Aerosol generating device for use with consumables having multiple cartridges - Patents.com

Abstract

An aerosol generation device (700) for use with a consumable product (100) comprising a plurality of cartridges (1) arranged in series to form an elongated strip of cartridges, each cartridge in the elongated strip of cartridges comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol generation device comprising an air inlet (708) and an aerosol outlet (710) in fluid communication to define an airflow path (712), and an air outlet (714) for aerosolizing the aerosol-forming substrate contained within each cartridge. an aerosolization zone (716), at least a portion of which is disposed within the airflow path; a holder (706); and an indexing mechanism (718) for advancing an elongated strip of a cartridge a predetermined distance toward the aerosolization zone in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the device (700), wherein the aerosol generation device is configured to dispose the cartridge laterally across the airflow path when the cartridge is located within the aerosolization zone.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device for use with a consumable having multiple cartridges. In particular, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a handheld, electrically operated aerosol generating device for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol and delivering the aerosol into a user's mouth. The present disclosure further relates to a consumable having multiple cartridges, and an aerosol generating system including the aerosol generating device and the consumable. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol generating devices are known in the art, in which an aerosol-forming substrate is heated to generate an aerosol. These devices may be adapted for use with consumables that contain multiple individual amounts or doses of aerosol-forming substrate. Such consumables may allow a user to more accurately monitor the amount of aerosol that they are consuming, compared to devices with a single larger volume or reservoir of aerosol-forming substrate that the user may smoke or inhale continuously. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] However, devices adapted for use with consumables having multiple individual amounts or doses of an aerosol-forming substrate are often bulkier and more complicated to use than devices having a single larger volume or reservoir of an aerosol-forming substrate, due to the need to store a multi-dose consumable, which is generally bulkier than a single reservoir, and due to the need to provide a mechanism by which a single individual amount or dose of the aerosol-forming substrate can be delivered sequentially to a location where it can be smoked or inhaled by a user.

[0004] Known arrangements for storing such multi-dose consumables are in a circular cassette or carousel in which individual doses of aerosol-forming substrate are arranged at different angular positions around the cassette. The cassette is generally offset from the airflow path of the device through which the user puffs or inhales the generated aerosol. Each time a user wishes to puff on the aerosol generating device, the cassette needs to be moved to the position of the next available dose. The dose of aerosol-forming substrate then needs to be brought into communication with the airflow path and aerosolized so that it can be puffed or inhaled by the user. Such devices require complex and precise drive mechanisms to deliver the aerosol-forming substrate to the user, which increases the complexity and cost of manufacture.

[0005] It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating device for use with a consumable product having multiple discrete amounts or doses, or an aerosol-forming substrate that is simpler to use and manufacture, and more compact.

[0006] It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-forming substrate that allows for the use of consumable products having multiple discrete amounts or doses, or devices that are simpler, more compact, and easier to manufacture. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1A] 1A-1C are perspective views of a cartridge for a consumable product according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, respectively. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 1A, showing the cartridge in an assembled form. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a consumable product according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, comprising multiple interconnected cartridges. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of a portion of the consumable of FIG. 2A. [Figure 3A] 1 illustrates different ways of interconnecting consumable cartridges. [Figure 3B]1 illustrates different ways of interconnecting consumable cartridges. [Figure 3C] 1 illustrates different ways of interconnecting consumable cartridges. [Figure 3D] 1 illustrates different ways of interconnecting consumable cartridges. [Figure 4A] 1 illustrates another embodiment of a consumable comprising multiple interconnected cartridges. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of the portion of the consumable enclosed by the circle labeled A in FIG. 4A, showing the interconnection between the two cartridges in more detail. [Figure 5A] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the interior of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a schematic longitudinal view of the interior of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 5A. [Figure 6A] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a holder for an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a close-up view of the proximal end of the holder of FIG. 6A, where the holder holds a consumable. [Figure 7A] 5B is a cutaway side view of a portion of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 5A showing the indexing mechanism in a first position. [Figure 7B] 5B is a cutaway side view of a portion of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 5A showing the indexing mechanism in a second position. [Figure 8A] 1A-1C are a series of schematic diagrams showing the advancement of two cartridges of consumables through an aerosolization zone of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 8B] 1A-1C are a series of schematic diagrams showing the advancement of two cartridges of consumables through an aerosolization zone of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 8C] 1A-1C are a series of schematic diagrams showing the advancement of two cartridges of consumables through an aerosolization zone of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 8D] 1A-1C are a series of schematic diagrams showing the advancement of two cartridges of consumables through an aerosolization zone of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 9A]FIG. 5B is a view from the proximal end of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 5A with the mouthpiece removed. [Figure 9B] 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary electrical connector for making electrical contact with a heating element of a cartridge. FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a consumable according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the consumable comprising an elongated flexible strip; [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a consumable according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the consumable comprising an elongated flexible strip; [Figure 12A] FIG. 12 shows a schematic perspective view of a cassette for an aerosol generating device, the cassette comprising the consumable of FIG. 11 . [Figure 12B] 12B shows a schematic perspective cutaway view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device configured for use with the cassette of FIG. 12A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device for use with a consumable. The consumable may comprise a plurality of cartridges. The cartridges may be arranged in series to form an elongated strip of cartridges. Each cartridge within the elongated strip of cartridges may include an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating device may comprise an air inlet. The aerosol generating device may comprise an aerosol outlet. The air inlet may be in fluid communication with the aerosol outlet to define an airflow path through the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may comprise an aerosolization zone for aerosolizing the aerosol-forming substrate contained within each cartridge. At least a portion of the aerosolization zone may be disposed within the airflow path. The aerosol generating device may comprise a holder for receiving and holding the elongated strip of cartridges. The aerosol generating device may comprise an indexing mechanism for advancing the elongated strip of cartridges a predetermined distance towards the aerosolization zone. An indexing mechanism may advance the elongate strip of cartridges toward the aerosolization zone in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device such that each cartridge enters the aerosolization zone sequentially.

[0009] According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device for use with a consumable comprising a plurality of cartridges arranged in series to form an elongated strip of cartridges. Each cartridge in the elongated strip of cartridges comprises an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating device comprises an air inlet and an aerosol outlet. The air inlet is in fluid communication with the aerosol outlet to define an airflow path through the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device comprises an aerosolization zone for aerosolizing the aerosol-forming substrate contained within each cartridge. At least a portion of the aerosolization zone is disposed within the airflow path. The aerosol generating device comprises a holder for receiving and holding the elongated strip of cartridges. The aerosol generating device comprises an indexing mechanism for advancing the elongated strip of cartridges a predetermined distance in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device towards the aerosolization zone such that each cartridge sequentially enters the aerosolization zone.

[0010] Advantageously, the indexing mechanism of the aerosol generator advances the cartridge strip toward the aerosolization zone in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator, thereby allowing the use of a simple linear actuator for easier operation of the aerosol generator. Furthermore, the cartridge strip can be stored along the length of the aerosol generator, which helps reduce the overall size of the device and achieve a compact design.

[0011] As used herein, the term "cartridge" refers to a container or support that holds a predetermined amount of an aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the term "cartridge" encompasses the physical container that contains or encloses the aerosol-forming substrate as well as the region of the support or carrier that holds the aerosol-forming substrate or onto which the aerosol-forming substrate is deposited or impregnated. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more of a solid, a liquid, and a gel.

[0012] As used herein, the terms "distal" and "proximal" are used to describe the relative locations of components or portions of components of an aerosol generating device or consumable and are not intended to be limiting. Aerosol generating articles and devices according to the present disclosure have a proximal end through which aerosol exits the aerosol generating article or device for delivery to a user during use, and an opposite distal end. The proximal end of the aerosol generating article and device may also be referred to as the oral end. During use, a user sucks on the proximal end of the aerosol generating article to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating article or device.

[0013] As used herein, terms such as "top," "bottom," "up," "down," "up," "down," "up," and "down" are used to describe the relative positions of components or portions of components of an aerosol generating device or consumable as seen in the drawings of this disclosure, but are not intended to be limiting.

[0014] The predetermined distance that the elongated strip of the cartridge advances may correspond to the length of a single cartridge along the longitudinal axis of the consumable. Advantageously, this allows for a single actuation of the indexing mechanism to position the cartridge within the aerosolization zone, rather than requiring multiple actuations of the indexing mechanism to position a single cartridge, thereby improving ease of operation of the aerosol generating device.

[0015] The aerosol generation device may be configured to dispose the cartridge laterally across the airflow channel when the cartridge is located within the aerosolization zone, thereby improving entrainment of the generated aerosol into the airflow.

[0016] The airflow path of the aerosol generation device may be disposed in fluid communication with the airflow path of the cartridge when the cartridge is located within the aerosolization zone, thereby allowing airflow to pass through the cartridge and improving entrainment of the generated aerosol into the airflow.

[0017] At least a portion of the airflow path may be disposed parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device. At least a portion of the airflow path may be laterally offset from a central longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device. This allows other components, such as power sources or control circuits, to be disposed along the airflow path, resulting in a more compact design.

[0018] The holder may comprise a first elongated guide for holding a first portion of the elongated strip of the cartridge. The first portion of the elongated strip of the cartridge may comprise an unused cartridge, i.e., a cartridge that includes an aerosol-forming substrate that has not yet been aerosolized. The first elongated guide provides a convenient means for receiving and storing the consumables that comprise the elongated strip of the cartridge. A plurality of unused cartridges may be stored on the first elongated guide until ready for use. Additionally, the consumables may be stored along the length of the elongated guide, which helps to reduce the overall size of the device and achieve a compact design.

[0019] The first elongate guide may be disposed to direct unused cartridges towards the aerosolization zone, thereby allowing unused cartridges to be continuously fed into the aerosolization zone for aerosolization.

[0020] The holder may comprise a second elongated guide for holding a second portion of the elongated strip of the cartridge. The second portion of the elongated strip of the cartridge may comprise a used cartridge, i.e. a cartridge that has passed through the aerosolization zone and at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate has been aerosolized. The second elongated guide allows for the used cartridges to be stored separately from unused cartridges, which may help to reduce the risk of the used cartridges contaminating or degrading the unused cartridges held on the first elongated guide. The used cartridges can be conveniently stored on the second elongated guide until the user is ready to expel them from the aerosol generating device. Furthermore, the used cartridges can be stored along the length of the elongated guide, which helps to reduce the overall size of the device and achieve a compact design.

[0021] A second elongate guide may be arranged to direct the used cartridge away from the aerosolization zone, thereby providing a means for removing the used cartridge from the aerosolization zone and moving it away from the aerosolization zone to make room for a subsequent cartridge.

[0022] The aerosolization zone may be disposed downstream of the first elongate guide relative to the direction of airflow through the aerosol generation device, which may help to reduce the risk of aerosol generated in the aerosolization zone contaminating unused cartridges held on the first elongate guide.

[0023] The aerosolization zone may be located between the first elongate guide and the second elongate guide. This arrangement of the aerosolization zone has been found to be particularly beneficial as it allows unused cartridges to be continuously fed into the aerosolization zone along the first elongate guide, and when a cartridge is used, it can be immediately and continuously fed out of the aerosolization zone along the second elongate guide without breaking the elongate strip of the cartridge.

[0024] The first elongate guide may direct an unused cartridge in a first direction, toward the aerosolization zone. The second elongate guide may direct a used cartridge in a second direction, away from the aerosolization zone. The second direction is opposite to the first direction. This arrangement helps to reduce the overall length of the device and provide a compact, space-efficient design.

[0025] The first and second directions may be parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device, which helps to utilise the length of the aerosol generating device for storing both unused and used cartridges and helps to provide a compact and space efficient design.

[0026] The first and second elongate guides may be arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generation device, which has been found to be a particularly space or size efficient arrangement.

[0027] The indexing mechanism may include a slider configured to engage an indexing component on the consumable. The slider may be actuable by a user to advance the cartridge into the aerosolization zone. The slider may be manually driven by a user. The slider may be automatically actuated. The slider may be automatically actuated in response to a user's puff or inhalation being detected by the aerosol generation device. The slider may be automatically actuated in response to a user input at a user interface, for example, by activating a switch. The aerosol generation device may include an actuator for automatically actuating the slider. The slider is simple to manufacture and operate. Furthermore, because the elongated strip of the cartridge advances toward the aerosolization zone in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generation device, the slider can be a simple linear actuator which helps to further reduce manufacturing complexity and cost and ease of operation.

[0028] The slider may be resiliently biased towards the first position. The slider may be movable against the resilient bias to the second position. In the second position, an unused cartridge may be located within the aerosolization zone. The resilient bias allows the aerosol generating device to reset the slider to the first position after positioning the cartridge within the aerosolization zone. The resilient bias also maintains the slider in the first position when not in use to reduce undesired movement of the slider. The resilient bias may be provided by a resilient element such as a spring or elastic member.

[0029] The slider may include an electrical connector for electrical contact with the heating element. This allows the slider to be used as a connector or switch such that a particular position of the slider can be used to allow electrical contact between the heating element and a power source for heating the aerosol-forming substrate. Advantageously, this allows for controlled power delivery, such that power is only delivered to the heating element when the slider is in a predetermined position, e.g., when the cartridge is located within the aerosolization zone. Furthermore, it provides an arrangement whereby power can only be delivered to a single cartridge at a time to avoid inadvertently heating other cartridges within the consumable.

[0030] The airflow path between the aerosol outlet and the aerosolization zone may be flexible, such that a portion of the airflow path through the aerosol-generating device between the aerosol outlet and the aerosolization zone can be deformed or compressed to accommodate moving parts within the device, e.g., a slider.

[0031] The airflow path between the aerosol outlet and the aerosolization zone may comprise a corrugated tube. This has been found to be an effective way of providing a flexible portion of the airflow path. For example, the corrugated tube may be compressed to accommodate the movement of the slider.

[0032] Alternatively, the airflow path between the aerosol outlet and the aerosolization zone may comprise a flexible tube with straight side walls. This has been found to be an effective way of providing a flexible portion of the airflow path. For example, the flexible tube may bend or otherwise deform to accommodate the movement of the slider. The flexible tube may comprise any suitable material, such as a polymer or elastomer. The flexible tube may comprise silicone.

[0033] A first end of the airflow path between the aerosol outlet and the aerosolization zone may be connected to the aerosol outlet. A second end of the airflow path between the aerosol outlet and the aerosolization zone may be connected to the slider. This arrangement allows the slider to move the airflow path out of the way when the cartridge is loaded into the aerosolization zone.

[0034] In one embodiment, the holder may include a spool for holding the cartridge strip. Spools have been found to be a convenient means for storing consumables including the cartridge strip.

[0035] The aerosol generating device may further comprise an indexing spool for advancing the elongated strip of the cartridge a predetermined distance towards the aerosolization zone. The predetermined distance that the elongated strip of the cartridge advances may correspond to the length of a single cartridge along the longitudinal axis of the consumable. Advantageously, this allows for a single actuation of the indexing mechanism to position the cartridge within the aerosolization zone. There is no need to actuate the indexing mechanism multiple times to position a single cartridge. This improves ease of operation of the aerosol generating device.

[0036] The cartridge strip may be wound as a continuous loop around the index spool and the tension spool.

[0037] Alternatively, the aerosol generating device may include a first spool for storing unused cartridges.The aerosol generating device may include a second spool for storing used cartridges.

[0038] The holder may be part of a cassette. The consumable may be part of the cassette. The cassette may be removably attached to the aerosol generating device.

[0039] The aerosol generating device may include a power source or a power source for supplying power to the heating element. The power source may be any suitable power source, such as, for example, a DC voltage source. In one embodiment, the power source is a lithium ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery, such as a lithium cobalt, lithium iron phosphate, or lithium polymer battery.

[0040] The aerosol generating device may comprise a heating element, which may be any of the heating elements described below in relation to the consumables.

[0041] The aerosol generator may be configured to inductively heat the consumable cartridge.The aerosol generator may comprise an inductor for inductively heating the consumable cartridge.The inductor may be an induction coil.

[0042] The aerosol generating device is preferably a handheld aerosol generating device that is comfortable for a user to hold between the fingers of one hand.

[0043] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a control circuit configured to control the supply of power to the heating element. The control circuit may comprise a microprocessor. The microprocessor may be a programmable microprocessor, a microcontroller, or an application specific integrated chip (ASIC) or other electronic circuit capable of providing control. The control circuit may comprise further electronic components. For example, in some embodiments, the control circuit may comprise any of a sensor element, a switch element, and a display element. The control circuit may comprise a sensor for detecting a user's puff or a pressure drop in the aerosol generating device. Power may be supplied to the heating element in the form of current pulses, for example by pulse width modulation (PWM).

[0044] The aerosol generating device may include a device housing. The housing may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics, or composites containing one or more of these materials, or thermoplastics suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyethylene. The material is preferably lightweight and not brittle.

[0045] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a consumable for an aerosol generating device. The consumable may comprise a plurality of cartridges. Each cartridge may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate. The plurality of cartridges may be interconnected in series to form an elongated strip of cartridges.

[0046] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a consumable for an aerosol generating device. The consumable comprises a plurality of cartridges. Each cartridge comprises an aerosol-forming substrate. The plurality of cartridges are interconnected in series to form an elongated strip of cartridges.

[0047] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a material or composition that, when heated in an aerosol generating device, releases volatile compounds that can form an aerosol.

[0048] Advantageously, by providing the consumable with a cartridge strip, the consumable can be advanced toward an aerosolization zone of the aerosol generator in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator, thereby allowing for the use of a simple linear actuator for easier operation of the aerosol generator. Additionally, the cartridge strip can be stored along the length of the aerosol generator occupying less space than other, more bulky types of consumables, thereby reducing the overall size of the device and helping to achieve a compact design.

[0049] Adjacent cartridges may be pivotally connected to one another. Pivotal connections have been found to be an effective way of interconnecting cartridges, and further provide flexibility to the cartridge strips so that they can be directed through the aerosol generating device in a space-saving configuration.

[0050] Each cartridge may be substantially flat or planar. Each cartridge may comprise a support element for supporting the aerosol-forming substrate. Each cartridge may comprise a frame for supporting the aerosol-forming substrate. The frame may be substantially flat or planar. The frame may comprise an opening. The opening may pass through a thickness of the frame. The aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed within the opening. The frame has been found to be a compact and effective way of supporting the aerosol-forming substrate. The opening in the frame provides a convenient means of storing the aerosol-forming substrate until it is aerosolized.

[0051] The opening may define an airflow path through the cartridge when the aerosol-forming substrate is aerosolized. The airflow path through the opening may communicate with or be part of an airflow path through the aerosol generation device.

[0052] The consumable may comprise a plurality of support casings, each of which may hold a cartridge. Multiple support casings have been found to be an effective way of holding cartridges of the consumable.

[0053] Adjacent support casings may be interconnected by a pivot, which allows pivotal movement of the cartridge relative to other cartridges of consumables. Alternatively, each cartridge may be pivotally connected directly to its adjacent cartridge.

[0054] Each support casing may comprise an orientation element for correctly orienting the cartridge relative to the support casing, the orientation element reducing the possibility of the cartridge being inaccurately positioned within the support casing.

[0055] The elongated strip of cartridge may comprise a continuous elongated flexible strip. The continuous elongated flexible strip may be divided into a plurality of sections along its length. Each section may define a cartridge. The elongated flexible strip provides a plurality of interconnected cartridges, one cartridge capable of moving relative to another cartridge, such that the consumable can follow a non-linear path through the aerosol generating device.

[0056] The elongated flexible strip may be fluid permeable. The aerosol-forming substrate may be impregnated within the fluid permeable elongated flexible strip. The aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited on the fluid permeable elongated flexible strip. The elongated flexible strip may comprise a fluid permeable material. The elongated flexible strip may comprise a mesh. The elongated flexible strip may comprise a plurality of perforations to allow fluid to pass through the elongated flexible strip. In these arrangements, the fluid permeable elongated flexible strip provides mechanical support to hold the aerosol-forming substrate, but allows air to pass through the elongated flexible strip to help entrain the aerosol generated by the aerosol-forming substrate in the airflow.

[0057] The elongated flexible strip may comprise a film. Each section of the film defining the cartridge may comprise an opening. The aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed within the opening. This has been found to be an effective arrangement for providing the elongated flexible strip of the cartridge.

[0058] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a consumable for an aerosol generating device is provided. The consumable may comprise a continuous elongated flexible strip. The elongated flexible strip may be divided into a plurality of sections along its length. Each section of the elongated flexible strip may define a cartridge. Each cartridge may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0059] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a consumable for an aerosol generating device, the consumable comprising a continuous elongated flexible strip, the elongated flexible strip being divided into a plurality of sections along its length, each section of the elongated flexible strip defining a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0060] Advantageously, by providing the consumable with a cartridge strip, the consumable can be advanced toward an aerosolization zone of the aerosol generator in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator, thereby allowing for the use of a simple linear actuator for easier operation of the aerosol generator. Additionally, the cartridge strip can be stored along the length of the aerosol generator occupying less space than other, more bulky types of consumables, thereby reducing the overall size of the device and helping to achieve a compact design.

[0061] The elongated flexible strip may be fluid permeable. The aerosol-forming substrate may be impregnated within the fluid permeable elongated flexible strip. The aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited on the fluid permeable elongated flexible strip. The elongated flexible strip may comprise a fluid permeable material. The elongated flexible strip may comprise a mesh. The elongated flexible strip may comprise a plurality of perforations to allow fluid to pass through the elongated flexible strip. In these arrangements, the fluid permeable elongated flexible strip provides mechanical support to hold the aerosol-forming substrate, but allows air to pass through the elongated flexible strip to help entrain the aerosol generated by the aerosol-forming substrate in the airflow.

[0062] In an embodiment in which the elongated flexible strip comprises a mesh, the aerosol-forming substrate may be impregnated within the mesh. The aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited on the mesh. The mesh has been found to be an effective material for supporting or holding the aerosol-forming substrate. The strands of the mesh provide mechanical support for the aerosol-forming substrate. The gaps within the mesh may house or hold the aerosol-forming substrate. Furthermore, once the aerosol-forming substrate is aerosolized, the mesh becomes fluid permeable and an airflow path may be directed through the mesh.

[0063] The elongated flexible strip may comprise a film. Each section of the film may define a cartridge. Each cartridge may comprise an opening. The aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed within the opening. Film has been found to be an effective material for the elongated flexible strip. The openings in the film provide a convenient means for storing the aerosol-forming substrate until it is aerosolized. Additionally, the openings provide an airflow path through the film as the aerosol-forming substrate is aerosolized. The airflow path through the openings may communicate with or be part of an airflow path through the aerosol generating device.

[0064] The elongated flexible strip may be made from any suitable flexible material or combination of flexible materials. The elongated flexible strip may comprise a polymer, such as a suitable heat resistant polymer. The elongated flexible strip may comprise a fibrous material. The elongated flexible strip may comprise paper or another cellulosic material. The elongated flexible strip may comprise a textile. The textile may be woven or non-woven. The elongated flexible strip may comprise a metal or metal alloy.

[0065] The elongated flexible strip may comprise an electrically resistive material such that the section of the elongated flexible strip that defines the cartridge may be resistively heated.

[0066] The elongated flexible strip may comprise a susceptor. As used herein, the term "susceptor" refers to a material capable of converting magnetic energy into heat. When the susceptor is placed in a varying magnetic field, such as a varying magnetic field generated by an inductor, the susceptor heats up. The heating of the susceptor may be the result of at least one of hysteresis losses and eddy currents induced in the susceptor, which depends on the electrical and magnetic properties of the susceptor material.

[0067] The susceptor may be or include any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to release volatile compounds from the aerosol-forming substrate. Preferred susceptor materials may be heated to temperatures greater than 100, 150, 200, or 250 degrees Celsius. Preferred susceptor materials may be electrically conductive materials. Suitable susceptor materials include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel, nickel-containing compounds, titanium, and composites of metallic materials. Preferred susceptor materials include metals or carbon. Some preferred susceptors may be ferromagnetic materials, such as, for example, ferritic iron, ferromagnetic alloys such as ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel, ferromagnetic particles, and ferrites. The susceptor may include at least 5 percent, at least 20 percent, at least 50 percent, or at least 90 percent ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material. Preferred susceptor materials may include or be formed from 400 series stainless steel, such as AISI 410, 420, or 430, for example.

[0068] The susceptor may have any suitable form. For example, the susceptor may include a powder or particle, a strip, a rod, a wire, a tube, a block, or a sheet. The susceptor may be fluid permeable. The susceptor may be disposed in close proximity to the aerosol-forming substrate. The susceptor may be disposed within the aerosol-forming substrate or may be in contact with the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0069] The elongated flexible strip may comprise a plurality of layers. The plurality of layers may be arranged as a laminate. At least one of the layers of the plurality of layers of the elongated flexible strip may be arranged to hold an aerosol-forming substrate. The at least one layer holding the aerosol-forming substrate may be fluid-permeable. The at least one layer holding the aerosol-forming substrate may be sandwiched between two other layers of the elongated flexible strip. The at least one layer holding the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an electrically resistive material such as a metal or metal alloy. The other two layers of the elongated flexible strip may be fluid-permeable at least in the region of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0070] The consumable may include an indexing component that may be engaged to advance the elongate strip of the cartridge along a longitudinal axis of the elongate strip.

[0071] Each cartridge may comprise at least one heating element for heating the aerosol-forming substrate. Each cartridge may comprise multiple heating elements for heating the aerosol-forming substrate. Alternatively, the heating elements may be part of the aerosol generating device.

[0072] The one or more heating elements may comprise a resistive heating wire which may extend in a curved or serpentine configuration across the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0073] The one or more heating elements may be disposed in proximity to or in contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. The at least one heating element may be disposed on a first side of the consumable cartridge. The at least one heating element may be disposed on two opposing sides of the consumable cartridge, for example, by wrapping the at least one heating element around at least one edge of the cartridge. The at least one heating element may be disposed within the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0074] One or more of the heating elements may include an array of filaments, or fibers of filaments. One or more of the heating elements may comprise a mesh. The mesh may be woven or non-woven. The mesh may be formed using different types of weave or lattice structures. At least one of the heating elements may be constructed of wires formed into a wire mesh.

[0075] One or more of the heating elements may comprise a heating plate or membrane having an array of openings formed therein. The openings may be formed by any suitable process, for example etching or machining.

[0076] The heating element may include an electrically resistive material. Suitable electrically resistive materials include, but are not limited to, semiconductors such as doped ceramics, "conductive" ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilicide, etc.), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composites made of ceramic and metallic materials. Such composites may include doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steels, nickel-containing alloys, cobalt-containing alloys, chromium-containing alloys, aluminum-containing alloys, titanium-containing alloys, zirconium-containing alloys, hafnium-containing alloys, niobium-containing alloys, molybdenum-containing alloys, tantalum-containing alloys, tungsten-containing alloys, tin-containing alloys, gallium-containing alloys, manganese-containing alloys, gold-containing alloys, and iron-containing alloys, as well as nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel-based superalloys, Timetal™, Kanthal™, and other iron-chromium-aluminum alloys, and iron-manganese-aluminum-based alloys. In composite materials, the electrically resistive material may be embedded in, encapsulated in, or coated with an insulating material, or vice versa, depending on the required energy transfer kinetics and external physicochemical properties.

[0077] One or more heating elements may be formed using a metal or metal alloy that has a well-defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. Elements formed in this manner may be used to both heat and monitor the temperature of the element during operation.

[0078] The one or more heating elements may include a susceptor. The susceptor may be or include any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to release a volatile compound from the aerosol-forming substrate. Preferred susceptor materials may be heated to temperatures greater than 100, 150, 200, or 250 degrees Celsius. Preferred susceptor materials may be electrically conductive materials. Suitable susceptor materials include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel, nickel-containing compounds, titanium, and composites of metallic materials. Preferred susceptor materials include metals or carbon. Some preferred susceptors may be ferromagnetic materials, such as, for example, ferritic iron, ferromagnetic alloys such as ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel, ferromagnetic particles, and ferrites. The susceptor may include at least 5 percent, at least 20 percent, at least 50 percent, or at least 90 percent ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material. Preferred susceptor materials may include or be formed from 400 series stainless steel, such as AISI 410, 420, or 430, for example.

[0079] The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially flat. The aerosol-forming substrate may be formed as a substantially flat tablet. This helps to increase the surface area of ​​the aerosol-forming substrate available for heating and increases the rate of evaporation.

[0080] The aerosol-forming substrate may be fluid permeable, which allows the user to draw air through the aerosol-forming substrate during aerosolization, helping to entrain the generated aerosol in the airflow.

[0081] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a solid. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a liquid. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a gel. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise any combination of two or more of a solid, a liquid, and a gel. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a powder. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise aerosol-forming beads.

[0082] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine, a nicotine derivative, or a nicotine analogue. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more nicotine salts. The one or more nicotine salts may be selected from the list consisting of nicotine citrate, nicotine lactate, nicotine pyruvate, nicotine bitartrate, nicotine pectinate, nicotine alginate, and nicotine salicylate.

[0083] The aerosol-forming substrate may include an aerosol former. As used herein, an "aerosol former" is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, when used, promotes the formation of a dense, stable aerosol and is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device. Suitable aerosol formers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerin, esters of polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol monoacetate, diacetate, or triacetate, and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate, and the like. Preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerin.

[0084] The aerosol-forming substrate may further comprise a flavoring agent. The flavoring agent may comprise a volatile flavor component. The flavoring agent may comprise menthol. As used herein, the term "menthol" refers to the compound 2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanol in any of its isomeric forms. The flavoring agent may provide a flavor selected from the group consisting of menthol, lemon, vanilla, orange, wintergreen, cherry, and cinnamon. The flavoring agent may comprise a volatile tobacco flavor compound that is released from the substrate upon heating.

[0085] The aerosol-forming substrate may further comprise tobacco or a tobacco-containing material. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise any of tobacco leaves, tobacco stem fragments, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco slurry, cast tobacco, and expanded tobacco. Optionally, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco powder compressed with an inert material, such as glass or ceramic, or another suitable inert material.

[0086] When the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a liquid or gel, in some embodiments, the cartridge may comprise an absorbent carrier. The aerosol-forming substrate may be coated on the absorbent carrier or impregnated in the absorbent carrier. For example, the nicotine compound and the aerosol former may be mixed with water as a liquid formulation. The liquid formulation may further comprise a flavoring agent in some embodiments. Such a liquid formulation may then be absorbed by the absorbent carrier or coated on the surface of the carrier. The absorbent carrier may be a sheet of cellulose-based material on which the nicotine compound and the aerosol former may be coated or absorbed. For example, the absorbent carrier may be a sheet or strip of paper.

[0087] Each cartridge may contain a single metered dose of the aerosol-forming substrate. As used herein, the term "metered dose" refers to a measured or predetermined amount of the aerosol-forming substrate. A metered dose corresponds to the dose of the aerosol-forming substrate delivered to a user during a single inhalation or puff.

[0088] The average puff volume of an adult user will depend on the type of device and consumables used, but is typically in the range of about 35 ml to 550 ml. Optionally, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise about 2 to 30 mg of tobacco, more specifically about 3 to 20 mg of tobacco, more specifically about 3 to 9 mg of tobacco, and even more specifically about 4 to 8 mg of tobacco. Optionally, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise about 80 to 120 μg, more specifically about 90 to 110 μg, and even more specifically about 100 μg of nicotine, nicotine derivative, or nicotine analogue. Optionally, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise about 6 to 20% by weight of aerosol former. Optionally, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise about 300 to 1250 μg, more specifically about 675 to 875 μg of aerosol former. These have been found to be suitable amounts of tobacco, nicotine, and aerosol former, respectively, for a single puff or inhalation or dose.

[0089] Advantageously, each cartridge contains a single metered dose of aerosol-forming substrate, allowing the user to precisely determine and control the amount of aerosol-forming substrate to be received. The user knows how much aerosol-forming substrate the cartridge contains, and thus the amount of aerosol or one or more aerosol components to be delivered during a single inhalation or puff. The amount of aerosol generated, and therefore the aerosol components, is fixed by the cartridge having a metered dose or a predetermined amount of aerosol-forming substrate.

[0090] Each cartridge may be a single-use cartridge. As used herein, the term "single-use" refers to a cartridge that is configured to be used for only one puff or inhale before being discarded. A fresh cartridge is used each time a user puffs or inhales through an aerosol generating device. This provides highly reproducible aerosol generation and reduces the variability in aerosol generation that may be encountered during continuous use of an aerosol generating device having a cartridge or reservoir with sufficient aerosol-forming substrate for multiple uses. Single-use cartridges also reduce the need to maintain or monitor parts of the aerosol generating device, such as heating elements, that may deteriorate over time or become covered with residue.

[0091] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation device according to any of the above-mentioned embodiments and a consumable product according to any of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0092] Features described with respect to one of the above embodiments may equally be applied to other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0093] The invention is defined in the claims. However, below is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of any other example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0094] Example 1: 1. An aerosol generating device comprising: an air inlet and an aerosol outlet, the air inlet being in fluid communication with the aerosol outlet to define an airflow path through the aerosol generating device; an aerosolization zone for aerosolizing an aerosol-forming substrate contained within each cartridge, at least a portion of the aerosolization zone being disposed within the airflow path; and a holder for receiving and holding cartridges containing the aerosol-forming substrate. Example 2: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 1, wherein the holder is configured to receive and hold a consumable comprising a plurality of cartridges arranged in series to form an elongated strip of cartridges, each cartridge within the elongated strip of cartridges comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. Example 3: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 1 or 2, comprising an indexing mechanism for advancing an elongated strip of cartridges a predetermined distance toward the aerosolization zone in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device so that each cartridge enters the aerosolization zone sequentially. Example 4: 4. The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined distance corresponds to the length of a single cartridge in the longitudinal direction of the consumable. Example 5: An aerosol generation device as described in any of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the aerosol generation device is configured to dispose the cartridge laterally across the airflow channel when the cartridge is located within the aerosolization zone. Example 6: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the airflow path of the aerosol generating device is arranged to be in fluid communication with the airflow path of the cartridge when the cartridge is located within the aerosolization zone. Example 7: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the holder comprises a first elongated guide for holding a first portion of the elongated strip of the cartridge, the first portion comprising an unused cartridge. Example 8: 8. The aerosol generating device of example 7, wherein the first elongated guide is disposed to direct an unused cartridge toward the aerosolization zone. Example 9: An aerosol generating device as described in any of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the holder comprises a second elongated guide for holding a second portion of the elongated strip of the cartridge, the second portion comprising a used cartridge. Example 10: 10. The aerosol generating device of example 9, wherein the second elongated guide is arranged to direct the used cartridge away from the aerosolization zone. Example 11: 11. The aerosol generating device of example 9 or 10, wherein the aerosolization zone is disposed between the first elongated guide and the second elongated guide. Example 12: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 10 or 11, wherein a first elongated guide directs an unused cartridge in a first direction toward the aerosolization zone and a second elongated guide directs a used cartridge in a second direction away from the aerosolization zone, the second direction being opposite to the first direction. Example 13: 13. The aerosol generating device of example 12, wherein the first and second directions are parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device. Example 14: 14. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 9 to 13, wherein the first and second elongate guides are arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device. Example 15: An aerosol generating device described in any of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the indexing mechanism comprises a slider configured to engage with an indexing component on the consumable, and the slider can be actuated by a user to advance the cartridge into the aerosolization zone. Example 16: 16. An aerosol generating device as described in claim 15, wherein the slider is resiliently biased toward a first position and the slider is movable against the resiliently biased to a second position where an unused cartridge is located within the aerosolization zone. Example 17: 17. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 15 or 16, wherein the slider is provided with a contact pad for making electrical contact with the heating element. Example 18: 18. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 17, wherein the airflow path between the aerosol outlet and the aerosolization zone is flexible. Example 19: 19. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the airflow path between the aerosol outlet and the aerosolization zone comprises a corrugated tube. Example 20: An aerosol generating device described in any of Examples 15 to 19, wherein a first end of an airflow path between the aerosol outlet and the aerosolization zone is connected to the aerosol outlet, and a second end of the airflow path between the aerosol outlet and the aerosolization zone is connected to the slider. Example 21: 7. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the holder comprises a spool for holding the elongated strip of the cartridge. Example 22: 22. The aerosol generating device of Example 21, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises an indexing spool for advancing the elongated strip of the cartridge a predetermined distance towards the aerosolization zone. Example 23: 23. The aerosol generating device of example 22, wherein the elongated strip of the cartridge is wound as a continuous loop around the index spool and the tension spool. Example 24: 23. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 21 or 22, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a first spool for storing unused cartridges and a second spool for storing used cartridges. Example 25: 25. The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 24, wherein the holder is housed in a cassette, and the cassette is removably attached to the aerosol generating device. Example 26: 1. A consumable for an aerosol generating device, the consumable comprising a plurality of cartridges, each cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. Example 27: 27. The consumable of example 26, wherein a plurality of cartridges are interconnected in series to form an elongated strip of cartridges. Example 28: The consumable of example 27, wherein adjacent cartridges are pivotally connected to one another. Example 29: 29. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of Examples 26 to 28, wherein each cartridge comprises a frame having an opening through the thickness of the frame, the aerosol-forming substrate being disposed within the opening. Example 30: 30. The consumable of Example 29, wherein the opening defines an airflow path through the cartridge when the aerosol-forming substrate is aerosolized. Example 31: The consumable of example 29 or 30, comprising a plurality of supporting casings, each supporting casing holding a cartridge. Example 32: 32. The consumable of example 31, wherein adjacent support casings are interconnected by a pivot. Example 33: 33. The consumable of example 31 or 32, wherein each supporting casing includes an orientation element for properly orienting the cartridge relative to the supporting casing. Example 34: A consumable product as described in any of Examples 26 to 28, wherein the cartridge elongate strip comprises a continuous elongate flexible strip divided into a plurality of sections along its length, each section defining a cartridge. Example 35: 35. The consumable of example 34, wherein the elongated flexible strip is fluid-permeable and the aerosol-forming substrate is impregnated within or deposited on the fluid-permeable elongated flexible strip. Example 36: The consumable of Example 34 or 35, wherein the elongated flexible strip comprises a mesh. Example 37: 35. The consumable of example 34, wherein the elongate flexible strip comprises a film, each section of the film defining a cartridge comprises an opening, and the aerosol-forming substrate is disposed within the opening. Example 38: A consumable for an aerosol generating device, the consumable comprising a continuous elongated flexible strip, the elongated flexible strip being divided into a plurality of sections along its length, each section of the elongated flexible strip defining a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate. Example 39: 39. The consumable of example 38, wherein the elongated flexible strip is fluid-permeable and the aerosol-forming substrate is impregnated within or deposited on the fluid-permeable elongated flexible strip. Example 40: 40. The consumable of Example 38 or 39, wherein the elongated flexible strip comprises a mesh. Example 41: 39. The consumable of example 38, wherein the elongate flexible strip comprises a film, each section of the film defining a cartridge comprises an opening, and the aerosol-forming substrate is disposed within the opening. Example 42: A consumable according to any of claims 26-41, wherein the consumable comprises an indexing component that can engage and advance the elongate strip of the cartridge along the longitudinal axis of the elongate strip. Example 43: 43. The consumable of any one of Examples 26 to 42, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate is substantially flat. Example 44: A consumable product according to any one of Examples 26 to 43, wherein each cartridge comprises at least one heating element for heating the aerosol-forming substrate. Example 45: 45. The consumable of example 44, wherein at least one heating element comprises a resistive heating wire or mesh. Example 46: A consumable product according to any of Examples 26 to 45, wherein each cartridge contains a single metered dose of the aerosol-forming substrate. Example 47: An aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 25 and the consumable item according to any one of Examples 26 to 46.

[0095] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the figures.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 1A, a cartridge 1 is shown in disassembled form. The cartridge 1 comprises a single metered dose of aerosol-forming substrate 2 and a frame 4 serving as a mechanical support or support element for holding the aerosol-forming substrate 2. In this embodiment, the single metered dose of aerosol-forming substrate 2 corresponds to the dose of aerosol-forming substrate delivered to a user during a single inhalation or puff. The aerosol-forming substrate 2 is provided in a flattened or tablet form to increase the surface area of ​​the aerosol-forming substrate available to be heated and to facilitate vaporization. The frame 4 is flat or pallet-shaped and in this embodiment is similar in shape and size to a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card for a mobile phone. The frame 4 comprises an opening 6 passing through the thickness of the frame 4 and providing fluid communication between a first main side 4a of the frame 4 and a second main side 4b of the frame 4. When the cartridge 1 is assembled, the aerosol-forming substrate 2 is received in the opening 6.

[0097] 1A shows the aerosol-forming substrate 2 as a preformed tablet for insertion into the opening 6, it will be appreciated that the aerosol-forming substrate may be received within the opening 6 in different ways. For example, the opening may act as a mold and the aerosol-forming substrate 2 may be poured into the mold as a liquid slurry where it may be allowed to set or harden to form a solid, or the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a viscous liquid or gel that is held within the opening by its own viscosity or by the cartridge 1. Alternatively, the opening 6 may receive the aerosol-forming substrate 2 in the form of a powder or beads.

[0098] The cartridge 1 also comprises a heating element 8 for vaporizing the aerosol-forming substrate 2. In FIG. 1A, the heating element 8 is a stainless steel mesh that is wrapped around the side of the cartridge 1 and covers both the first major surface 4a and the second major surface 4b of the frame 4. This arrangement allows the heating element 8 to heat both sides of the aerosol-forming substrate 2, helping to increase the rate of vaporization of the aerosol-forming substrate 2. Of course, other forms of heating elements can be used, such as resistance wire. The heating element 8 also serves to provide mechanical support to hold the aerosol-forming substrate 2 within the cartridge 1.

[0099] A groove or recess 10 is formed in one of the sides of the frame 4. The groove 10 is arranged to cooperate with an orientation element formed on another part or component of the consumable or aerosol generation device to properly orient the cartridge relative to the consumable or aerosol generation device.

[0100] Figure 1B shows the cartridge 1 of Figure 1A in assembled form. The heating element 8 is wrapped around the frame 4 and covers the opening 6 that holds the aerosol-forming substrate 2 and the frame 4, except for the portion of the frame 4 that includes the groove 10. In the example of Figure 1B, the opening 6 is not centrally disposed within the frame, but is offset towards the edge of the frame 4. The heating element 8 comprises an electrical contact area 12 for making electrical contact with the heating element 8. The electrical contact area 12 of the heating element 8 lies on the portion of the frame 4 between the groove 10 and the opening 6.

[0101] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a consumable 100 comprising a plurality of cartridges 1 interconnected in series to form an elongated strip of cartridges 1. The consumable 100 comprises a plurality of cartridge casings or support casings 102. Each support casing holds a cartridge 1 as generally described with reference to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B above, although the aerosol-forming substrate and heating element of the cartridge 1 are not shown in FIG. 2A for clarity. Furthermore, in FIG. 2A only one cartridge 1 is shown so that the details of the support casing 102 can be seen. However, it will be appreciated that each support casing 102 can hold a cartridge 1. As can be seen in FIG. 2A, there are eight support casings 102 and therefore the consumable in this particular embodiment can hold eight cartridges 1 and provide the user with eight inhalations or puffs of aerosol.

[0102] Figure 2B shows an enlarged view of a portion of the consumable 100 of Figure 2A in more detail. A cartridge 1 is disposed within a support casing 102a. As discussed above with reference to Figure 2A, only one cartridge is shown in Figure 2B. However, it will be appreciated that each support casing 102 can hold a cartridge 1. For clarity, the cartridge 1 in Figure 2B is shown without its aerosol-forming substrate and heating element.

[0103] Each support casing 102 comprises a substantially flat or planar structure or tray-like structure having a raised rim 103 disposed about its periphery. The raised rim 103 defines a recessed or recessed area 105 for receiving the cartridge 1. The periphery of each cartridge 1 forms an interference fit with an inner surface of the raised rim of each support casing 102 to retain the cartridge 1 within the support casing 102. Each support casing 102 comprises a casing opening 104 arranged to align with an opening 6 located in the cartridge 1 when the cartridge is received within the support casing 102.

[0104] The leading edge of each support casing 102 includes an indexing component 106 arranged to engage or cooperate with an indexing mechanism of the aerosol generating device so that the consumable 100 can be advanced a predetermined distance in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated strip of the cartridge 1. As used herein, the term "leading edge" refers to the leading edge in the intended direction of movement. As used herein, the term "trailing edge" refers to the trailing edge facing away from the intended direction of movement. Each support casing 102 also includes an orientation element 108 for properly orienting each cartridge 1 with respect to its respective support casing 102. Each orientation element 108 includes a key or spline formed in the raised rim 103 of each support casing and is configured to engage or cooperate with a groove 10 formed in each cartridge 1. The orientation element 108 prevents the cartridge 1 from being inserted into the support casing 102 in an incorrect orientation. The orientation element 108 also exerts an inward pressure toward the cartridge 1 to help retain it within its respective support casing 102.

[0105] Each support casing 102 is pivotally connected to an adjacent support casing 102 by a pivot 110. In any pair of adjacent support casings 102, the leading edge of one support casing 102 is pivotally connected to the trailing edge of the adjacent support casing 102 by a pivot. The pivotal connection between adjacent support casings 102 allows the support casing 102 to rotate relative to its adjacent support casing 102 about an axis parallel to the interconnected leading and trailing edges of the support casings 102. This causes the consumable 100 to deform and be directed through the aerosol generating device in a space-efficient manner. A portion of each pivot 110 extends laterally outward from a side of the consumable to provide a series of protrusions that can be used to engage components of the aerosol generating device, as discussed further below.

[0106] Figures 3A-3D show different methods of interconnecting consumable cartridges or support casings. Although Figures 3A-3D are described with reference to methods of interconnecting cartridges, it will be understood that these techniques may be equally applied to support casings for holding cartridges.

[0107] 3A shows a portion of an arrangement 200 including a first cartridge 202 and a second cartridge 204 interconnected by a pivot 206. A leading edge of the second cartridge 204 has a pair of arms 208 (only one arm is shown in FIG. 3A) that extend on either side of the leading edge of the second cartridge 204. The arms 208 cooperate with corresponding recesses (only one recess is shown in FIG. 3A) formed on the trailing edge of the first cartridge 202. The pivot 206 is in the form of a pin that passes through the arms 208 and the rear portion of the first cartridge 202.

[0108] FIG. 3B shows a portion of an arrangement 300 including a first cartridge 302 and a second cartridge 304 interconnected by a pivot 306. In FIG. 3B, the first cartridge 302 is shown in transparent outline so that the pivot 306 is visible. The leading edge of the second cartridge 304 has a pair of recesses 310 (only one recess is shown in FIG. 3B) formed on either side of the leading edge of the second cartridge 304. The first cartridge 302 has a pair of arms (only one arm is shown in FIG. 3B) extending on either side of the trailing edge of the first cartridge 302 and cooperating with the recesses 310. The pivot 306 takes the form of a hemispherical protrusion extending from a laterally outwardly facing side of the recess 310 and engaging a corresponding depression formed on a laterally inwardly facing surface of the arm 308.

[0109] FIG 3C shows a portion of an arrangement 400 comprising a first cartridge 402 and a second cartridge 404 interconnected by separate links 403 on either side of the cartridges (only one link is shown in FIG 3C). The trailing edge or either side of the first cartridge 402 is formed with a recess 408 (only one recess is shown in FIG 3C) and a corresponding recess 410 (only one recess is shown in FIG 3C) is formed on either side of the leading edge of the second cartridge 404. One end of the link 403 sits within the recess 408 and the other end of the link sits within the recess 410. Each end of the link 403 is pivotally connected to a respective cartridge by a pivot pin 406.

[0110] 3D shows a portion of an arrangement 500 comprising a first cartridge 502 and a second cartridge 504 interconnected by a flexible strip 606. The flexible strip 506 is made of a flexible material such as a suitable polymer or elastomer. One end of the flexible strip 506 is connected to a rear edge of the first cartridge 502 and the other end of the flexible strip 506 is connected to a front edge of the second cartridge 504. The flexible strip is capable of deforming, thus providing pivotal movement of the first cartridge 502 and the second cartridge 504 about the interconnection axis.

[0111] 4A is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a consumable 600 comprising multiple interconnected cartridges 602. The underside (not shown) of each cartridge 602 is mounted on a flexible elongated strip or webbing backing. Any suitable attachment technique may be used, for example, adhesive. The webbing backing is relatively flexible compared to the cartridges 602 and provides for pivotal movement of the cartridges about the interconnect lines between the cartridges.

[0112] Figure 4B is an enlarged view of the portion of the consumable encircled by the circle labeled A in Figure 4A, showing the interconnection between the two cartridges in more detail. As can be seen in Figure 4B, the cartridge 602 is mounted on a webbing backing 604, which allows the consumable 600 to deform by providing pivotal movement between the cartridges about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the consumable 600.

[0113] Figure 5A is a schematic plan view of the interior of an aerosol generating device 700 for use with a consumable 100 comprising a plurality of cartridges 1 arranged in series to form an elongated strip of cartridges 1. The consumable 100 used in the embodiment of Figure 5A is the same as that described above with respect to Figures 2A and 2B. The aerosol generating device 700 comprises a main housing or body portion 702 and a mouthpiece 704. The body portion 702 comprises a holder 706 for receiving and holding the elongated strip of cartridges 1.

[0114] The aerosol generating device 700 comprises an air inlet 708 disposed at a distal end of the body portion 702 and an aerosol outlet 710 disposed at a proximal end of the mouthpiece 704. An airflow channel 712 connects the air inlet 708 and the aerosol outlet 710 and provides fluid communication between the air inlet 708 and the aerosol outlet 710. The airflow channel 712 defines an airflow path 713 through the aerosol generating device 700. A power source 714 for supplying power to a heating element (not shown) of each of the cartridges 1 is also provided within the body portion 702. In this embodiment, the power source 714 is a lithium ion battery, although other suitable types of batteries may be used. Additionally, the aerosol generating device comprises a control circuit (not shown) for controlling the supply of power from the power source 714 to the heating element of each cartridge. The airflow channel 712 may be offset from a central longitudinal axis XX of the aerosol generating device 700. This allows the power supply 714 to be housed next to the airflow channel 712 within the holder 706, reducing the overall size of the aerosol generating device 700 and helping to achieve a compact design.

[0115] An aerosolization zone 716 for aerosolizing an aerosol-forming substrate (not shown) contained within each cartridge 1 is provided at the proximal end of the holder 706. The aerosolization zone 716 is disposed within the airflow path 713 and is in fluid communication with the airflow channel 712. As seen in FIG. 5A, the airflow channel 712 is aligned with the opening 6 of each cartridge 1. When a cartridge 1 is located within the aerosolization zone 716, the opening 6 of the cartridge is disposed within the airflow channel 712, allowing air to flow through the opening 6 as the aerosol-forming substrate is aerosolized and the generated aerosol is entrained in the airflow. The aerosol is then transported along the airflow channel 712 to the aerosol outlet 710 in the mouthpiece 704.

[0116] The aerosol generating device 700 further comprises an indexing mechanism 718 for advancing the elongated strip of the cartridge 1 along the holder 706 towards the aerosolization zone 716 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis XX of the aerosol generating device 700 such that each cartridge 1 enters the aerosolization zone 716 successively. The indexing mechanism 718 comprises a slider 720 configured to engage the elongated strip of the cartridge 1 to advance the cartridge into the aerosolization zone 716 in a stepwise manner, as will be discussed in more detail below. The slider 720 comprises a button 722 that protrudes from a top surface of the slider 720 and can be actuated by a user. The button 722 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis XX of the aerosol generating device 700 and is received in a slot 724 (shown in dotted outline in FIG. 5A ) formed in the top of the housing of the body portion 702. The button 722 is constrained to move within a slot 724 and functions as a linear actuator for moving the elongated strip of the cartridge 100 along the holder 706 .

[0117] The final section of the air channel 712 between the aerosolization zone 716 and the aerosol outlet 710 is formed as a flexible corrugated tube 726. The distal end of the flexible corrugated tube 726 is connected to the slider 720. The flexible corrugated tube 726 is compressible or otherwise capable of deforming to accommodate the linear motion of the slider 722. Of course, flexible conduits other than flexible corrugated tubes may be used in the aerosol generation device. For example, straight flexible tubes such as silicone tubing have also been found to be effective.

[0118] Figure 5B is a schematic longitudinal view of the interior of the aerosol generating device of Figure 5A. The holder 706 includes a first elongated guide 728 for holding a portion of the consumables including unused cartridges (not shown in Figure 5B, but see Figure 5A). The first elongated guide 728 is disposed at an upper portion of the holder 706 and is arranged to direct unused cartridges towards the aerosolization zone 716, as shown in Figure 5B. The holder 706 also includes a second elongated guide 730 for holding a portion of the consumables including used cartridges. The second elongated guide 730 is disposed at a lower portion of the holder 706 and is arranged to direct used cartridges away from the aerosolization zone 716, as shown in Figure 5B. Thus, once a cartridge has been used by aerosolizing its aerosol-forming substrate in the aerosolization zone 716, the cartridge may be ejected from the aerosolization zone 716 and the used cartridge may be stored along the second elongated guide 730 until all cartridges in the consumable have been consumed.

[0119] The airflow channel 712 of the aerosol generating device 700 is arranged to reduce the risk of aerosol generated in the aerosolization zone 716 contaminating unused cartridges held on the first elongated guide 728 of the holder 706. The aerosolization zone 716 is arranged downstream of the first elongated guide 728, which further helps to reduce the risk of aerosol generated in the aerosolization zone 716 contaminating unused cartridges held on the first elongated guide 728. Furthermore, used cartridges are stored on a second elongated guide 730 that is separate from and spaced apart from the first elongated guide 728, which helps to reduce the risk of contaminating unused cartridges held on the first elongated guide 728.

[0120] The first elongate guide 728 and the second elongate guide 730 are arranged parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generation device 700. Due to the flexible nature of the consumable 100, as the cartridge 1 passes through the aerosolization zone 716, it reverses direction of travel and passes along the second elongate guide 730 in the opposite direction to that traveled along the first elongate guide 728. This represents a particularly space-efficient arrangement and helps to reduce the overall length of the aerosol generation device 700.

[0121] The slider 720 is resiliently biased by a spring 732 toward a first or rest position. The slider 720 is movable against the resiliency of the spring 732 to a second or advanced position where an unused cartridge is located within the aerosolization zone 716, the operation of which is described in more detail below. A button 722 on the slider 720 extends above a recess formed in an upper portion of the housing of the body portion 702 so that it can be actuated by a user.

[0122] 6A shows a top perspective view of the holder 706 of the aerosol generating device 700 of FIGS. 5A and 5B in more detail. The holder 706 includes a first elongated guide 728 disposed at an upper portion of the holder 706 for receiving an unused cartridge and directing the unused cartridge toward the aerosolization zone 716. The holder 706 further includes a second elongated guide 730 (not visible in FIG. 6A ) disposed at a lower portion of the holder 706 for receiving a used cartridge and directing the used cartridge away from the aerosolization zone 716. The aerosolization zone 716 is disposed between the first elongated guide 728 and the second elongated guide 730 at a proximal end of a portion of the airflow channel 712 passing through the holder 706. At the aerosolization zone, a cartridge (not shown) engages with a proximal end of a portion of the airflow channel 712 passing through the holder 706.

[0123] The first elongated guide 728 includes a first or upper support surface 734 that supports an unused cartridge of consumables (not shown). The second elongated guide 728 includes a second or lower support surface (not shown) that supports a used cartridge of consumables (not shown). A sidewall 736 of the holder 706 extends above the first support surface 734 and below the second support surface and provides a pair of longitudinally extending rails around the periphery of the holder 706 that serve to retain the consumables on the first support surface 734 and the second support surface 736. The inwardly facing surfaces of the sidewall 736 that extend above and below the first support surface 734 and the second support surface 736, respectively, include grooves (not shown, but see FIG. 7A) that extend parallel to the periphery of the sidewall 736. The grooves receive the outwardly projecting pivots 110 of the consumables 100 of FIG. 2B and serve to guide the consumables in a path around the holder 706.

[0124] FIG. 6B shows a close-up of the proximal end of the holder 706 of FIG. 6A. The holder holds the consumable 100. In FIG. 6B, five support casings 102, 102b of the consumable 100 are visible. For simplicity, only two of the two support casings 102 hold cartridges 1, 1b. Four support casings 102 rest on the first support surface 734 of the first elongated guide 728, waiting to advance into the aerosolization zone (not visible, see FIG. 6A). The fifth support casing 102b is located in the aerosolization zone such that its cartridge is connected to an airflow channel (not shown) that passes through the holder 706. In the aerosolization zone, the cartridge 1b is disposed transversely across the airflow channel 712, and the opening 6 of the cartridge 1b is aligned with the airflow channel 712 to entrain the aerosol in the airflow. It will be appreciated that the opening 6 of the cartridge 1b is not visible in FIG. 6B as it is covered by the heating element 8.

[0125] 7A and 7B are cutaway side views of a portion of the aerosol generation device of FIG. 5A showing in more detail the operation of the indexing mechanism 718. As seen in FIG. 7A, a consumable 100 comprising multiple interconnected cartridges 1, 1b is positioned on a first support surface 734 of a holder 706, with a first, most proximal cartridge 1b waiting to be advanced into an aerosolization zone 716.

[0126] In FIG. 7A, the slider 720 of the indexing mechanism 718 is shown in a first or rest position. As described above with reference to FIG. 5A, the slider 720 is resiliently biased toward the first position by a spring (not shown in FIG. 7A). The slider 720 includes a pawl 738 arranged to engage the indexing component 106 of the consumable 100. The pawl 738 is tooth-shaped and has a square leading edge and a tapered trailing edge. In FIG. 7A, the square leading edge of the pawl 738 engages the indexing component 106 on the trailing edge of the first cartridge 1b. By moving the slider 720 toward the proximal end of the aerosol generating device 700, the button 722 on the top side of the slider 720 can be actuated to advance the consumable 100 toward the aerosolization zone 716. The outwardly protruding pivot 110 of the consumable 100 is received within a groove 740 formed in the inwardly facing surface of the side wall 736 of the holder 706. As the consumable 100 is advanced by the slider 720 , the outwardly projecting pivots 110 of the consumable 100 follow the grooves 740 , which guide the consumable in a path around the holder 706 .

[0127] In Fig. 7B, the slider 720 of the indexing mechanism 718 is shown in a second or fully forward position. The slider 720 has been moved in the direction of arrow B against the resilient bias of a spring (not shown) to the fully forward position, and the first cartridge 1b is located in the aerosolization zone 716. The distance between the first position of the slider 720 shown in Fig. 7A and the second position of the slider 720 shown in Fig. 7B corresponds to the length of one cartridge 1 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generation device 700. In the aerosolization zone 716, the cartridge 1b is disposed transversely across the airflow channel 712, and the opening 6 of the cartridge 1b is aligned with the airflow channel 712 to entrain the aerosol in the airflow.

[0128] Once the cartridge 1, 1b is located within the aerosolization zone 716, the slider 720 returns to its first or rest position under the resilient action of a spring (not shown). The square leading edge of the pawl 738 engages the indexing component 106 of the next cartridge 1 into the aerosolization zone 716. The return of the slider 720 to its first position is facilitated by the tapered edge of the pawl 738, allowing the pawl 738 and slider 720 to move over the indexing component 106 of the next cartridge as it returns.

[0129] The slider 720 has a downwardly extending slider arm 742 connected to a distal end of the flexible corrugated tube (see FIGS. 5A and 5B) and thus moves with the slider 720. The slider arm 742 compresses the flexible corrugated tube as the slider 720 moves to the second position to provide space for the cartridge 1, 1b to move into the aerosolization zone 716. The flexible corrugated tube returns to its uncompressed state when the slider 720 moves back to its first position.

[0130] 8A-8D show a series of schematic diagrams of the step-by-step advancement of two cartridges 1a, 1b of consumables through an aerosolization zone 716 of an aerosol generating device, for example the aerosol generating device 700 of FIGS. 5A and 5B.

[0131] In Fig. 8A, the first cartridge 1a and the second cartridge 1b are unused, and the first cartridge 1a is advanced toward the aerosolization zone 716. This can be accomplished, for example, by actuating the slider 720 of Fig. 5A. The leading edge of the first cartridge 1a follows the curved groove 740 of the holder 706 and rotates about the pivot point 110 toward the aerosolization zone 716. The second cartridge 1b is held on the first elongated guide 728 and awaits advancement in the aerosolization zone 716.

[0132] In Figure 8B, the first cartridge 1a is engaged with the aerosolization zone 716 and disposed transversely across the airflow channel (not shown). In this position, the aerosol-forming substrate within the first cartridge 1a can be aerosolized to enable the user to take a first inhale or puff.

[0133] In Fig. 8C, the second cartridge 1b is unused and is being advanced towards the aerosolization zone 716. This can be accomplished, for example, by actuating the slider 720 of Fig. 5A a second time. As the second cartridge 1b advances, it disengages the first cartridge 1a from the aerosolization zone 716. The first cartridge 1a is being used. The first cartridge 1a begins to exit the aerosolization zone 716 and is being directed towards the second elongated guide 730. The pivot point 110 follows the curved groove 740 in the holder 706.

[0134] In Figure 8D, the second cartridge 1b is engaged with the aerosolization zone 716 and disposed transversely across the airflow channel (not shown). In this position, the aerosol-forming substrate within the second cartridge 1b can be aerosolized to enable the user to take a second inhale or puff. The first cartridge 1a that has been used is held on the second elongated guide 730.

[0135] Figure 9A is a view from the proximal end of the aerosol generation device 700 of Figure 5A with the mouthpiece 704 removed. As described above with respect to Figure 5A, the aerosol generation device 700 includes a power supply 714 for providing power to the heating elements of each cartridge 1, and a control circuit 744 for controlling the delivery of power from the power supply 714 to the heating elements. The power supply 714 and the control circuit 744 together form a power delivery system that cooperates with an indexing mechanism 718 to provide power to the cartridge 1 when the cartridge is located within the aerosolization zone 716.

[0136] 7A and 7B, slider 720 includes a slider arm 742 that extends away from slider 720 opposite slider button 722. Slider arm 742 has an electrical connector 746 mounted on the distally facing side of slider arm 742, i.e., on the side of slider arm 742 that faces the cartridge when the cartridge is located within aerosolization zone 716. Electrical connector 746 is mounted to contact an electrical contact area on cartridge 1, e.g., electrical contact area 12 of cartridge 1 of FIG. 1B. The electrical connector 746 is mounted on a spring-loaded slider 720 such that when a user positions the cartridge 1 within the aerosolization zone 716 by advancing the slider 720 to the second position shown in Figure 7B, a spring (not shown) biases the slider back to the first position shown in Figure 7A such that the electrical connector 746 establishes an electrical connection with the heating element of the cartridge 1 positioned within the aerosolization zone 716. In this state, the aerosol generation device 700 is ready to generate aerosol.

[0137] 9B shows a perspective view of an exemplary electrical connector 746 for making electrical contact with the heating element of the cartridge. The electrical connector 746 includes a connector support 748 and a plurality of electrical contacts 750 disposed in a row along the connector support 748. In this example, the electrical contacts 750 are pogo pins.

[0138] In use, a user inserts the consumable 100 into the aerosol generating device 700, which is received and held on the first elongated guide 728. The user then actuates the indexing mechanism 718 by sliding the button 722 of the slider 720 from a first position to a second position, thereby advancing the cartridge 1 of the consumable 100 into the aerosolization zone 716. This positions the cartridge 1 within the aerosolization zone 716 such that the opening 6 of the cartridge 1 is aligned with the airflow channel 712. The user then places the mouthpiece 704 in their mouth and activates the device to provide power from the power source 714 to the heating element of the cartridge, for example, by pressing a button or by detecting the user's inhalation or puffing. This heats the aerosol-forming substrate and generates an aerosol that can be drawn into the user's mouth through the mouthpiece 704. Once the aerosol-forming substrate has been aerosolized, the action of the user inhaling or puffing may draw air through the airflow channel 712, through the opening 6 in the cartridge 1 and into the aerosol outlet 716 in the mouthpiece 704. Subsequent actuation of the indexing mechanism 718 ejects the used cartridge from the aerosolization zone 716 and loads an unused cartridge into the aerosolization zone 716 ready for another user to inhale or puff. The used cartridge is stored on a second elongated guide 730.

[0139] FIG. 10 shows a schematic perspective view of a consumable 800 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The consumable 800 comprises a continuous elongated flexible strip 802. The elongated flexible strip 802 comprises a polymeric film and is divided into a plurality of sections along its length. Each section of the elongated flexible strip 802 defines a cartridge 804 and comprises an opening 806 containing a single metered dose of an aerosol-forming substrate 808. In an alternative arrangement, the elongated flexible strip 802 may comprise a mesh, and the aerosol-forming substrate 808 may be impregnated and deposited within the mesh in the area occupied by the opening in the embodiment of FIG. 10. Each cartridge also comprises a heating element (not shown), which may be in the form of a resistive wire or mesh disposed within or on the opening 806. Alternatively, the consumable 800 may not comprise a heating element for the cartridge 804, and the heating element may be provided within the aerosol generating device.

[0140] The consumable 800 comprises an indexing component that can engage to advance the elongated strip 802 of the cartridge 804 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated strip 802. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the indexing component comprises a series of holes 810 formed on one side of the flexible elongated strip 802 and arranged to engage with teeth (not shown) formed on an indexing spool 812. For simplicity, only a few of the holes 810 are shown in FIG. 10. However, it will be understood that the holes 810 are formed along the entire length of the flexible elongated strip 802.

[0141] The elongated flexible strip 802 is sufficiently flexible to wrap and conform around the indexing spool 812, and other spools around which it may be wound, providing an effective seal. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the consumable 800 is wound around the indexing spool 812 and the tensioning spool 814 to form a continuous loop. The indexing spool 812 can be rotated in the direction of arrow C to position the cartridge 804 within the aerosolization zone 816, where the aerosol-forming substrate can be heated to generate an aerosol. The indexing spool 812 has channels or conduits that allow air to pass through the indexing spool 812. Air that has been aerosolized with the aerosol-forming substrate 808 is drawn through the spool by the action of the user's inhalation or puffing, and passes through the openings 806 of the cartridge 804 located within the aerosolization zone in the direction of arrow D. The indexing spool 812 can be indexed any number of times, the number corresponding to the number of openings 806 that contain the aerosol-forming substrates 808.

[0142] Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view of a consumable 900 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The consumable 900 comprises an elongated flexible strip 902 that is identical to the strip of Figure 10, except that the consumable is not formed as a continuous loop, but instead as a single individual length wound in a dual coil configuration. For simplicity, only one opening 906 containing an aerosol-forming substrate is shown in Figure 11. However, it will be appreciated that multiple cartridges each include openings disposed along the length of the elongated flexible strip 902.

[0143] In the embodiment of FIG. 11, an unused cartridge is stored on the first coil 904 and is unwound from the first coil 904 so that it can be advanced in the direction of arrow E toward the aerosolization zone 910 of the aerosol generating device. A used cartridge is stored on the second coil 908 and is unwound onto the second coil 908 after passing through the aerosolization zone 910 in the direction of arrow F. The first coil 904 and the second coil 908 are wound on spools, which are omitted in FIG. 11 for clarity. In a similar manner as described with respect to FIG. 10, an indexing spool (not shown) is also provided to advance the consumable toward the aerosolization zone 910. The indexing spool may be provided for winding the first coil 904 or the second coil 908 or in the region of the aerosolization zone 910.

[0144] FIG. 12A shows a schematic perspective view of a cassette 1000 for an aerosol generating device. The cassette 1000 comprises the consumable 900 of FIG. 11 and a cassette housing 1002. The first and second coils (not shown) of the consumable 900 are held within the cassette housing 1002. The elongated flexible strip 902 of the consumable 900 is supported on a holder 1004 that protrudes from a proximal end of the cassette housing 1002. The holder 1004 comprises an upper or first elongated guide 1006 and a lower or second elongated guide 1008. The first guide 1006 and the second guide 1008 are disposed parallel to one another, and the holder 1004 is curved at its proximal end to allow the elongated flexible strip 902 to track smoothly around the end of the holder 1004.

[0145] The cassette 1000 comprises an air inlet (not shown) and an air outlet 1010 in fluid communication with each other by an airflow channel (not shown) that defines an airflow path through the cassette. The air outlet 1010 is disposed at a proximal end of the holder 1004. An indexing mechanism (not shown) is provided for advancing the elongated flexible strip 902 towards the aerosolization zone of the aerosol generating device. When a cartridge of elongated flexible strips 902 is disposed within the aerosolization zone, the opening 906 of the cartridge is aligned with the air outlet 1010 of the cassette 1000. In this arrangement, the aerosol-forming substrate of the cartridge can be aerosolized for a user to inhale or puff. Once the aerosol-forming substrate is aerosolized, air flows through the air outlet 1010 and the opening 906, entraining the generated aerosol in the airflow.

[0146] Figure 12B shows a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device 1100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol generating device 1100 is configured for use with the cassette 1000 of Figure 12A. A portion of the cassette 1000 has been cut away and the holder 1004 of the cassette 1000 has been removed in Figure 12B so that the elongated flexible strip 902 can be seen. It will be understood that Figure 12B is schematic and therefore omits certain features such as power supplies, control circuits, and indexing mechanisms.

[0147] The aerosol generating device 1100 comprises a body portion 1102 having a cavity 1104 disposed at a distal end thereof for receiving the cassette 1000. An aerosolization zone 1110 is disposed at a proximal end of the cavity 1104 such that a proximal end of a holder 1004 of the cassette 1000 is disposed adjacent to the aerosolization zone 1110 when the cassette 1000 is received within the cavity 1104. A mouthpiece 1106 having an aerosol outlet 1108 is disposed at a proximal end of the body portion 1102. The aerosol outlet 1108 is in fluid communication with an air outlet 1010 of the cassette 1000. A first coil 904 and a second coil 908 of the consumable 900 for storing unused and used cartridges, respectively, are held within the cassette housing 1002.

[0148] In use, a user inserts the cassette 1000 into the cavity 1104 of the aerosol generating device 1100 and activates an indexing mechanism (not shown) to advance an unused cartridge of the consumable 900 from the first coil 904 into the aerosolization zone 1110. This aligns the opening 906 of the cartridge with the air outlet 1010. The user then places the mouthpiece 1106 in their mouth and activates the device to provide power from a power source to a heating element in the cartridge, for example, by pressing a button or by detecting the user's inhalation or puffing. This heats the aerosol-forming substrate and generates an aerosol that can be drawn into the user's mouth through the mouthpiece 1106. Once the aerosol-forming substrate has been aerosolized, air may be drawn through the cassette, through the air outlet 1010, and through the opening 90 in the direction of arrow G to the aerosol outlet 1108 in the mouthpiece 1106 by the action of the user's inhalation or puffing. Subsequent actuation of the indexing mechanism ejects the used cartridge from the aerosolization zone 1110 and loads an unused cartridge into the aerosolization zone 1110 ready for another user's inhalation or puff. The used cartridge becomes stored on the second coil 908.

[0149] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like, should be understood in all cases as modified by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A±5%. Within this context, the number A may be considered to include a numerical value that is within the general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A may deviate by the percentages recited above, in some cases as used in the appended claims, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel property(ies) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device for use in a consumable comprising a plurality of cartridges arranged continuously to form an elongated strip of the cartridge, each cartridge within the elongated strip of the cartridge containing an aerosol forming substrate, the aerosol generating device comprising: An air inlet and an aerosol outlet, the air inlet being in fluid communication with the aerosol outlet and defining an airflow path through the aerosol generating device, the air inlet and the aerosol outlet; An aerosolization zone for aerosolizing the aerosol forming substrate contained in each cartridge, at least a portion of the aerosolization zone being disposed within the airflow path, the aerosolization zone; A holder for receiving and holding the elongated strip of the cartridge; An indexing mechanism for advancing the elongated strip of the cartridge a predetermined distance in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device towards the aerosolization zone such that each cartridge continuously enters the aerosolization zone, and The aerosol generating device is configured to dispose the cartridge laterally across the airflow path when the cartridge is located within the aerosolization zone.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the holder comprises a first elongated guide for holding a first portion of the elongated strip of the cartridge, the first portion comprising unused cartridges.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein the first elongated guide is arranged to direct the unused cartridge towards the aerosolization zone.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the holder comprises a second elongated guide for holding a second portion of the elongated strip of the cartridge, the second portion comprising used cartridges.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein the second elongated guide is arranged to direct the used cartridge away from the aerosolization zone.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein the aerosolization zone is arranged between the first elongated guide and the second elongated guide.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein the first and second elongated guides are arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device.

8. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the indexing mechanism comprises a slider configured to engage an indexing component on the consumable, and the slider is actuated by a user to advance the cartridge into the aerosolization zone.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8, wherein the slider comprises an electrical connector for making electrical contact with the heating element.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8, wherein the airflow path between the aerosol outlet and the aerosolization zone is flexible.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein the airflow path between the aerosol outlet and the aerosolization zone comprises a corrugated tube.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein a first end of the airflow path between the aerosol outlet and the aerosolization zone is connected to the aerosol outlet, and a second end of the airflow path between the aerosol outlet and the aerosolization zone is connected to the slider.

13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the holder comprises a spool for holding an elongated strip of the cartridge.

14. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the air flow path passes through the holder.

15. A consumable for an aerosol generating device, the consumable comprising a plurality of cartridges, each cartridge comprising an aerosol forming substrate, the plurality of cartridges being continuously interconnected to form an elongated strip of cartridges, each cartridge comprising a frame, the frame having an opening passing through the thickness of the frame, and the aerosol forming substrate being disposed within the opening.

16. The consumable according to claim 15, wherein adjacent cartridges are pivotally connected to each other.

17. A consumable for an aerosol generating device, the consumable comprising a continuous elongated flexible strip, the elongated flexible strip being divided into a plurality of sections along its length, each section of the elongated flexible strip defining a cartridge containing an aerosol forming substrate, the elongated flexible strip comprising a film, each section of the film defining a cartridge having an opening, and the aerosol forming substrate being disposed within the opening.

18. The consumable according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein each cartridge comprises at least one heating element for heating the aerosol forming substrate.

19. The consumable according to claim 18, wherein the at least one heating element comprises a resistive heating wire or mesh.

20. The consumable according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the consumable comprises an indexing component engageable to advance the elongated strip of cartridges in the longitudinal direction of the elongated strip.

21. The consumable according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein each cartridge contains a single metered dose of aerosol forming substrate.

22. An aerosol generation system, comprising: The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3; And a consumable according to any one of claims 15 to 17.

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