Aerosol generation device

Abstract

To provide a new aerosol generation device for generating aerosol from an aerosol generation material.SOLUTION: An aerosol generation device for generating aerosol from an aerosol generation material includes a heating assembly having a mouthpiece end and a distal end. The heating assembly includes: a first induction heating unit arranged so as to heat the aerosol generation material in a non-combustion manner when used, a second induction heating unit arranged so as to heat the aerosol generation material in a non-combustion manner when used, the first induction heating unit being arranged closer to the mouthpiece end of the heating assembly than the second induction heating unit; and a controller for controlling the first and second induction heating units. The heating assembly is configured so that at least one of the induction heating units reaches a maximum operation temperature within 20 seconds from supply of power to the at least one of the induction heating units.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generation device, a method for generating an aerosol using the aerosol generation device, and an aerosol generation system comprising the aerosol generation device. [Background technology]

[0002] Articles such as cigarettes and cigars burn tobacco to produce tobacco smoke during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these types of articles that burn tobacco by creating products that release compounds without combustion. Devices are known that heat smoking material to volatilize at least one component of the smoking material, typically forming an inhalable aerosol, without burning the smoking material. Such devices are sometimes described as "non-combustion heating" devices or "tobacco heating products" (THPs) or "tobacco heating devices." A variety of different compositions are known for volatilizing at least one component of the smoking material.

[0003] The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, or a combination such as a mixed mix, which may or may not contain nicotine. Summary of the Invention

[0004] First Aspect According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, comprising: a heating assembly having a mouth end and a distal end, the heating assembly comprising: a first induction heating unit arranged to heat the aerosol-forming material in a non-combustion manner in use; a second induction heating unit positioned to heat the aerosol-forming material in a non-combustion manner during use, the second induction heating unit being positioned closer to the mouth end of the heating assembly than the first induction heating unit; and a controller for controlling the first and second induction heating units; Equipped with An aerosol generation device is provided, wherein the heating assembly is configured such that the at least one induction heating unit reaches a maximum operating temperature within 20 seconds of applying power to the at least one induction heating unit, hi one embodiment, the at least one induction heating unit includes a first induction heating unit.

[0005] In some embodiments, the first temperature that the at least one induction heating unit holds substantially constant for at least 1, 3, 5, or 10 seconds is the maximum operating temperature.

[0006] In some embodiments, the heating assembly can be configured such that at least one induction heating unit, such as the first induction heating unit, reaches a maximum temperature within about 15 seconds, or 12 seconds, or 10 seconds, or 5 seconds, or 2 seconds of applying power to the first induction heating unit. In preferred embodiments, the heating assembly is configured such that the heating unit reaches a maximum temperature within about 2 seconds of applying power to the heating unit. In particularly preferred embodiments, the aerosol generating device is a tobacco heating product, and the heating assembly is configured such that the first induction heating unit reaches a maximum temperature within about 12 seconds, or 10 seconds, or 5 seconds, or 2 seconds of applying power to the first induction heating unit.

[0007] The device can be activated by a user interacting with the device. In some embodiments, the heating assembly can be configured such that the induction heating unit reaches a maximum temperature within about 15 seconds, or 12 seconds, or 10 seconds, or 5 seconds, or 2 seconds after activation of the device. In preferred embodiments, the heating assembly is configured such that the induction heating unit reaches a maximum temperature within about 2 seconds after activation. In particularly preferred embodiments, the aerosol generating device is a tobacco heating product, and the heating assembly is configured such that the first induction heating unit reaches a maximum temperature within about 12 seconds, or 10 seconds, or 5 seconds, or 2 seconds after activation of the device.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first induction heating unit is controllable independently of the second induction heating unit. In certain embodiments, the heating assembly can be configured such that the first induction heating unit reaches its maximum operating temperature within about 20 seconds of activating the device, and the second induction heating unit reaches its maximum operating temperature later.

[0009] In some embodiments, the heating assembly can be configured such that the second induction heating unit reaches its maximum operating temperature at least about 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100, or 120 seconds after the start of a use session. Preferably, the assembly is arranged such that the second induction heating unit reaches its maximum operating temperature at least about 120 seconds after the start of a use session.

[0010] In some embodiments, the heating assembly is configured so that the second induction heating unit reaches its maximum operating temperature at least about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100, or 120 seconds after the first induction heating unit reaches its maximum operating temperature. Preferably, the heating assembly is configured so that the second induction heating unit reaches its maximum operating temperature at least about 120 seconds after the first induction heating unit reaches its maximum operating temperature.

[0011] In some embodiments, the heating assembly is configured such that the second induction heating unit is ramped to a first operating temperature that is lower than the maximum operating temperature and then ramped to the maximum operating temperature, and the heating assembly is configured such that the second induction heating unit reaches the first operating temperature that is lower than the maximum operating temperature at least about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60 seconds after the start of the use session.

[0012] In some embodiments, the heating assembly is configured such that the second induction heating unit rises from a first operating temperature that is less than the maximum operating temperature to its maximum operating temperature within 10 seconds, or 5 seconds, 4 seconds, 3 seconds, or 2 seconds from a programmed time for increasing the temperature of the second induction heating unit to its maximum operating temperature.

[0013] In some embodiments, the maximum operating temperature of the first and / or second heating units is about 200°C to 300°C, or 220°C to 280°C, or 230°C to 270°C, or 240°C to 260°C, or preferably about 250°C. In some embodiments, the maximum operating temperature is less than about 300°C, or 290°C, or 280°C, or 270°C, or 260°C, or 250°C. In some embodiments, the maximum operating temperature is greater than about 200°C, or 210°C, or 220°C, or 230°C, or 240°C. Advantageously, the maximum operating temperature of the induction heating unit is selected to rapidly heat the aerosol-forming material, such as tobacco, without burning or charring the aerosol-forming material or any protective packaging (e.g., wrapper) associated with the aerosol-forming material.

[0014] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device is configured to generate an aerosol from a liquid aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device is configured to generate an aerosol from a combination of liquid and non-liquid aerosol-generating materials. In other preferred embodiments, the aerosol generating device is configured to generate an aerosol from a non-liquid aerosol-generating material.

[0015] Preferably, the aerosol-forming material comprises tobacco and / or tobacco extract. In particularly preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming material comprises solid tobacco. The aerosol-forming material may also comprise an aerosol-forming agent, such as glycerol. In more preferred embodiments, the aerosol-generating device is a tobacco heating product configured to generate an aerosol from a non-liquid aerosol-forming material comprising tobacco and, optionally, an aerosol-forming agent.

[0016] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device comprises an indicator that indicates to the user that the device is ready for use within 20 seconds of activating the device. Preferably, the indicator is configured to indicate to the user that the device is ready for use by visual and / or tactile feedback. Advantageously, the indicator allows the user to be confident that they will receive a satisfactory first puff when using the device.

[0017] Second Aspect According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, comprising: a heating assembly having a mouth end and a distal end, the heating assembly comprising: a first induction heating unit arranged to heat the aerosol-forming material in a non-combustion manner in use; a second induction heating unit positioned to heat the aerosol-forming material in a non-combustion manner during use, the second induction heating unit being positioned closer to the mouth end of the heating assembly than the first induction heating unit; and a controller for controlling the first and second induction heating units; Equipped with An aerosol generating device is provided, wherein the heating assembly is configured such that, in use, the at least one induction heating unit reaches a maximum operating temperature at a rate of at least 50° C. per second. In one embodiment, the at least one induction heating unit includes a first induction heating unit.

[0018] In some embodiments, the heating assembly can be configured such that the second induction heating unit rises from a first operating temperature below its maximum operating temperature to its maximum operating temperature at a rate of at least 50°C per second during a use session. In preferred embodiments, the heating assembly is configured such that the second induction heating unit reaches its maximum operating temperature at a rate of at least 100°C per second during a use session. In particularly preferred embodiments, the heating assembly is configured such that the second induction heating unit reaches its maximum operating temperature at a rate of at least 150°C per second during a use session.

[0019] Third Aspect According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, comprising: a heating assembly having a mouth end and a distal end, the heating assembly comprising: a first heating unit arranged to non-combustionally heat the aerosol-forming material in use; a second heating unit arranged to non-combustionally heat the aerosol-forming material in use, the second heating unit being arranged closer to the mouth end of the heating assembly than the first heating unit; and a controller for controlling the first and second heating units; Equipped with An aerosol generation device is provided, wherein the heating assembly is configured such that the first heating unit reaches a maximum operating temperature within 15 seconds of supplying power to the first heating unit.

[0020] One or more of the heating units may comprise a coil.

[0021] The heating assembly can be configured such that the first heating unit reaches a maximum operating temperature within 10 seconds, 8 seconds, 6 seconds, or 4 seconds of applying power to the first heating unit. In one embodiment, the first heating unit is an electrically resistive heating element. For example, when the heating unit includes a coil, the heating unit can be an induction heating unit including a susceptor, with the coil configured to be an inductor element for applying a varying magnetic field to the susceptor. In another embodiment, the first heating unit is an induction heating unit.

[0022] Fourth Aspect According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material using an aerosol-generating device according to the first or second aspect, the aerosol-generating device comprising a first induction heating unit, the method comprising the step of supplying power to the first induction heating unit, thereby heating the first induction heating unit to a maximum operating temperature within 20 seconds of supplying power to the heating unit.

[0023] Fifth Aspect According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, comprising: a heating assembly having a mouth end and a distal end, the heating assembly comprising: a first induction heating unit arranged to heat the aerosol-forming material in a non-combustion manner in use; a second induction heating unit positioned to non-combustionally heat the aerosol-forming material in use, the second induction heating unit being positioned closer to the mouth end of the heating assembly than the first induction heating unit; and a controller for controlling the first and second induction heating units; Equipped with An aerosol generating device is provided, wherein the heating assembly is configured such that at least one induction heating unit reaches a temperature of 200°C to 300°C within 20 seconds of supplying power to the at least one induction heating unit.

[0024] In some embodiments, the heating assembly is configured such that at least one induction heating unit reaches a temperature of 200°C to 280°C within 20 seconds and substantially maintains that temperature (i.e., within 10°C, 5°C, 4°C, 3°C, 2°C, or 1°C of that temperature) for 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, or 30 seconds.

[0025] In some embodiments, the at least one induction temperature is reached within 15 seconds, or 12 seconds, or 10 seconds, or 5 seconds, or 2 seconds of applying power to the first induction heating unit.

[0026] In some embodiments, at least one induction heating unit reaches a temperature of 200°C to 300°C, or 200°C to 280°C, or 210°C to 270°C, or 210°C to 260°C, or 210°C to 250°C. In some embodiments, at least one induction heating unit reaches a temperature of less than about 300°C, or 290°C, or 280°C, or 270°C, or 260°C, or 250°C. In some embodiments, at least one induction heating unit reaches a temperature of greater than about 200°C, or 210°C, or 220°C, or 230°C, or 240°C.

[0027] Sixth Aspect According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, comprising: a heating assembly including one or more heating units arranged to non-combustionally heat the aerosol-forming material in use; a controller for controlling one or more heating units; Equipped with the heating assembly is operable in at least a first mode and a second mode; the first mode includes supplying energy to the one or more heating units over a first mode use session having a first predetermined duration; the second mode includes supplying energy to the one or more heating units over a second mode use session having a second predetermined duration; An aerosol generating device is provided in which the first predetermined duration is different from the second predetermined duration.

[0028] Preferably, the first predetermined duration is longer than the second predetermined duration.

[0029] In one embodiment, the heating assembly comprises a plurality of heating units, including a first heating unit arranged to non-combustibly heat the aerosol-forming material in use, and a second heating unit arranged to non-combustibly heat the aerosol-forming material in use.

[0030] In this embodiment, the first mode can include supplying energy to the first heating unit for a predetermined duration of the first mode, and the second mode can include supplying energy to the first heating unit for a predetermined duration of the second mode. The predetermined duration of the first mode of supplying energy to the first heating unit can be different from the predetermined duration of the second mode of supplying energy to the first heating unit.

[0031] The predetermined duration of the first mode for supplying energy to the first heating unit is preferably about 3 minutes to 5 minutes, and the predetermined duration of the second mode for supplying energy to the first heating unit is preferably about 2 minutes 30 seconds to 3 minutes 30 seconds.

[0032] Similarly, the first mode can include supplying energy to the second heating unit for a predetermined duration of the first mode, and the second mode can include supplying energy to the second heating unit for a predetermined duration of the second mode. The predetermined duration of the first mode of supplying energy to the second heating unit can be different from the predetermined duration of the second mode of supplying energy to the first heating unit.

[0033] The predetermined duration of the first mode for supplying energy to the second heating unit is preferably about 2 minutes to 3 minutes 30 seconds.The predetermined duration of the second mode for supplying energy to the second heating unit is preferably about 1 minute 30 seconds to 3 minutes.

[0034] In these embodiments, the predetermined duration of the first mode of supplying energy to the first heating unit can be different from the predetermined duration of the first mode of supplying energy to the second heating unit, and the predetermined duration of the second mode of supplying energy to the first heating unit can be different from the predetermined duration of the second mode of supplying energy to the second heating unit.

[0035] The first predetermined duration of the use session in the first mode can be greater than the predetermined duration of the first mode of supplying energy to the second heating unit, and similarly, the second predetermined duration of the use session in the second mode can be greater than the predetermined duration of the second mode of supplying energy to the second heating unit.

[0036] The first predetermined duration of the first mode use session can be substantially the same as the predetermined duration of the first mode of supplying energy to the first heating unit, and similarly, the second predetermined duration of the second mode use session can be substantially the same as the predetermined duration of the second mode of supplying energy to the first heating unit.

[0037] Seventh aspect According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating device includes a heating assembly including one or more heating units arranged to non-combustibly heat the aerosol-generating material during use, and a controller for controlling the one or more heating units. The heating assembly is configured to provide a use session having a duration of less than 7 minutes.

[0038] Preferably, the heating assembly is configured to provide a use session having a duration of less than 4 minutes 30 seconds. More preferably, the heating assembly includes an induction heating unit and is configured to provide a use session having a duration of less than 4 minutes 30 seconds.

[0039] The aerosol generating device of this second aspect may be operable in multiple modes as described herein in relation to the first aspect, and therefore features described herein in relation to one aspect of the invention are expressly disclosed in combination with other aspects, to the extent compatible.

[0040] In one such embodiment, the first duration of the first mode of use session and / or the second duration of the second mode of use session is less than 7 minutes. In particular, the first duration of the first mode of use session and / or the second duration of the second mode of use session may be between approximately 2 minutes 30 seconds and 5 minutes.

[0041] In some embodiments, each use session is less than 4 minutes 30 seconds. For example, the first predetermined duration can be between about 3 minutes and 4 minutes 30 seconds, and the second predetermined duration can be between about 2 minutes 30 seconds and 3 minutes 30 seconds.

[0042] In some embodiments, the duration of a use session in the first mode is longer than the duration of a use session in the second mode.

[0043] In some embodiments, a use session in the first mode has a duration of less than 4 minutes. In some embodiments, a use session in the second mode has a duration of less than 3 minutes.

[0044] In one embodiment, each heating unit in the heating assembly comprises a coil. For example, each heating unit in the heating assembly can be an induction heating unit comprising a susceptor heating element, the coil being configured to be an inductor element that provides a varying magnetic field to the susceptor heating element. In another embodiment, each heating unit in the heating assembly is a resistive heating unit.

[0045] Eighth aspect According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, the aerosol-generating device comprising a heating assembly including at least a first heating unit arranged to non-combustionally heat the aerosol-generating material in use, and a controller for controlling the first heating unit.

[0046] The heating assembly is configured such that the first heating unit reaches a maximum operating temperature in use of between 245° C. and 340° C. In some embodiments, the heating assembly is configured such that the first heating unit reaches a maximum operating temperature in use of between 245° C. and 300° C., preferably between 250° C. and 280° C.

[0047] In some embodiments, the heating assembly can further include a second heating unit arranged to heat the aerosol-generating material in a non-combustion manner during use, the second heating unit being controllable by the controller. Preferably, the second heating unit is controllable independently of the first heating unit. The heating assembly can be configured such that the second heating unit reaches a maximum operating temperature of 245°C to 340°C during use. In some embodiments, the heating assembly is configured such that the second heating unit reaches a maximum operating temperature of 245°C to 300°C during use, preferably 250°C to 280°C during use.

[0048] In some embodiments, the heating assembly comprises up to two heating units controllable by the controller. Alternatively, the heating assembly can comprise three or more heating units independently controllable by the controller.

[0049] In some embodiments, the heating assembly is configured such that the second heating unit is raised to a first operating temperature, in use, that is lower than its maximum operating temperature, and then raised to the maximum operating temperature.

[0050] In some embodiments, the heating assembly is configured such that, in use, a first heating unit is maintained at its maximum operating temperature for a first duration, and then the temperature of the first heating unit is reduced from the maximum operating temperature to a second operating temperature that is lower than the maximum operating temperature, and held at the second operating temperature for a second duration.

[0051] In one embodiment, at least one heating unit present in the heating assembly comprises a coil. In this embodiment, the at least one heating unit can be an induction heating unit. The induction heating unit comprises a susceptor heating element, and the coil is configured to be an inductor that provides a varying magnetic field to the susceptor heating element.

[0052] In one embodiment, at least one heating unit present in the heating assembly comprises a resistive heating element.

[0053] Ninth aspect According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device including a heating assembly. The heating assembly includes at least a first heating unit arranged to heat an aerosol-generating material in a non-combustion manner during use, and a controller for controlling the first heating unit. The heating assembly is operable in at least a first mode and a second mode, and the heating assembly is configured such that the first heating unit reaches a maximum operating temperature for the first mode in the first mode and a maximum operating temperature for the second mode in the second mode. The maximum operating temperature for the first mode is different from the operating temperature for the second mode.

[0054] In some embodiments, the maximum operating temperature of the first heating unit in the second mode is higher than the maximum operating temperature of the first heating unit in the first mode.

[0055] In some embodiments, the heating assembly can further include a second heating unit arranged to non-combustionally heat the aerosol-generating material during use, the second heating unit being controllable by the controller. Preferably, the second heating unit is controllable independently of the first heating unit. In some embodiments, the heating assembly includes up to two heating units. Alternatively, the heating assembly can include three or more heating units that are independently controllable by the controller.

[0056] In these embodiments, the heating assembly can be configured such that the second heating unit reaches a maximum operating temperature for the first mode in the first mode and a maximum operating temperature for the second mode in the second mode. In some embodiments, the maximum operating temperature for the first mode of the second heating unit is different from the maximum operating temperature for the second mode of the second heating unit. In some embodiments, the maximum operating temperature for the second mode of the second heating unit is higher than the maximum operating temperature for the first mode of the second heating unit.

[0057] In some embodiments, the maximum operating temperature of the first mode of the first heating unit is substantially the same as the maximum operating temperature of the second heating unit in the first mode.

[0058] In some embodiments, the maximum operating temperature of the first heating unit in the second mode is different from the maximum operating temperature of the second heating unit in the second mode. In certain embodiments, the maximum operating temperature of the first heating unit in the second mode is higher than the maximum operating temperature of the second heating unit in the second mode.

[0059] In some embodiments, the maximum operating temperature of the first heating unit in the first mode and / or the maximum operating temperature of the second heating unit in the first mode is between 240°C and 300°C.

[0060] In some embodiments, the maximum operating temperature of the first heating unit in the second mode and / or the maximum operating temperature of the second heating unit in the second mode is between 250°C and 300°C.

[0061] In some embodiments, the heating assembly is configured such that the second heating unit, in use, for each mode, rises to a first operating temperature that is lower than its maximum operating temperature, and then rises to the maximum operating temperature.

[0062] In some embodiments, the heating assembly is configured such that, in use, for each mode, the first heating unit is maintained at its maximum operating temperature for a first duration, and then the temperature of the first heating unit is reduced from the maximum operating temperature to a second operating temperature that is lower than the maximum operating temperature and held at the second operating temperature for a second duration.

[0063] In one embodiment, each heating unit present in the heating assembly is an induction heating unit that includes a susceptor heating element and an inductor that provides a varying magnetic field to the susceptor heating element.

[0064] Tenth Aspect Another aspect of the present invention provides an aerosol generating device including a heating assembly. The heating assembly includes at least a first heating unit configured to heat an aerosol-generating material in a non-combustion manner during use, a second heating unit configured to heat the aerosol-generating material in a non-combustion manner during use, and a controller for controlling the first and second heating units. The heating assembly is operable in at least a first mode and a second mode, and the heating assembly is configured such that each of the first and second heating units reaches a maximum operating temperature for the first mode in the first mode and a maximum operating temperature for the second mode in the second mode. The ratio of the maximum operating temperature for the first mode of the first heating unit to the maximum operating temperature for the second heating unit in the first mode is different from the ratio of the maximum operating temperature for the second mode of the first heating unit to the maximum operating temperature for the second heating unit in the second mode.

[0065] In some embodiments, the ratio of the maximum operating temperature of the first heating unit in the first mode to the maximum operating temperature of the second heating unit in the first mode, and / or the ratio of the maximum operating temperature of the first heating unit in the second mode to the maximum operating temperature of the second heating unit in the second mode, is between 1:1 and 1.2:1.

[0066] In certain embodiments, the ratio of the maximum operating temperature of the first mode of the first heating unit to the maximum operating temperature of the second heating unit in the first mode is about 1:1.

[0067] In a more specific embodiment, the ratio of the maximum operating temperature of the first heating unit in the second mode to the maximum operating temperature of the second heating unit in the second mode is between 1.01:1 and 1.2:1.

[0068] In some embodiments, the heating assembly is configured such that the second heating unit, in use, for each mode, rises to a first operating temperature that is lower than its maximum operating temperature, and then rises to the maximum operating temperature.

[0069] In certain embodiments, the ratio of the first operating temperature in the first mode to the maximum operating temperature in the first mode is different from the ratio of the first operating temperature in the second mode to the maximum operating temperature in the second mode. In one embodiment, the first operating temperature in the first mode and / or the second mode is between 150°C and 200°C.

[0070] The ratio of the first operating temperature in the first mode to the maximum operating temperature in the first mode and / or the ratio of the first operating temperature in the second mode to the maximum operating temperature in the second mode can be between 1:1.1 and 1:2. In some embodiments, the ratio of the first operating temperature in the first mode to the maximum operating temperature in the first mode is between 1:1.1 and 1:1.6. In some embodiments, the ratio of the first operating temperature in the second mode to the maximum operating temperature in the second mode is between 1:1.6 and 1:2.

[0071] In some embodiments, the heating assembly is configured such that, in use, for each mode, the first heating unit is maintained at its maximum operating temperature for a first duration, and then the temperature of the first heating unit is reduced from the maximum operating temperature to a second operating temperature that is lower than the maximum operating temperature and held at the second operating temperature for a second duration.

[0072] In certain embodiments, the ratio of the maximum operating temperature in the first mode to the second operating temperature in the first mode is different from the ratio of the maximum operating temperature in the second mode to the second operating temperature in the second mode. In one embodiment, the first mode and / or the second mode's second operating temperature is between 180°C and 240°C. In some embodiments, the ratio of the maximum operating temperature in the first mode to the second operating temperature in the first mode and / or the ratio of the maximum operating temperature in the second mode to the second operating temperature in the second mode is between 1.1:1 and 1.4:1. In one embodiment, the ratio of the maximum operating temperature in the first mode to the second operating temperature in the first mode is between 1:1 and 1.2:1. In another embodiment, the ratio of the maximum operating temperature in the second mode to the second operating temperature in the second mode is between 1.1:1 and 1.4:1.

[0073] In some embodiments, in each operating mode of the heating assembly, a first duration for which the first heating unit is maintained at its maximum operating temperature is greater than a second duration for which the first heating unit is maintained at the second operating temperature. In one embodiment, the ratio of the first duration to the second duration in each mode is between 1.1:1 and 7:1.

[0074] In one embodiment, each heating unit present in the heating assembly is an induction heating unit that includes a susceptor heating element and an inductor that provides a varying magnetic field to the susceptor heating element.

[0075] The heating assembly comprises a maximum of two heating units. Alternatively, the heating assembly can comprise three or more heating units.

[0076] Eleventh aspect According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating device includes a heating assembly including at least a first heating unit arranged to heat the aerosol-generating material in a non-combustion manner during use, and a controller for controlling at least the first heating unit. The heating assembly is operable in at least a first mode and a second mode, and the first mode and the second mode are selectable by a user interacting with a user interface to select the first mode or the second mode.

[0077] In one example, the first mode and the second mode are selectable from a single user interface.

[0078] In one embodiment of this example, the first mode is selectable by activating the user interface for a first duration and the second mode is selectable by activating the user interface for a second duration, the first duration being different from the second duration, and the first duration and / or the second duration being between 1 second and 10 seconds.

[0079] The second duration is preferably longer than the first duration.

[0080] The first duration can be, for example, 1 to 5 seconds, and preferably 2 to 4 seconds.

[0081] The second duration can be, for example, 2 to 10 seconds, preferably 4 to 6 seconds.

[0082] In another embodiment, the first mode is selectable by a first number of activations of the user interface and the second mode is selectable by a second number of activations of the user interface, the first number of activations being different from the second number of activations.

[0083] The second activation count is preferably greater than the first activation count.

[0084] The first activation count may be, for example, a single activation.

[0085] The second number of activations can be, for example, multiple activations.

[0086] The user interface of the aerosol generating device can comprise a mechanical switch, an inductive switch, or a capacitive switch. In embodiments in which the user interface comprises a mechanical switch, the switch can be selected from a bias switch, a rotary switch, a toggle switch, or a slide switch.

[0087] In one embodiment, the user interface is configured so that a user can interact with the user interface by depressing at least a portion of the user interface.

[0088] In certain embodiments, the user interface is a slide switch, and the first mode is selectable by placing the slide switch in a first position and the second mode is selectable by placing the slide switch in a second position, the first position being different from the second position. In a preferred embodiment, the slide switch forms a movable cover that selectively covers an opening of a receptacle disposed within the aerosol generation device, the receptacle being configured to receive a smoking article.

[0089] In one embodiment, the device further comprises an actuator for activating the device, the actuator being located remotely from the user interface, Alternatively, in a preferred embodiment, the user interface is also configured to activate the device.

[0090] Twelfth aspect According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating an aerosol generation device according to aspect 11, comprising the steps of receiving a signal from a user interface, identifying a selected operating mode associated with the received signal, and instructing at least one heating element to operate according to a predetermined heating profile based on the selected operating mode.

[0091] Thirteenth aspect According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating device includes a heating assembly, the heating assembly including at least a first heating unit arranged to non-combustibly heat the aerosol-generating material during use, and a controller for controlling at least the first heating unit. The heating assembly is operable in at least a first mode and a second mode. The heating assembly further includes an indicator for indicating to a user the operating mode of the device.

[0092] The indicator can be configured to provide a visual indication of the selected mode. For example, in some embodiments, the indicator comprises a plurality of light sources, and the indicator is configured to indicate the selected mode by selective activation of the light sources. The light sources can be arranged to form a shape, for example, the light sources can form the periphery of a shape. In one embodiment, the shape can have a substantially contoured shape. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the shape is annular.

[0093] The device can be configured such that the indicator indicates selection of the first mode by sequentially activating each of the light sources, the sequence including activating a first light source, then activating a second light source adjacent to the first light source, and then sequentially activating further light sources adjacent to the activated light source until all light sources have been activated.

[0094] The device can be configured such that the indicator displays a selection of the second mode by activating a selection of a plurality of light sources, the selection varying throughout the display of the second mode selection, but the number of light sources activated remaining constant throughout the display of the second mode selection.

[0095] In one embodiment, the indicator comprises a display screen, however, in a preferred embodiment, the indicator does not comprise a display screen.

[0096] The indicator can be configured to provide a tactile indication of the selected mode. For example, the indicator can include a vibration motor. The vibration motor can be, for example, an eccentric rotating mass vibration motor or a linear resonant actuator.

[0097] The device can be configured such that the indicator indicates selection of a first mode by activating the vibration motor for a first duration and indicates selection of a second mode by activating the vibration motor for a second duration, the first duration being different from the second duration.

[0098] The second duration is preferably longer than the first duration.

[0099] Alternatively or additionally, the device may be configured such that the indicator indicates selection of a first mode by activating the vibration motor for a first number of pulses and indicates selection of a second mode by activating vibration for a second number of pulses, the first number of pulses being different from the second number of pulses.

[0100] The second number of pulses is preferably greater than the first number of pulses.

[0101] The first number of pulses may be, for example, a single pulse.

[0102] The second number of pulses can be, for example, a plurality of pulses.

[0103] In a preferred embodiment, the indicator is configured to provide a visual and tactile indication of the mode selected according to any of the embodiments described herein above.

[0104] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the device and indicator are configured to indicate a first mode via a first activation sequence of the light source and a single activation of the vibration motor, and to indicate a second mode via a second activation sequence of the light source that is different from the first sequence and two activations of the vibration motor.

[0105] The indicator may be configured to provide an audible indication of the selected mode.

[0106] In these embodiments, the device may be configured such that the indicator displays the selected mode to the user throughout the entire use session. However, the device is preferably configured such that the indicator displays the selected mode for only a portion of the use session. In particular, the device may be configured such that the indicator displays the selected mode only before the device is ready to be used, for example, from the time the operating mode is selected until the device is ready to be used.

[0107] In some embodiments, the device is further configured such that an indicator indicates to a user that the aerosol generating device is ready for use.

[0108] In some embodiments, the device is further configured such that an indicator indicates to the user that the usage session is nearly over.

[0109] In some embodiments, the device is further configured such that an indicator indicates to the user that the usage session has ended.

[0110] Features described herein in connection with one aspect of the invention are expressly disclosed in combination with other aspects, to the extent compatible. For example, in one embodiment, the user interface is located within the indicator. In another embodiment, the indicator is located remotely from the user interface.

[0111] Fourteenth aspect According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, the aerosol generating device comprising a heating assembly including a controller and a first heating unit arranged to heat the aerosol-generating material in a non-combustion manner at least during use. The heating assembly is operable in at least a first mode and a second mode, the first mode and the second mode being selectable by a user before a use session and / or during a first portion of the use session, and configured such that the selected mode cannot be changed by the user during the second portion of the use session. In a preferred embodiment, the modes are selectable before and during the first portion of the use session.

[0112] A use session begins when power is first supplied to the heating unit in the heating assembly, and preferably the first portion of the use session begins at the beginning of the use session.

[0113] The aerosol generating device may further comprise an actuator configured to activate the device, and the modes may be selectable by a user after activation of the device and before a session of use, and optionally during a first part of the session of use.

[0114] In some embodiments, the first portion of the use session ends at or before the first heating unit reaches an operating temperature, and the second portion can begin at or after the first heating unit reaches an operating temperature.

[0115] In some embodiments, the first portion of the use session ends at or before the first heating unit reaches a maximum operating temperature, and the second portion can begin at or after the first heating unit reaches a maximum operating temperature.

[0116] In some embodiments, the first portion of the use session ends at or before the device is able to provide the first acceptable puff to the user, and the second portion can begin at or after the device is able to provide the first acceptable puff to the user.

[0117] In some embodiments, the first portion of the use session ends between 5 and 20 seconds after the start of the use session.

[0118] In some embodiments, the second portion of the usage session ends with the end of the usage session.

[0119] As noted above, features described herein with respect to one aspect of the invention are expressly disclosed in combination with other aspects, to the extent compatible. For example, in one embodiment, the first portion of the usage session ends when the user finishes interacting with the user interface. For example, when the user interface is configured such that the user interacts with the user interface by pressing a portion of the user interface, the first portion of the usage session can end when the user finishes pressing the user interface.

[0120] Fifteenth aspect According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, the aerosol generating device including a heating assembly, the heating assembly including a first heating unit arranged to heat the aerosol-generating material in use in a non-combustion manner, and a controller for controlling the first heating unit. The heating assembly is configured such that the first heating unit has an average temperature of 180°C to 280°C over a use session. The average temperature is calculated from temperature measurements taken at the first heating unit at a frequency of at least 1 Hz over the use session.

[0121] In one embodiment, the heating assembly is operable in multiple modes, the multiple modes including at least a first mode and a second mode, and the heating assembly is configured such that an average temperature of the first heating unit in the first mode is different from an average temperature of the first heating unit in the second mode. The heating assembly can be configured such that an average temperature of the first heating unit in the second mode is higher than an average temperature of the first heating unit in the first mode.

[0122] In one embodiment, the heating assembly includes a plurality of heating units, the plurality of heating units including a first heating unit and a second heating unit arranged to non-combustibly heat the aerosol-forming material at least during use. The heating assembly can include three or more heating units. Alternatively, the heating assembly can include a maximum of two heating units.

[0123] In this embodiment, the heating assembly can be configured such that the second heating unit has an average temperature of 180-280°C throughout the use session. The average temperature of the second heating unit throughout the use session can be different from the average temperature of the first heating unit throughout the use session. For example, the average temperature of the second heating unit throughout the use session can be higher than the average temperature of the first heating unit throughout the use session.

[0124] In this embodiment, the heating assembly can be operable in multiple modes, the multiple modes including at least a first mode and a second mode, and the heating assembly is configured such that the average temperature of the first and / or second heating units in the first mode is different from the average temperature of the first and / or second heating units, respectively, in the second mode. The heating assembly can be configured such that the average temperature of each heating unit present in the heating assembly in the first mode is different from that in the second mode. For example, the heating assembly can be configured such that the average temperature of the first and / or second heating units in the second mode is higher than that in the first mode. In certain embodiments, the heating assembly is configured such that the average temperature of each heating unit present in the heating assembly in the second mode is higher than that in the first mode.

[0125] In some embodiments, the average temperature of the first and / or second heating units in the second mode is about 1-100° C. higher than in the first mode.

[0126] In some embodiments, the average temperature of the first heating unit in the first and / or second modes is between about 180°C and 280°C.

[0127] In some embodiments, the average temperature of the second heating unit in the first and / or second modes is between about 140°C and 240°C.

[0128] In certain embodiments, each heating unit present in the heating assembly is an induction heating unit.

[0129] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating device is a tobacco heating product.

[0130] Sixteenth Aspect According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of generating an inhalable aerosol by an aerosol-generating device according to aspect 15, comprising the step of instructing a first heating unit of a heating assembly to heat an aerosol-generating material over a use session, the first heating unit having an average temperature of between 180°C and 280°C over the use session.

[0131] Seventeenth aspect According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating device for generating an inhalable aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating device includes a heating assembly, the heating assembly comprising a first induction heating unit arranged to heat the aerosol-generating material in a non-combustion manner during use, a second induction heating unit arranged to heat the aerosol-generating material in a non-combustion manner during use, and a controller for controlling the first and second induction heating units. The heating assembly is configured such that the first induction heating unit operates at a substantially constant first temperature and the second induction heating unit operates at a substantially constant second temperature during one or more portions of a use session of the aerosol-generating device. Preferably, the first temperature is different from the second temperature.

[0132] Preferably, at least one of the one or more portions has a duration of at least 10 seconds, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one of the one or more portions has a duration of 60 seconds.

[0133] In one embodiment, the difference between the first and second temperatures is at least 25°C.

[0134] In one embodiment, the one or more portions include a first portion in which the first temperature is higher than the second temperature, the first portion beginning within the first half of the use session. The first portion beginning within the first 60 seconds of the use session and / or ending 60 seconds or more after the start of the use session. In this embodiment, the first temperature during the first portion can be between 240°C and 300°C, and / or the second temperature during the first portion can be between 100°C and 200°C.

[0135] In one embodiment, the one or more portions further include a second portion having a second temperature higher than the first temperature, the second portion beginning 60 seconds or more after the start of the use session. The second portion can end within 60 seconds of the end of the use session, and preferably ends substantially simultaneously with the end of the use session. In this embodiment, the first temperature during the second portion can be between 140°C and 250°C, and / or the second temperature during the second portion can be between 240°C and 300°C.

[0136] The device can have a mouth end and a distal end, and the first and second heating units can be disposed within the heating assembly along an axis extending from the mouth end to the distal end, with the first induction unit disposed closer to the mouth end than the second induction heating unit.

[0137] In this embodiment, the first and second heating units can each have an extent along the axis, the extent of the second heating unit being greater than the first heating unit.

[0138] In certain embodiments, the controller is configured to selectively activate the first induction heating unit and the second induction heating unit such that only one of the first induction heating unit and the second induction heating unit is active at any one time during one or more portions of a use session.

[0139] Eighteenth aspect According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of providing an aerosol using the aerosol generation device according to the seventeenth aspect. The method includes controlling a first induction heating unit to have a first temperature and controlling a second induction heating unit to have a second temperature during one or more portions. The controlling step includes selectively activating the first induction heating unit and the second induction heating unit such that only one of the first induction heating unit and the second induction heating unit is active at any one time during the one or more portions. The method may further include detecting a characteristic of at least one of the induction heating units and selectively activating the induction heating unit based on the detected characteristic. The detected characteristic may be indicative of the temperature of the heating unit.

[0140] Nineteenth aspect According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol generating device includes a heating assembly, the heating assembly including a first heating unit arranged to heat the aerosol-generating material in use without combustion, and a controller controlling the first heating unit. The heating assembly is configured such that the controller specifies a programmed temperature profile for the first heating unit over a use session, and the first heating unit has an observed temperature profile over the use session. The mean absolute error of the observed temperature profile from the programmed temperature profile over the use session is less than 20°C, preferably less than 15°C, more preferably less than 10°C, and most preferably less than 5°C. The mean absolute error is calculated from temperature measurements taken at the first heating unit at a frequency of at least 1 Hz during the use session and the programmed temperatures at corresponding time points in the programmed temperature profile.

[0141] In some embodiments, the heating assembly further includes a second heating unit, and the heating assembly is configured such that the controller specifies a programmed temperature profile for the second heating unit over a use session, and the second heating unit has an observed temperature profile over the use session. The programmed temperature profile for the second heating unit can be different from the programmed temperature profile for the second heating unit.

[0142] The heating assembly can be configured such that the second heating unit has a mean absolute error of less than 50° C. of the observed temperature profile from the programmed temperature profile over a use session.

[0143] In some embodiments, the heating assembly is configured such that the first and second heating units taken together have a mean absolute error of less than 40°C of the observed temperature profile from the programmed temperature profile over a usage session.

[0144] The heating assembly can be configured to have a mean absolute error of less than 40°C.

[0145] In some embodiments, the heating assembly can be configured such that the first heating unit has a first average temperature over a usage session and the second heating unit has a second average temperature over a usage session, the first average temperature being different from the second average temperature.

[0146] In some embodiments, the mean absolute error of the first heating unit is less than the mean absolute error of the second heating unit.

[0147] The heating assembly can be operable in multiple modes, the multiple modes including at least a first mode and a second mode. In these embodiments, the heating assembly can be configured such that the mean absolute error of the first heating unit in the first mode is substantially the same as, or differs by less than 5°C from, the mean absolute error of the first heating unit in the second mode.

[0148] The aerosol generating device can include a temperature sensor disposed in each heating unit in the heating assembly, and in one embodiment, the controller is configured to control the temperature of each heating unit in the heating assembly by a control feedback mechanism based on temperature data provided by the temperature sensor disposed in each heating unit.

[0149] Each heating unit may comprise a coil. In a preferred embodiment, each heating unit present in the heating assembly is an induction heating unit comprising a susceptor heating element, the coil being configured to be an inductor element that provides a variable magnetic field to the heating element.

[0150] In some embodiments, the heating assembly is configured such that the first heating unit has a maximum operating temperature of between 200°C and 300°C.

[0151] 20th aspect According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation device according to the first, second, third, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth, seventeenth or nineteenth aspect in combination with an aerosol product article.

[0152] Twenty-first aspect According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material using an aerosol-generating device according to the first, second, third, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth, seventeenth or nineteenth aspect.

[0153] Features described herein in connection with one aspect of the invention are expressly disclosed in combination with other aspects, to the extent compatible. For example, features described in connection with an aerosol generating device are also expressly disclosed in the context of a method of using said aerosol generating device. Similarly, features described in connection with one method are also expressly disclosed in the context of other methods, to the extent combinable.

[0154] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0155] [Figure 1A] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary heating assembly of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1B] 1B is a cross-sectional view of the heating assembly shown in FIG. 1A with an aerosol production article disposed therein. [Figure 2] FIG. 12 is a front view of an example of an aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present invention, including at least the seventeenth embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 2 with the outer cover removed. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary heating assembly in an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of a portion of the heating assembly of FIG. 6A. [Figure 7A] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary aerosol product article for use with an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol product. [Figure 8]1 is a graph showing a schematic temperature profile of a first heating unit in an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention during an exemplary use session. [Figure 9] 1 is a graph showing a schematic temperature profile of a second heating unit in an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention during an exemplary use session. [Figure 10] 1 is a graph illustrating programmed heating profiles of first and second induction heating elements in an example according to an embodiment of the present invention during a use session in which the device was operated in a first mode. The programmed heating profiles shown correspond to programmed heating profiles 1 and 2, respectively, in Table 3. [Figure 11] 11 is a graph showing the measured temperature profiles of the first and second inductive elements during the use session shown in FIG. 10. [Figure 12] 11 is a graph showing the first 10 seconds of the program heating profile shown in FIG. 10. [Figure 13] 12 is a graph showing the first 10 seconds of the measured temperature profile shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 14] 10 is a graph illustrating programmed heating profiles of the first and second induction heating elements in an example according to an embodiment of the present invention during a use session in which the device was operated in a second mode. The programmed heating profiles shown correspond to programmed heating profiles 3 and 4, respectively, in Table 3. [Figure 15] 15 is a graph showing the measured temperature profiles of the first and second inductive elements during the use session shown in FIG. 14. [Figure 16] 15 is a graph showing the first 10 seconds of the program heating profile shown in FIG. 14. [Figure 17] 16 is a graph showing the first 10 seconds of the measured temperature profile shown in FIG. 15. [Figure 18]11 is a graph illustrating programmed heating profiles of first and second induction heating elements in an example according to an embodiment of the invention during a use session in which the device was operated in a first mode different from that shown in FIG. The programmed heating profiles shown correspond to programmed heating profiles 5 and 6, respectively, in Table 3. [Figure 19] 15 is a graph illustrating programmed heating profiles of the first and second induction heating elements in an example according to an embodiment of the invention during a use session in which the device was operated in a second mode different from that shown in FIG. The programmed heating profiles shown correspond to programmed heating profiles 7 and 8, respectively, in Table 3. [Figure 20] 1 is a graph showing a schematic programmed heating profile of a heating element in an aerosol generating device according to an example embodiment of the present invention during an exemplary use session. [Figure 21] 1 is a graph showing the programmed heating profiles of the first and second induction heating elements in an example embodiment according to the present invention, the profiles corresponding to profiles 9 and 10, respectively, in Table 3. [Figure 22] 1 is a graph showing the programmed heating profiles of the first and second induction heating elements in an example embodiment according to the present invention, the profiles corresponding to profiles 11 and 12, respectively, in Table 3. [Figure 23] 1 is a graph showing the programmed heating profiles of the first and second induction heating elements in an example embodiment according to the present invention, the profiles corresponding to profiles 13 and 14, respectively, in Table 3. [Figure 24] 1 is a graph showing the programmed heating profiles of the first and second induction heating elements in an example embodiment according to the present invention, the profiles corresponding to profiles 15 and 16, respectively, in Table 3. [Figure 25] 1 is a graph showing the programmed heating profiles of the first and second induction heating elements in an example embodiment according to the present invention, the profiles corresponding to profiles 17 and 18, respectively, in Table 3. [Figure 26]1 is a graph showing the programmed heating profiles of the first and second induction heating elements in an example embodiment according to the present invention, the profiles corresponding to profiles 19 and 20, respectively, in Table 3. [Figure 27] 1 is a graph showing the programmed heating profiles of the first and second induction heating elements in an example embodiment according to the present invention, the profiles corresponding to profiles 21 and 22, respectively, in Table 3. [Figure 28] 1 is a graph showing the programmed heating profiles of the first and second induction heating elements in an example embodiment according to the present invention, the profiles corresponding to profiles 23 and 24, respectively, in Table 3. [Figure 29] 1 is a graph showing the programmed heating profiles of the first and second induction heating elements in an example embodiment according to the present invention, the profiles corresponding to profiles 25 and 26, respectively, in Table 3. [Figure 30] 1 is a graph showing the programmed heating profiles of the first and second induction heating elements in an example embodiment according to the present invention, the profiles corresponding to profiles 27 and 28, respectively, in Table 3. [Figure 31] 1 is a graph showing the programmed heating profiles of the first and second induction heating elements in an example embodiment according to the present invention, the profiles corresponding to profiles 29 and 30, respectively, in Table 3. [Figure 32] 1 is a graph illustrating the programmed heating profiles of the first and second induction heating elements in an example embodiment according to the present invention, the profiles corresponding to profiles 31 and 32, respectively, in Table 3. [Figure 33] 1 is a graph showing the programmed heating profiles of the first and second induction heating elements in an example embodiment according to the present invention, the profiles corresponding to profiles 33 and 34, respectively, in Table 3. [Figure 34] 1 is a graph showing the programmed heating profiles of the first and second induction heating elements in an example embodiment according to the present invention, the profiles corresponding to profiles 35 and 36, respectively, in Table 3. [Figure 35]1 is a graph showing the programmed heating profiles of the first and second induction heating elements in an example embodiment according to the present invention, the profiles corresponding to profiles 37 and 38, respectively, in Table 3. [Figure 36] 1 is a graph showing the programmed heating profiles of the first and second induction heating elements in an example embodiment according to the present invention, the profiles corresponding to profiles 39 and 40, respectively, in Table 3. [Figure 37] 1 is a graph showing the programmed heating profiles of the first and second induction heating elements in an example embodiment according to the present invention, the profiles corresponding to profiles 41 and 42, respectively, in Table 3. [Figure 38] 1 is a graph showing the programmed heating profiles of the first and second induction heating elements in an example embodiment according to the present invention, the profiles corresponding to profiles 43 and 44, respectively, in Table 3. [Figure 39] 1 is a graph showing the programmed heating profiles of the first and second induction heating elements in an example embodiment according to the present invention, the profiles corresponding to profiles 45 and 46, respectively, in Table 3. [Figure 40] 1 is a graph illustrating the programmed heating profiles of the first and second induction heating elements in an example embodiment according to the present invention, the profiles corresponding to profiles 47 and 48, respectively, in Table 3. [Figure 41] 1 is a graph showing the programmed heating profiles of the first and second induction heating elements in an example embodiment according to the present invention, the profiles corresponding to profiles 49 and 50, respectively, in Table 3. [Figure 42] 1 is a graph showing the programmed heating profiles of the first and second induction heating elements in an example embodiment according to the present invention, the profiles corresponding to profiles 51 and 52, respectively, in Table 3. [Figure 43] 1 is a graph showing the programmed heating profiles of the first and second induction heating elements in an example embodiment according to the present invention, the profiles corresponding to profiles 53 and 54, respectively, in Table 3. [Figure 44]FIG. 1 shows an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention, including at least the eleventh, thirteenth, and fourteenth embodiments. [Figure 45] 45A-45G show exemplary user interfaces and indicators during selection and display of the first operational mode of the device shown in FIG. [Figure 46] 46A-46G show exemplary user interfaces and indicators during selection and display of the second operational mode of the device shown in FIG. [Figure 47] 45A and 47B show examples of alternative user interfaces of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention including at least the 11th, 13th and 14th embodiments. [Figure 48] 48A to 48E show examples of further alternative user interfaces of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention including at least the 11th, 13th and 14th embodiments during display of the first operating mode of the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0156] As used herein, "the" can be used to mean "the" or "the or each," as appropriate. In particular, features described in relation to "at least one heating unit" may also be applicable to the first, second, or, if present, further heating units. Furthermore, features described in relation to "first" or "second" integers may be equally applicable integers. For example, features described in relation to a "first" or "second" heating unit may be equally applicable to other heating units in different embodiments. Similarly, features described in relation to a "first" or "second" operating mode may be equally applicable to operating modes in other configurations.

[0157] Generally, reference to a "first" heating unit in a heating assembly does not indicate that the heating assembly includes more than one heating unit unless otherwise specified; rather, a heating assembly comprising a "first" heating unit shall simply comprise at least one heating unit. Thus, a heating assembly including only one heating unit clearly falls within the definition of a heating assembly comprising a "first" heating unit.

[0158] Similarly, references to a "first" and a "second" heating unit in a heating assembly do not necessarily indicate that the heating assembly includes only two heating units; additional heating units may be present. Rather, in this example, the heating assembly would simply comprise at least a first and a second heating unit.

[0159] Similarly, references to a "first" and a "second" portion of a usage session do not necessarily indicate that the usage session includes only two distinct portions.

[0160] Similarly, references to "first" and "second" operating modes do not necessarily indicate that the heating assembly is configured to operate in only two modes; the assembly may also be configured to operate in additional modes, such as a third, fourth, or fifth mode.

[0161] When an event, such as reaching a maximum operating temperature, is referred to as occurring "within" a given period of time, the event can occur at any time between the beginning and end of the period.

[0162] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming material" includes materials that, when heated, provide volatile components, typically in the form of an aerosol. Aerosol-forming materials include any tobacco-containing material, such as one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-forming materials can also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. Aerosol-forming materials can be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, gel, wax, etc. Aerosol-forming materials can also be, for example, a combination or blend of materials. Aerosol-forming materials are sometimes known as "smoking materials." In preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming material is a non-liquid aerosol-forming material. In particularly preferred embodiments, the non-liquid aerosol-forming material includes tobacco.

[0163] Devices are known that heat an aerosol-generating material without burning the aerosol-generating material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material, typically forming an inhalable aerosol. Such devices may be described as "aerosol-generating devices," "aerosol-providing devices," "non-combustion heating devices," "tobacco heating products," "tobacco heating product devices," "tobacco heating devices," and the like. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol-generating device of the present invention is a tobacco heating product. The non-liquid aerosol-generating material for use with a tobacco heating product comprises tobacco.

[0164] Similarly, there are so-called e-cigarette devices, which are typically aerosol-generating devices that vaporize a liquid form of aerosol-generating material, which may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of, or provided as part of, a rod, cartridge, cassette, or the like that can be inserted into the device. A heater that heats and vaporizes the aerosol-generating material may be provided as a "permanent" part of the device.

[0165] Aerosol-generating devices according to aspects of the present invention can receive an article containing an aerosol-forming material for heating, also referred to as a "smoking article." In this context, an "article," "aerosol-producing item," or "smoking article" is a component that, when used, contains an aerosol-forming material and, when heated, volatilizes the aerosol-forming material and, optionally, other components. A user can insert the article into the aerosol-generating device and then heat it to produce an aerosol, which the user then inhales. The article can be, for example, of a predetermined or specific size configured to be placed within a heating chamber of a device sized to receive the article.

[0166] The aerosol-generating device of the present invention includes a heating assembly having at least one heating unit arranged to non-combustibly heat the aerosol-generating material during use. According to some embodiments, the heating assembly includes multiple heating units, each arranged to non-combustibly heat the aerosol-generating material during use.

[0167] A heating unit typically refers to a component arranged to receive electrical energy from an electrical energy source and provide thermal energy to an aerosol-forming material. A heating unit includes a heating element. A heating element is typically a material arranged to provide heat to an aerosol-forming material during use. A heating unit including a heating element can include any other components required, such as components for converting the electrical energy received by the heating unit. In other examples, the heating element itself can be configured to convert electrical energy into thermal energy.

[0168] The heating unit can include a coil that, in some examples, is configured to, in use, cause heating of the at least one conductive heating element such that thermal energy can be conducted from the at least one conductive heating element to the aerosol-forming material, thereby causing heating of the aerosol-forming material.

[0169] In some examples, the coil is configured to generate a varying magnetic field that, in use, penetrates at least one heating element, thereby causing inductive heating and / or magnetic hysteresis heating of the at least one heating element. In such configurations, the or each heating element may be referred to as a "susceptor." A coil configured to generate a varying magnetic field that, in use, penetrates at least one conductive heating element, thereby causing inductive heating of the at least one conductive heating element may be referred to as an "induction coil," "induction element," or "inductor coil."

[0170] The device can include a heating element, e.g., an electrically conductive heating element, which can be suitably positioned or positionable relative to the coil to enable such heating of the heating element. The heating element can be positioned in a fixed position relative to the coil. Alternatively, at least one heating element, e.g., at least one electrically conductive heating element, can be included in an article for insertion into a heating section of the device, the article also comprising an aerosol-generating material and removable from the heating section after use. Alternatively, both the device and such article can include at least one respective heating element, e.g., at least one electrically conductive heating element, and the coil can cause heating of the respective heating elements of the device and article when the article is positioned in the heating section.

[0171] In some examples, the coil is helical. In some examples, the coil surrounds at least a portion of a heated section of a device configured to receive an aerosol-generating material. In some examples, the coil is a helical coil surrounding at least a portion of the heated section.

[0172] In some examples, the device includes a conductive heating element at least partially surrounding the heating section, and the coil is a helical coil surrounding at least a portion of the conductive heating element. In some examples, the conductive heating element is tubular. In some examples, the coil is an inductor coil.

[0173] In some examples, the heating unit is an induction heating unit. Surprisingly, the inventors have found that induction heating units in aerosol generating devices according to aspects of the present invention reach their maximum operating temperature much more rapidly than corresponding resistive heating elements. In preferred embodiments, the heating assembly is configured such that the first induction heating unit reaches its maximum operating temperature at a rate of at least 100° C. per second. In particularly preferred embodiments, the heating assembly is configured such that the first induction heating unit reaches its maximum operating temperature at a rate of at least 150° C. per second.

[0174] Induction heating systems can also be advantageous because the magnitude of the varying magnetic field can be easily controlled by controlling the power supplied to the heating unit. Furthermore, induction heating does not require that a physical connection be provided between the varying magnetic field source and the heat source, which can increase design freedom and control over the heating profile and reduce costs.

[0175] An induction heating unit includes an inductor element and a heating element. In the context of an induction heating unit, the heating element may also be referred to as a susceptor or a section of a susceptor. The inductor receives electrical energy, usually in the form of alternating current, and provides a varying magnetic field to the susceptor. The susceptor provides thermal energy to the aerosol-generating material.

[0176] In some examples, the heating unit is a resistive heating unit. The resistive heating unit can consist of a resistive heating element, i.e., the resistive heating element itself converts electrical energy into thermal energy, thereby obviating the need for the resistive heating unit to include a separate component for converting electrical energy received by the heating unit.

[0177] The use of electrical resistance heating systems can be advantageous because the rate of heat generation can be more easily controlled and lower levels of heat can be more easily produced compared to using combustion to generate heat, thus allowing for more control over the generation of aerosol from tobacco compositions.

[0178] Throughout this document, reference will be made to the temperature of the heating element (or susceptor section in which the induction heating system is used). The temperature of the heating element can also conveniently be referred to as the temperature of the heating unit comprising the heating element. This does not necessarily mean that the entire heating unit is at a given temperature. For example, when referring to the temperature of an induction heating unit, this does not necessarily mean that both the induction element and the susceptor have such a temperature. Rather, in this example, the temperature of the induction heating unit corresponds to the temperature of the heating element comprised within the induction heating unit. For the avoidance of doubt, the temperature of the heating element and the temperature of the heating unit can be used interchangeably.

[0179] Similarly, reference can be made to "activating" an inductor element, which typically consists of supplying power to the inductor element. This can also conveniently be referred to as activating an induction heating unit comprising an inductor element and a heating element.

[0180] As used herein, a "temperature profile" refers to the variation in the temperature of a material over time. For example, the varying temperature of a heating element measured at the heating element over the duration of a use session (also called a "smoking session") can be referred to as the temperature profile of that heating element (or, equivalently, the temperature profile of a heating unit that includes that heating element). The heating element provides heat to the aerosol-generating material during use to generate an aerosol. Thus, the temperature profile of the heating element induces a temperature profile in the aerosol-generating material disposed near the heating element. In other words, for example, when using an induction heating unit, the temperature of the aerosol-generating material depends on the susceptor temperature. Thus, in examples where each heating unit has a different temperature, the portions of the aerosol-generating material associated with each heating unit also generally have different temperatures.

[0181] As used herein, a "puff" refers to a single inhalation by a user of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device.

[0182] During use, the device heats the aerosol-generating material to provide an inhalable aerosol. The device can be said to be "ready for use" when at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material reaches a minimum operating temperature, allowing the user to take a puff containing a satisfactory amount of aerosol. In some embodiments, the device can be ready for use within about 20 seconds, 15 seconds, or 10 seconds after applying power to the first heating unit, e.g., within 30 seconds, 25 seconds, 20 seconds, 15 seconds, or 10 seconds after activating the device. Preferably, the device is ready for use within about 20 seconds, 15 seconds, or 10 seconds after activating the device. The device can begin applying power to a heating unit, such as the first heating unit, when the device is activated, or can begin applying power to the heating unit after the device is activated. Preferably, the device is configured to begin applying power to the first heating unit some time after activation, such as at least 1 second, 2 seconds, or 3 seconds after activation. The device is preferably configured so that power is not supplied to the first heating unit or any heating units present in the heating assembly until at least 2.5 seconds after activation of the device. This can advantageously extend battery life by avoiding unintentional activation of the heating units. In some examples, the minimum operating temperature is greater than 150°C.

[0183] Aerosol-generating devices according to embodiments of the present invention can be ready for use more quickly than corresponding aerosol-generating devices known in the art, providing an improved user experience. Generally, because it takes some time for the heating unit to transfer sufficient thermal energy to generate an aerosol to the aerosol-generating material, the device is ready for use some time after the first heating unit reaches its maximum operating temperature. Preferably, the device is ready for use within 20 seconds, 15 seconds, or 10 seconds after the first heating unit reaches its maximum operating temperature.

[0184] It has also surprisingly been found that the characteristics of an aerosol generated from an aerosol-generating material can depend on the rate at which the aerosol-generating material is heated. For example, an aerosol generated from an aerosol-generating material that is subjected to heating from a heating unit configured to rapidly change temperature can provide an improved user experience. In one embodiment in which the aerosol-generating material includes menthol, it has been found that rapidly increasing the temperature of the heating unit can increase the rate at which the menthol is delivered in the aerosol to the user, thereby reducing the amount of menthol component wasted from static heating (i.e., not forming part of the aerosol inhaled by the user).

[0185] In some embodiments, the user's sensory experience resulting from the aerosol produced by the device resembles the experience of smoking a combustible cigarette, such as an industrially made cigarette.

[0186] In some examples, the device indicates readiness for use via an indicator. In preferred embodiments, the device is configured such that the indicator indicates readiness for use within about 20 seconds, or within 15 seconds, or within 10 seconds after power is applied to the first heating unit. In particularly preferred embodiments, the device is configured such that the indicator indicates readiness for use within about 20 seconds, or within 15 seconds, or within 10 seconds after activation of the device. In another preferred embodiment, the device is configured such that the indicator indicates readiness for use within about 20 seconds, or within 15 seconds, or within 10 seconds after the first heating unit reaches its maximum operating temperature.

[0187] The "programmed temperature" of a heating unit refers to the temperature at which the heating unit is commanded by the controller to operate at any given time during a use session. The "observed temperature" of a heating unit refers to the measured temperature at the heating unit at any given time during a use session. The programmed temperature can be compared to the observed temperature of heating at the same point in time during a use session. As described herein, the programmed temperature and observed temperature of a heating unit at any point in time during a use session can be slightly different. Aspects of the present invention reduce the difference between the programmed temperature and the observed temperature.

[0188] According to some examples, the heating assembly also includes a controller that controls each heating unit present within the heating assembly. The controller can be a PCB. The controller is configured to control the power supplied to each heating unit, thereby controlling the "programmed heating profile" of each heating unit present within the heating assembly. For example, the controller can be programmed to control the current supplied to multiple inductors to control the resulting temperature profile of the corresponding induction heating element. As with the temperature profile of the heating element and the aerosol-generating material described above, the programmed heating profile of the heating element may not exactly correspond to the observed temperature profile of the heating element for the same reasons described above.

[0189] In some examples, the heating assembly is operable in at least a first mode and a second mode. The heating assembly may be operable in a maximum of two modes, or may be operable in more than two modes, such as three modes, four modes, or five modes.

[0190] In some examples, the heating assembly is configured to operate in multiple modes. Example aerosol generation devices according to aspects of the present invention can be configured to operate in this manner, at least in part, by a heating assembly controller that is programmed to operate the device in multiple modes. Accordingly, references herein to the configuration of a device of the present invention or its components can refer to a heating assembly controller that is programmed to operate the device disclosed herein, among other features (such as the spatial arrangement of the heating assembly components).

[0191] Each mode can be associated with a predetermined heating profile, such as a programmed heating profile, for each heating unit in the heating assembly. For example, the heating assembly can be arranged so that a controller receives a signal identifying a selected mode of operation and commands the or each heating element present in the heating assembly to operate according to the predetermined heating profile. The controller selects the predetermined heating profile to command the or each heating unit based on the received signal.

[0192] One or more of the program heating profiles may be user-programmed. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the program heating profiles may be manufacturer-programmed. In these examples, the program heating profile(s) may be fixed such that an end user cannot change the program heating profile(s).

[0193] As used herein, a "use session" refers to a single period of use of an aerosol generating device by a user. A use session begins when power is first supplied to at least one heating unit present in the heating assembly. After a period of time has elapsed since the start of the use session, the device is ready for use. A use session may also be referred to as a "total use session." A use session ends when power is no longer supplied to any of the heating units in the aerosol generating device. The end of a use session may coincide with the point at which the aerosol product is exhausted (the point at which the total particulate matter yield (mg) in each puff is deemed unacceptably low by the user).

[0194] The device is ready for use after a period of time has elapsed since the start of the use session. The device may include an indicator that indicates when the user should begin inhaling aerosol from the device. As used herein, an "inhalation session" refers to a period of time that begins when the device is ready for use and / or when the indicator indicates to the user that the device is ready for use, and ends at the end of the use session. An inhalation session inherently has a duration that is shorter than a total use session. An "inhalation session indicated" refers to an inhalation session whose starting point is defined as the point at which the indicator indicates to the user that the device is ready for use. An "operating temperature inhalation session" refers to an inhalation session whose starting point is defined as the point at which at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material reaches a minimum operating temperature and the user can inhale a puff containing a satisfactory amount of aerosol. An inhalation session indicated may or may not be the same as an operating temperature inhalation session. For the avoidance of doubt, the general term "inhalation session" includes both of these session definitions. As used herein, references to an inhalation session can be considered to refer to either an inhalation session indicated or an operating temperature inhalation session, unless otherwise indicated.

[0195] A use session / inhalation session has a duration of multiple puffs. The session can have a duration of 7 minutes, 6 minutes, 5 minutes, 4 minutes 30 seconds, 4 minutes, or less than 3 minutes 30 seconds. In some embodiments, a use session can have a duration of 2-5 minutes, 3-4.5 minutes, 3.5-4.5 minutes, or preferably 4 minutes. A session can be initiated by a user activating a button or switch on the device, and upon activation or shortly thereafter, the temperature of at least one heating unit begins to increase.

[0196] In some examples, a total use session can have a duration of 7 minutes, or 6 minutes, or 5 minutes, or 4 minutes 30 seconds, or 4 minutes, or less than 3 minutes 30 seconds. In some embodiments, a use session can have a duration of 2 to 5 minutes, or 3 to 4.5 minutes, or 3.5 to 4.5 minutes, or preferably 4 minutes. A session can end after a predetermined duration, such as a programmed duration, in the controller. A session can also be considered to end if the user shuts down the device (which terminates the supply of power to any of the heating elements in the aerosol generation device), such as before the programmed end of the use session.

[0197] In some examples, an inhalation session can have a duration of 7 minutes, or 6 minutes, or 5 minutes, or 4 minutes 30 seconds, or 4 minutes, or less than 3 minutes 30 seconds. In some embodiments, a use session can have a duration of 2 to 5 minutes, or 3 to 4.5 minutes, or 3.5 to 4.5 minutes, or preferably 4 minutes.

[0198] As used herein, an "operating temperature" in reference to a heating element or heating unit refers to any heating element temperature at which the element can heat the aerosol-generating material to produce enough aerosol for a satisfactory puff without burning the aerosol-generating material. The maximum operating temperature of a heating element is the highest temperature the element reaches during a smoking session. The minimum operating temperature of a heating element refers to the lowest heating element temperature at which the heating element can generate enough aerosol from the aerosol-generating material for a satisfactory puff. When multiple heating elements are present in an aerosol-generating device, each heating element has an associated maximum operating temperature. The maximum operating temperature of each heating element can be the same or different for each heating element.

[0199] In some examples, the heating assembly is configured such that the first heating unit reaches a maximum operating temperature of between 200°C and 340°C during use.

[0200] In some embodiments, the maximum operating temperature is about 200°C to 300°C or 210°C to 290°C, preferably 220°C to 280°C, and more preferably 230°C to 270°C.

[0201] In some embodiments, the maximum operating temperature is about 245°C to 340°C or 245°C to 300°C, preferably 250°C to 280°C.

[0202] In some embodiments, the maximum operating temperature is less than about 340°C, 330°C, 320°C, 310°C, 300°C, or 290°C, or 280°C, or 270°C, or 260°C, or 250°C.

[0203] In some preferred embodiments, the maximum operating temperature is greater than about 245° C. Advantageously, the maximum operating temperature of the induction heating element is selected to rapidly heat the aerosol-forming material, such as tobacco, without burning or charring the aerosol-forming material or any protective packaging (such as a paper wrapper) associated with the aerosol-forming material.

[0204] Surprisingly, it has been found that small differences in maximum operating temperatures can have an unexpectedly large effect on the characteristics of the aerosol produced by an aerosol-generating device. For example, an aerosol-generating device that reaches a maximum operating temperature of 240°C will surprisingly produce an aerosol that is significantly different from the aerosol provided by an aerosol-generating device that reaches a maximum operating temperature of 250°C, such as an aerosol-generating device according to the present invention. This effect can be particularly pronounced for tobacco heating products.

[0205] In some embodiments, the user's sensory experience resulting from the aerosol produced by the device resembles the experience of smoking a combustible cigarette, such as an industrially made cigarette.

[0206] In the aerosol-generating device of the present invention, each heating element in the heating assembly is positioned to heat the aerosol-generating material in a non-combustion manner. The temperature profile of each heating element induces a temperature profile in the associated portion of the aerosol-generating material, but the temperature profile of the heating element and the temperature profile of the associated portion of the aerosol-generating material may not strictly correspond. For example, "bleed" may occur in the form of conduction, convection, and / or radiation of thermal energy from one portion of the aerosol-generating material to another, variations may occur in the conduction, convection, and / or radiation of thermal energy from the heating element to the aerosol-generating material, and a delay may occur between changes in the temperature profile of the heating element and the temperature profile of the aerosol-generating material depending on the heat capacity of the aerosol-generating material.

[0207] The heating assembly also includes a controller that controls each heating unit present within the heating assembly. The controller can be a PCB. The controller is configured to control the power supplied to each heating unit, thereby controlling the "programmed heating profile" of each heating unit present within the heating assembly. For example, the controller can be programmed to control the current supplied to multiple inductors to control the resulting temperature profile of the corresponding induction heating element. As with the temperature profile of the heating element and the aerosol-generating material described above, the programmed heating profile of the heating element may not exactly correspond to the observed temperature profile of the heating element for the same reasons described above.

[0208] The term "operating temperature" can also be used in reference to an aerosol-generating material. In this case, the term refers to the temperature of the aerosol-generating material itself at which sufficient aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating material for a satisfactory puff. The maximum operating temperature of an aerosol-generating material is the highest temperature reached by any portion of the aerosol-generating material during a smoking session. In some embodiments, the maximum operating temperature of an aerosol-generating material is greater than 200°C, 210°C, 220°C, 230°C, 240°C, 250°C, 260°C, or 270°C. In some embodiments, the maximum operating temperature of an aerosol-generating material is less than 300°C, 290°C, 280°C, 270°C, 260°C, or 250°C. The minimum operating temperature is the lowest temperature of an aerosol-generating material at which sufficient aerosol is generated from the material to generate sufficient aerosol for a satisfactory "puff." In some embodiments, the minimum operating temperature of an aerosol-generating material is greater than 90°C, 100°C, 110°C, 120°C, 130°C, 140°C, or 150°C. In some embodiments, the minimum operating temperature of the aerosol-forming material is less than 150°C, 140°C, 130°C, or 120°C.

[0209] If multiple heating elements are present in the aerosol generating device, each heating element has an associated maximum operating temperature, which may be the same or different for each heating element.

[0210] An object of the present invention is to reduce the amount of time it takes for an aerosol generating device to be ready for use and, more generally, to improve the inhalation experience for the user. Surprisingly, it has been found that reducing the time it takes for the heating element to reach its operating temperature can at least partially alleviate "hot puffs," a phenomenon that occurs when the generated aerosol contains a lot of moisture. Thus, the aerosol generating device of the present invention can provide consumers with inhalable aerosols that have better organoleptic properties than aerosols provided by prior art aerosol generating devices that do not include heating units that reach their maximum operating temperature as quickly.

[0211] In some embodiments, the heating assembly is configured such that at least one heating element in the heating assembly reaches its maximum operating temperature within 20 seconds, and the maximum operating temperature is the first temperature at which the at least one heating unit is held for at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, or 20 seconds, i.e., in these embodiments, the heating unit is not held at a temperature other than the maximum operating temperature until the maximum operating temperature is reached.

[0212] In some embodiments, the at least one heating unit reaches its maximum operating temperature from ambient temperature within a given period of time.

[0213] The heating assembly is configured to operate as described herein. The devices of the present disclosure may be configured to operate in this manner, at least in part, by a controller of the heating assembly that is programmed to operate the device in multiple modes. Thus, references herein to the configuration of a device of the present invention or its components may refer to a controller of the heating assembly that is programmed to operate the device as disclosed herein, among other features (such as the spatial arrangement of components within the heating assembly).

[0214] In some embodiments, the user's sensory experience resulting from the aerosol produced by the device resembles the experience of smoking a combustible cigarette, such as an industrially made cigarette.

[0215] Aerosol-producing articles intended for aerosol-generating devices (such as tobacco heating products) typically contain more water and / or aerosol-forming agents than combustible smoking articles to facilitate aerosol formation during use. This higher water and / or aerosol-forming agent content can increase the risk of condensation collecting within the aerosol-generating device during use, particularly at locations distant from the heating unit. This problem may be greater in devices with enclosed heating chambers, and particularly in devices with external heaters, than in devices with internal heaters (such as "blade" heaters). Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that an externally heated heating assembly heats a larger proportion / surface area of the aerosol-generating material, thereby liberating more aerosol and resulting in more condensation of the aerosol within the device than devices that heat the aerosol-generating material internally. The inventors have found that using the programmable heating profile of the present disclosure in a device configured to heat the aerosol-generating material externally can advantageously provide a desired amount of aerosol to the user while minimizing the amount of aerosol condensing within the device. For example, the maximum operating temperature of the heating unit can affect the amount of condensation formed. A lower maximum operating temperature can provide less undesirable condensation. The difference between the maximum operating temperatures of the heating units within the heating assembly can also affect the amount of condensation that forms. Furthermore, the point at which each heating unit present in the heating assembly reaches its maximum operating temperature during a use session can affect the amount of condensation that forms.

[0216] According to an aspect of the invention, a heating assembly includes induction heating units configured such that during at least one portion of a use session, a first induction heating unit operates at a substantially constant first temperature and a second induction heating unit operates at a substantially constant second temperature.

[0217] In one embodiment, the first temperature can be substantially equal to the second temperature. Surprisingly, it has been found that configuring multiple induction heating units to operate at substantially the same temperature can at least partially ameliorate the adverse effects of condensation and filtration that can result from different portions of the aerosol-forming material being heated to different temperatures.

[0218] In another embodiment, the first temperature is different from the second temperature. The inventors have discovered that controlling an induction heating unit in an aerosol generating device presents several challenges that differ from corresponding devices that use different heating units, such as resistive heating units. One advantage provided by aspects of the present disclosure is that, for the first time, a device is configured to allow different induction heaters in a heating assembly to consistently operate at different temperatures. For example, according to one embodiment, the heating assembly is configured such that the controller provides power to only one induction heating unit at any given time. Surprisingly, the inventors have discovered that providing power to only one induction heating unit at any one time makes it possible to maintain consistent operation of multiple heating units at different temperatures without interference.

[0219] For example, during use of the device, the controller can determine when to activate each heating unit at a predetermined frequency, i.e., once for each of a plurality of predetermined time intervals. For example, if the predetermined frequency (which can be referred to as the "interrupt rate") is 64 Hz, the controller 1001 determines which heating unit to activate for the next 1 / 64 second duration at a predetermined interval of 1 / 64 second, and the controller makes the next determination regarding which heating unit to activate at the end of the next 1 / 64 second interval. In other examples, the interrupt rate can be, for example, 20 Hz to 80 Hz, or correspondingly, the predetermined interval can be 1 / 80 second to 1 / 20 second long. To determine which inductor element to activate for a predetermined interval, the controller determines which heating element should be heated for that predetermined interval. In some examples, the controller determines which heating element in which susceptor section should be heated by reference to the measured temperature of the heating element in the susceptor section.

[0220] The controller can detect at least one characteristic of the induction heating unit and determine whether to activate the heater by selectively activating the induction heating unit based on the detected characteristic. For example, suitable components of the device can detect the energy supplied to the inductor coil, the temperature of the susceptor element, etc. The detected characteristic preferably indicates the temperature of the heating unit. The controller can then activate or not activate the induction heating unit based on the detected characteristic. For example, if the temperature of a first heating unit is detected to be below the first heating unit's programmed temperature, the controller activates the first induction heating unit, thereby increasing the temperature to correspond to the programmed temperature. Similarly, if the temperature is detected to be the same as the programmed temperature, the controller shuts down the heating unit to avoid overheating the unit.

[0221] A "portion" of a use session refers to any period during the use session. A portion can have a maximum duration equal to the duration of the use session, but each portion preferably has a duration shorter than the duration of the use session. Each referenced portion preferably has a duration of at least 10 seconds. Even more preferably, the heating assembly is configured such that at least one portion has a duration of at least 60, 70, 80, 90, or 100 seconds.

[0222] A use session can include multiple portions in which the heating assembly is configured to operate as described above. For example, the heating assembly can be configured for a first portion and a second portion. In some embodiments, the heating assembly is configured for a maximum of two portions, and in other embodiments, the heating assembly is configured for more than two portions, such as three, four, or five portions.

[0223] If the device is configured such that there are multiple portions where the first and second heating units have different temperatures over a duration, each portion can have the same or different durations. Preferably, the heating assembly is configured to operate as described above over a first portion and a second portion, with the first portion having a different duration than the second portion.

[0224] The first portion can have a longer or shorter duration than the second portion. Preferably, the second portion is longer than the first portion. Preferably, the second portion is 20, 30, 40, 50, or 50 seconds longer than the first portion. Alternatively, the first portion can be 20, 30, 40, 50, or 50 seconds longer than the second portion. The inventors have determined that having the first portion longer than the second portion can help reduce the amount of undesirable condensation that collects within the device during use.

[0225] As contemplated herein, when a use session includes multiple portions, the first temperature is not necessarily the same for each portion and the second temperature is not necessarily the same for each portion, i.e., each portion is associated with a first temperature and a second temperature that can vary between portions of the use session.

[0226] In a preferred embodiment, the use session comprises a first and a second portion. In the first portion, the first temperature is between 200°C and 300°C, or between 220°C and 300°C, or between 230°C and 300°C, or between 240°C and 300°C, preferably between 240°C and 290°C. In a particular embodiment, the first temperature is between 240°C and 260°C. In another embodiment, the first temperature is between 270°C and 290°C. In another embodiment, the first temperature is between 230°C and 250°C.

[0227] In these embodiments, the second temperature of the first portion is between 100°C and 200°C, preferably between 120°C and 180°C, and more preferably between 150°C and 170°C.

[0228] In this embodiment, the first temperature of the second portion is 140°C to 250°C, preferably 160°C to 240°C, more preferably 180°C to 240°C, and even more preferably 210°C to 230°C.

[0229] In this embodiment, the second temperature of the second portion is 200°C to 300°C, for example, 220°C to 260°C or 240°C to 300°C, preferably 240°C to 270°C.

[0230] If a use session includes multiple portions, each portion necessarily begins and ends at a different point within the use session. In one example, a first portion begins and ends before a second portion begins.

[0231] The second portion preferably begins at least 60 seconds after the start of the use session.

[0232] In one embodiment, there is a period between the first and second portions during which the first and second temperatures are substantially the same.

[0233] The induction heating units preferably extend along the heating assembly from the top of the device to the bottom of the device. In a preferred embodiment, the heating units are unequal in length in this direction. Having heating units of different lengths can allow for specific fine-tuning of the user experience. For example, a first unit is preferably positioned near the mouth end of the device and has a shorter length than a second unit. This configuration can allow for a quicker first puff.

[0234] In some embodiments, the heating assembly is configured so that a use session includes a final "downward" portion. In some examples, the aerosol generation device is configured to indicate to a user to stop inhaling the aerosol product product, and in some examples, the final downward portion begins when the aerosol generation device indicates to the user to stop inhaling the aerosol product product. In some examples, the final downward portion begins at a predetermined time within the use session. In other examples, the final downward portion begins in response to a signal indicating that the aerosol product product has been removed from the aerosol generation device. For example, the aerosol generation device includes a contact sensor positioned to contact the aerosol product product while it is disposed within the aerosol generation device. The contact sensor completes or breaks an electrical circuit when the aerosol product product is removed from the aerosol generation device, thereby providing a signal to initiate the final downward portion. In other examples, the sensor is an optical sensor and is positioned to provide a detectable change when the aerosol product product is removed from the aerosol generation device. It is typically advantageous to remove the aerosol product product from the aerosol generation device during the downward period to enhance condensate removal. The final descending portion ends at the end of the usage session.

[0235] During the final decline, the heating assembly has a programmed temperature below the operating temperature but above ambient temperature. Typically, the heating assembly has a programmed temperature of about 80-120°C or about 100°C. This configuration means that the heating unit gradually reduces the observed temperature from the operating temperature to the programmed temperature. By still providing power to the heating unit during the decline while removing the aerosol product from the aerosol generating device, aerosol and / or condensate disposed within the aerosol generating device can be removed from the housing before the end of the use session. This configuration is believed to reduce the amount of condensate that collects within the aerosol generating device over time. A programmed temperature of about 100°C is typically selected so that water disposed within the aerosol generating device vaporizes and thus exits the aerosol generating device during the final decline.

[0236] The final descending portion can have any suitable duration, hi some examples, the final descending portion has a duration of about 3 to 10 seconds, preferably about 5 seconds.

[0237] Each heating unit (or heating element) present in the heating assembly has an observed average (mean) temperature over the entire usage session.

number

number

[0238] The frequency of the temperature measurements can affect the calculated average temperature value. For example, if the period between temperature measurements is too long, an average temperature may be calculated that does not take into account relatively long temperature fluctuations. Such a calculated average temperature will be insufficiently accurate. Therefore, the average temperature defined herein is calculated from temperature measurements having a frequency of at least 1 Hz. That is, to obtain a suitably accurate average temperature, the temperature of the heating element must be measured at least once per second over the period over which the average temperature is calculated, and these measurements are used to calculate the average temperature.

[0239] The average temperature can be calculated using any measurement frequency of at least 1 Hz. For example, the average can be calculated from temperature measurements taken at frequencies of at least 2 Hz, 3 Hz, 5 Hz, 10 Hz, 20 Hz, 30 Hz, 60 Hz, or higher.

[0240] The temperature measurements can be obtained by any suitable temperature probe located on each heating element. For example, each heating element present in the heating assembly can be provided with a temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple, thermopile, or resistance temperature detector (RTD, also called resistance thermometer). The aerosol generating device can include such a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the aerosol generating device may not include a fixed temperature probe on each heating element, in which case the average temperature of each heating unit must be calculated using a separate temperature sensor.

[0241] In embodiments where the heating assembly includes multiple heating units, the average temperature of each heating unit can be the same or different. For example, the average temperature of a first heating unit can be different from the average temperature of a second heating unit. Preferably, the average temperature of the first heating unit is higher than the average temperature of the second heating unit.

[0242] Surprisingly, the inventors have found that it can be advantageous to configure a heating assembly such that the heating units included within the assembly have a particular average temperature over a use session. The average temperature of the heating elements over a use session can be used as an indicator of the amount of thermal energy delivered to the aerosol-generating material during the use session. The heating assembly is configured such that each heating unit present within the heating assembly has an average temperature over a use session that corresponds to the amount of thermal energy required to generate a desired amount of aerosol from the aerosol-generating material over the use session.

[0243] Additionally, it can be advantageous for the heating assembly to be configured such that one or more of the heating units present therein have an average temperature over a use session that ameliorate at least some adverse effects associated with heating units having different average temperatures. For example, operating a heating unit to heat the aerosol product article at too low a temperature for part of a use session could result in undesirable condensation on a portion of the aerosol product article and / or that portion of the aerosol product article filtering desirable components from the inhalable aerosol delivered to the user. Thus, the heating assembly is preferably configured such that at least one heating unit has an average temperature over a use session that reduces condensation or filtering effects associated with operating at too low a temperature.

[0244] In some embodiments, the user's sensory experience resulting from the aerosol produced by the device resembles the experience of smoking a combustible cigarette, such as an industrially made cigarette.

[0245] The heating assembly is configured to operate as described herein. The devices of the present disclosure may be configured to operate in this manner, at least in part, by a controller of the heating assembly that is programmed to operate the device in multiple modes. Thus, references herein to the configuration of a device of the present invention or its components may refer to a controller of the heating assembly that is programmed to operate the device as disclosed herein, among other features (such as the spatial arrangement of components within the heating assembly).

[0246] In some embodiments, the heating assembly is configured so that at least one heating unit of the heating assembly, in use, has an average temperature throughout a use session of about 180° C. to 280° C., preferably about 200° C. to 270° C., more preferably about 220° C. to 260° C., even more preferably about 230° C. to 250° C., or most preferably 235° C. to 245° C. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that operating the at least one heating unit having such an average temperature can help ameliorate the adverse effects of condensation and filtration discussed above.

[0247] The controller of the heating assembly is configured to command each heating unit present in the heating assembly to have a predetermined temperature profile. The predetermined temperature profile is associated with a predetermined average temperature over an entire use session. The predetermined average temperature is calculated similarly to the observed average temperature (discussed above), but instead of obtaining each temperature value by taking a temperature measurement with a temperature probe, the program temperatures at each point in time are added together.

[0248] The programmed average temperature of the heating unit and the observed average temperature of the heating unit can be compared by ensuring that for each observed temperature value obtained at any given time, a corresponding programmed temperature is obtained for the same time. In other words, in order to compare an observed average temperature with its corresponding programmed average temperature, the number and frequency of programmed temperature values used to calculate the programmed average temperature must be the same as the number and frequency of observed temperature values used to calculate the observed average temperature.

[0249] Due to lag or heat bleed, there may be a difference between the programmed average temperature and the observed average temperature for each heating unit in the heating assembly. However, the heating assembly is preferably configured so that the difference is relatively small. For example, the heating assembly may be configured so that the difference between the programmed average temperature and the observed average temperature for at least one heating unit present in the heating assembly over an entire use session is less than 40° C., preferably less than 30° C., more preferably less than 20° C., more preferably less than 10° C., and most preferably less than 5° C.

[0250] When the heating assembly comprises a first heating unit and a second heating unit, it is preferred that the heating assembly is configured so that the difference between the programmed average temperature and the observed average temperature of the first heating unit over the entire use session is less than 40°C, preferably less than 30°C, more preferably less than 20°C, more preferably less than 10°C, and most preferably less than 5°C.

[0251] In one example, the difference between the programmed average temperature and the observed average temperature of the first and second heating units over the entire use session is less than 40°C, or less than 30°C, or less than 20°C, or less than 10°C, or less than 5°C.

[0252] Heating assemblies described herein in connection with aspects of the present invention are configured such that at least one heating unit exhibits a particular mean absolute error during use. As used herein, mean absolute error (MAE) is a measure of the difference between the programmed temperature profile of a heating unit over a use session and the observed temperature profile over the use session.

[0253] The present inventors have determined that configuring the heating assembly so that at least one heater has a low MAE value can mean that the device has much greater responsiveness. For example, programmed temperature changes can be more accurately executed by the heating unit. Preferably, the heating unit has a low MAE value throughout the entire session. This can allow for more precise definition of the substrate temperature profile. This can provide an enhanced user experience, for example, by providing more precise control of the temperature profile of the heating unit (and thus the temperature profile of the aerosol-generating material) and thus better control of the aerosol content of each puff inhaled by the user.

[0254] Heating units that exhibit low MAE values can be found to have higher responsiveness.Therefore, they can achieve more rapid and larger temperature changes.For example, compared with aerosol generating devices known in the art, they can achieve a more rapid rise, and therefore the device can be ready for use in a shorter amount of time.The observed temperature profile of such heating units is close to the programmed temperature profile.

[0255] The heating assembly is configured to operate as described herein. The devices of the present disclosure may be configured to operate in this manner, at least in part, by a controller of the heating assembly that is programmed to operate the device in multiple modes. Thus, references herein to the configuration of a device of the present invention or its components may refer to a controller of the heating assembly that is programmed to operate the device as disclosed herein, among other features (such as the spatial arrangement of components within the heating assembly).

[0256] In one aspect, the invention relates to a heating assembly configured such that at least a first heating unit has a given MAE value for an entire use session. In another aspect, the invention relates to at least one heating unit having a given MAE value over a portion of a use session, such as the portion of the use session in which the heating unit has the highest temperature of any heating unit disposed in the heating assembly.

[0257] For convenience, the programmed temperature of the heating unit at any point during a usage session can be set to T Pr The observed temperature of the heating unit can be denoted by the symbol T Ob This can be shown by the symbol:

[0258] The MAE of at least a first heater in a heating assembly can be calculated according to the following equation:

number

[0259] As with the average temperature discussed herein above, the frequency of the temperature measurements can affect the calculated MAE value. For example, if the period between each temperature measurement is too long, an MAE value may be obtained that does not account for relatively large or long temperature excursions. Such a calculated MAE would be insufficiently accurate. Therefore, the MAE as defined herein is calculated from temperature measurements having a frequency of at least 1 Hz. That is, to obtain a suitably accurate MAE value, the temperature of the heating element must be measured at least once per second over the period over which the average temperature is calculated, and program temperature values are obtained for the corresponding time points, and these measurements are used to calculate the MAE value.

[0260] The MAE can be calculated using any measurement frequency of at least 1 Hz. For example, the average can be calculated from temperature measurements taken at frequencies of at least 2 Hz, 3 Hz, 5 Hz, 10 Hz, 20 Hz, 30 Hz, 60 Hz, or higher.

[0261] The temperature measurements can be obtained by any suitable temperature probe located on each heating element. For example, each heating element present in the heating assembly can be provided with a temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple, thermopile, or resistance temperature detector (RTD, also called resistance thermometer). The aerosol generating device can include such heating elements. Alternatively, the aerosol generating device may not include a fixed temperature probe on each heating element, in which case the average temperature of each heating unit must be calculated using a separate temperature sensor.

[0262] The MAE of at least the first heating unit in a use session is 20° C. or less, preferably 10° C. or less. The inventors have found that this small magnitude of MAE provides a particularly accurate observed temperature profile and provides better control of the inhalable aerosol provided to the user. In some embodiments, the MAE of at least the first heating unit in a use session is less than 9° C., 8° C., 7° C., 6° C., 5° C., 4° C., or 3° C. In a preferred embodiment, the MAE of at least the first heating unit in a use session is less than 5° C.

[0263] As described herein above, the heating assembly may include multiple heating units. The temperature associated with the jth heating unit in the heating assembly may be expressed as: hj For example, the temperature of the first heating unit can be denoted as T. h1 T, and the temperature of the second heating unit is h2 It can be shown as T.

[0264] These labels, in combination with those described above, give the observed temperature of the jth heating unit in the heating assembly. hj T Ob The program temperature of the jth heating unit can be expressed as hj T Pr For example, the observed temperature of the first heating unit can be expressed as: h1 T Ob It can be shown as:

[0265] Therefore, the heating unit h arranged in the heating assembly j The MAE can be calculated as follows:

number

[0266] For example, the MAE of the first heating unit (h1) is: h1 It can be called MAE and is calculated as follows:

number

[0267] Each heating unit also has an observed mean temperature over the entire usage session.

number

number

[0268] In embodiments where the heating assembly includes multiple heating units, the average temperature of each heating unit can be the same or different. For example, the average temperature of a first heating unit can be different from the average temperature of a second heating unit. Preferably, the average temperature of the first heating unit is higher than the average temperature of the second heating unit.

[0269] In some embodiments, the heating assembly is configured so that at least one heating unit of the heating assembly, in use, has an average temperature throughout a use session of about 180° C. to 280° C., preferably about 200° C. to 270° C., more preferably about 220° C. to 260° C., even more preferably about 230° C. to 250° C., or most preferably 235° C. to 245° C. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that operating the at least one heating unit having such an average temperature can help ameliorate the adverse effects of condensation and filtration discussed above.

[0270] In embodiments where the heating assembly includes multiple heating units, the MAE of each heating unit can be the same or different. For example, over a use session, the MAE of a first heating unit can be different from the MAE of a second heating unit. In certain embodiments, the MAE and average temperature of a first heating unit can be different from the MAE and average temperature of a second heating unit. The MAE of a heating unit with a higher average temperature can be lower than the MAE of a heating unit with a lower average temperature. The difference in MAE can be attributed to heat bleed from the heating unit with the higher average temperature to the heating unit with the lower average temperature.

[0271] In a preferred embodiment, the heating assembly comprises a first heating unit having a first MAE and a first average temperature over a use session, and a second heating unit having a second MAE and a second average temperature over a use session, the first average temperature being greater than the second average temperature and the second MAE being greater than the first MAE.

[0272] In a preferred embodiment, the heating unit in the heating assembly having the highest average programmed temperature over a use session has an MAE of less than 10° C. For example, the heating unit has an MAE of less than 9° C., 8° C., 7° C., 6° C., 5° C., 4° C., or 3° C. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the heating unit having the highest average programmed temperature over a use session has an MAE of less than 5° C.

[0273] In embodiments where the heating assembly comprises at least a first heating unit and a second heating unit, it is preferred that the MAE of the first heating unit is less than 10° C. and the MAE of the second heating unit is less than 50° C., 45° C., 40° C., or 35° C. In preferred embodiments, the MAE of the second heating unit is less than 35° C.

[0274] In a preferred embodiment, the heating unit within the heating assembly that reaches the highest maximum operating temperature over a use session has an MAE of less than 10° C. For example, the heating unit has an MAE of less than 9° C., 8° C., 7° C., 6° C., 5° C., 4° C., or 3° C. In a preferred embodiment, the MAE of the heating unit that reaches the highest maximum operating temperature over a use session is less than 5° C.

[0275] In certain embodiments, a controller of the heating assembly controls each heating unit through a control loop feedback mechanism to control the temperature of the heating element based on data provided by one or more temperature sensors located within the device. Preferably, the controller comprises a PID controller configured to control the temperature of each heating unit based on temperature data provided by thermocouples located in each of the heating elements. In a particularly preferred embodiment, each heating unit is an induction heating unit.

[0276] The heating assembly may alternatively or additionally be configured so that the first heating unit and the second heating unit together have a particular mean absolute error over a usage session.

[0277] The mean absolute error for the first heating unit and the second heating unit in a use session is calculated as follows:

number

[0278] Alternatively, h1+h2 MAE is h1 MAE and h2 It can be calculated as the average of the MAE.

number

[0279] In some embodiments, h1+h2 The MAE is less than 40°C, 35°C, 30°C, 25°C, or 20°C. h1+h2 Preferably, the MAE is less than 20° C. By controlling the MAE of multiple heating units, the device can provide more controlled heating of the aerosol product along the entire aerosol product.

[0280] The heating assembly may alternatively or additionally be configured so that the entire heating assembly operates with a particular MAE, in which case the MAE of a heating assembly with m heating units is calculated as follows:

number

[0281] Alternatively, assembly The MAE can be calculated as the average of the MAE values of each heating unit present in the heating assembly.

number

[0282] For example, in the case of an assembly with three heating units, m=3 and the heating assembly comprises heating units h1, h2 and h3. Thus, in the case of a heating assembly comprising only the first and second heating units, m=2; h1+h2 MAE= assembly It is MAE.

[0283] In some embodiments, assembly The MAE is less than 40°C. For example, assembly The MAE can be less than 35°C, 30°C, 25°C, or 20°C. assembly Preferably, the MAE is less than 20° C. By controlling the MAE of the entire heating assembly, the device can provide more controlled heating of the aerosol product along the entire aerosol product and throughout the entire use session.

[0284] The heating assembly may alternatively or additionally be configured such that the assembly has an MAE taking into account only the program and observed temperature values of whichever heating unit is programmed to have the highest temperature within the heating assembly at any given time. assembly MAE hottest , or can conveniently be referred to as the mean absolute error of the heating assembly based only on the hottest heating unit.

[0285] Advantageously, controlling the MAE of the hottest heating unit in the heating assembly can provide better control of the temperature in the portion of the aerosol production article that is producing the bulk of the aerosol.

[0286] In some embodiments, assembly MAE hottest is less than 20°C. For example, assembly MAE hottest can be less than 15°C, 10°C, or 5°C. assembly MAE hottest is preferably less than 5°C over a session of use.

[0287] The heating assemblies described herein can also be configured such that at least one heating unit exhibits a particular mean error during use. As used herein, mean error (ME) is another measure of the difference between the programmed temperature profile of a heating unit in a use session and the observed temperature profile in a use session, taking into account whether the observed temperature is generally higher or lower than the programmed temperature. j The ME for can be calculated as follows:

number

[0288] ME also measures the average programmed temperature of the heating unit.

number

number

number

[0289] A positive ME value indicates that the observed temperature of the heating unit was generally higher than the programmed temperature over the use session. A negative ME value indicates that the observed temperature of the heating unit was generally lower than the programmed temperature over the use session. Thus, the ME of a heating unit can be used to indicate whether the heating unit delivered more or less thermal energy to the aerosol-generating material over the use session than programmed.

[0290] In one embodiment, the ME value of at least one heating unit in the heating assembly during a use session is positive. In another embodiment, the ME value of at least one heating unit is positive.

[0291] In a preferred embodiment, the heating unit having the highest maximum operating temperature during a use session has a negative ME value, which can at least partially avoid charring of the aerosol product wrapper and / or burning of the substrate.

[0292] In another embodiment, the first heating unit has a negative ME and the second heating unit has a positive ME. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first heating unit has a negative ME and a first average temperature over the use session, and the second heating unit has a positive ME and a second average temperature over the use session, the first average temperature being higher than the second average temperature.

[0293] As with MAE, an assembly can be configured to have a particular ME over a usage session.

number

[0294] In some embodiments, the heating assembly is operable in at least a first mode and a second mode. The heating assembly may be operable in a maximum of two modes, or may be operable in more than two modes, such as three, four, or five modes. Each mode may be associated with a predetermined heating profile, such as a programmed heating profile, for each heating unit in the heating assembly. One or more of the programmed heating profiles may be programmed by a user. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the programmed heating profiles may be programmed by a manufacturer. In these examples, the one or more programmed heating profiles may be fixed such that an end user cannot change the one or more programmed heating profiles.

[0295] The operating mode may be user-selectable, for example, by a user interacting with a user interface to select a desired operating mode, and the supply of power to the first heating unit preferably begins substantially simultaneously with the selection of the desired operating mode.

[0296] In some examples, each mode is associated with a temperature profile that is different from the temperature profiles of the other modes. Furthermore, one or more modes can be associated with different times when the device is ready for use. For example, the heating assembly can be configured such that in a first mode, the device is ready for use a first period of time from the start of a use session, and in a second mode, the device is ready for use a second period of time from the start of the session. The first period of time can be different from the second period of time. The second period of time associated with the second mode is preferably shorter than the first period of time associated with the second mode.

[0297] In some examples, the heating assembly is configured to have the device ready for use within 30 seconds, 25 seconds, 20 seconds, or 15 seconds after applying power to the first heating unit when operating in the first mode. The heating assembly can also be configured to have the device ready for use in a shorter period of time when operating in the second mode, within 25 seconds, 20 seconds, 15 seconds, or 10 seconds after applying power to the first heating unit when operating in the second mode. Preferably, the heating assembly is configured to have the device ready for use within 20 seconds after applying power to the first heating unit when operating in the first mode, and within 10 seconds after applying power to the second heating unit when operating in the second mode. Advantageously, the second mode of this embodiment can also be associated with first and / or second heating units having higher maximum operating temperatures when in use.

[0298] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the device is configured so that the indicator indicates that the device is ready for use within 20 seconds of selecting the first mode and within 10 seconds of selecting the second mode.

[0299] In some examples, each operating mode is associated with a predetermined duration for a use session. At least some operating modes are associated with different predetermined durations. For example, if the heating assembly is operable in a first mode and a second mode, the duration associated with the first mode (first predetermined duration of a use session for the first mode) is different from the duration associated with the second mode (second predetermined duration of a use session for the second mode). The first predetermined duration of a use session for the first mode can be longer or shorter than the second predetermined duration of a use session for the second mode. Preferably, the first predetermined duration of a use session for the first mode is longer than the second predetermined duration of a use session for the second mode.

[0300] Providing an aerosol generating device, such as a tobacco heating product, with a heating assembly operable in multiple modes advantageously provides consumers with additional options, particularly when each mode is associated with a different maximum heater temperature and / or different duration of a usage session. Furthermore, such devices can provide different aerosols with different characteristics because the volatile components in the aerosol-generating material volatilize at different rates and concentrations at different heater temperatures and / or different session lengths. This can allow a user to select a particular mode based on the desired characteristics of the inhalable aerosol, such as the degree of tobacco flavor, nicotine concentration, and aerosol temperature. For example, a mode that more quickly prepares the device for use can provide a more rapid first puff, or a greater nicotine content per puff, or a more concentrated flavor per puff. Conversely, a mode that prepares the device for use later in a usage session can provide a longer overall usage session, a lower nicotine content per puff, and a more sustained flavor delivery. In some examples, a mode in which a use session has a relatively short duration may be configured to provide a more rapid first puff, or a greater nicotine content per puff, or a more concentrated flavor per puff. Conversely, a mode in which the or each heating unit ramps to a lower temperature may be configured to provide a lower nicotine content per puff, or a more sustained flavor delivery.

[0301] Each mode can also be associated with a maximum temperature to which the or each heating unit in the heating assembly rises during use. The heating assembly can be configured such that each heating unit reaches a first-mode maximum operating temperature in a first mode and a second-mode maximum operating temperature in a second mode. The maximum operating temperature of at least one heating unit of the heating assembly in the first mode can be different from the maximum operating temperature of that heating unit in the second mode. For example, the maximum operating temperature of a first heating unit in the first mode (referred to herein as the first heating unit's "first-mode maximum operating temperature") can be different from the maximum operating temperature of the first heating unit in the second mode (referred to herein as the first heating unit's "second-mode maximum operating temperature"). In some examples, the maximum operating temperature of the first mode is higher than the maximum operating temperature of the second mode, and in other examples, the maximum operating temperature of the first mode is lower than the maximum operating temperature of the second mode. Preferably, the second-mode maximum operating temperature of a first heating unit is higher than the first-mode maximum operating temperature of the first heating unit.

[0302] In embodiments in which the device is ready for use more quickly in the second mode and / or the first and / or second heating units have a higher maximum operating temperature in the second mode, the second mode can be referred to as a "boost" mode. For the first time, aspects of the present invention provide an aerosol generating device that can operate in a first "normal" mode and a second "boost" mode. Advantageously, the "boost" mode can provide a more rapid first puff, or a greater nicotine content per puff, or a more concentrated flavor per puff.

[0303] In some examples, the heating assembly is configured such that the second mode is associated with a shorter duration of the use session and a higher maximum operating temperature, which may allow for delivery of a consistent amount of volatile components to the user over the use session; a higher maximum operating temperature may result in more rapid depletion of volatile components from the aerosol-generating material, and therefore a shorter duration of the use session is preferred.

[0304] The first use session duration is preferably longer than the second use session duration. In some examples, the first and / or second use session can have a duration of at least 2 minutes, 2 minutes 30 seconds, 3 minutes, 3 minutes 30 seconds, 4 minutes, 4 minutes 30 seconds, 5 minutes, 5 minutes 30 seconds, or 6 minutes. In some examples, the first and / or second use session can have a duration of 7 minutes, 6 minutes, 5 minutes 30 seconds, 5 minutes, 4 minutes 30 seconds, or less than 4 minutes. The first use session preferably has a duration of 3 to 5 minutes, more preferably 3 minutes 30 seconds to 4 minutes 30 seconds. The second use session preferably has a duration of 2 to 4 minutes, more preferably 2 minutes 30 seconds to 3 minutes 30 seconds.

[0305] Each operating mode is also associated with a predetermined duration for an inhalation session in each mode. The first inhalation session duration is preferably longer than the second inhalation session duration. In some examples, the first and / or second inhalation session can have a duration of at least 2 minutes, 2 minutes 30 seconds, 3 minutes, 3 minutes 30 seconds, 4 minutes, 4 minutes 30 seconds, 5 minutes, 5 minutes 30 seconds, or 6 minutes. In some examples, the first and / or second inhalation session can have a duration of 7 minutes, 6 minutes, 5 minutes 30 seconds, 5 minutes, 4 minutes 30 seconds, or less than 4 minutes. The first inhalation session preferably has a duration of 3 to 5 minutes, more preferably 3 minutes 30 seconds to 4 minutes 30 seconds. The second inhalation session preferably has a duration of 2 to 4 minutes, more preferably 2 minutes 30 seconds to 3 minutes 30 seconds.

[0306] Each mode can be associated with an average temperature over a usage session for each heating unit present in the heating assembly. The average temperatures for each session can be the same or different. For example, the average temperature of a first heating unit in a first mode can be different from the average temperature of the first heating unit in a second mode. The average temperature in the first mode can be higher or lower than the average temperature in the second mode. Preferably, the average temperature of a first heating unit in the second mode is higher than the average temperature in the first mode.

[0307] In embodiments in which the heating assembly includes a first heating unit and a second heating unit, the average temperature of the first mode of the first and / or second units can be different from the average temperature of each of the second modes. In preferred embodiments, the average temperature of the second mode of both the first and second units is higher than the average temperature of the first mode for each respective unit.

[0308] In certain embodiments, the device includes an indicator configured to indicate to the user that the device is ready for use. In one embodiment, the device is configured such that the point in a use session at which the indicator indicates to the user that the device is ready for use differs between at least two modes. Preferably, the device is configured such that the indicator indicates to the user earlier in the second mode than in the first mode. For example, the device may indicate to the user that they should begin inhaling aerosol from the device approximately 20 seconds after the start of a use session in the first mode, but approximately 10 seconds after the start of a use session in the second mode.

[0309] In some embodiments, the heating assembly includes multiple heating units. For example, the heating assembly can include two heating units, the first heating unit and the second heating unit described above. The second heating unit is configured to heat the aerosol-generating material in a non-combustion manner during use. The second heating unit can be controlled by a controller of the heating assembly. The second heating unit can be controlled independently of the first heating unit.

[0310] The heating assembly can include up to two heating units, hi other examples, the heating assembly includes more than two independently controllable heating units, such as three, four, or five independently controllable heating units.

[0311] In some examples, the heating assembly includes at least a first heating unit and a second heating unit. In examples of aerosol generating devices operable in multiple modes, the first operating mode can include supplying energy to the first heating unit for a predetermined duration in the first mode, and the second mode can include supplying energy to the first heating unit for a predetermined duration in the second mode. The first mode can also include supplying energy to the second heating unit for a predetermined duration in the first mode, and the second mode can also include supplying energy to the second heating unit for a predetermined duration in the second mode.

[0312] In some embodiments, the predetermined duration for at least one heating unit is the same for each mode. In some embodiments, the predetermined duration for at least one heating unit differs between modes. In preferred embodiments, the predetermined duration for providing energy to each heating unit differs between modes.

[0313] It is expressly contemplated that a heating assembly configured to operate in at least two modes having use sessions of different durations can be configured so that at least one heating unit in the assembly is energized for the same amount of time in both modes. For example, the assembly can be configured to provide a first mode inhalation session lasting four minutes and a second mode inhalation session lasting three minutes. In this example, if the assembly includes two heating units, the first heating unit can be energized for the entire use session. The second heating unit can be energized for only the last minute of each use session. Thus, in this embodiment, although the use sessions in the first mode have a different duration than the use sessions in the second mode, the assembly is configured so that the second heating unit is powered for the same amount of time in both modes.

[0314] In preferred embodiments, power is supplied to at least one of the heating units provided in the heating assembly throughout a use session in at least one mode, and in particular, power is supplied to the first heating unit throughout a use session in the first mode and / or throughout a use session in the second mode, and in particularly preferred embodiments, power is supplied to the first heating unit throughout a use session in each operating mode of the device.

[0315] In a preferred embodiment, power is supplied to at least one of the heating units provided in the heating assembly for less than an entire use session in at least one mode. This advantageously allows for more economical power usage while maintaining acceptable aerosol delivery to the user. In particular, it is preferred that power be supplied to the second heating unit for less than an entire use session in the first mode and / or the second mode. In a particularly preferred embodiment, power is supplied to the second heating unit for less than an entire use session in each operating mode of the device. Even more preferably, power is supplied to the second heating unit for at least half of the use session in each mode, but less than an entire use session in each mode.

[0316] In some embodiments, the predetermined duration of the first mode for supplying energy to the first heating unit is between about 3 minutes and 5 minutes, more preferably between 3 minutes 30 seconds and 4 minutes 30 seconds. The predetermined duration of the first mode can be less than 4 minutes 30 seconds, 4 minutes, or 3 minutes 30 seconds. The predetermined duration of the first mode can be greater than 3 minutes, 3 minutes 30 seconds, or 4 minutes.

[0317] In some embodiments, the predetermined duration of the first mode for supplying energy to the second heating unit is between about 2 minutes and 4 minutes, more preferably between 2 minutes 30 seconds and 3 minutes 30 seconds. The predetermined duration of the first mode can be less than 4 minutes, 3 minutes 30 seconds, or 3 minutes. The predetermined duration of the first mode can be greater than 2 minutes, 2 minutes 30 seconds, or 3 minutes.

[0318] In some embodiments, the predetermined duration of the second mode for supplying energy to the first heating unit is about 2 minutes to 4 minutes, preferably 2 minutes 30 seconds to 3 minutes 30 seconds, and most preferably about 3 minutes. The predetermined duration of the second mode can be less than 4 minutes or 3 minutes 30 seconds. The predetermined duration of the first mode can be greater than 2 minutes or 2 minutes 30 seconds.

[0319] In some embodiments, the predetermined duration of the second mode for supplying energy to the second heating unit is between about 1 minute 30 seconds and 3 minutes, preferably between 2 minutes and 3 minutes, and most preferably about 2 minutes 30 seconds. The predetermined duration of the second mode can be less than 3 minutes or 2 minutes 30 seconds. The predetermined duration of the first mode can be greater than 1 minute, 90 seconds, 2 minutes, or 2 minutes 30 seconds.

[0320] The heating assembly is preferably configured such that each heating unit present within the heating assembly reaches a maximum operating temperature for the first mode in the first mode and a maximum operating temperature for the second mode in the second mode. For example, the second heating unit can reach a maximum operating temperature for the first mode in the first mode and a maximum operating temperature for the second mode in the second mode. The maximum operating temperatures of each heating unit in each mode can be the same or different. For example, the maximum operating temperature of the second heating unit in each mode may or may not be the same as the maximum operating temperature of the first heating unit in each mode.

[0321] The maximum operating temperature of the first heating unit in the first mode can be different from the maximum operating temperature of the first heating unit in the second mode. For example, the maximum operating temperature of the first mode can be higher than the maximum operating temperature of the second mode, or alternatively, the maximum operating temperature of the first mode can be lower than the maximum operating temperature of the second mode. Preferably, the maximum operating temperature of the first heating unit in the second mode is higher than the maximum operating temperature of the first heating unit in the first mode.

[0322] The maximum operating temperature of the second heating unit in the first mode can be different from the maximum operating temperature of the second heating unit in the second mode. For example, the maximum operating temperature of the first mode can be higher than the maximum operating temperature of the second mode, or alternatively, the maximum operating temperature of the first mode can be lower than the maximum operating temperature of the second mode. Preferably, the maximum operating temperature of the second heating unit in the second mode is higher than the maximum operating temperature of the second heating unit in the first mode.

[0323] In some embodiments, each heating unit of the heating assembly has a higher maximum operating temperature in the second mode than in the first mode.

[0324] As described above, the maximum operating temperature of the first heating unit may or may not be the same as the maximum operating temperature of the second heating unit. In one embodiment, the maximum operating temperature of the first mode of the first heating unit is substantially the same as the maximum operating temperature of the second heating unit. In another embodiment, the maximum operating temperature of the first mode of the first heating unit is different from the maximum operating temperature of the second unit. For example, the maximum operating temperature of the first mode of the first heating unit can be higher than the maximum operating temperature of the second heating unit, or the maximum operating temperature of the first mode of the first heating unit can be lower than the maximum operating temperature of the second heating unit. Preferably, the maximum operating temperature of the first mode of the first heating unit is substantially the same as the maximum operating temperature of the second heating unit. The inventors have found that by configuring the heating assembly so that the maximum operating temperature of the first mode of the first heating unit is substantially the same as the maximum operating temperature of the first mode of the second heating unit, it is possible to reduce the amount of condensation that collects within the device during use while still providing an acceptable puff to the user.

[0325] In some examples, the maximum operating temperature of the first heating unit and / or the second heating unit in the first mode is less than 300°C, 290°C, 280°C, 270°C, 260°C, or 250°C. In some examples, the maximum operating temperature of the first heating unit and / or the second heating unit in the first mode is greater than 245°C, 250°C, 255°C, 260°C, 265°C, or 270°C. In some examples, the maximum operating temperature of the first heating unit and, optionally, the second heating unit in the first mode is between 240°C and 300°C, or between 240°C and 280°C, or between 245°C and 270°C. Preferably, the maximum operating temperature of the first heating unit in the first mode and the maximum operating temperature of the second heating unit in the first mode is between 245°C and 270°C. Lower maximum operating temperatures may reduce the amount of undesirable condensation provided within the device during use.

[0326] In some examples, the maximum operating temperature of the second heating unit in the first mode is less than 300°C, 290°C, 280°C, 270°C, 260°C, or 250°C. In some examples, the maximum operating temperature of the second heating unit in the first mode is greater than 220°C, 230°C, 240°C, 245°C, 250°C, 255°C, 260°C, 265°C, or 270°C. In some examples, the maximum operating temperature of the first heating unit and / or the second heating unit in the first mode is between 240°C and 300°C, between 240°C and 280°C, or between 245°C and 270°C. In one embodiment, the maximum operating temperature of the first heating unit in the first mode and the maximum operating temperature of the second heating unit in the first mode are between 245°C and 270°C. In another embodiment, the maximum operating temperature of the first mode of the first heating unit and the maximum operating temperature of the second heating unit in the first mode is between 220° C. and 250° C. A lower maximum operating temperature can reduce the amount of undesirable condensation provided within the device during use.

[0327] In one embodiment, the maximum operating temperature of the first heating unit in the second mode is substantially the same as the maximum operating temperature of the second heating unit in the second mode. In another embodiment, the maximum operating temperature of the first heating unit in the second mode is different from the maximum operating temperature of the second heating unit in the second mode. For example, the maximum operating temperature of the first heating unit in the second mode can be higher than the maximum operating temperature of the second heating unit in the second mode, or the maximum operating temperature of the first heating unit in the second mode can be lower than the maximum operating temperature of the second heating unit in the second mode. Preferably, the maximum operating temperature of the first heating unit in the second mode is higher than the maximum operating temperature of the second unit in the second mode. The inventors have discovered that configuring the heating assembly so that the maximum operating temperature of the first heating unit in the second mode is substantially the same as the maximum operating temperature of the second heating unit in the second mode can reduce the amount of condensation that collects within the device during use while still providing an acceptable puff to the user.

[0328] In some examples, the maximum operating temperature of the first heating unit and / or the second heating unit in the second mode is less than 330°C, 320°C, 310°C, 300°C, 290°C, 280°C, 270°C, or 260°C. In some examples, the maximum operating temperature of the first heating unit and / or the second heating unit in the second mode is greater than 200°C, 220°C, 230°C, 245°C, 250°C, 255°C, 260°C, 265°C, or 270°C. In some examples, the maximum operating temperature of the first heating unit and / or the second heating unit in the second mode is between 250°C and 300°C, or between 260°C and 290°C. In one embodiment, the maximum operating temperature of the first heating unit in the second mode can be between 260°C and 300°C, or between 270°C and 290°C. In another embodiment, the maximum operating temperature of the first heating unit in the second mode can be between 250°C and 280°C. In one embodiment, the maximum operating temperature of the second heating unit in the second mode can be between 240°C and 280°C or between 250°C and 270°C. In another embodiment, the maximum operating temperature of the second heating unit in the second mode can be between 220°C and 260°C. A lower maximum operating temperature can reduce the amount of undesirable condensation provided within the device during use. The inventors have determined that a lower maximum operating temperature of the second heating unit can help reduce the amount of undesirable condensation that collects within the device, particularly during use.

[0329] The relationship between the maximum operating temperatures of the various heating units in different modes can be expressed as a ratio. For example, in some embodiments, there is a ratio between the maximum operating temperature of the first mode of a first heating unit and the maximum operating temperature of the first mode of a second heating unit. If the maximum operating temperature of the first mode of a first heating unit is 250°C and the maximum operating temperature of the first mode of a second heating unit is also 250°C, then the ratio of the maximum operating temperatures of the first mode of the first and second heating units is 1:1.

[0330] For simplicity, such ratios can be abbreviated. For example, the first (1 st ) and 2 (2 nd) the ratio of the maximum operating temperature of the heating unit in the first mode to FMMOT h1 :FMMOT h2 Similarly, the first (1 st ) and 2 (2 nd ) the ratio of the maximum operating temperature of the heating unit in the second mode to the SMMOT h1 :SMMOT h2 It can be shown as:

[0331] In some embodiments, the ratio FMMOT h1 :FMMOT h2 and / or ratio SMMOT h1 :SMMOT h2 is 1:1 to 1.2:1.

[0332] In some embodiments, the ratio FMMOT h1 :FMMOT h2 The ratio SMMOT h1 :SMMOT h2 In a preferred embodiment, the ratio FMMOT h1 :FMMOT h2 The ratio SMMOT h1 :SMMOT h2 is different.

[0333] In a preferred embodiment, the ratio FMMOT h1 :FMMOT h2 In another preferred embodiment, the ratio SMMOT h1 :SMMOT h2 The ratio is 1.01:1 to 1.2:1. h1 :SMMOT h2 is preferably 1.05:1 to 1.15:1.

[0334] In another preferred embodiment, FMMOT h1 :FMMOT h2 and SMMOT h1 :SMMOT h2are both approximately 1:1. That is, in some embodiments, the maximum temperatures of the first and second heating units in the first mode of operation are substantially the same, and the maximum temperatures of the first and second heating units in the second mode of operation are substantially the same. Configuring the heating assembly in this manner can further help reduce the amount of condensation that collects within the external heating device.

[0335] In a further embodiment, the respective maximum temperatures of each heating unit present in the heating assembly are the same in the first operating mode and the same in the second operating mode.

[0336] There is also a ratio between the maximum operating temperature in the first mode and the maximum operating temperature in the second mode for each heating unit. In some examples, the ratio FMMOT h1 :SMMOT h1 and / or ratio FMMOT h2 :SMMOT h2 is 1:1 to 1:1.2.

[0337] In a preferred embodiment, the ratio FMMOT h1 :SMMOT h1 In another preferred embodiment, the ratio FMMOT h2 :SMMOT h2 is 1:1 to 1:1.1.

[0338] As discussed hereinabove, in some embodiments, each operating mode of the heating assembly can be associated with a predetermined duration for a use session (i.e., a predetermined duration for a use session). In some embodiments, the use session duration associated with at least one mode is different from the use session duration associated with other modes. In some embodiments, each mode can be associated with a different predetermined use session duration. In particular, a first mode can be associated with a first use session duration and a second mode can be associated with a second use session duration. The first use session duration can be different from the second use session duration. Preferably, the first use session duration is longer than the second use session duration. In some examples, the first and / or second use session can have a duration of at least 2 minutes, 2 minutes 30 seconds, 3 minutes, 3 minutes 30 seconds, 4 minutes, 4 minutes 30 seconds, 5 minutes, 5 minutes 30 seconds, or 6 minutes. In some examples, the first and / or second use session can have a duration of less than 7 minutes, 6 minutes, 5 minutes 30 seconds, 5 minutes, 4 minutes 30 seconds, or 4 minutes. The first use session preferably has a duration of 3 to 5 minutes, more preferably 3 minutes 30 seconds to 4 minutes 30 seconds. The second use session preferably has a duration of 2 to 4 minutes, more preferably 2 minutes 30 seconds to 3 minutes 30 seconds.

[0339] Preferably, at least one of the heating units present in the heating assembly operates substantially at its maximum operating temperature for a majority of the use session. For example, at least one of the heating units operates substantially at its maximum operating temperature for at least 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the use session. In particularly preferred embodiments, the first heating unit operates substantially at its maximum operating temperature for at least 50%, preferably 60%, of the use session. In embodiments in which the heating assembly is operable in multiple modes, the heating assembly can be configured such that the first heating unit operates substantially at its maximum operating temperature for at least 50%, preferably 60%, of the use session in at least one mode. Preferably, the heating assembly is configured such that the first heating unit operates substantially at its maximum operating temperature for at least 50%, preferably 60%, of the use session in each mode.

[0340] As discussed hereinabove, in some embodiments, at least one of the heating units provided in the heating assembly is an induction heating unit. In these embodiments, the heating unit includes an inductor (e.g., one or more inductor coils), and the device includes components for passing a varying current, such as an alternating current, through the inductor. The varying current in the inductor generates a varying magnetic field. When the inductor and the heating element are suitably positioned relative to one another so that the varying magnetic field generated by the inductor penetrates the heating element, one or more eddy currents are generated in the heating element. The heating element has a resistance to the flow of current, and therefore, when such eddy currents are generated in the object, the flow of current against the object's electrical resistance heats the object via Joule heating. Providing a varying magnetic field to the susceptor can conveniently be referred to as providing energy to the susceptor.

[0341] When the heating assembly includes first and second induction units, the first and second induction heating units are preferably independently controllable. Heating the aerosol-generating material with independent induction heating units advantageously provides more precise control over the heating of the aerosol-generating material. Independently controllable induction heating units can also provide heat energy differently to portions of the aerosol-generating material, resulting in different temperature profiles across the portions of the aerosol-generating material. In certain embodiments, the first and second induction heating units are configured to have different temperature profiles from each other during use, thereby providing asymmetric heating of the aerosol-generating material along a longitudinal plane between the mouth end and distal end of the device when the device is in use.

[0342] An object that can be inductively heated is known as a susceptor. If the susceptor comprises a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, heat can also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses within the susceptor, i.e., by fluctuations in the orientation of magnetic dipoles within the magnetic material as a result of alignment with a varying magnetic field. In induction heating, heat is generated within the susceptor, allowing for rapid heating compared to, for example, heating by conduction. Furthermore, no physical contact is required between the induction heater and the susceptor, allowing for greater freedom in construction and application.

[0343] The heating element may be a susceptor. In a preferred embodiment, the susceptor comprises a plurality of heating elements (at least a first induction heating element and a second induction heating element).

[0344] In other embodiments, the heating unit is not limited to an induction heating unit. For example, the first heating unit can be an electric resistance heating unit, which can consist of a resistive heating element. The second heating unit can additionally or alternatively be an electric resistance heating unit, which can consist of a resistive heating element. By "resistive heating element," it is meant that when an electric current is applied to the element, the resistance within the element converts electrical energy into thermal energy, which heats the aerosol-generating substrate. The heating element can be in the form of a resistive wire, mesh, coil, and / or multiple wires. The heat source can be a thin-film heater.

[0345] The heating element can comprise a metal or metal alloy. Metals are good conductors of electrical and thermal energy. Suitable metals include, but are not limited to, copper, aluminum, platinum, tungsten, gold, silver, and titanium. Suitable metal alloys include, but are not limited to, nichrome and stainless steel.

[0346] In some examples, the aerosol generating device is configured such that each operating mode is selectable by a user. The user can select an operating mode by interacting with one or more user interfaces. Aspects of the present invention provide an aerosol generating device that allows a user to simply or intuitively select an operating mode. Furthermore, aspects of the present invention provide an aerosol generating device that can provide different user experiences based on the user's needs.

[0347] A user selects a desired operating mode by interacting with one or more user interfaces. In some examples, the device may include a user interface for each possible operating mode. For example, the device may include a first actuator associated with a first operating mode, a second actuator associated with a second operating mode, etc. Each user interface may be configured to send a distinct signal to the controller. A user may select a desired operating mode by activating the user interface associated with that operating mode. The activated user interface sends a corresponding signal to the controller, and the controller commands at least one heater to operate according to a predetermined heating profile associated with the selected mode.

[0348] Preferably, however, each operating mode is selectable from a single interface. This embodiment advantageously simplifies operation of the device for the user. In this embodiment, the user interface must be capable of providing multiple distinguishable signals to the heating assembly controller from a single input means. That is, the device must be configured to distinguish between different user inputs communicated through the single user interface. The user interface is configured such that when a user interacts with the user interface through a first means, the user interface detects the interaction and sends a signal to the heating assembly controller, the signal indicating that a first operating mode has been selected. When a user interacts with the user interface through a second means different from the first means, the user interface detects the interaction and sends a signal to the controller, the signal indicating that a second operating mode has been selected. This can apply to any number of operating modes, such as three, four, five, or more operating modes.

[0349] In one embodiment, the user interface can also be configured to activate the device, i.e., the user interface can be configured to allow a user to turn on the device by interacting with the user interface and selecting an operating mode. This embodiment advantageously simplifies operation of the device for the user.

[0350] Alternatively, the aerosol generating device may comprise a user interface for selecting a desired mode of operation and an actuator for activating the device, the actuator being located remote from the user interface.

[0351] Suitable user interfaces of the aerosol generating device include, for example, mechanical switches, inductive switches, or capacitive switches. When the user interface includes a mechanical switch, the mechanical switch can be selected from, for example, a bias switch (such as a push button), a rotary switch, a toggle switch, or a slide switch. In a preferred embodiment, the user interface includes a push button.

[0352] User interfaces can receive user input through different means. For example, a user can interact with a user interface by touching the user interface. Touching the user interface can include pressing the user interface. Activation of some user interfaces can result in movement of at least a portion of the user interface. For example, activating a bias switch can include pressing a portion of the user interface (a push button), activating a rotary switch can include rotating a portion of the user interface, activating a toggle switch can include placing a portion of the user interface into a predetermined position, and activating a slide switch can include sliding a portion of the user interface to place the portion into a predetermined position.

[0353] In one embodiment, the operational mode is selectable based on the duration of user interaction with the user interface, e.g., a first operational mode is selectable by activating the user interface for a first duration and a second operational mode is selectable by activating the user interface for a second duration different from the first duration.

[0354] The user interface detects when a user activates the user interface for a first duration or a second duration and sends a signal to the controller identifying that a first mode or a second mode of operation, respectively, has been selected.

[0355] In this embodiment, the user interface may preferably comprise a push button, an inductive switch, or a capacitive switch.

[0356] Each duration of activation associated with a selectable mode can have any suitable duration. In some examples, at least one of the durations is between 1 and 10 seconds. In some examples, each duration is between 1 and 10 seconds. For example, in embodiments in which the heating assembly is operable in at least two modes, the first duration associated with the first mode and the second duration associated with the second mode have durations between 1 and 10 seconds.

[0357] The second duration can be longer than the first duration or shorter than the first duration. Preferably, the second duration is longer than the first duration. In a preferred embodiment, the first duration is 1 to 5 seconds, preferably 2 to 4 seconds. In a preferred embodiment, the second duration is 2 to 10 seconds, preferably 4 to 6 seconds. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first duration is 2 to 4 seconds, preferably 3 seconds, and the second duration is 4 to 6 seconds, preferably 5 seconds.

[0358] In certain embodiments, a first operational mode is selectable by interacting with the user interface for a first duration, and a second mode is selectable by interacting with the user interface for a second duration. Selection of the second mode can be achieved after selection of the first mode. That is, after selecting the first mode, a user can continue to interact with the user interface until the second duration is reached, thereby selecting the second mode.

[0359] In a particular embodiment, the user interface includes a push button. The user interface is configured such that a first mode is selected by a user pressing the push button for a first duration (e.g., approximately 3 seconds). A second mode is selected by a user pressing the push button for a different second duration (e.g., approximately 5 seconds). The user interface is configured such that a signal sent to the controller after the first duration of press (e.g., a 3-second press) indicates selection of the first mode, and a signal sent to the controller after the second duration of press (e.g., a 5-second press) indicates selection of the second mode.

[0360] The push button in this embodiment is also preferably configured to activate the aerosol generating device. For example, the device is activated as soon as the push button is pressed. A user can then select a first mode by pressing and holding the push button for a first duration, or a second mode by pressing and holding the push button for a second duration.

[0361] In another embodiment, the operational mode may be selectable based on a number of invocations of the user interface. For example, a first operational mode may be selectable by invoking the user interface a first number of instances, and a second operational mode may be selectable by invoking the user interface a second number of instances, the second number being different from the first number.

[0362] The user interface detects when the user activates the user interface a first number of instances or a second number of instances and sends a signal to the controller identifying that the first operating mode or the second operating mode, respectively, has been selected.

[0363] In this embodiment, the user interface may preferably comprise a push button, an inductive switch, or a capacitive switch.

[0364] The second number of instances can be greater than or less than the first number. Preferably, the second number of instances is greater than the first number of instances. In preferred embodiments, the first mode is selectable by a single activation of the user interface. In preferred embodiments, the second mode is selectable by multiple activations of the user interface, such as two, three, or four activations. Preferably, the second mode is selectable by two activations of the user interface. If the mode is selectable by multiple activations, the user interface can be configured so that activations must occur within a specific time period to register as multiple activations. This may be preferred because the user interface can more effectively distinguish single activations from multiple activations. In these embodiments, the user interface can be configured so that, for multiple activations, each activation must occur within 1000 ms, 500 ms, 400 ms, 300 ms, 200 ms, 100 ms, or 50 seconds of the previous activation to be detected as multiple activations.

[0365] In certain embodiments, the user interface includes a push button. The user interface is configured such that a first mode is selected by a user pressing the push button once. A second mode is selected by a user pressing the push button multiple times (e.g., twice). The user interface is configured such that a signal sent to the controller after the single press indicates selection of the first mode, and a signal sent to the controller after the multiple presses (e.g., two presses) indicates selection of the second mode.

[0366] The push button in this embodiment is also preferably configured to activate the aerosol generating device. For example, a single press of the push button can activate the device and select a first mode. The user can then press the push button again to select a second mode. In this example, the first mode can be referred to as a "default" mode. If the second mode is associated with a higher temperature and / or a faster heating profile of at least one of the heating units, the second mode can be referred to as a "boost" mode.

[0367] In another example, a single press of a push button activates the device. Then, a further single activation selects the first mode, or further activations select the second mode. In this example, none of the operable modes are necessarily defined as the default mode. The desired mode must be selected each time the aerosol generating device is activated.

[0368] In another embodiment, the user interface includes a slide switch. Each operating mode of the heating assembly can be selectable based on the position of the slide switch. For example, a first operating mode can be selectable by placing the slide switch in a first position, and a second operating mode can be selectable by placing the slide switch in a second position, the second position being different from the first position.

[0369] The user interface detects when the user places the slide switch in the first or second position and sends a signal to the controller identifying that the first or second operating mode, respectively, has been selected.

[0370] The slide switch in this embodiment is also preferably configured to activate the aerosol generating device. For example, placing the switch in a first position can activate the device and select a first mode. A user can then move the switch to a second position to select a second mode. In this example, the first mode can be referred to as a "default" mode. If the second mode is associated with a higher temperature and / or a faster heating profile of at least one of the heating units, the second mode can be referred to as a "boost" mode.

[0371] In another example, the device is activated by placing the slide switch in a third position different from the first and second positions. The first or second mode is then selected by placing the switch in the first or second position, respectively. In this example, none of the operable modes are necessarily defined as the default mode. The desired mode must be selected each time the aerosol generating device is activated.

[0372] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the slide switch forms a movable cover that selectively covers an opening in a receptacle disposed within the aerosol generating device, the receptacle being configured to receive a smoking article. A suitable cover is shown as cover 150 in Figure 1, as discussed herein below.

[0373] An aspect of the present invention relates to a method for operating an aerosol generating device. The method includes receiving a signal from a user interface and identifying a selected operating mode associated with the received signal. For example, the signal and the selected operating mode can be stored in a lookup table, and the received signal can be compared with the lookup table to identify the selected operating mode. The method then includes instructing at least one heating unit of the heating assembly to operate according to a predetermined heating profile based on the selected operating mode. The method is preferably performed by a controller of the heating assembly. Preferred embodiments of this aspect are described above with respect to the aerosol generating device. Methods for operating the aerosol generating device described above with respect to device configurations are expressly disclosed herein.

[0374] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device including a heating assembly, the heating assembly including a first heating unit arranged to heat an aerosol-generating material in a non-combustion manner during use, and a controller for controlling the first heating unit. The heating assembly is operable in at least a first mode and a second mode. The device includes an indicator for indicating to a user the selected mode.

[0375] The inventors have found that it is advantageous to display to the user which mode of operation has been selected, and in particular displaying the selected mode while the device is raised in preparation for the first puff means that the user can be sure that the device has started in the correct mode before taking the first puff.

[0376] The indicator can be configured to indicate the selected mode of operation by being instructed to do so. For example, a controller of the heating assembly can receive a signal associated with the selected mode and identify the selected mode of operation associated with the received signal. For example, the signal and the selected mode of operation can be stored in a lookup table, and the received signal can be compared with the lookup table to identify the selected mode of operation. The controller can then instruct the indicator to indicate the selected mode of operation. Methods of indicating the selected mode of operation described in connection with the configuration of the device and indicator are expressly disclosed herein.

[0377] The indicator may display the selected mode to the user at any point during the use session. For example, the indicator may be configured to display the selected mode to the user throughout the entire use session, or throughout a majority of the use session. However, displaying the selected mode to the user throughout the entire use session may be considered unnecessary when the user is unlikely to forget the selected mode after being communicated by the indicator. Furthermore, displaying the selected mode throughout the entire use session may unnecessarily use a large amount of device power and processing capacity. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the indicator displays the selected mode to the user only for a portion of the use session that is smaller than the entire use session. For example, the indicator may display the selected mode near the beginning of the use session. The indicator preferably displays the selected mode from the time the user selects the mode until the device is “ready to use” (i.e., the device is capable of providing an acceptable inhalable aerosol to the user during the use session).

[0378] Preferably, the indicator further indicates to the user that the device is ready for use. The device can be configured to indicate that the device is ready for use within 30 seconds, or 25 seconds, or 20 seconds, or 15 seconds, or 10 seconds of activating the device. The device can be configured to indicate that the device is ready for use within 30 seconds, or 25 seconds, or 20 seconds, or 15 seconds, or 10 seconds, or 5 seconds of selecting a desired operating mode.

[0379] Even more preferably, the indicator indicates to the user that the usage session will end soon. For example, the device may be configured so that the indicator indicates to the user that the session will end within 30 seconds, or 20 seconds, or 10 seconds of the indication.

[0380] Preferably, the indicator indicates to the user that the usage session has ended. Indicating the end of the usage session may include deactivating a component of the indicator.

[0381] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the device is configured to display the selected mode from the time the user selects the mode until the time the device is ready to be used to indicate that the device is ready to be used, that the usage session will soon end, and that the usage session has ended.

[0382] The indicator can be displayed to the user via any sensory cue. For example, the indicator can indicate the selected mode via visual, auditory, and / or tactile cues. Additionally, the indicator can indicate that the device is ready for use or that a usage session will soon end via visual, auditory, and / or tactile cues.

[0383] The indicator can be configured to provide a visual indication of the selected mode, and the indicator can comprise a visual indicator component. In one embodiment, the indicator can comprise a display screen for displaying the selected mode. In this context, "display screen" refers to a full-area two-dimensional display (also called a video display). For example, the indicator can comprise a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode display (LED) such as an OLED or AMOLED, a plasma display (PDP), or a quantum dot display (QLED), which can display the selected mode, for example, by characters displaying the selected mode. However, display screens can be susceptible to scratches or damage during use. Furthermore, this display means can be found to be complicated by users. Therefore, it is preferred that the indicator does not comprise a display screen.

[0384] In another embodiment, the visual indicator comprises at least one light source. "Light source" refers to a single light source or multiple light sources operable only as one and thereby forming a single "light source" (i.e., the light sources are not independently operable). Thus, a single light source can have a shape formed by an arrangement of multiple co-operable light sources.

[0385] The visual indicator may comprise multiple light sources, each independently operable. In these embodiments, the indicator may be configured to indicate a selected mode by selective activation of the light sources. Preferably, the indicator may comprise one or more LEDs.

[0386] In one example, the visual indicator includes multiple light sources capable of indicating the selected mode by color. For example, the indicator can include a combination of different colored LEDs. The LEDs can be provided in separate cases or in a single case (e.g., bi- or tri-color LEDs). The LEDs can be configured to provide light of any wavelength, provided that the colors indicating each mode are visually recognizable by a human user. The indicator can indicate selection of a first mode by activating one or more light sources to provide light of a first wavelength and can indicate selection of a second mode by activating one or more light sources to provide light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength. For example, the indicator can indicate selection of a first mode by selectively activating a red light source and can indicate selection of a second mode by selectively activating a blue light source. In a preferred embodiment, the visual indicator includes red, green, and / or blue LEDs.

[0387] Additionally or alternatively, the indicator can be configured to indicate the selected mode by selectively activating multiple light sources arranged across the surface of the aerosol generating device. For example, the light sources can be arranged in a particular pattern or configuration, and selectively activating or deactivating the light sources in that pattern or configuration can be used to indicate the selected mode. In particular, a sequence for selectively activating and deactivating the light sources can be associated with each selectable mode. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sequence includes intermittently activating at least one of the light sources during the indication of the selected mode. Advantageously, intermittent activation of at least one light source can also indicate to the user that the device continues to operate.

[0388] The light sources can be arranged in any suitable pattern or configuration. For example, the light sources can be arranged to form a shape. In particular, the light sources can be arranged to define the perimeter of a shape. The shape can be, for example, a regular polygon. The shape can be elliptical (including oval and circular), triangular, quadrilateral (including square), such as rectangular, oval, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the shape is elliptical. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the shape is circular.

[0389] The indicator can be configured to provide a tactile indication of the selected mode, and the indicator can comprise a tactile indicator component. In one embodiment, the tactile indicator comprises a vibration motor. The vibration motor can be any suitable vibration motor. For example, the vibration motor can be an eccentric rotating mass vibration motor or a linear resonant actuator. In some embodiments, the vibration motor is a permanent magnet motor. For example, the vibration motor can be a coin permanent magnet motor or a pancake permanent magnet motor.

[0390] In one embodiment, the indicator can be configured to indicate a selection of an operating mode by activating the vibration motor for different durations, e.g., a first operating mode can be indicated by activating the vibration motor for a first duration, and a second operating mode can be indicated by activating the vibration motor for a second duration different from the first duration.

[0391] Each duration of activation associated with an operational mode can have any suitable duration. In some examples, at least one of the durations is between 10 milliseconds and 2000 milliseconds. In some examples, each duration is between 10 milliseconds and 2000 milliseconds. For example, in embodiments in which the heating assembly is operable in at least two modes, a first duration associated with a first mode and a second duration associated with a second mode have durations between 10 milliseconds and 2000 milliseconds.

[0392] The second duration may be longer than the first duration or may be shorter than the first duration. Preferably, the second duration is longer than the first duration.

[0393] In another embodiment, the indicator can be configured to indicate a selection of an operating mode by activating the vibration motor a different number of times. The activation instances of the vibration motor can be conveniently referred to as “pulses.” For example, a first operating mode can be indicated by activating the vibration motor a first number of pulses, and a second operating mode can be indicated by activating the vibration motor a second number of pulses, the second number being different from the first number.

[0394] The second number of pulses can be greater than the first number or less than the first number. Preferably, the second number of pulses is greater than the first number. In a preferred embodiment, the first mode is represented by a single pulse. In a preferred embodiment, the second mode is represented by a plurality of pulses, such as two, three, or four pulses. Preferably, the second mode is represented by two pulses.

[0395] The indicators can include both visual and tactile indicator components. Preferably, the indicators are configured to provide both a visual and tactile indication of the selected mode for at least one of the selectable modes. More preferably, the indicators are configured to provide both a visual and tactile indication of the selected mode for each selectable mode. Preferably, the indicators can be configured according to any combination of the visual and tactile embodiments described herein above.

[0396] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the device and indicator are configured to indicate a first mode via a first activation sequence of the light source and a single activation of the vibration motor, and to indicate a second mode via a second activation sequence of the light source that is different from the first sequence and two activations of the vibration motor.

[0397] The indicator can be configured to provide an audible indication of the selected mode, and the indicator can comprise an audible indicator component. For example, the indicator can comprise an electromechanical audio signaling device, a mechanical audio signaling device, or a piezoelectric signaling device. Preferably, the audible indicator comprises a piezoelectric signaling device. The audible indicator can indicate the selected mode by any suitable means, such as any of the duration or instance embodiments described herein above in connection with the tactile indicator.

[0398] The indicators may comprise both auditory and visual and / or tactile indicator components. The indicators may be configured to provide both visual and auditory indications of each selected mode, or tactile and auditory indications of each selected mode, or visual, tactile, and auditory indications of each selected mode. Suitably, the indicators may be configured according to any combination of the visual, tactile, and auditory embodiments described hereinabove.

[0399] The indicator may be provided as a single unit. Alternatively, components of the indicator may be provided in different locations within the device. For example, the indicator may comprise a visual indicator component located within a surface of the housing of the device (optionally including portions within as well as on the surface of the housing) and a tactile indicator component located entirely within the housing of the device.

[0400] Preferably, the aerosol generating device includes both a user interface for selecting an operating mode and an indicator for displaying the operating mode. However, aspects of the present disclosure relate to aerosol generating devices that include an indicator for displaying the selected operating mode, but do not necessarily include the user interface described herein. Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to aerosol generating devices that include a user interface for selecting an operating mode, but do not necessarily include the indicator described herein.

[0401] An aspect of the present invention relates to an aerosol generating device including a heating assembly, the heating assembly including a first heating unit arranged to heat an aerosol-generating material in a non-combustion manner during use, and a controller for controlling the first heating unit. The heating assembly is operable in at least a first mode and a second mode. The heating assembly is configured such that the first mode and the second mode are selectable by a user before a use session and / or during a first portion of the use session, and the selected mode cannot be changed by the user during the second portion of the use session.

[0402] The inventors have found that it is advantageous to be able to limit the times at which an operational mode can be selected. The operational mode of the device can be predetermined to provide an optimized usage session for the user. For example, a mode can be programmed for a particular power usage or to achieve a particular consumption rate of volatile material from an aerosol product. It has been found that changing operational modes during a usage session can provide a poorer user experience. Thus, this aspect of limiting when a user can select an operational mode can better ensure user satisfaction, better management of aerosol-generating material resources, and / or better management of power storage / usage.

[0403] It can be advantageous to prohibit the user from changing the operating mode after volatile materials have begun to liberate from the aerosol product placed within the device.

[0404] As defined herein above, a use session begins when power is first applied to a heating unit in the heating assembly. The device may be configured to allow a user to select an operating mode before power is supplied to any heating unit in the heating assembly.

[0405] Preferably, the device is configured to allow a user to select an operating mode during a first portion of the usage session, which begins at the start of the usage session.

[0406] In certain embodiments, a first operational mode is selectable by interacting with the user interface for a first duration, and a second mode is selectable by interacting with the user interface for a second duration. Selection of the second mode can be achieved after selection of the first mode. That is, after selecting the first mode, a user can continue to interact with the user interface until the second duration is reached, thereby selecting the second mode.

[0407] In some embodiments, a usage session begins when a first operating mode is selected. In the example above, power begins to be supplied after a user interacts with the user interface for a first duration.

[0408] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first portion of the usage session during which the user can select an operating mode ends when the user finishes interacting with the user interface. For example, when the user interface is configured such that the user interacts with the user interface by pressing a portion of the user interface, the first portion of the usage session can end when the user finishes pressing the user interface. In other words, in this embodiment, the user cannot reselect an operating mode after the user stops selecting the operating mode until the end of the usage session. Preferably, the mode is selectable before each usage session.

[0409] In some embodiments, a first portion of the use session ends at or before the first heating unit reaches an operating temperature, and a second portion, during which the user cannot change the selected mode, can begin at or after the first heating unit reaches an operating temperature.

[0410] In some embodiments, the first portion of the use session ends at or before the first heating unit reaches a maximum operating temperature, and the second portion can begin at or after the first heating unit reaches a maximum operating temperature.

[0411] In some embodiments, the first portion of the use session ends at or before the device is able to provide the first acceptable puff to the user, and the second portion can begin at or after the device is able to provide the first acceptable puff to the user.

[0412] In some embodiments, the first portion of the usage session ends at or before the device indicates to the user that the device is ready for use, and the second portion can begin at or after the device indicates to the user that the device is ready for use.

[0413] In some embodiments, the first portion of the use session ends between 5 and 20 seconds after the start of the use session.

[0414] In some embodiments, the second portion of the usage session ends with the end of the usage session.

[0415] Another aspect of the present invention is an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation device as described herein in combination with an aerosol product article. In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol generation system comprises a tobacco heating product in combination with an aerosol product article comprising tobacco. In a preferred embodiment, the tobacco heating product may comprise a heating assembly and an aerosol product article as described herein below in connection with the figures.

[0416] Another aspect of the present invention is a method of providing an aerosol with the aerosol generation device of the present disclosure, the method comprising the step of controlling the or each heating unit in a heating assembly described herein.

[0417] The present invention will now be described with particular reference to the drawings.

[0418] FIG. 1A shows an inductive heating assembly 100 of an aerosol generating device according to the present invention, and FIG. 1B shows a cross-sectional view of the inductive heating assembly 100 of the device.

[0419] The heating assembly 100 has a first, or proximal, or mouth end 102 and a second, or distal, end 104. In use, a user inhales the formed aerosol from the mouth end of the aerosol generating device, which may be open-ended.

[0420] The heating assembly 100 includes a first induction heating unit 110 and a second induction heating unit 120. The first induction heating unit 110 includes a first inductor coil 112 and a first heating element 114. The second induction heating unit 120 includes a second inductor coil 122 and a second heating element 124.

[0421] 1A and 1B show the aerosol product article 130 received within a susceptor 140. The susceptor 140 forms the first induction heating element 114 and the second induction heating element 124. The susceptor 140 can be formed from any material suitable for induction heating. For example, the susceptor 140 can include a metal. In some embodiments, the susceptor 140 can include a non-ferrous metal such as copper, nickel, titanium, aluminum, tin, or zinc, and / or a ferrous material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt. Additionally or alternatively, the susceptor 140 can include a semiconductor such as silicon carbide, carbon, or graphite.

[0422] Each induction heating element present in the aerosol generation device can have any suitable shape. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1B, the induction heating elements 114, 124 define a receptacle that surrounds the aerosol product article to heat it externally. In other embodiments (not shown), one or more induction heating elements can be substantially elongated and positioned to penetrate the aerosol product article and heat it internally.

[0423] 1B, the first induction heating element 114 and the second induction heating element 124 can be provided together as a unitary element 140. That is, in some embodiments, there is no physical distinction between the first heating element 114 and the second heating element 124. Rather, the different characteristics between the first heating unit 110 and the second heating unit 120 are defined by the separate inductor coils 112, 122 surrounding each induction heating element 114, 124, and therefore can be controlled independently of one another. In other embodiments (not shown), physically distinct induction heating elements can also be used.

[0424] The first inductor coil 112 and the second inductor coil 122 are made from a conductive material. In this example, the first inductor coil 112 and the second inductor coil 122 are made from litz wire / cable that is helically wound to provide the helical inductor coils 112, 122. Litz wire comprises multiple individual wires that are individually insulated and twisted together to form a single wire. Litz wire is designed to reduce skin effect losses in the conductor. In the exemplary induction heating assembly 100, the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 are made from copper litz wire with a circular cross-section. In other examples, the litz wire can have other cross-section shapes, such as a square cross-section.

[0425] The first inductor coil 112 is configured to generate a first varying magnetic field for heating the first induction heating element 114, and the second inductor coil 122 is configured to generate a second varying magnetic field for heating a second section of the susceptor 124. Taken together, the first inductor coil 112 and the first induction heating element 114 form the first induction heating unit 110. Similarly, the second inductor coil 122 and the second induction heating element 124 take together to form the second induction heating unit 120.

[0426] In this example, the first inductor coil 112 is adjacent to the second inductor coil 122 in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the device heating assembly 100 (i.e., the first inductor coil 112 and the second inductor coil 122 do not overlap). The susceptor structure 140 may comprise a single susceptor. Ends 150 of the first inductor coil 112 and the second inductor coil 122 may be connected to a controller (not shown), such as a PCB. In a preferred embodiment, the controller comprises a PID controller (proportional-integral-derivative controller).

[0427] The varying magnetic field generates eddy currents in the first induction heating element 114, causing it to rapidly heat to its maximum operating temperature within a short period of time, for example, within 20, 15, 12, 10, 5, or 2 seconds, after applying alternating current to the coil 112. Locating the first induction heating unit 110, which is configured to rapidly reach its maximum operating temperature, closer to the mouth end 102 of the heating assembly 100 than the second induction heating unit 120 can mean that an acceptable aerosol is provided to the user as soon as possible after the start of a use session.

[0428] It will be appreciated that in some examples, the first inductor coil 112 and the second inductor coil 122 can have at least one characteristic that differs from one another. For example, the first inductor coil 112 can have at least one characteristic that differs from the second inductor coil 122. More specifically, in one example, the first inductor coil 112 can have a different inductance value than the second inductor coil 122. In FIGS. 1A and 1B, the first inductor coil 112 and the second inductor coil 122 are different lengths such that the first inductor coil 112 is wound over a smaller section of the susceptor 140 than the second inductor coil 122. Thus, the first inductor coil 112 can include a different number of turns than the second inductor coil 122 (assuming the spacing between individual turns is substantially the same). In yet another example, the first inductor coil 112 can be made from a different material than the second inductor coil 122. In some examples, the first inductor coil 112 and the second inductor coil 122 may be substantially identical.

[0429] In this example, the first inductor coil 112 and the second inductor coil 122 are wound in the same direction. However, in other embodiments, the inductor coils 112, 122 can be wound in opposite directions. This can be useful when the inductor coils are active at different times. For example, the first inductor coil 112 can initially operate to heat the first induction heating element 114, and the second inductor coil 122 can later operate to heat the second induction heating element 124. Winding the coils in opposite directions helps reduce the current induced in inactive coils when used with certain types of control circuitry. In one example, the first inductor coil 112 can be a right-handed spiral, and the second inductor coil 122 can be a left-handed spiral. In another example, the first inductor coil 112 can be a left-handed spiral, and the second inductor coil 122 can be a right-handed spiral.

[0430] The coils 112, 122 can have any suitable geometry. Without wishing to be bound by theory, configuring the induction heating element to be smaller (e.g., a smaller pitch helix, fewer turns within the helix, or a shorter overall helix length) can increase the speed at which the induction heating element can reach its maximum operating temperature. In some embodiments, the first coil 112 can have a length of less than about 20 mm, less than 18 mm, less than 16 mm, or about 14 mm along the length of the heating assembly 100. Preferably, the first coil 112 can have a shorter length along the length of the heating assembly 100 than the second coil 124. Such a configuration can provide asymmetric heating of the aerosol product article along the length of the aerosol product article.

[0431] The susceptor 140 in this example is hollow, thus defining a receptacle in which the aerosol-generating material is received. For example, the item 130 can be inserted into the susceptor 140. In this example, the susceptor 140 is tubular and has a circular cross section.

[0432] The induction heating elements 114 and 124 surround the aerosol product article 130 and are positioned to externally heat the aerosol product article 130. The aerosol generating device is configured such that when the aerosol product article 130 is received within the susceptor 140, the outer surface of the article 130 abuts the inner surface of the susceptor 140. This ensures the most efficient heating. The article 130 in this example includes an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material is disposed within the susceptor 140. The article 130 may also include other components, such as a filter, packaging material, and / or a cooling structure.

[0433] The heating assembly 100 is not limited to two heating units. In some examples, the heating assembly 100 can include three, four, five, six, or more heating units. Each of these heating units can be controllable independently of the other heating units present in the heating assembly 100.

[0434] 2 shows an example of an aerosol-delivery device 200 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating medium / material according to an embodiment of the present invention. Broadly speaking, device 200 can be used to heat a replaceable item 210 containing an aerosol-generating medium to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium that is inhaled by a user of device 200.

[0435] Device 200 comprises a housing 202 (in the form of an outer cover) that surrounds and houses the various components of device 200. Device 200 has an opening 204 at one end through which an item 210 can be inserted for heating by the heating assembly. In use, item 210 can be fully or partially inserted into the heating assembly, where it can be heated by one or more components of the heating assembly. The heating assembly typically corresponds to heating assembly 100 shown in Figures 1A and 1B.

[0436] The device 200 in this example includes a first end member 206 with a lid 208 movable relative to the first end member 206 to close the opening 204 when the item 210 is not in place. In Figure 2, the lid 208 is shown in an open configuration, but the cap 208 is movable to a closed configuration. For example, a user can slide the lid 208 in the direction of arrow "A."

[0437] Device 200 may also include a user-operable control element 212, such as a button or switch, that, when pressed, operates device 200. For example, a user may turn device 200 on by operating switch 212.

[0438] Device 200 may also include an electrical component, such as a socket / port 214 that can receive a cable for charging a battery in device 200. For example, socket 214 may be a charging port, such as a USB charging port. In some examples, socket 214 may additionally or alternatively be used to communicate data between device 200 and another device, such as a computing device.

[0439] 3 shows the device 200 of FIG. 3 with the outer cover 202 removed. The device 200 defines a longitudinal axis 234.

[0440] As shown in FIG. 3 , first end member 206 is disposed at one end of device 200, and second end member 216 is disposed at the opposite end of device 200. First end member 206 and second end member 216 together at least partially define an end surface of device 200. For example, the bottom surface of second end member 216 at least partially defines the bottom surface of device 200. An edge of outer cover 202 can also define a portion of the end surface. In this example, lid 208 also defines a portion of the top surface of device 200. FIG. 3 also shows a second printed circuit board 238 associated with control element 212.

[0441] The end of the device nearest opening 204 can be referred to as the proximal end (or mouth end) of device 200, as it is closest to the user's mouth during use. During use, a user inserts article 210 into opening 204, operates user control 212 to initiate heating of the aerosol-generating material, and inhales the aerosol generated within the device, causing the aerosol to flow along a flow path through device 200 toward the proximal end of device 200.

[0442] The other end of the device, farthest from opening 204, can be referred to as the distal end of device 200, as it is the end farthest from a user's mouth during use. When a user inhales the aerosol generated within the device, the aerosol flows away from the distal end of device 200.

[0443] Device 200 further includes a power source 218. Power source 218 can be, for example, a battery, such as a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium batteries (such as lithium-ion batteries), nickel batteries (such as nickel-cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries. The battery is electrically coupled to the heating assembly to provide power to heat the aerosol-generating material when needed under the control of a controller (not shown). In this example, the battery is connected to a central support 220 that holds battery 218 in place.

[0444] The device further includes at least one electronics module 222. The electronics module 222 may include, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB 222 may support at least one controller, such as a processor, and a memory. The PCB 222 may also include one or more electrical tracks for electrically connecting together various electronic components of the device 200. For example, battery terminals may be electrically connected to the PCB 222 so that power can be distributed throughout the device 200. The socket 214 may also be electrically coupled to a battery via electrical tracks.

[0445] In the exemplary device 200, the heating assembly is an induction heating assembly including various components for heating the aerosol-generating material of the article 210 via an induction heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating an electrically conductive object (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. The induction heating assembly can include an inductor element, such as one or more inductor coils, and a device for passing a varying current, such as an alternating current, through the inductor element. The varying current in the inductor element generates a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field penetrates a susceptor suitably positioned relative to the inductor element and generates eddy currents within the susceptor. The susceptor has an electrical resistance to the eddy currents, and the flow of eddy currents against this resistance heats the susceptor via Joule heating. If the susceptor includes a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, heat can also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses within the susceptor, i.e., by fluctuations in the orientation of magnetic dipoles within the magnetic material as a result of alignment with the varying magnetic field. Inductive heating generates heat within the susceptor, allowing for rapid heating compared to, for example, conduction heating. Furthermore, no physical contact is required between the inductor heater and the susceptor, allowing for greater freedom in design and application.

[0446] The induction heating assembly of the exemplary device 200 includes a susceptor structure 232 (referred to herein as a "susceptor"), a first inductor coil 224, and a second inductor coil 226. The first inductor coil 224 and the second inductor coil 226 are made from a conductive material. In this example, the first inductor coil 224 and the second inductor coil 226 are made from a litz wire / cable that is helically wound to provide the helical inductor coils 224, 226. Litz wire comprises multiple individual wires that are individually insulated and twisted together to form a single wire. Litz wire is designed to reduce skin effect losses within the conductor. In the exemplary device 200, the first inductor coil 224 and the second inductor coil 226 are made from copper litz wire having a substantially circular cross-section. In other examples, the litz wire can have other cross-section shapes, such as a square.

[0447] The first inductor coil 224 is configured to generate a first varying magnetic field for heating a first section of the susceptor 232, and the second inductor coil 226 is configured to generate a second varying magnetic field for heating a second section of the susceptor 232. Herein, the first section of the susceptor 232 is referred to as the first susceptor section 232a or first heating element 232a, and the second section of the susceptor 232 is referred to as the second susceptor section 232b or second heating element 232b. In this example, the first inductor coil 224 is adjacent to the second inductor coil 226 in a direction along the longitudinal axis 234 of the device 200 (i.e., the first inductor coil 224 and the second inductor coil 226 do not overlap). In this example, the susceptor structure 232 comprises a single susceptor with two sections, but in other examples, the susceptor structure 232 may comprise two or more separate susceptors. Ends 230 of the first inductor coil 224 and the second inductor coil 226 are connected to the PCB 222. The first inductor coil 224 and the first susceptor section 232a may be collectively referred to as a first induction heating unit. The second inductor coil 226 and the second susceptor section 232b may be collectively referred to as a second induction heating unit.

[0448] It will be appreciated that in some examples, the first inductor coil 224 and the second inductor coil 226 can have at least one characteristic that differs from one another. For example, the first inductor coil 224 can have at least one characteristic that differs from the second inductor coil 226. More specifically, in one example, the first inductor coil 224 can have a different inductance value than the second inductor coil 226. In FIG. 3 , the first inductor coil 224 and the second inductor coil 226 are different lengths such that the first inductor coil 224 is wound over a smaller section of the susceptor 232 than the second inductor coil 226. Thus, the first inductor coil 224 can include a different number of turns than the second inductor coil 226 (assuming the spacing between individual turns is substantially the same). In yet another example, the first inductor coil 224 can be made from a different material than the second inductor coil 226. In some examples, the first inductor coil 224 and the second inductor coil 226 may be substantially identical.

[0449] In this example, the inductor coils 224, 226 are wound in the same direction as each other. That is, the first inductor coil 224 and the second inductor coil 226 are both left-handed spirals. In another example, the inductor coils 224, 226 can both be right-handed spirals. In yet another example (not shown), the first inductor coil 224 and the second inductor coil 226 are wound in opposite directions. This can be useful when the inductor coils are active at different times. For example, the first inductor coil 224 can initially operate to heat a first section of the item 210, and the second inductor coil 226 can later operate to heat a second section of the item 210. Winding the coils in opposite directions helps reduce current induced in inactive coils when used with certain types of control circuitry. In one example (not shown) where the coils 224, 226 are wound in different directions, the first inductor coil 224 can be a right-handed spiral and the second inductor coil 226 can be a left-handed spiral. In another such embodiment, the first inductor coil 224 can be a left-handed spiral and the second inductor coil 226 can be a right-handed spiral.

[0450] The susceptor 232 in this example is hollow, thus defining a receptacle in which the aerosol-generating material is received. For example, the article 210 can be inserted into the susceptor 232. In this example, the susceptor 232 is tubular and has a circular cross-section.

[0451] 3 further includes an insulating member 228, which may be generally tubular and may at least partially surround the susceptor 232. The insulating member 228 may be constructed from any insulating material, such as, for example, a plastic material. In this particular example, the insulating member is constructed from polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The insulating member 228 may help insulate various components of the device 200 from heat generated within the susceptor 232.

[0452] The insulating member 228 can also fully or partially support the first inductor coil 224 and the second inductor coil 226. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , the first inductor coil 224 and the second inductor coil 226 are disposed around the insulating member 228 and contact the radially outward surface of the insulating member 228. In some examples, the insulating member 228 does not abut the first inductor coil 224 and the second inductor coil 226. For example, a small gap can exist between the outer surface of the insulating member 228 and the inner surfaces of the first inductor coil 224 and the second inductor coil 226.

[0453] In a specific example, the susceptor 232 , the insulating member 228 , and the first and second inductor coils 224 , 226 are coaxial about a central longitudinal axis of the susceptor 232 .

[0454] 4 shows a side view, in partial cross section, of device 200. Again, outer cover 202 is absent in this example. In FIG. 4, the circular cross-sectional shapes of first inductor coil 224 and second inductor coil 226 can be more clearly seen.

[0455] The device 200 further comprises a support 236 that engages one end of the susceptor 232 to hold the susceptor 232 in place. The support 236 is connected to the second end member 216.

[0456] The device 200 further includes a second lid / cap 240 and a spring 242 disposed toward the distal end of the device 200. The spring 242 allows the second lid 240 to be opened to provide access to the susceptor 232. A user may, for example, open the second lid 240 to clean the susceptor 232 and / or the support 236.

[0457] The device 200 further includes an expansion chamber 244 that extends away from the proximal end of the susceptor 232 toward the opening 204 of the device. Located at least partially within the expansion chamber 244 is a retention clip 246 for abutting and retaining an article 210 received in the device 200. The expansion chamber 244 is connected to the end member 206.

[0458] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the device 200 of FIG. 2, again omitting the outer cover 202.

[0459] FIG. 6A of FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the device 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 6B of FIG. 6 shows an enlarged view of a region of FIG. 6A. FIGS. 6A and 6B of FIG. 6 show the article 210 received within the susceptor 232, with the article 210 sized so that the outer surface of the article 210 abuts the inner surface of the susceptor 232. This ensures the most efficient heating. In this example, the article 210 includes an aerosol-generating material 210a. The aerosol-generating material 210a is disposed within the susceptor 232. The article 210 may also include other components, such as a filter, packaging material, and / or cooling structure.

[0460] FIG. 6B shows that the outer surface of the susceptor 232 is spaced from the inner surfaces of the inductor coils 224, 226 by a distance 250 measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 258 of the susceptor 232. In one particular example, the distance 250 is about 3 mm to 4 mm, about 3 mm to 3.5 mm, or about 3.25 mm.

[0461] FIG. 6B further illustrates that the outer surface of the insulating member 228 is spaced from the inner surfaces of the inductor coils 224, 226 by a distance 252 measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 258 of the susceptor 232. In one particular example, the distance 252 is approximately 0.05 mm. In another example, the distance 252 is substantially 0 mm, such that the inductor coils 224, 226 abut and contact the insulating member 228.

[0462] In one example, the susceptor 232 has a wall thickness 254 of between about 0.025 mm and 1 mm, or about 0.05 mm.

[0463] In one example, the susceptor 232 has a length of about 40 mm to 60 mm, about 40 mm to 45 mm, or about 44.5 mm.

[0464] In one example, the insulating member 228 has a wall thickness 256 of between about 0.25 mm and 2 mm, between 0.25 mm and 1 mm, or about 0.5 mm.

[0465] As described above, the heating assembly of exemplary device 200 is an induction heating assembly that includes various components for heating the aerosol-generating material of article 210 via an induction heating process. In particular, first inductor coil 224 and second inductor coil 226 are used to heat first section 232a and second section 232b of susceptor 232, respectively, to heat the aerosol-generating material and generate an aerosol. Operation of device 200 in inductively heating susceptor structure 232 using first inductor coil 224 and second inductor coil 226 will now be described in detail with further reference to the figures.

[0466] The induction heating assembly of device 200 comprises an LC circuit. The LC circuit has an inductance L provided by an inductive element and a capacitance C provided by a capacitor. In device 200, inductance L is provided by first inductor coil 224 and second inductor coil 226, and capacitance C is provided by a plurality of capacitors, discussed below. In some cases, an induction heating circuit comprising inductance L and capacitance C can be represented as an RLC circuit, with resistance R provided by a resistor. In some cases, the resistance is provided by ohmic resistance in the portion of the circuit connecting the inductor and capacitor, and thus the circuit need not necessarily include such a resistor. Such circuits can exhibit electrical resonance, which occurs at a particular resonant frequency, when the imaginary portions of the impedances or admittances of the circuit elements cancel each other.

[0467] One example of an LC circuit is a series circuit in which an inductor and a capacitor are connected in series. Another example of an LC circuit is a parallel LC circuit in which an inductor and a capacitor are connected in parallel. Resonance occurs in an LC circuit because the collapse of the inductor's magnetic field generates a current in its winding that charges the capacitor, while the discharge of the capacitor provides a current that builds up a magnetic field in the inductor. When a parallel LC circuit is driven at a resonant frequency, the dynamic impedance of the circuit is maximized (because the inductor's reaction is equal to the capacitor's reaction) and the circuit current is minimized. However, in the case of a parallel LC circuit, the parallel inductor and capacitor loop acts as a current multiplier (effectively multiplying the current in the loop and, therefore, the current through the inductor). Therefore, by allowing the RLC or LC circuit to operate at a resonant frequency for at least a portion of the time while the circuit is operating to heat the susceptor, effective and / or efficient induction heating can be provided by providing a maximum value of the magnetic field penetrating the susceptor.

[0468] The LC circuit used by the device 200 to heat the susceptor 232 may use one or more transistors that act as a switching element, as described below. A transistor is a semiconductor device for switching electronic signals. A transistor typically has at least three terminals for connecting to an electronic circuit. A field-effect transistor (FET) is a transistor that can vary the effective conductance of the transistor using the effect of an applied electric field. A field-effect transistor may have a body, a source terminal S, a drain terminal D, and a gate terminal G. A field-effect transistor has an active channel comprising a semiconductor through which charge carriers, electrons, or holes, can flow between the source terminal S and the drain terminal D. The conductivity of the channel, i.e., the conductivity between the drain terminal D and the source terminal S, is a function of the potential difference between the gate terminal G and the source terminal S, generated, for example, by a potential applied to the gate terminal G. In an enhancement-mode FET, the FET can be turned OFF (i.e., substantially prevent current from passing) when the voltage between the gate G and the source S is substantially zero, and can be turned ON (i.e., substantially allow current to pass) when the voltage between the gate G and the source S is substantially non-zero.

[0469] One type of transistor that can be used in the circuitry of device 200 is an n-channel (or n-type) field-effect transistor (n-FET). An n-FET is a field-effect transistor whose channel comprises an n-type semiconductor, with electrons being the majority carriers and holes being the minority carriers. For example, the n-type semiconductor may comprise an intrinsic semiconductor (such as silicon) doped with a donor impurity (such as phosphorus). In an n-channel FET, the drain terminal D is placed at a higher potential than the source terminal S (i.e., the drain-source voltage is positive, or, in other words, the source-drain voltage is negative). To turn the n-channel FET "on" (i.e., allow current to pass), a switching potential higher than the potential of the source terminal S is applied to the gate terminal G.

[0470] Another type of transistor that can be used in device 200 is a p-channel (or p-type) field-effect transistor (p-FET). A p-FET is a field-effect transistor in which the channel comprises a p-type semiconductor, in which holes are the majority carriers and electrons are the minority carriers. For example, the p-type semiconductor can comprise an intrinsic semiconductor (such as silicon) doped with an acceptor impurity (such as boron). In a p-channel FET, the source terminal S is placed at a higher potential than the drain terminal D (i.e., the drain-source voltage is negative, or in other words, the source-drain voltage is positive). To turn the p-channel FET "on" (i.e., allow current to pass), a switching potential lower than the potential of the source terminal S (which can be higher than the potential of the drain terminal D) is applied to the gate terminal G.

[0471] In some examples, one or more of the FETs used in device 200 may be metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). A MOSFET is a field-effect transistor in which a gate terminal G is electrically isolated from a semiconductor channel by an insulating layer. In some examples, the gate terminal G may be metal and the insulating layer may be an oxide (e.g., silicon dioxide, etc.), and thus may be a "metal-oxide-semiconductor." However, in other examples, the gate may be made of a material other than a metal, such as polysilicon, and / or the insulating layer may be made of a material other than an oxide, such as another dielectric material. Nevertheless, such devices are typically referred to as metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), and it should be understood that, as used herein, the term metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor or MOSFET should be interpreted to include such devices.

[0472] The MOSFET may be an n-channel (or n-type) MOSFET, where the semiconductor is n-type. The n-channel MOSFET (n-MOSFET) may operate in the same manner as described above for the n-channel FET. As another example, the MOSFET may be a p-channel (or p-type) MOSFET, where the semiconductor is p-type. The p-channel MOSFET (p-MOSFET) may operate in the same manner as described above for the p-channel FET. An n-MOSFET typically has a lower source-drain resistance than a p-MOSFET. Therefore, in the "on" state (i.e., with current passing through it), an n-MOSFET generates less heat compared to a p-MOSFET and can therefore dissipate less energy during operation than a p-MOSFET. Furthermore, an n-MOSFET typically has a shorter switching time (i.e., the characteristic response time from a change in switching potential provided to the gate terminal G to a change in the MOSFET, regardless of whether current is passing through it) compared to a p-MOSFET. This may enable faster switching speeds and improved switching control.

[0473] 7A and 7B, there are shown a partial cutaway cross-sectional view and a perspective view of an example aerosol product article 300. The aerosol product article 300 shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B corresponds to the aerosol product article 130 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B and the aerosol product article 210 shown in FIG. 6A of FIGS. 2-4 and 6. When describing FIG. 48E of FIGS. 7A-48, reference is made to components corresponding to the heating assembly 100 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B or a method of using such a heating assembly 100. Unless otherwise specified, FIG. 48E of FIGS. 7A-48 are also applicable to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2-6.

[0474] The aerosol production article 300 can be in any shape suitable for use with an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol production article 300 can be in the form of, or provided as part of, a cartridge, cassette, or rod that can be inserted into the device. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, 2-4, and FIG. 6A, the aerosol production article 300 is in the form of a substantially cylindrical rod and includes a body of smoking material 302 and a rod-shaped filter assembly 304. The filter assembly 304 includes three segments: a cooling segment 306, a filter segment 308, and a mouth end segment 310. The article 300 has a first end 312, also known as the mouth end or proximal end, and a second end 314, also known as the distal end. The body of aerosol-generating material 302 is located toward the distal end 314 of the article 300. In one example, the cooling segment 306 is positioned adjacent to the body of aerosol-generating material 302 between the body of aerosol-generating material 302 and the filter segment 308, such that the cooling segment 306 is in abutting relationship with the aerosol-generating material 302 and the filter segment 308. In another example, a separation can be provided between the body of aerosol-generating material 302 and the cooling segment 306 and between the body of aerosol-generating material 302 and the filter segment 308. The filter segment 308 is positioned between the cooling segment 306 and the mouth end segment 310. The mouth end segment 310 is positioned adjacent to the filter segment 308 toward the proximal end 312 of the article 300. In one example, the filter segment 308 is in abutting relationship with the mouth end segment 310. In one embodiment, the overall length of the filter assembly 304 is between 37 mm and 45 mm, and more preferably, the overall length of the filter assembly 304 is 41 mm.

[0475] In use, portions 302a and 302b of body 302 of aerosol-generating material may correspond to first and second induction heating elements 114 and 124, respectively, of portion 100 shown in FIG. 1B.

[0476] The body of smoking material may have multiple portions 302a, 302b corresponding to multiple induction heating elements present in the aerosol generating device. For example, the aerosol product article 300 may have a first portion 302a corresponding to the first induction heating element 114 and a second portion 302b corresponding to the second induction heating element 124. These portions 302a, 302b may exhibit different temperature profiles during a use session, and the temperature profiles of the portions 302a, 302b may be derived from the temperature profiles of the first induction heating element 114 and the second induction heating element 124, respectively.

[0477] When multiple portions 302a, 302b of the body of aerosol-generating material 302 are present, any number of the substrate portions 302a, 302b can have substantially the same composition. In certain examples, all of the substrate portions 302a, 302b have substantially the same composition. In one embodiment, the body of aerosol-generating material 302 is a single, continuous body, with no physical separation between the first portion 302a and the second portion 302b, and the first and second portions have substantially the same composition.

[0478] In one embodiment, the body of aerosol-forming material 302 comprises tobacco. However, in each of the other embodiments, the body of smoking material 302 can consist of tobacco, consist substantially entirely of tobacco, contain tobacco and aerosol-forming materials other than tobacco, contain aerosol-forming materials other than tobacco, or be tobacco-free. The aerosol-forming materials can include an aerosol-forming agent, such as glycerol.

[0479] In certain embodiments, the aerosol-forming material may include one or more tobacco components, filler components, adhesives, and aerosol-forming agents.

[0480] The filler component can be any suitable inorganic filler material. Suitable inorganic filler materials include, but are not limited to, calcium carbonate (i.e., chalk), perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium carbonate, and suitable inorganic adsorbents such as molecular sieves. Calcium carbonate is particularly suitable. In some cases, the filler comprises an organic material such as wood pulp, cellulose, and cellulose derivatives.

[0481] The adhesive can be any suitable adhesive, hi some embodiments, the adhesive comprises one or more of alginate, cellulose or modified cellulose, polysaccharides, starch or modified starch, and natural gums.

[0482] Suitable adhesives include, but are not limited to, alginates containing any suitable cation, such as sodium alginate, calcium alginate, and potassium alginate; celluloses or modified celluloses, such as hydroxypropyl cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose; starches or modified starches; polysaccharides, such as pectins containing any suitable cation, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, or magnesium pectinate; xanthan gum, guar gum, and any other suitable natural gum.

[0483] The adhesive may be included in the aerosol-forming material in any suitable amount and concentration.

[0484] An "aerosol-generating agent" is an agent that facilitates the generation of an aerosol. An aerosol-generating agent can facilitate the generation of an aerosol by facilitating the initial vaporization and / or condensation of a gas into an inhalable solid and / or liquid aerosol. In some embodiments, an aerosol-generating agent can improve the delivery of flavor from an aerosol product.

[0485] Generally, any suitable aerosol-generating agent or agents can be included in the aerosol-generating material, including, but not limited to, polyols such as sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols such as propylene glycol or triethylene glycol, non-polyols such as monohydric alcohols, high-boiling hydrocarbons, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as diacetin, triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, or myristic acid, including ethyl myristate and isopropyl myristate, and aliphatic carboxylic acid esters such as methyl stearate, dimethyl dodecanedioate, and dimethyl tetradecanedioate.

[0486] In certain embodiments, the aerosol-forming material comprises a tobacco component in an amount of 60-90% by weight of the tobacco composition, a filler component in an amount of 0-20% by weight of the tobacco composition, and an aerosol-forming agent in an amount of 10-20% by weight of the tobacco composition. The tobacco component can include reconstituted tobacco in an amount of 70-100% by weight of the tobacco component.

[0487] In one example, the body of aerosol-generating material 302 has a length of 34 mm to 50 mm, more preferably the body of aerosol-generating material 302 has a length of 38 mm to 46 mm, and even more preferably the body of aerosol-generating material 302 has a length of 42 mm.

[0488] In one example, the total length of the article 300 is between 71 mm and 95 mm, more preferably the total length of the article 300 is between 79 mm and 87 mm, and even more preferably the total length of the article 300 is 83 mm.

[0489] The axial end of the body of aerosol-generating material 302 is visible at the distal end 314 of the article 300. However, in other embodiments, the distal end 314 of the article 300 may include an end member (not shown) that covers the axial end of the body of aerosol-generating material 302.

[0490] The body of aerosol-generating material 302 is joined to the filter assembly 304 by an annular tipping paper (not shown) that surrounds the filter assembly 304 substantially around its circumference and extends partially along the length of the body of aerosol-generating material 302. In one example, the tipping paper is made from 58 GSM tipping base paper. In one example, the tipping paper has a length of 42 mm to 50 mm, and more preferably, the tipping paper has a length of 46 mm.

[0491] In one example, cooling segment 306 is an annular tube positioned around and defining a cavity within the cooling segment. The cavity provides a chamber for the flow of heated volatile components generated from body 302 of aerosol-generating material. Cooling segment 306 is hollow, providing a chamber for aerosol accumulation that is still rigid enough to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during use of article 300 during manufacturing and insertion into device 100. In one example, the wall thickness of cooling segment 306 is approximately 0.29 mm.

[0492] The cooling segment 306 provides a physical displacement between the aerosol-generating material 302 and the filter segment 308. The physical displacement provided by the cooling segment 306 provides a thermal gradient across the length of the cooling segment 306. In one example, the cooling segment 306 is configured to provide a temperature difference of at least 40° C. between the heated volatile components entering the first end of the cooling segment 306 and the heated volatile components exiting the second end of the cooling segment 306. In one example, the cooling segment 306 is configured to provide a temperature difference of at least 60° C. between the heated volatile components entering the first end of the cooling segment 306 and the heated volatile components exiting the second end of the cooling segment 306. This temperature difference across the length of the cooling segment 306 protects the temperature-sensitive filter segment 308 from the high temperatures of the aerosol-generating material 302 when heated by the heating assembly 100 of the aerosol-generating device. If no physical displacement is provided between the filter segment 308 and the aerosol-generating material body 302 and the heating elements 114, 124 of the heating assembly 100, the temperature-sensitive filter segment 308 may be damaged during use and therefore would not effectively perform its required function.

[0493] In one example, the length of cooling segment 306 is at least 15 mm. In one example, the length of cooling segment 306 is between 20 mm and 30 mm, more particularly between 23 mm and 27 mm, more particularly between 25 mm and 27 mm, and even more particularly 25 mm.

[0494] The cooling segment 306 is made from paper, meaning that it is composed of a material that does not generate problematic, e.g., toxic, compounds when adjacent to the heating assembly 100 of the aerosol generating device during use. In one example, the cooling segment 306 is manufactured from a spirally wound paper tube that maintains mechanical rigidity while providing a hollow interior chamber. A spirally wound paper tube can meet the strict dimensional accuracy requirements of high-speed manufacturing processes for tube length, outer diameter, roundness, and straightness.

[0495] In another example, cooling segment 306 is a recess made from rigid plug wrap or tipping paper that is manufactured to be sufficiently rigid to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during use of article 300 during manufacturing and insertion into device 100.

[0496] In each example of cooling segment 306, the dimensional accuracy of the cooling segment is sufficient to meet the dimensional accuracy requirements of high speed manufacturing processes.

[0497] The filter segment 308 may be formed from any filter material sufficient to remove one or more volatile compounds from the heated volatiles from the smoking material. In one example, the filter segment 308 is made from a monoacetate material, such as cellulose acetate. The filter segment 308 provides cooling and reduced irritation from the heated volatiles without depleting the amount of the heated volatiles to an unsatisfactory level for the user.

[0498] The density of the cellulose acetate tow material of filter segment 308 controls the pressure drop across filter segment 308, thereby controlling the resistance to draw of article 300. Therefore, the selection of material for filter segment 308 is important in controlling the resistance to draw of article 300. In addition, filter segment 308 performs a filtration function within article 300.

[0499] In one example, the filter segment 308 is made from 8Y15 grade filter tow material, which provides filtration for the heated volatile material while also reducing the size of condensed aerosol droplets resulting from the heated volatile material, thereby satisfactorily reducing the irritation and throat impact of the heated volatile material.

[0500] The presence of filter segment 308 provides an insulating effect by providing additional cooling to the heated volatiles exiting cooling segment 306. This additional cooling reduces the contact temperature of the user's lips against the surface of filter segment 308.

[0501] One or more flavors can be added to the filter segment 308 in the form of direct injection of a flavored liquid into the filter segment 308, or by embedding or disposing one or more flavored breakable capsules or other flavor carriers in the cellulose acetate tow of the filter segment 308.

[0502] In one example, the filter segment 308 is between 6 mm and 10 mm in length, more preferably 8 mm.

[0503] The mouth end segment 310 is an annular tube that lies around and defines a cavity within the mouth end segment 310. The cavity provides a chamber for heated volatiles that flow from the filter segment 308. The mouth end segment 310 is hollow, providing a chamber for aerosol accumulation that is rigid enough to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during use of the article during manufacturing and insertion into the device 100. In one example, the wall thickness of the mouth end segment 310 is about 0.29 mm.

[0504] In one example, the mouth end segment 310 has a length of between 6 mm and 10 mm, more preferably 8 mm. In one example, the mouth end segment has a thickness of 0.29 mm.

[0505] The mouth end segment 310 can be manufactured from a spirally wound paper tube that provides a hollow interior chamber while maintaining critical mechanical stiffness. A spirally wound paper tube can meet the strict dimensional accuracy requirements of high-speed manufacturing processes for tube length, outer diameter, roundness, and straightness.

[0506] Mouth end segment 310 serves the function of preventing any liquid condensate that accumulates at the outlet of filter segment 308 from coming into direct contact with the user.

[0507] It should be appreciated that in one example, the mouth end segment 310 and the cooling segment 306 may be formed from a single tube, with the filter segment 308 located within the tube to separate the mouth end segment 310 and the cooling segment 306.

[0508] A ventilation region 316 is provided within article 300 to allow air to flow from the exterior of article 300 to the interior of article 300. In one example, ventilation region 316 takes the form of one or more vent holes 316 formed through an outer layer of article 300. The vent holes may be located within cooling segment 306 to assist in cooling article 300. In one example, ventilation region 316 comprises one or more rows of holes, each row of holes preferably arranged circumferentially around article 300 in a cross section substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of article 300.

[0509] In one example, there are 1 to 4 rows of vent holes to provide ventilation for article 300. Each row of vent holes can have 12 to 36 vent holes 316. The vent holes 316 can have, for example, a diameter of 100 to 500 μm. In one example, the axial separation between rows of vent holes 316 is 0.25 mm to 0.75 mm, and more preferably, the axial separation between rows of vent holes 316 is 0.5 mm.

[0510] In one example, the vent holes 316 are uniform in size. In another example, the vent holes 316 vary in size. The vent holes can be made using any suitable technique, such as one or more of laser techniques, mechanical perforation of the cooling segment 306, or pre-perforation of the cooling segment 306 before it is formed into the article 300. The vent holes 316 are positioned to provide effective cooling to the article 300.

[0511] In one example, the row of vent holes 316 is positioned at least 11 mm from the proximal end 312 of the article, and more preferably the vent holes are positioned 17 mm to 20 mm from the proximal end 312 of the article 300. The positions of the vent holes 316 are positioned such that the user cannot block the vent holes 316 while the article 300 is in use.

[0512] Advantageously, spacing the row of vent holes 17 mm to 20 mm from the proximal end 312 of the article 300 allows the vent holes 316 to be located on the exterior of the device 100 when the article 300 is fully inserted into the device 100, as can be seen in Figure 1. Locating the vent holes on the exterior of the apparatus allows unheated air to enter the article 300 from outside the device 100 through the vent holes and assist in cooling the article 300.

[0513] The length of cooling segment 306 is such that when item 300 is fully inserted into device 100, cooling segment 306 is partially inserted into device 100. The length of cooling segment 306 serves two functions: first, to provide a physical gap between the heater arrangement and thermal filter arrangement 308 of device 100; and second, to allow vent hole 316 to be located within the cooling segment while also being located outside of device 100 when item 300 is fully inserted into device 100. As can be seen from FIG. 1 , the majority of cooling element 306 is located within device 100. However, a portion of cooling element 306 extends from device 100. Vent hole 316 is located in this portion of cooling element 306 that extends from device 100.

[0514] FIG. 8 shows a temperature profile 400 of a first heating element in an aerosol generating device, such as the first induction heating element 114 shown in FIG. 1B during an exemplary use session 402. The following also specifically refers to the susceptor section 232a. The temperature profile 400 preferably refers to the temperature profile of the first induction heating element 114 in any operating mode of the heating assembly. The temperature profile 400 of the first heating element 114 is measured by a suitable temperature sensor disposed on the first heating element 114. Suitable temperature sensors include thermocouples, thermopiles, or resistance temperature detectors (RTDs, also known as resistance thermometers). In certain embodiments, the device includes at least one RTD. In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a thermocouple disposed on each heating element 114, 124 present in the aerosol generating device. Temperature data measured by the or each temperature sensor can be communicated to a controller. Additionally, when the heating elements 114, 124 reach a predetermined temperature, the temperature data can be communicated to the controller, which can then vary the supply of power to the elements within the aerosol generating device accordingly. Preferably, the controller is configured as a PID controller that uses a control loop feedback mechanism to control the temperature of the heating elements based on data provided by one or more temperature sensors located within the device. In a preferred embodiment, the controller comprises a PID controller configured to control the temperature of each heating element based on temperature data provided by a thermocouple located in each of the heating elements.

[0515] A use session 402 begins when the device is activated 404, with the controller controlling the device to supply energy to at least the first induction heating unit 110. The device can be activated by a user, for example by activating a push button or by inhaling from the device. Activation means for use with aerosol generating devices are known to those skilled in the art. In the context of a heating assembly comprising induction heating means, a use session begins when the controller commands the supply of a varying current to the inductors (such as the first coil 112 and the second coil 122), and thus a varying magnetic field to the induction heating elements, generating an increase in the temperature of the induction heating elements. As discussed herein above, this can conveniently be referred to as "supplying energy to the induction heating unit."

[0516] The end of a use session 406 occurs when the controller commands elements within the aerosol generation device to stop supplying energy to all heating units present within the device. In the context of a heating assembly including an induction heating unit, the use session ends when the supply of varying electrical current to any of the induction heating elements provided within the heating assembly, and therefore the supply of any varying magnetic field to the induction heating elements, ceases.

[0517] At the start of a smoking session 402, the temperature of the first heating element increases rapidly until it reaches a maximum operating temperature 408. In accordance with the present invention, the time 410 it takes to reach the maximum operating temperature 408 can be referred to as a "rise" period and has a duration of less than 20 seconds.

[0518] The temperature of the first heating element may optionally be reduced from the maximum operating temperature 408 to a lower temperature 414 at a later time 412 in the use session. If the temperature is reduced from the maximum operating temperature 408 at a later time 412 in the use session, the temperature 414 to which the first heating element is reduced is preferably the operating temperature. The operating temperature 414 to which the first heating element is reduced may suitably be referred to as the “second operating temperature” 414. The temperature of the first heating element preferably does not decrease below the minimum operating temperature 416 of the first heating element until the end 406 of the use session 402. The first heating element preferably remains at or above the second operating temperature 414 until the end 406 of the use session 402.

[0519] In embodiments in which the heating assembly is operable in multiple modes, the temperature of the first heating element may be reduced in at least one of the modes from a maximum operating temperature 408 to a second operating temperature 414. Preferably, the temperature of the first heating element is reduced in all of the operable modes from a maximum operating temperature 408 to a second operating temperature 414. For the avoidance of doubt, the maximum operating temperature 408 and second operating temperature 414 of the first heating element may be different for each mode.

[0520] In some examples, the second operating temperature 414 is between 180 and 240°C. When the heating assembly is operable in multiple modes, the second operating temperature 414 in at least one operating mode can be between 180 and 240°C. Preferably, the second operating temperature 414 in all operating modes can be between 180 and 240°C. Even more preferably, the second operating temperature 414 is at least 220°C. In some preferred examples, the first heating element remains at or above the second operating temperature 414 in all operating modes until the end of the use session. Without wishing to be bound by theory, configuring the heating assembly so that the first heating element does not drop below 220°C until the end of the use session 220 may at least partially prevent condensation from occurring on the first portion of the aerosol product article during the use session and / or may also reduce the resistance to draw offered by the first portion of the aerosol product article.

[0521] There is a ratio between the maximum operating temperature 408 of the first heating element and the second operating temperature 414 of the first heating element. In embodiments where the heating assembly is operable in multiple modes, there is a ratio between the maximum operating temperature 408 of the first heating element and the second operating temperature 414 of the first heating element in each mode of operation. For example, the first mode maximum operating temperature (FMMOT h1 ) and the second operating temperature of the first mode of the first heating element (FMSOT h1 ) there is a ratio.

[0522] In some cases, the ratio FMMOT h1 :FMSOT h1 The ratio SMMOT h1 :SMSOT h1 It is essentially the same as FMMOT. h1 :FMSOT h1 The ratio SMMOT h1 :SMSOT h1 It is preferable that it is different from

[0523] In some cases, the ratio FMMOT h1:FMSOT h1 and / or ratio SMMOT h1 :SMSOT h1 is 1.05:1 to 1.4:1, or 1.1:1 to 1.4:1, or 1.1:1 to 1.3:1.

[0524] In a preferred example, the ratio FMMOT h1 :FMSOT h1 In some preferred embodiments, the ratio S M M O T is 1:1 to 1.2:1. h1 :SMSOT h1 In another preferred embodiment, the ratio is 1.2:1 to 1.3:1. h1 :SMSOT h1 The ratio is 1.05:1 to 1.2:1. h1 :SMSOT h1 A lower ratio can help reduce the amount of undesirable condensation that forms within the device during use.

[0525] In embodiments, the first heating element can remain at or substantially near its maximum operating temperature for at most at least 25%, 50%, or 75% of the session. For example, the first heating element can remain at its maximum operating temperature for a first duration of the use session, then decrease to a second operating temperature, and remain at the second operating temperature for a second duration of the use session. The first duration can be at least 25%, 50%, or 75% of the session. The first duration can be longer or shorter than the second duration. In at least one operating mode, the first duration is preferably longer than the second duration. In this example, the ratio of the first duration to the second duration can be between 1.1:1 and 7:1, between 1.5:1 and 5:1, between 2:1 and 3:1, or approximately 2.5:1.

[0526] In certain embodiments, the device is operable in multiple modes, and the ratios listed above apply to the first operating mode. In the second operating mode, the first duration can be longer or shorter than the second duration. Preferably, the second duration is longer than the first duration. Accordingly, one preferred embodiment of the present invention is a device configured such that in the first operating mode, the first duration is longer than the second duration, but in the second operating mode, the second duration is longer than the first duration. In one embodiment, in the second operating mode, the ratio of the second duration to the first duration can be between 1.1:1 and 5:1, between 1.2 and 2:1, or between 1.3:1 and 1.4:1. In another embodiment, in the second operating mode, the ratio of the second duration to the first duration can be between 2:1 and 12:1, or between 2.5:1 and 11:1. In particular, the ratio may be between 3:1 and 4:1, alternatively the ratio may be between 8:1 and 10:1. This embodiment may be particularly suitable for reducing the amount of condensation that forms within the device during a usage session.

[0527] The inventors have determined that operating the first heating element at its maximum operating temperature for a greater portion of a use session can help reduce the amount of condensation that collects within the device during use. This effect can be particularly noticeable in so-called "boost" modes of operation, in which the heating unit operates at a higher maximum operating temperature during shorter use sessions.

[0528] Preferably, the maximum operating temperature 408 is between about 200°C and 300°C, or between 210°C and 290°C, or between 220°C and 280°C, or between 230°C and 270°C, or between 240°C and 260°C.

[0529] 9 illustrates a temperature profile 500 of a second heating element, such as the second induction heating element 124 shown in FIG. 1B, when present in an aerosol generating device during an exemplary use session 502. The following is also disclosed with specific reference to the susceptor section 232b. The use session 502 corresponds to the use session 402 shown in FIG. 8. The temperature profile 500 suitably refers to the temperature profile of the second induction heating element 124 in any operating mode of the heating assembly.

[0530] A use session 502 begins when the device is activated 504 and energy is supplied to at least the first induction heating unit. In this example, the controller is configured not to supply energy to the second induction heating unit at the start of the use session 502. Nevertheless, the temperature of the second induction heating element is likely to increase to some extent due to thermal "bleed," which is the conduction, convection, and / or radiation of thermal energy from the first heating element 114 to the second heating element 124.

[0531] At a first programmed time point 506 after the start of a use session, the controller commands the supply of energy to the second heating unit 120, and the temperature of the second heating element 124 rises rapidly before reaching a predetermined first operating temperature 510 at time point 508, and the controller then controls the second heating unit 120 (coil 226) so that the second heating element 124 remains at substantially this temperature for a further period of time. The predetermined first operating temperature 510 is preferably lower than the maximum operating temperature 512 of the second heating element 124. In other embodiments (not shown), the first predetermined operating temperature is the maximum operating temperature, i.e., the second heating element 124 is heated directly to its maximum operating temperature upon activation of the second heating unit 120.

[0532] In some embodiments, the predetermined first operating temperature 510 is between 150° C. and 200° C. The predetermined first operating temperature 510 can be greater than 150° C., 160° C., 170° C., 180° C., or 190° C. The predetermined first operating temperature 510 can be less than 200° C., 190° C., 180° C., 170° C., or 160° C. Preferably, the predetermined first operating temperature 510 is between 150° C. and 170° C. A lower first operating temperature 510 can help reduce the amount of undesirable condensation that collects within the device.

[0533] In embodiments in which the heating assembly is operable in multiple modes, the heating assembly can be configured such that in at least one mode, the second heating element 124 rises to a first operating temperature 510, maintains the first operating temperature 510, and then rises to a maximum operating temperature 512. Preferably, the heating assembly is configured such that in all operable modes, the second heating element 124 rises to a first operating temperature 510, maintains the first operating temperature 510, and then rises to a maximum operating temperature 512.

[0534] The first programmed time 506 at which power is first supplied to the second heating unit 120 is preferably at least about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60 seconds after device activation 504. For embodiments in which the heating assembly is operable in multiple modes, the first programmed time 506 is at least about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, or 80 seconds after device activation 504 in at least one mode. The first programmed time 506 is preferably at least about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, or 80 seconds after device activation 504 in all operable modes. The first programmed time 506 can be the same for each mode or can differ between modes. Preferably, the first programmed time 506 differs between modes. In particular, the first programmed point in time 506 is preferably a later point in time during a use session in the first mode than in the second mode.

[0535] In some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 can be configured such that the second induction unit 120 ramps up to the first predetermined operating temperature 510 within 10 seconds, or 5 seconds, 4 seconds, 3 seconds, or 2 seconds from the programmed time point 506 to increase the temperature of the second induction heating element 124 to the first predetermined operating temperature 510. In other words, the period 514 between the two times points 506, 508 can have a duration of 10 seconds or less, 5 seconds or less, 4 seconds or less, 3 seconds or less, or 2 seconds or less. Preferably, the period 514 has a duration of 2 seconds or less.

[0536] The second heating element 124 may be maintained at the predetermined first operating temperature 510 for a predetermined period of time until a second programmed time point 516, at which point the controller controls the second heating unit to increase the second heating element 124 to its maximum operating temperature 512. At this second programmed time point 516, the temperature of the second heating element 124 increases rapidly before reaching the maximum operating temperature 512 at time point 518. The controller then controls the second heating unit so that the second heating element 124 remains at substantially this temperature for a further period of time.

[0537] There is a ratio between the first operating temperature 410 of the second heating element 124 and the maximum operating temperature 412 of the second heating element 124. In embodiments where the heating assembly is operable in multiple modes, there is a ratio between the first operating temperature 310 of the second heating element 124 and the maximum operating temperature 412 of the second heating element 124 in each operating mode. For example, the first operating temperature (F M FOT h2 ) and the maximum operating temperature of the first mode of the second heating element (FMMOT h2 ) there is a ratio.

[0538] In some cases, the ratio FMFOT h2 :FMMOT h2 The ratio SMFOT h2 :SMMOT h2 It is essentially the same as FMFOT. h2 :FMMOT h2 The ratio SMFOT h2 :SMMOT h2 It is preferable that it is different from

[0539] In some cases, the ratio FMFOT h2 :FMMOT h2 and / or ratio SMFOT h2 :SMMOT h2 is 1:1.1 to 1:2, or 1:1.2 to 1:2, or 1:1.3 to 1:1.9, or 1:1.4 to 1:1.8, or 1:1.5 to 1:1.7.

[0540] In a preferred example, the ratio FMFOT h2 :FMMOT h2 is 1:1.1 to 1:1.6, or 1:1.3 to 1:1.6, or most preferably 1:1.5 to 1:1.6, or 1:1.4 to 1:1.5. In a preferred example, the ratio SMFOT h2 :SMMOT h2 is 1:1.6 to 1:2, or 1:1.6 to 1.9, or 1:1.6 to 1.8, or most preferably 1:1.6 to 1:1.7, or 1:1.5 to 1:1.6.

[0541] The second programmed point 516 at which the controller controls the second heating unit so that the second heating element 124 rises to its maximum operating temperature 512 is preferably at least about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60 seconds after activation 504 of the device.

[0542] In some embodiments in which the heating assembly 100 is operable in multiple modes, the second programmed time point 416 is at least about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60 seconds after device activation 404 in at least one mode. Preferably, the second programmed time point 416 is at least about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60 seconds after device activation 404 in all operable modes. The second programmed time point 416 can be the same for each mode or can differ between modes. Preferably, the second programmed time point 416 differs between modes. In particular, it is preferred that the second programmed time point 416 be a later point during a use session in the first mode than in the second mode.

[0543] In some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 can be configured such that the second induction element 124 ramps up from the first predetermined operating temperature 510 to the maximum operating temperature 512 within 10 seconds, or 5 seconds, 4 seconds, 3 seconds, or 2 seconds from a programmed time point 516 to increase the temperature of the second induction heating element 124 to the maximum operating temperature 512. In other words, the period 520 between the two times 516, 518 can have a duration of 10 seconds or less, 5 seconds or less, 4 seconds or less, 3 seconds or less, or 2 seconds or less. Preferably, the period 520 has a duration of 2 seconds or less.

[0544] The temperature of the second heating element during the period from time 516 to time 518 may increase at a rate of at least 50° C. per second, or 100° C. per second, or 150° C. per second.

[0545] In some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 can be configured such that the second induction heating element 124 reaches the maximum operating temperature 512 at least about 30 seconds, 40 seconds, 50 seconds, 60 seconds, 80 seconds, 100 seconds, 120 seconds, or 140 seconds after activation 504 of the device. Preferably, the heating assembly 100 is configured such that the second induction heating element 124 reaches the maximum operating temperature 512 at least about 140 seconds after activation 504 of the device.

[0546] In some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 can be configured such that the second induction heating element 124 reaches its maximum operating temperature 512 at least about 10, 20, 30, 50, 50, 60, 80, 100, 120, or 140 seconds after the first induction heating element 122 reaches its maximum operating temperature 308. The heating assembly 100 is preferably configured such that the second induction heating element 124 reaches its maximum operating temperature 512 at least about 120 seconds after the first induction heating element 122 reaches its maximum operating temperature 308. In other words, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 , time 518 is preferably at least 120 seconds later than time 410 during the smoking session 402, 502.

[0547] For embodiments in which the heating assembly is operable in multiple modes, the second induction heating element 124 can reach its maximum operating temperature 512 in at least one mode at least about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100, or 140 seconds after the first induction heating element 114 reaches its maximum operating temperature 308. Preferably, the second induction heating element 124 reaches its maximum operating temperature 412 in all operable modes at least about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100, or 140 seconds after the first induction heating element 114 reaches its maximum operating temperature 308. The time it takes for the second induction heating element 124 to reach its maximum operating temperature 512 can be the same in each mode or can vary between modes. Preferably, the time is longer in the first mode than in the second mode.

[0548] The second heating element 124 may be maintained at its maximum operating temperature 512 for a predetermined period until the end of the smoking session 522, at which point the controller controls the heating assembly to stop supplying energy to all heating elements present in the aerosol generating device. After the temperature of the second heating element 124 reaches the operating temperature (roughly around the first predetermined time point 506), the temperature of the second heating element 124 preferably does not fall below the minimum operating temperature 524 of the second heating element 124 until the end of the smoking session 502.

[0549] The second heating element 124 can be held at the first operating temperature 510 for a first duration and at its maximum operating temperature 512 for a second duration. The second duration can be at least 25%, 50%, or 75% of the session. In some embodiments, the second duration is less than 50%, 45%, 40%, 35%, 30%, or 25% of the session. In particular, the second duration can be less than 35% of the use session. The inventors have determined that reducing the percentage of the use session that the second heating unit is held at its maximum operating temperature can help reduce the amount of undesirable condensation that collects within the device.

[0550] The first duration can be longer or shorter than the second duration. In some embodiments, the second duration is longer than the second duration in at least one operating mode. In one example, the ratio of the first duration to the second duration can be 1:1.01 to 1:2, or 1:1.01 to 1:1.5, or 1:1.01 to 1:1.01 to 1:1.1. In another example, the ratio of the first duration to the second duration can be 1:1.01 to 1:20, 1:2 to 1:15, 1:3 to 1:10, or 1:5 to 1:9.

[0551] In other embodiments, in at least one mode of operation, the first duration is longer than the second duration. In one example, the ratio of the first duration to the second duration can be between 1.01:1 and 5:1, or between 1.05:1 and 4:1, or between 1.1 and 2:1. The inventors have determined that configuring the heating assembly so that the first duration is longer than the second duration can help reduce the amount of undesirable condensation that collects within the device.

[0552] In certain embodiments, the device is operable in multiple modes, and the second duration is longer in both the first and second modes. In the first mode, the ratio of the first duration to the second duration can be 1:1.01 to 1:2, or 1:1.01 to 1:1.5, or 1:1.01 to 1:1.01 to 1:1.1. In the second operating mode, the ratio of the second duration to the first duration can be 1:1.01 to 1:20, 1:2 to 1:15, 1:3 to 1:10, or 1:5 to 1:9.

[0553] In some embodiments, in the first mode, the ratio of the first duration to the second duration can be between 1.01:1 and 2:1, or between 1.05:1 and 1.5:1, and in the second mode of operation, the ratio of the second duration to the first duration can be between 1.01:1 and 5:1, or between 1.2:1 and 4:1, or between 1.5:1 and 3:1.

[0554] In embodiments in which the first heating element 122 drops from its maximum operating temperature 308 to a lower temperature later within a smoking session, the second heating element 124 can reach its maximum operating temperature 512 before, after, or simultaneously with the drop in temperature of the first heating element 122. In preferred embodiments, the second heating element 124 reaches its maximum operating temperature 512 before the first heating element 122 drops from its maximum operating temperature 308 to a lower temperature.

[0555] In some embodiments, the maximum operating temperature 308 of the first heating element 122 is substantially the same as that of the second heating element 124. In other embodiments, the maximum operating temperatures 308, 512 of the first heating element 122 and the second heating element 124 can be different. For example, the maximum operating temperature 308 of the first heating element 122 can be greater than that of the second heating element 124, or the maximum operating temperature 512 of the second heating element 124 can be greater than that of the first heating element 122. In one preferred embodiment, the maximum operating temperature 308 of the first heating element 122 is greater than the maximum operating temperature 512 of the second heating element 124. In another preferred embodiment, the maximum operating temperature 308 of the first heating element 122 is substantially the same as that of the second heating element 124.

[0556] Over the period that the heating elements remain at a substantially constant temperature, slight variations in temperature may occur around the target temperature defined by the controller. In some embodiments, the variations are less than about ±10°C, or ±5°C, or ±4°C, or ±3°C, or ±2°C, or ±1°C. Preferably, the variations are less than about ±3°C across at least the first heating element, across at least the second heating element, or across both the first and second heating elements.

[0557] In some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 is configured so that the first heating element 114 has an average temperature over a use session of about 180° C. to 280° C., preferably about 200° C. to 270° C., more preferably about 220° C. to 260° C., even more preferably about 230° C. to 250° C., or most preferably about 235° C. to 245° C. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that configuring the heating assembly so that the first mouth-end heating unit 120 has such an average temperature may reduce filtration and / or condensation of aerosol-forming material disposed near the first heating element 114 during a use session.

[0558] In some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 is configured so that the second heating element 124 has an average temperature of about 140°C to 240°C, preferably about 150°C to 230°C, more preferably about 160°C to 220°C, even more preferably about 160°C to 210°C, even more preferably about 160°C to 200°C, or most preferably about 170°C to 195°C throughout the entire use session.

[0559] In some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 is configured so that the second heating element 124 has a programmed average temperature of about 70°C to 220°C, about 80°C to 200°C, about 90°C to 180°C, about 100°C to 160°C, or about 110°C to 140°C over the entire use session.

[0560] For embodiments in which the heating assembly is operable in multiple modes, the average temperature of the first heating element 114 and the second heating element 124 can be the same for each mode, or can differ between each mode. Preferably, the average temperature of each heating element differs between each mode.

[0561] The heating assembly 100 can be configured such that, in the first mode, the first heating element 114 has an average temperature over a first mode use session of about 180° C. to 280° C., preferably about 200° C. to 270° C., more preferably about 220° C. to 260° C., even more preferably about 230° C. to 250° C., or most preferably about 235° C. to 245° C. In other embodiments, the first heating element 114 has an average temperature over a first mode use session of about 200° C. to 250° C., 210° C. to 240° C., or 215° C. to 230° C.

[0562] The heating assembly 100 can be configured such that, in the first mode, the second heating element 124 has an average temperature of about 140°C to 240°C, preferably about 150°C to 230°C, more preferably about 160°C to 220°C, even more preferably about 170°C to 210°C, still more preferably about 180°C to 200°C, or most preferably about 185°C to 195°C throughout a first mode use session.

[0563] In some embodiments, the heating assembly is configured such that in the first mode, the second heating element 124 has a programmed average temperature of approximately 70°C to 160°C, 100°C to 150°C, or 120°C to 140°C over the entire first mode use session.

[0564] The heating assembly 100 can be configured such that in the second mode, the first heating element 114 has an average temperature of about 180°C to 280°C, preferably about 200°C to 280°C, more preferably about 220°C to 270°C, even more preferably about 230°C to 260°C, or most preferably about 240°C to 250°C throughout a second mode use session.

[0565] The heating assembly 100 can be configured such that in the second mode, the second heating element 124 has an average temperature of about 140°C to 240°C, preferably about 150°C to 20°C, more preferably about 160°C to 220°C, even more preferably about 170°C to 210°C, still more preferably about 180°C to 200°C, or most preferably about 185°C to 195°C throughout a second mode use session.

[0566] In some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 is configured such that in the second mode, the second heating element 124 has a programmed average temperature of approximately 70°C to 160°C, 100°C to 150°C, or 110°C to 140°C throughout the second mode use session.

[0567] Preferably, the average temperature of the first heating element 114 and / or the second heating element 124 over an entire use session in the second mode is higher than in the first mode. For example, the first heating element 114 and / or the second heating element 124 may have an average temperature over an entire use session in the second mode that is 1 to 100°C, preferably 1 to 50°C, more preferably 1 to 25°C, or most preferably 1 to 10°C higher than the average temperature over an entire use session in the first mode.

[0568] In one embodiment, the heating assembly 100 is configured such that the first heating element 114 has a higher programmed average temperature in the second mode than in the first mode, and the second heating element 124 has a lower programmed average temperature in the second mode than in the first mode. In a further embodiment, the maximum operating temperature of the second heating unit in the second mode is higher than in the first mode. The inventors have determined that the configurations used in these embodiments can help reduce the amount of undesirable condensation that collects within the device during use.

[0569] The configuration of the heating assembly 100 can also be defined by the average temperature of the entire heating assembly over a period of time. The average temperature of the entire heating assembly is calculated by adding the average temperature of each heating unit operating in the heating assembly over that period of time and dividing that sum by the number of heating units operating in the heating assembly over that period of time. For example, in one example, the heating assembly may include two heating units operating over a use session. The first heating unit may have an average temperature of approximately 240°C over the use session, and the second heating unit may have an average temperature of approximately 190°C over the use session. In this example, the average temperature of the entire heating assembly over the use session would be 215°C.

[0570] In some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 is configured so that the heating assembly 100 has an average temperature of about 180°C to 270°C, preferably about 190°C to 260°C, more preferably about 200°C to 250°C, and most preferably about 210°C to 230°C over the entire use session.

[0571] In some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 is configured so that the heating assembly 100 has a programmed average temperature of approximately 70°C to 260°C, 100°C to 230°C, 150°C to 210°C, or 170°C to 200°C over the entire use session.

[0572] For embodiments in which the heating assembly 100 is operable in multiple modes, the average temperature of the heating assembly 100 can be the same for each mode, or can differ between each mode. Preferably, the average temperature of the heating assembly differs between each mode.

[0573] The heating assembly 100 can be configured such that in the first mode, the heating assembly 100 has an average temperature of about 160°C to 260°C, preferably about 160°C to 250°C, even more preferably about 170°C to 240°C, even more preferably about 190°C to 230°C, or most preferably about 210°C to 220°C throughout a use session in the first mode.

[0574] In some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 is configured such that in the first mode, the heating assembly 100 has a programmed average temperature of approximately 70°C to 250°C, 100°C to 220°C, 150°C to 200°C, or 170°C to 190°C.

[0575] The heating assembly can be configured such that in the second mode, the heating assembly 100 has an average temperature of about 180°C to 280°C, preferably about 190°C to 270°C, more preferably about 200°C to 260°C, even more preferably about 210°C to 250°C, or most preferably about 220°C to 230°C throughout a use session in the second mode.

[0576] In some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 is configured such that in the second mode, the heating assembly 100 has a programmed average temperature of about 90°C to 270°C, 10°C, or 170°C to 200°C.

[0577] 8 and 9 discussed herein above reflect measured or observed temperature profiles of heating units present in heating assembly 100 and / or device 200. FIG. 20 reflects programmed heating profiles of any heating units present in heating assembly 100 and / or device 200. Any programmed heating profile of any heating unit present in a heating assembly of the present device can be illustrated by the schematic programmed heating profile shown in FIG.

[0578] The programmed heating profile 800 includes a first temperature, temperature A802, that the heating unit is programmed to reach during a given use session at time A804. Time A804 may conveniently be defined in terms of the number of seconds that have elapsed since the start of the use session, i.e., from the time that power is first supplied to at least one heating unit present in the heating assembly.

[0579] Optionally, the programmed heating profile 800 can include a second temperature, temperature B806. Temperature B806 is a different temperature than temperature A802. In some embodiments, the heating unit is programmed to reach temperature B806 at time B808 during a given use session. Time B808 comes later in time than time A804.

[0580] From time A804 to time B808, the heating unit is programmed to have temperature A802, which is substantially the same temperature. However, in some embodiments, there may be variation around temperature A802 during this period. For example, the heating unit may have a temperature within 10° C. of temperature A802 during this period, and preferably within 5° C. of temperature A802 during this period. Such a profile would still be considered to correspond to the profile shown generally in FIG. 15. In other embodiments, there is substantially no variation from temperature A802 during this period.

[0581] Although FIG. 20 shows temperature B806 being higher than temperature A802, the program heating profiles of the present disclosure are not so limited, and for any given heating profile, temperature B806 can be higher or lower than temperature A802.

[0582] The program heating profile 800 preferably includes a second temperature, temperature B 806.

[0583] Optionally, the programmed heating profile 800 can include a third temperature, temperature C 810. Temperature C 810 is a different temperature than temperature B. In some embodiments, the heating unit is programmed to reach temperature C 810 at time C 812 during a given use session. Time C 812 comes later in time than time B 808 and therefore time A 802.

[0584] Temperature C 810 may or may not be the same temperature as temperature A 802.

[0585] While FIG. 20 shows temperature C810 to be higher than temperature B806 and temperature A802, the program temperature profiles of the present disclosure are not so limited; for any given heating profile, temperature C810 can be higher or lower than temperature A802, and for any given heating profile, temperature C810 can be higher or lower than temperature B806.

[0586] The program heating profile 800 includes a final time point 814 at which the supply of energy to the heating unit ceases for the remainder of the use session. The final time point 814 may coincide with the end of the use session.

[0587] Surprisingly, it has been found that the temperatures 802, 806, 810 and times 804, 808, 812, 814 of the heating unit's programmed heating profile can be adjusted to reduce the buildup of condensation within the device 100. In particular, by configuring the device so that time point B 808 occurs after 50% of a usage session has elapsed, and preferably after 75% of a usage session has elapsed, the amount of condensation that collects within the device during use can be reduced.

[0588] In embodiments where the heating assembly comprises at least two heating units, the heating assembly is preferably configured so that the first and second heating units have substantially the same maximum operating temperature. The inventors have determined that this configuration can also advantageously reduce condensation buildup within the device.

[0589] Table 1 lists some parameters of various possible programmed heating profiles for the heating units in the device. Preferred ranges of temperatures for Temperature A 802 and Temperature B 806 are listed, as well as the preferred heating unit and operating mode associated with each profile.

[0590] In some embodiments, the heating assembly is configured such that at least one of the heating units present has a programmed heating profile as shown in FIG. 20 having a temperature A802 and optionally a temperature B806, where temperature A802 and temperature B806 are selected from the ranges set forth in Table 1. In certain embodiments, the heating assembly is configured such that at least two heating units in the heating assembly have a pr...

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, comprising: a heating assembly having a mouth end and a distal end, the heating assembly comprising: a first induction heating unit arranged to non-combustionally heat the aerosol-forming material in use; a second induction heating unit positioned to heat the aerosol-forming material in use in a non-combustion manner, the second induction heating unit being positioned closer to the mouth end of the heating assembly than the first induction heating unit; and a controller that controls the first and second induction heating units; Equipped with An aerosol generating device, wherein the heating assembly is configured such that at least one induction heating unit reaches a maximum operating temperature within 20 seconds of supplying power to the at least one induction heating unit.

2. 1. An aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, comprising: a heating assembly having a mouth end and a distal end, the heating assembly comprising: a first induction heating unit arranged to non-combustionally heat the aerosol-forming material in use; a second induction heating unit positioned to heat the aerosol-forming material in use in a non-combustion manner, the second induction heating unit being positioned closer to the mouth end of the heating assembly than the first induction heating unit; and a controller that controls the first and second induction heating units; Equipped with An aerosol generating device, wherein the heating assembly is configured such that at least one induction heating unit reaches a maximum operating temperature at a rate of at least 50°C per second during use.

3. 3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one induction heating unit includes the first induction heating unit.

4. 4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the first induction heating unit is controllable independently of the second induction heating unit.

5. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heating assembly is configured so that the first and second induction heating units have different temperature profiles from each other when in use.

6. The aerosol generating device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the heating assembly is configured such that, in use, the second induction unit rises from a first operating temperature to a maximum operating temperature higher than the first operating temperature at a rate of at least 50°C per second.

7. The aerosol generating device of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the heating assembly is configured so that the first induction heating unit reaches a maximum operating temperature within 2 seconds of starting the device.

8. 1. An aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, comprising: a heating assembly having a mouth end and a distal end, the heating assembly comprising: a first heating unit arranged to non-combustionally heat the aerosol-forming material in use; a second heating unit arranged to non-combustionally heat an aerosol-forming material in use, the second heating unit being arranged closer to the mouth end of the heating assembly than the first heating unit; and a controller that controls the first and second heating units; Equipped with An aerosol generating device, wherein the heating assembly is configured such that at least one heating unit reaches a maximum operating temperature within 15 seconds of supplying power to the first heating unit.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8 , wherein the at least one heating unit includes the first heating unit.

10. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to generate an aerosol from a non-liquid aerosol-generating material.

11. The aerosol generating device of claim 10 , wherein the non-liquid aerosol-forming material comprises tobacco.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 11 , wherein the aerosol generating device is a tobacco heating product.

13. 13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising an indicator that indicates to a user that the device is ready for use within 20 seconds of activating the device.

14. 14. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the maximum operating temperature of the first heating unit is between about 200°C and about 300°C.

15. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising a further heating unit.

16. A method for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material using an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising the step of supplying power to at least one heating unit, such that the at least one heating unit reaches its maximum operating temperature within 20 seconds of supplying power to the at least one heating unit.

17. An aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 15 in combination with an aerosol product article.

18. Use of an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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