US20240245140A1

US20240245140A1 - Aerosol provision device

Info

Publication number: US20240245140A1
Application number: US18/564,247
Authority: US
Inventors: Luke WARREN
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2021-05-28
Filing date: 2022-05-27
Publication date: 2024-07-25
Also published as: EP4346460A1; MX2023014055A; CA3219912A1; WO2022248707A1; CN117715542A; JP2024521161A; GB202107718D0; KR20240009429A; BR112023024949A2; AU2022281117A1; IL308775A

Abstract

An aerosol provision device (2) is disclosed comprising a mouthpiece (26) having one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members (901).

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a National Phase entry of PCT Application No. PCT/EP2022/064474 filed May 27, 2022, which claims priority to GB Application No. 2107718.5 filed May 28, 2021, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

The present invention relates to an aerosol provision device, an aerosol provision system and a method of generating an aerosol.

BACKGROUND

Electronic aerosol generating systems such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) generally contain a reservoir of a source liquid containing a formulation, typically including nicotine, from which an aerosol is generated, e.g. through heat vaporization. An aerosol source for an aerosol provision system may thus comprise a heater having a heating element arranged to receive source liquid from the reservoir, for example through wicking or capillary action. While a user inhales on the device, electrical power is supplied to the heating element to vaporize source liquid in the vicinity of the heating element to generate an aerosol for inhalation by the user. Such devices are usually provided with one or more air inlet holes located away from a mouthpiece end of the system. When a user sucks on a mouthpiece connected to the mouthpiece end of the system, air is drawn in through the inlet holes and past the aerosol source. There is a flow path connecting between the aerosol source and an opening in the mouthpiece so that air drawn past the aerosol source continues along the flow path to the mouthpiece opening, carrying some of the aerosol from the aerosol source with it. The aerosol-carrying air exits the aerosol provision system through the mouthpiece opening for inhalation by the user.
Other aerosol provision devices generate aerosol from a solid material, such as tobacco or a tobacco derivative. Such devices operate in a broadly similar manner to the liquid-based systems described above, in that the solid tobacco material is heated to a vaporization temperature to generate an aerosol which is subsequently inhaled by a user.
In most aerosol provision devices, users seek consistent delivery on a puff-by-puff basis such that each puff tastes the same and/or provides the same desired effect. However, the devices described above are not always capable of providing consistent delivery.
It is desired to provide an aerosol provision device which delivers an improved delivery of aerosol and/or which provides a user with an improved sensorial experience.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising a mouthpiece having one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members.
The provision of one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members in the mouthpiece enables the air to aerosol ratio of an aerosol provided to a user to be varied.
According to various embodiments it may be considered that the richness or leanness of the aerosol content which is passed to the outlet of the mouthpiece (and which is duly experienced by a user) may be varied or optimised by increasing or decreasing the percentage of air in the aerosol. For example, it may be determined that the sensory experience could be improved by increasing the air content of the aerosol at a particular point in time whereupon the opening of the one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members may be increased to allow more air to flow to the outlet of the mouthpiece.
Conversely, it may be determined that the sensory experience could be improved by decreasing the air content of the aerosol at a particular point in time whereupon the opening of the one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members may be decreased to restrict the amount of air mixing with the aerosol and flowing to the outlet of the mouthpiece.
Various embodiments are contemplated. According to an embodiment the one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members may be modulated between being OFF and ON i.e. between 0% transmission and 100% transmission.
However, alternative embodiments are contemplated wherein the degree of opening of the one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members may be varied. For example, the one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members may be varied between x % transmission and y % transmission wherein 0<x<100 and 0<y<100.
In particular, the term “variable choke” should be understood as a valve which always allows some air to pass therethrough but wherein the degree of transmission of air through the choke may be varied.
Optionally, the one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members are arranged to vary a flow of air into the mouthpiece so as to vary the aerosolization of an aerosol or the air to aerosol ratio of a mixture of air and aerosol passing to the mouthpiece.
For example, the air to aerosol ratio (or the richness or leanness) of an aerosol passing to the mouthpiece may be altered as desired to improve the resulting sensory experience.
Optionally, the one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members are arranged to vary a flow of aerosol away from the mouthpiece so as to vary the aerosolization of an aerosol or the air to aerosol ratio of a mixture of air and aerosol passing to the mouthpiece.
For example, the air to aerosol ratio (or the richness or leanness) of an aerosol passing to the mouthpiece may be altered as desired to improve the resulting sensory experience.
Optionally, the aerosol provision device further comprises control circuitry, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to selectively control the one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members: (i) in response to activation or deactivation of one or more heating elements; (ii) as a function of time; (iii) according to a predetermined timing profile; or (iv) according to one or more user determined settings.
For example, the air to aerosol ratio (or the richness or leanness) of an aerosol passing to the mouthpiece may be varied when a second heating element is activated some period of time after a first heating element is activated. It is contemplated, for example, that the aerosol provision device may be operable in a plurality of different heating modes. In a first mode of operation a first heating element may be activated in order to quickly increase the temperature to which an aerosol generating article is initially heated. Later on during the session a second heating element may be activated in order to increase the temperature of the aerosol generating article further. The changing of mode of operation may be coupled with a change in the position or transmission of the one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members so as to vary the air content or the air to aerosol ratio of the aerosol.
According to another aspect there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising: (i) one or more air inlets having one or more adjustable air inlets; and/or (ii) one or more air outlets having one or more adjustable air outlets.
It is contemplated that in addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members being provided in the mouthpiece, more generally an aerosol provision device may be provided which comprises one or more air inlets having one or more adjustable air inlets and/or one or more air outlets having one or more adjustable air outlets.
Optionally, the aerosol provision device comprises control circuitry, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to selectively control the one or more air inlets and/or the one or more air outlets: (i) in response to activation or deactivation of a plurality of heating elements; (ii) as a function of time; (iii) according to a predetermined timing profile; or (iv) according to one or more user determined settings.
For example, the air to aerosol ratio (or the richness or leanness) of an aerosol which is transmitted to a user may be varied when a second heating element is activated some period of time after a first heating element is activated. It is contemplated, for example, that the aerosol provision device may be operable in a plurality of different heating modes. In a first mode of operation a first heating element may be activated in order to quickly increase the temperature to which an aerosol generating article is initially heated. Later on during the session a second heating element may be activated in order to increase the temperature of the aerosol generating article further. The changing of mode may be coupled with a change in the one or more air inlets and/or air outlets so as to vary the air content of the aerosol.
According to another aspect there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising:

- a mouthpiece having a user portion and one or more diverter portions for diverting aerosol away from the user portion, wherein the one or more diverter portions are operable in a first mode wherein a first volume V1 of aerosol or aerosol/air mixture is directed to the user portion and in a second mode a second volume V2 of aerosol or aerosol/air mixture is directed to the user portion, wherein V2<V1.

It is contemplated that instead of varying the flow of air into an aerosol stream flowing through the mouthpiece of an aerosol provision device instead one or more diverter portions may be arranged to divert a portion of the aerosol away from the mouthpiece in order to vary the air to aerosol ratio (or the richness or leanness) of the aerosol which is experienced by a user.
Optionally, the aerosol provision device further comprises control circuitry, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to selectively control the one or more diverter portions: (i) in response to activation or deactivation of one or more heating elements; (ii) as a function of time; (iii) according to a predetermined timing profile; or (iv) according to one or more user determined settings.
For example, the air to aerosol ratio (or the richness or leanness) of an aerosol which is transmitted to a user may be varied when a second heating element is activated some period of time after a first heating element is activated. It is contemplated, for example, that the aerosol provision device may be operable in a plurality of different heating modes. In a first mode of operation a first heating element may be activated in order to quickly increase the temperature to which an aerosol generating article is initially heated. Later on during the session a second heating element may be activated in order to increase the temperature of the aerosol generating article further. The changing of mode may be coupled with a change in degree to which the one or more divert portions divert a portion of the aerosol away from the mouthpiece in order to vary the air content of the aerosol.
Optionally, the aerosol provision device further comprises a chamber for receiving an aerosol generating article.
According to various embodiments an aerosol generating article is inserted or received in use within a chamber of the aerosol provision device.
Optionally, the aerosol provision device further comprises one or more heating elements. The heating elements may comprise resistive or inductive heating elements.
In an embodiment the aerosol provision device may comprise a plurality of discrete heating elements. The heating elements may be essentially planar themselves and there may be a one to one correspondence between the number of discrete aerosol generating regions provided in the planar aerosol generating article and the heating elements.
Optionally, the aerosol provision device further comprises one or more aerosol generating regions wherein one or more or each aerosol generating region may comprise at least one air supply hole in fluid communication with an external atmosphere.
It is contemplated that different aerosol generating regions may have either the same or different flow paths to the mouthpiece. If there is a single flow path to the mouthpiece then one or more air supply holes may be provided to allow air into the chamber housing the aerosol generating article.
If there are multiple flow paths to the mouthpiece then one or more air supply holes may be provided to each flow path in order to supply air to the different aerosol generating regions.
According to an aspect there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising:

- an aerosol provision device as described above; and
- an aerosol generating article comprising portions of aerosol generating material.

Optionally, either: (i) each portion of aerosol generating material is substantially the same; or (ii) at least some of the portions of aerosol generating material are substantially different.
It is contemplated that the sensory experience may be consistent throughout a session wherein each portion of the aerosol generating material or each aerosol generating region is substantially the same.
However, other embodiments are also contemplated wherein the sensory experience may be desired to change throughout a session wherein at least some of the portions of aerosol generating material or at least some of the aerosol generation regions are different. For example, it may be desired to provide a session wherein certain flavors are introduced at certain different times during a session.
Optionally, the aerosol generating article comprises a substantially planar aerosol generating article.
In contrast to rod like or stick aerosol generating articles, according to various embodiments the aerosol generating article may be essentially flat having a length and a width which are greater than the depth or height of the aerosol generating article.
Optionally, the planar aerosol generating article comprises a plurality of aerosol generating regions.
It is contemplated that the aerosol generating article may be arranged so as to have a plurality of discrete regions or portions each of which can be selectively activated by one or more heating elements.
Optionally, the aerosol generating article may be located, in use, adjacent a plurality of heating elements.
Optionally, the aerosol generating article may be located, in use, so that one or more aerosol generating regions are located adjacent a heating element, wherein the aerosol generating article is rotated or moved relative to the heating element so that one or more aerosol generating regions are moved into proximity to the heating element.
According to this embodiment a single heating element may be provided and a planar aerosol generating article may be selectively rotated above the heating element in order to bring a different aerosol generating region into use during the course of a session.
According to an aspect there is provided a method of generating an aerosol comprising:

- providing an aerosol provision device comprising a mouthpiece having one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members; and
- varying the one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members so as to vary a flow of air into the mouthpiece and hence vary the aerosolization of an aerosol or the air to aerosol ratio of a mixture of air and aerosol passing to the mouthpiece.

According to another aspect there is provided a method of generating an aerosol comprising:

- providing an aerosol provision device comprising: (i) one or more air inlets having one or more adjustable air inlets; and/or (ii) one or more air outlets having one or more adjustable air outlets; and
- varying the one or more air inlets and/or air outlets so as to vary a flow of air into and/or away from the mouthpiece and hence vary the aerosolization of an aerosol or the air to aerosol ratio of a mixture of air and aerosol passing to the mouthpiece.

- providing a mouthpiece having a user portion and one or more diverter portions for diverting aerosol away from the user portion;
- operating the one or more diverter portions in a first mode wherein a first volume V1 of aerosol or aerosol/air mixture is directed to the user portion; and
- operating the one or more diverter portions in a second mode wherein a second volume V2 of aerosol or aerosol/air mixture is directed to the user portion, wherein V2<V1.

It will be appreciated that features and aspects of the invention described above in relation to the first and other aspects of the invention are equally applicable to, and may be combined with, embodiments of the invention according to other aspects of the invention as appropriate, and not just in the specific combinations described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-section of a schematic representation of an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol provision device and an aerosol generating article, the aerosol provision device comprising a plurality of heating elements and the aerosol generating article comprising a plurality of portions of aerosol generating material;

FIG. 2A is a top-down view of the aerosol generating article shown in FIG. 1 , FIG. 2B is an end-on view along the longitudinal (length) axis of the aerosol generating article and FIG. 2C is a side-on view along the width axis of the aerosol generating article;

FIG. 3 is cross-sectional, top-down view of the heating elements of the aerosol provision device of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is a top-down view of an exemplary touch sensitive panel for operating various functions of the aerosol provision device;

FIG. 5 is an example of a cross-section of a schematic representation of an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol provision device and an aerosol generating article, the aerosol provision device comprising a plurality of induction coils and the aerosol generating article comprising a plurality of portions of aerosol generating material and corresponding susceptor portions;

FIG. 6A is a top-down view of the aerosol generating article 4 of FIG. 5 , FIG. 6B is an end-on view along the longitudinal (length) axis of the aerosol generating article and FIG. 6C is a side-on view along the width axis of the aerosol generating article;

FIG. 7 is a cross-section of a schematic representation of an aerosol provision device;

FIG. 8 is an isometric exploded view of part of the aerosol provision device of FIG. 7 ; and

FIG. 9 shows a cross-section of a schematic representation of an aerosol provision device according to an embodiment wherein the aerosol provision device comprises a mouthpiece having one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed or described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not discussed or described in detail in the interests of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of apparatus and methods discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.
The present disclosure relates to a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system. A “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of an aerosol to a user. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms “vapor” and “aerosol”, and related terms such as “vaporize”, “volatilize” and “aerosolize”, may generally be used interchangeably.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol generating material and a solid aerosol generating material. The solid aerosol generating material may comprise a plant based material, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.
Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and an aerosol generating article (sometimes referred to as a consumable) for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device. However, it is envisaged that articles which themselves comprise a means for powering an aerosol generating component may themselves form the non-combustible aerosol provision system.
The aerosol generating article, part or all of which, is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction or a susceptor.
Non-combustible aerosol provision systems often, though not always, comprise a modular assembly including both a reusable aerosol provision device and a replaceable article. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise a power source and a controller (or control circuitry). The power source may, for example, be an electric power source, such as a battery or rechargeable battery. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol provision device may also comprise an aerosol generating component. However, in other implementations the aerosol generating article may comprise partially, or entirely, the aerosol generating component.
An aerosol generating component (aerosol generator) is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol generating material. In some implementations, the aerosol generating component is a heater capable of interacting with the aerosol generating material so as to release one or more volatiles from the material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating component is capable of generating an aerosol from the material without heating. For example, the aerosol generating component may be capable of generating an aerosol from the material without applying heat thereto, for example via one or more of vibrational, mechanical, pressurisation or electrostatic means.
The aerosol generating article for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device generally comprises an aerosol generating material. Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or semi-solid (such as a gel) which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavorants.
The aerosolizable material may be present on or in a carrier support (or carrier component) to form a substrate. The carrier support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted aerosolizable material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy.
In some implementations, the aerosol generating article for use with the aerosol provision device may comprise aerosolizable material or an area for receiving aerosolizable material. In some implementations, the aerosol generating article for use with the aerosol provision device may comprise a mouthpiece, or alternatively the aerosol provision device may comprise a mouthpiece which communicates with the aerosol generating article. The area for receiving aerosolizable material may be a storage area for storing aerosolizable material. For example, the storage area may be a reservoir.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view through a schematic representation of an aerosol provision system 1. The aerosol provision system 1 comprises two main components, namely an aerosol provision device 2 and an aerosol generating article 4.
The aerosol provision device 2 comprises an outer housing 21, a power source 22, control circuitry 23, a plurality of aerosol generating components 24, a chamber 25, a mouthpiece end 26, an air inlet 27, an air outlet 28, a touch-sensitive panel 29, an inhalation sensor 30, and an end of use indicator 31.
The outer housing 21 may be formed from any suitable material, for example a plastics material. The outer housing 21 is arranged such that the power source 22, control circuitry 23, aerosol generating components 24, chamber 25 and inhalation sensor 30 are located within the outer housing 21. The outer housing 21 also defines the air inlet 27 and air outlet 28, described in more detail below. The touch sensitive panel 29 and end of use indicator are located on the exterior of the outer housing 21.
The outer housing 21 further includes a mouthpiece end 26. The outer housing 21 and mouthpiece end 26 are formed as a single component (that is, the mouthpiece end 26 forms a part of the outer housing 21). The mouthpiece end 26 is defined as a region of the outer housing 21 which includes the air outlet 28 and is shaped in such a way that a user may comfortably place their lips around the mouthpiece end 26 to engage with air outlet 28. In FIG. 1 , the thickness of the outer housing 21 decreases towards the air outlet 28 to provide a relatively thinner portion of the aerosol provision device 2 which may be more easily accommodated by the lips of a user. In other implementations, however, the mouthpiece end 26 may be a removable component that is separate from but able to be coupled to the outer housing 21, and may be removed for cleaning and/or replacement with another mouthpiece end 26.
The power source 22 is configured to provide operating power to the aerosol provision device 2. The power source 22 may be any suitable power source, such as a battery. For example, the power source 22 may comprise a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium ion battery. The power source 22 may be removable or form an integrated part of the aerosol provision device 2. In some implementations, the power source 22 may be recharged through connection of the aerosol provision device 2 to an external power supply (such as mains power) through an associated connection port, such as a USB port (not shown) or via a suitable wireless receiver (not shown).
The control circuitry 23 is suitably configured or programmed to control the operation of the aerosol provision device to provide certain operating functions of aerosol provision device 2. The control circuitry 23 may be considered to logically comprise various sub-units or circuitry elements associated with different aspects of the aerosol provision devices' operation. For example, the control circuitry 23 may comprise a logical sub-unit for controlling the recharging of the power source 22. Additionally, the control circuitry 23 may comprise a logical sub-unit for communication, e.g. to facilitate data transfer from or to the aerosol provision device 2. However, a primary function of the control circuitry 23 is to control the aerosolization of aerosol generating material, as described in more detail below. It will be appreciated the functionality of the control circuitry 23 can be provided in various different ways, for example using one or more suitably programmed programmable computer(s) and/or one or more suitably configured application-specific integrated circuit(s), circuitry, chip(s) or chipset(s) configured to provide the desired functionality. The control circuitry 23 is connected to the power supply 23 and receives power from the power source 22 and may be configured to distribute or control the power supply to other components of the aerosol provision device 2.
In the described implementation, the aerosol provision device 2 further comprises a chamber 25 which is arranged to receive an aerosol generating article 4.
The aerosol generating article 4 may comprise a carrier component 42 and aerosol generating material 44. The aerosol generating article 4 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 2A to 2C.
FIG. 2A is a top-down view of the aerosol generating article 4, FIG. 2B is an end-on view along the longitudinal (length) axis of the aerosol generating article 4, and FIG. 2C is a side-on view along the width axis of the aerosol generating article 4.
The aerosol generating article 4 may comprise a carrier component 42 which in this implementation is formed of card. The carrier component 42 forms the majority of the aerosol generating article 4, and acts as a base for the aerosol generating material 44 to be deposited on.
The carrier component 42 is broadly cuboidal in shape has a length l, a width w and a thickness t_cas shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C. By way of a concrete example, the length of the carrier component 42 may be 30 to 80 mm, the width may be 7 to 25 mm, and the thickness may be between 0.2 to 1 mm. However, it should be appreciated that the above are exemplary dimensions of the carrier component 42, and in other implementations the carrier component 42 may have different dimensions as appropriate. In some implementations, the carrier component 42 may comprise one or more protrusions extending in the length and/or width directions of the carrier component 42 to help facilitate handling of the aerosol generating article 4 by the user.
According to various embodiments the aerosol generating article 4 is essentially planar.
In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A-C, the aerosol generating article 4 comprises a plurality of discrete portions of aerosol generating material 44 disposed on a surface of the carrier component 42. More specifically, the aerosol generating article 4 comprises six discrete portions of aerosol generating material 44, labelled 44 a to 44 f, disposed in a two by three array. However, it should be appreciated that in other implementations a greater or lesser number of discrete portions may be provided, and/or the portions may be disposed in a different array (e.g. a one by six array). In the example shown, the aerosol generating material 44 is disposed at discrete, separate locations on a single surface of the carrier component 42. The discrete portions of aerosol generating material 44 are shown as having a circular footprint, although it should be appreciated that the discrete portions of aerosol generating material 44 may take any other footprint, such as square or rectangular, as appropriate. The discrete portions of aerosol generating material 44 have a diameter d and a thickness t_aas shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C. The thickness ta may take any suitable value, for example the thickness ta may be in the range of 50 μm to 1.5 mm. In some embodiment, the thickness ta is from about 50 μm to about 200 μm, or about 50 μm to about 100 μm, or about 60 μm to about 90 μm, suitably about 77 μm. In other embodiments, the thickness ta may be greater than 200 μm, e.g. from about 50 μm to about 400 μm, or to about 1 mm, or to about 1.5 mm.
The discrete portions of aerosol generating material 44 are separate from one another such that each of the discrete portions may be energized (e.g. heated) individually or selectively to produce an aerosol. In some implementations, the portions of aerosol generating material 44 may have a mass no greater than 20 mg, such that the amount of material to be aerosolized by a given aerosol generating component 24 at any one time is relatively low. For example, the mass per portion may be equal to or lower than 20 mg, or equal to or lower than 10 mg, or equal to or lower than 5 mg. Of course, it should be appreciated that the total mass of the aerosol generating article 4 may be greater than 20 mg.
The aerosol generating article 4 may comprise a plurality of portions of aerosol generating material 44 all formed form the same aerosol generating material. Alternatively, the aerosol generating article 4 may comprise a plurality of portions of aerosol generating material 44 where at least two portions are formed from different aerosol generating material.
The chamber 25 is suitable sized to removably receive the aerosol generating article 4 therein. Although not shown, the aerosol provision device 2 may comprise a hinged door or removable part of the outer housing 21 to permit access to the chamber 25 such that a user may insert and/or remove the aerosol generating article 4 from the chamber 25. The hinged door or removable part of the outer housing 21 may also act to retain the aerosol generating article 4 within the chamber 25 when closed. When the aerosol generating article 4 is exhausted or the user simply wishes to switch to a different aerosol generating article 4, the aerosol generating article 4 may be removed from the aerosol provision device 2 and a replacement aerosol generating article 4 positioned in the chamber 25 in its place. Alternatively, the aerosol provision device 2 may include a permanent opening that communicates with the chamber 25 and through which the aerosol generating article 4 can be inserted into the chamber 25. In such implementations, a retaining mechanism for retaining the aerosol generating article 4 within the chamber 25 of the aerosol provision device 2 may be provided.
As seen in FIG. 1 , the aerosol provision device 2 comprises a number of aerosol generating components 24 (although other embodiments are contemplated wherein a single aerosol generating component may be provided). In the described implementation, the aerosol generating components 24 are heating elements 24, and more specifically resistive heating elements 24 (although as will be described below other embodiments are contemplated wherein the heating elements may comprise inductive heating elements). Resistive heating elements 24 receive an electrical current and convert the electrical energy into heat. The resistive heating elements 24 may be formed from, or comprise, any suitable resistive heating material, such as NiChrome (Ni20Cr80), which generates heat upon receiving an electrical current. In one implementation, the heating elements 24 may comprise an electrically insulating substrate on which resistive tracks are disposed.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional, top-down view of the aerosol provision device 2 showing the arrangement of the heating elements 24 in more detail. In FIGS. 1 and 3 , the heating elements 24 are positioned such that a surface of the heating element 24 forms a part of the surface of the chamber 25. That is, an outer surface of the heating elements 24 is flush with the inner surface of the receptacle. More specifically, the outer surface of the heating element 24 that is flush with the inner surface of the chamber 25 is a surface of the heating element 24 that is heated (i.e. its temperature increases) when an electrical current is passed through the heating element 24.
The heating elements 24 are arranged such that, when the aerosol generating article 4 is received in the chamber 25, each heating element 24 aligns with a corresponding discrete portion of aerosol generating material 44. Hence, in this example, six heating elements 24 are arranged in a two by three array broadly corresponding to the arrangement of the two by three array of the six discrete portions of aerosol generating material 44 shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C. However, as discussed above, the number of heating elements 24 may be different in different implementations, for example there may be 8, 10, 12, 14, etc. heating elements 24. In some implementations, the number of heating elements 24 is greater than or equal to six but no greater than 20.
More specifically, the heating elements 24 are labelled 24 a to 24 f in FIG. 3 , and it should be appreciated that each heating element 24 is arranged to align with a corresponding portion of aerosol generating material 44 as denoted by the corresponding letter following the references 24,44. Accordingly, each of the heating elements 24 can be individually activated to heat a corresponding portion of aerosol generating material 44.
While the heating elements 24 are shown flush with the inner surface of the chamber 25, in other implementations the heating elements 24 may protrude into the chamber 25. In either case, the aerosol generating article 4 contacts the surfaces of the heating elements 24 when present in the chamber 25 such that heat generated by the heating elements 24 is conducted to the aerosol generating material 44 through the carrier component 42.
In some implementations, to improve the heat-transfer efficiency, the chamber 25 may comprise components which apply a force to the surface of the carrier component 42 so as to press the carrier component 42 onto the heater elements 24, thereby increasing the efficiency of heat transfer via conduction to the aerosol generating material 44. Additionally or alternatively, the heater elements 24 may be configured to move in the direction towards/away from the aerosol generating article 4, and may be pressed into the surface of carrier component 42 that does not comprise the aerosol generating material 44.
In use, the aerosol provision device 2 (and more specifically the control circuitry 23) is configured to deliver power to the heating elements 24 in response to a user input. Broadly speaking, the control circuitry 23 is configured to selectively apply power to the heating elements 24 to subsequently heat the corresponding portions of aerosol generating material 44 to generate aerosol. When a user inhales on the aerosol provision device 2 (i.e. inhales at mouthpiece end 26), air is drawn into the aerosol provision device 2 through air inlet 27, into the chamber 25 where it mixes with the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol generating material 44, and then to the user's mouth via air outlet 28. That is, the aerosol is delivered to the user through mouthpiece end 26 and air outlet 28.
As shown in FIG. 1 , the aerosol provision device 2 may optionally include a touch-sensitive panel 29 and an inhalation sensor 30. Collectively, the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30 act as mechanisms for a receiving a user input to cause the generation of aerosol, and thus may more broadly be referred to as user input mechanisms. The received user input may be said to be indicative of a user's desire to generate aerosol.
However, other arrangements are contemplated wherein the aerosol provision device 2 does not include either a touch-sensitive panel 29 or an inhalation sensor 30.
The touch-sensitive panel 29 may be a capacitive touch sensor and can be operated by a user of the aerosol provision device 2 placing their finger or another suitably conductive object (for example a stylus) on the touch-sensitive panel. In the described implementation, the touch-sensitive panel includes a region which can be pressed by a user to start aerosol generation. The control circuitry 23 may be configured to receive signalling from the touch-sensitive panel 29 and to use this signalling to determine if a user is pressing (i.e. activating) the region of the touch-sensitive panel 29. If the control circuitry 23 receives this signalling, then the control circuitry 23 is configured to supply power from the power source 22 to one or more of the heating elements 24. Power may be supplied for a predetermined time period (for example, three seconds) from the moment a touch is detected, or in response to the length of time the touch is detected for. In other implementations, the touch sensitive panel 29 may be replaced by a user actuatable button or the like.
The inhalation sensor 30 may comprise a pressure sensor or microphone or the like configured to detect a drop in pressure or a flow of air caused by the user inhaling on the aerosol provision device 2. The inhalation sensor 30 is located in fluid communication with the air flow pathway (that is, in fluid communication with the air flow path between inlet 27 and outlet 28). In a similar manner as described above, the control circuitry 23 may be configured to receive signalling from the inhalation sensor and to use this signalling to determine if a user is inhaling on the aerosol provision system 1. If the control circuitry 23 receives this signalling, then the control circuitry 23 is configured to supply power from the power source 22 to one or more of the heating elements 24. Power may be supplied for a predetermined time period (for example, three seconds) from the moment inhalation is detected, or in response to the length of time the inhalation is detected for.
In the described example, both the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30 detect the user's desire to begin generating aerosol for inhalation. The control circuitry 23 may be configured to only supply power to the heating element 24 when signalling from both the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30 are detected. This may help prevent inadvertent activation of the heating elements 24 from accidental activation of one of the user input mechanisms. However, in other implementations, the aerosol provision system 1 may have only one of a touch sensitive panel 29 and an inhalation sensor 30.
These aspects of the operation of the aerosol provision system 1 (i.e. puff detection and touch detection) may in themselves be performed in accordance with established techniques (for example using conventional inhalation sensor and inhalation sensor signal processing techniques and using conventional touch sensor and touch sensor signal processing techniques).
In some implementations, in response to detecting the signalling from either one or both of the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30, the control circuitry 23 is configured to sequentially supply power to each of the individual heating elements 24.
More specifically, the control circuitry 23 is configured to sequentially supply power to each of the individual heating elements 23 in response to a sequence of detections of the signalling received from either one or both of the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30. For example, the control circuitry 23 may be configured to supply power to a first heating element 24 of the plurality of heating elements 24 when the signalling is first detected (e.g. from when the aerosol provision device 2 is first switched ON). When the signalling stops, or in response to the predetermined time from the signalling being detected elapsing, the control circuitry 23 registers that the first heating element 24 has been activated (and thus the corresponding discrete portion of aerosol generating material 44 has been heated). The control circuitry 23 determines that in response to receiving subsequent signalling from either one or both of the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30 that a second heating element 24 is to be activated.
Accordingly, when the signalling from either one or both of the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30 is received by the control circuitry 23, the control circuitry 23 activates the second heating element 24. This process is repeated for remaining heating elements 24, such that all heating elements 24 are sequentially activated.
Effectively, this operation means that for each inhalation a different one of the discrete portions of aerosol generating material 44 is heated and an aerosol generated therefrom. In other words, a single discrete portion of aerosol generating material is heated per user inhalation.
In other implementations, the control circuitry 23 may be configured to activate the first heating element 24 a plurality of times (e.g. two) before determining that the second heating element 24 should be activated in response to subsequent signalling from either one or both of the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30, or activates each of the plurality of heating elements 24 once and when all heating elements 24 have be activated once, detection of subsequent signalling causes the heating elements to be sequentially activated a second time.
Such sequential activations may be dubbed “a sequential activation mode”, which is primarily designed to deliver a consistent aerosol per inhalation (which may be measured in terms of total aerosol generated, or a total constituent delivered, for example). Hence, this mode may be most effective when each portion of the aerosol generating material 44 of the aerosol generating article 4 is substantially identical; that is, portions 44 a to 44 f are formed of the same material.
In some other implementations, in response to detecting the signalling from either one or both of the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30, the control circuitry 23 is configured to supply power to one or more of the heating elements 24 simultaneously.
In such implementations, the control circuitry 23 may be configured to supply power to selected ones of the heating elements 24 in response to a predetermined configuration. The predetermined configuration may be a configuration selected or determined by a user. For example, the touch-sensitive panel 29 may comprise a region that permits the user to individually select which of the heating elements 24 to activate when signalling from either one or both of the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30 is received by the control circuitry 23. In some implementations, the user may also be able to set the power level for each heating element 24 to be supplied to heating element 24 in response to receiving the signalling.
FIG. 4 is a top-down view of the touch-sensitive panel 29. FIG. 4 schematically shows outer housing 21 and touch-sensitive panel 29 as described previously. The touch-sensitive panel 29 comprises six regions 29 a to 29 f which correspond to each of the six heating elements 24, and a region 29 g which corresponds to the region for indicating that a user wishes to start inhalation or generating aerosol as described previously. The six regions 29 a to 29 f each correspond to touch-sensitive regions which can be touched by a user to control the power delivery to each of the six corresponding heating elements 24. In the described implementation, each heating element 24 can have multiple states, e.g. an off state in which no power is supplied to the heating element 24, a low power state in which a first level of power is supplied to the heating element 24, and a high power state in which a second level of power is supplied to the heating element 24 where the second level of power is greater than the first level of power. However, in other implementations, fewer or greater states may be available to the heating elements 24. For example, each heating element 24 may have an off state in which no power is supplied to the heating element 24 and an on state in which power is supplied to the heating element 24.
Accordingly, a user can set which heating elements 24 (and subsequently which portions of aerosol generating material 44) are to be heated (and optionally to what extent they are to be heated) by interacting with the touch-sensitive panel 29 in advance of generating aerosol. For example, the user may repeatedly tap the regions 29 a to 29 f to cycle through the different states (e.g. off, low power, high power, off, etc.). Alternatively, the user may press and hold the region 29 a to 29 f to cycle through the different states, where the duration of the press determines the state.
The touch-sensitive panel 29 may be provided with one or more indicators for each of the respective regions 29 a to 29 f to indicate which state the heating element 24 is currently in. For example, the touch-sensitive panel may comprise one or more LEDs or similar illuminating elements, and the intensity of the LEDs signifies the current state of the heating element 24. Alternatively, a colored LED or similar illuminating element may be provided and the color indicates the current state. Alternatively, the touch-sensitive panel 29 may comprise a display element (e.g. which may underlie a transparent touch-sensitive panel 29 or be provided adjacent to the regions 29 a to 29 f of the touch-sensitive panel 29) which displays the current state of the heating element 24.
When the user has set the configuration for the heating elements 24, in response to detecting the signalling from either one or both of the touch-sensitive panel 29 (and more particularly region 29 g of touch-sensitive panel 29) and inhalation sensor 30, the control circuitry 23 is configured to supply power to the selected heating elements 24 in accordance with the pre-set configuration.
Accordingly, such simultaneous heating element 24 activations may be dubbed “a simultaneous activation mode”, which is primarily designed to deliver a customisable aerosol from a given article 4, with the intention of allowing a user to customise their experience on a session-by-session or even puff-by-puff basis. Hence, this mode may be most effective when portions of the aerosol generating material 44 of the aerosol generating article 4 are different from one another. For example, portions 44 a and 44 b are formed of one material, portions 44 c and 44 d are formed of a different material, etc. Accordingly, with this mode of operation, the user may select which portions to aerosolize at any given moment and thus which combinations of aerosols to be provided with.
In both of the simultaneous and sequential activation modes, the control circuitry 23 may be configured to generate an alert signal which signifies the end of use of the aerosol generating article 4, for example when each of the heating elements 24 has been sequentially activated a predetermined number of times, or when a given heating element 24 has been activated a predetermined number of times and/or for a given cumulative activation time and/or with a given cumulative activation power. In FIG. 1 , the aerosol provision device 2 includes an end of use indicator 31 which in this implementation is an LED. However, in other implementations, the end of use indicator 31 may comprise any mechanism which is capable of supplying an alert signal to a user; that is, the end of use indicator 31 may be an optical element to deliver an optical signal, a sound generator to deliver an aural signal, and/or a vibrator to deliver a haptic signal. In some implementations, the indicator 31 may be combined or otherwise provided by the touch-sensitive panel (e.g. if the touch-sensitive panel includes a display element). The aerosol provision device 2 may prevent subsequent activation of the aerosol provision device 2 when the alert signal is being output. The alert signal may be switched off, and the control circuitry 23 reset, when the user replaces the aerosol generating article 4 and/or switches off the alert signal via a manual means such as a button (not shown).
In more detail, in implementations where the sequential mode of activation is employed, the control circuitry 23 may be configured to count the number of times signalling from either one or both of the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30 is received during a period of usage, and once the count reaches a predetermined number, the aerosol generating article 4 is determined to reach the end of its life. For example, for an article 4 comprising six discrete portions of aerosol generating material 44, the predetermined number may be six, twelve, eighteen, etc. depending on the exact implementation at hand.
In implementations where the simultaneous mode of activation is employed, the control circuitry 23 may be configured to count the number of times one or each of the discrete portions of aerosol generating material 44 is heated. For example, the control circuitry 23 may count how many times a nicotine containing portion is heated, and when that reaches a predetermined number, determine an end of life of the aerosol generating article 4. Alternatively, the control circuitry 23 may be configured to separately count for each discrete portion of aerosol generating material 44 when that portion has been heated. Each portion may be attributed with the same or a different predetermined number and when any one of the counts for each of the portions of aerosol generating material reaches the predetermined number, the control circuitry 23 determines an end of life of the aerosol generating article 4.
In either of the implementations, the control circuitry 23 may also factor in the length of time the portion of aerosol generating material has been heated for and/or the temperature to which the portion of the aerosol generating material has been heated. In this regard, rather than counting discrete activations, the control circuitry 23 may be configured to calculate a cumulative parameter indicative of the heating conditions experienced by each of the portions of aerosol generating material 44. The parameter may be a cumulative time, for example, whereby the temperature to which the material is used to adjust the length of time added to the cumulative time. For example, a portion heated at 200° C. for three seconds may contribute three seconds to the cumulative time, whereas a portion heated at 250° C. for three seconds may contribute four and a half seconds to the cumulative time.
The above techniques for determining the end of life of the aerosol generating article 4 should not be understood as an exhaustive list of ways of determining the end of life of the aerosol generating article 4, and in fact any other suitable way may be employed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.
In the implementation of the aerosol provision system 1 described above, a plurality of (discrete) portions of aerosol generating material 44 are provided which can be selectively aerosolized using the aerosol generating components 24. Such aerosol generating systems 1 offer advantages over other systems which are designed to heat a larger bulk quantity of material. In particular, for a given inhalation, only the selected portion (or portions) of aerosol generating material are aerosolized leading to a more energy efficient system overall.
In heated systems, several parameters affect the overall effectiveness of this system at delivering a sufficient amount of aerosol to a user on a per puff basis. On the one hand, the thickness of the aerosol generating material is important as this influences how quickly the aerosol generating material reaches an operational temperature (and subsequently generates aerosol). This may be important for several reasons, but may lead to more efficient use of energy from the power source 22 as the heating element may not need to be active for as long compared with heating a thicker portion of material. On the other hand, the total mass of the aerosol generating material that is heated affects the total amount of aerosol that can be generated, and subsequently delivered to the user. In addition, the temperature that the aerosol generating material is heated to may affect both how quickly the aerosol generating material reaches operational temperature and the amount of aerosol that is generated.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view through a schematic representation of an aerosol provision system 200 in accordance with another arrangement. The aerosol provision system 200 includes components that are broadly similar to those described in relation to FIG. 1 . However, the reference numbers have been increased by 200. For efficiency, the components having similar reference numbers should be understood to be broadly the same as their counterparts in FIGS. 1 and 2A to 2C unless otherwise stated.
The aerosol provision device 202 comprises an outer housing 221, a power source 222, control circuitry 223, induction coils 224 a, a chamber 225, a mouthpiece end 226, an air inlet 227, an air outlet 228, a touch-sensitive panel 229, an inhalation sensor 230, and an end of use indicator 231.
The aerosol generating article 204 comprises a carrier component 242, aerosol generating material 244, and susceptor elements 244 b, as shown in more detail in FIGS. 6A to 6C. is a top-down view of the aerosol generating article 4, FIG. 6B is an end-on view along the longitudinal (length) axis of the aerosol generating article 204, and FIG. 6C is a side-on view along the width axis of the aerosol generating article 204.
FIGS. 5 and 6 together represent an aerosol provision system 200 which uses induction to heat the aerosol generating material 244 to generate an aerosol for inhalation. In the described implementation, the aerosol generating component 224 is formed of two parts; namely, induction coils 224 a which are located in the aerosol provision device 202 and susceptors 224 b which are located in the aerosol generating article 204. Accordingly, in this described implementation, each aerosol generating component 224 comprises elements that are distributed between the aerosol generating article 204 and the aerosol provision device 202.
Induction heating is a process in which an electrically-conductive object, referred to as a susceptor, is heated by penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field. The process is described by Faraday's law of induction and Ohm's law. An induction heater may comprise an electromagnet and a device for passing a varying electrical current, such as an alternating current, through the electromagnet. When the electromagnet and the object to be heated are suitably relatively positioned so that the resultant varying magnetic field produced by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated inside the object. The object has a resistance to the flow of electrical currents. Therefore, when such eddy currents are generated in the object, their flow against the electrical resistance of the object causes the object to be heated. This process is called Joule, ohmic, or resistive heating.
A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.
Magnetic hysteresis heating is a process in which an object made of a magnetic material is heated by penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field. A magnetic material can be considered to comprise many atomic-scale magnets, or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates such material, the magnetic dipoles align with the magnetic field. Therefore, when a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field, for example as produced by an electromagnet, penetrates the magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes with the varying applied magnetic field. Such magnetic dipole reorientation causes heat to be generated in the magnetic material.
When an object is both electrically-conductive and magnetic, penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field can cause both Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating in the object. Moreover, the use of magnetic material can strengthen the magnetic field, which can intensify the Joule heating.
In the described implementation, the susceptors 224 b are formed from an aluminium foil, although it should be appreciated that other metallic and/or electrically conductive materials may be used in other implementations. As seen in FIG. 6 , the carrier component 242 comprises a number of susceptors 224 b which correspond in size and location to the discrete portions of aerosol generating material 244 disposed on the surface of the carrier component 242. That is, the susceptors 224 b have a similar width and length to the discrete portions of aerosol generating material 244.
The susceptors are shown embedded in the carrier component 242. However, in other implementations, the susceptors 224 b may be placed on the surface of the carrier component 242. In another implementation (not shown), the susceptors may be provided as a layer substantially covering the carrier component.
The aerosol provision device 202 comprises a plurality of induction coils 224 a shown schematically in FIG. 5 . The induction coils 224 a are shown adjacent the chamber 225, and are generally flat coils arranged such that the rotational axis about which a given coil is wound extends into the chamber 225 and is broadly perpendicular to the plane of the carrier component 242 of the aerosol generating article 204. The exact windings are not shown in FIG. 5 and it should be appreciated that any suitable induction coil may be used.
The control circuitry 223 comprises a mechanism to generate an alternating current which is passed to any one or more of the induction coils 224 a. The alternating current generates an alternating magnetic field, as described above, which in turn causes the corresponding susceptor(s) 224 b to heat up. The heat generated by the susceptor(s) 224 b is transferred to the portions of aerosol generating material 244 accordingly.
As described above in relation to FIGS. 1 and 2A to 2C, the control circuitry 223 is configured to supply current to the induction coils 224 a in response to receiving signalling from the touch sensitive panel 229 and/or the inhalation sensor 230. Any of the techniques for selecting which heating elements 24 are heated by control circuitry 23 as described previously may analogously be applied to selecting which induction coils 224 a are energized (and thus which portions of aerosol generating material 244 are subsequently heated) in response to receiving signalling from the touch sensitive panel 229 and/or the inhalation sensor 230 by control circuitry 223 to generate an aerosol for user inhalation.
Although the above has described an induction heating aerosol provision system where the induction coils 224 a and susceptors 224 b are distributed between the aerosol generating article 204 and device 202, an induction heating aerosol provision system may be provided where the induction coils 224 a and susceptors 224 b are located solely within the aerosol provision device 202. For example, with reference to FIG. 6 , the susceptors 224 b may be provided above the induction coils 224 a and arranged such that the susceptors 224 b contact the lower surface of the carrier component 242 (in an analogous way to the aerosol provision system 1 shown in FIG. 1 ).
Thus, FIG. 5 describes a more concrete implementation where induction heating may be used in an aerosol provision device 202 to generate aerosol for user inhalation to which the techniques described in the present disclosure may be applied.
It has been found that in some instances aerosol provision devices 2,202 which have an array of aerosol generating components 24 (such as heating elements 24,224) designed to heat different ones of the portions of aerosol generating material to generate aerosol on a puff-by-puff basis can, in some instances, lead to inconsistencies in the amount of aerosol being delivered to the user per puff even if the heating conditions are broadly the same.
This is thought to be in part down to the fact that some of the portions of aerosol generating material 44 are provided at relatively different spatial distances relative to the opening 28,228 of the mouthpiece 26,226 such that, when the aerosol is first formed at a location adjacent to the portion of aerosol generating material, the distance by which that aerosol has to travel may vary. Accordingly, the volume of the airpath between the aerosol generating material and the mouthpiece may vary dependent on the location of the aerosol generating material.
Generally, as a hot aerosol travels it cools and condenses. This means that aerosols generated from different portions of the aerosol generating material 44 may cool and condense by different amounts. This may lead to inconsistencies in the aerosol that is delivered from each respective portion (such as inconsistent particle size distributions etc.).
It will be appreciated that according to various embodiments different portions of aerosol generating material 44 may be activated at different times and hence the content of the aerosol may vary as a function of time. As will be discussed in more detail below, various embodiments are contemplated wherein the richness or leanness of aerosol transmitted to a user via the mouthpiece 26,226 may be varied during the course of a session by varying the positioning, transmission or status of one or more variable chokes, air inlet members or valve members which may be provided in the mouthpiece 26,226.
FIG. 7 shows a cross-section of a schematic representation of an aerosol provision device according to an arrangement.
Shown is an internal cross section of an aerosol provision device additionally comprising a central aerosol transmission channel 50, which forms a volume arranged such that the volume encloses the entirety of the aerosol generating article, and therefore also encloses the or each heating element and corresponding portion of aerosol generating material i.e. the volume of the central aerosol transmission tunnel 50 encloses each of the aerosol generating regions.
The central transmission tunnel 50 is connected to the mouthpiece 26 with an aperture defining air inlet 28, and comprises one or more air holes 52, the air holes 52 being in fluid communication with the outside atmosphere such that the central aerosol transmission tunnel 50 can facilitate the transmission of aerosol generated when the portions of aerosol generated material are heated by the respective heating elements. In this example, the air outlet 27 can be omitted.
One or more variable chokes, air inlet members or valve members may be provided in the mouthpiece 26 and will be discussed in more detail below.
FIG. 8 shows an isometric exploded view of part of the aerosol provision device, comprising the central aerosol transmission channel 50 as described with reference to FIG. 7 and the plurality of heating elements 24, which in this example are in a 2×5 configuration. In this example, each of the plurality of heating elements 24 has an associated aerosol transmission tunnel 54. In this example, the plurality of aerosol transmission tunnels 54 are enclosed by the volume defined by the central aerosol transmission tunnel 50. Each of the of the plurality of heating elements 24 enclosed by the respective aerosol transmission tunnel have an individual air supply hole in fluid communication with the external atmosphere, facilitating the flow of aerosol generating material generated when the heating elements 24 heat the aerosol generating material. In the example, the air inlet 27 can be omitted.
In examples, the plurality of aerosol transmission tunnels 54 comprise an individual valve (not shown), configured to open and close on demand. More specifically, the control circuitry may be configured to open or close the individual valve(s) depending on whether or not a specific heating element 24 and therefore aerosol generating region is activated. It will be appreciated therefore that any of the plurality of individual valves may be opened or closed simultaneously by the control circuitry, in any combination depending on which of the plurality of heating elements 24 are activated e.g. all of the plurality of valves are in an open state or all of the valves are in a closed state, or any proportion of the plurality of valves are in an open state and the remaining proportion of the plurality of valves are in a closed state.
In examples, the volume defined by the central aerosol transmission tunnel 50 encloses the plurality of aerosol transmission tunnels 54, such that the plurality of aerosol transmission tunnels 54 are in fluid communication with the central transmission tunnel 50.
In use, the aerosol provision device (and more specifically the control circuitry) is configured to deliver power to the heating elements 24 and the individual valves (if present) in response to a user input. Broadly speaking, the control circuitry is configured to selectively apply power to the heating elements 24 to subsequently heat the corresponding portions of aerosol generating material to generate aerosol, while the heating element 24 is being heated, the control circuitry is configured to keep the respective valve closed to allow a required volume of aerosol to form. When a user inhales on the device (i.e. inhales at mouthpiece end 26), the control circuitry selectively opens the valve, and air is drawn into the aerosol provision device 2 through the individual air supply holes of the plurality of the aerosol transmission tunnels 54 and the, where it mixes with the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol generating material, and then to the user's mouth via air outlet 28 through the individual aerosol transmission tunnel 54. That is, the aerosol is delivered to the user through mouthpiece end 26 and air outlet 28.
In examples, when the control circuitry is configured selectively apply power to a plurality of heating elements 24, when a user inhales on the device (i.e. inhales at mouthpiece end 26) the control circuitry opens the corresponding valves and air is drawn into the device through the individual air supply holes of the plurality of the aerosol transmission tunnels 54, the air mixes with the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol generating material in each of the aerosol transmission tunnels, the individual mixtures of air and aerosol then mix further in the central aerosol transmission tunnel 52, before flowing to the user's mouth via air outlet 28.
In examples, the aerosol generating article can be substantially planar and is receivable in a chamber of the aerosol provision device. The control circuitry may be configured to assign and/or change heating profiles of the heating elements 24 so that the consistency of the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol generating material by the heating elements 24 is substantially the same when exiting the mouthpiece 26 through the air outlet 28 e.g. if a portion of aerosol generating material has to travel a further distance relative to another portion of aerosol material, the heating profile assigned to the heating element 24 of the portion that is further away from the mouthpiece, may be such that the heating temperature is increased or that the heating element 24 is activated for a longer period to generate a greater amount of aerosol.
In some examples, the control circuitry may be arranged to cause aerosolization of some portions of aerosol generating material according to a common aerosolization or heating profile, while the aerosolization or heating profiles of the remaining portions of aerosol generating material are set according to the distance of the portion from the aerosol transmission channels 54 to the outlet 28.
In an alternate arrangement, the cross-sectional or other profile of the central aerosol transmission channel adjacent the second aerosol generating region may be larger than that of the central aerosol transmission channel adjacent the first aerosol generating region. In such an embodiment, the speed of delivery of aerosol from the second aerosol generating region may be increased relative to the speed of delivery of aerosol from the first aerosol generating region. This may offset the increased distance of the second aerosol generating region from the mouthpiece, allowing for more consistent delivery time.
The above assumes that there is one common outlet through which the aerosol is directed when a user inhales on the device. However, the principles of the present disclosure are equally applicable to devices having multiple outlets.
FIG. 9 shows an embodiment wherein a choke, valve or variable air inlet member 901 is provided in the body of the mouthpiece 26 in order to vary the air to aerosol ratio of aerosol which is provided to the mouthpiece 26 and hence is experienced by a user. It will be understood that the ability to vary the air to aerosol ratio (or the richness or leanness of the aerosol) enables the resulting sensory experience to be potentially improved. Although the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 relates to an aerosol provision device 2 having a plurality of resistive heaters 24 it will be understood that other embodiments are contemplated wherein the heaters 24 may comprise inductive heaters or other types of heaters.
The aerosol provision device 2 may comprise a mouthpiece 28 having one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members 901 provided in the mouthpiece 28.
The provision of one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members 901 in the mouthpiece 26 enables the air to aerosol ratio of the aerosol content which is passed to the outlet 28 of the mouthpiece 26 and which is experienced by a user to be varied or optimised. For example, it may be determined that the sensory experience could be improved by increasing the air content (or the ratio of air to aerosol) of the aerosol at a particular point in time whereupon the opening of the one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members 901 may be increased to allow more air to flow to the outlet 28 of the mouthpiece 26 and increase the air to aerosol ratio.
Conversely, it may be determined that the sensory experience could be improved by decreasing the air content of the aerosol at a particular point in time whereupon the opening of the one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members 901 may be decreased to restrict the amount of air mixing with the aerosol and flowing to the outlet 28 of the mouthpiece 26 and hence decrease the air to aerosol ratio.
Various embodiments are contemplated. According to an embodiment the one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members 901 may be modulated between being OFF and ON i.e. between 0% transmission and 100% transmission.
However, alternative embodiments are contemplated wherein the degree of opening of the one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members 901 may be varied. For example, the one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members 901 may be varied between x % transmission and y % transmission wherein 0<x<100 and 0<y<100.
In particular, the term “variable choke” should be understood as a valve which always allows some air to pass therethrough but wherein the degree of transmission of air through the choke may be varied.
The one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members 901 may be arranged to vary a flow of air into the mouthpiece 28 so as to vary the aerosolization of an aerosol passing to the mouthpiece 28.
For example, it may be desired to increase or decrease the air to aerosol ratio of the aerosol which is transmitted to the exit 28 of the mouthpiece 26 and which is experienced by a user by varying the amount of air passing through the one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members 901.
The one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members 901 may be arranged to vary a flow of aerosol away from the mouthpiece 28 so as to vary the aerosolization of an aerosol passing to the mouthpiece 28.
It is also contemplated that aerosol flow may be diverted away from the mouthpiece 26 prior to reaching the outlet 28 of the mouthpiece 26 so as to vary or decrease the richness of the aerosol experienced by a user so that the sensory experience is improved and/or hot puff is potentially avoided.
According to various embodiments it may be determined, for example, that at a particular point in time during a session that the aerosol might be particularly hot and moist and hence might be likely to cause a sensation of “hot puff”. In order to avoid such a sensation due to high moisture content in the aerosol, air may be mixed with the aerosol via the one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members 901. Alternatively, a proportion of the aerosol may be diverted away from the outlet 28 of the mouthpiece 26 by being diverted through the one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members 901.
The control circuitry 23 may be arranged to selectively control the one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members 901 in a manner of different ways. For example, according to an embodiment the control circuitry 23 may be arranged to selectively control the one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members 901 in response to activation or deactivation of one or more of the heating elements 24.
According to another embodiment the control circuitry 23 may be arranged to selectively control the one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members 901 as a function of time or according to one or more predetermined timing profiles.
According to another embodiment the control circuitry 23 may be arranged to selectively control the one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members 901 according to one or more user determined settings. For example, a user may wish to alter the ratio of air to aerosol as a matter of personal preference and/or in relation to different aerosol generating articles 4 being inserted into the aerosol provision 2.
It is contemplated, for example, that if the aerosol generating article 4 has a first composition or flavor then the one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members 901 may be set so that the air to aerosol ratio experienced by a user is at a first setting or level. If a different aerosol generating article 4 having a second different composition or flavor is then sampled then the one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members 901 may be set so that the air to aerosol ratio experienced by a user is at a second different setting or level.
It is will be appreciated, therefore, that the present arrangement allows the air to aerosol ratio experienced by a user to be optimised. The air to aerosol ratio may according to various embodiments be set automatically or at least the range of operation i.e. the maximum and minimum air to aerosol ratio may be set or pre-determined. However, within this range a user is enabled to vary the air to aerosol ratio between the maximum and minimum limits.
More generally, the one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members 901 may be arranged to increase or decrease the flow of air into an aerosol stream which directed to the outlet 28 of the mouthpiece 26 which enables the composition of the air/aerosol mixture experience by a user to be varied or optimised in order to improve the sensory experience.
It is also contemplated that the one or more valve members 901 may act to divert aerosol away from the outlet 28 of the mouthpiece 26 in order to reduce the aerosol content arriving at the outlet 28 of the mouthpiece 26.
The aerosol provision device may comprise one or more adjustable air inlets 902. Alternatively or in addition, the aerosol provision device may comprise one or more air outlets 901 located in the mouthpiece 26 having one or more adjustable air outlets. The air outlets 901 may be arranged to direct or divert a flow of air and/or aerosol away from the outlet 28 of the mouthpiece 26.
The control circuitry 23 may be arranged to selectively control the one or more air inlets 902 and/or the one or more air outlets 901. For example, the control circuitry may be arranged to control the air inlets 902 and/or outlets 901 in response to activation or deactivation of one or more heating elements 24, as a function of time, according to one or more predetermined timing profiles or according to one or more user determined settings.
For example, the air to aerosol ratio of an aerosol/air mixture passing to the mouthpiece 26 may be varied when a second heating element is activated some period of time after a first heating element is activated. It is contemplated, for example, that the aerosol provision device 2 may be operable in a plurality of different heating modes. In a first mode of operation a first heating element may be activated in order to quickly increase the temperature to which an aerosol generating article 4 is initially heated. Later on during the session a second heating element may be activated in order to increase the temperature of the aerosol generating article 4 yet further. The changing of mode may be coupled with a change in the position or transmission of the one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members 901 so as to vary the air content of the aerosol or the air to aerosol ratio of the air/aerosol mixture provided to a user.
More generally it is contemplated that the aerosol provision device may comprise a mouthpiece 26 having a user portion 28 and one or more diverter portions 901 for diverting aerosol away from the user portion 28, wherein the one or more diverter portions 901 are operable in a first mode wherein a first volume V1 of aerosol or aerosol/air mixture is directed to the user portion 28 and in a second mode a second volume V2 of aerosol or aerosol/air mixture is directed to the user portion 28, wherein V2<V1.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 a single choke, air inlet, air outlet or valve 901 is shown. However, it will be understood that a plurality of chokes, air inlets, air outlets or valves 901 may be arranged in the mouthpiece 26.
For example, according to an embodiment a plurality of chokes, air inlets, air outlets or valves 901 may be arranged in a circumferential arrangement or pattern around the neck of the mouthpiece 26.
The control circuitry 23 may be arranged to selectively control the one or more diverter portions: (i) in response to activation or deactivation of one or more heating elements; (ii) as a function of time; (iii) according to a predetermined timing profile; or (iv) according to one or more user determined settings.
The aerosol provision device 2 comprises a chamber 25 for receiving the aerosol generating article 4. The aerosol generating article 4 which may be inserted into the aerosol provision device 2 may comprise a substantially planar aerosol generating article 4. The planar aerosol generating article may comprise a plurality of aerosol generating regions. The aerosol provision device may further comprise one or more heating elements 24. The aerosol generating article 4 may comprise a plurality of aerosol generating regions which may be located adjacent a plurality of heating elements 24.
However, other embodiments are contemplated and according to an embodiment, in use, an aerosol generating article 4 comprising a plurality of aerosol generating regions may be located so that one or more aerosol generating regions are located adjacent a single heating element (not shown in FIG. 9 ), wherein the aerosol generating article 4 is rotated or moved relative to the heating element so that one or more aerosol generating regions are moved into proximity to the heating element. The use of a single heating element 24 allows the complexity and cost of the aerosol provision device 2 to be reduced.
The aerosol provision device 2 may further comprise a plurality of aerosol generating regions wherein one or more or each aerosol generating regions comprise at least one air supply hole in fluid communication with an external atmosphere.
An aerosol provision system may be provided which comprises an aerosol provision device 2 as described above in combination with an aerosol generating article 4 comprising portions of aerosol generating material.
According to an embodiment either: (i) each portion of aerosol generating material is substantially the same; or (ii) at least some of the portions of aerosol generating material are substantially different.
Additionally, while it has been described above that the mouthpiece 26 forms a part of the outer housing 21 and/or is coupled to the outer housing 21, it should be appreciated that in some implementations the mouthpiece 26 may form a part of the aerosol generating article 4. This may particularly be the case when the aerosol generating article 4 comprises a chamber through which air and/or aerosol may pass, where the chamber includes the aerosol generating material. In these implementations, the aerosol generating article 4 is placed into the chamber 25 and protrudes from the chamber 25 such that the mouthpiece of the aerosol generating article extends from the aerosol provision device 2. In these instances, the chamber 25 comprises an opening through which the mouthpiece 26 protrudes. The opening in these implementations may be referred to as the outlet 28 of the aerosol provision device 2.
Although the above has described a system in which an array of aerosol generating components 24 (e.g. heater elements) are provided to energize the discrete portions of aerosol generating material, in other implementations, the aerosol generating article 4 and/or an aerosol generating component 24 may be configured to move relative to one another. That is, there may be fewer aerosol generating components 24 than discrete portions of aerosol generating material 44 provided on the carrier component 42 of the aerosol generating article 4, such that relative movement of the aerosol generating article 4 and aerosol generating components 24 is required in order to be able to individually energize each of the discrete portions of aerosol generating material. For example, a movable heating element 24 may be provided within the chamber 25 such that the heating element 24 may move relative to the chamber 25. In this way, the movable heating element 24 can be translated (e.g. in the width and length directions of the carrier component) such that the heating element 24 can be aligned with respective ones of the discrete portions of aerosol generating material. This approach may reduce the number of aerosol generating components required while still offering a similar user experience.
Although the above has described implementations where discrete, spatially distinct portions of aerosol generating material are deposited on a carrier component, it should be appreciated that in other implementations the aerosol generating material may not be provided in discrete, spatially distinct portions but instead be provided as a continuous sheet of aerosol generating material. In these implementations, certain regions of the sheet of aerosol generating material may be selectively heated to generate aerosol in broadly the same manner as described above. However, regardless of whether or not the portions are spatially distinct, the present disclosure described heating (or otherwise aerosolizing) portions of aerosol generating material. In particular, a region (corresponding to a portion of aerosol generating material) may be defined on the continuous sheet of aerosol generating material based on the dimensions of the heating element 24 (or more specifically a surface of the heating element 24 designed to increase in temperature). In this regard, the corresponding area of the heating element 24 when projected onto the sheet of aerosol generating material may be considered to define a region or portion of aerosol generating material. In accordance with the present disclosure, each region or portion of aerosol generating material may have a mass no greater than 20 mg, however the total continuous sheet may have a mass which is greater than 20 mg.
Although the above has described implementations where the aerosol provision device 2 can be configured or operated using the touch-sensitive panel 29 mounted on the aerosol provision device 2, the aerosol provision device 2 may instead be configured or controlled remotely. For example, the control circuitry 23 may be provided with a corresponding communication circuitry (e.g. Bluetooth) which enables the control circuitry 23 to communicate with a remote device such as a smartphone. Accordingly, the touch-sensitive panel 29 may, in effect, be implemented using an APP or the like running on the smartphone. The smartphone may then transmit user inputs or configurations to the control circuitry 23, and the control circuitry 23 may be configured to operate on the basis of the received inputs or configurations.
Although the above has described implementations in which an aerosol is generated by energizing (e.g. heating) aerosol generating material which is subsequently inhaled by a user, it should be appreciated in some implementations that the generated aerosol may be passed through or over an aerosol modifying component to modify one or more properties of the aerosol before being inhaled by a user. For example, the aerosol provision device 2, 202 may comprise an air permeable insert (not shown) which is inserted in the airflow path downstream of the aerosol generating material (for example, the insert may be positioned in the outlet 28). The insert may include a material which alters any one or more of the flavor, temperature, particle size, nicotine concentration, etc. of the aerosol as it passes through the insert before entering the user's mouth. For example, the insert may include tobacco or treated tobacco. Such systems may be referred to as hybrid systems. The insert may include any suitable aerosol modifying material, which may encompass the aerosol generating materials described above.
Although it has been described above that the heating elements 24 are arranged to provide heat to aerosol generating material (or portions thereof) at an operational temperature at which aerosol is generated from the portion of aerosol generating material, in some implementations, the heating elements 24 are arranged to pre-heat portions of the aerosol generating material to a pre-heat temperature (which is lower than the operational temperature). At the pre-heat temperature, a lower amount or no aerosol is generated when the portion is heated at the pre-heat temperature. In particular, in some implementations, the control circuitry is configured to supply power/energy prior to the first predetermined period starting (i.e. prior to receiving the signalling signifying a user's intention to inhale aerosol). However, a lower amount of energy is required to raise the temperature of the aerosol generating material from the pre-heat temperature to the operational temperature, thus increasing the responsiveness of the system but at an increased total energy consumption. This may be particular suitable for relatively thicker portions of aerosol generating material, e.g. having thicknesses above 400 μm, which require relatively larger amounts of energy to be supplied in order to reach the operational temperature. In such implementations, the energy consumption (e.g. from the power source 22) may be comparably higher, however.
It will be appreciated that, whilst each of the heating elements 24 may provide the same heating profile to a respective aerosol generating region 24, one or more of the heating elements 24 may instead be configured to provide a different heating profile to a respective aerosol generating region 24. For example, aerosol generating regions 24 located further from the mouthpiece 28 may be heated according to a heating profile that generates a greater amount of aerosol than for an aerosol generating region 24 located closer to the mouthpiece 28, which may offset additional loss of aerosol due to condensation along the increased distance of travel, providing a more consistent delivery of aerosol from different aerosol generating regions 24.
Although the above has described implementations in which the aerosol provision device 2 comprises an end of use indicator 31, it should be appreciated that the end of use indicator 31 may be provided by another device remote from the aerosol provision device 2. For example, in some implementations, the control circuitry 23 of the aerosol provision device 2 may comprise a communication mechanism which allows data transfer between the aerosol provision device 2 and a remote device such as a smartphone or smartwatch, for example. In these implementations, when the control circuitry 23 determines that the aerosol generating article 4 has reached its end of use, the control circuitry 23 is configured to transmit a signal to the remote device, and the remote device is configured to generate the alert signal (e.g. using the display of a smartphone). Other remote devices and other mechanisms for generating the alert signal may be used as described above.
In addition, when the portions of aerosol generating material are provided on a carrier component, the portions may, in some implementations, include weakened regions, e.g. through holes or areas of relatively thinner aerosol generating material, in a direction approximately perpendicular to the plane of the carrier component. This may be the case when the hottest part of the aerosol generating material is the area directly contacting the carrier component (in other words, in scenarios where the heat is applied primarily to the surface of the aerosol generating material that contacts the carrier component). Accordingly, the through holes may provide channels for the generated aerosol to escape and be released to the environment/the air flow through the aerosol provision device 2 rather than causing a potential build-up of aerosol between the carrier component and the aerosol generating material. Such build-up of aerosol can reduce the heating efficiency of the system as the build-up of aerosol can, in some implementations, cause a lifting of the aerosol generating material from the carrier component thus decreasing the efficiency of the heat transfer to the aerosol generating material. Each portion of aerosol generating material may be provided with one of more weakened regions as appropriate.
In some implementations, the aerosol generating article 4 may comprise an identifier, such as a readable bar code or an RFID tag or the like, and the aerosol provision device 2 comprises a corresponding reader. When the aerosol generating article 4 is inserted into the chamber 25 of the aerosol provision device 2, the aerosol provision device 2 may be configured to read the identifier on the aerosol generating article 4. The control circuitry 23 may be configured to either recognise the presence of the aerosol generating article 4 (and thus permit heating and/or reset an end of life indicator) or identify the type and/or the location of the portions of the aerosol generating material relative to the aerosol generating article 4. This may affect which portions the control circuitry 23 aerosolizes and/or the way in which the portions are aerosolized, e.g. via adjusting the aerosol generation temperature and/or heating duration. Any suitable technique for recognising the aerosol generating article 4 may be employed.
While the above described embodiments have in some respects focused on some specific example aerosol generating systems, it will be appreciated the same principles can be applied for aerosol generating systems using other technologies. That is to say, the specific manner in which various aspects of the aerosol provision system function are not directly relevant to the principles underlying the examples described herein.
In order to address various issues and advance the art, this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and to teach the claimed invention(s). It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. other than those specifically described herein, and it will thus be appreciated that features of the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims in combinations other than those explicitly set out in the claims. The disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

1. An aerosol provision device comprising a mouthpiece having one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members.

2. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members are arranged to vary a flow of air into the mouthpiece so as to vary the aerosolisation of an aerosol or the air to aerosol ratio of a mixture of air and aerosol passing to the mouthpiece.

3. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members are arranged to vary a flow of aerosol away from the mouthpiece so as to vary the aerosolisation of an aerosol or the air to aerosol ratio of a mixture of air and aerosol passing to the mouthpiece.

4. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising control circuitry, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to selectively control the one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members: (i) in response to activation or deactivation of one or more heating elements; (ii) as a function of time; (iii) according to a predetermined timing profile; or (iv) according to one or more user determined settings.

5. An aerosol provision device comprising: (i) one or more air inlets having one or more adjustable air inlets; and/or (ii) one or more air outlets having one or more adjustable air outlets.

6. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 5, further comprising control circuitry, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to selectively control the one or more air inlets and/or the one or more air outlets: (i) in response to activation or deactivation of one or more heating elements; (ii) as a function of time; (iii) according to a predetermined timing profile; or (iv) according to one or more user determined settings.

7. An aerosol provision device comprising:

a mouthpiece having a user portion and one or more diverter portions for diverting aerosol away from the user portion, wherein the one or more diverter portions are operable in a first mode wherein a first volume V1 of aerosol or aerosol/air mixture is directed to the user portion and in a second mode a second volume V2 of aerosol or aerosol/air mixture is directed to the user portion, wherein V2<V1.

8. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 7, further comprising control circuitry, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to selectively control the one or more diverter portions: (i) in response to activation or deactivation of one or more heating elements; (ii) as a function of time; (iii) according to a predetermined timing profile; or (iv) according to one or more user determined settings.

9. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 1, claim 5 or claim 7, further comprising a chamber for receiving an aerosol generating article.

10. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 1, claim 5 or claim 7, wherein the aerosol provision device further comprises one or more heating elements.

11. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 1, claim 5 or claim 7, further comprising one or more aerosol generating regions and wherein one or more or each aerosol generating region comprises at least one air supply hole in fluid communication with an external atmosphere.

12. An aerosol provision system comprising:

an aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 1, claim 5 or claim 7; and

an aerosol generating article comprising portions of aerosol generating material.

13. An aerosol provision system as claimed in claim 12, wherein either: (i) each portion of aerosol generating material is substantially the same; or (ii) at least some of the portions of aerosol generating material are substantially different.

14. An aerosol provision system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises a substantially planar aerosol generating article.

15. An aerosol provision system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the planar aerosol generating article comprises a plurality of aerosol generating regions.

16. An aerosol provision system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the aerosol generating article is located, in use, adjacent a plurality of heating elements.

17. An aerosol provision system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the aerosol generating article is located, in use, so that one or more aerosol generating regions are located adjacent a heating element, wherein the aerosol generating article is rotated or moved relative to the heating element so that one or more aerosol generating regions are moved into proximity to the heating element.

18. A method of generating an aerosol comprising:

providing an aerosol provision device comprising a mouthpiece having one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members; and

varying the one or more variable chokes, one or more variable air inlet members or one or more valve members so as to vary a flow of air into the mouthpiece and hence vary the aerosolisation of an aerosol or the air to aerosol ratio of a mixture of air and aerosol passing to the mouthpiece.

19. A method of generating an aerosol comprising:

providing an aerosol provision device comprising: (i) one or more air inlets having one or more adjustable air inlets; and/or (ii) one or more air outlets having one or more adjustable air outlets; and

varying the one or more air inlets and/or air outlets so as to vary a flow of air into and/or away from the mouthpiece and hence vary the aerosolisation of an aerosol or the air to aerosol ratio of a mixture of air and aerosol passing to the mouthpiece.

20. A method of generating an aerosol comprising:

providing a mouthpiece having a user portion and one or more diverter portions for diverting aerosol away from the user portion;

operating the one or more diverter portions in a first mode wherein a first volume V1 of aerosol or aerosol/air mixture is directed to the user portion; and

operating the one or more diverter portions in a second mode wherein a second volume V2 of aerosol/air mixture is directed to the user portion, wherein V2<V1.