EP4704627A1

EP4704627A1 - Aerosol-generating device with a key unit operating as a child-proof lock

Info

Publication number: EP4704627A1
Application number: EP24723548.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Rui Nuno Rodrigues Alves BATISTA; Manon LIBINE
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Current assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date: 2023-05-02
Filing date: 2024-05-02
Publication date: 2026-03-11
Also published as: CN121127151A; WO2024227873A1; KR20260003785A

Abstract

Aerosol-generating device with a key unit operating as a child-proof lock An aerosol-generating device comprising a main body (2) with an aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity (29) and an actuator, wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises a key unit (200) that is detachably attachable to the main body (2), wherein detachment of the key unit (200) from the main body (2) causes the device to switch from an operative state, in which an actuation of the actuator causes operating of a heater (28) to heat an aerosol-generating article (8) received in the cavity (29) to generate an aerosol, to an inoperative state, in which the device is unable to generate and/or release an aerosol, wherein attachment of the key unit (200) to the main body (2) causes the device to switch from the inoperative state to the operative state.

Description

Aerosol-generating device with a key unit operating as a child-proof lock

BACKGROUND ART

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device comprising a main body with an aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity and an actuator, and preferably with at least one of a heater and a battery compartment.

There is a trend of applicable regulation and legislation towards child protection in the use of portable devices for the purpose of inhalation of recreational and nicotine content aerosols.

Currently, there are no devices in the market with effective technical child-proof solutions.

It is also known that devices for aerosolization of nicotine content substances, namely via Heated-Tobacco Products (HTP) or Heat-Not-Burn (HNB) technologies, may lack flavor and aroma notes, comparing with conventional products, vaping systems and inhalable pharmaceutical products, that can be combined with other consumable products, for example flavoring, CBD, etc.. Therefore, it would be desirable that devices may incorporate additional flavor release that may enhance the overall consumer experiences within the scope of HTP I HNB products aerosolization.

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED:

Current aerosol-generating devices existing in the market may be used by users unauthorized by its owner, namely when the device is unattended, which may include attempts to be used be underage users, including children. Such as in situations when consumers are at home, and may leave the aerosol-generating devices and corresponding aerosol-generating articles unattended in different places at home, and therefore underage users, including their children, may attempt to use the aerosol-generating devices in many ways.

There is an increasing trend of demanding regulatory framework within the scope of childproof features in nicotine delivery devices and products, and therefore technical solutions to avoid the use of aerosol-generating devices and products by underage users are seen as strategic to business.

In parallel, it is desirable to offer the possibility to users to modify or otherwise change a flavoring of the inhalable aerosol that originates from a consumable, for example a tobacco-based consumable, by the use of additional flavor-release consumables.

In summary, the problem to be solved is to provide an aerosol-generating device that incorporates child-proof solutions. It would be preferable to also be able to release flavors to enhance the consumer experience, as well as that may release pleasant aroma to inhibit potential remaining odors inside the device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

To solve the above-identified problem, the present invention provides the aerosol-generating device according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments are claimed in the subclaims.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising a main body with an aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity and an actuator. The aerosol-generating device further comprises a key unit that is detachably attachable to the main body, wherein detachment of the key unit from the main body causes the device to switch from an operative state, in which an actuation of the actuator allows operating of a heater to heat an aerosol-generating article received in the cavity to generate an aerosol, to an inoperative state, in which the device is unable to generate and/or release an aerosol, and wherein attachment of the key unit to the main body causes the device to switch from the inoperative state to the operative state. The main body or an aerosol-generating article to be used in combination with the device may further comprise a heater and a battery (compartment). It is also possible that the main body comprises one of the heater and the battery, whereas the aerosol-generating article comprises the other one of the heater and the battery.

As such, depending on whether or not the key unit is attached to the main body, the aerosolgenerating device is operative or inoperative. The key unit thereby operates as a child-proof lock. For example, the key unit thereby works like a key that prevents unauthorized and unattended use of the aerosol-generating device, in particular by children or infants. This safety feature can meet the current market and regulatory demands regarding child-proof technical solutions for portable aerosol-generating devices.

According to claim 1 , the attachment/detachment of the key unit to/from the main body merely causes the device to switch to the operative/inoperative state, respectively. This may encompass any indirect causal relation between the attachment/detachment and the switching, e.g. by means of sensors and controllers.

More specifically, the key unit is an additional part next to the main body. In the absence of any further functional, technical or electrical requirements, the key unit may be a cheap, lightweight, simple and decoratively customizable item that can be purchased separately from the main body. The heater, the battery compartment and the actuator itself do not qualify as a key unit, as these items are designed and constructed according to specific functional, technical and/or electrical requirements, which calls for complex mechanical and electrical interfaces as well as increases their cost, size and weight.

MECHANICAL KEY (CLAIM 2)

In a preferred embodiment, the key unit may be a mechanical key that mechanically switches the device from the operative state to the inoperative state by detachment from the main body, and from the inoperative state to the operative state by attachment to the main body, wherein the key unit is preferably free from electronics or other active components. This allows a very simple, cheap and lightweight design of the key unit as well as easy attachment to and detachment from the main body. Claim 2 stipulates that the attachment/detachment of the key unit to/from the main body switches the device to the operative/inoperative state, which means that the attachment/detachment of the key unit to/from the main body is directly/actively causal for the switching the device to the operative/inoperative state.

KEY UNIT (DIS-)CONNECTS BATTERY AND HEATER (CLAIM 3)

In another preferred embodiment, the detachment of the key unit from the main body may cause electric disconnection of the heater from a battery (in particular a battery comprised or received in a battery compartment), and the attachment of the key unit to the main body may cause electric connection of the heater to the battery.

Accordingly, depending on whether or not the key unit is attached to the main body, there is an electrical operative connection between the battery and the heater or not. Without power from the battery, the heater cannot heat an aerosol-generating article received in the aerosolgenerating article-receiving cavity, so that generation of aerosol is effectively prevented in the inoperative state. On the other hand, since the attachment of the key unit to the main body establishes the electric connection between the battery and the heater, the generation of aerosol is only possible in the operative state.

The interaction of the key unit with the electric connection between the battery and the heater provides an additional safety feature that prevents unauthorized use of the aerosol-generating device in that the detachment of the key unit from the main body electrically disables the operation of the aerosol-generating device.

KEY UNIT AFFECTS AIRFLOW IN CAVITY (CLAIM 4)

In yet another preferred embodiment, the detachment of the key unit from the main body may deteriorate or disable an airflow inside the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity, so that the device becomes unable to generate and/or release an aerosol, and the attachment of the key unit to the main body may improve or enable the airflow inside the aerosol-generating articlereceiving cavity, so that the device becomes able to generate and/or release an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the device may be delivered to a user or consumer via a mouthpiece.

More specifically, the detachment of the key unit from the main body may open the aerosolgenerating article-receiving cavity, in particular an upstream end thereof, to fluidically connect it to open air, so that the user is unable to draw an aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating article, and the attachment of the key unit to the main body may close the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity, in particular an upstream end thereof, to fluidically disconnect it from open air. The upstream end of the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity is where the insertion end of an aerosol-generating article received in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity is positioned during aerosol generation. This end of the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity is called “upstream end” as it is located upstream of the aerosol-generating article during aerosol consumption by a user. The airflow though the aerosol-generating article received in the aerosolgenerating article-receiving cavity may be triggered by a puff of the user. The airflow starts at the insertion end of the aerosol-generating article, then passes through the entire aerosol-generating article to generate the aerosol, wherein the aerosol generated by dispensing particles of e.g. heated tobacco into the airflow passing through the article leaves the article through the end located outside the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity.

The key unit, in particular a key portion thereof, may be a core functional part for operating the device, in particular a core functional part of the air management of the device, wherein the key unit may define at least a part of an airflow channel and air inlet structure that feeds the aerosol-generating cavity in the operative state of the device.

There may be an air inlet chamber (or air reservoir) at the upstream end of the aerosolgenerating article-receiving cavity. This air inlet chamber may be filled with ambient air when the user does not draw aerosol from the aerosol-generating article received in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity. There may be an upstream air channel that leads from the external environment to the air inlet chamber and the keyhole portion receiving the key element. The air capacity and air resistance of the air inlet chamber may be fluidically adapted to a typical puff of a user. When the user starts to draw aerosol from the aerosol-generating article, the air from the air inlet chamber may flow into the aerosol-generating article. This would create a negative pressure within the air inlet chamber or air reservoir that draws in (aspirates) ambient air from the outside or external environment of the device as soon as the user stops drawing aerosol from the aerosol-generating article. The limited air capacity of the air inlet chamber and the arrangement of the airflow of the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity provides for a specific Resistance- to-Draw (RTD). The Resistance-to-Draw (RTD) may be controlled in the operative state to be within a certain defined range by the elements that form the aersolization chamber. In an operative state, a RTD can be within the range from 10 to 150 mmWG (millimeter water gauge), more preferably from 20 to 140 mmWG, even more preferably from 30 to 120 mmWG. In the inoperative state, an additional fluidic connection from the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity to the external environment by the unoccupied keyhole is created, so that the RTD can drop to a value below 30 mmWG, preferably below 20 mmWG, more preferably below 10 mmWG. The interaction of the key unit to modify the airflow inside the aerosol-generating articlereceiving cavity provides yet another safety feature that prevents unauthorized use of the aerosol - generating device.

DETECTION UNIT (CLAIM 5)

In still another preferred embodiment, the device may further comprise a detection unit that is configured to detect attachment and detachment of the key unit to/from the main body, wherein the detection unit may be configured to cause the device to switch to the operative state upon detection of the attachment of the key unit and to cause the device to switch to the inoperative state upon detection of the detachment of the key unit.

The detection unit may comprise a presence or distance sensor, wherein the presence or distance sensor may be a capactive sensor, an optical sensor, or an inductive sensor, etc.

The detection unit may comprise a pressure sensor that is pressed by the key unit in the attached state of the key unit and unpressed in the detached state of the key unit. The pressure sensor may comprise a pogo-pin or push-button.

The interaction of the key unit with the detection unit provides yet another additional safety feature that prevents unauthorized use of the aerosol-generating device.

KEYHOLE AND KEY PORTION (CLAIM 6)

In yet another preferred embodiment, the main body may comprise a keyhole and the key unit may comprise a corresponding key portion fitting into the keyhole, to enable the operative state.

The keyhole may be in fluid communication with the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity and an external environment in the inoperative state, allowing air from the external environment to reach into or escape from the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity through the keyhole.

The keyhole may be closed relative to the external environment, in particular hermetically sealed, by the key unit in the operative state.

The key portion may be at least partially coated, preferably in its top and bottom surfaces, in particular by a layer of elastomeric material, such as silicon based polymeric compounds, FDA certified, to provide for a seal, which may ensure hermetic sealing of the keyhole in the operative state.

The keyhole may be provided in a convex surface of the main body.

The keyhole may be provided on an edge of the main body. The keyhole may be provided in a central portion in a direction of length and/or width and/or height of the main body, preferably in the middle third of the length and/or width and/or height of the main body.

The inner cross-sectional shape of the keyhole may be adapted or complementary to the outer cross-sectional shape of the key portion in the insertion direction of the key portion.

The keyhole may have a slit-shaped opening.

The key portion may protrude from a concave side of the key unit.

The key portion may protrude from a decorative element of the key unit, in particular in a direction orthogonal to the decorative element.

In the operative state, the key portion may separate the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity from an air inlet chamber provided in the main body and may force air to flow from the air inlet chamber through an air passage provided in the key portion before entering into the generating article-receiving cavity.

The air passage may open into a substance-containing-article receiving-cavity of the key portion, so that air (for example triggered by a puff of a user) passing through the air passage flows through a substance-containing-article received in the substance-containing-article receiving-cavity before entering into the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity arranged downstream.

The air passage may be formed by a traversing hole or bore of about 0.1 to 2 mm in diameter.

In the operative state, the key portion may guide air entering into the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity to flow through an aerosol-generating article received therein.

In the operative state, the key portion may define the bottom of the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity.

The complementarily adapted shapes of the keyhole and the key portion provide yet another additional safety feature that prevents unauthorized use of the aerosol-generating device by hindering manipulation of the device by insertion of key-like items into the keyhole, attempting to simulate the presence of the key portion.

DECORATIVE ELEMENT (CLAIM 7)

In yet another preferred embodiment, the key unit may comprise a decorative element that remains visible in the operative state.

The part of the key unit comprising the decorative element may cover an exposed surface of the main body, preferably a convex surface.

The decorative element may comprise a decorative surface, for example a decorative pattern, one or more symbols, one or more logos, or a combination thereof. The decorative element may be a wall, part, shell or cover.

The decorative element may comprise at least one of a texture and a color, pattern, embossing, perforations, structurations, e.g. a snake-skin fabric or grey carbon-fiber.

The decorative element may be adhesively attached, bonded, welded or soldered to the key unit or integrally formed with the key unit (e.g. by 3D-print).

The part of the key unit comprising the decorative element may extend substantially orthogonally with respect to a key portion of the key unit.

The part of the key unit comprising the decorative element may occupy or cover at least one of the following dimensions on at least one side of the main body in the operative state:

At least 50 %, 70 % or 90 %, preferably 100%, of a height dimension of the main body.

At least 50 %, 70 % or 90 %, preferably 100%, of a length dimension of the main body.

At least 50 %, 70 % or 90 %, preferably 100%, of a width dimension of the main body.

KEY UNIT CONFIGURED TO HOLD SUBSTANCE-CONTAINING-ARTICLE (CLAIM 8)

In yet another preferred embodiment, the key unit, in particular a key portion thereof, may be configured to hold a substance-containing-article to release its substance to generate a modified aerosol in the operative state.

The key unit may comprise a substance-containing article receiving-cavity that is configured to receive the substance-containing article, preferably upstream from the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity.

The key unit may be configured to support the substance-containing article such that the substance-containing article releases its substance into the aerosol-generating article-receiving- cavity in the operative state, in particular to an upstream end thereof, or to an aerosol-generating article received therein, or to an aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating device, or to an airflow used for generating the aerosol.

The substance-containing article may be a flavored or aroma-containing article. The release of pleasant flavor or aroma may enhance the consumer experience.

The substance-containing article may contain pharmaceutical ingredients, botanicals, CBD, etc.

FORM-FIT FRICTION-FIT (CLAIM 9)

In yet another preferred embodiment, the key unit may be detachably attached to the main body by form-fit and/or by magnetic force.

The key unit may be detachably attached to the main body by snap-fit.

The key unit may embrace or be arranged flush with two opposite edges of the main body in the operative state. The key unit may be configured to be attached to and detached from the main body in a tool-free manner.

The key unit may be elastically deformable for attachment to and detachment from the main body.

The key unit may be configured to be expanded for detachment from the main body and configured to be contracted for attachment to the main body.

The key unit may be formed as a bracket.

The key unit may be attached to the main body by clipping.

The key unit may be made from metal and/or plastics.

The key unit may comprise an elastic body.

The key unit may cover at least one side surface of the main body over its entire width and/or length and/or height.

The side of the key unit facing the main body may be in full contact with the main body in the operative state without a gap in between.

The key unit may snugly fit to the main body in the operative state.

The above features provide considerable degrees of freedom for attaching/detaching the key unit to/from the main body.

KEY UNIT CONFIGURED TO POSITION AEROSOL-GENERATING ARTICLE (CLAIM 10)

In yet another preferred embodiment, the key unit may be configured to position an aerosolgenerating article received in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity, in particular in relation to the heater, in the operative state.

The key portion may be configured to at least partially support an aerosol-generating article received in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity in the operative state, in particular a leading end of the aerosol-generating article.

The key unit may be configured to position the aerosol-generating article received in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity in the operative state, such that the heater can heat an aerosol-generating substance contained in the aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol. Detachment of the key unit from the main body may cause the same aerosol-generating article to be inappropriately positioned in the aerosol-generating cavity, preventing an aerosol-generating substance contained in the aerosol-generating article to be heated by the heater, so that no or only insufficient aerosol is generated despite heating.

Thereby, the aerosol-generating article can only be correctly positioned in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity when the key unit is attached to the main body. Absence of the key unit will lead to misplacement of the aerosol-generating article in the aerosol-generating articlereceiving cavity, in particular in relation to the heater or in relation to an airstream through the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity. Accordingly, the aerosol-generating device will be inoperable without the key unit due to misplacement of the aerosol-generating article.

SECOND KEY UNIT (CLAIM 11)

In yet another preferred embodiment, the device may further comprise a second key unit, which is detachably attachable to the main body instead of the first key unit, wherein the first and second key units may differ at least in their decorative elements. The decorative elements may be used, for example, for personalization purposes.

The device may comprise a sensor that is configured to identify of each of the first and second key unit, wherein the sensor may be configured to cause the device to switch to a first operating mode upon identification of the first key unit, wherein the sensor may be configured to cause the device to switch to a second operating mode, different from the first operating mode, upon identification of the second key unit. The sensor may generate a first signal upon identification of the first key unit and a second signal upon identification of the second key unit. The device may further comprise a controller that may generate a first command to switch the device to the first operating mode upon receipt of the first signal and may generate a second command to switch the device to the second operating mode upon receipt of the second signal. This may be embodied, for example, by RFID tags, optical tags, patterns, or codes, different mechanical structures of the first and second key units, etc.

SYSTEMCOMPRISING AN AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE AND ARTICLE (CLAIM 12)

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding aspects and embodiments, and at least one aerosol-generating article configured to be received in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity so as to generate an aerosol upon heating same by the heater in the operative state.

In the operative state, a static pressure difference between the two ends of the aerosolgenerating article received in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity (representing the Re- sistance-To-Draw (RTD)), as measured in accordance with ISO Standard 6565:2002 with any ventilation blocked, may be in a range from 10 to 150 mmWG, more preferably from 20 to 140 mmWG, even more preferably from 30 to 120 mmWG. In the inoperative state, an additional fluidic connection from the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity to the external environment by the unoccupied keyhole is created, so that the RTD can drop to a value below 30 mmWG, preferably below 20 mmWG, more preferably below 10 mmWG. The key portion may be configured to hold the aerosol-generating article received in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity, in particular a insertion end thereof, in the operative state.

The key unit may be configured to position the aerosol-generating article received in the aerosol-generating cavity in the operative state, such that the heater can heat an aerosol-generating substance contained in the aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol.

Detachment of the key unit from the main body may cause the same aerosol-generating article to be inappropriately positioned in the aerosol-generating cavity, preventing an aerosolgenerating substance contained in the aerosol-generating article to be heated by the heater, so that no or only insufficient aerosol is generated despite heating.

The aerosol-generating article may be but is not limited to a nicotine-containing-product (NCP) Cartridge or a tobacco stick.

SYSTEM, FURTHER COMPRISING SUBSTANCE-CONTAINING-ARTICLE (CLAIM 13)

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system according to the preceding aspect, wherein system further comprises at least one substance-containing- article configured to be held by the key unit to interact with the aerosol-generating article received in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity so as to generate a modified aerosol in the operative state.

The substance-containing-article may be made of porous media or comprises a porous substrate.

The substance-containing-article may incorporate a sensorial media to release flavor and aroma.

The substance-containing-article may be disk-shaped or may be impregnated with flavor substances (liquid and/or gel form).

The substance-containing-article may be of one of the following types of porous materials: a) ceramic compounds, e.g. as they exist in the market for the use releasing aroma by devices for ambient aroma release, as well as devices for aromatherapy, b) compounds of materials selected from silicon carbide, silicon-based com-pounds, cordierite, silica and zirconium-based ceramic compounds, c) compounds adequate in terms of granulometry to be sintered to obtain the desire range of porosity, such as porous silica ceramics usually industrially produced from silica spinning solutions, where silica particles are introduced by electrospinning, and sintering is then applied to obtain the final desired geometrical shape and size, also obtaining the desired porosity, wherein the sintering process may occur at temperatures of about 1000 °C to 1200 °C.

The substance-containing-article may be a sintered porous product. The porosity of the substance-containing-article may be of about 30 to 80 %, preferably of about 40 to 70 %, most preferably of about 50 to 60 %.

The porosity of the sintered material may be adjusted by changing the content of the introduced silica particles, changing its granulometry, which enables to well control the desired porosity at the end, in terms of final product.

The porosity referred is using standard method and equation giving a decimal value for porosity, knowing the pore volume of a defined volume of material (Vp) and its total volume (Vt), wherein porosity (Pt) is given by the ratio Vp I Vt, wherein the porosity is expressed as a percent, that decimal is simply multiplied by 100%, for example, Pt = 0.51 , therefore 0.51 x 100% = 51%.

The substance-containing-article may be designed and manufactured using natural materials, such as porous basalt-stone-based materials, natural open-cell porous stone materials existing in the market granulated, and a combination of those with silica-based compounds, as both are commonly used to produce sintered porous products.

The substance-containing-article may comply with FDA requirements for F&B and Medical Devices.

The set may further comprise at least two different substance-containing-articles, which are different in shape and/or different in substance. The substance-containing-article may contain at least one of a flavor/flavored substance, botanicals, pharmaceutical products, cannabidiol (CBD) and the like.

METHOD FOR OPERATING THE AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE (CLAIM 14)

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating an aerosol-generating device or system according to any of the preceding aspects and embodiments, comprising the following steps, preferably but not necessarily in the order A-B-C- D or B-A-C-D:

Step A: Attaching the key unit to the main body, so as to cause the device to switch from the inoperative state to the operative state.

Step B: Receiving an aerosol-generating article in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity.

Step C: Actuating the actuator to cause operating of the heater to heat the aerosol-generating article received in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity to generate an aerosol.

Step D: Detaching the key unit from the main body, so as to cause the device to switch from the operative state to the inoperative state.

While the preferred order of method steps is A-B-C-D, the method steps may also be performed in a different order, such as B-A-C-D. METHOD FOR GENERATING MODIFIED AEROSOL (CLAIM 15)

Step C may further comprise: using the key portion to hold a substance-containing-article to interact with the aerosol-generating article to generate a modified aerosol. The substance- containing-article may be inserted into a substance-containing-article receiving cavity of the key unit, in particular the key portion of the key unit, prior to attachment of the key unit to the main body.

Further preferred embodiments result from combinations of features disclosed in the description, claims and drawings.

Terms and definitions

The term aerosol-generating device applies to all devices configured to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-generating device may be a portable handheld device. It may be operated remotely from an electrical power grid and may be powered by a battery.

The term aerosol-generating article applies to all articles that may be used to generate an aerosol, such as heat-not-burn tobacco or non-tobacco based products, and e-vapor products such as liquid-based cartridges. The aerosol-generating article may be a nicotine-containing- product (NCP) Cartridge or a tobacco stick. The aerosol-generating article may be specifically adapted to the aerosol-generating device and may be configured to be inserted into the aerosolgenerating article-receiving cavity of the main body to generate an aerosol.

The term heater applies to any item or unit that is configured to heat an aerosol-generating article received in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity. The heater may include devices, systems, and arrangements that permit to cause aerosolization of the aerosol-forming material of the article, for example external Joule or resistive heaters, external inductive heaters such as a susceptor tube or sleeve inductively heated by one or more coils, internal joule or resistive heaters such as penetrating heater blades or needles, internal inductive heaters such as susceptors internal to the articles, or susceptors in the shape of penetrating blades or needles, both being inductively coupled to one or more heating coils, infrared heating sources, radiation-type heaters for example based on microwaves, air heaters for incoming air, etc. etc. As such, the heater may generate heat remotely from the aerosol-generating article and transfer the heat to the aerosolgenerating article, e.g. by conduction or convection, or may generate heat in the aerosol-generating article e.g. by induction, wherein the device generates a magnetic field that heats a metallic or magnetizable element inside the aerosol-generating article that is positioned within the magnetic field to convert the magnetic energy into heat. The heater may also be a dielectric heater or an infrared heater. The heater may be provided in at least one of the main body and an aerosolgenerating article to be received in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity. The heater may also be provided in the key unit, or may be provided elsewhere. The term actuator applies to any item or unit that may cause operating of the heater. The actuator may generate and transmit a signal to a controller that cause operating of the heater. The actuator may be a purely mechanical device, that can be actuated to allow operation of the aerosol generating device, for example a mechanical switch, push rod, or other mechanical means that can close an electric circuit to allow operation, for example to allow the heater to operate. In this sense, no trigger is generated, but an electric circuit is closed to be made operable. The actuator may be an active trigger, such as an on/off switch or a button to be pressed by a user in case the user desires to consume an aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating device. It is also possible that the actuator is embodied as a passive trigger, wherein e.g. a sensor detects presence of an aerosol-generating article in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity as well as an attempt of a user to draw aerosol from the aerosol-generating article, and thereupon transmits a signal to the controller to cause operating of the heater. As such, an actuator embodied as active trigger may require an input from the user for causing operating of the heater. An actuator embodied as passive trigger may or may not require an input from the user for causing operating of the heater, it may rather comprise a sensor that detects or anticipates the user’s intention to draw an aerosol.

The term battery compartment refers to a compartment that may include - or may be configured to receive - a battery, in particular a disposable or rechargeable battery. The battery may be temporarily received or permanently installed in the battery compartment. The battery compartment may be integrally formed or separable from the remainder of the main body to allow replacement and remote charging of a battery contained therein.

The term main body refers to the entity comprising the actuator and the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity, and preferably at least one of the heater and the battery (compartment). As the aerosol-generating article may comprise at least one of a heater and a battery or battery compartment, it is not necessary that all of these parts are provided in the main body. The main body may be an integral body or a body composed of several separable units. The main body may have a cylindrical shape. The aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity may be located at an axial end of the cylindrical main body and may be concentrically arranged with respect to the main axis of the cylindrical main body. Alternatively, the main body may have a bent drop shape as seen in a direction of insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity and/or in a cross-sectional view orthogonal to an axis of the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity. The bent drop shape may have a semicircular portion and a tapered portion tapering from the semicircular portion towards a distal end portion. The tapered portion may have a concave sidewall and convex sidewall. The invention is defined in the claims. However, 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 Ex1 : Aerosol-generating device comprising a main body with an aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity and an actuator. The aerosol-generating device further comprises a key unit that is detachably attachable to the main body, wherein detachment of the key unit from the main body causes the device to switch from an operative state, in which an actuation of the actuator allows operating of a heater to heat an aerosol-generating article received in the cavity to generate an aerosol, to an inoperative state, in which the device is unable to generate and/or release an aerosol, and wherein attachment of the key unit to the main body causes the device to switch from the inoperative state to the operative state.

Example Ex2: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex1 , wherein the key unit is a mechanical key that mechanically switches the device from the operative state to the inoperative state by detachment from the main body, and from the inoperative state to the operative state by attachment to the main body, wherein the key unit is preferably free from electronics or other active components.

Example Ex3: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex1 or Ex2, wherein the detachment of the key unit from the main body causes electric disconnection of the heater from a battery (in particular a battery comprised or received in the battery compartment), and the attachment of the key unit to the main body causes electric connection of the heater to the battery.

Example Ex4: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex1 to Ex3, wherein the detachment of the key unit from the main body deteriorates or disables an airflow inside the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity, so that the device becomes unable to generate and/or release an aerosol, and the attachment of the key unit to the main body improves or enables the airflow inside the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity, so that the device becomes able to generate and/or release an aerosol.

Example Ex4a: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex4, wherein the detachment of the key unit from the main body opens the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity, in particular an upstream end thereof, to connect it to open air, so that the user is unable to draw an aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating article, and the attachment of the key unit to the main body closes the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity, in particular an upstream end thereof, to disconnect it from open air.

Example Ex4b: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex4 or Ex4a, wherein the key unit, in particular a key portion thereof, is a core functional part for operating the device, in particular a core functional part of the air management of the device, wherein the key unit defines at least a part of an airflow channel and air inlet structure that feeds the aerosolgenerating cavity in the operative state of the device.

Example Ex5: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex1 to Ex4b, wherein the device further comprises a detection unit that is configured to detect attachment and detachment of the key unit to/from the main body, wherein the detection unit is configured to cause the device to switch to the operative state upon detection of the attachment of the key unit and to cause the device to switch to the inoperative state upon detection of the detachment of the key unit.

Example Ex5a: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex5, wherein the detection unit comprises a presence or distance sensor.

Example Ex5b: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex5a, wherein the presence or distance sensor is a capactive sensor, an optical sensor or an inductive sensor.

Example Ex5c: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex5 to Ex5b, wherein the detection unit comprises a pressure sensor that is pressed by the key unit in the attached state of the key unit and unpressed in the detached state of the key unit.

Example Ex5d: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex5c, wherein the pressure sensor comprises a pogo-pin or push-button.

Example Ex6: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex1 to Ex5d, wherein the main body comprises a keyhole and the key unit comprises a corresponding key portion fitting into the keyhole to enable the operative state.

Example Ex6a: Aerosol-generating device according to Examples Ex6, wherein the keyhole is in fluid communication with the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity and an external environment in the inoperative state, allowing air from the external environment to reach into the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity or allowing air to escape from the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity to the external environment through the keyhole.

Example Ex6b: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex6 to Ex6a, wherein the keyhole is closed relative to the external environment, in particular hermetically sealed, by the key unit in the opera-tive state.

Example Ex6c: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex6 to Ex6b, wherein the key portion is at least partially coated, preferably in its top and bottom surfaces, in particular by a layer of elastomeric material, such as silicon based polymeric compounds, FDA certified, to provide for a seal which may ensure hermetic sealing of the keyhole in the operative state.

Example Ex6d: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex6 to Ex6c, wherein the keyhole is provided in a convex surface of the main body. Example Ex6e: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex6 to Ex6d, wherein the keyhole is provided on an edge of the main body.

Example Ex6f: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex6 to Ex6e, wherein the keyhole is provided in a central portion in a direction of length and/or width and/or height of the main body, preferably in the middle third of the length and/or width and/or height of the main body.

Example Ex6g: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex6 to Ex6f, wherein the inner cross-sectional shape of the keyhole is adapted or complementary to the outer cross-sectional shape of the key portion in the insertion direction of the key portion.

Example Ex6h: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex6 to Ex6g, wherein the keyhole has a slit-shaped opening.

Example Ex6i: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex6 to Ex6h, wherein the key portion protrudes from a concave side of the key unit.

Example Ex6j: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex6 to Ex6i, wherein the key portion protrudes from a decorative element of the key unit, in particular in a direction orthogonal to the decorative element.

Example Ex6k: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex6 to Ex6j, wherein, in the operative state, the key portion separates the aerosol-generating articlereceiving cavity from an air inlet chamber provided in the main body and forces air to flow from the air inlet chamber through an air passage provided in the key portion before entering into the generating article-receiving cavity.

Example Ex6l: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex6 to Ex6k, wherein the air passage opens into a substance-containing-article receiving-cavity of the key portion, so that air (for example triggered by a puff of a user) passing through the air passage flows through a substance-containing-article received in the substance-containing-article receiving-cavity before entering into the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity arranged downstream.

Example Ex6m: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex6 to Ex6l, wherein the air passage is formed by a traversing hole or bore of about 0.1 to 2 mm in diameter.

Example Ex6n: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex6 to Ex6m, wherein, in the operative state, the key portion guides air entering into the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity to flow through an aerosol-generating article received therein.

Example Ex6o: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex6 to Ex6n, wherein, in the operative state, the key portion defines the bottom of the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity. Example Ex7: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex1 to Ex6m, wherein the key unit comprises a decorative element that remains visible in the operative state.

Example Ex7a: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex7, wherein the part of the key unit comprising the decorative element covers an exposed surface of the main body, preferably a convex surface.

Example Ex7b: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex7 to Ex7a, wherein the decorative element comprises a decorative surface, for example a decorative pattern, one or more symbols, one or more logos, or a combination thereof.

Example Ex7c: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex7 to Ex7b, wherein the decorative element is a shell or cover.

Example Ex7d: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex7 to Ex7c, wherein the decorative element comprises at least one of a texture and a color, e.g. a snake-skin fabric or grey carbon-fiber.

Example Ex7e: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex7 to Ex7d, wherein the decorative element is adhesively attached, bonded, welded or soldered to the key unit.

Example Ex7f: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex7 to Ex7e, wherein the decorative element extends substantially orthogonally with respect to a key portion of the key unit.

Example Ex7g: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex7 to Ex7f, wherein the part of the key unit comprising the decorative element occupies or covers at least one of the following dimensions on at least one side of the main body in the operative state: At least 50 %, 70 % or 90 %, preferably 100%, of a height dimension of the main body. At least 50 %, 70 % or 90 %, preferably 100%, of a length dimension of the main body. At least 50 %, 70 % or 90 %, preferably 100%, of a width dimension of the main body.

Example Ex8: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex1 to Ex7g, wherein the key unit, in particular a key portion thereof, is configured to hold a substance- containing-article to release its substance to generate a modified aerosol in the operative state.

Example Ex8a: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex8, wherein the key unit comprises a substance-containing article receiving-cavity that is configured to receive the sub- stance-containing article, preferably upstream from the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity.

Example Ex8b: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex8 to Ex8a, wherein the key unit is configured to support the substance-containing article such that the substance-containing article releases its substance into the aerosol-generating article-receiving- cavity in the operative state, in particular to an upstream end thereof, or to an aerosol-generating article received therein, or to an aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating device, or to an airflow used for generating the aerosol.

Example Ex9: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex1 to Ex8b, wherein the key unit is detachably attached to the main body by form-fit and/or by magnetic force.

Example Ex9a: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex9, wherein the key unit is detachably attached to the main body by snap-fit.

Example Ex9b: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex9 to Ex9a, wherein the key unit embraces or is arranged flush with two opposite edges of the main body in the operative state.

Example Ex9c: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex9 to Ex9b, wherein the key unit is configured to be attached to and detached from the main body in a tool-free manner.

Example Ex9d: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex9 to Ex9c, wherein the key unit is elastically deformable for attachment to and detachment from the main body.

Example Ex9e: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex9 to Ex9d, wherein the key unit is configured to be expanded for detachment from the main body and configured to be contracted for attachment to the main body.

Example Ex9f: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex9 to Ex9e, wherein the key unit is formed as a bracket.

Example Ex9g: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex9 to Ex9f, wherein the key unit is attached to the main body by clipping.

Example Ex9h: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex9 to Ex9g, wherein the key unit is made from metal and/or plastics.

Example Ex9i: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex9 to Ex9h, wherein the key unit comprises an elastic body.

Example Ex9j: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex9 to Ex9h, wherein the key unit covers at least one side surface of the main body over its entire width and/or length and/or height.

Example Ex9k: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex9 to Ex9j, wherein the side of the key unit facing the main body is in full contact with the main body in the operative state without a gap in between.

Example Ex9l: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex9 to Ex9k, wherein the key unit snugly fits to the main body in the operative state. Example Ex10: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex1 to Ex9k, wherein the key unit is configured to position an aerosol-generating article received in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity, in particular in relation to the heater, in the operative state.

Example Ex10a: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex10, wherein the key portion is configured to at least partially support an aerosol-generating article received in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity in the operative state, in particular a leading end of the aerosol-generating article.

Example Ex10b: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex10 to Ex10a, wherein the key unit is configured to position the aerosol-generating article received in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity in the operative state, such that the heater can heat an aerosol-generating substance contained in the aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol.

Example Ex10c: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex10 to Ex10b, wherein the detachment of the key unit from the main body causes the same aerosolgenerating article to be inappropriately positioned in the aerosol-generating cavity, preventing an aerosol-generating substance contained in the aerosol-generating article to be heated by the heater, so that no or only insufficient aerosol is generated despite heating.

Example Ex11 : Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex1 to Ex10c, wherein the device further comprises a second key unit, which is detachably attachable to the main body instead of the first key unit, wherein the first and second key units differ at least in their decorative elements, for example for personalization purposes.

Example Ex11 b: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex11 to Ex11a, wherein the device comprises a sensor that is configured to identify of each of the first and second key unit, wherein the sensor is configured to cause the device to switch to a first operating mode upon identification of the first key unit, wherein the sensor is configured to cause the device to switch to a second operating mode, different from the first operating mode, upon identification of the second key unit.

Example Ex11c: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex11 to Ex11 b, wherein the sensor is configured to generate a first signal upon identification of the first key unit and a second signal upon identification of the second key unit.

Example Ex11d: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex11 to Ex11c, wherein the device further comprises a controller that is configured to generate a first command to switch the device to the first operating mode upon receipt of the first signal and is configured to generate a second command to switch the device to the second operating mode upon receipt of the second signal. Example Ex12: System comprising an aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Examples Ex1 to Ex11d and at least one aerosol-generating article configured to be received in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity so as to generate an aerosol upon heating same by the heater in the operative state.

Example Ex12a: System according to the Example Ex12, wherein, in the operative state, a static pressure difference between the two ends of the aerosol-generating article received in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity (representing the resistance-to-draw (RTD)), as measured in accordance with ISO Standard 6565:2002 with any ventilation blocked, when it is traversed by a 15 air flow under steady conditions in which the volumetric flow is 17.5 milliliters per second +/ 50 %, preferably +/ 20 %, at the output end.

Example Ex12a’: System according to the Example Ex12 or Ex12a, wherein, in the operative state, the RTD is within the range from 10 to 150 mmWG (millimeter water gauge), preferably from 20 to 140 mmWG, more preferably from 30 to 120 mmWG.

Example Ex12a”: System according to the Example Ex12 or Ex12a or Ex12a’, wherein, in the inoperative state, an additional fluidic connection from the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity to the external environment by the unoccupied key hole is created, so that the RTD drops to a value below 30 mmWG, preferably below 20 mmWG, more preferably below 10 mmWG.

Example Ex12b: System according to any one of the Examples Ex12 to Ex12a”, wherein the key portion is configured to hold the aerosol-generating article received in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity, in particular an insertion end thereof, in the operative state.

Example Ex12c: System according to any one of the Examples Ex12 to Ex12b, wherein the key unit is configured to position the aerosol-generating article received in the aerosol-generating cavity in the operative state, such that the heater can heat an aerosol-generating substance contained in the aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol.

Example Ex12d: System according to any one of the Examples Ex12 to Ex12c, wherein the detachment of the key unit from the main body causes the same aerosol-generating article to be inappropriately positioned in the aerosol-generating cavity, preventing an aerosol-generating substance contained in the aerosol-generating article to be heated by the heater, so that no or only insufficient aerosol is generated despite heating.

Example Ex12e: System according to any one of the Examples Ex12 to Ex12d, wherein the aerosol-generating article is a nicotine-containing-product (NCP) Cartridge or a tobacco stick.

Example Ex13: System according to the Example Ex12, wherein system further comprises at least one substance-containing-article configured to be held by the key unit to interact with the aerosol-generating article received in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity so as to generate a modified aerosol in the operative state. Example Ex13’: System according to the Example Ex12, wherein the substance-containing- article contains a flavored substance, a pharmaceutical substance, a botanical substance, CBD or other substance.

Example Ex13a: System according to the Example Ex13 or Ex13’, wherein the substance- containing-article is made of porous media or comprises a porous substrate.

Example Ex13b: System according to any one of the Examples Ex13 to Ex13a, wherein the substance-containing-article incorporates a sensorial media to release flavor and aroma.

Example Ex13c: System according to any one of the Examples Ex13 to Ex13b, wherein the substance-containing-article is disk-shaped or is impregnated with flavor substances (liquid and/or gel form).

Example Ex13d: System according to any one of the Examples Ex13 to Ex13c, wherein the substance-containing-article is of one of the following types of porous materials: a) ceramic compounds, e.g. as they exist in the market for the use releasing aroma by devices for ambient aroma release, as well as devices for aromatherapy, b) compounds of materials selected from silicon carbide, silicon-based com-pounds, cordierite, silica and zirconium-based ceramic compounds, c) compounds adequate in terms of granulometry to be sintered to obtain the desire range of porosity, such as porous silica ceramics usually industrially produced from silica spinning solutions, where silica particles are introduced by electrospinning, and sintering is then applied to obtain the final desired geometrical shape and size, also obtaining the desired porosity, wherein the sintering process may occur at temperatures of about 1000 °C to 1200 °C.

Example Ex13e: System according to any one of the Examples Ex13 to Ex13d, wherein the substance-containing-article is a sintered porous product.

Example Ex13f: System according to the Example Ex13e, wherein the porosity of the substance-containing-article is of about 30 to 80 %, preferably of about 40 to 70 %, most preferably of about 50 to 60 %.

Example Ex13g: System according to any one of the Examples Ex13e to Ex13f, wherein the porosity of the sintered material is adjusted by changing the content of the introduced silica particles, changing its granulometry, which enables to well control the desired porosity at the end, in terms of final product.

Example Ex13h: System according to any one of the Examples Ex13e to Ex13g, wherein the porosity referred is using standard method and equation giving a decimal value for porosity, knowing the pore volume of a defined volume of material (Vp) and its total volume (Vt), wherein porosity (Pt) is given by the ratio Vp I Vt, wherein the porosity is expressed as a percent, that decimal is simply multiplied by 100%, for example, Pt = 0.51 , therefore 0.51 x 100% = 51%. Example Ex13i: System according to any one of the Examples Ex13 to Ex13h, wherein the substance-containing-article is designed and manufactured using natural materials, such as porous basalt-stone-based materials, natural open-cell porous stone materials existing in the market granulated, and a combination of those with silica-based compounds, as both are commonly used to produce sintered porous products.

Example Ex13j: System according to any one of the Examples Ex13 to Ex13i, wherein the substance-containing-article complies with FDA requirements for F&B and/or Medical Devices.

Example Ex13k: System according to any one of the Examples Ex13 to Ex13j, wherein the system further comprises at least two different substance-containing-articles, which are different in shape and/or different in substance.

Example Ex14: Method of operating an aerosol-generating device according to any of the Examples Ex1 to Ex11d or a system according to any of the examples Ex12 to Ex13k, comprising the following steps, preferably in the order A-B-C-D or B-A-C-D:

Example Ex15: Method according to the Example Ex14, wherein the Step C further comprises: using the key portion to hold a substance-containing-article to interact with the aerosolgenerating article to generate a modified aerosol.

Brief description of drawings

Fig. 1 : Exemplary overview of the main body of the aerosol-generating device (2) according to a first embodiment and its main dimensional aspects, wherein (a) is a perspective view on a top side and a concave side of the device, wherein (b) is a top view showing the top side of the aerosol-generating device with aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity and illustrating the dimensions of the cavity opening in relation to the width of the main body, and wherein (c) is a side view of the concave side illustrating the dimensions of the cavity in relation to the length and height of the main body.

Fig 2: Overview of the aerosol-generating device (2) according to a first embodiment, which is a device for a Heated-Tobacco-Product (HTP), such as a tobacco stick (8), as an aerosol- generating article to be received in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity, and a wireless charging base (4) which is standardly DC powered via USB cabling.

Fig 3: Cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device (2) according to the first embodiment, incorporating an induction coil and shielding arrangement (28), an aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity (29) to hold the aerosol-generating articles I consumables (8), a cavity (23) or compartment for a replaceable battery, a curved battery (22), and an Electronics I Electronic Control Unit (ECU) (25), wherein view (b) contains additional reference signs as compared to view (a).

Fig 4: Exemplary overview of the main body (2) of the aerosol-generating device according to the first embodiment and its main dimensional aspects, wherein views (a), (b) and (c) are similar to those in Fig. 1 but with dotted lines representing the contours of selected hidden items contained within the main body (2) and with corresponding reference signs.

Fig 5: Overview of the aerosol-generating device (2) according to the first embodiment, wherein exemplary embodiments of different key units (200) embodied as covers I shells are attached to the main body (2), one at a time, wherein the key units (200) are configured as possible accessories, which combine aesthetic and functional aspects, wherein the device may incorporate a sensor that is configured to detect I identify each different cover I shell, and is configured to set-up automatically the device for a defined operating mode according to the detected I identified cover I shell, wherein view (a) is a top view of the main body, view (b) is a perspective view of the convex side of the main body, view (c) is a perspective view of the convex side of the key unit, and wherein views (d) and (e) are perspective views of the convex side of the device with different key units (200) having different decorative elements (230) attached to the main body (2).

Fig 6: Overview of an exemplary embodiment of a detachable attachable key unit (200) and its interaction with the main body (2), wherein the key unit (200) is embodied as a removable or replaceable cover/shell, wherein view (a) is a perspective view and view (b) is a cross-sectional view of the key unit (200) and the main body (2) in the detached state, showing the key portion (201) of the key unit (200) as a protruded element as well the keyhole portion (220) of the main body that serves as a corresponding opening I slot for receiving the key portion (201) of the key unit (200) in the attached state, wherein the key portion (201) comprises a cavity (202) and at least one opening I air channel (203) of about 0.1 to 2 mm in diameter, wherein the key portion (201) is coated in its top and bottom surfaces by a layer of elastomeric material (204), such as silicon based polymeric compounds, FDA certified, which ensures hermetic sealing of the aerosolgenerating article-receiving cavity (29) when the key portion (201) is adequately in its place by assembly the key unit (200) in the main body (2). Fig 7: Exemplary overview of the main parts and components of the key unit (200) and their interaction with the main body (2), wherein the key portion (201) of the key unit (200) has a specific complementary shape to match the corresponding keyhole (220) in the main body (2) of the device, wherein view (a) is a top view of the key unit (200), showing its curved design with elastic properties and hook-shaped side ends, which are configured to embrace the main body (2) by clipping over its length, wherein view (b) is a top view of the device in the attached state of the key unit (200), wherein the hidden key portion (201) of the key unit (200) is received in the keyhole (220) in the main body (2) and the key unit (200) embraces the main body (2) over its length, wherein view (c) is a perspective view of the convex side of the key unit (200) with the hidden key portion (201) protruding from the concave side of the key unit (200) shown in dotted lines, wherein (d) is a perspective view of the convex side of the key unit (200) in the attached state, showing the interaction of the hidden key portion (201) of the key unit (200) with the hidden aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity (29) of the main body (2) in the operative state, wherein views (e) and (f) are perspective views of the convex sides of devices with alternative key units (200) and with different decors in the attached state.

Fig 8: Different views of the components of the device, wherein views (a) and (b) are enlarged views of Fig. 7 (a) and (b), wherein view (c) is a cross-sectional view of the device in the attached state along line Z-Z (defined in Fig. 7/8 b) with details of the assembly of the key portion (201) when well-positioned inside the keyhole (220) in the main body (2).

Fig 9: Cross sectional view of the components of the device in the detached state and prior to attachment (similar to Fig. 6b but with different reference signs), wherein the key portion (201) of the key unit (200) and the keyhole (220) of the main body (2) are aligned for attachment in a linear movement direction along the length direction of the main body (2), so that, upon attachment, the key portion (201) will assure the complete set-up of the air management system, as the key portion (201) is in fact a key part of the overall cavity and aerosolization chamber, while there is no functional cavity without the key portion (201) and the hole of the cavity will be in open-air, without any air management, and therefore not functional or inoperative for aerosolization.

Fig 10: Cross-sectional view of the components of the device in the attached state (similar to Fig. 8c but with different reference signs), wherein the key portion (201) of the key unit (200) is received in the keyhole (220) to hermetically seal the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity (29) to the outside of the main body (2), and wherein the key portion (201) of the key unit (200) presses a push-button (221) such as a micro-switch I pogo-pin part provided inside the keyhole (220) at the inner end thereof, which also switches on/off electrical power to the aerosolization engine (independently of its type - e.g. induction or resistive) and thereby switches the device to an operative state. Fig 11 : Cross-sectional views of the components of the device showing the specific functional features of the device resulting from adequate assembly of the key portion (201) and the main body (2), wherein views (a) and (b) show situations when the key unit (200) is adequately attached to the main body (2) with view (a) prior to and view (b) after the insertion of an aerosolgenerating article (8) into the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity (29), wherein view (c) shows a situation that the aerosol-generating article (8) has been inserted into the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity (29) while the key unit (200) is detached from the main body (2), which causes the device to switch to an inoperative state and turns the cavity (29) I aerosolization chamber not functional, as turns to an open-air system, as well as if someone tries to insert a consumable (8) in form of a tobacco rod, the consumable will be badly placed inside, as it will be stopped in the wrong position, misplacing the tobacco rod (8) out of the heating element (28), while there is no adequate air flow and proper Resistance-To-Draw (RTD), wherein, on the top, when the key portion (201) is not inserted into the keyhole (220) of the main body (2), the microswitch (221) is not activated, which automatically switches off the power of the device.

Fig 12: Consumables (10), as disk-shaped porous consumables impregnated with flavored substances (liquid and/or gel form), which can be used with advantage when placed in the cavity (202) of the key portion (201) of the key unit (200), and kept inside the cavity (202) by dimensional tolerances and geometrical aspects (such as protruded elements in the lateral walls of the cavity (202) or other specific design details for such purpose), wherein, once the key unit (200) is in its place, the consumable (10), which releases the flavor, is located at the bottom of the cavity (202), and therefore releasing a flavor in the air inlet that feeds the aerosolization, i.e. the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity (29).

Fig 13: Schematic views of the device in the adequately assembled state with the key unit

(200) adequately attached to the main body (2) and containing a flavored consumable (10) in the cavity (202), wherein views (a) and (b) show situations prior to and after the insertion of a tobacco stick as the aerosol-generating article (8) into the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity (29), wherein view (b) particularly illustrates the airflow through the air passage (203) of the key portion

(201) and the flavored-consumable (10) into the heated tobacco stick (8), so that the flavor released from the flavored consumable (10) mixes with the aerosol released from the tobacco stick (8) to produce a flavored aerosol, wherein view (c) is a perspective view of the device shown in view (b), wherein views (d), (e) and (f) are views similar to views (a), (b) and (c) but with an nicotine-containing-product (NCP) Cartridge as an aerosol-generating article (8) received in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity (29) of the device (2) instead of a tobacco stick, and showing the functional aspects of the flavoring disk (10), enhancing the air inlet with flavor(s) towards I upstream the aerosol generation zone, wherein view (g) shows different sides/perspec- tives of the NCP Cartrigde (9).. Figure 14: Exemplary embodiments of the consumable (10), and its main geometrical and design aspects that may exist to better adapt to the aerosolization cavity (29), its geometry and airflow management, as well as to optimize aerosolization I volatilization aspects of the substance contained therein, such as a flavoring agent that is impregnated in the porous structure, which can exist in liquid, and/or gel, forms.

Figure 15: Schematic representation of a second embodiment of an aerosol-generating device incorporating this innovation and its technical solutions, in a different design, namely cylindrical, such as, including showing examples of its customization as accessory, in terms of different possible visual aspects, colors and textures.

Figure 16: Schematic perspective view of an exemplary aerosol-generating device according to the first embodiment that is configured for heated-tobacco-products (HTP) and corresponding accessories incorporating a bidirectional power charging system and corresponding power charger device (6) also incorporating a bidirectional power charging system in a disconnected state, wherein the aerosol-generating device (2) is bent drop-shaped, so that the device lies better in the hand of the user, providing for a safe grip, and can be interconnected to the bent-drop shaped power charger device (6) as another second complementary device or unit, to thereby form a Yin-Yang shaped assembly when interconnected, wherein this combined device can have a cylindrical, oval or elliptic cross-sectional shape.

Figure 17: Schematic perspective view of exemplary complementary devices of the Yin Yang Ecosystem, wherein view (a) depicts a Bluetooth loudspeaker, view (b) shows a wireless charging unit (4) and view (c) illustrates the aerosol-generating device (2) and corresponding power charger device (6) according to Fig. 16 in an interconnected state docking to the wireless charging unit (4) of view (b), wherein the complementary device may be configured for a different or the same type of consumables, for example a Heat-Not-Burn (HNB) and vaping combo, in which one device is configured to heat a HNB consumable and the other device is configured for vaporization of a consumable/article having a liquid, for example a nicotine containing liquid, wherein the complementary device may be a battery extension module, showing potential way to achieve interconnection and battery authentication, a battery charger device, a device with an internal compartment to removably hold several consumables/sticks (for example with a revolving drum), a user interface device (for example a large display unit) or other type of device, wherein there could also be a base cylindrical element as a holder/chargerfor the two interconnected bent drop-shaped units.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The device according to the first embodiment has an exemplary volumetric shape that enables to match with other objects, such as other devices and accessories, based on its specific shape, creating an ecosystem.

Although, the focus will be on the innovation as previously described, as the technical solution to solve the referred problem.

For the purpose of the present description and of the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein. In this context, therefore, a number A is understood as A ± 10 % of A. Within this context, a number A may be considered to include numerical values that are within general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some instances as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages enumerated above provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.

FIRST EMBODIMENT (FIGS 1 to 14, 16, 17)

GENERAL ASPECTS

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device. Such device may be used for generating an aerosol from tobacco or non-tobacco based products, and e-vapor products such as liquid-based cartridges, and in particular for aerosolization of nicotine content substances, e.g. via Heated-Tobacco Products (HTP) or Heat-Not-Burn (HNB) technologies.

MAIN BODY 2

The device comprises a main body 2 with an aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity 29, an actuator, a heater 28 and at least one battery compartment 23. Alternatively, an aerosol-generating article 8 (9) to be received in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity 29 may comprises a heater 28 and/or at least one battery compartment 23. Therefore, it is not necessary that the main body 2 comprises all of these parts. The main body 2 may be a single integral body or may be composed of two or more separate bodies that may be detached from and attached to each other. For example, the battery compartment may be integrally formed within the main body 2 or may be separable from the remainder of the main body 2, so that it forms part of the main body 2 in the attached state.

Figs. 1 to 14, 16 and 17 depict the main body 2 of the device according to the first embodiment, which has a bent drop shape as seen in top view in a direction of insertion of an aerosolgenerating article 8 into the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity 29. The bent drop shape of the main body 2 is also seen in a cross-sectional view orthogonal to an axis of the aerosolgenerating article-receiving cavity 29 (see Figs. 3a and 3b). The bent drop shape of the main body 2 has a semicircular portion and a tapered portion tapering from the semicircular portion towards a distal end portion. The tapered portion has a concave sidewall and convex sidewall. Due to the bent-drop shape, this device lies better in the hand of the user, providing for a safe grip.

The geometrical and dimensional proportions are described in ranges, and preferable ranges, in the table of dimensions, below:

Table 1 : Table of Dimensions of main body 2

MAIN BODY 2 of the SECOND EMBODIMENT (FIG: 15)

The main body 2 of the second embodiment has a cylindrical shape, wherein the aerosolgenerating article-receiving cavity 29 is located at an axial end of the cylindrical main body 2 and is concentrically arranged with respect to the cylinder/main axis of the main body 2. The shape of the key unit 200 is adapted to the shape of the main body 2, insofar as it has a convex, half- cylindrical outer side as well as a concave, half-cylindrical inner side, which snugly fits to the outer side of the cylindrical main body 2 in the operative state. Apart from that, the second embodiment has like structural and functional features designated with like reference signs as the first embodiment.

KEY UNIT 200

Next to the main body 2, the aerosol-generating device further comprises a key unit 200 that is detachably attachable to the main body 2. Detachment of the (attached) key unit 200 from the main body 2 causes the device to switch from an operative state, in which an actuation of the actuator causes operating of the heater 28 to heat an aerosol-generating article 8 received in the cavity 29 to generate an aerosol, to an inoperative state, in which the device is unable to generate and/or release an aerosol. On the other hand, attachment of the key unit 200 to the main body 2 causes the device to switch from the inoperative state to the operative state. As such, depending on whether or not the key unit 200 is attached to the main body 2, the aerosol-generating device is operative or inoperative. The key unit 200 thereby works like a key that prevents unauthorized and unattended use of the aerosol-generating device, in particular by children or infants. The key unit 200 may be a decorative shell or cover, but the decorative aspect of the key unit 200 is subordinate as compared to the safety aspect. In the simplest version, the key unit 200 constitutes a simple mechanical key without any electronics or other active parts and/or without any decoration. In more advanced versions, the key unit 200 may comprise e.g. an identification item such as ID tags and/or at least one decorative element that may be customized for pleasant and recognizable appearance.

INTERACTION OF MAIN BODY 2 AND KEY UNIT 200

To simplify the detachable attachment of the key unit 200 to the main body 2, the main body 2 comprises a keyhole 220 and the key unit 200 comprises a corresponding key portion 201 fitting into the keyhole 220 in the operative state. The keyhole 220 allows a fluid communication between an external environment and the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity 29 in the inoperative state, allowing air to reach into or escape from the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity 29 through the open keyhole 220.

The key portion 201 has a substance-containing article receiving-cavity 202 that is configured to receive a substance-containing-article 10 in the inoperative state, and to hold it to release its substance to generate a modified aerosol in the operative state. In use, the substance-containing article 10 releases its substance into the aerosol-generating article-receiving-cavity 29, in particular to an upstream end thereof, or to an aerosol-generating article 8 received therein, or to an aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating device, or to an airflow used for generating the aerosol.

The keyhole 220 is provided in a convex surface on an edge of the main body 2 in a central portion in the middle third of a direction of height H (see Fig. 1) of the main body 2. The keyhole 220 has a slit-shaped opening. The inner cross-sectional shape of the keyhole 220 is adapted/complementary to the outer cross-sectional shape of the key portion 201 in the direction of insertion of the key portion 201 into the keyhole 220.

The key portion 201 protrudes from a concave side of the key unit 200 in an orthogonal direction. The top and bottom surfaces of the key portion 201 are coated with a layer 204 of elastomeric material, such as silicon based polymeric compounds, FDA certified, to ensure hermetic sealing of the keyhole 220 in the operative state. With this configuration, the key portion 201 separates the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity 29 from an air inlet chamber provided in the main body 2. This structure will force air to flow from the air inlet chamber through an air passage 203 provided in the key portion 201 before entering into the generating article-receiving cavity 29. An upstream air channel 222 leads from the external environment to the air inlet chamber and the keyhole 220 receiving the key element 201 . Fig. 9 and 10 show such upstream air channel 222 in dotted lines. The upstream air channel 222 forms part of an air inlet structure that feeds the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity 29 through the air passage 203 provided in the key portion 201 in the operative state. The air passage 203 opens into a substance-containing-article receiving-cavity 202 of the key portion 201. Accordingly, any air passing through the air passage 203, e.g. as a result of a puff of a user on an aerosol-generating article 8 received in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity 29, flows through a substance-containing-article 10 received in the substance-containing-article receiving-cavity 202 before entering into the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity 29. A diameter of the air passage 203 may be selected in a range of about 0.1 to 2 mm, wherein the diameter of the air passage 203 is preferably constant over its length. In the operative state, the key portion 201 defines the bottom of the aerosolgenerating article-receiving cavity 29 and guides/forces air entering into the cavity 29 to flow through an aerosol-generating article 8 received therein.

As shown in Fig. 11 (b), the key portion 201 supports an insertion end of an aerosol-generating article 8 received in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity 29 in the operative state, such that the heater 28 can heat an aerosol-generating substance contained in the aerosol-generating article 8 to generate an aerosol. As shown in Fig. 11 (c), detachment of the key unit 200 from the main body 2 causes the same aerosol-generating article 8 to be inappropriately positioned in the aerosol-generating cavity 29 in relation to the heater 28, preventing an aerosolgenerating substance contained in the aerosol-generating article 8 to be heated by the heater 28, so that no or insufficient aerosol is generated despite heating.

As such, the key unit 200 with its key portion 220 is a core functional part for operating the device, in particular a core functional part of the air management of the device. As shown in Fig. 6 and 8-13, the key unit 200 defines at least a part of an airflow channel 202 and air inlet structure that feeds the aerosol-generating cavity 29 in the operative state of the device.

DETECTION UNIT (E.G. EMBODIED AS PRESSURE SENSOR 221)

The device may further comprise a detection unit to detect attachment and detachment of the key unit 200 to/from the main body 2. A controller (not shown) may be configured to switch the aerosol-generating device into the operative state upon detection of the attachment of the key unit 200 and to switch the device into the inoperative state upon detection of the detachment of the key unit 200. The detection unit may comprises a presence or distance sensor, wherein the presence or distance sensor may be a capactive sensor, an optical sensor or an inductive sensor, etc. Alternatively, the detection unit may be embodied as a pressure sensor 221 that is pressed by the key portion 201 of the key unit 200 in the attached state of the key unit 200 and unpressed in the detached state of the key unit 200. The pressure sensor 221 may comprise a pogo-pin or push-button, as shown e.g. in Fig. 6 and 8-13. The detection unit may serve as an additional tamper-proof safety feature that prevents unauthorized use of the device without the key unit 200 attached to the main body 2.

DECORATIVE ELEMENT OF THE KEY UNIT 200

As a customizable item, the key unit 200 comprises a decorative element such as a shell or cover that remains visible in the operative state. As shown in the Figs., the decorative element of the key unit 200 or a part of the key unit 200 comprising the decorative element extends substantially orthogonally with respect to the key portion 201 and covers a convex surface of the main body 2 over its entire height H. The decorative element has a decorative surface on its convex side with a decorative print, texture or color, such as a snake-skin fabric or grey carbon-fiber adhesively attached, bonded, welded or soldered to it. The entire key unit 200, and in particular the decorative element with its large extension, may be made from metal and/or plastics.

To ensure a firm fit on the main body 2, the key unit 200 may be embodied as an elastically deformable bracket that can be detachably attached to the main body 2 in a tool-free manner by form-fit, in particular by snap-fit. As shown e.g. in Fig. 5(d) and (e) as well as Figs 7(d), (e) and (f), the key unit 200 embraces two opposite edges of the main body 2 in the length direction L in the operative state. Due to its elastic deformability, the key unit 200, in particular the decorative element thereof, can be expanded for detachment from the main body 2 and contracted for attachment to the main body 2 by clipping. The curvature and size of the decorative element of the key unit 200 is adapted to the curvature and size of the convex side of the main body 2, so that concave side of the key unit 200 facing the main body 2 snugly fits to the convex side of the main body 2 in the operative state and is in full contact with the main body 2 without a gap in between (see in particular Fig. 6a and Fig. 7d).

SECOND KEY UNIT

As shown in Fig. 5, the (same) main body 2 may be combined with different (second) key units 200, which are detachably attachable to the main body 2 instead of a standard (first) key unit 200, wherein the key units 200 may differ at least in their decorative elements 230. A sensor may identify which of different key units 200 is attached to the main body 2 and may cause a controller (ECU) 25 to switch to a specific operating mode, upon detection of attachment and identification of a specific key unit 200. SYSTEM COMPRISING THE DEVICE AND AN AEROSOL-GENERATING ARTICLE

A system according to the present invention comprises an aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, and at least one aerosol-generating article 8 configured to be received in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity 29 so as to generate an aerosol upon heating same by the heater 28 in the operative state.

In the operative state, a static pressure difference between the two ends of the aerosolgenerating article 8 received in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity 29 (representing the Resistance-To-Draw (RTD)), as measured in accordance with ISO Standard 6565:2002 with any ventilation blocked, when it is traversed by a 15 air flow under steady conditions in which the volumetric flow may be in the order of 17.5 milliliters +/- 50% per second at the output end.

The aerosol-generating article 8 of this system is specifically designed and dimensioned to fit into the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity 29 provided in the main body 2, such that the key portion 201 holds the insertion end the aerosol-generating article 8 in the operative state and in the appropriate position, such that the heater 28 can heat an aerosol-generating substance contained in the aerosol-generating article 8 to generate an aerosol.

The key unit 200 thereby provides yet another safety feature in that its detachment from the main body 2 causes the same aerosol-generating article 8 to be inappropriately positioned in the aerosol-generating cavity 29, preventing an aerosol-generating substance contained in the aero- sol-generating article 8 to be heated by the heater 28. Accordingly, without the key unit 200 being attached to the main body 2, no aerosol is generated despite heating of the aerosol-generating article 8 received in the aerosol-generating cavity 29. The aerosol-generating article 8 may be a nicotine-containing-product (NCP) Cartridge 9 or a tobacco stick 8.

SYSTEM COMPRISING THE DEVICE, AN AEROSOL-GENERATING ARTICLE AND A SUBSTANCE-CONTAINING ARTICLE

Another system according to the present invention further comprises aerosol-generating device and at least one substance-containing-article 10 configured to be held by the key unit 200 to interact with the aerosol-generating article 8 received in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity 29 so as to generate a modified aerosol in the operative state.

This invention considers and describes a new consumable 10 that has a geometry to match a cavity 202 existing in the key portion 201 of the key unit 200 to hold it. Such consumable 10 may be made of a porous substrate incorporating a substance, such as a sensorial media to release flavor and aroma. However, the consumable 10 is not limited to containing flavored substances. Alternatively, the consumable 10 may contain pharmaceutical ingredients, botanicals, CBD, and the like. The substance-containing-article 10 - also referred to as consumable - can incorporate several types of substances and different characteristics, as represented by exemplary consumables 101 , 102, 103. The consumers may acquire such substance-containing-articles 10 in shops, of different substances, enhancing sensorial aspects in each consumer experience. Such consumables 10 are conceived for long lasting effect, and may last to about one week, depending on the use I consumption of consumables 10, by each consumer.

Consumable 10 can be made of several types of porous materials, namely ceramic compounds, as they exist in the market for the use, e.g. for releasing aroma by devices for ambient aroma release, as well as devices for aromatherapy. Namely compounds of materials selected from silicon carbide, silicon-based compounds, cordierite, silica and zirconium-based ceramic compounds, as it is known that such compounds used for such purpose comply with the specifications in applications for aerosolization of aerosols to be inhaled. Those compounds are also known as adequate in terms of granulometry to be sintered to obtain the desire range of porosity, such as porous silica ceramics usually industrially produced from silica spinning solutions, where silica particles are introduced by electrospinning, and sintering is then applied to obtain the final desired geometrical shape and size, also obtaining the desired porosity. The sintering process usually occurs at temperatures of about 1000 °C to 1200 °C, and therefore such materials comply with the highest standards in terms of their final use in many applications, including FDA certified materials for F&B and medical devices. The porosity of such materials is of about 30 to 80 %, preferably of about 40 to 70 %, most preferably of about 50 to 60 %. Furthermore, the porosity of the sintered material can be adjusted by changing the content of the introduced silica particles, changing its granulometry, which enables to well control the desired porosity at the end, in terms of final product. The porosity referred is using standard method and equation giving a decimal value for porosity, knowing the pore volume of a defined volume of material (Vp) and its total volume (Vt). Therefore, Porosity (Pt) is given by the ratio Vp / Vt. To express porosity as a percent, that decimal is simply multiplied by 100%. For example, Pt = 0.51 , therefore 0.51 x 100% = 51%.

Following the trends concerning sustainability, a sustainable consumable 10 can also be designed and manufactured using natural materials, namely using porous basalt-stone-based materials, as natural open-cell porous stone materials existing in the market granulated, as well as combination of those with silica-based compounds, as both are commonly used to produce sintered porous products, with can match the required characteristics in terms of porosity, and porous size, as previously specified, as well as complying with FDA requirements for F&B and Medical Devices.

The geometrical and dimensional proportions of the consumables 10 are described in ranges, and preferable ranges, in the Table of Dimensions, below.

Table 2: Table of Dimensions of consumable 10

METHOD OF OPERATING THE AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE

A method of operating the aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples further comprises the following steps, preferably in the order A-B-C-D or B-A-C-D:

Step A: Attaching the key unit 200 to the main body 2, so as to cause the device to switch from the inoperative state to the operative state.

Step B: Receiving an aerosol-generating article 8 in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity 29.

Step C: Actuating the actuator to cause operating of the heater 28 to heat the aerosolgenerating article 8 received in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity 29 to generate an aerosol.

Step D: Detaching the key unit 200 from the main body 2, so as to cause the device to switch from the inoperative state to the operative state.

Step A may further com prise: inserting a substance-containing-article 10 into the substance- containing-article receiving cavity 202 in the key portion 201 of the key unit 200 prior to attaching the key unit 200 to the main body 2.

Step C may further comprise: using the key portion 201 to hold the substance-containing- article 10 to interact with the aerosol-generating article 8 to generate a modified aerosol.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The benefits of the present invention can be summarized as follows:

In the above-described preferred embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol-generating device is designed to incorporate a key unit 200 embodied as a removable I replaceable cover I shell. This key unit 200 incorporates a key portion 201 shaped as a protruded element, which is a core functional part of the air management of the device. More specifically, the key portion 201 is a core functional part of the air flow channel and air inlet structure that feeds the aerosolization chamber, i.e. the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity 29, including controlling the Resistance-To-Draw (RTD). The key portion 201 comprises a cavity 202 to insert a con- sumable 10 made of porous media impregnated with a substance, such as a flavoring, pharmaceutical, botanical, cannabidiol (CBD) or other substance. This way, by removing the key unit 200 from the main body 2, the consumer ensure that the device is not operational, neither functional, in any circumstances.

DIMENSIONS AND DETAILS

Top-down, the main body 2 has a rounded shape (of around 18 mm diameter) where the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity 29 for the aerosol-generating articles 8 (tobacco sticks) sits. Two of such complementary shaped devices slotted together would form an ellipse split by an S-curve. Because one of these shapes must fit into another one when rotated at 180 degrees, presence at the top of the shape would have to be reflected by absence at the bottom. What starts off as an extruded protrusion would flare out slightly to form a convex curve until the middle of the product, upon which the internal shape would slim to form a curve that ends in a rounded point.

ERGONOMICS

That natural shape of the aerosol-generating device, and in particular the so-called bentdrop shape of the main body 2, is specifically designed for holding in a hand of a consumer. The convex shape follows the natural curve of the palm, which allows it to be held comfortably. This is not the only way to hold it, as the thick end of the device would be the perfect shape to slot between the consumer’s thumb and index finger (the first web space). This allows the user flexibility depending on the situation they are in when they want to use the device. With its long, flat base, it is also very stable, and is much easier to place upright. The consumer does not need to worry about their device falling over. Its design also allows the user to place it horizontally without worrying about their device rolling away.

AESTHETIC

The shape of the aerosol-generating device, and in particular the shape of the main body 2, makes use of organic curves, and somewhat follows the golden ratio, which is seen in mathematics, nature, and is considered aesthetically pleasing.

The shape of the main body 2 also makes it look lighter than it would be. Making ample use of the space, the slimmest part of the main body 2 gives it a sleek and elegant build and the illusion that it is smaller than it is.

CHILD PROOFING The device has the key unit 200 that is configured as a removable I replaceable cover I shell, and which incorporates a protruded key portion 201 , i.e. an element, which is a core functional part of the air management of the device, including controlling the Resistance-To-Draw (RTD). The key portion 201 also comprises a cavity 202 to insert a consumable 10 made of porous media impregnated with a flavoring substance or containing pharmaceutical, botanical ingredients such as CBD. This way, by removing the key unit 200, the consumer can ensure that the device is not operational, neither functional, in any circumstances.

As previously referred, the airflow required to feed the aerosolization is driven by the puff of the user, and the air inlet of the overall air flow in the opening 203, which also controls the Re- sistance-To-Draw (RTD). In an operative state, the RTD can be within the range from 10 to 150 mmWG (millimeter water gauge), more preferably from 20 to 140 mmWG, even more preferably from 30 to 120 mmWG. In the inoperative state, an additional fluidic connection from the aerosolgenerating article-receiving cavity to the external environment by the unoccupied key hole is created, so that the RTD can drop to a value below 30 mmWG, preferably below 20 mmWG, more preferably below 10 mmWG.

This aspect of the air passage 203 existing in the key portion 201 of the key unit 200, controlling the Resistance-To-Draw (RTD), is an essential functional aspect of this innovation, together with the specific design of the key portion 201 , which creates the overall geometry and volumetry of the air management upstream the aerosolization zone.

Therefore, independently of other aspects, such as the fact that the key portion 201 also activates, and deactivates, the electrical power via the micro-switch 221 , its clear that once the key unit 200 is removed from the main body 2, the device becomes not functional at all, as it misses the core of the air management functionality, as well as even if someone tries to insert a consumable 8 inside the cavity 29, such consumable 8 will be always misplaced inside the cavity 29, as the key portion 201 also plays the role of stopper and bottom part of the cavity 29.

SUBSTANCE RELEASE (E.G. FLAVOR AND AROMA)

The overall embodiment of the device with the removable key unit 200 incorporates the feature of substance release during the consumption of the main consumable, the aerosol-generating article 8, such as a HTP stick, while keeping releasing substance such as aroma I fragrance when the device is not operating. Those features are obtained by the specific design of the main body 2 of the device, and the special key unit 200, when using the specific consumable 10 for substance release such as flavor, aroma and fragrance, pharmaceutical or botanical substances, CBD and the like.

ACCESSORIES POSSIBILITY As shown in Figs. 16 and 17, the ecosystem may include a NCP device, also a device as a power charger 6, which geometrically pairs, as well as a Bluetooth loudspeaker unit 5, and a wireless charger unit 4.

The device would have the possibility for customization with the key unit 200 embodied as a removable or replaceable cover or shell. The shell may be a magnetic curve that may slot perfectly on the convex outside curve of the main body 2, and that could have any number of textures or colors stuck onto it (e.g. snake-skin fabric, grey carbon-fiber). This would allow for many different possibilities for users to match their device to their clothes or an event, but also open up the potential for data transfer, or for collectable “special edition” key units 200.

DESIRED FUNCTIONALITIES

The special shape of the device gives enough volumetric space to incorporate all the functionalities desired to operate the device with performance, including: oKey unit 200, which may be a removable or replaceable cover or shell that can be selected by the consumers to cover aesthetics, and enables the child-proof-features when removed, based on the specific key portion 201 that constitutes the core part of the air management and aerosol- ization chamber (aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity 29) of the device, as well as it controls the Resistance-To-Draw (RTD) of the device. This way, the consumer just has to remove such key unit 200, and the device is completely disabled for any use, in terms of electric power and mechanical and air management functioning. oCavity 202 in the key portion 201 of the key unit 200, which enables the use of consumables 10 for the purpose of releasing substances such as flavor, aroma or fragrance, pharmaceutics or botanicals, CBD and the like, to the air inlet, and this way obtaining an enhancement of the sensorial experience during the consumption of the main HTP I HNB consumables for nicotine delivery. oThe presence of the consumables 10 in the cavity 202 of the key portion 201 of the key unit 200, when the device is not operating, creates the conditions to keep releasing substances e.g. aroma/fragrance when the device in not functioning, and this way keeping the device in conditions to be stored and handled in a comfortable and pleasant way, all the time.

CORE OF THE INNOVATION:

An aerosol-generating device, which incorporates a cover I shell that can be assembled and disassembled by the consumer, and which has a protruded element that mechanically and functionally engages with the main body of the device, and the core of its aerosolization engine. In such way that once the cover / shell is removed, the device is totally functionally disabled. An aerosol-generating device as described above, which incorporates a cavity in its protruded element to insert and hold a consumable. Such protruded element mechanically and functionally engages with the main body of the device. Such consumable releases flavor during aer- osolization and normal operation of the device, enhancing consumer experience. An aerosol-generating device as described above, which holds the consumable releasing aroma when the device is not operating for aerosolization, and such consumable keeps releasing aroma I fragrance that naturally volatilizes.

APPLICATIONS OF THE INVENTION OUTSIDE OF THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY: Outside of the tobacco industry, the present invention can be applied to aerosol-generating devices as used in Life Sciences or Pharma industry.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

1 Ecosystem, as exemplary set of devices and accessories

2 Main Body (Device HTP, incorporating bidirectional power charging system)

10 Consumable for substance release (e.g. flavor and aroma)

101 , 102, 103 Different types of consumables (10) with different substances

21 Housing I general embodiment

22 Curved Ultracapacitor Cell I Battery

23 Cavity I inner housing for cylindrical battery

24 Cavity I inner housing for cylindrical power cell I battery

25 Electronics I Control Unit

26 Wireless charging circuitry I antenna

27 Magnetic elements (magnetic pairing I fastening)

28 Heater (inductor coil and shielding arrangement)

29 Aerosol-generating cavity (cavity for consumables consumption)

4 Wireless charging unit

5 Bluetooth loudspeaker

6 Power Charger Device (incorporating bidirectional power charging system)

8 Aerosol-generating article (Tobacco Stick)

9 Aerosol-generating article (Nicotine-Containing-Product I Cartridge)

200 Key unit (cover I shell)

201 Key portion (protruded element)

202 Cavity for consumables (10) incorporating substances (101 , 102, 103)

203 Air passage I air inlet opening(s) which also control(s) the RTD

204 Elastomeric polymeric layer, which assures hermetic sealing when protruded element (201) is well placed in cavity (220)

220 Keyhole (cavity in the aerosolization chamber I system, which matches the geometrical shape and characteristics of the protruded element (201))

221 Detection unit (Micro-switch I e.g. pogo-pin micro-switch )

222 Upstream air channel

Claims

1 . Aerosol-generating device comprising a main body with an aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity and an actuator, wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises a key unit that is detachably attachable to the main body, wherein detachment of the key unit from the main body causes the device to switch from an operative state, in which actuation of the actuator allows operating of a heater to heat an aerosol-generating article received in the cavity to generate an aerosol, to an inoperative state, in which the device is unable to release an aerosol; and wherein attachment of the key unit to the main body causes the device to switch from the inoperative state to the operative state, wherein the detachment of the key unit from the main body deteriorates or disables an airflow inside the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity, so that the device becomes unable to release an aerosol, and wherein the attachment of the key unit to the main body improves or enables the airflow inside the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity, so that the device becomes able to generate and/or release an aerosol, and wherein the detachment of the key unit from the main body opens the aerosol-generating articlereceiving cavity to connect it to open air, so that the user is unable to draw an aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating article, and the attachment of the key unit to the main body closes the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity to disconnect it from open air.

2. Aerosol-generating device according to the preceding claim, wherein the key unit is a mechanical key that mechanically switches the device from the operative state to the inoperative state by detachment from the main body, and from the inoperative state to the operative state by attachment to the main body.

3. Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the detachment of the key unit from the main body causes electric disconnection of the heater from a battery, and wherein the attachment of the key unit to the main body causes electric connection of the heater to the battery.

4. Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device further comprises a detection unit that is configured to detect attachment and detachment of the key unit to/from the main body, wherein the detection unit is configured to cause the device to switch to the operative state upon detection of the attachment of the key unit and to cause the device to switch to the inoperative state upon detection of the detachment of the key unit.

5. Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body comprises a keyhole and the key unit comprises a corresponding key portion fitting into the keyhole to enable the operative state.

6. Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein key unit comprises a decorative element that remains visible in the operative state.

7. Aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the key unit, in particular a key portion thereof, is configured to hold a substance-containing article to release its substance to generate a modified aerosol in the operative state.

8. Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the key unit is detachably attached to the main body by form-fit and/or by magnetic force.

9. Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the key unit is configured to position an aerosol-generating article received in the aerosol-generating cavity, in particular in relation to the heater, in the operative state.

10. Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device further comprises a second key unit, which is detachably attachable to the main body instead of the first key unit, wherein the first and second key units differ at least in their decorative elements.

11 . System comprising an aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, and at least one aerosol-generating article configured to be received in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity so as to generate an aerosol upon heating same by the heater in the operative state.

12. System according to the preceding claim, wherein system further comprises at least one substance-containing-article configured to be held by the key unit to interact with the aerosolgenerating article received in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity so as to generate a modified aerosol in the operative state.

13. Method of operating an aerosol-generating device or system according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps, preferably in the order A-B-C-D or B-A-C-D: a. Step A: Attaching the key unit to the main body, so as to cause the device to switch from the inoperative state to the operative state. b. Step B: Receiving an aerosol-generating article in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity. c. Step C: Actuating the actuator to cause operating of the heater to heat the aerosol-generating article received in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity to generate an aerosol. d. Step D: Detaching the key unit from the main body, so as to cause the device to switch from the operative state to the inoperative state.

14. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein Step C further comprises: using the key portion to hold a substance-containing-article to interact with the aerosol-generating article to generate a modified aerosol.