Aerosol generating device with modular induction heater

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device comprising an induction heater for heating an aerosol-forming substrate. The induction heater comprises an induction coil and a heating element, wherein the heating element is arrangeable within the induction coil. The aerosol generating device further comprises a housing having a first housing portion and a second housing portion. The first housing portion comprises a power supply for supplying power to the induction coil of the induction heater, and a controller for controlling the supply of power from the power supply to the induction coil of the induction heater. In the second housing portion, the induction coil of the induction heater is arranged, and the second housing portion is configured to receive a consumable containing the aerosol-forming substrate. The first housing portion and the second housing portion are configured to be arranged in a first position in which the induction heater is configured to be operated, and the first housing portion and the second housing portion are configured to be transferred to a second position, wherein the heating element is configured such that heating can be achieved in the second position.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application entitled "Aerosol generating device with modular induction heater", with an international application date of August 6, 2018, an international application number of PCT / EP2018 / 071264, and a national application number of 201880050937.6. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device comprising an induction heater for heating an aerosol-forming substrate. The induction heater comprises an induction coil and a heating element, wherein the heating element is arrangeable within the induction coil such that it is capable of inductive heating. Background Art

[0003] It is known to use different types of heaters in aerosol-generating articles to generate aerosols. Typically, resistive heaters are used to heat an aerosol-forming substrate, such as e-liquid. It is also known to provide "heat-not-burn" devices that use resistive heaters to generate an inhalable aerosol by heating, without burning, an aerosol-forming substrate containing tobacco.

[0004] Induction heaters offer advantages and have been proposed in the aforementioned devices. An induction heater is described, for example, in US 2017 / 055580 A1. In an induction heater, an induction coil is arranged around a component made of a conductive material. This component can be referred to as a heating element or susceptor. A high-frequency AC current is passed through the induction coil. This creates an alternating magnetic field within the induction coil. This alternating magnetic field penetrates the heating element, generating eddy currents within the heating element. These currents cause the heating element to heat up. In addition to the heat generated by eddy currents, the alternating magnetic field can also heat the susceptor due to hysteresis mechanisms. Some susceptors may even have properties that generate no or almost no eddy currents. In such susceptors, essentially all heat generation is due to the hysteresis mechanism. Most common susceptors are of this type, generating heat through both mechanisms. A more detailed description of the process can be found in WO 2015 / 177255, which focuses on the heat generation in the susceptor when penetrated by the alternating magnetic field. Induction heaters promote rapid heating, which is beneficial for aerosol generation during operation of the aerosol generating device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] It would be desirable to have an aerosol generating device with an induction heater in which the heating element is easily accessible for cleaning and replacement.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising an induction heater for heating an aerosol-forming substrate. The induction heater comprises an induction coil and a heating element, wherein the heating element is arrangeable within the induction coil. The aerosol generating device further comprises a housing having a first housing portion and a second housing portion. The first housing portion comprises a power supply for supplying power to the induction coil of the induction heater, and a controller for controlling the supply of power from the power supply to the induction coil of the induction heater. In the second housing portion, the induction coil of the induction heater is arranged, and the second housing portion is configured to receive a consumable containing the aerosol-forming substrate. The first housing portion and the second housing portion are configured to be arranged in a first position and a second position, wherein the induction heater is configured to be operated and the heating is enabled in the second position. In the second position, one or both of the first housing portion and the second housing portion are displaced.

[0007] Changing the relative position of the housing parts from a first position, in which the aerosol-generating device can operate normally, to a second position enables cleaning or replacement of the heating element. The second position allows easy access to the heating element. The tobacco-containing aerosol-forming substrate can be provided in the form of an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article can be provided as a consumable, such as a tobacco rod. Hereinafter, aerosol-generating articles will be referred to as consumables. These consumables may have an elongated, rod-like shape. This consumable is typically inserted into a recess in the device. Within the recess, the heating element of the induction heater is positioned so that the consumable is pushed over the heating element. In this manner, the heating element can penetrate the consumable. Once the aerosol-forming substrate in the consumable is depleted after multiple heating cycles of the induction heater, the consumable is removed and replaced with a new consumable. When removing the depleted consumable, residues of the depleted aerosol-forming substrate may adhere to the heating element and affect its function. Such residues may affect subsequent aerosol generation and are therefore undesirable. In the second position, the heating element is easily accessible, allowing for easy removal of the residues.

[0008] The heating element can be configured to be replaced when the first and second housing portions are in the second position. If the heating element deteriorates, it can be replaced without replacing other components of the device (e.g., the induction coil). In this way, replacing the heating element is more cost-effective. In addition, different heating elements can be used to facilitate different heating methods. For example, heating elements of different lengths can be used to heat different parts of the substrate in the consumable. Heating elements made of different materials with different heating characteristics can also be used.

[0009] In the second position, the second housing portion can be separated from the first housing portion. Separation of the second housing portion can facilitate easier cleaning of the heating element. In this regard, the separated housing portion can be accessed from all sides for cleaning. The heating element can be removed together with the second housing portion. The heating element can then be removed from the second housing portion for cleaning or replacement. Alternatively, the heating element can be integrally connected to the first housing portion so that the heating element is exposed once the second housing portion is detached from the first housing portion. Alternatively, the heating element can remain attached to the first housing portion when the second housing portion is detached from the first housing portion. The heating element can then be detached from the first housing portion.

[0010] The heating element may be configured as an insertable element that is insertable into the second housing portion. When the second housing portion is separated from the first housing portion in the second position, the heating element may be inserted into the second housing portion. Alternatively, when the two housing portions are attached in the first position, the heating element may be connected to the first housing portion and inserted into the second housing portion in the second position.

[0011] The heating element may include a base section and a heating section. The base section may be made of a thermally insulating material. The base section may be made of an electrically insulating material. The base section may include a support element for mounting the heating element within the second housing portion. The base section may include an aperture. The aperture may allow air to be drawn through the base section. The base section may allow the heating element to be inserted into the second housing portion. The second housing portion may have a cylindrical hollow shape to form a recess into which the consumable product may be inserted. The heating element may be arranged along the longitudinal axis of the second housing portion.

[0012] The heating element may have an elongated shape. The length of the heating element may be the same as the longitudinal extent of the coil. The heating element may have a needle or blade shape. The heating element may be solid, while the coil may have a helical shape. When the housing portions are connected together in the first position, the heating element may be disposed within the coil. The coil may be provided as a helically wound coil having the shape of a helical spring. The coil may include contact terminals. The contact terminals may allow AC current from a power source to flow through the coil. The AC current supplied to the induction coil is preferably high-frequency AC current. For the purposes of this application, the term "high frequency" should be understood to refer to a frequency ranging from approximately 1 megahertz (MHz) to approximately 30 megahertz (MHz), inclusive, particularly from approximately 1 megahertz (MHz) to approximately 10 megahertz (MHz), inclusive, and even more particularly from approximately 5 megahertz (MHz) to approximately 7 megahertz (MHz), inclusive. No direct or electrical connection is required between the coil and the heating element, as the magnetic field generated by the coil penetrates the heating element, thereby generating eddy currents. Eddy currents are converted into heat energy. The coil and heating element can be made of a conductive material such as metal. The heating element and coil can have a circular, oval, or polygonal cross-section. The induction coil can be arranged in the cavity of the second housing portion. The cavity can be made of a non-conductive material so that eddy currents are not generated in the cavity of the second housing portion. The entire housing of the device can be made of a non-conductive material.

[0013] The base section of the heating element can be configured to align with the inner edge section of the second housing portion. In this way, the base section can be installed in the interior of the second housing portion, and the heating element can be correctly aligned in the second housing portion.

[0014] When the first and second housing portions are in the first position, the base section of the heating element may be secured between the first and second housing portions. The heating element may be sandwiched between the housing portions. When the housing portions are in the first position, the heating element may be protected from damage by the first and second housing portions.

[0015] At least one air inlet may be provided at a side of the first housing part or the second housing part.Air may be drawn in through the air inlet and directed through the heating element.

[0016] At least one air inlet may be provided in a recess of the second housing portion, wherein the consumable may be inserted into the recess of the second housing portion such that air may be drawn through the air inlet adjacent to the inserted consumable and directed across the heating element. The recess may have a diameter such that the consumable may be securely secured therein with a press fit. The air inlet may be provided as a groove in the recess.

[0017] Induction coils can have varying pitches. The pitch of a coil refers to the separation distance between the individual windings of the coil. A higher pitch (where the distance between the windings is smaller) may result in a stronger magnetic field. A lower pitch (where the distance between the windings is larger) may result in a weaker magnetic field. Different magnetic field strengths lead to different eddy currents in adjacent parts of the heating element, resulting in different temperatures. Therefore, during operation of the induction heater, varying pitches can cause temperature gradients in the heating element.

[0018] The second housing portion can be configured such that a first end of the second housing portion can be connected to the first housing portion, or a second end opposite the first end can be connected to the first housing portion. In other words, the second housing portion can be configured such that the second housing portion can be attached to the first housing portion in two opposing orientations. The second housing portion can be attached to the first housing portion at either end. If coils with varying spacing are provided in the second housing portion, the heating gradient generated in the heating element during operation of the induction heater can vary. The heating gradient can depend on the orientation of the second housing portion. Depending on the orientation of the second housing portion and the induction coil, the tip of the heating element can be heated to a higher temperature than the base of the heating element, and vice versa.

[0019] The second housing portion may include at least two independent induction coils with different heating characteristics. The independent coils may be provided with separate contact terminals. The first terminal of the first induction coil may be located at the first end of the second housing portion. The second terminal of the second induction coil may be located at the second end of the second housing portion. The first housing portion may include corresponding contact terminals. In this way, if the first end of the second housing portion is connected to the first housing portion, the first induction coil can be connected to a power source. If the second end of the second housing portion is connected to the first housing portion, the second induction coil can be connected to a power source. The terminals for transferring electrical energy from the battery to the induction coils may be configured as electrical contacts. Electrical energy may also be transferred inductively. If electrical energy is transferred inductively to the first or second induction coils, the first housing portion may include a male protrusion that can be inserted into corresponding female portions at the first and second ends of the second housing portion. The first housing portion may include an excitation coil, and the second housing portion may include a corresponding coil for transferring electrical energy. The excitation coil may be arranged in the male protrusion of the first housing portion, and the corresponding coil may be arranged to surround the excitation coil in the second housing portion. Alternatively, the second housing portion may include a male protrusion and the first housing portion may include a corresponding female portion. If only one induction coil is used in the second housing part, the second housing part may only include a single terminal for transferring electrical energy.By reversing the orientation of the second housing part, either the first induction coil or the second induction coil can be used in the induction heater.

[0020] The induction coils can have different pitches or be made of different materials. Consequently, the induction coils can have different heating characteristics. For example, a first induction coil can be made of a material with a lower electrical resistance than the material used to make the second induction coil. Consequently, if the first induction coil is used during operation of the induction heater, the heating element can be heated to a higher temperature.

[0021] When the first and second housing portions are arranged in the first position, the heating element can extend substantially halfway through the second housing portion. The heating element can be arranged within the first portion of the induction coil. Thus, the heating element can be heated depending on the heating characteristics of this portion of the induction coil. For example, if an induction coil with varying pitch is used, attaching the second housing portion to the first end will cause a portion of the induction coil to wrap around the heating element at a first pitch. Attaching the second housing portion to the second end will cause a portion of the induction coil to wrap around the heating element at a second pitch. Consequently, the heating element heats to different temperatures depending on the varying pitch of the induction coil and the orientation of the second housing portion relative to the first housing portion.

[0022] If two induction coils are used, extending the heating element through half of the second housing portion results in either the first induction coil or the second induction coil surrounding the heating element, depending on which end of the second housing portion is connected to the first housing portion. In this regard, the first induction coil and the second induction coil can be arranged in the second housing portion such that the first induction coil can be arranged substantially around the first half of the second housing portion, adjacent to the first end. The second induction coil can be arranged substantially around the second half of the second housing portion, adjacent to the second end.

[0023] The first housing portion and the second housing portion can be hingedly, preferably pivotally, connected to each other (preferably via a pin) such that the housing portions can be moved from a first position to a second position. According to this aspect, the housing portions can be tightly connected to each other. The connection can be designed such that the position of the housing portions can be changed from the first position to the second position, and vice versa.

[0024] The first housing portion of the device may include a controller. The controller may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The controller may include other electronic components. The controller may be configured to regulate the power supplied to the induction heater. Power may be supplied to the induction heater continuously after the device is activated, or may be supplied intermittently, such as on a per-port basis. Power may be supplied to the induction heater in the form of current pulses.

[0025] The device may include a power source for the first housing portion, typically a battery. Alternatively, the power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may require recharging and may have a capacity to store sufficient energy for one or more puffs; for example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to allow continuous aerosol generation for a period of approximately six minutes, or for multiples of six minutes. In another example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to allow a predetermined number of puffs or discrete activations of the induction heater.

[0026] The consumable product may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenized tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aerosol-forming agent. The aerosol-forming substrate preferably comprises a homogenized tobacco material, an aerosol-forming agent, and water. Providing a homogenized tobacco material can improve aerosol generation, nicotine content, and flavor characteristics of the aerosol generated during the heating of the aerosol-generating article. Specifically, the process for making homogenized tobacco involves grinding tobacco leaves, which more effectively achieves the release of nicotine and flavor when heated.

[0027] The induction heater may be triggered by a puff detection system. Alternatively, the induction heater may be triggered by pressing an on / off button for the duration the user takes a puff.

[0028] The puff detection system may be provided as a sensor, which may be configured as an airflow sensor and may measure airflow rate. Airflow rate is a parameter that characterizes the amount of air drawn through the airflow path of the aerosol generating device each time a user puffs. The airflow sensor may detect the initiation of a puff when the airflow exceeds a predetermined threshold. The initiation may also be detected when the user activates a button.

[0029] The sensor may also be configured as a pressure sensor to measure the pressure of air within the aerosol generating device, which is inhaled by a user through the airflow path of the device during a puff.

[0030] The aerosol generating device and consumables described above may be electrically operated smoking systems. Preferably, the aerosol generating system is portable. The aerosol generating system may have dimensions comparable to a conventional cigar or cigarette. The smoking system may have a total length between about 30 mm and about 150 mm. The smoking system may have an outer diameter between about 5 mm and about 30 mm.

[0031] The present invention also relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device as described above. The system further comprises an aerosol-generating article, such as a consumable article. The aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-forming substrate and is configured to be inserted into the second housing part. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The present invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 A conventional induction heater is shown;

[0034] Figure 2 An embodiment of an aerosol generating device having separate first and second housing parts is shown;

[0035] Figure 3 An induction heater according to the invention is shown having a base section;

[0036] Figure 4 shows an exemplary cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device with different air inlets;

[0037] Figure 5 Different embodiments of the induction coil of the induction heater are shown;

[0038] Figure 6 An aerosol generating device having two oppositely oriented second housing parts is shown;

[0039] Figure 7 showing a pivotable connection between the first housing portion and the second housing portion; and

[0040] Figure 8 Shown Figure 7 A detachable heating element in an aerosol generating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Figure 1 There is shown a conventional induction heater 10 having an elongate heating element 12 disposed within an induction coil 14. The elongate heating element 12 has a tapered tip for facilitating insertion of a consumable product.

[0042] Figure 2 An aerosol generating device 16 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 2 Figure a in Figure 1 shows two housing parts: a first housing part 18 and a second housing part 20. The first housing part 18 includes a battery and a controller for controlling the flow of electrical energy from the battery to the induction heater 22. In order to activate the induction heater 22, a button 24 is provided. The induction heater 22 is arranged between the first housing part 18 and the second housing part 20. The first housing part 18 and the second housing part 20 and the induction heater 22 are provided as separate components. The induction heater 22 includes a heating element 26 having a tapered tip 28 and a base section 30. The induction heater 22 also includes an induction coil, which is arranged inside the second housing part 20 and is therefore Figure 2 The heating element 26 of the induction heater 22 is made of an electrically conductive material. The base section 30 is made of a thermally insulating and non-conductive material.

[0043] Figure 2 FIG. b in FIG. 2 shows the induction heater 22 inserted into a recess in the second housing part 20. In the recess of the second housing part 20, a rim section 32 is provided. The base section 30 of the induction heater 22 has a disc shape so that the base section 30 abuts the rim section 32 of the second housing part 20. The base section 30 also has holes or orifices for drawing air through the base section 30.

[0044] Figure 2 Figure c in Figure 1 shows the first housing part 18 and the second housing part 20 and the induction heater 22 connected and arranged in a first position so that the aerosol generating device 16 is ready for use. Figure 2 In Figures a and b, the first housing portion 18 and the second housing portion 20 are separated from each other in a second position, so that the heating element 26 is accessible. In the second position, the heating element 26 is accessible for cleaning or replacement.

[0045] exist Figure 3 In Figure a, a heating element 26 and a base section 30 are shown. The heating element 26 includes a tapered tip 28 so that consumables can be pushed over the heating element 26. Figure 3 The right side of Figure 3 FIG. 2 b shows an induction coil 36 arranged around the heating element 26. The induction coil 36 is arranged in a cavity of the second housing portion 20 to protect the induction coil 36 from external damage and contamination.

[0046] Figure 4 Shown is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device 16. In the first housing portion 18, a battery 40 and a controller 42 are depicted. Figure 4 FIG. 1 a shows that the first housing portion 18 and the second housing portion 20 and the induction heater 22 are connected and arranged in a first position. Figure 4 FIG. 2 b shows an air inlet 44 at a side surface of the first housing portion 18 so that ambient air can be drawn in through the air inlet 44 by a user drawing suction on the consumable 38. Air flow is indicated by arrows. Air can be drawn in through the air inlet 44 and directed over the heating element 26. Figure 4 Figure c in Figure 3 shows an embodiment with a different air inlet 46, which is arranged between the consumable 38 and the recess of the second housing element 20. In this embodiment, the air inlet 46 is provided as a recess so that air can be drawn between the consumable 38 of the device and the recess, while the consumable 38 is securely held in the recess.

[0047] exist Figure 5 In FIG. 3 , different embodiments of the induction coils 36.1 and 36.2 are depicted. Figures 2 to 4As described above in the context of FIG, two induction coils 36.1, 36.2 can replace the single induction coil 36. Figure 5 FIG. a shows two induction coils 36.1 and 36.2 arranged in the second housing part 20. The two induction coils 36.1 and 36.2 can basically be arranged in the corresponding halves of the second housing part 20. The heating element 26 can have a certain length so that when inserted into the second housing part 20, the heating element 26 is surrounded by one of the induction coils 36.1 and 36.2. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. a , the two induction coils 36 . 1 and 36 . 2 may have different spacings. Figure 5 Graph b in FIG shows a single induction coil with a varying pitch, such that two induction zones 36.1, 36.2 are provided. The heating element 26 may have a length such that the heating element 26 may be arranged within one of the induction zones 36.1, 36.2. Figure 5 Figure c in FIG shows two induction coils 36.1 and 36.2 made of different materials. Figure 5 In all the embodiments shown, the magnetic field generated by the induction coils 36.1, 36.2 or induction zones 36.1, 36.2 is varied by the different properties of the coils / zones 36.1, 36.2, respectively. This results in different heating of the heating element 26, depending on the coils / zones 36.1, 36.2 surrounding the heating element 26.

[0048] Figure 6 The second housing portion 20 is shown configured to be attached to the first housing portion 18 in two opposing orientations. The heating element 26 is shown as being integrally connected to the first housing portion 18. However, as previously described, the heating element 26 may also be provided with a base section 30 and a separate element. Figure 6 In FIG. a, the second housing part 20 is connected to the first housing part 18. In the second housing part 20, two induction coils 36.1, 36.2 with varying spacing are arranged. Figure 6 FIG. 1 a shows second housing part 20 connected to first housing part 18 so that induction coil 36 . 1 is arranged with a high spacing adjacent to first end 48 of second housing part 20 . Second housing part 20 includes corresponding contact terminals at first end 48 so that induction coil 36 . 1 and only induction coil 36 . 1 can be connected to battery 40 .

[0049] Figure 6 FIG. b in FIG. 1 shows the second housing part 20 separated from the first housing part 18. The orientation of the second housing part 20 is reversed so that the second end 50 of the second housing part 20 now faces the first housing part 18. An induction coil 36.2 is arranged adjacent to the second end 50 of the second housing part 20 at a low distance. Figure 6In FIG. 3 c, second end 50 of second housing portion 20 is connected to first housing portion 18. Second housing portion 20 includes corresponding contact terminals at second end 50 for connecting induction coil 36.2, and only induction coil 36.2, to battery 40. Corresponding contact terminals are provided on first housing portion 18. The length of heating element 26 extends substantially halfway through second housing portion 20. In this way, the heating pattern can be varied by reversing the orientation of second housing portion 20. Figure 5 All embodiments of the induction coil 36 shown in FIG. Figure 6 It is adopted in.

[0050] Figure 7 An embodiment is shown in which the first housing portion 18 and the second housing portion 20 are tightly connected to each other and cannot be completely separated from each other. To access the heating element 26, the first housing portion 18 and the second housing portion 20 can be pivoted from a first position to a second position. A pin 52 is depicted connecting the first housing portion 18 and the second housing portion 20 and enabling the first housing portion 18 and the second housing portion 20 to pivot relative to each other. Figure 7 FIG. a in FIG. 5 shows an aperture 54 for inserting the heating element 26 into the recess of the second housing portion 20. As described above, the induction heater 22 may include a base section 30 for abutting a rim section 32 provided in the second housing portion 20. Figure 7 In the figure a in FIG, the edge section 32 is drawn wider than in the previous figure. However, the function of the edge section 32 remains unchanged.

[0051] Figure 8 Show Figure 7 The induction heater 22 including the heating element 26 and the base section 30 is shown as being insertable into the aperture 54 of the second housing portion 20. Figure 8 In Figure a, the heating element 26 has not yet been inserted into the opening 54 of the second housing portion 20. Figure 8 In Figure b, the heating element 26 has been inserted into the aperture 54 of the second housing part 20. Thereafter, the second housing part 20 can be pivoted from the second position to the first position and the aerosol generating device 16 can be ready for operation.

[0052] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described. The skilled person understands that features described in the context of different embodiments may be combined with each other within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device comprising: an induction heater for heating an aerosol-forming substrate, the induction heater comprising an induction coil and a heating element, wherein the heating element is arrangeable within the induction coil, It is characterized by: The induction coils have a varying pitch, wherein the induction coils having a varying pitch provide two induction zones.

2. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the heating element comprises a base section and a heating section.

3. An aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein the base section is made of a thermally insulating material.

4. An aerosol generating device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the base section is made of an electrically insulating material.

5. An aerosol generating device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the base section comprises an aperture to allow air to be drawn through the base section.

6. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heating element has an elongate shape.

7. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the length of the heating element is the same as the longitudinal extent of the induction coil.

8. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heating element is solid and the induction coil has a helical shape.

9. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the induction coil comprises contact terminals.

10. An aerosol generating device according to claim 9, wherein the contact terminals allow AC current to flow from a power source through the induction coil.

11. An aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein the AC current supplied to the induction coil is a high frequency AC current.

12. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the induction coil and the heating element are made of electrically conductive material.

13. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heating element and the induction coil have circular, elliptical or polygonal cross-sections.

14. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the entire housing of the aerosol-generating device is made of a non-conductive material.

15. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein during operation of the induction heater, the varying pitch of the induction coil results in a temperature gradient in the heating element.

16. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein during operation of the induction heater, the generated magnetic field varies due to the different characteristics of the two induction regions.

17. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 comprising a single induction coil.

18. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1 having a housing comprising a first housing portion and a second housing portion.

19. An aerosol generating device according to claim 18, wherein the first shell part includes a power supply for supplying power to the induction coil of the induction heater, and a controller for controlling the power supply from the power supply to the induction coil of the induction heater, and the second shell part includes the induction coil of the induction heater and is configured to receive a consumable containing an aerosol-forming substrate.

20. An aerosol generating device according to claim 19, wherein the first housing portion and the second housing portion are configured to be arranged in a first position and a second position.

21. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the first housing part and the second housing part are movable between a first position and a second position.

22. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the heating element comprises a base section and a heating section, and wherein the base section of the heating element is configured to align with an inner edge section of the second housing portion.

23. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the second housing portion has a cylindrical hollow shape forming a recess into which a consumable product may be inserted.

24. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the heating element is arranged along the longitudinal axis of the second housing part.

25. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the induction coil is arranged in a cavity of the second housing part.

26. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the induction heater is triggered by a puff detection system, or the induction heater is triggered by pressing an on / off button for the duration of a user's puff.

27. An aerosol generating device according to claim 26, wherein the puff detection system is provided as a sensor.

28. An aerosol generating device according to claim 27, wherein the sensor is configured as an airflow sensor and measures airflow rate.

29. An aerosol generating device according to claim 27, wherein the sensor is configured as a pressure sensor to measure the pressure of air within the aerosol generating device, the air being inhaled by a user through the airflow path of the aerosol generating device during a puff.

30. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 12, wherein the induction coil and the heating element are made of metal.

31. An aerosol generating system comprising: An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 30; as well as aerosol-generating products, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-forming substrate.

32. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 31 , wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises homogenised tobacco material.

33. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 31 or 32, wherein the aerosol-generating article is a consumable.

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