WO2024068886A1

WO2024068886A1 - Aerosol provision device

Info

Publication number: WO2024068886A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/076978
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matthew Holden; Jonathan Neil BURGESS
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Limited
Priority date: 2022-09-30
Filing date: 2023-09-28
Publication date: 2024-04-04
Also published as: GB202214425D0

Abstract

An aerosol provision device (100) for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material is provided. The device comprises a heating element (220), the heating element defining a heating zone (222) configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising aerosol generating material. The device comprises a retaining element (240) arranged to retain the heating element, and a plurality of contact features (242, 244) between the retaining element and the heating element, wherein each contact feature defines a contact point between the retaining element and the heating element.

Description

AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an aerosol provision device and an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol provision device and an article comprising aerosol generating material. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a heating element for use in an aerosol provision device.

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 that burn tobacco by creating products that release compounds without burning.

Examples of such products are heating devices which release compounds by heating, but not burning, the material. The material may be for example tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.

Summary

According to an aspect, there is provided an aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material, the device comprising: a heating element, the heating element defining a heating zone configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising aerosol generating material, a retaining element arranged to retain the heating element, and a plurality of contact features between the retaining element and the heating element, wherein each contact feature defines a contact point between the retaining element and the heating element.

The retaining element may comprise at least one of the plurality of contact features.

The retaining element may comprise at least three contact features.

Each contact feature of the retaining element may define a contact point with the heating element.

The heating element may be free from contact features.

The plurality of contact features may be integrally formed with the retaining element. The plurality of contact features may form a one-piece component with the retaining element.

Therein the heating element may comprise at least one of the plurality of contact features.

The heating element comprises at least three contact features.

Each contact feature of the heating element may define a contact point with the retaining element.

The retaining element may be free from contact features.

The plurality of contact features may be integrally formed with the heating element.

The plurality of contact features may form a one-piece component with the heating element.

The retaining element may be a support member arranged to support one end of the heating element.

The retaining element may comprise a passage communicating with the heating zone defined by the heating element.

The retaining element may comprise an opening through which at least a portion of an article comprising aerosol generating material is insertable to be received in the heating zone.

The retaining element may define an expansion chamber.

The plurality of contact features may space the heating element from a surface of the retaining element.

The plurality of contact features may space the heating element from an inner surface of the retaining element.

At least a portion of the inner surface of the retaining element may lie on a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the heating element.

The inner surface of the retaining element may define a shoulder.

At least a portion of the inner surface may extend in a longitudinal direction of the heating element.

At least a portion of the inner surface may be an inner cylindrical surface. The heating element may be spaced from the retaining element by the contact features.

The plurality of contact features may space the heating element from an outer surface of the retaining element.

The contact features may contact the heating and/or retaining element on a minority of a circumference of the heating element.

The contact features may contact the heating and/or retaining element on less than 10% of the circumference of the heating element.

The plurality of contact features may comprise a plurality of axial contact features arranged to contact the heating/retaining element in an axial direction.

The plurality of axial contact features may comprise three axial contact features.

The plurality of axial contact features may contacts an end portion of the heating element.

The plurality of axial contact features may define an axial extent of the heating element.

The contact features may comprise a plurality of radial contact features arranged to contact the heating element in a radial direction.

The plurality of radial contact features may define a radial extent of the heating element.

The plurality of radial contact features may comprise three radial contact features.

The plurality of radial contact features may contact the heating element at an end region of the heating element.

The plurality of contact feature may be evenly spaced around a circumference of the heating element.

The plurality of contact features may be provided by a plurality of protrusions on the retaining element.

A portion of the retaining element may surround the heating element.

A portion of the retaining element may be received in the heating element.

The contact features may extend radially outwardly. The contact features may extend radially inwardly.

The plurality of contact features may be formed of a heat insulating material.

A seal may be provided between the retaining element and the heating element.

The seal may be formed of a heat insulating material.

The plurality of contact features is provided by a plurality of protrusions on the heating element.

According to an aspect, there is provided method of manufacturing a heating element for use in an aerosol provision device comprising: providing a plurality of contact features on the heating element, wherein each contact feature is arranged to define a contact point with a retaining element of the aerosol provision device.

Providing the plurality of contact features may comprise deforming a plurality of portions of the heating element.

Providing the plurality of contact features may comprise removing a plurality of portions of the heating element so that the plurality of contact features is defined by the removed portions.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material, the device comprising: a heating element, the heating element defining a heating zone configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising aerosol generating material, a retaining element arranged to retain the heating element, and a thermal barrier member between the retaining element and the heating element.

The retaining element may be spaced from the heating element by the thermal barrier member.

The thermal barrier member may form a seal between the retaining element and the heating element.

The thermal barrier member may comprise a material of low thermal conductivity.

The material may be silicone or aerogel.

The thermal barrier member may contact the heating element around a circumference of the heating element. The thermal barrier member may contact the retaining element around a circumference of the retaining element.

The retaining element is a support member arranged to support one end of the heating element.

The retaining element may define an expansion chamber.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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

Figure 1 shows a front view of an aerosol provision device;

Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of an aerosol generator of the device of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional side view of a retaining element and heating element;

Figure 4 shows a top plan view of the retaining element and heating element of Figure 3;

Figure 5 shows a top plan view of a retaining element and heating element in accordance with an aspect of the invention;

Figure 6 shows a top plan view of a retaining element and heating element in accordance with another aspect of the invention;

Figure 7 shows a side view of the retaining element and heating element of Figure 6; and

Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional side view of a retaining element and heating element in accordance with another aspect of the invention.

Detailed Description As used herein, the term “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 gel which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants. Aerosol-generating material may include any plant based material, such as tobacco-containing material and may, for example, include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-generating material also may include other, non-tobacco, products, which, depending on the product, may or may not contain nicotine. Aerosol-generating material may for example be in the form of a solid, a liquid, a gel, a wax or the like. Aerosol-generating material may for example also be a combination or a blend of materials. Aerosol-generating material may also be known as “smokable material”.

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 aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosolgenerating material is substantially free from botanical material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be an “amorphous solid”. The amorphous solid may be a “monolithic solid”. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may, for example, comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may comprise or be a sheet, which may optionally be shredded to form a shredded sheet. The aerosol-generating sheet or shredded sheet may be substantially tobacco free.

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 non-combustible aerosol provision device.

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosolgenerating 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 aerosol-generating 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.

An aerosol provision device can receive an article comprising aerosol generating material for heating. An “article” in this context is a component that includes or contains in use the aerosol generating material, which is heated to volatilise the aerosol generating material, and optionally other components in use. A user may insert the article into or onto the aerosol provision device before it is heated to produce an aerosol, which the user subsequently inhales. The article may be, for example, of a predetermined or specific size that is configured to be placed within or over a heater of the device which is sized to receive the article.

Figure 1 shows an aerosol provision device 100 for generating aerosol from an aerosol generating material. In broad outline, the device 100 is used to heat a replaceable article 110 comprising the aerosol generating material, to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium which is inhaled by a user of the device 100.

The device 100 comprises a body 102. An elongate housing arrangement 120 surrounds the body 102 and houses the components therein. An article aperture 104 is formed at one end of the body, through which the article is inserted for heating by an aerosol generator (refer to Figure 2) that is housed in the body 102 of the device 100.

In use, the article 110 is fully or partially inserted into the aerosol generator 200 where it may be heated by one or more components of the aerosol generator. The article 110 and the device 100 together form an aerosol provision system 101.

The device 100 includes a user-operable switch 150. The switch 150 acts as a user-operable control element which operates the device 100 when pressed. In use, a user may turn on the device 100 by operating the switch 150. The switch 150 may be replaced by, for example, a button or alterative user-operable control element.

The end surfaces of the device 100 are defined by the end surfaces of the body 102. The end of the device 100 closest to the article aperture 104 is the proximal end 106 of the device 100. The proximal end 106 may also be known as the mouth end of the device 100 because, in use, it is the end closest to the mouth of the user. The other end of the device 100 furthest away from the aperture 104 is the distal end 108 of the device 100. The distal end 108 is, in use, the end that is furthest from the mouth of the user. The terms proximal and distal as applied to features of the device 100 will be described by reference to the relative positioning of such features with respect to each other in a proximal-distal direction along a longitudinal axis Y.

In use, the user inserts an article 110 into the aperture 104 and uses the switch 150 to operate the device which, in turn, operates the aerosol generator 200 (see Figure 2). Operation of the aerosol generator 200 initiates heating of the aerosol generating material in the article 110. This generates aerosol and a user draws on the aerosol generated in the device 100. This causes aerosol to flow through the device 100 along a flow path in a direction towards the proximal end 106 of the device 100.

As used herein, one-piece component refers to a component of the device 100 which is formed as a single discrete component during a manufacturing process and which is not separable into two or more components following manufacture. For example, a one-piece component may be formed of a single material during a manufacturing process involving moulding.

Integrally formed relates to two or more features in which at least one is separably formed in an initial step, that are formed together in a subsequent step and that are not separable following manufacture. Those features may be made of different materials.

Referring to Figure 2, the aerosol generator 200 defines the longitudinal axis Y, along which the article 110 extends when inserted into the device 100. The aperture 104 is aligned on the longitudinal axis Y. An airflow passage 210 extends through the aerosol generator 200 along the longitudinal axis Y.

The aerosol generator 200 comprises various components for generating an aerosol from the received article. In one example, the article 110 is heated by a heater assembly 201 to generate aerosol. The aperture 104 is at the proximal end 206, through which the article may be inserted for heating. In use, the article 110 may be fully or partially inserted into the device where it may be heated by one or more components. The apparatus includes the heating assembly 201 , a controller and a power source (not shown in figures). The heating assembly 201 is configured to heat the aerosol generating material of an article 110 inserted into the device 100, such that an aerosol is generated from the aerosol generating material. The power source supplies electrical power to the heating assembly 201, and the heating assembly 201 converts the supplied electrical energy into heat energy for heating the aerosol generating material. The power source may, for example, be a battery, such as a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, a lithium battery (such as a lithium-ion battery), a nickel battery (such as a nickel-cadmium battery), and an alkaline battery. The power source may be electrically coupled to the heating assembly 201 to supply electrical power when required and under control of the controller to heat the aerosol generating material. The control circuit may be configured to activate and deactivate the heating assembly 201 based on a user operating the control switch 150. For example, the controller may activate the heating assembly 201 in response to a user operating the switch 150.

The aerosol generator 200 comprises an induction-type heater, including a magnetic field generator. The magnetic field generator comprises an inductor coil 212. The aerosol generator 200 comprises a heating element 220. The heating element 220 is also known as a susceptor.

A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically- conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

The heating assembly 201 comprises various components to heat the aerosol generating material of the article 110 via an inductive heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating an electrically conducting heating element by electromagnetic induction. In this embodiment, the heating element is the tubular member. An induction heating assembly comprises the inductor coil 212, acting as an inductive element, for example, one or more inductor coils, and a device for passing a varying electric current, such as an alternating electric current, through the inductive element. The varying electric current in the inductive element produces a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field penetrates a susceptor (heating element) suitable positioned with respect to the inductive element, and generates eddy currents inside the susceptor. The susceptor has electrical resistance to the eddy currents, and hence the flow of the eddy currents against this resistance causes the susceptor to be heated by Joule heating. In cases where the susceptor comprises ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt, heat may also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses in the susceptor, i.e. by the varying orientation of magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material as a result of their alignment with the varying magnetic field. In inductive heating, as compared to heating by conduction for example, heat is generated inside the susceptor, allowing for rapid heating. Further, there need not be any physical contact between the inductive element and the susceptor, allowing for enhanced freedom in construction and application.

The heating assembly comprises a heating element 220. The heating element 220 is a tubular member. The heating element 220 is elongate along the Y axis from its proximal end 206 to its distal end 208 and defines a heating zone 222. In use, the aerosol-generating article 110 is in the heating zone 222.

The heating element 220 is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field. The heating element 220 comprises electrically conducting material suitable for heating by electromagnetic induction. The heating element 220 acts as a susceptor. As an example, the heating element 220 in the present arrangement is formed from a carbon steel. It will be understood that other suitable materials may be used, for example a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt.

In other embodiments, the feature acting as the heating element 220 may not be limited to being inductively heated. The heating element 220 in embodiments is a resistive heater. Other heating elements for other heating means are anticipated. The heating element may be heatable by electrical resistance. The aerosol generator 200 may comprise electrical contacts for electrical connection with the apparatus for electrically activating the heating element 220 by passing a flow of electrical energy through the heating element.

The inductor coil 212 is a helical coil. As shown, the induction heating assembly comprises a single inductor coil 212. In embodiments, other inductor coil shapes and arrangements are envisaged. In embodiments, the number of inductor coils differs. In embodiments, the induction heating assembly comprises two or more coils. The two or more coils in the embodiments are disposed adjacent to each other and may be aligned co-axially along the axis. In some examples, in use, the inductor coil 212 is configured to heat the heating element 220 to a temperature of between about 200 °C and about 350 °C, such as between about 240°C and about 300°C, or between about 250°C and about 280°C.

The inductor coil 212 is disposed external to the heating zone 222. The inductor coil 212 encircles the heating zone 222. The inductor coil 212 is configured to generate a varying magnetic field that penetrates the heating element 220. The inductor coil 212 is arranged coaxially with the heating zone 222. The inductor coil assembly comprises a coil support 214. The coil support 214 is tubular. The coil support 214 comprises a guide for the coil 212. The guide comprises a channel on an outer side of the coil support 214.

In use, alternating current is supplied to the inductor coil 212 by a power source. The alternating current in the inductor coil 212 generates a varying magnetic flux adjacent to the heating element 220. The magnetic flux generates a current in the heating element 220, which in turn causes the heating element to heat.

In the present example, the article 110 is generally cylindrical, and the heating zone 222 is dimensioned to receive the article 110. The heating element 220 of this example is hollow and therefore defines at least part of the heating zone 222 within which aerosol generating material is received via the proximal end 106. For example, the article 110 can be inserted into the heating element 220 at its proximal end 206. The heating element 220 is tubular, with a circular cross section. The heating element 220 has a generally constant diameter along its axial length. The article 110 may comprise other components such as a filter, wrapping materials and/or a cooling structure.

A retaining element 240 is provided within the body 102 to engage and retain the heating element 220 at the proximal end 206 of the heating element 220.

Referring to Figure 3, the retaining element 240 is generally hollow and defines the aperture 104. The retaining element 240 is generally tubular. The retaining element 240 has a cylindrical enclosing wall 246. The inner surface of the enclosing wall 246 is a substantially cylindrical surface. The enclosing wall 246 defines a receiving space (passage) 248 therethrough. The ends of the retaining element 240 are open. In use, the receiving space 248 communicates with the heating zone 222 defined by the heating element 220. The retaining element 240 is a one-piece component. It will be understood that in embodiments the retaining element 240 may be an integrally formed component.

The enclosing wall 246 of the retaining element 240 comprises a first section 250 and a second section 252. The first section 250 is closest to the proximal end of the device 106. The diameter of the first section 250 is wider than the diameter of the second section 252. The enclosing wall 246, in cross section, comprises a tapered section 256 between the first section 250 and second section 252.

The retaining element 240 comprises a shoulder 260. The shoulder 260 is formed in the enclosing wall 246. The shoulder 260 defines a stepped portion of the enclosing wall 246 of the second section 252. The shoulder 260 extends around the internal surface of the second section 252. The shoulder extends circumferentially. The shoulder 260 defines a heating element receiving portion. A portion of the retaining element 240 extending between the shoulder 260 and the distal end of the retaining element 240 is configured to have a diameter to enable the heating element 220 to overlap the retaining element 240. An inner side of the heating element receiving portion has a diameter greater than the outer side of the heating element 220.

The heating element 220 is arranged to slide fit into the retaining element 240. The heating element 220 is retained by contact features 242, 244. The number and arrangement of contact features 242, 244 may differ, for example as set out below.

The shoulder 260 comprises a contact arrangement. The contact feature arrangement comprises the contact features 242, 244. In the arrangement described with reference to Figures 3 to 5, for example, the contact features 242 include both longitudinal-alignment contact features and radial-alignment contact features. In embodiments, one of longitudinal-alignment contact features and radial-alignment contact features may be omitted. The contact features include notches 242 and ribs 244. It will be understood that the contact features may be any feature that defines a contact point between the retaining element 240 and the heating element 220. The contact features space at least one surface of the heating element away from at least one surface of the retaining element.

The shoulder 260 comprises three notches 242, as shown in Figure 5. The notches 242 protrude from the shoulder 260. The notches act as longitudinal-alignment contact features. The notches 242 are disposed evenly around the internal surface of the shoulder 260. It will be understood that more or less than three notches 242 may be provided. In embodiments, one notch is provided. The notches 242 are formed protruding from the shoulder 260. The notches 242 are of an inverted triangular shape. That is, the notches 242 converge to a tip. The notches 242 may be formed as a one-piece component of the same material. In an embodiment, the retaining element 240 may be integrally formed and the notches 242 may be a different material to the enclosing wall 246 of the retaining element 240.

The notches 242 act as protrusions protruding in a longitudinal direction.

The notches 242 each abut the heating element 220 to define contact points. The contact points are defined between the retaining element 240 and the heating element 220 at an end region of the heating element 220. The surface area of the contact points defined by the notches 242 with the heating element 220 is minimal. The contact features contact at least one of the heating element and the retaining element on a minority of a circumference of the heating element. This reduces thermal heat transfer of the heating element 220 to the retaining element in the longitudinal direction. The notches together contact at least one of the heating element and the retaining element on less than 10% of the circumference of the heating element. Optionally, the notches together contact at least one of the heating element and the retaining element on less than 7% of the circumference of the heating element, and optionally less than 5%.

The notches 242 are arranged to support the proximal end 206 of the heating element 220 and to control the vertical position of the heating element 220 with respect to the body 102 of the device 100.

Referring to Figure 4, the retaining element 240 comprise three ribs 244. Each rib 244 is disposed equally around the internal surface of the circumference of the enclosing wall 246 at the distal end. Each rib 244 extend longitudinally and protrudes from the inner surface into the receiving space 280. It will be understood that more or less than three ribs 244 may be provided. In embodiments, a single rib is provided. Each rib 244 extends longitudinally with respect to the Y axis. The length or the ribs may differ. The ribs may converge towards their proximal end to aid location of the heating element.

The ribs 244 may be integrally manufactured with the enclosing wall 246 of the retaining element 240 as a one-piece component. It will be understood that the retaining element 240 may be integrally formed and the ribs 244 may be a different material to the enclosing wall 246 of the retaining element 240.

Each rib 244 provides a contact point with the heating element 220 around the proximal end 206 of the heating element 220.

The ribs 244 each abut the heating element 220 to define contact points between the retaining element 240 and the heating element 220 at an end region of the heating element 220. The surface area of the contact points defined by the ribs 244 with the heating element 220 is minimal. This reduces transfer of the heating element 220 to the retaining element in the radial direction. The contact features contact at least one of the heating element and the retaining element on a minority of a circumference of the heating element. This reduces thermal heat transfer of the heating element 220 to the retaining element in the longitudinal direction. The ribs together contact at least one of the heating element and the retaining element on less than 10% of the circumference of the heating element. Optionally, the ribs 244 together contact at least one of the heating element and the retaining element on less than 7% of the circumference of the heating element, and optionally less than 5%.

The ribs 244 are arranged to space the heating element 220 from the inner surface of the retaining element 240. The ribs 244 are arranged to retain concentricity of the heating element 220. The ribs 244 reduce thermal contact between the heating element 220 and the retaining element 240.

It will be understood that the ribs 244 may be located on any portion of the inner surface of the enclosing wall 246 of the retaining element 240, provided that they define a contact point with the heating element 220.

In use, the contact features provide contact points between the retaining element 240 and the heating element 220. This provides sufficient support to the proximal end 206 of the heating element 220 to retain its shape and position within the device 100, while providing minimal contact between the heating element 220 and the retaining element 240 to reduce heat transfer between the elements.

The retaining element 240 may comprise three ribs 244 and three notches 242. One or more of the ribs 244 or the notches 242 may be omitted. In an embodiment, the retaining element 240 may comprise only ribs or only notches. In another embodiment, the retaining element 240 may comprise any number of ribs as well any number of notches. Figure 4 shows the retaining element 240 of Figure 3 in contact with a heating element 220.

The notches 242 control the longitudinal position of the heating element 220 with respect to the body 102 of the device 100 and the internal surface of the retaining element 240. The notches 242 may be of triangular shape with a point that extends along they axis. The point of the triangle defines the contact point with the heating element 222. This triangular contact point minimises the surface area of the point of contact and reduces heat transfer. In particular, the longitudinal heat transfer from the heating element 220 to the retaining element 240 is reduced. This reduces heat loss and increases energy efficiency of the device 100.

The ribs 244 may be arranged be arranged to support the proximal end 206 of the heating element 220 at the end region of the heating element 220. The ribs 244 may control the radial position of the heating element 220 with respect to the internal surface of the retaining element. The ribs 244 are arranged to space the heating element 220 from the inner surface of the retaining element 240. The ribs 244 are arranged to retain concentricity of the heating element 220. The ribs 244 reduce thermal contact between the heating element 220 and the retaining element 240 by providing a minimal contact point. In particular, the radial heat transfer from the heating element 220 to the retaining element 240 is reduced. This reduces heat loss and increases energy efficiency of the device 100.

The contact features 242, 244 support to the proximal end 206 of the heating element 220 to retain its shape and radial position within the device 100. The contact feature provides minimal contact between the heating element 220 and the retaining element 240 to reduce heat transfer between the elements. The heating element 220 is retained in a position where it does not contact the housing 102 of the device 100. This provides less heat loss from the heating element 220 to the surroundings, thus providing a more efficient system.

As show in Figure 5 and in another embodiment, the enclosing wall 346 of retaining element 340 is free from contact features. Heating element 320 comprises ribs 344 that extend longitudinally around the proximal end 322 of the heating element 320 and project radially with respect to the Y axis. It will be understood that the ribs 344 may form a one-piece component with the retaining element 340. It will be understood that the ribs may be integrally formed with the heating element. Each rib 344 provides a contact point with the inner surface of the enclosing wall 346 of the retaining element 340 and spaces the outer surface of the heating element 320 from enclosing wall 346.

It will be understood that the heating element 320 may be in contact with a retaining element 240 of Figures 2 and 3 that may comprise ribs 244 and/or notches 242.

In another embodiment, the heating element 324 may comprise protrusions that extend the longitudinal direction from the proximal end 322 of the heating element. The protrusions may contact the inner surface of the retaining element 230. The protrusions may contact a shoulder formed in the enclosing wall 346 of the retaining element 340. Referring to Figures 7 and 8, in another embodiment, ribs 444 may disposed on the outer surface of the enclosing wall 446 of the second section 452 of retaining element 440.

As can be seen in Figure 8, the heating element 420 has a stepped side profile. The proximal end 426 of the heating element 420 extends radially at a shoulder 428. The proximal end 246 of the heating element 420 is dimensioned to receive the retaining element 440 such that the ribs 444 of the retaining element radially abut an internal surface of the stepped proximal end 426 of the heating element 420. The ribs 444 axially abut the internal surface of the heating element 420 at the shoulder 428 of the heating element 420.

Referring to Figure 9, in an embodiment a sealing element 600 is provided. The retaining element 540 comprises a first section 550 and a second section 552 and is arranged to support an end of the heating element 520. The sealing element 600 is disposed between the inner surface of the enclosing wall 546 of the second section 552 and the outer surface of the heating element 520 and contacts the retaining element 540 around the outer circumference of the heating element 520. The sealing element 600 is formed of a heat insulating material.

The sealing element 600 may alternatively or additionally be defined as a thermal barrier that is used to space the retaining element 540 from the heating element 520. The sealing element 600 comprises silicone which is a material of low thermal conductivity. This reduces heat transfer from the heating element 520 to improve efficiency of the device. Alternatively, or additionally, the sealing element may comprise aerogel.

In another embodiment, the sealing element 600 may be configured to be disposed between an inner surface of the heating element 520 and an outer surface of the enclosing wall 546 of the retaining element 540. As such, the sealing element 600 contacts the retaining element 540 around a circumference of the retaining element 540.

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 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material, the device comprising: a heating element, the heating element defining a heating zone configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising aerosol generating material, a retaining element arranged to retain the heating element, and a plurality of contact features between the retaining element and the heating element, wherein each contact feature defines a contact point between the retaining element and the heating element.

2. The aerosol provision device of claim 1, wherein the retaining element comprises at least one of the plurality of contact features.

3. The aerosol provision device of claim 2, wherein the plurality of contact features form a one-piece component with the retaining element.

4. The aerosol provision device of claim 1 , wherein the heating element comprises at least one of the plurality of contact features.

5. The aerosol provision device of claim 4, wherein the plurality of contact features form a one-piece component with the heating element.

6. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 1 to 5, comprising at least three contact features.

7. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the retaining element is a support member arranged to support an end of the heating element.

8. The aerosol provision device as of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the retaining element comprises a passage communicating with the heating zone defined by the heating element.

9. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the heating element is spaced from a surface of the retaining element by the plurality of contact features.

10. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the plurality of contact features space the heating element from a surface of the retaining element.

11. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the contact features contact at least one of the heating element and the retaining element on a minority of a circumference of the heating element.

12. The aerosol provision device of claim 11 , wherein the contact features contact at least one of the heating element and the retaining element on less than 10% of the circumference of the heating element.

13. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the plurality of contact features comprise a plurality of axial contact features arranged to contact the heating/retaining element in an axial direction.

14. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the plurality of contact features comprise a plurality of radial contact features arranged to contact the heating element in a radial direction.

15. An aerosol provision device of claims 1 to 14, comprising a seal between the retaining element and the heating element

16. An aerosol provision device of claims 1 to 15, wherein the plurality of contact features and/or the seal is formed of a heat insulating material.

17. An aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material, the device comprising: a heating element, the heating element defining a heating zone configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising aerosol generating material, a retaining element arranged to retain the heating element, and a thermal barrier member between the retaining element and the heating element.

18. The aerosol provision device of claim 17, wherein the retaining element is spaced from the heating element by the thermal barrier member, and/or wherein the thermal barrier member forms a seal between the retaining element and the heating element.

19. An aerosol provision system comprising the aerosol provision device of any of claims 1 to 18 and an article comprising aerosol generating material.

20. A method of manufacturing a heating element for use in an aerosol provision device comprising: providing a plurality of contact features on the heating element, wherein each contact feature is arranged to define a contact point with a retaining element of the aerosol provision device.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein providing the plurality of contact features comprises deforming a plurality of portions of the heating element

22. The method of claim 21 , wherein providing the plurality of contact features comprises removing a plurality of portions of the heating element so that the plurality of contact features is defined by the removed portions.