Aerosol supply component

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol supply component configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material wherein: the aerosol supply component is configured to generate an aerosol by a series of aerosol-generating events during an aerosol-generating session; a characteristic of the aerosol generated during the aerosol-generating event varies between the aerosol-generating events; and the aerosol supply component is configured such that aerosol-generating events occur in a sequence that varies between aerosol-generating sessions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an aerosol supply component. Background Technology

[0002] Smoking products (such as cigarettes, cigars, etc.) burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these tobacco-burning products by creating products that release compounds without combustion. Examples of such products include heating devices that release compounds by heating a material without burning it. The material can be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one aspect, an aerosol supply component is provided. The aerosol supply component is configured to generate aerosols from an aerosol generating material. The aerosol supply component is configured to generate aerosols via a series of aerosol generation events during an aerosol generation session. The properties of the aerosols generated during the aerosol generation events vary between the aerosol generation events. The aerosol supply component is configured such that the aerosol generation events occur in a sequence that varies between aerosol generation sessions.

[0004] An aerosol supply component can be configured such that aerosol generation events occur in a substantially random sequence during each aerosol generation session. The aerosol supply component can be configured to generate aerosols from aerosol-generating materials in an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol supply component can be configured to atomize different regions of the aerosol-generating material during each aerosol generation event. A controller for the aerosol supply component can be configured to vary the atomization sequence of the different regions of the aerosol-generating material to cause sequence variation. Characteristics may include flavor and / or intensity. The aerosol supply component can be configured to heat the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosols during each aerosol generation event. The aerosol supply component may include a controller. The controller can be configured to vary the heating between aerosol generation events to cause sequence variation. Variations in heating may include varying at least one of: heating temperature; rate of temperature increase; and duration of heating. The aerosol-generating material may not have variable properties. The aerosol supply component may include an aerosol supply device. The aerosol supply component may include an article.

[0005] The article may include: a matrix; and a plurality of aerosol-generating materials, each aerosol-generating material positioned in a corresponding region of the matrix. The properties of one or more aerosol-generating materials may differ from the properties of one or more other aerosol-generating materials. The matrix may include a heating element configured to provide heat to the one or more aerosol-generating materials. The matrix may include a plurality of heating elements, each configured to heat a corresponding aerosol-generating material.

[0006] The article may include: a matrix; a plurality of aerosol-generating materials, each aerosol-generating material positioned in a corresponding region of the matrix; and a plurality of heating elements, each heating element configured to provide heat to one or more aerosol-generating materials. One or more heating elements may be different from one or more other heating elements. The plurality of aerosol-generating materials may be discrete portions spaced apart from each other, or the plurality of aerosol-generating materials may be continuously joined together.

[0007] In another aspect, an aerosol supply system is provided. The aerosol supply system includes: an article; and any of the aforementioned aerosol supply devices. The article can be any of the aforementioned articles.

[0008] In another aspect, a method for generating aerosols is provided. The method includes generating aerosols from an aerosol-generating material according to a sequence corresponding to a series of aerosol-generating events during an aerosol-generating session. The properties of the aerosols generated during the aerosol-generating events vary between the aerosol-generating events. The sequence varies between aerosol-generating sessions.

[0009] The sequence can be generated by a random number generator. The method may also include generating aerosols from the aerosol-generating material according to another sequence corresponding to another series of aerosol-generating events during another aerosol-generating session. This other sequence may be different from the given sequence.

[0010] In another aspect, an article package is provided. The article package includes multiple articles. Each article includes a matrix and multiple aerosol-generating materials deposited on the matrix. The multiple aerosol-generating materials in one of the multiple articles differ from the multiple aerosol-generating materials in another of the multiple articles. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The implementation will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A side view of the aerosol supply system is shown (not to scale). Figure 2 A schematic perspective view (not to scale) of the article in a plane parallel to its longitudinal axis is shown; and Figure 3 A flowchart of a method for generating aerosols is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0012] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating material" is a material capable of generating aerosols, for example, when heated, radiated, or otherwise powered. Aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. Aerosol-generating materials may contain any plant-based material, such as tobacco-containing materials, and may, for example, contain one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-generating materials may also contain other non-tobacco products, depending on whether the product may or may not contain nicotine. Aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, gel, wax, etc. Aerosol-generating materials may also be, for example, a combination or mixture of materials. Aerosol-generating materials may also be referred to as "smoking materials."

[0013] The aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, an active agent and / or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent (such as water) may also be present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in that solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0014] Aerosol-generating materials may include or be "amorphous solids". Amorphous solids can be "monolithic solids". In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. Amorphous solids are solid materials that can retain some fluid (such as liquid) within them. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may, for example, comprise from about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% of amorphous solids to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% of amorphous solids.

[0015] Aerosol-generating materials may include aerosol-generating membranes. Aerosol-generating membranes may include or be sheet materials, which may optionally be shredded to form shredded sheets. Aerosol-generating sheets or shredded sheets may be substantially tobacco-free.

[0016] According to this disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol supply system is a system in which the aerosol generating material components of the aerosol supply system (or its components) are non-ignitable or non-combustible, in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0017] In some implementations, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a power-type non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0018] In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known as an atomizing device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that nicotine does not need to be present in the aerosol generating material.

[0019] In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heated non-combustible system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0020] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a mixing system that uses a combination of aerosol-generating materials to generate aerosols, one or more of which can be heated. Each of these aerosol-generating materials may be in solid, liquid, or gel form and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the mixing system comprises liquid or gel aerosol-generating materials and solid aerosol-generating materials. The solid aerosol-generating materials may comprise, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0021] Typically, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may include a non-combustible aerosol supply device and consumables used with the non-combustible aerosol supply device.

[0022] In some embodiments, this disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating materials and configured for use with non-combustible aerosol supply devices. In the context of this disclosure, these consumables are sometimes referred to as articles.

[0023] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system (such as its non-combustible aerosol supply device) may include a power source and a controller. For example, the power source may be an electrical power source or a thermal power source. In some embodiments, the thermal power source includes a carbon matrix that can be powered to distribute power as heat to the aerosol generating material or to a heat transfer material adjacent to the thermal power source.

[0024] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may include an area for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a nozzle, a filter, and / or an aerosol conditioner.

[0025] In some embodiments, consumables used with a non-combustible aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, aerosol generating material storage area, aerosol generating material delivery component, aerosol generator, aerosol generating area, housing, covering, filter, nozzle and / or aerosol conditioner.

[0026] The aerosol generating apparatus can receive articles containing aerosol generating material for heating. In this context, an "article" is a component that includes or contains aerosol generating material (which is heated to cause the aerosol generating material to volatilize) in use, and optionally, includes or contains other components in use. A user can insert the article into the aerosol generating apparatus before it is heated to generate an aerosol, and the user then aspirates the aerosol. The article may, for example, have a predetermined or specific size, configured to be placed within the heating chamber of the apparatus, the size of which is designed to receive the article.

[0027] refer to Figure 1 The aerosol supply system 10 includes an aerosol supply device 100 for generating aerosols from aerosol generating materials. The aerosol supply system 10 also includes a replaceable article 110 containing the aerosol generating materials. In general, the aerosol forming device 100 can be used to heat the article 110 to generate an aerosol or other pumpable medium that can be inhaled by a user of the device 100.

[0028] The aerosol forming apparatus 100 includes a main body 102. A housing is arranged to surround and accommodate the components of the main body 102. An article orifice 104 is formed at one end of the main body 102, through which an article 110 can be inserted for heating by the aerosol generator 200.

[0029] The device 100 may also include a user-operable control element 150 (such as a button or switch) that operates the device 100 when pressed. For example, a user can turn on the device 100 by operating the switch 150.

[0030] The aerosol generator 200 is positioned along a longitudinal axis aligned with the axis of the article 110.

[0031] In use, the article 110 can be fully or partially inserted into the aerosol generator 200, where it can be heated by one or more components of the aerosol generator 200.

[0032] Apparatus 100 includes a device for heating an aerosol-generating material. The device includes an aerosol-generating assembly, a controller (control circuitry), and a power source. The device forms part of a main body 102. The aerosol-generating assembly is configured to heat an aerosol-generating material inserted into an article 110 passing through an article aperture 104, such that an aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating material. The power source supplies electrical power to the aerosol-generating assembly, and the aerosol-generating assembly converts the supplied electrical energy into thermal energy for heating the aerosol-generating material. The power source may be, for example, a battery, such as a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium batteries (such as lithium-ion batteries), nickel batteries (such as nickel-cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries.

[0033] A power source can be electrically connected to the aerosol generating assembly to supply electrical power to heat the aerosol generating material when needed and under the control of the controller. The control circuitry can be configured to enable and disable the aerosol generating assembly based on user input. User input can be via pressing a button or opening a door of the device (e.g., a door covering a consumable receiving container). The control circuitry can be configured to enable and disable automatically, for example, when an article is inserted.

[0034] Aerosol generation assemblies may include various components for heating aerosol-generating materials via an induction heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating a conductive heating element (such as a sensor) through electromagnetic induction. An induction heating assembly may include a sensing element (e.g., one or more induction coils) and means for passing a changing current (such as alternating current) through the sensing element. The changing current in the sensing element generates a changing magnetic field. The changing magnetic field passes through a sensor (heating element) appropriately positioned relative to the sensing element and generates eddy currents within the sensor. The sensor has resistance to the eddy currents, and therefore, the flow of the eddy currents overcoming this resistance heats the sensor by Joule heating. In cases where the sensor contains a ferromagnetic material (such as iron, nickel, or cobalt), heat can also be generated through hysteresis losses in the sensor, i.e., by altering the orientation of magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material by aligning them with the changing magnetic field. In induction heating, heat is generated within the sensor compared to heating by, for example, conduction, thus allowing for rapid heating. Furthermore, no physical contact is required between the sensing element and the sensor, allowing for increased freedom in construction and application.

[0035] In some embodiments, the aerosol supply system may include an aerosol generating component configured to generate aerosols through a series of aerosol generating events during an aerosol generating session. The aerosol supply component may be an aerosol generating device 100. The properties of the aerosol generated during a particular aerosol generating event vary between aerosol generating events. These properties may include, but are not limited to, flavor, strength, texture, the amount of other irritants (such as nicotine), or the amount of active chemicals. Thus, when compared to other aerosol generating events, a user inhaling / using the generated aerosol during an aerosol generating event will experience different and / or unique characteristics.

[0036] The aerosol supply unit is also configured such that aerosol generation events occur in a sequence that varies between aerosol generation sessions. Thus, when compared to other aerosol generation sessions, the user will experience different and / or unique sequences of characteristics when aspirating / using the generated aerosol during an aerosol generation session.

[0037] In some embodiments, the different properties of the aerosol may originate from features of the article 110. For example, the different properties of the aerosol may originate from different aerosol-generating materials in the article 110. Different aerosol-generating materials may be stored at different locations on the article 110. Therefore, the aerosol generating device 100 may be configured to atomize different regions of the article 110 during each aerosol generating event. Each region corresponds to an aerosol-generating material having corresponding and / or unique properties.

[0038] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 is configured to heat an aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol. In some embodiments, different properties of the aerosol may arise from the heating interactions that generate the aerosol. For example, different properties of the aerosol may arise from heating the same aerosol generating material in different ways. Specifically, heating the aerosol generating material may include different maximum temperatures or different average heating temperatures, different heating slopes or rates of temperature increase, or different heating durations. Therefore, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may also be configured to heat different regions of the article 110 and / or the aerosol generating material in different ways during each aerosol generating event. In some embodiments, different heating processes may also be applied to articles having a variety of different aerosol generating materials, which can allow for a wider range of achievable features.

[0039] refer to Figure 2 The aerosol generating component may be article 110. Article 110 includes a substrate 200 and aerosol generating materials 202-210. Article 110 has an opening from which a user can draw or use the aerosol generated from the opening.

[0040] The substrate 200 may be made of paper or board material. The substrate 200 may include one or more heating elements (not shown). The heating element may be a sensor. Heat is generated by using a changing magnetic field to penetrate the sensor, causing eddy currents to form inside the sensor.

[0041] In some embodiments, the heating element may be a resistance heating element extending between positive and negative contacts. The positive and negative contacts may be included in the article of manufacture. The aerosol supply device may include corresponding device contacts for contacting the positive and negative contacts of the article of manufacture when it is received by the aerosol supply device. Thus, the aerosol supply device can provide current flowing through the resistance heating element. The resistance heating element generates heat via a resistance heating process. Specifically, when current is applied directly to the resistance heating element, the current flow generated in the heating element (acting as a heating component) heats the heating element by Joule heating. The resistance heating element comprises a resistive material configured to generate heat when a suitable current passes through it. The resistance heating element may be formed in a resistance heating layer, wherein the aerosol generating material is located in an aerosol generating layer on top of the resistance heating layer. In some instances, multiple resistance heating elements (extending between corresponding contacts) may be formed, for example, one resistance heating element for each discrete portion of the aerosol generating material.

[0042] In some embodiments, multiple heating elements are configured to provide different heating to the aerosol-generating material, which can result in aerosols with different properties. In some embodiments, the order in which the aerosol-generating material is heated can vary, for example, between aerosol-generating sessions.

[0043] Aerosol generating materials 202-210 are deposited on a substrate 200. The aerosol generating materials 202-210 are arranged as a series of discrete portions 202-210. The characteristics of each of the discrete portions may differ from those of the other discrete portions. Each of the discrete portions is located at a position corresponding to a corresponding heating element in the substrate 200, so that it can be heated by the corresponding heating element. In an example with only one heating element, each of the discrete portions may cover that single heating element, so that it can be heated by that heating element. In this embodiment, the directional penetration of the magnetic field allows for independent heating of each of the discrete portions. For example, the single heating element may be a single / continuous large sensor provided with multiple smaller coils / inductors, each of which is arranged at a position corresponding to a specific discrete portion and / or aerosol generating material. In this way, each coil / inductor can be selectively activated for directional penetration of a specific portion of the sensor, thereby providing independent heating to the specific discrete portion and / or aerosol generating material.

[0044] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device 100 is configured to randomly atomize different regions of the aerosol generating material during each aerosol generating event. The aerosol supply device 100 may also be configured such that aerosol generating events occur in a substantially random sequence during each aerosol generating session. For example, the aerosol supply device 100 may be configured to induce heating in one or more different discrete sections in a random order during each aerosol generating session. Thus, a user can experience a random "playlist" of aerosols with minimal interaction.

[0045] In some embodiments, the article comprises two substrates, each having an aerosol-generating material deposited thereon in substantially the same manner as described above. The substrates are arranged spaced apart from each other and facing each other, such that the aerosol-generating materials face each other.

[0046] In some embodiments, the articles may have the same aerosol-generating materials arranged in different regions. Thus, even if the heating process is the same, the resulting aerosol sequence can still be random / variable.

[0047] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating component may include an aerosol supply device and / or articles.

[0048] Figure 3 A method 300 for generating aerosols during an aerosol generation session is shown.

[0049] In step 302, a first article containing aerosol-generating material is connected to an aerosol-generating apparatus. This connection enables the aerosol-generating apparatus to generate aerosols using the aerosol-generating material in the first article.

[0050] In step 304, a first sequence corresponding to a first series of aerosol generation events during the first aerosol generation session is provided. In some embodiments, the first sequence may correspond to multiple locations on the first article of article where the aerosol-generating material is located. In some embodiments, the first sequence may correspond to multiple heating processes. One or more heating processes may differ from other heating processes in that they have different maximum or average heating temperatures, or different heating slopes or rates of temperature increase, or different heating durations. In some embodiments, the first sequence may be generated via a random number generator. In other embodiments, the first sequence may be ordered according to the distance from the aerosol-generating material to the mouth of the article of article.

[0051] In step 306, an aerosol is sequentially generated from the first article of manufacture according to a first sequence. The generation of the aerosol may include generating the aerosol through a first series of aerosol generation events in the order of the first sequence. One or more properties of the aerosol generated during the aerosol generation events may vary between the aerosol generation events. For example, firstly, aerosol-generating material on the first article of manufacture located at a position corresponding to a first position in the first sequence is heated to generate an aerosol having a first property. Subsequently, aerosol-generating material on the first article of manufacture located at a position corresponding to a second position in the first sequence is heated to generate an aerosol having a second property. The first property may differ from the second property.

[0052] In step 308, after the first aerosol generation session has been completed, the first article can be removed and the second article can be connected to the aerosol supply device. The second article may be the same as or different from the first article. The connection enables the aerosol generation device to generate aerosols using the aerosol generating material in the second article.

[0053] In step 310, a second sequence is provided. The second sequence can be generated via a random number generator. The second sequence can be modified or changed using the first sequence. The second sequence corresponds to a second series of aerosol generation events during the second aerosol generation session. The second series of aerosol generation events differs from the first series of aerosol generation events; for example, the characteristics of the aerosols generated in the second series are different from those of the aerosols generated in the first series, or the characteristics of the aerosols generated in the second series are the same as those in the first series but generated in a different order.

[0054] In some embodiments, the second sequence may correspond to multiple locations on the second article where the aerosol-generating material is located. In some embodiments, the second sequence may correspond to multiple heating processes. One or more heating processes may differ from the others in that they have different maximum or average heating temperatures, different heating slopes or rates of temperature increase, or different heating durations. In some embodiments, the second sequence may be generated via a random number generator. In other embodiments, the second sequence may be ordered according to the distance from the aerosol-generating material to the opening of the article.

[0055] In step 312, aerosols are generated sequentially from the second article of manufacture according to the second sequence. Aerosol generation may include generating aerosols in the order of the second sequence at a second series of aerosol generation events. One or more properties of the aerosols generated during the aerosol generation events may vary between the aerosol generation events.

[0056] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of implementations and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It should be understood that the advantages, implementations, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or on the equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments may be used and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. In addition to those specifically described herein, various embodiments of the invention may suitably include, consist of, or substantially consist of suitable combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, devices, etc., or suitable combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, devices, etc. Furthermore, this disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An aerosol supply component configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material, wherein: The aerosol supply component is configured to generate aerosols through a series of aerosol generation events during an aerosol generation session. The properties of the aerosols generated during the aerosol generation event vary between the aerosol generation events; and The aerosol supply component is configured such that the aerosol generation events occur in a sequence that varies between the aerosol generation sessions.

2. The aerosol supply component according to claim 1, wherein, The aerosol supply component is configured such that the aerosol generation events occur in a substantially random sequence in each aerosol generation session.

3. The aerosol supply component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The aerosol supply component is configured to generate aerosols from aerosol generating materials in an aerosol generating article.

4. The aerosol supply component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The aerosol supply component is configured to atomize different regions of the aerosol generating material during each aerosol generation event, wherein the controller of the aerosol supply component is configured to vary the atomization sequence of the different regions of the aerosol generating material to cause the sequence to change.

5. The aerosol supply component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The characteristics include flavor and / or intensity.

6. The aerosol supply component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The aerosol supply component is configured to heat the aerosol generating material to generate aerosols during each aerosol generation event, wherein the aerosol supply component includes a controller configured to cause heating variations between the aerosol generation events to cause the sequence to change.

7. The aerosol supply component according to claim 6, wherein, Changes in heating include altering at least one of the following: heating temperature; the rate of temperature increase; and the duration of heating.

8. The aerosol supply component according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, Aerosol-generating materials do not have variable properties.

9. The aerosol supply component according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The aerosol supply component includes an aerosol supply device.

10. The aerosol supply component according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The aerosol supply component includes products.

11. The aerosol supply component according to claim 10, wherein, The product includes: Matrix; and Multiple aerosol generating materials, each of which is positioned in a corresponding region of the matrix, wherein the properties of one or more of the aerosol generating materials differ from the properties of one or more other aerosol generating materials.

12. The aerosol supply component according to claim 11, wherein, The substrate includes a heating element configured to provide heat to one or more of the aerosol-generating materials.

13. The aerosol supply component according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The matrix includes a plurality of heating elements, each of which is configured to heat a corresponding aerosol-generating material.

14. The aerosol supply component according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The product includes: Matrix; Multiple aerosol generating materials, each of which is positioned in a corresponding region of the matrix; and Multiple heating elements, each of which is configured to provide heat to one or more of the aerosol-generating materials; Wherein, one or more of the heating elements are different from one or more other heating elements.

15. The aerosol supply component according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein, Multiple aerosol generating materials: For discrete parts that are spaced apart from each other; or They are connected in succession.

16. An aerosol supply system, comprising: The aerosol supply device according to claim 9 or any claim dependent on claim 9; as well as Products.

17. The aerosol supply system according to claim 16, wherein, The article is the article according to claim 10 or according to any claim dependent on claim 10.

18. A method for generating an aerosol, the method comprising: Aerosols are generated from aerosol-generating materials according to a sequence corresponding to a series of aerosol-generating events during an aerosol-generating session. The characteristics of the aerosols generated during the aerosol generation events vary between the aerosol generation events; and The sequence varies between the aerosol generation sessions.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The sequence is generated by a random number generator.

20. The method according to claim 18 or claim 19, further comprising: Aerosols are generated from the aerosol generating material according to another sequence corresponding to another series of aerosol generating events during another aerosol generating session. The other sequence is different from the sequence.

21. A package of products, comprising multiple products, wherein: Each article includes a matrix and multiple aerosol-generating materials deposited on the matrix; and The aerosol-generating materials in one of the plurality of articles are different from the aerosol-generating materials in another of the plurality of articles.

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