WO2023161442A1 - Aerosol provision device - Google Patents

Aerosol provision device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023161442A1
WO2023161442A1 PCT/EP2023/054730 EP2023054730W WO2023161442A1 WO 2023161442 A1 WO2023161442 A1 WO 2023161442A1 EP 2023054730 W EP2023054730 W EP 2023054730W WO 2023161442 A1 WO2023161442 A1 WO 2023161442A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
aerosol
aerosol generating
generating article
provision device
drive mechanism
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2023/054730
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Mark Potter
David Nelson
Andrew Denley
Original Assignee
Nicoventures Trading Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nicoventures Trading Limited filed Critical Nicoventures Trading Limited
Publication of WO2023161442A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023161442A1/en

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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24DCIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES FOR CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
    • A24D1/00Cigars; Cigarettes
    • A24D1/20Cigarettes specially adapted for simulated smoking devices
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24FSMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24FSMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/20Devices using solid inhalable precursors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an aerosol provision device, an aerosol generating system and a method of generating an aerosol.
  • Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars and the like burn tobacco during use to create tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without combusting. Examples of such products are so-called “heat not burn” products or tobacco heating devices or products, which release compounds by heating, but not burning, material.
  • the material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.
  • Aerosol provision systems which cover the aforementioned devices or products, are known.
  • Common systems use heaters to create an aerosol from a suitable medium which is then inhaled by a user. Often the medium used needs to be replaced or changed to provide a different aerosol for inhalation.
  • induction heating systems as heaters to create an aerosol from a suitable medium.
  • An induction heating system generally consists of a magnetic field generating device for generating a varying magnetic field, and a susceptor or heating material which is heatable by penetration with the varying magnetic field to heat the suitable medium.
  • Conventional aerosol provision devices comprise a cylindrical heating chamber into which a rod shaped consumable is inserted.
  • a consumable having a shape other than cylindrical such as a consumable comprising a planar substrate.
  • the planar substrate may comprise a susceptor to be heated by penetration with a varying magnetic field.
  • the planar substrate may comprise a card base layer having an aluminium foil layer adhered thereto.
  • the aluminium foil layer may act as a susceptor.
  • An aerosol generating material i.e. gel
  • the planar substrate may be inserted into an aerosol provision device and may be translated or rotated relative to a heating element.
  • an aerosol provision device comprising: a drive mechanism for rotating or translating an aerosol generating article, wherein the drive mechanism comprises one or more triangular shaped projections for engaging with one or more corresponding apertures or recesses provided in an aerosol generating article.
  • the drive mechanism beneficially has an improved level torque of torque relative to other designs and does not cause apertures or recesses provided in an aerosol generating article to become rounded off during a session of use thereby resulting in the aerosol generating article potentially slipping.
  • the drive mechanism comprises a rotatable hub.
  • the one or more triangular shaped projections are disposed on the rotatable hub.
  • the one or more triangular shaped projections have a height H1 and wherein the aerosol generating article has a thickness H2, and wherein H1 > H2.
  • an aerosol provision device comprising: a drive mechanism for rotating or translating an aerosol generating article, wherein the drive mechanism comprises two or more lugs, pins or projections for engaging in two or more corresponding apertures or recesses provided in an aerosol generating article.
  • the drive mechanism beneficially has an improved level torque of torque relative to other designs and does not cause apertures or recesses provided in an aerosol generating article to become rounded off during a session of use thereby resulting in the aerosol generating article potentially slipping.
  • the drive mechanism comprises a rotatable hub.
  • the two or more lugs, pins or projections are disposed on the rotatable hub.
  • the two or more lugs, pins or projections are spaced symmetrically about a central axis of rotation of the aerosol generating article.
  • an aerosol provision device comprising: a drive mechanism for rotating or translating an aerosol generating article, wherein the drive mechanism comprises an undulating or roughened surface for frictionally engaging with a surface of an aerosol generating article.
  • the drive mechanism beneficially has an improved level torque of torque relative to other designs and does not cause apertures or recesses provided in an aerosol generating article to become rounded off during a session of use thereby resulting in the aerosol generating article potentially slipping.
  • the drive mechanism comprises a rotatable hub.
  • the undulating or roughened surface is formed by etching.
  • the drive mechanism has a surface roughness of ⁇ 0.1 pm, 0.1-1 pm, 1-10 pm, 10-20 pm, 20-30 pm, 30-40 pm, 40-50 pm or > 50 pm.
  • the rotatable hub comprises a first aperture.
  • the first aperture may be disposed symmetrically about an axis of rotation of the rotatable hub.
  • the aerosol provision device further comprises a movable spigot located within the first aperture and/or which projects or extends in use through the first aperture.
  • the aerosol provision device further comprises a movable aerosol chamber.
  • the movable spigot is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein in the extended position the movable spigot is arranged to cause the aerosol chamber to move away from an aerosol generating article so that the aerosol generating article may be rotated, removed or replaced.
  • an aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol provision device as described above; and an aerosol generating article.
  • the aerosol generating article comprises: (i) a substantially circular, oval or polyhedral substrate having one or more portions of aerosol generating material arranged on a first surface of the substrate and/or one or more portions of aerosol generating material arranged on a second surface of the substrate; (ii) a substantially planar substrate having one or more portions of aerosol generating material arranged on a first surface of the substrate and/or one or more portions of aerosol generating material arranged on a second surface of the substrate; or (iii) a prismatic or cylindrical shaped aerosol generating article.
  • the aerosol generating article may comprise either an open type consumable or a closed type consumable.
  • the aerosol generating article may have two or more apertures or recesses for engaging with two or more corresponding lugs, pins or projections provided on a drive mechanism of the aerosol provision device.
  • the aerosol generating article may have an undulating or roughened surface for frictionally engaging with a surface of a drive mechanism of the aerosol provision device.
  • the aerosol generating article may have one or more triangular shaped apertures or recesses for engaging with one or more corresponding triangular shaped projections provided on a drive mechanism of an aerosol provision device.
  • a method of generating an aerosol comprising: rotating or translating an aerosol generating article by engaging one or more triangular shaped projections with one or more corresponding apertures or recesses provided in an aerosol generating article.
  • a method of generating an aerosol comprising: rotating or translating an aerosol generating article by engaging two or more lugs, pins or projections in two or more corresponding apertures or recesses provided in an aerosol generating article.
  • a method of generating an aerosol comprising: rotating or translating an aerosol generating article by frictionally engaging an undulating or roughened surface with a surface of an aerosol generating article.
  • the method further comprises energising the aerosol generating article, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises aerosol generating material.
  • an aerosol generating article having two or more apertures or recesses for engaging with two or more corresponding lugs, pins or projections provided on a drive mechanism of an aerosol provision device.
  • an aerosol generating article having an undulating or roughened surface for frictionally engaging with a surface of a drive mechanism of an aerosol provision device.
  • an aerosol generating article having one or more triangular shaped apertures or recesses for engaging with one or more corresponding triangular shaped projections provided on a drive mechanism of an aerosol provision device.
  • the aerosol generating article comprises: (i) a substantially circular, oval or polyhedral substrate having one or more portions of aerosol generating material arranged on a first surface of the substrate and/or one or more portions of aerosol generating material arranged on a second surface of the substrate; (ii) a substantially planar substrate having one or more portions of aerosol generating material arranged on a first surface of the substrate and/or one or more portions of aerosol generating material arranged on a second surface of the substrate; or (iii) a prismatic or cylindrical shaped aerosol generating article.
  • Fig. 1 shows an aerosol provision device in combination with an aerosol generating article, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises a plurality of portions of aerosol generating material and wherein the aerosol provision device comprises a single inductive heating element and wherein a movement mechanism is used to rotate the aerosol generating article relative to the single inductive heating element;
  • Fig. 2A shows a perspective view of a base portion of an aerosol provision device wherein the aerosol provision device comprises a drive mechanism having a triangular projection for engaging with a corresponding triangular aperture provided in an aerosol generating article and Fig. 2B shows the base portion and a lid portion of an aerosol provision device wherein an disc shaped aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol provision device and is engaged with a triangular shaped projection forming part of a drive mechanism for rotating the aerosol generating article;
  • Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a drive mechanism of an aerosol provision device, wherein the drive mechanism comprises two pins for engaging with corresponding apertures provided in an aerosol generating article; and Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a drive mechanism according to another embodiment wherein the drive mechanism comprises a roughened surface which is arranged to frictionally engage with the rear surface of an aerosol generating article.
  • a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.
  • the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosolgenerating material is not a requirement.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.
  • 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.
  • the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material.
  • the solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non- combustible aerosol provision device.
  • the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller.
  • the power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source.
  • the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
  • the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosolgenerating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
  • 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 flavourants.
  • the aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder and an aerosol former.
  • an active and/or filler may also be present.
  • a solvent such as water, is also present and one or more other components of the aerosolgenerating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent.
  • the aerosol-generating material is substantially free from botanical material.
  • the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.
  • the aerosol-generating film may comprise or be a sheet, which may optionally be shredded to form a shredded sheet.
  • the aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.
  • An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material.
  • the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol.
  • the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating.
  • the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.
  • 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 aerosolmodifying 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.
  • a susceptor is a heating 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 aerosol provision device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.
  • Non-combustible aerosol provision systems may comprise a modular assembly including both a reusable aerosol provision device and a replaceable aerosol generating article.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise a power source and a controller (or control circuitry).
  • the power source may, for example, comprise an electric power source, such as a battery or rechargeable battery.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision device may also comprise an aerosol generating component.
  • the aerosol generating article may comprise partially, or entirely, the aerosol generating component.
  • 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.
  • An induction heater may comprise an electromagnet and a device for passing a varying electrical current, such as an alternating current, through the electromagnet.
  • a varying electrical current such as an alternating current
  • 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 and 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.
  • 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.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates a schematic view of a portion of an aerosol provision device 202.
  • the aerosol provision device 202 is shown with an aerosol generating article 204 which comprises aerosol generating material located within the aerosol provision device 202.
  • the combination of the aerosol provision device 202 and the aerosol generating article 204 together form an aerosol provision system.
  • a drive mechanism (which has been omitted from Fig. 1 for clarity purposes but which is shown and described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 2A) is provided for rotating or translating the aerosol generating article 204.
  • the drive mechanism may comprise one or more triangular shaped projections for engaging with one or more corresponding apertures or recesses (which has been omitted from Fig. 1 for clarity purposes but which is shown and described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 2A) provided in the aerosol generating article 204.
  • the aerosol generating article 204 has a first upper surface 112 upon which aerosol generating material 244 may be arranged.
  • the aerosol generating article 204 may include a carrier layer 242 (which may be referred to herein as a carrier or a substrate supporting layer) and a susceptor layer on which the aerosol generating material 244 may be disposed.
  • the aerosol generating material 244 may be arranged as a plurality of doses of the aerosol generating material 244.
  • the aerosol generating article 204 has a second lower surface 116 on the opposite side to the first surface 112.
  • the first surface 112 and/or the second surface 116 may be smooth or rough.
  • the aerosol provision device 202 may comprise one or more induction heating elements 224a arranged to face the second surface 116 of the aerosol generating article 204.
  • the one or more induction heating elements 224a may be arranged to transfer energy from a power source, such as a battery (not shown), to the aerosol generating material 244 in order to generate aerosol from the aerosol generating material 244.
  • the aerosol provision device 202 may have a movement mechanism 130 arranged to move the aerosol generating article 204, and in particular portions (or, in some cases, doses) of aerosol generating material 244.
  • the portions of aerosol generating material 244 may be rotated relative to one or more inductive heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a such that portions of the aerosol generating material 244 are presented, in this case individually, to the inductive heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a.
  • the inductive heating element 224a may comprise an induction coil and the aerosol generating article 204 includes a layer that acts as a susceptor.
  • the aerosol provision device 202 may be arranged such that at least one dose of the aerosol generating material 244 is rotated around an axis A at an angle 6 to the second surface 116.
  • Control circuitry 223 may be configured to actuate both the inductive heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a and the movement mechanism 130 such that the aerosol generating article 204 rotates so as to align a discrete portion of aerosol generating material 244 in close proximity to the inductive heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a.
  • the aerosol generating article 204 may be substantially flat or planar.
  • the carrier layer 242 of the aerosol generating article 204 may be formed of partially or entirely of paper or card.
  • the aerosol generating article 204 shown in Fig. 1 comprises five doses (or portions) of aerosol generating material 244. In other examples, the aerosol generating article 204 may have more or fewer doses of aerosol generating material 244. In some examples, the aerosol generating article 204 may have the doses of aerosol generating material 244 arranged in discrete doses as shown in Fig. 1.
  • the doses may be in the form of a disc, which may be continuous or discontinuous in the circumferential direction of the aerosol generating article 204. In still other examples, the doses may be in the form of an annulus, a ring or any other shape.
  • the aerosol generating article 204 may or may not have a rotationally symmetrical distribution of doses on the first surface 112 about the axis A. A symmetrical distribution of doses would enable equivalently positioned doses (within the rotationally symmetrical distribution) to receive an equivalent heating profile from the inductive heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a upon rotation about the axis A, if desired.
  • the aerosol generating article 204 of the present example includes aerosol generating material 244 disposed on a susceptor layer of the aerosol generating article 204.
  • the aerosol generating article 204 may be formed exclusively of aerosol generating material 244; that is, in some implementations, the aerosol generating article 204 may consist entirely of aerosol generating material 244.
  • one or more susceptor elements may be provided as part of the aerosol generating device 204.
  • the aerosol generating article 204 may have a layered structure and may be formed from a plurality of materials.
  • the aerosol generating article 204 may have a layer formed from at least one of a thermally conductive material, an inductive material, a permeable material or an impermeable material.
  • the carrier layer 242 or the substrate may be, or may include, a metallic element that is arranged to be heated by a varying magnetic field and hence may act as a susceptor layer.
  • the inductive heating element 224a may include one or more induction coils 224a, which, when energised, cause heating within the metallic element of the aerosol generating article 204. The degree of heating may be affected by the distance between the metallic element or susceptor layer and the induction coil 224a.
  • the arrangement shown in Fig. 1 operates by indexing (or moving) the plurality of doses of aerosol generating material 244 relative to the inductive heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a. While this arrangement of Fig. 1 may have a slight increase in the complexity of the movement mechanism 130 to provide movement to the aerosol generating article 204, there are benefits to be had by virtue that the aerosol provision device 204 may comprise a single inductive heating element 224a which is used to heat a plurality of portions of aerosol generating material 244. It will be understood that a single heating element 224a requires a single control mechanism (such as control circuitry 223) whereas a plurality of heaters may each require separate control mechanisms. As such, this arrangement can reduce the cost and control complexity in relation to the operation and control of the inductive heating element 224a.
  • the shape of the aerosol provision device 202 may be cigarette-shape (longer in one dimension than the other two) or may be other shapes.
  • the aerosol provision device 202 may have a shape that is longer in two dimensions than the other one, for example like a compact-disc player or the like.
  • the shape may be any shape that can suitably house the aerosol generating article 204, one or more inductive heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a and the movement mechanism 130.
  • the aerosol generating article 204 may comprise a carrier component 242 which may be formed of card.
  • the carrier component 242 may form the majority of the aerosol generating article 204 and may act as a base for one or more susceptors or a susceptor layer with aerosol generating material 244 provided or deposited thereupon.
  • the carrier component 242 may be broadly cuboidal or disc shaped in form.
  • the carrier component 242 may have a length (or diameter) of 30-80 mm, a width 7-25 mm and a thickness 0.2 mm. However, it should be appreciated that other arrangements are contemplated wherein the carrier component 242 may have different dimensions as appropriate.
  • the carrier component 242 may comprise one or more protrusions extending in the length and/or width directions of the carrier component 242 to help facilitate handling of the aerosol generating article 204 by the user.
  • the aerosol generating article 204 may comprise a plurality of discrete portions of aerosol generating material 244 disposed on a surface of the carrier component 242. According to an arrangement the aerosol generating article 204 may comprise two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen or more than fifteen discrete portions of aerosol generating material 244.
  • the discrete portions of aerosol generating material 244 may be disposed in a n x m 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 format array (e.g. a one by six array). Other arrangements are contemplated wherein the aerosol generating article 204 comprises a disc and separate portions of aerosol generating material 244 are provided in separate segments of the disc.
  • the aerosol generating material 244 may be disposed at discrete separate locations on a single surface of the component carrier 242.
  • the discrete portions of aerosol generating material 244 are shown as having a circular footprint, although it should be appreciated that the discrete portions of aerosol generating material 244 may take any other footprint, such as square, trapezoidal or rectangular, as appropriate.
  • the discrete portions of aerosol generating material 244 may have a diameter d and a thickness t a .
  • the thickness t a of the discrete portions may take any suitable value, for example the thickness t a may be in the range of 50 pm to 1.5 mm.
  • the thickness t a may be from about 50 pm to about 200 pm, or about 50 pm to about 100 pm, or about 60 pm to about 90 pm, suitably about 77 pm. In other arrangements, the thickness t a may be greater than 200 pm e.g. from about 50 pm to about 400 pm, or to about 1 mm, or to about 1.5 mm.
  • the discrete portions of aerosol generating material 244 may be arranged separate from one another such that each of the discrete portions may be energised (e.g. heated) individually or selectively to produce an aerosol.
  • the portions of aerosol generating material 244 may have a mass no greater than 20 mg, such that the amount of material to be aerosolised by an induction heater or induction coil 224a and associated susceptor element at any one time is relatively low.
  • 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. It is contemplated that the total mass of the aerosol generating article 204 may be greater than 20 mg.
  • the aerosol generating article 204 may comprise a plurality of portions of aerosol generating material 244 all formed from the same aerosol generating material.
  • the aerosol generating article 204 may comprise a plurality of portions of aerosol generating material 244 where at least two portions are formed from different aerosol generating materials.
  • the one or more inductive heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a may be positioned such that a surface of the one or more inductive heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a forms a part of the surface of the reception region. That is, an outer or upper surface of the one or more inductive heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a may be flush with an inner surface of the reception region.
  • the one or more inductive heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a may be arranged such that when an aerosol generating article 204 is received in the reception region, each or the inductive heating element or induction coil 224a aligns with a corresponding discrete portion of aerosol generating material 244.
  • each or the inductive heating element or induction coil 224a aligns with a corresponding discrete portion of aerosol generating material 244.
  • the aerosol generating article 204 may comprise a two by three array of the six discrete portions of aerosol generating material 244.
  • the number of inductive heating elements or induction coils 224a may be different in different implementations.
  • each of the inductive heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a can be individually activated to heat a corresponding portion of aerosol generating material 244. While the inductive heating elements or induction coils 224a may be flush with an inner surface of a reception region, in other implementations the inductive heating elements or induction coils 224a may protrude into the reception region.
  • the reception region may comprise components which apply a force to the surface of the aerosol generating article 204 in order to press the aerosol generating article 204 onto a surface of the aerosol provision device 202 so as to prevent relative movement of the aerosol generating article 204 when it is desired to generate aerosol from aerosol generating material.
  • a lid portion of the aerosol provision device 202 may be configured to engage with a base portion via a securing mechanism. Accordingly, the lid portion and/or the base portion may comprise components which apply a force to the surface of the aerosol generating article 204 so as to secure the aerosol generating article 204 against relative movement.
  • the one or more inductive heater elements or induction coils 224a may be configured to move in a direction towards or away from the aerosol generating article 204, and may be pressed into the surface of carrier component 242 that does not comprise the aerosol generating material 244.
  • the securing mechanism may be configured to engage the lid portion with the base portion so as to hold in position the aerosol generating article 204 to prevent relative movement of the aerosol generating article 204 thereby preventing relative movement in a direction other than in the specified or desired direction.
  • the securing mechanism may be configured to engage the lid portion with the base portion so as to still enable the aerosol generating article 204 to be rotated relative to the one or more inductive heater elements or induction coils 224a whilst preventing relative movement of the aerosol generating article 204 in a direction other than rotation about the rotation axis.
  • the one or more induction coils 224a may be provided adjacent the reception region and may comprise generally flat coils arranged such that the rotational axis about which a given coil is wound extends into the reception region and is broadly perpendicular to the plane of the carrier component 242 of the aerosol generating article 204.
  • the control circuitry 223 may comprise a mechanism to generate an alternating current which is passed to any one or more of the induction coils 224a.
  • the alternating current generates an alternating magnetic field which in turn causes the corresponding susceptor(s) or a portion of a susceptor layer to heat up.
  • the heat generated by the susceptor(s) or a portion of a susceptor layer is transferred to the portions of aerosol generating material 244 accordingly.
  • the control circuitry 223 may be configured to supply current to the induction coils 224a in response to receiving signalling from a touch sensitive panel and/or an inhalation sensor.
  • one or more susceptors are provided as part of aerosol generating article 204.
  • one or more susceptors may be located within or as part of the aerosol provision device 202.
  • one or more susceptors may be provided above the one or more induction coils 224a and may be arranged such that the one or more susceptors contact the lower surface of the carrier component 242 of the aerosol generating article 204.
  • An aerosol generating article 204 for use with the aerosol provision device 202 may comprise a carrier component 242, one or more susceptor elements and one or more portions of aerosol generating material.
  • the one or more susceptor elements may be formed from aluminium foil, although it should be appreciated that other metallic and/or electrically conductive materials may be used in other implementations.
  • the carrier component 242 may comprise a number of susceptor elements which correspond in size and location to the discrete portions of aerosol generating material disposed on the surface of the carrier component 242. That is, the susceptor elements may have a similar width and length to the discrete portions of aerosol generating material.
  • the susceptor elements may be embedded in the carrier component 242. However, in other arrangements, the susceptor elements may be placed or located on the surface of the carrier component 242. According to another arrangement a susceptor may be provided as a single layer substantially covering the carrier component 244. According to an arrangement the aerosol generating article 204 may comprise a substrate or support layer, a single layer of aluminium foil which acts as a susceptor and one or more regions of aerosol generating material 244 deposited upon the aluminium foil susceptor layer. However, according to other arrangements a single induction coil 224a may be provided and the aerosol generating article 204 may be configured to move relative to the single induction coil 224a.
  • induction coils 224a there may be fewer induction coils 224a than discrete portions of aerosol generating material 244 provided on the carrier component 242 of the aerosol generating article 204, such that relative movement of the aerosol generating article 204 and induction coil(s) 224a is required in order to be able to individually energise each of the discrete portions of aerosol generating material 244.
  • a single induction coil 224a may be provided and the aerosol generating article 204 may be rotated relative to the single induction coil 224a.
  • the aerosol generating material 244 may not be provided in discrete, spatially distinct portions but instead be provided as a continuous sheet, film or layer of aerosol generating material 244.
  • certain regions of the sheet of aerosol generating material 244 may be selectively heated to generate aerosol in broadly the same manner as described above.
  • a region (corresponding to a portion of aerosol generating material) may be defined on the continuous sheet of aerosol generating material 244 based on the dimensions of the one or more inductive heating elements 224a.
  • Each region or portion of aerosol generating material 244 may have a mass no greater than 20 mg, however the total continuous sheet, film or layer may have a mass which is greater than 20 mg.
  • the aerosol generating article 204 may comprise a disc shaped or circular consumable.
  • the one or more heating elements 224a are arranged to provide heat to aerosol generating material 244 (or portions thereof) at an operational temperature at which aerosol is generated from the portion of aerosol generating material 244, in some implementations, the one or more inductive heating elements or induction coils 224a and associated susceptor element(s) may be arranged to pre-heat portions of the aerosol generating material to a pre-heat temperature (which is lower than the operational temperature).
  • a lower amount or substantially no aerosol may be generated when the portion is heated at the pre-heat temperature.
  • the control circuity 223 may be configured to supply power or energy prior to a first predetermined period starting i.e. prior to receiving signalling signifying a user’s intention to inhale aerosol.
  • a lower amount of energy is required to raise the temperature of the aerosol generating material 244 from the pre-heat temperature to the operational temperature, thus increasing the responsiveness of the system.
  • This may be particularly suitable for relatively thick portions of aerosol generating material e.g. having thicknesses greater than 400 pm, which may require relatively larger amounts of energy to be supplied in order to reach an operational temperature.
  • the portions of aerosol generating material when the portions of aerosol generating material are provided on a carrier component 242 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 242.
  • the through holes may provide channels for the generated aerosol to escape and be released to the environment or the air flow through the aerosol provision device 202 rather than causing a potential build-up of aerosol between the carrier component 242 and the aerosol generating material 244.
  • 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 242 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.
  • the aerosol provision device 202 comprises a rotating device configured to rotate, about a rotation axis, the aerosol generating article 204.
  • the rotation device may be configured to rotate the aerosol generating article 204 relative to one or more induction coil(s) 224a so that one or more fresh aerosol generating regions of the aerosol generating article 204 are moved into proximity to the one or more induction coil(s) 224a.
  • a securing mechanism is configured to enable the aerosol generating article 204 to be rotated relative to the one or more inductions coil(s) 224a whilst preventing relative movement of the aerosol generating article 204 in a direction other than rotation about the rotation axis.
  • the aerosol generating article 204 may comprise one or more tracks, wherein the lid and/or base portion may be configured to apply a force along the one or more tracks in order to enable the aerosol generating article 204 to be rotated whilst preventing relative movement of the aerosol generating article 204 in a direction other than rotation about the rotation axis.
  • the one or more tracks may comprise regions of the aerosol generating article 204 which do not include any aerosol generating material.
  • the one or more tracks may comprise regions of the aerosol generating article 204 comprising metallic foil.
  • the aerosol provision device 202 may comprise a lid portion which may comprise an aerosol chamber or plenum and a mouthpiece.
  • the mouthpiece and aerosol chamber or plenum may be integral with the lid portion. It is contemplated that the aerosol chamber or plenum may be brought into contact with the surface of the aerosol generating article 204 during a session of use. It will be understood that an integrated mouthpiece and lid portion may be provided which may ensure even compression of the aerosol generating article 204. That is, there is substantially no additional mechanical play or variance arising from a connection between the mouthpiece and the lid portion if they are provided as a single integral piece. As a result, the force exerted by the lid portion onto the aerosol generating article 204 may be substantially constant across the upper lid-facing surface of the aerosol generating material.
  • the aerosol provision device 202 may comprise a removable mouthpiece which may be retained within the housing of the aerosol provision device 202 by one or more magnets. It is also contemplated that the aerosol chamber or plenum may also be removable.
  • Fig. 2A shows a base portion 1008 of an aerosol provision device 202 and shows a rotatable drive mechanism 512 having a triangular shaped projection 513 according to various embodiments.
  • the drive mechanism 512 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis an aerosol generating article (not shown in Fig. 2A) which may be loaded, in use, onto the drive mechanism 512.
  • the drive mechanism 512 may be configured to rotate the aerosol generating article relative to one or more inductive heating elements 224a which may be located in the base portion 1008 of the aerosol provision device 202.
  • the drive mechanism 512 may be arranged to rotate the aerosol generating article so that one or more fresh regions of aerosol generating material provided on the aerosol generating article are moved into proximity of the one or more inductive heating elements 224a.
  • Fig. 2B shows a perspective view of the aerosol provision device 202 according to various embodiments with a disc shaped aerosol generating article 204 loaded onto the base portion 1008.
  • the aerosol provision device 202 comprises a lid portion 1006 which is connected to the base portion 1008 via a hinge 515.
  • the lid portion 1006 may be secured to the base portion 1008 by the interaction of one or more magnetic elements 521 provided in the base portion 1008 and one or more corresponding magnetic elements 522 provided in the lid portion 1006.
  • the base portion 1008 may comprise two first magnets 521 configured to be magnetically attracted to two corresponding second magnets 522 provided in the lid portion 1006.
  • the first magnets 521 and the second magnets 522 may have opposite polarities.
  • the one or more first magnets 521 and/or the one or more second magnets 522 may comprise neodymium iron boron (NdFeB), samarium cobalt (SmCo), alnico, ceramic or ferrite magnets.
  • one of the permanent magnets 521,522 may be replaced by a magnetisable component or a temporary magnet which may be comprised of iron, iron alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, cobalt, cobalt alloy, gadolinium, gadolinium alloy, dysprosium or dysprosium alloy.
  • the lid portion 1006 and/or the base portion 1008 may comprise one or more electromagnets for securing the lid portion 1006 to the base portion 1008.
  • the one or more electromagnets may be actuated so as to generate a magnetic field which attracts a corresponding permanent magnet or magnetisable component provided in either the lid portion 1006 or the base portion 1008.
  • both the lid portion 1006 and the base portion 1008 may comprise an electromagnet.
  • Control circuitry (not shown) may be configured so as to actuate the one or more electromagnets.
  • One or more projections or lugs 523 may be provided in the lid portion 1006 which may engage with corresponding recesses 524 provided in the base portion 1008 in order to secure the lid portion 1006 to the base portion 1008. Additionally and/or alternatively, one or more projections or lugs may be provided in the base portion 1008 and one or more corresponding recesses may be provided in the lid portion 1006 in order to secure the lid portion 1006 to the base portion 1008.
  • the lid portion 1006 may further comprise an aerosol chamber (or plenum) 517 which may be attached to a mouthpiece 518.
  • the aerosol chamber 517 may be moved into contact with the surface of the aerosol generating article 204 in use so that aerosol generated from a region of the aerosol generating article 204 in proximity to the one or more inductive heating elements 224a may be captured within the aerosol chamber 517 and then passed or otherwise funnelled onwards to the mouthpiece 518 and hence be inhaled by a user.
  • the aerosol generating article 204 may be rotated during a session of use and that the aerosol generating article 204 may comprise multiple sectors of aerosol generating material.
  • the aerosol generating article 204 may comprises twelve sectors which may permit a user to obtain up to twelve puffs per session of use.
  • the aerosol chamber 517 may be disengaged from contacting the surface of the aerosol generating article 204 in order to permit the aerosol generating article 204 to be rotated during a session of use.
  • a spigot 514 may be provided in the base portion 1008 of the aerosol provision device 202.
  • the spigot 514 may be located in the centre of the drive mechanism 512 and may extend through the centre of the triangular shaped projection 513.
  • the spigot 514 is shown in a retracted position in Figs. 5A and 5B but the spigot 514 may be extended so that the spigot 514 projects beyond the upper surface of the triangular shaped projection 513.
  • the spigot 514 may be arranged to engage with the aerosol chamber 517 in order to push or displace the aerosol chamber 517 out of engagement with the aerosol generating article 204, thereby permitting the aerosol generating article 204 to be rotated relative to the one or more inductive heating elements 224a. After the aerosol generating article 204 has been rotated, the spigot 514 may be retracted so that the aerosol chamber 517 re-engages with the upper surface of the aerosol generating article 204.
  • a securing mechanism may be provided which may lock the lid portion 1006 to the base portion 1008 during a session of use.
  • the aerosol generating article 204 may comprise a substrate layer with a metallic foil layer bonded to the substrate. Aerosol generating material may be provided on the upper surface of the metallic foil layer.
  • the securing mechanism may be arranged to prevent relative movement of the metallic foil layer with respect to the substrate of the aerosol generating article 204. That is, in use when the aerosol provision device 202 may be configured to heat the aerosol generating article 204 so as to generate aerosol, the securing mechanism may be configured to engage the lid portion 1006 with the base portion 1008 so as to secure the aerosol generating article 204 and prevent the metallic foil layer from delaminating from the substrate during heating.
  • the one or more inductive heating elements or induction coils 224a may comprise one or more induction heating elements comprising one or more induction coils for generating a varying magnetic field so as to heat, in use, one or more susceptor elements of an aerosol generating article 204 (such as a metallic foil) held in position by a securing mechanism.
  • the one or more inductive heating elements or induction coils 224a may be replaced by one or more resistive heating elements.
  • the one or more inductive heating elements or induction coils 224a may define a planar surface as shown in Fig. 2A.
  • a securing mechanism may be configured to cause the lid portion 1006 to engage with the base portion 1008 so as to hold in position parallel to the planar surface a substantially planar aerosol generating article 204 so as to prevent movement of the substantially planar aerosol generating article 204 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the planar surface (i.e. in the z-direction as shown in Fig 2B).
  • the one or more inductive heating elements or induction coils 224a may comprise substantially planar heating elements such as one or more flat spiral induction coils. However, other arrangements are contemplated wherein the one or more inductive heating elements or induction coils 224a may be non-planar but wherein they may still define a planar surface. For example, the one or more inductive heating elements or induction coils 224a may comprise one or more inverted conical induction coils wherein the base of the conical coil(s) defines the planar surface.
  • the aerosol chamber 517 may be integral with the mouthpiece 518. However, other arrangements are contemplated wherein the aerosol provision device 202 may comprise a removable mouthpiece 518 which may be retained to the aerosol chamber 517 by one or more magnets.
  • the securing mechanism may comprise a hinge 515 such that the lid portion 1006 is connected to the base portion 1008 via the hinge 515 and may form a clamshell arrangement. That is, the aerosol provision device 202 may be configured to receive an aerosol generating article 204 when the hinge 515 is in an open position e.g. as shown in Fig. 2B. The lid portion 1006 may then be closed and the securing mechanism may be configured to engage the lid portion 1006 with the base portion 1008 so as to hold in position, in use, an aerosol generating article 204 so as to prevent relative movement of the aerosol generating article 204.
  • the drive mechanism 512 may be configured to rotate the aerosol generating article 204 about a rotation axis. According to other arrangements the drive mechanism 512 may be configured to translate the aerosol generating article 204.
  • the drive mechanism 512 may be configured to rotate and/or translate the aerosol generating article 204 relative to the one or more heating elements 224a so that one or more fresh aerosol generating regions of the aerosol generating article 204 are moved into proximity to the one or more heating elements 224a.
  • the drive mechanism 512 may comprise a hub having one or more triangular shaped projections 513 provided on the hub.
  • the one or more triangular shaped projections 513 may be arranged to engage with one or more corresponding apertures or recesses provided in the aerosol generating article 204.
  • a drive mechanism 512 having a hub with one or more triangular shaped projections 513 provided on the drive mechanism 512 beneficially allows more leverage and a higher torque to be applied through the drive mechanism 512 to the aerosol generating article 204 in order to rotate and/or translate the aerosol generating article 204. Furthermore, it has been found that using a triangular shaped projection 513 allows a less stiff and/or thinner aerosol generating article 204 to be utilised.
  • a triangular shaped projection 513 in particular has been found to provide an improvement compared with using a hexagonal projection. It has been found during testing that a hexagonal projection may cause the apertures or recesses provided in an aerosol generating article 204 to become rounded off so that the aerosol generating article 204 may begin to slip relative to the drive mechanism during a session of use.
  • Fig. 3 shows a drive mechanism 512 of the aerosol provision device 202 according to another embodiment wherein the drive mechanism 512 comprises two or more lugs, pins or projections 530.
  • the two or more lugs, pins or projections 530 are arranged to engage in two or more corresponding apertures or recesses provided in an aerosol generating article.
  • a spigot 514 is also provided for engaging either directly with an aerosol chamber or with a mechanism attached to an aerosol chamber.
  • the spigot 514 may be provided in the centre of the drive mechanism 512 and may be moved between a retracted position and an extended position. In an extended position (as shown in Fig. 3), the spigot 514 may engage with an aerosol chamber or with a mechanism attached to the aerosol chamber in order to cause the aerosol chamber to disengage from contacting the upper surface of the aerosol generating article.
  • the drive mechanism 512 may comprise a different combinations of pins, lugs or protrusions 530.
  • the length of the pins, lugs or protrusions 530 may be greater than the thickness of the aerosol generating article 204.
  • the two or more lugs, pins or projections 530 may have a height H1 and the aerosol generating article 204 may have a thickness H2, and wherein H1 > H2.
  • the two or more lugs, pins or projections 530 may be spaced symmetrically about a central axis of rotation of the aerosol generating article.
  • a spigot 514 may be located at the centre of the drive mechanism 512 and two lugs, pins or projections 530 may be symmetrically provided on either side of the spigot 514 so that the centres of the two lugs, pins or projections 530 and the centre of the spigot 514 are co-linear.
  • Fig. 4 illustrates a further embodiment wherein the drive mechanism 512 of the aerosol provision device 202 comprises an undulating or roughened surface for frictionally engaging with a lower surface of an aerosol generating article 204.
  • the drive mechanism 512 may comprise a central hub region which may be substantially planar and which may have an undulating or roughened surface.
  • the drive mechanism 512 may be planar and may engage with a bottom surface of an aerosol generating article over the majority of the lower surface area of the aerosol generating article.
  • contact between a planar aerosol generating article and the drive mechanism 512 may be maximised in order to maximise the frictional engagement between the drive mechanism 512 and the aerosol generating article 204.
  • the surface of the drive mechanism 512 may be formed of a particular material which enables a frictional engagement between the drive mechanism 512 and an aerosol generating article to be maintained during a session of use.
  • the undulating or roughened surface of the drive mechanism 512 may be achieved by surface etching. It is contemplated that the surface roughness of the drive mechanism 512 may be in the range ⁇ 0.025 pm, 0.025-0.05 pm, 0.05-1 pm, 0.1-1 pm, 1-3 pm, 3-6 pm, 6-10 pm, 10-15 pm or >15 pm. According to other arrangements the drive mechanism 512 may have a surface roughness of ⁇ 0.1 pm, 0.1-1 pm, 1-10 pm, 10-20 pm, 20-30 pm, 30-40 pm, 40-50 pm or > 50 pm.
  • an aerosol generating article which is inserted into the aerosol provision device may have one or more tracks.
  • the lid portion and/or the base portion may be configured to apply a force to the one or more tracks which permit the aerosol generating article to be rotated whilst substantially preventing the aerosol generating article from moving in a direction other than the direction of rotation.
  • the one or more tracks may comprise regions of the aerosol generating article which do not include any aerosol generating material.
  • the one or more tracks may comprise regions of the aerosol generating article which comprise metallic foil. It will be understood that the one or more tracks in combination with an undulating or rough surface of the drive mechanism 512 increase the frictional force between the aerosol generating article and the drive mechanism 512 thereby reducing the occurrence of slippage.
  • a drive mechanism 512 comprising an undulating or roughened surface simplifies the design of the aerosol provision device, reduces manufacturing cost and increases reliability.
  • a movable spigot may be provided in combination with the drive mechanism.
  • the movable spigot may be movable between a retracted position and an extended position. In the extended position the movable spigot may cause the aerosol chamber to move away from an aerosol generating article so that the aerosol generating article may be rotated, removed or replaced. In a retracted position the movable spigot may not engage with the aerosol chamber and hence the aerosol chamber may be biased into contact with the aerosol generating article.
  • an aerosol provision device comprising an aerosol chamber 517 which is moveable between a first position wherein the aerosol chamber 517 is in contact with an aerosol generating article 204 and a second position wherein the aerosol chamber 517 is not in contact with an aerosol generating article 204.
  • a first mechanism may be arranged to move the aerosol chamber 517 between the first and second positions.
  • the aerosol generating article may comprise a substantially circular or oval substrate having a first surface and a second surface.
  • the substrate may, for example, comprise paper, card or aluminium foil.
  • the substrate may comprise multiple layers arranged in a sandwich manner.
  • the substrate may comprise a paper or card substrate having a first aluminium foil layer arranged on a first surface and a second aluminium foil layer arranged on a second surface.
  • the aerosol generating article may comprise either an open or a closed type of consumable.
  • an open consumable is a type of consumable comprising aerosol generating article wherein the aerosol generating material is provided on one or more outer or outermost surfaces of the aerosol generating article.
  • a closed type of consumable comprises an aerosol generating article wherein aerosol generating material is not provided on an outer or an outermost surface of the consumable but rather is provided on one or more internal surfaces.
  • a closed consumable may be provided wherein one or both outer or outermost surface(s) of the aerosol generating article comprise a gas impermeable layer such as a plastic or other material.
  • an aerosol generating article comprising an innermost substrate having one or more layers of aerosol generating material provided on one or both sides of the substrate and wherein the aerosol generating article is encapsulated or otherwise housed within a housing which is made from a material which is gas impermeable.
  • a closed type of consumable may comprise a housing having an air inlet and an aerosol outlet.
  • the aerosol outlet may comprise a mouthpiece.
  • the aerosol generating article may have a length (L), width (W) and thickness (T), wherein the length (L) of the aerosol generating article is greater than the width (W) and/or the thickness (T).
  • the aerosol generating article may have a longitudinal axis and may have a first airflow input end and a second airflow output end.
  • the aerosol generating article may comprise a prism having a first end face and a second end face. The first end face may comprise a region wherein air enters the aerosol generating article in use and the second end face may comprise a region wherein aerosol generated within the aerosol generating article exits the aerosol generating article in use.
  • the second end face further comprises a mouthpiece.
  • the aerosol generating article may comprise a distal end (via which air may be arranged to enter the aerosol generating article) and a proximal end (which may comprise a mouthpiece and wherein a user may draw aerosol generated within the aerosol generating article.).
  • aerosol generating material may be provided on either a first surface and/or a second surface of a substrate.
  • an aerosol generating article may be provided which is either single or double sided.
  • a single sided aerosol generating article may be activated by a single array of heating elements.
  • a double sided aerosol generating article may be activated by a double array of heating elements which in use are provided on both sides of the aerosol generating article.
  • Embodiments are contemplated wherein the aerosol generating article may be rotated and/or translated relative to one or more aerosol generators.
  • the one or more aerosol generators may comprise, for example, a single aerosol generator or alternatively a plurality of aerosol generators may be arranged, for example, in an array.
  • aerosol generators may be provided in a 2x2 array, a 2x3 array, a 2x4 array, a 2x5 array, a 2x6 array, a 2x7 array, a 2x8 array, a 2x9 array or a 2x10 array.
  • the one or more aerosol generators may comprise one or more resistive heaters or resistive heating elements.
  • the one or more aerosol generators may comprise one or more inductive heaters or inductive heating elements.
  • Embodiments are also contemplated wherein a plurality of resistive and inductive heating elements may be provided.
  • the aerosol generating article may be arranged to be rotated and/or translated relative to one or more aerosol generators so that the aerosol generating article is located adjacent the one or more aerosol generators and is heated from one side only.
  • the aerosol generating article may be arranged to be rotated and/or translated relative to one or more aerosol generators so that the aerosol generating article is inserted between a first set of aerosol generators and a second set of aerosol generators.
  • the aerosol generating article may be arranged to be heated either simultaneously or sequentially from two opposed sides.
  • the aerosol generating article may be prism shaped.
  • the aerosol generating article may comprise a triangular prism, a square shaped prism or a cylindrical prism.
  • the aerosol generating article may comprise a cylindrical aerosol generating article.
  • the aerosol generating article may be rotated and/or translated relative to one or more aerosol generators.
  • the aerosol provision device may comprise a cavity into which a prismatic or cylindrical shaped aerosol generating article may be inserted.
  • a matrix, strip or an array of aerosol generators may be provided at one or more locations around or along the cavity. The aerosol generating article may then be rotated and/or translated relative to the aerosol generators so that different portions of the aerosol generating article may be sequentially or progressively heated or otherwise accessed.
  • an aerosol generating article may be translated relative to one of more aerosol generators.
  • the aerosol generating article may comprise a plurality of portions of aerosol generating material and the aerosol generating article may be translated in a longitudinal direction so that a plurality of separate portions of aerosol generating material may be activated or otherwise heated in series or sequentially.
  • the aerosol generating article may comprise a cylinder or more generally a prism.
  • a plurality of aerosol generators may be arranged around or about the cylindrical or prismatic shaped aerosol generating article. It is contemplated that the aerosol generating article may be rotated within a static array of aerosol generators. Alternatively, the aerosol generating article may remain static and a plurality of aerosol generators may be rotated relative to the aerosol generating article.
  • both the aerosol generating article and one or more aerosol generators are movable.
  • the aerosol generating article may be rotated and/or translated at a first speed v1 and one or more aerosol generators may be rotated and/or translated at a second speed v2.
  • Embodiments are contemplated wherein in a mode of operation v1 > v2.
  • Embodiments are also contemplated wherein in a mode of operation v1 ⁇ v2.
  • the aerosol generating article may comprise a flat or planar consumable having a longitudinal axis.
  • the aerosol generating article may be translated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.
  • the aerosol generating article comprises a cylindrical consumable having a longitudinal axis.
  • the cylindrical consumable may be rotated about the longitudinal and/or may be translated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.
  • the aerosol generating article may be single side or double sided. A double sided consumable may be heated, in use, from both sides.

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  • General Induction Heating (AREA)

Abstract

An aerosol provision device (202) is disclosed comprising a drive mechanism (512) for rotating or translating an aerosol generating article, wherein the drive mechanism (512) comprises one or more triangular shaped projections for engaging with one or more corresponding apertures or recesses provided in an aerosol generating article.

Description

AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to an aerosol provision device, an aerosol generating system and a method of generating an aerosol.
BACKGROUND
Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars and the like burn tobacco during use to create tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without combusting. Examples of such products are so-called “heat not burn” products or tobacco heating devices or products, which release compounds by heating, but not burning, material. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.
Aerosol provision systems, which cover the aforementioned devices or products, are known. Common systems use heaters to create an aerosol from a suitable medium which is then inhaled by a user. Often the medium used needs to be replaced or changed to provide a different aerosol for inhalation. It is known to use induction heating systems as heaters to create an aerosol from a suitable medium. An induction heating system generally consists of a magnetic field generating device for generating a varying magnetic field, and a susceptor or heating material which is heatable by penetration with the varying magnetic field to heat the suitable medium.
Conventional aerosol provision devices comprise a cylindrical heating chamber into which a rod shaped consumable is inserted.
Next generation devices are being developed wherein a consumable having a shape other than cylindrical is used, such as a consumable comprising a planar substrate. The planar substrate may comprise a susceptor to be heated by penetration with a varying magnetic field. For example, the planar substrate may comprise a card base layer having an aluminium foil layer adhered thereto. The aluminium foil layer may act as a susceptor. An aerosol generating material (i.e. gel) may be provided upon the aluminium foil layer (susceptor). The planar substrate may be inserted into an aerosol provision device and may be translated or rotated relative to a heating element. SUMMARY
According to an aspect there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising: a drive mechanism for rotating or translating an aerosol generating article, wherein the drive mechanism comprises one or more triangular shaped projections for engaging with one or more corresponding apertures or recesses provided in an aerosol generating article.
The drive mechanism according to various embodiments beneficially has an improved level torque of torque relative to other designs and does not cause apertures or recesses provided in an aerosol generating article to become rounded off during a session of use thereby resulting in the aerosol generating article potentially slipping.
Optionally, the drive mechanism comprises a rotatable hub.
Optionally, the one or more triangular shaped projections are disposed on the rotatable hub.
Optionally, the one or more triangular shaped projections have a height H1 and wherein the aerosol generating article has a thickness H2, and wherein H1 > H2.
According to an aspect there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising: a drive mechanism for rotating or translating an aerosol generating article, wherein the drive mechanism comprises two or more lugs, pins or projections for engaging in two or more corresponding apertures or recesses provided in an aerosol generating article.
The drive mechanism according to various embodiments beneficially has an improved level torque of torque relative to other designs and does not cause apertures or recesses provided in an aerosol generating article to become rounded off during a session of use thereby resulting in the aerosol generating article potentially slipping.
Optionally, the drive mechanism comprises a rotatable hub.
Optionally, the two or more lugs, pins or projections are disposed on the rotatable hub.
Optionally, the two or more lugs, pins or projections are spaced symmetrically about a central axis of rotation of the aerosol generating article.
Optionally, the two or more lugs, pins or projections have a height H1 and wherein the aerosol generating article has a thickness H2, and wherein H1 > H2. According to another aspect there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising: a drive mechanism for rotating or translating an aerosol generating article, wherein the drive mechanism comprises an undulating or roughened surface for frictionally engaging with a surface of an aerosol generating article.
The drive mechanism according to various embodiments beneficially has an improved level torque of torque relative to other designs and does not cause apertures or recesses provided in an aerosol generating article to become rounded off during a session of use thereby resulting in the aerosol generating article potentially slipping.
Optionally, the drive mechanism comprises a rotatable hub.
Optionally, the undulating or roughened surface is formed by etching.
Optionally, the drive mechanism has a surface roughness of < 0.1 pm, 0.1-1 pm, 1-10 pm, 10-20 pm, 20-30 pm, 30-40 pm, 40-50 pm or > 50 pm.
Optionally, the rotatable hub comprises a first aperture. The first aperture may be disposed symmetrically about an axis of rotation of the rotatable hub.
Optionally, the aerosol provision device further comprises a movable spigot located within the first aperture and/or which projects or extends in use through the first aperture.
Optionally, the aerosol provision device further comprises a movable aerosol chamber.
Optionally, the movable spigot is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein in the extended position the movable spigot is arranged to cause the aerosol chamber to move away from an aerosol generating article so that the aerosol generating article may be rotated, removed or replaced.
According to another aspect there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol provision device as described above; and an aerosol generating article.
Optionally, the aerosol generating article comprises: (i) a substantially circular, oval or polyhedral substrate having one or more portions of aerosol generating material arranged on a first surface of the substrate and/or one or more portions of aerosol generating material arranged on a second surface of the substrate; (ii) a substantially planar substrate having one or more portions of aerosol generating material arranged on a first surface of the substrate and/or one or more portions of aerosol generating material arranged on a second surface of the substrate; or (iii) a prismatic or cylindrical shaped aerosol generating article.
The aerosol generating article may comprise either an open type consumable or a closed type consumable.
The aerosol generating article may have two or more apertures or recesses for engaging with two or more corresponding lugs, pins or projections provided on a drive mechanism of the aerosol provision device.
The aerosol generating article may have an undulating or roughened surface for frictionally engaging with a surface of a drive mechanism of the aerosol provision device.
The aerosol generating article may have one or more triangular shaped apertures or recesses for engaging with one or more corresponding triangular shaped projections provided on a drive mechanism of an aerosol provision device.
According to another aspect there is provided a method of generating an aerosol comprising: rotating or translating an aerosol generating article by engaging one or more triangular shaped projections with one or more corresponding apertures or recesses provided in an aerosol generating article.
According to another aspect there is provided a method of generating an aerosol comprising: rotating or translating an aerosol generating article by engaging two or more lugs, pins or projections in two or more corresponding apertures or recesses provided in an aerosol generating article.
According to another aspect there is provided a method of generating an aerosol comprising: rotating or translating an aerosol generating article by frictionally engaging an undulating or roughened surface with a surface of an aerosol generating article.
Optionally, the method further comprises energising the aerosol generating article, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises aerosol generating material.
According to another aspect there is provided an aerosol generating article having two or more apertures or recesses for engaging with two or more corresponding lugs, pins or projections provided on a drive mechanism of an aerosol provision device.
According to another aspect there is provided an aerosol generating article having an undulating or roughened surface for frictionally engaging with a surface of a drive mechanism of an aerosol provision device.
According to another aspect there is provided an aerosol generating article having one or more triangular shaped apertures or recesses for engaging with one or more corresponding triangular shaped projections provided on a drive mechanism of an aerosol provision device.
Optionally, the aerosol generating article comprises: (i) a substantially circular, oval or polyhedral substrate having one or more portions of aerosol generating material arranged on a first surface of the substrate and/or one or more portions of aerosol generating material arranged on a second surface of the substrate; (ii) a substantially planar substrate having one or more portions of aerosol generating material arranged on a first surface of the substrate and/or one or more portions of aerosol generating material arranged on a second surface of the substrate; or (iii) a prismatic or cylindrical shaped aerosol generating article.
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 shows an aerosol provision device in combination with an aerosol generating article, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises a plurality of portions of aerosol generating material and wherein the aerosol provision device comprises a single inductive heating element and wherein a movement mechanism is used to rotate the aerosol generating article relative to the single inductive heating element;
Fig. 2A shows a perspective view of a base portion of an aerosol provision device wherein the aerosol provision device comprises a drive mechanism having a triangular projection for engaging with a corresponding triangular aperture provided in an aerosol generating article and Fig. 2B shows the base portion and a lid portion of an aerosol provision device wherein an disc shaped aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol provision device and is engaged with a triangular shaped projection forming part of a drive mechanism for rotating the aerosol generating article;
Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a drive mechanism of an aerosol provision device, wherein the drive mechanism comprises two pins for engaging with corresponding apertures provided in an aerosol generating article; and Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a drive mechanism according to another embodiment wherein the drive mechanism comprises a roughened surface which is arranged to frictionally engage with the rear surface of an aerosol generating article.
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 conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.
According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.
In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosolgenerating material is not a requirement. In some embodiments, the non- combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.
Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non- combustible aerosol provision device. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosolgenerating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
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 flavourants.
The aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder and an aerosol former. Optionally, an active and/or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, is also present and one or more other components of the aerosolgenerating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free from botanical material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.
The aerosol-generating film may comprise or be a sheet, which may optionally be shredded to form a shredded sheet.
The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.
An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.
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 aerosolmodifying 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.
A susceptor is a heating 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 aerosol provision device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.
Non-combustible aerosol provision systems may comprise a modular assembly including both a reusable aerosol provision device and a replaceable aerosol generating 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, comprise 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. 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 and 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.
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.
Various embodiments will now be described.
Fig. 2 illustrates a schematic view of a portion of an aerosol provision device 202. The aerosol provision device 202 is shown with an aerosol generating article 204 which comprises aerosol generating material located within the aerosol provision device 202. The combination of the aerosol provision device 202 and the aerosol generating article 204 together form an aerosol provision system.
A drive mechanism (which has been omitted from Fig. 1 for clarity purposes but which is shown and described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 2A) is provided for rotating or translating the aerosol generating article 204. According to various embodiments the drive mechanism may comprise one or more triangular shaped projections for engaging with one or more corresponding apertures or recesses (which has been omitted from Fig. 1 for clarity purposes but which is shown and described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 2A) provided in the aerosol generating article 204.
The aerosol generating article 204 has a first upper surface 112 upon which aerosol generating material 244 may be arranged. The aerosol generating article 204 may include a carrier layer 242 (which may be referred to herein as a carrier or a substrate supporting layer) and a susceptor layer on which the aerosol generating material 244 may be disposed. The aerosol generating material 244 may be arranged as a plurality of doses of the aerosol generating material 244. The aerosol generating article 204 has a second lower surface 116 on the opposite side to the first surface 112. The first surface 112 and/or the second surface 116 may be smooth or rough.
The aerosol provision device 202 may comprise one or more induction heating elements 224a arranged to face the second surface 116 of the aerosol generating article 204. The one or more induction heating elements 224a may be arranged to transfer energy from a power source, such as a battery (not shown), to the aerosol generating material 244 in order to generate aerosol from the aerosol generating material 244.
The aerosol provision device 202 may have a movement mechanism 130 arranged to move the aerosol generating article 204, and in particular portions (or, in some cases, doses) of aerosol generating material 244. The portions of aerosol generating material 244 may be rotated relative to one or more inductive heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a such that portions of the aerosol generating material 244 are presented, in this case individually, to the inductive heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a. In the arrangement shown in Fig. 1 the inductive heating element 224a may comprise an induction coil and the aerosol generating article 204 includes a layer that acts as a susceptor.
The aerosol provision device 202 may be arranged such that at least one dose of the aerosol generating material 244 is rotated around an axis A at an angle 6 to the second surface 116. Control circuitry 223 may be configured to actuate both the inductive heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a and the movement mechanism 130 such that the aerosol generating article 204 rotates so as to align a discrete portion of aerosol generating material 244 in close proximity to the inductive heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a. The aerosol generating article 204 may be substantially flat or planar. The carrier layer 242 of the aerosol generating article 204 may be formed of partially or entirely of paper or card.
The aerosol generating article 204 shown in Fig. 1 comprises five doses (or portions) of aerosol generating material 244. In other examples, the aerosol generating article 204 may have more or fewer doses of aerosol generating material 244. In some examples, the aerosol generating article 204 may have the doses of aerosol generating material 244 arranged in discrete doses as shown in Fig. 1.
In other examples, the doses may be in the form of a disc, which may be continuous or discontinuous in the circumferential direction of the aerosol generating article 204. In still other examples, the doses may be in the form of an annulus, a ring or any other shape. The aerosol generating article 204 may or may not have a rotationally symmetrical distribution of doses on the first surface 112 about the axis A. A symmetrical distribution of doses would enable equivalently positioned doses (within the rotationally symmetrical distribution) to receive an equivalent heating profile from the inductive heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a upon rotation about the axis A, if desired.
The aerosol generating article 204 of the present example includes aerosol generating material 244 disposed on a susceptor layer of the aerosol generating article 204. However, in other implementations, the aerosol generating article 204 may be formed exclusively of aerosol generating material 244; that is, in some implementations, the aerosol generating article 204 may consist entirely of aerosol generating material 244. In this example, one or more susceptor elements may be provided as part of the aerosol generating device 204.
The aerosol generating article 204 may have a layered structure and may be formed from a plurality of materials. In one example, the aerosol generating article 204 may have a layer formed from at least one of a thermally conductive material, an inductive material, a permeable material or an impermeable material.
In some implementations, the carrier layer 242 or the substrate may be, or may include, a metallic element that is arranged to be heated by a varying magnetic field and hence may act as a susceptor layer. In such implementations, the inductive heating element 224a may include one or more induction coils 224a, which, when energised, cause heating within the metallic element of the aerosol generating article 204. The degree of heating may be affected by the distance between the metallic element or susceptor layer and the induction coil 224a.
The arrangement shown in Fig. 1 operates by indexing (or moving) the plurality of doses of aerosol generating material 244 relative to the inductive heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a. While this arrangement of Fig. 1 may have a slight increase in the complexity of the movement mechanism 130 to provide movement to the aerosol generating article 204, there are benefits to be had by virtue that the aerosol provision device 204 may comprise a single inductive heating element 224a which is used to heat a plurality of portions of aerosol generating material 244. It will be understood that a single heating element 224a requires a single control mechanism (such as control circuitry 223) whereas a plurality of heaters may each require separate control mechanisms. As such, this arrangement can reduce the cost and control complexity in relation to the operation and control of the inductive heating element 224a.
The shape of the aerosol provision device 202 may be cigarette-shape (longer in one dimension than the other two) or may be other shapes. In an example, the aerosol provision device 202 may have a shape that is longer in two dimensions than the other one, for example like a compact-disc player or the like. Alternatively, the shape may be any shape that can suitably house the aerosol generating article 204, one or more inductive heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a and the movement mechanism 130.
The aerosol generating article 204 may comprise a carrier component 242 which may be formed of card. The carrier component 242 may form the majority of the aerosol generating article 204 and may act as a base for one or more susceptors or a susceptor layer with aerosol generating material 244 provided or deposited thereupon. The carrier component 242 may be broadly cuboidal or disc shaped in form. The carrier component 242 may have a length (or diameter) of 30-80 mm, a width 7-25 mm and a thickness 0.2 mm. However, it should be appreciated that other arrangements are contemplated wherein the carrier component 242 may have different dimensions as appropriate. In some implementations, the carrier component 242 may comprise one or more protrusions extending in the length and/or width directions of the carrier component 242 to help facilitate handling of the aerosol generating article 204 by the user.
The aerosol generating article 204 may comprise a plurality of discrete portions of aerosol generating material 244 disposed on a surface of the carrier component 242. According to an arrangement the aerosol generating article 204 may comprise two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen or more than fifteen discrete portions of aerosol generating material 244.
The discrete portions of aerosol generating material 244 may be disposed in a n x m 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 format array (e.g. a one by six array). Other arrangements are contemplated wherein the aerosol generating article 204 comprises a disc and separate portions of aerosol generating material 244 are provided in separate segments of the disc.
The aerosol generating material 244 may be disposed at discrete separate locations on a single surface of the component carrier 242. The discrete portions of aerosol generating material 244 are shown as having a circular footprint, although it should be appreciated that the discrete portions of aerosol generating material 244 may take any other footprint, such as square, trapezoidal or rectangular, as appropriate. The discrete portions of aerosol generating material 244 may have a diameter d and a thickness ta. The thickness ta of the discrete portions may take any suitable value, for example the thickness ta may be in the range of 50 pm to 1.5 mm. In some arrangements, the thickness ta may be from about 50 pm to about 200 pm, or about 50 pm to about 100 pm, or about 60 pm to about 90 pm, suitably about 77 pm. In other arrangements, the thickness ta may be greater than 200 pm e.g. from about 50 pm to about 400 pm, or to about 1 mm, or to about 1.5 mm.
The discrete portions of aerosol generating material 244 may be arranged separate from one another such that each of the discrete portions may be energised (e.g. heated) individually or selectively to produce an aerosol.
In some implementations, the portions of aerosol generating material 244 may have a mass no greater than 20 mg, such that the amount of material to be aerosolised by an induction heater or induction coil 224a and associated susceptor element 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. It is contemplated that the total mass of the aerosol generating article 204 may be greater than 20 mg.
The aerosol generating article 204 may comprise a plurality of portions of aerosol generating material 244 all formed from the same aerosol generating material. Alternatively, the aerosol generating article 204 may comprise a plurality of portions of aerosol generating material 244 where at least two portions are formed from different aerosol generating materials.
The one or more inductive heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a may be positioned such that a surface of the one or more inductive heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a forms a part of the surface of the reception region. That is, an outer or upper surface of the one or more inductive heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a may be flush with an inner surface of the reception region.
The one or more inductive heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a may be arranged such that when an aerosol generating article 204 is received in the reception region, each or the inductive heating element or induction coil 224a aligns with a corresponding discrete portion of aerosol generating material 244. For example, if six inductive heating elements or induction coils 224a are arranged in a two by three array then the aerosol generating article 204 may comprise a two by three array of the six discrete portions of aerosol generating material 244. However, as discussed above, the number of inductive heating elements or induction coils 224a may be different in different implementations. For example, according to various arrangements 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 separate inductive heating elements or inductions coils 224a may be provided. Each of the inductive heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a can be individually activated to heat a corresponding portion of aerosol generating material 244. While the inductive heating elements or induction coils 224a may be flush with an inner surface of a reception region, in other implementations the inductive heating elements or induction coils 224a may protrude into the reception region.
The reception region may comprise components which apply a force to the surface of the aerosol generating article 204 in order to press the aerosol generating article 204 onto a surface of the aerosol provision device 202 so as to prevent relative movement of the aerosol generating article 204 when it is desired to generate aerosol from aerosol generating material. A lid portion of the aerosol provision device 202 may be configured to engage with a base portion via a securing mechanism. Accordingly, the lid portion and/or the base portion may comprise components which apply a force to the surface of the aerosol generating article 204 so as to secure the aerosol generating article 204 against relative movement.
Additionally or alternatively, the one or more inductive heater elements or induction coils 224a may be configured to move in a direction towards or away from the aerosol generating article 204, and may be pressed into the surface of carrier component 242 that does not comprise the aerosol generating material 244.
In arrangements wherein the aerosol generating article 204 is configured to move in a specified or desired direction relative to the one or more inductive heater elements or induction coils 224a, the securing mechanism may be configured to engage the lid portion with the base portion so as to hold in position the aerosol generating article 204 to prevent relative movement of the aerosol generating article 204 thereby preventing relative movement in a direction other than in the specified or desired direction.
For example, in arrangements wherein the aerosol generating article 204 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis relative to the one or more inductive heater elements or induction coils 224a so as to present to the one or more inductive heater elements or induction coils 224a a fresh region of aerosol generating material on the aerosol generating article 204, the securing mechanism may be configured to engage the lid portion with the base portion so as to still enable the aerosol generating article 204 to be rotated relative to the one or more inductive heater elements or induction coils 224a whilst preventing relative movement of the aerosol generating article 204 in a direction other than rotation about the rotation axis.
The one or more induction coils 224a may be provided adjacent the reception region and may comprise generally flat coils arranged such that the rotational axis about which a given coil is wound extends into the reception region and is broadly perpendicular to the plane of the carrier component 242 of the aerosol generating article 204.
The control circuitry 223 may comprise a mechanism to generate an alternating current which is passed to any one or more of the induction coils 224a. The alternating current generates an alternating magnetic field which in turn causes the corresponding susceptor(s) or a portion of a susceptor layer to heat up. The heat generated by the susceptor(s) or a portion of a susceptor layer is transferred to the portions of aerosol generating material 244 accordingly.
The control circuitry 223 may be configured to supply current to the induction coils 224a in response to receiving signalling from a touch sensitive panel and/or an inhalation sensor.
Various arrangements have been described wherein one or more susceptors are provided as part of aerosol generating article 204. However, other arrangements are contemplated wherein one or more susceptors may be located within or as part of the aerosol provision device 202. For example, one or more susceptors may be provided above the one or more induction coils 224a and may be arranged such that the one or more susceptors contact the lower surface of the carrier component 242 of the aerosol generating article 204.
An aerosol generating article 204 for use with the aerosol provision device 202 may comprise a carrier component 242, one or more susceptor elements and one or more portions of aerosol generating material.
The one or more susceptor elements may be formed from aluminium foil, although it should be appreciated that other metallic and/or electrically conductive materials may be used in other implementations. The carrier component 242 may comprise a number of susceptor elements which correspond in size and location to the discrete portions of aerosol generating material disposed on the surface of the carrier component 242. That is, the susceptor elements may have a similar width and length to the discrete portions of aerosol generating material.
The susceptor elements may be embedded in the carrier component 242. However, in other arrangements, the susceptor elements may be placed or located on the surface of the carrier component 242. According to another arrangement a susceptor may be provided as a single layer substantially covering the carrier component 244. According to an arrangement the aerosol generating article 204 may comprise a substrate or support layer, a single layer of aluminium foil which acts as a susceptor and one or more regions of aerosol generating material 244 deposited upon the aluminium foil susceptor layer. However, according to other arrangements a single induction coil 224a may be provided and the aerosol generating article 204 may be configured to move relative to the single induction coil 224a. Accordingly, there may be fewer induction coils 224a than discrete portions of aerosol generating material 244 provided on the carrier component 242 of the aerosol generating article 204, such that relative movement of the aerosol generating article 204 and induction coil(s) 224a is required in order to be able to individually energise each of the discrete portions of aerosol generating material 244.
Alternatively, a single induction coil 224a may be provided and the aerosol generating article 204 may be rotated relative to the single induction coil 224a.
Although the above has described implementations where discrete, spatially distinct portions of aerosol generating material 244 are deposited on a carrier component 242, it should be appreciated that in other implementations the aerosol generating material 244 may not be provided in discrete, spatially distinct portions but instead be provided as a continuous sheet, film or layer of aerosol generating material 244. In these implementations, certain regions of the sheet of aerosol generating material 244 may be selectively heated to generate aerosol in broadly the same manner as described above. In particular, a region (corresponding to a portion of aerosol generating material) may be defined on the continuous sheet of aerosol generating material 244 based on the dimensions of the one or more inductive heating elements 224a. Each region or portion of aerosol generating material 244 may have a mass no greater than 20 mg, however the total continuous sheet, film or layer may have a mass which is greater than 20 mg.
According to various arrangements the aerosol generating article 204 may comprise a disc shaped or circular consumable.
Although it has been described above that the one or more heating elements 224a are arranged to provide heat to aerosol generating material 244 (or portions thereof) at an operational temperature at which aerosol is generated from the portion of aerosol generating material 244, in some implementations, the one or more inductive heating elements or induction coils 224a and associated susceptor element(s) may be 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 substantially no aerosol may be generated when the portion is heated at the pre-heat temperature. In particular, in some implementations, the control circuity 223 may be configured to supply power or energy prior to a first predetermined period starting i.e. prior to receiving signalling signifying a user’s intention to inhale aerosol. A lower amount of energy is required to raise the temperature of the aerosol generating material 244 from the pre-heat temperature to the operational temperature, thus increasing the responsiveness of the system. This may be particularly suitable for relatively thick portions of aerosol generating material e.g. having thicknesses greater than 400 pm, which may require relatively larger amounts of energy to be supplied in order to reach an operational temperature.
In addition, when the portions of aerosol generating material are provided on a carrier component 242 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 242. The through holes may provide channels for the generated aerosol to escape and be released to the environment or the air flow through the aerosol provision device 202 rather than causing a potential build-up of aerosol between the carrier component 242 and the aerosol generating material 244. 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 242 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.
The aerosol provision device 202 comprises a rotating device configured to rotate, about a rotation axis, the aerosol generating article 204. The rotation device may be configured to rotate the aerosol generating article 204 relative to one or more induction coil(s) 224a so that one or more fresh aerosol generating regions of the aerosol generating article 204 are moved into proximity to the one or more induction coil(s) 224a. A securing mechanism is configured to enable the aerosol generating article 204 to be rotated relative to the one or more inductions coil(s) 224a whilst preventing relative movement of the aerosol generating article 204 in a direction other than rotation about the rotation axis.
In arrangements, the aerosol generating article 204 may comprise one or more tracks, wherein the lid and/or base portion may be configured to apply a force along the one or more tracks in order to enable the aerosol generating article 204 to be rotated whilst preventing relative movement of the aerosol generating article 204 in a direction other than rotation about the rotation axis. In some arrangements, the one or more tracks may comprise regions of the aerosol generating article 204 which do not include any aerosol generating material. In some arrangements, the one or more tracks may comprise regions of the aerosol generating article 204 comprising metallic foil.
The aerosol provision device 202 may comprise a lid portion which may comprise an aerosol chamber or plenum and a mouthpiece. In some arrangements, the mouthpiece and aerosol chamber or plenum may be integral with the lid portion. It is contemplated that the aerosol chamber or plenum may be brought into contact with the surface of the aerosol generating article 204 during a session of use. It will be understood that an integrated mouthpiece and lid portion may be provided which may ensure even compression of the aerosol generating article 204. That is, there is substantially no additional mechanical play or variance arising from a connection between the mouthpiece and the lid portion if they are provided as a single integral piece. As a result, the force exerted by the lid portion onto the aerosol generating article 204 may be substantially constant across the upper lid-facing surface of the aerosol generating material.
Other arrangements are contemplated wherein the aerosol provision device 202 may comprise a removable mouthpiece which may be retained within the housing of the aerosol provision device 202 by one or more magnets. It is also contemplated that the aerosol chamber or plenum may also be removable.
Fig. 2A shows a base portion 1008 of an aerosol provision device 202 and shows a rotatable drive mechanism 512 having a triangular shaped projection 513 according to various embodiments.
The drive mechanism 512 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis an aerosol generating article (not shown in Fig. 2A) which may be loaded, in use, onto the drive mechanism 512. The drive mechanism 512 may be configured to rotate the aerosol generating article relative to one or more inductive heating elements 224a which may be located in the base portion 1008 of the aerosol provision device 202. In particular, the drive mechanism 512 may be arranged to rotate the aerosol generating article so that one or more fresh regions of aerosol generating material provided on the aerosol generating article are moved into proximity of the one or more inductive heating elements 224a.
Fig. 2B shows a perspective view of the aerosol provision device 202 according to various embodiments with a disc shaped aerosol generating article 204 loaded onto the base portion 1008. The aerosol provision device 202 comprises a lid portion 1006 which is connected to the base portion 1008 via a hinge 515.
The lid portion 1006 may be secured to the base portion 1008 by the interaction of one or more magnetic elements 521 provided in the base portion 1008 and one or more corresponding magnetic elements 522 provided in the lid portion 1006. The base portion 1008 may comprise two first magnets 521 configured to be magnetically attracted to two corresponding second magnets 522 provided in the lid portion 1006. The first magnets 521 and the second magnets 522 may have opposite polarities.
The one or more first magnets 521 and/or the one or more second magnets 522 may comprise neodymium iron boron (NdFeB), samarium cobalt (SmCo), alnico, ceramic or ferrite magnets.
Other arrangements are contemplated when one of the permanent magnets 521,522 may be replaced by a magnetisable component or a temporary magnet which may be comprised of iron, iron alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, cobalt, cobalt alloy, gadolinium, gadolinium alloy, dysprosium or dysprosium alloy.
Further arrangements are contemplated wherein the lid portion 1006 and/or the base portion 1008 may comprise one or more electromagnets for securing the lid portion 1006 to the base portion 1008. In such arrangements, the one or more electromagnets may be actuated so as to generate a magnetic field which attracts a corresponding permanent magnet or magnetisable component provided in either the lid portion 1006 or the base portion 1008. Yet further arrangements are contemplated wherein both the lid portion 1006 and the base portion 1008 may comprise an electromagnet. Control circuitry (not shown) may be configured so as to actuate the one or more electromagnets.
One or more projections or lugs 523 may be provided in the lid portion 1006 which may engage with corresponding recesses 524 provided in the base portion 1008 in order to secure the lid portion 1006 to the base portion 1008. Additionally and/or alternatively, one or more projections or lugs may be provided in the base portion 1008 and one or more corresponding recesses may be provided in the lid portion 1006 in order to secure the lid portion 1006 to the base portion 1008.
The lid portion 1006 may further comprise an aerosol chamber (or plenum) 517 which may be attached to a mouthpiece 518. The aerosol chamber 517 may be moved into contact with the surface of the aerosol generating article 204 in use so that aerosol generated from a region of the aerosol generating article 204 in proximity to the one or more inductive heating elements 224a may be captured within the aerosol chamber 517 and then passed or otherwise funnelled onwards to the mouthpiece 518 and hence be inhaled by a user.
It will be understood that the aerosol generating article 204 may be rotated during a session of use and that the aerosol generating article 204 may comprise multiple sectors of aerosol generating material. For example, according to one arrangement the aerosol generating article 204 may comprises twelve sectors which may permit a user to obtain up to twelve puffs per session of use.
After a puff has been taken it may be desired to rotate the aerosol generating article 204 so that a fresh region of aerosol generating material is located in proximity to the one or more inductive heating elements 224a. Accordingly, the aerosol chamber 517 may be disengaged from contacting the surface of the aerosol generating article 204 in order to permit the aerosol generating article 204 to be rotated during a session of use.
According to an arrangement a spigot 514 may be provided in the base portion 1008 of the aerosol provision device 202. The spigot 514 may be located in the centre of the drive mechanism 512 and may extend through the centre of the triangular shaped projection 513. The spigot 514 is shown in a retracted position in Figs. 5A and 5B but the spigot 514 may be extended so that the spigot 514 projects beyond the upper surface of the triangular shaped projection 513.
The spigot 514 may be arranged to engage with the aerosol chamber 517 in order to push or displace the aerosol chamber 517 out of engagement with the aerosol generating article 204, thereby permitting the aerosol generating article 204 to be rotated relative to the one or more inductive heating elements 224a. After the aerosol generating article 204 has been rotated, the spigot 514 may be retracted so that the aerosol chamber 517 re-engages with the upper surface of the aerosol generating article 204. A securing mechanism may be provided which may lock the lid portion 1006 to the base portion 1008 during a session of use.
According to various arrangements the aerosol generating article 204 may comprise a substrate layer with a metallic foil layer bonded to the substrate. Aerosol generating material may be provided on the upper surface of the metallic foil layer.
The securing mechanism may be arranged to prevent relative movement of the metallic foil layer with respect to the substrate of the aerosol generating article 204. That is, in use when the aerosol provision device 202 may be configured to heat the aerosol generating article 204 so as to generate aerosol, the securing mechanism may be configured to engage the lid portion 1006 with the base portion 1008 so as to secure the aerosol generating article 204 and prevent the metallic foil layer from delaminating from the substrate during heating.
Although only one inductive heating element or induction coil 224a is shown in Fig 2A, it will be understood that more than one inductive heating element 224a such as two or three inductive heating elements or induction coils may be provided. In some arrangements, the one or more inductive heating elements or induction coils 224a may comprise one or more induction heating elements comprising one or more induction coils for generating a varying magnetic field so as to heat, in use, one or more susceptor elements of an aerosol generating article 204 (such as a metallic foil) held in position by a securing mechanism. Alternatively, or in addition to, the one or more inductive heating elements or induction coils 224a may be replaced by one or more resistive heating elements. The one or more inductive heating elements or induction coils 224a may define a planar surface as shown in Fig. 2A. A securing mechanism may be configured to cause the lid portion 1006 to engage with the base portion 1008 so as to hold in position parallel to the planar surface a substantially planar aerosol generating article 204 so as to prevent movement of the substantially planar aerosol generating article 204 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the planar surface (i.e. in the z-direction as shown in Fig 2B).
The one or more inductive heating elements or induction coils 224a may comprise substantially planar heating elements such as one or more flat spiral induction coils. However, other arrangements are contemplated wherein the one or more inductive heating elements or induction coils 224a may be non-planar but wherein they may still define a planar surface. For example, the one or more inductive heating elements or induction coils 224a may comprise one or more inverted conical induction coils wherein the base of the conical coil(s) defines the planar surface.
The aerosol chamber 517 may be integral with the mouthpiece 518. However, other arrangements are contemplated wherein the aerosol provision device 202 may comprise a removable mouthpiece 518 which may be retained to the aerosol chamber 517 by one or more magnets.
The securing mechanism may comprise a hinge 515 such that the lid portion 1006 is connected to the base portion 1008 via the hinge 515 and may form a clamshell arrangement. That is, the aerosol provision device 202 may be configured to receive an aerosol generating article 204 when the hinge 515 is in an open position e.g. as shown in Fig. 2B. The lid portion 1006 may then be closed and the securing mechanism may be configured to engage the lid portion 1006 with the base portion 1008 so as to hold in position, in use, an aerosol generating article 204 so as to prevent relative movement of the aerosol generating article 204.
The drive mechanism 512 may be configured to rotate the aerosol generating article 204 about a rotation axis. According to other arrangements the drive mechanism 512 may be configured to translate the aerosol generating article 204.
The drive mechanism 512 may be configured to rotate and/or translate the aerosol generating article 204 relative to the one or more heating elements 224a so that one or more fresh aerosol generating regions of the aerosol generating article 204 are moved into proximity to the one or more heating elements 224a.
The drive mechanism 512 may comprise a hub having one or more triangular shaped projections 513 provided on the hub. The one or more triangular shaped projections 513 may be arranged to engage with one or more corresponding apertures or recesses provided in the aerosol generating article 204.
It has been found that using a drive mechanism 512 having a hub with one or more triangular shaped projections 513 provided on the drive mechanism 512 beneficially allows more leverage and a higher torque to be applied through the drive mechanism 512 to the aerosol generating article 204 in order to rotate and/or translate the aerosol generating article 204. Furthermore, it has been found that using a triangular shaped projection 513 allows a less stiff and/or thinner aerosol generating article 204 to be utilised.
A triangular shaped projection 513 in particular has been found to provide an improvement compared with using a hexagonal projection. It has been found during testing that a hexagonal projection may cause the apertures or recesses provided in an aerosol generating article 204 to become rounded off so that the aerosol generating article 204 may begin to slip relative to the drive mechanism during a session of use.
Fig. 3 shows a drive mechanism 512 of the aerosol provision device 202 according to another embodiment wherein the drive mechanism 512 comprises two or more lugs, pins or projections 530. The two or more lugs, pins or projections 530 are arranged to engage in two or more corresponding apertures or recesses provided in an aerosol generating article.
According to an arrangement a spigot 514 is also provided for engaging either directly with an aerosol chamber or with a mechanism attached to an aerosol chamber. The spigot 514 may be provided in the centre of the drive mechanism 512 and may be moved between a retracted position and an extended position. In an extended position (as shown in Fig. 3), the spigot 514 may engage with an aerosol chamber or with a mechanism attached to the aerosol chamber in order to cause the aerosol chamber to disengage from contacting the upper surface of the aerosol generating article.
It will be understood that having at least two points of engagement between the drive mechanism 512 and the aerosol generating article is beneficial in that the design according to various arrangements substantially prevents any rounding off of the apertures or recesses provided in the aerosol generating article 204. As a result, an improved drive mechanism 512 is provided. In particular, it has been found that using a drive mechanism 512 comprising two or more lugs, pins or apertures is beneficial relative to other arrangements such as using a hexagonally shaped projection, since it has been found that the edges of a hexagonally shaped aperture provided in an aerosol generating article can become rounded off during a session of use thereby potentially resulting in slippage of the aerosol generating article with respect to the drive mechanism 512.
Other embodiments are contemplated wherein the drive mechanism 512 may comprise a different combinations of pins, lugs or protrusions 530. The length of the pins, lugs or protrusions 530 may be greater than the thickness of the aerosol generating article 204. For example, according to an arrangement the two or more lugs, pins or projections 530 may have a height H1 and the aerosol generating article 204 may have a thickness H2, and wherein H1 > H2. The two or more lugs, pins or projections 530 may be spaced symmetrically about a central axis of rotation of the aerosol generating article. According to an arrangement a spigot 514 may be located at the centre of the drive mechanism 512 and two lugs, pins or projections 530 may be symmetrically provided on either side of the spigot 514 so that the centres of the two lugs, pins or projections 530 and the centre of the spigot 514 are co-linear.
Fig. 4 illustrates a further embodiment wherein the drive mechanism 512 of the aerosol provision device 202 comprises an undulating or roughened surface for frictionally engaging with a lower surface of an aerosol generating article 204. The drive mechanism 512 may comprise a central hub region which may be substantially planar and which may have an undulating or roughened surface.
Other embodiments are contemplated wherein the drive mechanism 512 may be planar and may engage with a bottom surface of an aerosol generating article over the majority of the lower surface area of the aerosol generating article.
According to an arrangement contact between a planar aerosol generating article and the drive mechanism 512 may be maximised in order to maximise the frictional engagement between the drive mechanism 512 and the aerosol generating article 204.
The surface of the drive mechanism 512 may be formed of a particular material which enables a frictional engagement between the drive mechanism 512 and an aerosol generating article to be maintained during a session of use.
According to an arrangement the undulating or roughened surface of the drive mechanism 512 may be achieved by surface etching. It is contemplated that the surface roughness of the drive mechanism 512 may be in the range < 0.025 pm, 0.025-0.05 pm, 0.05-1 pm, 0.1-1 pm, 1-3 pm, 3-6 pm, 6-10 pm, 10-15 pm or >15 pm. According to other arrangements the drive mechanism 512 may have a surface roughness of < 0.1 pm, 0.1-1 pm, 1-10 pm, 10-20 pm, 20-30 pm, 30-40 pm, 40-50 pm or > 50 pm.
Arrangements are contemplated wherein an aerosol generating article which is inserted into the aerosol provision device may have one or more tracks. The lid portion and/or the base portion may be configured to apply a force to the one or more tracks which permit the aerosol generating article to be rotated whilst substantially preventing the aerosol generating article from moving in a direction other than the direction of rotation. In some arrangements, the one or more tracks may comprise regions of the aerosol generating article which do not include any aerosol generating material. In some arrangements, the one or more tracks may comprise regions of the aerosol generating article which comprise metallic foil. It will be understood that the one or more tracks in combination with an undulating or rough surface of the drive mechanism 512 increase the frictional force between the aerosol generating article and the drive mechanism 512 thereby reducing the occurrence of slippage.
A drive mechanism 512 comprising an undulating or roughened surface simplifies the design of the aerosol provision device, reduces manufacturing cost and increases reliability.
According to an arrangement a movable spigot may be provided in combination with the drive mechanism. The movable spigot may be movable between a retracted position and an extended position. In the extended position the movable spigot may cause the aerosol chamber to move away from an aerosol generating article so that the aerosol generating article may be rotated, removed or replaced. In a retracted position the movable spigot may not engage with the aerosol chamber and hence the aerosol chamber may be biased into contact with the aerosol generating article.
According to various embodiments an aerosol provision device is provided comprising an aerosol chamber 517 which is moveable between a first position wherein the aerosol chamber 517 is in contact with an aerosol generating article 204 and a second position wherein the aerosol chamber 517 is not in contact with an aerosol generating article 204. A first mechanism may be arranged to move the aerosol chamber 517 between the first and second positions. According to various embodiments the aerosol generating article may comprise a substantially circular or oval substrate having a first surface and a second surface. The substrate may, for example, comprise paper, card or aluminium foil. Other embodiments are contemplated wherein the substrate may comprise multiple layers arranged in a sandwich manner. For example, the substrate may comprise a paper or card substrate having a first aluminium foil layer arranged on a first surface and a second aluminium foil layer arranged on a second surface.
The aerosol generating article may comprise either an open or a closed type of consumable. For example, it will be understood that an open consumable is a type of consumable comprising aerosol generating article wherein the aerosol generating material is provided on one or more outer or outermost surfaces of the aerosol generating article. By contrast, it will be understood that a closed type of consumable comprises an aerosol generating article wherein aerosol generating material is not provided on an outer or an outermost surface of the consumable but rather is provided on one or more internal surfaces. For example, according to various embodiments a closed consumable may be provided wherein one or both outer or outermost surface(s) of the aerosol generating article comprise a gas impermeable layer such as a plastic or other material. For example, embodiments are contemplated wherein an aerosol generating article is provided comprising an innermost substrate having one or more layers of aerosol generating material provided on one or both sides of the substrate and wherein the aerosol generating article is encapsulated or otherwise housed within a housing which is made from a material which is gas impermeable. A closed type of consumable may comprise a housing having an air inlet and an aerosol outlet. The aerosol outlet may comprise a mouthpiece.
According to various embodiments the aerosol generating article may have a length (L), width (W) and thickness (T), wherein the length (L) of the aerosol generating article is greater than the width (W) and/or the thickness (T). The aerosol generating article may have a longitudinal axis and may have a first airflow input end and a second airflow output end. For example, the aerosol generating article may comprise a prism having a first end face and a second end face. The first end face may comprise a region wherein air enters the aerosol generating article in use and the second end face may comprise a region wherein aerosol generated within the aerosol generating article exits the aerosol generating article in use.
Embodiments are contemplated wherein the second end face further comprises a mouthpiece. For example, the aerosol generating article may comprise a distal end (via which air may be arranged to enter the aerosol generating article) and a proximal end (which may comprise a mouthpiece and wherein a user may draw aerosol generated within the aerosol generating article.).
According to various embodiments aerosol generating material may be provided on either a first surface and/or a second surface of a substrate. For example, an aerosol generating article may be provided which is either single or double sided. A single sided aerosol generating article may be activated by a single array of heating elements. A double sided aerosol generating article may be activated by a double array of heating elements which in use are provided on both sides of the aerosol generating article.
Embodiments are contemplated wherein the aerosol generating article may be rotated and/or translated relative to one or more aerosol generators. The one or more aerosol generators may comprise, for example, a single aerosol generator or alternatively a plurality of aerosol generators may be arranged, for example, in an array. Embodiments are contemplated wherein aerosol generators may be provided in a n x m array, wherein n = 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or > 10 and wherein m = 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or > 10. For example, aerosol generators may be provided in a 2x2 array, a 2x3 array, a 2x4 array, a 2x5 array, a 2x6 array, a 2x7 array, a 2x8 array, a 2x9 array or a 2x10 array. According to various embodiments the one or more aerosol generators may comprise one or more resistive heaters or resistive heating elements. According to other embodiments the one or more aerosol generators may comprise one or more inductive heaters or inductive heating elements. Embodiments are also contemplated wherein a plurality of resistive and inductive heating elements may be provided.
The aerosol generating article may be arranged to be rotated and/or translated relative to one or more aerosol generators so that the aerosol generating article is located adjacent the one or more aerosol generators and is heated from one side only. Alternatively, the aerosol generating article may be arranged to be rotated and/or translated relative to one or more aerosol generators so that the aerosol generating article is inserted between a first set of aerosol generators and a second set of aerosol generators. According to such an embodiment the aerosol generating article may be arranged to be heated either simultaneously or sequentially from two opposed sides.
Embodiments are also contemplated wherein the aerosol generating article may be prism shaped. For example, the aerosol generating article may comprise a triangular prism, a square shaped prism or a cylindrical prism. For example, the aerosol generating article may comprise a cylindrical aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article may be rotated and/or translated relative to one or more aerosol generators. For example, the aerosol provision device may comprise a cavity into which a prismatic or cylindrical shaped aerosol generating article may be inserted. A matrix, strip or an array of aerosol generators may be provided at one or more locations around or along the cavity. The aerosol generating article may then be rotated and/or translated relative to the aerosol generators so that different portions of the aerosol generating article may be sequentially or progressively heated or otherwise accessed.
Embodiments are contemplated wherein an aerosol generating article may be translated relative to one of more aerosol generators. For example, the aerosol generating article may comprise a plurality of portions of aerosol generating material and the aerosol generating article may be translated in a longitudinal direction so that a plurality of separate portions of aerosol generating material may be activated or otherwise heated in series or sequentially.
Further embodiments are contemplated wherein the aerosol generating article may comprise a cylinder or more generally a prism. A plurality of aerosol generators may be arranged around or about the cylindrical or prismatic shaped aerosol generating article. It is contemplated that the aerosol generating article may be rotated within a static array of aerosol generators. Alternatively, the aerosol generating article may remain static and a plurality of aerosol generators may be rotated relative to the aerosol generating article. A yet further embodiment is contemplated wherein both the aerosol generating article and one or more aerosol generators are movable. For example, the aerosol generating article may be rotated and/or translated at a first speed v1 and one or more aerosol generators may be rotated and/or translated at a second speed v2. Embodiments are contemplated wherein in a mode of operation v1 > v2. Embodiments are contemplated wherein in a mode of operation v1 = v2. Embodiments are also contemplated wherein in a mode of operation v1 < v2.
According to various embodiments the aerosol generating article may comprise a flat or planar consumable having a longitudinal axis. The aerosol generating article may be translated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. Other embodiments are contemplated wherein the aerosol generating article comprises a cylindrical consumable having a longitudinal axis. The cylindrical consumable may be rotated about the longitudinal and/or may be translated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The aerosol generating article may be single side or double sided. A double sided consumable may be heated, in use, from both sides.
The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

Claims
1. An aerosol provision device comprising: a drive mechanism for rotating or translating an aerosol generating article, wherein the drive mechanism comprises one or more triangular shaped projections for engaging with one or more corresponding apertures or recesses provided in an aerosol generating article.
2. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a rotatable hub.
3. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more triangular shaped projections are disposed on the rotatable hub.
4. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the one or more triangular shaped projections have a height H1 and wherein the aerosol generating article has a thickness H2, and wherein H1 > H2.
5. An aerosol provision device comprising: a drive mechanism for rotating or translating an aerosol generating article, wherein the drive mechanism comprises two or more lugs, pins or projections for engaging in two or more corresponding apertures or recesses provided in an aerosol generating article.
6. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a rotatable hub.
7. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the two or more lugs, pins or projections are disposed on the rotatable hub.
8. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the two or more lugs, pins or projections are spaced symmetrically about a central axis of rotation of the aerosol generating article.
9. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any of claims 5-8, wherein the two or more lugs, pins or projections have a height H1 and wherein the aerosol generating article has a thickness H2, and wherein H1 > H2.
10. An aerosol provision device comprising: a drive mechanism for rotating or translating an aerosol generating article, wherein the drive mechanism comprises an undulating or roughened surface for frictionally engaging with a surface of an aerosol generating article.
11. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a rotatable hub.
12. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 10 or 11 , wherein the undulating or roughened surface is formed by etching.
13. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 10, 11 or 12, wherein the drive mechanism has a surface roughness of < 0.1 pm, 0.1-1 pm, 1-10 pm, 10-20 pm, 20-30 pm, 30-40 pm, 40-50 pm or > 50 pm.
14. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the rotatable hub comprises a first aperture.
15. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 14, further comprising a movable spigot located within the first aperture and/or which projects or extends in use through the first aperture.
16. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 15, further comprising a movable aerosol chamber.
17. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the movable spigot is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein in the extended position the movable spigot is arranged to cause the aerosol chamber to move away from an aerosol generating article so that the aerosol generating article may be rotated, removed or replaced.
18. An aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim; and an aerosol generating article.
19. An aerosol generating system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises: (i) a substantially circular, oval or polyhedral substrate having one or more portions of aerosol generating material arranged on a first surface of the substrate and/or one or more portions of aerosol generating material arranged on a second surface of the substrate; (ii) a substantially planar substrate having one or more portions of aerosol generating material arranged on a first surface of the substrate and/or one or more portions of aerosol generating material arranged on a second surface of the substrate; or (iii) a prismatic or cylindrical shaped aerosol generating article.
20. A method of generating an aerosol comprising: rotating or translating an aerosol generating article by engaging one or more triangular shaped projections with one or more corresponding apertures or recesses provided in an aerosol generating article.
21. A method of generating an aerosol comprising: rotating or translating an aerosol generating article by engaging two or more lugs, pins or projections in two or more corresponding apertures or recesses provided in an aerosol generating article.
22. A method of generating an aerosol comprising: rotating or translating an aerosol generating article by frictionally engaging an undulating or roughened surface with a surface of an aerosol generating article.
23. A method as claimed in any of claims 20, 21 or 22, further comprising energising the aerosol generating article, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises aerosol generating material.
24. An aerosol generating article having two or more apertures or recesses for engaging with two or more corresponding lugs, pins or projections provided on a drive mechanism of an aerosol provision device.
25. An aerosol generating article having an undulating or roughened surface for frictionally engaging with a surface of a drive mechanism of an aerosol provision device.
26. An aerosol generating article having one or more triangular shaped apertures or recesses for engaging with one or more corresponding triangular shaped projections provided on a drive mechanism of an aerosol provision device.
27. An aerosol generating article as claimed in claim 24, 25 or 26, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises: (i) a substantially circular, oval or polyhedral substrate having one or more portions of aerosol generating material arranged on a first surface of the substrate and/or one or more portions of aerosol generating material arranged on a second surface of the substrate; (ii) a substantially planar substrate having one or more portions of aerosol generating material arranged on a first surface of the substrate and/or one or more portions of aerosol generating material arranged on a second surface of the substrate; or (iii) a prismatic or cylindrical shaped aerosol generating article.
PCT/EP2023/054730 2022-02-25 2023-02-24 Aerosol provision device WO2023161442A1 (en)

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US6053176A (en) * 1999-02-23 2000-04-25 Philip Morris Incorporated Heater and method for efficiently generating an aerosol from an indexing substrate
US20050133029A1 (en) * 2000-12-22 2005-06-23 Chrysalis Technologies Incorporated Disposable inhaler system
WO2019016740A1 (en) * 2017-07-21 2019-01-24 Philip Morris Products S.A. Aerosol generating device with spiral movement for heating
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