WO2023079016A1

WO2023079016A1 - Modulare device with mechanical, electrical and hermetic coupling, for air management control

Info

Publication number: WO2023079016A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/080709
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rui Nuno Rodrigues Alves BATISTA; Cheng Peng; Yiu Chi CHEUNG
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
Priority date: 2021-11-05
Filing date: 2022-11-03
Publication date: 2023-05-11

Abstract

The invention relates to a three-piece modular aerosol-generating device. The three- piece modular aerosol-generating device comprises a mouthpiece and a functional module. The functional module comprises an air inlet. The tree-piece modular aerosol-generating device further comprises a main body. The functional module is arranged between the mouthpiece and the main body. The functional module comprises a cavity configured for receiving a consumable. The invention further relates to a modular aerosol-generating system comprising the modular aerosol-generating device described herein, wherein the functional module comprises the cavity configured for receiving a consumable. The modular aerosol- generating system further comprises a consumable.

Description

MODULARE DEVICE WITH MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL AND HERMETIC COUPLING, FOR AIR MANAGEMENT CONTROL

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device. The present disclosure further relates to an aerosol-generating system. The present invention further relates to a functional module.

It is known to provide an aerosol-generating device for generating an inhalable vapor. Such devices may heat aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate are volatilised without burning the aerosolforming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be present in solid form or in liquid form. Aerosol-forming substrate may be provided as part of an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may have a rod shape for insertion of the aerosol-generating article into a cavity, such as a heating chamber, of the aerosol-generating device. A heating element may be arranged in or around the heating chamber for heating the aerosol-forming substrate once the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosolgenerating device. In addition or alternatively, a cartridge comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be attached to or inserted into the aerosol-generating device for supplying the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the device for aerosol generation.

It would be desirable to have an aerosol-generating device that provides high functionality. It would be desirable to have an aerosol-generating device that is customizable. It would be desirable to have an aerosol-generating device that allows control of the air management. It would be desirable to have an aerosol-generating device that allows the control of the resistance to draw. It would be desirable to have an aerosol-generating device that allows flavouring of the generated aerosol. It would be desirable to have an aerosolgenerating device that provides an easy assembly. It would be desirable to have an aerosolgenerating device that has a compact design. It would be desirable to have an aerosolgenerating device that is intuitive for the user. It would be desirable to have a module for an aerosol-generating device that provides high functionality. It would be desirable to provide a module that provides customization of an aerosol-generating device. It would be desirable to have a module that provides control of the air management. It would be desirable to have a module that allows the control of the resistance to draw. It would be desirable to have a versatile aerosol-generating system. It would be desirable to have an aerosol-generating system that is intuitive for the user. It would be desirable to have an aerosol-generating system that allows control of the air management. It would be desirable to have an aerosol-generating system that allows the control of the resistance to draw. It would be desirable to have an aerosol-generating system that allows flavouring of the generated aerosol. According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a three-piece modular aerosolgenerating device. The three-piece modular aerosol-generating device may comprise a mouthpiece and a functional module. The functional module may comprise an air inlet. The tree-piece modular aerosol-generating device may further comprise a main body. The functional module may be arranged between the mouthpiece and the main body. The functional module may comprise a cavity configured for receiving a consumable.

According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a three-piece modular aerosolgenerating device. The three-piece modular aerosol-generating device comprises a mouthpiece and a functional module. The functional module comprises an air inlet. The treepiece modular aerosol-generating device further comprises a main body. The functional module is arranged between the mouthpiece and the main body. The functional module comprises a cavity configured for receiving a consumable.

Providing a three-piece modular aerosol-generating device may provide high functionality. Providing a three-piece modular aerosol-generating device may provide customization. Providing a three-piece modular aerosol-generating device may allow control of the air management. Providing a three-piece modular aerosol-generating device may allow control of the resistance to draw. Providing a three-piece modular aerosol-generating device may allow flavouring of the generated aerosol. Providing a three-piece modular aerosolgenerating device may provide an easy assembly. Providing a three-piece modular aerosolgenerating device may provide a compact design.

The consumer longs for variety and modification of the generated aerosol. There are different types of aerosol-generating systems on the marked (e.g. systems with liquid or solid aerosol-forming substrates). Therefore, modification of the aerosol often requires different aerosol-generating systems. Providing a modular aerosol-generating device according to the present invention may provide high variability and modification of the aerosol with different aerosol-generating systems (e.g. solid or liquid aerosol-forming substrates).

The functional module may be sandwiched between by the mouthpiece and the main body. The mouthpiece may be arranged downstream of the functional module. The main body may be arranged upstream of the functional module. The mouthpiece may be configured connectable to a proximal end of the functional module. A distal end of the mouthpiece may be configured to be connectable to the proximal end of the functional module. The main body may be configured connectable to a distal end of the functional module. A proximal side of the main body may be configured to be connectable to the distal end of the functional module.

The air inlet of the functional module may be a lateral air inlet. The lateral air inlet may be positioned on an outer side surface of the functional module. Providing the functional module with a lateral air inlet may allow air flow when the functional module is arranged between the mouthpiece and the main body. The lateral air inlet may be a lateral groove. The lateral air inlet may have a diameter measured in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device. The diameter may be between 0.15 to 1.7 millimeters, preferably between 0.35 to 1.15 millimeters.

The mouthpiece may be configured connectable to the functional module and to the main body. The mouthpiece may be configured connectable to the functional module. The mouthpiece may be configured connectable to the main body. The mouthpiece may be configured connectable to the main body without the functional module. The mouthpiece may be configured reversible connectable to the functional module and to the main body.

The mouthpiece may comprise one first connection element arranged at a distal end of the mouthpiece. The functional module may comprise one second connection element arranged at a proximal end and one first connection element arranged at a distal end of the functional module. The main body may comprise one second connection element arranged at a proximal end of the main body. The first connection elements may be configured to be connectable to the second connection elements. The first and second connection elements may provide a form fit connection.

The first and second connection elements may have a cylindrical shape. The first and second connection elements may be annular. The first and second connection elements may be configured to provide a connection around 360 degrees along the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device. The first and second connection elements may be configured to be connectable to each other independently of their rotation around the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device. Thereby, an easy and intuitive assembly may be provided.

The first and second connection elements may be arranged coaxially to the mouthpiece, functional module and main body.

The first and second connection elements may be configured to provide mechanical, electrical and hermetic coupling. The first and second connection elements may provide a hermetical coupling of the mouthpiece, the functional module and the main body. The first and second connection elements may provide a hermetical sealing of the mouthpiece, the functional module and the main body. A mechanical coupling means that the three pieces, mouthpiece, functional module and main body, of the modular system may be connected to each other without an easy disassembly. An electrical connection means that current flow between the three pieces of the modular aerosol-generating device may be ensured.

The first connection elements may comprise an annular recess and the second connection elements may comprise a tubular protrusion, or vice versa. The annular recess may be configured to receive the tubular protrusion. The annular recess and the tubular protrusion may have matching shapes. The annular recess and the tubular protrusion may provide a mechanical connection of the tree pieces, mouthpiece, functional module and main body, of the modular aerosol-generating device.

The tubular protrusion and the annular recess may extend in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device.

The tubular protrusion and the annular recess may have an outer and an inner diameter measure in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device. The tubular protrusion and the annular recess may have the same outer and inner diameters. The outer diameters of the tubular protrusion and the annular recess may be smaller than the external diameters of the mouthpiece, the functional module and the main body measured in the same direction.

The outer diameter of the tubular protrusion and the annular recess may be between 6 to 19 millimeters, preferably between 9 to 16 millimeters, more preferably 12 millimeters. The inner diameter of the tubular protrusion and the annular recess may be between 5 to 14 millimeters, preferably between 8 to 12 millimeters, more preferably 9 millimeters.

The annular recess may comprise two side surfaces. The two side surfaces may be an inner side surface and an outer side surface. The inner side surface may be closer to the longitudinal axis of the annular recess than the outer side surface. The annular recess may comprise a bottom portion. The bottom portion may comprise a bottom surface on the bottom of the recess. The bottom surface may be transversal to the longitudinal axis of the recess.

The annular recess may have a depth measured in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device The depth may be between 3 to 7 millimeters, preferably between 4 to 6 millimeters, more preferably 6 millimeters.

The tubular protrusion may be a hollow cylinder. The tubular protrusion may comprise two side surfaces. The two side surfaces may be an inner side surface and an outer side surface. The inner side surface may be closer to the longitudinal axis of the tubular protrusion than the outer side surface. The tubular protrusion may comprise a distal end. The distal end may be the end pointing away from the center of the functional module. The tubular protrusion may comprise a top surface at the distal end. The top surface may be transversal to the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device.

The tubular protrusion may have a height measured in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device. The height may be between 4 to 11 millimeters, preferably between 5 to 9 millimeters, more preferably 7 millimeters.

The first and second connection elements may comprise a magnetic connection. The annular recess may comprise a first magnetic connection element and the tubular protrusion may comprise a second magnetic connection element. The first and second magnetic connection elements may be annular. The first and second magnetic connection elements may provide a magnetic connection of the tree pieces, mouthpiece, functional module and main body, of the modular aerosol-generating device. The mechanical coupling of the tubular protrusion and the annular recess of two pieces of the modular aerosol-generating system, may provide a close proximity of the first and second magnetic connection elements. Thereby, also weaker magnetic connection elements may provide a strong connection.

The annular recess may comprise the first magnetic connection element at the bottom portion of the annular recess. The tubular protrusion may comprise the second magnetic connection element at the distal end of the tubular protrusion. The annular recess may comprise the first magnetic connection element behind the bottom surface. The tubular protrusion may comprise the second magnetic connection element behind the top surface.

The first magnetic connection element may comprise an annular magnet and the second magnetic connection element may comprise a metallic ring, or vice versa. Alternatively, both the first and second magnetic connection elements comprise an annular magnet. The annular magnet may be a permanent magnet or an electrical magnet. The metallic ring may comprise ferromagnetic material.

The annular magnet may have an outer and an inner diameter measured in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device. The outer diameter may be between 9 to 20 millimeters, preferably between 11 to 18 millimeters, more preferably 15 millimeters. The inner diameter may be between 4 to 18 millimeters, preferably between 6 to 16 millimeters, more preferably 12 millimeters. The annular magnet may have a height measured in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device. The height may be between 1 to 5 millimeters, preferably between 2 to 4 millimeters, more preferably 3 millimeters. The metallic ring may have the same dimensions than the annular magnet. The metallic ring may have a smaller height than the annular magnet.

The permanent or electrical magnet may provide a holing force of 40 to 400 grams, preferably 80 to 120 grams. The permanent magnet may comprise ferrite or neodymium or both.

The first connection elements may comprise first and second electrical contacts. The second connection elements may comprise first and second electrical contacts. The first and second electrical contacts may provide electrical coupling of the three pieces, mouthpiece, functional module and main body, of the modular aerosol-generating device.

The first and second electrical contacts may be annular contacts on the side surface of the annular recess and the side surface of the tubular protrusion. Preferably, the first and second electrical contacts may be positioned at the inner side surfaces of the annular recess and the tubular protrusion. Alternatively, the first and second electrical contacts may be positioned at the outer side surfaces of the annular recess and the tubular protrusion. By positioning the first and second electrical contacts both, either on the inner or the outer side surfaces of the annular recess and the tubular protrusion, a direct contact of the two first electrical contacts with each other, and a direct contact of the two second electrical contacts with each other may be provided. The first electrical contact may be arranged downstream of the second electrical contact. The first and second electrical contacts may not be in direct contact with each other.

The mouthpiece, the functional module and the main body may have an elongate shape, preferably a cylindrical elongate shape. The mouthpiece, the functional module and the main body have the same external diameter. The mouthpiece, the functional module and the main body may each comprise a housing. The housings may comprise hard plastic. The hard plastic may comprise polycarbonate, polycarbonate ABS covered by a thermoplastic elastomer, fluorinated ethylene propylene or other appropriate material.

The mouthpiece may comprise a cavity configured to receive an aerosol-generating article or a cartridge. The cavity may be a heating chamber. The cavity may have an elongate shape. The aerosol-generating article or cartridge may comprise aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article or cartridge may comprise susceptor material.

The mouthpiece may comprise a heating element arranged at least partly around the cavity. Only the mouthpiece may comprise a heating element. The functional module may not comprise a heating element. Preferably the heating element may be an inductive heating element comprising at least one inductor coil for inductively heating the aerosol-generating article or cartridge.

The mouthpiece may comprise a distal opening configured to be fluidly connected to the functional module or the main body. The distal opening may have a diameter measured in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device. The diameter of the distal opening of the mouthpiece may be smaller than a diameter of the cavity measured in the same direction. The mouthpiece may comprise a proximal opening. The mouthpiece may receive the aerosol-generating article or cartridge through the proximal opening.

The mouthpiece may comprise an airflow channel. Preferably, the airflow channel may be a central airflow channel. The mouthpiece may be hollow.

The mouthpiece may have a length measured in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device. The length may be between 31 to 47 millimeters, preferably between to 33 to 40 millimeters, more preferably 36.5 millimeters. The mouthpiece may have an outer diameter measured in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device. The outer diameter may be between 6 to 22 millimeters, preferably between 9 to 19, more preferably 18.4 millimeters.

The functional module may be hollow. The functional module may comprise a distal opening. The functional module may comprise the lateral air inlet between the second and first connection element and proximal to the second connection element. When the mouthpiece and functional module are assembled, the lateral air inlet of the functional module may provide a fluid connection to the mouthpiece. The functional module may not comprise a heating element.

The functional module may comprise wirings connecting the first and second electrical contacts of the first connection element of the functional module with the first and second electrical contacts of the second connection element of the functional module with each other.

The functional module may have a length measure in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device. The length may be between 17 to 32 millimeters, preferably between 20 to 30 millimeters, more preferably between 24 to 26 millimeters, more preferably 25.3 millimeters. The functional module may have an outer diameter measured in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosolgenerating device. The outer diameter may be between 6 to 22 millimeters, preferably between 9 to 19, more preferably 18.4 millimeters.

The functional module may comprise a cavity configured for receiving a consumable, preferably wherein the cavity is a cylindrical cavity. The cavity may have a diameter measured in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device. The diameter may be smaller than the inner diameter of the tubular protrusion and the annular recess. The diameter of the cavity may be larger than a diameter of the distal opening measured in the same direction. The cavity of the functional module may have approximately the same diameter than a diameter of the consumable measured in the same direction. The cavity of the functional module may be fluidly connected to the distal opening. Thereby, a consumable, when inserted into the cavity, may be easily removed by a thin object. Such a thin object may be for example a pen.

The cavity of the functional module may be fluidly connected to the lateral air inlet of the functional module. The cavity of the functional module may be fluidly connected to the lateral air inlet via an inclined airflow channel.

The main body may comprise an air inlet. When the mouthpiece and the main body are assembled without the functional module, the lateral air inlet of the main body may provide a fluid connection to the mouthpiece. The air inlet of the main body may be a lateral air inlet. The air inlet of the main body may be a lateral groove. The air inlet of the main body may have a diameter measured in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosolgenerating device. The diameter may be between 0.15 to 1.7 millimeters, preferably between 0.35 to 1.15 millimeters.

The main body may have a length measured in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device. The main body may have a length measure in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device. The length may be between 55 to 127 millimeters, preferably between 60 to 90, more preferably between 65 to 70 millimeters, more preferably 67.3 millimeters. The main body may have an outer diameter measured in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device. The outer diameter may be between 6 to 22 millimeters, preferably between 9 to 19, more preferably 18.4 millimeters.

The main body may comprise a power supply and a controller. The main body may comprise a power plug connector at a distal end of the main body.

The present invention further relates to a modular aerosol-generating system comprising the modular aerosol-generating device described herein, wherein the functional module may comprise the cavity configured for receiving a consumable. The modular aerosolgenerating system may further comprise a consumable.

The present invention further relates to a modular aerosol-generating system comprising the modular aerosol-generating device described herein, wherein the functional module comprises the cavity configured for receiving a consumable. The modular aerosolgenerating system further comprises a consumable.

The consumable may comprise filtering material. The consumable may consist of filter material. The consumable may comprise ceramic material. The ceramic material may comprise silicon carbide, silicon-based compounds, cordierite, silica, and zirconium-based ceramic compounds. The consumable may be porous. The porosity of the consumable may be between 30 to 80 percent, preferably 40 to 70 percent, more preferably between 50 to 60 percent.

As used herein, the ‘porosity’ is defined as the percentage of a unit volume which is void of material. The porosity is may be derived using standard method and equation giving a decimal value for porosity. Knowing the pore volume of a defined volume of material (Vp) and its total volume (Vt), porosity (Pt) is given by the ratio Vp / Vt. To express porosity as a percent, that decimal is simply multiplied by 100%. For example, Pt = 0.51 , therefore 0.51 x 100% = 51%.

The consumable may comprise porous basalt stone-based materials. The consumable may comprise basalt stone-based materials and silica-based compounds.

The consumable may comprise at least one of a sensorial medium, an aerosol-forming substrate or a flavourant. The flavourant may comprise licorice, Wintergreen, cherry and berry type flavorings, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cinnamon, cardamon, apium graveolents, clove, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, Japanese mint, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmin, chamomile, menthol, ylang, sage, fennel, pimenta, ginger, anise, chai, coriander, coffee, mint oils from a species of the genus Mentha, cocoa, and combinations thereof.

The ceramic material may be impregnated by liquid flavourant. The consumable may comprise a top portion and a bottom portion. The bottom portion may be upstream to the top portion. The top portion and the bottom portion may have different porosities. The top portion may have a higher porosity than the bottom portion. Thereby the air flow may be slowed down resulting in a higher the resistance to draw (RTD). The porosity of the top portion may be between 25 to 80 percent, preferably of between 55 to 75 percent, more preferably of between 65 to 75 percent.

The top and bottom portions may be flavouring and filtering portions. Preferably the top portion may be a flavouring portion and the bottom portion may be a filtering portion. Thereby the air is first filtered and then flavoured.

The consumable may have a cylindrical shape. The consumable may have a diameter measured in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device. The consumable may have a length measure in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device. The diameter of the consumable may be at least equal to the length of the consumable. The diameter of the consumable may be greater than the length of the consumable. The diameter of the consumable may be between 4.5 to 11 millimeters, preferably between 6 to 9 millimeters. The length of the consumable may be between 4.5 to 11 millimeters.

The consumable may comprise a distal sealing layer, configured to hermetically seal the distal opening of the functional module, when the consumable is received within the cavity. The distal sealing base may preferably be a laminated foil. The laminated foil may be adjacent to the bottom portion of the consumable. The laminated foil may be branded. Thereby the consumer may directly identify the connect and function of the consumable.

When the consumable is received within the functional module, the lateral air inlet of the functional module may be the only air inlet of the modular aerosol-generating system. Thereby, a specific RTD may be ensured.

When the consumable is received within the cavity of the functional module and when the mouthpiece, the functional module and the main body are assembled, the resistance to draw (RTD) of the system may be between 10 to 65 mm H20, preferably between 30 to 60 mm H20 measured according to ISO Standard 6565:2002. Such RTD refers to the static pressure difference between the lateral air inlet of the functional module and the outlet of a mouth end of the aerosol-generating article, received within the cavity of the mouthpiece, from which the consumer inhales the generated aerosol, when it is traversed by an air flow under steady conditions in which the volumetric flow is 17.5 milliliters per second at the mouth end, as the outlet of the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of the liquid held in the liquid storage portion of the cartridge. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of the liquid sensorial media held in the liquid storage portion of the cartridge. The liquid storage portion may contain a liquid aerosolforming substrate. Alternatively or in addition, the liquid storage portion may contain a solid aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the liquid storage portion may contain a suspension of a solid aerosol-forming substrate and a liquid. Preferably, the liquid storage portion contains a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

Preferably, a liquid nicotine or flavor/flavorant containing aerosol-forming substrate may be employed in the liquid storage portion of the cartridge.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. The nicotine-containing aerosolforming substrate may be a nicotine salt matrix.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise plant-based material. The aerosolforming substrate may comprise tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material including volatile tobacco flavour compounds which are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenised plant-based material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenised tobacco material. Homogenised tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol-former. An aerosolformer is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, in use, facilitates formation of a dense and stable aerosol and that is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the temperature of operation of the device. Suitable aerosol-formers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols, such as triethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butanediol and glycerine; esters of polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. Preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1 , 3-butanediol. Preferably, the aerosol former is glycerine. Where present, the homogenised tobacco material may have an aerosolformer content of equal to or greater than 5 percent by weight on a dry weight basis, and preferably from 5 percent to 30 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise other additives and ingredients, such as flavourants.

As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-generating article’ refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. For example, an aerosol-generating article may be an article that generates an aerosol that is directly inhalable by the user drawing or puffing on a mouthpiece at a proximal or userend of the device. An aerosol-generating article may be disposable. The aerosol-generating article may be insertable into the heating chamber of the modular aerosol-generating device. As used herein, the term ‘liquid storage portion’ refers to a storage portion comprising a liquid sensorial media and, additionally or alternatively, an aerosol-forming substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. The liquid storage portion may be configured as a container or a reservoir for storing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

The liquid storage portion may be configured as a replaceable tank or container. The liquid storage portion may be any suitable shape and size. For example, the liquid storage portion may be substantially cylindrical. The cross-section of the liquid storage portion may, for example, be substantially circular, elliptical, square or rectangular.

As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-generating device’ refers to a device that interacts with one or both of an aerosol-generating article and a cartridge to generate an aerosol.

As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-generating system’ refers to the combination of an aerosol-generating device with one or both of a cartridge and an aerosol-generating article. In the system, the aerosol-generating device and one or both of the aerosol-generating article and the cartridge cooperate to generate a respirable aerosol.

Preferably, the modular aerosol-generating device is portable. The modular aerosolgenerating device may have a size comparable to a conventional cigar or cigarette. The device may be an electrically operated smoking device. The device may be a handheld aerosolgenerating device. The modular aerosol-generating device may have a total length between 30 millimeters and 150 millimeters. The aerosol-generating device may have an external diameter between 5 millimeters and 30 millimeters.

The modular aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing. The housing may be elongate. The housing may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics or composite materials containing one or more of those materials, or thermoplastics that are suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, for example polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyethylene. Preferably, the material is light and non-brittle.

The housing may comprise at least one air inlet. The housing may comprise more than one air inlet.

The modular aerosol-generating device may comprise a heating element. The heating element may be an inductive heater. The heating element may comprise at least one inductor coil for inductively heating one or more susceptors. Alternatively, the heating element may be a resistive heater.

Operation of the heating element may be triggered by a puff detection system. Alternatively, the heating element may be triggered by pressing an on-off button, held for the duration of the user’s puff. The puff detection system may be provided as a sensor, which may be configured as an airflow sensor to measure the airflow rate. The airflow rate is a parameter characterizing the amount of air that is drawn through the airflow path of the aerosol-generating device per time by the user. The initiation of the puff may be detected by the airflow sensor when the airflow exceeds a predetermined threshold. Initiation may also be detected upon a user activating a button. The sensor may also be configured as a pressure sensor.

The modular aerosol-generating device may include a user interface to activate the aerosol-generating device, for example a button to initiate heating of the modular aerosolgenerating device or a display to indicate a state of the modular aerosol-generating device or of the aerosol-forming substrate.

The modular aerosol-generating device may include additional components, such as, for example a charging unit for recharging an on-board electric power supply in an electrically operated or electric aerosol-generating device.

As used herein, the term ‘proximal’ refers to a user-end, or mouth-end of the modular aerosol-generating device or system or a part or portion thereof, and the term ‘distal’ refers to the end opposite to the proximal end. When referring to the heating chamber, the term ‘proximal’ refers to the region closest to the open end of the cavity and the term ‘distal’ refers to the region closest to the closed end.

As used herein the term ‘lateral’ refers to a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the modular aerosol-generating device.

As used herein, the terms ‘upstream’ and ‘downstream’ are used to describe the relative positions of components, or portions of components, of the modular aerosol-generating device in relation to the direction in which a user draws on the modular aerosol-generating device during use thereof.

The term ‘airflow path’ as used herein denotes a channel suitable to transport gaseous media. An airflow path may be used to transport ambient air. An airflow path may be used to transport an aerosol. An airflow path may be used to transport a mixture of air and aerosol.

As used herein, a ‘susceptor’ or ‘susceptor element’ means an element that heats up when subjected to an alternating magnetic field. This may be the result of eddy currents induced in the susceptor element, hysteresis losses, or both eddy currents and hysteresis losses. During use, the susceptor element is located in thermal contact or close thermal proximity with an aerosol-forming substrate received in the aerosol-generating article or cartridge. In this manner, the aerosol-forming substrate is heated by the susceptor such that an aerosol is formed.

The susceptor material may be any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to aerosolize an aerosol-forming substrate. The following examples and features concerning the susceptor may apply to one or both of the susceptor element of the cartridge, a susceptor of an aerosol-generating device, and a susceptor of an aerosolgenerating article. Suitable materials for the susceptor material include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steels, niobium, aluminium, nickel, nickel containing compounds, titanium, and composites of metallic materials. Preferred susceptor materials comprise a metal or carbon. Advantageously the susceptor material may comprise or consists of a ferromagnetic or ferri-magnetic material, for example, ferritic iron, a ferromagnetic alloy, such as ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel, ferromagnetic particles, and ferrite. A suitable susceptor material may be, or comprise, aluminium. The susceptor material may comprise more than 5 percent, preferably more than 20 percent, more preferably more than 50 percent, or more than 90 percent of ferromagnetic, ferri-magnetic or paramagnetic materials. Preferred susceptor materials may be heated to a temperature in excess of 250 degrees Celsius without degradation.

The susceptor material may be formed from a single material layer. The single material layer may be a steel layer.

The susceptor material may comprise a non-metallic core with a metal layer disposed on the non-metallic core. For example, the susceptor material may comprise metallic tracks formed on an outer surface of a ceramic core or substrate.

The susceptor material may be formed from a layer of austenitic steel. One or more layers of stainless steel may be arranged on the layer of austenitic steel. For example, the susceptor material may be formed from a layer of austenitic steel having a layer of stainless steel on each of its upper and lower surfaces. The susceptor element may comprise a single susceptor material. The susceptor element may comprise a first susceptor material and a second susceptor material. The first susceptor material may be disposed in intimate physical contact with the second susceptor material. The first and second susceptor materials may be in intimate contact to form a unitary susceptor. In certain embodiments, the first susceptor material is stainless steel and the second susceptor material is nickel. The susceptor element may have a two-layer construction. The susceptor element may be formed from a stainless steel layer and a nickel layer.

Intimate contact between the first susceptor material and the second susceptor material may be made by any suitable means. For example, the second susceptor material may be plated, deposited, coated, clad or welded onto the first susceptor material. Preferred methods include electroplating, galvanic plating and cladding.

The modular aerosol-generating device may comprise a power supply for powering the heating element. The power supply may comprise a battery. The power supply may be a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power supply may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery, for example a lithium-cobalt, a lithium-iron- phosphate, lithium titanate or a lithium-polymer battery. The power supply may require recharging and may have a capacity that enables to store enough energy for one or more usage experiences; for example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to continuously generate aerosol for a period of around six minutes or for a period of a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to provide a predetermined number of puffs or discrete activations of the heating element.

The power supply may be a direct current (DC) power supply. In one embodiment, the power supply is a DC power supply having a DC supply voltage in the range of 2.5 Volts to 4.5 Volts and a DC supply current in the range of 1 Amp to 10 Amps (corresponding to a DC power supply in the range of 2.5 Watts to 45 Watts). The modular aerosol-generating device may advantageously comprise a direct current to alternating current (DC/AC) inverter for converting a DC current supplied by the DC power supply to an alternating current. The DC/AC converter may comprise a Class-D, Class-C or Class-E power amplifier. The AC power output of the DC/AC converter is supplied to the induction coil.

The power supply may be adapted to power an inductor coil and may be configured to operate at high frequency. A Class-E power amplifier is preferable for operating at high frequency. As used herein, the term ‘high frequency oscillating current’ means an oscillating current having a frequency of between 500 kilohertz and 30 megahertz. The high frequency oscillating current may have a frequency of from 1 megahertz to 30 megahertz, preferably from 1 megahertz to 10 megahertz, and more preferably from 5 megahertz to 8 megahertz.

In another embodiment the switching frequency of the power amplifier may be in the lower kHz range, e.g. between 100 kHz and 400 KHz. In the embodiments, where a Class-D or Class-C power amplifier is used, switching frequencies in the lower kHz range are particularly advantageous.

The modular aerosol-generating device may comprise a controller. The controller may be electrically connected to the inductor coil. The controller may be electrically connected to the first induction coil and to the second induction coil. The controller may be configured to control the electrical current supplied to the induction coil(s), and thus the magnetic field strength generated by the induction coil(s).

The power supply and the controller may be connected to the inductor coil(s).

The controller may be configured to be able to chop the current supply on the input side of the DC/AC converter. This way the power supplied to the inductor coil(s) may be controlled by conventional methods of duty-cycle management.

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

Example Ex 1 : A three-piece modular aerosol-generating device comprising a mouthpiece; a functional module, wherein the functional module comprises an air inlet; and a main body, wherein the functional module is arranged between the mouthpiece and the main body. Example Ex 2: The modular aerosol-generating device according to Ex 1 , wherein the air inlet of the functional module is a lateral air inlet.

Example Ex 3: The modular aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the mouthpiece is configured connectable to the functional module and to the main body.

Example Ex 4: The modular aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the mouthpiece comprises one first connection element arranged at a distal end of the mouthpiece, the functional module comprises one second connection element arranged at a proximal end and one first connection element arranged at a distal end of the functional module, wherein the main body comprises one second connection element arranged at a proximal end of the main body, and wherein the first connection elements are configured to be connectable to the second connection elements.

Example Ex 5: The modular aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the first and second connection elements are configured to provide mechanical, electrical and hermetic coupling.

Example Ex 6: The modular aerosol-generating device according to examples

Ex 4 or Ex 5, wherein the first connection elements comprise an annular recess and the second connection elements comprise a tubular protrusion, or vice versa, and wherein the annular recess is configured to receive the tubular protrusion.

Example Ex 7: The modular aerosol-generating device according to example Ex

6, wherein the annular recess and the tubular protrusion have matching shapes.

Example Ex 8: The modular aerosol-generating device according to examples

Ex 6 or Ex 7, wherein the annular recess comprises a first magnetic connection element and the tubular protrusion comprises a second magnetic connection element.

Example Ex 9: The modular aerosol-generating device according to example Ex

8, wherein the first and second magnetic connection elements are annular.

Example Ex 10: The modular aerosol-generating device according to examples

Ex 8 or Ex 9, wherein the annular recess comprises the first magnetic connection element at a bottom portion of the annular recess and the tubular protrusion comprises the second magnetic connection element at a distal end of the tubular protrusion.

Example Ex 11 : The modular aerosol-generating device according to any of examples Ex 8 to Ex 10, wherein the first magnetic connection element comprises an annular magnet and the second magnetic connection element comprises a metallic ring, or vice versa, or wherein both the first and second magnetic connection elements comprise an annular magnet.

Example Ex 12: The modular aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the first connection elements of example Ex 4 comprise first and second electrical contacts and the second connection elements of example Ex 4 comprise first and second electrical contacts.

Example Ex 13: The modular aerosol-generating device according to examples

Ex 12, wherein the first and second electrical contacts are annular contacts on a side surface of the annular recess and a side surface of the tubular protrusion, preferably wherein the first and second electrical contacts are positioned at an inner side surface of the annular recess and an inner side surface of the tubular protrusion, or wherein the first and second electrical contacts are positioned at an outer side surface of the annular recess and an outer side surface of the tubular protrusion.

Example Ex 14: The modular aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the mouthpiece, the functional module and the main body have an elongate shape, preferably a cylindrical elongate shape.

Examples Ex 15: The modular aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the mouthpiece, the functional module and the main body have the same external diameter.

Example Ex 16: The modular aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a cavity configured to receive an aerosol-generating article or a cartridge.

Example Ex 17: The modular aerosol-generating device according to examples

Ex 16, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a heating element arranged at least partly around the cavity, preferably an inductive heating element comprising at least one inductor coil for inductively heating the aerosol-generating article or cartridge.

Example Ex 18: The modular aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a distal opening configured to be fluidly connected to the functional module or the main body.

Example Ex 19: The modular aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the mouthpiece comprises an airflow channel, preferably a central airflow channel.

Example Ex 20: The modular aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the functional module is hollow.

Examples Ex 21 : The modular aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the functional module comprises a distal opening.

Examples Ex 22: The modular aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the functional module comprises the lateral air inlet of examples Ex 2 between the second and first connection element and proximal to the second connection element, wherein, when the mouthpiece and functional module are assembled, the lateral air inlet of the functional module provides a fluid connection to the mouthpiece. Example Ex 23: The modular aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the functional module comprises wirings connecting the first and second electrical contacts of the first connection element of the functional module with the first and second electrical contacts of the device connection element of the functional module.

Example Ex 24: The modular aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the functional module comprises a cavity configured for receiving a consumable, preferably wherein the cavity is a cylindrical cavity.

Example Ex 25: The modular aerosol-generating device according to example Ex

24, wherein the cavity of the functional module is fluidly connected to the lateral air inlet of example Ex 2.

Example Ex 26: The modular aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the main body comprises an air inlet, wherein, when the mouthpiece and the main body are assembled without the functional module, the lateral air inlet of the main body provides a fluid connection to the mouthpiece.

Example Ex 27: The modular aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the main body comprise a power supply and a controller.

Example Ex 28: A modular aerosol-generating system comprising the modular aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional module comprises the cavity of example Ex 24 or Ex 25; and a consumable.

Example Ex 29: The modular aerosol-generating system according to example

Ex 28, wherein the consumable comprises filtering material.

Example Ex 30: The modular aerosol-generating system according to any of examples Ex 28 or Ex29, wherein the consumable comprises at least one of a sensorial medium, an aerosol-forming substrate or a flavourant.

Example Ex 31 : The modular aerosol-generating system according to any of examples Ex 28 to Ex 30, wherein the consumable comprises a distal sealing layer, configured to hermetically seal the distal opening of example Ex 21 when the consumable is received within the cavity, preferably wherein the distal sealing base is a laminated foil.

Example Ex 32: The modular aerosol-generating system according to any of examples Ex 28 to Ex 31 , wherein, when the consumable is received within the functional module, the lateral air inlet of claim 2 is the only air inlet of the modular aerosol-generating system.

Example Ex 33: The modular aerosol-generating system according to any of Example Ex 28 to Ex 32, wherein, when the consumable is received within the cavity of the functional module and when the mouthpiece, the functional module and the main body are assembled, the resistance to draw (RTD) of the system is between 10 to 65 mm H20, preferably between 30 to 60 mm H20.

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

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

Figs. 1A and 1 B show a modular aerosol-generating device;

Figs. 2A and 2B show a mouthpiece of the modular aerosol-generating device;

Figs. 3A and 3B show a functional module of the modular aerosol-generating device;

Figs. 4A and 4B show functional modules with consumables; and

Figs. 5A and 5B show the main body of the modular aerosol-generating device.

Fig. 1A shows a perspective view of a modular aerosol-generating device 10 in a disassembled state. The modular aerosol-generating device 10 comprises a mouthpiece 12, a functional module 14 and a main body 16. The functional module 14 can be connected to the mouthpiece 12. The main body 16 can be connected to the functional module 14. Fig. 1 B shows the modular aerosol-generating device 10 in an assembled state.

Fig. 2A shows the mouthpiece 12 with an aerosol-generating article or cartridge 18. Fig. 2B shows a cross section of the mouthpiece 12. The aerosol-generating article or cartridge 18 can be received within a cavity 20. The cavity 20 is fluidly connected to a distal opening 22. The mouthpiece comprises a heating element 24 with inductive coils 26. The mouthpiece comprises at a distal end a first connection element 28. The first connection element 28 comprises an annular recess 30. The annular recess comprises a bottom surface 32. Behind the bottom surface 32 is a first magnetic connection element 34 positioned. The first magnetic connection element can be an annular magnet or a metallic ring. The annular recess 30 comprises first and second electrical contacts 36 and 38 on an inner surface of the annular recess 30. Alternatively, the first and second electrical contacts 36 and 38 can be positioned on an outer surface of the annular recess 30.

Fig. 3A shows a perspective view of the functional module 14. Fig. 3B shows a cross section of the functional module 14. The functional module 14 comprises a second connection element 40 arranged at a proximal end of the functional module 14 and a first connection element 28 arranged at a distal end of the functional module 14. The first connection element 28 of the functional module 14 comprises the same components than the first connection element 28 of the mouthpiece 12. The second connection element 40 comprises a tubular protrusion 42. The tubular protrusion 42 comprises a top surface 44. Behind the top surface 44 a second magnetic connection element 46 is located. The second magnetic connection element 46 can be an annular magnet or a metallic ring. Both the first and second magnetic connection elements 34 and 46 can be annular magnets. Alternatively, one of the first and second magnetic connection elements 34 and 46 can be an annular magnet and the other can be a metallic ring. The second connection element 40 further comprises first and second electrical contacts 38 and 40. The first and second electrical contacts 38 and 40 are arranged on an inner surface of the tubular protrusion 42. Alternatively, the first and second electrical contacts 36 and 38 can be positioned on an outer surface of the tubular protrusion 42. The functional module 14 further comprises wirings 48. The wirings 48 connect the first electrical contact 38 of the second connection element 40 with the first electrical contact 38 of the first connection element 28 of the functional module 14. The wirings 48 connect the second electrical contact 38 of the second connection element 40 with the second electrical contact 38 of the first connection element 28 of the functional module 14.

The functional module 14 further comprises a lateral air inlet 50. The lateral air inlet 50 is a lateral groove 52. The functional module 14 further comprises a cavity 54. The cavity 54 is fluidly connected to the lateral air inlet 50 via an inclined airflow channel 56 and to a distal opening 58.

Figs. 4A and 4B show two embodiments 14a and 14b of the functional module 14 with consumables 60a to 60c. The functional modules 14a and 14b differ in the length of the cavity 54 and in the width of the distal opening 58. The cavity 54a of the functional module 14a has a longer length than the cavity 54b of the functional module 14b. The distal opening 58a of the functional module 14a is wider than the distal opening 58b of the functional module 14b. The functional module 14a can also comprise the distal opening 58b and the functional module 14b can comprise the distal opening 58a.

The cavity 54a is configured to receive the consumables 60a or 60b. The consumables 60a to 60c further comprise distal sealing layers 62a to 62c, respectively. The distal sealing layers 62a to 62c can be a laminated foil. Such a laminated foil can be marked by a brand to allow identification of the type of consumable 62. The distal sealing layers 62a and 62b further provide a hermetical sealing of the distal opening 58a, when the consumables 60a or 60b are inserted into functional module 14a. The consumable 60a comprises filtering material. The filtering material can additionally comprise flavourant. The consumable 60b comprises two different portions, a filtering portion 66 and a flavouring portion 64. The two portions 64 and 66 can also be arranged vice versa.

The functional module 14b comprises a smaller cavity 54b. The cavity 54b is configured to receive a consumable 60c having a shorter length than consumables 60a and 60b. The consumable 60c comprises a distal sealing layer 62c. The consumable 60c comprises filtering material. The filtering material can additionally comprise flavourant. The distal sealing layer 62c hermetically seals the distal opening 58b, when the consumable 60c is inserted into the functional module 14b.

The distal openings 58a and 58b provide an access to the cavities 54a and 54b. Thereby, the consumables 60a to 60c can be easily removed with a thin object, for example with a pen, from the functional modules 14a or 14b, when the consumables 60a to 60b are depleted after usage.

Fig. 5A shows the main body 16 in a perspective view, Fig. 5B shows a cross section of the main body 16. The main body 16 comprises a second connection element 40. The second connection element 40 is similar of the second connection element 40 of the functional module. The second connection element 40 comprises first and second electrical contacts 36 and 38, the tubular protrusion 42 and the second magnetic connection element 46. The main body 16 further comprises an air inlet 68, the air inlet 68 is a lateral groove 70. The main body 16 further comprises a controller 72 to control the power supply 74 and a power plug connector 76.

Claims

1 . A three-piece modular aerosol-generating device comprising a mouthpiece; a functional module, wherein the functional module comprises an air inlet; and a main body, wherein the functional module is arranged between the mouthpiece and the main body, wherein the functional module comprises a cavity configured for receiving a consumable.

2. The modular aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the air inlet of the functional module is a lateral air inlet.

3. The modular aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mouthpiece is configured connectable to the functional module and to the main body.

4. The modular aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mouthpiece comprises one first connection element arranged at a distal end of the mouthpiece, the functional module comprises one second connection element arranged at a proximal end and one first connection element arranged at a distal end of the functional module, wherein the main body comprises one second connection element arranged at a proximal end of the main body, and wherein the first connection elements are configured to be connectable to the second connection elements, and preferably wherein the first and second connection elements are configured to provide mechanical, electrical and hermetic coupling.

5. The modular aerosol-generating device according to claim 4, wherein the first connection elements comprise an annular recess and the second connection elements comprise a tubular protrusion, or vice versa, and wherein the annular recess is configured to receive the tubular protrusion, and preferably wherein the annular recess and the tubular protrusion have matching shapes.

6. The modular aerosol-generating device according to claim 5, wherein the annular recess comprises a first magnetic connection element and the tubular protrusion comprises a second magnetic connection element, and preferably wherein the first and second magnetic connection elements are annular.

7. The modular aerosol-generating device according to claim 6, wherein the annular recess comprises the first magnetic connection element at a bottom portion of the annular recess and the tubular protrusion comprises the second magnetic connection element at a distal end of the tubular protrusion.

8. The modular aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 6 or 7, wherein the first magnetic connection element comprises an annular magnet and the second magnetic connection element comprises a metallic ring, or vice versa, or wherein both the first and second magnetic connection elements comprise an annular magnet.

9. The modular aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first connection elements of claim 4 comprise first and second electrical contacts and the second connection elements of claim 4 comprise first and second electrical contacts.

10. The modular aerosol-generating device according to claim 9, wherein the first and second electrical contacts are annular contacts on a side surface of the annular recess and a side surface of the tubular protrusion, preferably wherein the first and second electrical contacts are positioned at an inner side surface of the annular recess and an inner side surface of the tubular protrusion, or wherein the first and second electrical contacts are positioned at an outer side surface of the annular recess and an outer side surface of the tubular protrusion.

11. The modular aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mouthpiece, the functional module and the main body have an elongate shape, preferably a cylindrical elongate shape.

12. The modular aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mouthpiece, the functional module and the main body have the same external diameter.

13. The modular aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a cavity configured to receive an aerosolgenerating article or a cartridge.

14. The modular aerosol-generating device according to claim 13, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a heating element arranged at least partly around the cavity, preferably an inductive heating element comprising at least one inductor coil for inductively heating the aerosol-generating article or cartridge.

15. The modular aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a distal opening configured to be fluidly connected to the functional module or the main body.

16. The modular aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mouthpiece comprises an airflow channel, preferably a central airflow channel.

17. The modular aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the functional module is hollow.

18. The modular aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the functional module comprises a distal opening.

19. The modular aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the functional module comprises the lateral air inlet of claim 2 between the second and first connection element and proximal to the second connection element, wherein, when the mouthpiece and functional module are assembled, the lateral air inlet of the functional module provides a fluid connection to the mouthpiece.

20. The modular aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the functional module comprises wirings connecting the first and second electrical contacts of the first connection element of the functional module with the first and second electrical contacts of the device connection element of the functional module.

21. The modular aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity is a cylindrical cavity, and preferably wherein the cavity of the functional module is fluidly connected to the lateral air inlet of claim 2.

22. The modular aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the main body comprises an air inlet, wherein, when the mouthpiece and the main body are assembled without the functional module, the lateral air inlet of the main body provides a fluid connection to the mouthpiece.

23. The modular aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the main body comprise a power supply and a controller.

24. A modular aerosol-generating system comprising the modular aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding claims; and a consumable.

25. The modular aerosol-generating system according to claim 24, wherein the consumable comprises filtering material, and preferably wherein the consumable comprises at least one of a sensorial medium, an aerosol-forming substrate or a flavourant.

26. The modular aerosol-generating system according to any of claims 24 or 25, wherein the consumable comprises a distal sealing layer, configured to hermetically seal the distal opening of claim 18 when the consumable is received within the cavity, preferably wherein the distal sealing base is a laminated foil.

27. The modular aerosol-generating system according to any of claims 24 to 26, wherein, when the consumable is received within the functional module, the lateral air inlet of claim 2 is the only air inlet of the modular aerosol-generating system.

28. The modular aerosol-generating system according to any of claims 24 to 27, wherein, when the consumable is received within the cavity of the functional module and when the mouthpiece, the functional module and the main body are assembled, the resistance to draw (RTD) of the system is between 10 to 65 mm H20, preferably between 30 to 60 mm H20.