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WO2025176481A1 - Système d'alimentation de dispositif de génération d'aérosol, dispositif de génération d'aérosol et procédé - Google Patents

Système d'alimentation de dispositif de génération d'aérosol, dispositif de génération d'aérosol et procédé

Info

Publication number
WO2025176481A1
WO2025176481A1 PCT/EP2025/053248 EP2025053248W WO2025176481A1 WO 2025176481 A1 WO2025176481 A1 WO 2025176481A1 EP 2025053248 W EP2025053248 W EP 2025053248W WO 2025176481 A1 WO2025176481 A1 WO 2025176481A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
energy unit
generation device
energy
aerosol generation
time
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/EP2025/053248
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Grzegorz Aleksander PILATOWICZ
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
JT International SA
Original Assignee
JT International SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by JT International SA filed Critical JT International SA
Publication of WO2025176481A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025176481A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/0047—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries with monitoring or indicating devices or circuits
    • H02J7/0048—Detection of remaining charge capacity or state of charge [SOC]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/007—Regulation of charging or discharging current or voltage
    • H02J7/00712—Regulation of charging or discharging current or voltage the cycle being controlled or terminated in response to electric parameters
    • H02J7/00714—Regulation of charging or discharging current or voltage the cycle being controlled or terminated in response to electric parameters in response to battery charging or discharging current
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/90—Arrangements or methods specially adapted for charging batteries thereof
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/34—Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other DC sources, e.g. providing buffering
    • H02J7/342—The other DC source being a battery actively interacting with the first one, i.e. battery to battery charging

Definitions

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • a heat-up phase electrical power is supplied from the power supply to the heater component to pre-heat the aerosol precursor material.
  • 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.
  • the power supply includes a battery having a low state-of-charge (SoC)
  • SoC state-of-charge
  • 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.
  • an aerosol generation device power system an aerosol generation device, and a method, including the features as set out in the claims.
  • 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.
  • the charge level of the first energy unit can be raised in advance of the initiation time.
  • 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.
  • the controller comprises the estimator unit.
  • means for estimating the initiation time are provided as part of the controller, enabling such estimates to be made locally.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the aerosolisation session may be terminated, which may result in reset of electronics and user dissatisfaction.
  • the risk of termination of the aerosolisation session can be minimised.
  • 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.
  • the first energy unit is configured to provide power to the heater component.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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
  • Figure 9 shows a schematic method.
  • aerosol precursor material 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.
  • 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.
  • vapour and “aerosol”, and related terms such as “vaporize”, “volatilize” and “aerosolise”, may generally be used interchangeably.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the aerosol generation device 100 may include a chamber 104 in which the consumable 102 is received.
  • the aerosol generation device 100 may comprise one or more heater components 106 configured to provide heat to the consumable 102, in use.
  • 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 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.
  • the aerosolised liquid may pass through a solid substrate within the aerosol generation device 100.
  • the consumable 102 may comprise a solid aerosol substrate.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • a mouthpiece 116 is not required and a portion of the consumable article 102 may protrude from the aerosol generation device 100.
  • the protruding portion of the consumable article 102 may work as the mouthpiece.
  • the protruding portion of the consumable article 102 may be received in the channel 118 of the mouthpiece 116.
  • 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.
  • the one or more temperature sensors 124 may be located within the chamber 104 of the aerosol generation device 100.
  • the temperature of the consumable 102 may be indirectly measured by the use of thermal imaging sensors.
  • 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 power system 400 may further comprise a controller 430. Operation of the controller 430 will be described in greater detail below.
  • 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 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.
  • 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.
  • the controller 430 may end the heat-up mode 202 and may control the power system 400 to perform 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.
  • electrical power is supplied to the heater component 106 for the first time period 308, until the heater temperature reaches the predetermined temperature 306.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the power supply, or a part thereof such as an energy unit, e.g., a battery
  • the power supply, or said part 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the first energy unit 410 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.
  • the first energy unit 410 is a battery having a low charge level, or “state-of- charge” (SoC)
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the power system 400 may comprise an estimator unit 440 configured to estimate the initiation time.
  • 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 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the estimator unit 440 may establish based on the usage data that the user regularly initiates an aerosolisation session at a particular time.
  • 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.
  • t a may correspond with a time immediately preceding a work shift
  • tb may correspond with a break (e.g., a lunch break)
  • 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.
  • the controller 430 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • FIG. 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.
  • 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 V b, where t V b is a small time variability), leading to a high confidence level.
  • the controller 430 may determine the energy supply commencement time.
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • temperature of the first energy unit 410 and/or second energy unit 420 may be sensed by one or more temperature sensors (not shown).
  • 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.
  • a larger voltage drop when the first energy unit 410 need deliver greater power
  • 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 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.
  • the process flow chart provides an overview of the pre-aerosolisation session “boost” charging as described in detail above.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the aerosol generation device 100 comprises the aerosol generation device power system 400 as described above.
  • 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.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Charge And Discharge Circuits For Batteries Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

Un système d'alimentation de dispositif de génération d'aérosol (400) peut être connecté à un composant de chauffage (106) et comprend une première unité d'énergie (410) et une seconde unité d'énergie (420), la première unité d'énergie et la seconde unité d'énergie pouvant être connectées pour permettre l'alimentation en électricité de la seconde unité d'énergie à la première unité d'énergie. Un dispositif de commande (430) est configuré, sur la base d'une estimation d'un temps d'initiation d'une session d'aérosolisation, pour amener la seconde unité d'énergie à alimenter en électricité la première unité d'énergie pendant une période de temps prédéterminée à l'avance du temps d'initiation et/ou à partir d'un temps de début d'alimentation en énergie jusqu'à un moment auquel l'utilisateur initie la session d'aérosolisation.
PCT/EP2025/053248 2024-02-21 2025-02-07 Système d'alimentation de dispositif de génération d'aérosol, dispositif de génération d'aérosol et procédé Pending WO2025176481A1 (fr)

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EP24158823 2024-02-21

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WO2025176481A1 true WO2025176481A1 (fr) 2025-08-28

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PCT/EP2025/053248 Pending WO2025176481A1 (fr) 2024-02-21 2025-02-07 Système d'alimentation de dispositif de génération d'aérosol, dispositif de génération d'aérosol et procédé

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2021122801A1 (fr) * 2019-12-18 2021-06-24 Jt International Sa Système d'alimentation de dispositif de génération d'aérosol
WO2021209771A1 (fr) * 2020-04-17 2021-10-21 Nicoventures Trading Limited Système et procédé de fourniture d'aérosol

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2021122801A1 (fr) * 2019-12-18 2021-06-24 Jt International Sa Système d'alimentation de dispositif de génération d'aérosol
WO2021209771A1 (fr) * 2020-04-17 2021-10-21 Nicoventures Trading Limited Système et procédé de fourniture d'aérosol

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