal from an input device 121 to determine whether the received user input signal corresponds to first data; in response to the user input signal corresponding to the first data, determining an inhalation pattern associated with inhalation by a user based on a signal received from a puff sensor 151; and determining, based on the determined inhalation pattern, a heating profile corresponding to the inhalation pattern.
Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Any or all elements of the embodiments of the disclosure described above may be combined with another or combined with each other in configuration or function.
For example, a configuration “A” described in one embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings and a configuration “B” described in another embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings may be combined with each other. Namely, although the combination between the configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except in the case where it is described that the combination is impossible.
Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An aerosol generating device comprising:

a heater configured to heat an aerosol generating substance;

a puff sensor configured to provide output corresponding to a puff by a user;

an input device configured to receive a user input; and

a controller configured to:

identify that the user input corresponds to first data;

determine, after identifying that the user input corresponds to the first data, an inhalation pattern associated with inhalation by the user, based on the output provided by the puff sensor;

determine a heating profile corresponding to the inhalation pattern, based on the determined inhalation pattern; and

control power supplied to the heater according to the heating profile.

2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to:

determine, after identifying that the user input corresponds to the first data, the inhalation pattern associated with the inhalation by the user based on a defined number of puffs.

3. The aerosol generating device of claim 2, wherein the controller is further configured to:

determine an ending time of a puff series; and

determine the inhalation pattern associated with the inhalation by the user based on puffs occurring after the receiving of the user input and before the ending time of the puff series.

4. The aerosol generating device of claim 2, further comprising:

an insertion portion shaped to define an elongated space; and

a stick detection sensor to output a signal corresponding to a stick inserted into the insertion portion,

wherein the controller is further configured to:

determine that the stick has been removed from the insertion portion, based on an indication of the stick detection sensor; and

determine the inhalation pattern associated with the inhalation by the user based on puffs occurring after the receiving of the user input and until the determining that the stick has been removed from the insertion portion.

5. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to:

calculate at least one of an inhalation intensity, an inhalation amount, an inhalation interval, and an inhalation time period, based on the output received from the puff sensor; and

determine the inhalation pattern based on at least one of the calculated inhalation intensity, the inhalation amount, the inhalation interval, and the inhalation time period.

6. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising a memory configured to store a plurality of heating profiles,

wherein the controller is further configured to determine the heating profile, from among the plurality of heating profiles, based on the determined inhalation pattern.

7. The aerosol generating device of claim 6, wherein the heating profile includes at least one of a length of time of a heating section, an amount of power supplied to the heater during the heating section, and a target temperature of the heater during the heating section.

8. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to:

identify that the user input corresponds to second data; and

initialize the heating profile according to a default heating profile, based on the user input corresponding to the second data; and

control the power supplied to the heater based on the default heating profile.

9. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising:

a cartridge configured to contain an aerosol generating substance; and

a cartridge detection sensor to detect coupling and removal of the cartridge relative to the aerosol generating device,

wherein the controller is further configured to:

detect, through the cartridge detection sensor, the coupling or the removal of the cartridge; and

initialize the heating profile according to a default heating profile, based on the detection of the removal of the cartridge from the aerosol generating device or the detection of the coupling of the cartridge to the aerosol regenerating device after the removal; and

control the power supplied to the heater based on the default heating profile.

10. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the user input includes at least one of an input to a button or a touch input.

11. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising a motion sensor configured to provide output in response to movement of the aerosol generating device,

wherein the controller is further configured to:

determine the inhalation pattern associated with the inhalation by the user, based on the output provided by the motion sensor corresponds to the first data.

12. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising an output device,

wherein the controller is further configured to:

control the output device to output information corresponding to a start of a determination of the inhalation pattern, in response to the user input corresponding to the first data; and

after the determination of the inhalation pattern, control the output device to output information corresponding to an end of the determination of the inhalation pattern.

13. A method for operating an aerosol generating device having an input device, the method comprising:

identifying that a user input received from the input device corresponds to first data;

determining, after the identifying that the user input corresponds to the first data, an inhalation pattern associated with inhalation by the user, based on an output provided by a puff sensor;

determining a heating profile corresponding to the inhalation pattern, based on the determined inhalation pattern; and

controlling power supplied to a heater of the aerosol generating device according to the heating profile.