EP4663048A1

EP4663048A1 - Aerosol provision device and system

Info

Publication number: EP4663048A1
Application number: EP24182423.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Juan Esteban Paz JAUREGUI
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2024-06-14
Filing date: 2024-06-14
Publication date: 2025-12-17
Also published as: WO2025257423A1

Abstract

An aerosol provision system (2) comprising an aerosol provision device (4) and an article (6) is disclosed. The article comprises a support (36) to which is applied at least one portion of an aerosol generating material. The aerosol provision device comprises an aerosol generator (12) and a receptacle (10) configured to receive the article. The aerosol generator and article are configured to generate aerosol from a plurality of generation regions (42) in the aerosol generating material when the article is received in the receptacle and the system is in use. The system defines a fluid flow path (18) from an inlet mouth (20) to an outlet mouth (22). The fluid flow path passes through the receptacle. Each of the plurality of generation regions are disposed along the fluid flow path. Each generation region is so configured and orientated that it extends an average distance X in a direction perpendicular to the fluid flow path and an average distance Y in the direction of the flow path, and for each generation region X is greater than Y. Each generation region is configured to generate at least a predetermined volume of aerosol in a predetermined period of time when the aerosol generator is activated.

Description

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an aerosol provision devices and systems, a method of providing an aerosol and an aerosol provision means.

Background

Aerosol provision systems which generate an aerosol for a user to inhale are well known in the art. Such systems are generally battery powered and contain an aerosol provision device comprising the battery and an aerosol generator, and an article which includes aerosol generating material. Such an article is sometimes known as a consumable. The aerosol can be generated in a variety of ways. For example, the aerosol may be generated by heating a substrate that includes or is formed from an aerosol generating material to form a vapour which subsequently condenses in passing air so to form a condensation aerosol. Alternatively, the aerosol might be generated by mechanical means, vibration etc., so that the substrate becomes dispersed in passing air so as to form an aerosol.

Summary

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol provision device and an article. The article comprises a support to which is applied at least one portion of an aerosol generating material. The aerosol provision device comprises an aerosol generator and a receptacle configured to receive the article. The aerosol generator and article are configured to generate aerosol from a plurality of generation regions in the aerosol generating material when the article is received in the receptacle and the system is in use. The system defines a fluid flow path from an inlet mouth to an outlet mouth. The fluid flow path passes through the receptacle. Each of the plurality of generation regions are disposed along the fluid flow path, and each generation region is so configured and orientated that it extends an average distance X in a direction perpendicular to the fluid flow path and an average distance Y in the direction of the flow path. For each generation region X is greater than Y, and each generation region is configured to generate at least a predetermined volume of aerosol in a predetermined period of time when the aerosol generator is activated.
According to a second aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an aerosol provision device for use in the aerosol provision system of the first aspect.
According to a third aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method of generating aerosol from an article using an aerosol provision system or aerosol provision device according to the first or second aspects of the present disclosure, with the aerosol provision system or aerosol provision device including at least one aerosol generator disposed to heat, but not burn, the or each discrete portion of aerosol generating material in use; wherein at least one aerosol generator includes a resistive heater element or a magnetic field generator and a susceptor.
Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the disclosure given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of an aerosol provision system according to the present disclosure;
Figure 2 shows a schematic sectional view along the section line AA of the aerosol provision system of Figure 1;
Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an article of the aerosol provision system of Figure 1;
Figure 4 shows a schematic plan view of a surface of the article of Figure 3 and part of the receptacle;
Figure 5 shows a detailed schematic view of a part of the view of Figure 2;
Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of an article of the aerosol provision system of Figure 1;
Figure 7 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of an aerosol provision system according to the present disclosure; and
Figure 8 shows a schematic sectional view along the section line AA of the aerosol provision system of Figure 7.

Detailed Description

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol provision device and an article. The article comprises a support to which is applied at least one portion of an aerosol generating material. The aerosol provision device comprises an aerosol generator and a receptacle configured to receive the article. The aerosol generator and article are configured to generate aerosol from a plurality of generation regions in the aerosol generating material when the article is received in the receptacle and the system is in use. The system defines a fluid flow path from an inlet mouth to an outlet mouth. The fluid flow path passes through the receptacle. Each of the plurality of generation regions are disposed along the fluid flow path, and each generation region is so configured and orientated that it extends an average distance X in a direction perpendicular to the fluid flow path and an average distance Y in the direction of the flow path. For each generation region X is greater than Y, and each generation region is configured to generate at least a predetermined volume of aerosol in a predetermined period of time when the aerosol generator is activated.
It is to be understood that "in use" references a time when the device is being used by a user to generate an aerosol, at least a portion of which the user intends to inhale.
In an embodiment of the above embodiment the receptacle includes a chamber which is configured to at least partially surround the article when the device is in use.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the receptacle is configured to allow the article to be inserted into and removed from the aerosol generating zone.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the fluid flow path is a passage defined by the aerosol provision device along which a fluid may be caused to flow.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the fluid is drawn into the fluid flow path at the inlet mouth by a user sucking on the outlet mouth.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the fluid is the gaseous atmosphere in the vicinity of the inlet mouth when the user sucks on the outlet mouth.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the fluid flow path is approximately linear and has an approximately straight central axis that extends along the length of the fluid flow path.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the fluid flow path is non-linear and has a non-linear central axis that extends along the length of the fluid flow path.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, fluid flowing along the fluid flow path may be considered to have an average direction of travel that is along or parallel to the central axis of fluid flow path.
References to directions relative to the fluid flow path are to be understood to be directions relative to the central axis of the flow path at a given position along the flow path.
With reference to each generation region being so configured and orientated that that generation region extends an average distance X in a direction perpendicular to the fluid flow path and an average distance Y in the direction of the flow path, the averages are mean averages.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the maximum dimension of the article in the direction perpendicular to the fluid flow path at the position of each generation region along the flow path is a distance AP. In some embodiments the distance X for at least one generation region is greater than 80% of AP. In some embodiments the distance X for at least one generation region is greater than 85% of AP. In some embodiments the distance X for at least one generation region is greater than 90% of AP. In some embodiments the distance X for at least one generation region is greater than 95% of AP. In some embodiments the distance X for at least one generation region is greater than 97% of AP.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the maximum dimension of the receptacle in the direction perpendicular to the fluid flow path at the position of each generation region along the flow path is a distance RP. In some embodiments the distance X for at least one generation region is greater than 80% of RP. In some embodiments the distance X for at least one generation region is greater than 85% of RP. In some embodiments the distance X for at least one generation region is greater than 90% of RP. In some embodiments the distance X for at least one generation region is greater than 95% of RP. In some embodiments the distance X for at least one generation region is greater than 97% of RP.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, each generation region is rectangular.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the spacing between adjacent generation regions in the direction of the fluid flow path is sufficient to prevent the heating of one generation region to cause generation of aerosol from the aerosol generating material of that generation region from causing the generation of aerosol from aerosol generating material in an adjacent generation region.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the article comprises a flat support surface to which the aerosol generating material is applied, and the receptacle and the article are at least approximately rectangular in the plane of the flat support surface.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises a plurality of discrete portions, and each discrete portion is associated with one of the generation regions.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, at least one of the discrete portions has a first composition, and at least one of the discrete portions has a different second composition.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, at least one of the discrete portions of aerosol generating material corresponds in configuration (shape) and location to the generation region with which it is associated.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the predetermined volume of aerosol generated from a generation region in a predetermined period of time when the aerosol generator is activated is greatest for the generation region furthest along the fluid flow path from the outlet mouth.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the predetermined volume of aerosol generated from a generation region in a predetermined period of time when the aerosol generator is activated is least for the generation region closest to the outlet mouth along the fluid flow path.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the predetermined volume of aerosol generated from a generation region in a predetermined period of time when the aerosol generator is activated is the same for each aerosol generation region.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the portion of the system that defines the fluid flow path between the inlet mouth and the receptacle is so configured that the flow of fluid through the receptacle passes across the whole of each generation zone.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the portion of the system that defines the fluid flow path between the inlet mouth and the receptacle is a portion of the aerosol provision device.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the configuration of the portion of the system that defines the fluid flow path between the inlet mouth and the receptacle includes one or more fluid flow modification elements.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, at least one fluid flow modification element is configured to introduce turbulence in the fluid flowing along the fluid flow path downstream of the fluid flow modification element.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generator is disposed to heat, but not burn, the aerosol generating material in use, in which the aerosol generator comprises a resistive heater.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generator is disposed to heat, but not burn, the aerosol generating material in use, in which the aerosol generator comprises a magnetic field generator and a susceptor.
According to a second aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an aerosol provision device for use in the aerosol provision system of the first aspect.
In an embodiment of the above embodiment, the aerosol provision device includes the features of any of the above embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure.
According to a third aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method of generating aerosol from an article using an aerosol provision system or aerosol provision device according to the first or second aspects of the present disclosure, with the aerosol provision system or aerosol provision device including at least one aerosol generator disposed to heat, but not burn, the or each discrete portion of aerosol generating material in use; wherein at least one aerosol generator includes a resistive heater element or a magnetic field generator and a susceptor.
As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating material" is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants. Aerosol-generating material may include any plant based material, such as tobacco-containing material and may, for example, include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-generating material also may include other, non-tobacco, products, which, depending on the product, may or may not contain nicotine. Aerosol-generating material may for example be in the form of a solid, a liquid, a gel, a wax or the like. Aerosol-generating material may for example also be a combination or a blend of materials. Aerosol-generating material may also be known as "smokable material".
The aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder and an aerosol former. Optionally, an active and/or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, is also present and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free from botanical material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.
The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be an "amorphous solid". The amorphous solid may be a "monolithic solid". In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may, for example, comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.
The aerosol-generating material may comprise an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may comprise or be a sheet, which may optionally be shredded to form a shredded sheet. The aerosol-generating sheet or shredded sheet may be substantially tobacco free.
According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.
In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.
Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.
In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
An aerosol generating device can receive an article comprising aerosol-generating material for heating. An "article" in this context is a component that includes or contains in use the aerosol-generating material, which is heated to volatilise the aerosol-generating material, and optionally other components in use. A user may insert the article into the aerosol generating device before it is heated to produce an aerosol, which the user subsequently inhales. The article may be, for example, of a predetermined or specific size that is configured to be placed within a heating chamber of the device which is sized to receive the article. In the context of this description, the terms "article" and "consumable", are interchangeable.
In the following discussions of the accompanying drawings, where the same element is present in a more than one embodiment the same reference numeral is used for that element throughout, where there are similar elements similar reference numerals (the same numeral plus a multiple of 100) are used.
With reference to Figures 1 and 2, an aerosol provision system 2 comprises an aerosol provision device 4 and an article 6.
The aerosol provision device 4 comprises a casing 8 which encloses a receptacle 10, an aerosol generator 12, a power supply 14 and a controller 16.
The aerosol generator 12 is, in the illustrated embodiment, a resistive heater powered by the power supply 14 in the form of a rechargeable battery. In other embodiments the aerosol generator 12 is a magnetic field generator powered by the power supply 14 and one of a part of the receptacle 10 or the article 6 includes a susceptor which may be inductively heated.
In other embodiments the power supply 14 may be an alternative suitable means for storing the power needed to power the aerosol generator 12.
The aerosol provision device 4 also includes a passage or fluid flow path 18 which extends from an inlet mouth 20 to an outlet mouth 22, and is mostly defined by internal walls 24A to 24D and 26A to 26D of the aerosol provision device 4, internal walls 28A to 28C of the receptacle 10 and first surface 30 of the article 6.
The portion of the fluid flow path 18 adjacent the outlet mouth 22 is defined by an internal surface 32 of a mouthpiece 34.
The flow path is configured such that when a user sucks on the mouthpiece 34 air flows along the fluid flow path 18 from the inlet mouth 20 to the outlet mouth 22 as illustrated by the arrow F.
The configuration of the portion of the fluid flow path 18 between the inlet mouth 20 and the receptacle 10 is configured to cause the air flow along the flow path 18 to flow across the whole of the first surface 30 of the article 6. That is, the internal walls 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D are so configured that there are no still or stagnant zones within the fluid flow path 18.
As illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, an alternative example of an alternative aerosol provision system 2 is as described in connection with figures 1 to 6 above with the addition of baffles 44 in the portion of the fluid flow path 18 between the inlet mouth 20 and the receptacle 10. The baffles are so located that they introduce turbulence in the flow of air along the fluid flow path 18 and as a result assist in ensuring that there are no still or stagnant zones within the fluid flow path 18.
With reference to Figures 3 and 4, the article 6 comprises a support 36 with a first surface 30. First surface 30 is flat and supports a plurality of generation regions 38 each of which is formed from an aerosol generating material. The quantity and / or composition of aerosol generating material in each generation region 38 is such that each generation region is configured to generate at least a predetermined volume of aerosol in a predetermined period of time when the aerosol generator is activated.
In some examples, where the period of time of activation of the aerosol generator 12 is the same for each generation region 38, the generation regions 38 are so configured that, in a predetermined period of time when the aerosol generator 12 is activated, the volume of aerosol generated from the generation region 38 furthest from the outlet mouth 22 along the fluid flow path 18 is greater than the volume generated by any of the other generation regions 38 in the same period of time of activation of the aerosol generator 12.
In some examples, where the period of time of activation of the aerosol generator 12 is the same for each generation region 38, the generation regions 38 are so configured that, in a predetermined period of time when the aerosol generator 12 is activated, the volume of aerosol generated from the generation region 38 closest to the outlet mouth 22 along the fluid flow path 18 is less than the volume generated by any of the other generation regions 38 in the same period of time of activation of the aerosol generator 12.
In some examples, where the period of time of activation of the aerosol generator 12 is the same for each generation region 38, the generation regions 38 are so configured that the volume of aerosol generated from a given generation region 38 is greater than the volume generated by any of the other generation regions 38 that are nearer to the outlet mouth 22 along the fluid flow path 18 than the given generation region 38, and the volume of aerosol generated from the given generation region 38 is smaller than the volume generated by any of the other generation regions 38 that are further from the outlet mouth 22 along the fluid flow path 18 than the given generation region 38 .
In some examples, where the period of time of activation of the aerosol generator 12 differs for each generation region 38, and the generation regions 38 are each configured in the same way as each other, the period of time for which the aerosol generator 12 is activated for the generation region 38 furthest from the outlet mouth 22 along the fluid flow path 18 is longer than the period of time for which the aerosol generator 12 is activated for the other generation regions 38. This results in the volume of aerosol generated by the generation region 38 furthest from the outlet mouth 22 along the fluid flow path 18 being greater than the volume of aerosol generated by the other generation regions 38.
In some examples, where the period of time of activation of the aerosol generator 12 differs for each generation region 38, and the generation regions 38 are each configured in the same way as each other, the period of time for which the aerosol generator 12 is activated for the generation region 38 nearest to the outlet mouth 22 along the fluid flow path 18 is shorter than the period of time for which the aerosol generator 12 is activated for the other generation regions 38. This results in the volume of aerosol generated by the generation region 38 closest to the outlet mouth 22 along the fluid flow path 18 being less than the volume of aerosol generated by the other generation regions 38.
In some examples, where the period of time of activation of the aerosol generator 12 differs for each generation region 38, and the generation regions 38 are each configured in the same way as each other, the period of time for which the aerosol generator 12 is activated for a given generation region 38 is longer than the period of time for which the aerosol generator 12 is activated for the generation regions 38 that are closer to the outlet mouth 22 along the fluid flow path 18, and the period of time for which the aerosol generator 12 is activated for a given generation region 38 is shorter than the period of time for which the aerosol generator 12 is activated for the generation regions 38 that are further from the outlet mouth 22 along the fluid flow path 18. This results in the volume of aerosol generated by the given generation region 38 being less than the volume of aerosol generated by the other generation regions 38 that are further from the outlet mouth 22 along the fluid flow path 18 and greater than the volume of aerosol generated by the other generation regions 38 that are closer to the outlet mouth 22 along the fluid flow path 18.
In some examples, where both the period of time of activation of the aerosol generator 12 for each generation region 38 and the configuration of each generation region 38 differs for each generation region, the period of time for which the aerosol generator 12 is activated and configuration of the generation region 38 furthest from the outlet mouth 22 along the fluid flow path 18 is such that the volume of aerosol generated by the generation region 38 furthest from the outlet mouth 22 along the fluid flow path 18 is greater than the volume of aerosol generated by the other generation regions 38.
In some examples, where both the period of time of activation of the aerosol generator 12 for each generation region 38 and the configuration of each generation region 38 differs for each generation region, the period of time for which the aerosol generator 12 is activated and configuration of the generation region 38 closest to the outlet mouth 22 along the fluid flow path 18 is such that the volume of aerosol generated by the generation region 38 closest to the outlet mouth 22 along the fluid flow path 18 is less than the volume of aerosol generated by the other generation regions 38.
In some examples, where both the period of time of activation of the aerosol generator 12 for each generation region 38 and the configuration of each generation region 38 differs for each generation region, the period of time for which the aerosol generator 12 is activated and configuration of a given generation region 38 is such that the volume of aerosol generated by the given generation region 38 is less than the volume of aerosol generated by the other generation regions 38 that are further from the outlet mouth 22 along the fluid flow path 18 and greater than the volume of aerosol generated by the other generation regions 38 that are closer to the outlet mouth 22 along the fluid flow path 18.
It is to be understood that the comparison of volumes of aerosol generated by generation regions 38 herein is a comparison of the volume generated by a specifically identified generation region 38 and the volume generated by one or each of the other generation regions 38 when considered on an individual basis. The comparison is not a comparison of the volume generated by the specifically identified generation region 38 and the cumulative volume generated by two or more of the other generation regions 38.
In some examples, the predetermined volume of aerosol generated from a generation region 38 in a predetermined period of time when the aerosol generator 12 is activated is the same for each aerosol generation region 38.
Each generation region 38 is so configured and dimensioned on the first surface 30 of the support 36 that in the direction perpendicular to the direction of flow of the air along the fluid flow path 18, as illustrated by the arrow F, the generation region 38 has an average dimension (also referred to as distance) X. The average dimension X is, when each generation region 38 is rectangular or approximately rectangular and the major axis of the rectangle is perpendicular to the arrow F, the dimension of the rectangle in the direction of the rectangle's major axis.
In other embodiments where the generation region 38 is not rectangular, the average dimension X in the direction perpendicular to the arrow F may be calculated by appropriate geometric means or other known techniques.
Each generation region 38 is so configured and dimensioned on the first surface 30 of the support 36 that in the direction parallel to the direction of flow of the air along the fluid flow path 18, as illustrated by the arrow F, the generation region 38 has an average dimension (also referred to as distance) Y. The average dimension Y is, when each generation region 38 is rectangular or approximately rectangular and the minor axis of the rectangle is parallel to the arrow F, the dimension of the rectangle in the direction of the rectangle's minor axis.
In other embodiments where the generation region 38 is not rectangular, the average dimension Y in the direction parallel to the arrow F may be calculated by appropriate geometric means or otherwise.
The dimension X is greater than the dimension Y for each generation region 38.
The support 36 has a maximum dimension in the direction perpendicular to the arrow F is a dimension (also referred to as distance) AP. In the illustrated article 6 the dimension X for each generation region 38 is greater than 85% of AP.
In other non-illustrated examples, the dimension X for each generation region 38 is greater than one or more of 80%, 90%, 95%, or 97% of AP.
The receptacle 10 and article 6 are so configured that the side walls 28A, 28C of the receptacle 10 are a distance (also referred to as dimension) RP apart and the dimension X for each generation region 38 is greater than 80% of RP.
In other non-illustrated examples, the dimension X for each generation region 38 is greater than one or more of 85%, 90%, 95%, or 97% of RP.
The above relative dimensions are advantageous because such configurations of each generation region results in a density of vapour / aerosol that may be introduced into the flow path in the direction of the flow path that is greater than known receptacles and articles. This is because each generation region introduces aerosol into a major portion of the flow path such as into the whole or nearly the whole of the width of the flow path when the aerosol generator 12 for a given generation region is activated. As a result, if a user takes a puff and the generation region is introducing aerosol into the whole or nearly the whole of the width of the flow path throughout the puff, the whole or nearly the whole of the puff will contain aerosol at the density that the aerosol was emitted from the generation region.
In contrast, for a typical known article and receptacle a generation region on the article will introduce aerosol into only a portion of the flow path that passes through the article and / or receptacle during a puff. This leads to the aerosol being substantially diluted by the air that is part of the puff and into which no aerosol is introduced. As a result, the density of aerosol in a puff taken from a device including a receptacle and article of the present disclosure is increased relative to that of a device including a known receptacle and article.
A further advantage of the above configurations is that by having X greater than Y and having X as a substantial proportion of AP, it is possible to minimise Y and thus increase the number of generation portions 38 on an article 6.
In an alternative example of an article, the article 106 illustrated in Figure 6 includes a support 136 which supports three generation regions 138-1, 138-2, and 138-3. The three generation regions 138-1, 138-2, and 138-3 have dimensions in the direction perpendicular to the arrow F of X1, X2 and X3 respectively. The support 136 has a maximum dimension AP in the direction perpendicular to the arrow F.
The dimension X3 of the generation region 138-3 is greater than 80% of AP.
An advantage of the configuration of the article 136 is that the decrease in size of the three generation regions 138-1, 138-2, and 138-3 in the direction of flow represented by arrow F compensates for the decreased losses of aerosol due to condensation between the individual generation regions and the outlet mouth 22.
The article 6 is configured and dimensioned to be removably located in the receptacle 10 via the inlet mouth 20.
With reference to Figure 5, when the article 6 is located in the receptacle 10 a second surface 40 of the article 6 is adjacent the aerosol generator 12.
The aerosol generator 12 is configured to include a plurality of generator regions 42 each of which can be activated to cause heating of the portion of the article 6 adjacent the activated generator region 42. The generator regions 42 are so located in the aerosol generator 12 and the generation regions 38 are so located on the support 26 that when the article 6 is located in the receptacle 10 each generation region 38 is adjacent a generator region 42.
Each generator region 42 is so dimensioned that it causes generation of vapour / aerosol from the whole of the generation region 38 with which it is associated when the generator region is activated.
In other non-illustrated embodiments, each generator region 42 is so dimensioned that it causes generation of vapour / aerosol from a portion of the generation region 38 with which it is associated when the generator region is activated where the portion is less than 100% of the area of the generation region 38.
In other non-illustrated embodiments, at least one generator region 42 is so dimensioned that it causes generation of vapour / aerosol from the whole of the generation region 38 with which it is associated when the generator region is activated, and at least one generator region 42 is so dimensioned that it causes generation of vapour / aerosol from a portion of the generation region 38 with which it is associated when the generator region is activated where the portion is less than 100% of the area of the generation region 38.
The generation regions 38 are sufficiently spaced from each other that heating of a generation region 38 by a generator region 42 does not cause either of the generation regions 38 adjacent the generation region 38 that is being heated to vaporise as a result of the heating.
When the aerosol provision system 2 is in use the controller 16 causes activation of at least one of the generator regions 42. That activation causes the activated generator region or regions 42 to heat the adjacent generation region or regions 38 so that the generation region or regions generators a vapour from the aerosol generation material therein. That vapour then converts to an aerosol.
The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

An aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol provision device and an article, in which
the article comprises a support to which is applied at least one portion of an aerosol generating material,

the aerosol provision device comprises an aerosol generator and a receptacle configured to receive the article,

the aerosol generator and article are configured to generate aerosol from a plurality of generation regions in the aerosol generating material when the article is received in the receptacle and the system is in use,

the system defines a fluid flow path from an inlet mouth to an outlet mouth,

the fluid flow path passes through the receptacle,

each of the plurality of generation regions are disposed along the fluid flow path, each generation region is so configured and orientated that it extends an average distance X in a direction perpendicular to the fluid flow path and an average distance Y in the direction of the flow path,

for each generation region X is greater than Y, and

each generation region is configured to generate at least a predetermined volume of aerosol in a predetermined period of time when the aerosol generator is activated.
A system according to claim 1 in which the maximum dimension of the article in the direction perpendicular to the fluid flow path at the position of each generation region along the flow path is a distance AP, and the distance X for at least one generation region is greater than 80% of AP, greater than 85% of AP, greater than 90% of AP, greater than 95% of AP, or greater than 97% of AP.
A system according to claim 1 or 2 in which the maximum dimension of the receptacle in the direction perpendicular to the fluid flow path at the position of each generation region along the flow path is a distance RP, and the distance X for at least one generation region is greater than 80% of RP, greater than 85% of RP, greater than 90% of RP, greater than 95% of RP, or greater than 97% of RP.
A system according to any of claims 1 to 3 in which each generation region is rectangular.
A system according to any of claims 1 to 4 in which the spacing between adjacent generation regions in the direction of the fluid flow path is sufficient to prevent the heating of one generation region to cause generation of aerosol from the aerosol generating material of that generation region from causing the generation of aerosol from aerosol generating material in an adjacent generation region.
A system according to any of claims 1 to 5 in which the article comprises a flat support surface to which the aerosol generating material is applied, and the receptacle and the article are at least approximately rectangular in the plane of the flat support surface.
A system according to any of claims 1 to 6 in which the aerosol generating material comprises a plurality of discrete portions, and each discrete portion is associated with one of the generation regions.
A system according to claim 7 in which at least one of the discrete portions of aerosol generating material corresponds in configuration and location to the generation region with which it is associated.
A system according to any of claims 1 to 8 in which the predetermined volume of aerosol generated from a generation region in a predetermined period of time when the aerosol generator is activated is greatest for the generation region furthest along the fluid flow path from the outlet mouth.
A system according to any of claims 1 to 9 in which the predetermined volume of aerosol generated from a generation region in a predetermined period of time when the aerosol generator is activated is least for the generation region closest to the outlet mouth along the fluid flow path.
A system according to any of claims 1 to 8 in which the predetermined volume of aerosol generated from a generation region in a predetermined period of time when the aerosol generator is activated is the same for each aerosol generation region.
A system according to any of claims 1 to 11 in which the portion of the system that defines the fluid flow path between the inlet mouth and the receptacle is so configured that the flow of fluid through the receptacle passes across the whole of each generation zone.
A system according to claim 12 in which the configuration of the portion of the system that defines the fluid flow path between the inlet mouth and the receptacle includes one or more fluid flow modification elements.
A system according to any of claims 1 to 13 in which the aerosol generator is disposed to heat, but not burn, the aerosol generating material in use, in which the aerosol generator comprises a resistive heater.
A system according to any of claims 1 to 13 in which the aerosol generator is disposed to heat, but not burn, the aerosol generating material in use, in which the aerosol generator comprises a magnetic field generator and a susceptor.