Electronic aerosol provision system

Abstract

Described is an aerosol provision system for generating aerosol from aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision system including: a first aerosol-generating material located in a first aerosol generating region; a first aerosol generator for generating aerosol in the first aerosol generating region; a second aerosol-generating material located in a second aerosol region; and a second aerosol generator for generating aerosol in the second aerosol generating region. The first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol generating material are the same. The aerosol provision system is configured to operate the first aerosol generator differently to the second aerosol generator in response to detection of a user's intention to generate aerosol. Also described is an aerosol provision device, a non-therapeutic method of operating an aerosol provision system and aerosol provision means.

Description

[0001] ELECTRONIC AEROSOL PROVISION SYSTEM

[0002] Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to electronic aerosol provision systems such as nicotine delivery systems (e.g. electronic cigarettes and the like).

[0004] Background

[0005] Electronic aerosol provision systems such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) generally contain an aerosol (or vapour) precursor I forming material, such as a reservoir of a source liquid containing a formulation, typically comprising a base liquid with additives such as nicotine and often flavourants, and / or a solid material such as a tobacco-based product, from which an aerosol is generated, e.g. through heat vaporisation. Thus, an aerosol provision system will typically comprise an aerosol generation chamber containing an atomiser (or vaporiser), e.g. a heating element, arranged to vaporise a portion of precursor material to generate an aerosol in the aerosol generation chamber. As a user inhales on the device and electrical power is supplied to the heating element, air is drawn into the device through inlet holes and into the aerosol generation chamber where the air mixes with the vaporised precursor material to form an aerosol. There is a flow path connecting the aerosol generation chamber with an opening in the mouthpiece so the incoming air drawn through the aerosol generation chamber continues along the flow path to the mouthpiece opening, carrying some of the vapour with it, and out through the mouthpiece opening for inhalation by the user.

[0006] Aerosol provision systems may comprise a modular assembly including both reusable and replaceable cartridge parts. Typically a cartridge part will comprise the consumable aerosol precursor material and I or the vaporiser, while a reusable device part will comprise longer- life items, such as a rechargeable battery, device control circuitry, activation sensors and user interface features. The reusable part may also be referred to as a control unit or battery section and replaceable cartridge parts that include both a vaporiser and precursor material may also be referred to as cartomisers.

[0007] Such aerosol provision systems typically provide a single heating element vaporising a single aerosol generating material. While certain operational characteristics may be controlled in such systems to provide a customised or modified aerosol delivery, the degree of freedom afforded to manufacturers or users of such systems may not provide the flexibility that is desired for some users. That is to say, a manufacturer or user may desire a more flexible system in terms of the characteristic of the composition of the aerosol that is delivered to the user. Alternatively, nicotine is often an active ingredient that is delivered to a user, in the form of aerosol, using such aerosol provision systems. Typically, nicotine has been delivered in one of two forms; free-base (or unprotonated nicotine) and protonated nicotine. However, aerosols formed from aerosol-generating material containing free-base nicotine often have different characteristics compared to aerosol formed from aerosol-generating material containing protonated nicotine. Some users may prefer certain of these characteristics but not others, and therefore such users may be forced to compromise and settle for using one of these materials despite the deemed negative characteristics for a given user.

[0008] Various approaches are described which seek to help address some of these issues.

[0009] Summary

[0010] According to a first aspect of certain embodiments there is provided an aerosol provision system for generating aerosol from aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision system including: a first aerosol-generating material located in a first aerosol generating region; a first aerosol generator for generating aerosol in the first aerosol generating region; a second aerosol-generating material located in a second aerosol region; and a second aerosol generator for generating aerosol in the second aerosol generating region. The first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol generating material are the same. The aerosol provision system is configured to operate the first aerosol generator differently to the second aerosol generator in response to detection of a user’s intention to generate aerosol.

[0011] In accordance with some examples of the first aspect, the first aerosol generator is operated with a different power than the second aerosol generator.

[0012] In accordance with some examples of the first aspect, for a given inhalation on the aerosol provision system, the first aerosol generator is operated for a different duration than the second aerosol generator.

[0013] In accordance with some examples of the first aspect, relative to the detection of the user’s intention to generate aerosol, the first aerosol generator is operated at a different time from the detection of the user’s intention to generate aerosol than an operation of the second aerosol generator.

[0014] In accordance with some examples of the first aspect, the aerosol provision system is configured to operate the first aerosol generator such that aerosol is generated from the first aerosol-generating material at a first rate of generation, and the aerosol provision system is configured to operate the second aerosol generator such that aerosol is generated from the second aerosol-generating material at a second rate of generation, wherein the first rate of generation is the same or different from the second rate of generation. In accordance with some examples of the first aspect, the first aerosol generator comprises a first heater and wherein the second aerosol generator comprises a second heater.

[0015] In accordance with some examples of the first aspect, the aerosol provision system is formed of an aerosol provision device and at least one consumable, wherein the at least one consumable is releasable attached to the aerosol provision device in use, and wherein the at least one consumable comprises the first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol-generating material.

[0016] In accordance with some examples of the first aspect, the first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol-generating material comprise liquid.

[0017] In accordance with some examples of the first aspect, the liquid is an e-liquid.

[0018] In accordance with some examples of the first aspect, the aerosol provision system further includes a sensor for sensing a user inhalation on the aerosol provision system.

[0019] In accordance with some examples of the first aspect, the aerosol provision system is configured to determine a user’s inhalation on the aerosol provision system based on detection of an actuation of a user actuatable mechanism.

[0020] According to a second aspect of certain embodiments there is provided an aerosol provision device for generating aerosol from aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision device including: a first aerosol generator for generating aerosol in a first aerosol generating region from a first aerosol-generating material; a second aerosol generator for generating aerosol in a second aerosol generating region from a second aerosol-generating material. The first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol generating material are the same. The aerosol provision device is configured to operate the first aerosol generator differently to the second aerosol generator in response to detection of a user’s intention to generate aerosol.

[0021] In accordance with some examples of the second aspect, the aerosol provision device is configured to receive at least one consumable, wherein the at least one consumable is releasable attached to the aerosol provision device in use, and wherein the at least one consumable comprises the first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosolgenerating material.

[0022] According to a third aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a non-therapeutic method of operating an aerosol provision system for generating aerosol from aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision system comprising a first aerosol-generating material located in a first aerosol generating region, a first aerosol generator for generating aerosol in the first aerosol generating region, a second aerosol-generating material located in a second aerosol region, and a second aerosol generator for generating aerosol in the second aerosol generating region. The method including: detecting a user’s intention to generate aerosol; operating the first aerosol generator differently to the second aerosol generator in response to the detection of a user’s intention to generate aerosol. The first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol generating material are the same.

[0023] In accordance with some examples of the third aspect, operating the first aerosol generator differently to the second aerosol generator in response to the detection of a user’s intention to generate aerosol includes operating the first aerosol generator with a different power than the second aerosol generator.

[0024] In accordance with some examples of the third aspect, operating the first aerosol generator differently to the second aerosol generator in response to the detection of a user’s intention to generate aerosol includes, for a given inhalation on the aerosol provision system, operating the first aerosol generator for a different duration than the second aerosol generator.

[0025] In accordance with some examples of the third aspect, operating the first aerosol generator differently to the second aerosol generator in response to the detection of a user’s intention to generate aerosol includes, relative to the detection of the user’s intention to generate aerosol, operating the first aerosol generator at a different time from the detection of the user’s intention to generate aerosol than operating the second aerosol generator.

[0026] According to a fourth aspect of certain embodiments there is provided aerosol provision means for generating aerosol from aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision means including: a first aerosol-generating material located in a first aerosol generating region; first aerosol generator means for generating aerosol in the first aerosol generating region; a second aerosol-generating material located in a second aerosol region; and second aerosol generator means for generating aerosol in the second aerosol generating region. The first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol generating material are the same. The aerosol provision means is configured to operate the first aerosol generator means differently to the second aerosol generator means in response to detection of a user’s intention to generate aerosol.

[0027] According to a fifth aspect of certain embodiments there is provided an aerosol provision system for generating aerosol from aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision system including: a first aerosol-generating material located in a first aerosol generating region, wherein the first aerosol generating material comprises free-base nicotine; a first aerosol generator for generating a first aerosol in the first aerosol generating region; a second aerosol-generating material located in a second aerosol region, wherein the second aerosol generating material comprises protonated nicotine; and a second aerosol generator for generating a second aerosol in the second aerosol generating region. The aerosol provision system is configured so as to selectively enable different proportions of the first aerosol and the second aerosol forming the aerosol to be delivered to the user for a given user inhalation on the aerosol provision system.

[0028] In accordance with some examples of the fifth aspect, the aerosol provision system is configured to operate the first aerosol generator differently to the second aerosol generator in response to detection of a user’s intention to generate aerosol to selectively cause different proportions of the first aerosol and second aerosol forming the aerosol to be delivered to the user for a given user inhalation on the aerosol provision system.

[0029] In accordance with some examples of the fifth aspect, the first aerosol generator is operated with a different power than the second aerosol generator.

[0030] In accordance with some examples of the fifth aspect, the aerosol provision system is configured to cause airflow through the first aerosol generating region and the second aerosol generating region to vary in response to detection of a user’s intention to generate aerosol to selectively cause different proportions of the first aerosol and second aerosol forming the aerosol to be delivered to the user for a given user inhalation on the aerosol provision system.

[0031] In accordance with some examples of the fifth aspect, the aerosol provision system is configured to vary the proportion of free-base nicotine and pronated nicotine in the aerosol to be delivered to the user for a given user inhalation.

[0032] In accordance with some examples of the fifth aspect, the first aerosol generator comprises a first heater and wherein the second aerosol generator comprises a second heater.

[0033] In accordance with some examples of the fifth aspect, the aerosol provision system is formed of an aerosol provision device and at least one consumable, wherein the at least one consumable is releasable attached to the aerosol provision device in use, and wherein the at least one consumable comprises the first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol-generating material.

[0034] In accordance with some examples of the fifth aspect, the first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol-generating material comprise liquid.

[0035] In accordance with some examples of the fifth aspect, the liquid is an e-liquid.

[0036] In accordance with some examples of the fifth aspect, the aerosol provision system further includes a sensor for sensing a user inhalation on the aerosol provision system. In accordance with some examples of the fifth aspect, the aerosol provision system is configured to determine a user’s inhalation on the aerosol provision system based on detection of an actuation of a user actuatable mechanism.

[0037] According to a sixth aspect of certain embodiments there is provided an aerosol provision device for generating aerosol from aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision device including a first aerosol-generating material located in a first aerosol generating region, wherein the first aerosol generating material comprises free-base nicotine; a first aerosol generator for generating a first aerosol in the first aerosol generating region; a second aerosol-generating material located in a second aerosol region, wherein the second aerosol generating material comprises protonated nicotine; and a second aerosol generator for generating a second aerosol in the second aerosol generating region. The aerosol provision device is configured so as to selectively enable different proportions of the first aerosol and the second aerosol forming the aerosol to be delivered to the user for a given user inhalation on the aerosol provision device.

[0038] In accordance with some examples of the sixth aspect, the aerosol provision device is configured to receive at least one consumable, wherein the at least one consumable is releasable attached to the aerosol provision device in use, and wherein the at least one consumable comprises the first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosolgenerating material.

[0039] According to a seventh aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a non-therapeutic method of operating an aerosol provision system for generating aerosol from aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision system comprising a first aerosol-generating material located in a first aerosol generating region, wherein the first aerosol generating material comprises free-base nicotine, a first aerosol generator for generating a first aerosol in the first aerosol generating region, a second aerosol-generating material located in a second aerosol region, wherein the second aerosol generating material comprises protonated nicotine, and a second aerosol generator for generating a second aerosol in the second aerosol generating region. The method includes selectively enabling different proportions of the first aerosol and the second aerosol forming the aerosol to be delivered to the user for a given user inhalation on the aerosol provision system.

[0040] In accordance with some examples of the seventh aspect, the aerosol provision system operates the first aerosol generator differently to the second aerosol generator in response to detection of a user’s intention to generate aerosol to selectively cause different proportions of the first aerosol and second aerosol forming the aerosol to be delivered to the user for a given user inhalation on the aerosol provision system. In accordance with some examples of the seventh aspect, the first aerosol generator is operated with a different power than the second aerosol generator.

[0041] In accordance with some examples of the seventh aspect, the aerosol provision system varies the airflow through the first aerosol generating region and the second aerosol generating region in response to detection of a user’s intention to generate aerosol to selectively cause different proportions of the first aerosol and second aerosol forming the aerosol to be delivered to the user for a given user inhalation on the aerosol provision system.

[0042] According to an eighth aspect of certain embodiments there is provided aerosol provision means for generating aerosol from aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision means including: a first aerosol-generating material located in a first aerosol generating region, wherein the first aerosol generating material comprises free-base nicotine; first aerosol generator means for generating a first aerosol in the first aerosol generating region; a second aerosol-generating material located in a second aerosol region, wherein the second aerosol generating material comprises protonated nicotine; and second aerosol generator means for generating a second aerosol in the second aerosol generating region. The aerosol provision means is configured so as to selectively enable different proportions of the first aerosol and the second aerosol forming the aerosol to be delivered to the user for a given user inhalation on the aerosol provision means.

[0043] It will be appreciated that features and aspects of the invention described above in relation to the first and other aspects of the invention are equally applicable to, and may be combined with, embodiments of the invention according to other aspects of the invention as appropriate, and not just in the specific combinations described above.

[0044] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0045] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0046] Figure 1 schematically shows an aerosol provision system in cross-section, the aerosol provision system including a control part, a mouthpiece part, and two removable cartomisers, and configured to deliver aerosol to a user from one or more of the cartomisers;

[0047] Figure 2 schematically shows, in cross-section, the aerosol provision system of Figure 1 in exploded form showing the individual constituents of the aerosol provision system;

[0048] Figure 3 shows three graphs representing an example inhalation, an example power delivery to the heating elements of the aerosol provision system of Figures 1 and 2, and an example rate of aerosol generation for each of the heating elements of the aerosol provision system of Figures 1 and 2, whereby the duration that power is supplied to the heating elements is set to be different;

[0049] Figure 4 shows three graphs representing an example inhalation, an example power delivery to the heating elements of the aerosol provision system of Figures 1 and 2, and an example rate of aerosol generation for each of the heating elements of the aerosol provision system of Figures 1 and 2, whereby the point in time that power is supplied to the heating elements is set to be different;

[0050] Figure 5 illustrates an example method for operating an aerosol provision system, such as the aerosol provision system of Figures 1 and 2;

[0051] Figure 6 schematically shows an aerosol provision system in cross-section, the aerosol provision system including a control part, a mouthpiece part, and two removable cartomisers, and configured to deliver aerosol to a user from one or more of the cartomisers;

[0052] Figure 7 schematically shows, in cross-section, the aerosol provision system of Figure 6 in exploded form showing the individual constituents of the aerosol provision system;

[0053] Figures 8a and 8b each show a graph representing example scenarios in which power is supplied to the heating elements of the aerosol provision system of Figures 6 and 7; Figure 8a shows a first scenario in which a slightly higher power is supplied to a first heating element and a slightly lower power is supplied to a second heating element, and Figure 8b shows a second scenario in which a significantly higher power is supplied to a first heating element and a significantly lower power is supplied to a second heating element;

[0054] Figure 9 schematically shows an aerosol provision system in cross-section according to a second implementation, where the aerosol provision system is provided with flow restriction members to vary the flow of air through respective aerosol generating regions of the aerosol provision system; and

[0055] Figure 10 illustrates an example method for operating an aerosol provision system, such as the aerosol provision system of Figures 6 and 7.

[0056] Detailed Description

[0057] Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed I described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not discussed I described in detail in the interests of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of apparatus and methods discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features. According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0058] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device, electronic cigarette or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that in some examples of the disclosure the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement. Throughout the following description the term “e-cigarette” is sometimes used but this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol (vapour) provision system.

[0059] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosolgenerating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0060] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosolgenerating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0061] Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, a liquid or gel which, in some examples, may or may not contain an active substance and / or flavourants. In some implementations, the aerosolgenerating material may comprise an “amorphous solid”, which may alternatively be referred to as a “monolithic solid” (i.e. non-fibrous). In some implementations, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some implementations, the aerosol-generating material may for example comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.

[0062] In some embodiments, the or each aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0063] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance. The active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the active substance comprises nicotine, and may optionally further include caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.

[0064] In some implementations, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some implementations, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

[0065] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

[0066] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical" includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like. Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, Wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco.

[0067] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.

[0068] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0069] As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste or aroma in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, Wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and / or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.

[0070] In some embodiments, the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucalyptol, WS-3.

[0071] The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerine, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0072] The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0073] An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol-modifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent.

[0074] The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosolmodifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form. The aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material.

[0075] In some implementations, the aerosol provision systems comprise a modular assembly including an aerosol provision device (sometimes referred to as a reusable part) and an article comprising aerosol-generating material (sometimes referred to as a consumable or a replaceable part). However, in other implementations, the aerosol provision systems may comprise a one-piece arrangement where the article and aerosol provision device are integrally formed. Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0076] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non- combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.

[0077] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent.

[0078] A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area (or storage portion), an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor. A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrical ly-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

[0079] An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some implementations, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some implementations, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0080] The present disclosure provides an aerosol provision system that is capable of providing a different user experience by operating a first aerosol generator differently to a second aerosol generator in response to detection of a user’s intention to generate aerosol. In particular, the aerosol provision system includes a first aerosol-generating material that is arranged so as to be aerosolised by the first aerosol generator and a second aerosolgenerating material that is arranged so as to be aerosolised by the second aerosol generator, wherein the first and second aerosol-generating materials are the same. In this way, the aerosol provision system of the present disclosure is provided with greater control over the characteristics of the aerosol that is deliverable to the user, in particular as compared to systems that utilise a single heating element to vaporise a single aerosolgenerating material. Accordingly, a user experience using the aerosol provision system of the present disclosure can be varied, while also maintaining a relatively simple and uncomplicated way of assembling the system and replacing cartridges thereof. The aerosol provision system may be controlled to provide a different power level to each of the first and second aerosol generators when the aerosol generators are activated; activate the first and second aerosol generators for different durations, relative to a point in time that defines the user’s intention to generate aerosol (i.e., a button press or detection of an inhalation), and activate the first and second aerosol generators at different points in time relative to a point in time that defines the user’s intention to generate aerosol (i.e., a button press or detection of an inhalation).

[0081] Figures 1 and 2 are highly schematic cross-sectional views of an example aerosol provision system 1 in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. Figure 1 shows the aerosol provision system 1 in an assembled state while Figure 2 shows the aerosol provision system 1 in a disassembled state I partially exploded state. As will be discussed below, parts of the example aerosol provision system 1 are provided as removable I detachable from other parts of the aerosol provision system 1.

[0082] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the example aerosol provision system 1 comprises an aerosol provision device 2 (sometimes referred to as a control, battery or reusable part) and, in this example, two consumable or disposable parts, referred to herein as cartomisers 4a and 4b, and collectively referred to herein as cartomisers 4. The aerosol provision device 2 further comprises a detachable lid or mouthpiece 3, which can allow access to receptacles within the aerosol provision device 2 for receiving the respective cartomisers 4. In use, the aerosol provision system 1 is configured to generate aerosol from the cartomisers 4 (by vaporising an aerosol generating material therein) and deliver / provide the aerosol to a user through one or more openings provided in the mouthpiece 3 as the user inhales on the mouthpiece 3.

[0083] By way of reference only, the following discussion will refer to top, bottom, left and right sides of the aerosol provision system 1 or components thereof. This will generally refer to the corresponding directions in the associated figures; that is, the natural directions in the plane of the figures. However, these directions are not meant to confer a particular orientation of the system 1 during normal use. For example, the top of the assembled system refers to a part of the system that contacts the user’s mouth in use, while the bottom refers to the opposite end of the system. The choice of directions is only meant to illustrate the relative locations of the various features described herein.

[0084] Turning back to Figures 1 and 2, the aerosol provision device 2 includes an outer housing 20 which is configured to house a power source 21 for providing operating power for the aerosol provision device 1 and control circuitry 22 for controlling the operation of the aerosol provision system 1.

[0085] The outer housing 20 may be formed, for example, from a plastics or metal material and in this example has a generally rectangular cross-section with a width (in the plane of Figure 1) of around 1.5 to 2 times its thickness (perpendicular to the plane of Figure 1). For example, the outer housing 20 may have a width of around 5 cm and a thickness of around 3 cm. The aerosol provision device 2 takes the form of a box I cuboid, in this example, although it should be appreciated that the shape of the aerosol provision device 2 is not limited, and the aerosol provision device 2 can have other shapes, as desired, for example, cylindrical.

[0086] The power source 21 in this example is a battery 21. The battery 21 may be rechargeable and may be of a broadly conventional type, for example of the kind normally used in aerosol provision systems and other applications requiring provision of relatively high currents over relatively short periods. The battery 21 may be, for example, a lithium ion battery. The battery 21 may be recharged through a suitable charging connector provided at or in the outer housing 20, for example a USB connector. Additionally or alternatively, the aerosol provision device 2 may comprise suitable circuitry to facilitate wireless charging of the battery 21.

[0087] The control circuitry 22 is suitably configured I programmed to control the operation of the aerosol provision system 1. The control circuitry 22 may be considered to logically comprise various sub-units I circuitry elements associated with different aspects of the aerosol provision system's operation and may be implemented by provision of a (micro)controller, processor, ASIC or similar form of control chip. The control circuitry 22 may be arranged to control any functionality associated with the aerosol provision system 1. By way of nonlimiting examples only, the functionality may include the charging or re-charging of the battery 21 , the discharging of the battery 21 (e.g., for providing power to one or more aerosol generators), in addition to other functionality such as controlling any visual indicators (e.g., LEDs) I displays provided as part of the aerosol provision device 2, any communication functionality for communicating with external devices, etc. The control circuitry 22 may be mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB). Note also that the functionality provided by the control circuitry 22 may be split across multiple circuit boards and I or across components which are not mounted to a PCB, and these additional components and I or PCBs can be located as appropriate within the aerosol provision device 2. For example, functionality of the control circuit 22 for controlling the (re)charging functionality of the battery 21 may be provided separately (e.g. on a different PCB) from the functionality for controlling the discharge of the battery 21.

[0088] The aerosol provision device 2 further comprises an air inlet 23 provided on I in the outer surface of the outer housing 20 and an air channel 26 which extends into the housing 20 and fluidly connects the air inlet 23 with receptacles 24a and 24b. As will be appreciated in the following, these features form part of an air or aerosol pathway through the aerosol provision system 1 in which air is passed from outside the aerosol provision system 1 via air inlet 23, through the aerosol provision system 1 and into the user’s mouth.

[0089] The receptacles 24a and 24b (collectively referred to as receptacles 24) are configured to respectively receive a cartomiser 4a, 4b and are suitably sized to receive a cartomiser 4. In the present example, the receptacles 24 have a cylindrical shape configured to receive broadly cylindrical shaped cartomisers 4. The receptacles 24 may be sized so as to receive a part or all of the cartomisers 4. For example, in Figure 1 , the top of the cartomiser 4a and 4b protrudes slightly from the receptacle 24a and 24b. Correspondingly, the receptacles 24 may only be sized to receive the corresponding part of the cartomiser 4a, 4b. The depth of the receptacles (that is a dimension along the longitudinal axis of the receptacles 24) is slightly less than the length of the cartomisers 4 (e.g., 0.8 to 1.3 cm) such that, when the cartomisers 4 are received in the receptacles 24, the exposed ends of the cartomisers 4 slightly protrude from the surface of the housing 20. The outer diameter of the cartomisers 4 is slightly smaller (e.g., about 1 mm or less) than the diameter of the receptacles 24 to allow the cartomisers 4 to slide into the receptacles 24 with relative ease, but to fit reasonably well within the receptacles 24 to reduce or prevent movement in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the cartomiser 4. In this example the cartomisers 4 are mounted in a generally side-by-side configuration in the body of the aerosol provision device 2. Although not shown in Figures 1 and 2, the receptacles 24 may comprise suitable engagement mechanisms for engaging with the cartomisers 4 which may be established in accordance with broadly conventional techniques, for example based around a screw thread, latch mechanism, bayonet fixing or magnetic coupling. In the described implementation, the receptacles 24 also provide an electrical coupling between the receptacles 24 of the aerosol provision device 2 and the cartomisers 4 using suitable electrical contacts, for example through sprung I pogo pin connectors, or any other configuration of electrical contacts which engage when the cartomisers 4 are received in I connected to the receptacles 24 of the aerosol provision device 2. The electrical coupling may allow for power and I or data to be supplied to I from the cartomisers 4. However, it should be appreciated that in other implementations, the respective heating elements 43a, 43b could be supplied with energy via other means, such as via induction, in which case electrical contacts between the receptacles 24 and the cartomisers 4 may not be required.

[0090] Additionally, each receptacle 24 is fluidly coupled to the air channel 26 via an opening 25a, 25b (collectively referred to as openings 25). The openings 25 permit air to flow from the air channel 26 to the receptacles 24. When a cartomiser 4 is installed in the receptacle 24, the openings 25 fluidly couple to a corresponding cartomiser channels 44 (described below), such that air is able to flow along the corresponding cartomiser channel 44.

[0091] The cartomisers 4 each comprise an outer housing 40a, 40b that defines an aerosolgenerating material storage area 41a, 41b and a cartomiser channel 44a, 44b. The housing 40 is generally in the form of a hollow tubular cylinder having an outer diameter and an inner diameter, with the walls of the inner diameter defining the limits of the cartomiser channel 44a, 44b. In this example the cartomiser 4 has a length of around 1 to 1.5 cm, an outer diameter of 6 to 8 mm and an inner diameter of around 2 to 4 mm. However, it will be appreciated the specific geometry, and more generally the overall shapes involved, may be different in different implementations. The volume or cavity between the inner and outer walls defines the aerosol-generating material storage area 41a, 41b. Additionally, the volume bounded by the inner cylindrical wall defines the cartomiser channel 44a, 44b.

[0092] The outer housing 40a, 40b may be formed, for example, from a plastics or metal material and in this example has a generally circular cross-section. However, as should be appreciated, the outer housing 40a, 40b (and thus the cartomiser 4a, 4b) may take any suitable shape.

[0093] The aerosol-generating material storage area 41a, 41b is configured to store aerosolgenerating material. In the described example, the aerosol-generating material is a liquid (sometimes referred to as a source liquid). Accordingly, the aerosol-generating material storage area 41a, 41b is adapted for holding such a liquid, and may be referred to as liquid reservoir 41a, 41b or simply reservoir 41a, 41b. A source liquid for an electronic cigarette will typically comprise a base liquid formulation, which makes up the majority of the liquid, with additives for providing desired flavour / smell I nicotine delivery characteristics to the base liquid. For example, a typical base liquid may comprise a mixture of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerol (VG). The liquid reservoir 41a, 41b in this example comprises the majority of the interior volume of the cartomiser 4a, 4b. The reservoir 41 may be formed in accordance with conventional techniques, for example comprising a moulded plastics material. However, it should be appreciated that the principles of the present disclosure are not limited to liquid aerosol-generating material and, in other implementations, the aerosolgenerating material may be a solid or a gel, for example, as described above. Accordingly, the aerosol-generating material storage area 41a, 41b may be correspondingly adapted for the given aerosol-generating material.

[0094] The cartomiser 4a, 4b further comprises an aerosol generator. In the described implementation, the aerosol generator is formed of heating element 43a, 43b. Each heating element 43a, 43b is provided in combination with a wicking element 42a, 42b, whereby the heating element 43a, 43b is coiled around the wicking element 42a, 42b. The wicking elements 42a, 42b are configured to wick I transport the source liquid (using capillary motion) from the respective liquid reservoirs 41a, 41b to the respective heating elements 43a, 43b. For example, the wicking element 42a, 42b may be formed from a bundle of cotton or glass fibres, or from a ceramic material. The wicking element 42a, 42b is provided in fluid communication with the source liquid stored in the reservoir 41a, 41b, for example through apertures provided in the inner wall of the cartomiser 4. When supplied with electrical power, the heating elements 43a, 43b generate heat causing the liquid provided by the wicking elements 42a, 42b to vaporise. For example, the heating elements 43a, 43b may comprise a nickel chrome alloy (Cr20Ni80) wire, which is configured to generate heat via the electrical resistance of the wire. However, it should be appreciated that the principles of the present disclosure are not limited to such aerosol generators, and in other implementations, any of the aerosol generators described above may be employed. Additionally, the aerosol generator may be adapted or selected for a given aerosol-generating material, as appropriate. Moreover, in some implementations, the wicking elements 42a, 42b (which are an example more generally of aerosol-generating material transport elements) may be omitted.

[0095] In the example shown, the aerosol generator (i.e. , heating element 43a, 43b) and wicking element 42a, 42b are provided in the respective cartomiser channels 44a, 44b defined by the housing 40a, 40b of the cartomisers 4. That is to say, the aerosol generator extends across the cartomiser channel 44a, 44b. The cartomiser channels 44a and 44b are arranged such that, when the cartomisers 4 are installed in respective receptacles 24a, 24b, the cartomiser channels 44a and 44b are fluidly communicated with the air channel 26 and air inlet 23 via openings 25, and thus air drawn in through the air inlet 23 passes along the air channel 26 and along cartomiser channels 44a and 44b of the cartomisers 4. Accordingly, the air drawn into the cartomiser channels 44a, 44b passes by the aerosol generator and any aerosol-generating material (liquid) that has been vaporised by the heating elements 43a, 43b is subsequently entrained in the air flow.

[0096] The mouthpiece 3 includes a housing 30 which comprises two mouthpiece openings 31a, 31b at one end (a top end); that is, the mouthpiece openings 31a, 31b are located at the same end of the mouthpiece 3 and are generally arranged such that a user can place their mouth over both of the mouthpiece openings 31a, 31b. The mouthpiece 3 also includes receptacles 32a, 32b at the opposite end (a bottom end), and respective mouthpiece channels 33a, 33b extending between the receptacles 32a, 32b and the openings 31a, 31b.

[0097] The mouthpiece 3 has a generally tapered or pyramidal outer profile which tapers towards the top end of the mouthpiece 3. The bottom end of the mouthpiece 3 is where the mouthpiece 3 meets the outer housing 20 of the aerosol provision device 2 and is sized to have dimensions in the width direction (i.e., in the horizontal direction of the plane of Figures 1 and 2) and thickness direction (i.e., in a direction orthogonal to the plane of Figures 1 and 2) that broadly correspond to equivalent dimensions of the outer housing 20 of the aerosol provision device 2 in order to provide a flush outer profile. The end of the mouthpiece 3 in which the mouthpiece openings 31a, 3ab are located (top end) is smaller in the width direction than the bottom end by around one third in this example (e.g. to around 2 cm wide). That is, the mouthpiece 3 tapers in the width direction towards the top end. This end forms the part of the aerosol provision system 1 that is received in the user’s mouth (in other words, this is the end the user would, in normal use, put their lips around and inhale through).

[0098] The mouthpiece 3 in this example is formed as a separate and removable component from the outer housing 20 and is provided with any suitable coupling I mounting mechanism that allows the mouthpiece 3 to couple to the outer housing 20 of the aerosol provision device 2, e.g., snap-fitting, screw thread, etc. However, it should be appreciated in other implementations, the mouthpiece 3 is movably attached to the outer housing 20, for example, via a hinge provided at one side of the mouthpiece 3 or the mouthpiece 3 may be attached to the outer housing 20 via ribbon or cable or the like. Regardless, when the mouthpiece 3 is coupled to the outer housing 20 to form the assembled aerosol provision system 1 (e.g., as generally shown in Figure 1), the length of the assembled aerosol provision system 1 is around 10 cm. However, it will be appreciated that the overall shape and scale of an aerosol provision device 1 implementing the present disclosure is not significant to the principles described herein.

[0099] The receptacles 32a, 32b in the mouthpiece 3 are arranged to receive ends of the cartomisers 4 and fluidly connect to the respective cartomiser channels 44a and 44b in the cartomisers 4 (specifically at an end of the cartomiser 4 opposite the end that connects to and is received in receptacles 24a, 24b). The receptacles 32a, 32b are additionally fluidly connected to mouthpiece channels 33a and 33b, which in turn are fluidly connected to mouthpiece openings 31a and 31b.

[0100] Therefore, it should be appreciated that when the aerosol provision system 1 is fully assembled (e.g., as shown in Figure 1), the mouthpiece openings 31a and 31b of the mouthpiece 3 are fluidly connected to air inlet 23 in the aerosol provision device 2 via the air channel 26, the cartomiser channels 44a, 44b and the mouthpiece channels 33a, 33b.

[0101] Hence, the example aerosol provision system 1 generally provides two routes through which air I aerosol may pass through the system 1. For example, a first route starts from air inlet 23, passes along air channel 26 and through opening 25a, then passes into the receptacle 24a and through the cartomiser channel 44a of the first cartomiser 4a, into the receptacle 32a, along the mouthpiece channel 33a of the mouthpiece 3 to the mouthpiece opening 31a. Equally, a second route starts from air inlet 23, passes along air channel 26 and through opening 25b, then passes into the receptacle 24b and through the cartomiser channel 44b of the second cartomiser 4b, into the receptacle 32b, along the mouthpiece channel 33b of the mouthpiece 3 and to the mouthpiece opening 31b.

[0102] In use, a user inhales on the mouthpiece 3 of the example aerosol provision system 1 (and specifically through openings 31a, 31b) to cause air to pass from outside the outer housing 20 of the aerosol provision device 2, along the respective routes through the system 1 as described above and into the user’s mouth. During use, the heating elements 43a, 43b are activated (e.g., supplied with electrical energy) in order to vaporise the source liquid contained in the wicking elements 42a, 42b such that air passing over I around the heating elements 43a, 43b collects or mixes with the vaporised source liquid to form an aerosol. In this regard, the region around the heating elements 43a, 43b (or more generally the aerosol generator) may be referred to as the aerosol (or vapour) generating area (or region).

[0103] Electrical power is supplied to the heating elements 43a, 43b from power source 21 , controlled I regulated by control circuitry 22. The control circuitry 22 is configured to control the supply of electrical power from the power source 21 to the heating elements 43a, 43b in the respective cartomisers 4 so as to generate a vapour from the cartomisers 4 for inhalation by a user. Power may be supplied to the heating elements 43a, 43b on the basis of actuation of a button (or equivalent user actuation mechanism) provided on the surface of the housing 20 and which supplies power when the user presses the button (not shown in Figures 1 or 2). Alternatively, power may be supplied based on detection of a user inhalation using a sensor, e.g., such as an airflow sensor or pressure sensor, such as a diaphragm microphone (not shown in Figures 1 or 2), connected to the control circuitry 22 which sends a signal to the control circuitry 22 when a change in pressure or airflow is detected. Regardless, it should be appreciated that detection of an actuation of the button or detection of an inhalation corresponds to a detection of a user’s intention to generate aerosol. In some implementations, the aerosol provision system 1 may be controlled to generate aerosol, i.e. , supply power to the heating elements 43a, 43b, in response to a detection of both an actuation of the user actuation mechanism and the sensor indicating the presence of an inhalation. Accordingly, it should be understood that any suitable mechanism may be employed to activate the heating elements 43a, 43b (or more generally aerosol generator) in response to determining a user’s intention to generate aerosol and subsequently use the aerosol provision system 1 to generate and deliver an aerosol.

[0104] It should also be appreciated that in the described implementation, the cartomisers 4 are releasably connectable with the aerosol provision device 2 (and more particularly, the receptacles 24a, 24b). That is, in the example aerosol provision system 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2, the cartomisers 4 are provided separately from the aerosol provision device 2 and the mouthpiece 3 and can therefore be inserted into or removed from the receptacles 24a, 24b. The cartomisers 4 may be replaced I removed for a variety of reasons. For example, a user may insert cartomisers 4 having different source liquids to those currently installed in the aerosol provision device. Alternatively, the cartomisers 4 can be removed I replaced in the event that a cartomiser 4 runs dry (that is, the source liquid in the liquid reservoir 41 a, 41 b is depleted). In order to insert, replace or remove the cartomisers 4, the user will typically disassemble the system 1 (e.g., into a state generally as shown in Figure 2). The user will remove the mouthpiece 3 from the outer housing 20 by pulling (or otherwise moving) the mouthpiece 3 in a direction away from the outer housing 20, remove any previous cartomisers 4 located in the receptacles (if applicable) by pulling (or otherwise moving) the cartomisers 4 in a direction away from the control part 2, and insert new cartomiser(s) 4 in the receptacle(s) 24. With the cartomiser(s) 4 inserted in the receptacles 24, the user then reassembles the system 1 by coupling the mouthpiece 3 to the outer housing 20. An assembled system 1 is schematically shown in Figure 1 , although it should be noted that certain features are not shown to scale and exaggerated for the purposes of clarity, such as the gap between the mouthpiece 3 and the outer housing 20 of the aerosol provision device 2, for example.

[0105] In accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, the aerosol provision system 1 is provided with respective aerosol generating regions. The aerosol generating regions are regions (or volumes I areas) within the aerosol provision system 1 where aerosol is generated or is capable of being generated. In the present example, aerosol is capable of being generated in the volume surrounding the heating elements 43a, 43b. This is where heat energy (from the heating elements 41a, 41b) is transferred to a source liquid provided within the aerosol generating region to subsequently cause source liquid to vaporise, upon sufficient heat energy being applied, and subsequently form an aerosol. Accordingly, in view of the example aerosol provision system 1 described in Figures 1 and 2, it should be appreciated that the aerosol provision system is provided with a first aerosol generating region (e.g., comprising a first heating element 43a, a first wicking element 42a and a part of a first aerosol-generating material stored in the first reservoir 41a and held in the first wicking element 42a proximate to the first heating element 43a) and a second aerosol generating region (e.g., comprising a second heating element 43b, a second wicking element 42b and a part of a second aerosol-generating material stored in the second reservoir 41b and held in the second wicking element 42b proximate to the second heating element 43b).

[0106] In accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, the first aerosol-generating material (e.g., stored in the first liquid reservoir 41a) and the second aerosol generating material (e.g., stored in the second liquid reservoir 41b) are the same. That is to say, the first and second aerosol-generating materials comprise the same constituents (e.g., active ingredients, aerosol formers, flavours, etc.) and the same proportions of constituents. In some implementations, the first and second aerosol-generating materials are identical or substantially identical, where substantially identical encompasses minor variations in the quantity that may result from manufacturing tolerances, etc.

[0107] The aerosol provision system 1 is further configured to operate the first aerosol generator (e.g., including the first heating element 43a) differently to the second aerosol generator (e.g., including the second heating element 43b) in response to detection of a user’s intention to generate aerosol (e.g., a button press and / or detection of an inhalation, as described above). That is, in response to detecting a button press and / or an inhalation, the control circuitry 22 of the aerosol provision system 1 is configured to operate (e.g., provide power or otherwise activate) the first aerosol generator differently to the second aerosol generator. Accordingly, by activating the first and second aerosol generators differently, a first aerosol can be generated from the first aerosol generator (e.g., including the first heating element 43a) having different characteristics as compared to a second aerosol generated from the second aerosol generator (e.g., including the second heating element 43b). Hence, despite the first and second aerosol-generating materials being the same, the aerosol provision system 1 of the present disclosure is capable of providing a different user experience for the user as compared to using a single aerosol generator to aerosolise the first and / or second aerosol-generating material. In particular, the aerosol provision system 1 of the present disclosure can offer a user different experiences in a simple and easy manner for the user. For example, the user simply inserts the respective cartomisers 4a, 4b into the aerosol provision device 2, and the device is capable of providing a different user experience. The user does not need to concern themselves with identifying two cartomisers 4a, 4b of different aerosol-generating material and considering whether the two different aerosol-generating materials are suitable in combination, nor does the user need to concern themselves with ensuring the cartomisers 4a, 4b are inserted into specific ones of the receptacles 24a, 24b. Rather, the user simply loads into the device 2 two cartomisers 4a, 4b containing identical or substantially identical aerosol-generating material.

[0108] In some examples, operating the first and second aerosol generators differently includes providing different power levels (e.g., different voltages and / or different currents) to the first and second aerosol generators (e.g., heating elements 43a, 43b). Varying the power level may impact the aerosol generation in several ways.

[0109] In some instances, increasing the power level increases the rate of generation of aerosol. In this regard, a volume of liquid (such as the source liquid) requires a certain amount of energy to transition from a liquid state to a vapour state. Increasing the power supplied to the heating element 43a, 43b subsequently increases the rate at which this energy can be provided to the volume of liquid, and hence how quickly that volume of liquid can be vaporised. Accordingly, supplying a greater power can provide a greater rate of aerosolisation. This means that per unit volume of air inhaled by the user through the air inlet 23, the relative proportion of aerosol (or more accurately, condensed liquid) per unit volume of air is increased. However, it should also be noted that in respect of a pair of aerosol generators, such as heating elements 43a, 43b, control over the relative proportion of aerosol per unit volume of air can be achieved with more granularity. For example, suppose the power level to either heating element 43a, 43b can be controlled in increments of 0.5 W, and suppose that each heating element 43a, 43b is identical. If the power level to the first heating element 43a is set to be 0.5 W greater than the power level supplied to the second heating element 43b, then the overall effect on the proportion of aerosol per unit volume of air provided may be akin to varying the power level to both heating elements 43a, 43b by 0.25 W (assuming a linear relationship, which may not necessarily be the case practically but is specified here by way of a concrete example). Therefore, it is possible to achieve more granularity in respect of the proportion of aerosol per unit volume of air as compared to the case of providing a single aerosol generator.

[0110] In some other alternative implementations, increasing the power level may increase the relative temperature of the aerosol that is generated. In this regard, following on from above, a volume of liquid provided in the vicinity of the heating element 43a, 43b can act as a heat sink to regulate the temperature of the heating element 43a, 43b, where, in effect, the energy supplied by the heating element 43a, 43b is used in transitioning the volume of liquid to a vapour rather than raising the temperature of the heating element 43a, 43b. That is to say, a volume of liquid held in the wicking element 42 can be considered to provide a cooling effect which subsequently impacts the temperature of the heating elements 43a, 43b. However, when the amount of energy supplied is too great or the volume of liquid too small, the temperature of the heating element 43a, 43b can increase. Increasing the temperature of the heating element 43a, 43b and subsequently increasing the temperature of the vapour, can impact the temperature of the aerosol generated. This effect may be more prominent in systems that aerosolise a solid or gel aerosol-generating material, but in some aerosol provision systems that vaporise a liquid, there may be a slight increase in temperature of the aerosol when the aerosol is generated. Increasing the temperature of the aerosol may impact the gas-liquid partition of one or more constituents of the aerosol-generating material (e.g., such as nicotine) in the delivered aerosol. The gas-liquid partition is indicative of the proportion of nicotine present as a gas (or existing in the gas phase) versus the proportion of nicotine that is present as a liquid (or existing in the liquid phase) in the aerosol, which can have an influence on how the aerosol is perceived by a user. For example, and without wishing to be bound by theory, an increased proportion of nicotine in the liquid phase may lead to a smoother mouth feel I throat hit in the mouth or oral cavity of the user. That is to say, the user’s perception of the aerosol is smoother. Conversely, an increased proportion of nicotine in the gas phase may lead to a harsher mouth feel I throat hit in the mouth or oral cavity of the user. That is to say, the user’s perception of the aerosol is harsher. Hence, by controlling the relative operational temperatures of the heating elements 43a, 43b, the gas-liquid partition can be varied as compared to the case of vaporising a single aerosol-generating material using a single heating element.

[0111] It should also be appreciated that in some implementations, the power supplied to the first heating element 43a and the power supplied to the second heating element 43b may be fixed. For example, during manufacture of the aerosol provision device 2, the manufacturer programs the control circuitry 22 to be capable of supplying the first heating element 43a with a first level of power and to supply the second heating element 43b with a second level of power (different from the first). Accordingly, a user using the aerosol provision system 1 is provided with a predefined user experience, but notably one that differs from systems that employ a single heating element for vaporising a single aerosol-generating material.

[0112] In other implementations, the aerosol provision system 1 may be configured to enable a user to adjust the power levels supplied to the first and / or second heating elements 43a, 43b. For example, the aerosol provision system 1 may be provided with a user input mechanism, such as one or more push-buttons, which allows for the user to select or set different power levels for the respective heating elements 43a, 43b. Accordingly, a user using the aerosol provision system 1 is capable of adjusting their user experience, as desired. Again, however, the user experience differs from systems that employ a single heating element for vaporising a single aerosol-generating material.

[0113] Providing different magnitudes of power to the first and second heating elements 43a, 43b is one way in which the user experience may be varied. In other implementations, the duration for which the first heating element 43a is operated I active is set to be different to the duration for which the second heating element 43b is operated I active.

[0114] Figure 3 shows three graphs representing an example inhalation and an example application of power to the heating elements 43a, 43b where the duration for which the first heating element 43a is activated for is different (shorter) than the duration for which the second heating element 43a is activated. Figure 3 more particularly shows a first graph (upper graph) that depicts the inhalation strength, I, in arbitrary units of an example user inhalation on the aerosol provision system 1 as a function of time, t, a second graph (middle graph) that shows the power, P, in arbitrary units applied to the first heating element 43a and second heating element 43b as a function of time, t, and a third graph (lower graph) showing the approximate rate of aerosol generation, R, in arbitrary units from the heating elements 43a, 43b as a function of time, t. The rate of aerosol generation, R, is shown for explaining the principles of the present disclosure and should not be understood to necessarily represent a practical aerosol provision system.

[0115] The first, upper graph shows an example inhalation on the aerosol provision system 1. The example inhalation is labelled with the reference sign 101 in Figure 3. The example inhalation 101 has the form of an approximate bell curve. While this shape is common for a user inhalation on such aerosol provision systems, it should be appreciated that the exact form is user dependent. The example inhalation 101 represents a measurement of the air flow through the aerosol provision system 1, which may be obtained by an airflow sensor (although, it should be appreciated that the example inhalation 101 may not actually be measured by the aerosol provision system in some implementations, e.g., such as where a push-button is used to actuate the aerosol provision system).

[0116] In the example described, the aerosol provision system 1 has such an airflow sensor and the output from the airflow sensor is used to determine when a user inhales on the aerosol provision system 1. A threshold value for the airflow may be employed, shown as TH in Figure 3, whereby the aerosol provision system 1 (or more specifically the control circuitry 22) is configured to determine the user is inhaling when the measured airflow exceeds the threshold TH, and to determine when a user is not inhaling when the measured airflow falls below the threshold TH. Accordingly, in Figure 3, it can be seen that the inhalation starts at time t1 and ends at time t3 according to the abovementioned criteria.

[0117] The second, middle graph shows an example application of power in response to determining the presence of an inhalation. More specifically, when the aerosol provision system (or control circuitry 22) determines an inhalation is present at time t1 , the aerosol provision system 1 is configured to supply power to the first and second heating elements 43a, 43b. More specifically, in the present example, the aerosol provision system 1 supplies power - shown by the curve 102a - to the first heating element 43a for a first duration d1 from the initial detection of the inhalation at time t1 , and to supply power - shown by the curve 102b - to the second heating element 43b for a second duration d2 from the initial detection of the inhalation at time t1.

[0118] As seen in the second, middle graph of Figure 3, the duration d1 for which power is supplied to the first heating element 43a is different (shorter) than the duration d2 for which power is supplied to the second heating element 43b. More particularly, the first heating element 43a is supplied with power 102a from the time t1 to the time t2 (which in this example happens to be partway through the duration of the inhalation 101), while the second heating element is supplied with power 102b from the time t1 to the time t3 (which in this example is the end of the inhalation 101). That is to say, the first heating element 43a is operated for a different duration than the second heating element 43b.

[0119] The third, lower graph in Figure 3 shows the rate of aerosol generation R from the heating elements 43a, 43b. By way of example, it is assumed that the rate of aerosol generation from the heating elements 43a, 43b varies by virtue of the application of power. When power is applied to a heating element 43, the temperature of the heating element 43 initially rises until an operating temperature is reached. In respect of the rate of aerosol generation R, the rate of aerosol generation R is initially zero until a point in time when the temperature of the heating element 43 is sufficient to start vaporising the aerosol-generating material (coincidentally corresponding to a time t1 in Figure 3, although this may be later than t1). The rate of aerosol generation R steadily rises until an equilibrium point is reached. Each or both the rate of change of the rate of aerosol generation R with time and the equilibrium rate of aerosol generation R may be dependent on the level of power supplied to the heating element 43. That is, if the power level supplied to the heating element 43 is relatively higher, the rate of change of the rate of aerosol generation with time may be relative higher and / or the equilibrium rate of aerosol generation may be relatively higher. Assuming the equilibrium rate of aerosol generation R is reached before power is no longer being supplied, the rate of aerosol generation R remains approximately constant until the power is no longer being supplied to the heating element 43. When power is no longer supplied to the heating element, the rate of aerosol generation R starts to decrease as the temperature of the heating element 43 starts to decrease. In Figure 3, the rate of aerosol generation R of the first heating element 43a - shown by curve 103a - initially increases from time t1 to a first equilibrium rate of aerosol generation R, and at time t2, after duration d1 when the power 102a is no longer supplied to the first heating element 43a, the rate of aerosol generation R starts to decrease. In Figure 3, the temperature of the second heating element 43b - shown by curve 103b - initially increases from time t1 to a second equilibrium rate of aerosol generation R, and at time t3, after duration d2 when the power 102b is no longer supplied to the second heating element 43a, the rate of aerosol generation R starts to decrease.

[0120] As can be seen in Figure 3, by virtue of the different durations d1, d2 for which power is supplied to the respective heating elements 43a, 43b, the characteristics of the generated aerosol at different points in the inhalation can be varied (which, as above, are dependent in part on the power level supplied to the heating elements). For example, supplying the first heating element 43a with (a higher) power at an early stage of the inhalation can generate aerosol at a relatively greater rate at an early part of the inhalation. In some instances, it may be found that during the early part of an inhalation, the user inhales with a greater strength as the lungs start to fill with air and thus there may be a desire to provide a greater amount of aerosol in this early part of the inhalation. Conversely, towards the end of the inhalation, it may be beneficial to provide a lower rate of aerosol generation when the user is not inhaling with the same strength. In the example of Figure 3, power is supplied (at a lower level) to the second heating element 43b for a longer duration d2, so as to provide a period of time where the aerosol is generated at a lower rate towards the end of the inhalation 101 (e.g., around the time t3) which subsequently provides the user with the desired experience.

[0121] Hence, by varying the duration for which power is applied to the respective heating elements 43, the user experience can be modified, and in particular, modified from the experience that systems that employ a single heating element for vaporising a single aerosol-generating material are able to provide. In particular, providing the above technique of controlling the duration of a plurality of heating elements, a variation in the rate of aerosol generation R across the inhalation can be achieved with finer granularity I control than compared to aerosol provision systems employing a single heating element. In part, this is due to the fact that there may be a response delay for a single heating element to changes in the power level applied to the heating element and the rate of aerosol generation. Accordingly, particularly given the relative short durations of typical inhalations, aerosol provision systems employing a single heating element may not be capable of providing the overall affect in terms of rate of aerosol generated across an inhalation.

[0122] While it is noted that the magnitude of the power 102a supplied to the first heating element 43a is set to be different (higher) than the magnitude of the power 102b supplied to the second heating element 43b, it should be appreciated that the magnitude of the powers may be reversed. For example, in some instances, it may be desired to provide a relatively lower rate of aerosol generation R at an initial part of the inhalation 101 than towards the end of the inhalation 101. In addition, it should be appreciated that in some implementations, it may be desired to apply the same level of power to the heating elements 43, albeit for different durations. In this regard, it should be appreciated that while the rate of aerosol generation R from individual heating elements 43 may be the same at the equilibrium rate of aerosol generation R, the combined rate of aerosol generation across the inhalation may vary according to the summation of the individual rates of aerosol generation R from each heating element 43,

[0123] Overall, it should be appreciated that the user experience may be altered by controlling the duration for which each heating element 43 (or, more generally, aerosol generator) is activated for. How the user experience is altered may depend on a number of factors, such as the duration of activation and optionally the magnitude of the power supplied to the respective heating elements 43.

[0124] It should also be appreciated that the abovementioned example is described in the context of a duration measured from the detection of an inhalation (i.e. , measured from time t1). However, it should be appreciated that other points in time may be used as the point of reference. For example, in some implementations, the point at time that a user presses the user actuation mechanism may be used as the point of reference for setting the duration of activation for each of the heating elements 43a, 43b.

[0125] It should also be appreciated that in some implementations, the duration of activation of the first heating element 43a and the duration of activation of the second heating element 43b may be fixed. For example, during manufacture of the aerosol provision device 2, the manufacturer programs the control circuitry 22 to be capable of activating the first heating element 43a for a first duration and to activate the second heating element 43b for a second duration (different from the first). Accordingly, a user using the aerosol provision system 1 is provided with a predefined user experience, but notably one that differs from systems that employ a single heating element for vaporising a single aerosol-generating material.

[0126] In other implementations, the aerosol provision system 1 may be configured to enable a user to adjust the durations of activation of the first and / or second heating elements 43a, 43b. For example, the aerosol provision system 1 may be provided with a user input mechanism, such as one or more push-buttons, which allows for the user to select or set different durations of activation for the respective heating elements 43a, 43b. Accordingly, a user using the aerosol provision system 1 is capable of adjusting their user experience, as desired. Again, however, the user experience differs from systems that employ a single heating element for vaporising a single aerosol-generating material.

[0127] In some other implementations, relative to the detection of the user’s intention to generate aerosol, the aerosol provision system 1 is configured to operate the first heating element 43a at a different time to activation of the second heating element 43b.

[0128] Figure 4 shows three graphs representing an example inhalation and an example application of power to the heating elements 43a, 43b where the time at which the first heating element 43a is activated is different (earlier) than the time at which the second heating element 43a is activated. Figure 4 will be understood form Figure 3, and more particularly shows a first graph (upper graph) that depicts the inhalation strength, I, in arbitrary units of an example user inhalation on the aerosol provision system 1 as a function of time, t, a second graph (middle graph) that shows the power, P, in arbitrary units applied to the first heating element 43a and second heating element 43b as a function of time, t, and a third graph (lower graph) showing the approximate rate of aerosol generation, R, in arbitrary units from the heating elements 43a, 43b as a function of time, t. The rate of aerosol generation, R, is shown for explaining the principles of the present disclosure and should not be understood to necessarily represent a practical aerosol provision system.

[0129] The first, upper graph shows an example inhalation on the aerosol provision system 1. The example inhalation is labelled with the reference sign 201 in Figure 4. As with Figure 3, the example inhalation 101 has the form of an approximate bell curve. The first, upper graph in Figure 4 is otherwise identical with the first, upper graph in Figure 4 and a description thereof is omitted for conciseness.

[0130] The second, middle graph of Figure 4 shows an example application of power in response to determining the presence of an inhalation. More specifically, when the aerosol provision system (or control circuitry 22) determines an inhalation is present at time t1 , the aerosol provision system 1 is configured to supply power to the first heating element 43a, and at a point later in time, specifically t4, the aerosol provision system 1 is configured to supply power to the second heating element 43b. More specifically, in the present example, the aerosol provision system 1 supplies power - shown by the curve 202a - to the first heating element 43a at time t1 , and to supply power - shown by the curve 202b - to the second heating element 43b at time t4, where time t4 is later than t1.

[0131] Additionally, as seen in the second, middle graph of Figure 4, it can be seen that the power supply to the first heating element 43a is stopped at a time t2, while the power supply to the second heating element 43b is stopped at time t3. This is shown as an example only, and in other implementations, the first heating element 43a may be stopped being supplied with power at different times, such as at time t3. In addition, the duration t1 to t2 may be the same or different as the duration t4 to t3 (in other words, the principles as described in Figure 3 can optionally be applied to the control described in Figure 4).

[0132] The third, lower graph in Figure 4 shows the rate of aerosol generation R from the heating elements 43a, 43b. By way of example, it is again assumed that the rate of aerosol generation R from the heating elements 43a, 43b varies by virtue of the application of power. In Figure 4, the rate of aerosol generation R of the first heating element 43a - shown by curve 203a - initially increases from time t1 to a first equilibrium rate of aerosol generation R, and at time t2, when the power 202a is no longer supplied to the first heating element 43a, the rate of aerosol generation R starts to decrease. In Figure 4, the rate of aerosol generation R of the second heating element 43b - shown by curve 203b - initially increases from time t4 to a second equilibrium rate of aerosol generation R, and at time t3, when the power 202b is no longer supplied to the second heating element 43a, the rate of aerosol generation R starts to decrease.

[0133] As can be seen in Figure 4, by virtue of the different points in time, relative to the start of an inhalation 201 in which power is supplied to the respective heating elements 43a, 43b, the characteristics of the generated aerosol at different points in the inhalation can be varied. For example, as described above, supplying the first heating element 43a with (a higher) power at an early stage of the inhalation can generate aerosol at a relatively greater rate at an early part of the inhalation. In some instances, it may be found that during the early part of an inhalation, the user inhales with a greater strength and thus there may be a desire to provide a greater amount of aerosol in this early part of the inhalation. Conversely, towards the end of the inhalation, it may be beneficial to provide a lower rate of aerosol generation when the user is not inhaling with the same strength. In the example of Figure 4, power is supplied (at a lower level) to the second heating element 43b later in the inhalation, so as to provide a period of time where the aerosol is predominately generated at a lower rate towards the end of the inhalation 201 (e.g., around the time t3) which subsequently provides the user with the desired experience.

[0134] While it should be noted that the effect on the aerosol generated using the operation of Figure 4 may be similar to the effect on the aerosol generated using the operation of Figure 3, there may nonetheless be subtle differences. For example, in the implementation of Figure 4, a relatively lower amount of aerosol (thus resulting in a lower concentration of aerosol to air) may be realised in the earlier part of the inhalation (i.e., prior to time t2) than in the corresponding time period in Figure 3. Equally, the second heating element 43b is controlled to ramp up at around the times t4 to t2 which may provide a gradual change to the properties of the generated aerosol during this time period which is not a feature of the aerosol generation in Figure 3.

[0135] Hence, in a similar manner to the implementation shown by Figure 3, by varying the time at which the first heating element 43a and second heating element 43b are activated, the user experience can be modified, and in particular, modified from the experience that systems that employ a single heating element for vaporising a single aerosol-generating material are able to provide. In particular, providing the above technique of controlling the start time of operation of a plurality of heating elements, a variation in the rate of aerosol generation R across the inhalation can be achieved with finer granularity I control than compared to aerosol provision systems employing a single heating element.

[0136] While it is noted that the magnitude of the power 202a supplied to the first heating element 43a is set to be different (higher) than the magnitude of the power 202b supplied to the second heating element 43b, it should be appreciated that the magnitude of the powers may be reversed. For example, in some instances, it may be desired to generate aerosol at a lower rate at an initial part of the inhalation 201 than towards the end of the inhalation 201. In addition, it should be appreciated that in some implementations, it may be desired to apply the same level of power to the heating elements 43, albeit at different points in time of the inhalation.

[0137] Equally, it should be noted that while Figure 4 shows the power 202a overlapping, at least partially, the power 202b in the middle graph of Figure 4, this may not be the case for all implementations. In other implementations, the power 202a and power 202b may not overlap at all.

[0138] Compared to the example in Figure 3, in Figure 4 the heating elements 43a, 43b may be activated at desired points in time which may allow for more precise control and more precise variation in the rate of aerosol generation of the aerosol at given points in time. Overall, it should be appreciated that the user experience may be altered by controlling the point in time at which each heating element 43 (or, more generally, aerosol generator) is activated. How the user experience is altered may depend on a number of factors, such as the specific point in time the heating element is activated for, and optionally the duration of activation and optionally the magnitude of the power supplied to the respective heating elements 43 (as described above).

[0139] It should also be appreciated that the abovementioned example is described in the context of a point in time measured from the detection of an inhalation (i.e., measured from time t1). However, it should be appreciated that other points in time may be used as the point of reference. For example, in some implementations, the point at time that a user presses the user actuation mechanism may be used as the point of reference for determining the relative points in time at which to activate each of the heating elements 43a, 43b.

[0140] It should also be appreciated that in some implementations, the point in time, relative to detection of a user intention to generate aerosol, at which the first heating element 43a and the point in time at which the second heating element 43b are activated may be fixed. For example, during manufacture of the aerosol provision device 2, the manufacturer programs the control circuitry 22 to be capable of activating the first heating element 43a at a first point in time (e.g., when the sensor detects an inhalation) and to activate the second heating element 43b at a second time (different from the first). Accordingly, a user using the aerosol provision system 1 is provided with a predefined user experience, but notably one that differs from systems that employ a single heating element for vaporising a single aerosolgenerating material.

[0141] In other implementations, the aerosol provision system 1 may be configured to enable a user to adjust the points in time at which activation of the first and / or second heating elements 43a, 43b occurs. For example, the aerosol provision system 1 may be provided with a user input mechanism, such as one or more push-buttons, which allows for the user to select or set different points in time at which the respective heating elements 43a, 43b are activated. Accordingly, a user using the aerosol provision system 1 is capable of adjusting their user experience, as desired. Again, however, the user experience that differs from systems that employ a single heating element for vaporising a single aerosol-generating material.

[0142] Thus, it has been described above that, as compared to an aerosol provision system that utilises a single heating element to heat a single aerosol-generating material, the aerosol provision system 1 of the present disclosure is capable of providing a different user experience by operating the first heating element 43a differently to the second heating element 43b in response to detection of a user’s intention to generate aerosol. As described above, this may include any one or more of: providing a different power level to each of the first and second heating elements 43 when the heating elements 43 are activated; activating the first and second heating elements 43 for different durations, relative to a point in time that defines the user’s intention to generate aerosol (i.e. , a button press or detection of an inhalation); and activating the first and second heating elements 43 at different points in time relative to a point in time that defines the user’s intention to generate aerosol (i.e., a button press or detection of an inhalation). By providing such control, the aerosol provision system 1 of the present disclosure is able to vary the user experience resulting from the aerosol that is subsequently generated and delivered to a user in different ways and / or with varying degrees of control as compared to aerosol provision systems that utilise a single heating element and a single aerosol-generating material. Moreover, the aerosol provision system 1 of the present disclosure is able to do so in an easy and simple manner for the user, which avoids issues concerning the compatibility of the aerosol-generating materials used, and suitable installation of the cartomisers 4.

[0143] As noted above, the precise way in which the characteristics of the aerosol may be modified by operating the first and second heating elements 43 differently will be dependent on the way in which the heating elements 43 are operated. In particular, based on the user experience that is to be delivered, which may vary from application to application, the operation of the heating elements 43 can be varied (in terms of power supplied, duration, and point in time of activation) to provide the desired delivery.

[0144] Figure 5 depicts an example non-therapeutic method of operating an aerosol provision system 1, such as the aerosol provision system 1 described above in which first and second aerosol-generating materials and a first and second heating elements 43 are provided.

[0145] The method begins at step S1. Prior to step S1 , it is assume that the aerosol provision system 1 is assembled with two cartomisers 4 comprising the same aerosol-generating material. That is, the cartomisers 4 are installed in the respective receptacles 24, and the aerosol provision system 1 is in a state ready to generate aerosol.

[0146] At step S1 , the aerosol provision system detects a user’s intention to generate aerosol. As described above, the way in which the user interacts with the aerosol provision system 1 to generate aerosol may be different in different implementations depending on the configuration of the aerosol provision system 1. In some implementations, the user’s intention to generate aerosol is detected via a sensor, such as a pressure or airflow sensor, that is configured to sense a user inhalation on the aerosol provision system 1. In other implementations, a user actuatable mechanism, such as a push-button or a touch-sensitive element or the like, is provided to the aerosol provision system 1 and detecting a user’s intention to generate aerosol includes detecting this interaction.

[0147] In response to detecting a user’s intention to generate aerosol at step S1, at step S2 the aerosol provision system 1 is configured to operate the first aerosol generator (e.g., first heating element 43a). As noted above, the first aerosol generator is operated by supplying power to the first aerosol generator.

[0148] At step S3, in response to detecting a user’s intention to generate aerosol at step S1, the aerosol provision system 1 is configured to operate the second aerosol generator (e.g., second heating element 43b). As noted above, the second aerosol generator is operated by supplying power to the second aerosol generator.

[0149] As should be appreciated, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, the aerosol provision system 1 is configured to operate the first aerosol generator differently to the second aerosol generator. Hence, steps S2 and S3 are shown as separate steps in the method of Figure 5. As noted above, in some implementations, operating the first aerosol generator differently to the second aerosol generator includes supplying a different level of power to the aerosol generators. In such implementations, steps S2 and S3 occur at the same time. In other implementations, operating the first aerosol generator differently to the second aerosol generator includes operating the first and second aerosol generators for different durations. In such implementations, steps S2 and S3 may start together, but one of the steps may continue for a greater duration than the other. In other implementations, operating the first aerosol generator differently to the second aerosol generator includes operating the first and second aerosol generators at different times relative to the detection of the user’s intention to generate aerosol. In such implementations, steps S2 and S3 may start at different times relative to the point in time at which step S1 detects the user’s intention to generate aerosol. In addition, it should be appreciated that the combinations of the abovementioned techniques may also be used in respect of operating the first aerosol generator differently to the second aerosol generator.

[0150] At step S4, once steps S2 and S3 have both completed, the method proceeds to stop generating aerosol. For example, the aerosol provision system 1 is configured to stop supplying power to both the first aerosol generator and second aerosol generator. In some implementations, steps S2 and S3 are arranged to operate in accordance with predetermined durations. That is to say, when the aerosol provision system 1 detects the user’s intention to generate aerosol at step S1, a fixed time period commences in which the first and second aerosol generators are capable of being operated. This fixed time period may correspond to an approximate duration of a user inhalation, e.g., two seconds. By way of example, it may be that both the first and second aerosol generators are operated, at different power levels, for the duration of two seconds, at which points steps S2 and S3 are considered completed, and the power supply to the first and second aerosol generators is stopped. The period of time is set in advance. Hence, while the period of time may be adjusted, e.g., by a user, typically it is fixed at the start of an inhalation. Alternatively, the period of time may not be predetermined and vary based on the duration of the inhalation. That is, for example, steps S2 and / or S3 do not complete until the user has stopped inhaling or stopped pressing the push-button. This time period is not known in advance. In respect of controlling the duration of operation and / or the period in time when the first and second aerosol generators are operated, the duration and / or point in time are determined from the detection of the user’s intention to generate aerosol. For example, with reference to Figure 3, the duration d1 may be determined in advance, e.g., as one second, but the duration d2 may be determined by detection of the end of an inhalation. Equally, with reference to Figure 4, the point in time t2 when power to the first aerosol generator is stopped or time t4 when power to the second aerosol generator is started may be determined in advance, e.g., as 0.8 seconds and one second from the detection of a user’s intention to generate aerosol (i.e., t1), while the point in time t3 where the power supply to the second aerosol generator is stopped may not be predetermined and vary based on the duration of the inhalation. In addition, in some instances, the duration d1 and the time periods t2 and t4 may also be determined on the user’s inhalation, e.g., on the strength of the user inhalation. For example, time t4 may be set to correspond to a peak in the user’s inhalation 201. That is to say, the precise time period t4 is not known in advance, but it is dependent, in a known manner, on the user’s inhalation.

[0151] Regardless, after step S4, the method proceeds back to step S1 where the aerosol provision system 1 waits for further detection of a user’s intention to generate aerosol.

[0152] It has been described above that cartomisers I cartridges include a liquid reservoir containing a source liquid which acts as a vapour I aerosol precursor. However, in other implementations, the cartomisers I cartridges may contain other forms of vapour I aerosol precursor, such as tobacco leaves, ground tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, gels, etc.

[0153] The present disclosure has focused on systems where the aerosol generator is a heating element. However, as described above, a heating element is only one example of an aerosol generator. Other aerosol generators, such as a vibrating mesh, may be used to generate aerosol. Regardless of the type of aerosol generator, the control mechanism described above - namely, providing a different power level to each of the first and second aerosol generators; activating the aerosol generators for different durations, relative to a point in time that defines the user’s intention to generate aerosol (i.e., a button press or detection of an inhalation); and activating the aerosol generators at different points in time relative to a point in time that defines the user’s intention to generate aerosol (i.e., a button press or detection of an inhalation) - are still applicable, although it should be appreciated that the precise way in which the properties of the generated aerosol are varied may differ from examples where the aerosol generator is a heating element. It should be appreciated that any suitable type of aerosol generator may be selected in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, e.g., a wick and coil, an oven-type heater, an LED type heater, a vibrator, etc.

[0154] It has also been described that the aerosol provision device 1 is capable of receiving aerosol generating components, e.g., two cartomisers 4. However, it should be appreciated that the principles of the present disclosure can be applied to a system configured to receive more than two aerosol generating components, e.g., three, four, etc. cartomisers.

[0155] In other implementations in accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure, the aerosol generating areas, i.e., receptacles 24, are instead configured to receive a quantity of aerosol precursor material directly, e.g., a quantity of source liquid. That is, the aerosol generating areas are configured to receive and I or hold the aerosol precursor material. As such, the aerosol generating component is considered to be the aerosol precursor material. In these implementations, the atomisation unit is provided in the control part 2 such that it is able to communicate with the aerosol precursor material in the receptacle 24. For example, the aerosol generating areas, e.g. receptacles 24, may be configured to act as liquid reservoirs 41 and be configured to receive a source liquid (the aerosol generating component). An atomising unit, including a wicking material and a heating element, is provided in or adjacent the receptacle 24 and thus liquid can be transported to the heating element and vaporised in a similar manner to that described above. In these implementations, however, the user is able to re-fill (or re-stock) the receptacles with the corresponding aerosol precursor material. It should also be appreciated that the receptacles may receive a wadding or similar material soaked in a source liquid, with the wadding being placed in contact with I proximal to an atomising unit.

[0156] The present example aerosol provision system 1 shows a first aerosol pathway and a second aerosol pathway defined within the device 1. That is, the first aerosol pathway starts from heating element 43a, passes through cartomiser channel 44a of the first cartomiser 4a, into the receptacle 32a and along the mouthpiece channel 33a of the mouthpiece part 3 to the opening 31a. The second aerosol pathway starts from heating element 43b passes through the cartomiser channel 44b of the second cartomiser 4b, into the receptacle 32b and along the mouthpiece channel 33b of the mouthpiece part 3 to the opening 31b. As should be appreciated from Figures 1 and 2, the first and second aerosol pathways are physically isolated from one another downstream of the respective heating elements 43. However, this need not be the case, and in other implementations the mouthpiece channels 33a and 33b may instead be provided as a common chamber into which aerosol generated from the first heating element 43a and aerosol generated from the second heating element 43b are passed before exiting the device via a common mouthpiece opening.

[0157] It has also been described above that the mouthpiece part 3 is a separate component to the control part 2. However, it should be appreciated in some implementations, the mouthpiece part 3 may be coupled to the control part 2 in any suitable manner, e.g., via a hinge or via a tether.

[0158] In accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, there is also provided aerosol provision means, including the aerosol provision system 1 , for generating aerosol from aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision means including a first aerosol-generating material located in a first aerosol generating region, first aerosol generator means, including first aerosol generator I first heating element 43a, for generating aerosol in the first aerosol generating region; a second aerosol-generating material located in a second aerosol region; and second aerosol generator means, including second aerosol generator / second heating element 43b, for generating aerosol in the second aerosol generating region. The first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol generating material are the same, and wherein the aerosol provision means is configured to operate the first aerosol generator means differently to the second aerosol generator means in response to detection of a user’s intention to generate aerosol.

[0159] Thus, there has been described an aerosol provision system for generating aerosol from aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision system including: a first aerosolgenerating material located in a first aerosol generating region; a first aerosol generator for generating aerosol in the first aerosol generating region; a second aerosol-generating material located in a second aerosol region; and a second aerosol generator for generating aerosol in the second aerosol generating region. The first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol generating material are the same. The aerosol provision system is configured to operate the first aerosol generator differently to the second aerosol generator in response to detection of a user’s intention to generate aerosol. Also described is an aerosol provision device, a non-therapeutic method of operating an aerosol provision system and aerosol provision means.

[0160] The present disclosure also relates to aerosol provision systems capable of providing different user experience by selectively enabling different proportions of a first aerosol and a second aerosol that together form an aerosol to be delivered to the user to be varied for a given user inhalation on the aerosol provision system. In particular, the first aerosol is generated from an aerosol-generating material comprising free-base nicotine while the second aerosol is generated from an aerosol-generating material comprising protonated nicotine. The aerosol provision system of the present disclosure allows a user to select between providing aerosol generated solely from an aerosol-generating material comprising free-base nicotine, an aerosol-generating material comprising protonated nicotine, or a blend thereof. Accordingly, the aerosol provision system 1 of the present disclosure allows for a user to customise their experience, while also enabling a blended experience that may be considered different from user experiences achievable through vaporising only an aerosolgenerating material comprising free-base nicotine or only an aerosol-generating material comprising protonated nicotine. In respect of blended experiences, it may be possible to achieve aerosols for delivery to a user that have combinations of characteristics of aerosols generated from aerosol-generating material comprising free-base nicotine or from aerosolgenerating material comprising protonated nicotine to provide different user experiences.

[0161] Figures 6 and 7 are highly schematic cross-sectional views of a further example aerosol provision system 1 in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. Figures 6 and 7 are identical to, and will be understood from, Figures 1 and 2; however, the aerosol provision system of Figures 6 and 7 further comprises an (optional) user selection mechanism 28. Figure 6 shows the aerosol provision system 1 in an assembled state while Figure 7 shows the aerosol provision system 1 in a disassembled state I partially exploded state.

[0162] In accordance with other principles of the present disclosure, the first aerosol-generating material (e.g., stored in the first liquid reservoir 41a) and the second aerosol generating material (e.g., stored in the second liquid reservoir 41 b) are arranged to be different. In particular, the first aerosol-generating material is a material comprising a free-base nicotine, while the second aerosol generating material is a material comprising protonated nicotine.

[0163] Free-base nicotine (or unprotonated nicotine) is a form of nicotine more commonly used in e- liquids for use with electronic cigarettes. Free-base nicotine may be formed through the addition of a base, such as ammonia, to a nicotine containing substance I formulation to alter the acidity of the substance I formulation. As used herein, an aerosol-generating material having unprotonated or free-base nicotine should be understood to mean that the aerosolgenerating material comprises more than a trace amount of free-base nicotine, but that the nicotine that is present predominantly only comprises free-base nicotine. That is, for example, the nicotine in an aerosol-generating material comprising free-base nicotine may be 99% or greater free-base nicotine. In this regard, it should be appreciated that there may be very minor amounts of protonated nicotine present, e.g. less than 1 % protonated nicotine.

[0164] Free-base nicotine is often associated with a stronger / harsher throat hit, particularly in formulations of e-liquid having relatively high concentrations of nicotine (e.g., 12 mg I ml or greater). However, free-base nicotine typically has a slower uptake in a human body than protonated nicotine, and thus users may experience slow or delayed effects from any inhaled free-base nicotine as compared to inhaled protonated nicotine, for example.

[0165] Protonated nicotine (sometimes referred to as nicotine salts) is a form of nicotine that that is protonated, typically using an acid such as benzoic acid, citric acid, pyruvic acid, or levulinic acid to name a few. Protonated nicotine may exist in monoprotonated form or diprotonated form. Reference in the specification to protonated form means both monoprotonated nicotine and diprotonated nicotine. It should also be appreciated that the degree of protonation (i.e. , the percentage of the nicotine in a given formulation that is protonated) may depend on the relative amounts of nicotine and acid present in the formulation. Thus, when reference is made herein to an aerosol-generating material comprising protonated nicotine, it should be appreciated that the aerosol-generating material is intended to comprise more than a trace amount of protonated nicotine, but that it is not necessary for the aerosol-generating material to only comprise protonated nicotine. That is, for example, the aerosol-generating material may comprise at least 5% protonated nicotine, at least 10% protonated nicotine, at least 20% protonated nicotine, at least 30% protonated nicotine, at least 40% protonated nicotine, at least 50% protonated nicotine, at least 60% protonated nicotine, at least 70% protonated nicotine, at least 80% protonated nicotine, at least 90% protonated nicotine, at least 95% protonated nicotine or at least 99% protonated nicotine. Furthermore, when reference is made to a fully protonated nicotine containing aerosol-generating material it will be understood that at any one time there may be very minor amounts of unprotonated nicotine present, e.g. less than 1% unprotonated nicotine.

[0166] Protonated nicotine is often associated with a longer lasting nicotine hit and is typically more readily able to be absorbed by the human body. That is to say, the effects of protonated nicotine may be felt faster in comparison to free-base nicotine. It has also been observed that the throat hit is often smoother or less harsh for protonated nicotine formulations than for free-base nicotine formulations having equivalent nicotine concentrations. However, owing to the fact that an acid is typically present in the e-liquid formulation to form the protonated nicotine salts, e-liquids having protonated nicotine may have more limitations in terms of flavourings or other constituents that may be used in such e-liquid formulations. Thus, limited flavourings may be available for e-liquid formulations containing protonated nicotine.

[0167] It should be understood that the precise formulation of the aerosol-generating material comprising free-base nicotine and the precise formulation of the aerosol-generating material containing protonated nicotine is not of primary significance to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0168] In accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, the aerosol provision system 1 is configured to selectively enable different proportions of the aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material containing free-base nicotine and the aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material containing protonated nicotine forming the aerosol to be delivered to the user for a given user inhalation on the aerosol provision system. This may be used to modify the aerosol delivered to the user and subsequently the user experience.

[0169] That is to say, for a given inhalation (i.e. , of a given strength and a given duration), the proportions of the aerosol delivered to the user that are formed from a first aerosol (e.g., the aerosol formed from the aerosol-generating material comprising free-base nicotine) and a second aerosol (e.g., the aerosol formed from the aerosol-generating material comprising protonated nicotine) can be varied.

[0170] For instance, a user may desire to generate an aerosol that is predominantly formed from aerosol generated from aerosol-generating material containing free-base nicotine, for example, where 100% or 90% by volume of the aerosol is generated from the aerosolgenerating material containing free-base nicotine and 0% or 10% by volume of the aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating material containing protonated nicotine. In such instances, the aerosol that is to be provided to the user may generally have the associated properties of aerosol generated from free-base nicotine containing aerosol-generating material (such as a harsher throat hit, slower nicotine uptake, and provision of certain flavourings, if present). In other examples, a user may desire to generate an aerosol that is predominantly formed from aerosol generated from aerosol-generating material containing protonated nicotine, for example, where 100% or 90% by volume of the aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating material containing protonated nicotine and 0% or 10% by volume of the aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating material containing free- base nicotine. In such instances, the aerosol that is to be delivered to the user may generally have the associated properties of aerosol generated from protonated nicotine containing aerosol-generating material (such as a smoother throat hit, and faster nicotine uptake). In yet further examples, the user may desire to generate an aerosol to be delivered to the user that is formed in equal-parts from aerosol generated from aerosol-generating material containing protonated nicotine and free-base nicotine, for example, where 50% by volume of the aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating material containing protonated nicotine and 50% by volume of the aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating material containing free-base nicotine. In such instances, the aerosol that is to be provided to the user may have properties associated with aerosol generated from protonated nicotine containing aerosol- generating material (such as a faster nicotine uptake) and properties associated with aerosol generated from free-base nicotine containing aerosol-generating material (such as harsher throat hit or provision of certain flavourings, if present). The examples given above are examples only and it should be appreciated that, within the limits of the aerosol provision system 1, the proportion of the aerosol to be delivered to the user formed from the aerosol generated from aerosol-generating material comprising free-base nicotine can be set to any desired value (and correspondingly, the proportion of the aerosol to be delivered formed from aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material comprising protonated nicotine can be set to a corresponding value).

[0171] Hence, it can be seen from the above that, by providing a first aerosol generator (e.g., first heating element 43a) and a first aerosol-generating material comprising free-base nicotine along with a second aerosol generator (e.g., second heating element 43b) and a second aerosol-generating material comprising protonated nicotine, it is possible to selectively enable different proportions of the aerosol to be delivered to a user formed from aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material comprising free-base nicotine and aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material comprising protonated nicotine. This can enable the provision of different user experiences (i.e. , aerosols with different properties) to the user compared to those experiences that are achievable from vaporising only aerosolgenerating material comprising protonated nicotine or free-base nicotine.

[0172] In some implementations, such as the implementation described in Figures 6 and 7, the aerosol provision system 1 may be provided with a user selection mechanism 28 to enable a user to actively vary (or select) the proportions of the aerosol to be delivered. In some implementations, the user may be able to alter the proportions of the aerosol to be delivered that is formed from aerosol generated from the first aerosol generating material and aerosol generated from the second aerosol generating material in increments of 10%, e.g., 100% and 0%, 90% and 10%, 80% and 20%, etc. For example, the user selection mechanism may comprise a user actuable mechanism, such as a plurality of buttons or a slider, which allows the user to select the proportions of the aerosol to be delivered generated from each of the first and second aerosol-generating materials. The user selection mechanism 28 may be provided in conjunction with an indicia (such as markings or a sticker on the housing 20) indicating the various different proportions with respect to a position of the slider, for example. In other implementations, the user selection mechanism 28 may be provided in conjunction with a display or the like for displaying the various different proportions that may be selected. In yet further implementations, the aerosol provision system 1 may be provided with suitable communications circuitry (such as a wireless receiver) for receiving information from a remote device (such as a smartphone or the like). The communication link between the remote device and the aerosol provision system 1 may be made through wireless or wired connections.

[0173] Hence, the aerosol provision system 1 is configured such that a user is able to adjust the proportions of the aerosol to be delivered to the user of aerosol generated from the first aerosol-generating material and aerosol generated from the second aerosol-generating material, and thus it should be understood that the aerosol provision system 1 is capable of delivering user experiences that are different to those that are achievable in systems that are capable of only generating aerosol using the first aerosol-generating material or the second aerosol-generating material. The aerosol provision system 1 of the present disclosure is able to provide aerosol that comprises a mixture or blend of aerosol formed from a first aerosolgenerating material (e.g., a free-base nicotine containing aerosol-generating material) and aerosol formed from a second aerosol-generating material (e.g., a protonated nicotine containing aerosol-generating material) as the aerosol to be delivered to the user, which can provide different user experiences, as described above.

[0174] In some implementations, where the user is able to adjust the proportions of the aerosol to be delivered to the user of aerosol generated from the first aerosol-generating material and aerosol generated from the second aerosol-generating material, the aerosol provision system 1 is configured to able to additionally provide user experiences where aerosol is only generated using the first aerosol-generating material or is only generated using the second aerosol-generating material. Such implementations of the aerosol provision system 1 provide an additional degree of flexibility in terms of providing different user experiences to a user. However, in other implementations, the aerosol provision system 1 is configured to provide an aerosol to be delivered to the user having both a non-zero proportion of the aerosol generated from the first aerosol-generating material and a non-zero proportion of the aerosol generated from the second aerosol-generating material. That is to say, in use, in such implementations, the first aerosol generator and the second aerosol generator are activated and controlled so as to generate aerosol. In respect of a given user inhalation, it should be appreciated that when a user inhales on the aerosol provision system 1, the amount of air passing through the system 1, the duration that air is flowing through the system 1 and / or air speed through the system 1 are all parameters that are under the control of the user and subsequently can affect the generation of aerosol (e.g., in terms of the ratio of vaporised aerosol-generating material to air). Thus, for the purposes of analysis of the proportions of the aerosol generated from the first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosolgenerating material, it may be suitable to define a default or standard inhalation. One such way of defining a default or standard inhalation is using the Coresta Recommend Method No. 81, which defines certain standard conditions for an inhalation, such as a standard inhalation as having a puff duration of 3 s ± 0.1 s, a volume of 55 ml ± 0.3 ml, etc.

[0175] In terms of how the aerosol provision system 1 is configured so as to selectively enable different proportions of the first aerosol (generated from the first aerosol-generating material) and the second aerosol (generated from the first aerosol-generating material) forming the aerosol to be delivered to the user, the aerosol provision system 1 may be configured in a number of ways.

[0176] In a first implementation, in order to provide an aerosol to be delivered to the user with different proportions of the first aerosol generated from the first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol generated from the first aerosol-generating material, the aerosol provision system 1 is configured to operate the first aerosol generator (e.g., including the first heating element 43a) differently to the second aerosol generator (e.g., including the second heating element 43b) in response to detection of a user’s intention to generate aerosol (e.g., a button press and / or detection of an inhalation, as described above). That is, in response to detecting a button press and / or an inhalation, the control circuitry 22 of the aerosol provision system 1 is configured to operate (e.g., provide power or otherwise activate) the first aerosol generator differently to the second aerosol generator in order to vary the proportions of the aerosol to be delivered to the user formed of the first aerosol generated from the first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol generated from the first aerosolgenerating material in the delivered aerosol.

[0177] In some examples, operating the first and second aerosol generators differently includes providing different power levels (e.g., different voltages and / or different currents) to the first and second aerosol generators (e.g., heating elements 43a, 43b). By providing different power levels to the first and second aerosol generators, the first and second aerosol generators can be controlled to generate different proportions of the first and second aerosols from the respective aerosol-generating materials in the aerosol to be delivered to a user.

[0178] For example, increasing the power level supplied to an aerosol generator may increase the rate of generation of aerosol from that aerosol generator. In this regard, a volume of liquid (such as the source liquid) requires a certain amount of energy to transition from a liquid state to a vapour state. Increasing the power supplied to the heating element 43a, 43b subsequently increases the rate at which this energy can be provided to the volume of liquid, and hence how quickly that volume of liquid can be vaporised. Accordingly, supplying a greater power can provide a greater rate of aerosolisation. This means that per unit volume of air inhaled by the user through the air inlet 23, the relative proportion of aerosol (or more accurately, condensed liquid) per unit volume of air is increased. Conversely, decreasing the power supplied to the heating element 43a, 43b subsequently decreases the rate at which this energy can be provided to the volume of liquid, and hence how quickly that volume of liquid can be vaporised. Accordingly, supplying a relatively lower power can provide a lower rate of aerosolisation. This means that per unit volume of air inhaled by the user through the air inlet 23, the relative proportion of aerosol (or more accurately, condensed liquid) per unit volume of air is increased.

[0179] Figures 8a and 8b represent two example scenarios in which power is provided to the first heating element 43a and second heating element 43b. Figures 8a and 8b show the scenarios graphically with the power level, P, shown in arbitrary units on the Y-axis of the graph against each of the heating elements 43a, 43b shown on the X-axis.

[0180] Figure 8a represents a first scenario. Before describing the scenario, the graph of Figure 8a is shown with a default power, D. The default power D is shown as a reference point and is intended to represent a scenario which, when each of the first heating element 43a and second heating element 43b are supplied with a power equal to the default power D, the first heating element 43a and second heating element 43b generate equivalent amounts of aerosol from their respective aerosol-generating material. Two factors should be appreciated, however.

[0181] Firstly, the default power, D, is set so as to achieve a total amount of aerosol to be generated for a given (standard) inhalation. In other words, the aerosol provision system 1 may be set to deliver an intended amount of aerosol to the user, for example, of say X mg for a given inhalation. The default power is set in advance by the manufacturer of the aerosol provision system 1 so as to achieve this aerosol delivery. As will be described below, varying the proportion of aerosol formed from the first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol-generating material, in some implementations, does not vary the total amount of aerosol generated for a given inhalation. That is to say, in some implementations, varying the proportion of the aerosol to be delivered to the user formed from the aerosol generated from the first aerosol-generating material and the aerosol generated from the second aerosol-generating material maintains a constant amount of aerosol delivered to a user. In some implementations, the default power is fixed and unable to be changed, while in other implementations, the default power is capable of being set by a user (e.g., via the user selection mechanism 28). When the default power is changed, the total amount of aerosol to be generated for a given (standard) inhalation is also changed.

[0182] Secondly, the default power, D, is shown as being the same for both the first heating element 43a and the second heating element 43b. However, this need not be the case in all implementations. Depending on the properties of the aerosol-generating materials and of the heating elements 43, to generate e.g., X / 2 mg of aerosol from the first aerosol-generating material using the first heating element 43a may require a different default power to generate X / 2 mg of aerosol from the second aerosol-generating material using the second heating element 43b.

[0183] Turning to Figure 8a, Figure 8a shows a first scenario in which the aerosol that is generated from the aerosol provision system 1 comprises a slightly greater proportion of aerosol generated from the first aerosol-generating material using the first heating element 43a as compared to aerosol generated from the second aerosol-generating material using the second heating element 43b. More specifically, as can be seen in Figure 8a, the first heating element 43a is supplied with a power 102a that is slightly higher than the default power, D, by an amount AD. As described above, increasing the power to the heating element 43a (i.e. , from a default power, D) relatively increases the rate of aerosol generation from the first aerosol-generating material. Additionally, in order to maintain the desired total amount of aerosol to be delivered for a given inhalation, the second heating element 43b is supplied with a power 102b that is slightly lower than the default power, D, also by an amount AD. As described above, decreasing the power to the heating element 43b (i.e., from a default power, D) relatively decreases the rate of aerosol generation from the second aerosolgenerating material. Accordingly, in this scenario, the aerosol generated from the aerosol provision system 1 and to be delivered to a user may be formed of 60% of the aerosol generated by the first heating element 43a vaporising the first aerosol-generating material and of 40% of the aerosol generated by the second heating element 43b vaporising the second aerosol-generating material.

[0184] Figure 8b shows a second scenario in which the aerosol that is generated from the aerosol provision system 1 comprises a much greater proportion of aerosol generated from the first aerosol-generating material using the first heating element 43a as compared to aerosol generated from the second aerosol-generating material using the second heating element 43b. More specifically, as can be seen in Figure 8b, the first heating element 43a is supplied with a power 102c that is significantly higher than the default power, D, by an amount AD2 (where AD2 is greater than AD). As compared to the scenario in Figure 8a above, further increasing the power to the heating element 43a (from a default power, D) relatively further increases the rate of aerosol generation from the first aerosol-generating material. Additionally, in order to maintain the desired total amount of aerosol to be delivered for a given inhalation, the second heating element 43b is supplied with a power 102d that is significantly lower than the default power, D, also by an amount AD2. As compared to the scenario in Figure 8a above, further decreasing the power to the heating element 43b (from a default power, D) relatively further decreases the rate of aerosol generation from the second aerosol-generating material. Accordingly, in this scenario, the aerosol generated from the aerosol provision system 1 and to be delivered to a user may be formed of 80% of the aerosol generated by the first heating element 43a vaporising the first aerosol-generating material and of 20% of the aerosol generated by the second heating element 43b vaporising the second aerosol-generating material.

[0185] While Figures 8a and 8b show the change in power AD, AD2 as being the same for both the first and second heating element 43a, 43b, it should be appreciated that in other implementations, the change in power AD, AD2 may be different for each of the heating elements 43a, 43b. That is, for example, the change in power to decrease the rate and / or amount of aerosol generated from the second heating element 43b using the second aerosol-generating material by 10% may be different to the change in power to increase the rate and / or amount of aerosol generated from the first heating element 43a using the first aerosol-generating material by 10%. This may particularly be the case where the properties of the first and second aerosol-generating materials are different and / or where the first and second heating elements 43a, 43b are different.

[0186] In Figures 8a and 8b, the amount AD2is approximately three times the amount AD. In this example, it may be considered that, for each 10% increment or decrement from the default value, the power is changed by a fixed amount AD. That is to say, in the example of Figures 8a and 8b, the amount of aerosol generated (and hence the proportion of the aerosol formed from the first and second aerosol-generating materials) varies linearly with the power supplied to the heating element 43a, 43b. However, this may not be the case for each implementation, and in other implementations, the amount of aerosol generated varies in a non-linear manner with the power supplied to the heating element 43a, 43b. The aerosol provision system 1 may be provided with a look-up table or otherwise with a relationship that links a corresponding proportional setting with associated power levels for the heating elements 43a, 43b. The look-up table or relationship may be determined in advance, e.g., through empirical testing or computer modelling. Additionally, there may be several look-up tables or relationships provided for different default powers, D, in implementations where the aerosol provision system 1 is capable of being programmed with a different default power.

[0187] In addition, it should also be understood that in some implementations practical limitations of the aerosol generator may limit the extent to which the proportions of the first aerosol and second aerosol in the aerosol to be delivered to a user can be realised. For example, it may be found that increasing the power beyond a certain amount or reducing the power below a certain amount adversely affects aerosol generation. In some implementations, supplying the highest (useable) power level to the first aerosol generator and the lowest (usable) power level to the second aerosol generator yields an aerosol to be delivered to the user comprising 80% of the first aerosol and 20% of the second aerosol. In such situations, it may not be possible to achieve an aerosol to be delivered to the user comprising e.g., 90% of the first aerosol and 10% of the second aerosol, for example.

[0188] Hence, according to a first implementation, to provide an aerosol to be delivered to the user with different proportions of the first aerosol generated from the first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol generated from the second aerosol-generating material the aerosol provision system 1 is configured to operate the first aerosol generator (e.g., including the first heating element 43a) differently to the second aerosol generator (e.g., including the second heating element 43b).

[0189] In some implementations, such as described above, the aerosol provision system 1 is configured to operate the first and second aerosol generators differently by providing different power levels to the aerosol generators during use. However, it should be appreciated that this is not the only way in which the aerosol generators may be operated differently in order to vary the proportion of the aerosol to be delivered to a user formed from the first aerosol generated from the first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol generated from the second aerosol-generating material.

[0190] In some implementations, the aerosol provision system 1 (or more particularly the control circuitry 22) may additionally or alternatively be configured to control the duration for which the first aerosol generator (e.g., first heating element 43a) is operated I active is to be different to the duration for which the second aerosol generator (e.g., second heating element 43b) is operated I active. In this regard, it should be appreciated that the amount of aerosol generated from the first aerosol-generating material or the second aerosolgenerating material may be dependent not only on the rate at which the aerosol is generated, but also the duration of activation of the aerosol generators.

[0191] Hence, in other implementations, the aerosol provision system 1 may be configured to operate the first aerosol generator (e.g., including the first heating element 43a) differently to the second aerosol generator (e.g., including the second heating element 43b) by varying the duration for which the first aerosol generator and the second aerosol generator are active. In a broadly similar manner to Figures 8a and 8b above, the aerosol generators may be configured to operate for a default duration, e.g., one second, and by increasing or decreasing the actual duration of operation of each of the aerosol generators, the proportion of the aerosol to be delivered to the user formed from the first aerosol and the second aerosol can be varied. Note, however, that in these implementations, the distribution of aerosol generated from the first aerosol-generating material and aerosol generated from the second aerosol-generating material is not uniform across the inhalation. For example, if the first aerosol generator is operated for a period of 0.5 seconds, while the second aerosol generator is operated for a period of 1.5 seconds, for the first 0.5 seconds of the inhalation, the aerosol to be delivered may be formed of 50% of the aerosol generated from the first aerosol-generating material and 50% of the aerosol generated from the second aerosol-generating material. However, after the first 0.5 seconds of the inhalation, the aerosol to be delivered may be formed of 100% of the aerosol generated from the second aerosol-generating material.

[0192] The above described examples of how the aerosol provision system 1 is configured to operate the first aerosol generator (e.g., including the first heating element 43a) differently to the second aerosol generator (e.g., including the second heating element 43b) to vary the proportion of the aerosol to be delivered to a user formed from the first aerosol generated from the first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol generated from the second aerosol-generating material are examples only, and in other implementations, other ways of controlling the aerosol generators that affect the proportion of the aerosol to be delivered to a user formed from the first aerosol generated from the first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol generated from the second aerosol-generating material may be envisaged.

[0193] In a second implementation, in order to provide an aerosol to be delivered to the user with different proportions of the first aerosol generated from the first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol generated from the first aerosol-generating material, the aerosol provision system 1 is configured to cause airflow through the first aerosol generating region (e.g., the region around the first heating element 43a) and the second aerosol generating region (e.g., the region around the second heating element 43a) to vary.

[0194] Figure 9 schematically represents an aerosol provision system 1 in accordance with a second implementation. The aerosol provision system 1 of Figure 9 is the same as the aerosol provision system 1 of Figures 6 and 7 as described above, and thus will be understood from Figures 6 and 7, except that the aerosol provision system 1 further includes first and second flow restriction members 125a, 125b provided in the respective airflow paths that include the first aerosol generating region and the second aerosol generating region. A description of the common features in Figure 9 will not be repeated herein, and instead only the differences will be described.

[0195] As described above with respect to Figures 6 and 7, the aerosol provision system 1 defines two airflow routes through the aerosol provision system 1. A first route starts from air inlet 23, passes along air channel 26 and through opening 25a, then passes into the receptacle 24a and through the cartomiser channel 44a of the first cartomiser 4a, into the receptacle 32a, along the mouthpiece channel 33a of the mouthpiece 3 to the mouthpiece opening 31a. Equally, a second route starts from air inlet 23, passes along air channel 26 and through opening 25b, then passes into the receptacle 24b and through the cartomiser channel 44b of the second cartomiser 4b, into the receptacle 32b, along the mouthpiece channel 33b of the mouthpiece 3 and to the mouthpiece opening 31b.

[0196] In the aerosol provision system of Figure 9, provided at each of the openings 25a, 25b (not shown in Figure 9) is a flow restriction member 125a, 125b. It should be appreciated however that the flow restriction members 125a, 125b may be provided at other locations along the first route and second route, except at locations where the first and second routes overlap, or, in other words, share a common part of the route (for example, in Figure 9, this may be the air channel 26 upstream of the first opening 25a).

[0197] The flow restriction members 125a, 125b may be any suitable component capable of varying the cross-sectional area of the airflow path along the respective routes. For example, the flow restriction members 125a, 125b may comprise actuatable valves, irises, etc. The flow restriction members 125a, 125b in some implementations are able to be actuated to varying positions between an open and closed position. That is, the flow restriction members 125a, 125b can be half open (or 50% open), one quarter open (or 25% open), etc. In this regard, when the flow restriction member 125a, 125b is defined as half open (50% open), one quarter open (25% open), etc., it should be appreciated that the cross-sectional area through which air is able to flow through the flow restriction member 125a, 125b when the flow restriction member 125a, 125b is fully open defines the maximum available cross-sectional area for the flow restriction member 125a, 125b and when this is reduced by half, the flow restriction member 125a, 125b may be considered half open, etc.

[0198] The flow restriction members 125a, 125b are used to control the relative proportions of the aerosol to be delivered formed by the first aerosol (generated from the first aerosolgenerating material) and the second aerosol (generated from the second aerosol-generating material).

[0199] In this regard, it should be understood that the amount and / or rate at which aerosol is capable of being generated from the aerosol generator, e.g., heating elements 43a, 43b, is dependent in part on the proportion of the total airflow passing through the respective aerosol-generating region. By reducing the cross-sectional area of the airflow route, i.e., by actuating the flow restriction member, the relative distribution of air between the first aerosol generating region and the second aerosol generating region can be varied. For example, the user may configure the aerosol provision system 1 to provide an aerosol to be delivered to the user that comprises a greater proportion of aerosol generated from the first aerosol-generating material using the first heating element 43a as compared to aerosol generated from the second aerosol-generating material using the second heating element 43b. In this regard, the aerosol provision system 1 may be configured such that the flow restriction member 125a is open to a greater extent than the flow restriction member 125b. For instance, the restriction member 125a may be set to 60% open while the flow restriction member 125b may be set to 40% open. In use, it is expected that approximately 60% of the air drawn into the air inlet 23 will pass along the first route (i.e. , via the first aerosol generating region proximate the first heating element 43a) and approximately 40% of the air drawn into the air inlet 23 will pass along the second route (i.e., via the second aerosol generating region proximate the second heating element 43b) by virtue of the settings of the flow restriction members 125a, 125b. Owing to the greater flow of air through the first aerosol-generating region, relatively more aerosol is generated from the first aerosol generator than the second aerosol generator.

[0200] Hence, by varying the airflow through the respective aerosol generating regions, via actuating the flow restriction members 125a, 125b, the proportion of the aerosol to be delivered to the user formed from the first aerosol (generated from the first aerosolgenerating material) and from the second aerosol (generated from the second aerosolgenerating material) can be varied to provide different user experiences in a broadly similar manner to as described above.

[0201] As with varying the power supplied to the respective aerosol generators as described in respect of Figure 8, it should be appreciated that a default total airflow may be provided in a broadly similar manner to as described in respect of the default power in Figure 8 in some implementations. That is to say, it may be determined that the aerosol provision system 1 is to deliver an intended amount of aerosol to the user, for example, of say X mg for a given inhalation. The default airflow is set in advance by the manufacturer of the aerosol provision system 1 so as to achieve this aerosol delivery for a given inhalation. As will be described below, varying the proportion of aerosol formed from the first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol-generating material, in some implementations, does not vary the total amount of aerosol generated for a given inhalation. That is to say, in some implementations, varying the proportion of the aerosol to be delivered to the user formed from the aerosol generated from the first aerosol-generating material and the aerosol generated from the second aerosol-generating material maintains a constant amount of aerosol delivered to a user. In some implementations, the default total airflow is fixed and unable to be changed, while in other implementations, the default total airflow is capable of being set by a user (e.g., via the user selection mechanism 28). When the default total airflow is changed, the total amount of aerosol to be generated for a given (standard) inhalation is also changed.

[0202] As with varying the power supplied to the respective aerosol generators as described in respect of Figure 8, it should be appreciated that the degree of openness (i.e., the percentage at which the flow restriction members 125a, 125b are open) may not be directly proportional to the proportion of the aerosol to be delivered generated from the first aerosol and second aerosol. In other words, a flow restriction member 125a that is 60% open and a flow restriction member 125b that is 40% open may not necessarily result in an aerosol to be delivered to the user that is comprised of 60% of the first aerosol and 40% of the second aerosol. In this regard, the aerosol provision system 1 may be provided with a look-up table or otherwise with a relationship that links a corresponding proportional setting with associated degrees of openness for the flow restriction members 125a, 125b. The look-up table or relationship may be determined in advance, e.g., through empirical testing or computer modelling. Additionally, there may be several look-up tables or relationships provided for different default total airflow amounts, in implementations where the aerosol provision system 1 is capable of being programmed with a different default total airflow.

[0203] The flow restriction members 125a, 125b may be actuated via a manually actuated mechanism, for example such as a one or more levers accessible via the housing 20 of the aerosol provision device 2, or via an automated mechanism such as a powered electric motor of the like.

[0204] Thus, it has been described above that the aerosol provision system 1 of the present disclosure is capable of providing a different user experience by selectively enabling different proportions of the first aerosol and the second aerosol forming the aerosol to be provided delivered to the user for a given user inhalation on the aerosol provision system 1. In particular, the first aerosol is generated from an aerosol-generating material comprising free- base nicotine while the second aerosol is generated from an aerosol-generating material comprising protonated nicotine. The aerosol provision system 1 of the present disclosure allows a user to select between providing aerosol generated solely from an aerosolgenerating material comprising free-base nicotine, an aerosol-generating material comprising protonated nicotine, or a blend thereof. Accordingly, the aerosol provision system 1 of the present disclosure allows for a user to customise their experience, while also enabling a blended experience that may be considered different from user experiences achievable through vaporising only an aerosol-generating material comprising free-base nicotine or only an aerosol-generating material comprising protonated nicotine. Moreover, in respect of the blended experiences, a particular advantage may be realised when the aerosol-generating material comprising free-base nicotine additionally includes a flavouring that is unable to be included in an aerosol-generating material comprising protonated nicotine. In such cases, a user may be able to experience both the flavouring in addition to the more rapid uptake of nicotine offered by the aerosol-generating material comprising protonated nicotine. (It should be appreciated that while the flavouring may not be suitable for inclusion directly in the aerosol-generating material comprising protonated nicotine, that is not to say the flavouring is unsuitable for mixing with aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material comprising protonated nicotine; however, there may be examples of specific flavourings, which are often formed of complex compounds, that may be unsuitable for mixing with aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material comprising protonated nicotine.)

[0205] In addition, while the above has described example aerosol provision systems 1 where the total aerosol to be delivered to a user does not vary in the total amount to be delivered (at least in respect of varying the proportions of the aerosol to be delivered formed by the first aerosol and the second aerosol), in other implementations the aerosol provision system 1 may be configured to allow some variation.

[0206] Figure 10 depicts an example non-therapeutic method of operating an aerosol provision system 1, such as the aerosol provision system 1 described above in which first and second aerosol-generating materials and a first and second heating elements 43 are provided. Figure 10 is described in the context of controlling the operation of each of the aerosol generators 43a, 43b (e.g., implementing the method of Figure 8).

[0207] The method begins at step S11. Prior to step S11 , it is assume that the aerosol provision system 1 is assembled with two cartomisers 4 comprising the first and second aerosolgenerating materials respectively. That is, the cartomisers 4 are installed in the respective receptacles 24, and the aerosol provision system 1 is in a state ready to generate aerosol.

[0208] At step S11, the aerosol provision system detects a user’s intention to generate aerosol. As described above, the way in which the user interacts with the aerosol provision system 1 to generate aerosol may be different in different implementations depending on the configuration of the aerosol provision system 1. In some implementations, the user’s intention to generate aerosol is detected via a sensor, such as a pressure or airflow sensor, that is configured to sense a user inhalation on the aerosol provision system 1. In other implementations, a user actuatable mechanism, such as a push-button or a touch-sensitive element or the like, is provided to the aerosol provision system 1 and detecting a user’s intention to generate aerosol includes detecting this interaction. In response to detecting a user’s intention to generate aerosol at step S11, at step S12 the aerosol provision system 1 is configured to operate the first aerosol generator (e.g., first heating element 43a). As noted above, the first aerosol generator is operated by supplying power to the first aerosol generator.

[0209] At step S13, in response to detecting a user’s intention to generate aerosol at step S11, the aerosol provision system 1 is configured to operate the second aerosol generator (e.g., second heating element 43b). As noted above, the second aerosol generator is operated by supplying power to the second aerosol generator.

[0210] As should be appreciated, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure and the first implementation described above, the aerosol provision system 1 is configured to operate the first aerosol generator differently to the second aerosol generator in order to selectively enable different proportions of the first aerosol and the second aerosol forming the aerosol to be delivered to the user for a given user inhalation on the aerosol provision system 1. Hence, steps S12 and S13 are shown as separate steps in the method of Figure 10. As noted above, in some implementations, operating the first aerosol generator differently to the second aerosol generator includes supplying a different level of power to the respective aerosol generators. In such implementations, steps S12 and S13 occur at the same time. In other implementations, operating the first aerosol generator differently to the second aerosol generator includes operating the first and second aerosol generators for different durations. In such implementations, steps S12 and S13 may start together, but one of the steps may continue for a greater duration than the other. In addition, it should be appreciated that the combinations of the abovementioned techniques may also be used in respect of operating the first aerosol generator differently to the second aerosol generator.

[0211] At step S14, once steps S12 and S13 have both completed, the method proceeds to stop generating aerosol. For example, the aerosol provision system 1 is configured to stop supplying power to both the first aerosol generator and second aerosol generator. After step S14, the method proceeds back to step S11 where the aerosol provision system 1 waits for further detection of a user’s intention to generate aerosol.

[0212] It should be appreciated that, although not shown, the method of Figure 10 may further comprise a step (e.g., between steps S14 and S11) where the user is able to vary the configuration of the aerosol provision system 1, e.g., by selecting the power levels to supply to the aerosol generators, in order to selectively enable different proportions of the first aerosol and the second aerosol forming the aerosol to be delivered to the user for a given user inhalation on the aerosol provision system 1. It has been described above that cartomisers I cartridges include a liquid reservoir containing a source liquid which acts as a vapour I aerosol precursor. However, in other implementations, the cartomisers I cartridges may contain other forms of vapour I aerosol precursor, such as tobacco leaves, ground tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, gels, etc.

[0213] The present disclosure has focused on systems where the aerosol generator is a heating element. However, as described above, a heating element is only one example of an aerosol generator. Other aerosol generators, such as a vibrating mesh, may be used to generate aerosol. It should be appreciated that any suitable type of aerosol generator may be selected in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, e.g., a wick and coil, an oven-type heater, an LED type heater, a vibrator, etc.

[0214] It has also been described that the aerosol provision device 1 is capable of receiving aerosol generating components, e.g., two cartomisers 4. However, it should be appreciated that the principles of the present disclosure can be applied to a system configured to receive more than two aerosol generating components, e.g., three, four, etc. cartomisers.

[0215] In other implementations in accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure, the aerosol generating areas, i.e., receptacles 24, are instead configured to receive a quantity of aerosol precursor material directly, e.g., a quantity of source liquid. That is, the aerosol generating areas are configured to receive and I or hold the aerosol precursor material. As such, the aerosol generating component is considered to be the aerosol precursor material. In these implementations, the atomisation unit is provided in the control part 2 such that it is able to communicate with the aerosol precursor material in the receptacle 24. For example, the aerosol generating areas, e.g. receptacles 24, may be configured to act as liquid reservoirs 41 and be configured to receive a source liquid (the aerosol generating component). An atomising unit, including a wicking material and a heating element, is provided in or adjacent the receptacle 24 and thus liquid can be transported to the heating element and vaporised in a similar manner to that described above. In these implementations, however, the user is able to re-fill (or re-stock) the receptacles with the corresponding aerosol precursor material. It should also be appreciated that the receptacles may receive a wadding or similar material soaked in a source liquid, with the wadding being placed in contact with I proximal to an atomising unit.

[0216] The present example aerosol provision system 1 shows a first aerosol pathway and a second aerosol pathway defined within the device 1. That is, the first aerosol pathway starts from heating element 43a, passes through cartomiser channel 44a of the first cartomiser 4a, into the receptacle 32a and along the mouthpiece channel 33a of the mouthpiece part 3 to the opening 31a. The second aerosol pathway starts from heating element 43b passes through the cartomiser channel 44b of the second cartomiser 4b, into the receptacle 32b and along the mouthpiece channel 33b of the mouthpiece part 3 to the opening 31b. As should be appreciated from Figures 6 and 7, the first and second aerosol pathways are physically isolated from one another downstream of the respective heating elements 43. However, this need not be the case, and in other implementations the mouthpiece channels 33a and 33b may instead be provided as a common chamber into which aerosol generated from the first heating element 43a and aerosol generated from the second heating element 43b are passed before exiting the device via a common mouthpiece opening.

[0217] It has also been described above that the mouthpiece part 3 is a separate component to the control part 2. However, it should be appreciated in some implementations, the mouthpiece part 3 may be coupled to the control part 2 in any suitable manner, e.g., via a hinge or via a tether.

[0218] In accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, there is also provided aerosol provision means, including the aerosol provision system 1 , for generating aerosol from aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision means including a first aerosol-generating material located in a first aerosol generating region, wherein the first aerosol generating material comprises free-base nicotine; first aerosol generator means, including the first aerosol generator I heating element 43a, for generating a first aerosol in the first aerosol generating region; a second aerosol-generating material located in a second aerosol region, wherein the second aerosol generating material comprises protonated nicotine; and second aerosol generator means, including the second aerosol generator I heating element 43b, for generating a second aerosol in the second aerosol generating region. The aerosol provision means is configured so as to selectively enable different proportions of the first aerosol and the second aerosol forming the aerosol to be delivered to the user for a given user inhalation on the aerosol provision means.

[0219] Thus, there has been described an aerosol provision system for generating aerosol from aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision system including: a first aerosolgenerating material located in a first aerosol generating region, wherein the first aerosol generating material comprises free-base nicotine; a first aerosol generator for generating a first aerosol in the first aerosol generating region; a second aerosol-generating material located in a second aerosol region, wherein the second aerosol generating material comprises protonated nicotine; and a second aerosol generator for generating a second aerosol in the second aerosol generating region. The aerosol provision system is configured so as to selectively enable different proportions of the first aerosol and the second aerosol forming the aerosol to be delivered to the user for a given user inhalation on the aerosol provision system. Also described is an aerosol provision device, a non-therapeutic method of operating an aerosol provision system and aerosol provision means.

[0220] While the above described embodiments have in some respects focussed on some specific example aerosol provision systems, it will be appreciated the same principles can be applied for aerosol provision systems using other technologies. That is to say, the specific manner in which various aspects of the aerosol provision system function are not directly relevant to the principles underlying the examples described herein.

[0221] In order to address various issues and advance the art, this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and to teach the claimed invention(s). It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. other than those specifically described herein, and it will thus be appreciated that features of the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims in combinations other than those explicitly set out in the claims. The disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An aerosol provision system for generating aerosol from aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision system comprising: a first aerosol-generating material located in a first aerosol generating region; a first aerosol generator for generating aerosol in the first aerosol generating region; a second aerosol-generating material located in a second aerosol region; and a second aerosol generator for generating aerosol in the second aerosol generating region, wherein the first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol generating material are the same, and wherein the aerosol provision system is configured to operate the first aerosol generator differently to the second aerosol generator in response to detection of a user’s intention to generate aerosol.

2. The aerosol provision system of claim 1 , wherein the first aerosol generator is operated with a different power than the second aerosol generator.

3. The aerosol provision system of claim 1 or 2, wherein, for a given inhalation on the aerosol provision system, the first aerosol generator is operated for a different duration than the second aerosol generator.

4. The aerosol provision system of any of the preceding claims, wherein, relative to the detection of the user’s intention to generate aerosol, the first aerosol generator is operated at a different time from the detection of the user’s intention to generate aerosol than an operation of the second aerosol generator.

5. The aerosol provision system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol provision system is configured to operate the first aerosol generator such that aerosol is generated from the first aerosol-generating material at a first rate of generation, and the aerosol provision system is configured to operate the second aerosol generator such that aerosol is generated from the second aerosol-generating material at a second rate of generation, wherein the first rate of generation is the same or different from the second rate of generation.

6. The aerosol provision system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first aerosol generator comprises a first heater and wherein the second aerosol generator comprises a second heater.

7. The aerosol provision system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol provision system is formed of an aerosol provision device and at least one consumable, wherein the at least one consumable is releasable attached to the aerosol provision device in use, and wherein the at least one consumable comprises the first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol-generating material.

8. The aerosol provision system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol-generating material comprise liquid.

9. The aerosol provision system of claim 8, wherein the liquid is an e-liquid.

10. The aerosol provision system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol provision system further includes a sensor for sensing a user inhalation on the aerosol provision system.

11. The aerosol provision system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol provision system is configured to determine a user’s inhalation on the aerosol provision system based on detection of an actuation of a user actuatable mechanism.

12. An aerosol provision device for generating aerosol from aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision device comprising: a first aerosol generator for generating aerosol in a first aerosol generating region from a first aerosol-generating material; a second aerosol generator for generating aerosol in a second aerosol generating region from a second aerosol-generating material, wherein the first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol generating material are the same, and wherein the aerosol provision device is configured to operate the first aerosol generator differently to the second aerosol generator in response to detection of a user’s intention to generate aerosol.

13. The aerosol provision device of claim 12, wherein the aerosol provision device is configured to receive at least one consumable, wherein the at least one consumable isreleasable attached to the aerosol provision device in use, and wherein the at least one consumable comprises the first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosolgenerating material.

14. A non-therapeutic method of operating an aerosol provision system for generating aerosol from aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision system comprising a first aerosol-generating material located in a first aerosol generating region, a first aerosol generator for generating aerosol in the first aerosol generating region, a second aerosolgenerating material located in a second aerosol region, and a second aerosol generator for generating aerosol in the second aerosol generating region, the method comprising: detecting a user’s intention to generate aerosol; operating the first aerosol generator differently to the second aerosol generator in response to the detection of a user’s intention to generate aerosol, wherein the first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol generating material are the same.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein operating the first aerosol generator differently to the second aerosol generator in response to the detection of a user’s intention to generate aerosol includes operating the first aerosol generator with a different power than the second aerosol generator.

16. The method of claim 14 or 15, wherein operating the first aerosol generator differently to the second aerosol generator in response to the detection of a user’s intention to generate aerosol includes, for a given inhalation on the aerosol provision system, operating the first aerosol generator for a different duration than the second aerosol generator.

17. The method of any of claims 14 to 16, wherein operating the first aerosol generator differently to the second aerosol generator in response to the detection of a user’s intention to generate aerosol includes, relative to the detection of the user’s intention to generate aerosol, operating the first aerosol generator at a different time from the detection of the user’s intention to generate aerosol than operating the second aerosol generator.

18. An aerosol provision means for generating aerosol from aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision means comprising: a first aerosol-generating material located in a first aerosol generating region;first aerosol generator means for generating aerosol in the first aerosol generating region; a second aerosol-generating material located in a second aerosol region; and second aerosol generator means for generating aerosol in the second aerosol generating region, wherein the first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol generating material are the same, and wherein the aerosol provision means is configured to operate the first aerosol generator means differently to the second aerosol generator means in response to detection of a user’s intention to generate aerosol.

19. An aerosol provision system for generating aerosol from aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision system comprising: a first aerosol-generating material located in a first aerosol generating region, wherein the first aerosol generating material comprises free-base nicotine; a first aerosol generator for generating a first aerosol in the first aerosol generating region; a second aerosol-generating material located in a second aerosol region, wherein the second aerosol generating material comprises protonated nicotine; and a second aerosol generator for generating a second aerosol in the second aerosol generating region, wherein the aerosol provision system is configured so as to selectively enable different proportions of the first aerosol and the second aerosol forming the aerosol to be delivered to the user for a given user inhalation on the aerosol provision system.

20. The aerosol provision system of claim 19, wherein the aerosol provision system is configured to operate the first aerosol generator differently to the second aerosol generator in response to detection of a user’s intention to generate aerosol to selectively cause different proportions of the first aerosol and second aerosol forming the aerosol to be delivered to the user for a given user inhalation on the aerosol provision system.21 . The aerosol provision system of claim 19 or 20, wherein the first aerosol generator is operated with a different power than the second aerosol generator.

22. The aerosol provision system of any of claims 19 to 21 , wherein the aerosol provision system is configured to cause airflow through the first aerosol generating region and the second aerosol generating region to vary in response to detection of a user’s intention togenerate aerosol to selectively cause different proportions of the first aerosol and second aerosol forming the aerosol to be delivered to the user for a given user inhalation on the aerosol provision system.

23. The aerosol provision system of any of claims 19 to 22, wherein the aerosol provision system is configured to vary the proportion of free-base nicotine and pronated nicotine in the aerosol to be delivered to the user for a given user inhalation.

24. The aerosol provision system of any of claims 19 to 23, wherein the first aerosol generator comprises a first heater and wherein the second aerosol generator comprises a second heater.

25. The aerosol provision system of any of claims 19 to 24, wherein the aerosol provision system is formed of an aerosol provision device and at least one consumable, wherein the at least one consumable is releasable attached to the aerosol provision device in use, and wherein the at least one consumable comprises the first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol-generating material.

26. The aerosol provision system of any of claims 19 to 25, wherein the first aerosolgenerating material and the second aerosol-generating material comprise liquid.

27. The aerosol provision system of claim 26, wherein the liquid is an e-liquid.

28. The aerosol provision system of any of claims 19 to 27, wherein the aerosol provision system further includes a sensor for sensing a user inhalation on the aerosol provision system.

29. The aerosol provision system of any of claims 19 to 28, wherein the aerosol provision system is configured to determine a user’s inhalation on the aerosol provision system based on detection of an actuation of a user actuatable mechanism.

30. An aerosol provision device for generating aerosol from aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision device comprising: a first aerosol-generating material located in a first aerosol generating region, wherein the first aerosol generating material comprises free-base nicotine; a first aerosol generator for generating a first aerosol in the first aerosol generating region;a second aerosol-generating material located in a second aerosol region, wherein the second aerosol generating material comprises protonated nicotine; and a second aerosol generator for generating a second aerosol in the second aerosol generating region, wherein the aerosol provision device is configured so as to selectively enable different proportions of the first aerosol and the second aerosol forming the aerosol to be delivered to the user for a given user inhalation on the aerosol provision device.

31. The aerosol provision device of claim 30, wherein the aerosol provision device is configured to receive at least one consumable, wherein the at least one consumable is releasable attached to the aerosol provision device in use, and wherein the at least one consumable comprises the first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosolgenerating material.

32. A non-therapeutic method of operating an aerosol provision system for generating aerosol from aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision system comprising a first aerosol-generating material located in a first aerosol generating region, wherein the first aerosol generating material comprises free-base nicotine, a first aerosol generator for generating a first aerosol in the first aerosol generating region, a second aerosol-generating material located in a second aerosol region, wherein the second aerosol generating material comprises protonated nicotine, and a second aerosol generator for generating a second aerosol in the second aerosol generating region, the method comprises: selectively enabling different proportions of the first aerosol and the second aerosol forming the aerosol to be delivered to the user for a given user inhalation on the aerosol provision system.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the aerosol provision system operates the first aerosol generator differently to the second aerosol generator in response to detection of a user’s intention to generate aerosol to selectively cause different proportions of the first aerosol and second aerosol forming the aerosol to be delivered to the user for a given user inhalation on the aerosol provision system.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the first aerosol generator is operated with a different power than the second aerosol generator.

35. The method of any of claims 32 to 34, wherein the aerosol provision system varies the airflow through the first aerosol generating region and the second aerosol generatingregion in response to detection of a user’s intention to generate aerosol to selectively cause different proportions of the first aerosol and second aerosol forming the aerosol to be delivered to the user for a given user inhalation on the aerosol provision system.

36. An aerosol provision means for generating aerosol from aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision means comprising: a first aerosol-generating material located in a first aerosol generating region, wherein the first aerosol generating material comprises free-base nicotine; first aerosol generator means for generating a first aerosol in the first aerosol generating region; a second aerosol-generating material located in a second aerosol region, wherein the second aerosol generating material comprises protonated nicotine; and second aerosol generator means for generating a second aerosol in the second aerosol generating region, wherein the aerosol provision means is configured so as to selectively enable different proportions of the first aerosol and the second aerosol forming the aerosol to be delivered to the user for a given user inhalation on the aerosol provision means.

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