Patent Publication Number: US-2022225675-A1

Title: Aerosol Generation Device Having A Moveable Closure With A Detector

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generation device having a movable closure with a detector for detecting movement of the closure. The disclosure is particularly, but not exclusively, applicable to a portable aerosol generation device, which may be self-contained and low temperature. Such devices may heat, rather than burn, tobacco or other suitable materials by conduction, convection, and/or radiation, to generate an aerosol for inhalation. 
     BACKGROUND TO THE DISCLOSURE 
     The popularity and use of reduced-risk or modified-risk devices (also known as vaporisers) has grown rapidly in the past few years as an aid to assist habitual smokers wishing to quit smoking traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, and rolling tobacco. Various devices and systems are available that heat or warm aerosolisable substances as opposed to burning tobacco in conventional tobacco products. 
     A commonly available reduced-risk or modified-risk device is a heated substrate aerosol generation device or heat-not-burn device. Devices of this type generate an aerosol or vapour by heating an aerosol substrate that typically comprises moist leaf tobacco or other suitable aerosolisable material to a temperature typically in the range 150° C. to 300° C. Heating an aerosol substrate, but not combusting or burning it, releases an aerosol that comprises the components sought by the user but not the toxic and carcinogenic by-products of combustion and burning. Furthermore, the aerosol produced by heating the tobacco or other aerosolisable material does not typically comprise the burnt or bitter taste resulting from combustion and burning that can be unpleasant for the user and so the substrate does not therefore require the sugars and other additives that are typically added to such materials to make the smoke and/or vapour more palatable for the user. 
     In general terms it is desirable to rapidly heat the aerosol substrate to, and to maintain the aerosol substrate at, a temperature at which an aerosol may be released therefrom. It will be apparent that the aerosol will only be released from the aerosol substrate and delivered to the user when there is air flow passing through the aerosol substrate. 
     It is generally desirable to allow the user to control certain functionality of the aerosol generation device, for example turning the device on or off, starting a “smoking” session by activating a heater and changing settings or configurations of the aerosol generation device. This has led to aerosol generation devices having relatively complex or unwieldy user interfaces comprising a plurality of buttons and visual indicators. 
     Aerosol generation devices occasionally comprise closures that cover an opening in the device, such as an opening through which access may be gained to a heating chamber for inserting the aerosol substrate for use. In general, these covers add to the complexity of using the device, as the cover must usually be moved away from the opening before the device can be used. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Aspects of the disclosure are set out in the accompanying claims. 
     According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generation device comprising: a casing; an aperture in the casing through which aerosol generating material is insertable into the aerosol generation device; a closure moveable relative to the aperture between a closed position in which the closure covers the aperture, an open position in which the aperture is unobstructed by the closure, and an activation position that is different from the open position; and a detector arranged to detect movement of the closure from the closed position to the open position and between the open position and the activation position. 
     The detector may allow the closure (or door) position to be detected. This detection may be used to generate control signals for operating the aerosol generation device. Advantageously, the detector may therefore allow a user to interact with the aerosol generation device via the closure. By detecting the movement of the closure between (e.g. arrival at or departure from) the open and closed positions and between the open and activation positions, at least two user inputs may be distinguished by the detector. Typically, the activation position is different from the closed position. 
     Optionally, the detector is configured to interact with a sensing element to perform the detection. The detector may be mounted on the casing and the sensing element may be mounted on the closure. Alternately, the detector may be mounted in the casing and the sensing element may be mounted on the casing. 
     Optionally, the detector comprises a contactless sensor for detecting at least one of the movement of the closure from the closed position to the open position or from the open position to the activation position contactlessly. 
     Optionally, the contactless sensor is a Hall effect sensor and the sensing element comprises one or more magnetic elements. 
     Optionally, the contactless sensor is a photodetector and the sensing element is the closure and the closure covers the detector in the open position and preferably in the activation position. 
     Optionally, the closure or casing has an acoustic element arranged to emit a sound when the closure moves from the closed position to the open position and preferably when the closure moves from the open position to the activation position, and the contactless sensor is an acoustic sensor. 
     Optionally, the contactless sensor is a light responsive proximity sensor, preferably an infra-red sensor and the sensing element is at least one light reflective element. 
     Optionally, the contactless sensor is an inductive sensor and the sensing element is at least one conductive element. 
     Optionally, the contactless sensor is an ultrasound sensor and the sensing element is at least one acoustically reflective element. 
     Optionally, the detector comprises an activation sensor configured to detect the movement closure from the open position to the activation position, from the activation position to the open position or when the closure is in the activation position. 
     Optionally, the activation detector is any one of: a tactile switch, a slider switch, force sensitive resistor, a capacitive touch sensor, a rotary encoder, two Hall effect sensors, a rocker switch, electrical continuity detector and preferably a tactile switch. 
     Optionally, the aerosol generation device comprises a detector module configured to receive signals indicative of the position of the closure from the detector. 
     Optionally, the aerosol generation device is configured to be in an off mode when the closure is in the closed position, to be in a standby mode when the closure is in the open position or moves to the open position, and to be in an activation mode when the closure is in the activation position or moves to or returns from the activation position. 
     Optionally, when in the standby mode, the aerosol generation device comprises a user interface display to display the current battery level. 
     Optionally, when in the activation mode, the aerosol generation device is configured to permit heating the aerosol generating material loaded via the aperture. 
     Optionally, the detector comprises an electrical conductivity sensor and the sensing element comprises two conductive elements. 
     Optionally, the closure is moveable into a further activation position, different to the (first) activation position. Preferably, the detector is further arranged to detect movement of the closure from the closed position to the further activation position. 
     Optionally, the detector comprises a further activation sensor configured to detect the movement of closure from the closed position to the further activation position, from the further activation position to the closed position, or when the closure is in the further activation position. Preferably, the further activation sensor is any one or more of the following: a tactile switch, a slider switch, force sensitive resistor, a capacitive touch sensor, a rotary encoder, a Hall effect sensor, two Hall effect sensors, a rocker switch, or an electrical contact arrangement. More preferably the further activation sensor is a tactile switch. 
     According to a further aspect of the disclosure there is provided an aerosol generation device comprising a casing; an aperture in the casing through which aerosol generating material is insertable into the aerosol generation device; a closure moveable relative to the aperture between a closed position in which the closure covers the aperture and an open position in which the aperture is unobstructed by the closure; and a detector comprising a contactless sensor arranged to detect movement of the closure from the closed position to the open position. 
     Optionally, the aerosol generation device is configured to be in an off mode when the closure is in the closed position and to be in a standby mode when the closure is in the open position or moves to the open position. 
     Optionally, the aerosol generation device comprises a button, and the aerosol generation device is configured to be in an activation mode only when the closure is in the open position and the button is activated. In one example, the aerosol generation device is configured to enter into the activation mode only when the button is actuated whilst the closure is in the open position. In other examples, the aerosol generation device is configured to enter into the activation mode after both the button is actuated and the closure moves to the open position irrespective of the order of the actuation and movement. Overall, activation of the button is required in order to enter the device into the activation mode, rather than just movement of the closure (as in some other embodiments). 
     Optionally, the button is configured to be activated by manual actuation, preferably by pressing and/or by holding the button for a predetermined period of time, e.g. a period of time exceeding a threshold period of time stored by the aerosol generation device. The button may be positioned at a location spaced apart from the closure. Typically, the button is located on an outer surface of the aerosol generation device, e.g. on a casing of the aerosol generation device. In one example, the closure is located at one end of the aerosol generation device and the button is located on a side wall of the aerosol generation device. 
     Optionally, the aerosol generation device comprises a heating chamber for heating the aerosol generating material to an aerosol generation temperature. 
     Optionally, when in the activation mode, the aerosol generation device is configured to activate the heating chamber. 
     Optionally, when in the standby mode, the aerosol generation device is configured to carry out a battery level checking function. The battery level checking function may comprise displaying a charge level of a battery of the aerosol generation device on a user interface of the aerosol generation device. The user interface may comprise an array of LEDs. A number of the LEDs in the array that illuminate may be proportional to the charge level of the battery. 
     Optionally, the aerosol generation device may be configured to disable the battery level checking function when the battery is being charged. This may be when the battery is connected to a charger adapted to charge the battery and the battery is not fully charged. 
     Optionally, the aerosol generation device is configured to enable the battery level checking function when the battery is reaches full charge or is disconnected from the charger. 
     Each of the aspects above may comprise any one or more features mentioned in respect of the other aspects above. In particular, the various sensors described herein may be used in conjunction with any of the embodiments described herein. 
     Use of the words “apparatus”, “device”, “processor”, “module” and so on are intended to be general rather than specific. Whilst these features of the disclosure may be implemented using an individual component, such as a computer or a central processing unit (CPU), they can equally well be implemented using other suitable components or a combination of components. For example, they could be implemented using a hard-wired circuit or circuits, e.g. an integrated circuit, and using embedded software. 
     It should be noted that the term “comprising” as used in this document means “consisting at least in part of”. So, when interpreting statements in this document that include the term “comprising”, features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as “comprise” and “comprises” are to be interpreted in the same manner. As used herein, “(s)” following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun. 
     As used herein, the term “aerosol” shall mean a system of particles dispersed in the air or in a gas, such as mist, fog, or smoke. Accordingly the term “aerosolise” (or “aerosolize”) means to make into an aerosol and/or to disperse as an aerosol. Note that the meaning of aerosol/aerosolise is consistent with each of volatilise, atomise and vaporise as defined above. For the avoidance of doubt, aerosol is used to consistently describe mists or droplets comprising atomised, volatilised or vaporised particles. Aerosol also includes mists or droplets comprising any combination of atomised, volatilised or vaporised particles. 
     Preferred embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B  are schematic illustrations of a casing for an aerosol generation device of a first embodiment of the disclosure, in a first position and in a second position. 
         FIG. 1C  and  FIG. 1D  are cut away schematic illustrations of the aerosol generation device of the first embodiment, in a first position and in a second position. 
         FIG. 1E  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a closure and assembly of the aerosol generation device of the first embodiment with the closure in the first, second and a third position respectively. 
         FIG. 1F  is a system module view of the aerosol generation device of the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a closure and assembly according to a second embodiment of the disclosure, with the closure in a first and a second position. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a closure and assembly according to a third embodiment of the disclosure, with the closure in a first and a second position. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a closure and assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the disclosure, with the closure in a first and a second position. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a closure and assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the disclosure, with the closure in a position between the first and a second and in the second position. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a closure and assembly according to a sixth embodiment of the disclosure, with the closure in a first and a second position. 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a closure and assembly according to a seventh embodiment of the disclosure, with the closure in a first and a second position. 
         FIG. 8A  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a closure and assembly according to an eighth embodiment of the disclosure, with the closure in a second and a third position. 
         FIG. 8B  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a closure and assembly according to the eight embodiment of the disclosure, with the closure in a second and a third position. 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a closure and assembly according to a ninth embodiment of the disclosure, with the closure in a second and a third position. 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a closure and assembly according to a tenth embodiment of the disclosure, with the closure in a second position. 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a closure and assembly according to an eleventh embodiment of the disclosure, with the closure in a second and a third position. 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a closure and assembly according to a twelfth embodiment of the disclosure, with the closure in a second position. 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a closure and assembly according to a thirteenth embodiment of the disclosure, with the closure in a second and a third position. 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a closure and assembly according to a fourteenth embodiment of the disclosure, with the closure in a second and a third position. 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a closure and assembly according to a fifteenth embodiment of the disclosure, with the closure in a second and a third position. 
         FIG. 16  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a closure and assembly according to a sixteenth embodiment of the disclosure, with the closure in a second and a third position. 
         FIG. 17A  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a closure and assembly according to a seventeenth embodiment of the disclosure, with the closure in a first, a second and a third position. 
         FIG. 17B  is a flow chart illustrating operation of the aerosol generation device of the seventeenth embodiment, as controlled by movement of the closure and a button. 
         FIG. 18  is a schematic plan view of a closure according to an eighteenth embodiment of the disclosure, with the closure in a first, a second and a third position. 
         FIG. 19  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a closure and assembly according to a nineteenth embodiment of the disclosure, with the closure in a second, a third, a fourth and a first position (clockwise starting from the top left). 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     First Embodiment 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D  according to a first embodiment of the disclosure, an aerosol generation device  100  comprises a casing  102  housing various components of the aerosol generation device  100 . The casing  102  comprises an aperture  104  and a closure  106 . The aperture  104  and closure  106  are both positioned at a first end of the casing  102 . The closure  106  is configured selectively to obscure and not to obscure the aperture  104 , such that the aperture  104  is substantially not open and open to block or allow the user access to the aperture  104 . The closure  106  can also be considered a door for the aperture  104 . 
       FIGS. 1C and 1D  show the aerosol generation device  100  with some of the structural components removed such as the front section of the casing  102  and PCB support structures. These have been removed to show the insides of the aerosol generation device  100  unobstructed. 
     The aerosol generation device  100  may comprise a display interface  112 , a heating chamber (or oven)  114 , a carriage  116  of the closure  106 , a battery  118 , PCB  120 , and a heatsink  122 . The heating chamber  114  is accessible through the aperture  104 . That is to say that the aperture  104  is aligned with an open end of the heating chamber  114 , such that when the closure  106  allows access to the aperture  104 , the interior of the heating chamber  114  is also accessible. 
     The closure  106  is configured to move between a first and a second position. The closure  106  is configured to move along the first end of the casing  102 . The movement of the closure  106  is according to the arrow A in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B . The first position of the closure  106 , as shown in  FIG. 1A , is a closed position in which the aperture  104  is covered or obstructed at least partially. Preferably the aperture  104  is substantially completely covered by the closure  106  when the closure  106  is in the first position. 
     The second position of the closure  106 , as shown in  FIG. 1B , is an open position in which the aperture  104  is substantially not covered or not obstructed or unobstructed by the closure  106 . When the closure  106  is in the second position, the closure  106  is not obscuring the aperture  104  and a user is able to access the aperture  104 . In other words, when the closure  106  is in the second position, the aperture  104  and the heating chamber  114  are accessible. 
     In some embodiments, when the closure  106  is in the first position, the closure  106  is configured to prevent dust from entering the aperture  104 . 
     In some embodiments, when the closure  106  is in the first position, the closure  106  creates a seal over the aperture  104 . 
     The aperture  104  is configured to receive a consumable (not shown) when not obscured by the closure  106  or when the closure  106  is in the second position. Specifically, the aperture  104  provides an opening through which the consumable can be inserted into the aerosol generation device  100 . In this embodiment, the consumable is an aerosol generating material. A user places the consumable into the aerosol generation device  100  via the aperture  104 . The consumable is received in a heating chamber  114  within the casing  102  of the aerosol generation device  100 . The heating chamber  114  is configured to aerosolise the consumable. For example, the heating chamber  114  may be arranged to transfer heat (e.g. by conduction, convection or radiation) from a heater (not shown) to the consumable. The heating chamber  114  may be arranged to ensure that this heat transfer is both effective and efficient. 
     The closure  106  is further configured to move to a third position (not shown in  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D ). The third position is an “activation position”. From the second position, the user operates the closure  106  to enter the third position. The third position can be used to activate the aerosol generating device  100  and trigger the process for heating the consumable and generating aerosol for a user to inhale. As noted above, this activation process may for example involve supplying heat to the heating chamber  114  in order to volatilise or aerosolise parts of the consumable. 
     In some examples, the third position of the closure  106  is a depressed position relative to the casing  102 . After the user has slid the closure  106  between the first and second positions and the closure  106  is in the second position, the user then presses the closure  106  down towards the casing  102 . The third position is when the closure  106  has been depressed past or up to a certain boundary mark. Moving into the third position is considered moving past or up to the third position boundary mark. The third position may only be a temporary position for the closure  106  to be in. For example, the closure  106  may be biased in a direction from the third position towards the second position so that a constant force is required to be exerted upon the closure  106  in order to retain the closure  106  in the third position; in the absence of such a constant force, the closure  106  returns to the second position. 
     In the third position, the closure  106  does not obscure the aperture  104  as with the second position. For example, in cases where movement into the third position triggers activation of the aerosol generation device  100  to supply heat to a consumable, a part of the consumable through which aerosol may be drawn by a user (e.g. a mouthpiece portion) may extend outside the outer envelope of the casing  102  as described in more detail below. This means that the third position to activate heating of the consumable should also not obscure the aperture  104 , in order that the activation can occur without damaging the protruding portion of the consumable. 
     In an alternative embodiment, when the closure  106  is in the third position it covers the aperture  104 . This way, a user moves the closure  106  from the first position to the second position then loads a consumable through the aperture  104 . Then the user moves the closure  106  from the second position to the third position. Alternatively, the closure  106  moves into the third (activation) position from the first (closed) position. In either alternative embodiment, when the closure  106  is in the third position, the closure  106  covers the aperture  104  and a user is unable to interact with the consumable via the aperture  104 . The third position of the closure  106  is similar to the first position in that it is a closed position also. This provides advantages in that the user cannot interact with the consumable and interrupt any heating process or other process of the consumable. Further, with the aperture  104  covered, the consumable will be completely or at least more blocked from the surrounding environment. By (partially or completely) blocking off the environment from the consumable, a more controlled and/or efficient heating or processing of the consumable is possible. The effect of wind, temperature or other environmental factors will be reduced or alleviated completely. In such alternative embodiments where the protrusion cannot remain protruding through the aperture  104  when the closure is in the third position because the closure  106  blocks the aperture  104 , an alternative air flow path is provided to allow the user to draw out aerosol from the heating chamber  114  once the aerosol has been generated, for example by heating as described above. 
     In a further alternative embodiment, once the closure  106  is in the second position, the user moves the closure  106  to a further alternative third position along the same path as used to move from the first to the second position. That is to say, the translation from the second position to the third position is a translation in the same direction as the translation from the first position to the second position, further along arrow A. The closure  106  moves from the first to the second and the second to the third position by the user translating the closure  106 . In this way, a mechanism is used to provide three stable positions for the closure  106  along the same axis (or curved path) where the first position is next to the second position and the second position is next to the third position. The mechanism may be a resilient arrangement such as a spring arrangement, or other suitable biasing means. 
     A detector (examples and embodiments of which are described in more detail with reference to  FIGS. 2 to 19 ) is arranged to detect movement or position of the closure  106 . The detector may be configured to detect movement or position of the closure  106  contactlessly. The detector may be configured to detect movement or position of the closure  106  in the first and second positions contactlessly. The detector is arranged to detect movement of the closure  106  between the first position and the second position (and optionally also between the second position and the third position in cases where there is a third position). In an alternative embodiment, the detector is arranged to detect the absolute position of the closure  106 . In a further alternative embodiment, the detector is configured to measure when the closure  106  is in the first, second, or third position. 
     A person skilled in the art will appreciate that movement of the closure  106  and position of the closure  106  are directly related and by knowing one of either the position or the movement of the closure  106 , the other can be inferred. Specifically, while examples disclose detection of the position of the closure  106 , it will be appreciated that the movement of the closure  106  can be inferred by the detector module  160  (described in greater detail below) by knowing the position of the closure  106 . The reverse is also true. By knowing where the closure  106  is moving and which direction it is moving the detector module  160  can infer the position the closure  106  is in or will be in very shortly. 
     To detect movement or position of the closure, the detector comprises a sensor  110 . The sensor  110  is configured to sense the movement or position of the closure  106 . The sensor  110  is preferably a contactless sensor. 
     The sensor  110  may be located in the casing  102  or the closure  106 . The sensor  110  is configured to detect or sense at least one sensing element. The sensing element is located in the opposite of where the sensor  110  is out of the casing  102  or closure  106 . In other words, if the sensor  110  is located in the casing  102 , then the sensing element is located in the closure  106  (or vice-versa). In other words the sensor  110  is located respectively on the closure  106  or on the casing  102  and is configured to detect or sense the sensing element respectively located on the casing  102  or closure  106 . 
     Alternatively, the detector acts as a position sensor for the closure  106 . The detector is configured to determine the position of the closure  106 . The detector is configured to output a signal indicative of the position of the closure  106 . 
     In some embodiments, the detector acts as a proximity sensor and the detector is configured to measure the distance of the closure  106  from the detector. The distance between the detector and the closure  106  is indicative of the position the closure  106  is in. The first, second, and third positions of the closure  106  all have different distances from the detector. For example, when the closure  106  is far away from the detector, the distance is indicative of the closure  106  being in the first position. When the closure  106  is in the second position, the closure  106  is positioned closer to the detector. The detector detects the shorter distance. The third position of the closure  106  is closer to the detector than the other positions. The same is true but in reverse if the detector is in the closure  106  and the sensing element is in the casing  102 . In some cases, the proximity sensor may detect a strength of signal (e.g. magnetic field strength) output by the sensing element, with a weaker signal indicating a larger distance between the proximity sensor and the sensing element. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the detector comprises one sensor used for each position of the closure  106 . The sensor may be any one of the sensors described with reference to  FIGS. 2 to 19 . In such cases, the sensors may be used to detect which position the closure  106  is in, for example at most only one sensor may be triggered at any given time, indicating that the closure  106  is in the position being monitored by that sensor. Where none of the sensors are being triggered at any given time, this may be indicative of the closure  106  being between positions, for example part way through a transition between positions. In some examples sensors may be provided to detect the closure being in transition between the first, second or third positions. 
     The detector is arranged to detect movement of the closure  106  from the second position to the third position. With reference to  FIGS. 8 to 19 , the detector comprises a further sensor  800 . When the closure  106  moves from the second position to the third position, the further sensor  800  detects the movement of the closure  106 . The further sensor  800  may also be considered an activation detector or activation sensor. 
     In many of the embodiments presented in this disclosure, the further sensor  800  is located in the casing  102 . It will be appreciated that these are examples and that the further sensor  800  may also be located in (or on) the closure  106 . Similarly, in the examples herein in which the further sensor  800  is presented as being located in the closure  106 , it will be appreciated that an alternative embodiment of that example would be to provide the further sensor  800  in the casing  102  instead. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the detector is configured to detect the movement of the closure  106  from the second position to the third position using any one or more of the sensors  110  as described with reference to  FIGS. 2 to 7 . In this way, the detector can contactlessly detect any of the positions the closure  106  is in or movements the closure  106  makes. 
     The detector module  160  of the aerosol generation device  100  is configured to manage the detector. That is, the detector module  160  of the aerosol generation device  100  is configured to receive signal indicative of the sensor  110  and further sensor  800  (if present in the embodiment). 
     The casing  102  has a substantially round edged rectangular prism shape. Note that the casing  102  need not have a substantially rectangular prism shape, but could be any shape so as to fit the internal components described in the various embodiments set out herein, the aperture  104  and the closure  106 . In particular, the casing  102  is any shape to allow the closure  106  to move from the first to second position in order to open or close access to the aperture  104 . The casing  102  can be formed of any suitable material, or indeed layers of material. For example the casing  102  comprises an inner layer and an outer layer. The inner layer is made of metal. The inner layer is surrounded by the outer layer made of plastic. This allows the casing  102  to be pleasant for a user to hold. Any heat leaking out of the aerosol generation device  100  is distributed around the casing  102  by the layer of metal, so preventing hotspots, while the layer of plastic softens the feel of the casing  102 . In addition, the layer of plastic can help to protect the layer of metal from tarnishing or scratching, so improving the long term look of the aerosol generation device  100 . 
     During use, the user typically orients the aerosol generation device  100  with the first end in a proximal position with respect to the user&#39;s mouth. The consumable comprises a mouth end portion. When the closure  106  is in the second or third position, the mouth end portion preferably extends out of the casing  102  via the aperture  104  for a user to place their mouth on to consume the consumable. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1F , the aerosol generation device  100  comprises a Central Processing Unit (CPU)  152 , memory  154 , storage  156 , a heater module  158 , a detector module  160 , a communication interface  162 , user interface display  164 , and a communication bus. The aerosol generation device  100  also has aerosol generation components, in particular a heater module  158 . It should be noted that several of the embodiments described below are applicable to other types of consumer apparatus, which typically have the computer related components but not the aerosol generation components of the aerosol generation device  100 . It should therefore be understood that, in the context of those methods, the described aerosol generation device  100  is just one example of an appropriate consumer apparatus for use with the embodiments. 
     The CPU  152  is a computer processor, e.g. a microprocessor. It is arranged to execute instructions in the form of computer executable code, including instructions stored in the memory  154  and the storage  156 . The instructions executed by the CPU  152  include instructions for coordinating operation of the other components of the aerosol generation device  100 , such as instructions for controlling the communication interface  162 . 
     The memory  154  is implemented as one or more memory units providing Random Access Memory (RAM) for the aerosol generation device  100 . In the illustrated embodiment, the memory  154  is a volatile memory, for example in the form of an on-chip RAM integrated with the CPU  152  using System-on-Chip (SoC) architecture. However, in other embodiments, the memory  154  is separate from the CPU  152 . The memory  154  is arranged to store the instructions processed by the CPU  152 , in the form of computer executable code. Typically, only selected elements of the computer executable code are stored by the memory  154  at any one time, which selected elements define the instructions essential to the operations of the aerosol generation device  100  being carried out at the particular time. In other words, the computer executable code is stored transiently in the memory  154  whilst some particular process is handled by the CPU  152 . As an example, the power delivered to the heating module  158  for operating a heater to aerosolise parts of the consumable, and the timing of the delivery of such power can be stored in the memory, so that the CPU  152  can control the heating module  158  when the device  100  is activated. 
     The storage  156  is provided integrally with the aerosol generation device  100 , in the form of a non-volatile memory. The storage  156  is in most embodiments embedded on the same chip as the CPU  152  and the memory  154 , using SoC architecture, e.g. by being implemented as a Multiple-Time Programmable (MTP) array. However, in other embodiments, the storage  156  is an embedded or external flash memory, or such like. The storage  156  stores computer executable code defining the instructions processed by the CPU  152 . The storage  156  stores the computer executable code permanently or semi-permanently, e.g. until overwritten. That is, the computer executable code is stored in the storage  156  non-transiently. Typically, the computer executable code stored by the storage  156  relates to instructions fundamental to the operation of the CPU  152 , communication interface  162 , and the aerosol generation device  100  more generally, as well as to applications performing higher-level functionality of the aerosol generation device  100  and data relating to such applications. 
     The detector module  160  is coupled to the detector. The detector module  160  receives signals indicative of the position, status or movement of the closure  106  and provides signals indicative of the position, status, and/or movement of the closure  106  to the CPU  152 . For example, when the closure  106  is in the third position, the detector module  160  will interrupt the CPU  152  to inform the CPU  152  that the closure  106  is in the third position. In this example, the CPU  152  is configured to enable the heater module  158  to generate aerosol and therefore enable a user to inhale the aerosol. 
     The communication interface  162  supports short-range wireless communication, in particular Bluetooth® communication. In particular, the communications interface  162  is configured to establish a short-range wireless communication connection with a personal computing device of the user. The communication interface  162  may be coupled to an antenna, via which antenna wireless communications are transmitted and received over the short range wireless communication connection. It is also arranged to communicate with the CPU  152  via the communication bus. 
     The user interface display  164  is configured to display a battery level to the user and/or remaining time for aerosol generation device  100  usage and/or consumable remaining. In this embodiment, the user interface display  164  is an LED interface. In alternative embodiments, the user interface display  164  may be an LCD screen. The user interface display  164  may display the battery level to the user and/or remaining time for aerosol generation device  100  usage and/or consumable remaining when triggered by a user interaction. The user interaction may be interaction of the closure  106  and moving the closure  106  into any one of its positions. 
     The three positions of the closure  106  provide the ability for the closure  106  to trigger or provide multiple functions by using the one structural or interface element where the closure  106  is the one structure or interface element. This enhances the user experience and improves usability. In this example, the three positions of the closure  106  provide the following states or operating modes for the aerosol generation device  100  to function in:
         “off” or “hibernate”;   “standby” or “load”; and   “activation”, “active”, “use” or “aerosolise”.       

     In particular, when the closure  106  is in the first position or moves into the first position, the aerosol generation device  100  will change to function in the “off” or “hibernate” mode. In particular when the closure  106  is in the second position or moves into the second positon, the aerosol generation device  100  will change to function in the “standby” or “load” mode. In particular when the closure  106  is in the third position or moves into the third position, the aerosol generation device  100  will change to function in the “activation”, “active”, “use” or “aerosolise” mode. Preferably, the aerosol generation device  100  will move into the “activation”, “active”, “use” or “aerosolise” mode even if the closure  106  is only briefly or temporarily in the third position. The “activation”, “active”, “use” or “aerosolise” mode may include heating the heating chamber  114 , so as to aerosolise parts of the consumable. 
     A person skilled in the art will appreciate that other states may be possible for the aerosol generation device  100  to function in. For example, one state may provide temperature adjustment, or may provide an indication of amount of consumable left, or aerosolising time left, or provide an indication of a battery level, or lock or unlock a parental lock. 
     In the present embodiment, when in the off mode, the aerosol generation device  100  runs in a low power or no power mode. In this mode, the only function that is working is the detector module  160  and detector detecting when the closure  106  moves to or is in different positions. When in the standby mode, the aerosol generation device  100  is configured to display to the user the current battery level using the user interface display  164 . The aerosol generation device  100  may also go into the off mode after a determined period of time. 
     To go into the activation mode, the closure  106  need not stay in the third position for the duration of the activation period. In the present embodiment, the user moves the closure  106  into the third position only briefly, the detector module  160  detects the movement or position of the closure  106  and moves the aerosol generation device  100  into the activation mode for a period of time, until the consumable is consumed (for example no further desirable aerosolisation is possible), or until the user removes the consumable. The activation mode is entered when the detector module  160  receives signals from the detector in any one or more of these following cases:
         the closure  106  moves into the third position from the second position,   the closure  106  moves into the second position from the third position,   the closure  106  moves into the third position from the first position,   the closure  106  moves into the first position from the third position,   the closure  106  is in the third position,   the closure  106  is in the third position for greater than a threshold amount of time, or   the closure  106  is in the third position for greater than a threshold amount of time and less than a further threshold amount of time.       

     With reference to  FIG. 1E , the preferable detector is shown. In this preferable embodiment, the detector comprises a Hall effect sensor as the sensor  110 . The detector also comprises a tactile switch as the further sensor  800 . 
     In this preferred embodiment, a combination of the embodiment as described with reference to  FIG. 2  is used with the embodiment described with reference to  FIGS. 8A and 8B . In particular, a Hall effect sensor is used to determine movement of the closure  106  between the first and second positions or determine whether the closure  106  is in the first or second position. The Hall effect sensor is described in greater depth in the second embodiment with reference to the  FIG. 2 . In particular, the tactile switch  800  is used to determine movement of the closure  106  between the second and third positions or determine whether the closure  106  is in the second or third position or simply whether the closure  106  is in the third position or not. The tactile switch  800  is described in greater depth below in relation the eighth embodiment, with reference to  FIGS. 8A  and  8 B. 
     Second Embodiment 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , according to a second embodiment, the sensor  110  is at least one or more magnetic sensor(s). The aerosol generation device  100  of the second embodiment is identical to the aerosol generation device  100  of the first embodiment described with reference to  FIGS. 1A to 1E , except where explained below, and the same reference numerals are used to refer to similar features. Preferably, the magnetic sensor(s) is/are a Hall effect sensor  110 . The sensing element comprises at least one magnetic element(s)  200 . 
     In this embodiment, the magnetic element(s)  200  are two magnets  200  and two Hall effect sensors  110  are used. 
     When the closure  106  is in the first position, the magnetic element(s)  200  are positioned far away from the Hall effect sensors  110 . When the closure  106  is in the second position, the magnetic element(s)  200  are positioned closer to the Hall effect sensors  110 . The Hall effect sensors  110  detect the proximity of the magnetic element(s)  200  and provide a signal indicative of the position of the closure  106 . The distance of the magnetic element(s)  200  from the Hall effect sensor  110  is sensed by the Hall effect sensor  110 . The Hall effect sensors  110  are configured to provide a signal indicative of the position of the closure  106 . The Hall effect sensors  110  provide a signal indicative of the closure  106  being in the second position when both of the magnetic element(s)  200  are positioned above over the two Hall effect sensors  110 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, the Hall effect sensors  110  are configured to detect the closure  106  in the third position. When moving into the third position, the magnetic element(s)  200  move closer to the Hall effect sensor  110  than when they are in the second position or the first position. The closer proximity is used to detect the third position. 
     In a further alternative embodiment, the closure  106  comprises at least two magnetic elements  200 . There are also at least two Hall effect sensors  110  in the casing  102 . The position of the closure  106  is determined by the number of magnetic elements  200  that align with the Hall effect sensors  110 . In this alternative embodiment, when the closure  106  is in the first position, none of the at least two magnetic elements  200  align with the Hall effect sensors  110 . In the second position, one of the at least two magnetic elements  200  aligns with the at least two Hall effect sensors  110 . In the third position, at least two of the at least two magnetic elements  200  align with at least two of the at least two Hall effect sensors  110 . A person skilled in the art will appreciate that other configurations are possible where, for example, in the first position, two of the magnetic elements  200  align with the Hall effect sensors  110  and in the third position none of the magnetic elements  200  align with the Hall effect sensors  110 . 
     Two magnetic elements  200  and two Hall effect sensors  110  are used to provide redundancy and better error detection if one of the magnets were to be moved or the Hall effect sensor  110  breaks in some way. In an alternative embodiment, one magnet  200  and one Hall effect sensor  110  is used. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the closure  106  comprises at least two magnetic elements  200  placed transversally to the direction of movement of the closure  106  and equidistant along the closure  106 . Correspondingly at least two Hall effect sensors  110  are located in the casing  102 . The at least two Hall effect sensors  110  are also located transverse to the movement of the closure  106 . This way, when a user moves the closure  106  from the first to the second position, at least two magnetic elements  200  will approach the at least two Hall effect sensors  110  at the same time. This reduces any non-desired early triggering or miss-triggering of the Hall effect sensors  110  which may result in inaccurate recordable of the position of the closure  106 . 
     A person skilled in the art will appreciate that different numbers of magnetic element(s)  200  and Hall effect sensors may be used to balance accuracy about the position or status on the first, second, third, or more positions against design complexity and cost. 
     While this embodiment is described with the magnetic elements  200  position in the closure  106 , a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the magnetic elements  200  can be placed in the casing  102  and the sensor  110  in the closure  106  in an alternative embodiment. 
     In an alternative embodiment, Reed switches are used instead of Hall effect sensor(s). The Reed switches provide a similar ability of the Hall effect sensor(s) in that they can detect magnetic fields however are limited to on/off signals or detection. 
     Third Embodiment 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , according to a third embodiment, the sensor  110  is a photodetector or light sensor. The aerosol generation device  100  of the third embodiment is identical to the aerosol generation device  100  of the first embodiment described with reference to  FIGS. 1A to 1E , except where explained below, and the same reference numerals are used to refer to similar features. In this embodiment, the photodetector is a photodiode. Alternatively, the photodetector is any one of more of the following: a light dependent resistor (LDR), a phototransistor, a solaristor, a photovoltaic cell, and/or a bolometer. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that other photodetectors may be used. 
     The photodetector  110  is arranged to receive ambient light from the outside environment when the closure  106  is in a first position. When the closure  106  is in a second position, the closure  106  blocks ambient light from reaching the photodetector  110 . The closure  106  blocks ambient light reaching the photodetector by covering the photodetector with the closure  106  itself. 
     The closure  106  acts as the sensing element in this embodiment. 
     In an alternative embodiment, when the closure  106  is in the third position, the closure  106  also blocks ambient light from reaching the photodetector. 
     In this embodiment, the photodetector is located on the edge of the first end of the casing  102 . In an alternative embodiment, the photodetector  110  is located within the casing  102  and a light pipe is configured to transmit ambient light from outside the casing  102  to the photodetector. In further alternative embodiments, the casing  102  comprises a hole or translucent window or transparent window or the casing  102  is translucent in at least a region. Further, the closure  106  is opaque. The photodetector is located within the casing  102  and arranged to receive light through the hole or window in the casing  102  or through the transparent casing  102 . 
     Fourth Embodiment 
     With reference to  FIG. 4 , according to a fourth embodiment, the sensor  110  is an acoustic sensor. The aerosol generation device  100  of the fourth embodiment is identical to the aerosol generation device  100  of the first embodiment described with reference to  FIGS. 1A to 1E , except where explained below, and the same reference numerals are used to refer to similar features. In this embodiment, the closure  106  or casing  102  comprises an acoustic element arranged to emit a sound. The acoustic element is the sensing element 
     The acoustic element is arranged to emit a sound as it moves from the first to the second position, or when in the second position. In this embodiment, the acoustic element is a protrusion that, when the closure  106  is moved into the second position, the protrusion interacts with a corresponding notch on the casing  102 . The interaction between the protrusion moving into the notch causes the closure  106  or casing  102  to emit a sound. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the acoustic element is a spring loaded device. When moving the closure  106 , the spring is configured to compress or extend. Once the closure  106  has moved into the first or second position, the spring is configured to release to its original state. The release of the spring causes the aerosol generation device  100  or components of the aerosol generation device  100  to emit a sound. 
     In an alternative embodiment in addition to the sound emission between the first and second positions or in the second position, when in the closure  106  is in the third position or as the closure  106  moves into the third position, the acoustic element produces another noise for the acoustic sensor to detect. 
     In a further alternative embodiment, the acoustic element is further configured to provide acoustic or haptic feedback to the user such that the user knows when the closure  106  is sensed moving from the first to second positions, or second to third positions or has moved into each position. 
     The acoustic element may be used in combination with other embodiments to provide acoustic or haptic feedback to the user. 
     Fifth Embodiment 
     With reference to  FIG. 5 , according to a fifth embodiment, the sensor  110  is a light responsive proximity sensor. Preferably, the detector is an infra-red sensor. The aerosol generation device  100  of the fifth embodiment is identical to the aerosol generation device  100  of the first embodiment described with reference to  FIGS. 1A to 1E , except where explained below, and the same reference numerals are used to refer to similar features. 
     The left hand image of  FIG. 5  shows the closure  106  in the process of moving from the first position to the second position. The right hand image of  FIG. 5  shows the closure  106  in the second position. 
     In this embodiment, the sensing element is a light reflective element  500 . Preferably, the light reflective surface is a mirror or other element which reflects strongly in a relevant part of the spectrum as set out below. 
     The light responsive proximity sensor uses different distances to determine the position of the closure  106 . When in the first position, the closure  106  is further away from the sensor  110  than when the closure  106  is in the second position. Alternatively, when in the first position the closure  106  further away from the sensing element than when the closure  106  is in the second position. 
     The light responsive proximity sensor  110  comprises a transmitter and a receiver. The light responsive proximity sensor  110  is configured to transmit light towards the light reflective element  500  and receive the light at the receiver. By directly measuring the time of flight of the light, the distance the light has travelled can be measured. Alternatively, indirect time of flight measure is used to determine the distance the light has travelled. Alternatively, the distance is calculated by measuring the intensity of light where the lower the intensity, the further the light has travelled. Preferably, the light is infra-red light, and the light reflective element  500  is configured to reflect strongly in the infra-red part of the spectrum. 
     In an alternative embodiment, when the closure  106  is in the third position, the distance measured is different from the distance measured when the closure  106  is in the first position and the second position. In the third position, the closure  106  is closer to the light responsive proximity sensor  110  than compared with the first and second positions. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the presence or lack of light being reflected is used to determine the position of the closure  106 . For example, when the closure  106  is in the first position, the light is reflected back to the sensor  110  and when the closure  106  is in the second position, the light is not reflected back to the sensor. The opposite may also be used. The light may not be reflected back because the angle of the mirror  500  in the first position does not reflect the light directly towards the light responsive proximity sensor  110 . Alternatively, the closure  106  may obscure the light path when in the first or second position. 
     In a further alternative embodiment, at least two light responsive proximity sensors  110  are used. The positions of the closure  106  may be inferred according to the truth table provided below about whether the light responsive proximity sensors  110  detect light or not. The table below is provided as an example only. The positions of the closure  106  may be based on different on/off sensor states depending on the arrangement of the closure  106  and sensor  110  arrangements. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that with 2 bits of information (where each bit represents the reception or not of light at each light responsive proximity sensor) at least three states (such as the three positions of the closure  106 ) can be represented. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Second Sensor 
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 First Sensor 
                 Light Detected 
                 No Light Detected 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Light Detected 
                 First Position 
                 Second Position 
               
               
                   
                 No Light Detected 
                 N/A 
                 Third Position 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Preferably, the light transmitter modulates the light it transmits at a given frequency. The receiver is able to filter out all signals received except for the frequency that the transmitter has modulated the light. This modulation scheme provides improved interference rejection. 
     Preferably, the closure  106  comprises the sensing element and the light responsive proximity sensor  110  is in the casing  102 . 
     Sixth Embodiment 
     With reference to  FIG. 6 , according to a sixth embodiment, the sensor  110  is an inductive sensor. The aerosol generation device  100  of the sixth embodiment is identical to the aerosol generation device  100  of the first embodiment described with reference to  FIGS. 1A to 1E , except where explained below, and the same reference numerals are used to refer to similar features. 
     In this embodiment, the sensing element is a conductive element  600 . In particular, the conductive element  600  is a metal strip. 
     The inductive sensor is configured to sense the proximity of the conductive element  600 . When the closure  106  is in the first position, the conductive element  600  positioned further away from the inductive sensor  110  than when the closure  106  is in the second position. When the closure  106  is in the first position, the inductive sensor cannot sense the conductive element  600  or sense the conductive element  600  less. The fact the inductive sensor  110  cannot sense the conductive element  600  or sense the conductive element  600  less is used to determine that the closure  106  is in the first position. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the inductive sensor is located closer to the aperture  104  than in the previous embodiment. This way, the conductive element  600  is positioned further away from the inductive sensor when the closure  106  is in the second position than when it is in the first position. 
     In an alternative embodiment, when the closure  106  is in the third position, the distance measured by the inductive sensor is different from the distance measured in the first position and the second position. In the third position, the sensing element is closer to the inductive sensor than compared with the second and first positions. 
     Seventh Embodiment 
     With reference to  FIG. 7 , according to a seventh embodiment, the sensor  110  is an ultrasound sensor. The aerosol generation device  100  of the seventh embodiment is identical to the aerosol generation device  100  of the first embodiment described with reference to  FIGS. 1A to 1E , except where explained below, and the same reference numerals are used to refer to similar features. 
     In this embodiment, the sensing element comprises an acoustically reflective element  700 . 
     In this embodiment, the reception of acoustic waves (or not) is used to determine whether the closure  106  is in the first or second position. When the closure  106  is in the second position, the ultrasound sensor  110  transmits ultrasonic waves which are reflected off the acoustically reflective element  700  and received at the ultrasonic sensor. When the closure  106  is in the first position, the ultrasound sensor  110  transmits ultrasonic waves however they are not received back at the ultrasound sensor  110 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, the acoustic sensor  110  is oriented towards the first position of the closure  106 . In this way, ultrasound sensor  110  transmits ultrasonic waves which are reflected off the acoustically reflective element  700  and received at the ultrasonic sensor  110  when the closure  106  is in the first position. Similarly, when the closure  106  is in the second position, the ultrasonic waves are not received at the acoustic sensor  110 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, when the closure  106  is in the third position, the acoustically reflective element  700 , is in line with, and closer to, the ultrasound sensor  110 . The ultrasound sensor  110  is configured to determine the difference between the second and third position by measuring the distance of the acoustically reflective element  700  and the ultrasound sensor, for example by the time elapsed between emission and reception of a signal. 
     Eighth Embodiment 
     With reference to  FIG. 8A , according to an eighth embodiment, the further sensor  800  is a tactile switch. A tactile switch is sometimes called a “push button switch”. The aerosol generation device  100  of the eighth embodiment is identical to the aerosol generation device  100  of the first embodiment described with reference to  FIGS. 1A to 1E , except where explained below, and the same reference numerals are used to refer to similar features. 
     The further sensor  800  is a tactile switch and the closure  106  comprises a tactile switch engagement member. The tactile switch interface member is configured to engage with the tactile switch  800 . The tactile switch  800  being depressed signifies that the closure  106  is in the third position. The tactile switch  800  is depressed when the closure  106  is pressed down by the user. The user presses the closure  106  down in the direction of the arrow  802 . The aerosol generation device  100  is configured to receive signals indicative of the tactile switch  800  being depressed. 
     In the present embodiment, the tactile switch  800  is located in the casing  102 . Alternatively, the tactile switch is located in the closure  106 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 8B , an alternative embodiment to the eighth embodiment is shown. The further sensor  800  is again a tactile switch. This alternative embodiment shows the tactile switch oriented differently, in particular abutting against an end transversal surface of the closure, for when the third position of the closure  106  is a translation along the direction of the arrow  803 . As shown in  FIG. 16 , the closure  106  depresses the tactile switch when it is moved into the third position. 
     Ninth Embodiment 
     With reference to  FIG. 9 , according to a ninth embodiment, the further sensor  800  is a slider switch. The closure  106  comprises a switch receiving member  902 . The slider switch comprises a sliding member  904 . The aerosol generation device  100  of the ninth embodiment is identical to the aerosol generation device  100  of the first or eighth embodiment described with reference to  FIGS. 1A to 1E or 8 , except where explained below, and the same reference numerals are used to refer to similar features. 
     A user moves the closure  106  into the third position by applying a force along the arrow  900 . This third position of the closure  106  is a translation of the closure  106  further along the path from the first and second positions of the closure  106 . The detector module  160  receives signals from the slide switch indicative of the position of the closure  106   
     The switch receiving member  902  is configured to receive the slider switch sliding member  904 . When the closure  106  moves, so too does the switch receiving member  902 . The switch receiving member  902  moves the sliding member  904 . The slider switch is configured to determine the position and/or movement of the closure  106 . The aerosol generation device  100  is configured to receive signals indicative of the sliding member&#39;s  904  position and therefore the position of the closure  106 . 
     In another embodiment, the sliding switch is also used for detecting when the closure  106  is in the first position. The sliding member  904  is further configured to slide further left position (not shown) when the closure  106  is in the first position. In this embodiment, the slider acts as the sensor  110  and there is no further detector  800 . 
     The slider switch provides a number of switch positions for the detector module  160  to receive signals indicative of. The signals indicative of switch positions are indicative of the closure  106  positions. Alternatively, the slider switch is a variable resistor and the detector, the sensor  110  or detector module  160  generates signals indicative of the position of the closure  106  based on the resistance measure across the slider switch. 
     Tenth Embodiment 
     With reference to  FIG. 10 , according to a tenth embodiment, the further sensor  800  is a capacitive touch sensor. The capacitive touch sensor comprises a flexible cable  1002 . The flexible cable  1002  is configured to allow the closure  106  to be in the first position without damaging the cable. The aerosol generation device  100  of the tenth embodiment is identical to the aerosol generation device  100  of the first or eighth embodiment described with reference to  FIGS. 1A to 1E or 8 , except where explained below, and the same reference numerals are used to refer to similar features. 
     In this embodiment, the user depresses the closure  106  in the direction shown by the arrow  1000 . The capacitive touch sensor is configured to detect when a user touches it. 
     The aerosol generation device  100  is configured to detect when the closure  106  is in the third position by determining when the user touches the capacitive touch sensor while the closure  106  is in the second position. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the capacitive touch sensor has two touch sensitive parts. The first touch sensitive part is positioned such that in use and when the closure  106  is moving from the first position to the second position, the user touches it. This first touch sensitive part is on the edge of the closure  106 . In particular, the edge the user touches to slide the closure  106 . The second touch sensitive part is positioned such that in use and when moving the closure  106  is moving from the second position to the third position, the user touches it. The second touch sensitive part is the top of the closure  106 . In this embodiment, the capacitive touch sensor behaves as the sensor  110  and the further sensor  800  with the two touch sensitive part. 
     Eleventh Embodiment 
     In an eleventh embodiment, with reference to  FIG. 11 , the further sensor  800  is a force sensitive resistor. The closure  106  comprises a sensor interface member  1100 . The force sensitive resistor is within the case  102 . The aerosol generation device  100  of the eleventh embodiment is identical to the aerosol generation device  100  of the first or eighth embodiment described with reference to  FIGS. 1A to 1E or 8 , except where explained below, and the same reference numerals are used to refer to similar features. 
     The sensor interface member  1100  of the closure  106  interfaces with the force sensitive resistor when a user moves the closure  106  into the third position. The force sensitive resistor provides a signal indicative of the force being applied to it. In this case, when the sensor interface member  1100  interfaces with the force sensitive resistor, the resistance of the force sensitive resistor increases. The resistance is measured and the aerosol generation device  100  uses that information to determine the position of the closure  106 . 
     Twelfth Embodiment 
     In a twelfth embodiment, with reference to  FIG. 12 , the further sensor  800  is a force sensitive resistor. The closure  106  comprises the force sensitive resistor. The aerosol generation device  100  of the twelfth embodiment is identical to the aerosol generation device  100  of the first or eighth embodiment described with reference to  FIGS. 1A to 1E or 8 , except where explained below, and the same reference numerals are used to refer to similar features. 
     The force sensitive resistor of this embodiment functions similarly to the force sensitive resistor of the embodiment as described with reference to  FIG. 11  in that the aerosol generation device  100  uses the resistance of the force sensitive resistor to determine the position of the closure  106 . The resistance of the force sensitive resistor is a result of the pressure or force applied to it. 
     The force sensitive resistor is connected to the casing  102  via a connecting member  1200 . The connection member  1200  is a flexible member. The connection member  1200  is made from a deformably resilient material. The flexibility of the connection member  1200  allows the closure  106  to be in the first position without damaging it or the further sensor  800 . 
     The force applied to the force sensitive resistor comes from the user pressing down vertically or perpendicularly on the closure  106 . Alternatively, the force applied to the force sensitive resistor comes from the user to the side of closure  106  further along the direction of arrow A of  FIGS. 1A and 1B . 
     Thirteenth Embodiment 
     In a thirteenth embodiment, with reference to  FIG. 13 , the further sensor  800  is a rotary encoder. The rotary encoder is configured to interface with the toothed interface  1302  internal to the closure  106 . The aerosol generation device  100  of the thirteenth embodiment is identical to the aerosol generation device  100  of the first or eighth embodiment described with reference to  FIGS. 1A to 1E or 8 , except where explained below, and the same reference numerals are used to refer to similar features. 
     The user moves the closure  106  from the second position to the third positon by pushing the closure  106  along the direction the arrow  1300  is pointing. The toothed interface  1302  engages with the rotary encoder such that the rotary encoder rotates when the closure  106  moves. The rotary encoder counts the amount of rotation which translates to the amount and direction of linear or substantially linear movement of the closure  106 . The aerosol generation device  100  uses the rotation information to determine which position the closure  106  is in. 
     In a further embodiment, the rotary encoder is also configured to detect when the closure  106  is in the first position (not shown in  FIG. 13 ). By counting the number of rotations the rotary encoder goes through, the position of the closure  106  can be determined. In this embodiment, the rotary encoder behaves as the sensor  110  and the further sensor  800  isn&#39;t used. Or alternatively described, the rotary encoder behaves as both the sensor  110  and the further sensor  800 . 
     Fourteenth Embodiment 
     In a fourteenth embodiment, with reference to  FIG. 14 , the further sensor  800  is two Hall effect sensors. The aerosol generation device  100  comprises at least 1 magnet(s)  1402 . The aerosol generation device  100  of the fourteenth embodiment is identical to the aerosol generation device  100  of the first or eighth embodiment described with reference to  FIGS. 1A to 1E or 8 , except where explained below, and the same reference numerals are used to refer to similar features. 
     The user moves the closure  106  from the second position to the third position along the direction the arrow  1400  is pointing. Moving the closure  106  from the second position to the third position aligns the magnet(s)  1402  with the hall sensor(s) in different positions. These different positions are used to determine the position the closure  106 . In this embodiment, the Hall effect sensors sense that the magnet(s)  1402  magnets are in a particular orientation and/or position. The particular orientation and/or positon of the magnets relative to the Hall effect sensors relate to the position of the closure  106 . The position and/or orientation of the magnets is detected based on whether the Hall effect sensors detect a magnetic field or not. Alternatively, position and/or orientation of the magnets is detected based on whether the amount and direction of magnetic field that the Hall effect sensors detect. 
     With reference to the example shown in  FIG. 14 , when the closure  106  is in the second position, the first Hall sensor detects a magnetic field and the second Hall sensor doesn&#39;t detect a magnetic field (or alternatively, detects only a weak magnetic field). When the closure  106  is in the third position, the first Hall effect sensor doesn&#39;t detect a magnetic field (or alternatively, detects only a weak magnetic field) and the second Hall effect sensor does detect a magnetic field. 
     In an alternative embodiment, there is only one magnet and one Hall effect sensor. In this alternative embodiment, the strength of the magnetic field is used to determine the position of the closure  106 . When the closure  106  is in the second position, the Hall effect sensor detects the magnetic field either strongly or weakly. When the closure  106  is in the third position, the Hall effect sensor detects the other of strongly or weakly respectively to the second position of the closure  106 . 
     A person skilled in the art will appreciate that this embodiment may be used in combination with an embodiment as described with reference to  FIG. 2 . In this case, the same Hall effect sensor(s) is used as both the sensor  110  and further sensor  800 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, the reed switches are used instead of Hall effect sensor(s). The reed switches provide a similar ability of the Hall effect sensor(s) in that they can detect magnetic fields however are limited to on/off. 
     Fifteenth Embodiment 
     In a fifteenth embodiment, with reference to  FIG. 15 , the further sensor  800  comprises two electrical continuity detectors  800 A,  800 B. The aerosol generation device  100  of the fifteenth embodiment is identical to the aerosol generation device  100  of the first or eighth embodiment described with reference to  FIGS. 1A to 1E or 8 , except where explained below, and the same reference numerals are used to refer to similar features. 
     The further sensor  800  is configured to detect whether the first or second continuity detectors detect continuity or not. The two electrical continuity detectors  800 A,  800 B detect continuity when the continuity device  1502  connects with them and completes the circuit. The continuity device  1502  is a wire, PCB track, or other conductive material such as metal and in particular copper. The user moves the closure  106  from the second position to the third position along the direction the arrow  1500  is pointing. Moving the closure  106  from the second position to the third position aligns the electrical continuity detectors  800 A,  800 B with the continuity device  1502  in different positions. 
     When the closure  106  is in the second position, the first electrical continuity detector  800 A detects continuity because the continuity device  1502  provides a return path. The second electrical continuity detector  800 B does not detect electrical continuity. And respectively, when the closure  106  is in the third position, the first electrical continuity detector  800 A does not detect continuity and the second electrical continuity detector  800 B does detect electrical continuity. 
     Sixteenth Embodiment 
     In a sixteenth embodiment, with reference to  FIG. 16 , the sensor  110  is a rocker switch. The aerosol generation device  100  of the sixteenth embodiment is identical to the aerosol generation device  100  of the first or eighth embodiment described with reference to  FIGS. 1A to 1F  and  FIGS. 8A and 8B , except where explained below, and the same reference numerals are used to refer to similar features. 
     In this embodiment as shown in  FIG. 16 , the rocker switch functions as both the sensor  110  and the further sensor  800 . The rocker switch in this embodiment is a three position switch. One position of the rocker switch corresponds to each of the three positions of the closure  106 . 
     In this example embodiment, the user moves the closure  106  between the first, second, and third positions, all of which are on substantially the same path and that the user translates closure  106  between the three positions. 
     The aerosol generation device  100  comprises a rocker switch interface member  1600 . The rocker switch interface member  1600  is configured to interface with the rocker switch. When the closure  106  is moved between its three positions, the rocker switch interface member  1600  will interface with the rocker switch to move it through its three positions. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the rocker switch is only an activation detector  800  and is configured to detect movement of the closure  106  from the second position to the third position and vice-versa. Or the rocker switch is configured to detect the position of the closure  106  in the first/second position or the third position (as the rocker switch won&#39;t be able to determine whether it is in the first or second position). The rocker switch is in this example only a two position switch. 
     Seventeenth Embodiment 
     Referring to  FIGS. 17A and 17B , in a seventeenth embodiment, the closure  106  has only two positions and the sensor  110  is a contactless sensor. The sensor  110  is used to determine the position of the closure  106 . The aerosol generation device  100  of the seventeenth embodiment is identical to the aerosol generation device  100  of the first embodiment described with reference to  FIGS. 1A to 1E , except where explained below, and the same reference numerals are used to refer to similar features. 
     In this embodiment, the contactless sensor is preferably a Hall sensor as described with reference to  FIG. 2 , although any of the contactless sensors described herein (ultrasound, inductance, light sensors, etc.) may also be used. 
     The aerosol generation device  100  comprises a further button  1700 , for example unrelated to the sliding motion of the closure  106 , to go into the activation mode. An example of this embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 17A  in which the button  1700  is positioned at a location spaced apart from the closure  106 . In this embodiment, both the closure  106  and the button  1700  are on the first end of the casing  102 . The button  1700  is located on an outer surface of the aerosol generation device  100 , so as to be accessible to a user. Specifically, the button  1700  is on the casing  102  of the aerosol generation device  100 . In other embodiments, the closure  106  is on the first end of the casing  102  and the button  1700  is on a side wall of the casing, e.g. proximate or next to the display interface  112 . The activation mode can only be entered when the closure  106  is in the second position, for example by the sensor  110  detecting the position of the closure  106  and allowing or forbidding activation based on the detected position. 
     Referring to  FIG. 17B , movement of the closure  106  and actuation of the button  1700  cause the aerosol generation device to perform certain functions, and therefore the user to control at least some of the functions by causing the movement and the actuation. The flowchart of  FIG. 17B  outlines seventeen steps. 
     An initial state of the aerosol generation device  100  is an off mode  1701 . In the off mode  1701 , the closure  106  is in the first, or closed, position. 
     At step  1702 , the user interacts with the aerosol generation device  100  to move the closure  106  from the first, or closed, position to the second, or open, position. The movement of the closure  106  from the first, or closed, position to the second, or open, position causes the CPU  152  to enter the aerosol generation device  100  into a standby mode, at step  1703 . 
     With the aerosol generation device  100  in the standby mode, a fatal error counter is activated by the CPU  152 , at  1704 , and logic is applied depending on the count of fatal errors. This helps to protect the user from the aerosol generation device  100  if it were faulty. 
     If the fatal error counter is exceeded, then at step  1704  the CPU  152  changes the mode of the aerosol generation device  100  from the standby mode to an error mode, at step  1705 . 
     If the fatal error count is not exceeded at step  1704 , then the aerosol generation device  100  remains in the standby mode. 
     The aerosol generation device  100  is configured to carry out a battery level checking function at step  1706 . The battery level checking function comprises the CPU  152  monitoring the charge level of the battery  118  and displaying the charge level of the battery  118  on the user interface display  164 . In this embodiment, the user interface display  164  comprises an array of LEDs. A number of the LEDs in the array that illuminate is controlled to change in proportion to the battery charge level. This allows the user to check the charge level of the battery  118  before activating the aerosol generation device  100 . 
     The battery level checking function may be disabled by the CPU  152  when the battery  118  is on charge. This may be when the battery  118  is connected to a charger adapted to charge the battery  118  and the battery  118  is not fully charged. The battery level checking function may be enabled when the battery  118  is fully charged. 
     At step  1707 , a standby mode timer is started. This may occur after the battery charging level has been displayed at  1706 . 
     If the user moves the closure  106  from the second, or open, position to the first, or closed, position, then, at  1708 , then the standby mode timer is cancelled by the CPU  152 . This user movement causes the CPU  152  to change the mode from standby mode to off mode, at step  1709 , so that the operation of the aerosol generation device  100  returns to step  1701 . 
     If the predetermined standby mode time period elapses without a user interacting with the aerosol generation device  100  then, at step  1710 , then the CPU  152  changes the operation of the aerosol generation device  100  from the standby mode to the off mode, at step  1711 . The predetermined standby mode time period may be determined by the manufacturer of the aerosol generation device  100  and may preferably last around one minute. However, alternative embodiments may have a different predetermined standby mode time period depending on the design requirements for the aerosol generation device  100 . In order to return the aerosol generation device  100  to the off mode and the operational state illustrated by step  1701 , the user must move the closure  106  from the second, or open, position to the first, or closed, position, at  1712 . The aerosol generation device  100  then returns to step  1701 . 
     If, at step  1713 , the button  1700  is pressed and held for a predetermined time period within the predetermined standby mode time period then the aerosol generation device  100  proceeds to step  1714 . In this embodiment, the aerosol generation device  100  stores a threshold time period and the button  1700  must be held for a period of time greater than the threshold time period in order to initiate entry of the aerosol generation device  100  into an activation mode. However, in other embodiments, there is no such threshold time period, and the button  1700  must simply be actuated with the aerosol generation device  100  in the standby mode in order to initiate entry of the aerosol generation device  100  into the activation mode. In yet another embodiment, either movement of the closure  106  to the second position or actuation of the button  100  enters the aerosol generation device  100  into the standby mode at step  1702 , then the other of movement of the closure  106  to the second position and actuation of the button  100  initiates entry of the aerosol generation device  100  into the activation mode at step  1713 . 
     The predetermined time period, at step  1713 , may be determined by the manufacturer of the aerosol generation device  100  and may preferably last around 1 second. However, alternative embodiments may have a different predetermined standby mode time period depending on the design requirements for the aerosol generation device  100 . The main requirement for the predetermined time period is that it is long enough so that if the user pressed the button  1700  by accident it would not be for long enough to activate the aerosol generation device  100 . 
     At  1714  the CPU  152  performs a diagnostic self-check. For example, the aersol generation device tests the state of the battery  118  and/or the temperature of one or more components of the aerosol generation device  100  and the resistance of an electrical circuit through a heater associated with the heating chamber  114 . 
     At step  1715 , the CPU  152  confirms whether the self-check has been passed. If the self-check is failed, then the CPU  152  changes the mode from standby mode to error mode, at step  1716 . If the self-check is passed, then the CPU  152  changes the mode from the standby mode to the activation mode, at step  1717 . In the activation mode, the CPU  152  activates the heating module  158  and the user is able to use the aerosol generation device  100 . 
     Eighteenth Embodiment 
     In an eighteenth embodiment, with reference to  FIG. 18 , the sensor  110  is an electrical connection. The aerosol generation device  100  of the eighteenth embodiment is identical to the aerosol generation device  100  of the first embodiment described with reference to  FIGS. 1A to 1E , except where explained below, and the same reference numerals are used to refer to similar features. 
     In this embodiment shown in  FIG. 18 , the sensor  110  comprises an electrical contact arrangement. The sensing element comprises two, e.g. first and second, conductive elements  1800 A and  18006 . In this embodiment, the first and second conductive elements  1800 A,  18006  are metal strips. 
     When the closure  106  is in the first position, as shown on the left image in  FIG. 18 , the sensor  110  detects contact with the first conductive element  1800 A. When the closure  106  is in the second position, as shown in the right image in  FIG. 18 , the sensor  110  detects contact with the second conductive element  18006 . In this embodiment, there is a gap  1802  between the two conductive elements  1800 A,  1800 B. 
     This gap  1802  is to ensure that only one of the conductive elements  1800 A,  1800 B makes a connection with the sensor  110  at a time. With this system, the detector is able to detect when the closure  106  is in the first or second position. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the gap  1802  is not used. Or alternatively described, the gap  1802  has a length of 0 mm. In a further alternative embodiment, the conductive elements  1800 A,  1800 B partially overlap at an intermediate position, and the detector only indicates that the first or second position has been reached when contact with only one of the conductive elements  1800 A,  18006  is indicated by the sensor  110 . In a further alternative embodiment, an additional conductive element (not shown) is used. In this embodiment, the third position of the closure  106  is further along the same axis as the first and second positions and placed beyond the second position. The additional conductive element is located beyond the second conductive element  1800 B corresponding to the second position. When the electrical continuity detector  110  detects contact with the further conductive element the aerosol generation device  100  will move into the activation mode as described with reference to  FIG. 1A to 1F . 
     Nineteenth Embodiment 
     In a nineteenth embodiment, with reference to  FIG. 19 , the closure  106  has a further or fourth position. The aerosol generation device  100  of the nineteenth embodiment is identical to the aerosol generation device  100  of the first or eighth embodiment described with reference to  FIGS. 1A to 1E or 8 , except where explained below, and the same reference numerals are used to refer to similar features. 
     In this embodiment, the fourth position of the closure  106  is shown in the bottom right image of  FIG. 19 . The closure  106  is moved into the fourth position by a user pressing the closure  106  down (in the direction of arrow  1902 ) when the closure is in the first position. The closure  106  is moved into the third position (in the direction of arrow  1900 ) by a user pressing down the closure  106  when the closure  106  is in the second position. 
     Similar to the embodiment described with reference to  FIG. 8 , the aerosol generation device  100  comprises an activation sensor  800  to detect when the closure  106  is in the third position. The aerosol generation device  100  of this embodiment further comprises a further activation sensor  1904 . The further activation sensor  1904  functions similarly to the activation sensor  800 . In the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 19 , the activation sensor  800  and further activation sensor  1900  are tactile switches. It will be appreciated that any combination of the activation sensors  800  as described with reference to  FIGS. 8 to 17  may be used in place of the tactile switches. 
     When the closure  106  is in the fourth position, the aerosol generation device  100  is configured to into a “status” mode. In the “status” mode, the aerosol generation device  100  is configured to display a status of the aerosol generation device  100  using the user interface display  164 . The status to be displayed can be any one or more of the following: battery level, remaining time for aerosol generation device  100  usage and/or consumable remaining. 
     To go into the “status” mode, the closure  106  need not stay in the fourth position for any specific duration. In the present embodiment, the user moves the closure  106  into the fourth position only briefly; the detector module  160  detects the movement or position of the closure  106  and moves the aerosol generation device  100  into the status mode for a period of time. Alternatively the mode will change when the closure  106  is moved into another position. The status mode is entered when the detector module  160  receives signals from the detector in any one or more of these following cases:
         the closure  106  moves into the fourth position from the first position,   the closure  106  moves into the fourth position from the second position,   the closure  106  moves into the fourth position from the third position,   the closure  106  moves into the first position from the fourth position,   the closure  106  is in the fourth position,   the closure  106  is in the fourth position for greater than a threshold amount of time, or   the closure  106  is in the fourth position for greater than a threshold amount of time and less than a further threshold amount of time.       

     Alternatively, instead of the “status” mode, the fourth position is used to trigger the aerosol generation device  100  to turn on and off. In a further alternative, the further activation sensor is an on/off switch. 
     In the preferred embodiment, an electrical contact sensor is used to detect whether the closure  106  is in the first or second position. The electrical contact sensor functions as described with reference to embodiment eighteen and  FIG. 18 . In an alternative embodiment, any of the contactless sensors as described with reference to  FIGS. 2 to 7  may be used. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the activation sensor  800  and further activation sensor  1900  are replaced by the capacitive sensor as described with reference to FIG. and the tenth embodiment. With this arrangement, only one sensor is used for detecting movement into the activation position or further activation position. The detector determines movement of the closure  106  into the activation position by first detecting the closure  106  in the second position, then detection of the capacitive sensor being used. Similarly, the detector determines movement of the closure  106  into the further activation position by first detecting the closure  106  in the first position, then detection of the capacitive sensor being used. In this way, the capacitive sensor is acting as the activation sensor  800  and the further activation sensor  1900 . Alternatively described, the capacitive sensor is the activation sensor  800  and the activation sensor  800  is configured to detect both the activation position and further activation position of the closure  106 . 
     ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     A person skilled in the art will appreciate that many different combinations of embodiments described with reference to  FIGS. 2 to 7  may be used with the embodiments described with reference to  FIG. 8 to 17 or 19  and/or the embodiments described with reference to  FIGS. 2 to 19  may be used alone unmodified and/or modified to be configured to detect the three positions of the closure  106 . 
     The aerosol generation device  100  could equally be referred to as a “heated tobacco device”, a “heat-not-burn tobacco device”, a “device for vaporising tobacco products”, and the like, with this being interpreted as a device suitable for achieving these effects. The features disclosed herein are equally applicable to devices which are designed to vaporise any aerosol substrate. 
     The described embodiments of the invention are only examples of how the invention may be implemented. Modifications, variations and changes to the described embodiments will occur to those having appropriate skills and knowledge. These modifications, variations and changes may be made without departure from the scope of the claims.