WO2023161446A1

WO2023161446A1 - Aerosol provision device

Info

Publication number: WO2023161446A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/054740
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Potter; David Alan Nelson; Ross CABOT; Andrew Denley
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Limited
Priority date: 2022-02-25
Filing date: 2023-02-24
Publication date: 2023-08-31
Also published as: KR20240138555A; GB202202626D0

Abstract

An aerosol provision device (202) is disclosed comprising an aerosol generator (501), a reception region for receiving an aerosol generating article and a first layer (503) provided between the aerosol generator (501) and the reception region.

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 contemplated 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: an aerosol generator; a reception region for receiving an aerosol generating article; and a first layer provided between the aerosol generator and the reception region.

According to various embodiments an aerosol provision device is provided wherein a first layer is provided between an aerosol generator (which may comprise one or more induction coils) and an aerosol generating article which is inserted in use into a reception region. The first layer may comprise a thermal isolation layer and may comprise a glass or ceramic layer. According to another embodiment the first layer may comprise Polyetheretherketone (PEEK). It will be understood, therefore, that in use the aerosol generator (such as one or more induction coils) does not contact an aerosol generating article directly. Instead, a first (thermal) isolation layer is provided between the aerosol generator (e.g. one or more induction coils) and the aerosol generating article.

The first layer may have a low coefficient of linear expansion. For example, PEEK has a coefficient of linear expansion of approx. 50 x 10^-6/°C and glass and ceramics may have coefficients of linear expansion of approx. 5-10 x 10'⁶/°C. As a result, the first layer may expand only a negligible amount during use with the result that the distance between one or more induction coils and a susceptor layer provided in the aerosol generating article will remain substantially constant during operation thereby improving consistency of heating performance.

The first layer may comprise glass or ceramic and an aerosol generating article may be pressed against the first layer during use in order to generate aerosol from aerosol generating material provided on the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article may comprise a substrate, a susceptor layer (e.g. aluminium foil) and a layer of aerosol generating material.

It has been found that the heating performance of the susceptor layer may be dependent upon the vertical separation distance between the susceptor layer and the one or more induction coils.

According to various embodiments providing a first layer between the aerosol generator (i.e. one or more induction coils) and the aerosol generating article, wherein the first layer comprises a thermal insulation layer such as glass or ceramic having a relatively low coefficient of linear expansion and pressing the aerosol generating article against the first layer ensures that the separation distance between the susceptor layer of the aerosol generating article and the one or more induction coils is kept constant during use. As a result, a consistent heating performance may be achieved.

Furthermore, a first layer comprising glass or ceramic is beneficial in that a glass or ceramic layer may have a relatively high resistance to thermal cycling.

In addition, the provision of a first layer which comprises a thermal insulation layer helps to ensure that an aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol provision device will retain heat energy and that less heat energy will be dissipated into the body of the aerosol provision device during use. As a result, the aerosol provision device is able to generate a first puff from an aerosol generating article in a reduced period of time which is particularly beneficial.

Optionally, the first layer comprises a thermal isolation layer.

Optionally, the first layer may comprise one or more glass layers.

Optionally, the first layer may comprise one or more ceramic layers.

Optionally, the first layer may comprise a combination of one or more glass layers and one or more ceramic layers.

Optionally, the first layer may have a thermal conductivity of < 0.01 W/mK, 0.01- 0.05 W/mK, 0.05-0.1 W/mK, 0.1-0.5 W/mK, 0.5-1 W/mK, 1-5 W/mK, 5-10 W/mK, 10-20 W/mK, 20-30 W/mK, 30-40 W/mK or 40-50 W/mK.

It is contemplated that the first layer may comprise a plastics material such as Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or another material.

Optionally, the first layer has a flatness of ± 1 pm, ± 1-5 pm, ± 5-10 pm, ± 10-15 pm, ± 15-20 pm or ±20-25 pm over an area of 10 mm x 10 mm. Optionally, the first layer has a flatness tolerance of < 1 pm, 1-5 pm, 5-10 pm, 10-15 pm, 15-20 pm or 20-25 pm. It will be appreciated that since the first layer may contact an aerosol generating article in use and the aerosol generating article may comprise an susceptor layer then having a first layer which has a high level of flatness will ensure that the distance between the susceptor layer and one or more induction coils is substantially constant across a desired heating region.

Optionally, a lower surface of the first layer may comprise a plurality of castellations or regular protrusions. Other embodiments are contemplated wherein an first (or upper) surface of the first layer may comprise a plurality of castellations or regular protrusions. The plurality of castellations or regular protrusions enables an additional air gap to be provided between the aerosol generating article and the one or more induction coils or other portions of the aerosol provision device.

It is contemplated that castellations or regular protrusions provided on a second (or lower) surface and/or on a first (or upper) surface of the first layer may all be the same size. Alternatively, castellations or regular protrusions provided on a second (or lower) surface and/or on a first (or upper) surface of the first layer may have different sizes, widths or circumferences.

The castellations or regular protrusions may be semi-spherical, oval or polygonal in shape.

Optionally, a first (or upper) surface of the first layer may comprise one or more indentations.

Optionally, the first layer is magnetically transparent. For example, the first layer may be arranged to transmit electromagnetic radiation emitted by the aerosol generator (i.e. one or more induction coils) with a transmission efficiency of at least 90%, 91 %, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99%.

Optionally, the first layer may have a coefficient of thermal expansion < 10 x 10' ⁶/°C in the temperature range 40-400°C. Other embodiments are contemplated wherein the first layer may have a coefficient of thermal expansion 10-20 x 10'⁶/°C, 20-30 x 10' ⁶/°C, 30-40 x 10'⁶/°C, 40-50 x 10'⁶/°C, 50-60 x 10'⁶/°C, 60-70 x 10'⁶/°C, 70-80 x 10'⁶/°C, 80-90 x 10'⁶/°C or 90-100 x 10'⁶/°C.

Optionally, the first layer has a stiffness or Young’s modulus > 50 GPa. For example, the first layer may have a Young’s modulus in the range 50-60 GPa, 60-70 GPa, 70-80 GPa, 80-90 GPa, 90-100 GPa or > 100 GPa.

Optionally, the first layer may protrude from a surrounding housing so that an aerosol generating article contacts the first layer in use but not the surrounding housing.

Optionally, the plurality of castellations or regular protrusions may form an air gap or an air insulation layer.

Optionally, the air gap or the air insulation layer is < 50 pm, 50-100 pm, 100-150 pm, 150-200 pm, 200-250 pm, 250-300 pm, 300-350 pm, 350-400 pm or > 400 pm thick.

Optionally, first layer is < 50 pm, 50-100 pm, 100-150 pm, 150-200 pm, 200-250 pm, 250-300 pm, 300-350 pm, 350-400 pm, 400-450 pm, 450-500 pm, 500-550 pm, 550-600 pm or > 600 pm thick.

Optionally, the aerosol generator comprises one or more inductive heating elements, wherein the one or more inductive heating elements are at least partially embedded within the first layer.

Optionally, the aerosol generator may comprise one or more conductive tracks provided on and/or within the first layer. According to an embodiment the one or more conductive tracks may form one or more elements of an induction coil arrangement. The one or more conductive tracks may be printed, etched or deposited onto the first layer.

Optionally, a first (or upper) surface of the first layer is convex, concave or planar. It is also contemplated that the second (or lower) surface of the first layer may be convex, concave or planar.

Optionally, the aerosol generator comprises one or more concave shaped, convex shaped or planar induction coil(s).

Optionally, the first layer is impervious to gas. Beneficially, any gas generated within an electronics housing which may include one or more induction coils is prevented from escaping from the electronics housing by the first layer. Furthermore, any gas which may be generated is prevented by the first layer from entering into e.g. an aerosol chamber which may be arranged in contact with the aerosol generating article. For example, according to various embodiments an aerosol chamber may be pressed into engagement with an aerosol generating article so that the separation distance between a susceptor layer in the aerosol generating article and one or more induction coils is tightly controlled thereby enabling consistent heating of the susceptor layer.

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.

Optionally, the aerosol generating article comprises either an open type consumable or a closed type consumable.

According to another aspect there is provided a method of generating an aerosol comprising: providing an aerosol provision device comprising an aerosol generator having a reception region for receiving an aerosol generating article and a first layer between the aerosol generator and the reception region; and inserting an aerosol generating article into the reception region.

According to another aspect there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising: a reception region for receiving an aerosol generating article; one or more first aerosol generators arranged on a first side of the reception region; and one or more second aerosol generators arranged on a second side of the reception region.

Optionally, the aerosol provision device further comprises a first thermal insulation layer provided between the one or more first aerosol generators and the reception region.

Optionally, the first thermal insulation layer has a plurality of castellations or regular protrusions which form an air gap or an air insulation layer.

Optionally, the aerosol provision device further comprises a second thermal insulation layer provided between the one or more second aerosol generators and the reception region.

Optionally, the second thermal insulation layer has a plurality of castellations or regular protrusions which form an air gap or an air insulation layer.

According to another aspect there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising: one or more aerosol generators; a reception region for receiving an aerosol generating article; and a first thermal insulation layer provided between the one or more aerosol generators and the reception region, wherein the first thermal insulation layer has a first side facing the reception region and a second side opposed to the reception region, wherein the first thermal insulation layer further comprises: (i) a plurality of castellations, regular protrusions or indentations on the first side of the first thermal insulation layer so as to form an air gap or an air insulation layer between the first thermal insulation layer and an aerosol generating article when, in use, an aerosol generating article is located in the reception region; and/or (ii) a plurality of castellations, regular protrusions or indentations on the second side of the first thermal insulation layer so as to form an air gap or an air insulation layer between the first thermal insulation layer and the one or more aerosol generators.

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

Fig. 2 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 a movement mechanism for rotating the aerosol generating article relative to the single inductive heating element;

Fig. 3A shows a plan view of an aerosol generating article, Fig. 3B shows an end- on view of the aerosol generating article and shows a plurality of susceptors embedded into the aerosol generating article and Fig. 30 shows a side view of the aerosol generating article and shows a plurality of susceptors embedded into the aerosol generating article;

Fig. 4A shows a perspective view of an aerosol provision device wherein a slidable clasp is used to secure an upper lid portion of the aerosol provision device having a mouthpiece to a lower base portion, Fig. 4B shows a perspective view with the slidable clasp removed and Fig. 4G shows a perspective view showing the lid of the aerosol provision device open and an aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol provision device;

Fig. 5 shows the components of a portion of an aerosol provision device wherein a first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer is provided above an induction coil and wherein the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer is arranged to interface with and contact an aerosol generating article in use;

Fig. 6 shows a close up cutaway view of a portion of an aerosol provision device showing a first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer provided between an induction coil and an aerosol generating article;

Fig. 7 shows an arrangement wherein a first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer is provided and wherein the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer has a plurality of castellations provided on a second (or lower) surface of the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer which is located adjacent one or more induction coils and wherein the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer extends beyond a surrounding housing;

Fig. 8A shows a table showing the performance of different test first (i.e. thermal) isolation layers and the time to reach a maximum desired set point temperature of 275°C according to various arrangements during a calibration process and Fig. 8B shows how the temperature of an aluminium foil susceptor layer of an aerosol generating article varied as a function of time with different test first (i.e. thermal) isolation layers;

Fig. 9A shows a table showing the performance of different test first (i.e. thermal) isolation layers and the time for the surface of a foil susceptor layer of an aerosol generating article to reach a maximum desired set point temperature of 300°C according to various arrangements and Fig. 9B shows how the temperature of an aluminium foil susceptor layer of an aerosol generating article varied as a function of time with different test first (i.e. thermal) isolation layers;

Fig. 10A shows a table showing the performance of different test first (i.e. thermal) isolation layers and the time for the surface of a layer of aerosol generating material (gel) of an aerosol generating article to reach a maximum desired set point temperature of 300°C according to various arrangements and Fig. 10B shows how the temperature of the surface of a layer of aerosol generating material varied as a function of time with different test first (i.e. thermal) isolation layers;

Fig. 11 shows an exaggerated view according to an arrangement of a first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer having a concave first (or upper) surface, wherein a curved aerosol generating article is located upon the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer such that when the aerosol generating article heats up the aerosol generating article will expand and a susceptor layer provided within the aerosol generating article will assume a planar profile so that the separation distance between the susceptor layer and one or more induction coils is substantially constant across a desired heating region of the aerosol generating article;

Fig. 12 shows an arrangement wherein a concave first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer is provided upon a concave shaped inductor coil and wherein an aerosol generating article having a similar concave profile is located upon the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer; and

Fig. 13A shows an arrangement wherein a planar inductor coil is adhered to a second (or lower) surface of a first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer and Fig. 13B shows an arrangement wherein a planar inductor coil is embedded within a first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer.

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 aerosol-generating 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 noncombustible 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 in more detail.

Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view through a schematic representation of an aerosol provision system in accordance with an arrangement. An aerosol provision device 202 is shown comprises an outer housing 221 , a power source 222, control circuitry 223, induction heating elements such as one or more induction coils 224a, a reception region or aerosol forming chamber 225, a mouthpiece end 226, an air inlet 227, an air outlet 228, a touch-sensitive panel 229, an inhalation sensor 230 and an end of use indicator 231.

According to various embodiments as will be described in more detail below an aerosol provision device is disclosed comprising an aerosol generator (which may comprise one or more induction coils 224a), a reception region for receiving an aerosol generating article and a first layer provided between the aerosol generator and the reception region. For reasons of clarity the isolation layer is not shown or described in relation to Figs. 1-4 but is shown an described below in relation to Figs. 5-7 and 11-13.

In arrangements, the one or more induction heating elements 224a may comprise one or more of: (i) a flat spiral coil, wherein the spiral coil comprises a circular or ovular spiral, a square or rectangular spiral, a trapezoidal spiral or a triangular spiral; (ii) a multilayered induction arrangement wherein subsequent full or partial turns of the coil are provided on adjacent layers, optionally wherein a first layer is spaced from a second layer in a first direction and a third layer is spaced from the second layer in the opposite direction to reside in or close to the first layer such that the multi-layered induction arrangement forms a staggered structure; or (iii) a three-dimensional inductor coil, such as a regular helix or a conically shaped inductor coil, optionally with a varying helical pitch.

The aerosol provision device 202 may comprise a lid portion, a base portion, and a securing portion.

The outer housing 221 may be formed from any suitable material, for example a plastics material. The outer housing 221 may be arranged such that the power source 222, control circuitry 223, one or more induction coils 224a, reception region 225 and inhalation sensor 230 are located within the outer housing 221. The outer housing 221 also defines the air inlet 227 and air outlet 228. The touch sensitive panel 229 and end of use indicator 231 may be located on the exterior of the outer housing 221.

The outer housing 221 further includes a mouthpiece end 226. The outer housing 221 and mouthpiece end 226 may be formed as a single component (that is, the mouthpiece end 226 may form a part of the outer housing 221). The mouthpiece end 226 is defined as a region of the outer housing 221 which includes the air outlet 228 and is shaped in such a way that a user may comfortably place their lips around the mouthpiece end 226 to engage with air outlet 228.

The thickness of the outer housing 221 may decrease towards the air outlet 228 to provide a relatively thinner portion of the aerosol provision device 202 which may be more easily accommodated by the lips of a user.

The power source 222 may be configured to provide operating power to the aerosol provision device 202. The power source 222 may comprise any suitable power source, such as a battery. For example, the power source 222 may comprise a rechargeable battery, such as a Lithium Ion battery (“LIB”). The power source 222 may be removable or form an integrated part of the aerosol provision device 202. The power source 222 may be recharged through connection of the aerosol provision device 202 to an external power supply (such as mains power) through an associated connection port, such as a USB port (not shown) or via a suitable wireless receiver (not shown).

The control circuitry 223 may be suitably configured or programmed to control the operation of the aerosol provision device 202 to provide certain operating functions of the aerosol provision device 202. The control circuitry 223 may be considered to logically comprise various sub-units or circuitry elements associated with different aspects of the operation of the aerosol provision devices 202. For example, the control circuitry 223 may comprise a logical sub-unit for controlling the recharging of the power source 222.

The aerosol provision device 202 may further comprises a reception region 225 which is arranged to receive an aerosol generating article 204. The reception region 225 may be suitable sized to removably receive the aerosol generating article 204 therein. The aerosol generating article 204 may comprise a carrier component or substrate (e.g. card) 242, one or more susceptors or a susceptor layer and aerosol generating material 244 provided on the one or more susceptors or the susceptor layer. According to an arrangement a single susceptor layer may be provided wherein the single susceptor layer comprises an aluminium foil layer or a metallic foil layer.

The aerosol provision device 202 may comprise a lid portion and a base portion which are configured to engage with each other. A securing mechanism may be provided in order to secure the lid portion to the base portion. Various configurations for the lid and base portions are contemplated. The aerosol provision device 202 may comprise a hinged door or removable part of the outer housing 221 to permit access to the reception region 225 such that a user may insert and/or remove an aerosol generating article 204 into/from the reception region 225. The hinged door or removable part of the outer housing 221 may also act to retain the aerosol generating article 204 within the reception region 225 when closed.

When an aerosol generating article 204 is exhausted or the user simply wishes to switch to a different aerosol generating article 204, the aerosol generating article 204 may be removed from the aerosol provision device 202 and a replacement aerosol generating article 204 may be positioned in the reception region 225 in its place.

The aerosol provision device 202 may include a permanent opening that communicates with the reception region 225 through which the aerosol generating article 204 can be inserted into the reception region 225. In such implementations, a retaining mechanism for retaining the aerosol generating article 204 within the reception region 225 of the aerosol provision device 202 may be provided.

The retaining mechanism may comprise a securing mechanism configured to engage the lid portion with the base portion 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. For example, the lid portion and the base portion may be configured so as to hold the aerosol generating article 204 in position in between the lid portion and the base portion.

Fig. 2 illustrates a schematic view of a portion of an aerosol provision device 202 according to an arrangement. 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.

The aerosol generating article 204 has a first (or 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. The aerosol generating article 204 has a second (or 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 according to an arrangement 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. 2 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. 2 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. 2.

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. 2 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. 2 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 in form. The carrier component 242 may have a length 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 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 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 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 225. That is, an outer or first (upper) surface of the one or more inductive heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a is flush with the inner surface of the reception region 225.

The one or more inductive heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a may be arranged such that, when the aerosol generating article 204 is received in the reception region 225, each 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 are shown flush with the inner surface of the reception region 225, in other implementations the inductive heating elements or induction coils 224a may protrude into the reception region 225.

The reception region 225 may comprise components which apply a force to the surface of the aerosol generating article 204 so as to press the aerosol generating article 204 onto a surface of the aerosol provision device 202 to prevent relative movement of the aerosol generating article 204. As will be understood, the lid portion of the aerosol provision device 202 may be configured to engage with the base portion via e.g. a securing mechanism, such that the lid portion and/or the base portion 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.

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 225 and may comprise generally flat coils arranged such that the rotational axis about which a given coil is wound extends into the reception region 225 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.

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 are 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 second (or lower) surface of the carrier component 242.

An aerosol generating article 204 for use with the aerosol provision device 202 may comprise a carrier component 242, one or more susceptor elements 224b and one or more portions of aerosol generating material 244a-f as shown and described in more detail with reference to Figs. 3A-3C.

Fig. 3A shows a top-down view of an aerosol generating article 204 according to an arrangement, Fig. 3B shows an end-on view along the longitudinal (length) axis of the aerosol generating article 204 according to an arrangement and Fig. 3C shows a side-on view along the width axis of the aerosol generating article 204 according to an arrangement.

The one or more susceptor elements 224b 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. As seen in Fig. 3C, the carrier component 242 may comprise a number of susceptor elements 224b which correspond in size and location to the discrete portions of aerosol generating material 244a-f disposed on the surface of the carrier component 242. That is, the susceptor elements 224b may have a similar width and length to the discrete portions of aerosol generating material 244a-f.

The susceptor elements 224b are shown embedded in the carrier component 242. However, in other arrangements, the susceptor elements 224b 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.

According to an arrangement an array of induction heating coils 224a may be provided to energise the discrete portions of aerosol generating material 244. 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.

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. For example, a movable inductive heating element may be provided within the reception region 225 such that the inductive heating element may move relative to the reception region 225. In this way, the movable inductive heating element can be translated (e.g. in the width and length directions of the carrier component 242) such that the inductive heating element 224a can be aligned with respective ones of the discrete portions of aerosol generating material 244.

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.

Although it has been described above that the 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 no aerosol is 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 the first predetermined period starting i.e. prior to receiving the signalling signifying a user’s intention to inhale aerosol. It will be appreciated that, whilst each of the one or more inductive heating elements or induction coils 224a may provide the same heating profile to a respective aerosol generating region, one or more of the inductive heating elements or induction coils 224a may instead be configured to provide a different heating profile to different respective aerosol generating regions.

The aerosol provision device 202 may comprise 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 may be 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, such as in the z-direction as indicated in Fig. 1.

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 lid portion may comprise a plenum and a mouthpiece. In some arrangements, the mouthpiece and plenum may be integral with the lid portion. It will be understood that an integrated mouthpiece and lid portion ensures even compression on an aerosol generating article 204. It is also contemplated that the plenum may be removable.

Fig. 4A shows an aerosol provision device according to an arrangement comprising a lid portion 1006 and a base portion 1008. A securing mechanism 1010 may be provided which comprises a clasp such as a slidable clasp configured to clamp the lid portion 1006 of the aerosol provision device 202 to the base portion 1008 so as to engage the lid portion 1006 with the base portion 1008. Alternatively or additionally, the securing mechanism may comprise a rotatable clasp. The lid portion 1006 may pivot about a hinge mechanism 1034.

The lid portion 1006 and/or the base portion 1008 may comprise one or more walls configured to form, when the lid portion 1006 is engaged with the base portion 1008, an aerosol chamber or an aerosol forming chamber. The lid portion 1006 and/or the base portion 1008 may uniformly apply a pressure through the one or more walls on to a substantially planar aerosol generating article so as to prevent relative movement of the aerosol generating article.

Fig. 4B shows the securing mechanism 1010 removed and Fig. 4C shows the lid portion 1006 in an open position with an aerosol generating article 204 inserted into or within the aerosol provision device 202.

Fig. 5 shows a portion of an aerosol provision device 202 according to an arrangement comprising a component 520 which may comprise an aerosol chamber and a mouthpiece 226. The aerosol chamber may be arranged to receive aerosol generated from a portion of an aerosol generating article 204 which has been inserted into the aerosol provision device 202. Aerosol received in the aerosol chamber may then be onwardly transmitted to the mouthpiece 226 so that the aerosol can be inhaled by a user.

As described above, a portion of the component 520 (and in particular the aerosol chamber) may be arranged to contact the aerosol generating article 204 when it is desired to generate aerosol from the aerosol generating article 204. A portion of the component 520 may be forced into engagement with the aerosol generating article 204 so that the aerosol generating article 204 is secured against a first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503.

According to an arrangement, the aerosol generating article 204 may be arranged to contact the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503 when it is desired to generate aerosol. The first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503 may be substantially transparent to a magnetic field emitted by one or more induction coils 501. For example, the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503 may be arranged to transmit electromagnetic radiation emitted by an aerosol generator (i.e. one or more induction coils 501) with a transmission efficiency of at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99%.

An aerosol generating article 204 is shown inserted into the portion of the aerosol provision device 202. The aerosol generating article 204 may comprise a base support layer 504 (which may comprise card), a susceptor layer 506 (which may comprise aluminium foil) and a layer of aerosol generating material 507 (which may comprise a film of gel).

A consumable bed 500 is shown wherein a PCB inductor coil 501 is located within the consumable bed 500. The inductor coil 501 is adhered by an adhesive layer 502 to the rear surface of the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503. The first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503 is secured to the consumable bed 500 and is non-rotatable. As will be understood, according to various arrangements the component 520 may be disengaged from contacting the aerosol generating article 204 thereby enabling the aerosol generating article 204 to be rotated relative to the induction coil 501.

In the arrangement shown in Fig. 5 the induction coil 501 may be arranged to heat a region 505 of the susceptor 506 thereby heating a corresponding region of aerosol generating material provided in the layer 507 comprising aerosol generating material. As a result, a dose of aerosol may be released from the aerosol generating layer 507 and the resulting aerosol may then be captured by the aerosol chamber forming part of the component 520. The aerosol may then be onwardly transmitted from the aerosol chamber to the mouthpiece 226.

Once a dose of aerosol has been released, the aerosol generating article 204 may then be rotated so that a fresh portion of aerosol generating material is located above the induction coil 501. For example, the aerosol generating article 204 may be rotated 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12 or more than 12 times during a session of use. In order to rotate the aerosol generating article 204 relative to the induction coil 501, the component 520 including the aerosol chamber may be disengaged from contacting the aerosol generating article 204.

According to an arrangement an aerosol provision device 202 is disclosed comprising an aerosol generator. The aerosol generator may, for example, comprise one or more induction coils 501 or inductive heating elements.

Fig. 6 shows a close up cutaway view of a portion of an aerosol provision device 202 according to an arrangement wherein an aerosol generating article 204 has been inserted into the aerosol provision device 202. The aerosol generating article 204 may be forced into contact with an isolation layer 503 which is provided between an induction coil 501 and the aerosol generating article 204. The first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503 may comprise a thermal isolation layer comprising glass, ceramic or a plastic layer. The isolation layer may be optically transparent and may have a thermal conductivity of < 0.01 W/mK. 0.01-0.05 W/mK, 0.05-0.1 W/mK, 0.1-0.5 W/mK, 0.5-1 W/mK, 1-5 W/mK, 5- 10 W/mK, 10-20 W/mK, 20-30 W/mK, 30-40 W/mK and 40-50 W/mK. It is also contemplated that the isolation layer 503 may comprise a plastics material such as Polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

In the arrangement shown in Fig. 6 the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503 may be integral with the consumable bed 500. Alternatively, the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503 may be secured within or to the consumable bed 500. The first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503 may have a flatness of ± 1 pm, ± 1-5 pm, ± 5-10 pm, ± 10-15 pm, ± 15-20 pm or ±20-25 pm over an area of 10 mm x 10 mm. According to various arrangements the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503 may have a flatness tolerance of < 1 pm, 1-5 pm, 5-10 pm, 10-15 pm, 15-20 pm or 20-25 pm. It will be appreciated that since the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503 may contact an aerosol generating article 204 in use and the aerosol generating article 204 may comprise a susceptor layer 506 ensuring that the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503 has a high level of flatness will ensure that the distance between the susceptor layer 506 and one or more induction coils 501 is substantially constant across a desired heating region. As a result, a uniform heating arrangement is provided.

Fig. 7 shows an arrangement wherein an isolation layer 503 is provided which comprises a plurality of castellations on a second (or lower) surface of the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503. The first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503 is located adjacent one or more induction coils 501 and provides thermal insulation or thermal isolation to the one or more induction coils 501 and more generally thermally isolates an aerosol generating article from a main body portion of the aerosol provision device 202. The castellations may be provided on a second (or lower) surface of the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503 and an air gap may be provided by or around the castellations. The castellations may have a depth of < 100 pm, 100-200 pm, 200-300 pm or 300-400 pm. The castellations provide improved thermal insulation and result in a greater amount of thermal energy being retained by the susceptor of an aerosol generating article. As a result, the aerosol generating article may be heated up to a desired set point temperature more quickly which is particularly beneficial as it enables a user to generate puffs of aerosol on demand within a time period of approximately 1s. According to other arrangements the aerosol generating article may be heated to a desired set point temperature within a time of < 1s, 1-2s, 2-3s or 3-4s.

According to various arrangements a second (or lower) surface of the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503 may comprise a plurality of castellations or regular protrusions. However, other arrangements are contemplated wherein a first (upper) surface of the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503 may additionally or alternatively comprise a plurality of castellations or regular protrusions. The plurality of castellations or regular protrusions enable an air gap to be provided which provides additional thermal isolation or insulation in addition to the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503 perse. It is contemplated that castellations or regular protrusions provided on a second (or lower) surface and/or a first (or upper) surface of the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503 may all be the same size and/or may have the same profile. Alternatively, castellations or regular protrusions provided on a second (or lower) surface and/or a first (or upper) surface of the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503 may have different sizes, widths, circumferences or profiles. The castellations or regular protrusions may be semi- spherical, oval or polygonal in shape. The castellations or protrusions may be provided as a regular array. Alternatively, the castellations or protrusions may be provided in an irregular or non-repeating manner.

As shown in Fig. 7 the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503 may be arranged to project beyond the surrounding housing 550 with the result that an aerosol generating article when inserted into the aerosol provision device 202 may be arranged to contact the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503 but not the surrounding housing 550. For example, the aerosol generating article may be substantially rigid such that when the aerosol generating article is brought into contact with the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503 the aerosol generating article will contact the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503 but not the surrounding housing 550. As a result, thermal isolation of the aerosol generating article is improved. It is contemplated that the aerosol generating article may have a stiffness or Young’s modulus of < 10 GPa, 10-20 GPa, 20-30 GPa, 30-40 GPa, 40-50 GPa, 50-60 GPa, 60-70 GPa, 70-80 GPa, 80-90 GPa, 90-100 GPa or > 100 GPa so that the aerosol generating article only contacts the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503 and not the housing immediately adjacent the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503. It will be understood that the aerosol generating article may additionally contact e.g. an aerosol chamber provided e.g. in a lid portion of the aerosol provision device.

Fig. 8A shows a table showing the performance of different test first (i.e. thermal) isolation layers and the time to reach a maximum desired set point temperature of 275°C. Various different first (i.e. thermal) isolation layers were tested including a white ceramic (W), a black ceramic (B) which included yttrium oxide, two different types of glass and two different thicknesses of Polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Fig. 8B shows how the temperature of an aluminium foil susceptor layer of an aerosol generating article varied as a function of time with the different test first (i.e. thermal) isolation layers during a calibration routine.

The maximum temperature (TCMax) of the aluminium foil susceptor layer as measured by a thermocouple in direct contact with the aluminium foil susceptor layer, the time to reach the maximum temperature and a determined temperature gradient are indicated.

The determined temperature gradient relates to a determined resonance frequency of a resonance circuit which includes the susceptor layer. The determined temperature gradient is a measure of the change in a resonant waveform time period per degree Celsius. According to various arrangements, the temperature of the susceptor layer provided in an aerosol generating article may be determined by measuring the damped resonant frequency of a series resistor-inductor-capacitor network. The capacitance will be fixed (e.g. will comprise a PCB component), the resistance is partly due to the resistivity of the susceptor foil and the inductance is mostly fixed by the inductor coil.

It will be understood that as the temperature of the susceptor layer increases then the foil resistivity and the z-height will both increase and this will result in a reduction of the measured resonance frequency. The temperature gradient is a measure of the change in resonant waveform time period per degree Celsius (where the time period is 1/frequency). For example, if the resonance frequency at a temperature of 100 °C is determined to be 2.1980 MHz then the time period = 1 / 2.198 MHz = 454.96 ns. If the resonance frequency at a temperature 1 °C higher i.e. 101 °C is 2.1975 MHz then the temperature gradient is 95 ps/°C i.e. 1/ (454.96 ns + 95 ps) = 2.1975 MHz.

The time-period-versus-temperature or resonance frequency-versus-temperature response is non-linear and hence determining the calculated temperature by measuring the resonance frequency is most accurate at the two temperatures used for calibration which may be ambient (e.g. 22 °C) and a high temperature calibration point e.g. 275 °C.

According to an arrangement the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer may comprise a ceramic such as yttrium (II) oxide (YO) which may have a dark brown colour. Alternatively, the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer may be formed of an optically transparent ceramic such as yttrium (III) oxide (Y2O3). According to another arrangement the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer may comprise a glass such as an alkaline earth aluminosilicate glass. The glass may be free of alkali oxides and may contain 15-25% AI2O3, 52-60% SiC>2 and approx. 15% alkaline earths. The first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer may have a thickness of < 50 pm, 50-100 pm, 100-150 pm, 150-200 pm, 200-250 pm, 250-300 pm, 300-350 pm, 350-400 pm, 400-450 pm, 450-500 pm, 500-550 pm, 550-600 pm or > 600 pm.

The temperature gradient may be considered as one indicative measure of how quickly the susceptor layer 243 of an aerosol generating article 204 may heat up according to various arrangements. It is noted that the average temperature gradient for the two ceramic first (i.e. thermal) isolation layers was 108.5 ns/°C and the average temperature gradient for the two glass layers was 113.5 ns/°C. The average temperature gradient for the two PEEK layers was 117.5 ns/°C.

The average time to reach the maximum temperature was determined to be 2.2s for ceramic first (i.e. thermal) isolation layers, 1.9s for glass first (i.e. thermal) isolation layers and 2.6s for PEEK first (i.e. thermal) isolation layers.

Accordingly, utilising either a ceramic layer or a glass layer for the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503 has been found to be particularly beneficial. A PEEK first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer may also be used and provides an improved time to first puff compared to arrangement wherein no first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer is provided between the one or more induction coils and the aerosol generating article.

Fig. 9A shows a table showing the performance of the different test first (i.e. thermal) isolation layers and the time for the surface of the foil susceptor layer of an aerosol generating article to reach a maximum desired set point temperature of 300°C and Fig. 9B shows how the temperature of an aluminium foil susceptor layer of an aerosol generating article varied as a function of time with different test first (i.e. thermal) isolation layers.

The average time to reach the maximum temperature was determined to be 3.5s for ceramic first (i.e. thermal) isolation layers, 3.0s for glass first (i.e. thermal) isolation layers and 3.2s for PEEK first (i.e. thermal) isolation layers.

Fig. 10A shows a table showing the performance of the different test first (i.e. thermal) isolation layers and the time for the surface of a layer of aerosol generating material (gel) of an aerosol generating article to reach a maximum desired set point temperature of 300°C and Fig. 10B shows how the temperature of the surface of a layer of aerosol generating material varied as a function of time with different test first (i.e. thermal) isolation layers.

The average time to reach the maximum temperature was determined to be 3.8s for ceramic first (i.e. thermal) isolation layers, 4.0s for glass first (i.e. thermal) isolation layers and 4.0s for PEEK first (i.e. thermal) isolation layers.

Fig. 11 shows an exaggerated view according to an arrangement of an first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503 having a concave first (or upper) surface and a planar second (or lower) surface. The first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503 is provided adjacent one or more induction coils 501. According to an arrangement a curved aerosol generating article 204 may be located upon the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503 such that when the aerosol generating article 204 heats up, the aerosol generating article 204 will expand and a susceptor layer 506 provided within the aerosol generating article 204 will bend from a curved shape to assume a planar form. As a result, the separation distance between the susceptor layer 506 and one or more induction coils 501 is substantially constant at a desired operational temperature and this enables a more consistent heating performance to be maintained.

According to an arrangement an aerosol chamber (not shown) may have a planar or convex profile and may be engaged against at least a portion or substantially the whole of the aerosol generating article 204 in order to press the aerosol generating article 204 against the first (or upper) surface of the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503. The aerosol chamber may be shaped or may be deformable to allow the aerosol generating article to expand as it heats up and for the susceptor layer 506 to assume a profile (e.g. planar) which substantially corresponds with that of the one or more induction coils 501 so that the separation distance between the susceptor layer 506 and the one or more induction coils 501 is constant.

Fig. 12 shows a further arrangement wherein a concave first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503 is provided. The concave first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503 may be provided upon a corresponding concave shaped inductor coil 501. An aerosol generating article 204 having a similar profile is located upon the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503. According to this arrangement a distance between a susceptor layer located within the aerosol generating article 204 and the inductor coil 501 may be maintained substantially constant when it is desired to generate aerosol from the aerosol generating article 204.

According to an arrangement an aerosol chamber (not shown) may have a convex profile and may be engaged against the aerosol generating article 204 in order to press the aerosol generating article 204 against the first (or upper) surface of the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503. The aerosol chamber may prevent the aerosol generating article 204 from deforming so that the separation distance between a susceptor layer provided in the aerosol generating article 204 and the one or more induction coils 501 is substantially constant.

Other arrangements are contemplated wherein the aerosol generator may comprise one or more conductive tracks provided on and/or within the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503. For example, Fig. 13A shows an arrangement wherein one or more inductor coils 501 are adhered to a second (lower) surface of an first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503. The one or more conductive tracks may be printed, etched or deposited onto the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503 and the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer may comprise glass, a ceramic or a plastics material such as PEEK. Arrangements are also contemplated wherein one or more induction coils 501 may be embedded within the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503 as shown in Fig. 13B. According to this arrangement the one or more induction coils 501 may be thermally isolated or insulated and may be prevented from distorting e.g. warping during operation. The first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503 may, for example, comprise a plastics material such as PEEK.

It will be understood that various arrangements are contemplated wherein an aerosol provision device 202 is provided having a thermal isolation or insulation layer 501 provided intermediate one or more induction coils 501 and an aerosol generating article 204. The first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 503 may comprise a glass layer, a ceramic layer, a plastic layer such as Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or another material which acts a thermal insulator and which may have a relatively low coefficient of expansion. According to various arrangements the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 501 may have a low coefficient of linear expansion e.g. < 10^-6/°C.

The first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer may have a concave, convex or planar first (or upper) surface which may contact, in use, an aerosol provision device. The first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer may have a concave, convex or planar lower or second surface which may be arranged in contact with one or more induction coils 501. The one or more induction coils 501 may be provided on a printed circuit board (“PCB”).

The first (or upper) surface and/or the second (or lower) surface of the first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 501 may comprise a plurality of castellations which may provide an additional air gap between the aerosol generating article 204 and the one or more inductor coils 501. The first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer 501 according to various arrangements may have an improved resistance to thermal cycling and may help to ensure that an aerosol generating article 204 located within the aerosol provision device 202 retains heat energy and so that less heat energy is dissipated into the body of the aerosol provision device 202 during use. As a result, the aerosol provision device 202 is able to generate a first puff from the aerosol generating article 204 in a reduced period of time (since heat energy is retained within the aerosol generating article to a greater degree) and wherein the heating performance of the aerosol provision device is substantially consistent from one session of use to the next. It will be appreciated, therefore, that an aerosol provision device incorporating a first (i.e. thermal) isolation layer between the aerosol generating article and one or more induction coils is particularly beneficial.

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

1. An aerosol provision device comprising: an aerosol generator; a reception region for receiving an aerosol generating article; and a first layer provided between the aerosol generator and the reception region.

2. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first layer comprises a thermal isolation layer.

3. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first layer comprises one or more glass layers.

4. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein the first layer comprises one or more ceramic layers.

5. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first layer comprises the combination of one or more glass layers and one or more ceramic layers.

6. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first layer has a thermal conductivity of < 0.01 W/mK. 0.01-0.05 W/mK, 0.05-0.1 W/mK, 0.1- 0.5 W/mK, 0.5-1 W/mK, 1-5 W/mK, 5-10 W/mK, 10-20 W/mK, 20-30 W/mK, 30-40 W/mK or 40-50 W/mK.

7. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first layer has a flatness of ± 1 pm, ± 1-5 pm, ± 5-10 pm, ± 10-15 pm, ± 15-20 pm or ±20-25 pm over an area of 10 mm x 10 mm.

8. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first layer has a flatness tolerance of < 1 pm, 1-5 pm, 5-10 pm, 10-15 pm, 15-20 pm or 20-25 pm.

9. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a first or lower surface of the first layer comprises a plurality of castellations or regular protrusions.

10. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the plurality of castellations or regular protrusions form an air gap or an air insulation layer.

11. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the air gap or the air insulation layer is < 50 pm, 50-100 pm, 100-150 pm, 150-200 pm, 200-250 pm, 250-300 pm, 300-350 pm, 350-400 pm or > 400 pm thick.

12. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first layer is < 50 pm, 50-100 pm, 100-150 pm, 150-200 pm, 200-250 pm, 250-300 pm, 300- 350 pm, 350-400 pm, 400-450 pm, 450-500 pm, 500-550 pm, 550-600 pm or > 600 pm thick.

13. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a first or upper surface of the first layer comprises one or more indentations.

14. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first layer is magnetically transparent.

15. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first layer has a coefficient of thermal expansion < 10 x 10^-6/°C (40-400 °C).

16. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first layer has a stiffness or Young’s modulus in the range 50-60 GPa, 60-70 GPa, 70-80 GPa, 80-90 GPa, 90-100 GPa or > 100 GPa.

17. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first layer protrudes from a surrounding housing so that, in use, an aerosol generating article contacts the first layer but not the surrounding housing.

18. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol generator comprises one or more inductive heating elements, wherein the one or more inductive heating elements are at least partially embedded within the first layer.

19. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol generator comprises one or more conductive tracks provided on and/or within the first layer.

20. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a first or upper surface of the first layer is convex, concave or planar.

21. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a second or lower surface of the first layer is convex, concave or planar.

22. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol generator comprises one or more convex shaped, concave shaped or planar induction coil(s).

23. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first layer is impervious to gas.

24. An aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim; and an aerosol generating article.

25. An aerosol generating system as claimed in claim 24, 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.

26. An aerosol generating system as claimed in claim 24 or 25, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises either an open type consumable or a closed type consumable.

27. A method of generating an aerosol comprising: providing an aerosol provision device comprising an aerosol generator having reception region for receiving an aerosol generating article and a first layer provided between the aerosol generator and the reception region; and inserting an aerosol generating article into the reception region.

28. An aerosol provision device comprising: a reception region for receiving an aerosol generating article; one or more first aerosol generators arranged on a first side of the reception region; and one or more second aerosol generators arranged on a second side of the reception region.

29. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 28, further comprising a first thermal insulation layer provided between the one or more first aerosol generators and the reception region.

30. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 29, wherein the first thermal insulation layer has a plurality of castellations or regular protrusions which form an air gap or an air insulation layer.

31. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 28, 29 or 30, further comprising a second thermal insulation layer provided between the one or more second aerosol generators and the reception region.

32. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 31, wherein the second thermal insulation layer has a plurality of castellations or regular protrusions which form an air gap or an air insulation layer.

33. An aerosol provision device comprising: one or more aerosol generators; a reception region for receiving an aerosol generating article; and a first thermal insulation layer provided between the one or more aerosol generators and the reception region, wherein the first thermal insulation layer has a first side facing the reception region and a second side opposed to the reception region, wherein the first thermal insulation layer further comprises: (i) a plurality of castellations, regular protrusions or indentations on the first side of the first thermal insulation layer so as to form an air gap or an air insulation layer between the first thermal insulation layer and an aerosol generating article when, in use, an aerosol generating article is located in the reception region; and/or (ii) a plurality of castellations, regular protrusions or indentations on the second side of the first thermal insulation layer so as to form an air gap or an air insulation layer between the first thermal insulation layer and the one or more aerosol generators.