EP4642262A1

EP4642262A1 - Aerosol-generating system with a removable flavor element

Info

Publication number: EP4642262A1
Application number: EP23821701.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jennifer Ernestine Emma PLUN; Maria GOMEZ LUESO; Valerio OLIANA; Maxime Clément Charles CHATEAU; Arsen KILIBAEV; Cristina Ferraz Rigo; Kelly Marisa RODRIGUES CRESPO
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Current assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date: 2022-12-30
Filing date: 2023-12-18
Publication date: 2025-11-05
Also published as: WO2024141302A1; CN120417792A; KR20250131250A; JP2026500438A

Abstract

The present invention describes an aerosol-generating system. The aerosol-generating system comprises an aerosol-generating device comprising a housing and an airflow channel for delivering an aerosol. The airflow channel is arranged within the housing. The aerosol-generating system comprises an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating system comprises at least one flavor element. The flavor element is configured to be removably mounted at the housing of the aerosol-generating device. The flavor element is configured to release a flavor. The flavor element is configured to not be in fluid communication with the airflow channel when the flavor element is mounted at the housing of the aerosol-generating device, such that the flavor is released from the flavor element separately from the aerosol in the airflow channel. The flavor element comprises at least one flavor source. The flavor element comprises a hosting element. The hosting element comprises the flavor source. The hosting element comprises at least one flavor outlet. The flavor element comprises a release-selecting element. The release-selecting element and the hosting element comprise complementary attachment means for removably connecting the release-selecting element and the hosting element.

Description

AEROSOL-GENERATING SYSTEM WITH A REMOVABLE FLAVOR ELEMENT

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising flavor element.

It is known to provide an aerosol-generating device for generating an inhalable vapor. Such devices may heat an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate are volatilised without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. For volatilizing the aerosol-forming substrate, a heating element may be provided. The inhalable vapor may be delivered to a consumer through an airflow channel and an air outlet. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a flavor element to deliver a flavor to a consumer. However, the flavor element is usually permanently fixed to the device. Accordingly, once the flavor delivered by the flavor element is fully consumed, the device may be rendered unusable or at least delivers a less satisfying consumption experience. The consumer needs to buy a new device once the flavor is fully consumed and therefore faces increased costs for a consumption experience. Furthermore, a fixed flavor element limits the consumer’s ability to choose and tune the delivered flavor.

Furthermore, the flavor provided by the flavor element is usually in fluid communication with aerosol-delivering components of the device. A flavoring compound is usually incorporated into the aerosol-generating article. However, there is risk that during the usually heat-intensive production of the aerosol-generating article the flavoring compound is lost by evaporation from the article. This further leads to a degree of variation of the delivered flavor between different production batches of aerosol-generating articles. Furthermore, there is a risk that the flavor is degraded during production of the aerosol-generating article. In addition, the consumer is limited in the choice and tuning of the delivered flavor.

It would be desirable to have an aerosol-generating device in which the flavor element can be installed in a faster and easier manner. It would be desirable to have an aerosolgenerating device in which the flavor element can be used in a versatile manner. It would be desirable to have an aerosol-generating device in which the delivered flavor can be flexibly and easily chosen and tuned. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device which provides an enriched sensory experience. It would be desirable to provide an aerosolgenerating device which provides a substantially constant flavor output. It would be desirable to have an aerosol-generating device which provides the user with an improved consumption experience. It would be desirable to have an aerosol-generating device which provides a cost- effective consumption experience to the consumer. It would be desirable to have an aerosolgenerating device which enables an improved production of the flavor-containing component. According to the invention there is provided an aerosol-generating system. The aerosol-generating system comprises an aerosol-generating device comprising a housing and an airflow channel for delivering an aerosol. The airflow channel is arranged within the housing. The aerosol-generating system comprises an aerosol-generating article. The aerosolgenerating system comprises at least one flavor element. The flavor element is configured to be removably mounted at the housing of the aerosol-generating device. The flavor element is configured to release a flavor. The flavor element is configured to not be in fluid communication with the airflow channel when the flavor element is mounted at the housing of the aerosolgenerating device, such that the flavor is released from the flavor element separately from the aerosol in the airflow channel.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be configured to be capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. The aerosol-generating device may be configured to deliver an aerosol to the consumer, preferably to the consumer’s mouth, by means of the airflow channel. The aerosol-generating system may be configured to release the flavor separately from the aerosol formed from the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating system may be configured to release the flavor independently from the aerosol formed from the aerosolforming substrate. The aerosol-generating system may be configured to release the flavor in addition to the aerosol formed from the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating system may be configured to release the flavor as an additional consumption experience to the aerosol. The aerosol-generating system may be configured such that the aerosol and the flavor do not mix with one another within the airflow channel. The aerosol-generating device may be configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to vaporize at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate.

The flavor element may be configured to direct the released flavor to the nose, preferably the nostrils of the consumer. The flavor element may be configured to release the flavor towards the nose, preferably the nostrils of the consumer. The flavor element may be configured to release the flavor directly to the nose, preferably the nostrils of the consumer. The flavor element may be configured to release the flavor to stimulate the trigeminal nerve through the nose.

The flavor released by the flavor element may enrich the sensory experience of a consumer. The flavor released by the flavor element may provide the consumer with an additional consumption experience to the consumption experience of consuming the aerosol. The flavor released may stimulate the trigeminal nerve through the nose.

As the flavor element is configured to be removably mounted at the housing, the flavor element is easy to install. The flavor element gives the consumer the opportunity to comfortably obtain a further consumption experience. As flavor element is configured to be removably mounted at the housing, the flavor element may be easily exchanged. The user may easily install a new flavor element when a previous flavor element has been damaged or fully consumed. The flavor element may enable the consumer to adjust the consumption experience delivered by the aerosol-generating system to the consumer’s preferences. The consumer may exchange the flavor element if a different consumption experience is desired. As the flavor element is configured to be removably mounted at the housing, the flavor element may be used with different types aerosol-generating devices. As the flavor element is configured to be removably mounted at the housing, the flavor element may be used with different types of existing aerosol-generating devices without modifying or without substantially modifying such existing devices. The flavor element may enable versatile use.

Furthermore, by providing a flavor element configured to not be in fluid communication with the airflow channel , production of the aerosol-generating system may become easier and more versatile. Loss of flavor and flavor source during production may be avoided. The risk of flavor and flavor source degradation during production may be reduced. In addition, flavor and flavor source may be adapted more easily to external requirements, such as user preference and legislative requirements. The additional sensory experience provided by the flavor may be delivered to the consumer separately and independently from the consumption experience provided by the aerosol.

The housing of the device may comprise one or more walls. As used herein, the term “wall” refers more generally to a facet of an element, such as a container, and a wall may be formed from a single panel, or a wall may be formed from two or more abutting or overlapping panels. The one or more walls may be distinct elements that are attached or secured to each other. The housing may be a rigid housing. As used herein, the term ‘rigid housing’ is used to mean a housing that is self-supporting.

As used herein, the term "airflow channel" is used to describe a path through which air can be inhaled by a consumer.

The air flow channel may be a tube. The airflow channel may have circular crosssection. The airflow channel may have a rectangular cross-section. The airflow may have an elliptical cross-section. The airflow channel may comprise a wall. The wall of the airflow channel may define the contour of the airflow channel. The wall of the airflow channel may enclose the airflow channel.

The airflow channel may be configured to deliver aerosol formed from the aerosolforming substrate to the consumer, preferably to the consumer’s mouth. The airflow channel may be configured to deliver aerosol formed from the aerosol-forming substrate independently from the flavor released by the flavor element. The airflow channel may be configured to deliver aerosol formed from the aerosol-forming substrate separately from the flavor released by the flavor element. The airflow channel may be configured to deliver aerosol formed from the aerosol-forming substrate isolated from the flavor released by the flavor element. The airflow channel may be configured to prevent mixing of the flavor and the aerosol within the aerosolgenerating device, preferably within the housing of the aerosol-generating device.

The airflow channel may define a first airflow path. The airflow channel may form at least a portion of the first airflow path. The first airflow path may comprise at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device may be configured to deliver aerosol to consumer, preferably to the consumer’s mouth, along the first airflow path. One or both of the airflow channel and the first airflow path may extend between the aerosol-forming substrate and the mouth end of the device.

The airflow channel may be configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosolforming substrate. The airflow channel may be configured to not be in fluid communication with the flavor element. The airflow channel may be configured to not be in fluid communication with the flavor released from the flavor element.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise an air outlet. Aerosol may be delivered to the consumer’s mouth by means of the air outlet. The housing of the aerosol-generating device may comprise the air outlet. The airflow channel may be configured to deliver aerosol to the air outlet. One or both of the airflow channel and the first airflow path may extend at least partially between the aerosol-forming substrate and the air outlet.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise an air inlet. The housing of the aerosolgenerating device may comprise the air inlet. One or both of the airflow channel and the first airflow path may extend between the air inlet of the device and the air outlet of the device. One or both of the airflow channel and the first airflow path may extend between the air inlet of the device and the mouth end of the device. The first airflow path may extend between the air inlet and a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

The flavor element may be configured to release flavor by means of a second airflow path. The second airflow path may be configured to be isolated from the first airflow path. The second airflow path may be configured to be separate from the first airflow path. The second airflow path may be configured to be independent from the first airflow path. The second airflow path may be configured to be not in fluid communication with the first airflow path. The second airflow path may be configured to release flavor to the consumer, preferably to the nose of the consumer. The second airflow path may extend between the flavor element and the nose of the consumer. The second airflow path may extend in a different direction than the first airflow path. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a fluid-impermeable separation element. The fluid-impermeable separation element may be arranged between the flavor element and the airflow channel. The fluid-impermeable separation element may comprise at least a portion of the housing. The fluid-impermeable separation element may be at least a portion of the housing. The fluid-impermeable separation element may comprise at least a portion of the airflow channel. The fluid-impermeable separation element may comprise at least a portion of the wall of the airflow channel.

The fluid-impermeable separation element may be configured to separate the airflow channel and the flavor element. The fluid-impermeable separation element may be configured to separate the first airflow path and the flavor element. The fluid-impermeable separation element may be configured to separate the first airflow path and the second airflow path. The fluid-impermeable separation element may be configured to prevent fluid communication between the airflow channel and the flavor element. The fluid-impermeable separation element may be configured to prevent fluid communication between the first airflow path and the flavor element. The fluid-impermeable separation element may be configured to prevent fluid communication between the first airflow path and the second airflow path.

The position at which the flavor element is mounted at the housing can be manually selected by a user. In this way, the consumer may adjust the intensity of the flavor experienced by the consumer. For example, by mounting the flavor element closer to the nose of the consumer, the intensity of flavor may be increased and vice versa.

Additionally or alternatively, the aerosol-generating system may be configured to define a mounting position. Such mounting position may be selected such that an optimized amount of flavor is delivered to the consumer when the flavor element is mounted at such position. For example, such mounting position may be marked on the housing of the device. For example, the housing of the device may comprise a depression at such mounting position. For example, the device may comprise specific mounting means at such mounting position.

As used herein, two components may be in “fluid communication” if a fluid is directly exchanged between the two components. As used herein, two components may be in “fluid communication” if pathway for the fluid is provided that allows the fluid to flow from one component to the other component. As used herein, “fluid communication” between two components may relate to a fluid passage between such components.

The flavor element may comprise an opening. The opening may have a shape complementary to at least a portion of the housing, such that the flavor element may be removably mounted at the housing by one or both of a form fit and a friction fit. Preferably the flavor element may be ring-shaped. Such flavor element may be quickly and easy to install at the housing of the device The opening may be defined by an inner wall of the flavor element. The opening may be configured to receive the aerosol-generating device, preferably at least a portion of the housing of the device. The opening may be configured to receive the aerosol-generating device, preferably the housing of the device. The opening may be configured such that at least a portion of the device is inserted into the opening. The opening may be configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article. The opening may be configured such that at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the opening. The opening may comprise a cavity.

The opening may have a circular cross-section. The opening may have rectangular cross-section. The opening may have an elliptical cross-section. A cross-section of the housing of the device may be configured to be complementary to the cross-section of the opening of the flavor element. For example, the cross-section of the opening of the flavor element may be circular and the cross-section of the housing of the device may be circular, where the diameter of the circular cross-section of the opening may be substantially the same as the diameter of the circular cross-section of the housing.

A “form fit” as used herein may be a type of mechanical fixing. A form fit may be used to simply and securely fix components mechanically to each other. A form fit may be connection between at least two interlocking components. A form fit may be a connection of at least two components formed with the help of a connecting element, such as a screw or bolt. For a form fit to form between the flavor element and the device, at least a portion of the flavor element, preferably the opening of the flavor element and at least a portion of the housing of the device may have complementary shapes.

A “friction fit” as used herein may be a coupling between at least two components held together by friction forces between at least portions of the two components. Components coupled with a friction fit may at least partially be in contact with each other.

The flavor element may be configured as a clip or a clamp. By closing the clip or clamp, the flavor element may be mounted at the housing of the device. By opening the clip or clamp, the flavor element may be demounted from the device and then may be removed from the housing of the device. Such clip or clamp embodiments of the flavor element may be cheap and easy to produce.

The flavor element may be configured to be removably mounted around the housing of the device or at a proximal end of the device.

The aerosol-generating device and the aerosol-generating article of the aerosolgenerating system may comprise two ends: a proximal end through which aerosol exits the component and is delivered to a user and a distal end. In use, a user may draw on the proximal end of the aerosol-generating device or the aerosol-generating article in order to inhale aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating article.

The proximal end may also be referred to as the mouth end or the downstream end and is downstream of the distal end. The distal end may also be referred to as the upstream end and is upstream of the proximal end.

The flavor element configured to be removably mounted around the housing of the device may enclose at least a portion of the housing of the device.

The flavor element may be configured to be removably mounted at a distal end of the device.

The housing may have an outer wall. The flavor element may be mounted on the outer wall of the housing.

The outer wall of the housing may be an annular outer wall. The outer wall of the housing may define the shape of the device. The outer wall of the housing may be an outer wall of the aerosol-generating device.

The flavor element may be removably mounted on the outer wall of the housing. The flavor element may be configured to be fixed to the outer wall of the housing. The flavor element may be mounted on the outer wall of the housing by a form fit. The flavor element may be mounted on the outer wall of the housing by a friction fit. The flavor element may removably mounted on the outer wall of the housing by a friction fit. When the flavor element is mounted on the outer wall of the housing, at least a portion of the flavour element may be in contact with at least a portion of the outer wall of the housing.

The outer wall of the housing may comprise a surface. The surface of the outer wall of the housing may be configured to provide an enhanced frictional contact between the flavor element and the outer wall of the housing.

The flavor element may comprise at least one flavor source. The flavor source may be preferably retained in an adsorbent material.

The adsorbent material may be configured to gradually release the flavor. The adsorbent material may be made of one or more of a paper material, preferably paper foam, a porous material such as ceramic, cotton based wicking elements and porous polymer. The adsorbent materials made of paper may improve sustainability of the aerosol-generating system.

The adsorbent material may be made from a paper material comprising a liquid- impermeable layer. The adsorbent material made from a paper material may be in contact with the housing of the aerosol-generating device when mounted at the housing of the aerosolgenerating device. The flavor source may be a volatile chemical agent generating a scent. The flavor source may be a natural oil. The flavor source may comprise one or more of clove, eucalyptus, ginger, Chinese star anise and rosemary plant material. The flavor source may be a liquid.

The adsorbent material may be porous body infused with a natural oil. The adsorbent material may be polymer loaded with a volatile chemical agent to emanate and generate a scent. The flavor source may be adsorbed to the adsorbent material. The adsorbent material may be configured to adsorb the flavor source.

The flavor to be released by the flavor element may be generated from the flavor source. The flavor source may at least partially volatize to generate the flavor. The flavor source may at least partially volatize without energy input from a heating element. The volatized flavor source may be released by the flavor element. The flavor released by the flavor element may comprise volatized flavor source. The volatized flavor source may be released along the second airflow path. The flavor source may volatize at ambient temperature. The flavor source may volatize at a temperature of below about 50 °C, preferably of below about 45 °C, more preferably of below about 42 °C. The flavor source may at least partially be vaporized. The vaporized flavor source may be released by the flavor element. The flavor released by the flavor element may comprise vaporized flavor source. The vaporized flavor source may be released along the second airflow path. The flavor source may be at least partially vaporized by heating the flavor source.

The flavor element may comprise at least one air inlet. Air of the surroundings may enter the flavor element through the air inlet. The air inlet of the flavor element may be configured to direct air towards the flavor source. The air directed toward the flavor source may volatize the flavor source.

The second airflow path may extend between the flavor source and the nose of the consumer. The second airflow path may extend between the adsorbent material and the nose of the consumer.

In one embodiment, the flavor element consists of the adsorbent material and the flavor source. These flavor elements are particularly suitable for a short-term use. These flavor elements may be configured for a single use. These flavor elements may be disposable. These flavour elements may be easy and cost-effective to produce.

The flavor element may comprise a single flavor source. The flavor element may comprise two or more flavor sources.

The flavor element may comprise a removable covering means for sealing the flavor source. The covering means may prevent or at least reduce the risk of flavor source volatizing and being release prior to use of the aerosol-generating system. The covering means may prevent or at least reduce the risk of leakage of flavor source and volatized flavor source from the flavor element. Before the flavor element is used, the covering means may be removed by the consumer. The covering means may be plastic film. The covering means may be fluid- impermeable. The covering means may be configured to seal the adsorbent material comprising the flavor source.

The flavor element may comprise a hosting element. The hosting element may comprise the flavor source. The hosting element may comprise at least one flavor outlet.

The hosting element may be configured to hold the flavor source. The hosting element may be configured to hold the adsorbent material. The hosting element may be configured to host the flavor source. The hosting element may be configured to host the adsorbent material. The hosting element may be configured to receive the flavor source. The hosting element may be configured to receive the adsorbent material. The hosting element may be a container. The hosting element may be in direct contact with the housing of the aerosol-generating device.

The hosting element may have a hollow annular shape. The hosting element may be ring-shaped. The hosting element may comprise a opening. The opening of hosting element may be the opening of the flavor element. The opening of the hosting element may be configured to receive at least a portion of the device, preferably at least a portion of the housing of the device. The opening of the hosting element may be configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article.

The hosting element may comprise an outer wall. The hosting element may comprise an inner wall. The hosting element may comprise a base. The inner wall and the outer wall may extend from the base. The base, the inner wall and the outer wall may be integrally formed.

The hosting element may be configured such that flavor is released through the flavor outlet. The outer wall of the hosting element may comprise the flavor outlet. The flavor outlet may be an opening in the outer wall of the hosting element.

The hosting element may comprise a chamber. The chamber of the hosting element may be defined by the walls and base of the hosting element. The chamber of the hosting element may be configured to receive one or both of the adsorbent material and flavor source. The adsorbent material may be inserted into the chamber of the hosting element. The flavor source may be inserted into the chamber of the hosting element.

The hosting element may made from one or more of a flexible plastic material and a paper material.

As used herein, a “flexible” material may be a material that is capable of bending easily without breaking and permanently changing its shape. As used herein a “flexible” material may be made from an elastomeric polymer. The hosting element made from a flexible plastic material may adapt to the shape of the housing, preferably to a portion of the outer wall of the housing, when mounted at the housing. The hosting element made from a flexible plastic material may, due to its flexible characteristics exert an inward force on the housing when mounted at the housing. The hosting element may be easily and quickly attached to and removed from the housing.

The hosting element made of paper may comprise recycled paper. The hosting element made of paper may comprise paper pulp. The hosting element made of paper may be produced by 3D-printing. The hosting element made of paper, preferably made of paper pulp, may include an impermeable layer to create a moisture barrier at contact positions with the adsorbent material.

The hosting element made of paper may improve the sustainability of the aerosolgenerating system. Manufacturing of the hosting element made of paper may be easy and cost-effective. Manufacturing paper pulp hosting element by 3D-printing may enable versatile production of hosting elements of different designs.

The flavor element may comprise a gripping element. The gripping element may comprise a first surface and a second surface. The first surface may be arranged to be at least partially in contact with the housing of the aerosol-generating device when the flavor element is mounted at the housing. The second surface may be configured to provide a friction fit with the hosting element.

The gripping element may be provided between the hosting element and at least a portion of the housing of the device. The gripping element may be sandwiched between the hosting element and at least a portion of the device. The gripping element may function as a connector between the housing of the device and the hosting element. The gripping element may be made from a plastic material. The gripping element may be a strip of plastic material. The gripping element may be wrapped around at least a portion of the housing of the device.

The first surface may be smooth. The second surface may be gritted. The second surface may be corrugated. The second surface may be configured to provide a high friction contact between the gripping element and the hosting element.

The gripping element and the hosting element may be coupled to each other by a friction fit.

The gripping element may avoid that the flavor comes in contact with at least a portion of the device, minimizing the possibility of the flavor condensing and depositing on the device. In this way, the risk of the formation of sticky patches on the device due to the flavor may be reduced.

The flavor element may comprise a release-selecting element and the hosting element. The release-selecting element and the hosting element may comprise complementary attachment means for removably connecting the release-selecting element and the hosting element. The attachment means may removably couple the release-selecting element and the hosting element. The attachment means may engage the hosting element and the releaseselecting element. The attachment means may be threaded coupling. The attachment means may be a bayonet coupling. The attachment means may be a snap coupling. The attachment means may comprise a protrusion on the inner wall of the release-selecting element configured to engage with a detent or a rim on an outer wall of the hosting element. The attachment means may comprise a form fit.

The attachment means may comprise a stop element for preventing the releaseselecting element and the hosting element from fully disengaging from each other. The stop element may comprise a notch or a detent.

The release-selecting element may comprise an outer wall. The release-selecting element may comprise an inner wall. The release-selecting element may comprise a base. The inner wall and the outer wall may extend from the base. The base, the inner wall and the outer wall may be integrally formed. The release-selecting element may be ring-shaped.

The release-selecting element may be made from a porous material. The releaseselecting element may comprise a porous material.

The release-selecting element may comprise an opening. The opening of the releaseselecting element may be the opening of the flavor element. The opening of the releaseselecting element may be configured to receive the aerosol-generating device, preferably at least a portion of the housing of the device. The opening of the release-selecting element may be configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article. The opening of the release-selecting element may comprise a cavity.

The release-selecting element and the hosting element may be configured to have complementary shapes. The release-selecting element may be configured to receive at least a portion of the hosting element. The opening of the hosting element and the opening of the release-selecting element may together form the opening of the flavor element. The hosting element and the release-selecting element may together form a hollow cylinder. The hosting element may have an outer diameter corresponding to an inner diameter of the releaseselecting element. The hosting element and the release-selecting element may together form a ring.

The release-selecting element may comprise a chamber. The chamber may be formed from one or more of the outer wall, the inner wall and the base of the release-selecting element. The chamber of the release-selecting element may be configured to receive at least a portion of the hosting element.

The release-selecting element may prevent or at least reduce leakage of the flavor source from the flavor element. The release-selecting element may seal the flavor source in the flavor element. The release-selecting element may improve freshness of the flavor source. The release-selecting element may enhance shelf-life of the flavor element and aerosolgenerating system. The release-selecting element may prevent or at least reduce the risk of the consumer contacting the adsorbent material and flavor source. The release-selecting element may control the release of flavor from the flavor element.

Embodiments of the flavor element comprising a release-selecting element may be particularly suitable for a long-term use, for example for about one week. Embodiments of the flavor element comprising a release-selecting element may be particularly suitable for multiple use.

One or more of the release-selecting element, the hosting element and the housing of the device may comprise a mounting means. The mounting means may be configured to removably mount the release-selecting element, hosting element or both to the housing of the device. The mounting means may be configured to removably mount the flavor element at the aerosol-generating device, preferably at the housing of the device. The mounting means may be configured to fix the flavor element to the aerosol-generating device, preferably to the housing of the device. The mounting means may facilitate the coupling of one or more of the release-selecting element and the hosting element to the device. When the one or more of the release-selecting element and the hosting element are mounted to the device by means of the mounting means, the position of the component mounted to the device by means of the mounting means is fixed relative to the device.

In some embodiments, the position of the flavor element comprising the hosting element and the release-selecting element along a longitudinal axis of the device may be freely selected by the consumer.

One or both of the release-selecting element and the hosting element may comprise at least one flavor outlet. One or both of the release-selecting element and the hosting element may be configured such that the flavor is released from the flavor outlet.

One or more of the outer wall of the release-selecting element, the base of the releaseselecting element and the inner wall of the hosting element may comprise the flavor outlet. The flavor outlet may be an opening in one or more of the outer wall of the release-selecting element, the base of the release-selecting element and the inner wall of the hosting element.

One or both of the release-selecting element and the hosting element may be configured to release volatized flavor source through the flavor outlet. One or both of the release-selecting element and the hosting element may comprise multiple flavor outlets.

One or both of the release-selecting element and the hosting element may be configured to be movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position the flavor element may be configured to release the flavor from the flavor element. In the second position the flavor element may be configured to fully block the release of flavor from the flavor element or may be configured to at least restrict the release of the flavor from the flavor element relative to the flavor release in the first position. In a fully open position of the release-selecting element, at least 10 percent of the flavor element may be directly exposed to the outside environment.

In the first position, the flavor source may not be in fluid communication with the flavor outlet. In the second position, the flavor source may be in fluid communication with the flavor outlet.

In the second position, the release-selecting element may be configured to fully block the release of flavor from the flavor element or may be configured to at least restrict the release of the flavor from the flavor element relative to the flavor release in the first position.

One or both of the release-selecting element and the hosting element may be configured to be movable between the first position and the second position by rotating the release-selecting element and the hosting element relative to each other. For such rotating embodiment, the attachment means may preferably be a threaded coupling. One or both of the release-selecting element and the hosting element may be configured to be movable between the first position and the second position by pushing and pulling one or both of the release-selecting element and the hosting element. By pushing or pulling one or both of the release-selecting element and the hosting element, one or both of the release-selecting element and the hosting element may be moved along or parallel to a longitudinal axis of the device. In the second position, the release-selecting element and the hosting element may be arranged further away from each other than in the first position. One or both of the releaseselecting element and the hosting element may be configured to be moved between the first position and the second by a movement relative to each other along or parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device.

As used herein, the term “longitudinal axis” may refer to the longitudinal direction of the device, which extends between the upstream end and downstream end of the device. As used herein, the term “longitudinal axis” may refer to the longitudinal direction of the device, which extends between the proximal end and distal end of the device. The longitudinal axis of the device may be the central longitudinal axis of the device.

In one embodiment, the release-selecting element may be moved between the first position and second position by rotation relative to the hosting element mounted at the device. The release-selecting element may comprise at least one flavor outlet. Preferably, the hosting element may be mounted at aerosol-generating device by means of the mounting means, preferably at the proximal end of the device. In another embodiment, the hosting element may be moved along or parallel to a longitudinal axis of the device relative to the release-selecting element. The hosting element may comprise at least one flavor outlet. The attachment means may be a threaded coupling. The hosting element may be moved between the first position and the second position by rotating the hosting element relative to the release-selecting element by means of the threaded coupling attachment means. Preferably, the release-selecting element may be coupled to the device by means of the mounting means, preferably at the proximal end of the device. Preferably, the hosting element may be fully inserted into the release-selecting element in the second position.

In yet another embodiment, the hosting element may be moved along or parallel to a longitudinal axis of the device relative to the release-selecting element. The hosting element may comprise at least one flavor outlet. The hosting element may be moved from the first position to the second position by pushing the hosting element towards the release-selecting element. The hosting element may be moved from the second position to the first position by pulling on hosting element. Preferably, the release-selecting element may be coupled to the device by means of the mounting means, preferably at the proximal end of the device.

The complementary attachment means may be configured to move one or both of the release-selecting element and the hosting element between the first position and the second position.

In one embodiment, the attachment means may comprise a threaded coupling. The hosting element and the release-selecting element may be configured to be movable between the first position and the second position by rotating one or both of the hosting element and the release-selecting element relative to each other. The hosting element may be configured to partially unscrew from the release-selecting element when moved from the second position into the first position.

The attachment means may be configured to the hold release-selecting element and the hosting element in the second position further away from each other than in the first position.

The hosting element may comprise at least one recess and at least one projection. The recess may comprise the flavor source. In the first position, the flavor outlet of the releaseselecting element may be aligned with the recess of the hosting element. In the second position, the flavor outlet of the release-selecting element may be aligned with the projection of the hosting element.

The recess may be configured to hold one or both of the adsorbent material and the flavor source. The recess may be configured as a pocket holding one or both of the flavor source and the adsorbent material. The recess may be configured as a pocket in the outer wall of the hosting element. The projection may comprise at least a portion of the outer wall of the hosting element. The hosting element may comprise multiple recesses and projections. The recesses and projections may be positioned symmetrically on the hosting element. The recesses and projection may be positioned alternatingly on the hosting element. The recess may be circumferentially arranged on the hosting element.

In the first position, the recess of the hosting element may be in fluid communication with the flavor outlet of the release-selecting element. In the first position, the flavor outlet of the release-selecting element may be positioned adjacent to the recess of the hosting element. In the first position, the flavor outlet of the release-selecting element may abut the recess of the hosting element.

In the second position, the recess of the hosting element may not be in fluid communication with the flavor outlet of the release-selecting element. In the second position, release of the flavor may be blocked by at least a portion of the outer wall of the releaseselecting element. In the second position, the flavor outlet of the release-selecting element may be positioned adjacent to the projection of the hosting element. In the second position, the flavor outlet of the release-selecting element may abut the projection of the hosting element.

The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be mounted at the housing of the aerosol-generating device. The flavor element may be removably mounted at the mouthpiece. Additionally or alternatively, the flavor element may be sandwiched between the mouthpiece and a main body of the aerosol-generating device.

The flavor element may be removably mounted at a distal end of the mouthpiece. The flavor element may be a stripe of adsorbent material. The flavor element may be wrapped around at least a portion of the mouthpiece.

The fluid-impermeable separation element may be one or more of at least a portion of the outer wall of the housing, at least a portion of the mouthpiece, at least a portion of the release-selecting element and at least a portion of the hosting element.

The mouthpiece may comprise an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a liquid storage portion. The liquid storage portion may comprise a cartridge. The liquid storage portion may contain a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be vaporized to generate an aerosol. The mouthpiece may comprise an air outlet. The consumer may draw on the air outlet of the mouthpiece. The aerosol may be drawn into the consumer’s mouth through the air outlet of the mouthpiece.

The main body of the aerosol-generating device may be defined by the housing of the aerosol-generating device. The housing of the of the aerosol-generating device may enclose the main body of the device. The main body of the aerosol-generating device may comprise one or more of the housing, electric circuitry, a power supply, a heating chamber and a heating element.

The flavor element may be a sticker.

The sticker may be made from a biodegradable material

The sticker may comprise a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface may comprise an adhesive. The adhesive may be biodegradable. The bottom surface may be removably attached to at least a portion of the aerosol-generating device. The top surface may comprise one or both of the adsorbent material and the flavor source. The top surface may be in fluid communication with the surroundings of the aerosol-generating device. Flavor may be released from the top surface of the sticker.

The sticker may be applied to one or more of the hosting element and the releaseselecting element.

The sticker may be rubbed by the consumer prior to the consumption experience. In this way, the intensity of the consumption experience due to the flavor release may be enhanced.

Sticker elements may have an expected useful lifetime that is only a fraction of the expected useful lifetime of the aerosol-generating system, for example a 10^th of the expected useful lifetime, or a 20^th of the expected useful lifetime of the aerosol-generating system Sticker flavor elements may be easily exchange. Sticker flavor elements may be recycled. The device may be used with different sticker flavor element, for example with sticker elements with different properties.

The aerosol-generating system may comprise at least a first flavor element and a second flavor element. The first flavor element may be configured to release a first flavor. The second flavor element may be configured to release a second flavor. The first flavor may be different to the second flavor.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a mouth end through which in use an aerosol exits the aerosol-generating device and is delivered to a user. The mouth end may also be referred to as the proximal end. In use, a user draws on the proximal or mouth end of the aerosol-generating device in order to inhale an aerosol generated by the aerosolgenerating device. Alternatively, a user may directly draw on an aerosol-generating article inserted into an opening at the proximal end of the aerosol-generating device. The opening at the proximal end may be the opening one or more of the flavor element, the hosting element and the release-selecting element. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a distal end opposed to the proximal or mouth end. The proximal or mouth end of the aerosol-generating device may also be referred to as the downstream end and the distal end of the aerosolgenerating device may also be referred to as the upstream end. Components, or portions of components of the aerosol-generating device may be described as being upstream or downstream of one another based on their relative positions between the proximal, downstream or mouth end and the distal or upstream end of the aerosol-generating device.

The invention further relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosolgenerating article and an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing, a mouth end, and an airflow channel for delivering an aerosol from an aerosol generating article to the mouth-end of the aerosol-generating system to a consumer. The airflow channel may be arranged within the housing. The aerosol-generating system may further comprise at least one flavor element. The flavor element may be configured to be removably mounted at the housing of the aerosol-generating device. The flavor element may be configured to release a flavor, establishing a fluid communication pathway between the flavor element and a consumer. The fluid communication pathway may bypass the airflow channel.

The invention further relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosolgenerating article and an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device comprises a housing, a mouth end, and an airflow channel for delivering an aerosol from an aerosol generating article to the mouth-end of the aerosol-generating system to a consumer. The airflow channel is arranged within the housing. The aerosol-generating system further comprises at least one flavor element. The flavor element is configured to be removably mounted at the housing of the aerosol-generating device. The flavor element is configured to release a flavor, establishing a fluid communication pathway between the flavor element and a consumer. The fluid communication pathway bypasses the airflow channel.

.As used herein, an “aerosol-generating device” relates to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article. An aerosol-generating device may interact with an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol that is directly inhalable into a user’s lungs thorough the user's mouth. An aerosol-generating device may be a holder. The device may be an electrically heated device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing, electric circuitry, a power supply, a heating chamber and a heating element. The aerosol-generating device may be cylindrically-shaped.

The aerosol-generating device of the present invention may be arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature below a combustion temperature of the aerosolforming substrate, but at or above a temperature at which one or more volatile compounds of the aerosol-forming substrate are released to form an inhalable aerosol.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise electric circuitry. The electric circuitry may comprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor may be part of a controller. The electric circuitry may comprise further electronic components. The electric circuitry may be configured to regulate a supply of power to the heating element. Power may be supplied to the heating element continuously following activation of the aerosol-generating device or may be supplied intermittently, such as on a puff- by-puff basis. The power may be supplied to the heating element in the form of pulses of electrical current. The electric circuitry may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element, and preferably to control the supply of power to the heating element dependent on the electrical resistance of the heating element.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a power supply, typically a battery, within a main body of the aerosol-generating device. In one embodiment, the power supply is a Lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power supply may be a Nickel-metal hydride battery, a Nickel cadmium battery, or a Lithium based battery, for example a Lithium-Cobalt, a Lithium- Iron-Phosphate, Lithium Titanate or a Lithium-Polymer battery. As an alternative, the power supply may be another form of charge storage device such as a capacitor. The power supply may require recharging and may have a capacity that enables to store enough energy for one or more usage experiences; for example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to continuously generate aerosol for a period of around six minutes or for a period of a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to provide a predetermined number of puffs or discrete activations of the heating element.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a cavity. The cavity of the aerosolgenerating device may be configured to receive the aerosol-generating article. The cavity of the aerosol-generating device may have an open end into which the aerosol-generating article is inserted. The open end may be a proximal end. The cavity may have a closed end opposite the open end. The closed end may be the base of the cavity. The closed end may be closed except for the provision of air apertures arranged in the base. The airflow channel may comprise the apertures arranged in the base. The apertures arranged in the base may be the air outlet of the airflow channel. The base of the cavity may be flat. The base of the cavity may be circular. The base of the cavity may be arranged upstream of the cavity. The open end may be arranged downstream of the cavity. The cavity may have an elongate extension. The cavity may have a longitudinal central axis. A longitudinal direction may be the direction extending between the open and closed ends along the longitudinal central axis. The longitudinal central axis of the cavity may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device.

The cavity of the aerosol-generating device may be configured as a heating chamber. The cavity may have a cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a hollow cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the aerosol-generating article to be received in the cavity. The cavity may have a circular cross-section. The cavity may have an elliptical or rectangular cross-section. The cavity may have an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

At least a portion of the airflow channel may run through the cavity of the aerosolgenerating device. Ambient air may be drawn into the aerosol-generating device, into the cavity and towards the user through the airflow channel. Downstream of the cavity, a mouthpiece may be arranged or a user may directly draw on the aerosol-generating article. The airflow channel may extend through the mouthpiece.

The aerosol-generating system may comprise a cavity. The cavity of the aerosolgenerating system may be formed from the cavity of the aerosol-generating device and the opening of one or more of the flavor element, the hosting element and the release-selecting element. The cavity of the aerosol-generating system may be configured to receive the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may be inserted into the cavity of the aerosol-generating system.

In any of the aspects of the disclosure, the heating element may comprise an electrically resistive material. Suitable electrically resistive materials include but are not limited to: semiconductors such as doped ceramics, electrically "conductive" ceramics (such as, for example, molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys and composite materials made of a ceramic material and a metallic material. Such composite materials may comprise doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbides. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum platinum, gold and silver. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-, cobalt-, chromium-, aluminium- titanium- zirconium-, hafnium-, niobium-, molybdenum-, tantalum-, tungsten-, tin-, gallium-, manganese-, gold- and iron-containing alloys, and super-alloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, Timetai® and iron-manganese-aluminium based alloys. In composite materials, the electrically resistive material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated or coated with an insulating material or vice-versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and the external physicochemical properties required.

As described, in any of the aspects of the disclosure, the heating element may be part of an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise an internal heating element or an external heating element, or both internal and external heating elements, where "internal" and "external" refer to the aerosol-forming substrate. An internal heating element may take any suitable form. For example, an internal heating element may take the form of a heating blade. Alternatively, the internal heater may take the form of a casing or substrate having different electro-conductive portions, or an electrically resistive metallic tube. Alternatively, the internal heating element may be one or more heating needles or rods that run through the center of the aerosol-forming substrate. Other alternatives include a heating wire or filament, for example a Ni-Cr (Nickel-Chromium), platinum, tungsten or alloy wire or a heating plate. Optionally, the internal heating element may be deposited in or on a rigid carrier material. In one such embodiment, the electrically resistive heating element may be formed using a metal having a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a track on a suitable insulating material, such as ceramic material, and then sandwiched in another insulating material, such as a glass. Heaters formed in this manner may be used to both heat and monitor the temperature of the heating elements during operation.

An external heating element may take any suitable form. For example, an external heating element may take the form of one or more flexible heating foils on a dielectric substrate, such as polyimide. The flexible heating foils can be shaped to conform to the perimeter of the substrate receiving cavity. Alternatively, an external heating element may take the form of a metallic grid or grids, a flexible printed circuit board, a molded interconnect device (MID), ceramic heater, flexible carbon fibre heater or may be formed using a coating technique, such as plasma vapour deposition, on a suitable shaped substrate. An external heating element may also be formed using a metal having a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a track between two layers of suitable insulating materials. An external heating element formed in this manner may be used to both heat and monitor the temperature of the external heating element during operation.

As an alternative to an electrically resistive heating element, the heating element may be configured as an induction heating element. The induction heating element may comprise an induction coil and a susceptor. In general, a susceptor is a material that is capable of generating heat, when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. When located in an alternating magnetic field. If the susceptor is conductive, then typically eddy currents are induced by the alternating magnetic field. If the susceptor is magnetic, then typically another effect that contributes to the heating is commonly referred to hysteresis losses. Hysteresis losses occur mainly due to the movement of the magnetic domain blocks within the susceptor, because the magnetic orientation of these will align with the magnetic induction field, which alternates. Another effect contributing to the hysteresis loss is when the magnetic domains will grow or shrink within the susceptor. Commonly all these changes in the susceptor that happen on a nano-scale or below are referred to as “hysteresis losses”, because they produce heat in the susceptor. Hence, if the susceptor is both magnetic and electrically conductive, both hysteresis losses and the generation of eddy currents will contribute to the heating of the susceptor. If the susceptor is magnetic, but not conductive, then hysteresis losses will be the only means by which the susceptor will heat, when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. According to the invention, the susceptor may be electrically conductive or magnetic or both electrically conductive and magnetic. An alternating magnetic field generated by one or several induction coils heat the susceptor, which then transfers the heat to the aerosol-forming substrate, such that an aerosol is formed. The heat transfer may be mainly by conduction of heat. Such a transfer of heat is best, if the susceptor is in close thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate.

As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-generating article’ refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. For example, an aerosol-generating article may generate an aerosol that is directly inhalable into a user’s lungs through the user's mouth. An aerosol-generating article may be disposable.

As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-forming substrate’ relates to a substrate capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. An aerosol-forming substrate may conveniently be part of an aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosolforming substrate may comprise both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavour compounds which are released from the substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aerosol former that facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol. Examples of suitable aerosol formers are glycerine and propylene glycol.

The aerosol-generating substrate preferably comprises homogenised tobacco material, an aerosol-former and water. Providing homogenised tobacco material may improve aerosol generation, the nicotine content and the flavour profile of the aerosol generated during heating of the aerosol-generating article. Specifically, the process of making homogenised tobacco involves grinding tobacco leaf, which more effectively enables the release of nicotine and flavours upon heating.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a container, cartridge or reservoir holding the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The mouthpiece may comprise the container, cartridge or reservoir holding the liquid aerosolforming substrate.

The heating element may be configured to heat the flavor source and to heat an aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article. The heating element may heat the flavor source by heat conductance. The heating element may be configured to vaporize at least a portion of the flavor source. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a first heating element and a second heating element. The first heating element may be configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article. The second heating element may be configured to heat the flavor source. The second heating element may be configured to vaporize at least a portion of the flavor source.

Below, there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

Example 1 : An aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article, an aerosol-generating device comprising a housing and an airflow channel for delivering an aerosol, wherein the airflow channel is arranged within the housing, and at least one flavor element, wherein the flavor element is configured to be removably mounted at the housing of the aerosol-generating device, wherein the flavor element is configured to release a flavor, wherein the flavor element is configured to not be in fluid communication with the airflow channel when the flavor element is mounted at the housing of the aerosol-generating device, such that the flavor is released from the flavor element separately from the aerosol in the airflow channel.

Example 2: The aerosol-generating system of example 1 , wherein the flavor element comprises an opening, wherein the opening has a shape complementary to at least a portion of the housing, such that the flavor element is removably mounted at the housing by one or both of a form fit and a friction fit, preferably wherein the flavor element is ring-shaped.

Example 3: The aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the flavor element is configured to be removably mounted around the housing of the device or at a proximal end of the device.

Example 4: The aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the housing has an outer wall, and wherein the flavor element is mounted on the outer wall of the housing.

Example 5: The aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the flavor element comprises at least one flavor source, and wherein the flavor source is preferably retained in an adsorbent material.

Example 6: The aerosol-generating system according to example 5, wherein the flavor element comprises a hosting element, wherein the hosting element comprises the flavor source, and wherein the hosting element comprises at least one flavor outlet. Example 7: The aerosol-generating system according to example 6, wherein the flavor element comprises a gripping element, wherein the gripping element comprises a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is arranged to be at least partially in contact with the housing of the aerosol-generating device when the flavor element is mounted at the housing, and wherein the second surface is configured to provide a friction fit with the hosting element.

Example 8: The aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the flavor element comprises a release-selecting element and the hosting element of example 6, wherein the release-selecting element and the hosting element comprise complementary attachment means for removably connecting the release-selecting element and the hosting element.

Example 9: The aerosol-generating system according to any of examples 6 to 8, wherein one or both of the release-selecting element and the hosting element comprises at least one flavor outlet, and wherein the one or both of the release-selecting element and the hosting element is configured such that the flavor is released from the flavor outlet.

Example 10: The aerosol-generating system according to any of examples 6 to 9, wherein one or both of the release-selecting element and the hosting element is configured to be movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the flavor element is configured to release the flavor from the flavor element and wherein in the second position the flavor element is configured to fully block the release of flavor from the flavor element or is configured to at least restrict the release of the flavor from the flavor element relative to the flavor release in the first position.

Example 11 : The aerosol-generating system according to example 10, wherein the complementary attachment means is configured to move one or both of the release-selecting element and the hosting element between the first position and the second position.

Example 12: The aerosol-generating system according to any of examples 10 and 11 , wherein the hosting element comprises at least one recess and at least one projection, wherein the recess comprises the flavor source, wherein in the first position, the flavor outlet of the release-selecting element is aligned with the recess of the hosting element and wherein in the second position, the flavor outlet of the release-selecting element is aligned with the projection of the hosting element.

Example 13: The aerosol-generating system according to any of examples 1 to 5, wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises a mouthpiece, wherein the mouthpiece is mounted at the housing of the aerosol-generating device, and wherein the flavor element is removably mounted at the mouthpiece or wherein the flavor element is sandwiched between the mouthpiece and a main body of the aerosol-generating device. Example 14: The aerosol-generating system according to any of examples 1 and 3 to 5, wherein the flavor element is a sticker.

Example 15. The aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example comprising at least a first flavor element and a second flavor element, wherein the first flavor element is configured to release a first flavor, wherein the second flavor element is configured to release a second flavor, and wherein preferably the first flavor is different to the second flavor.

Features described in relation to one embodiment may equally be applied to other embodiments of the invention.

The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 shows an aerosol-generating system of the invention comprising a flavor element;

Fig. 2 shows components of the flavor element of the invention;

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the flavor element of the invention comprising a hosting element and a release-selecting element;

Fig. 4 shows an assembled flavor element of the invention comprising a hosting element and a release-selecting element similar to those of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 shows another embodiment of the flavor element of the invention;

Fig. 6 shows an aerosol-generating system of the invention comprising the flavor elements of Figs. 3, 4 and 5;

Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of the aerosol-generating system of the invention with the flavor element removably mounted at a mouthpiece;

Fig. 8 shows an embodiment of the flavor element of the invention as a sticker

Fig. 9 shows and embodiment of the aerosol-generating system of the invention comprising two flavor elements;

Fig. 1 shows an aerosol-generating system 100 of the invention. The system comprises an aerosol-generating device 102, a flavor element 104 and an aerosol-generating article 106. The flavor element 104 is mounted on the device 102.

The flavor element 104 comprises a hosting element 108. The hosting element 108 comprises adsorbent material 110. The adsorbent material 110 is inserted in a chamber of the hosting element 108. The adsorbent material 110 comprises a flavor source. The hosting element 108 comprises flavor outlets 112. The flavor element 104 further comprises a gripping element 114. The gripping element 114 is sandwiched between the aerosol-generating device 102 and the hosting element 108. The gripping element 114 improves the hold of the flavor element 104 on the aerosol-generating device 102.

The aerosol-generating device comprises a housing 116. The aerosol-generating device is inserted into an opening of the hosting element 108.

The aerosol-generating system further comprises the aerosol-generating article 106 comprising aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article 106 is inserted into a cavity of the aerosol-generating device.

In use, the consumer draws on the proximal end 118 of the aerosol-generating article 106. When the user draws on the aerosol-generating article 106, a negative pressure is generated. Ambient air is drawn into the aerosol-generating device 102 and towards the user through the airflow channel. A heating element (not shown) of the aerosol-generating device 102 is arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature below a combustion temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate, but at or above a temperature at which one or more volatile compounds of the aerosol-forming substrate are released to form an inhalable aerosol. The aerosol is drawn into the mouth of the consumer at the proximal end 118 of the aerosol-generating article 106.

Additionally, flavor is generated by volatizing at least a portion of the flavor source of the adsorbent material 110. The flavor is release through the flavor outlets 112 of the flavor element 104 to the surrounding.

When the aerosol-generating article 106 is inserted into the consumer’s mouth, the flavor element 104 is located in the proximity of the nose of the consumer. The released flavor is delivered to the nose of the consumer. The flavor stimulates the receptors of the nose. In this way, the flavor provides a sensory experience to the consumer in addition to the experience provided by the aerosol consumed via the consumer’s mouth.

The release of the flavor is separated from the release of the aerosol. The flavor is separated from the aerosol by at least the housing 116 of the device 102. Fluid communication between the flavor element 104 and the interior of the device 102 is prevented at least by the housing 116 of the device.

The consumer may select the mounting position along a longitudinal axis 119 of the device 102.

Fig. 2 shows more detailed views of compartments of the flavor element 104 similar to the flavor element 104 of Fig. 1. Fig. 2A shows two views of the gripping element 114. The lefthand side of Fig. 2A shows the gripping element 114 in an open configuration. The right-hand side of Fig. 2A shows the gripping element in a closed configuration.

The gripping element 114 is configured as a strip. The gripping element 114 comprises a first surface 120. The first surface 120 is configured to be smooth. On the opposite side of the strip, the gripping element 114 comprises a second surface 121. The second surface 121 is configured to be gritted. The second surface 121 may have a surface roughness greater than the first surface 120.

The gripping element 114 is transferred from the open configuration into the closed configuration by at least partially rolling up the gripping element 114 to form a ring. Hereby, the smooth surface is located on the inside of the ring and the gritted surface is located on the outside of the ring. The gripping element 114 may be wrapped around the aerosol-generating device 102 to mount the gripping element 114 on the device 102. The gripping element 114 is in the closed configuration when mounted to the device 102 as shown in Fig. 1. The smooth first surface 120 is in surface contact with the housing 116 of the device 102. The gritted second surface 121 faces the hosting element 108 of the flavor element 104 for improving the frictional contact between the gripping element 114 and the adsorbent material 110 housed in the hosting element 108.

Fig. 2B shows a detailed view of the hosting element 108, similar to the hosting element 108 shown in Fig. 1. The hosting element 108 comprises a flavor outlet 112. The flavor outlet 112 is an opening in an outer wall of the hosting element 108. The hosting element 108 is ringshaped. The hosting element 108 comprises a chamber 122 and an opening 123.

Fig. 2C shows adsorbent material 110. The adsorbent material 110 may comprise a flavor source.

The chamber 122 of the hosting element 108 of Fig. 2B is configured to receive the adsorbent material 110 of Fig 2C. The adsorbent material 110 may be bent to fit inside the chamber 122 of the hosting element 108. The adsorbent material 110 may align the flavor outlet 112 when inserted into the hosting element 108.

Fig. 3A shows two schematical views of an embodiment of a ring-shaped hosting element 108 and Fig. 3B shows an embodiment of ring-shaped release-selecting element 124. The hosting element 108 of Fig. 3A and the release-selecting element 124 of Fig. 3B are configured to be complementary to each other.

The hosting element 108 of Fig. 3A comprises recesses 126 and projections 128. The hosting element 108 further comprises a mounting means 130 in the form of a protrusion. This protrusion may engage with the aerosol-generating device 102 to couple the hosting element 108 to the device 102. The recesses 126 are configured as pockets in an outer wall 132 of the hosting element 108. The recesses 126 are configured to accommodate an adsorbent material (not shown) comprising flavor source.

The release-selecting element 124 comprises flavor outlets 112 radially arranged in an outer wall 134 of the release-selecting element 124. The release-selecting element further comprises an opening 123. The release-selecting element 124 comprises an attachment means 138. The attachment means 138 comprises a protrusion. The protrusion may engage with a rim 140 of the hosting element 108 to connect the release-selecting element 124 with the hosting element 108.

Fig. 4 shows the hosting element 108 and the release-selecting element 124 in an assembled configuration forming an embodiment of the flavor element 104 of the invention.

Fig. 4A shows the hosting element 108 and the release-selecting element 124 mounted at the aerosol-generating device 102. The hosting element 108 is coupled to the device 102 by the mounting means 130. The hosting element 108 is received in the release-selecting element 124. The release-selecting element 124 interlocks with the hosting element 108. The flavor element is shown to be mounted at the proximal end of the aerosol-generating device. Mounting the flavor element 104 at the proximal end puts the flavor element 104 very close to nose of the consumer, improving the release of the flavor to the nose of the consumer.

An aerosol-generating article 106 may be inserted through opening 123 into a cavity of the aerosol-generating system. The aerosol-generating article 106 may be heated when inserted int the cavity of the aerosol-generating system.

Fig. 4B shows a view from below of the assembled flavor element 104 comprising the hosting element 108 and release-selecting element 124. The hosting element 108 is inserted into the release-selecting element 124. The flavor element 104 is shown in a first position. The recesses 126 of the hosting element 108 align with the flavor outlets 112 of the releaseselecting element 124. The recesses 126 comprise flavor source. The recesses 126 are in fluid communication with the flavor outlets 112. Flavor generated from the flavor source may be released from the flavor element 104 through the flavor outlets 112.

The release-selecting element 124 comprises four sets of triplet flavor outlets 112. The hosting element 108 comprises four recesses 126. In the shown first position, each set of flavor outlets 112 is in fluid communication with one of the recesses 126.

In use, the consumer draws on the aerosol-generating article (not shown) inserted into the opening 123. The consumer inhales aerosol formed by heating an aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article and delivered through the proximal end 118 of the aerosol-generating article 106. Additionally, when the flavor element 104 coupled to the device 102 such as shown in Fig. 4A is in the first position, flavor is released from the flavor outlets 112 of the release-selecting element 124. The released flavor flows directly to the consumer’s nose to provide a consumption experience in addition to the consumption experience provided by the inhaled aerosol. When no further consumption experience in addition to the aerosol consumption is desired, the consumer may rotate the release-selecting element 124 into the second position. In the second position, the flavor outlets 112 of the release-selecting element 124 align with the projections 128 of the hosting element 108. In the second position, fluid communication between the recesses 126 and the flavor outlets 112 is blocked by the projections 128 and the outer wall 134 of the release-selecting element 124. In the second position, flavor is not released from the flavor element 104.

Fig. 4C shows a cross-section parallel to a longitudinal axis 141 of the device 102 and the coupled flavor element 104 comprising the hosting element 108 and the release-selecting element 124. The hosting element 108 is coupled to the device 102. The hosting element 108 is received by the release-selecting element 124.

Fig 4D shows the flavor element 104 comprising a hosting element 108 and a releaseselecting element 124. The release-selecting element 124 is shown in a transparent view to show the interplay between the structure of the hosting element 108 and the release-selecting element 124. The flavor element 104 in shown in the first position with the flavor outlet 112 in alignment with the recess 126. Fig. 6A shows a further embodiment of the system 100 in which the flavor element 104 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 4D is mounted on the aerosolgenerating device 102 in a central position.

Fig 5A shows another embodiment of a flavor element 104 comprising a hosting element 108 and a release-selecting element 124. The release-selecting element 124 comprises a chamber 142. The chamber 142 is configured to receive at least a portion of the hosting element 108. The hosting element 108 and the release-selecting element 124 are ringshaped. The outer wall 132 of the hosting element 108 comprises multiple flavor outlets 112. The hosting element 108 comprises flavor source (not shown). The flavor element 104 may further comprise an attachment means (not shown). The attachment means 138 may comprise a threaded coupling (not shown). The flavor element 104 may be mounted at the proximal end of the aerosol-generating device 102. Mounting the flavor element 104 at the proximal end puts the flavor element 104 very close to nose of the consumer, improving the release of the flavor to the nose of the consumer.

The flavor element 104 may be moved from the second position into the first position by rotating (indicated by arrow 144) the hosting element 108 relative to the release-selecting element 124. The release-selecting element 124 may be fixed to the aerosol-generating device 102. By rotating the hosting element 108, the hosting element 108 may be at least partially unscrewed from the release-selecting element 124 by means of the threaded coupling, such that the first position is achieved. The hosting element 108 is further removed from the releaseselecting element 124 in the first position than in the second position. In the first position, the flavor outlets 112 of the hosting element 108 are positioned above the walls of the chamber 142 of the release-selecting element 124. In the first position, the flavor outlets 112 are in fluid communication with the surroundings. In the first position, flavor is release through the flavor outlets 112 into the surroundings. To achieve the second position, the hosting element 108 is screwed further into the release-selecting element 124 by means of the threaded coupling. In the second position, the walls of the chamber 142 of the release-selectin element cover the flavor outlets 112 of the hosting element 108. In the second position, flavor release through the flavor outlets 112 is blocked by the walls of the chamber 142 of the release-selecting element 124.

Fig. 6B shows a further embodiment of the system 100 in which the flavor element 104 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 5A is mounted on the aerosol-generating device 102 in a central position.

Fig. 5B shows an embodiment of a flavor element 104 comprising the hosting element 108 and the release-selecting element 124 in the second position. The release-selecting element 124 is shown partially transparent to show the configuration of the flavor outlets 112 of the hosting element 108 more clearly. The hosting element 108 is shown fully inserted into the chamber 142 of the release-selecting element 124. The hosting element 108 comprises flavor source (not shown). The release-selecting element 124 blocks fluid communication between the flavor outlets 112 and the surroundings preventing release of flavor from the flavor outlets 112. Arrow 146 indicates that the hosting element 108 is pushed down into the chamber 142 of the release-selecting element 124, such that release through the flavor outlets 112 is blocked. In the first position, the flavor outlets 112 of the hosting element 108 are positioned above the release-selecting element 124. The flavor outlets 112 are in fluid communication with the surroundings of the flavor element 104. Flavor formed from the flavor source is released through the flavor outlets 112.

Fig. 5C shows the flavor element 104 of Fig. 5B comprising the hosting element 108 and the release-selecting element 124 in the first position. The hosting element 108 comprises two sections 148 and 150 of different diameters. The diameter of section 148 is greater than the diameter of section 150. The diameter of section 148 is greater than the diameter of the outer wall 134 of the release-selecting element 124. The diameter of section 150 of the hosting element 108 is such that section 150 can be inserted into the chamber 142 of the releaseselecting element 124. In the second position, section 148 of the hosting element 108 prevents the hosting element 108 from being pushed too far into the release-selecting element 124.

The consumer may pull (indicated by arrow 152) on the hosting element 108 to move the flavor element 104 from the second position to the first position. The consumer can grab the hosting element 108 at section 148, in particular the section extending radially beyond the release-selecting element 124.

The embodiments of the flavor element 104 of Figs. 5A to 5C may be coupled to the aerosol-generating device 102 through the release-selecting element 124, for example at the proximal end of the device 102. Fig. 6C shows a further embodiment of the system 100 in which the flavor element 104 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 5C is mounted on the aerosol-generating device 102 in a central position.

For embodiments of Figs. 6A to 6C, the consumer may freely select the mounting position of the flavor element 104 along a longitudinal axis of the device 102.

For embodiments of Figs. 6A to 6C, the inner element may comprise a mounting means (not shown). In Fig. 6A, the hosting element 108 may comprise a mounting means 130, while in Figs. 6B and 6C the release-selecting element 124 may comprise a mounting means 130. Preferably, the mounting means 130 may be attached to an inner wall such elements. The mounting means 130 may couple such elements to the device 102.

Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of the aerosol-generating system of the invention with the flavor element 104 removably mounted at a mouthpiece 154.

Figs. 7A and 7B shows the mouthpiece 154 comprising a flavor element 104. The flavor element 104 is a stripe comprising flavor source positioned around the mouthpiece 154.

Fig. 7C shows the aerosol-generating system comprising the mouthpiece 154. The mouthpiece 154 comprises an air outlet at the proximal end 156 of the mouthpiece 154.

In use, the consumer draws on the proximal end 156 of the mouthpiece 154 to inhale an aerosol generated from aerosol-forming substrate contained in the mouthpiece 154 to be provided with a first consumption experience. Flavor is release from the flavor element 104. The consumer inhales the flavor through the nose, such that the consumer is provided with a second consumption experience.

Fig. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the aerosol-generating system (aerosol-generating article not shown) comprising a sticker flavor element 104. The shown embodiment comprises three sticker flavor elements 104. The flavor elements 104 are attached at the proximal end of the aerosol-generating device 102. The aerosol-generating device 102 comprises a cavity 158 into which the aerosol-generating article 106 may be inserted.

Fig. 9 shows an aerosol-generating system of the invention comprising a first flavor element 204 and a second flavor element 304. The first flavor element 204 and the second flavor element 304 are coupled to the proximal end of the aerosol-generating device 102. The aerosol-generating article 106 is inserted into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device 102 as indicated by arrow 160.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article, an aerosol-generating device comprising a housing and an airflow channel for delivering an aerosol, wherein the airflow channel is arranged within the housing, and at least one flavor element, wherein the flavor element is configured to be removably mounted at the housing of the aerosol-generating device, wherein the flavor element is configured to release a flavor, wherein the flavor element is configured to not be in fluid communication with the airflow channel when the flavor element is mounted at the housing of the aerosol-generating device, such that the flavor is released from the flavor element separately from the aerosol in the airflow channel, wherein the flavor element comprises at least one flavor source, wherein the flavor element comprises a hosting element, wherein the hosting element comprises the flavor source, wherein the hosting element comprises at least one flavor outlet, wherein the flavor element comprises a release-selecting element, wherein the release-selecting element and the hosting element comprise complementary attachment means for removably connecting the release-selecting element and the hosting element.

2. The aerosol-generating system of claim 1 , wherein the flavor element comprises an opening, wherein the opening has a shape complementary to at least a portion of the housing, such that the flavor element is removably mounted at the housing by one or both of a form fit and a friction fit, preferably wherein the flavor element is ring-shaped.

3. The aerosol-generating system according to any preceding claim, wherein the flavor element is configured to be removably mounted around the housing of the device or at a proximal end of the device.

4. The aerosol-generating system according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing has an outer wall, and wherein the flavor element is mounted on the outer wall of the housing.

5. The aerosol-generating system according to any preceding claim, wherein the flavor source is retained in an adsorbent material.

6. The aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flavor element comprises a gripping element, wherein the gripping element comprises a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is arranged to be at least partially in contact with the housing of the aerosol-generating device when the flavor element is mounted at the housing, and wherein the second surface is configured to provide a friction fit with the hosting element.

7. The aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one or both of the release-selecting element and the hosting element comprises at least one flavor outlet, and wherein the one or both of the release-selecting element and the hosting element is configured such that the flavor is released from the flavor outlet.

8. The aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one or both of the release-selecting element and the hosting element is configured to be movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the flavor element is configured to release the flavor from the flavor element and wherein in the second position the flavor element is configured to fully block the release of flavor from the flavor element or is configured to at least restrict the release of the flavor from the flavor element relative to the flavor release in the first position.

9. The aerosol-generating system according to claim 8, wherein the complementary attachment means is configured to move one or both of the release-selecting element and the hosting element between the first position and the second position.

10. The aerosol-generating system according to any of claims 8 and 9, wherein the hosting element comprises at least one recess and at least one projection, wherein the recess comprises the flavor source, wherein in the first position, the flavor outlet of the releaseselecting element is aligned with the recess of the hosting element and wherein in the second position, the flavor outlet of the release-selecting element is aligned with the projection of the hosting element.

11 . The aerosol-generating system according to any preceding claim comprising at least a first flavor element and a second flavor element, wherein the first flavor element is configured to release a first flavor, wherein the second flavor element is configured to release a second flavor, and wherein preferably the first flavor is different to the second flavor.