Aerosol delivery device

Abstract

Aerosol delivery devices are disclosed herein. In one aspect, an aerosol delivery device may include a control body, a heating member, a control component, a power source, and a removable aerosol source member including an inhalable substance medium, the aerosol source member configured to be inserted into an inhalable substance and defining a heating end and a mouth end, the heating end is configured to be positioned adjacent the heating member when inserted into the control body. In some embodiments, the heating member may include a base heating member and a substrate heating member, where the base heating member is located in the control body and the substrate heating member is located in the aerosol source member. In some embodiments, the heating member may include a flexible heating member surrounding a heating cartridge located within a portion of the mating end of the control body.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an invention patent application with an international application date of March 7, 2019, an international application number of PCT / IB2019 / 051867, an application number of 201980030805.1 entering the Chinese national phase, and the name of the invention patent application being “Electronic Heated Heat-Not-Burn Smoking Products”. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery articles and their use in producing tobacco compositions or other materials in an inhalable form. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices and systems, such as smoking articles, that utilize electrically generated heat to heat tobacco or tobacco-derived materials, preferably without significant combustion, to provide an inhalable substance in an aerosol form for human consumption. Background Art

[0003] In recent years, many smoking articles have been proposed as improvements or alternatives to smoking products based on burning tobacco. Exemplary alternatives have included devices in which solid or liquid fuels are burned to transfer heat to the tobacco, or in which chemical reactions are used to provide such heat sources. Examples include the smoking articles described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,078,473 to Worm et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] The purpose of the improvement or alternative of smoking articles is usually to provide the feeling related to cigarette, cigar or pipe smoking, without transmitting a large amount of incomplete combustion and pyrolysis products. For this reason, it has been proposed to adopt electric energy to evaporate or heat volatile materials or to attempt to provide the feeling of smoking cigarettes, cigars or pipes without burning tobacco to a significant degree of many cigarette products, flavor generators and medicated inhalers. For example, referring to the various alternative smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices and heating sources described in the background technology described in the U.S. Patent No. 7,726,320 and the U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0255702 of Griffith Jr. et al. and the U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0096781 of Sears et al., the above-mentioned document is incorporated herein by reference. For example, it can also be referred to the various types of smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices and electric heating sources in the U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0216232 of Bless et al., which refer to the reference trademark name and commercial source, and the full text is incorporated herein by reference. Additional types of smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices, and electrically powered heat sources are listed by reference to trade names and commercial sources in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0245659 to DePiano et al., which is also incorporated herein by reference.Other representative cigarettes or smoking articles that have been described and in some cases are commercially available include those described in: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,735,217 to Gerth et al.; 4,922,901, 4,947,874, and 4,947,875 to Brooks et al.; 5,060,671 to Counts et al.; 5,249,586 to Morgan et al.; 5,336,691 to Counts et al.; 5,413,673 to Counts et al.; 5,613,693 to Counts et al. U.S. Patent No. 5,388,594; U.S. Patent No. 5,666,977 to Higgins et al.; U.S. Patent No. 6,053,176 to Adams et al.; U.S. Patent No. 6,164,287 to White; U.S. Patent No. 6,196,218 to Voges; U.S. Patent No. 6,810,883 to Fleter et al.; U.S. Patent No. 6,854,461 to Nichols; U.S. Patent No. 7,832 to Hon ,410; U.S. Patent No. 7,513,253 to Kobayashi; U.S. Patent No. 7,896,006 to Hamano; U.S. Patent No. 6,772,756 to Shayan; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0095311 to Hon; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2006 / 0196518, 2009 / 0126745, and 2009 / 0188490 to Hon; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. Thorens et al. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0272379 to Monsees et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2009 / 0260641 and 2009 / 0260642 to Monsees et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2008 / 0149118 and 2010 / 0024834 to Oglesby et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0307518 to Wang; and PCT Patent Application Publication WO2010 / 091593 to Hon, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0005] Representative products that have many attributes similar to conventional types of cigarettes, cigars or pipes are marketed under the following brand names: ALPHA sold by InnoVapor LLC TM 、JOYE 510 TM and M4 TM ; CIRRUS sold by White Cloud Cigarettes TM and FLINGTM ; BLU sold by FontemVentures BV TM ;Depend on International Co., Ltd. COHITA sold by International Inc. TM 、COLIBRI TM ,ELITE CLASSIC TM 、MAGNUM TM PHANTOM TM and SENSE TM ; DUOPRO sold by Electronic Cigarettes, Inc. TM 、STORM TM and EGAR sold by Egar Australia TM ; eGo-C sold by Joyetech TM and eGo-T TM ; ELUSION sold by Elusion UK Ltd TM ; Sold by Eonsmoke LLC FINTM sold by FIN Branding Group, LLC; FINTM sold by GreenSmoke Inc. USA GREENARETTE sold by Greenarette LLC TM ; by SMOKE HALLIGAN FOR SALE TM 、HENDU TM 、JET TM , MAXXQ TM PINK TM and PITBULL TM ; HEATBAR sold by Philip Morris International, Inc. TM ; HYDRO IMPERIAL sold by Crown7 TM LOGIC sold by LOGIC Technology TMand THE CUBAN TM ; sold by Luciano Smokes Inc. Sold by Nicotek, LLC Sold by Sottera, Inc. and ONEJOY TM ; NO.7 sold by SS Choice LLC TM ;PREMIUM ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE sold by PremiumEstore LLC TM ; RAPP E-MYSTICK sold by Ruyan America, Inc. TM ; RED DRAGON sold by RedDragon Products, LLC TM ; Sold by Ruyan Group (Holdings) Ltd. Sold by Smoker Friendly International, LLC GREEN SMART sold by The Smart Smoking Electronic Cigarette Company Ltd. SMOKE sold by Coastline Products LLC SMOKING sold by Smoking Everywhere, Inc. V2CIGS sold by VMR Products LLC TM ; VAPOR NINE sold by VaporNine LLC TM ; Sold by Vapor 4Life, Inc. VEPPO sold by E-CigaretteDirect, LLC TM; Provided by RJReynolds Vapor Mistic Menthol, sold by Mistic Ecigs; and Vype, sold by CN Creative Ltd. Other powered aerosol delivery devices, particularly those that have been referred to as so-called electronic cigarettes, have been sold under the following trade names: COOLERVISIONS TM ;DIRECT E-CIG TM ;DRAGONFLY TM ;EMIST TM ;EVERSMOKE TM ; HYBRIDFLAME TM ;KNIGHT STICKS TM ; ROYAL BLUES TM ; SOUTH BEACH SMOKE TM ; IQOS, sold by Philip Morris International TM ; and GLO sold by British American Tobacco TM .

[0006] Articles that produce the taste and sensation of smoking by electrically heating tobacco or tobacco-derived materials suffer from inconsistent performance characteristics. In many cases, electrically heated smoking devices are further limited by the need for large capacity batteries. It is therefore desirable to provide a smoking article that can provide the sensation of drawing on a cigarette, cigar, or pipe without significant combustion, and do so with enhanced performance characteristics. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present disclosure provides an aerosol delivery device configured to generate an inhalable substance.The present disclosure includes, but is not limited to, the following exemplary embodiments.

[0008] Exemplary embodiment 1: An aerosol delivery device configured to generate an inhalable substance, the aerosol delivery device comprising: a substantially tubular control body having a closed distal end and an open mating end; a heating member; a control component located within the control body and configured to control the heating member; a power source located within the control body and configured to provide power to the control component; and a substantially cylindrical removable aerosol source component, the aerosol source component comprising an inhalable substance medium, the aerosol source component configured to be inserted into the control body A heating end and a mouth end are defined in the mating end, and when inserted into the control body, the heating end is configured to be positioned near the heating component, and the mouth end is configured to extend beyond the mating end of the control body, wherein the heating component is configured to provide heat to at least a portion of the aerosol source component to form an inhalable aerosol, which is configured to be inhaled through the aerosol source component in response to inhalation applied to the mouth end of the inhalable substance medium, and wherein the heating component includes a flexible heating component that surrounds a heating cylinder located within a portion of the mating end of the control body.

[0009] Exemplary embodiment 2: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein at least a portion of the heating member is in direct contact with the inhalable substance medium.

[0010] Exemplary embodiment 3: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the control component is configured to provide an operating current in a range of or between about 2.5 amps to about 10 amps.

[0011] Exemplary embodiment 4: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the control component is configured to provide a power efficiency of up to about 96%.

[0012] Exemplary embodiment 5: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the control component is configured to establish a time to reach temperature of less than about 10 seconds.

[0013] Exemplary embodiment 6: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the inhalable substance medium comprises tobacco or tobacco-derived material.

[0014] Exemplary embodiment 7: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein at least a portion of the inhalable substance medium includes at least one of tobacco beads, tobacco shreds, tobacco rods, reconstituted tobacco material sheets, and tobacco casting sheets.

[0015] Exemplary embodiment 8: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the preceding exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein at least a portion of the inhalable substance medium comprises an extruded structure (with or without a central opening) comprising tobacco or tobacco-derived material.

[0016] Exemplary embodiment 9: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the aerosol source member comprises an outer packaging of paper material surrounding the inhalable substance medium.

[0017] Exemplary embodiment 10: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the aerosol source member comprises a filter material located near the mouth end of the aerosol source member.

[0018] Exemplary embodiment 11: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the mouth end of the aerosol source member is partially blocked.

[0019] Exemplary embodiment 12: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the control body further comprises one or more ventilation openings configured to allow ambient air to enter the control body.

[0020] Exemplary Embodiment 13: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, further comprising a puff-actuated switch that activates current from the power source to the heating member.

[0021] Exemplary embodiment 14: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, further comprising a manually operated button that activates current flow from the power source to the heating member.

[0022] Exemplary embodiment 15: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the power source comprises a battery.

[0023] Exemplary embodiment 16: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, further comprising a current regulating component configured to regulate a previously activated current from the power source to the heating member.

[0024] Exemplary Embodiment 17: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the current regulating component comprises a time-based component.

[0025] Exemplary embodiment 18: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the current regulating component is configured to stop the flow of current to the electrical heating element once a defined temperature is reached.

[0026] Exemplary embodiment 19: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein the current regulating component is configured to cycle the current flowing to the electric heating component off and on once a defined temperature is reached, thereby maintaining the defined temperature for a defined period of time.

[0027] Exemplary embodiment 20: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein the aerosol source component defines an outer surface and the fluid channel along the length of the aerosol source component is substantially confined to the channel within the aerosol source component.

[0028] Exemplary embodiment 21: An aerosol delivery device configured to produce an inhalable substance, the aerosol delivery device comprising a substantially tubular control body having a closed distal end and an open mating end; a heating component; a control component located within the control body and configured to control the heating component; a power source located within the control body and configured to provide power to the control component; and a substantially cylindrical removable aerosol source component, the aerosol source component comprising an inhalable substance medium, the aerosol source component being configured to be inserted into the mating end of the control body and defining a heating end and a mouth end, and when inserted When inserted into the control body, the heating end is configured to be positioned near the heating component and the mouth end is configured to extend beyond the mating end of the control body, wherein the heating component is configured to provide heat to at least a portion of the aerosol source component to form an inhalable aerosol, the aerosol is configured to be inhaled through the aerosol source component in response to inhalation applied to the mouth end of the inhalable substance medium, and the heating component includes a base heating component and a substrate heating component, wherein the base heating component is located in the control body and the substrate heating component is located in the aerosol source component, and wherein the base heating component is configured to transfer heat to the substrate heating component.

[0029] Exemplary Embodiment 22: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein at least a portion of the heating member is in direct contact with the inhalable substance medium.

[0030] Exemplary Embodiment 23: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the control component is configured to provide an operating current in a range of or between about 2.5 amps to about 10 amps.

[0031] Exemplary Embodiment 24: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the control component is configured to provide a power efficiency of up to about 96%.

[0032] Exemplary Embodiment 25: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the control component is configured to establish a time to reach temperature of less than about 10 seconds.

[0033] Exemplary Embodiment 26: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the inhalable substance medium comprises tobacco or tobacco-derived material.

[0034] Exemplary embodiment 27: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the preceding exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein at least a portion of the inhalable substance medium includes at least one of tobacco beads, tobacco shreds, tobacco rods, reconstituted tobacco material sheets, and tobacco casting sheets.

[0035] Exemplary embodiment 28: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the preceding exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein at least a portion of the inhalable substance medium comprises an extruded structure (with or without a central opening) comprising tobacco or tobacco-derived material.

[0036] Exemplary embodiment 29: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the aerosol source member comprises an outer packaging of paper material surrounding the inhalable substance medium.

[0037] Exemplary embodiment 30: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the aerosol source member comprises a filter material located near the mouth end of the aerosol source member.

[0038] Exemplary Embodiment 31: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the mouth end of the aerosol source member is partially blocked.

[0039] Exemplary Embodiment 32: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the control body further comprises one or more ventilation openings configured to allow ambient air to enter the control body.

[0040] Exemplary Embodiment 33: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, further comprising a puff-actuated switch that activates current from the power source to the heating member.

[0041] Exemplary Embodiment 34: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, further comprising a manually operable button that activates current flow from the power source to the heating member.

[0042] Exemplary Embodiment 35: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the power source comprises a battery.

[0043] Exemplary Embodiment 36: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, further comprising a current regulating component configured to regulate a previously activated current from the power source to the heating member.

[0044] Exemplary Embodiment 37: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the current regulating component comprises a time-based component.

[0045] Exemplary Embodiment 38: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the current regulating component is configured to stop the flow of current to the electrical heating element once a defined temperature is reached.

[0046] Exemplary embodiment 39: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein the current regulating component is configured to cycle the current flowing to the electric heating component off and on once a defined temperature is reached, thereby maintaining the defined temperature for a defined period of time.

[0047] Exemplary embodiment 40: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein the aerosol source member defines an outer surface and the fluid passage along the length of the aerosol source member is substantially confined to the passage within the aerosol source member.

[0048] Exemplary embodiment 41: An aerosol delivery device configured to produce an inhalable substance, the aerosol delivery device comprising: a substantially tubular control body having a closed distal end and an open mating end; a heating member; a control component located within the control body and configured to control the heating member; a power source located within the control body and configured to provide power to the control member; and a substantially cylindrical removable aerosol source member, the aerosol source member comprising an inhalable substance medium, the inhalable substance medium being configured to be inserted into the mating end of the control body and defining a heating end and a mouth end, wherein when inserted into the control body, the heating end is configured to be positioned near the heating member and the mouth end is configured to extend beyond the mating end of the control body, wherein the heating member is configured to provide heat to at least a portion of the aerosol source member to form an inhalable aerosol, the aerosol being configured to be inhaled through the aerosol source member in response to inhalation applied to the mouth end of the inhalable substance medium, and the heating member comprising a plurality of heater tines extending into at least a portion of the mating end of the control body.

[0049] Exemplary Embodiment 42: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein at least a portion of the heating member is in direct contact with the inhalable substance medium.

[0050] Exemplary Embodiment 43: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the control component is configured to provide an operating current in a range of or between about 2.5 amps to about 10 amps.

[0051] Exemplary Embodiment 44: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the control component is configured to provide a power efficiency of up to about 96%.

[0052] Exemplary Embodiment 45: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the control component is configured to establish a time to reach temperature of less than about 10 seconds.

[0053] Exemplary Embodiment 46: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the inhalable substance medium comprises tobacco or tobacco-derived material.

[0054] Exemplary embodiment 47: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the preceding exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein at least a portion of the inhalable substance medium includes at least one of tobacco beads, tobacco shreds, tobacco rods, reconstituted tobacco material sheets, and tobacco casting sheets.

[0055] Exemplary embodiment 48: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the preceding exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein at least a portion of the inhalable substance medium comprises an extruded structure (with or without a central opening) comprising tobacco or tobacco-derived material.

[0056] Exemplary Embodiment 49: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the aerosol source member comprises an outer packaging of paper material surrounding the inhalable substance medium.

[0057] Exemplary embodiment 50: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the aerosol source member comprises a filter material located near the mouth end of the aerosol source member.

[0058] Exemplary Embodiment 51: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the mouth end of the aerosol source member is partially blocked.

[0059] Exemplary Embodiment 52: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the control body further comprises one or more ventilation openings configured to allow ambient air to enter the control body.

[0060] Exemplary Embodiment 53: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, further comprising a puff-actuated switch that activates current from the power source to the heating member.

[0061] Exemplary Embodiment 54: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, further comprising a manually operable button that activates current flow from the power source to the heating member.

[0062] Exemplary embodiment 55: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the power source comprises a battery.

[0063] Exemplary embodiment 56: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, further comprising a current regulating component configured to regulate a previously activated current from the power source to the heating member.

[0064] Exemplary Embodiment 57: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the current regulating component comprises a time-based component.

[0065] Exemplary embodiment 58: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the current regulating component is configured to stop the flow of current to the electrical heating element once a defined temperature is reached.

[0066] Exemplary embodiment 59: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein the current regulating component is configured to cycle the current flowing to the electric heating component off and on once a defined temperature is reached, thereby maintaining the defined temperature for a defined period of time.

[0067] Exemplary embodiment 60: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein the aerosol source component defines an outer surface and the fluid channel along the length of the aerosol source component is substantially confined to the channel within the aerosol source component.

[0068] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings which are briefly described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0069] Having generally described the present disclosure in the foregoing, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which:

[0070] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an aerosol delivery device including a control body and an aerosol source member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the aerosol source member and the control body are coupled to each other;

[0071] Figure 2 The exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 1 A perspective view of an aerosol delivery device, wherein the aerosol source component and the control body are separated from each other;

[0072] Figure 3 shows a front schematic view of an aerosol delivery device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0073] Figure 4 Shown through Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an aerosol delivery device;

[0074] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an aerosol delivery device including a control body and an aerosol source member according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the aerosol source member and the control body are coupled to each other;

[0075] Figure 6 The exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 5 A perspective view of an aerosol delivery device, wherein the aerosol source component and the control body are separated from each other;

[0076] Figure 7 shows a front schematic view of an aerosol delivery device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0077] Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of an aerosol delivery device;

[0078] Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of an aerosol delivery device including a control body and an aerosol source member according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the aerosol source member and the control body are coupled to each other;

[0079] Fig.10 The exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig. 9 A perspective view of an aerosol delivery device, wherein the aerosol source component and the control body are separated from each other;

[0080] Fig.11 shows a front schematic view of a support cylinder according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0081] Fig.12 Shows Fig.11 A cross-sectional view of a support cylinder;

[0082] Fig.13 shows a top view of a heating member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0083] Fig.14 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig.13 a perspective view of a heating assembly of a heating member; and

[0084] Fig.15 Depicted are circuit diagrams of aerosol delivery devices according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0085] The present disclosure will now be described more fully below with reference to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The description of these exemplary embodiments makes the present disclosure detailed and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. In fact, the present disclosure can be implemented in many forms and should not be understood as being limited to the various embodiments described herein; on the contrary, these embodiments are proposed so that the disclosure will meet applicable legal requirements. The singular forms "one", "one / kind", "the" and similar terms used in this specification and the appended claims include indications of the plural, unless otherwise clearly stated in the text. Moreover, although quantitative measurements, numerical values, geometric relationships, etc. may be referred to herein, unless otherwise stated, any of these, or if not all, may be absolute or approximate, to take into account acceptable changes that may occur, such as those caused by engineering tolerances, etc.

[0086] As described below, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to aerosol delivery devices. Aerosol delivery devices according to the present disclosure use electrical energy to heat a material (preferably without burning the material to any significant extent) to form an inhalable substance; components of such a system are in the form of an article, most preferably, the article is compact enough to be considered a handheld device. That is, the aerosol is primarily derived from the generation of smoke from the byproducts of the combustion or pyrolysis of tobacco, in the sense that the use of the components of the preferred aerosol delivery device does not result in the generation of smoke, but rather the use of those preferred systems results in the generation of vapor, which is caused by the volatilization or evaporation of certain components therein. In some exemplary embodiments, the components of the aerosol delivery device can be characterized as an electronic cigarette, and those electronic cigarettes most preferably contain tobacco and / or components derived from tobacco, and thus deliver tobacco-derived components in the form of an aerosol.

[0087] The aerosol-generating member of certain preferred aerosol delivery devices can provide many of the sensations of smoking a cigarette, cigar, or pipe (e.g., the inhalation and exhalation habits, the types of flavors or aromas, the sensory effects, the physical sensations, the usage habits, the visual cues provided by the visible aerosol, etc.), without burning any of the components therein to a significant degree. For example, a user of the aerosol-generating member of the present disclosure can hold and use the article as a smoker would use a conventional type of smoking article, inhale on one end of the article to inhale the aerosol generated by the article, and take puffs or inhales at selected time intervals, etc.

[0088] Although the system is generally described herein in terms of embodiments associated with an aerosol delivery device such as a so-called "electronic cigarette" or "tobacco heating product," it should be understood that the mechanisms, components, features, and methods may be implemented in many different forms and associated with a variety of different products. For example, the description provided herein may be used in conjunction with embodiments of traditional smoking articles (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, pipes, etc.), heat-not-burn cigarettes, and related packaging for any product disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the mechanisms, components, features, and methods disclosed herein are discussed merely by way of example in terms of embodiments associated with an aerosol delivery device, and may be implemented and used in a variety of other products and methods.

[0089] The aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure can also be characterized as a steam-generating product or a medicament delivery product. Therefore, this product or device can be modified to provide one or more substances (for example, fragrance and / or active pharmaceutical ingredients) in an inhalable form or state. For example, an inhalable substance can be in the form of a vapor (that is, a substance in a gas phase at a temperature below the critical point). Alternatively, an inhalable substance can be in the form of an aerosol (that is, a suspension of fine solid particles or droplets in a gas). For the purpose of simplification, the term "aerosol" used herein is intended to include steam, gas or aerosol in a form or type suitable for human inhalation, whether visible or not, and whether it can be considered as a smoke-like form. The physical form of the inhalable substance is not necessarily limited by the properties of the device of the present invention, but can depend on the properties of the medium and whether the inhalable substance itself exists in a vapor state or an aerosol state. In some embodiments, these terms can be interchanged. Therefore, for simplicity, unless otherwise stated, the terms used to describe the present disclosure should be understood to be interchangeable.

[0090] The aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure generally includes a plurality of components disposed within an outer body or shell, which may be referred to as a shell. The overall design of the outer body or shell may vary, and the form or construction of the outer body, which may define the overall size and shape of the aerosol delivery device, may vary. Typically, an elongated body resembling a cigarette or cigar shape may be formed by a single integral shell, or the elongated shell may be formed by two or more separable bodies. For example, the aerosol delivery device may include an elongated shell or body, which may be generally tubular in shape and thereby resemble the shape of a conventional cigarette or cigar. In one example, all of the components of the aerosol delivery device are contained within a single shell. Alternatively, the aerosol delivery device may include two or more shells that are connected and separable. For example, the aerosol delivery device may have a control body at one end, the control body including a housing for accommodating one or more reusable components (for example, a battery such as a rechargeable battery and / or a rechargeable supercapacitor, and various electronic components for controlling the operation of the product), and the smoking article may be detachably connected to an outer body or shell at the other end, the outer body or shell accommodating a disposable portion (e.g., a disposable flavored aerosol source component). More specific forms, constructions, and arrangements of components within a single-shell type unit or a multi-piece detachable shell type unit will be apparent from the further disclosure provided herein. In addition, the design and component arrangements of various aerosol delivery devices can be understood in light of commercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices.

[0091] As will be discussed in more detail below, the aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure includes a power source (i.e., a power source), at least one control component (e.g., a device for actuating, controlling, regulating, and stopping power for heating, such as by controlling the current flowing from the power source to other components of the article, such as a microprocessor alone or as part of a microcontroller), a heater or heating element (e.g., a resistive heating element or other component), and an aerosol source component including an inhalable substance medium that is capable of generating an aerosol when sufficient heat is applied. In various embodiments, the aerosol source component may include a mouth end or tip that is configured to allow inhalation on the aerosol delivery device to inhale the aerosol (e.g., a defined airflow path through the article so that the generated aerosol can be drawn out of the path during inhalation).

[0092] The alignment of the parts in the aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure can change in various embodiments.In some embodiments, the inhalable substance medium can be positioned near the heating member, so that the aerosol delivery to the user is maximized.However, other structures are not excluded.Usually, the heating member can be positioned close enough to the inhalable substance medium so that the heat from the heating member can make the inhalable substance medium (and in some embodiments, one or more spices, medicines, etc. that can be equally provided to be delivered to the user) volatilize and form an aerosol for delivering to the user.When the heating member heats the inhalable substance medium, the aerosol is formed, released or generated in a physical form suitable for the consumer to inhale.It should be noted that the aforementioned terms are intended to be interchangeable, so that the release mentioned, will release, will release or release after including formation or generation, will form or will generate, will form or will generate and after formation or generation.Specifically, inhalable substance is released in the form of steam or aerosol or a mixture of steam and aerosol, wherein, unless otherwise noted, these terms also can be used interchangeably in this article.

[0093] As described above, the aerosol delivery device of various embodiments may include a battery or other power source to provide sufficient current to provide various functions to the aerosol delivery device, such as powering the heating member, powering the control system, and powering the indicator, etc. As will be discussed in more detail below, the power source may adopt various embodiments. Preferably, the power source is capable of delivering sufficient electricity to quickly activate the heating source, thereby providing the formation of an aerosol and powering the aerosol delivery device by using it within the desired duration. The power source is preferably designed to be conveniently fitted in the aerosol delivery device so that the aerosol delivery device can be easily handled. In addition, the weight of the preferred power source is light enough to not detract from the desired smoking experience.

[0094] As described above, the aerosol delivery device may include at least one control component. Suitable control components may include multiple electronic components and may be formed by a printed circuit board (PCB) in some examples. In some examples, the electronic components include processing circuits configured to perform data processing, application execution, or other processing, control, or management services according to one or more exemplary embodiments. The processing circuit may include a processor implemented in various forms, such as at least one processor core, a microprocessor, a coprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, or various other computing or processing devices including one or more integrated circuits, such as, for example, ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), and combinations thereof. In some examples, the processing circuit may include a memory coupled to or integrated with the processor, the memory may store data, computer program instructions executable by the processor, some combination thereof, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, the control component may include one or more input / output peripherals such as a communication interface, which may be coupled to or integrated with the processing circuit to enable wireless communication with one or more networks, computing devices, or other appropriately enabled devices.

[0095] More specific forms, configurations, and arrangements of components within the disclosed aerosol delivery device will be apparent from the further disclosure provided below. In addition, the selection of various aerosol delivery device components may be understood in light of commercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices. Further, the arrangement of components within the aerosol delivery device may also be understood in light of commercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices.

[0096] in this regard, Figure 1 An aerosol delivery device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The aerosol delivery device 100 may include a control body 102 and an aerosol source member 104. In various embodiments, the aerosol source member 104 and the control body 102 can be permanently or removably aligned in a functional relationship. In this regard, Figure 1 The aerosol delivery device 100 is shown in a coupled configuration, and Figure 2 The aerosol delivery device 100 is shown in a disengaged configuration. Various mechanisms may connect the aerosol source member 104 to the control body 102 to produce a threaded fit, a press fit, an interference fit, a slide fit, a magnetic fit, and the like.

[0097] In various embodiments, an aerosol delivery device 100 according to the present disclosure may have a variety of overall shapes, including but not limited to an overall shape that may be defined as a generally rod-shaped, generally tubular, or generally cylindrical. Figure 1-4In the embodiment of the present invention, the device 100 has a substantially circular cross-section. However, the present disclosure also encompasses other cross-sectional shapes (e.g., oval, square, triangular, etc.). This language describing the physical shape of the article can also be applied to its various individual components including the control body 102 and the aerosol source member 104. In other embodiments, the control body can take another handheld shape, such as a small box shape.

[0098] In a specific embodiment, one or both of the control body 102 and the aerosol source member 104 may be referred to as disposable or reusable. For example, the control body 102 may have a replaceable battery or a rechargeable battery, a solid-state battery, a thin-film solid-state battery, a rechargeable supercapacitor, etc., and thus can be combined with any type of charging technology, including: connecting to a wall charger, connecting to a car charger (e.g., a cigarette lighter socket), and connecting to a computer such as via a universal serial bus (USB) cable or connector (e.g., USB 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, USB Type-C), connecting to a solar panel of a photovoltaic cell (sometimes referred to as a solar cell) or a solar cell, or a wireless charger such as a charger using inductive wireless charging (e.g., including wireless charging according to the Qi wireless charging standard of the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC)), or a wireless radio frequency (RF)-based charger. An example of an inductive wireless charging system is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0112196 to Sur et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Further, in some embodiments, the aerosol source component 104 can include a single-use device. A single-use component for controlling a body is disclosed in US Pat. No. 8,910,639 to Chang et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0099] In the depicted embodiment, the aerosol source member 104 includes a heating end 106 and a mouth end 108, the heating end 106 being configured to be inserted into the control body 102, and the user inhales at the mouth end 108 to generate an aerosol. At least a portion of the heating end 106 may include an inhalable substance medium 110. As discussed in more detail below, the inhalable substance medium 110 may include tobacco-containing beads, tobacco shreds, tobacco rods, tobacco cast sheets, reconstituted tobacco materials, and combinations thereof, and / or finely ground tobacco, tobacco extracts, spray-dried tobacco extracts, or other tobacco forms mixed with optional inorganic materials (e.g., calcium carbonate), optional flavoring agents, and aerosol-forming materials to form a substantially solid, semi-solid, or formable (e.g., extruded) substrate. Representative types of structures and formulations of solid and semisolid inhalable material media are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,424,538 to Thomas et al.; U.S. Patent No. 8,464,726 to Sebastian et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0083150 to Conner et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0157052 to Ademe et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017-0000188 filed on June 30, 2015 by Nordskog et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0100] In various embodiments, the aerosol source component 104 or a portion thereof may be wrapped in an outer packaging material 112 (see Figure 2), the outer packaging material can be formed by any material that can be used to provide additional structure and / or support for the aerosol source component 104. In various embodiments, the mouth end 108 of the aerosol source component 104 may include a filter 114, which may be made of cellulose acetate or polypropylene material. The filter 114 can increase the structural integrity of the mouth end of the aerosol source component, and / or if desired, provide filtering capabilities, and / or provide resistance to suction. The outer packaging material may include a material that resists heat transfer, which may include paper or other fiber materials such as cellulose materials. The outer packaging material may also include at least one filler material embedded or dispersed in the fiber material. In various embodiments, the filler material may have the form of water-insoluble particles. In addition, the filler material may be combined with an inorganic component. In various embodiments, the outer packaging may be formed by multiple layers, such as a loose layer below and a layer such as a typical wrapping paper in a cigarette above. Such materials may include, for example, lightweight "rag fibers", such as flax, hemp, sisal, straw and / or slender sedge. The outer package can also include the material typically used in the filter element of conventional cigarettes, such as cellulose acetate. Further, as described below, the redundant length of the outer package at the mouth end 108 of the aerosol source member can be used for simply separating the inhalable material medium 110 from the consumer's mouth, or provide the space for locating the filter material, or affect the suction on the goods or affect the flow characteristics of the steam or aerosol that leave the device during the suction. The further discussion related to the structure of the outer package material used in the present disclosure has been described in No. 473,078 ...

[0101] In various embodiments, other components may be present between the inhalable substance medium 110 and the mouth end 108 of the aerosol source component 104, wherein the mouth end 108 may include a filter 114. For example, in some embodiments, one or any combination of the following may be positioned between the inhalable substance medium 110 and the mouth end 108 of the aerosol source component 104: an air gap; a phase change material for cooling air; a flavor release medium; an ion exchange fiber with selective chemical adsorption capability; aerogel particles as a filter medium; and other suitable materials.

[0102] As will be discussed in more detail below, the present disclosure adopts a conductive heat source to heat the inhalable substance medium. In various embodiments, the conductive heat source may include a heating assembly, which includes a heating member, and the inhalable substance medium of the heating member and the aerosol source member, particularly the aerosol source member, directly contacts or approaches the inhalable substance medium. The heating assembly or heating member may be located in the control body and / or the aerosol source member, as will be discussed in more detail below. In some cases, the inhalable substance medium may include a structure of a plurality of beads or particles that contact with the inhalable substance medium, or are embedded in the inhalable substance medium, or are embedded in other parts of the inhalable substance medium in other cases, and they may serve as or promote the function of the heating assembly.

[0103] In some devices, the heating member may include a resistive heating element. The resistive heating element may be configured to generate heat when an electric current is directed through it. In various embodiments, the heating member can be provided in a variety of forms, such as in the form of foil, foam, disc, spiral, fiber, wire, film, yarn, strip, ribbon or cylinder. Such a heating element generally includes a metal material and is configured to generate heat due to the resistance associated with the passage of an electric current through the metal material. Such a resistive heating element may be positioned near the inhalable substance medium. Alternatively, the heating member may be positioned to contact a solid or semi-solid inhalable substance medium. Such a configuration may heat the inhalable substance medium to generate an aerosol. Various conductive substrates that can be used in the present disclosure are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0255702 of Griffith et al., which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Some non-limiting examples of various heating member configurations include configurations in which a heating member or element is placed adjacent to an aerosol source member. For example, in some examples, at least a portion of the heating element may surround at least a portion of the aerosol source member. In other examples, when the one or more heating elements are inserted into the control body, the heating elements may be positioned adjacent to the exterior of the aerosol source component. In other examples, when the aerosol source component is inserted into the control body, at least a portion of the heating element may penetrate at least a portion of the aerosol source component (such as, for example, one or more tines and / or spikes of the aerosol source component).

[0104] Figure 3 shows a schematic front view of an aerosol delivery device 100 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 4 Shows Figure 3sectional view of an aerosol delivery device 100. As shown, the aerosol delivery device 100 of the example embodiment includes a heating assembly 128, which includes a heating member 132 in the form of a plurality of heater tines, which is in direct contact with the inhalable substance medium 110. Specifically, the control body 102 of the depicted embodiment includes a housing 118, which includes an opening 119 defined in a mating end thereof. The control body 102 also includes a flow sensor 120 (e.g., a suction sensor or a pressure switch), a control component 123 (e.g., a processing circuit alone or as part of a microcontroller, a printed circuit board (PCB) including a microprocessor and / or a microcontroller, etc.), a power source 124 (e.g., a rechargeable battery and / or a rechargeable supercapacitor) and an end cap including an indicator 126 (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED)). In one embodiment, the indicator 126 may include one or more light emitting diodes, quantum dot-based light emitting diodes, etc. The indicator 126 may be in communication with the control component 123 and, for example, when coupled to the control body 102 , illuminate when the flow sensor 120 detects that a user is inhaling on the aerosol source member 104 .

[0105] Other operation marks are also included in the present disclosure.For example, the visual operation indicator also includes the color of light or the change of intensity to show the progress of smoking experience.The present disclosure covers tactile operation indicators and sound operation indicators.In addition, the combination of these operation indicators is also suitable for use in a single smoking article.According to another aspect, the device may include one or more indicators or marks, such as, for example, a display configured to provide information corresponding to the operation of the smoking article, such as the remaining amount of electricity in the power supply, the progress of smoking experience, the indication corresponding to the activation heat source, etc.

[0106] Examples of possible power sources are described in U.S. Patent No. 9,484,155 to Peckerar et al. and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0112191 filed on October 21, 2015 by Sur et al., the disclosures of which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. With regard to flow sensors, current regulating components and other current control components for aerosol delivery devices including various microcontrollers, sensors and switches are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,735,217 to Gerth et al., 4,922,901, 4,947,874 and 4,947,875 to Brooks et al., 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al., 6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al., 7,040,314 to Nguyen et al., and 8,205,622 to Pan, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Reference may also be made to the control scheme described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,423,152 to Ampolini et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0107] Further other components may be employed in the aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,192 issued to Sprinkel et al. discloses an indicator for a smoking article; U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,424 issued to Sprinkel, Jr. discloses a piezoelectric sensor that can be associated with the mouth end of the device to detect user lip activity associated with inhalation and subsequent triggering of heating by a heating device; U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,148 issued to McCafferty et al. discloses a puff sensor for controlling the flow of energy into a heating load array in response to a pressure drop across the mouthpiece; U.S. Pat. No. 5,967,148 issued to Harris et al. discloses a housing in a smoking device, the housing including an identification member and a controller, the identification member detecting non-uniformity of infrared transmittance of a component after insertion, the controller executing a detection procedure when the component is inserted into the housing; U.S. Pat. No. 6,040,560 issued to Fleischhauer et al. describes a defined executable power cycle with multiple differential phases ; U.S. Patent No. 5,934,289 issued to Watkins et al. discloses photonic-optoelectronic components; U.S. Patent No. 5,954,979 issued to Counts et al. discloses means for varying inhalation resistance through a smoking device; U.S. Patent No. 6,803,545 issued to Blake et al. discloses specific battery constructions used in smoking devices; U.S. Patent No. 7,293,565 issued to Griffen et al. discloses various charging systems for use with smoking devices; U.S. Patent No. 8,402,976 issued to Fernando et al. discloses computer interaction means for smoking devices to facilitate charging and allow computer control of the devices; U.S. Patent No. 8,689,804 issued to Fernando et al. discloses an identification system for smoking devices; and PCT patent application publication WO2010 / 003480 to Flick discloses a fluid flow sensing system for indicating puffing in an aerosol generating system; all of the above disclosures are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0108] Further examples of components related to electronic aerosol delivery articles and materials or components that can be used in articles of the present disclosure disclosed in the following references include U.S. Patent Nos. 4,735,217 to Gerth et al.; 5,249,586 to Morgan et al.; 5,666,977 to Higgins et al.; 6,053,176 to Adams et al.; 6,164,287 to White; 6,196,218 to Voges; 6,810,883 to Fleter et al.; 6,854,461 to Nichols; 7,832,410 to Hon; 7,513,253 to Kobayashi; 7,896,006 to Hamano; 6,196,218 to Shayan; ,772,756; U.S. Patent Nos. 8,156,944 and 8,375,957 to Hon; U.S. Patent No. 8,794,231 to Thorens et al.; U.S. Patent No. 8,851,083 to Oglesby et al.; U.S. Patent Nos. 8,915,254 and 8,925,555 to Monsees et al.; U.S. Patent No. 9,220,302 to Depiano et al.; U.S. Patent No. 1,664,697 to Hon; U.S. Patent No. 1,664,697 to Hon; and Foo's PCT patent application publication WO2013 / 089551, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Further, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017-0099877 filed on October 13, 2015 by Worm et al., a capsule that may be included in an aerosol delivery device and a keychain-shaped configuration of an aerosol delivery device is disclosed, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The various materials disclosed in the foregoing documents may be incorporated into the devices of the present disclosure in various embodiments, and the foregoing disclosures are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0109] Return to reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the control body 102 of the illustrated embodiment includes a heating assembly 128 configured to heat the inhalable substance medium 110 of the aerosol source component 104. Although the heating assembly of various embodiments of the present disclosure may take a variety of forms, in Figure 3and 4 In the particular embodiment shown, the heating assembly 128 includes an outer barrel 130 and a heating member 132, which in this embodiment includes a plurality of heater tines extending from a receiving base 134. In the depicted embodiment, the outer barrel 130 includes a double-walled vacuum tube constructed of stainless steel, thereby retaining the heat generated by the heater tines 132 within the outer barrel 130, and more specifically, retaining the heat generated by the heater tines 132 within the inhalable substance medium 110. In various embodiments, the heater tines 132 may be constructed of one or more electrically conductive materials, including but not limited to copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, or any combination thereof.

[0110] As shown, the heating assembly 128 can extend near the mating end of the housing 118 and can be configured to substantially surround a portion of the heating end 106 of the aerosol source member 104 that includes the inhalable substance medium 110. In this manner, the heating assembly 128 can define a generally tubular configuration. Figure 3 and 4 As shown, a plurality of heater tines 132 are surrounded by an outer barrel 130 to form a receiving chamber 136. In this manner, in various embodiments, the outer barrel 130 may include a non-conductive insulating material and / or construction, including but not limited to insulating polymers (e.g., plastic or cellulose), glass, rubber, ceramic, porcelain, double-walled vacuum structures, or any combination thereof.

[0111] In some embodiments, one or more parts or components of heating assembly 128 can be combined with inhalable substance medium 110, packaged together and / or integrated with inhalable substance medium 110 (for example, embedded therein). For example, in some embodiments, inhalable substance medium can be formed by material as described above, and can include one or more conductive materials mixed therein. In some of these embodiments, contact can be directly connected to inhalable substance medium, so that when aerosol source member is inserted into the receiving chamber of control body, contact is electrically connected with power supply. Alternatively, contact can be integrated with electric energy source, and can extend into receiving chamber, so that when aerosol source member is inserted into the receiving chamber of control body, contact is electrically connected with inhalable substance medium. Due to the presence of conductive material in inhalable substance medium, the power application from electric energy source to inhalable substance medium makes electric current flow, thereby produces heat from conductive material. Therefore, in some embodiments, heating member can be described as integrated with inhalable substance medium. As a non-limiting example, graphite or other suitable conductive material may be mixed with, embedded in, or otherwise present directly on or within the material forming the breathable substance medium such that the heating member is integral to the medium.

[0112] As described above, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer barrel 130 can also be used to facilitate proper positioning of the aerosol source component 104 when the aerosol source component 104 is inserted into the housing 118. In various embodiments, the outer barrel 130 of the heating assembly 128 can cooperate with the inner surface of the housing 118 to provide alignment of the heating assembly 128 relative to the housing 118. Therefore, due to the fixed connection between the heating assembly 128, the longitudinal axis of the heating assembly 128 can extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing 118. Specifically, the support barrel 130 can extend from the opening 119 of the housing 118 to the receiving base 134 to create a receiving chamber 136. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner diameter of the outer barrel 130 can be slightly larger than or approximately equal to the outer diameter of the corresponding aerosol source component 104 (e.g., to create a sliding fit), so that the outer barrel 130 is configured to guide the aerosol source component 104 to a proper position (e.g., a lateral position) relative to the control body 102.

[0113] In the illustrated embodiment, the control body 102 is configured such that when the aerosol source member 104 is inserted into the control body 102, the heater tines 132 are located in the approximate radial center of at least a portion of the inhalable substance medium 110 of the heating end 106 of the aerosol source member 104. In this manner, when used in conjunction with a solid or semi-solid inhalable substance medium 110, the heater tines 132 can be in direct contact with the inhalable substance medium 110. In other embodiments, such as when used in conjunction with an extruded inhalable substance medium that defines a tube structure, the heater tines 132 can be located within a cavity defined by the inner surface of the extruded tube structure and not in contact with the inner surface of the extruded tube structure.

[0114] Return to reference Figure 3 and 4During use, the consumer begins to heat the heating assembly 128, specifically the heating tines 132 adjacent to the inhalable substance medium 110 (or its specific layer). The heating of the inhalable substance medium 110 releases the inhalable substance in the aerosol source member 104, thereby producing the inhalable substance. When the consumer inhales on the mouth end 108 of the aerosol source member 104, the air is inhaled into the aerosol source member 104 through the opening or hole 122 in the control body 102. When the inhaled material leaves the mouth end 108 of the aerosol source member 104, the mixture of the inhaled air and the released inhalable substance is inhaled by the consumer. In some embodiments, in order to start heating, the consumer can manually actuate a button or similar component, which causes the heating member of the heating assembly to receive electrical energy from a battery or other energy source. Electrical energy can be supplied for a predetermined length of time, or the electrical energy supply can be manually controlled. In some embodiments, the flow of electrical energy is substantially not performed between puffs on the device (although the energy flow may continue to maintain a baseline temperature greater than the ambient temperature, such as a temperature that helps to quickly heat it to an effective heating temperature). However, in the depicted embodiment, the consumer activates the heating by the puffing action using one or more sensors, such as a flow sensor 120. Once the puffing is stopped, the heating will stop or decrease. When the consumer has taken enough puffs to release a sufficient amount of inhalable material (e.g., an amount sufficient to equal a typical smoking experience), the aerosol source member 104 can be removed and discarded from the control body 102. In some embodiments, additional sensing elements, such as capacitive sensing elements and other sensors, as discussed in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 707,461 to Phillips et al., can be used, and the entire text of the document is incorporated herein by reference.

[0115] In various embodiments, the aerosol source member 104 may be formed of any material suitable for forming and maintaining an appropriate structure such as a tubular shape, and is used to hold the inhalable substance medium 110 therein. In some embodiments, as further discussed herein, the aerosol source member 104 may be formed of a single wall, or in other embodiments, may be formed of a heat-resistant material (natural or synthetic), so as to maintain its structural integrity, such as not deteriorating, at least at the temperature of the heating temperature provided by the electric heating member. Although heat-resistant polymers can be used in some embodiments, in other embodiments, the aerosol source member 104 may be formed of paper, such as substantially straw-shaped paper. As further discussed herein, the aerosol source member 104 may have one or more layers associated therewith, which serve to substantially prevent the movement of vapor through the aerosol source member. In an exemplary embodiment, an aluminum foil layer may be laminated to one surface of the aerosol source member. Ceramic materials may also be used. In other embodiments, insulating materials may be used to avoid unnecessary heat removal from the inhalable substance medium. When the aerosol source member 104 is formed of a single layer, its thickness may preferably be about 0.2 mm to about 7.5 mm, about 0.5 mm to about 4.0 mm, about 0.5 mm to about 3.0 mm, or about 1.0 mm to about 3.0 mm. Other exemplary types of components and materials that can be used to provide the above-mentioned functions or as substitutes for the above-mentioned materials and components may be those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2010 / 00186757 to Crooks et al.; 2010 / 00186757 to Crooks et al.; and 2011 / 0041861 to Sebastian et al.; the disclosures of these documents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0116] As described above, the aerosol source component 104 includes an inhalable substance medium 110 proximate the heating end 106 of the component 104. In various embodiments, the inhalable substance medium 110 can be any material that releases an inhalable substance, such as a flavoring substance, when heated. Figure 3-4 In the embodiment of, inhalable substance medium 110 comprises solid substrate, and this solid substrate comprises inhalable substance.In various embodiments, inhalable substance can specifically be tobacco component or the material (that is, the material naturally present in tobacco, this material can be directly separated or synthetically prepared from tobacco) that derives from tobacco.For example, inhalable substance medium can comprise tobacco extract or its fraction combined with inert substrate.Inhalable substance medium can also comprise unburned tobacco or the composition containing unburned tobacco, and when being heated to the temperature below its combustion temperature, this tobacco or composition release inhalable substance.In some embodiments, inhalable substance medium can comprise tobacco condensate or its fraction (that is, the condensation component of the smoke produced by tobacco combustion, thereby leaving spices, and possibly leaving nicotine).

[0117] The tobacco material that can be used for the present disclosure can be different, and can comprise the tobacco of flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, Oriental (Oriental) tobacco, Maryland (Maryland) tobacco, dark tobacco, dark flue-cured tobacco and orchid (Rustica) cigarette and other rare or special tobacco, or its mixture.Tobacco material can also comprise so-called " mixing " form and processing form, such as processed tobacco stem (such as cut roll or cutting puffed tobacco stem), constant volume expanded tobacco (such as puffed tobacco, such as preferably the dry ice expanded tobacco (DIET) of shredded filler form), reconstituted tobacco (such as, using papermaking type or cast sheet type process to make reconstituted tobacco). No. 4,836,224 to Lawson et al.; No. 4,924,888 to Perfetti et al.; No. 5,056,537 to Brown et al.; No. 5,159,942 to Brinkley et al.; No. 5,220,930 to Gentry; No. 5,360,023 to Blakley et al.; No. 6,701,936 to Shafer et al.; No. 7,011,096 to Li et al.; No. 7,017,585 to Li et al.; No. 7,025,066 to Lawson et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0255965 to Perfetti et al.; PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO 2004 / 0255965 to Bereman Various representative tobacco types, types of processed tobacco, and types of tobacco blends are described in 02 / 37990 and Bombick et al., funded applications, Journal of Toxicology, 39, pp. 11-17 (1997); the above documents are incorporated herein by reference. Other exemplary tobacco compositions that can be used to include smoking devices according to the present disclosure are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,726,320 to Robinson et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0118] Further, the inhalable substance medium can comprise an inert substrate, and this inert substrate has the inhalable substance or its precursor that is integrated therein or otherwise deposited thereon.For example, the liquid that comprises the inhalable substance can be coated on the inert substrate or absorb or be adsorbed on the inert substrate, so that when applying heat, the inhalable substance can discharge in the form that can be extracted from goods of the present invention by applying positive pressure or negative pressure.In some respects, the inhalable substance medium can comprise the mixture of the aromatic tobacco of the flavor of the shredded filler form.On the other hand, the inhalable substance medium can comprise the tobacco material of restructuring, such as granting the United States Patent (USP) the 4th, 807, No. 809 of the people's Pryor; Granting the United States Patent (USP) the 4th, 889, No. 143 of the people's Pryor and granting the United States Patent (USP) the 5th, 025, No. 814 of Raker, described, it is included in this paper in full by referring to the mode.

[0119] In some embodiments, the inhalable substance medium may include tobacco, tobacco components and / or tobacco-derived materials (e.g., humectants such as propylene glycol, glycerin, etc.) that are treated, manufactured, produced and / or processed to combine with an aerosol precursor composition and / or at least one flavoring agent, and a flame retardant (e.g., diammonium phosphate and / or another salt) configured to help prevent heat sources from igniting, pyrolyzing, burning and / or charring the aerosol delivery component. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,947,874 to Brooks et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,647,932 to Cantrell et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 8,079,371 to Robinson et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,290,549 to Banerjee et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 2007 / 0215167 to Crooks et al., various ways and methods of combining tobacco into smoking articles are proposed, particularly smoking articles designed not to intentionally burn substantially all of the tobacco in those smoking articles; the entire disclosure of the above documents is incorporated herein by reference.

[0120] In some embodiments, flame retardant / combustion materials and additives may be included in the inhalable material medium, and may include organophosphorus compounds, borax, hydrated alumina, graphite, potassium tripolyphosphate, dipentaerythritol, pentaerythritol and polyols. Others such as nitrite phosphonates, monoammonium phosphate, ammonium polyphosphate, ammonium bromide, ammonium borate, ethanol ammonium borate, ammonium sulfamate, halogenated organic compounds, thiourea and antimony oxide may also be used. In the various aspects of the flame retardant, combustion and / or anti-scorch materials used in the inhalable material medium and / or other components (whether used alone or combined with each other and / or combined with other materials), it is most preferred to provide the desired performance without the behavior of undesirable degassing or melting type. Further, other seasonings, flavoring agents, additives and other possible reinforcing ingredients are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 707,461 of Phillips et al., and the above-mentioned document is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

[0121] In addition to the inhalable substance (e.g., flavoring, nicotine, or drugs in general), the inhalable substance medium may also include one or more aerosol-forming or vapor-forming materials, such as polyols (e.g., glycerol, propylene glycol, or mixtures thereof) and / or water. Representative types of aerosol-forming materials are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,365 to Sensabaugh, Jr. et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,101,839 to Jacob et al.; PCT Patent Application Publication WO 98 / 57556 to Biggs et al.; and RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company's monograph "Chemical and Biological Studies on New Cigarette Prototypes that Heat Instead of Burn Tobacco" (1988); the above disclosures are incorporated herein by reference. In some aspects, the inhalable substance medium produces a visible aerosol when sufficient heat is applied thereto (and, if necessary, cooled with air), and the aerosol delivery component produces a smoke-like aerosol. In other aspects, the aerosol produced by the aerosol delivery component is essentially invisible, but is identified as existing by other features such as flavor or mouthfeel. Therefore, the properties of the aerosol produced vary according to the specific components of the aerosol delivery component. Relative to the chemical properties of the smoke produced by burning tobacco, the aerosol delivery component is chemically simple.

[0122] Can other tobacco materials, such as tobacco essential oil, tobacco flavor, spray-dried tobacco extract, freeze-dried tobacco extract, tobacco dust etc., be combined with steam to form material or aerosol to form material.It should also be understood that inhalable substance itself can be such form: when heated, this inhalable substance is discharged in the form of steam, aerosol or its combination.In other embodiments, inhalable substance may not necessarily be discharged in steam or aerosol form, but can form material or aerosol to form material when heated with the steam formed by inhalable substance, and self is basically used as the carrier for inhalable substance.Therefore, inhalable substance can be characterized as being coated on substrate, being absorbed in substrate, being adsorbed in substrate or the natural component (i.e. forming material of substrate, such as tobacco or tobacco-derived material) of substrate.Similarly, can similarly characterize aerosol to form material or steam to form material.In some embodiments, inhalable substance medium can specifically comprise substrate with inhalable substance and the independent aerosol formed material included therein. Thus, in use, substrate can be heated, and aerosol forming material can be volatilized into vapor form together with inhalable substance.In a specific example, inhalable substance medium can include solid substrate, and this solid substrate has tobacco pulp and smoke forming material and / or steam forming material coated thereon or absorbed or adsorbed thereto.Substrate component can be any material that does not burn or can not degrade at the temperature that heating member reaches the promotion inhalable substance release described herein.For example, the paper material including tobacco paper (for example, including the paper-like material of tobacco fiber and / or reconstructed tobacco) can be used.Therefore, in various embodiments, inhalable substance medium can be characterized as comprising inhalable substance, alternatively characterized as including inhalable substance and independent aerosol forming thing or steam forming thing, alternatively including inhalable substance and substrate, or alternatively characterized as including inhalable substance medium, independent aerosol forming thing or steam forming thing and substrate.Therefore, substrate can include one or both in inhalable substance and aerosol forming thing or steam forming thing.

[0123] In some aspects of the present disclosure, as described in the U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0042885 of Stone et al., the inhalable substance medium can be configured as an extrusion material, which is included in this paper in full by reference to the manner. On the other hand, the inhalable substance medium is configured to include tobacco, tobacco-related materials, glycerine, water and / or adhesive materials or an extrusion structure and / or substrate consisting of these materials basically, but some formula does not include adhesive materials. In various aspects, adhesive materials can be any adhesive materials that are generally used in tobacco formulas, including for example carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), gum (for example guar gum), xanthan gum, amylopectin and / or alginate. According to some aspects, the adhesive material included in the aerosol delivery component can be configured to basically keep the structural shape and / or integrity of the aerosol delivery component. Various representative adhesives, adhesive properties, the purposes of adhesives and the amount of adhesives have been set forth in No. 4,924,887 of the U.S. Patent granting Raker et al., which is included in this paper in full by reference to the manner.

[0124] In some embodiments, the inhalable substance medium is also configured to substantially maintain its structure throughout the aerosol generation process. That is, throughout the aerosol generation process, the inhalable substance medium is configured to substantially maintain its shape (i.e., the aerosol delivery component is discontinuously deformed under the applied shear stress). Although in some embodiments, the inhalable substance medium component may include liquid and / or some moisture, in some embodiments, the inhalable substance medium is configured to substantially maintain a solid state throughout the aerosol generation process and maintain its structural integrity throughout the aerosol generation process. In U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0157052 of Ademe et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0335070 of Sears et al.; U.S. Patent No. 6,204,287 granted to White; and U.S. Patent No. 5,060,676 granted to Hearn et al., exemplary tobacco and / or tobacco-related materials suitable for substantially solid aerosol delivery components are described, and these documents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0125] On the other hand, the inhalable material medium may include an extrusion structure and / or substrate formed by pill-shaped (marumarized) tobacco and / or non-pill-shaped tobacco. Pill-shaped tobacco is known from the United States Patent No. 5,105,831, such as granted to Banerjee et al., which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Pill-shaped tobacco includes about 20% to about 50% (weight) tobacco mixture, glycerine (about 20% to about 30% weight), calcium carbonate (generally about 10% to about 60% weight, generally about 40% to about 60% weight) and adhesive and / or flavorings as described herein in powder form.

[0126] On the other hand, the inhalable substance medium may include a plurality of microcapsules, beads, particles and / or the like with tobacco-related materials.For example, representative microcapsules may be spherical generally, and may have an outer covering or shell in the liquid center area containing tobacco-derived extract and / or the like.In some respects, the aerosol delivery component may include a plurality of microcapsules, and each microcapsule is formed as a hollow cylindrical shape.On the one hand, the aerosol delivery component may include a binder material, and this binder material is configured to maintain structural shape and / or integrity of a plurality of microcapsules formed as a hollow cylindrical shape. Various other structures and parts that may be included in the inhalable substance medium of the present disclosure have been described in No. 473,078,078 of the United States Patent (USP) of Worm et al., which are incorporated herein in full by reference.On the other hand, the inhalable substance medium may include one or more thermally conductive materials. Examples of substrate portions including thermally conductive material are described in U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 905,320, filed by Sebastian on February 26, 2018, and entitled “Heat Conducting Substrate For Electrically Heated Aerosol Delivery Device,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0127] In various embodiments, the tensioning of the inhalable substance medium may be included to provide the specific performance of the device disclosed herein. As described in other aspects herein, specifically when using a substrate that exhibits relatively low heat transferability, such as paper, the inhalable substance medium has a relatively small thickness so that heat is efficiently transferred. However, a substrate with a small thickness has a relatively low strength in some dimensions, and exhibits a relatively high strength in other dimensions. For example, when thin paper is tensioned, it exhibits very high strength relative to the strength of the same paper when compressed. Tensioning can also promote the surface of the inhalable substance medium (including the substrate used or the vapor barrier that may exist) to be heated that the heating member directly contacts. Various other structures of the inhalable substance medium for aerosol source members can be found in the discussion of similar structures found in the U.S. Patent No. 9,078,473 of Worm et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0128] Return to reference Figure 3 and 4, the size and shape of the heating end 106 of the aerosol source member 104 is designed to be inserted into the control body 102. In various embodiments, the receiving chamber 136 of the control body 102 can be characterized as being defined by a wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface defining the interior volume of the receiving chamber 136. For example, in the depicted embodiment, the outer barrel 130 defines an inner surface that defines the interior volume of the receiving chamber 136. Therefore, the maximum outer diameter (or other dimension depending on the specific cross-sectional shape of the embodiment) of the aerosol source member 104 can be designed to be smaller than the inner diameter (or other dimension) at the inner surface of the wall of the open end of the receiving chamber 136 in the control body 102. In some embodiments, the difference between the diameters can be small enough so that the aerosol source member fits tightly in the receiving chamber 136, and friction prevents the aerosol source member 104 from moving without the application of force. On the other hand, the difference can be sufficient to allow the aerosol source member 104 to slide into or out of the receiving chamber 136 without undue force.

[0129] In some embodiments, the overall size of the aerosol delivery device 100 may have a size comparable to that of a cigarette or cigar shape. Thus, the device may have a diameter of about 5 mm to about 25 mm, about 5 mm to about 20 mm, about 6 mm to about 15 mm, or about 6 mm to about 10 mm. In various embodiments, such a size may specifically correspond to the outer diameter of the control body 102. In some embodiments, the diameter of the aerosol source member 104 may be between about 4 mm and about 6 mm. In addition, the control body 102 and the aerosol source member may also be similarly characterized with respect to the overall length. For example, in some embodiments, the length of the control body may be about 40 mm to about 140 mm, about 45 mm to about 110 mm, or about 50 mm to about 100 mm. The aerosol source member may have a length of about 20 mm to about 60 mm, about 25 mm to about 55 mm, or about 30 mm to about 50 mm.

[0130] In the depicted embodiment, the control body 102 includes a control component 123 that controls various functions of the aerosol delivery device 100, including supplying power to the electric heating member 132. For example, the control component 123 may include a control circuit (which may be connected to additional components, as further described herein) that is connected to the power source 124 via a conductive line (not shown). In various embodiments, the control circuit may control the heating assembly 128, specifically when and how the heating member 132 receives electrical energy to heat the inhalable substance medium 110 for releasing the inhalable substance for inhalation by the consumer. In some embodiments, such control may be activated by a flow sensor and / or actuation of a pressure-sensitive switch, etc., which will be described in more detail below.

[0131] As described above, the aerosol delivery device 100 of the example embodiments may include circuitry in the context of an electronic cigarette or a heat-not-burn device, or even in the context of a device that includes the functionality of both. Fig.15 Circuit diagrams of aerosol delivery devices according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are depicted. As shown, the aerosol delivery device 123 includes a flow sensor 120, a control component 123, a power supply 124, an indicator 126, and a heating member 132. As described above, the control component is coupled to the heating member and is configured to controllably power the heating member, the heating member being configured to convert electricity into heat, and thereby vaporize the aerosol precursor component. As shown, the control component includes a buck regulator circuit 402 coupled to the heating member, and is configured to reduce the voltage from the power supply to the heating member and increase the current from the power supply to the heating member, thereby powering the heating member. The buck regulator circuit may or may not include a feedback feature. An example of a suitable buck regulator circuit includes an ADP2165 or ADP2166 DC-DC regulator from Analog Devices, which has a feedback feature.

[0132] like Fig.15 As shown, in examples where the buck regulator circuit 402 has a feedback feature, the control component 123 includes an operational amplifier circuit 404 coupled to the heating member 132 and the buck regulator circuit. The operational amplifier circuit in these examples can be configured to amplify the output voltage from the heating member to produce a higher voltage that is fed back to the buck regulator circuit. In some examples such as shown, the operational amplifier circuit is a non-inverting operational amplifier circuit.

[0133] Likewise Fig.15 As shown, the buck regulator circuit 402 may include: a power stage 406 configured to reduce the voltage from the power supply 124 and increase the current from the power supply 124; and a feedback control circuit 408 configured to use the higher voltage from the operational amplifier circuit 404 to adjust the output voltage from the buck regulator circuit to the heating member 132. The feedback control circuit may also include an error amplifier 410 and a pulse width modulation (PWM) comparator 412. The error amplifier may be configured to generate a control voltage based on a comparison of the higher voltage with a reference voltage. And the PWM comparator may be configured to use the control voltage to generate a PWM waveform for adjusting the output voltage from the buck regulator circuit to the heating member.

[0134] In some examples, the aerosol delivery device 100 has a terminal including a positive terminal 414 to which the power source 124 is connected or connectable. The control component 123 may also include a high-side load switch (LS) 416 between the buck regulator circuit 402 and the positive terminal, wherein the high-side load switch is configured to connect and disconnect the power source to and from the load including the heating member 132 and to limit the input current to the buck regulator circuit. It may also serve as a protection circuit in case the current peak exceeds a safety factor threshold. That is, the high-side load switch may also serve as a safety function such that it ensures that the input current does not exceed a threshold safety factor.

[0135] Further, the flow sensor 120 may be between the positive terminal 414 and the high-side load switch 416. The sensor may be configured to generate a measurement of the pressure caused by the airflow through at least a portion of the aerosol delivery device 100, and convert the measurement of the pressure into a corresponding electrical signal. The processor 418 of the control component 123 may be configured to receive the corresponding electrical signal and control the high-side load switch in response to the electrical signal to connect the power supply 124 to the load. And in some examples, the aerosol delivery device 100 also includes a resistor R1 connected in series between the operational amplifier circuit 404 and the buck regulator circuit 402. In these examples, the resistor may be configured to limit the current fed back from the operational amplifier circuit to the buck regulator circuit. Other embodiments of circuits for an aerosol delivery device are described in U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 916,696, filed by Sur on March 9, 2018, entitled “Buck Regulator With Operational Amplifier Feedback For An Aerosol Delivery Device,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0136] As noted, the control component can be configured to closely control the heat provided to the inhalable substance medium 110. Although for each specific substance used, the heat to volatilize the aerosol-forming substance in sufficient volume to provide the required inhalable substance dose may vary depending on each specific substance used, in some embodiments, the heating member can be heated to at least 120°C, at least 130°C, or at least 140°C. In some embodiments, in order to volatilize the appropriate amount of aerosol-forming substance and thus provide the desired dose of inhalable substance, the heating temperature can be at least 150°C, at least 200°C, at least 220°C, at least 300°C, or at least 350°C. However, it is particularly desirable to avoid heating to a temperature significantly exceeding about 550°C to avoid degradation and / or premature volatilization of smoke-forming substances. Specifically, heating should be performed at a sufficiently low temperature and a sufficiently short time to avoid significant combustion (preferably any combustion) of the inhalable substance medium. The present disclosure can specifically provide components of the present device in combination and use mode, which will produce a desired amount of inhalable substance at a relatively low temperature. Thus, generation may refer to one or both of the generation of an aerosol within the device and delivery to a consumer outside the device. In a particular embodiment, the heating temperature may be from about 130°C to about 310°C, from about 140°C to about 300°C, from about 150°C to about 290°C, from about 170°C to about 270°C, or from about 180°C to about 260°C. In other embodiments, the heating temperature may be from about 210°C to about 390°C, from about 220°C to about 380°C, from about 230°C to about 370°C, from about 250°C to about 350°C, or from about 280°C to about 320°C.

[0137] The duration of heating can be controlled by many factors, as discussed in more detail below. As further described herein, the heating temperature and duration can depend on the desired volume of aerosol and ambient air that is expected to be drawn through the aerosol delivery device. However, the duration can be changed according to the heating rate of the heating member, because the device can be configured so that the heating member is only energized until the desired temperature is reached. Alternatively, the duration of heating can be linked to the duration of the consumer's puffing on the article. Typically, as described above, the temperature and time of heating will be controlled by one or more components contained in the control housing.

[0138] In various embodiments, the electric heating assembly may include any device suitable for providing heat sufficient to promote the release of inhalable substances for inhalation by consumers. In certain embodiments, the electric heating assembly may include a resistive heating member. Useful heating members may be those with low mass, low density and moderate resistivity and thermally stable at the temperature experienced during use. Useful heating members heat and cool rapidly, thereby providing efficient use of energy. Rapid heating of the element also causes the aerosol-forming material to volatilize almost immediately. Rapid cooling prevents the large amount of volatilization (and therefore waste) of the aerosol-forming material during the period when aerosol formation is not required. Such a heating member also allows relatively accurate control of the temperature range experienced by the aerosol-forming material, particularly when time-based current control is adopted. Useful heating members also do not chemically react with the material comprising the heated inhalable substance medium, so as not to adversely affect the flavor or content of the aerosol or vapor produced. Exemplary non-limiting materials that may include heating members include carbon, graphite, carbon / graphite composites, metals, metal and non-metallic carbides, nitrides, silicides, intermetallic compounds, metal ceramics, metal alloys and metal foils. In particular, refractory materials are useful. A variety of different materials can be mixed to obtain desired resistivity, mass, thermal conductivity, and surface properties. In some embodiments, refractory materials are useful. A variety of different materials can be mixed to obtain desired resistivity, mass, and thermal conductivity properties. In certain aspects, metals that can be used include, for example, nickel, chromium, nickel and chromium alloys (such as nickel-chromium alloys), and steel. In U.S. Patent Nos. 5,060,671 to Counts et al.; 5,093,894 to Deevi et al.; 5,224,498 to Deevi et al.; 5,228,460 to Sprinkel Jr. et al.; 5,322,075 to Deevi et al.; 5,353,813 to Deevi et al.; 5,468,936 to Deevi et al.; 5,498,8 No. 5,659,656 to Das; No. 5,498,855 to Deevi et al.; No. 5,530,225 to Hajaligol; No. 5,665,262 to Hajaligol; No. 5,573,692 to Das et al.; and No. 5,591,368 to Fleischhauer et al. describe materials that can be used to provide electrical resistance or resistive heating, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0139] like Figure 3 and 4As shown, the heating assembly 128 of the depicted embodiment includes an outer barrel 130 and a plurality of heater tines 132 extending from a receiving base 134. In some embodiments, such as those embodiments in which the inhalable substance medium includes a tube structure, the heater tines 132 may be configured to extend into a cavity defined by an inner surface of the inhalable substance medium. In other embodiments, such as the depicted embodiments in which the inhalable substance medium includes a solid or semi-solid structure, when the aerosol source component 104 is inserted into the control body 102, the plurality of heater tines 132 are configured to penetrate into the inhalable substance medium 110 contained in the heating end 106 of the aerosol source component 104. In such embodiments, one or more components of the heating assembly 128, including the heater tines 132 and / or the receiving base 134, may be made of a non-stick or anti-stick material, such as certain aluminum, copper, stainless steel, carbon steel, and ceramic materials. In other embodiments, one or more components of the heating assembly 128, including the heater tines 132 and / or the receiving base 134, may include a non-stick coating, such as, for example, including PTFE coatings such as PTFE, or other coatings such as anti-stick enamel coatings, or or Thermolon TM Ceramic coating.

[0140] Furthermore, while in the depicted embodiment, there are a plurality of heater tines substantially evenly distributed about the receiving base 134, it should be noted that in other embodiments, any number of heater tines, including as few as one, as well as any other suitable spatial configurations may be used. Additionally, in various embodiments, the length of the heater tines may vary. For example, in some embodiments, the heater tines may include small protrusions, while in other embodiments, the heater tines may extend any portion of the length of the receiving chamber 136, including up to about 25%, up to about 50%, up to about 75%, and up to about the entire length of the receiving chamber 136. In other embodiments, the heating assembly 128 may have other configurations. Based on the above discussion, examples of other heater configurations that may be used with the present invention may be found in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,060,671 to Counts et al.; 5,509,894 to Deevi et al.; 5,224,498 to Deevi et al.; and 6,694 to Sprinkel et al. No. 5,228,460 to Jr. et al.; No. 5,322,075 to Deevi et al.; No. 5,353,813 to Deevi et al.; No. 5,468,936 to Deevi et al.; No. 5,498,850 to Das; No. 5,659,656 to Das; No. 5,498,855 to Deevi et al.; No. 5,530,225 to Hajaligol; No. 5,665,262 to Hajaligol; No. 5,573,692 to Das et al.; and No. 5,591,368 to Fleischhauer et al., the entireties of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0141] The amount of the inhalable material released by the device 100 of the present invention can vary based on the properties of the inhalable material. Preferably, the device 100 is constructed with a sufficient amount of inhalable material, with a sufficient amount of any aerosol forming agent, and acts at a sufficient temperature for a sufficient time to release the desired amount during use. The amount can be provided from the device 100 in a single inhalation mode, or can be separated to provide in a relatively short time (for example, less than 30 minutes, less than 20 minutes, less than 15 minutes, less than 10 minutes or less than 5 minutes) by a large amount of suction from the product. The example of the nicotine level that can be delivered and the total particulate matter of wet is described in the U.S. Patent No. 9,078,473 to Worm et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0142] In various embodiments, the control body 102 may include one or more openings or holes 122 therein to allow ambient air to enter the interior of the receiving chamber 136. In this manner, in some embodiments, the receiving base 134 may also include holes. Thus, in some embodiments, when a consumer inhales at the mouth end of the aerosol source component 104, air may be drawn into the receiving chamber 136 through the control body 102 and the holes of the receiving base 134, enter the aerosol source component 104, and be drawn through the inhalable substance medium 110 of the aerosol source component 104 for inhalation by the consumer. In some embodiments, the inhaled air carries the inhalable substance through the optional filter 114 and out of the opening at the mouth end 108 of the aerosol source component 104. In the case where the heating member 132 is positioned inside the inhalable substance medium 110, the heating member 132 may be activated to heat the inhalable substance medium 110 and cause the inhalable substance to be released through the aerosol source component 104.

[0143] In some embodiments, it may be useful to provide some indication of when the aerosol source member 104 has reached the appropriate distance of insertion into the receiving chamber 136 so that the heating member 132 is positioned in the inhalable substance medium 110. For example, the aerosol source member 104 may include one or more markings on its exterior (e.g., on the outer surface of the aerosol source member 104). In other embodiments, a single marking may indicate the insertion depth required to achieve the position. Alternatively, the appropriate insertion distance may be indicated by the aerosol source member 104 "bottoming out" against the base of the receiving chamber 136, such as, for example, against the receiving base 134, or any other means that enables the consumer to recognize and understand that the aerosol source member 104 has been fully inserted into the receiving chamber 136 to position the heating member 132 in the appropriate position relative to the inhalable substance medium 110.

[0144] In some embodiments, the aerosol delivery device 100 may include a button that may be linked to a control component for manually controlling the heating assembly. For example, in some embodiments, a consumer may use a button to energize the heating member 132. Similar functions associated with buttons may be achieved by other mechanical or non-mechanical means (e.g., magnetic or electromagnetic means). Therefore, the actuation of the heating member 132 may be controlled by a single button. Alternatively, multiple buttons may be provided to control various actions respectively. The one or more buttons present may be substantially flush with the housing of the control body 102.

[0145] As an alternative (or in addition) to any button, the inventive device 100 of the present disclosure may include a component that energizes the heating member 132 in response to the consumer's inhalation on the product (i.e., suction-activated heating). For example, the device may include a switch or flow sensor 120 in the control body 102 that is sensitive to changes in pressure or airflow when the consumer inhales on the product (i.e., a suction-activated switch). Other suitable current-activated / non-activated mechanisms may include a temperature-activated on / off switch or a lip pressure-activated switch. Exemplary mechanisms that can provide such suction-activated capabilities include a 163PC01D36 silicon sensor manufactured by the MicroSwitch division of Honeywell, Inc. of Freeport, Illinois. With such a sensor, the heating member can be quickly activated by changes in pressure when the consumer inhales on the device. In addition, flow sensing devices such as those using the hot wire anemometer principle can be used to cause the heating member 132 to be energized quickly enough after a change in air flow is sensed. Another available suction actuated switch is a pressure differential switch, such as the MPL-502-V model from Micro Pneumatic Logic, Inc., Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Another suitable suction actuation mechanism is a sensitive pressure sensor (e.g., equipped with an amplifier or gain stage), which is in turn coupled to a comparator to detect a predetermined threshold pressure. Another suitable suction actuation mechanism is a blade deflected by the airflow, the movement of which is detected by a motion sensing device. Another suitable actuation mechanism is a piezoelectric switch. Another available switch is a suitably connected Honeywell MicroSwitch Microbridge Airflow Sensor, part number AWM 2100V, from the MicroSwitch division of Honeywell, Inc., Freeport, Illinois. Other examples of on-demand electrical switches that may be used in heating circuits according to the present disclosure are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,735,217 to Gerth et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Other suitable differential switches, analog pressure sensors, flow sensors, etc. will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, a pressure sensing tube or other passageway providing a fluid connection between the suction-actuated switch and the receiving chamber 136 may be included in the control body 102 so that changes in pressure during suction are readily recognized by the switch.Other exemplary suction actuated devices that may be useful in accordance with the present disclosure are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,922,901, 4,947,874, and 4,947,874 to Brooks et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 7,040,314 to Nguyen et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0146] When the consumer inhales on the mouth end of the device 100, the current actuation device can allow the current flowing through the resistive heating member 132 to flow unrestricted or uninterrupted to quickly generate heat. Due to the rapid heating, it may be useful to include a current regulation component to (i) regulate the current flowing through the heating member to control the heating of the resistive element and the temperature experienced thereby, and (ii) prevent the inhalable substance medium 110 from overheating and degradation. In some embodiments, the current regulation circuit can be time-based. Specifically, such a circuit may include: a device for allowing uninterrupted current to flow through the heating member during an initial period of time during inhalation, and a timer device for subsequently regulating the current until the inhalation is completed. For example, subsequent regulation may include rapid on-off switching of the current (e.g., on the order of about every 1 to 50 milliseconds) to maintain the heating member within a desired temperature range. Further, regulation may include: simply allowing uninterrupted current to flow until the desired temperature is reached, and then completely cutting off the current. The consumer can re-activate the heating member by starting another puff on the article (or manually actuating a button, depending on the specific switch implementation used to activate the heater). Alternatively, subsequent regulation may involve modulation of the current flowing through the heating member to keep the heating member within a desired temperature range. In some embodiments, in order to release the desired dose of the inhalable substance, the heating member may be energized for a duration of about 0.2 seconds to about 5.0 seconds, about 0.3 seconds to about 4.0 seconds, about 0.4 seconds to about 3.0 seconds, about 0.5 seconds to about 2.0 seconds, or about 0.6 seconds to about 1.5 seconds. An exemplary time-based current regulation circuit may include a transistor, a timer, a comparator, and a capacitor. Suitable transistors, timers, comparators, and capacitors are commercially available and are obvious to those skilled in the art. An exemplary timer is a C-1555C available from NEC Electronics and an ICM7555 available from General Electric Intersil, Inc., as well as various other sizes and configurations of the so-called "555 timer". An exemplary comparator is available from National Semiconductor, model LM311. Further description of such a time-based current regulation circuit is provided in US Pat. No. 4,947,874 to Brooks et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0147] Based on the foregoing, it can be seen that various mechanisms can be used to facilitate the activation / deactivation of the current of the heating member. For example, the device may include a timer for regulating the current in the product (e.g., during the consumer's inhalation). The device may also include a timer-responsive switch that enables and disables the current flowing to the heating member. Current regulation may also include using a capacitor and a component that charges and discharges the capacitor at a defined rate (e.g., close to the rate at which the heating member heats and cools). Specifically, the current may be regulated so that there is an uninterrupted current flowing through the heating member during the initial time period during the inhalation, but after the initial time period, the current may be disconnected or alternately cycled until the inhalation is completed. As described above, this cycle may be controlled by a timer that may generate a preset switching cycle. In a specific embodiment, the timer may generate a periodic digital waveform. The flow rate during the initial time period may also be regulated by using a comparator that compares the first voltage at the first input with the threshold voltage at the threshold input, and generates an output signal when the first voltage is equal to the threshold voltage, which causes the timer to work. Such an embodiment may further include means for generating a threshold voltage at the threshold input and means for generating a threshold voltage at the first input when the initial time period has elapsed.

[0148] As described above, the power source 124 for providing power to the various electrical components of the device 100 can adopt various embodiments. Preferably, the power source is capable of delivering sufficient energy to quickly heat the heating member in the above manner and to power the device by using it with multiple aerosol source members 104, while still being conveniently assembled in the device 100. An example of a power source is a TKI-1550 rechargeable lithium-ion battery produced by Tadrian Batteries GmbH, Germany. In another embodiment, a useful power source can be an N50-AAA nickel-cadmium battery produced by Sanyo Electric Company, Ltd., Japan. In other embodiments, a plurality of such batteries, for example, batteries each providing a voltage of 1.2 volts, can be connected in series. Other power sources such as rechargeable lithium-manganese batteries can also be used. Any of these batteries or a combination thereof can be used in the power source, but due to the cost and handling considerations associated with disposable batteries, rechargeable batteries are preferred. In embodiments using rechargeable batteries, the power source 124 may also include charging contacts for interacting with corresponding contacts in a conventional charging unit (not shown) that draws power from a standard 120 volt AC wall outlet or other power source, such as an automobile electrical system or a separate portable power source. In other embodiments, the power source may also include a capacitor. Capacitors discharge faster than batteries and can be charged between puffs, allowing the battery to discharge into the capacitor at a lower rate than when directly powering the heating member. For example, supercapacitors, i.e., electric double layer capacitors (EDLCs), may be used separately from or in combination with batteries. When used alone, the supercapacitor may be charged before each use of the device 100. Therefore, the present disclosure may also include a charger assembly that can be attached to the device between uses to replenish the supercapacitor. Thin film batteries may be used in certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0149] As described above, in various embodiments, the aerosol delivery device 100 may include one or more indicators 126. Although in the depicted embodiment, the indicator 136 is shown as being at one end of the control body 102, in various embodiments, the indicator 136 may be located on another portion or other portion of the control body 102. In some embodiments, the indicator may be a lamp (e.g., a light emitting diode) that can provide an indication of multiple aspects of the use of the article of the present invention. For example, a series of lights may correspond to the number of puffs of a given aerosol source member. Specifically, the lights may be lit successively with each puff, so that when all the lights are lit, the consumer is informed that the aerosol source member has been used up. Alternatively, when the aerosol source member is inserted into the housing, all the lights may be lit, and with each puff, the lights may be turned off, so that when all the lights are off, the consumer is informed that the aerosol source member has been used up. In other other embodiments, there may be only a single indicator, and its indicator may indicate that current is flowing to the heating member and that the device is actively heating. This ensures that the consumer does not unknowingly leave the device unattended in the active heating mode. In alternative embodiments, one or more indicators may be components of the aerosol source member. Although the indicators are described above in an on / off manner with respect to visual indicators, other operational indicators are also included. For example, the visual indicator may also include a change in the color or intensity of the light to show the progress of the smoking experience. Tactile indicators and auditory indicators are similarly encompassed by the present disclosure. Moreover, a combination of such indicators may also be used in a single device.

[0150] In addition to the above embodiments, in some embodiments, the inhalable substance medium can be configured as a liquid capable of generating an aerosol by applying sufficient heat, having a composition commonly referred to as "smoke juice", "electronic liquid" and "electronic juice". Exemplary formulations for aerosol-generating liquids are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0008457 to Zheng et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0151] exist Figure 5-8 Another embodiment of the present disclosure is described in . Specifically, Figure 5-8 An aerosol delivery device 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The aerosol delivery device 200 may include a control body 202 and an aerosol source member 204. In various embodiments, the aerosol source member 204 and the control body 202 can be permanently or removably aligned in a functional relationship. In this regard, Figure 5 The aerosol delivery device 200 is shown in a coupled configuration, and Figure 6The aerosol delivery device 200 is shown in a disengaged configuration. Various mechanisms can connect the aerosol source member 204 to the control body 202 to produce a threaded fit, a press fit, an interference fit, a slide fit, a magnetic fit, and the like. Figure 7 shows a schematic front view of an aerosol delivery device 200 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of an aerosol delivery device 200 is shown.

[0152] In various embodiments, an aerosol delivery device 200 according to the present disclosure may have a variety of overall shapes, including but not limited to an overall shape that may be defined as a generally rod-shaped, generally tubular, or generally cylindrical. Figure 5-8 In the embodiment of the present invention, the device 200 has a substantially circular cross-section. However, the present disclosure also encompasses other cross-sectional shapes (e.g., oval, square, triangular, etc.). This language describing the physical shape of the article can also be applied to various components including the control body 202 and the aerosol source member 204. In other embodiments, the control body can take another handheld shape, such as a small box shape.

[0153] In a specific embodiment, one or both of the control body 202 and the aerosol source member 204 may be referred to as disposable or reusable. For example, the control body 202 may have a replaceable battery or a rechargeable battery, a solid-state battery, a thin-film solid-state battery, a rechargeable supercapacitor, etc., and thus be combined with any type of charging technology, including: connecting to a wall charger, connecting to a car charger (e.g., a cigarette lighter socket), and connecting to a computer such as a universal serial bus (USB) cable or connector (e.g., USB 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, USB Type-C), connecting to a photovoltaic cell (sometimes referred to as a solar cell) or a solar cell solar panel, or a wireless charger such as a charger using inductive wireless charging (e.g., including wireless charging according to the Qi wireless charging standard of the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC)), or a wireless radio frequency (RF)-based charger. An example of an inductive wireless charging system is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0112196 to Sur et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Further, in some embodiments, the aerosol source member 204 may include a disposable device. A disposable component for controlling a body is disclosed in US Pat. No. 8,910,639 to Chang et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0154] In the depicted embodiment, the aerosol source member 204 includes a heating end 206 and a mouth end 208, the heating end 106 being configured to be inserted into the control body 202, and the user inhaling at the mouth end 108 to generate an aerosol. At least a portion of the heating end 206 may include an inhalable substance medium 210. As discussed in more detail below, the inhalable substance medium 210 may include tobacco-containing beads, tobacco shreds, tobacco rods, tobacco cast sheets, reconstituted tobacco materials, and combinations thereof, and / or finely ground tobacco, tobacco extracts, spray-dried tobacco extracts, or other tobacco forms mixed with optional inorganic materials (e.g., calcium carbonate), optional flavoring agents, and aerosol-forming materials to form a substantially solid, semi-solid, or formable (e.g., extrudable) substrate. Representative types of structures and formulations of solid and semisolid inhalable material media are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,424,538 to Thomas et al.; U.S. Patent No. 8,464,726 to Sebastian et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0083150 to Conner et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0157052 to Ademe et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017-0000188 filed on June 30, 2015 by Nordskog et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0155] In various embodiments, the aerosol source component 204 or a portion thereof may be wrapped in an outer packaging material 212 (see Figure 6), the outer packaging material can be formed by any material that can be used to provide additional structure and / or support for the aerosol source component 204. In various embodiments, the mouth end 208 of the aerosol source component 204 may include a filter 214, which may be made of cellulose acetate or polypropylene material. The filter 214 can increase the structural integrity of the mouth end of the aerosol source component, and / or if desired, provide filtering capabilities, and / or provide resistance to suction. The outer packaging material may include a material that resists heat transfer, which may include paper or other fiber materials such as cellulose materials. The outer packaging material may also include at least one filler material embedded or dispersed in the fiber material. In various embodiments, the filler material may have the form of water-insoluble particles. In addition, the filler material may be combined with an inorganic component. In various embodiments, the outer packaging may be formed by multiple layers, such as a loose layer below and a layer such as a typical wrapping paper in a cigarette above. Such materials may include, for example, lightweight "rag fibers", such as flax, hemp, sisal, straw and / or slender sedge. The outer package can also include the material typically used in the filter element of conventional cigarettes, such as cellulose acetate. Further, as described below, the redundant length of the outer package at the mouth end 208 of the aerosol source member can be used for simply separating the inhalable material medium 210 from the consumer's mouth, or provide the space for locating the filter material, or affect the suction on the goods or affect the flow characteristics of the steam or aerosol that leave the device during the suction. The further discussion related to the structure of the outer package material used in the present disclosure has been described in No. 473,078 ...

[0156] In various embodiments, other components may be present between the inhalable substance medium 210 and the mouth end 208 of the aerosol source component 204, wherein the mouth end 208 may include a filter 214. For example, in some embodiments, one or any combination of the following may be positioned between the inhalable substance medium 210 and the mouth end 208 of the aerosol source component 204: an air gap; a phase change material for cooling air; a flavor release medium; an ion exchange fiber with selective chemical adsorption capability; aerogel particles as a filter medium; and other suitable materials.

[0157] As will be discussed in more detail below, the present disclosure adopts a conductive heat source to heat the inhalable substance medium. In various embodiments, the conductive heat source may include a heating assembly, which includes a heating member, and the inhalable substance medium of the heating member and the aerosol source member, particularly the aerosol source member, directly contacts or approaches the inhalable substance medium. The heating assembly and / or the heating member may be located in the control body and / or the aerosol source member, as will be discussed in more detail below. In some cases, the inhalable substance medium may include a plurality of beads or particles embedded in the inhalable substance medium or in other cases embedded in the other parts of the inhalable substance medium, which may serve as or promote the function of the heating assembly.

[0158] In some devices, the heating member may include a resistive heating element. The resistive heating element may be configured to generate heat when an electric current is directed through. In various embodiments, the heating member can be provided in a variety of forms, such as provided in the form of a foil, foam, disc, spiral, fiber, wire, film, yarn, strip, ribbon or cylinder. This heating element generally includes a metal material and is configured to generate heat due to being associated with the resistance generated by passing an electric current. Such a resistive heating element may be positioned near the inhalable material medium. Alternatively, the heating member may be positioned to contact with a solid or semi-solid inhalable material medium. Such a structure may heat the inhalable material medium to generate an aerosol. Various conductive substrates that can be used for the present disclosure are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0255702 of Griffith et al., which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

[0159] Figure 7 shows a schematic front view of an aerosol delivery device 200 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 8 Shows Figure 7200 . The control body 202 of the depicted embodiment includes a housing 218 including an opening 219 defined in a mating end thereof. The control body 202 also includes a flow sensor 220 (e.g., a suction sensor or a pressure switch), a control component 223 (e.g., a processing circuit, either alone or as part of a microcontroller, a printed circuit board (PCB) including a microprocessor and / or a microcontroller, etc.), a power source 224 (e.g., a rechargeable battery and / or a rechargeable supercapacitor), and an end cap including an indicator 226 (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED)). In one embodiment, the indicator 226 may include one or more light emitting diodes, quantum dot-based light emitting diodes, etc. The indicator 226 may be in communication with the control component 223 and, for example, when coupled to the control body 202, illuminates when the flow sensor 220 detects that the user is inhaling on the aerosol source member 204. As will be discussed in more detail below, the aerosol delivery device 200 of this exemplary embodiment also includes a heating assembly 228 that includes an outer barrel 230 and a two-part heating member 232 , 233 .

[0160] As described above, the present disclosure encompasses various visual operating indicators and / or tactile operating indicators and / or audible operating indicators. In addition, applicants reference various possible power sources, flow sensors, representative current regulating components, other electrical components, and as described above with respect to Figure 1-4 The other components described are also applicable to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0161] Return to reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the control body 202 of the illustrated embodiment includes a heating assembly 228, which is configured to heat the inhalable substance medium 210 of the aerosol source component 204. Although the heating assembly of various embodiments of the present disclosure can take a variety of forms, in Figure 7 and 8In the particular embodiment shown, the heating assembly 228 includes an outer barrel 230 and a two-part heating member, which includes a base heating member 232 and a substrate heating member 233 including a plurality of heater protrusions 235. In the depicted embodiment, the outer barrel 230 and the base heating member 232 are located in the control body 202, and the substrate heating member 233 is located in the aerosol source member 204, near the inhalable substance medium 210. In this manner, the substrate heating member 233 of the aerosol source member 204 can be configured to be received by and / or otherwise cooperate with the base heating member 232. Specifically, in the depicted embodiment, the base heating member 232 includes one or more positioning features 237, which are configured to be received by and / or otherwise cooperate with corresponding positioning features 239 of the substrate heating member 233. For example, in the depicted embodiment, the locating features 237 of the base heating component 232 include one or more circular protrusions (i.e., "male" connection components) that are configured to be matingly received by one or more corresponding circular receiving notches (i.e., "female" connection components) of the substrate heating component 233. It should be noted that in other similar embodiments, the relative configuration of such connection components can be reversed, for example, such that the male receiving components are part of the substrate heating component 233 and the female connection components are part of the base heating component 232.

[0162] To further assist in engaging the substrate heating member 233 with the base heating member 232, in some embodiments, one or both of the base heating member 232 or the substrate heating member 233 may be constructed of or otherwise include a ferromagnetic material. In this way, the substrate heating member 233 and the base heating member 232 may be configured to magnetically attract each other to further assist in the fit between the components. In this way, and in combination with the configuration of the circular positioning features 237, 239, the substrate heating member 233 and the base heating member 232 may snap together and / or otherwise self-position. In some embodiments, the base heating member 232 may include an electromagnet powered by a power source 224, and may be configured to be electrically actuated between a magnetized state and a demagnetized state (or vice versa) via control of the control member 223. In this way, a magnetic interlock may be established between the control body 202 and the aerosol source member 204. In such an embodiment, the control component 223 may also be configured to demagnetize the electromagnetic base heating component 232, thereby withdrawing the aerosol source component 204 under one or more conditions, such as, for example, when the control component 223 determines that the aerosol source component 204 has exhausted its capacity and / or the inhalable substance medium 210 has been exhausted.

[0163] In some embodiments, the control body 202 may be configured to authenticate the aerosol source component 204. For example, in some embodiments, a component of the aerosol source component 204 (e.g., the substrate heating component 233) may include one or more electronic components (e.g., an RFID tag), which may include an integrated circuit, a memory component, a sensor, etc. In various embodiments, the electronic component 204 of the aerosol source component 204 may be adapted to communicate with the control component 223 and / or with an external device by wire or wireless means. An example of an aerosol delivery system including an RFID tag is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0020191 to Lamb et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0164] In the depicted embodiment, the outer barrel 230 includes a double-walled vacuum tube constructed of stainless steel, thereby keeping the heat generated by the base heating member 232 and the substrate heating member 233 within the outer barrel 230, and more specifically, keeping the heat generated by the base heating member 232 and the substrate heating member 233 within the inhalable substance medium 210. In various embodiments, the base heating member 232 and / or the substrate heating member 233 may be constructed of the same material or different materials. In various embodiments, the base heating member 232 and the substrate heating member 233 may be constructed of one or more conductive materials, including but not limited to copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, one or more of these materials may be embedded in another material or included with another material. For example, in some embodiments, one or both of the base heating member 232 or the substrate heating member 233 may be constructed of a ceramic material that includes a conductive metal material embedded or otherwise included therein. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, various material selections may be made based on sustainability considerations, such as embodiments in which one or both of the aerosol source member or the control body are constructed to be disposable.

[0165] As shown, the heating assembly 228 can extend near the mating end of the housing 218 and can be configured to substantially surround a portion of the heating end 206 of the aerosol source member 204 that includes the inhalable substance medium 210. In this manner, the heating assembly 228 can define a generally tubular configuration. Figure 7 and 8 As shown, the outer barrel 230 forms a receiving chamber 236. In this manner, the outer barrel 230 may include non-conductive insulating materials and / or constructions, including but not limited to insulating polymers (e.g., plastic or cellulose), glass, rubber, ceramic, porcelain, double-walled vacuum structures, or any combination thereof.

[0166] As described above, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer barrel 230 can also be used to facilitate proper positioning of the aerosol source member 204 when the aerosol source member 204 is inserted into the housing 218. In various embodiments, the outer barrel 230 of the heating assembly 228 can cooperate with the inner surface of the housing 218 to provide alignment of the heating assembly 228 relative to the housing 218. Therefore, due to the fixed connection between the heating assembly 228, the longitudinal axis of the heating assembly 228 can extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing 218. Specifically, the support barrel 230 can extend from the opening 218 of the housing 219 to the base heating member 232 to create a receiving chamber 236. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner diameter of the outer barrel 230 can be slightly larger than or approximately equal to the outer diameter of the corresponding aerosol source member 204 (e.g., to create a sliding fit), so that the outer barrel 230 is configured to guide the aerosol source member 204 to a suitable position (e.g., a lateral position) relative to the control body 202.

[0167] In the illustrated embodiment, the heater protrusion 235 of the substrate heating member 233 is located at the approximate radial center of at least a portion of the inhalable substance medium 210 of the heating end 206 of the aerosol source member 204. In this manner, when used in conjunction with a solid or semi-solid inhalable substance medium 210, the heater protrusion 235 can be in direct contact with the inhalable substance medium 210. In other embodiments, such as when used in conjunction with an extruded inhalable substance medium that defines a tube structure, the heater protrusion 235 can be located within a cavity defined by the inner surface of the extruded tube structure and not in contact with the inner surface of the extruded tube structure.

[0168] Return to reference Figure 7 and 8During use, the consumer begins to heat the heating assembly 228, and specifically the base heating member 232. Due to the cooperation of the base heating member 232 and the substrate heating member 233, through heat transfer, this also begins to heat the substrate heating member 233 adjacent to the inhalable substance medium 210 (or its specific layer). The heating of the inhalable substance medium 210 releases the inhalable substance in the aerosol source member 204, thereby producing the inhalable substance. When the consumer inhales on the mouth end 208 of the aerosol source member 204, the air is inhaled into the aerosol source member 204 through the opening or hole 222 in the control body 202. When the inhaled material leaves the mouth end 208 of the aerosol source member 204, the mixture of the inhaled air and the released inhalable substance is inhaled by the consumer. In some embodiments, in order to start heating, the consumer can manually actuate a button or similar component, which causes the heating member of the heating assembly to receive electrical energy from a battery or other energy source. Electric energy can supply a predetermined length of time, or can be controlled manually. In some embodiments, the flow of electric energy is not basically carried out between the suctions on the device (but the energy flow can continue to maintain a baseline temperature greater than the ambient temperature, such as a temperature that helps to quickly heat it to an effective heating temperature). However, in the depicted embodiment, the consumer activates heating via the suction action by using one or more sensors, such as flow sensor 220. Once the suction is stopped, the heating will stop or decrease. When the consumer has taken enough suction times to release a sufficient amount of inhalable material (for example, enough to equal the amount of a typical smoking experience), the aerosol source member 204 can be removed from the control body 202 and discarded. In some exemplary embodiments, other sensing elements, such as capacitive sensing elements and other sensors discussed in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 707,461 of Phillips et al. can be used, and the document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0169] In various embodiments, the aerosol source member 204 may be formed of any material suitable for forming and maintaining an appropriate structure such as a tubular shape, and is used to hold the inhalable substance medium 210 therein. In some embodiments, as further discussed herein, the aerosol source member 204 may be formed of a single wall, or in other embodiments, may be formed of a heat-resistant material (natural or synthetic) to maintain its structural integrity, such as not deteriorating, at least at the temperature of the heating temperature provided by the electric heating member. Although heat-resistant polymers may be used in some embodiments, in other embodiments, the aerosol source member 204 may be formed of paper, such as substantially straw-shaped paper. As further discussed herein, the aerosol source member 204 may have one or more layers associated therewith, which serve to substantially prevent the movement of vapor through the aerosol source member. In an exemplary embodiment, an aluminum foil layer may be laminated to one surface of the aerosol source member. Ceramic materials may also be used. In other embodiments, insulating materials may be used to avoid unnecessary heat removal from the inhalable substance medium. In addition, applicants refer to various possible sizes, other components and possible compositions of aerosol source components including the inhalable substance medium, as described above with reference to Figure 1-4 described.

[0170] Return to reference Figure 7 and 8 , the size and shape of the heating end 206 of the aerosol source member 204 is designed to be inserted into the control body 202. In various embodiments, the receiving chamber 236 of the control body 202 can be characterized as being defined by a wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface defining the interior volume of the receiving chamber 236. For example, in the depicted embodiment, the outer barrel 230 defines an inner surface that defines the interior volume of the receiving chamber 236. Therefore, the maximum outer diameter (or other dimension depending on the specific cross-sectional shape of the embodiment) of the aerosol source member 204 can be designed to be smaller than the inner diameter (or other dimension) at the inner surface of the wall of the open end of the receiving chamber 236 in the control body 202. In some embodiments, the difference between the diameters can be small enough so that the aerosol source member fits tightly in the receiving chamber 236, and friction prevents the aerosol source member 204 from moving without an applied force. On the other hand, the difference can be sufficient to allow the aerosol source member 204 to slide into or out of the receiving chamber 236 without undue force.

[0171] In some embodiments, the overall size of the aerosol delivery device 200 may have a size comparable to that of a cigarette or cigar shape. Thus, the device may have a diameter of about 5 mm to about 25 mm, about 5 mm to about 20 mm, about 6 mm to about 15 mm, or about 6 mm to about 10 mm. In various embodiments, such a size may specifically correspond to the outer diameter of the control body 202. In some embodiments, the diameter of the aerosol source member 204 may be between about 4 mm and about 6 mm. In addition, the control body 202 and the aerosol source member may also be similarly characterized relative to the overall length. For example, in some embodiments, the length of the control body may be about 40 mm to about 120 mm, about 45 mm to about 110 mm, or about 50 mm to about 100 mm. The aerosol source member may have a length of about 20 mm to about 60 mm, about 25 mm to about 55 mm, or about 30 mm to about 50 mm. In the depicted embodiment, the control body 202 includes a control component 223 that controls various functions of the aerosol delivery device 200, including supplying power to the base heating member 232 and the substrate heating member 233. For example, the control component 223 may include a control circuit (which may be connected to additional components, as further described herein) that is connected to a power source 224 via conductive wires (not shown). For example, referring to Fig.15 , and as described above. In various embodiments, the control circuit can control when and how the heating assembly 228, specifically the base heating member 232, receives electrical energy to heat the substrate heating member 233 and thus the inhalable substance medium 210 for releasing the inhalable substance for inhalation by the consumer. In some embodiments, such control can be activated by actuation of a flow sensor and / or a pressure sensitive switch, etc., which will be described in more detail below.

[0172] As noted, the control component can be configured to closely control the heat provided to the inhalable substance medium 210. Although for each specific substance used, the heat to volatilize the aerosol-forming substance in sufficient volume to provide the required inhalable substance dose may vary depending on each specific substance used, in some embodiments, the heating member can be heated to at least 120°C, at least 130°C, or at least 140°C. In some embodiments, in order to volatilize the appropriate amount of aerosol-forming substance and thus provide the desired dose of inhalable substance, the heating temperature can be at least 150°C, at least 200°C, at least 220°C, at least 300°C, or at least 350°C. However, it is particularly desirable to avoid heating to a temperature significantly exceeding about 550°C to avoid degradation and / or premature volatilization of smoke-forming substances. Specifically, heating should be performed at a sufficiently low temperature and a sufficiently short time to avoid significant combustion (preferably any combustion) of the inhalable substance medium. The present disclosure can specifically provide components of the present device in combination and use mode, which will produce a desired amount of inhalable substance at a relatively low temperature. Thus, generation may refer to one or both of the generation of an aerosol within the device and delivery to a consumer outside the device. In a particular embodiment, the heating temperature may be from about 130°C to about 310°C, from about 140°C to about 300°C, from about 150°C to about 290°C, from about 170°C to about 270°C, or from about 180°C to about 260°C. In other embodiments, the heating temperature may be from about 210°C to about 390°C, from about 220°C to about 380°C, from about 230°C to about 370°C, from about 250°C to about 350°C, or from about 280°C to about 320°C.

[0173] The duration of heating can be controlled by a number of factors, as discussed in more detail below. As further described herein, the heating temperature and duration can depend on the desired volume of aerosol and ambient air that is desired to be drawn through the aerosol delivery device. However, the duration can vary depending on the heating rate of the heating member, as the device can be configured so that the heating member is only energized until the desired temperature is reached. Alternatively, the duration of heating can be tied to the duration of the consumer's puffing of the article. Typically, as described above, the temperature and duration of heating will be controlled by one or more components contained in the control housing. Applicants refer to references as described above. Figure 1-4 Various possible control components and related functions are described, which may also be applied to the present example embodiment.

[0174] In various embodiments, the electric heating assembly may include any device suitable for providing heat sufficient to promote the release of the inhalable substance for inhalation by the consumer. In certain embodiments, the electric heating assembly may include a resistive heating element. Useful heating elements may be those that have low mass, low density and moderate resistivity and are thermally stable at the temperatures experienced during use. Useful heating elements heat and cool rapidly, thereby providing efficient use of energy. Rapid heating of the element also causes the aerosol-forming substance to volatilize almost immediately. Rapid cooling prevents large amounts of volatilization (and therefore waste) of the aerosol-forming substance during periods when aerosol formation is not required. Such a heating element also allows relatively precise control of the temperature range experienced by the aerosol-forming substance, particularly when time-based current control is employed. Useful heating elements also do not chemically react with the material comprising the heated inhalable substance medium, thereby not adversely affecting the flavor or content of the aerosol or vapor produced. Applicants further refer to reference as described above. Figure 1-4 Various possible materials for the heating member are described, which may also be applied to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0175] like Figure 7 and 8As shown, the electric heating assembly 228 of the illustrated embodiment includes an outer cylinder 230 and a two-part heating member, which includes a base heating member 232 of the control body 202 and a substrate heating member 233 of the aerosol source member 204, wherein the substrate heating member 233 includes a plurality of heater protrusions 235. In some embodiments, such as those embodiments in which the inhalable substance medium includes a tube structure, the heater protrusion 235 may be configured to extend into a cavity defined by the inner surface of the inhalable substance medium. In other embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiments in which the inhalable substance medium includes a solid or semi-solid structure, a plurality of heater protrusions 235 extend into the inhalable substance medium 210. Although in the depicted embodiment, there are a plurality of heater protrusions substantially evenly distributed around the end face of the substrate heating member 233, it should be noted that in other embodiments, any number of heater protrusions including as little as one and any other suitable spatial configurations may be used. In addition, in various embodiments, the length of the heater protrusion may vary. For example, in the depicted embodiment, the heater protrusion extends a relatively small distance, while in other embodiments, the heater protrusion may extend any portion of the length of the inhalable substance medium 210, including up to about 25%, up to about 50%, up to about 75%, and up to about the entire length of the inhalable substance medium 210. In addition, in various embodiments, the relative overall dimensions of the substrate heating member 233 and the inhalable substance medium 210 may vary. For example, in some embodiments, the linear length of the substrate heating member 233 may be greater than, equal to, or less than the linear length of the inhalable substance medium 210. In some embodiments, the length of the substrate heating member may be from about 10 mm to about 14 mm, and in some embodiments, about 12 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the inhalable substance medium may be from about 19 mm to about 23 mm, and in some embodiments, about 21 mm. In other embodiments, the substrate heating member 233 may have a different configuration that does not include any protrusions, such as, for example, a substrate heating member having a cylindrical or tubular shape. Applicants further reference the references described above. Figure 1-4 Various other possible heater configurations are described which may also be applicable to the present example embodiment.

[0176] The amount of the inhalable material released by the device 200 of the present invention can change based on the property of the inhalable material. Preferably, the device 200 is configured with a sufficient amount of inhalable material, any aerosol forming agent configured with a sufficient amount, and works at a sufficient temperature with sufficient time to release the desired amount during use. The amount can be provided from the device 200 in a single inhalation mode, or can be separated to provide in a relatively short time (for example, less than 30 minutes, less than 20 minutes, less than 15 minutes, less than 10 minutes or less than 5 minutes) by a large amount of suction from the product. The example of the nicotine level that can be delivered and the total particulate matter of wet is described in the U.S. Patent No. 9,078,473 to Worm et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0177] In various embodiments, the control body 202 may include one or more holes 222 therein to allow ambient air to enter the interior of the receiving chamber 236. In this way, the base heating member 232 and the substrate heating member 233 may also include openings or holes. Therefore, in some embodiments, when the consumer inhales on the mouth end of the aerosol source member 204, air can be drawn into the control body 202 through the base heating member 232 and the substrate heating member 233 and through the inhalable substance medium 210 to be inhaled by the consumer. In some embodiments, the inhaled air carries the inhalable substance through the optional filter 214 and out of the opening at the mouth end 208 of the aerosol source member 204. In the case where the substrate heating member 233 is positioned near or inside the inhalable substance medium 210, the heating members 232, 233 can be activated to heat the inhalable substance medium 210 and release the inhalable substance through the aerosol source member 204.

[0178] In some embodiments, such as, for example, in some embodiments that do not use magnetic materials, it may be useful to provide an indication of when the aerosol source member 204 has reached an appropriate insertion distance into the receiving chamber so that the base heating member 232 and the substrate heating member 233 are properly positioned relative to each other. For example, the aerosol source member 204 may include one or more markings on its exterior (e.g., on the outer surface of the aerosol source member 204). In other embodiments, a single marking may indicate the insertion depth required to achieve the position. Alternatively, the appropriate insertion distance may be indicated by the aerosol source member "bottoming out" against the base of the receiving chamber or any other means that enables the consumer to recognize and understand that the aerosol source member 104 has been sufficiently inserted into the receiving chamber 136 to position the heating members 232, 233 relative to each other.

[0179] In some embodiments, the aerosol delivery device 200 may include a button that may be linked to a control component for manually controlling the heating assembly. For example, in some embodiments, a consumer may use a button to energize the base heating member 232. Similar functions associated with buttons may be achieved by other mechanical or non-mechanical means (e.g., magnetic or electromagnetic means). Therefore, the actuation of the base heating member 232 may be controlled by a single button. Alternatively, multiple buttons may be provided to control various actions separately. The one or more buttons present may be substantially flush with the housing of the control body 202.

[0180] As an alternative (or in addition) to any button, the inventive device 200 of the present disclosure may include a component that energizes the base heating member 232 in response to the consumer's inhalation on the product (i.e., suction-activated heating). For example, the device may include a switch or flow sensor 220 in the control body 202 that is sensitive to changes in pressure or airflow when the consumer inhales on the product (i.e., a suction-activated switch). Other suitable current actuation / non-actuation mechanisms may include a temperature-actuated on / off switch or a lip pressure-actuated switch. An exemplary mechanism that can provide such suction-actuated capabilities includes a 163PC01D36 silicon sensor manufactured by the MicroSwitch Division of Honeywell, Inc., Freeport, Illinois. With such a sensor, the heating member can be quickly activated by changes in pressure when the consumer inhales on the device. In addition, flow sensing devices such as those using the hot wire anemometer principle can be used to cause the base heating member 232 to be energized quickly enough after sensing a change in air flow. Another possible suction actuated switch is a pressure differential switch, such as the MPL-502-V Model A from Micro Pneumatic Logic, Inc. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Another suitable suction actuated mechanism is a sensitive pressure sensor (e.g., equipped with an amplifier or gain stage), which in turn is coupled to a comparator to detect a predetermined threshold pressure. Applicants further reference various other possible suction actuated mechanisms, as well as referenced above. Figure 1-4 Other switches, sensors, etc. described may also be applicable to the present example embodiments. When a consumer inhales on the mouth end of the device 200, the current actuation device may allow the current flowing through the resistive base heating element 232 to flow unrestricted or uninterrupted to rapidly generate heat. Due to the rapid heating, it may be useful to include a current regulation component to (i) regulate the current flowing through the heating element to control the heating of the resistive element and the temperature experienced thereby, and (ii) prevent overheating and degradation of the inhalable substance medium 210. In some embodiments, the current regulation circuit may specifically be time-based. Applicants further reference various possible current regulation circuits associated with the heating element, including those described above with reference to Figure 1-4The described time-based circuits are also applicable to this example embodiment.

[0181] As described above, the power source 224 for providing power to the various electrical components of the device 200 can adopt various embodiments. Preferably, the power source can deliver enough energy to quickly heat the heating member in the above manner, and power the device by using it with multiple aerosol source members 204, while still being conveniently assembled in the device 200. An example of a power source is the TKI-1550 rechargeable lithium-ion battery produced by Tadrian Battery Co., Ltd. in Germany. In another embodiment, a useful power source can be an N50-AAA cadmium nickel battery produced by Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. in Japan. In other embodiments, a plurality of such batteries, for example, batteries that all provide a voltage of 1.2 volts, can be connected in series. Other power sources such as rechargeable lithium manganese batteries can also be used. Any of these batteries or a combination thereof can be used in the power source, but due to the cost and processing considerations associated with disposable batteries, rechargeable batteries are preferred. In embodiments using rechargeable batteries, the power source 224 may also include charging contacts for interacting with corresponding contacts in a conventional charging unit (not shown) that draws power from a standard 120 volt AC wall outlet or other power source, such as an automobile electrical system or a portable power source. In other embodiments, the power source may also include a capacitor. Capacitors discharge faster than batteries and can be charged between puffs, allowing the battery to discharge into the capacitor at a lower rate than when directly powering the heating member. For example, supercapacitors, i.e., electric double layer capacitors (EDLCs), may be used separately from or in combination with batteries. When used alone, the supercapacitor may be charged before each use of the device 200. Therefore, the present disclosure may also include a charger assembly that can be attached to the device between uses to replenish the supercapacitor. Thin film batteries may be used in certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0182] As described above, in various embodiments, the aerosol delivery device 200 may include one or more indicators 226. Although in the depicted embodiment, the indicator 236 is shown as being located at one end of the control body 202, in different embodiments, the indicator 236 may be located on another portion or other portion of the control body 202. In some embodiments, the indicator may be a lamp (e.g., a light emitting diode) that can provide an indication of multiple aspects of the use of the article of the present invention. For example, a series of lights may correspond to the number of puffs of a given aerosol source member. Specifically, the lights may be lit successively with each puff, so that when all the lights are lit, the consumer is informed that the aerosol source member has been used up. Alternatively, when the aerosol source member is inserted into the housing, all the lights may be lit, and with each puff, the lights may be turned off, so that when all the lights are off, the consumer is informed that the aerosol source member has been used up. In other other embodiments, there may be only a single indicator, and its indicator may indicate that current is flowing to the heating member and that the device is actively heating. This ensures that the consumer does not unknowingly leave the device unattended in the active heating mode. In alternative embodiments, one or more indicators may be components of the aerosol source member. Although the indicators are described above in an on / off manner with respect to visual indicators, other operational indicators are also included. For example, a visual indicator may also include a change in the color or intensity of light to show the progression of the smoking experience. Tactile indicators and auditory indicators are similarly covered by the present disclosure. Moreover, a combination of such indicators may also be used in a single device.

[0183] In addition to the above embodiments, in some embodiments, the inhalable substance medium can be configured as a liquid capable of generating an aerosol by applying sufficient heat, having a composition commonly referred to as "smoke juice", "electronic liquid" and "electronic juice". Exemplary formulations for aerosol-generating liquids are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0008457 to Zheng et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0184] exist Figure 9-12 Another embodiment of the present disclosure is described in . Specifically, Figure 9-12 An aerosol delivery device 300 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The aerosol delivery device 300 may include a control body 302 and an aerosol source component 304. In various embodiments, the aerosol source component 304 and the control body 302 can be permanently or removably aligned in a functional relationship. In this regard, Fig. 9 The aerosol delivery device 300 is shown in a coupled configuration, and Fig.10The aerosol delivery device 300 is shown in a disengaged configuration. Various mechanisms can connect the aerosol source member 304 to the control body 302 to produce a threaded fit, a press fit, an interference fit, a slide fit, a magnetic fit, and the like. Fig.11 shows a schematic front view of an aerosol delivery device 300 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig.12 A cross-sectional view of an aerosol delivery device 300 is shown.

[0185] In various embodiments, an aerosol delivery device 300 according to the present disclosure may have a variety of overall shapes, including but not limited to an overall shape that may be defined as a generally rod-shaped, generally tubular, or generally cylindrical. Figure 9-12 In the embodiment of the present invention, the device 300 has a substantially circular cross-section. However, other cross-sectional shapes (e.g., oval, square, triangular, etc.) are also contemplated by the present disclosure. This language describing the physical shape of the article can also be applied to various individual components including the control body 302 and the aerosol source member 304. In other embodiments, the control body can take another handheld shape, such as a small box shape.

[0186] In a specific embodiment, one or both of the control body 302 and the aerosol source member 304 may be referred to as disposable or reusable. For example, the control body 302 may have a replaceable battery or a rechargeable battery, a solid-state battery, a thin-film solid-state battery, a rechargeable supercapacitor, etc., and thus be combined with any type of charging technology, including: connecting to a wall charger, connecting to a car charger (e.g., a cigarette lighter socket), and connecting to a computer such as a universal serial bus (USB) cable or connector (e.g., USB 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, USB Type-C), connecting to a solar panel of a photovoltaic cell (sometimes referred to as a solar cell) or a solar cell, or a wireless charger such as a charger using inductive wireless charging (e.g., including wireless charging according to the Qi wireless charging standard of the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC)), or a charger based on wireless radio frequency (RF). An example of an inductive wireless charging system is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0112196 to Sur et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Further, in some embodiments, the aerosol source member 304 may include a disposable device. A disposable component for controlling a body is disclosed in US Pat. No. 8,910,639 to Chang et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0187] In the depicted embodiment, the aerosol source member 304 includes a heating end 306 and a mouth end 308, the heating end 306 being configured to be inserted into the control body 302, and the user inhales at the mouth end 308 to generate an aerosol. At least a portion of the heating end 306 may include an inhalable substance medium 310. As discussed in more detail below, the inhalable substance medium 310 may include tobacco-containing beads, tobacco shreds, tobacco rods, tobacco cast sheets, reconstituted tobacco materials, and combinations thereof, and / or finely ground tobacco, tobacco extracts, spray-dried tobacco extracts, or other tobacco forms mixed with optional inorganic materials (e.g., calcium carbonate), optional flavoring agents, and aerosol-forming materials to form a substantially solid, semi-solid, or formable (e.g., extrudable) substrate. Representative types of structures and formulations of solid and semisolid inhalable material media are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,424,538 to Thomas et al.; U.S. Patent No. 8,464,726 to Sebastian et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0083150 to Conner et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0157052 to Ademe et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017-0000188 filed on June 30, 2015 by Nordskog et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0188] In various embodiments, the aerosol source member 304 or a portion thereof may be wrapped in an outer packaging material 312, which may be formed of any material that can be used to provide additional structure and / or support for the aerosol source member 304. In various embodiments, the mouth end 308 of the aerosol source member 304 may include a filter 314, which may be made of cellulose acetate or polypropylene material. The filter 314 may increase the structural integrity of the mouth end of the aerosol source member, and / or if desired, provide filtering capabilities, and / or provide resistance to suction. The outer packaging material may include a material that resists heat transfer, which may include paper or other fiber materials such as cellulose materials. The outer packaging material may also include at least one filler material embedded or dispersed in the fiber material. In various embodiments, the filler material may have the form of water-insoluble particles. In addition, the filler material may be combined with an inorganic component. In various embodiments, the outer packaging may be formed by multiple layers, such as a loose layer below and a layer such as a typical wrapping paper in a cigarette above. The outer packaging can also include the material typically used in the filter element of conventional cigarettes, such as cellulose acetate. Further, as described below, the redundant length of the outer packaging at the mouth end 308 of the aerosol source member can be used for simply separating the inhalable material medium 310 from the consumer's mouth, or provide the space for locating the filter material, or affect the suction on the goods or affect the flow characteristics of the steam or aerosol that leaves the device during the suction. The further discussion related to the structure of the outer packaging material used in the present disclosure has been described in No. 473,078 ...

[0189] In various embodiments, other components may be present between the inhalable substance medium 310 and the mouth end 308 of the aerosol source component 304, wherein the mouth end 308 may include a filter 314. For example, in some embodiments, one or any combination of the following may be positioned between the inhalable substance medium 310 and the mouth end 308 of the aerosol source component 304: an air gap; a phase change material for cooling the air; a flavor release medium; an ion exchange fiber with selective chemical adsorption capability; aerogel particles as a filter medium; and other suitable materials.

[0190] As will be discussed in more detail below, the present disclosure adopts a conductive heat source to heat the inhalable substance medium. In various embodiments, the conductive heat source may include a heating assembly, which includes a heating member, and the inhalable substance medium of the heating member and the aerosol source member, particularly the aerosol source member, directly contacts or is adjacent to the inhalable substance medium. The heating assembly and / or the heating member may be located in the control body and / or the aerosol source member, as will be discussed in more detail below. In some cases, the inhalable substance medium may include a plurality of beads or particles embedded in the inhalable substance medium or in other cases embedded in the other parts of the inhalable substance medium, which may serve as or promote the function of the heating assembly.

[0191] In some devices, the heating member may include a resistive heating member. The resistive heating element may be configured to generate heat when an electric current is directed through. In various embodiments, the heating member can be provided in a variety of forms, such as provided in the form of foil, foam, disc, spiral, fiber, wire, film, yarn, strip, ribbon or cylinder. This heating element generally includes a metal material and is configured to generate heat due to the resistance associated with the passage of electric current. Such a resistive heating element may be positioned near the inhalable substance medium. Alternatively, the heating member may be positioned to contact with a solid or semi-solid inhalable substance medium. Such a structure may heat the inhalable substance medium to produce an aerosol. Various conductive substrates that can be used for the present disclosure are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0255702 of Griffith et al., which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

[0192] Fig.11 shows a schematic front view of an aerosol delivery device 300 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig.12 Shows Fig.11sectional view of an aerosol delivery device 300. The control body 302 of the depicted embodiment includes a housing 318 including an opening 319 defined in a mating end thereof. The control body 302 also includes a flow sensor 320 (e.g., a suction sensor or a pressure switch), a control component 323 (e.g., a processing circuit, alone or as part of a microcontroller, a printed circuit board (PCB) including a microprocessor and / or a microcontroller, etc.), a power source 324 (e.g., a rechargeable battery and / or a rechargeable supercapacitor), and an end cap including an indicator 326 (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED)). In one embodiment, the indicator 326 may include one or more light emitting diodes, quantum dot-based light emitting diodes, etc. The indicator 326 may be in communication with the control component 323 and, for example, when coupled to the control body 304, illuminates when the flow sensor 320 detects that the user is inhaling on the aerosol source member 302. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the aerosol delivery device 300 of this exemplary embodiment also includes a heating assembly 328 that includes a heating cartridge 330 and a flexible heating member 332 .

[0193] As described above, the present disclosure encompasses various visual operating indicators and / or tactile indicators and / or operating sound indicators. In addition, applicants reference various possible power sources, flow sensors, representative current regulating components, other electrical components, and as described above with respect to Figure 1-4 The other components described are also applicable to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0194] Return to reference Fig.11 and Fig.12 , the control body 302 of the illustrated embodiment includes a heating assembly 328, which is configured to heat the inhalable substance medium 310 of the aerosol source component 304. Although the heating assembly of various embodiments of the present disclosure can take a variety of forms, in Fig.11 and 12 In the particular embodiment shown, the heating assembly 328 includes an outer cylinder 330 and a flexible heating member 332 that substantially surrounds at least a portion of the heating cylinder 330. In the depicted embodiment, the heating cylinder 330 and the flexible heating member 332 are located in the control body 302. Fig.13A top view of a flexible heating member 332 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, the flexible heating member 332 being shown in an unfolded, flattened state. In the depicted embodiment, the flexible heating member 332 includes two independently controllable heater circuits 340, 342. In various embodiments, the flexible heating member 332 may take a variety of other forms, including, for example, including as few as one heater circuit, or more than two heater circuits, wherein any, some, or all of these circuits are independently controllable. Although various other types of flexible heaters may be used, in the depicted embodiment, the flexible heating member 332 includes an inner conductive layer surrounded by a cover layer on one side and surrounded by a base layer on the opposite side. In some embodiments, the cover layer and the base layer may be composed of a polyamide material, and the inner conductive layer may be composed of one or more flexible copper layers. In various embodiments, the copper layer may be separated from the cover layer and the base layer by one or more adhesive layers. Other conductive materials may be made of one or more of the following: nickel-chromium alloy, white copper, Kanthal, molybdenum disilicide, barium titanate, and lead titanate.

[0195] In the depicted embodiment, the heating cartridge 330 includes a tube configured to conduct heat from the inner surface of the flexible heating member 332 (i.e., near the base layer) through the tube to the aerosol source member 304, which is near the inner surface of the tube heating cylinder 330 when inserted into the control body 302, as will be discussed in more detail below. In various embodiments, the heating cartridge 330 may include a conductive material including, but not limited to, copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, or any combination thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating cartridge 330 is made of stainless steel. In various embodiments, the flexible heating member 332 may be secured to the heating cartridge 330 using one or more adhesives and / or other mechanical means, although in the illustrated embodiment, the flexible heating member 332 is secured to the heating cartridge 330 using a heat shrink wrap layer wrapped around the outer surface of the flexible heating member 332. In some embodiments, the flexible heating member 332 and the heating cylinder 330 may be surrounded by an insulating cylinder (not shown), which in some embodiments may include non-conductive insulating materials and / or structures, including but not limited to insulating polymers (e.g., plastic or cellulose), glass, rubber, ceramics, porcelain, double-walled vacuum structures, or any combination thereof.

[0196] As shown, the heating assembly 328 can extend adjacent to the mating end of the housing 318 and can be configured to substantially surround a portion of the heating end 304 of the aerosol source member 306 that includes the inhalable substance medium 310. In this manner, the heating assembly 328 can define a generally tubular configuration. Fig.11 and 12As shown, the heating cartridge 330 forms a receiving chamber 336. The receiving base 334 is disposed at the end of the receiving chamber 336 opposite to the opening 319. Thus, when the aerosol source component 304 is inserted into the housing 318, the heating cartridge 330 can also be used to facilitate proper positioning of the aerosol source component 304. In various embodiments, the heating cartridge 330 of the heating assembly 328 can cooperate with the inner surface of the housing 318 to provide alignment of the heating assembly 328 relative to the housing 318. Therefore, due to the fixed connection between the heating assembly 328, the longitudinal axis of the heating assembly 328 can extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing 318. Specifically, the heating cartridge 330 can extend from the opening 318 of the housing 319 to the receiving base 334 to create the receiving chamber 336. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner diameter of the heating tube 330 may be slightly larger than or approximately equal to the outer diameter of the corresponding aerosol source component 304 (e.g., to produce a sliding fit), such that the heating tube 330 is configured to guide the aerosol source component 304 to a correct position (e.g., a lateral position) relative to the control body 302.

[0197] In various embodiments, the control body 302 is configured so that when the aerosol source member 304 is inserted into the control body 302, the heating cartridge 330 is located near at least a portion of the inhalable substance medium 310 at the heating end 306 of the aerosol source member 304. In the depicted embodiment, the control body 302 is configured so that when the aerosol source member 304 is inserted into the control body 302, the heating cartridge 330 is in direct contact with the outer surface of the aerosol source member 304 and is adjacent to the inhalable substance medium 310 at the heating end 306 of the aerosol source member 304. In various embodiments, the control body 302 can be used in conjunction with a solid or semi-solid inhalable substance medium 310. Furthermore, in various embodiments, the heating cartridge 330 can be used in conjunction with an additional heating member, which in some embodiments can include a receiving base 334.

[0198] Return to reference Fig.11 and 12During use, the consumer begins to heat the heating assembly 328, and specifically the flexible heating member 332. Due to the spatial relationship between the flexible heating member 332 and the heating cartridge 330, this also begins heating the inhalable substance medium 310 (or a specific layer thereof) through heat transfer. The heating of the inhalable substance medium 310 releases the inhalable substance in the aerosol source member 304, thereby producing the inhalable substance. When the consumer inhales on the mouth end 308 of the aerosol source member 304, the air is inhaled into the aerosol source member 302 through the opening or hole 322 in the control body 304. When the inhaled material leaves the mouth end 308 of the aerosol source member 304, the mixture of the inhaled air and the released inhalable substance is inhaled by the consumer. In some embodiments, in order to start heating, the consumer can manually actuate a button or similar component, which causes the heating member of the heating assembly to receive electrical energy from a battery or other energy source. The electrical energy can be supplied for a predetermined length of time, or can be controlled manually. In some embodiments, the flow of electrical energy is substantially not carried out between puffs on the device (although the energy flow may continue to maintain a baseline temperature greater than the ambient temperature, such as a temperature that helps to quickly heat it to an effective heating temperature). However, in the depicted embodiment, the consumer activates the heating by using one or more sensors, such as a flow sensor 320, to draw. Once the puff is stopped, the heating will stop or decrease. When the consumer takes enough puffs to release a sufficient amount of inhalable material (e.g., an amount sufficient to equal a typical smoking experience), the aerosol source member 304 can be removed and discarded from the control body 302. In some exemplary embodiments, additional sensing elements, such as capacitive sensing elements and other sensors discussed in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 707,461 to Phillips et al., can be used, and the entire text of the document is incorporated herein by reference.

[0199] In various embodiments, the aerosol source member 304 may be formed of any material suitable for forming and maintaining an appropriate structure such as a tubular shape, and is used to hold the inhalable substance medium 310 therein. In some embodiments, as further discussed herein, the aerosol source member 304 may be formed of a single wall, or in other embodiments, may be formed of a heat-resistant material (natural or synthetic) to maintain its structural integrity, such as not deteriorating, at least at the temperature of the heating temperature provided by the electric heating member. Although in some embodiments, heat-resistant polymers may be used, in other embodiments, the aerosol source member 304 may be formed of paper, such as substantially straw-shaped paper. As further discussed herein, the aerosol source member 304 may have one or more layers associated therewith, which serve to substantially prevent the movement of vapor through the aerosol source member. In an exemplary embodiment, an aluminum foil layer may be laminated to one surface of the aerosol source member. Ceramic materials may also be used. In other embodiments, insulating materials may be used to avoid unnecessary heat removal from the inhalable substance medium. In addition, applicants refer to various possible sizes, other components and possible compositions of aerosol source components including the inhalable substance medium, as described above with reference to Figure 1-4 described.

[0200] Return to reference Fig.11 and 12 , the size and shape of the heating end 306 of the aerosol source member 304 is designed to be inserted into the control body 302. In various embodiments, the receiving chamber 336 of the control body 302 can be characterized as being defined by a wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface defining the interior volume of the receiving chamber 336. For example, in the depicted embodiment, the heating cartridge 330 is defined with an inner surface that defines the interior volume of the receiving chamber 336. Therefore, the maximum outer diameter (or other dimension depending on the specific cross-sectional shape of the embodiment) of the aerosol source member 304 can be designed to be smaller than the inner diameter (or other dimension) at the inner surface of the wall of the open end of the receiving chamber 336 in the control body 302. In some embodiments, the difference between the diameters can be small enough so that the aerosol source member fits tightly in the receiving chamber 336, and friction prevents the aerosol source member 204 from moving without the application of force. On the other hand, the difference can be sufficient to allow the aerosol source member 304 to slide into or out of the receiving chamber 336 without undue force.

[0201] In some embodiments, the overall size of the aerosol delivery device 300 may have a size comparable to that of a cigarette or cigar shape. Thus, the device may have a diameter of about 5 mm to about 25 mm, about 5 mm to about 20 mm, about 6 mm to about 15 mm, or about 6 mm to about 10 mm. In various embodiments, such a size may specifically correspond to the outer diameter of the control body 302. In some embodiments, the diameter of the aerosol source member 304 may be between about 4 mm and about 6 mm. In addition, the control body 302 and the aerosol source member may also be characterized similarly with respect to the total length. For example, in some embodiments, the length of the control body may be about 40 mm to about 120 mm, about 45 mm to about 110 mm, or about 50 mm to about 100 mm. The aerosol source member may have a length of about 20 mm to about 60 mm, about 25 mm to about 55 mm, or about 30 mm to about 50 mm.

[0202] In the depicted embodiment, the control body 302 includes a control component 323 that controls various functions of the aerosol delivery device 300, including supplying power to the flexible heating member 332. For example, the control component 323 may include a control circuit (which may be connected to additional components, as further described herein) that is connected to a power source 324 via conductive wires (not shown). For example, referring to Fig.15 , and as described above. In various embodiments, the control circuit can control the heating assembly 328, specifically when and how the flexible heating member 332 receives electrical energy to heat the heating cartridge 330 and thus the inhalable substance medium 310 for releasing the inhalable substance for inhalation by the consumer. In some embodiments, such control can be activated by actuation of a flow sensor and / or a pressure sensitive switch, etc., which will be described in more detail below.

[0203] As described above, in the illustrated embodiment, the flexible heating member 332 includes two independently controllable heating circuits 340, 342, and in other embodiments, the flexible heating member 332 may include more than two independently controllable heating circuits. Thus, in various embodiments, the control component 323 may independently control each heating circuit so that each heating circuit or some of the heating circuits may exhibit different heating characteristics compared to other heating circuits. For example, in the depicted embodiment, at some or all times, the control component 323 may control the first heater circuit 340 differently from the second heater circuit 342, such that, for example, the first heater circuit 340 has a different heating curve and / or its timing or heating temperature is different from the timing or heating temperature of the second heater circuit 342. However, in other embodiments, the heating characteristics of the heating circuits may be the same.

[0204] As noted, the control component may be configured to closely control the amount of heat provided to the inhalable substance medium 310. Although the amount of heat required to volatilize the aerosol-forming substance in sufficient volume to provide the desired dose of the inhalable substance for each specific substance used may vary depending on the specific substance used, in some embodiments, one or more heating circuits of the heating member may be heated to at least 120°C, at least 130°C, or at least 140°C. In some embodiments, in order to volatilize the appropriate amount of aerosol-forming substance and thus provide the desired dose of the inhalable substance, the heating temperature may be at least 150°C, at least 200°C, at least 220°C, at least 300°C, or at least 350°C. However, it is particularly desirable to avoid heating to temperatures significantly exceeding about 550°C to avoid degradation and / or premature volatilization of the smoke-forming substance. Specifically, the heating should be performed at a sufficiently low temperature and a sufficiently short time to avoid significant combustion (preferably any combustion) of the inhalable substance medium. The present disclosure may specifically provide components of the present device in combination and use mode, which will produce a desired amount of inhalable substance at a relatively low temperature. Thus, generation may refer to one or both of the generation of an aerosol within the device and delivery to a consumer outside the device. In a particular embodiment, the heating temperature may be from about 130°C to about 310°C, from about 140°C to about 300°C, from about 150°C to about 290°C, from about 170°C to about 270°C, or from about 180°C to about 260°C. In other embodiments, the heating temperature may be from about 210°C to about 390°C, from about 220°C to about 380°C, from about 230°C to about 370°C, from about 250°C to about 350°C, or from about 280°C to about 320°C.

[0205] The duration of heating for one or more heating circuits can be controlled by a number of factors, as discussed in more detail below. As further described herein, the heating temperature and duration can depend on the desired volume of aerosol and ambient air that is desired to be drawn through the aerosol delivery device. However, the duration can vary depending on the heating rate of the heating component circuit, as the device can be configured so that the heating component circuit is only energized until the desired temperature is reached. Alternatively, the duration of heating can be tied to the duration of the consumer's puffing of the article. Typically, as described above, the temperature and duration of heating will be controlled by one or more components contained in the control housing. Applicants refer to references as described above. Figure 1-4 Various possible control components and related functions are described, which may also be applied to the present example embodiment.

[0206] In various embodiments, the electric heating assembly may include any device suitable for providing heat sufficient to promote the release of the inhalable substance for inhalation by the consumer. In certain embodiments, the electric heating assembly may include a resistive heating element. Useful heating elements may be those that have low mass, low density and moderate resistivity and are thermally stable at the temperatures experienced during use. Useful heating elements heat and cool rapidly, thereby providing efficient use of energy. Rapid heating of the element also causes the aerosol-forming substance to volatilize almost immediately. Rapid cooling prevents large amounts of volatilization (and therefore waste) of the aerosol-forming substance during periods when aerosol formation is not required. Such a heating element also allows relatively precise control of the temperature range experienced by the aerosol-forming substance, particularly when time-based current control is employed. Useful heating elements also do not chemically react with the material comprising the heated inhalable substance medium, thereby not adversely affecting the flavor or content of the aerosol or vapor produced. Applicants further refer to reference as described above. Figure 1-4 Various possible materials for the heating member are described, which may also be applied to this example embodiment. Figure 11-14 As shown, the electrical heating assembly 328 of the depicted embodiment includes a heating cartridge 330 and a flexible heating member 332 including two independently controlled heater circuits 340, 342. In various embodiments, the flexible heating member 332 can extend any distance along the portion of the inhalable substance medium 310 of the aerosol source member 304. For example, in some embodiments, the flexible heating member 332 can extend up to about 25%, up to about 50%, up to about 75%, and up to about the entire length of the inhalable substance medium 310. In addition, in various embodiments, the relative overall size of the flexible heating member 332 can vary. Applicants further refer to the references described above. Figure 1-4 Various other possible heater configurations are described which may also be applicable to the present example embodiment.

[0207] The amount of the inhalable material released by the device 300 of the present invention can change based on the property of the inhalable material. Preferably, the device 300 is configured with a sufficient amount of inhalable material, configured with a sufficient amount of any aerosol forming agent, and acts at a sufficient temperature for a sufficient time to release the desired amount during use. The amount can be provided from the device 300 in a single inhalation mode, or can be separated to provide in a relatively short time (for example, less than 30 minutes, less than 20 minutes, less than 15 minutes, less than 10 minutes or less than 5 minutes) by multiple suctions from the product. The example of the nicotine level that can be delivered and the total particulate matter of wet is described in the U.S. Patent No. 9,078,473 to Worm et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0208] In various embodiments, the control body 302 may include one or more holes 322 therein to allow ambient air to enter the interior of the receiving chamber 336. In this manner, the receiving base 334 may also include an opening or hole. Thus, in some embodiments, when a consumer inhales on the mouth end of the aerosol source member 304, air may be drawn into the control body 302 through the base receiving member 334 and through the inhalable substance medium 310 to be inhaled by the consumer. In some embodiments, the inhaled air carries the inhalable substance through the optional filter 314 and out of the opening at the mouth end 308 of the aerosol source member 304. In the case where the flexible heating member 332 and the heating cartridge 330 are positioned adjacent to the inhalable substance medium 310, the flexible heating member 332 and the heating cartridge 330 may be activated to heat the inhalable substance medium 310 and release the inhalable substance through the aerosol source member 304.

[0209] In some embodiments, it may be useful to provide an indication of when the aerosol source member 304 has reached the appropriate distance of insertion into the receiving chamber 336 so that the flexible heating member 332 and the heating cartridge 330 are positioned near the inhalable substance medium 310. For example, the aerosol source member 304 may include one or more markings on its exterior (e.g., on the outer surface of the aerosol source member 304). In other embodiments, a single marking may indicate the insertion depth required to achieve the position. Alternatively, the appropriate insertion distance may be indicated by the aerosol source member 304 "bottoming out" against the bottom of the receiving chamber 336, such as, for example, against the receiving base 334, or any other such means that enables the consumer to recognize and understand that the aerosol source member 104 has been fully inserted into the receiving chamber 336 to position the inhalable substance medium 310 relative to the flexible heating member 332 and the heating cartridge 330.

[0210] In some embodiments, the aerosol delivery device 300 may include a button that can be linked to a control component for manually controlling the heating assembly. For example, in some embodiments, a consumer can use a button to energize the flexible heating member 332. Similar functions associated with buttons can be achieved by other mechanical or non-mechanical means (e.g., magnetic or electromagnetic means). Therefore, the actuation of the flexible heating member 332 can be controlled by a single button. Alternatively, multiple buttons can be provided to control various actions separately. The one or more buttons present can be substantially flush with the housing of the control body 302.

[0211] As an alternative (or in addition) to any button, the inventive device 300 of the present disclosure may include a component that energizes the flexible heating member 332 in response to a consumer's inhalation on the article (i.e., suction-activated heating). For example, the device may include a switch or flow sensor 320 in the control body 302 that is sensitive to changes in pressure or airflow when the consumer inhales on the article (i.e., a suction-activated switch). Other suitable current actuation / non-actuation mechanisms may include a temperature-actuated on / off switch or a lip pressure-actuated switch. An exemplary mechanism that can provide such suction-actuated capabilities includes a 163PC01D36 silicon sensor manufactured by the MicroSwitch Division of Honeywell, Inc., Freeport, Illinois. With such a sensor, the heating member can be quickly activated by a change in pressure when the consumer inhales on the device. In addition, flow sensing devices such as those using the hot wire anemometer principle can be used to cause the energization of the flexible heating member 332 quickly enough after sensing a change in air flow. Another possible suction actuated switch is a pressure differential switch, such as the MPL-502-V Model A from Micro Pneumatic Logic, Inc. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Another suitable suction actuated mechanism is a sensitive pressure sensor (e.g., equipped with an amplifier or gain stage), which in turn is coupled to a comparator to detect a predetermined threshold pressure. Applicants further reference various other possible suction actuated mechanisms, as well as referenced above. Figure 1-4 Other switches, sensors, etc. described may also be applicable to the present example embodiments. When a consumer inhales on the mouth end of the device 300, the current actuation device may allow the current flowing through the resistive flexible heating element 332 to flow without restriction or interruption to quickly generate heat. Due to the rapid heating, it may be useful to include a current regulation component to (i) regulate the current flowing through the heating component to control the heating of the resistive element and the temperature experienced thereby, and (ii) prevent overheating and degradation of the inhalable substance medium 310. In some embodiments, the current regulation circuit may specifically be time-based. Applicants further reference various possible current regulation circuits associated with the heating element, including those described above with reference to Figure 1-4 The described time-based circuits are also applicable to this example embodiment.

[0212] As described above, the power supply 324 for providing power to the various electrical components of the device 300 can adopt various embodiments. Preferably, the power supply can deliver enough energy to quickly heat the heating component in the above manner, and power the device by using it with multiple aerosol source components 304, while still being conveniently assembled in the device 300. An example of a power supply is the TKI-1550 rechargeable lithium-ion battery produced by Tadrian Battery Co., Ltd. in Germany. In another embodiment, a useful power supply can be the N50-AAA cadmium nickel battery produced by Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. of Japan. In other embodiments, a plurality of such batteries, for example, batteries that all provide a voltage of 1.2 volts, can be connected in series. Other power supplies such as rechargeable lithium manganese batteries can also be used. Any of these batteries or a combination thereof can be used in the power supply, but due to the cost and processing considerations associated with disposable batteries, rechargeable batteries are preferred. In embodiments using rechargeable batteries, the power source 324 may also include charging contacts for interacting with corresponding contacts in a conventional charging unit (not shown) that draws power from a standard 120 volt AC wall outlet or other power source, such as an automobile electrical system or a portable power source. In other embodiments, the power source may also include a capacitor. Capacitors discharge faster than batteries and can be charged between puffs, allowing the battery to discharge into the capacitor at a lower rate than when directly powering the heating member. For example, supercapacitors, i.e., electric double layer capacitors (EDLCs), may be used separately from or in combination with batteries. When used alone, the supercapacitor may be charged prior to each use of the device 300. Therefore, the present disclosure may also include a charger component that can be attached to the device between uses to replenish the supercapacitor. Thin film batteries may be used in certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0213] As described above, in various embodiments, the aerosol delivery device 300 may include one or more indicators 326. Although in the depicted embodiment, the indicator 336 is shown as being located at one end of the control body 302, in various embodiments, the indicator 336 may be located on another portion or other portion of the control body 302. In some embodiments, the indicator may be a lamp (e.g., a light emitting diode) that can provide an indication of multiple aspects of the use of the article of the present invention. For example, a series of lights may correspond to the number of puffs of a given aerosol source member. Specifically, the lights may be lit successively with each puff, so that when all the lights are lit, the consumer is informed that the aerosol source member has been used up. Alternatively, when the aerosol source member is inserted into the housing, all the lights may be lit, and with each puff, the lights may be turned off, so that when all the lights are off, the consumer is informed that the aerosol source member has been used up. In other other embodiments, there may be only a single indicator, and its indicator may indicate that current is flowing to the heating member and that the device is actively heating. This ensures that the consumer does not unknowingly leave the device unattended in the active heating mode. In alternative embodiments, one or more indicators may be components of the aerosol source member. Although the indicators are described above in an on / off manner with respect to visual indicators, other operational indicators are also included. For example, a visual indicator may also include a change in the color or intensity of light to show the progression of the smoking experience. Tactile indicators and auditory indicators are similarly covered by the present disclosure. Moreover, a combination of such indicators may also be used in a single device.

[0214] In addition to the above embodiments, in some embodiments, the inhalable substance medium can be configured as a liquid capable of generating an aerosol by applying sufficient heat, having a composition commonly referred to as "smoke juice", "electronic liquid" and "electronic juice". Exemplary formulations for aerosol-generating liquids are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0008457 to Zheng et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0215] The present disclosure provides a device and a method for using the device to heat a heat source using electric energy, which heats tobacco or tobacco-derived materials (preferably without burning the materials to any significant extent) to form an inhalable substance, and such products are compact enough to be considered as a "handheld" device. In certain embodiments, the device can be specifically characterized as a smoking article. As used herein, the term is intended to represent a device or product that provides the taste and / or feel (such as feel or mouth feel) of a cigarette or cigar or pipe without any component of an actual combustion device. The term smoking device or product does not necessarily mean that the device generates smoke in the sense of the byproducts of combustion or pyrolysis in operation. On the contrary, smoking is related to the body movements of an individual when using the device, such as holding the device in the hand, inhaling on one end of the device, and inhaling from the device. In a further embodiment, the device of the present invention can be characterized as a steam generating device, an aerosolizing device, or a drug delivery device. Therefore, such a device is arranged to provide one or more substances in an inhalable state.

[0216] It should be noted that, although the aerosol source member and the control body can usually be provided together as a complete smoking article or drug delivery article, each component can also be provided separately. For example, the present disclosure also covers disposable units used together with reusable smoking articles or reusable drug delivery articles. In a specific embodiment, such a disposable unit (which can be an aerosol source member as shown in the accompanying drawings) can include a substantially tubular body, which has a heating end configured to match a reusable smoking article or drug delivery article, a relative mouth end configured to allow inhalable substances to pass into the consumer, and a wall with an outer surface and an inner surface defining an internal space. Various embodiments of the aerosol source member (or cartridge) are described in U.S. Patent No. 9,078,473 to Worm et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0217] In addition to the disposable unit, the present disclosure may also be characterized as providing a separate control body for use in a reusable smoking article or a reusable drug delivery article. In a specific embodiment, the control body may generally be a housing having a receiving end (which may include a receiving chamber with an open end), which is used to receive the heating end of a separately provided aerosol source component. The control body may also include an electric energy source that provides electricity to the electric heating component, which may be a component of the control body, or may be included in an aerosol source component used with a control unit. For example, in some embodiments, the electric energy source may provide power for a heating assembly, and in some embodiments, the heating assembly may include one or more tines forming a heating assembly, and the heating assembly may have associated electrical contacts that connect the heating assembly to the electric energy source. In other embodiments, the heating assembly may include a flexible heating member that substantially encapsulates a heating cartridge. In other embodiments, as an alternative to including an integrated heating member, the heating assembly may include a separate heating member component, wherein one component is a part of the control body and another component is a part of the aerosol source component. In various embodiments, the control body may also include other components, including a power source (e.g., a battery), components for actuating current to flow into the heating member, and components for regulating such current to maintain a desired temperature for a desired time and / or to circulate the current or stop the flow of current when the desired temperature is reached or the heating member has been heated for a desired length of time. In some embodiments, the control unit may also include one or more buttons associated with one or both of the components for actuating current to flow into the heating member and the components for regulating such current. The control body may also include one or more indicators, such as a light indicating that the heater is heating and / or indicating the number of puffs remaining in the aerosol source member used with the control body.

[0218] Although the various figures described herein show the control body and the aerosol source member in a working relationship, it should be understood that the control body and the aerosol source member can exist as separate devices. Therefore, any discussion of the components of the combination provided in other aspects herein should also be understood to apply to the control body and the aerosol source member as separate and separate components.

[0219] On the other hand, the present disclosure may relate to a kit that provides a variety of components as described herein. For example, the kit may include a control body having one or more aerosol source components. The kit may also include a control body having one or more charging components. The kit may also include a control body having one or more batteries. The kit may also include a control body having one or more aerosol source components and one or more charging components and / or one or more batteries. In other embodiments, the kit may include multiple aerosol source components. The kit may also include multiple aerosol source components and one or more batteries and / or one or more charging components. In the above embodiments, the aerosol source component or the control body may be provided with a heating component including the same. The kit of the present invention may also include a housing (or other packaging, carrying or storage component) that accommodates one or more additional kit components. The housing may be a reusable hard or soft container. Further, the housing may be simply a box or other packaging structure.

[0220] Many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure will occur to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs, having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and various modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used in a general and descriptive sense, not for the purpose of limitation.

Claims

1. An aerosol delivery device configured to generate an inhalable substance, the aerosol delivery device comprising: a control body having a closed distal end and an open mating end; Heating member; a control component, the control component being located in the control body and configured to control the heating member; a power source, the power source being located in the control body and configured to provide power to the control component; as well as a removable aerosol source member including an inhalable substance medium, the aerosol source member being configured to be inserted into the mating end of the control body and defining a heating end and a mouth end, the heating end being configured to be positioned adjacent the heating member when inserted into the control body, wherein the heating component is configured to provide heat to at least a portion of the aerosol source component to form an inhalable aerosol, and Wherein, the heating component includes a base heating component and a substrate heating component, wherein the base heating component is located in the control body, and the substrate heating component is located in the aerosol source component, and wherein the base heating component is configured to transfer heat to the substrate heating component.

2. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 1, characterized in that At least a portion of the heating element is in direct contact with the inhalable substance medium.

3. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 1, characterized in that The control component is configured to provide an operating current within a range of or between approximately 2.5 amps to approximately 10 amps.

4. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 1, characterized in that The control component is configured to provide an efficiency of the power supply of up to about 96%.

5. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 1, characterized in that The control component is configured to establish a time to temperature of less than about 10 seconds.

6. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 1, characterized in that The inhalable substance medium comprises tobacco or tobacco-derived material.

7. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 1, characterized in that At least a portion of the inhalable substance medium comprises at least one of tobacco-containing beads, tobacco shreds, tobacco rods, sheets of reconstituted tobacco material, and tobacco cast sheets.

8. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein: At least a portion of the inhalable substance medium comprises an extruded structure comprising tobacco or tobacco-derived material.

9. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 1, characterized in that The aerosol source member comprises an outer packaging comprising a paper material surrounding the inhalable substance medium.

10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein: The aerosol source component includes a filter material located near the mouth end of the aerosol source component.

11. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein: The mouth end of the aerosol source component is partially blocked.

12. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein: The control body also includes one or more ventilation openings configured to allow ambient air to enter the control body.

13. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein: Also included is a suction-activated switch that activates current flow from the power source to the heating member.

14. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein: Also included is a manually operated button that activates the flow of current from the power source to the heating member.

15. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein: The power source includes a battery.

16. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein: Also included is a current regulating component configured to regulate a previously activated current from the power source to the heating member.

17. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein: The current regulation component includes a time-based component.

18. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein: The current regulating component is configured to stop the current flowing to the electrical heating element once a defined temperature is reached.

19. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein: The current regulating component is configured to cycle the current flowing to the electric heating element off and on once a defined temperature is reached, thereby maintaining the defined temperature for a defined period of time.

20. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein: The aerosol source member defines an outer surface, and a fluid passage along the length of the aerosol source member is substantially confined to a passage within the aerosol source member.

21. An aerosol delivery device configured to generate an inhalable substance, the aerosol delivery device comprising: a control body having a closed distal end and an open mating end; Heating member; a control component, the control component being located in the control body and configured to control the heating member; a power source, the power source being located in the control body and configured to provide power to the control component; as well as a removable aerosol source member, the aerosol source member comprising an inhalable substance medium, the inhalable substance medium being configured to be inserted into the mating end of the control body and defining a heating end and a mouth end, the heating end being configured to be positioned adjacent the heating member when inserted into the control body, and the mouth end being configured to extend beyond the mating end of the control body, wherein the heating component is configured to provide heat to at least a portion of the aerosol source component to form an inhalable aerosol, and Wherein the heating member includes a plurality of heater tines extending into at least a portion of the mating end of the control body.

22. The aerosol delivery device of claim 21, wherein: At least a portion of the heating element is in direct contact with the inhalable substance medium.

23. The aerosol delivery device of claim 21, wherein: The control component is configured to provide an operating current within a range of or between approximately 2.5 amps to approximately 10 amps.

24. The aerosol delivery device of claim 21, wherein: The control component is configured to provide an efficiency of the power supply of up to about 96%.

25. The aerosol delivery device of claim 21, wherein: The control component is configured to establish a time to temperature of less than about 10 seconds.

26. The aerosol delivery device of claim 21, wherein: The inhalable substance medium comprises tobacco or tobacco-derived material.

27. The aerosol delivery device of claim 21, wherein: At least a portion of the inhalable substance medium comprises at least one of tobacco-containing beads, tobacco shreds, tobacco rods, sheets of reconstituted tobacco material, and tobacco cast sheets.

28. The aerosol delivery device of claim 21, wherein: At least a portion of the inhalable substance medium comprises an extruded structure comprising tobacco or tobacco-derived material.

29. The aerosol delivery device of claim 21, wherein: The aerosol source member comprises an outer packaging comprising a paper material surrounding the inhalable substance medium.

30. The aerosol delivery device of claim 21, wherein: The aerosol source component includes a filter material located near the mouth end of the aerosol source component.

31. The aerosol delivery device of claim 21, wherein: The mouth end of the aerosol source component is partially blocked.

32. The aerosol delivery device of claim 21, wherein: The control body also includes one or more ventilation openings configured to allow ambient air to enter the control body.

33. The aerosol delivery device of claim 21, wherein: Also included is a suction-activated switch that activates current flow from the power source to the heating member.

34. The aerosol delivery device of claim 21, wherein: Also included is a manually operated button that activates the flow of current from the power source to the heating member.

35. The aerosol delivery device of claim 21, wherein: The power source includes a battery.

36. The aerosol delivery device of claim 21, wherein: Also included is a current regulating component configured to regulate a previously activated current from the power source to the heating member.

37. The aerosol delivery device of claim 21, wherein: The current regulation component includes a time-based component.

38. The aerosol delivery device of claim 21, wherein: The current regulating component is configured to stop the current flowing to the electrical heating element once a defined temperature is reached.

39. The aerosol delivery device of claim 21, wherein: The current regulating component is configured to cycle the current flowing to the electric heating element off and on once a defined temperature is reached, thereby maintaining the defined temperature for a defined period of time.

40. The aerosol delivery device of claim 21, wherein: The aerosol source member defines an outer surface, and a fluid passage along the length of the aerosol source member is substantially confined to a passage within the aerosol source member.

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