WO2025176481A1

WO2025176481A1 - Aerosol generation device power system, aerosol generation device, and method

Info

Publication number: WO2025176481A1
Application number: PCT/EP2025/053248
Authority: WO
Inventors: Grzegorz Aleksander PILATOWICZ
Original assignee: JT International SA
Current assignee: JT International SA
Priority date: 2024-02-21
Filing date: 2025-02-07
Publication date: 2025-08-28
Anticipated expiration: 2026-08-21

Abstract

An aerosol generation device power system (400) is connectable to a heater component (106) and comprises a first energy unit (410) and a second energy unit (420), wherein the first energy unit and second energy unit are connectable to allow the supply of electrical power from the second energy unit to the first energy unit. A controller (430) is configured, based on an estimate of an initiation time of an aerosolisation session, to cause the second energy unit to supply electrical power to the first energy unit for a predetermined period of time in advance of the initiation time and/or from an energy supply commencement time until a time at which the user initiates the aerosolisation session.

Description

Aerosol generation device power system, aerosol generation device, and method

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generation device power system. The present disclosure further relates to an aerosol generation device comprising an aerosol generation device power system. The present disclosure further relates to a method, in particular a method of controlling an aerosol generation device power system.

Background

An aerosol generation device heats an aerosol precursor material to generate aerosol for inhalation by a user. The user initiates an aerosolisation session at a desired time. During the aerosolisation session, electrical power is provided from a power supply to a heater component to generate the desired aerosol.

The aerosolisation session is characterised by various modes, or phases.

During a heat-up phase, electrical power is supplied from the power supply to the heater component to pre-heat the aerosol precursor material. During a session phase (otherwise known as a floating phase), electrical power is supplied from the power supply to the heater component to maintain a target temperature of the aerosol precursor material.

A problem faced by the prior art occurs when the power supply is unable to complete the heat-up phase. The heat-up phase requires temporary provision of high-power from the power supply, and a large voltage drop may result. For example, where the power supply includes a battery having a low state-of-charge (SoC), the voltage drop exhibited by the battery during the heat-up phase can lead to termination of the aerosolisation session prior to completion of the heat-up phase. This may occur despite the battery having sufficient energy to support a further session phase. The resulting large voltage drop may undesirably result in reset of electronics of the aerosol generation device.

More generally, it is desired to increase time between charging of (i.e., provision electrical power from an external power supply) the aerosol generation device, and/or improve user convenience by ensuring at least one further aerosolisation session can be completed, and/or optimise use of electrical energy stored by the aerosol generation device, and/or provide for compact aerosol generation device constructions.

It is the object of the invention to overcome at least some of the above referenced problems.

Summary

According to the present disclosure there is provided an aerosol generation device power system, an aerosol generation device, and a method, including the features as set out in the claims.

According to a first aspect, there is provided an aerosol generation device power system, wherein the power system is connectable to a heater component, the power system comprising: a first energy unit and a second energy unit, wherein the first energy unit and second energy unit are connectable to allow the supply of electrical power from the second energy unit to the first energy unit; and a controller configured to: based on an estimate of an initiation time of an aerosolisation session, cause the second energy unit to supply electrical power to the first energy unit in advance of the initiation time.

Advantageously, in this way, the charge level of the first energy unit can be raised in advance of the initiation time. As a result, the first energy unit is able to supply electrical power of a sufficient voltage to avoid voltage drop below a threshold level at which the aerosolisation session may be prematurely and undesirably terminated. This is performable in advance of the estimated, or predicted, initiation time, such that the system ensures that when the aerosolisation session is initiated, the power system can provide the requisite power to complete at least a part of (e.g., a phase of) the aerosolisation session.

In one example, the power system comprises an estimator unit configured to estimate the initiation time.

In this way, means for estimating the initiation time are provided as part of the power system, enabling such estimates to be made locally.

In one example, the controller comprises the estimator unit. In this way, means for estimating the initiation time are provided as part of the controller, enabling such estimates to be made locally.

In one example, the estimator unit is configured to estimate the initiation time based on usage data of the aerosol generation device, the controller configured to receive the usage data from a memory.

Advantageously, usage data may be used to determine an accurate estimate of an initiation time based on, for example, user consumption habits. In this way, the likelihood is minimised of the aerosolisation session being initiated prior to the first energy unit being suitable for supporting the session. Usage data is preferably that of the user of the device, but may also be or incorporate usage data from other users, for example other local users of aerosol generation devices. For example, an average of usage data from other users may be used.

In one example, the estimation unit is configured to estimate the initiation time using a machine learning model trained on the stored usage data.

In this way, highly accurate and user-specific estimates of initiation times can thereby be estimated.

In one example, the controller is configured to: monitor a charge level of the first energy unit; cause the second energy unit to supply electrical power to the first energy unit in response to detecting a triggering condition, wherein: the triggering condition comprises the controller determining, based on the monitored charge level of the first energy unit, that the first energy unit does not have a sufficient charge level to complete a heat-up phase of an aerosolisation session which is initiated at the estimated initiation time without a voltage falling below a threshold level.

If the voltage falls below the threshold level, the aerosolisation session may be terminated, which may result in reset of electronics and user dissatisfaction. Advantageously, by detecting the triggering condition which considers whether the voltage would fall below the threshold during the heat-up phase, the risk of termination of the aerosolisation session can be minimised. In one example, the controller is configured to: monitor a charge level of the second energy unit; cause the second energy unit to supply electrical power to the first energy unit in response to detecting the triggering condition, wherein: the triggering condition comprises the controller determining, based on the monitored charge level of the first energy unit and the second energy unit, that the second energy unit has a sufficient charge level to supply electrical power to the first energy unit to charge the first energy unit to a sufficient charge level to complete the heat-up phase of the aerosolisation session without the voltage falling below the threshold level.

In this way, it can advantageously be established that the second energy unit is suitable for charging the first energy unit in advance of the initiation time to ensure the heat-up phase can be completed without voltage fall below threshold, thus reducing risk of termination of the aerosolisation session.

In one example, the first energy unit is configured to provide power to the heater component.

In this way, the charged first energy unit, or first energy unit which is to be charged by the second energy unit, can be used as the power supply for the heater component, and risk of termination of the aerosolisation session is reduced or avoided as the first energy unit receives charging power so that it is able to support the relatively higher voltages required during the heat-up phase.

In one example, the controller is configured to cause the second energy unit to supply electrical power to the first energy unit: for a predetermined period of time in advance of the initiation time; and/or from an energy supply commencement time until a time at which the user initiates the aerosolisation session.

Advantageously, in this way, it can be ensured that the first energy unit is suitably charged to be able to support the aerosolisation session when it is initiated. The predetermined period of time may be determined based on one or more battery characteristics. The energy supply commencement time may be determined based on one or more battery characteristics.

The predetermined period of time may be less than the time required to charge the first energy unit to full capacity from the current capacity of the first energy unit. In some examples, the predetermined period of time may be 10 minutes or less (e.g., 5-10 minutes, and/or 2 minutes). Following (e.g., immediately following) the predetermined period of time, the controller may be configured to cause the second energy unit to (temporarily) cease the supply of electrical power to the first energy unit.

The energy supply commencement time may be less than the time required to charge the first energy unit to full capacity from the current capacity of the first energy unit. In some examples, the energy supply commencement time may be 10 minutes or less (e.g., 5-10 minutes, and/or 2 minutes). Following (e.g., immediately following) the energy supply commencement time, the controller may be configured to cause the second energy unit to (temporarily) cease the supply of electrical power to the first energy unit.

In one example, the controller is configured to cause the second energy unit to supply electrical power to the first energy unit at an energy supply commencement time which is based on: a confidence level of the estimate of the initiation time; and/or expected and/or allowed first energy unit charging current.

In this way, confidence level of the estimate of the initiation time can be accounted for, to avoid risk that the aerosolisation session is initiated earlier than estimated, and thus that at that time the first energy unit is not able to provide the required voltage to complete the heat-up phase. Accounting for expected and/or allowed charging current is similarly advantageous, and allows for charging to begin earlier if considered necessary to ensure that at the initiation time the first energy unit is able to provide the required voltage.

In one example, the controller is configured to cause the second energy unit to supply electrical power to the first energy unit based on a temperature of the first energy unit and/or second energy unit.

Temperature of the energy units can thereby be accounted for, which can impact possible charging and voltage of the energy units. For example, the maximum charging current and voltage should be used, which is a function of temperature of the energy units. The relationship between temperature of energy units and charging current or voltage is well understood by those of skill in the art. In the context of the present invention, the controller may be configured to cause the second energy unit to supply electrical power to the first energy unit relatively sooner (or earlier) if low temperatures of the first energy unit and/or second energy unit are sensed.

In one example, the first energy unit and/or second energy unit are removably provided in the power system.

In this way, the first energy unit and/or second energy units may be replaced, as and when desired or required. A modular power system may thereby be provided.

According to a second aspect, there is provided an aerosol generation device comprising the aerosol generation device power system according to the first aspect.

The aerosol generation device according to the second aspect may incorporate any or all of the features of the aerosol generation device power system according to the first aspect, as desired or as appropriate.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of controlling an aerosol generation device power system comprising a first energy unit and a second energy unit, wherein the first energy unit and second energy unit are connected to allow the supply of electrical power from the second energy unit to the first energy unit, wherein the method comprises: based on an estimate of an initiation time of an aerosolisation session, causing the second energy unit to supply electrical power to the first energy unit in advance of the initiation time.

The method according to the third aspect may incorporate any or all of the features of the aerosol generation device power system according to the first aspect and/or any or all of the features of the aerosol generation device according to the second aspect, as desired or as appropriate.

In an alternative or additional definition of the invention, and/or according to a fourth aspect, there is provided an aerosol generation device power system, wherein the power system is connectable to a heater component, the power system comprising: a first energy unit and a second energy unit, wherein the first energy unit and second energy unit are connected to allow the supply of electrical power from the second energy unit to the first energy unit; and a controller configured to: monitor a charge level of each of the first energy unit and the second energy unit; and based on an estimate of an initiation time of an aerosolisation session, cause the second energy unit to supply electrical power to the first energy unit (or, control the supply of electrical power from the second energy unit to the first energy unit) in advance of the estimated initiation time in response to detecting a triggering condition, wherein: the triggering condition comprises the controller determining, based on the monitored charge level of the first energy unit and the second energy unit, that the first energy unit does not have a sufficient charge level to complete a heat-up phase of an aerosolisation session which is initiated at the estimated initiation time without a voltage falling below a threshold level, and the second energy unit has a sufficient charge level to supply electrical power to the first energy unit to charge the first energy unit to a sufficient charge level to complete the heat-up phase of the aerosolisation session without the voltage falling below the threshold level.

The aerosol generation device power system according to the fourth aspect may incorporate any or all of the features of the aerosol generation device power system according to the first aspect, any or all of the features of the aerosol generation device according to the second aspect and/or any or all of the features of the method according to the third aspect, as desired or as appropriate.

Further advantages, objectives and features of the present invention will be described, by way of example only, in the following description with reference to the figures. In the figures, like components in different embodiments can exhibit the same reference symbols.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows an exemplary schematic aerosol generation device;

Figure 2 shows progression from heat-up mode to session mode;

Figure 3 shows exemplary plots of temperature, power and energy of an aerosolisation session; Figure 4 shows an aerosol generation device power system;

Figure 5 shows a plot of usage data;

Figure 6 shows a plot of charge level of a first energy unit;

Figure 7 shows a process flow chart;

Figure 8 shows an aerosol generation device; and

Figure 9 shows a schematic method.

Detailed Description

As used herein, the term “aerosol precursor material”, “vapour precursor material” or “vaporizable material” are used synonymously and may refer to a material and/or composition, which may for example comprise nicotine or tobacco and a vaporising agent. The aerosol precursor material is configured to release an aerosol when heated or otherwise mechanically stimulated (such as by vibrations). Tobacco may take the form of various materials such as shredded tobacco, granulated tobacco, tobacco leaf and/or reconstituted tobacco. Nicotine may be in the form of nicotine salts. Suitable vaporising agents include: a polyol such as sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols like propylene glycol or triethylene glycol; a non-polyol such as monohydric alcohols, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerin or vegetable glycerin. In some examples, the aerosol precursor material is substantially a liquid or a gel that holds or comprises one or more solid particles, such as tobacco particles extracted from tobacco materials or suspended in a solution or gel.

An aerosol generation device is configured to aerosolise an aerosol precursor material without combustion in order to facilitate delivery of an aerosol to a user. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms “vapour” and “aerosol”, and related terms such as “vaporize”, “volatilize” and “aerosolise”, may generally be used interchangeably. As used herein, the term “aerosol generation device” is synonymous with “aerosol generating device” or “device” and may include a device configured to heat an aerosol precursor material and deliver an aerosol to a user, typically without combusting the aerosol precursor material. The device may be portable. “Portable” may refer to the device being for use when held by a user. The device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol, which can be controlled by a user input.

As used herein, the term “aerosol” may include a suspension of vaporizable material as one or more of: solid particles; liquid droplets; gas. Said suspension may be in a gas including air. Aerosol herein may generally refer to/include a vapour. Aerosol may include one or more components of the vaporizable material.

Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation device 100. The aerosol generation device 100 is suitable for receiving a consumable 102 therein. For example, the aerosol generation device 100 may include a chamber 104 in which the consumable 102 is received.

The invention is not limited to the specific aerosol generation device 100 or consumable 102 described herein. That is, the description of the aerosol generation device 100 and consumable 102 is provided for illustrative purposes only. The skilled person will appreciate that alternative constructions of aerosol generation devices and consumables will be compatible with the present invention.

A consumable 102 comprises aerosol precursor material, as described above.

The aerosol generation device 100 may comprise one or more heater components 106 configured to provide heat to the consumable 102, in use.

In one example, the consumable 102 contains a liquid and the one or more heater components comprise a heating element, such as a coil, a ceramic heater, a flat resistive heater, a mesh heater, a MEMS heater, or the like, configured to aerosolise the liquid for inhalation. A liquid delivery element or mechanism, such as a porous material, a capillary system, and/or valve, may transfer the liquid to the heating element, in use. In some examples, the aerosolised liquid may pass through a solid substrate within the aerosol generation device 100. In other examples, the consumable 102 may comprise a solid aerosol substrate. In one example, the aerosol generation device 100 comprises a nebulizing engine, such as a vibrating mesh, to generate an aerosol from a liquid with or without heating thereof.

The aerosol generation device 100 may comprise a mouthpiece 116 through which a user may draw on the aerosol generation device 100 to inhale generated aerosol. The mouthpiece 116 includes a vent or channel 118 that may be connected to a region close to the consumable article 102 for passage of any generated aerosol from the consumable article 102, during use. The generated aerosol may pass from the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102, through the channel 118 along the path 119.

For example, the channel 118 may extend between an opening in the mouthpiece 116 and the chamber 104 in which the consumable article 102 is at least partially receivable. The mouthpiece 116 is arranged such it may be received in a user’s mouth in use. In other examples, a mouthpiece 116 is not required and a portion of the consumable article 102 may protrude from the aerosol generation device 100. In this example, the protruding portion of the consumable article 102 may work as the mouthpiece. In some other examples, the protruding portion of the consumable article 102 may be received in the channel 118 of the mouthpiece 116.

The aerosol generation device 100 may comprise an activation input sensor 120. The activation input sensor 120 may be a button, a touchpad, or the like for sensing a user’s input, such as a tap or swipe. In other examples, the activation input sensor 120 comprises a consumable sensor configured to detect if a consumable 102 has been inserted into the aerosol generation device 100. For example, the input sensor 120 may comprise an authenticity detector that is configured to detect if an authentic consumable 102 has been inserted into the aerosol generation device 100. Additionally, or alternatively, the user input may also comprise an inhalation action by a user. User input via the activation input sensor 120 may initiate the aerosolisation session, for example may initiate a heat-up mode, as will be described in greater detail below.

The aerosol generation device 100 may comprise a puff sensor 122 (otherwise known as an inhalation sensor). The puff sensor 122 is configured to detect an inhalation action (or puff) by a user on the aerosol generation device 100. In one example, the puff sensor 122 comprises a microphone or a flow sensor configured to an airflow within the chamber 104 and/or an airflow channel extending from the chamber 104 through the mouthpiece 116 to an inhalation outlet thereof, the airflow being associated with a user’s inhalation action. In other examples, the puff sensor 122 is configured to detect a change in pressure indicative of a beginning of an inhalation action on the aerosol generation device by the user. In this case, the puff sensor 122 may be located anywhere on the aerosol device 100 in which there would be a change in pressure due to an inhalation action of the user. In one example, the puff sensor 122 is located in the channel 118 between the chamber 104 and the mouthpiece 116 of the aerosol generation device 100. The puff sensor 122 may also detect the end of an inhalation action by the user. For example, the puff sensor 122 may be configured to detect a further change in pressure due to the end of an inhalation action of a user.

The aerosol generation device 100 may include one or more temperature sensors 124 configured to directly or indirectly measure the temperature of the consumable 102 in the aerosol generation device 100. The one or more temperature sensors 124 may comprise a temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple or thermistor, configured to be located within or adjacent to the consumable 102 when it is received in the aerosol generation device 100. For example, the one or more temperature sensors 124 may be located within the chamber 104 of the aerosol generation device 100. In other examples, the temperature of the consumable 102 may be indirectly measured by the use of thermal imaging sensors. In an alternative example, the heater component 106 itself may operate as a temperature sensor if the heater 106 has PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) or NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) characteristic.

The aerosol generation device 100 may include an aerosol generation device power system 400, which may be referred to as the “power system 400”. The construction of the power system 400 and its operation will be described in greater detail below.

In overview, the power system 400 may comprise energy units, such as batteries. The energy units may be comprised in a power supply. The power supply may provide the aerosol generation device 100 with electrical energy providing a voltage in the range of 3 V and 4.2 V. In a preferred embodiment the voltage source is one or more lithium-ion batteries delivering a voltage of 3.7 V. Such a voltage source is particularly advantageous for a modern aerosol generation device in view of rechargeability, high energy density and large capacity. The energy units may provide power for operation of the aerosol generation device 100, for example the necessary power to generate aerosol. In an example, the energy units may provide power to the one or more heater components 106.

The power system 400 may further comprise a controller 430. Operation of the controller 430 will be described in greater detail below. In summary, the controller 430 may be configured to receive data relating to various sensors/inputs (such as the activation input sensor 120, puff sensor 122 and/or temperature sensor 124) of the aerosol generation device 100. The controller 430 may be for electronic management of the aerosol generation device 100. The controller 430 may include a PCB or the like (not shown). The controller 430 may further be configured to control the one or more heater components 106.

The aerosol generation device 100 may further comprise a body 126. The body 126 may be configured to connect to the consumable article 102. Alternatively, the body 126 may be configured to receive or engage with the consumable article 102.

The controller 430 may be arranged to control supply of electrical power from the power system 400 to the heater component 106 based upon the operating mode, or phase, of the aerosolisation session. The operating modes can include a heat-up mode and a session mode.

The progression from the heat-up mode to the session mode can be understood from Figure 2.

In the heat-up mode 202, the heater component 106 associated with the aerosol generation device 100 is heated to a predetermined temperature for the generation of an aerosol from the consumable 102. A heat-up phase can be considered to be the time during which the heat-up mode is being executed, for example the time it takes for the heater component 106 to reach the predetermined temperature. The heat-up mode occurs during a first time period of the aerosolisation session. In an example, the first time period can be a fixed pre-determined time period. In other examples, the first time period can vary corresponding to the length of time needed to heat the heater component 106 to the predetermined temperature.

When the heat-up phase is complete, the controller 430 may end the heat-up mode 202 and may control the power system 400 to perform the session mode 204. In the session mode 204, the controller 430 controls the supply of electrical power to maintain the heater component 106 substantially at the predetermined temperature so that an aerosol is generated for the consumer to inhale. A session phase can be considered to be the time during which the session mode is being executed, for example the time during which the heater component 106 is aerosolising the consumable 102 after the heat-up phase. The controller 430 may control operation of the session mode for a second time period of the aerosolisation session. The second time period can be predetermined and stored at the controller 430.

Figures 3A, 3B and 3C show exemplary plots of heater temperature 304, average power 312 delivered to the heater and overall energy consumption 314 against time 302 for an aerosolisation session. In the heat-up phase electrical power is supplied to the heater component 106 for the first time period 308, until the heater temperature reaches the predetermined temperature 306. In some examples, the controller 430 is configured to heat the heater component 106 to the predetermined temperature within a fixed predetermined first time period. In other examples, the first time period varies depending on how long the heater component 106 takes to reach the predetermined temperature.

When the heater component 106 reaches the predetermined temperature 306, the controller 430 switches the operating mode to the session mode for the second time period 310 and maintains the temperature of the heater component 106 substantially at the predetermined temperature 306 for this second time period 310.

Typically, a lower power level is applied to the heater in the session mode when maintaining the heater component 106 at the predetermined temperature, than the power level applied to the heater component 106 to heat it to the predetermined temperature in the heat-up mode. This can be seen in Figure 3B in that the power delivered to the heater component 106 in the second time period 310 (session mode) is lower than the power delivered to the heater component 106 in the first time period (heat-up mode). The power level delivered to the heater component can be controlled by various means, for example by adjusting the power output from the power system, or by adjusting on/off periods in a pulse width modulated power flow.

As introduced above, a problem arises where the power supply, or a part thereof (such as an energy unit, e.g., a battery) is unable to sustain or provide the power level required by the heater component 106 for the heat-up mode. This may result in termination of the aerosolisation session prior to completion of the heat-up phase. It will be appreciated that this may occur despite the power supply, or said part, having sufficient energy to support a further session phase. Inadvertent or premature termination of the aerosolisation session may result in reset of electronics of the aerosol generation device 100.

Referring to Figure 4, an aerosol generation device power system 400 is shown.

The power system 400 is connectable to a heater component 106. The power system 400 may control provision of electrical power to the heater component 106, and further may control provision of electrical power between components of the power system 400, as will be described in greater detail below.

The power system 400 comprises a first energy unit 410 and a second energy unit 420. The first energy unit 410 and second energy unit 420 are connectable to allow the supply of electrical power from the second energy unit 420 to the first energy unit 410.

In an example, the first energy unit 410 and second energy unit 420 being connectable may mean that the energy units 410, 420 are connected in the power system, or, in an alternative example, are connected only when a supply of electrical power from the second energy unit 420 to the first energy unit 410 is desired, required, or demanded. A switch 402, or switching circuit, may be employed to facilitate connection of the first energy unit 410 and second energy unit 420.

The power system 400 further comprises a controller 430. The controller 430 is configured to, based on an estimate of an initiation time of an aerosolisation session, cause the second energy unit 420 to supply electrical power to the first energy unit 410 in advance of the initiation time.

As will be understood from the description of Figure 3B, during heat-up phase, electrical power demand is temporarily high compared with the power demanded during the session phase. The initiation time is the time at which the aerosolisation session is to be started, which may be initiated with user activation at the activation input sensor 120. As described above, the aerosolisation session commences with the heat-up phase. Estimating the initiation time will be described in greater detail below, but in essence is an estimate or prediction of the time at which the aerosolisation session will be initiated. Based on this estimate or prediction, electrical power can be supplied to the first energy unit 410 from the second energy unit 420. In this way, a pre-aerosolisation session “boost” charge is provided. By such a boost charge, the first energy unit 410 is better able to support a heat-up phase of the aerosolisation session, and thereby ensure that the session is not terminated prior to completion of the heat-up phase. In particular, by charging the first energy unit 410 in advance of the initiation time, the relatively high voltage demanded by the heater component 106 during the heat-up phase can be provided by the first energy unit 410 as it has been subjected to the pre-aerosolisation session boost charge.

The first energy unit 410 and second energy unit 420 may be comprised in a power supply of the aerosol generation device 100. The power supply is a modular power supply. That is, the power supply comprises a plurality of energy units 410, 420.

The first energy unit 410 may be a first battery, or first battery pack. The second energy unit 420 may be a second battery, or second battery pack. The first energy unit 410 and second energy unit 420 are rechargeable energy units, preferably rechargeable lithium- ion batteries.

The first energy unit 410 and second energy unit 420 may themselves be comprised in a battery pack. That is, the energy units 410, 420 may be packaged together in an integral module.

Both the first energy unit 410 and second energy unit 420 may, in some instances, be configured to provide electrical power to the heater component 106 during the aerosolisation session. However, in a preferable example, the first energy unit 410 is configured to provide electrical power to the heater component 106 during the aerosolisation session and the second energy unit 420 is configured to provide electrical power to the first energy unit 410 in advance of the initiation time. In this way, the first energy unit 410 can be charged in advance of the initiation time using the second energy unit 420, to ensure the heat-up phase can be completed by the first energy unit 410 during the aerosolisation session.

Charging the first energy unit 410 using the second energy unit 420 in advance of the initiation time may be known as performing “pre-aerosolisation session boost charging”. It will be appreciated that performing charging in advance of the initiation time does not necessarily mean that the charging terminates at the initiation time, but may also mean that charging begins in advance of the initiation time and/or occurs wholly in advance of the initiation time. The pre-aerosolisation session boost charging will be described in greater detail below.

The controller 430 causes the second energy unit 420 to supply electrical power to the first energy unit 410 in advance of the initiation time. The charge level of the first energy unit 410 is raised.

Following charging of the first energy unit 410, the first energy unit 410 is able to provide a higher voltage output, thereby to support the heat-up phase. This is due to the temporary voltage relaxation effect. The voltage relaxation effect is well understood in the art, and is a phenomenon exhibited by batteries where the battery voltage is increased temporarily subsequent to charging. Nevertheless, the voltage relaxation effect need not necessarily be accounted for, and the first energy unit 410 may simply be charged to any charge level determined to be suitable to support the heat-up phase.

Preferably, the first energy unit 410 is a battery having a low charge level, or “state-of- charge” (SoC), and the second energy unit 420 is a battery having a relatively higher SoC. The SoC of the first energy unit 410 may be about 5% to 20%. The SoC of the second energy unit 420 may be about 30% to 100%. The temperature of the first energy unit 410 may be about 0°C to 20°C.

The controller 430 may be configured to determine the SoC of the first energy unit 410 and/or the second energy unit 420.

The controller 430 may be configured to monitor a charge level of the first energy unit 410. The controller 430 may be configured to cause the second energy unit 420 to supply electrical power to the first energy unit 410 in response to detecting a triggering condition.

The triggering condition comprises the controller 430 determining, based on the monitored charge level of the first energy unit 410, that the first energy unit 410 does not have a sufficient charge level to complete a heat-up phase of an aerosolisation session which is initiated at the estimated initiation time without a voltage (i.e., of the power provided by the first energy unit 410) falling below a threshold level.

The threshold level may be a predetermined voltage level below which may or will result in the heat-up phase not being completed. As mentioned above, this may result in unwanted premature termination of the aerosolisation session.

The controller 430 may be configured to monitor a charge level of the second energy unit 420. The controller 430 may configured to cause the second energy unit 420 to supply electrical power to the first energy unit 410 in response to detecting the triggering condition.

The triggering condition may comprise the controller 430 determining, based on the monitored charge level of the first energy unit 410 and the second energy unit 420, that the second energy unit 420 has a sufficient charge level to supply electrical power to the first energy unit 410 to charge the first energy unit 410 to a sufficient charge level to complete the heat-up phase of the aerosolisation session without the voltage falling below the threshold level.

That is, in this way, the controller 430 may determine that the second energy unit 420 is able to charge the first energy unit 410 such that the heat-up phase can be completed using the first energy unit 410.

In a further example, the controller 430 may be configured to monitor a charge level of the first energy unit 410 and determine that the charge level of the first energy unit 410 is insufficient for the first energy unit 410 to provide the electrical power to the heater component 106 to complete the aerosolisation session. That is, the controller 430 may establish that the first energy unit 410, at a given time in advance of the initiation time, has insufficient charge to provide the energy required to complete the aerosolisation session, including heat-up phase and session-phase. In such a case, the controller 430 may cause the second energy unit 420 to provide electrical power to the first energy unit 410 to boost charge the first energy unit 410. Advantageously, in this way, the risk of the voltage of the first energy unit 410 falling below a threshold level for completing the heat-up phase is eliminated. Furthermore, by such control, there is no need to incorporate a system for adaptively providing charging to the first energy unit 410 to complete the aerosolisation session, as it has been ensured that the first energy unit 410 is sufficiently charged in advance of the initiation time.

The first energy unit 410 and/or second energy unit 420 may be removably provided in the power system 400. In this way, energy unts may be replaced when desired by the user. For example, energy units may be replaced with energy units having higher SoC or with energy units having improved state-of-health. That is, degraded energy units may be replaced.

In summary, the present invention aims to ensure the first energy unit 410 is able to provide electrical power to the heater component 106 for the aerosolisation session, without undesired premature termination of the aerosolisation session. It its therefore necessary to estimate the initiation time of the aerosolisation session, or use such an estimate, to ensure that the first energy unit 410 is able to provide electrical power to the heater component 106 for the aerosolisation session.

Estimation of the initiation time of the aerosolisation session will be described in greater detail below.

The power system 400 may comprise an estimator unit 440 configured to estimate the initiation time.

In alternative examples, the power system 400 need not comprise the estimator unit 440, and instead an estimate of the initiation time of the aerosolisation session may be provided from an external source.

The controller 430 may comprise the estimator unit 440. That is, estimation of the initiation time may be performed by the controller 430 itself, in addition to control of supply of electrical power to the first energy unit 410 from the second energy unit 420.

The estimator unit 440 may be configured to estimate the initiation time based on usage data of the aerosol generation device 100. The controller 430 may be configured to receive the usage data from a memory 450.

In the illustrated example, the memory 450 is comprised in the power system 400, in particular as part of the controller 430. Nevertheless, in alternative examples, the memory 450 may be remote from the power system 400 or aerosol generation device 100, for example as part of a remote server.

The estimation unit 440 may be configured to estimate the initiation time using a machine learning model trained on the stored usage data of the memory 450.

Usage data of the aerosol generation device 100 includes data relating to user consumption. In particular, user aerosol consumption is tracked. Tracking may be performed by a consumption tracking module (not shown). The consumption tracking module may form part of the controller 430, and provide the usage data to the memory 450 to be stored therein.

In an example, the estimator unit 440 may establish based on the usage data that the user regularly initiates an aerosolisation session at a particular time.

Referring to Figure 5, usage data is plotted, with time t on the x-axis and usage 510 indicated on the y-axis. Numeral 512 indicates the initiation of an aerosolisation session. Circles of different pattern shading correspond with different days of use of the aerosol generation device 100. Usage corresponds with the initiation of an aerosolisation session at a particular time t. As shown, from the usage data, it can be established that the user typically initiates a first aerosolisation session at a first time t_a , a second aerosolisation session at a second time tb , and a third aerosolisation session at a third time t_c . Each time may be a range, and a range may indeed be considered, or, for example, an average time value used. For example, t_a may correspond with a time immediately preceding a work shift, tb may correspond with a break (e.g., a lunch break), and time t_c may correspond with a time immediately following a work shift.

The time t_a , tb , t_c may then be used as the estimate of the initiation time.

Based on the estimate of the initiation time of the aerosolisation session, the controller 430 causes the second energy unit 420 to supply electrical power to the first energy unit 410 in advance of the initiation time. In this way, when the initiation time is reached, the first energy unit 410 can support the aerosolisation session, as voltage of the first energy unit 410 is temporarily boosted in advance of the initiation time. The controller 430 may be configured to cause the second energy unit 420 to supply electrical power to the first energy unit 410 for a predetermined period of time in advance of the initiation time.

As will be described in greater detail below, the predetermined period of time may be a fixed period of time, or may be variable and determined based on one or more conditions, for example, a condition of the energy units 410, 420.

In some examples, the predetermined period of time may be less than the time required to charge the first energy unit 410 to full capacity from the current capacity of the first energy unit 410. In some examples, the predetermined period of time may be 10 minutes or less (e.g., 5-10 minutes, and/or 2 minutes). Following (e.g., immediately following) the predetermined period of time, the controller 430 may be configured to cause the second energy unit 420 to (temporarily) cease the supply of electrical power to the first energy unit 410.

The supply of electrical power to the first energy unit 410 to the second energy unit 420 may commence at an energy supply commencement time. The controller 430 may be configured to determine the appropriate energy supply commencement time.

In some examples, the energy supply commencement time may be less than the time required to charge the first energy unit 410 to full capacity from the current capacity of the first energy unit 410. In some examples, the energy supply commencement time may be 10 minutes or less (e.g., 5-10 minutes, and/or 2 minutes). Following (e.g., immediately following) the energy supply commencement time, the controller 430 may be configured to cause the second energy unit 420 to (temporarily) cease the supply of electrical power to the first energy unit 410.

Referring to Figure 6, a plot of charge level of the first energy unit 410 (SoC_FEU, y- axis) against time (t, x-axis) is shown. At to, the SoC of the first energy unit 410 is below the threshold SoC_T for completing the heat-up phase.

The controller 430 may be configured to cause the second energy unit 420 to supply electrical power to the first energy unit 410 from an energy supply commencement time until a time at which the user initiates the aerosolisation session. The energy supply commencement time tEsc and initiation time are shown in Figure 6. As shown, the SoC of the first energy unit 410 is increased such that, at the initiation time ti, the SoC of the first energy unit 410 is above the threshold SoC_T. The heat-up phase may then be completed in period t/and the session phase completed in period tsess. The SoC of the first energy unit 410 is reduced due to the provision of electrical power to the heater component 106.

The controller 430 may be configured to cause the second energy unit 420 to supply electrical power to the first energy unit 410 at an energy supply commencement time which is based on a confidence level of the estimate of the initiation time.

The confidence level of the estimate of the initiation time is a measure of uncertainty in the aerosolisation session being initiated at the estimated initiation time. That is, in some examples, it may be estimated that in a given day, and based on usage data, the user commences an aerosolisation session at a first time t_a but with significant variability (perhaps at t_a + t_va, where t_va is a large time variability), leading to a low confidence level. Additionally, it may be estimated that in a given day, and based on usage data, the user commences an aerosolisation session at a second time tb but with low variability (perhaps at tb ± t_Vb, where t_Vb is a small time variability), leading to a high confidence level.

The controller 430 may determine the energy supply commencement time.

Where a low confidence level of the estimate of the initiation time is determined, in an example, the energy supply commencement time may be sooner than that which would be used if a high confidence level were to be determined. That is, the controller 430 may cause the second energy unit 420 to begin supply of electrical power to the first energy unit 410 earlier, so that if the aerosolisation session is initiated sooner, the first energy unit 410 is able to support the aerosolisation session (in particular the heat-up phase, as above).

Where a high confidence level of the estimate of the initiation time is determined, in an example, the energy supply commencement time may be later than that which would be used if a low confidence level were to be determined. That is, the controller 430 determines the estimate of the initiation time to be accurate (i.e., closer to the true initiation time, with greater certainty). The controller 430 may additionally or alternatively be configured to cause the second energy unit 420 to supply electrical power to the first energy unit 410 at an energy supply commencement time which is based on expected and/or allowed first energy unit charging current. That is, expected/allowed charging current can be considered, in addition to confidence levels.

The expected charging current takes into account temperature fluctuations, or other characteristics, of the first energy unit 410 at the energy supply commencement time.

The allowed charging current takes into account charging current allowed at the present time.

Where it is established that a lower level of allowed/expected charging current can be employed, the controller 430 may initiate supply of electrical power earlier (i.e., farther in advance of the initiation time). In this way, it can be ensured that the voltage of the first energy unit 410 is suitable at the initiation time.

Where it is established that a relatively higher level of allowed/expected charging current can be employed, the controller 430 may initiate supply of electrical power later (i.e., closer to the estimated initiation time).

The controller 430 may be configured to cause the second energy unit 420 to supply electrical power to the first energy unit 410 based on a temperature of the first energy unit 410 and/or second energy unit 420.

For example, at lower temperatures of the first energy unit 410, internal resistance of the first energy unit 410 increases, and so it may be important to provide pre- aerosolisation session boost charging even to a first energy unit 410 having a higher SoC to ensure that the required power can be delivered during the heat-up phase.

In further detail, temperature of the first energy unit 410 and/or second energy unit 420 may be sensed by one or more temperature sensors (not shown). At relatively lower temperatures, pre-aerosolisation session boost charging may be initiated at an earlier time. This is because the above-described voltage relaxation effect (which occurs postboost charging) is slower at low temperatures. Furthermore, at lower temperatures, a larger voltage drop (when the first energy unit 410 need deliver greater power) may be more severe due to the raised internal resistance of the first energy unit 410 at lower temperature. In summary, the controller 430 may be configured to cause the second energy unit 420 to supply electrical power to the first energy unit 410 at a time which is based on a temperature of the first energy unit 410 and/or second energy unit 420.

The maximum charging current at low temperatures (for example, <10°C) may be significantly reduced, and therefore initiating boost charging earlier may be desirable and advantageous to ensure that the first energy unit 410 is suitable at the energy supply commencement time.

In relation to SoC, the SoC threshold when boost charging is activated may be a function of temperature. For example, the SoC threshold for boost charging may increase exponentially with respect to temperature. For example, the SoC threshold may be 5% at 25°C, 10% at 15°C, 20% at 5°C, and 25% at -5°C. This relationship could also be implemented as a 2^nd degree polynomial.

Referring to Figure 7, a process flow chart is shown. The process flow chart provides an overview of the pre-aerosolisation session “boost” charging as described in detail above.

At 710, the boost charging mode state is set. If state is “ON”, the process proceeds to 720. If state is OFF, the process proceeds to 730 and ends.

At 740, the initiation time of the aerosolisation session is estimated. The confidence level (as described above) of the estimate may be used, in conjunction with other factors, for example temperature of the energy unit(s) 410, 420, to determine the energy supply commencement time. The energy supply commencement time may be established from a look-up table, and the confidence level may be provided as an output of a machine learning model.

At 720, it is expected that the aerosolisation session will be initiated after a determined time period, and the process proceeds to 750. If it is not determined that the aerosolisation session will be initiated, the process proceeds to 730 and ends. At 760, it is determined whether boost charging is required or possible to increase the SoC of the first energy unit 410 for completing the aerosolisation session. This may be determined based on the SoC of the first energy unit 410, and optionally also based on the SoC of the second energy unit 420, in conjunction with other factors, for example temperature of the energy unit(s) 410, 420.

At 750, the temperature and/or SoC of the first energy unit 410, and optionally also the second energy unit 420, are considered. If no boost charging is necessary, or if boost charging is not possible (e.g., as second energy unit 420 SoC is insufficient), the process proceeds to 730 and ends. If boost charging is necessary and/or possible, the process proceeds to 770.

At 770, boost charging is performed until the initiation time, which may be the estimated initiation time or actual initiation time. Boost charging may alternatively or additionally be performed until a maximum time for boost charging has elapsed. Maximum time for boost charging may be established at 780, and may be a function of temperature of the energy unit(s) 410, 420.

Referring to Figure 8, an aerosol generation device 100 is schematically shown. The aerosol generation device 100 comprises the aerosol generation device power system 400 as described above.

Referring to Figure 9, a method of controlling an aerosol generation device 100 is schematically shown. The method involves an aerosol generation device power system 400 comprising a first energy unit 410 and a second energy unit 420, wherein the first energy unit 410 and second energy unit 420 are connected to allow the supply of electrical power from the second energy unit 420 to the first energy unit 410.

Step S910 comprises causing the second energy unit to supply electrical power to the first energy unit in advance of the initiation time based on an estimate of the initiation time of an aerosolisation session.

Although preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims and as described above.

Claims

1. An aerosol generation device power system, wherein the power system is connectable to a heater component, the power system comprising: a first energy unit and a second energy unit, wherein the first energy unit and second energy unit are connectable to allow the supply of electrical power from the second energy unit to the first energy unit; and a controller configured to: based on an estimate of an initiation time of an aerosolisation session, cause the second energy unit to supply electrical power to the first energy unit in advance of the initiation time: for a predetermined period of time in advance of the initiation time; and/or from an energy supply commencement time until a time at which the user initiates the aerosolisation session.

2. The aerosol generation device power system of claim 1 , wherein the power system comprises an estimator unit configured to estimate the initiation time.

3. The aerosol generation device power system of claim 2, wherein the controller comprises the estimator unit.

4. The aerosol generation device power system of claim 2 or 3, wherein the estimator unit is configured to estimate the initiation time based on usage data of the aerosol generation device, wherein the controller is configured to receive the usage data from a memory.

5. The aerosol generation device power system of claim 4, wherein the estimation unit is configured to estimate the initiation time using a machine learning model trained on the stored usage data of the memory.

6. The aerosol generation device power system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to: monitor a charge level of the first energy unit; cause the second energy unit to supply electrical power to the first energy unit in response to detecting a triggering condition, wherein: the triggering condition comprises the controller determining, based on the monitored charge level of the first energy unit, that the first energy unit does not have a sufficient charge level to complete a heat-up phase of an aerosolisation session which is initiated at the estimated initiation time without a voltage falling below a threshold level.

7. The aerosol generation device power system of claim 6, wherein the controller is configured to: monitor a charge level of the second energy unit; cause the second energy unit to supply electrical power to the first energy unit in response to detecting the triggering condition, wherein: the triggering condition comprises the controller determining, based on the monitored charge level of the first energy unit and the second energy unit, that the second energy unit has a sufficient charge level to supply electrical power to the first energy unit to charge the first energy unit to a sufficient charge level to complete the heat-up phase of the aerosolisation session without the voltage falling below the threshold level.

8. The aerosol generation device power system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first energy unit is configured to provide power to the heater component.

9. The aerosol generation device power system according to any preceding claim, wherein following the predetermined period of time, the controller may be configured to cause the second energy unit to cease the supply of electrical power to the first energy unit.

10. The aerosol generation device power system according to any preceding claim, wherein following the energy supply commencement time, the controller may be configured to cause the second energy unit to cease the supply of electrical power to the first energy unit.

11. The aerosol generation device power system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to cause the second energy unit to supply electrical power to the first energy unit at an energy supply commencement time which is based on: a confidence level of the estimate of the initiation time; and/or expected and/or allowed first energy unit charging current.

12. The aerosol generation device power system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to cause the second energy unit to supply electrical power to the first energy unit based on a temperature of the first energy unit and/or second energy unit.

13. The aerosol generation device power system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first energy unit and/or second energy unit are removably provided in the power system.

14. An aerosol generation device comprising the aerosol generation device power system according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. A method of controlling an aerosol generation device power system comprising a first energy unit and a second energy unit, wherein the first energy unit and second energy unit are connected to allow the supply of electrical power from the second energy unit to the first energy unit, wherein the method comprises: based on an estimate of an initiation time of an aerosolisation session, causing the second energy unit to supply electrical power to the first energy unit in advance of the initiation time: for a predetermined period of time in advance of the initiation time; and/or from an energy supply commencement time until a time at which the user initiates the aerosolisation session.