Consumable for aerosol generating unit

Abstract

A heat-not-burn consumable (70) for use with an aerosol generating unit comprising a heating element, the consumable comprising a rod-shaped aerosol generating segment (6) and a mouthpiece, wherein the aerosol generating segment (6) comprises a first part comprising a first aerosol forming material and a second part comprising a second aerosol forming material, where the first aerosol forming material and the second aerosol forming material have a different composition, and wherein each of the first part of the aerosol generating segment and the second part of the aerosol generating segment extend from an upstream end of the consumable to a downstream end of the aerosol generating segment.

Description

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a consumable for an aerosol generating unit, particular to a heat-not-burn consumable for use with an aerosol generating unit. The heat-not-burn consumable comprises a rod-shaped aerosol generating segment and a mouthpiece downstream of the aerosol generating segment. The present disclosure also related to a method of preparing the heat-not-burn consumable, a heat-not-burn consumable obtained by the method, and an aerosol generating system comprising the heat-not-burn consumable.BACKGROUND

[0002] A typical aerosol generating unit may comprise a power supply, an aerosol generating unit that is driven by the power supply, an aerosol forming material, which in use is aerosolised by the aerosol generating unit to generate an aerosol, and a delivery system for delivery of the aerosol to a user. Traditional aerosol generating unit typically comprise a single aerosol forming material comprising a mixture of aerosol former and flavourant.

[0003] A drawback with these traditional aerosol forming materials is that a high temperature is needed to generate aerosol vapour from liquid aerosol former components, such as propylene glycol and glycerine. Therefore, at the start of a session, a high rate of heating is needed to achieve these high temperatures quickly and provide the vapour desired by the user. However, both the high temperature and high rate of heating may burn or char the aerosol forming material, resulting in a bitter taste. Moreover, the high temperature and high rate of heating may cause the flavourant to be released from the aerosol forming material prematurely, resulting in a high level of flavour at the start of the session but a low level of flavour later in the session.

[0004] Aerosol forming materials including a high level of liquid aerosol forming material are typically difficult to handle during manufacturing processes, and are difficult to store in the assembled consumable. The high level of liquid aerosol forming material makes the aerosol forming material sticky and liable to take on water during storage.

[0005] In spite of the effort already invested in the development of aerosol generating precursors, further improvements are desirable.

[0006] It is against this background that the present invention has been developed.SUMMARY

[0007] In a first aspect the present disclosure provides a heat-not-burn (HNB) consumable for use with an aerosol generating unit comprising a heating element. In some examples, the consumable may comprise a rod-shaped aerosol generating segment and a mouthpiece, where the mouthpiece is downstream of the aerosol generating segment. By rod-shaped, it is meant that the aerosol generating segment has an elongate prismatic shape, such as an elongate cylindrical shape. In some examples, the aerosol generating segment may comprise a first part comprising a first aerosol forming material and a second part comprising a second aerosol forming material, where the first aerosol forming material and the second aerosol forming material may have a different composition. In some examples, each of the first part of the aerosol generating segment and the second part of the aerosol generating segment extend from an upstream end of the aerosol generating segment to a downstream end of the aerosol generating segment.

[0008] The consumable is for an aerosol generating unit comprising a heating element. The heating element is as described herein, and is part of the aerosol generating unit. That is, the heating element is not part of the consumable. The heating is achieved by transferring heat from the apparatus (heating element) to the consumable directly. The consumable is heated directly. In other words, the consumable does not include an indirect heater, such as a susceptor for inductive heating.

[0009] In this way, the aerosol forming material may include an area which has a high concentration of liquid aerosol forming material and an area with a low concentration of liquid aerosol forming material. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is thought that a non-uniform distribution of the liquid aerosol forming material is able to increase generation of aerosol during heating, while maintaining the flavour release profile.

[0010] In particular, the areas of high liquid aerosol forming material concentration allow for preferential vaporisation of the aerosol former, to generate vapour from the liquid aerosol forming material. Thus, even when the average concentration of liquid aerosol forming material is low, the high local concentration of liquid aerosol forming material provides a high rate of aerosol generation, especially, at the start of a session. In addition, the portions of low liquid aerosol forming material concentration allow for a gradual flavour release. The portions of low liquid aerosol forming material concentration have a lower rate of vapourisation and heating, and so the flavour release is advantageously gradual.

[0011] In general, it is desirable to heat the liquid aerosol forming material to a higher temperature and / or at a higher rate than other components of the aerosol forming material, such as tobacco and / or flavourants. Thus, by providing a portion of the aerosol forming material which has a higher concentration of liquid aerosol forming material, these portions can be preferentially heated to a higher temperature and / or at a higher rate, in order to increase vaporisation of the liquid aerosol forming material. Thus, more vapour can be produced, especially at the start of a session, without overheating the tobacco and / or flavourants. It is desirable to heat the tobacco and / or flavourants to a lower temperature, so they are gradually released over the course of the session and to prevent charring / burning, which may compromise the taste.

[0012] In this way, the aerosol generating segment provides a good level of vapour at the start of the session combined with a good level of flavour at the end of the session.

[0013] In addition, the heat-not-burn consumable may be subject to differential heating of the aerosol generating segment. By "differential heating" it is meant that different parts of the aerosol generating segment may be heated to different extents, different temperatures, and / or at different rates. Differential heating of an aerosol generating segment is beneficial because different portions of aerosol segment with different compositions (e.g., different concentrations of liquid aerosol forming material) may be heated to different temperatures in order to optimise user experience. Additionally, differential heating allows the consumable to be customised more easily as it allows for the incorporation of different components in the aerosol forming materials. The effect of this increased design flexibility is that a larger variety of products can be obtained from the same consumable architecture, with more tailored flavour profiles, vapour generation, and user experience.

[0014] In some examples, the first part of the aerosol generating segment and the second part of the aerosol generating segment may be arranged concentrically in the aerosol generating segment. In some examples, the first part may be provided around the peripheral part of the rod-shaped aerosol generating segment and the second part may be provided in the central part of the rod-shaped aerosol generating segment. When the aerosol generating segment is an elongate cylinder, the first part may be provided around the circumferential part of the aerosol generating segment and the second part may be provided in the central part of the aerosol generating segment.

[0015] In some examples, the first part of the aerosol generating segment and the second part of the aerosol generating segment may extend alongside each other in the rod-shaped aerosol forming material segment from an upstream end of the aerosol generating segment to a downstream end of the aerosol generating segment. In some examples, the first part of the aerosol generating segment may be arranged on one side of the rod-shaped aerosol generating segment and the second part of the aerosol generating segment may be arranged on another side of the rod-shaped aerosol generating segment. In some examples, the first aerosol forming material may be arranged on one side of the rod-shaped aerosol generating segment and the second aerosol forming material may be arranged on an opposite side of the rod-shaped aerosol generating segment.

[0016] Such arrangements allow for differential heating of the aerosol generating segment using a single heating element and / or a single temperature. This beneficially reduces the complexity of the consumable, reducing production costs, but provides an improved user experience compared with traditional consumable having a single solid precursor.

[0017] In some examples, the first aerosol forming material comprises a first carrier material and a first aerosol forming liquid. In some examples, the second aerosol forming material comprises a second carrier material and a second aerosol forming liquid. The liquid aerosol forming material is carried by the carrier material. The liquid aerosol forming material may form an aerosol upon heating.

[0018] In some examples, the mass of first aerosol forming liquid present in the first aerosol forming material is greater than the mass of the second aerosol forming liquid present in the second aerosol forming material. In some examples, the mass of glycerine present in the first aerosol forming material is greater than the mass of glycerine present in the second aerosol forming material.

[0019] In some examples, the first or second aerosol forming liquid is selected from the list consisting of propylene glycol, glycerine, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,3-butadediol, glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate, dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate, or a combination thereof.

[0020] In some examples, the first or second aerosol forming liquid comprise propylene glycol, glycerine, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the first or second aerosol forming liquid comprise propylene glycol (PG), glycerine (VG), or a combination thereof. In some examples, the liquid aerosol forming material may comprise PG. In some examples, the liquid aerosol forming material may comprise VG.

[0021] In some examples, the first aerosol forming liquid may have a mass ratio of glycerine / propylene glycol of 1.1 or more, such as 2 or more, such as 3 or more. In some examples, the first aerosol forming liquid may have a mass ratio of glycerine / propylene glycol of 5 or less, such as 4 or less, 3 or less, or 2 or less. In some examples, the first aerosol forming liquid may have a mass ratio of glycerine / propylene glycol selected from a range with upper and lower amounts selected from the values given above. In some examples the first aerosol forming material may have a mass ratio of glycerine / propylene glycol of from 1.1 to 5, such as from 1.5 to 4, such as from 2 to 3.

[0022] In some examples, the second aerosol forming liquid may have a mass ratio of propylene glycol / glycerine of 1.1 or more, such as 2 or more, such as 3 or more. In some examples, the second aerosol forming liquid may have a mass ratio of propylene glycol / glycerine of 5 or less, such as 4 or less, 3 or less, or 2 or less. In some examples, the second aerosol forming liquid may have a mass ratio of propylene glycol / glycerine selected from a range with upper and lower amounts selected from the values given above. In some examples the second aerosol forming liquid may have a mass ratio of propylene glycol / glycerine of from 1.1 to 5, such as from 1.5 to 4, such as from 2 to 3.

[0023] By providing an aerosol generating segment comprising two aerosol forming materials comprising respective liquid aerosol forming materials having different mass ratios of propylene glycol / glycerine or propylene glycol / glycerine, the segment may comprise a "vapour" portion (having a higher proportion of VG to PG i.e., the first aerosol forming material) and a "flavour" portion (having higher proportion of PG to VG i.e., the second aerosol forming material). These portions may then be subject to differential heating (heating to different extents, different temperature or at different rates) in order to optimise user experience. In particular, provision of an aerosol segment having an aerosol forming material with a higher proportion of PG than VG (the "flavour portion") is thought to improve flavour release since this aerosol forming material can be heated to a lower temperature by differential heating of the aerosol generating segment to exploit the lower boiling point of PG compared with VG.

[0024] In some examples, the first aerosol forming material includes about 10 to 40 wt% of first aerosol forming liquid, based on the total mass of the first aerosol forming material. In some examples, the first aerosol forming material includes 10 wt% or more, such as 20 wt.% or more, such as 30 wt.% or more of first aerosol forming liquid, based on the total mass of the first aerosol forming material. In some examples, the first aerosol forming material includes 50 wt% or less, such as 40 wt.% or less, such as 30 wt.% or less of first aerosol forming liquid, based on the total mass of the first aerosol forming material.

[0025] In some examples, the second aerosol forming material includes about 10 to 40 wt% of second aerosol forming liquid, based on the total mass of the second aerosol forming material. In some examples, the second aerosol forming material includes 10 wt% or more, such as 20 wt.% or more, such as 30 wt.% or more of second aerosol forming liquid, based on the total mass of the second aerosol forming material. In some examples, the second aerosol forming material includes 50 wt% or less, such as 40 wt.% or less, such as 30 wt.% or less of second aerosol forming liquid, based on the total mass of the second aerosol forming material.

[0026] In some examples, the total amount of propylene glycol (PG) and glycerine (VG) in the first and second aerosol forming liquid may be about 10 to 40 weight % (wt%) relative to the total weight of the first and second aerosol forming materials. That is, the amount of PG and VG in the first aerosol forming liquid and the amount of PG and VG in the second aerosol forming liquid together may equal about 10 to 40 wt% relative to the total weight of the first and second aerosol forming materials. In some examples, the total amount of PG and VG in the first and second aerosol forming liquid may be about 10 wt% or more, such as about 15 wt% or more, such as about 20 wt% or more, such as about 25 wt% or more. In some examples, the total amount of PG and VG in the first and second aerosol forming liquids may be 40 wt% or less, such as 35 wt% or less, such as 30 wt% or less. In some examples, the total amount of PG and VG in the first and second aerosol forming liquid may be selected from a range with upper and lower amounts selected from the values given above. For example, in some examples, the total amount of PG and VG in the first and second aerosol forming liquid may be about 10 to 35 wt%, such as 10 to 30 wt%, such as 10 to 25 wt%, such as 10 to 20 wt%. In other examples, the total amount of PG and VG in the first and second aerosol forming liquid may be about 15 to 40 wt%, such as 20 to 40 wt%, such as 25 to 40 wt% such as 30 to 40 wt%.

[0027] In some examples, the amount of propylene glycol and glycerine in the first aerosol forming liquid may be greater than the amount of propylene glycol and glycerine in the second aerosol forming liquid. In some examples, the mass ratio of the amount of PG and VG in the first aerosol forming liquid to the amount of PG and VG in the second aerosol forming liquid may be 1.1 or more, such as 2 or more, such as 3 or more. In some examples, the mass ratio of the amount of PG and VG in the first aerosol forming liquid to the amount of PG and VG in the second aerosol forming liquid may be 5 or less, such as 4 or less.

[0028] The first and / or second aerosol-forming material may comprise plant material.

[0029] The plant material may comprise or be formed of tobacco. Any type of tobacco may be used, including, but is not limited to, flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, Virginia tobacco, Maryland Tobacco, dark-air cured tobacco, oriental tobacco, dark-fired tobacco, perique tobacco, rustica tobacco. This also includes blends of the above mentioned tobaccos. Any suitable parts of the tobacco plant may be used, including leaves, stems, roots, bark, seeds and flowers. The tobacco may comprise one or more of leaf tobacco, stem tobacco, tobacco powder, tobacco dust, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, homogenised tobacco, shredded tobacco, extruded tobacco, cut rag tobacco and / or reconstituted tobacco (e.g. slurry recon or paper recon). For example, the aerosol-forming material may comprise a gathered sheet of homogenised (e.g. paper / slurry recon) tobacco or gathered shreds / strips formed from such a sheet.

[0030] The tobacco may be processed tobacco, steam treated stems or shredded dried stems. The tobacco material may be fermented, cured, uncured, toasted, or otherwise pre-treated. The tobacco may be unprocessed and / or untreated.

[0031] The aerosol-forming material may be absent of tobacco and / or nicotine.

[0032] The plant material may comprise at least one plant material selected from the list including Amaranthus dubius, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry), Argemone mexicana, Arnica, Artemisia vulgaris, Yellow Tees, Galea zacatechichi, Canavalia maritima (Baybean), Cecropia mexicana (Guamura), Oestrum noctumum, Cynoglossum virginianum (wild comfrey), Cytisus scoparius, Damiana, Entada rheedii, Eschscholzia califomica (California Poppy), Fittonia albivenis, Hippobroma longi flora, Humulus japonica (Japanese Hops), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Lactuca virosa (Lettuce Opium), Laggera alata, Leonotis leonurus, Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort), Leonurus sibiricus (Honeyweed), Lobelia cardinalis, Lobelia inflata (Indian-tobacco), Lobelia siphilitica, Nepeta cataria (Catnip), Nicotiana species (Tobacco), Nymphaea alba (White Lily), Nymphaea caerulea (Blue Lily), Opium poppy, Passiflora incamata (Passionflower), Pedicularis densiflora (Indian Warrior), Pedicularis groenlandica (Elephant's Head), Salvia divinorum, Salvia dorrii (Tobacco Sage), Salvia species (Sage), Scutellaria galericulata, Scutellaria lateriflora, Scutellaria nana, Scutellaria species (Skullcap), Sida acuta (Wireweed), Sida rhombi folia, Silene capensis, Syzygium aromaticum (Clove), Tagetes lucida (Mexican Tarragon), Tarchonanthus camphoratus, Tumera diffusa (Damiana), Verbascum (Mullein), Zamia latifolia (Maconha Brava) together with any combinations, functional equivalents to, and / or synthetic alternatives of the foregoing.

[0033] The aerosol-forming material may comprise one or more additives selected from vapour generators, carrier agents, humectants, flavourants, fillers, aqueous / non-aqueous solvents and binders.

[0034] The aerosol-forming material may comprise propylene glycol (PG) and / or vegetable glycerin (VG). Propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG) are typically used as base materials that act as aerosol generators (alternatively referred to as aerosol-formers), carrier agents, and / or humectants. The aerosol-forming material may comprise, alternatively or in addition, other substances that function as one or more of aerosol generators, carrier agents, and humectants.

[0035] In some examples, the first aerosol forming material comprises a first carrier material. The carrier material may be any suitable carrier material, which is able to carry a liquid aerosol forming material. The carrier material may be a solid material. The carrier material may be a porous material.

[0036] In some examples, the first carrier material may comprise a cellulose-containing or cellulose based material, such as cotton, paper, maize fibres, oat fibres, tomato fibres, barley fibres, rye fibres, sugar beet fibres, buck wheat fibres, wheat fibres, pea fibres, potato fibres, apple fibres, cocoa fibres, bamboo fibres, citrus fibres, microcrystalline cellulose or any combination thereof. In some examples, the first carrier material may comprise cotton. In other examples, the first carrier material may comprise paper.

[0037] In some examples, the second aerosol forming material comprises a second carrier material. The carrier material may be any suitable carrier material, which is able to carry a liquid aerosol forming material. The carrier material may be a solid material. The carrier material may be a porous material.

[0038] In some examples, the second carrier material may comprise a cellulose-containing or cellulose based material, such as cotton, paper, maize fibres, oat fibres, tomato fibres, barley fibres, rye fibres, sugar beet fibres, buck wheat fibres, wheat fibres, pea fibres, potato fibres, apple fibres, cocoa fibres, bamboo fibres, citrus fibres, microcrystalline cellulose or any combination thereof. In some examples, the second carrier material may comprise reconstituted tobacco, cut tobacco rag, tobacco rag or tea. In some examples, the aerosol forming material carrier material comprises reconstituted tobacco. The reconstituted tobacco may comprise tobacco and a binder. The reconstituted tobacco may comprise tobacco, binder and cellulose. The reconstituted tobacco may comprise tobacco, binder, cellulose and a liquid aerosol forming material. The reconstituted tobacco may comprise tobacco, binder, cellulose, a liquid aerosol forming material and flavour. The cellulose may be a wood pulp. The binder may be a gum binder. The binder may be a cellulose binder. The binder may be a konjac manan, guar gum, carregennan, gelatine, alginate or pectin.

[0039] In some examples, both the first and the second carrier material may comprise a cellulose-containing or cellulose based material.

[0040] In some examples, the first aerosol forming material and / or second aerosol forming material comprise multiple strips of carrier material. In some examples, the first aerosol forming material and second aerosol forming material comprise multiple strips of carrier material.

[0041] In some examples, the strips may extend in an axial direction from an upstream end of the aerosol generating segment to a downstream end of the aerosol generating segment. In some examples, the strips may extend continuously from an upstream end of the aerosol generating segment to a downstream end of the aerosol generating segment. In these examples, the strips may be generally parallel to one another.

[0042] In some examples, the strips may have a length of from 6 to 20 mm, such as from 8 to 16 mm, such as from 10 to 14 mm. The strips may have a length of about 12 mm. The strips may have a length which is the same as the axial length of the aerosol generating segment. The length may refer to the dimension of the sheet aligned with the axial direction of the aerosol generating segment, such as along the flow path of the aerosol generating segment.

[0043] In some examples, the strips may have a width of 0.01 to 3 mm, such as 0.1 to 1 mm, such as 0.2 to 0.3 mm. The width of the strips may be measured as the longest distance perpendicular to the length direction of the strips. The width may refer to the dimension of the sheet perpendicular to the axial direction of the aerosol generating segment, such as perpendicular to the flow path of the aerosol generating segment.

[0044] In some examples, the strips may have a thickness of about 0.01 to 0.6 mm, such as 0.2 to 0.5 mm, such as 0.3 to 0.45 mm.

[0045] The strips may be crimped and / or embossed. The strips may be divided. The strips may be substantially cuboidal.

[0046] In some examples, the first aerosol forming material may be 10 or more first strips of first carrier material and the second aerosol forming material may be 10 or more second strips of second carrier material. In some examples, the first aerosol forming material may be 20 or more first strips of first carrier material and the second aerosol precursor is 20 or more second strips of second carrier material. In some examples, the first aerosol forming material may be from 20 to 60 first strips of first carrier material and the second aerosol forming material may be from 20 to 60 second strips of second carrier material.

[0047] The first carrier material and the second carrier material are as described herein.

[0048] In some examples, the first aerosol precursor and / or second aerosol precursor are a sheet of carrier material. In some examples, the first aerosol precursor is a sheet of first carrier material and the second aerosol precursor is a sheet of second carrier material.

[0049] In some examples, the sheets extend in an axial direction from an upstream end of the aerosol generating segment to a downstream end of the aerosol generating segment. In some examples, the sheets extend continuously from an upstream end of the aerosol generating segment to a downstream end of the aerosol generating segment.

[0050] In some examples, the aerosol generating segment comprises 2 or more sheets, such as 4 or more sheets, such as 6 or more sheets. In some examples, the aerosol generating segment comprises 1 or less sheets, such as 8 or less sheets. Typically, the aerosol generating segment comprises from 2 to 10 sheets.

[0051] In some examples, the first aerosol precursor comprises a single sheet of carrier material. In some examples, the first aerosol forming material comprises a single sheet of first carrier material. In some examples, the second aerosol forming material comprises a single sheet of carrier material. In some examples, the second aerosol forming material comprises a single sheet of second carrier material. The sheet may be a single continuous sheet of carrier material. The sheet may be crimped, embossed, folded, slit and / or gathered.

[0052] In some examples, the sheets have a length of from 6 to 20 mm, such as from 8 to 16 mm, such as from 10 to 14 mm. The sheets may have a length of about 12 mm. The sheets may have a length which is the same as the axial length of the aerosol generating segment. The length may refer to the dimension of the sheet aligned with the axial direction of the aerosol generating segment, such as along the flow path of the aerosol generating segment.

[0053] In some examples, the sheets have a width of from 5 to 30 mm, such as from 10 to 25 mm, such as from 15 to 20 mm. The sheets may have a width which is the same as the diameter of the aerosol generating segment. The width may refer to the dimension of the sheet perpendicular to the axial direction of the aerosol generating segment, such as perpendicular to the flow path of the aerosol generating segment.

[0054] In some examples, the sheets have a thickness of about 0.1 to 0.6 mm, such as 0.2 to 0.5 mm, such as 0.3 to 0.45 mm.

[0055] In some examples, the second aerosol forming material comprises a flavourant, such as tobacco extract or other plant extracts. In some examples, the flavourant may provide flavour and odour to the second aerosol forming material. In some examples, the second aerosol forming material comprises tobacco extract. In some examples, the second aerosol forming material comprises a mint extract, such as menthol. In some examples, the precursor composition comprises other plant extracts such as tea, fig, honey, mint, maple, or acer saccharum extract.

[0056] Flavourants may be provided in solid form, liquid form, gel form, or a combination thereof. Flavourants may include one or more of menthol (e.g. peppermint (mentha piperita), spearmint (mentha spicata), wild mint (Mentha Arventis), horse mint (Mentha longifolia), pineapple mint (Mentha suaveolens variegata), applemint (Mentha suaveolens), pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)), liquorice, chocolate / cocoa, fruit flavour (including e.g. apple, citrus, cherry, banana (Isoamyl acetate)), rose, vanilla (Ethylvanillin), spice (e.g. ginger, clove, cinnamon, star anise), tobacco extract / flavour, marijuana, hemp, cannabinoid compounds, citronella, orange, lemon, geraniol, thyme, fennel, green tea, black tea, coffee, salvia dorrii, salvia, passiflora incarnata, arctostaphylos uva-ursi, lobelia inflata, matcha, Yerba mate, lemon grass, flax, cedar wood, coumarin, helio, eucalyptus, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, chamomile, rosemary, lavender, rooibos, or combinations thereof. The flavourant may be evenly dispersed throughout the aerosol-forming material or may be provided in isolated locations and / or varying concentrations throughout the aerosol-forming material.

[0057] The cannabinoid compounds may be selected from the non-exhaustive list comprising: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN).

[0058] Fillers can strengthen the aerosol-forming material. Fillers may comprise fibrous (non-tobacco) fillers such as cellulose fibres, lignocellulose fibres (e.g. wood fibres), jute fibres and combinations thereof.

[0059] Binders can act to bind together the components forming the aerosol-forming material. Binders may comprise starches and / or cellulosic binders such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose and methyl cellulose, gums such as xanthan, guar, arabic and / or locust bean gum, organic acids and their salts such as alginic acid / sodium alginate, agar and pectins.

[0060] In some examples, the second aerosol forming material comprises 0.01 wt.% or more of flavourant, such as 0.1 wt.% or more, such as 0.5 wt.% or more, such as 1 wt.% or more. In some examples, the second aerosol forming material comprises from 0.01 to 10 wt.% of flavourant, such from as 0.1 to 8 wt.%, such as from 0.5 to 5 wt.%, such as from 1 to 4 wt.%.

[0061] In some examples, the first aerosol forming material is substantially free from flavourant. By "substantially free from" it is meant that flavourant may be present in the first aerosol forming material in an amount of about 1 wt% or less, such as 0.1 wt.% or less, such as 0.01 wt.% or less. In some examples, the first aerosol forming material is free from flavourant. That is, in some examples, the first aerosol forming material does not contain any flavourant.

[0062] In some examples, the first aerosol forming material is free from flavourant, and the second aerosol forming material comprises from 0.01 to 10 wt.% of flavourant, such from as 0.1 to 8 wt.%, such as from 0.5 to 5 wt.%, such as from 1 to 4 wt.%.

[0063] In some examples, the heat-not-burn consumable may further comprise a segment upstream of the aerosol generating segment. In some examples, the segment may be a hollow segment or a filter segment. The hollow segment may be known as a cooling segment.

[0064] In some examples, the heat-not-burn consumable may further comprise a covering over the upstream end of the aerosol generating segment, such as a paper covering.

[0065] In some examples, the aerosol generating segment may further comprise a wrapping paper. The wrapping paper may overwrap the first and second precursor to form the segment.

[0066] Any suitable wrapping paper may be used. The wrapping paper may comprise a laminate wrapping paper. The laminate wrapping paper may be a foil-paper laminate. The foil may be an aluminium foil.

[0067] The wrapping paper may be fixed in place with an adhesive. Any suitable adhesive may be used.

[0068] The aerosol-forming material may be circumscribed by a wrapping layer e.g. a paper wrapping layer. The wrapping layer may overlie an inner foil layer or may comprise a paper / foil laminate (with the foil innermost).

[0069] Any elements (e.g. filter elements, cooling element, spacer elements) downstream of the aerosol-forming material may be at least partially (e.g. entirely) circumscribed by the wrapping layer. Accordingly, the wrapping layer may alternatively be referred to as a 'combining layer'. The wrapping layer may at least partially (e.g. entirely) circumscribe elements upstream of the terminal filter element.

[0070] The terminal filter element (at the downstream end of the article / consumable) may be joined to the upstream elements forming the article / consumable by a circumscribing tipping layer e.g. a tipping paper layer. The tipping paper may have an axial length longer than the axial length of the terminal filter element such that the tipping paper completely circumscribes the terminal filter element plus the wrapping layer surrounding any adjacent upstream element.

[0071] Any elements (e.g. filter elements, cooling element, spacer elements) may be further circumscribed by a respective plug wrap e.g. a paper plug wrap.

[0072] In some examples, the heat-not-burn consumable may further comprise a further segment upstream of the aerosol generating segment and a covering over the upstream end of the aerosol generating segment.

[0073] The presence of a further segment and / or a covering over the upstream end of the aerosol generating segment is beneficial for the prevention of migration of propylene glycol and / or glycerine from the aerosol generating segment e.g., into the packaging of the consumable, particularly when there is a high loading of liquid aerosol forming material in the carrier material of the first and / or second precursor. Migration of propylene glycol and / or glycerine may lead to discoloration of the product or otherwise visually affect the consumable, and it may structurally weaken the consumable due to saturation or partial saturation of the various segments and / or wrapper (when present) which can lead to breakage. Provision of the further segment and / or covering can therefore lead to improved shelf life and strength of the product and improved user experience.

[0074] In some examples, the heat-not-burn consumable may further comprise a filter segment, a cooling segment, a combining paper, and / or a tipping paper. The heat-not-burn consumable may comprise an aerosol generating segment, a cooling segment downstream of the aerosol generating segment, and a mouthpiece filter downstream of the cooling segment. The heat-not-burn consumable may comprise an aerosol generating segment, a cooling segment adjacent to and downstream of the aerosol generating segment, and a mouthpiece filter adjacent to and downstream of the cooling segment. The heat-not-burn consumable may comprise an aerosol generating segment, a filter segment downstream of the aerosol generating segment, a cooling segment downstream of the filter segment, and a mouthpiece filter downstream of the cooling segment. The heat-not-burn consumable may comprise an aerosol generating segment, a filter segment adjacent to and downstream of the aerosol generating segment, a cooling segment adjacent to and downstream of the filter segment, and a mouthpiece filter adjacent to and downstream of the cooling segment.

[0075] In some examples, the aerosol generating segment may be at the upstream end of the heat-not-burn consumable.

[0076] In a second aspect the present disclosure provides a method of preparing a heat-not-burn consumable according to the first aspect.

[0077] In some examples, the method may comprise the steps of (i) forming the first aerosol forming material and the second aerosol forming material; (ii) arranging the first and second aerosol forming material into a first part and second part of the aerosol generating segment; (iii) assembling the aerosol generating segment into a heat-not-burn consumable.

[0078] In some examples, forming the first and / or second aerosol forming material may comprise obtaining strips or sheets of carrier material, loading the carrier material with liquid aerosol forming material, and arranging the strips or sheets to form the first or second aerosol forming material. In these examples, the first aerosol forming material may comprise strips or sheets of first carrier material and a first aerosol forming liquid, and the second aerosol forming material may comprise strips or sheets of second carrier material and a second aerosol forming liquid. In some examples, the second carrier material may also be loaded with flavourant. The liquid aerosol forming material is as described herein. The carrier material is as described herein. The flavourant is as described herein.

[0079] In examples where the first and second aerosol forming material comprise strips or sheets of carrier material, arranging the first and second aerosol forming material into the aerosol generating segment may involve arranging the strips or sheets of the first carrier material and second carrier material such that the first aerosol forming material is located in a first part of the aerosol generating segment and the second aerosol forming material is located in a second part of the aerosol generating segment. In some examples, the strips or sheets are arranged such that there is a higher density of strips or sheets of the second carrier material at the centre of the aerosol generating segment, and a higher density of strips or sheets of the first carrier material in the peripheral part of the aerosol generating segment. In other examples, the strips or sheets are arranged such that there is a higher density of strips or sheets of the first carrier material on one side of the aerosol generating segment, and a higher density of strips or sheets of the second carrier material on an opposite side of the aerosol generating segment.

[0080] In some examples, the method further comprises a step of providing an aerosol forming material carrier material and a liquid aerosol forming material. In some examples, the aerosol forming material carrier material and the liquid aerosol forming material are formed into the first aerosol forming material and the second aerosol forming material. The liquid aerosol forming material is as described herein. The carrier material is as described herein.

[0081] The step of arranging the first and second aerosol forming material into a first part and second part of the aerosol generating segment may use any suitable means. In some examples, the aerosol generating segment is formed by forming a rod comprising the first aerosol forming material and second aerosol forming material. The rod may be formed by gathering the first aerosol forming material (e.g., sheets or strips of carrier material loaded with liquid aerosol forming material) and wrapping in a combining paper, then gathering the second aerosol forming material (e.g., sheets or strips of carrier material loaded with liquid aerosol forming material) and wrapping in a combining paper, and then positioning the gathered first aerosol forming material and gathered second aerosol forming material next to each other. The first aerosol forming material and second aerosol forming material may then be wrapped together using a combining paper. The combining paper may be fixed in place with an adhesive.

[0082] In other examples, the rod may be formed by gathering the second aerosol forming material (e.g., sheets or strips of carrier material loaded with liquid aerosol forming material) and wrapping in a combining paper, then surrounding the wrapped second aerosol forming material with the first aerosol forming material (e.g., sheets or strips of carrier material loaded with liquid aerosol forming material) and wrapping the first and second aerosol forming materials together. The combining paper may be fixed in place with an adhesive.

[0083] The aerosol forming material may be wrapped using any suitable combining paper. The combining paper may be a foil-paper laminate. The adhesive may be applied to the combining paper along a seam line. In this way, the combining paper may be closed around the one or more sheets of aerosol forming material.

[0084] The rod may be divided to form multiple aerosol generating segments. The aerosol generating segments may be assembled into a heat-not-burn consumable using any suitable method.

[0085] In some examples, the heat-not-burn consumable is as described in the first aspect. That is, the options and alternatives presented in relation to the first aspect equally apply to the second aspect.

[0086] In a third aspect the present disclosure provides a heat-not-burn consumable obtained or obtainable by the method of the second aspect.

[0087] The options and alternatives presented in relation to the second aspect equally apply to the third aspect.

[0088] In a fourth aspect the present disclosure provides an aerosol-generating system comprising the heat-not-burn consumable according to the first aspect and an aerosol generating unit comprising a heating element. In some examples, the heating element is configured to externally heat the aerosol generating segment. That is, in some examples the heating element is not a susceptor which may produce heat when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field or an inductive heating element.

[0089] In some examples, the heating element may be a single outside-in heater. In examples where the first and second parts of the aerosol generating segment of the heat-not-burn consumable are arranged concentrically, the heating element may be a single outside-in heater. Such a heater will heat the part of the aerosol generating segment that is arranged in the circumferential part of the aerosol generating segment more than the part located at the centre of the segment. In this way, differential heating of the two aerosol forming materials may be achieved, leading to enhanced user experience by promoting vaporisation and improving flavour release from the aerosol generating segment by heating the part of the aerosol forming material provided around the circumferential part of the segment to a higher temperature (or at a higher rate) than the aerosol forming material provided in the central part of the segment.

[0090] In other examples, the heating element may be a two-part outside-in heater, such as a two-part semi-annular outside-in heater. In examples where the first part of the aerosol forming material segment is arranged on one side of the aerosol generating segment and the second part is arranged on an opposite side, the heating element may be a two-part semi-annular outside-in heater. Such a heater can selectively heat one side of the aerosol generating segment more than the other side of the segment, thereby heating one aerosol forming material more than the other. In this way, differential heating of the two aerosol forming materials may be achieved, leading to enhanced user experience by promoting vaporisation and improving flavour release from the aerosol generating segment by heating the aerosol forming material in closer proximity to the heating element to a higher temperature (or at a higher rate) than the aerosol forming material provided on the other side of the segment to the heating element.

[0091] In some examples, the heat-not-burn consumable is as described herein. That is, the options and alternatives presented in relation to the first aspect equally apply to the fourth aspect.

[0092] In a fifth aspect the present disclosure provides a use of a heat-not-burn consumable according to the first aspect with an aerosol-generating unit .

[0093] In some examples, the disclosure provides a use of a heat-not-burn consumable to increase the volume of aerosol generated in use, wherein the volume is increased compared to aerosol generating segment having a single aerosol forming material.

[0094] In some examples, the aerosol may be formed from liquid aerosol forming material. The liquid aerosol forming material may be the first or second aerosol forming liquid as described herein, or a combination thereof.

[0095] In some examples, the volume of visible aerosol produced may be increased.

[0096] In some examples, the volume of aerosol produced may be increased compared to an aerosol generating segment wherein the aerosol forming material comprises a single aerosol forming material. In some examples, the volume of aerosol produced may be the initial aerosol volume. That is, the aerosol generated from the first puff of the consumable. In some examples, the volume of aerosol produced may be increased at the start of a session. In some examples, the volume of aerosol produced may be increased for the first five puffs of the session.

[0097] In some examples, the concentration of aerosol produced may be increased compared to an aerosol generating segment wherein the aerosol forming material comprises a uniform distribution of liquid aerosol forming material. In some examples, the concentration of aerosol produced may be the initial aerosol concentration. That is, the aerosol generated from the first puff of the consumable. In some examples, the concentration of aerosol produced may be increased at the start of a session. In some examples, the concentration of aerosol produced may be increased for the first five puffs of the session.

[0098] In some examples, the mass of aerosol produced may be increased compared to an aerosol generating segment wherein the aerosol forming material comprises a single aerosol forming material.

[0099] In some examples, the mass of aerosol produced may be the initial aerosol mass. That is, the aerosol generated from the first puff of the consumable. In some examples, the mass of aerosol produced is increased at the start of a session. In some examples, the mass of aerosol produced may be increased for the first five puffs of the session.

[0100] In some examples, the disclosure provides a use of a heat-not-burn consumable of the first aspect with an aerosol-generating unit, to improve the flavour profile of an aerosol generated in use, wherein the flavour profile is improved compared to aerosol generating segment having a single aerosol forming material.

[0101] In some examples, an improved flavour profile may comprise a more gradual release of flavourant. In some examples, the flavour profile may be compared for five puffs at the start of the session to five puffs at the end of a session (e.g., puffs 21-25). A smaller difference between the flavourant concentration at the start and end of a session may be indicative of an improved flavour profile.

[0102] In some examples, the improved flavour profile may comprise a lower concentration of burnt or charred compounds. In some examples, burnt or charred compounds may include acrylamide, carbon monoxide or carbon. A lower concentration of burnt or charred compounds is indicative of an improved flavour profile, as such compounds can contribute to a bitter taste.

[0103] The preceding summary is provided for purposes of summarizing some examples to provide a basic understanding of aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, the above-described features should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Moreover, the above and / or proceeding examples may be combined in any suitable combination to provide further examples, except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following text and the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0104] Aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of examples in reference to the appended drawings in which like numerals denote like elements. Fig. 1 is a block system diagram showing an example aerosol generating apparatus. Fig. 2 is a block system diagram showing an example implementation of the apparatus of Fig. 1, where the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to generate aerosol from a solid aerosol forming material. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example implementation of the apparatus of Fig. 4. Figs. 4a and 4b are schematic diagrams showing an example aerosol generating segment where the first and second aerosol forming material are arranged concentrically in the segment. Fig. 4a shows a cross-section of the aerosol generating segment and Fig. 4b shows a perspective view of the aerosol generating segment. Figs. 5a and 5b are schematic diagrams showing an example aerosol generating segment where the first and second aerosol forming material extend alongside each other in the segment and where the first aerosol forming material is arranged on one side of the aerosol generating segment and the second aerosol forming material is arranged on the opposite side of the segment. Fig. 5a shows a cross-section of the aerosol generating segment and Fig. 4b shows a perspective view of the aerosol generating segment. Fig. 6a is a cross-sectional diagram showing an examples heat-not-burn consumable including the example aerosol generating segment of Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b, when the consumable is engaged with the heating element of an aerosol generating apparatus. Fig. 6b is a cross-sectional diagram showing an examples heat-not-burn consumable including the example aerosol generating segment of Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b, when the consumable is engaged with the heating elements of an aerosol generating apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0105] Before describing several examples implementing the present disclosure, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited by specific construction details or process steps set forth in the following description and accompanying drawings. Rather, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure that the systems, apparatuses and / or methods described herein could be embodied differently and / or be practiced or carried out in various alternative ways.

[0106] Unless otherwise defined herein, scientific and technical terms used in connection with the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, and known techniques and procedures may be performed according to conventional methods well known in the art and as described in various general and more specific references that may be cited and discussed in the present specification.

[0107] Any patents, published patent applications, and non-patent publications mentioned in the specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0108] All examples implementing the present disclosure can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While particular examples have been described, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the systems, apparatus, and / or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the methods described herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the inventive concept(s). All such similar substitutions and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope, and concept of the inventive concept(s) as defined by the appended claims.

[0109] The use of the term "a" or "an" in the claims and / or the specification may mean "one," as well as "one or more," "at least one," and "one or more than one." As such, the terms "a," "an," and "the," as well as all singular terms, include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Likewise, plural terms shall include the singular unless otherwise required by context.

[0110] The use of the term "or" in the present disclosure (including the claims) is used to mean an inclusive "and / or" unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or unless the alternatives are mutually exclusive. For example, a condition "A or B" is satisfied by any of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0111] As used in this specification and claim(s), the words "comprising, "having," "including," or "containing" (and any forms thereof, such as "comprise" and "comprises," "have" and "has," "includes" and "include," or "contains" and "contain," respectively) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[0112] Unless otherwise explicitly stated as incompatible, or the physics or otherwise of the embodiments, examples, or claims prevent such a combination, the features of examples disclosed herein, and of the claims, may be integrated together in any suitable arrangement, especially ones where there is a beneficial effect in doing so. This is not limited to only any specified benefit, and instead may arise from an "ex post facto" benefit. This is to say that the combination of features is not limited by the described forms, particularly the form (e.g. numbering) of example(s), embodiment(s), or dependency of claim(s). Moreover, this also applies to the phrase "in one embodiment," "according to an embodiment," and the like, which are merely a stylistic form of wording and are not to be construed as limiting the following features to a separate embodiment to all other instances of the same or similar wording. This is to say, a reference to 'an,' 'one,' or 'some' embodiment(s) may be a reference to any one or more, and / or all embodiments, or combination(s) thereof, disclosed. Also, similarly, the reference to "the" embodiment may not be limited to the immediately preceding embodiment. Further, all references to one or more embodiments or examples are to be construed as non-limiting to the claims.

[0113] The present disclosure may be better understood in view of the following explanations, wherein the terms used that are separated by "or" may be used interchangeably: As used herein, an "aerosol generating apparatus " (or "electronic(e)-cigarette ") may be an apparatus configured to deliver an aerosol to a user for inhalation by the user. The apparatus may additionally / alternatively be referred to as a "smoking substitute apparatus", if it is intended to be used instead of a conventional combustible smoking article. As used herein a combustible "smoking article" may refer to a cigarette, cigar, pipe or other article, that produces smoke (an aerosol comprising solid particulates and gas) via heating above the thermal decomposition temperature (typically by combustion and / or pyrolysis).

[0114] As used herein, an "aerosol generating component " may refer to a component that includes an aerosol forming material. The component may include an aerosol generating unit e.g. it may be arranged as a cartomizer. The component may include a mouthpiece. The component may include an information carrying medium. The component may include a storage portion, e.g. a reservoir or tank, for storage of the aerosol forming material.

[0115] The component may be referred to as a "stick" or "package" or "heat-not-burn consumable". In a heat-not-burn consumable, the mouthpiece may be implemented as a filter and the consumable may be arranged to carry the aerosol forming material. The consumable may be implemented as a dosage or pre-portioned amount of material, including a loose-leaf product.

[0116] The aerosol generating component e.g. the capsule, pod, stick, package or consumable may be for releasable coupling to a device body to form the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0117] The device body may comprise a power supply for powering the aerosol generating unit.

[0118] An aerosol generated by the apparatus may comprise an aerosol with particle sizes of 0.2 - 7 microns, or less than 10 microns, or less than 7 microns. This particle size may be achieved by control of one or more of: heater temperature; cooling rate as the vapour condenses to an aerosol; flow properties including turbulence and velocity. The generation of aerosol by the aerosol generating apparatus may be controlled by an input device. The input device may be configured to be user-activated, and may for example include or take the form of an actuator (e.g. actuation button) and / or an airflow sensor.

[0119] Each occurrence of the aerosol generating apparatus being caused to generate aerosol for a period of time (which may be variable) may be referred to as an "activation " of the aerosol generating apparatus. The aerosol generating apparatus may be arranged to allow an amount of aerosol delivered to a user to be varied per activation (as opposed to delivering a fixed dose of aerosol), e.g. by activating an aerosol generating unit of the apparatus for a variable amount of time, e.g. based on the strength / duration of a draw of a user through a flow path of the apparatus (to replicate an effect of smoking a conventional combustible smoking article).

[0120] The aerosol generating apparatus may be portable. As used herein, the term "portable " may refer to the apparatus being for use when held by a user.

[0121] As used herein, an "aerosol generating system " may be a system that includes an aerosol generating apparatus and optionally other circuitry / components associated with the function of the apparatus, e.g. one or more external devices and / or one or more external components (here "external" is intended to mean external to the aerosol generating apparatus).

[0122] As used herein, an "external device" and "external component" may include one or more of a: a charging device, a mobile device (which may be connected to the aerosol generating apparatus, e.g. via a wireless or wired connection); a networked-based computer (e.g. a remote server); a cloud-based computer; any other server system.

[0123] An example aerosol generating system may be a system for managing an aerosol generating apparatus. Such a system may include, for example, a mobile device, a network server, as well as the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0124] As used herein, an "aerosol " may include a suspension of precursor, including as one or more of: solid particles; liquid droplets; gas. Said suspension may be in a gas including air. An aerosol herein may generally refer to / include a vapour. An aerosol may include one or more components of the precursor.

[0125] As used herein, a "precursor " may include one or more of a: solid; gel; loose leaf material; other substance. The precursor may also be known as an aerosol-forming material . The precursor may be processed by an aerosol generating unit of an aerosol generating apparatus to generate an aerosol. The precursor may include one or more of: an active component; a carrier; a flavouring. The active component may include one or more of nicotine; caffeine; a cannabidiol oil; a non-pharmaceutical formulation, e.g. a formulation which is not for treatment of a disease or physiological malfunction of the human body. The active component may be carried by the carrier, which may be a liquid, including propylene glycol and / or glycerine. The term "flavouring" may refer to a component that provides a taste and / or a smell to the user. The flavouring may include one or more of: Ethylvanillin (vanilla); menthol, Isoamyl acetate (banana oil); or other. The precursor may include a substrate, e.g. reconstituted tobacco to carry one or more of the active components; a carrier; a flavouring.

[0126] As used herein, a "storage portion " may be a portion of the apparatus adapted to store the precursor.

[0127] As used herein, a "flow path " may refer to a path or enclosed passageway through an aerosol generating apparatus, e.g. for delivery of an aerosol to a user. The flow path may be arranged to receive aerosol from an aerosol generating unit. When referring to the flow path, upstream and downstream may be defined in respect of a direction of flow in the flow path, e.g. with an outlet being downstream of an inlet.

[0128] As used herein, a "delivery system " may be a system operative to deliver an aerosol to a user. The delivery system may include a mouthpiece and a flow path. The delivery system may be at least partly within the aerosol generating component.

[0129] As used herein, a "flow " may refer to a flow in a flow path. A flow may include aerosol generated from the precursor. The flow may include air, which may be induced into the flow path via a puff by a user.

[0130] As used herein, a "puff " (or "inhale " or "draw ") by a user may refer to expansion of lungs and / or oral cavity of a user to create a pressure reduction that induces flow through the flow path.

[0131] As used herein, an "aerosol generating unit " may refer to a device configured to generate an aerosol from a precursor. The aerosol generating unit may include a unit to generate a vapour directly from the precursor (e.g. a heating system or other system) or an aerosol directly from the precursor (e.g. an atomiser including an ultrasonic system, a flow expansion system operative to carry droplets of the precursor in the flow without using electrical energy or other system). A plurality of aerosol generating units to generate a plurality of aerosols (for example, from a plurality of different aerosol forming materials) may be present in an aerosol generating apparatus.

[0132] As used herein, a "heating system " may refer to an arrangement of at least one heating element, which is operable to aerosolise a precursor once heated. The at least one heating element may be electrically resistive to produce heat from the flow of electrical current therethrough. The heating system may be configured to heat a precursor to below 300 or 350 degrees C, including without combustion. The heating system may be provided within the aerosol generating component or within the device body.

[0133] As used herein, an "information carrying medium " may include one or more arrangements for storage of information on any suitable medium. Examples include: a computer readable medium; a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) transponder; codes encoding information, such as optical (e.g. a bar code or QR code) or mechanically read codes (e.g. a configuration of the absence or presents of cutouts to encode a bit, through which pins or a reader may be inserted).

[0134] As used herein "heat-not-burn " (or "HNB " or "heated precursor ") may refer to the heating of a precursor, typically tobacco, without combustion, or without substantial combustion (i.e. localised combustion may be experienced of limited portions of the precursor, including of less than 5% of the total volume).

[0135] Referring to Fig. 1, an example aerosol generating apparatus 1 includes a power supply 2, for supply of electrical energy. The apparatus 1 includes an aerosol generating unit 4 that is driven by the power supply 2. The power supply 2 may include an electric power supply in the form of a battery and / or an electrical connection to an external power source. The apparatus 1 includes a precursor 6, which in use is aerosolised by the aerosol generating unit 4 to generate an aerosol. The apparatus 1 includes a delivery system 8 for delivery of the aerosol to a user.

[0136] Electrical circuitry (not shown in figure 1) may be implemented to control the interoperability of the power supply 2 and aerosol generating unit 4.

[0137] In variant examples, which are not illustrated, the power supply 2 may be omitted since, e.g. an aerosol generating unit implemented as an atomiser with flow expansion may not require a power supply.

[0138] Fig. 2 shows an implementation of the apparatus 1 of Fig. 1, where the aerosol generating apparatus 1 is configured to generate aerosol by a heat-not-burn process.

[0139] In this example, the apparatus 1 includes a device body 50 and a consumable 70.

[0140] In this example, the body 50 includes the power supply 2 and a heating system 52. The heating system 52 includes at least one heating element 54. The body may additionally include any one or more of electrical circuitry 56, a memory 58, a wireless interface 60, one or more other components 62.

[0141] The electrical circuitry 56 may include a processing resource for controlling one or more operations of the body 50, e.g. based on instructions stored in the memory 58.

[0142] The wireless interface 60 may be configured to communicate wirelessly with an external (e.g. mobile) device, e.g. via Bluetooth.

[0143] The other component(s) 62 may include an actuator, one or more user interface devices configured to convey information to a user and / or a charging port, for example (see e.g. Fig. 3).

[0144] The body 50 is configured to engage with the consumable 70 such that the at least one heating element 54 of the heating system 52 externally heats the solid precursor segment 6 of the consumable. In use, a user may activate the aerosol generating apparatus 1 to cause the heating system 52 of the body 50 to cause the at least one heating element 54 to heat the solid precursor segment 6 of the consumable (without combusting it) by conductive heat transfer, to generate an aerosol which is inhaled by the user.

[0145] Fig. 3 shows an example implementation of the aerosol generating device 1 of Fig. 1.

[0146] As depicted in Fig. 3, the consumable 70 is implemented as a stick, which is engaged with the body 50 by inserting the stick into an aperture at a top end 53 of the body 50.

[0147] The consumable 70 includes the solid precursor segment 6 proximal to the body 50, and a filter distal to the body 50. The filter serves as the mouthpiece of the consumable 70 and thus the apparatus 1 as a whole. The solid precursor 6 may be a reconstituted tobacco formulation.

[0148] In this example, the at least one heating element 54 is a single outside-in heater. Other heating elements are possible, e.g. the heating element may be a two-part semi-annular outside-in heater.

[0149] In this example, the body 50 includes a cap 51. In use the cap 51 is engaged at a top end 53 of the body 50. Although not apparent from Fig. 5, the cap 51 is moveable relative to the body 50. In particular, the cap 51 is slidable and can slide along a longitudinal axis of the body 50.

[0150] The body 50 also includes an actuator 55 on an outer surface of the body 50. In this example, the actuator 55 has the form of a button.

[0151] The body 50 also includes a user interface device configured to convey information to a user. Here, the user interface device is implemented as a plurality of lights 57, which may e.g. be configured to illuminate when the apparatus 1 is activated and / or to indicate a charging state of the power supply 2. Other user interface devices are possible, e.g. to convey information haptically or audibly to a user.

[0152] The body may also include an airflow sensor which detects airflow in the aerosol generating apparatus 1 (e.g. caused by a user inhaling through the consumable 70). This may be used to count puffs, for example.

[0153] In this example, the consumable 70 includes a flow path which transmits aerosol generated by the at least one heating element 54 to the mouthpiece of the consumable.

[0154] In this example, the aerosol generating unit 4 is provided by the above-described heating system 52 and the delivery system 8 is provided by the above-described flow path and mouthpiece of the consumable 70.

[0155] Figs. 4a and 4b are schematic diagrams showing an example solid aerosol generating segment 6 where the first 80 and second 81 precursor are arranged concentrically in the segment. Fig. 4a shows a cross-section of the aerosol generating segment and Fig. 4b shows a perspective view of the aerosol generating segment.

[0156] In this example, the aerosol generating segment 6 has an elongate cylindrical shape. In this example, the first aerosol forming material 80 is provided around the circumferential part of the aerosol generating segment 6 and the second aerosol forming material 81 is provided in the central part of the aerosol generating segment 6. The first aerosol forming material 80 has a larger amount of glycerine than propylene glycol, and does not comprise any flavourant. The first aerosol forming material may also comprise cotton or paper as the aerosol generating material. The second aerosol forming material 81 has a larger amount of propylene glycol than glycerine, and comprises a flavourant, such as tobacco extract. The second aerosol forming material 81 may also comprise reconstituted tobacco or an alternative aerosol generating substrate such as cut tobacco rag, tobacco granules or tea. Such an arrangement of the first 80 and second 81 precursor allows for differential heating of the aerosol generating segment 6 using a single heater and a single heating temperature, thereby improving user experience by increasing vaporisation of VG and PG but allows for gradual release of the volatile flavourant.

[0157] Figs. 5a and 5b are schematic diagrams showing an example solid aerosol generating segment 6 where the first 80 and second 81 precursor extend alongside each other in the segment and where the first aerosol forming material 80 is arranged on one side of the aerosol generating segment 6 and the second aerosol forming material 81 is arranged on the opposite side of the segment 6. Fig. 5a shows a cross-section of the aerosol generating segment and Fig. 5b shows a perspective view of the aerosol generating segment.

[0158] In this example, the aerosol generating segment 6 has an elongate cylindrical shape. In this example, the first aerosol forming material 80 is provided on one side of the aerosol generating segment 6 and the second aerosol forming material 81 is provided on the opposing side of the aerosol generating segment 6. The first aerosol forming material 80 has a larger amount of glycerine than propylene glycol, and does not comprise any flavourant. The first aerosol forming material 80 may also comprise cotton or paper as the aerosol generating material. The second aerosol forming material 81 has a larger amount of propylene glycol than glycerine, and comprises a flavourant, such as tobacco extract. The second aerosol forming material 81 may also comprise reconstituted tobacco or an alternative aerosol generating substrate such as cut tobacco rag, tobacco granules or tea. Such an arrangement of the first 80 and second 81 precursor allows for differential heating of the aerosol generating segment 6 using a single heater and a single heating temperature, thereby improving user experience by increasing vaporisation of VG and PG but allows for gradual release of the volatile flavourant.

[0159] Referring to Fig. 6a, the aerosol generating segment 6, as illustrated in Fig. 4a / 4b, is provided in an example consumable 70. The consumable 70 is shown relative to the heating element 54 of the aerosol generating apparatus. As explained for Fig. 3, the consumable 70 is engaged with the body 50 by inserting the stick into an aperture at a top end 53 of the body 50, which causes the at least one heating element 54 of the heating system 52 to be located adjacent to the aerosol generating segment 6. In this example, the heating element 54 is an annular heating element that is positioned about the circumference of the aerosol generating segment 6.

[0160] In Fig. 6a, a heating element 54 is located closer to first aerosol forming material 80, which is positioned about the circumference of the segment. The second aerosol forming material 81 is further away from the heating element 54, and is shielded from the heating element by the first aerosol forming material 80. As a result, the heating element provides a more intense heat to the first aerosol forming material 80 than the second aerosol forming material 81. In some examples, the first aerosol forming material 80 may be heated to a higher maximum temperature than the second aerosol forming material 81. In some examples, the first aerosol forming material 80 may be heated at a higher rate than the second aerosol forming material 81.

[0161] Referring to Fig. 6b, the aerosol generating segment 6, as illustrated in Fig. 5a / 5b, is provided in an example consumable 70. The consumable 70 is shown relative to the heating elements 54a / 54b of the aerosol generating apparatus. As explained for Fig. 3, the consumable 70 is engaged with the body 50 by inserting the stick into an aperture at a top end 53 of the body 50, which causes the heating elements 54 of the heating system 52 to be located adjacent to the aerosol generating segment 40. In this example, the heating elements 54a and 54b are semi-annular heating elements that are positioned about the circumference of the aerosol generating segment 40. A first semi annular heating element 54a is located adjacent to the first aerosol forming material 80, and a second semi annular heating element 54b is located adjacent to the second aerosol forming material 81. The semi-annular heating elements each heat one side of the aerosol generating segment, which include the first and second portions of aerosol forming material respectively.

[0162] As shown Fig. 6b, the use of a separate first heating element 54a and second heating element 54b allows for the first portion 44 and second portion 46 to be heated differently. In some examples, the first heating element 54a may heat to a higher maximum temperature than the second heating element 54b. In some examples, the first heating element 54a may heat at a higher rate than the second heating element 54b.

[0163] In this way, a liquid aerosol forming material present in the first aerosol forming material may be aerosolised quickly, for example, at the start of a session. The liquid aerosol forming material present in the second aerosol forming material is aerosolised more slowly, to allow for the gradual release of nicotine and / or flavour components, without burning or charring the second aerosol forming material.

Claims

1. A heat-not-burn consumable for use with an aerosol generating unit, the consumable comprising a rod-shaped aerosol generating segment and a mouthpiece, wherein the mouthpiece is downstream of the aerosol generating segment, and wherein the aerosol generating segment comprises a first part comprising a first aerosol forming material and a second part comprising a second aerosol forming material, wherein the first aerosol forming material and second aerosol forming material have a different composition, and wherein each of the first part of and the second part extend from an upstream end of the aerosol generating segment to a downstream end of the aerosol generating segment.

2. The heat-not-burn consumable of claim 1, wherein the first part of the aerosol generating segment and the second part of the aerosol generating segment are arranged concentrically in the aerosol generating segment.

3. The heat-not-burn consumable of claim 1, wherein the first part of the aerosol generating segment is arranged on one side of the aerosol generating segment and the second part of the aerosol generating segment is arranged on an opposite side of the aerosol generating segment.

4. The heat-not-burn consumable of any preceding claim, wherein the first aerosol forming material comprises a first carrier material and a first aerosol forming liquid, and / or wherein the second aerosol forming material comprises a second carrier material and a second aerosol forming liquid.

5. The heat-not-burn consumable of claim 4, wherein the first aerosol forming liquid comprises propylene glycol and glycerine, and a mass ratio of glycerine / propylene glycol of 1.1 or more; and / or wherein the second aerosol forming liquid comprises propylene glycol and glycerine, and a mass ratio of propylene glycol / glycerine of 1.1 or more.

6. The heat-not-burn consumable of claims 4 or 5, wherein the first aerosol forming material includes about 10 to 40 wt% of first aerosol forming liquid, based on the total mass of the first aerosol forming material; and / or the second aerosol forming material includes about 10 to 40 wt% of second aerosol forming liquid, based on the total mass of the second aerosol forming material.

7. The heat-not-burn consumable of any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the mass of first aerosol forming liquid present in the first aerosol forming material is greater than the mass of the second aerosol forming liquid present in the second aerosol forming material,8. The heat-not-burn consumable of claim 7, wherein the mass of glycerine present in the first aerosol forming material is greater than the mass of glycerine present in the second aerosol forming material.

9. The heat-not-burn consumable according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the first carrier material and / or the second carrier material comprise a cellulose material.

10. The heat-not-burn consumable according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the first carrier material comprises cotton, paper or a combination thereof.

11. The heat-not-burn consumable according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the second carrier material comprises cotton, paper, reconstituted tobacco, cut tobacco rag, tobacco granules, tea or a combination thereof.

12. The heat-not-burn consumable according to any preceding claim, wherein the second aerosol forming material comprises a flavourant, and optionally 0.01 wt.% or more of flavourant, such as 0.1 wt.% or more, such as 0.5 wt.% or more, such as 1 wt.% or more.

13. The heat-not-burn consumable according to any preceding claim, wherein the first aerosol forming material is substantially free of flavourant.

14. An aerosol generating system comprising the heat-not-burn consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and an aerosol generating unit comprising a heating element, wherein the heating element is configured to transfer heat to the aerosol generating segment.

15. A use of a heat-not-burn consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 12 with an aerosol generating unit, to increase the volume of aerosol generated in use, wherein the volume is increased compared to aerosol generating segment having a single aerosol forming material, and / or to improve the flavour profile to improve the flavour profile of an aerosol generated in use, wherein the flavour profile is improved compared to an aerosol generating segment having a uniform distribution of liquid aerosol forming material.

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