RU2790309C1 - Aerosol generating device containing a chamber for receiving aerosol generating article - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: aerosol-generating devices.

SUBSTANCE: aerosol-generating device (100) for use with an aerosol-generating product, comprising a chamber (121) for removably accommodating at least a portion of the aerosol-generating product. Along the central axis (122) of the chamber (121), the inner surface (130) of the chamber (121) contains the first axial section (131) and the second axial section (132), the first axial section (131) being closer to the proximal end (124) of the chamber (121) than the second axial section (132). The second axial section (132) is corrugated and contains a plurality of recesses (142) extending from the base level area of the second axial section (142) outward in the direction away from the central axis (122). The first axial section (131) contains a plurality of first protrusions (141) made with the possibility of contact with at least a part of the aerosol generating product when this product is placed in the chamber (121), and the specified set of first protrusions (141) extend from the base level area of the first axial section (131) towards the central axis (122) outside the base level area of the second axial section (132).

EFFECT: aerosol-generating device creation.

15 cl, 7 dwg, 39 ex

Description

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device for use with an aerosol generating article to generate an inhalable aerosol by heating an aerosol generating substrate contained within said article. The present invention also relates to an aerosol generating system comprising such a device and such an article.

Aerosol-generating devices for generating an inhalable aerosol by heating an aerosol-forming substrate are well known in the prior art. Such devices may include a heating element, in particular a resistive heating element or an induction heating element, for heating the aerosol-forming substrate within the device. The substrate itself may be an integral part of the aerosol generating article, which may be at least partially housed in the chamber of said device. Said chamber may be dimensioned to allow a relatively tight insertion of an aerosol generating article to hold said article in said chamber during use of the device. However, a tight insert can lead to undesirable heat loss due to direct heat transfer from the aerosol generating article to the inner surface of said chamber. In addition, when the product is tightly inserted into said chamber, the formation of condensate within said chamber may lead to undesirable wetting of the article, in particular the substrate contained therein. Such condensation formation can occur when the vaporized compounds of the aerosol-forming substrate are cooled in contact with areas of the chamber walls that are at temperatures below the dew point. In addition, a tight insert may restrict airflow through said chamber, which in turn may adversely affect airflow control and thus lead to high resistance to draw (RTD). This applies in particular to devices in which the air flow passage extends along the inner surface of said chamber, for example between the inner surface of said chamber and the outer surface of an aerosol-generating article placed in said chamber. The tight insertion can also lead to damage or even breakage of the aerosol generating article when it is inserted into and removed from said chamber. This can lead to the formation of debris in the chamber. Debris in the chamber can adversely affect subsequent inhalation sensations when using another aerosol generating product. Preferably, said chamber must be removed or cleaned, which creates more inconvenience for the user.

On the other hand, a sufficiently tight insert is required to prevent the article from shifting or even falling out of the device during use. This is all the more important in view of the fact that many aerosol-forming substrates tend to shrink during use, which can lead to weakened retention of the article in said chamber.

Therefore, it would be desirable to have an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system with the advantages of prior art solutions, but with mitigation of their limitations. In particular, there is a need for an aerosol generating device and a corresponding system that provides improved retention of an aerosol generating article in the chamber of said device, as well as improved control of the air flow through said chamber.

According to an aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating device is provided for use with an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device comprises a chamber. Said chamber may be a chamber for removably accommodating at least a portion of the aerosol generating article. Along the central axis of said chamber, the inner surface of said chamber may comprise a first axial portion. The inner surface of said chamber may comprise a second axial portion. The first axial section may be located closer to the proximal end of the chamber than the second axial section. The second axial section may be corrugated. The second axial section may be corrugated and contain the specified set of recesses. Said plurality of recesses may extend outward from the base level region of the second axial portion. Said plurality of recesses may extend radially outward from the base level region of the second axial portion in a direction away from the central axis. The first axial section contains the specified set of the first ledges. Said plurality of first protrusions may be configured to contact at least that part of the aerosol-generating article which is housed in said chamber. Said plurality of first protrusions may extend from the base level region of the first axial portion. Said plurality of first protrusions may extend from the base level area of the first axial section towards the central axis beyond the base level area of the second axial section.

According to an aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating device is provided for use with said aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device comprises a chamber for removably accommodating at least a portion of the aerosol generating article. Along the central axis of the specified chamber, the inner surface of the specified chamber contains the first axial section and the second axial section, and the first axial section is located closer to the proximal end of the specified chamber than the second axial section. The second axial section is corrugated and contains a plurality of recesses that extend from the base level area of the second axial section outwardly, in particular radially outwardly, in the direction away from the central axis. The first axial section contains a plurality of first protrusions, made with the possibility of contact with at least that part of the aerosol generating product, which is placed in the specified chamber, and passing from the base level area of the first axial section towards the central axis beyond the base level area of the second axial section .

In addition, the inner surface of said chamber may comprise a third axial portion along the central axis of said chamber. The third axial section is located closer to the distal end of the chamber than the second axial section. The third axial section contains the specified set of second protrusions, made with the possibility of contact with at least that part of the aerosol generating product, which is placed in the specified chamber. Said plurality of second protrusions extend from the base level area of the third axial section towards the central axis outside the base level area of the second axial section. As will be described in more detail below, the third axial section can be provided, in particular, if the product contains two support elements and a substrate element located between the two said support elements.

Due to said plurality of first protrusions and said optional plurality of second protrusions extending towards the central axis outside the base level region of the second axial section, the aerosol generating article is not in physical contact with the second axial section when placed in said chamber. Accordingly, any direct heat transfer from the aerosol generating article to the second axial portion is prevented. As an advantage, this leads to a reduction in unwanted heat losses and thus to an increase in heating efficiency. In addition, since there is no direct physical contact between the second axial portion and those parts of the article that directly face the second axial portion when the article is placed in said chamber, moisture of the article due to condensation at least in these parts is prevented.

Furthermore, it should be understood that the aerosol generating article is only in contact with the respective first and second protrusions of the first and second axial portions. Accordingly, the contact surface between the article and said chamber is reduced compared to a chamber without protrusions. Thus, the conductive heat exchange between the aerosol-generating article and the surrounding chamber is further reduced, as is the wetting of the article. Preferably, said plurality of first protrusions and said optional plurality of second protrusions comprise a contact surface for contact with the aerosol generating article. The shape of the contact surface is adapted to the shape of the corresponding part of the aerosol generating article with which the respective contact surface comes into contact when the article is inserted into said chamber. The contact surface may be curved or rounded to prevent damage to the aerosol generating article.

In addition, the reduced contact surface area between the article and said chamber facilitates insertion and removal of the article because the reduced contact surface area reduces the frictional forces that must be overcome when moving the article into or out of the chamber.

Although the aerosol-generating article is not in physical contact with the second axial section, it is still securely held in said chamber by the first protrusions of the first axial section. If a third axial portion is present, then the aerosol generating article is held even more securely. In particular, due to the local nature of the contact between the aerosol generating article and the first projections and optional second projections, the holding pressure between the article and said projections is locally increased so that said projections are able to form enlarged local depressions in the aerosol generating article. As an advantage, said local recesses allow the compression of the product during use to be compensated. This provides the advantage of reducing the risk of the product shifting or falling out of the aerosol generating device.

Said plurality of first protrusions and said optional plurality of second protrusions are located at a distance from each other in such a way that between adjacent first protrusions and adjacent second protrusions, respectively, an air flow passage is formed along said inner surface.

With respect to said passage for air flow along said inner surface, the corrugated second axial section, in particular said plurality of recesses, leads to turbulence in the air flow along the second axial section. The effect of the corrugated second axial portion is the same effect used to improve the aerodynamic characteristics of golf balls. Said plurality of depressions in the second axial section creates a thin turbulent boundary layer of air which is adjacent to the inner surface of said chamber. Compared to conventional aerosol generating systems, the turbulent airflow helps provide improved aerosol characteristics such as improved flavor profile, improved nicotine delivery profile over time, and so on. In addition, the turbulent air flow provides the advantage of providing sufficient heat exchange with the air flowing around the product.

Likewise, said plurality of first ridges and said optional plurality of second ridges form a broad multi-dimensional matrix of airflow channels that also contribute to turbulent airflow.

Preferably, there is an air flow passage along the inner surface of said chamber from the proximal end of the chamber to the distal end of the chamber. With respect to this passage for air flow, the specified first axial section is located upstream relative to the second axial section. Similarly, an optional third axial section is located downstream relative to the second axial section with respect to the specified channel for air flow.

In general, the first axial section and the second axial section can be considered as surfaces containing peaks and valleys, and these peaks correspond to those areas of the first and second ridges that have the smallest distance from the central axis or are closest to it, and these valleys correspond to those areas between adjacent protrusions, which include said areas of the base level and have the greatest distance to the central axis or are at the greatest distance from the central axis. The first projections and optional second projections are part of the first axial section and the optional third axial section, respectively, and therefore they are part of the inner surface of the said chamber.

Similarly, the second axial portion can be considered as a surface that contains a plane corresponding to the base level region and a plurality of recesses in this plane. Said recesses are part of the second axial section and therefore they are also part of the inner surface of said chamber.

In general, the number of depressions of said plurality, their shape and their spacing may be chosen in such a way that a turbulent air flow along the second axial portion is provided.

Preferably, at least one recess of said plurality of recesses, in particular each recess of said plurality of recesses, has a conical shape, or a frustoconical shape, or a pyramidal shape, or an indentation shape, or a frusto pyramidal shape, or a domed shape, or a cuboid shape. , or a partially spherical shape, or a cylindrical shape, or a trihedral shape, or a polyhedral shape. Any of these shapes is suitable for providing turbulent airflow along the second axial portion.

In particular, said recesses may be substantially punctate recesses. In other words, said recesses may be substantially localized and single recesses, wherein the depth dimension of said recesses is of the same order of magnitude as the width dimension of said recesses, perpendicular to the depth dimension of said recesses. In some embodiments, these recesses may be interconnected. In some embodiments, these recesses may not be interconnected.

The open area of at least one of the specified set of recesses, in particular the open area of each of the specified set of recesses, may have a round shape, or an oval shape, or an elliptical shape, or a rectangular shape, or a square shape, or a diamond shape, or a parallelogram shape, or a triangular shape, or a hexagonal shape, or a polygonal shape. In this context, the open area refers to the corresponding base of the aforementioned shapes. For example, in the case of a pyramidal or indentation shape, the open area corresponds to the base of the pyramid.

The creation of a turbulent airflow along said inner surface can be significantly affected by the depth dimension of said depressions. Preferably, at least one recess of said plurality of recesses, in particular each recess of said plurality of recesses, has a depth dimension in the direction normal to the open area of the respective recess, ranging from 0.25 millimeters to 2 millimeters, in particular in the range from 0.5 mm to 1 mm. These values are particularly favorable for improved control of the air flow through the device. Preferably, all recesses of the second axial portion have the same depth dimension.

The density of said recesses can also influence the creation of turbulent air flow. Preferably, the density of said plurality of dimples may be in the range of 0.1 to 1.0 dimples per square millimeter, preferably 0.2 to 0.7 dimples per square millimeter. These values have also proven to be favorable in terms of improved control of the air flow through the device. As used herein, density per square millimeter refers to the envelope surface tangent to each point of the base level region of the second axial portion. In other words, the density per square millimeter does not refer to the actual area percentage of the “grooved” second axial region, but to the area percentage of the projection of the second axial region onto its base level area in the normal direction to the specified base level area.

Similarly, the percentage of the base level area of the second axial section relative to the envelope surface tangent to each point of the base level area of the second axial section may be in the range of 2 percent to 50 percent, in particular 10 percent to 40 percent.

Preferably, said plurality of recesses are arranged in a regular pattern. The regular pattern is particularly suitable for providing turbulent air flow. In addition, the regular pattern is easy to make.

The base level region of the second axial portion may be a coherent region. In other words, each section of the base level area is connected to any other section of the base level area, either directly or indirectly through one or more other sections of the specified base level area. In other words, the base level area does not have isolated sections.

Preferably, the base level region of the second axial portion has a hexagonal grid pattern. The hexagonal mesh pattern enables a very compact arrangement of said recesses and thus a high density of said plurality of recesses. Alternatively, the base level region of the second axial portion may have a cross-mesh pattern.

The number of protrusions, their shape and the distance between them in the specified set of first protrusions and the specified optional set of second protrusions can be chosen in such a way as to ensure their contact with a sufficient part of the aerosol generating product, in particular, the product is reliably held in the specified chamber, and at the same time to ensure the possibility of creating a sufficient flow of air along the inner surface of the chamber, in particular between the outer surface of the product and the inner surface of said chamber.

Preferably, at least one, in particular each, of said plurality of first protrusions has a conical shape, or a truncated cone shape, or a pyramidal shape, or a tubercle shape, or a truncated pyramidal shape, or a domed shape, or a cuboid shape, or a partially spherical shape. , or a cylindrical shape, or a trihedral shape, or a polyhedral shape. Similarly, at least one, preferably each, of said optional plurality of second protrusions may be conical, or frustoconical, or pyramidal, or tubercle, or frusto pyramidal, or domed, or cuboid, or partially spherical. shape, or a cylindrical shape, or a trihedral shape, or a polyhedral shape. Any of these shapes is useful for creating a wide multi-dimensional array of airflow channels to provide turbulent airflow.

The first ridges and optional second ridges may be substantially dotted projections, that is, they may be substantially localized in the singular in the case of any of the aforementioned shapes. Advantageously, this results in point contact between said protrusions and the aerosol generating article. Point contact is particularly advantageous in terms of reduced wetting of the article and reduced heat transfer from the aerosol generating article to the surrounding chamber. In addition, for example, compared to linear contact with ribs or even full contact with a smooth wall, point contact facilitates insertion and removal of the product, since the reduced contact surface area reduces the frictional forces that must be overcome when moving the product into or out of the chamber. In addition, the point shape of the first projections and optional second projections contributes in particular to the creation of a turbulent air flow in the region of the first and optional third axial sections, due to the wide multidimensional matrix of airflow channels formed between the first projections and the optional second projections,

Alternatively, the shape of said plurality of first protrusions and said optional plurality of second protrusions may be chosen such that there is linear contact between the respective protrusions and the aerosol generating article. In particular, at least one, preferably each, of said plurality of first protrusions may extend in a direction substantially along the central axis of said chamber. Similarly, at least one, preferably each, of said optional plurality of second protrusions may extend in a direction extending substantially along the central axis of said chamber.

A direction substantially along the central axis may be parallel to this central axis, in particular if said chamber is essentially cylindrical. Accordingly, at least one, preferably each, of said plurality of first projections may extend parallel to the central axis. Similarly, at least one, preferably each, of said optional plurality of second protrusions may extend parallel to the central axis.

The direction of travel of the respective protrusions substantially along the central axis may be inclined relative to the central axis (eg by 2 degrees to 5 degrees) but still lie in a corresponding common plane with the central axis. The latter case is particularly applicable to a substantially tapered, eg conical or truncated conical, chamber. Thus, in general, at least one, preferably each, of said plurality of first projections may extend along a respective plane containing the central axis. Similarly, at least one, preferably each, of said optional plurality of second protrusions may extend along a respective plane containing the central axis.

Advantageously, the direction of passage of the respective protrusions substantially along the central axis facilitates insertion of the aerosol generating article into and removal from said chamber. This is the case, in particular, if the insertion direction corresponds to the direction of the central axis.

For example, at least one, in particular each, of said plurality of first protrusions may contain a rib, or be made in the form of a rib, or be a rib. Likewise, at least one, in particular each, of said plurality of second protrusions may comprise a rib, or be in the form of a rib, or be a rib. Preferably, said one or more ribs extend substantially along the direction of the central axis as described above, ie parallel to the central axis or in the general direction of the central axis. Said one or more ribs may have a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape. Alternatively, said one or more ribs may have a substantially rectangular or substantially trapezoidal or substantially semi-oval or substantially semi-circular cross-sectional shape.

At least one, in particular each, of said plurality of first projections and/or at least one, in particular each, of said plurality of second projections may be beveled, or they may comprise at least one bevel. Preferably, the respective protrusions may be tapered on the side facing the insertion hole in said chamber, or they may comprise at least one bevel facing the insertion hole in said chamber. Advantageously, this facilitates the insertion of the article into said chamber. Similarly, the respective protrusions may be beveled on the side facing away from the insertion hole in said chamber, or they may comprise at least one bevel facing away from the insertion hole in said chamber. As an advantage, this facilitates the removal of the article from said chamber.

Viewed in the central axis direction, said plurality of first projections and said plurality of second projections may be positioned such that the location of each of the first projections coincides with the location of the corresponding second projection. In particular, said plurality of first protrusions and said plurality of second protrusions may be arranged such that each of the first protrusions is superimposed on a corresponding second protrusion in a central axis direction view.

In general, said set of first protrusions and said optional set of second protrusions comprise at least two first and second protrusions, respectively. In particular, said plurality of first protrusions and said optional plurality of second protrusions may comprise two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve or more first protrusions and second protrusions, respectively. If the inner surface of said chamber contains only the first and second axial portions, but not the third axial portion, then it may be sufficient that the first axial portion contains three protrusions that can be evenly distributed along the inner circumference of said chamber. Similarly, if the inner surface of the chamber also contains a third axial section, then each of the first and third axial sections may contain two projections located one opposite the other, and the first projections of the first axial section are offset by 90 degrees with respect to the second projections of the third axial section. Any of the above amounts strike a reasonable balance between sufficiently secure retention of the article and sufficient mitigation of the negative effects described above. These amounts apply in particular to those protrusion shapes that provide linear contact between the protrusions and the aerosol generating article.

If the first and optional third projections have one of the aforementioned dot projection shapes, then the number of projections may be greater. Accordingly, the density of said plurality of first protrusions and/or the density of said optional plurality of second protrusions may range from 0.25 to 1.5 protrusions per square millimeter, in particular from 0.5 to 0.75 protrusions per square millimeter. In this case, the density per square millimeter again refers to the envelope surface tangent to each point of the base level region of the first axial region and the optional third axial region, respectively. In other words, the corresponding density per square millimeter does not refer to the actual area percentage of the "odd" first and third axial sections, but to the corresponding projection of the first and third axial sections along the normal to the corresponding area of the base level. The density of said plurality of first protrusions may be greater than, equal to, or less than the density of said optional plurality of second protrusions. Similarly, the density of said plurality of first protrusions and/or the density of said plurality of second protrusions may be greater than, equal to, or less than the density of said plurality of recesses of the second axial portion.

The height dimension of the first projections and the optional second projections determines the width of the air flow passage which is formed between the first projections and the optional second projections, in particular between the outer surface of the article placed in said chamber and the corresponding base level area of the first axial section and the optional third axial section. site. At least one, preferably each, of said plurality of first protrusions may have a height dimension in the range of 0.5 mm to 2 mm, in particular in the range of 0.75 mm to 1.5 mm. Similarly, at least one, preferably each, of said plurality of second protrusions has a height dimension in the range of 0.5 mm to 2 mm, in particular in the range of 0.75 mm to 1.5 mm. These heights have proven to be particularly favorable for providing improved airflow control. In this case, the height dimension of the first and optional second ridges is defined as the distance between the top of the respective ridge and the adjacent part of the respective base layer area, as viewed towards the central axis, preferably perpendicular to the central axis. Preferably, all of the first projections are of the same size in height. Likewise, all second projections, if present, may have the same height dimension.

Said plurality of first protrusions and/or said optional plurality of second protrusions may be arranged in a regular pattern. Said plurality of first protrusions and said optional plurality of second protrusions, respectively, may be uniformly distributed along the inner circumference of said chamber. In particular, said plurality of first protrusions and said optional plurality of second protrusions, respectively, may be spaced at regular intervals and separated from each other by respective depressions (spaces) disposed between each two adjacent protrusions. As an advantage, the regular pattern ensures uniform and thus particularly secure retention of the aerosol-generating article.

Similarly to the base level area of the second axial section, each of the base level area of the first axial section and the base level area of the optional third axial section is a coherent area. The base level area of the first axial section and the base level area of the optional third axial section do not have isolated sections.

Preferably, at least one of the base level region of the first axial portion and the base level region of the optional third axial portion has a cross-mesh pattern. The cross pattern of the respective base layer area provides linear airflow passages between the first and second projections.

Alternatively, at least one of the base level region of the first axial portion and the base level region of the optional third axial portion may have a hexagonal mesh pattern.

As an advantage, the number of protrusions, their shape and the distance between them in the specified set of first protrusions and the specified optional set of second protrusions, respectively, can be selected so that when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the chamber of the device, the retraction resistance (RTD) is in the required range. The retraction resistance can range from 70 mm WG (millimeters of water) to 120 mm WG (millimeters of water). Preferably, the retraction resistance (RTD) may be from 40 mm WG (millimeters of water) to 70 mm WG (millimeters of water), in particular from 45 mm WG (millimeters of water) to 65 mm WG (millimeters of water), for example 55 mm WG (millimeters of water).

Said chamber may have a substantially cylindrical shape. As used herein, "substantially cylindrical" refers to the shape of said chamber when said projections and recesses are masked, or without any projections and recesses. In other words, the expression "essentially cylindrical rod form" refers to the shape of the specified camera, defined by the corresponding area of the base level of the first, second and optional third axial sections. In the event that said chamber is substantially cylindrical, said plurality of first projections and said optional plurality of second projections extend beyond the second axial portion toward the central axis in a radially inward direction. In particular, any distances between the inner surface and the central axis are measured in a radial direction relative to the central axis, that is, in a direction perpendicular to the central axis. Preferably, the envelope surface intersecting the apex of each of said plurality of first protrusions preferably also has a substantially cylindrical shape. Likewise, the envelope surface intersecting the bottom of each recess of said plurality of recesses may also have a substantially cylindrical shape. The envelope surface intersecting the top of each ridge of said optional plurality of second ridges, if present, preferably also has a substantially cylindrical shape.

Alternatively, said chamber may have a substantially tapered, in particular substantially conical or substantially frustoconical shape. As used herein, the expression "substantially tapered, in particular substantially conical or substantially truncated conical shape", as in the previous case, refers to the shape of the camera when the specified projections and recesses are masked, or without taking into account any protrusions and recesses, that is, to the shape of the chamber, defined by the corresponding area of the base level of the first, second and optional third axial sections. For any of these shapes, any distances between the inner surface and the central axis are preferably measured perpendicular to the surface of the substantially tapered, in particular substantially conical or substantially truncated conical shape, i.e. normal to the respective base level area of the first, second and optional third axial sections. . Preferably, the envelope surface intersecting the top of each protrusion of said plurality of first protrusions also has a substantially tapered, in particular substantially conical or substantially frustoconical shape. Likewise, the envelope surface intersecting the bottom of each recess of said plurality of second recesses may also have a substantially tapered, in particular substantially conical or substantially frustoconical shape. Similarly, the envelope surface intersecting the top of each protrusion of said plurality of second protrusions may also have a substantially tapering, in particular substantially conical or substantially frustoconical shape.

Preferably, said chamber has a substantially circular section when viewed in a plane perpendicular to the central axis. In particular, the second axial portion may have a circular section in the view in a plane perpendicular to the central axis. Similarly, at least one of the first axial portion and the optional third axial portion may have a substantially circular section in a view in a plane perpendicular to the central axis, ignoring the first protrusions or the second protrusions, respectively.

Alternatively, said chamber may also have a substantially elliptical cross section, or a substantially oval cross section, or a substantially square cross section, or a substantially rectangular cross section, or a substantially triangular cross section, or a substantially polygonal cross section. As used herein, the aforementioned sectional shapes preferably refer to the sectional shape of said chamber without regard to any protrusions.

Similarly, the envelope curve about the central axis intersecting the apex of each ridge of said plurality of first ridges or said optional set of second ridges, respectively, may be one of the following: a substantially circular shape, or a substantially elliptical shape, or a substantially oval shape, or a substantially a square shape, or a substantially rectangular shape, or a substantially triangular shape, or a substantially polygonal shape. Preferably, the shape of the envelope curve about the central axis that intersects the top of each protrusion of said plurality of first protrusions or said plurality of second protrusions, respectively, corresponds to the sectional shape of the aerosol generating article to be placed in said chamber.

Said chamber may comprise an insertion hole through which an aerosol generating article can be inserted into said chamber. As used herein, the direction in which the aerosol generating article is inserted is referred to as the insertion direction. Preferably, the direction of insertion corresponds to the extent of the central axis of said chamber. After being inserted into said chamber, at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article may still pass outwardly through said insertion hole. The outwardly extending portion is preferably configured to interact with the user, in particular to be inserted into the user's mouth. Thus, during use of the device, the insertion hole can be located near the user's mouth. Accordingly, the insertion hole may be located at the proximal end of the aerosol generating device, in particular at the proximal end of said chamber.

Alternatively, said chamber may be accessible from the side with respect to the central axis. In other words, the aerosol generating article can be inserted into said chamber from the side with respect to the central axis. In addition to being accessible laterally, the receiving chamber may further comprise an opening through which at least part of the aerosol generating article, after being inserted into the receiving chamber, can pass outwardly, in particular in a direction corresponding to the direction of the central axis of the receiving chamber. For example, the aerosol generating device may include a side insertion opening allowing said chamber to be accessed laterally with respect to the central axis. The device may further comprise a cover for covering a side insertion hole in said chamber. The lid may be removably attached to the main body of the aerosol generating device. In particular, the lid may be hinged, that is, the lid may be attached to the main body of the aerosol generating device by means of hinges. Similarly, the aerosol generating device may comprise two housing parts, each forming part of a chamber. The two shroud parts can be hinged to each other to allow the two shroud parts to move between an open position and a closed position, with the interior of the chamber accessible in the open position.

In general, the length of the first axial portion, the second axial portion, and the intermediate axial portion may depend on the design of the aerosol generating article to be placed and retained in the receiving chamber. As will be described in more detail below, the product may contain various elements. In particular, if the aerosol-generating article is substantially in the form of a rod, then the article may comprise various elements arranged in series along the longitudinal axis of the article. Preferably, each section of the inner surface of the receiving chamber, that is, the first axial section, the second axial section and the intermediate axial section, is assigned to a specific element of the aerosol generating article.

The second axial section may have a length of at least 20 percent of the length of the inner surface or said chamber in the direction of the central axis. Preferably, the second section has a length ranging from 20 percent to 40 percent, in particular from 25 percent to 40 percent, in particular from 30 percent to 35 percent, of the length of the inner surface or said chamber. Advantageously, such lengths provide sufficient mitigation of the negative effects described above and, in addition, they provide for turbulence in the air flow along the second axial portion. The first axial section and the second axial section may have equal length in the direction of the central axis. Alternatively, the first axial section and the second axial section may have different lengths in the direction of the central axis.

The aerosol generating device may comprise one or more end stops located inside said chamber, in particular at the far end of said chamber. Said one or more end stops are preferably configured to limit the insertion depth of the aerosol generating article into said chamber. In particular, said one or more end stops may be configured to prevent the aerosol generating article from abutting against the inner surface of said chamber at the distal end of said chamber opposite the insertion hole in said chamber at the proximal end of said chamber. Thus, said one or more end stoppers provide the advantage of providing free space within the distal portion of said chamber, allowing free flow of air between the distal end of said chamber and the distal end of the aerosol generating article when the article is placed in said chamber. Said one or more end stoppers may comprise a contact surface against which the aerosol generating article, in particular the distal end of the aerosol generating article, may abut when the article is placed in said chamber.

Preferably, the aerosol generating device may comprise a plurality of separate end stops, for example three end stops, which are located within said chamber, in particular at the distal end of said chamber.

Said plurality of end stops may be arranged symmetrically around a central axis. In particular, said plurality of end stops may be arranged at regular intervals around the central axis. As described above, this allows free flow of air around the end stops and the product placed in said chamber.

Said one or more end stops preferably have a size in the direction of the central axis in the range from 0.5 mm to 5 mm, in particular in the range from 1 mm to 4 mm, preferably in the range from 1 mm to 2 mm, for example 1.4 mm .

Said one or more end stops are preferably shaped and sized such that they extend towards the central axis beyond said plurality of first protrusions and said plurality of second protrusions. Said one or more end stoppers preferably have a radial extension perpendicular to the central axis in the range of 0.7 mm to 6 mm, in particular in the range of 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably in the range of 2 mm to 4 mm.

Preferably, said one or more end stops may be in the form of an annular segment, in particular if said chamber is substantially cylindrical. The annular segment may have a height dimension in the direction of the central axis and a radial dimension perpendicular to the central axis. As indicated above, the height dimension of the annular segment can be in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm, in particular in the range of 1 mm to 4 mm, preferably in the range of 1 mm to 2 mm. The radial dimension of the annular segment can be in the range of 0.7 mm to 6 mm, in particular in the range of 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm, for example 1.3 mm.

For example, said chamber may be in the form of an elongated cavity containing a bottom at the distal end of said chamber. In this configuration, said one or more end stops may be positioned within said chamber so as to protrude from the bottom at the distal end towards the proximal end of said chamber, in particular in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion of the article.

The base level area of the first axial section and the base level area of the second axial section can be located on a common female surface, in particular on a common cylindrical, conical or truncated conical female surface. The base level area of the first axial section and the base level area of the optional third axial section can be located on a common female surface, in particular on a common cylindrical, conical or truncated conical female surface. The base level area of the second axial section and the base level area of the optional third axial section can be located on a common female surface, in particular on a common cylindrical, conical or truncated conical female surface. The base level area of the first axial section The base level area of the second axial section and the base level area of the optional third axial section can be located on a common female surface, in particular on a common cylindrical, conical or truncated conical female surface.

Said camera may be a multi-part component. In particular, said chamber may comprise a first part and a second part, the second part being preferably inserted into the first part. The second part can be made in the form of a sleeve. The second part can be attached to the first part by a form connection or positive connection. Alternatively or additionally, the second part may be attached to the first part by a friction fit or a snap-on connection. Preferably, the second part contains the specified first axial section, while the first part contains the specified intermediate axial section and the second axial section. Such a configuration facilitates manufacturing, in particular injection molding.

Said chamber may be in the form of a chamber module, in particular in the form of a tubular sleeve, which may be inserted into the main body of the aerosol generating device. As an advantage, this allows the aerosol generating device to be modularly assembled.

Alternatively, at least a portion of said chamber may be integral with the main body. By making at least a part of said chamber as part of the main body, it is possible to reduce the number of parts used for the aerosol generating device.

The aerosol generating device may further comprise a heating device for heating the aerosol generating substrate within the aerosol generating article housed in the chamber of the device. The heating device may be an induction heating device. The induction heating device may comprise an induction source containing an inductor that is configured to generate an alternating, in particular high frequency, magnetic field inside said chamber. Said variable, in particular high frequency, magnetic field may have a range of 500 kHz (kilohertz) to 30 MHz (megahertz), in particular 5 MHz (megahertz) to 15 MHz (megahertz), preferably 5 MHz (megahertz) to 10 MHz (megahertz). After the article is inserted into said chamber, an alternating electromagnetic field is used to inductively heat the current collector, which is in thermal contact with or in thermal proximity to the aerosol-forming substrate to be heated. The inductor may be positioned so as to surround at least part of said chamber or at least part of the inner surface of said chamber, respectively. The inductor may be an inductor, such as a spiral coil, located inside the side wall of the specified chamber. Preferably, the inductor may be positioned so as to surround at least a second axial portion of said inner surface. More preferably, the inductor may be positioned so as to surround only the second axial portion of said inner surface. Alternatively, the inductor may be positioned to further surround at least partially the first axial portion and/or the third axial portion.

Alternatively, the heating device may be a resistance heating device comprising a resistance heating element. The resistive heating element is made with the possibility of heating when an electric current flows through it due to its own ohmic resistance or resistive load of the resistive heating element. For example, the resistive heating element may comprise at least one of a resistive heating wire, a resistive heating track, a resistive heating grid, or a resistive heating grid. When using the device, the resistive heating element is in thermal contact with or in thermal proximity to the aerosol-forming substrate to be heated.

The aerosol generating device may further comprise a controller configured to control the operation of the device. In particular, the controller may be configured to control the operation of the heating device, preferably in a feedback configuration, to control the heating of the aerosol-forming substrate to a predetermined operating temperature. The operating temperature used to heat the aerosol-forming substrate may be at least 180 degrees Celsius, in particular at least 300 degrees Celsius, preferably at least 350 degrees Celsius, more preferably at least 370 degrees Celsius, most preferably at least 400 degrees Celsius.

The aerosol generating device may comprise a power source, in particular a DC power source configured to supply a DC supply voltage and a DC supply to the induction heating structure. Preferably, the power source is a battery such as a lithium iron phosphate battery. Alternatively, the power supply may be another type of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power supply may need to be recharged, ie the power supply may be rechargeable. The power supply may have a capacity that allows sufficient energy to be stored for one or more uses. For example, the power supply may have a capacity sufficient to enable continuous generation of the aerosol for a period of approximately six minutes, or for a period in multiples of six minutes. In another example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to allow for a predetermined number of puffs or individual activations of the heating device.

The aerosol generating device may include a main body, which preferably contains a controller and/or power supply. In addition, the aerosol generating device may include a camera module placed in the cavity of the main body or attached to the main body of the device. The camera module contains the camera of the device of the present invention described in this document.

The camera module may be an independent subject of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention further relates to a chamber module for use in an aerosol generating device, the chamber module comprising a chamber for removably accommodating at least a portion of the aerosol generating article. Along the central axis of said chamber, the inner surface of said chamber comprises a first axial section and a second axial section. The first axial section is located closer to the proximal end of the chamber than the second axial section. The second axial section is corrugated and contains a plurality of recesses. Said plurality of recesses extend outward from the base level region of the second axial section. Said plurality of recesses may extend from the base level region of the second axial portion radially outward in a direction away from the central axis. The first axial section contains a plurality of first protrusions, made with the possibility of contact with at least a part of the aerosol generating product placed in the specified chamber. Said plurality of first protrusions extend from the base level area of the first axial section. Said plurality of first protrusions may extend from the base level area of the first axial section towards the central axis beyond the base level area of the second axial section.

The camera module may be configured to be placed in the cavity of the main body of the aerosol generating device or attached to the main body of the device.

Additional features of the camera module, in particular the camera itself, have already been described above in relation to the aerosol generating device and apply equally.

The present invention further relates to an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device according to the present invention described herein. The system further comprises an aerosol-generating article comprising at least one aerosol-generating substrate to be heated by said device, wherein at least a portion of the article is removably placed or removably placed in the chamber of the device.

The device and article are configured such that when the article is inserted into the receiving chamber, said plurality of first projections and said plurality of second projections contact at least a portion of the aerosol generating article to retain the aerosol generating article in the receiving chamber. In contrast, the second portion of the inner surface of said chamber is not in contact with the aerosol generating article.

Preferably, the shape of the envelope curve about the central axis that intersects the top of each protrusion of said plurality of first protrusions or said optional plurality of second protrusions, respectively, corresponds to the sectional shape of the aerosol generating article to be placed in said chamber.

As described above with respect to the aerosol generating device, said plurality of first projections and said plurality of second projections are arranged at a distance from each other such that air flow paths are formed between adjacent first and second projections, respectively. Advantageously, the shape of said plurality of first recesses and said optional plurality of second protrusions, respectively, and the distance between them can be chosen such that when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the chamber of the device, the pull-in resistance (RTD) is within the required range. The retraction resistance can range from 70 mm WG (millimeters of water) to 120 mm WG (millimeters of water). Preferably, the pull-out resistance (RTD) can be from 40 mm WG (millimeters of water) to 70 mm WG (millimeters of water), in particular from 45 mm WG (millimeters of water) to 65 mm WG (millimeters of water), for example 55 mm WG (millimeters of water).

For example, an aerosol generating article may include the following elements: a substrate element, a support element, a cooling element, and a filter element. All of the aforementioned elements may be arranged in series along the longitudinal axis of the article in the order described above, with the substrate element preferably located at the distal end of the article and the filter element preferably located at the proximal end of the article. In particular, the substrate element is located downstream relative to the support element with respect to the air flow passing through the product when using the system. Each of the above elements may be substantially cylindrical. In particular, all elements may have the same external cross-sectional shape. In addition, these elements may be surrounded by an overwrap to hold the elements together and maintain the desired cross-sectional shape of the rod-like product. Preferably, the wrapper is made from paper.

The substrate element preferably contains at least one aerosol-forming substrate to be heated. If the aerosol generating system is based on induction heating, then the substrate element may further comprise a current collector that is in thermal contact with or in thermal proximity to the aerosol generating substrate.

The support element may comprise a hollow cellulose acetate tube having a free central air passage.

The aerosol cooling element is an element having a large surface area and low retraction resistance, for example, 15 mm WG (millimeters water column) to 20 mm WG (millimeters water column). In use, aerosol generated by volatile compounds released from the substrate element is drawn through the aerosol cooling element before being transferred to the proximal end of the aerosol generating article.

The filter element preferably serves as a mouthpiece or as part of the mouthpiece together with the aerosol cooling element. As used herein, the term "mouthpiece" refers to that part of the article through which the aerosol exits the aerosol generating article.

If the aerosol-generating device is intended to be used with an aerosol-generating article, then, according to the specific example described above (with only one support member), the chamber of the aerosol-generating device preferably contains only the first axial section and the second axial section, but does not contain the third axial section. In this configuration, the device and article are preferably configured such that the support element is in contact with the first axial region and that the substrate element is surrounded by the second axial region without contact with this second axial region. However, the substrate element may at least partially be in contact with the first axial section. Thus, the axial lengths of the first and second axial sections and the lengths of the support element and the substrate element of the product can be chosen in such a way that at least a large part, in particular more than 50%, of the substrate element, but preferably the entire substrate element, are aligned. with a second axial section when placing an aerosol-generating product in said chamber. As used herein, the term "in contact with" should be understood to mean that the support element or parts of the substrate elements are in indirect or direct contact with the axial portion, depending on whether the support element and the substrate element are wrapped or not.

Preferably, the support element may have a length in the direction along the longitudinal axis of the rod-shaped product, which corresponds to the length of the first axial section along the central axis of the said chamber. Similarly, the substrate element may have a length in the direction along the length axis of the rod-shaped product, which corresponds to the length of the second axial section along the Central axis of the specified chamber. Alternatively, the first axial portion may have a length that is greater than the length of the support element to at least partially ensure its contact with the substrate element.

According to another example, the aerosol generating article may comprise the following elements: a distal support element, a substrate element, a proximal support element, a cooling element, and a filter element. All of the above elements may be arranged in series along the length axis of the product in the above order, with the distal support element located at the distal end of the product and the filter element located at the proximal end of the product. In other words, the substrate element is located between the proximal support element and the distal support element. In particular, the substrate element is located downstream relative to the proximal support element and upstream relative to the distal support element with respect to the air flow passing through the product when using the system. Each of the above elements may be substantially cylindrical. In particular, all elements may have the same external cross-sectional shape. In addition, these elements may be surrounded by an overwrap to hold the elements together and maintain the desired cross-sectional shape of the rod-like product. Preferably, the wrapper is made from paper.

The substrate, the cooling element and the filter element may correspond to the respective elements according to the above example.

The distal and proximal support members may comprise a hollow cellulose acetate tube having a free central air passage. Alternatively, the far support member may comprise a cellulose acetate plug (without a free central air passage). A cellulose acetate plug can be used to cover and protect the far front end of the substrate element.

If the aerosol generating device is to be used with the aerosol generating article according to the specific example described above (with two support members), the chamber of the aerosol generating device preferably comprises a first axial portion, a second axial portion and a third axial portion as described above. In this configuration, the device and article are preferably configured such that the proximal support element is in contact with the first axial region, the distal support element is in contact with the third axial region, and the substrate element is surrounded by the second axial region without contact with this second axial region. However, the substrate element may at least partially contact at least one of the first axial section or the third axial section. Thus, the axial lengths of the first, second and third axial sections and the lengths of the proximal support element, the substrate element and the distal support element of the product can be chosen so that at least a large part, in particular more than 50%, of the substrate, but preferably the entire substrate were aligned with the second axial portion when the aerosol generating article was placed in said chamber.

Preferably, the proximal support element may have a length in the direction along the longitudinal axis of the rod-shaped product, which corresponds to the length of the first axial section along the central axis of the said chamber. Similarly, the distal support member may have a length along the axis of the rod-shaped article that corresponds to the length of the third axial portion along the central axis of said chamber. Accordingly, the substrate element may have such a length in the direction along the longitudinal axis of the rod-shaped product, which corresponds to the length of the second axial section along the central axis of the said chamber. Alternatively, at least one of the first axial portion and the second axial portion may have a length that is greater than the length of the proximal support element or the distal support element, respectively, to ensure at least partial contact with the substrate element.

Any of the above configurations is useful for a number of reasons. Firstly, the substrate element is located at a distance from the second axial section, and thus is less affected by the formation of condensate. In addition, the first and optional second protrusions of the first and third axial sections interact with those parts of the product that are the most rigid and tend to compress the least during use, which provides an advantage. Due to this, the product is securely held within the said chamber without the risk of it shifting or falling out of the device.

Additional features and advantages of an aerosol generating system and an aerosol generating article according to the present invention have already been described above in relation to an aerosol generating device and are equally applicable.

As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device" generally refers to an electrical device that is capable of interacting with an aerosol generating substrate provided within an aerosol generating article so as to generate an aerosol by heating the substrate. Preferably, the aerosol generating device is an inhalation device for generating an aerosol that can be inhaled directly by the user through the mouth. In particular, the aerosol generating device is a hand held aerosol generating device.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article containing at least one aerosol-forming substrate that, when heated, releases aerosol-forming volatile compounds. Preferably, the aerosol generating article is a heated aerosol generating article. In other words, the aerosol-generating article comprises at least one aerosol-forming substrate that is intended to be heated, rather than combusted, to release volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. The aerosol generating article may be a consumable part, in particular a consumable part to be disposed of after a single use. For example, the article may be a cartridge containing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate to be heated. Alternatively, the product may be a rod-shaped product, in particular a tobacco product similar to conventional cigarettes. As stated above, the article may further comprise a current collector located in thermal proximity to or in thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate such that, in use, the current collector can be inductively heated by the induction heating structure when the article is placed in the cavity of the device.

As used herein, the term "current collector" refers to an element that is capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat when subjected to an alternating magnetic field. This may be the result of hysteresis losses and/or eddy currents induced in the current collector, depending on the electrical and magnetic properties of the current collector material. Hysteresis losses occur in ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic current collectors due to the remagnetization of magnetic domains inside the material under the action of an alternating electromagnetic field. It is possible to induce eddy currents if the current collector is electrically conductive. In the case of an electrically conductive ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic current collector, heat can be generated by both eddy currents and hysteresis losses.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" means a substrate made from or containing an aerosol-forming material that is capable of releasing volatile compounds when heated to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate is intended to be heated, not incinerated, to release the aerosol-forming volatile compounds. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate, or a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, or a gel-like aerosol-forming substrate, or any combination thereof. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain both liquid and solid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the substrate upon heating. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may further comprise an aerosol-forming agent. Examples of suitable aerosol forming agents are glycerin and propylene glycol. The aerosol-forming substrate may also contain other additives and ingredients such as nicotine or flavoring agents. The aerosol-forming substrate may also be a pasty material, a pouch of porous material containing an aerosol-forming substrate, or, for example, loose tobacco mixed with a gelling agent or adhesive, which may contain a conventional aerosolizing agent such as glycerin, and which pressed or molded in the form of a plug.

As used herein, the term "aerosol generating system" refers to the combination of an aerosol generating article, further described herein, with an aerosol generating device according to the present invention, described in this document. In the system, said article and device interact to generate an inhalable aerosol.

In the context of this document, parts placed near the insertion hole or near the user's mouth when using the device are respectively defined as "proximate". Sections that are located farther are characterized by the definition "far". Accordingly, said chamber may be located or located in the proximal part of the aerosol generating device. Similarly, the insertion hole may be located at the proximal end of the aerosol generating device.

As used herein, the expression "extending towards the central axis" means that said plurality of first protrusions and said optional plurality of second protrusions extend into the interior of said chamber. Depending on the overall shape of said chamber, the direction towards the central axis may in particular be perpendicular to the central axis. In addition, the expression "extending beyond the base level region of the second axial portion of said inner surface towards the central axis" means that towards the central axis, each protrusion of said plurality of first protrusions and said optional plurality of second protrusions extends beyond that corresponding portion of the region. the base level of the second axial section which (part) has the same azimuth position with respect to the central axis of the specified camera. In other words, at a given azimuthal position of the respective first or optional second ridge, the base level region of the second portion is recessed outward relative to the corresponding first or optional second ridge in an outward view extending away from the central axis.

As used herein, the expression "made with the possibility of contact with at least part of the aerosol generating article" should be understood in such a way that at least a portion of the protrusions of the specified plurality of first protrusions, in particular 70 percent or more, preferably 80 percent or more, more preferably, 90 percent or more of said plurality of first protrusions are in contact with the aerosol generating article when said aerosol generating article is placed in said chamber. The same applies to the specified optional set of second ledges. In the context of this document, the expression "made with the possibility of contact with at least part of the aerosol-generating article" should be understood in such a way that at least part of the protrusions of the specified plurality of second protrusions, in particular 70 percent or more, preferably 80 percent or more, more preferably 90 percent or more of said plurality of second protrusions are in contact with the aerosol generating article when said aerosol generating article is placed in said chamber.

As used herein, the term "base level region" of the first axial portion, the second axial portion, and the optional third axial portion refers to those regions of the first axial portion, the second axial portion, and the optional third axial portion that do not contain recesses or protrusions. In other words, the base level region refers to those areas of the first axial portion, the second axial portion, and an optional third axial portion that remain with or without masking said plurality of recesses or protrusions.

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

Example 1: An aerosol-generating device for use with an aerosol-generating article, comprising a chamber for removably accommodating at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article, wherein, along a central axis of said chamber, an inner surface of said chamber comprises a first axial portion and a second axial portion; the first axial section is closer to the proximal end of the specified chamber than the second axial section; the second axial section is corrugated and contains many recesses; said plurality of recesses extending from the base level region of the second axial section outwardly, in particular radially outwardly, in the direction away from the central axis; the first axial section contains a plurality of first projections; said plurality of first protrusions are configured to contact at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article housed in said chamber; and said plurality of first protrusions extend from the base level area of the first axial section towards the central axis beyond the base level area of the second axial section.

Example 2: An aerosol generating device according to example 1, wherein along the central axis of said chamber, the inner surface of said chamber comprises a third axial portion; said third axial portion is closer to the distal end of said chamber than the second axial portion; said third axial portion contains a plurality of second protrusions; said plurality of second protrusions are configured to contact at least a portion of an aerosol generating article housed in said chamber; and said plurality of second protrusions extend from the base level region of said third axial section towards the central axis beyond the base level region of the second axial section.

Example 3 An aerosol-generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein at least one of said plurality of recesses, in particular each of said plurality of recesses, is conical, or frustoconical, or pyramidal, or indentation, or a truncated pyramid, or a domed shape, or a cuboid shape, or a partially spherical shape, or a cylindrical shape, or a trihedral shape, or a polyhedral shape.

Example 4 An aerosol-generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the open area of at least one of said plurality of recesses, in particular the open area of each of said plurality of recesses, is circular, or oval, or elliptical, or rectangular. , or a square shape, or a diamond shape, or a parallelogram shape, or a triangular shape, or a hexagonal shape, or a polygonal shape.

Example 5: An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the density of said plurality of pits is in the range of 0.1 to 1.0 pits per square millimeter, preferably 0.2 to 0.7 pits per square millimeter.

Example 6 An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein at least one of said plurality of recesses has a depth dimension normal to the open area of the respective recess in the range of 0.25 mm to 2 mm, preferably in the range of 0 .5 mm to 1 mm.

Example 7 An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein said plurality of recesses are arranged in a regular pattern.

Example 8 An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the second axial portion is a coherent region.

Example 9 An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the base level area of the second axial portion has a hexagonal grid pattern.

Example 10 An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the second axial portion has a cross-netting pattern.

Example 11: An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the second axial portion has a length of at least 20 percent of the total length of the inner surface or said chamber in the direction of the central axis, in particular in the range of 20 percent to 40 percent, or from 25 percent to 40 percent, or from 30 percent to 35 percent of the total length of the inner surface or said chamber.

Example 12 An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein at least one, preferably each, of said plurality of first protrusions is conical, or frustoconical, or pyramidal, or tubercle, or frusto pyramidal, or a domed shape, or a cuboid shape, or a partially spherical shape, or a cylindrical shape, or a trihedral shape, or a polyhedral shape.

Example 13: An aerosol-generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein at least one, preferably each, of said optional plurality of second protrusions is conical, or frustoconical, or pyramidal, or tubercle, or frusto-pyramid shaped, or a domed shape, or a cuboid shape, or a partially spherical shape, or a cylindrical shape, or a trihedral shape, or a polyhedral shape.

Example 14: An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the first protrusions and optional second protrusions may be essentially point protrusions.

Example 15: An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein at least one of the density of said plurality of first protrusions and the density of said optional plurality of second protrusions is in the range of 0.25 to 1.5 protrusions per square millimeter, in particular from 0.5 to 0.75 protrusion per square millimeter.

Example 16 An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein at least one, preferably each, of said plurality of first protrusions has a height dimension in the range of 0.5 millimeters to 2 millimeters, in particular in the range of 0.75 millimeters to 1.5 millimeters.

Example 17 An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein at least one, preferably each, of said plurality of second protrusions has a height dimension in the range of 0.5 millimeters to 2 millimeters, in particular in the range of 0.75 millimeters to 1.5 millimeters.

Example 18 An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein said plurality of first projections are arranged in a regular pattern.

Example 19 An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein said plurality of second protrusions are arranged in a regular pattern.

Example 20: An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein at least one of the base level region of the first axial region and the base layer region of the optional third axial region is a coherent region.

Example 21: An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein at least one of the base level area of the first axial section and the base level area of the optional third axial section has a cross-mesh pattern.

Example 22 An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the chamber is substantially cylindrical or substantially tapered, in particular substantially conical or substantially frustoconical.

Example 23: An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein said chamber has a substantially circular cross section, or a substantially elliptical cross section, or a substantially oval cross section, or a substantially square cross section, or a substantially rectangular cross section , or a substantially triangular cross section, or a substantially polygonal cross section in a view in a plane perpendicular to the central axis.

Example 24: An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein said chamber comprises an insertion hole for inserting an aerosol generating article into said chamber.

Example 25: An aerosol generating device according to example 24, in which the insertion hole is located at the proximal end of the aerosol generating device, in particular at the proximal end of said chamber.

Example 26: An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, comprising one or more end stops located inside said chamber, in particular at the far end of said chamber.

Example 27 An aerosol-generating device according to example 26, wherein said plurality of end stops are arranged symmetrically around a central axis, in particular at regular intervals around the central axis.

Example 28: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 26 or 27, wherein said one or more end stops have a size in the direction of the central axis in the range from 0.5 millimeters to 5 millimeters, in particular in the range from 1 millimeter to 4 millimeters, preferably in the range of 1 millimeter to 2 millimeters, such as 1.4 millimeters.

Example 29 An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 26-28, wherein said one or more end stops have a radial extent perpendicular to the central axis in the range of 0.7 millimeters to 6 millimeters, in particular in the range of 1 millimeter to 5 millimeters, preferably in the range of 2 millimeters to 4 millimeters.

Example 30: An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 26-29, wherein said one or more end stops are in the form of an annular segment.

Example 31: An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the base level region of the first axial section and the base level region of the second axial section are located on a common female surface, in particular on a common cylindrical, conical or frustoconical female surface.

Example 32: An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the base level region of the first axial section and the base level region of the optional third axial section are located on a common female surface, in particular on a common cylindrical, conical or frustoconical female surface.

Example 33: An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the base level region of the second axial section and the base level region of the optional third axial section are located on a common female surface, in particular on a common cylindrical, conical or frustoconical female surface.

Example 34: An aerosol-generating device according to any of the previous examples, in which the base level region of the first axial section, the base level region of the second axial section, and the base level region of the optional third axial section are located on a common enclosing surface, in particular on a common cylindrical, conical or truncated - conical covering surface.

Example 35: An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, which may include a main body and a camera module placed in a cavity of the main body or attached to the main body, the camera module comprising a camera.

Example 36: A chamber module for use in an aerosol generating device comprising a chamber for removably accommodating at least a portion of an aerosol generating article, wherein, along a central axis of said chamber, an inner surface of said chamber comprises a first axial portion and a second axial portion; the first axial section is closer to the proximal end of the specified chamber than the second axial section; the second axial section is corrugated and contains many recesses; said plurality of recesses extending from the base level region of the second axial section outwardly, in particular radially outwardly, in the direction away from the central axis; the first axial section contains a plurality of first projections; said plurality of first protrusions are configured to contact at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article housed in said chamber; and said plurality of first protrusions extend from the base level area of the first axial section towards the central axis beyond the base level area of the second axial section.

Example 37: The camera module according to Example 36, configured to be placed in the cavity of the main body of the aerosol generating device or attached to the main body of the aerosol generating device.

Example 38: An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims and an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol generating substrate, wherein at least a portion of the aerosol generating article is removably placed or configured to be removably placed in said chamber of the aerosol generating device.

Example 39: An aerosol generating system according to an example, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises at least a proximal support element, an optional distal support element, and a substrate element comprising an aerosol generating substrate; said substrate element is located downstream of the proximal support element and upstream of the optional distal support element with respect to the airflow passing through the article when using the system; and when the product is placed in said chamber, the proximal support element will be in contact with the first axial region, the optional third axial region will be in contact with the optional far support element, and the substrate element will be surrounded by the second axial region without contact with this second axial region.

The examples will be further described with reference to the figures, in which:

in FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an aerosol generating system according to the present invention, comprising an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article;

in FIG. 2 schematically shows an aerosol generating system according to claim 1 without an article;

in FIG. 3 schematically shows the camera module of the device according to FIG. 1 in perspective view;

in FIG. 4 schematically shows the camera module of FIG. 3 in sectional view; And

in FIG. 5-7 schematically show various embodiments of the first, second and third axial portions of the inner surface of the chamber of the device according to FIG. 1.

On FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of an aerosol generating system 1 according to the present invention. System 1 comprises two main components: an aerosol generating article 200 and an aerosol generating device 100 for use with article 200 to generate an inhalable aerosol by heating an aerosol generating substrate 222 contained within article 200.

The aerosol generating device 100 has an elongated shape and includes a main body 110 and a sleeve-shaped chamber module 120. The chamber module 120 includes a chamber 121 for receiving at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 200. The chamber module 120 is inserted into a cavity 111 provided inside the proximal portion 112 of the main body 110. Within the distal portion 113, the main body 110 includes a power source 150 and a controller 160 for supplying power and control the operation of the device 100.

The article 200 has a rod-like shape similar to that of a conventional cigarette. In this embodiment, the article 200 includes five elements arranged in coaxial alignment: a far support element 210, a substrate element 220, a proximal support element 230, an aerosol cooling element 240, and a filter plug 250. The far support element 210 is located at the far end of the article 200. The substrate element 220 contains an aerosol-forming substrate 222 to be heated. Aerosol-forming substrate 22 may comprise, for example, a corrugated sheet of homogenized tobacco material containing glycerol as an aerosol generating agent. The proximal support member 230 includes a hollow core defining a central air passage 232. The filter plug 250 serves as a mouthpiece and may contain, for example, cellulose acetate fibers. All five of these elements are essentially cylindrical elements located in series one after the other. These elements have substantially the same diameter and are surrounded by an outer wrapper 260 made of cigarette paper so that a cylindrical rod is formed. The outer wrap 260 may be wrapped around the above elements so that the free ends of the wrap overlap each other. The wrapper may further comprise an adhesive that adheres the overlapping risers of the wrapper to each other.

To heat the substrate 222 within the article 200, the aerosol generating device 100 of the present invention comprises an induction heating device. The induction heating device comprises an inductor 170 for generating an alternating, in particular high frequency, magnetic field within the chamber 121. Preferably, the high frequency magnetic field may range from 500 kHz (kilohertz) to 30 MHz (megahertz), in particular from 5 MHz (megahertz). ) up to 15 MHz (megahertz), preferably from 5 MHz (megahertz) to 10 MHz (megahertz). In this embodiment, the inductor 170 is a helical coil circumferentially surrounding the cylindrical chamber module 120 along its length axis 122 . An alternating magnetic field is used to inductively heat the current collector 270, which is located inside the aerosol-forming substrate 222 of the article 200, so that it is affected by the magnetic field generated by the inductor 170 when the article 200 is placed in the chamber 121. In this embodiment, the current collector 270 is a current-collecting blade disposed within the substrate member 220 along the length axis of the article 200 such that it is in direct physical contact with the aerosol-forming substrate 222.

Accordingly, upon activation of the induction heating device, a high frequency alternating current is passed through the inductor 170, resulting in the generation of an alternating magnetic field inside the chamber 121. Depending on the magnetic and electrical properties of the respective current collector material, the alternating magnetic field produces eddy currents and/or losses in hysteresis in the current collector 270. As a result, the current collector 270 heats up to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the substrate 222. The generated aerosol can be drawn further downstream through the aerosol generating article 200 for inhalation by the user.

On FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 shows additional details of the camera module 120 and the camera 121 which is formed by the walls of the camera module 120. The chamber module 120 is an elongated sleeve containing an insertion hole 126 through which the aerosol generating article 200 can be inserted into the chamber 121 at the proximal end 101 of the device 100. The insertion direction of the aerosol generating article 200 extends substantially along the central axis 122 of the chamber 121. The module 120 chamber is made of PEEK (polyetheretherketone). In this embodiment, the chamber 121 has a substantially cylindrical shape with a substantially circular cross section having a diameter of approximately 15 millimeters. The cylindrical shape and circular cross section of the chamber 121 substantially corresponds to the cylindrical shape and circular cross section of the aerosol generating article 200.

The chamber 121 includes an inner surface 130 that extends the entire axial length of the chamber 121. In this embodiment, the axial length of the chamber 121 is in the range of 25 mm to 28 mm. Along the central axis 122 of the chamber 121, the inner surface 130 comprises a first axial portion 131, a second axial portion 132, and a third axial portion 133, the first axial portion 131 being closer to the proximal end 124 of the chamber 121 than the second axial portion 132, and the third axial portion 133 is closer to the distal end 123 of the chamber 121 than the second axial portion 132. Accordingly, the second axial portion 132 is located between the first axial portion 131 and the third axial portion 133. The length of the intermediate axial portion 132 is approximately 33 percent (approximately one third) of the axial length 129 of the chamber 121. The same is true for the length of the first axial portion 131. In contrast, the length of the third axial portion 133 is slightly shorter than the length of the first and second axial portions 131, 132.

The first axial section 131 includes a plurality of first projections 141 that extend from the base level region 145 of the first axial section 131 towards the central axis 122 beyond the base level region 146 of the second axial section 132. Similarly, the third axial section 133 includes the specified set of second projections 143 that extend from the base level region 147 of the third axial portion 133 towards the central axis 122 beyond the base level region 146 of the second axial portion 132. Unlike the first and third axial portions 131, 133, the second axial portion 132 does not contain any or speeches. Instead, the second axial portion 132 is grooved and includes a plurality of recesses 142 that extend from the base level region 146 of the second axial portion 132 outwardly away from the central axis 122.

Thus, when article 200 is inserted into chamber 121, article 200 will only be in contact with said plurality of first protrusions 141 and said plurality of second protrusions 143. Conversely, article 200 will not be in contact with second axial portion 132 of inner surface 130. As a result, the overall contact area between article 200 and inner surface 130 of chamber 121 is significantly reduced. As an advantage, this results in an overall reduction in heat loss due to direct heat transfer from aerosol generating article 200 to inner surface 130. In addition, undesirable wetting effects on article 200 due to condensation in chamber 121. In addition, the reduced contact surface area facilitates insertion and removal of article 200 because the reduced contact surface area reduces the friction forces that must be overcome when moving article 200 into or out of chamber 121.

Despite the reduced contact area between article 200 and inner surface 130, article 200 is still securely held in chamber 121 by means of first and second projections 131, 132. This applies even more to this embodiment, since the location and dimensions of the first, second and third axial portions 131, 132, 133 are adapted to the location and dimensions of the proximal support element 230, the substrate element 220, and the distal support element 210. As can be seen in FIG. 1, when the product 200 is placed in the chamber 121, the proximal support member 230 will be in contact with the first projections 141 of the first axial section 131, and the distal support element 210 will be in contact with the second projections 143 of the third axial section 133. In contrast, the substrate element 220 is substantially surrounded by the second axial portion 132, however, without any contact with it. Only at its axially extreme ends, the substrate element 220 is partially in contact with the first projections 141 of the first axial section 131 and the second projections 143 of the third axial section 133. However, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments, even the axially extreme ends may not be located. in contact with the protrusions 141, 143 or the first and third axial sections 131, 133, and instead the entire substrate element 220 may be inside the second axial section 132. Due to these specific configurations, the first and second protrusions 141, 143 of the first and second axial sections 131 , 133 essentially interact only with those parts of the article 200 that are the most rigid and have the least tendency to shrink during use.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the free space between the first and second protrusions 141, 143 forms a multi-dimensional array of airflow passages allowing air to flow between the inner surface 130 of the chamber 121 and the outer surface of the aerosol generating article 200 inserted into the chamber 121. Thus, when a negative pressure is applied to the filter element 250 of the aerosol generating article 200 placed in the receiving chamber 121, for example, when puffed by the user, air is drawn into the receiving chamber 121 along the edge of the insertion hole 126 at the proximal end 101 of the device 100 or the proximal end 124 of the chamber 121, respectively. This airflow further passes along the inner surface 130 through multi-channel airflow passages to the lower portion at the distal end 123 of the receiving chamber 121. Here, the airflow enters the aerosol generating article 200 through the far support member 210 and further passes through the substrate member 220, the proximal support member. element 230, element 240 for cooling the aerosol and the filter element 250 and through it finally exits the product 200. 240 for cooling the aerosol and a filter element 250 to form the aerosol. In order to enable proper redirection of airflow into the aerosol generating article 200 at the distal end 123 of the receiving chamber 121, the aerosol generating device 100 according to this embodiment includes end stops 128 that are located at the distal end 123 of the receiving chamber 121. The end stops 128 are configured to limiting the insertion depth of article 200 into receiving chamber 121 and thus preventing article 200 from abutting against the bottom surface of receiving chamber 121. This is shown in FIG. 1.

With regard to the flow of air passing along the inner surface 130 from the proximal end 124 of the chamber 121 towards the distal end 123 of the chamber 121, the specified set of recesses 142 in the second axial section 132 create turbulence of the air flow along the second axial section 132. As an advantage, turbulent flow air flow improves control of the air flow through the device 100 and, in particular, provides sufficient heat exchange with the air flowing around the product. In addition, the recesses 142 of the second axial portion 132 provide the advantage of creating turbulent air flow in the area of the second axial portion 132, which helps to provide improved aerosol characteristics compared to conventional aerosol generating systems.

In this embodiment, the first and second protrusions 141, 143 are made in the form of point protrusions having the form of tubercles. The first and second projections 141, 143 are arranged in a regular matrix pattern. In contrast, said plurality of recesses 142 are cylindrical in shape with a hexagonal cross section. In other words, the open area of each recess 142 has a hexagonal shape or a hexagonal cross section. The recesses 142 are arranged in a hexagonal pattern, in particular in a honeycomb pattern. Accordingly, the base level region 146 of the second axial portion 132 has a hexagonal grid pattern, in particular a honeycomb pattern.

Both the base level regions of the first and third axial portions 131, 133 and the base level region of the second axial portion are coherent regions having no isolated sections.

As seen in particular in Fig. 4, the first and second projections 141, 143 have the same height dimension 148. Similarly, all recesses 142 have the same size 149 in depth. For proper airflow control, the height dimension 148 is preferably in the range of 0.5 millimeters to 2 millimeters, in particular in the range of 0.75 millimeters to 1.5 millimeters, as measured radially to the central axis 122. Similarly thus, the recesses 142 preferably have a depth dimension 149 in the direction normal to the open area of the respective recess, ranging from 0.25 mm to 2 mm, preferably in the range from 0.5 mm to 1 mm.

The density of the recesses 147 can also influence the formation of turbulent airflow. Preferably, the density of the plurality of recesses 147 is in the range of 0.1 to 1.0 recesses per square millimeter, preferably 0.2 to 0.7 recesses per square millimeter. Similarly, the density of said plurality of first projections and second projections 141, 143 is in the range of 0.25 to 1.5 projections per square millimeter, in particular 0.5 to 0.75 projections per square millimeter. As used herein, the value of density per square millimeter refers to the percentage of the projected area of the respective axial portion 131, 132, 133 onto its base level area in the direction normal to said base level area, i.e. the enclosing surface tangent to each point of the respective area. 145, 146, 147 of the base layer, as indicated in FIG. 4 by dashed lines 191, 192. In this embodiment, the density of said plurality of first recesses 141 and the density of said plurality of second recesses 143 are equal to each other, but less than the density of said plurality of recesses 147.

On FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 schematically shows respective portions of alternative embodiments of the first and third axial portions of the inner surface 231, 233, 331, 333. FIG. 5, the first and second projections 241, 243 are cuboid shaped and arranged in a regular square pattern. Accordingly, the respective base layer regions 245, 247 have a regular square grid pattern. On FIG. 6, the first and second protrusions 341, 343 are pyramidal in shape. The respective base level regions 345, 347 have a cross-mesh pattern to provide linear airflow passages between the first and second projections 341, 343, respectively.

On FIG. 7 shows an alternate embodiment of the second axial portion 432. In this case, the second axial portion 432 includes a plurality of recesses 442, each of which is partially spherical in shape with a circular cross section. In other words, the open area of each recess 442 has a circular shape or circular cross section. The depressions 442 are arranged in a square grid pattern.

For the purposes of the present description and the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, amounts, percentages, and so on, should be understood as modified in all cases by the term "approximately". In addition, all ranges include the disclosed highs and lows and any intermediate ranges within them, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± 5 percent of A.

Claims (15)

1. An aerosol-generating device for use with an aerosol-generating article, comprising a chamber for removably accommodating at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article, wherein, along the central axis of said chamber, the inner surface of said chamber comprises a first axial portion and a second axial portion; the specified first axial section is closer to the proximal end of the specified camera than the second axial section; the specified second axial section is corrugated and contains many recesses; the specified set of recesses is point and extends from the area of the base level of the second axial section outward in the direction away from the Central axis; said first axial section contains a plurality of first protrusions; said plurality of first protrusions configured to contact at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article housed in said chamber; and said plurality of first protrusions extend from the base level area of the first axial section towards the central axis beyond the base level area of the second axial section. 2. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein along the central axis of said chamber, the inner surface of said chamber comprises a third axial portion, said third axial portion being closer to the distal end of said chamber than the second axial portion; said third axial portion contains a plurality of second protrusions; said plurality of second protrusions are configured to contact at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article housed in said chamber; and said plurality of second protrusions extend from the base level region of said third axial section towards the central axis beyond the base level region of the second axial section. 3. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said plurality of recesses has a conical shape, or a truncated cone shape, or a pyramidal shape, or an indentation shape, or a truncated pyramidal shape, or a domed shape, or a cuboid shape , or a partially spherical shape, or a cylindrical shape, or a trihedral shape, or a polyhedral shape. 4. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the open area of at least one of said plurality of recesses is circular, or oval, or elliptical, or rectangular, or square, or diamond-shaped, or parallelogram-shaped. , or a triangular shape, or a hexagonal shape, or a polygonal shape. 5. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the density of said plurality of pits is in the range of 0.1 to 1.0 pits per square millimeter, preferably 0.2 to 0.7 pits per square millimeter. 6. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said plurality of recesses has a depth dimension in the direction normal to the open area of the respective recess in the range of 0.25 millimeters to 2 millimeters, preferably in the range of 0, 5 mm to 1 mm. 7. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the base level region of the second axial region, the base level region of the first axial region, and the base level region of the optional third axial region is a coherent region. 8. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base level region of the second axial portion has a hexagonal grid pattern. 9. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the base level region of the first axial region and the base level region of the optional third axial region has a cross-mesh pattern. 10. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second axial portion has a length of at least 20 percent of the total length of the inner surface or said chamber in the direction of the central axis. 11. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one, preferably each, of said plurality of first protrusions is conical, or frustoconical, or pyramidal, or tubercle, or frusto pyramidal, or domed. a shape, or a cuboid shape, or a partially spherical shape, or a cylindrical shape, or a trihedral shape, or a polyhedral shape; and/or wherein at least one, preferably each, of said optional plurality of second protrusions is conical, or frustoconical, or pyramidal, or tubercle, or frusto pyramidal, or domed, or cuboid, or a partially spherical shape, or a cylindrical shape, or a trihedral shape, or a polyhedral shape. 12. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the density of said plurality of first protrusions and the density of said optional plurality of second protrusions is in the range of 0.25 to 1.5 protrusions per square millimeter, in particular 0 .5 to 0.75 protrusion per square millimeter. 13. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one, preferably each, of said plurality of first protrusions has a height dimension in the range of 0.5 millimeters to 2 millimeters, in particular in the range of 0.75 millimeters. up to 1.5 mm; and/or at least one, preferably each, of said plurality of second protrusions has a height dimension in the range of 0.5 mm to 2 mm, in particular in the range of 0.75 mm to 1.5 mm. 14. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims and an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol generating substrate, wherein at least a portion of the aerosol generating article is removably placed or configured to be removably placed in a chamber of the aerosol generating device. 15. The aerosol generating system of claim 14, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises at least a proximal support element, an optional distal support element, and a substrate element comprising an aerosol-forming substrate; said substrate element is located downstream of the proximal support element and upstream of the optional distal support element with respect to the airflow passing through the article when using the system; and when the product is placed in said chamber, the proximal support element will be in contact with the first axial region, the optional third axial region will be in contact with the optional far support element, and the substrate element will be surrounded by the second axial region without contact with this second axial region.

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