Patent Publication Number: US-2023144267-A1

Title: Aerosol generating device and method of operation thereof

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device and a method of operation thereof. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Recently, the demand for alternative methods to overcome the disadvantages of traditional cigarettes has increased. For example, there is growing demand for an aerosol generating device which generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating material, rather than by combusting cigarettes. Accordingly, researches on a heating-type aerosol generating device have been actively conducted. 
     DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
     Electrical elements of an aerosol generating device, such as a microcontroller unit (MCU), may be damaged by wetness due to liquids introduced from the external environment or liquids associated with the use of aerosol generating devices. In this case, the aerosol generating device may malfunction or fail. Therefore, it is necessary to detect whether the aerosol generating device gets wet so that appropriate measures can be taken in response to a wetness detection. 
     The technical problems of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described description, and other technical problems may be derived from the embodiments to be described hereinafter. 
     Solution to Problem 
     Various embodiments may provide an aerosol generating device having a function of detecting wetness and an operating method thereof. 
     As a technical means for achieving the above-described technical problem, an aerosol generating device according to an aspect of the present disclosure may include a heater configured to heat an aerosol generating material; at least one wetting detection module configured to generate a wetting signal when short-circuited by a liquid which is introduced from outside of the aerosol generating device or leaked from inside of the aerosol generating device; and a control circuit configured to control operation of the heater based on the wetting signal. 
     In addition, the method of operation of an aerosol generating device according to another aspect of the present disclosure may include generating a wetting signal when a wetting detection module of the aerosol generating device is short-circuited by a liquid which is introduced from outside of the aerosol generating device or leaked from inside of the aerosol generating device; and controlling operation of a heater of the aerosol generating device based on the wetting signal. 
     Advantageous Effects of Invention 
     An aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may inactivate the heating operation of a heater upon detecting a short circuit caused by a liquid. 
     As a result, the aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may prevent wetting of the aerosol generating device from deepening. 
     In addition, the aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may prevent malfunction, failure, etc. due to wetting. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an aerosol generating device according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  2 A  is a view for explaining elements constituting an aerosol generating device including a susceptor according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  2 B  is a view for explaining elements constituting a replaceable cartridge including an aerosol generating material, and an aerosol generating device including the same, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIGS.  2 C to  2 E  are views illustrating examples in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generating device according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  3    is a diagram illustrating examples of a region in which a wetting detection module may be located inside an aerosol generating device according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  4    is a diagram for explaining that a wetting detection module according to an example embodiment detects wetting by being electrically shorted by coming into contact with a liquid. 
         FIGS.  5 A to  5 D  are diagrams for explaining a wetting detection module according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  6    is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  7    is a diagram illustrating a process of controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device based on a level of a wetting signal according to an example embodiment. 
         FIGS.  8 A to  8 C  are diagrams illustrating examples in which a wetting detection module is arranged in an aerosol generating device according to an example embodiment. 
         FIGS.  9 A to  9 E  are diagrams illustrating shapes of a wetting detection module according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  10    is a diagram illustrating an example in which wetting detection modules having various shapes are arranged on a substrate on which a control circuit is mounted, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  11    is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to an example embodiment. 
     
    
    
     MODE FOR THE INVENTION 
     With respect to the terms used to describe the various embodiments, general terms which are currently and widely used are selected in consideration of functions of structural elements in the various embodiments of the present disclosure. However, meanings of the terms can be changed according to intention, a judicial precedence, the appearance of new technology, and the like. In addition, in certain cases, a term which is not commonly used can be selected. In such a case, the meaning of the term will be described in detail at the corresponding portion in the description of the present disclosure. Therefore, the terms used in the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the descriptions provided herein. 
     In addition, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word “comprise” and variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of stated elements but not the exclusion of any other elements. In addition, the terms “-er”, “-or”, and “module” described in the specification mean units for processing at least one function and/or operation and can be implemented by hardware components or software components and combinations thereof. 
     As used herein, expressions such as “at least one of,” when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list. For example, the expression, “at least one of a, b, and c,” should be understood as including only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, or all of a, b, and c. 
     Hereinafter, the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown such that one of ordinary skill in the art may easily work the present disclosure. The disclosure can, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. 
     Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 
       FIG.  1    is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an aerosol generating device according to an example embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , an aerosol generating device  100  may include a battery  110 , a heater  120 , a control circuit  130 , a user interface  140 , a memory  150 , a sensor  160 , a wetting detection module  170 , and a connecting port  180 . However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device  100  is not limited to the structures illustrated in  FIG.  1   . According to the design of the aerosol generating device  100 , it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that some of the components shown in  FIG.  1    may be omitted or new components may be added. 
     Hereinafter, an operation of each of the components will be described without being limited to the location in a particular space in the aerosol generating device  100 . 
     The battery  110  supplies power to be used for the aerosol generating device  100  to operate. For example, the battery  110  may supply power such that the heater  120  may be heated. In addition, the battery  110  may supply power required for operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device  100 , that is, the heater  120 , the control circuit  130 , the user interface  140 , the memory  150 , the sensor  160 , the wetting detection module  170 , and the connecting port  180 . The battery  110  may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery  110  may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto. 
     The heater  120  receives power from the battery  110  under the control of the control circuit  130 . The heater  120  may receive power from the battery  110  and heat an aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device  100 , or heat the cartridge mounted on the aerosol generating device  100 . In addition, the heater  120  may generate aerosol by heating an aerosol generating material. 
     The heater  120  may be located in the main body of the aerosol generating device  100 . Alternatively, when the aerosol generating device  100  consists of the main body and the cartridge, the heater  120  may be located in the cartridge. When the heater  120  is located in the cartridge, the heater  120  may receive power from the battery  110  located in at least one of the main body and the cartridge. 
     The heater  120  may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, the suitable electrically resistive material may be a metal or a metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, or nichrome, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the heater  120  may be implemented by a metal wire, a metal plate on which an electrically conductive track is arranged, or a ceramic heating element, but is not limited thereto. 
     The heater  120  may heat the aerosol generating article inserted into the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device  100 . As the aerosol generating article is accommodated in the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device  100 , the heater  120  may be located inside and/or outside the aerosol generating article. Accordingly, the heater  120  may generate aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material in the aerosol generating article. 
     In an embodiment, the heater  120  may be a component included in the cartridge. The cartridge may include the heater  120 , the liquid delivery element, and the liquid storage. The aerosol generating material accommodated in the liquid storage may be moved to the liquid delivery element, and the heater  120  may heat the aerosol generating material absorbed by the liquid delivery element, thereby generating aerosol. For example, the heater  120  may include a material such as nickel chromium and may be wound around or arranged adjacent to the liquid delivery element. 
     The heater  120  may include an induction heater. The heater  120  may include an electrically conductive coil for heating an aerosol generating article in an induction heating method, and the aerosol generating article or the cartridge may include a susceptor which may be heated by the induction heater. 
     The control circuit  130  is hardware that controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device  100 . The control circuit  130  may include at least one processor, such as a micro controller unit (MCU). The processor may be provided in the form of an array of a plurality of logic gates or a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. In addition, it may be understood by those skilled in the art that the processor may be provided in the form of other types of hardware. 
     The control circuit  130  analyzes a result of sensing by the at least one sensor  160  and controls subsequent processes. 
     The control circuit  130  may control the power supplied to the heater  120  to start or end an operation of the heater  120  based on the result of sensing by the at least one sensor  160 . In addition, the control circuit  130  may control the amount of power supplied to the heater  120  and the time the power is supplied based on the result of sensing by the at least one sensor  160  so that the heater  120  may be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature. 
     The control circuit  130  may set the heater  120  to a preheating mode to start an operation of the heater  120  when a user input for the aerosol generating device  100  is received. Also, the control circuit  130  may change the mode of the heater  120  from the preheating mode to an operation mode upon detecting a user&#39;s puff using a puff detection sensor. In addition, by counting the number of puffs using the puff detection sensor, the control circuit  130  may stop supplying power to the heater  120  when the number of puffs reaches a preset number. 
     The control circuit  130  may control the user interface  140  based on the result of sensing by the at least one sensor  160 . For example, when the number of puffs reaches a preset number according to the puff detection sensor, the control circuit  130  may use at least one of a lamp, a motor, and a speaker to inform a user that the aerosol generating device  100  will be terminated soon. 
     The control circuit  130  may receive a signal related to wetting from the wetting detection module  170 . For example, the control circuit  130  may receive a wetting signal generated when the wetting detection module  170  short-circuits by contacting a liquid. 
     The control circuit  130  may determine whether the received signal is the wetting signal indicating a short circuit of the wetting detection module  170 . For example, when the level of the signal received from the wetting detection module  170  is equal to or greater than a preset threshold, the control circuit  130  may determine that the received signal is the wetting signal. 
     The control circuit  130  may control to deactivate the heating operation of the heater  120  when it is determined that the wetting signal is received. For example, when it is determined that the wetting signal is received from the wetting detection module  170 , the control circuit  130  may control the aerosol generating device  100  to perform a wetting notification, limitation of a heating operation, cut off power supply of the battery  110 , and the like, but is not limited thereto. 
     The wetting notification may be performed using the user interface  140 . For example, the aerosol generating device  100  may vibrate to tactilely transmit wetting information to the user. As another example, the aerosol generating device  100  may utilize a display, a lamp or the like that may be included in the aerosol generating device  100  to visually transmit the wetting information to the user. As another example, the aerosol generating device  100  may utilize a speaker or the like that may be included in the aerosol generating device  100  to acoustically transmit the wetting information to the user. In addition, it may be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment pertains that there may be other types of wetting notification methods. 
     The user may recognize that the aerosol generating device  100  is wet based on the wetting notification, and may take action against wetting. For example, the user may find a wet portion and wipe off the liquid or stop the puff operation to prevent the deepening of the wetting. Malfunctions, failures, or the like of the aerosol generating device  100  may be prevented by the measures taken against wetting. 
     In addition, when it is determined that the wetting signal is received, the control circuit  130  may limit the heating operation or cut off the power supplied to the battery to stop the operation of the aerosol generating device  100 , and thereby the aerosol generating device  100  may be prevented from malfunctions or failures. 
     In addition, the wetting notification operation may be performed even when the power of the aerosol generating device  100  is turned off and then turned on again. For example, when it is determined that the wetting signal is received, the control circuit  130  may store wetting information (e.g., time, wetting degree, wetting location, etc.) in the memory  150 . Because the control circuit  130  stores the wetting information in the memory  150 , even if the power of the aerosol generating device  100  is cut off, the wetting information may be maintained. When the aerosol generating device  100  is turned on again, the wetting information may be provided to the user. Therefore, even when the power of the aerosol generating device  100  is turned off and on, the user may know that the aerosol generating device  100  was wet before the power was cut off, and the user may take action against the wetting accordingly. 
     The user interface  140  may provide the user with information about the state of the aerosol generating device  100 . The user interface  140  may include various interfacing devices, such as a display or a light emitter for outputting visual information, a motor for outputting haptic information, a speaker for outputting sound information, input/output (I/O) interfacing devices (e.g., a button or a touch screen) for receiving information input from the user or outputting information to the user, terminals for performing data communication or receiving charging power, and communication interfacing modules for performing wireless communication (e.g., Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi direct, Bluetooth, near-field communication (NFC), etc.) with external devices. 
     However, the aerosol generating device  100  may be implemented by selecting only some of the above-described examples of various user interface  140 . 
     The memory  160 , as a hardware component configured to store various pieces of data processed in the aerosol generating device  100 , may store data processed or to be processed by the controller  120 . The memory  150  may include various types of memories; random access memory (RAM), such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and static random access memory (SRAM), etc.; read-only memory (ROM); electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), etc. 
     The memory  150  may store an operation time of the aerosol generating device  100 , the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, data on a user&#39;s smoking pattern and wetting information of the aerosol generating device  100  etc. 
     Although not illustrated in  FIG.  1   , the aerosol generating device  100  may form an aerosol generating system together with an additional cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery  110  of the aerosol generating device  100 . For example, while the aerosol generating device  100  is accommodated in an accommodation space of the cradle, the aerosol generating device  100  may receive power from a battery of the cradle such that the battery  110  of the aerosol generating device  100  may be charged. 
     The aerosol generating device  100  may be exposed to a risk of wetting by an external liquid which is introduced into the aerosol generating device  100  through the connecting port  180  that is exposed to the outside. In addition, the aerosol generating device  100 , unlike other electronic devices (e.g., smart phones), may be exposed to the risk of wetting due to an aerosol generating material such as a droplet or a liquid composition that may be generated during an aerosol generating process in the aerosol generating device  100 . For example, the liquid composition included in the aerosol generating device  100  may leak due to an external impact or the like, and this leakage may flow into the aerosol generating device  100  and cause problems related to wetting. Droplets by the aerosol may also be introduced into the aerosol generating device  100  due to an external impact or the like, and may similarly cause problems related to wetting. 
     According to an embodiment, the aerosol-generating device  100  may include the wetting detection module  170  to protect the aerosol generating device  100  from such the risk of wetting. The wetting detection module  170  may be arranged inside the aerosol generating device  100 . For example, the wetting detection module  170  may be arranged next to the connecting port  180  on a substrate on which the connecting port  180  is mounted, be arranged on a periphery of a substrate on which the control circuit  130  is mounted, or be arranged in a region of the heater  120  which corresponding to the inside of the aerosol generating device  100 . There is no limitation on a position where the wetting detection module  170  may be located, and the wetting detection module  170  may be located at an appropriate position where wetting detection is required. 
     The wetting detection module  170  may generate a signal indicating wetting when the aerosol generating device  100  is wet. For example, the wetting detection module  170  may generate the wetting signal as the wetting detection module  170  comes into contact with a liquid introduced from the outside of the aerosol generating device  100  or a liquid leaked from the inside of the aerosol generating device  100 . 
     The connecting port  180 , as a connection terminal for connecting a peripheral device to the aerosol generating device  100 , may be used for the aerosol generating apparatus  100  to communicate with an external device or charge the battery  110  of the aerosol generating device  100 , but it is not limited thereto. 
     The connecting port  180  may be, for example, a universal serial bus (USB) port. In this case, there is no limitation on a version (e.g., USB 3.2) or a USB type (e.g., USB type-C). In addition, it may be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment that other types of ports other than the USB port may be used. 
       FIGS.  2 A to  2 E  are various embodiments of the aerosol generating device  100  of  FIG.  1   . In other words, the aerosol generating device  100  may be embodied with various types of aerosol generating devices  200   a  to  200   e  which use an induction heating method, include a cartridge  220 , or include a vaporizer  270 . In  FIGS.  2 A to  2 E , batteries  110   a  to  110   e , heaters  120   a  to  120   e , and control circuits  130   a  to  130   e  may correspond to the battery  110 , the heater  120 , and the control circuit  130  of  FIG.  1   , respectively. 
       FIG.  2 A  is a diagram for explaining elements constituting the aerosol generating device  200   a  including a susceptor according to an example embodiment. 
     The aerosol generating device  200   a  may be an example of the aerosol generating device  100 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  2 A , the aerosol generating device  200   a  may include a heater  120   a  including a coil  121  and a susceptor  122 , a battery  110   a , and a control circuit  130   a . However, the aerosol generating device  200   a  is not limited thereto, and other general-purpose elements may be further included in the aerosol generating device  200   a.    
     The aerosol generating device  200   a  may generate an aerosol by heating a cigarette accommodated in the aerosol generating device  200   a  according to an induction heating method. The induction heating method may refer to a method of heating a magnetic material by applying an alternating magnetic field to a magnetic material so that the magnetic material is heated by the alternating magnetic field. 
     When the alternating magnetic field is applied to the magnetic material, energy loss due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss may occur in the magnetic material, and the lost energy may be emitted from the magnetic material as thermal energy. As the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field applied to the magnetic material increases, more thermal energy may be emitted from the magnetic material. The aerosol generating device  200   a  may emit thermal energy from the magnetic material by applying an alternating magnetic field to the magnetic material, and may transfer the thermal energy emitted from the magnetic material to the cigarette. 
     The magnetic material that generates heat by the external magnetic field may be the susceptor  122 . A susceptor  122  may be provided in the aerosol generating device  200   a  or may be included in the cigarette in the form of pieces, flakes, or strips. 
     At least a portion of the material of the susceptor  122  may be formed of a ferromagnetic substance. For example, the material of the susceptor  122  may include metal or carbon. The material of the susceptor  122  may include at least one of ferrite, ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al). In addition, the material of the susceptor  122  may include at least one of a ceramic such as graphite and zirconia, a transition metal such as nickel (Ni) or cobalt (Co), and a metalloid such as boron (B) or phosphorus (P). 
     The aerosol generating device  200   a  may accommodate a cigarette. A space for accommodating a cigarette may be formed in the aerosol generating device  200   a . The susceptor  122  may be arranged in the space for accommodating the cigarette. The susceptor  122  may have a cylindrical shape in which an accommodation space for accommodating a cigarette is formed. Accordingly, when the cigarette is accommodated in the aerosol generating device  200   a , the cigarette may be accommodated in the accommodation space of the susceptor  122 , and the susceptor  122  may be arranged at a position surrounding at least a portion of the outer surface of the cigarette. 
     The heater  120   a  may heat the cigarette accommodated in the aerosol generating device  200   a . As described above, the heater  120   a  may heat the cigarette in an induction heating method. The heater  120   a  may include the susceptor material that generates heat by an external magnetic field, and the aerosol generating device  200   a  may apply the alternating magnetic field to the heater  120   a.    
     The coil  121  may be provided in the aerosol generating device  200   a . The coil  121  may apply the alternating magnetic field to the susceptor  122 . When power is supplied to the coil  121  from the aerosol generating device  200   a , a magnetic field may be formed inside the coil  121 . When an alternating current is applied to the coil  121 , a direction of the magnetic field formed inside the coil  121  may be continuously changed. When the susceptor  122  is inside the coil  121  and is exposed the alternating magnetic field whose direction is periodically changed, the susceptor  122  may generate heat, and the cigarette accommodated in the susceptor  122  may be heated. 
     The coil  121  may be wound around the outer surface of the susceptor  122 . The coil  121  may be wound around the inner surface of the outer housing of the aerosol generating device  200   a . The susceptor  122  may be in the inner space formed by winding the coil  121 , and when power is supplied to the coil  121 , the alternating magnetic field generated by the coil  121  may be applied to the susceptor  122 . 
     The battery  110   a  may supply power to the aerosol generating device  200   a . The battery  110   a  may supply power to the coil  121 . The battery  110   a  may include a converter that converts direct current supplied to the aerosol generating device  200   a  into alternating current supplied to the coil  121 . 
     The control circuit  130   a  may control the power supplied to the coil  121 . The control circuit  130  may control the battery  110   a  so that the power supplied to the coil  121  is adjusted. For example, the control circuit  130  may control to constantly maintain a temperature at which the susceptor  122  heats the cigarette based on the temperature of the susceptor  122 . 
       FIG.  2 B  is a diagram illustrating a replaceable cartridge  220  including an aerosol generating material, and the elements of the aerosol generating device  200   b , according to an example embodiment. 
     The aerosol generating device  200   b  according to the embodiment shown in  FIG.  2 B  includes a cartridge  220  including an aerosol generating material, and a main body  210  supporting the cartridge  220 . The aerosol generating device  200   b  may correspond to the aerosol generating device  100  of  FIG.  1   . 
     The aerosol generating device  200   b  may consist of the main body  210  without the cartridge  220 . In this case, the hardware components of the aerosol generating device  200   b  are arranged in the main body  210 . In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device  200   b  may be composed of the main body  210  and the cartridge  220 . In this case, hardware components of the aerosol generating device  200   b  may be distributively arranged in the main body  210  and the cartridge  220 . Alternatively, certain hardware components of the aerosol generating device  200   b  may be in each of the main body  210  and the cartridge  220 . 
     The cartridge  220  containing the aerosol generating material may be coupled to the main body  210 . The cartridge  220  may be mounted to the main body  210  by a portion of the cartridge  220  being inserted into the accommodation space  219  of the main body  210 . 
     The cartridge  220  may include an aerosol generating material having any one state, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol generating material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid including a tobacco-containing material including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid including a non-tobacco material. 
     The cartridge  220  converts the phase of the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge  220  into a gas phase to generate an aerosol, by being operated by an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body  210 . The aerosol may refer to a gas in a state in which vaporized particles generated from an aerosol generating material are mixed with air. 
     The heater  120   b  may include a metal material such as copper, nickel, or tungsten in order to heat the aerosol generating material delivered to a liquid delivery means by generating heat by electrical resistance. The heater  120   b  may be implemented as, for example, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heating element, etc. The heater  120   b  may be implemented as a conductive filament using a material such as a nichrome wire, be wound around the liquid delivery means, or be arranged adjacent to the liquid delivery means. 
       FIGS.  2 C to  2 E  are diagrams illustrating examples in which a cigarette  260  is inserted into the aerosol generating devices  200   c  to  200   e  according to an example embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG.  2 C , the aerosol generating device  200   c  may include a battery  110   c , a heater  120   c  and a control circuit  130   c . Referring to  FIGS.  2 D and  2 E , the aerosol generating device  200   d  to  200   e  may further include a vaporizer  270 . Also, the aerosol generating article  260  may be inserted into an inner space of the aerosol generating device  200   c  through  200   e . The aerosol generating devices  200   c  to  200   e  may correspond to the aerosol generating device  100  of  FIG.  1   . 
       FIGS.  2 C through  2 E  illustrate components of the aerosol generating device  200   c  through  200   e , which are related to the present embodiment. Therefore, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment that other general-purpose components may be further included in the aerosol generating device  200   c  through  200   e , in addition to the components illustrated in  FIGS.  2 C through  2 E . 
     Also,  FIGS.  2 D and  2 E  illustrate that the aerosol generating device  200   d  and  200   e  includes the heater  120   d  and  120   e . However, as necessary, the heater  120   d  and  120   e  may be omitted. 
       FIG.  2 C  illustrates that the battery  110   c , the control circuit  130   c , and the heater  120   c  are arranged in series. Also,  FIG.  2 D  illustrates that the battery  110   d , the control circuit  130   d , the vaporizer  1270 , and the heater  120   d  are arranged in series. Also,  FIG.  2 E  illustrates that the vaporizer  270  and the heater  120   e  are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device  200   c  through  200   e  is not limited to the structures illustrated in  FIGS.  2 C through  2 E . In other words, according to the design of the aerosol generating device  200   c  through  200   e , the battery  110   c  through  110   e , the control circuit  130   c  through  130   e , the heater  120   c  through  120   e , and the vaporizer  270  may be differently arranged. 
     When the aerosol generating article  260  is inserted into the aerosol generating device  200   c  through  200   e , the aerosol generating device  200   c  through  200   e  may operate the heater  120   c  through  120   e  and/or the vaporizer  270  to generate aerosol from the aerosol generating article  260  and/or the vaporizer  270 . The aerosol generated by the heater  120   c  through  120   e  and/or the vaporizer  270  is delivered to a user by passing through the aerosol generating article  260 . 
     The battery  110   c  through  110   e  may supply power to be used for the aerosol generating device  200   c  through  200   e  to operate. 
     The vaporizer  270  may generate aerosol by heating a liquid composition and the generated aerosol may pass through the aerosol generating article  260  to be delivered to a user. In other words, the aerosol generated via the vaporizer  270  may move along an air flow passage of the aerosol generating device  200   d  and  200   e  and the air flow passage may be configured such that the aerosol generated via the vaporizer  270  passes through the aerosol generating article  260  to be delivered to the user. 
     For example, the vaporizer  270  may include a liquid storage, a liquid delivery element, and a heating element, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the liquid storage, the liquid delivery element, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generating device  200   d  and  200   e  as independent modules. 
     The liquid storage may store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid including a tobacco-containing material having a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid including a non-tobacco material. The liquid storage may be formed to be detachable from the vaporizer  270  or may be formed integrally with the vaporizer  270 . 
     The vaporizer  270  may be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer, but it is not limited thereto. 
     Although not illustrated in  FIGS.  2 C through  2 E , the aerosol generating device  200   c  through  200   e  and an additional cradle may form together a system. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery  110   c  through  110   e  of the aerosol generating device  200   c  through  200   e . Alternatively, the heater  120   c  through  120   e  may be heated when the cradle and the aerosol generating device  200   c  through  200   e  are coupled to each other. 
     According to various embodiments, the aerosol generating device  100  of  FIG.  1    may include at least one of the types of the aerosol generating devices  200   a  to  200   e  of  FIGS.  2 A to  2 E . For example, the aerosol generating device  100  may have a different arrangement of internal components as shown in  FIGS.  2 A to  2 E , and different types of cigarettes or cartridges may be used. According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device  100  may include at least some of the configurations and/or functions of the aerosol generating devices  200   a  to  200   e  of  FIGS.  2 A to  2 E . According to another embodiment, the aerosol generating method of the aerosol generating device  100  may include the same and/or similar method to the aerosol generating method of the aerosol generating device  200   a  to  200   e  of  FIGS.  2 A to  2 E . 
       FIG.  3    is a diagram illustrating examples of a region in which a wetting detection module may be located inside an aerosol generating device according to an example embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG.  3   , the aerosol generating device  300  may include a connecting port  330 , a control circuit  350 , and a heater  370 . The aerosol generating device  300  corresponds to the aerosol generating devices  100  and  200   a  to  200   e  of  FIGS.  1  and  2 A to  2 E  described above, and may perform the functions of the aerosol generating devices  100  and  200   a  to  200   e  described above. 
     The connecting port  330 , the control circuit  350 , and the heater  370  respectively correspond to the connecting port  180 , the control circuit  130  and the heater  120  of  FIG.  1    described above, and may perform the functions of the connecting port  180 , the control circuit  130 , and the heater  120  described above, respectively. 
     The wetting detection module  170  shown in  FIG.  1    may be located inside the aerosol generating device  300 . For example, the wetting detection module  170  may be located on the periphery  311  of the connecting port  330  as shown in  FIG.  3   . In addition, the wetting detection module  170  may be located only on a part of the periphery  311  of the connecting port  330 . In addition, although not shown in  FIG.  3   , the wetting detection module  170  may be located on a path through which the liquid introduced from the connecting port  330  may penetrate into the internal element of the aerosol generating device  300 . It may be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment pertains that the wetting detection module  170  may be arranged differently to detect wetting. 
     The wetting detection module  170  located on the periphery of the connecting port  330  may detect a liquid flowing in through the connecting port  330  exposed to the outside. 
     As another example, the wetting detection module  170  may be disposed on the periphery  312  of the control circuit  350  as shown in  FIG.  3   . For example, the wetting detection module  170  may be arranged to surround the control circuit  350  or may be located adjacent to a portion of the control circuit  350 . Although not shown in  FIG.  3   , the wetting detection module  170  may be located on a path through which the liquid may flow into the control circuit  350 . The wetting detection module  170  arranged on the periphery of the control circuit  350  may detect a liquid flowing in from outside of the aerosol generating device  300  or a liquid leaking from inside of the aerosol generating device  300 . The wetting detection module  170  may prevent wetting from occurring by detecting a liquid introduced from outside of the aerosol generating device  300  or a liquid leaking from inside of the aerosol generating device  300 . 
     Because the control circuit  350  is hardware that controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device  300  and it is sensitive to wetting, wetting of the circuit  350  may cause a fatal problem in the aerosol generating device  300 . According to an embodiment, the wetting detection module  170  may prevent problems such as malfunctions or failures of the aerosol generating device  300  by detecting the wetting. 
     As another example, the wetting detection module  170  may be arranged adjacent to the heater  370 . For example, the wetting detection module  170  may be arranged on the periphery  313  of a portion of the heater  370  which is not exposed to the outside. The heater  370  included in the aerosol generating device  300  may include a portion (hereinafter “exposed portion”) exposed to the outside so as to be in contact with the cigarette, and may include a portion (hereinafter “concealed portion”) arranged inside the aerosol generating device  300  so as to be connected to the battery, the control circuit  350 , the cartridge, and the vaporizer. The wetting detection module  170  may be arranged to surround the periphery  313  of a concealed portion of the heater  370 . Alternatively, the wetting detection module  170  may be arranged adjacent to a portion of a concealed portion of the heater  370 . In addition, although not shown in  FIG.  3   , the wetting detection module  170  may be arranged adjacent to the heater  370  and on a path through which a liquid may be flowing into an internal element of the aerosol generating device  300 , such as a cartridge or a vaporizer. 
     The wetting detection module  170  arranged on the periphery  313  of a concealed portion of the heater  370  may detect a liquid introduced from outside of the aerosol generating device  300  or a liquid leaking from inside of the aerosol generating device  300 . Accordingly, the wetting detection module  170  may prevent the wetting from occurring. 
     Meanwhile, a plurality of wetting detection modules  170  may be arranged on each of the periphery  311  of the connecting port  330 , the periphery  312  of the control circuit  350 , and the periphery  313  of the heater  370 . In other words, the number of wetting detection modules  170  that may be arranged is not limited, and the number of arranged wetting detection modules  170  may be adjusted as needed. 
     In addition, the wetting detection module  170  may be arranged adjacent to (i.e., on the periphery of) all of the connecting port  330 , the control circuit  350 , and the heater  370 . Alternatively, the wetting detection module  170  may be arranged adjacent to only some of the connecting port  330 , the control circuit  350 , and the heater  370 . For example, the wetting detection module  170  may be only arranged adjacent to the connecting port  330  and the control circuit  350 . As another example, the wetting detection module  170  may be only arranged adjacent to the control circuit  350 . In addition, the wetting detection modules  170  may be arranged adjacent to other hardware components included in the aerosol generating device  300 . 
     The arrangement of the wetting detection module  170  is not limited to the above-described example. There is no limitation on a position where the wetting detection module  170  may be arranged, and the wetting detection module  170  may be arranged at any appropriate locations where wetting detection is required. 
       FIG.  4    is a diagram for explaining that a wetting detection module according to an example embodiment detects wetting by being electrically shorted by coming into contact with a liquid. 
     A wetting detection module  400  shown in  FIG.  4    corresponds to the wetting detection module  170  of  FIG.  1    described above, and may perform functions of the wetting detection module  170  described above. 
     Referring to  FIG.  4   , the wetting detection module  400  may include a first pole  410  and a second pole  430 . The first pole  410  and the second pole  430  may be made of a conductive material. The wetting detection module  400  may further include additional poles in addition to the illustrated two poles  410  and  430 . 
     The plurality of poles  410  and  430  included in the wetting detection module  400  may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other. In other words, the plurality of poles  410  and  430  may be arranged without contacting each other as shown in  FIG.  4   . 
     Because the first pole  410  and the second pole  430  are spaced apart, the liquid  450  may penetrate between the first pole  410  and the second pole  430 .  FIG.  4    is a diagram illustrating a normal state  470  where no liquid exists between the first pole  410  and the second pole  430 , and a wetting state  490  where the liquid  450  penetrates between the first pole  410  and the second pole  430 . 
     In the normal state  490 , the wetting detection module  400  may be electrically shorted by the liquid  450 , and may generate the wetting signal by being electrically shorted. Specifically, if the wetting detection module  400  is electrically short-circuited as the liquid  450  penetrates into the region between the first pole  410  and the second pole  430 , and the wetting detection module  400  may generate the wetting signal. The wetting signal may be transmitted to the control circuit  130 . If a signal is received, the control circuit  130  may determine whether the received signal is the wetting signal indicating a short circuit of the wetting detection module. For example, when the level of the received signal exceeds a threshold, which is a preset value, it may be determined that the received signal is a wetting signal. In another example, when the level of the received signal is less than or equal to the threshold that is a preset value, it may be determined that the received signal is the wetting signal. 
     In the wetting state  490 , as shown in  FIG.  4   , the liquid  450  may penetrate to fill most of the space between the first pole  410  and the second pole  430 . Alternatively, the liquid  450  may penetrate so that only a portion of the space between the first pole  410  and the second pole  430  is in contact with the liquid  450 . 
     The wetting detection module  400  may generate a wetting signal having a different signal level depending on the degree of wetting. Like the wetting state  490  shown in  FIG.  4   , if the liquid  450  penetrates to fill most of the space between the first pole  410  and the second pole  430 , it may be said that the degree of wetting is serious. Conversely, when the liquid  450  penetrates so that only a portion of the space between the first pole  410  and the second pole  430  is in contact with the liquid  450 , it may be said that the degree of wetting is slight. When severe wetting occurs in the wetting detection module  400 , a wetting signal may have a greater signal level than when slight wetting occurs. In another example, when severe wetting occurs in the wetting detection module  400 , a wetting signal may have a smaller signal level than when slight wetting occurs. 
     Meanwhile, the liquid  450  penetrating between the first pole  410  and the second pole  430  may be a liquid introduced from the outside of the aerosol generating device  100 , and may be a liquid leaked from inside the aerosol generating device  100 . For example, the liquid  450  may be a liquid from the external environment (e.g., raindrop) which is introduced through the connecting port  180 . In addition, the liquid  450  may be a droplet that may be generated by the aerosol during the aerosol generation process. Also, the liquid  450  may be a liquid composition provided as an aerosol generating material. For example, the liquid composition included in the aerosol generating device  100  may leak into the aerosol generating device  100  due to an external impact, etc. However, the liquid  450  is not limited to the above-described example. 
       FIGS.  5 A to  5 D  are diagrams for explaining a wetting detection module according to an example embodiment. 
     A wetting detection module  400  may be electrically short-circuited, and thus physical, chemical, mechanical or electrical characteristics of the wetting detection module  400  may be changed. The wetting detection module  400  may generate a wetting signal having a different level from other signals generated before it is short-circuited, based on the changed characteristics. Accordingly, the control circuit  130  of  FIG.  1    may determine whether the aerosol generating device  100  of  FIG.  1    is wet, based on a level of the signal received from the wetting detection module  400 . For example, the control circuit  130  may determine that wetting has occurred (i.e., wetting signal has been received) if the level of a signal received from the wetting detection module  400  exceeds a predetermined threshold. According to an embodiment, the wetting detection module  400  may generate a signal having a signal level lower than or equal to the threshold while there is no wetting. Alternatively, the wetting detection module  400  may not generate any signals detectable by the control circuit  410  while there is no wetting. In addition, the control circuit  130  may determine a degree of wetting, a location where the wetting occurred, and the like based on the signal level of the wetting signal (i.e., a signal having a signal level exceeding the threshold), which will be described below. 
     Referring to  FIG.  5 A , two nodes of the wetting detection module  400  which are not electrically connected may be connected to each other as the wetting detection module  400  is electrically shorted by contacting the liquid. As a result, a new current that has not been previously sensed may be sensed. 
     For example, the first pole  410  and the second pole  430  arranged to be spaced apart may be connected to a power application terminal  510  (e.g., a battery, a power control circuit, etc.) and a ground  511 , respectively. Without wetting, even if the first pole  410  and the second pole  430  arranged to be spaced apart are respectively connected to the power application terminal  510  and the ground  511 , the first pole  410  and the second pole  430  may not be electrically connected to each other. However, as a liquid permeates into a region between the first pole  410  and the second pole  430 , the first pole  410  and the second pole  430  are electrically connected to each other, causing a new current to flow. 
     The wetting detection module  400  may generate the wetting signal having a different signal level based on the intensity of the flowing current. For example, the wetting detection module  400  may not generate the wetting signal before the first pole  410  is electrically connected to the second pole  430 , and may generate the wetting signal when the first pole  410  and the second pole  430  are electrically connecting to each other such that a current flows. 
     However, the wetting detection module  400  is not limited thereto, and may operate in the opposite manner. For example, the wetting detection module  400  may generate a wetting signal having a certain signal level in the normal state, and the control circuit  130  may determine that wetting has occurred when the wetting detection module  400  does not generate a wetting signal due to a short circuit. 
     Referring to  FIG.  5 B , as the wetting detection module  400  comes into contact with a liquid, the wetting detection module  400  is electrically short-circuited. As a result, the intensity of the current flowing through the wetting detection module  400  may be changed. In other words, the intensity of the current flowing through the wetting detection module  400  before contact with the liquid may be different from the intensity of the current flowing through the wetting detection module  400  after contact with the liquid. Also, the intensity of the current flowing through the wetting detection module  400  may be different depending on the degree of wetting. In other words, as the liquid penetrates into the region between the first pole  410  and the second pole  430  included in the wetting detection module  400 , the first pole  410  is electrically connected to the second pole  430 . As a result, the intensity of the flowing current may be changed. 
     The wetting detection module  400  may be connected to a current sensor  512 , and the change in the intensity of the current flowing through the wetting detection module  400  may be measured using the current sensor  512  connected to the wetting detection module  400 . In addition, based on the intensity of the current measured by using the current sensor  512 , the wetting signal having a different signal level may be generated from the wetting detection module  400 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  5 C , the wetting detection module  400  may be electrically shorted as the wetting detection module  400  comes into contact with a liquid. As a result, the capacitance of the wetting detection module  400  may be changed. For example, as the liquid penetrates into the region between the first pole  410  and the second pole  430  included in the wetting detection module  400 , the capacitance of the wetting detection module  400  may be changed due to a change in dielectric constant or a change in electrical characteristics due to an electrical short circuit. The wetting detection module  400  may be connected to a capacitive sensor  513 , and a change in capacitance of the wetting detection module  400  may be measured using the capacitive sensor  513  connected to the wetting detection module  400 . Also, based on the capacitance measured using the capacitive sensor  513 , a wetting signal having a different signal level may be generated from the wetting detection module  400 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  5 D , as the wetting detection module  400  comes into contact with a liquid, the wetting detection module  400  is electrically shorted. As a result, the analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) value of the wetting detection module  400  may be changed. For example, as the liquid penetrates into the region between the first pole  410  and the second pole  430  included in the wetting detection module  400 , the level of the voltage applied to the wetting detection module  400 , the intensity of the current flowing through the wetting detection module  400 , the dielectric constant of the wetting detection module  400 , and the capacitance of the wetting detection module  400  may be changed. Accordingly, the ADC value may be changed due to the above-described change. 
     The wetting detection module  400  may be connected to the analog-to-digital converter  514 , and the ADC value of the wetting detection module  400  may be derived using the analog-to-digital converter  514 . In addition, based on the ADC value, a wetting signal having a different signal level may be generated from the wetting detection module  400 . 
     As described above, the control circuit  130  may determine whether wetting has occurred, the degree of wetting, and the location of wetting based on a signal level of a wetting signal. 
       FIG.  6    is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to an example embodiment. The method of operating the aerosol generating device of  FIG.  6    includes operations processed in the aerosol generating device  100  of  FIG.  1   . 
     Referring to  FIG.  6   , in operation S 610 , the control circuit  130  included in the aerosol generating device  100  may periodically monitor a signal generated by (i.e., received from) the wetting detection module  170 . For example, the control circuit  130  may monitor the signal generated by the wetting detection module  170  every second, but is not limited thereto. 
     In operation S 630 , the control circuit  130  included in the aerosol generating device  100  may determine whether the level of a signal received from the wetting detection module  170  exceeds a preset threshold. For example, as described above with reference to  FIGS.  5 A to  5 D , based on at least one of capacitance, intensity of current, and Analog-to-Digital Conversion (ADC) value of the wetting detection module  170 , a wetting signal having a different signal level may be generated from the wetting detection module  170 . The control circuit  130  may determine whether the level of the signal that is generated based on at least one of the capacitance, the intensity of current, and the ADC value of the wetting detection module  170  exceeds a preset threshold value. 
     In operation S 650 , the control circuit  130  included in the aerosol generating device  100  may determine that the wetting signal has been received (i.e., the received signal is the wetting signal) when the level of the received signal exceeds a preset threshold. 
     On the other hand, when the level of the monitored signal is less than or equal to a preset threshold, the control circuit  130  may determine that the wetting signal has not occurred, and return to operation S 610  to monitor the signal generated by the wetting detection module  170  at a predetermined period. 
     As described above, the aerosol generating device  100  may include a wetting detection module  170 . As the wetting detection module  170  is electrically short-circuited, at least one of the intensity of the current flowing through the wetting detection module  170 , the capacitance of the wetting detection module  170 , and ADC value of the wetting detection module  170  changes. The wetting detection module  170  generates a wetting signal having a different signal level based on the level of the current, the capacitance, and the ADC value. The control circuit  130  included in the aerosol generating device  100  may monitor the wetting signal periodically and determine that the wetting signal is received when the level of the wetting signal exceeds a preset threshold value. 
     In operation S 670 , the control circuit  130  included in the aerosol generating device  100  may control the heater  120  based on the wetting signal when it is determined that the wetting signal has been received. For example, the control circuit  130  may control the aerosol generating device  100  to perform a wetting notification, limit (e.g., deactivate) a heating operation of the heater  120 , cut off power supply of the battery  110 , etc. 
       FIG.  7    is a diagram illustrating a process of controlling an operation of the aerosol generating device based on a level of a wetting signal according to an example embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG.  7   , in operation S 710 , the control circuit  130  included in the aerosol generating device  100  may measure a level of the wetting signal. The level of the wetting signal may vary depending on the degree of wetting of the wetting detection module  170 . For example, the wetting signal value when the degree of wetting is severe may be measured to be greater than the value of the wetting signal when the degree of wetting is slight, and vice versa. In addition, as described above with reference to  FIGS.  5 A to  5 D , the level of the wetting signal may vary based on capacitance, intensity of current, and ADC value that is changed when the wetting detection module  400  short-circuits by a liquid. 
     In operation S 730 , the control circuit  130  included in the aerosol generating device  100  may determine whether the level of the measured wetting signal is equal to or greater than a first threshold value. 
     In operation S 750 , the control circuit  130  included in the aerosol generating device  100  may determine whether the level of the wetting signal is equal to or greater than a second threshold value when it is determined that the level of the wetting signal is equal to or greater than the first threshold value. 
     In operation S 770 , when it is determined that the level of the wetting signal is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than the second threshold, the control circuit  130  may limit a heating operation until the level of the wetting signal is less than a first threshold as the liquid vaporizes. 
     For example, assuming that the level of the wetting signal increases as the degree of wetting increases, it may be determined that slight wetting has occurred if the level of the wetting signal is greater than or equal to the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value. In this case, wetting is not expected to cause serious problems such as malfunction or failure of the aerosol generating device  100 . However, if the heating operation of the aerosol generating device  100  continues through the slight wetting, problems such as malfunction or failure of the aerosol generating device  100  may occur. Therefore, when the above-described slight wetting occurs, the heating operation of the aerosol generating device  100  may be limited to prevent problems such as malfunction or failure. 
     In the case of slight wetting, the wetting problem may be solved easily. For example, the liquid that was the cause of wetting may be vaporized over time. Accordingly, the control circuit  130  may limit the heating operation of the aerosol generating device  100  until the level of the wetting signal is less than the first threshold value. 
     In operation S 790 , the control circuit  130  included in the aerosol generating device  100  may cut off power supply of the battery  110  included in the aerosol generating device  100  when it is determined that the level of the wetting signal is equal to or greater than the second threshold value. For example, when the level of the wetting signal is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, it may be determined that severe wetting occurs. In this case, a serious problem such as malfunction or failure of the aerosol generating device  100  may occur due to the severe wetting. Therefore, when severe wetting occurs, the power supply of the battery  110  included in the aerosol generating device  100  may be cut off. By cutting off the power supply of the battery  110 , it is possible to prevent aggravation of problems such as malfunction and failure due to wetting. In addition, the user may recognize that the power supply of the battery  110  of the aerosol generating device  100  is cut off and take action against the wetting. 
     In addition, before the power supply of the battery  110  is cut off, as described above, information on wetting may be stored in the memory  150  of the aerosol generating device  100 . 
     The number of threshold values are not limited. For example, the aerosol generating device  100  may include more threshold values in addition to the above-described two threshold values depending on the level of the wetting signal. 
       FIGS.  8 A to  8 C  are diagrams illustrating examples in which a wetting detection module is arranged in an aerosol generating device according to an example embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  8 A to  8 C , a plurality of wetting detection modules  811  to  814 ,  831  to  833 , and  851  to  853  may be arranged inside the aerosol generating device  100 . According to embodiment, the number of wetting detection modules  170  included in the aerosol generating device  100  may be different from that shown in  FIGS.  8 A to  8 C . 
     The plurality of wetting detection modules may generate wetting signals having different signal levels when short-circuited. For example, if the capacitance or dielectric constant is different among the plurality of wetting detection modules, and the wetting signals generated by the plurality of wetting detection modules may have different signal levels according to different capacitance values or dielectric constants. 
     As another example, a plurality of wetting detection modules and resistors may be connected in series, so that the wetting signals generated from the wetting detection modules may different signal levels. The resistors respectively connected to the plurality of wetting detection modules may have the same value or different values. In the case of connecting resistors having different values to the wetting detection modules, the intensity of the current flowing through the wetting detection modules arranged at different locations may have different values. In other words, the level of the wetting signal may be different for each location where each wetting detection module is arranged. In this case, based on the level of the wetting signals, it may be determined which wetting detection module among the plurality of wetting detection modules is wet. 
     Accordingly, the control circuit  130  may identify the location of the electrically shorted wetting detection module among the plurality of wetting detection modules  170  based on wetting signals having different signal levels. As a result, more suitable measures for wetting may be taken. For example, when a user recognizes that the wetting has occurred in the connecting port  180 , the user may eliminate the cause of wetting by wiping off the liquid that causes the wetting. As another example, when it is determined that the wetting has occurred inside the aerosol generating device, the user may check the damage of the aerosol generating device due to an external impact. 
     Referring to  FIG.  8 A , the wetting detection modules  811  to  814  may be arranged on the periphery of a device  820  included in the aerosol generating device. For example, as shown in  FIG.  8 A , the wetting detection modules  811  to  814  may be arranged to surround the device  820  such as a control circuit and an MCU. In addition, although not shown in  FIG.  8 A , the wetting detection modules  811  to  814  may be only arranged next to a portion of the device  820  that included in the aerosol generating device. When the wetting detection modules  811  to  814  are located near the device  820  such as the control circuit and the MCU, it is possible to prevent serious wetting of important configuration of the aerosol generating device. As a result, malfunctioning or the failure of the aerosol generating device may be prevented. 
     Referring to  FIG.  8 B , the wetting detection modules  831  to  833  may be arranged on the periphery of a connecting port  840 . However, the number and arrangement of the wetting detection modules  831  to  833  are not limited thereto. Because the wetting detection modules  831  to  833  are arranged on the periphery of the connecting port  840 , it is possible to prevent wetting by a liquid that may be introduced through the connecting port  840  from the outside. 
     Referring to  FIG.  8 C , the wetting detection modules  851  to  853  in the aerosol generating device  870  may be arranged on the periphery of a concealed portion of a heater  860 . When the wetting detection modules  851  to  853  arranged on the periphery of the heater  860  are electrically shorted as the wetting detection modules  851  to  853  come into contact with the liquid, is the control circuit  130  may determine that wetting has occurred based on the wetting signals from the wetting detection modules  851  to  853 . In this case, the control circuit  130  may increase the temperature by heating the heater so that the liquid penetrating into the wetting detection modules  851  to  853  arranged on the periphery of the heater  860  may be vaporized. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device  870  may solve the wetting problem by itself. 
     In addition, there is no limit to the number of wetting detection modules arranged on the periphery of the device  820 , the number of wetting detection modules arranged on the periphery of the connecting port  840 , and the number of wetting detection modules arranged on the periphery of a concealed portion of the heater  860 . For example, although not shown in  FIGS.  8 A to  8 C , two or more wetting detection modules may be arranged on each side of the device  820 , the connecting port, and the concealed portion of the heater  860 . 
       FIGS.  9 A to  9 E  are diagrams illustrating shapes of a wetting detection module according to an example embodiment. 
     The wetting detection module  400  of  FIG.  4    may have various shapes, and the shape is not limited. For example, the wetting detection module  400  may have a shape as shown in  FIGS.  9 A to  9 E . Referring to  FIGS.  9 A to  9 E , the wetting detection module  400  may have a shape such as a rectangle, a circle, a bar, a bent shape, a curved shape, or the like. However, the shape of the wetting detection module  400  is not limited thereto, and it may be understood by those skilled in the art that the wetting detection module  400  may have various shapes. 
     In addition, the wetting detection module  400  may include additional poles in addition to the two poles respectively shown in  FIGS.  9 A to  9 E . 
       FIG.  10    is a diagram illustrating an example in which wetting detection modules having various shapes are arranged on a substrate on which a control circuit is mounted, according to an example embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG.  10   , wetting detection modules  1051  to  1054  have a shape corresponding to the boundary of a control circuit  1030  such that the wetting detection modules  1051  to  1054  are arranged on the periphery of the control circuit  1030  on a substrate  1000 . 
     For example, the wetting detection module  1051  has a bent shape in consideration of the bent boundary of the control circuit  1030  and the shape and location of a peripheral circuit element  1011 , such that the wetting detection module  1051  is located at a position corresponding to the bent shape. 
     In addition, the wetting detection module  1052  has a curved shape in consideration of the curved boundary of the control circuit  1030  and the shape and position of a peripheral circuit element  1012 , such that the wetting detection module  1052  is located at a position corresponding to the curved shape. 
     In addition, the wetting detection module  1053  has a bent shape in consideration of the bent boundary of the control circuit  1030  and the shape and position of peripheral circuit elements  1013  and  1014 , such that the wetting detection module  1053  is located at a position corresponding to the bent shape. 
     In addition, the wetting detection module  1054  has a triangular shape in consideration of the shape and position of the flat boundary of the control circuit  1030  and peripheral circuit elements  1011  and  1014 , such that the wetting detection module  1054  is located at a position corresponding to the triangular shape. 
     That is, the wetting detection modules  1051  to  1054  are manufactured to correspond to the shape of a boundary of the control circuit  1030  on the substrate  1000 , and are disposed on the corresponding positions. Thus, the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment may prevent wetting more precisely and safely than when wetting detection modules having the same shape are arranged without considering the shape of the control circuit  1030  or the shape and location of the peripheral circuit elements  1011  and  1014 , etc. 
       FIG.  11    is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to an example embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG.  11   , the method of operating the aerosol generating device includes operations processed in the aerosol generating device  100  shown in  FIG.  1   . 
     In operation S 1110 , the wetting detection module may generate a wetting signal when it is electrically shorted by contacting the liquid introduced from outside of the aerosol generating device  100  or the liquid leaked from inside of the aerosol generating device  100 . The level of the wetting signal may vary depending on various causes, such as the degree of wetting and the location where the wetting occurred. 
     In operation S 1130 , the control circuit  130  included in the aerosol generating device  100  may determine whether a wetting signal indicating an electrical short is received from the wetting detection module  170 . For example, when the level of the signal received from the wetting detection module  170  exceeds a preset threshold, the control circuit  130  may determine that the received signal is the wetting signal. 
     In operation S 1150 , the control circuit  130  included in the aerosol generating device  100  may control the heating operation of the heater  120  when it is determined that the wetting signal is received. For example, when it is determined that a wetting signal is received from the wetting detection module  170 , the control circuit  130  may control the aerosol generating device  100  to perform a wetting notification, limit a heating operation, cut off a power supply of the battery  110 , and the like. 
     At least one of the components, elements, modules or units (collectively “components” in this paragraph) represented by a block in the drawings, such as the wetting detection module  170  or the control circuit  130  in  FIG.  1   , may be embodied as various numbers of hardware, software and/or firmware structures that execute respective functions described above, according to an exemplary embodiment. For example, at least one of these components may use a direct circuit structure, such as a memory, a processor, a logic circuit, a look-up table, etc. that may execute the respective functions through controls of one or more microprocessors or other control apparatuses. Further, at least one of these components may include or may be implemented by a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) that performs the respective functions, a microprocessor, or the like. Two or more of these components may be combined into one single component which performs all operations or functions of the combined two or more components. Also, at least part of functions of at least one of these components may be performed by another of these components. 
     The descriptions of the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and equivalents thereof may be made. Therefore, the scope of the disclosure should be defined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to those described in the claims will be construed as being included in the scope of protection defined by the claims.