Aerosol generator

Abstract

A heating device (500) is provided, comprising a first heater trace (502a) having a first electrical resistance, and a second heater trace (502b) having a second electrical resistance, wherein the first and second heater traces (502a, 502b) are connected in parallel, and wherein the first electrical resistance at a predetermined temperature is smaller than the second electrical resistance at the predetermined temperature.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an aerosol generator for an article of an aerosol supply device. The invention also relates to an article of an aerosol supply device, an aerosol supply system, a method for forming an aerosol generator for an article of an aerosol supply device, and a blank for forming an aerosol generator for an article of an aerosol supply device. 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 products by creating products that release compounds without combustion. Examples of such products are so-called "heat-not-burn" products or tobacco heating devices or products 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.

[0003] Aerosol supply systems encompassing the aforementioned devices or products are known. Common systems use a heater to generate an aerosol from a suitable medium, which is then inhaled by the user. Typically, it is necessary to replace or change the medium used to provide different aerosols for inhalation. Resistance heating systems are known to be used as heaters to generate aerosols from a suitable medium. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect, a heating device is provided, comprising: a first heater wiring having a first resistance; and a second heater wiring having a second resistance, wherein the first heater wiring and the second heater wiring are connected in parallel, and wherein the first resistance at a predetermined temperature is less than the second resistance at the predetermined temperature.

[0005] The first resistance can be smaller than the second resistance at any given temperature.

[0006] The first heater trace and the second heater trace can have different temperatures at any given time. Thus, the first resistance can sometimes be less than, greater than, or equal to the second resistance.

[0007] The resistance of each heater trace can change with temperature. The temperature of each heater trace will increase during use.

[0008] When a potential difference is applied to the heating device, the first heater initially draws more power, thus increasing its temperature at a greater rate than the second heater, and therefore its resistance at a greater rate than the second heater, until the first resistance equals the second resistance. At this point, the second heater will draw the same power as the first heater.

[0009] As the difference between the first and second resistances decreases, the difference in the rate of temperature increase also decreases. That is, initially, the first temperature increases much faster than the second temperature; over time, the difference decreases as the resistances become closer.

[0010] The heater wiring can be formed from materials with a positive temperature coefficient of resistance (PCT), such as aluminum, nickel-chromium alloys, or iron.

[0011] Typically, when a potential difference is applied to a heating device, the heater with lower resistance draws more power, thus increasing its temperature and resistance at a faster rate than the other (higher resistance) heater, until the two resistances are similar. At this point, both heaters will draw similar power and increase their temperature and resistance.

[0012] The heating device may include a third heater wiring with a third resistor, wherein the third resistor at a predetermined temperature or any given temperature is greater than the second resistor at that predetermined temperature or given temperature.

[0013] According to one aspect, a method for operating the heating device is provided, wherein a first heater line has a first temperature and a second heater line has a second temperature, the method comprising: applying a potential difference to the heating device line, wherein the first temperature increases such that a first resistance increases, and the second temperature increases at an initial rate slower than the first temperature such that the second resistance increases at a rate slower than the first resistance, such that the first temperature is greater than the second temperature after a first predetermined time length.

[0014] When the first temperature and the second temperature are substantially the same, a potential difference can be applied to the heating device first.

[0015] After a first predetermined time period, the first resistor can be made equal to the second resistor.

[0016] During a second predetermined time period that begins after the end of the first predetermined time period, the second temperature may be increased at a rate faster than the first temperature.

[0017] According to one aspect, an aerosol supply device is provided, including the heating device described above.

[0018] According to one aspect, an aerosol supply system is provided, the aerosol supply system including an aerosol generating material and an aerosol supply device as described above, wherein the wiring of a first heater is arranged to activate a first aerosol generating material area, and the wiring of a second heater is arranged to activate a second aerosol generating material area.

[0019] The aerosol generating material will be activated in the heated aerosol generating material area.

[0020] According to one aspect, a method for heating an aerosol generating material using the above-described method is provided, wherein a first heater wire heats a first aerosol generating material region, and wherein a second heater wire heats a second aerosol generating material region.

[0021] Therefore, the heating device will initially heat or activate the first aerosol generating material region to a degree larger than the aerosol generating material region.

[0022] In any of the above embodiments, the appearance of the article may have a length, a width perpendicular to the length, and a depth perpendicular to each of the length and the width, wherein the length is greater than or equal to the width, and wherein the width is greater than the depth.

[0023] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generator may include a support configured to support a resistance heating layer, wherein the resistance heating layer includes one or more resistance heater traces.

[0024] In any of the above embodiments, the support may include a support layer.

[0025] In any of the above embodiments, the support may be electrically insulated.

[0026] In any of the above embodiments, the support may include at least one of paper and card.

[0027] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generating material takes the form of an aerosol generating layer.

[0028] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generating material can be in direct contact with the resistance heating layer.

[0029] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generating material may be in indirect contact with the resistance heating layer. In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generating layer may be in indirect contact with the resistance heating layer.

[0030] In any of the above embodiments, the resistance heating layer and the support layer define the substrate.

[0031] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generator may include a laminate comprising a resistance heating layer and a support layer.

[0032] In any of the above embodiments, the laminate may include an aerosol-generating material. In any of the above embodiments, the laminate may include an aerosol-generating layer.

[0033] In any of the above embodiments, the support layer may include a card layer.

[0034] In any of the above embodiments, the first type of electrical contact may be configured to be electrically connected to the device electrical connector, and the second type of electrical contact may be configured to be electrically connected to the device electrical connector.

[0035] In any of the above embodiments, the support may define the exposed contact area of ​​the first type of electrical contact.

[0036] In any of the above embodiments, the exposed contact area may be a first exposed contact area, and the support may define a second exposed contact area for a second type of electrical contact.

[0037] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generating material can be a continuous aerosol generating material. In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generating layer can be a continuous aerosol generating layer. The continuous aerosol generating material can include multiple aerosol generating regions. The continuous aerosol generating layer can include multiple aerosol generation regions.

[0038] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generating material can be a discontinuous aerosol generating material. A discontinuous aerosol generating material may include multiple aerosol generating regions. In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generating layer can be a discontinuous aerosol generating layer. A discontinuous aerosol generating layer may include multiple aerosol generating regions.

[0039] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generating material may include multiple discrete aerosol generating portions or aerosol generating regions. In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generating layer may include multiple discrete aerosol generating portions or aerosol generating regions.

[0040] In any of the above embodiments, the resistance heater trace is one of a plurality of resistance heater traces.

[0041] In any of the above embodiments, one of the discrete aerosol generation portions or aerosol generation regions is associated with a corresponding resistance heating trace among a plurality of resistance heating traces.

[0042] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generating layer may include at least one of dots, strips, and sheets.

[0043] In any of the above embodiments, the resistance heater trace is a first heating element, and the resistance heating layer forms a second resistance heater trace, each resistance heater trace providing a conductive path for resistively heating a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol at a corresponding portion of the aerosol generating material.

[0044] In any of the above embodiments, the resistance heater trace is a first heating element, and the resistance heating layer forms a second resistance heater trace, each resistance heater trace providing a conductive path for resistively heating a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate aerosol at a corresponding portion of the aerosol generating layer.

[0045] In any of the above embodiments, the resistance heating layer forms a resistance heater trace array, which includes at least a first resistance heater trace and a second resistance heater trace.

[0046] In any of the above embodiments, each of the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact is configured such that current can be independently supplied to each resistive heater trace in the resistive heater trace.

[0047] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generating layer includes a membrane or gel layer containing an aerosol generating material.

[0048] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generator includes a plurality of first-type electrical contacts, wherein each of the heating elements includes a separate first-type electrical contact.

[0049] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generator includes a plurality of second-type electrical contacts, wherein each resistance heater trace in the resistance heater trace includes a separate second-type electrical contact.

[0050] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generator includes a single second-type electrical contact.

[0051] In any of the above embodiments, a single second-type electrical contact is shared between each resistance heater trace in the resistance heater trace.

[0052] In any of the above embodiments, the resistance heater traces are formed by at least one of the following: cutting the resistance heating layer; chemically etching the resistance heating layer; forming or pressing the resistance heating layer in a substrate; and printing the resistance heating layer.

[0053] In any of the above embodiments, the resistance heating layer is in the form of foil.

[0054] According to one aspect, an aerosol generator for an aerosol supply device is provided, the aerosol generator comprising: Aerosol generating materials; A resistance heating layer includes resistance heater traces configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol. Type I electrical contacts; and Second type of electrical contact; and The resistance heater wiring is at least a portion of the conductive path located between the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact.

[0055] In any of the above embodiments, an aerosol generating layer comprising an aerosol generating material is provided.

[0056] According to one aspect, an aerosol supply device is provided, which is configured to receive any of the above-mentioned aerosol generators or articles for use in the aerosol supply device.

[0057] According to one aspect, an aerosol supply system is provided, comprising: any of the above aerosol generators or articles for use in an aerosol supply device; and any of the above aerosol supply devices. Attached Figure Description

[0058] Various embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic 3D diagram of an aerosol supply system; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of an aerosol supply system containing aerosol generating materials; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of the first side of the aerosol generator for the product; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of a portion of the second side of an aerosol generator; Figure 5 Aerosol supply systems (such as) Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of the system shown in the figure; Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A schematic partially exploded perspective view of the product, in which the aerosol generator is shown as inverted relative to the assembly orientation and separated from other components; Figure 7 It is another aerosol generator (such as Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generator shown in the figure; Figure 8 yes Figure 3 A schematic plan view of the heating element of an aerosol generator; Figure 9 It has multiple heating elements Figure 3 A schematic plan view of the resistance heating layer of an aerosol generator; Figure 10 It shows an aerosol generator (such as...) Figure 3 A flowchart of a method for generating an aerosol generator; Figure 11 This is an exploded 3D view of the aerosol generator; Figure 12 This is a schematic 3D view of the resistance heating layer of the forming aerosol generator; Figure 13 It shows an aerosol generator (such as...) Figure 3 A flowchart of a method for generating an aerosol generator; Figure 14 It shows an aerosol generator (such as...) Figure 3 A flowchart of a method for generating an aerosol generator; Figure 15 It shows an aerosol generator (such as...) Figure 3 A flowchart of a method for generating an aerosol generator; Figure 16 This is a schematic three-dimensional diagram of the resistance heating layer forming the aerosol generator; Figure 17 This is a schematic plan view of the heating element of an aerosol generator; Figure 18 This is a schematic plan view of the heating element of an aerosol generator; Figure 19 yes Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of a portion of the aerosol generator for the product; Figure 20 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the connector of the aerosol supply device in an aerosol supply system; Figure 21 yes Figure 1 A schematic side view of an aerosol generation system; Figure 22 It shows an aerosol generator (such as...) Figure 3 A flowchart of a method for generating an aerosol generator; Figures 23 to 25 The aerosol generator in the process of forming is shown; Figure 26 This is a schematic diagram of the heating device; Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram of an alternative heating device; Figure 28 This is a flowchart illustrating a method using a heating device. Detailed Implementation

[0059] As used herein, the term "delivery mechanism" is intended to cover systems for delivering substances to users and includes: non-combustible aerosol supply systems that release compounds from atomizable materials without burning the atomizable materials, such as electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and mixing systems that use combinations of atomizable materials to generate aerosols; and articles that contain atomizable materials and are configured for use in one of these non-combustible aerosol supply systems.

[0060] 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.

[0061] In some implementations, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a power-type non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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, such consumables are sometimes referred to as articles.

[0067] In some implementations, 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 electric power source.

[0068] 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.

[0069] In some embodiments, consumables used with non-combustible aerosol supply devices may include aerosol generating materials, aerosol generating material storage areas, aerosol generating material transport components, aerosol generators, aerosol generating areas, housings, coverings, filters, nozzles, and / or aerosol conditioners.

[0070] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating material" (sometimes referred to herein as atomizable material) is a material capable of generating aerosols, for example, when powered by heating, radiation, or any other means. Aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of solids, liquids, or semi-solids (such as gels), and may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings.

[0071] In some implementations, the substance to be delivered contains an active substance (sometimes referred to herein as an active compound).

[0072] Aerosol-generating materials may include one or more active substances and / or flavorings, one or more aerosol-forming agent materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0073] The aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder (such as a gelling agent) and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, a filler and / or a substance to be delivered 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 the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant material. Specifically, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0074] Aerosol-generating materials may include or take the form of aerosol-generating membranes. Aerosol-generating membranes may contain binders (such as gelling agents) and aerosol-forming agents. Optionally, fillers and / or substances to be transported may also be present. Aerosol-generating membranes may be substantially free of plant material. Specifically, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0075] The thickness of the aerosol-generated film can be from about 0.015 mm to about 1 mm. For example, the thickness can be in the range of about 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm or 0.15 mm to about 0.5 mm or 0.3 mm.

[0076] Aerosol-generating membranes can be continuous. For example, the membrane can include or be a continuous sheet material.

[0077] Aerosol-generating membranes can be discontinuous. For example, an aerosol-generating membrane may include one or more discrete portions or regions of aerosol-generating material, such as dots, strips, or lines, that can be supported on a support. In such embodiments, the support may be planar or non-planar.

[0078] Aerosol-generating membranes can be formed by the following steps: combining an adhesive (such as a gelling agent) with a solvent (such as water), an aerosol forming agent, and one or more other components (such as one or more substances to be transported) to form a slurry; and then heating the slurry to evaporate at least some of the solvent to form an aerosol-generating membrane.

[0079] The slurry can be heated to remove at least about 60 wt%, 70 wt%, 80 wt%, 85 wt%, or 90 wt% of the solvent.

[0080] The aerosol-generating material can be an "amorphous solid." In some embodiments, the amorphous solid is a "monolithic solid." The aerosol-generating material can be non-fibrous or fibrous. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material can be a dried gel. The aerosol-generating material can be a solid material that can retain some fluid (such as a liquid) within it. In some embodiments, the retained fluid can be water (such as water absorbed from the surrounding area of ​​the aerosol-generating material), or the retained fluid can be a solvent (such as when the aerosol-generating material is formed from a slurry). In some embodiments, the solvent can be water.

[0081] Aerosol forming agent materials may contain one or more components capable of forming aerosols. In some embodiments, the aerosol forming agent material may contain one or more of the following: glycerol, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl caprylate, triethyl citrate, glyceryl triacetate, a mixture of diacetates, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, glyceryl tribocylate, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0082] One or more other functional materials may include one or more of pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers and / or antioxidants.

[0083] Materials may be present on or within the support to form a matrix. For example, the support may be or include paper, cardboard, cardboard, pallet, recycled materials, plastic materials, ceramic materials, composite materials, glass, metal, or metal alloy.

[0084] An aerosol supply device can receive an article containing aerosol-generating material for heating. As used herein, "article" refers to a component containing or having aerosol-generating material in use (which is heated to cause the aerosol-generating material to volatilize), and optionally containing or having other components in use. A user can insert the article into or onto an aerosol supply device, then heat the article to generate an aerosol, which the user subsequently inhales.

[0085] An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to generate aerosols from an aerosol generating material. In some embodiments, an aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol generating material to heat energy to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol generating material to form an aerosol.

[0086] Consumables are articles containing or composed of aerosol-generating materials, which are intended, in whole or in part, for consumption by a user during use. Consumables may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transport component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a covering, a nozzle, a filter, and / or an aerosol conditioner. Consumables may also include an aerosol generator (such as a heater) that dissipates heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosols during use. The heater may, for example, include a material that can be heated by electrical conduction.

[0087] Non-combustible aerosol supply systems may include modular components comprising both a reusable aerosol supply device and a replaceable aerosol generating article. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol supply device may include a power source and a controller (or control circuitry). The power source may include, for example, an electrical power source, such as a battery or rechargeable battery. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol supply device may also include an aerosol generating component. However, in other implementations, the aerosol generating article may partially or wholly comprise the aerosol generating component.

[0088] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an aerosol supply system 100 is shown. The aerosol supply system 100 includes an aerosol supply device 200 and a material containing aerosol generating material 302 (see reference). Figure 3 300 products. Figure 2 The image shows the article 300 being removed from the aerosol supply device 200. The aerosol generator 304 of the article 300 is in... Figure 3 The first side 306 is shown in the perspective view. Figure 4 A perspective view of a portion of the second side 307 is shown in the middle.

[0089] Article 300 includes an aerosol generator 304. The aerosol generator 304 is configured to generate aerosols from aerosol generating material 302 during operation of the aerosol supply system 100, as will be described in detail below.

[0090] The aerosol supply system 100 may be elongated, extending along a longitudinal axis. The aerosol supply system 100 has: a proximal end 102, which will be closest to the user (e.g., the user's mouth) during use, through which the user inhales the aerosol generated by the aerosol supply system 100; and a distal end 104, which will be furthest from the user during use.

[0091] The proximal end can also be referred to as the "mouth end". The aerosol supply system 100 thus defines a proximal direction that, during use, points towards the user. Furthermore, the aerosol supply system 100 also defines a distal direction that, during use, points away from the user. The terms "proximal" and "distal" when applied to features of the system 100 will be described by referring to the relative positioning of these features along the longitudinal axis in the proximal-distal direction.

[0092] Article 300 is received by aerosol supply device 200. The configuration of article 300 and aerosol supply device 200 can vary. In this embodiment, aerosol supply device 200 includes a device body 202. The device has a housing 204 surrounding the components of device 200. Figure 5 As shown, the article receiving portion 206 (sometimes referred to as the device chamber) is configured to receive a portion of the article 300. When the article 300 is received in the device chamber 206, the proximal end 308 of the article protrudes from the device 200. The receiver 208 defines the chamber 206. The receiver 208 includes a receiver base 210 and a receiver peripheral wall 212. The configuration of the receiver 208 can vary depending on the configuration of the article 300. In an alternative embodiment, the article receiving portion may be arranged to receive the entire article 300.

[0093] The aerosol supply device 200 may be provided with one or more user-operable control elements 224 (such as buttons or switches) that can be used to operate the aerosol supply system 100. For example, a user can activate the system 100 by pressing the control element 224.

[0094] The aerosol supply device 200 includes an opening 214 at its proximal end leading to a device chamber 206. The opening 214 is located at the end through which the article 300 can be inserted. In embodiments, the article 300 can be fully or partially inserted into the device 200. The configuration of the device 200 can vary; for example, the opening may be located in the longitudinal sidewall of the device 200 and / or may be closed during use by other features of the device 200. In this configuration, the article 300 defines a mouthpiece 310 at its proximal end 308. In other embodiments, the device 200 defines a mouthpiece. The user places their mouth on the mouthpiece during use.

[0095] Device 200 defines a longitudinal axis along which article 300 can extend when inserted into device 200. Opening 214 is aligned on the longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis can be the axis along which article 300 is inserted into device 200. The longitudinal axis can be considered as the receiving axis of device 200. Article 300 can similarly have a longitudinal axis along which article is inserted into device, and this axis can be considered as the insertion axis.

[0096] The aerosol supply device 200 includes a power source 220. The power source 220 may be a battery, such as a rechargeable battery. The device 200 also includes control circuitry 222, which serves as a controller and includes a processor and a memory.

[0097] As discussed in detail below, the heating system 110 is configured to heat the aerosol-generating material 302 of the article 300. The article 300 is a consumable in this embodiment and is interchangeable with other articles 300. The heating system 110 includes an aerosol generator 304. The heating system 110 includes other components of the aerosol supply system 100, including components of the article 300 and the aerosol supply device 200, such as the power source 220 and control circuitry 222.

[0098] Aerosol generator 304 forms part of article 300. Aerosol generator 304 includes heating device 312 configured to heat aerosol generating material 302 (e.g., at least one of membrane and gel) to generate aerosol. Aerosol generating material may be referred to as atomizable material.

[0099] Heating device 312 is a resistance heating device. As described in detail below, the heating element, or each heating element, is a resistance heater wiring in the embodiment. In such an arrangement, heating system 110 includes a resistance heating generator comprising components that heat heating device 312 via a resistance heating process. In this case, current is applied directly to the resistance heater wiring, inducing current flow in the heating element, which serves as the heating component, such that the heating element is heated by Joule heating. The resistance heater wiring contains a resistive material configured to generate heat when a suitable current passes through it, and heating device 312 includes electrical contacts for supplying current to the resistive material. The provision of resistance heating device 312 allows for a compact arrangement. Resistance heating provides an efficient configuration.

[0100] In use of the aerosol supply system 100, air is drawn into the air inlet 314 of the article 300, as indicated by arrow 316. The air inlet 314 is located at the distal end of the article 300. In embodiments, the air inlet 314 may have different configurations, such as being located on the side. The airflow to the air inlet 314 of the article 300 may be defined, for example, by at least one of an air path through the device 200, an air path outside the device 200, and an air path between the device 200 and the article 300. The aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 304 exits the device at the aerosol outlet 318, as indicated by arrow 319. In embodiments, the aerosol outlet 318 is located in the mouthpiece of the article 300, such that the aerosol is drawn directly from the article 300 into the mouth of the user of the device 10.

[0101] In some exemplary embodiments, the aerosol supply system includes two main components: a control section forming a reusable portion and a consumable section forming a replaceable or disposable portion (which may be referred to as a replaceable or disposable article or cartridge). As described herein, the aerosol supply device 200 forms the control section, and the article 300 forms the consumable section. When using the aerosol generation system, the control section and the consumable portion can be releasably connected at an interface. The consumable portion can be removable and replaceable, for example, after the consumable portion has been used, the control section can be reused along with a different consumable portion.

[0102] The aerosol supply system 100 shown is provided by way of example only and is highly illustrative. Different aerosol generating devices and other means may be used in exemplary implementations of the principles described herein. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, air is drawn into an air inlet in the control section, passes through an interface, and exits the consumable section.

[0103] like Figure 5As schematically shown and described in detail below, article 300 has an article electrical contact configuration 320. The electrical contact configuration 320 is formed by an aerosol generator 304 in this embodiment. The electrical contact configuration 320 includes heater electrical contacts 322. The heater electrical contacts 322 may also be referred to as heater contacts or article contacts. The aerosol supply device 200 includes an electrical connector 230. The electrical connector 230 includes connector electrical contacts 232. The connector electrical contacts 232 may also be referred to as connector contacts or device contacts. The article electrical contact configuration 320 is configured to be in electrical communication with the device electrical connector 230.

[0104] The configuration of article 300 can be varied. Article 300 includes a body 324. The body 324 is hollow. The body 324 defines a flow path 326 through article 300 (see reference). Figure 6 Flow path 326 extends between air inlet 314 and aerosol outlet 318. Flow path 326 is defined by an internal space within the article along which air and / or aerosol can flow. Flow path 326 is defined within body 324. An aerosol generator or each aerosol generator 304 defines flow path 326. Aerosol generating material 302 is exposed to flow path 326. Aerosol generating material 302 is exposed to the internal space. The internal space in this embodiment includes two or more chambers.

[0105] Air inlet 314 includes an opening 315. Opening 315 is formed in body 324. In some embodiments, the opening is formed in other parts of article 300, such as aerosol generator 304 or other wall features. Aerosol outlet 318 includes an outlet opening 317. Outlet opening 317 is formed in body 324. In some embodiments, outlet opening 317 is formed in other parts of article 300, such as aerosol generator 304 or other wall features.

[0106] like Figure 6 As shown, article 300 includes two aerosol generators 304 forming an aerosol generator apparatus. The number of aerosol generators 304 may be different. Each aerosol generator 304 contains aerosol generating material 302. The aerosol generating material 302 is exposed to a flow path 326. In an embodiment, article 300 includes a single aerosol generator 304. One aerosol generator of aerosol generator 304 will be described in detail, and these details can be applied to one or more other aerosol generators 304 in the embodiment.

[0107] The aerosol generators, or each aerosol generator 304 and the body 324, are formed in a stacked configuration. In embodiments, other arrangements are contemplated, such as tubular arrangements of articles. In such tubular arrangements, the aerosol generators 304 define the tubular configuration. The tubules may have circular cross-sections, elliptical cross-sections, and other polygonal shapes.

[0108] In some embodiments, as shown in the accompanying drawings, the article 300 has a flat configuration. That is, the article's appearance has a length, a width perpendicular to the length, and a depth perpendicular to each of the length and width, wherein the length is greater than or equal to the width, and wherein the width is greater than the depth. Other configurations are conceivable.

[0109] Figure 6 This is a partially exploded perspective view of article 300, in which aerosol generator 304 is shown inverted relative to the assembly orientation and separated from other components. Article 300 includes a first aerosol generator in aerosol generator 304, a body 324, and a second aerosol generator in aerosol generator 304. Body 324 separates the first aerosol generator and the second aerosol generator 304. The first and second aerosol generators 304 enclose an internal space defined by body 324, along which air and / or aerosols can flow. The aerosol generating materials 302 of the first and second aerosol generators 304 face each other and are exposed to the internal space. When assembled, body 324 is sandwiched between the first and second aerosol generators 304. Figure 6 In one embodiment, at least the first aerosol generator and the second aerosol generator 304 have equal planar areas to the body. In another embodiment, one or more of the first aerosol generator and the second aerosol generator 304 have a greater length and / or width than the body 324. In yet another embodiment, one of the first aerosol generator and the second aerosol generator 304 is replaced by a blank panel. The body 324 includes body layers. The body may include multiple body layers. The body layers may be stacked and arranged to define features of the article 300, such as an air inlet 314 and an aerosol outlet 318.

[0110] The covering surrounds the article 300 and forms part of the article 300. The covering may include a sheet. The covering acts as a retaining sleeve. An aerosol generator, or each aerosol generator 304, protrudes from the covering at its distal end. Exposed electrical contact areas 323 of the heater contacts 322 are exposed at their distal ends. Other configurations are contemplated, for example, at least one exposed electrical contact area 323 may additionally or alternatively be defined along a smaller longitudinal face or edge of the article 300 and on the larger face of the article defined by the aerosol generator 304.

[0111] exist Figure 7 The aerosol generator 304 is schematically shown in cross-section. The aerosol generator 304 is an implementation of the aerosol generator 304 in the aforementioned aerosol supply system 100.

[0112] Aerosol generator 304 includes an aerosol generating layer 330. The aerosol generating layer is also referred to as an atomizable layer. The aerosol generating layer 330 contains an aerosol generating material 302. Aerosol generator 304 includes a resistance heating layer 340. In one embodiment, the resistance heating layer 340 is formed as a conductive layer. The aerosol generating layer 330 is located on the resistance heating layer 340. The aerosol generating layer 330 is in direct contact with the resistance heating layer 340. In another embodiment, the aerosol generating layer 330 is in indirect contact with the resistance heating layer 340. In another embodiment, the resistance heating layer 340 may include a coating. As described in detail below, the resistance heating layer 340 includes a plurality of resistance heater traces 342, for example, such as... Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown. The resistor heater traces, or each resistor heater trace 342, form at least a portion of a conductive path between a pair of electrical contacts 322. The resistor heater traces, or each resistor heater trace 342, provide a conductive path for resistively heating at least a portion of the aerosol generating material 302 to generate an aerosol. In an embodiment, the aerosol generating material 302 is in the form of a film or gel.

[0113] The resistance heating layer 340 is formed as a conductive layer. In an embodiment, this layer is in the form of at least one of a metallic layer (such as an aluminum layer) and a non-metallic material (such as graphene). The resistance heating layer 340 is in the form of a foil, such as an aluminum foil.

[0114] The aerosol generator 304 includes a support member 350. In some embodiments, the support member 350 comprises paper or card material. The support member 350 provides structural support for the aerosol generator 304. A resistance heating layer 340 is located on the support member 350. The support member 350 is configured as a support layer. Figure 7 As shown, in the aerosol generator 304, the resistance heating layer 340 is sandwiched between the support member 350 and the aerosol generating layer 330.

[0115] The support 350 is electrically insulated. The resistance heating layer 340 and the support layer 350 define the substrate 352. The substrate 352 supports the aerosol generation layer 330.

[0116] Article 300 may include a laminate 354, which includes a resistance heating layer 340 and a support layer 350. In one embodiment, the laminate 354 includes an aerosol generating layer 330. The aerosol generating layer 330 may be formed in a continuous configuration or may be formed from discrete portions. The discrete portions may have one or more of dots, strips, spirals, or other shapes.

[0117] One or more of the aerosol generating layer 330, the resistance heating layer 340, and the support layer 350 may include other layers. For example, the support layer 350 may include a backing layer or an intermediate layer. In some embodiments, the support layer 350 may be omitted.

[0118] Figure 8 One of the resistance heater traces 342 is shown. The resistance heating layer 340 includes multiple resistance heater traces 342.

[0119] like Figure 9 As shown, the multiple heating elements 342 can be formed as an array 344. Other configurations are conceivable.

[0120] The resistance heater trace 342 includes a resistance heating path. The resistance heating path is formed by a conductive path. The resistance heating path is not straight. The resistance heating path is spiral-shaped. The configuration of the resistance heating path can vary. The resistance of the heating element 342 can depend on the properties of the resistance heating path in the conductive layer, such as the path's length, width, thickness, and arrangement.

[0121] The resistance heater wiring 342 extends between a first type electrical contact 360 and a second type electrical contact 365. The first type electrical contact 360 is configured to provide a positive contact, and the second type electrical contact 365 is configured to provide a negative contact. Current flows through this path between the first type electrical contact 360 and the second type electrical contact 365. The contact arrangement can be reversed. The first type electrical contact and the second type electrical contacts 360, 365 are heater electrical contacts 322. The first type electrical contact and the second type electrical contacts 360, 365 form at least a portion of the article electrical contact arrangement 320.

[0122] The tortuous or serpentine nature of the path of the resistance heater wiring 342 causes the resistance of the path to increase compared to a straight path between the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact.

[0123] The resistance heating layer 340 may include a first type of electrical trace 361 extending from the resistance heater trace 342. The first type of electrical trace 361 includes a first type of electrical contact 360. The first type of electrical contact 360 is configured to electrically connect to the device electrical connector 230. The first type of electrical contact 360 includes a first type of exposed contact area 362. The first type of exposed contact area 362 is exposed on the workpiece for direct connection to the device electrical connector 230.

[0124] The resistance heating layer 340 may include a second type of electrical trace 366 extending from the resistance heater trace 342. The second type of electrical trace 366 includes a second type of electrical contact 365. The second type of electrical contact 365 is configured to electrically connect to the device electrical connector 230. The second type of electrical contact 365 includes a second type of exposed contact area 367. The second type of exposed contact area 367 is exposed on the article 300 for direct connection to the device electrical connector 230.

[0125] As discussed in detail below, the conductive path of the resistance heater trace 342 is formed in an embodiment by defining at least one conductive barrier 346 in the resistance heating layer 340. In an embodiment, the conductive barrier 346 is formed by cutting out conductive barrier limiting structures (i.e., electrically insulating portions) in a sheet formed of conductive material, such as cutting gaps, channels, or grooves, to form the resistance heating layer 340. In an embodiment, conductive elements 342 are pre-formed to define the resistance heater traces or each resistance heater trace 342, and are then applied to the support 350. In an embodiment, the resistance heating layer 340 is applied to the support 350, and then the resistance heater traces or each resistance heater trace 342 are defined in the resistance heating layer 340. The resistance heating elements or each resistance heating element 342 defining the resistance heating layer 340 may be printed heaters.

[0126] At least one conductive barrier 346 defines a first type of electrical trace and a second type of electrical trace 361, 366.

[0127] In some embodiments, the width of the resistance heater traces, or each resistance heater trace 342, is in the range of 0.5 mm to 1 mm (the widths of the two exemplary prototypes are 0.93 mm and 0.72 mm, respectively), and the gap between the traces is less than about 0.25 mm (the gaps of the same two exemplary prototypes are 0.2 mm and 0.05 mm, respectively). The resistance heater traces, or each resistance heater trace 342, can have an overall size on the order of 10 mm × 10 mm. In other exemplary embodiments, other sizes are possible. By forming these sizes of resistance heater traces, or each resistance heater trace 342, from aluminum foil with a thickness of 0.006 mm and a resistance between 2 µOhmcm and 6 µOhmcm, the resistance of the path is calculated to be on the order of approximately 1 Ohm. In one exemplary embodiment, the resistance is measured to be between 0.83 Ohm and 1.31 Ohm.

[0128] like Figure 9As shown, the resistance heating layer 340 can be formed with multiple resistance heater traces, which are generally indicated by reference numerals 342a, 342b, 342c, 342d, and 342e. Each resistance heater trace 342a-342e extends from a corresponding first-type electrical contact (generally indicated by reference numerals 360a, 360b, 360c, 360d, and 360e) to a single second-type electrical contact 365. The number of electrical contacts can vary. Therefore, each resistance heater trace 342a-342e extends between discrete first-type electrical contacts and a shared second-type electrical contact.

[0129] Each of the resistance heater traces 342a-342e provides a conductive path for resistively heating a portion of the aerosol generating material 302 to generate an aerosol at a corresponding portion of the aerosol generator 304.

[0130] Individual first-type electrical contacts 360a-360e enable independent current supply to each of the multiple resistance heater traces 342a-342e. Heating of different regions of the aerosol generation layer 330 can be controlled. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured with five aerosol generation zones. The resistance heating layer 340 allows each of these zones to be activated individually. Thus, for example, five aerosols can be generated from a single consumable incorporating a single aerosol generator 304, and ten aerosols can be generated from a single consumable incorporating two aerosol generators 304.

[0131] In the exemplary resistance heating layer 340, a plurality of first-type electrical contacts 360a-360e, such as positive connections, are provided, and a single second-type electrical contact 365, such as a negative connection, is provided. This is not mandatory for all implementations. For example, multiple second-type contacts may be provided. In an embodiment, each resistance heater trace 342a-342e includes a corresponding first-type electrical contact 360 and a corresponding second-type electrical contact 365.

[0132] exist Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment of the resistance heating layer 340, first-type electrical contacts 360a-360e are arranged on the first edge 363 of the resistance heating layer 340, and second-type electrical contacts 365 are arranged on the second edge 368 of the resistance heating layer 340. This allows for convenient electrical power connection, but of course, many other configurations are possible, some of which will be discussed further below.

[0133] Figure 10This is a flowchart illustrating a portion of a method or algorithm for forming an aerosol generator 304 according to an exemplary embodiment, the method or algorithm being generally indicated by reference numeral 400.

[0134] The method or algorithm 400 begins with an operation 402 of forming one or more heating elements (e.g., multiple heating elements) in a resistance heating layer, wherein each resistance heater trace extends from a first type of electrical contact to a second type of electrical contact. In use, the heating element, or each heating element, can be used to provide a conductive path for resistively heating a portion of the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol. In the presence of a support, the formation of the resistance heater trace, or each resistance heater trace, can be performed before or after the resistance heating layer is applied to the support. The resistance heating layer can be adhered to the support, or mounted or formed on the support in different configurations.

[0135] At operation 404, the formed resistance heating layer is placed in contact with the aerosol generation layer, wherein the aerosol generation layer is bonded with aerosol generation material. Algorithm 400 can be used to produce the aforementioned aerosol generator 304.

[0136] Figure 11 An aerosol generator 304 formed according to an embodiment is shown. Aerosol generating material 302 is formed on the resistance heating layer 340 by deposition, for example by spraying, smearing, dotting, or some other method. In an exemplary implementation of operation 64, an aerosol generating layer 330 is disposed on the resistance heating layer 340, as indicated by arrow 406.

[0137] Figure 12 A resistance heating layer 340 formed according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The resistance heating layer 340 is being cut using a laser cutter 408. Cutting the resistance heating layer 340 can be used to form the path of the heating element described herein. Using a laser cutter 408 (or some other cutting process) is not the only method that can be used to produce the resistance heating layer 340 described herein. Some exemplary methods are described below.

[0138] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a portion of a method or algorithm for forming an aerosol generator 304, generally indicated by reference numeral 410. Method or algorithm 410 begins with operation 412, which provides a resistance heating layer. At operation 414, one or more resistance heater traces are formed in the resistance heating layer by chemical etching. Operations 412 and 414 are exemplary implementations of operation 402 of the method 400 described above. An aerosol generating material is then disposed on the resistance heating layer, thereby achieving operation 404.

[0139] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating a portion of a method or algorithm for forming an aerosol generator 304, generally indicated by reference numeral 418. The method or algorithm 418 begins with operation 420, which involves at least partially forming one or more heating elements by printing a resistance heating layer. Thus, operation 420 is an exemplary implementation of operation 62 of the algorithm 402 described above. Aerosol-generating material is then disposed on the resistance heating layer, thereby achieving operation 404.

[0140] The above-described cutting, etching, and printing methods have been provided by way of example; other additional or alternative methods are also possible. For example, a so-called "hot stamping" method can be used, in which a heating element is made from a resistance heating layer and then assembled / bonded to a support. Other techniques, such as die-cutting, can also be used. Furthermore, two or more techniques can be combined (e.g., the conductivity of the connecting traces can be increased by adding more conductive materials, such as additional foil, printing materials, etc.). Those skilled in the art will recognize that many other techniques or combinations of techniques can be used in the implementation of the principles described herein.

[0141] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating a method or algorithm of operation according to an exemplary embodiment, generally indicated by reference numeral 424. The method or algorithm 424 can be implemented, for example, using any aerosol generator described herein. The method or algorithm 424 begins when a command to enable heating is received in the example of operation 426. In response to the command to enable heating, it is determined (in operation 428) whether a heating element is available. As described above, multiple heating elements may be provided. Operation 428 may include determining which heating elements have been used and / or whether the corresponding available aerosol generating material has been exhausted.

[0142] If a heating element is available, the algorithm moves to operation 430, which uses an available heating element. As discussed above, heating elements can be controlled independently, for example, by providing electrical power to individual heating elements. After completing operation 430, the algorithm terminates at operation 432. If, at operation 428, it is determined that no heating element is available, for example because all heating elements have already been used, then the algorithm terminates at operation 432. This may mean that the consumable components used to implement algorithm 424 need to be replaced.

[0143] Figure 16 A resistance heating layer 340 formed according to an embodiment is shown. The resistance heating layer 340 is being cut using a laser cutter 408, although other methods, such as chemical etching or printing, as discussed above, may be used. The cutting of the conductive layer 340 forms the heating element described herein.

[0144] exist Figure 16 In this embodiment, the cutting path is a linear path extending along the length of the conductive layer 120.

[0145] Figure 17 Another embodiment of the resistance heating layer 340 is shown. The resistance heating layer 340 can be formed using the laser cutter 408 described above or similar devices or other methods. The resistance heating layer 340 includes a plurality of resistance heater traces 342, each resistance heater trace 342 being a linear heating element comprising a conductive path extending along the length of the resistance heating layer 340. Each resistance heater trace 342 extends from one of the first type electrical contacts 360 (e.g., a positive connection) to one of the second type electrical contacts 365 (e.g., a negative contact). In this embodiment, both types of electrical contacts are located at the same end of the resistance heating layer 340 and are arranged adjacent to each other. In such an arrangement, there is no shared second type electrical contact as employed in some other embodiments; instead, each heating element has a separate first type electrical contact and a separate second type electrical contact.

[0146] Figure 18 Another embodiment of the resistance heating layer 340 is shown. The resistance heating layer 340 can be formed using the laser cutter 408 described above or similar devices or other methods. The resistance heating layer 340 includes a plurality of heating elements 342, each of which is a linear heating element comprising a conductive path extending along the length of the resistance heating layer 340. Each resistance heater trace 342 extends from one of the first type electrical contacts 360 (e.g., a positive connection) to a second type electrical contact 365 (e.g., a negative contact). In this embodiment, different types of electrical connections are provided at opposite ends of the resistance heating layer 340, and a common second type electrical contact is provided. While a linear path is provided, an increase in resistance can be achieved by providing a zigzag path that acts as a zigzag path. It should be noted that the path in any other embodiment described herein can also be zigzag.

[0147] Figure 19 The distal end of article 300 is shown. As shown, body 324 includes a plurality of body layers 325. The body layers 325 are arranged in a stacked manner. The body layers 325 form a laminate. In this embodiment, the body layers 325 are card layers. Other suitable materials may be used. The body layers 325 are configured to define features of article 300. At least one body layer in this embodiment includes a gap defining an air inlet 315. This gap defines an opening 314.

[0148] The aerosol generator 304 includes a resistance heating layer 340. The resistance heating layer 340 includes resistance heater traces 342, a first type of electrical contact 360 (e.g., providing a positive electrical connection to each of a plurality of heating elements 342), and a single second type of electrical contact 365 (e.g., providing a common negative electrical connection to the plurality of heating elements 342). The first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contacts 360, 365 (i.e., heater contact 322) together form at least a portion of the article contact configuration 320 of the aerosol generator 304.

[0149] The resistance heater trace 342 is located on the inner side of the resistance heating layer 340. The inner side defines the first side 306 of the aerosol generator 304, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown. Heater contacts 322 are located on the second side 307 of the resistance heating layer 340. The second side 307 defines the outer side of the aerosol generator 304. The heater contacts 322 are exposed, allowing them to contact the device electrical connector 230. The heater contacts 322 are located on the side of the resistance heating layer 340 opposite to the resistance heater trace 342. Other configurations are conceivable.

[0150] The support layer 350 is located between the inner portion of the resistance heating layer 340 and the outer portion of the resistance heating layer 340.

[0151] A bend 370 is formed in the resistance heating layer 340. The bend 370 defines the heater contact 322. Figures 2 to 4 as well as Figure 19 As shown, the bend 370 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator 304. The bend 370 defines a flap 372. The heater contact 322 is located on the flap 372. The flap defines a contact panel. The remainder of the blank defines a main panel.

[0152] In the embodiment with support layer 350, support layer 350 is bent. Substrate 352 is bent at bend 370. In the embodiment, support layer 350 terminates at bend. In the embodiment, bend 370 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of aerosol generator 304.

[0153] The bent portion of the resistance heating layer 340 is fixed in the bent position. In this embodiment, the bent portion is adhered, for example, by bonding. Other fixing methods are contemplated.

[0154] The bend 370 defines a first-type exposed contact area 362. The bend 370 defines a second-type exposed contact area 367. Electrical traces 361 and 366 are electrically connected across the bend 370. The heater contacts 322 of the first-type electrical traces 361 and 366 are defined on a second side of the resistance heating layer 340. A portion of the first-type electrical trace 361 and a portion of the second-type electrical trace 366 extend on a first side of the resistance heating layer 340. In one embodiment, the resistance heater trace extends from the bend 370. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0155] The aerosol generator 304 includes a plurality of connector electrical contacts 232 of an electrical connector 230. The configuration of the device connector 230 depends on the configuration of the heater contacts 322 of the aerosol generator 304. In embodiments, such as Figure 19 The aerosol generator 300 shown includes a plurality of heater contacts 322, including a plurality of first-type heater contacts 360 and a second-type heater contact 365. On the other side of the article 300, another set of heater contacts 322 corresponding to a second aerosol generator 304 is included.

[0156] Figure 20 A device connector 230 of an aerosol supply device 200 used in some embodiments is shown. The connector 230 has a separate connector electrical contact 232 for connection with the heater contact 322.

[0157] Figure 21 An aerosol supply system 100 is schematically shown. System 100 includes an article 300 and an aerosol supply device 200, both shown in block diagrams. Device 200 includes a first connector and second connectors 230a and 230b.

[0158] When the article 300 is inserted into the aerosol supply device 200, connectors 230a and 230b enable the aerosol supply device 200 to provide a stable or controlled voltage and / or current to various first-type heater contacts and second-type heater contacts 360, 365 of the aerosol generator 304. The aerosol supply device 200 may include connector devices configured to provide electrical power to connectors 230a and 230b. The aerosol supply device 200 may operate, for example, as described above.

[0159] Figure 22 This is a flowchart illustrating a method or algorithm for forming an aerosol generator 304 according to an exemplary embodiment, the method or algorithm being generally indicated by reference numeral 440.

[0160] Method or algorithm 440 begins with operation 442, wherein at least one resistive heater trace is formed in the resistive heating layer, and heating elements, or each heating element, provide a conductive path for resistively heating at least a portion of the atomizable material to generate an aerosol. Exemplary heating elements described elsewhere in this document may be formed in operation 442.

[0161] At operation 442, an aerosol-generating material is applied to and / or formed on the resistance heating layer.

[0162] Operations 442 and 444 of method or algorithm 440 are similar to (and may be the same as) operations 402 and 404 of method or algorithm 400 described above.

[0163] In operation 446, at least one first-type electrical contact is formed on the resistance heating layer. The forming method can be any of the methods described above. In operation 448, at least one second-type electrical contact is formed on the resistance heating layer. The forming method can be any of the methods described above.

[0164] In one embodiment, a first type of electrical contact and a second type of electrical contact are formed along or near a single edge of the resistance heating layer. In another embodiment, the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact are formed along or near different edges of the resistance heating layer.

[0165] In one embodiment, a first type of electrical contact (e.g., a positive connection) is disposed along a first edge of the resistance heating layer. In another embodiment, a second type of electrical contact (e.g., a negative connection) is disposed along a second edge of the resistance heating layer. Operations 446 and 448 may be performed in a different order, or they may be performed simultaneously. Furthermore, operations 446 and 448 may be performed together with operation 442.

[0166] At operation 450, the resistance heating layer is bent. In this embodiment, the support layer is bent together with the resistance heating layer.

[0167] In one implementation, the resistance heating layer is bent such that the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact are arranged adjacent to each other, as discussed in detail below.

[0168] Figures 23 to 25 An embodiment of forming an aerosol generator 304 according to algorithm 440 is shown.

[0169] Figure 23Another embodiment of forming the aerosol generator 304 is shown. The resistance heating layer 340 is cut using a laser cutter 408. A pre-bent configuration defines a blank for forming the aerosol generator 304. In this embodiment, the blank defines a bend line along which the bend is formed during the formation of the aerosol generator. The aerosol generator 304 blank includes the resistance heating layer 340 and a support layer 350. The resistance heating layer 340 and the support layer 350 define a panel defined by the bend line.

[0170] like Figure 23 As shown, a plurality of heating elements 192 are formed in the resistance heating layer 340, although the number may vary and may include a single element. A plurality of first-type electrical contacts 360 (e.g., positive contacts) are disposed along a first edge of the conductive layer (each heating element is shown with one contact). A single second-type electrical contact 365 is disposed along a second edge of the resistance heating layer 340. In this embodiment, the contacts are spaced apart from the edges. As discussed above, each of the plurality of heating elements extends from the first-type electrical contact to the second-type electrical contact.

[0171] The path for forming heating elements or each heating element 342 is created by cutting the resistance heating layer 340 using a laser cutter 408. As discussed above, laser forming or some other cutting process is not the only method for producing the resistance heating layer 340 described above. Some exemplary alternative methods include chemical etching and printing.

[0172] like Figure 24 As shown, the aerosol generation layer 200 is disposed on the resistance heating layer 340. Then the blank is bent, as... Figure 24 As indicated by the arrows in the diagram. In this embodiment, the bends are formed parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generator 304. Two bends are formed. A first panel 375 including a heating element 342 is defined. A second panel 376 including a plurality of first-type electrical contacts 360 is formed. A third panel 377 including second-type electrical contacts 365 is formed. An aerosol generating layer 330 is located on the first panel 375. Figure 25 The bent aerosol generator 304 is shown.

[0173] The aerosol supply system includes a heating system that enables current to be independently supplied to each of the multiple resistance heater traces 342a-342e, as described above. Figure 9 As discussed, heating of different zones of the aerosol generation layer can be controlled, and each zone can be activated individually.

[0174] Figure 26 A schematic diagram of a heating device 500 for heating two zones of aerosol-generating materials at different rates is shown.

[0175] The heating device 500 includes a first heater line 502a and a second heater line 502b (also referred to as a first resistance heater line and a second resistance heater line). The first heater line and the second heater lines 502a and 502b are connected in parallel to each other.

[0176] When each heater trace in the heater trace is at any given temperature, the first heater trace 502a has a smaller resistance than the second heater trace 502b.

[0177] The resistance of the heater traces depends on their temperature. The heater traces are formed of materials with a positive temperature coefficient of resistance (PCT), such as aluminum, nickel-chromium alloys, or iron. Therefore, as the temperature of the heater traces increases, their resistance also increases. It will be understood that the heater traces may not have the same temperature at any given time, and therefore, their relative resistance can vary.

[0178] When multiple components (such as heater traces) are connected in parallel, the path with the lowest resistance will draw more power. Thus, in the described apparatus with two heater traces of different resistances, when a potential difference is applied across the apparatus, the path of the heater with the lowest resistance will draw the maximum power. When the heater traces are at substantially the same temperature (e.g., at the start of a session, when the heater traces are not yet in use), the first heater trace 502a will draw more power than the second heater trace 502b, and therefore its temperature will increase more rapidly. When the temperatures of heater traces 502a and 502b increase at different rates, the resistance of the first heater trace 502a will increase at a greater rate than that of the second heater trace 502b, reducing the difference in resistance. Consequently, the difference in the rate of temperature increase will also decrease.

[0179] The heating device 500 can be used in an aerosol supply system. The heating device can be located in the product or in the aerosol supply device. For example, the heating device can be located as described in... Figure 9 In the article under discussion, the heating device can be positioned close to or adjacent to the aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material can form a continuous aerosol-generating layer or may include discrete aerosol-generating material portions. Each heat path will heat (and activate) an aerosol-generating material region. Thus, in use, the first aerosol-generating material region associated with (i.e., close to or adjacent to) the first heater path 502a will be heated more (or at a faster rate) than the second aerosol-generating material region. Therefore, different aerosol-generating material regions can be heated or activated in different ways.

[0180] It will be understood that more than two heater traces, which have different resistances at a given temperature, can be connected in parallel. Three, four, or more heater traces can be used.

[0181] Figure 27 A schematic diagram of a heating device 500 with three heater traces having different resistances at a given temperature. The heating device 500 includes a first heater trace 502a, a second heater trace 502b, and a third heater trace 502c connected in parallel and having first, second, and third resistances, respectively. At any given temperature, the first resistance is less than the second resistance, and the second resistance is less than the third resistance. When a potential difference is applied to the heating device, the first heater trace 502a will draw the maximum power, while the second heater trace 502b will draw less power than the first heater trace 502a and more power than the third heater trace 502c. Therefore, the first heater trace 502a will initially increase in temperature at a greater rate than the second heater trace 502b, and the second heater trace will increase in temperature at a greater rate than the third heater trace 502c, and their resistances will increase accordingly in the same manner as described above.

[0182] In an alternative arrangement, several heater traces having the same resistance at any given temperature can form a set of heater traces. Multiple sets of heater traces can be used, comprising heater traces having different resistances at a given temperature.

[0183] Figure 28 Flowchart 600 is shown, illustrating the process including aerosol generating materials and Figure 26 The operation of the aerosol supply system of the heating device.

[0184] Step 602 includes applying a potential difference to the heating device.

[0185] Step 604 includes making the first heater trace 502a draw more power than the second heater trace 502b.

[0186] Step 606 includes increasing the temperature of the first heater trace 502a at a faster rate than that of the second heater trace 502b.

[0187] Step 608 includes heating the first aerosol generating material heating zone at an initial rate that is faster than that of the second aerosol generating material heating zone.

[0188] In some embodiments of the different arrangements of the aerosol generator and article described above, the aerosol generating material is formed as an external configuration to the aerosol generating layer. In these embodiments, the aerosol generating material takes the form of an aerosol generating section. The aerosol generating section typically comprises a solid material. Such a solid material may be shredded tobacco. The aerosol generating material (e.g., arranged as an aerosol generating section) may comprise multiple individual pieces of aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating material may be individual tobacco material sheets. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises multiple strips, beads, or granules. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating section is a block of material.

[0189] The aerosol generating section in this embodiment includes a material body. The aerosol generating material is non-liquid. In this embodiment, the material body includes an aerosol generating material rod, such as a tobacco rod. For example, the material body may include shredded tobacco material. The material body may be formed as a rod. In some embodiments, the material body includes shredded tobacco formed as a rod. The aerosol generating material may include tobacco material. The aerosol generating material may include extruded tobacco. The aerosol generating material may include reconstituted tobacco.

[0190] Aerosol-generating materials that form solid materials may include nicotine. Aerosol-generating materials may include tobacco, be composed of tobacco, or be substantially composed of tobacco. In this embodiment, the aerosol-generating material does not contain tobacco.

[0191] In any of the above embodiments, heating of the article allows for the relatively constant release of volatile compounds into the inhalable medium. In the above embodiments, the aerosol-generating section is a block of material. The article may include a mouthpiece section. A tubular element may be located between the aerosol-generating material and the mouthpiece section. The article may include a ventilation area located within the mouthpiece section. The mouthpiece section may define a mouthpiece configured to be placed between a user's lips.

[0192] In any of the embodiments of the above-described articles, the resistance heating element, or each resistance heating element, is configured to substantially heat the entire aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating section in the embodiments is at least substantially cylindrical. In the embodiments, the aerosol-generating section is at least partially covered by the resistance heating layer. In the embodiments, the resistance heating element extends within the aerosol-generating section. The resistance heating element may extend around the aerosol-generating section. In the embodiments, the resistance heating element surrounds the aerosol-generating section. In some arrangements, at least a portion of the flow path through the article passes through the aerosol-generating section. The aerosol-generating section may define a portion of an air path. In the embodiments, first-type electrical contacts and second-type electrical contacts are exposed from the aerosol-generating section.

[0193] The aerosol-generating material may comprise tobacco material containing tobacco components as described herein. In the tobacco material described herein, the tobacco component may contain paper-reconstituted tobacco. The tobacco component may also contain tobacco leaves, extruded tobacco, and / or bandcast tobacco. The tobacco material may be provided in the form of shredded tobacco. Shredded tobacco may be formed from a mixture of various tobacco material forms, such as one or more mixtures of paper-reconstituted tobacco, tobacco leaves, extruded tobacco, and bandcast tobacco. In embodiments, the tobacco material comprises paper-reconstituted tobacco or a mixture comprising paper-reconstituted tobacco and tobacco leaves. In the tobacco material described herein, the tobacco material may contain a filler component. The filler component is typically a non-tobacco component, i.e., a component that does not contain ingredients derived from tobacco. The filler component may be a non-tobacco fiber, such as wood fiber, pulp, or wheat fiber. The filler component may also be an inorganic material, such as chalk, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, or magnesium carbonate. The filler component may also be a non-tobacco casting material or a non-tobacco extruded material. The filler component may be present in an amount of 0% to 20% by weight of the tobacco material, or in an amount of 1% to 10% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the filler component is absent. The tobacco material described herein contains an aerosol-forming agent. In this context, an "aerosol-forming agent" is an agent that promotes aerosol generation. The aerosol-forming agent can promote aerosol generation by promoting the initial evaporation and / or condensation of gases into inhalable solid and / or liquid aerosols. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming agent can improve the delivery of flavor from the aerosol-generating material. Generally, the aerosol-generating material of the present invention may contain any suitable aerosol-forming agent or agent, including those described herein.

[0194] Paper-reconstituted tobacco refers to tobacco material formed through the following process: extracting tobacco raw materials with a solvent to provide an extract containing soluble substances and a residue containing fibrous material; and then recombinating the extract (usually after concentration, and optionally after further processing) with the fibrous material from the residue (usually after finishing the fibrous material, and optionally, with the addition of some non-tobacco fibers) by depositing the extract onto the fibrous material. The recombination process is similar to the papermaking process.

[0195] 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. A heating device, comprising: The first heater wiring has a first resistance; and The second heater wiring has a second resistor; in, The first heater trace and the second heater trace are connected in parallel; and Wherein, the first resistance at the predetermined temperature is less than the second resistance at the predetermined temperature.

2. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein, The first resistor is smaller than the second resistor at any given temperature.

3. A method of operating the heating device according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The first heater wiring has a first temperature; and The second heater wiring has a second temperature; The method includes: An electric potential difference is applied to the heating device. Wherein, an increase in the first temperature causes an increase in the first resistance; and The second temperature increases at an initial rate slower than the first temperature, causing the second resistance to increase at a rate slower than the first resistance. This ensures that the first temperature is greater than the second temperature after a first predetermined time period.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, When the first temperature is substantially the same as the second temperature, the potential difference is applied to the heating device.

5. The method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, After the first predetermined time period, the first resistor is made equal to the second resistor.

6. The method according to claim 3, 4 or 5, wherein, During a second predetermined time period that begins after the end of the first predetermined time period, the second temperature is increased at a rate faster than the first temperature.

7. An aerosol supply device, comprising the heating device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. An aerosol supply system, comprising an aerosol generating material and an aerosol supply device according to claim 7, wherein, The wiring of the first heater is arranged to enable the first aerosol generating material region, and the wiring of the second heater is arranged to enable the second aerosol generating material region.

9. A method for heating an aerosol-generating material using the method of any one of claims 3, 4, 5, and 6, wherein, The first heater wiring heats the first aerosol generating material region, and the second heater wiring heats the second aerosol generating material region.

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