Aerosol provision device with induction coil

Abstract

To provide a non-combustible aerosol provision device for generating aerosol from aerosol-generating material.SOLUTION: A non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises an aerosol-generation zone for receiving one or more consumables comprising aerosol-generating material, an aerosol generator configured to cause the aerosol to be generated from the one or more consumables comprising aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generation zone, and an engagement region for engagement and disengagement with at least one user-insertable supports 55, 56, 57 for supporting the one or more consumables comprising aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generation zone.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material (a non-flammable aerosol delivery device), a method for constructing an apparatus for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material (a non-flammable aerosol delivery device), and a non-flammable aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material.

[0002] Smoking articles, such as cigarettes and cigars, burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these items by creating products that release compounds without combustion. Examples of such products are so-called "heat-and-burn" products or tobacco heating devices or products, which release compounds by heating a material without burning it. This material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, and may or may not contain nicotine. Overview

[0003] A first aspect of the present invention provides a non-combustible aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, the non-combustible aerosol delivery device comprising: an aerosol-generation zone that receives one or more consumables comprising the aerosol-generating material; an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol in the aerosol-generation zone from the one or more consumables comprising the aerosol-generating material; and an engagement region for engaging and disengaging with at least one user-insertable support that supports the one or more consumables comprising the aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generation zone.

[0004] In one exemplary embodiment, the aerosol generator is or includes a heating device used to heat one or more consumables containing aerosol-forming material in the aerosol-generation zone.

[0005] In some embodiments, the heating device comprises a magnetic field generator that generates one or more varying magnetic fields that, in use, penetrate into one or more respective longitudinal portions of the aerosol-generation zone.

[0006] In one exemplary embodiment, the magnetic field generator comprises a plurality of flat spiral coils of electrically conductive material arranged in respective planes sequentially along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generation zone, such as a heating zone.

[0007] In one exemplary embodiment, the aerosol-generation zone extends through an aperture in each of the plurality of flat spiral coils. In some embodiments, the aperture in each of the plurality of flat spiral coils is at the center of each flat spiral coil.

[0008] In one exemplary embodiment, the non-combustible aerosol delivery device includes a heating element including a heating material that is heatable by heating an aerosol-generation zone through the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field that is generateable by a magnetic field generator.

[0009] In one exemplary embodiment, the heating element is tubular and configured to surround one or more consumables containing aerosol-generating materials when the one or more consumables are received by the aerosol-generation zone.

[0010] In one exemplary embodiment, the heating element is a male member and is configured to penetrate one or more consumables containing an aerosol-generating material when the one or more consumables are received by the aerosol-generation zone.

[0011] In one exemplary embodiment, the heating element is surrounded by the aerosol-generation zone.

[0012] In one exemplary embodiment, the engagement region is configured to slidably engage and disengage with at least one user-insertable support.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the aerosol-forming material is tobacco-containing, reconstituted, in the form of a gel, and / or contains an amorphous solid.

[0014] In one exemplary embodiment, the heating material includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of an electrically conductive material, a magnetic material, and a magnetically conductive material.

[0015] In one exemplary embodiment, the heating material comprises a metal or alloy.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating material comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, steel, plain carbon steel, mild steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, molybdenum, silicon carbide, copper, and bronze.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the aerosol-forming material is tobacco-containing, reconstituted, in the form of a gel, and / or contains an amorphous solid.

[0018] A second aspect of the present invention provides a non-combustible aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, the non-combustible aerosol delivery device comprising: at least one user-insertable support; and a non-combustible aerosol delivery device, the non-combustible aerosol delivery device comprising: an aerosol-generation zone that receives one or more consumables comprising the aerosol-generating material; an aerosol generator, such as a heating device, configured to generate an aerosol from the one or more consumables comprising the aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generation zone; and an engagement region, wherein the at least one user-insertable support is engageable and disengageable with the engagement region and supports the one or more consumables comprising the aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generation zone.

[0019] In one exemplary embodiment, the at least one user-insertable support comprises a passageway that defines at least a portion of the aerosol-generation zone for receiving one or more consumables that include aerosol-generating materials.

[0020] In one exemplary embodiment, the aerosol generator is or includes a heating device used to heat one or more consumables containing aerosol-forming material in the aerosol-generation zone.

[0021] In some embodiments, the heating device comprises a magnetic field generator that generates one or more varying magnetic fields that, in use, penetrate into one or more respective longitudinal portions of the aerosol-generation zone.

[0022] In one exemplary embodiment, the magnetic field generator comprises a plurality of flat spiral coils of electrically conductive material arranged in respective planes sequentially along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generation zone.

[0023] In one exemplary embodiment, the aerosol-generation zone extends through an aperture in each of the plurality of flat spiral coils. In some embodiments, the aperture in each of the plurality of flat spiral coils is at the center of each flat spiral coil.

[0024] In one exemplary embodiment, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system includes a heating element including a heating material that is heatable by heating an aerosol-generation zone through the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field that is generateable by a magnetic field generator.

[0025] In one exemplary embodiment, the non-flammable aerosol delivery device includes a heating element.

[0026] In one exemplary embodiment, the heating element is a male member and is configured to penetrate one or more consumables containing an aerosol-generating material when the one or more consumables are received by the aerosol-generation zone.

[0027] In one exemplary embodiment, the at least one user-insertable support includes an opening through which the heating element as a male member can communicate with a passageway insertable along an insertion path. In one exemplary embodiment, the insertion path includes a portion that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generation zone. In one exemplary embodiment, the insertion path is completely non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generation zone.

[0028] In one exemplary embodiment, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system includes one or more consumables containing an aerosol-generating material, the one or more consumables including a heating element.

[0029] In one exemplary embodiment, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system includes a first user-insertable support and a second user-insertable support, the first user-insertable support and the second user-insertable support being interchangeably insertable into the non-combustible aerosol delivery device by a user of the non-combustible aerosol delivery system. In one exemplary embodiment, the first user-insertable support includes a first passageway that defines at least a portion of a first aerosol-generation zone, and the second user-insertable support includes a second passageway that defines at least a portion of a second aerosol-generation zone, the first passageway being geometrically different from the second passageway.

[0030] In one exemplary embodiment, the first user-insertable support and the first heating element constitute a first set of components, and the second user-insertable support and the second heating element constitute a second set of components, and the first heating element and the second heating element each include a heating material that can be heated by heating the first aerosol generation zone and the second aerosol generation zone, respectively, through the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field that can be generated by a magnetic field generator.

[0031] In one exemplary embodiment, the first heating element is tubular and includes a first tubular passage, and the second heating element is tubular and includes a second tubular passage, and the first tubular passage and the second tubular passage are geometrically different.

[0032] In one exemplary embodiment, the heating material includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of an electrically conductive material, a magnetic material, and a magnetically conductive material.

[0033] In one exemplary embodiment, the heating material comprises a metal or alloy.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating material comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, steel, plain carbon steel, mild steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, molybdenum, silicon carbide, copper, and bronze.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the aerosol-forming material is tobacco-containing, reconstituted, in the form of a gel, and / or contains an amorphous solid.

[0036] A third aspect of the present invention provides a method of configuring a non-combustible aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, the method comprising: providing a non-combustible aerosol delivery device for generating the aerosol from an aerosol-generating material; and user-engaging an engagement region of the non-combustible aerosol delivery device with at least one user-insertable support that supports one or more consumables including the aerosol-generating material in an aerosol-generation zone of the non-combustible aerosol delivery device.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the aerosol-forming material is tobacco-containing, reconstituted, in the form of a gel, and / or contains an amorphous solid.

[0038] In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes heating a heating element of a non-flammable aerosol delivery device.

[0039] In one exemplary embodiment, the heating element includes a heating material, and the heating step includes heating the heating material by heating the aerosol generation zone through the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field generated by a magnetic field generator.

[0040] In one exemplary embodiment, the heating material includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of an electrically conductive material, a magnetic material, and a magnetically conductive material.

[0041] In one exemplary embodiment, the heating material comprises a metal or alloy.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating material comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, steel, plain carbon steel, mild steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, molybdenum, silicon carbide, copper, and bronze.

[0043] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a non-flammable aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, comprising: an aerosol generator, such as a heater, used to generate an aerosol from one or more consumables including the aerosol-generating material; and a plurality of adapters interchangeably connectable to the aerosol generator by a user of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system, wherein each of the plurality of adapters is differently sized to support differently sized consumables including the aerosol-generating material in the aerosol generator.

[0044] In one exemplary embodiment, the aerosol generator includes a plurality of helical coils of conductive material spaced apart along the axis of the aerosol generator to generate the varying magnetic fields.

[0045] In one exemplary embodiment, the aerosol generator is a heater that heats an aerosol-forming material in thermal contact with the heater, hi one exemplary embodiment, a plurality of helical coils of electrically conductive material are configured to heat the aerosol-forming material in use.

[0046] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0047] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a non-combustible aerosol delivery device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material. FIG. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic side view of the exemplary device of FIG. 1 when combined with a consumable containing an aerosol-generating material to form a non-flammable aerosol delivery system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic side view of a part of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 10A-10C illustrate an example of a user-insertable support having an opening that can communicate with a passageway. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method of constructing a non-burning aerosol delivery device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material. Detailed Description

[0048] An aerosol-generating material is a material capable of generating an aerosol when energized, for example, by heating, irradiation, or any other method. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise an "amorphous solid," which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material capable of retaining some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, approximately 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% to approximately 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% amorphous solid.

[0049] The aerosol-generating material may include one or more active agents and / or flavorings, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0050] The aerosol-forming material may include one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol, such as glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl sulfate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixtures, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0051] The one or more other functional materials may include one or more of a pH adjuster, a colorant, a preservative, a binder, a filler, a stabilizer, and / or an antioxidant.

[0052] The materials described herein may be present on or in a support to form a substrate. The support may be or include, for example, paper, cardboard, paperboard, cardboard, recycled material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or alloy. In some embodiments, the support comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or both sides of the material.

[0053] Aerosol modifiers are substances typically located downstream of the aerosol-generation area and configured to modify the generated aerosol, for example by altering the taste, flavor, acidity, or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol modifier may be provided in an aerosol modifier-releasing component operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier.

[0054] The aerosol modifier may be, for example, an additive or an adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may include, for example, one or more of a flavoring, a coloring, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may be, for example, a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol modifier may be in the form of a powder, a string, or a granule. The aerosol modifier may not have a filter material.

[0055] A consumable is an article containing or consisting of an aerosol-forming material, intended to be consumed, in part or in whole, upon use by a user. A consumable may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-forming material storage area, an aerosol-forming material transfer component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. A consumable may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that releases heat upon use to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material. A heater may include, for example, a combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0056] As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to include a system that delivers at least one substance to a user, including non-combustible aerosol delivery systems that release compounds from an aerosol-forming material without combustion (such as e-cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems that generate aerosols through a combination of aerosol-forming materials).

[0057] According to the present disclosure, a "non-flammable" aerosol delivery system is one in which the aerosol-generating material (or components thereof) that constitutes the aerosol delivery system is not combusted to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0058] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol delivery system, such as a powered non-flammable aerosol delivery system.

[0059] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0060] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. One example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0061] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system that generates aerosol through a combination of aerosol-forming materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each aerosol-forming material may be, for example, in solid, liquid, or gel form, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-forming material as well as a solid aerosol-forming material. The solid aerosol-forming material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0062] Generally, a non-flammable aerosol delivery system may include a non-flammable aerosol delivery device and a consumable item for use with the non-flammable aerosol delivery device.

[0063] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables that include aerosol-generating materials and are configured for use with non-flammable aerosol delivery devices. Throughout this disclosure, these consumables may be referred to as articles.

[0064] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol delivery system (e.g., a non-combustible aerosol delivery device) can include a power source and a controller. The power source can be, for example, an electrical power source or a heat-generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat-generating power source includes a carbon substrate that can be energized to provide power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or a heat transfer material proximate the heat-generating power source.

[0065] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system may include a consumable receiving area, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifying agent.

[0066] In some embodiments, consumables for use with non-flammable aerosol delivery devices may include an aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0067] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating material" includes materials that volatilize upon heating, usually in the form of a vapor or aerosol. Aerosol-generating materials may be non-tobacco-containing or tobacco-containing. Examples of aerosol-generating materials include one or more of tobacco itself, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco extract, homogenized tobacco, and tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of ground tobacco, cut rag tobacco, extruded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, reconstituted aerosol-generating materials, liquids, gels, amorphous solids, gelled sheets, powders, or chunks. Aerosol-generating materials also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. Aerosol-generating materials may also include one or more humectants, such as glycerol or propylene glycol.

[0068] As noted above, the aerosol-forming material may include an "amorphous solid," which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous) or a "dry gel." An amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some cases, the aerosol-forming material includes approximately 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% to approximately 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% amorphous solid. In some cases, the aerosol-forming material consists of an amorphous solid.

[0069] As used herein, the term "sheet" refers to an element that is substantially greater in width and length than it is thick. A sheet may be, for example, a strip.

[0070] In this specification, the term "heating material" or "heater material" refers to a material that can be heated by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field.

[0071] A susceptor is a material that can be heated by the penetration of a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, such that the penetration of the varying magnetic field results in inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, such that the penetration of the varying magnetic field results in magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be bi-directional, such that it can be heated by both conductive and magnetic heating mechanisms. A device configured to generate a varying magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0072] It has been found that when the susceptor is in the form of a closed circuit, the magnetic coupling between the susceptor and the electromagnet during use is enhanced, resulting in increased or enhanced Joule heating.

[0073] An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to apply thermal energy to the aerosol-generating material to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating material and form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to apply one or more of vibrational, high pressure, or electrostatic energy to the aerosol-generating material.

[0074] 1, which is a schematic perspective view of an example of a structure 50 according to one embodiment of the present invention. A portion of structure 50 may be included in a non-combustible aerosol delivery device such as 100 shown in FIG. 2 and described below.

[0075] The structure 50 of this embodiment includes first through fifth induction coil assemblies 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, and 1e, each of which is a flat spiral induction coil of a conductive material, such as copper, mounted on one side of a board or plate 10. As described in more detail below, in use, a fluctuating (e.g., alternating) current is passed through each of the induction coils, generating a fluctuating (e.g., alternating) magnetic field that can be used to penetrate and heat a heating element. In some embodiments, only one magnetic field may be generated in the non-combustible aerosol delivery device.

[0076] The structure 50 includes a holder 52 to which the plates 10 of the induction coil assemblies 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, and 1e are attached, securing the induction coil assemblies 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, and 1e in place relative to one another. In this embodiment, each plate 10 is substantially planar. In some embodiments, each plate 10 may be constructed of a non-conductive material, such as a plastic material, to insulate the coils of adjacent coil assemblies from one another.

[0077] In this embodiment, the holder 52 comprises a base 54, and the induction coil components 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e extend away from the base 54 in a direction perpendicular or orthogonal to the surface of the base 54.

[0078] The holder 52 holds the induction coil assemblies 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, and 1e relative to one another so that the flat spiral coils of the induction coil assemblies 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, and 1e are arranged in successive planes along the axis AA. In this embodiment, the flat spiral coils of the induction coil assemblies 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, and 1e lie in substantially parallel planes that are perpendicular to the axis AA. Furthermore, the flat spiral coils are perfectly aligned axially with one another because the imaginary points from which the coil paths extend all lie on a common axis (in this case, the axis AA).

[0079] In this embodiment, the structure 50 includes a controller (not shown) that controls the operation of the planar spiral coil. The controller is housed in a holder 52 and comprises an integrated circuit (IC), but may take a different form in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the controller is for controlling the operation of at least one of the induction coil configurations 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, and 1e independently of at least one other induction coil configuration 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, and 1e. For example, the controller may supply power to the coils of each induction coil configuration 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, and 1e independently of the coils of the other induction coil configurations 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, and 1e. In some embodiments, the controller may supply power to the coils of each induction coil configuration 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, and 1e sequentially. Alternatively, in at least one mode of operation, the controller may control the operation of all induction coil configurations 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, and 1e simultaneously.

[0080] Holder 52 further comprises three support members 55, 56, 57 that extend away from base 54 when engaged in a direction perpendicular or orthogonal to the surface of base 54 and substantially parallel to induction coil assemblies 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e. In some embodiments, support members 55, 56, 57 are not included in device 100, but may be combined with device 100 to form non-flammable aerosol delivery system 1000 as shown in FIG. 2. However, in the illustrated embodiment, structure 50 excluding support members 55, 56, 57 is included in device 100.

[0081] Support members 55, 56, 57 are insertable by a user. Thus, support members 55, 56, 57 may be referred to as user-insertable supports. Support members 55, 56, 57 are separate from device 100 but are combinable with device 100 through engagement. In some embodiments, engagement includes a slidable coupling, such as when support members 55, 56, 57 are assembled by a user to base 54 of device 100 in a linear direction along longitudinal axis AA or a linear direction radial to longitudinal axis AA. In some embodiments, an arcuate insertion path is utilized, depending on the shape of the engagement regions of device 100 and the respective engagement portions of support members 55, 56, 57.

[0082] In this embodiment, support members 55, 56, 57 are 3D printed SLS (selective laser sintering) nylon and are connectable to base 54 of device 100. User-insertable supports 55, 56, 57 are shown as separate components from base 54 and are user-insertable, as they can be integrally connected to base 54 by a user of a device including structure 50. Each of user-insertable supports 55, 56, 57 is configured to engage and disengage with an engagement region of base 54 (see enlarged schematic side cross-sectional view of area C in FIG. 3 ) and is configured to support one or more consumables containing aerosol-generating material in heating zone 110. In this and other embodiments, the heating zone is an aerosol-generation zone. That is, user-insertable supports 55, 56, 57 are configured to support the weight of the consumables when combined with device 100, and consumables 70 themselves contain aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the consumables include heating element 130. However, in other embodiments, the consumable does not include a heating element 130. The engagement region is intended to enable one or more consumables containing aerosol-generating materials to be maintained in a stable position in the heating zone 110 by establishing a coupling of the at least one support member with the device 100. Here, the engagement region facilitates coupling of the at least one support member with the device 100. Thus, any suitable coupling mechanism that maintains stability of one or more consumables containing aerosol-generating materials in the heating zone 110 is suitable. The at least one support member can be disengaged from the engagement region for removal for cleaning and / or replacement with at least one other support member.

[0083] Each of the user-insertable supports 55, 56, 57 is penetrated by a passageway provided as an opening or aperture that passes through the respective user-insertable support 55, 56, 57. The passageways all lie on the same axis AA as the imaginary points from which the paths of the coils extend. The passageways are provided to guide the consumable 70 and / or heating element 130 in the device 100.

[0084] When viewed along axis AA, the cross-section of each passageway in the user-insertable supports 55, 56, 57 is the same. However, in some embodiments, the cross-sections may be different. For example, the cross-section may be circular, triangular, square, rectangular, or any regular or irregular polygon. In some embodiments, the passageways in one user-insertable support 55, 56, 57 may be geometrically different from the passageways in another user-insertable support 55, 56, 57. For example, the diameters may be different. Such differences may exist within a set of user-insertable supports 55, 56, 57. For example, the size of each passageway may vary from the first end 111 to the second end 112. The size may increase or decrease from the first end 111 to the second end 112. Additionally or alternatively, the passageways of one set of user-insertable supports 55, 56, 57 may be geometrically different from the passageways of another set of user-insertable supports 55, 56, 57. For example, the diameters of a first set of user-insertable supports 55, 56, 57 may be larger than the diameters of a second set of user-insertable supports 55, 56, 57. Each set of user-insertable supports 55, 56, 57 may be interchangeably engageable with a corresponding engagement region, such that only one set of user-insertable supports 55, 56, 57 is used with device 100 at a given time. Providing interchangeable supports, each with a differently sized passageway, has the advantage of allowing a user to change the size of a consumable as desired, even while using the same device. The user can then remove a first type of support member and insert a second type of support member. In this manner, the user can customize the types of consumables that the device can accept and that the user can use.

[0085] Each set of user-insertable supports 55, 56, 57 as described above may be matched with a heating element 130 specifically shaped for each set of user-insertable supports 55, 56, 57. A set of user-insertable supports 55, 56, 57 and the specifically configured heating element 130 may comprise a set of components. The heating elements 130 of a first set of components may be geometrically different from the heating elements 130 of a second set of components. For example, the geometric difference may be the thickness or diameter of the passages in the user-insertable supports 55, 56, 57.

[0086] In some embodiments, the number of user-insertable supports 55, 56, 57 is equal to the number of induction coil configurations 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the number of user-insertable supports 55, 56, 57 is less than the number of induction coil configurations 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e. At least one user-insertable support 55, 56, 57 is disposed between induction coil configurations 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e.

[0087] Referring to Figure 2, this figure is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary non-combustion aerosol delivery system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The non-combustion aerosol delivery system 1000 includes user-insertable supports 55, 56, and 57 and a non-combustion aerosol delivery device 100 that generates an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material 72. Optionally, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system 1000 includes a consumable product 70 containing the aerosol-forming material 72, as shown in Figure 2. In this embodiment, the aerosol-forming material 72 includes tobacco, and the device 100 is a tobacco heating product (also known in the art as a tobacco heating device). The device 100 in this embodiment is an example of a non-combustion heating device.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 2 , the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 1000 includes a heating element 130 that, during use, acts as an elongated support for a consumable supply 70 containing an aerosol-forming material. In this embodiment, the heating element 130 is removable from the device 100 and is separate from the consumable supply 70 containing the aerosol-forming material. Alternatively, the heating element 130 and the consumable supply 70 may be combined to form an integrated consumable that is disposed of together after use. When the heating element 130 is separate from the consumable supply 70, the heating element 130 may be fixed to the device 100 and not easily removable by the user. That is, the heating element 130 may be fixed to another portion of the device 100.

[0089] In this embodiment, the heating element 130 is tubular and has a longitudinal axis HH coaxial with the axis AA. Thus, the length of the heating element 130 is greater than its width perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AA. In other embodiments, the heating element 130 is a male member, such as a rod, pin, or blade, that can be configured to penetrate the consumable product 70 containing the aerosol-generating material when received in the heating zone 110. The heating element 130 can also be an inductively heatable susceptor. However, the heating element 130 is not limited to this heating method and can also be heatable by resistive heating. In some embodiments, the male member extends along the central axis AA of the heating zone 110 and is configured to automatically penetrate the consumable product 70 containing the aerosol-generating material when inserted.

[0090] In use, the heating element 130 can be configured to extend coaxially through the coil. The heating element 130 can be held in place by the user-insertable supports 55, 56, and 57, which extend through holes in the plurality of flat spiral coils, through passages in the user-insertable supports 55, 56, and 57, and through openings in the plate 10. The user-insertable supports 55, 56, and 57 help prevent the heating element 130 from contacting the induction coil assemblies 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, and 1e, particularly the coils thereof. The user-insertable supports 55, 56, and 57 enable alignment of the induction coil assemblies 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, and 1e with the central axis AA. The user-insertable supports 55, 56, and 57 are used to radially position the heating element 130. The user-insertable supports 55, 56, and 57 also limit radial movement of the heating element 130, e.g., by friction.

[0091] In this embodiment, the heating element 130 includes a heating material that can be heated by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field into the interior volume of the heating element 130. More specifically, during use, each fluctuating magnetic field generated by the coil penetrates the heating element 130. Thus, each fluctuating magnetic field penetration can heat each portion of the heating element 130. When the consumable 70 is placed in the interior volume of the heating element 130, the aerosol-generating material in the interior volume is heated. If the heating element 130 is a male member, the aerosol-generating material can be placed adjacent to the exterior of the heating element 130. In this example, heat can be conducted outward, away from the exterior surface of the heating element 130.

[0092] Heating element 130 may be a collar or shim insertable into each passage of user-insertable supports 55, 56, 57 and may act as structural support for aerosol-generating material insertable into chamber 110. The insertion path may include a component parallel to axis AA of induction coil assemblies 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e. Heating element 130 thus provides additional support for consumable 70, which acts as a heatable component during use. Controller 6 may be configured to cause portions of heating element 130 to heat at different times, for different durations, and / or at different rates, for example.

[0093] Alternatively, referring to FIG. 4 , each user-insertable support 55, 56, 57 may include an opening 552 arranged to communicate with the passage 551. The opening 552 allows the heating element 130 to enter the passage 551 in an insertion direction P transverse to the axis AA. In this example, the passage is suitable for receiving a male-type heating element 130 configured to penetrate and be surrounded by the aerosol-generating material rather than surrounding or enveloping it. Thus, the size of the opening 522 is sufficient to accommodate the heating element 130 but not the combination of the heating element 130 and the aerosol-generating material. The opening 522 is generally smaller in size than the passage 551. If the heating element 130 is a male member as described above, the user-insertable support 55 need not be configured to hold the heating element 130; instead, a portion of the device may provide this function. The opening 552 may be a cutout for accessing the passage in a direction different from the central axis AA.

[0094] In some embodiments, the magnetic field generator 120 comprises a power source (not shown) and a user interface 218 for user operation of the controller 6. The device 100 of this embodiment further comprises a temperature sensor (not shown) for sensing the temperature of the heating zone 110.

[0095] The power source may be a rechargeable battery. In other embodiments, the power source may be other than a rechargeable battery, such as a non-rechargeable battery, a capacitor, a battery-capacitor hybrid, or a connection to a mains power source.

[0096] In this embodiment, the aerosol-generating material 72 is in the form of a rod, and the consumable 70 includes a cover 74 around the aerosol-generating material 72. The cover 74 surrounds the aerosol-generating material 72 and helps protect the aerosol-generating material 72 from damage during transportation and use of the consumable 70. The cover 74 may include an adhesive (not shown) that adheres the overlapping free ends of the wrapper to one another. The adhesive helps prevent separation of the overlapping free ends of the wrapper. In other embodiments, the adhesive and / or the cover 74 may be omitted. In still other embodiments, the consumable may have a different form than any of those described above.

[0097] Generally, the device 100 includes an elongated chamber or heating zone 110 that receives a consumable 70 and an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from the consumable 70, which includes an aerosol-generating material. In this embodiment, the aerosol generator is a heating device that includes a magnetic field generator 120 that generates a varying magnetic field that, during use, penetrates portions 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, and 110e of the heating zone 110. In this embodiment, the heating zone 110 includes a recess that receives the consumable 70. The consumable 70 may be insertable into the heating zone 110 by a user in any suitable manner, such as through a slot in a wall of the device 100 or by first moving a portion of the device 100, such as a nozzle, to access the heating zone 110. In other embodiments, the heating zone 110 may be other than a recess, such as a shelf, surface, or protrusion, and may require mechanical engagement with the consumable to cooperate with or receive the consumable. In this embodiment, the heating zone 110 is sized and shaped to accommodate the entire consumable 70. In other embodiments, the heating zone 110 may be sized to receive only a portion of the consumable 70 during use.

[0098] Device 100 has an air inlet (not shown) that fluidly connects heating zone 110 with the exterior of device 100, and an outlet (not shown) that allows passage of volatilized material from heating zone 110 to the exterior of device 100 during use. A user may be able to inhale the volatile component(s) of aerosol-generating material 72 by sucking them out through the outlet. Once the volatile component(s) have been removed from heating zone 110, air may be drawn into heating zone 110 via the air inlet of device 100. A first end 111 of heating zone 110 is closest to the outlet, and a second end 112 of heating zone 110 is closest to the air inlet.

[0099] The heating element 130 is open at both the first end 111 and the second end 112 opposite the first end 111. Thus, the first end 111 includes a first opening, and the second end 112 includes a second opening. The first and second openings are axially aligned on the axis HH shown in FIG. 2 and are parallel to each other. The aerosol-generating material can be inserted into the chamber 110 of the heating element 130 through the first opening. Thus, the first opening is the aerosol-generating material's initial passage through the chamber 110. The chamber 110 has a constant cross-section and extends between the first end 111 and the second end 112 of the heating element 130.

[0100] In the orientation shown in FIG. 2 , the heating element 130 is generally cylindrical with a substantially circular cross-section. In other embodiments, the heating element 130 may have an oval or elliptical cross-section, or may be other than cylindrical. In some embodiments, the heating element 130 may have a cross-section that is polygonal, quadrangular, rectangular, square, triangular, star-shaped, or irregular, for example. In this embodiment, the heating element 130 is a tube, and the body 2 is tubular. The heating element 130 includes a chamber 110, which is a hollow interior region of the tube. The chamber 110 corresponds to a heating zone when the heating element 130 is disposed in the device 100. The chamber 110 is defined by the body 2 of the heating element 130 and is configured to receive the aerosol-generating material.

[0101] In this embodiment, the consumable 70 is elongated with a longitudinal axis BB. In use, when the consumable 70 is disposed in the heating zone 110, this axis BB is coaxial with or parallel to the longitudinal axis HH of the heating zone 110. Thus, heating one or more portions of the heating element 130 heats one or more corresponding portions 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, and 110e of the heating zone 110. This, in turn, heats one or more corresponding portions 72a, 72b, 72c, 72d, and 72e of the aerosol-forming material 72 of the consumable 70 when the consumable 70 is disposed in the heating zone 110. Other portions of the heating element 130 adjacent to the heated portion(s) 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, and 110e in the heating zone 110 are heated by conduction.

[0102] Referring to Figure 3, this figure is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional side view of the illustrative non-flammable aerosol delivery system of Figure 2. While Figure 3 is particularly directed to first user-insertable support 57 located at first end 111 of heating zone 110, the features of first user-insertable support 57 may be included in at least one of user-insertable supports 55, 56.

[0103] The first user-insertable support 57 includes a body 571 and a first coupling member 572. The body 571 includes a passageway through which the aerosol-generating material can be inserted. The first coupling member 572 protrudes radially from the body 571. That is, when the first user-insertable support 57 is positioned on the base 54, the first coupling member 572 is configured to protrude perpendicular to the longitudinal axis HH.

[0104] Base 54 includes a second coupling member shown as a recess, although in other embodiments, the second coupling member is a protrusion that is receivable by first coupling member 572 when first coupling member 572 is provided as a recess in body 571 of first user-insertable support 57.

[0105] An outer surface 573 of the first coupling member 572 can abut against a corresponding outer surface 57a, 57b, 57c of the second coupling member. The second coupling member is configured to prevent movement of the first user-insertable support 57 relative to the base 54 of the holder 52. Thus, the second coupling member is an engagement region occupyable by at least a portion of the first coupling member 572. The engagement region (i.e., the second coupling member) is adapted to limit movement (e.g., longitudinal movement) of the first user-insertable support 57 relative to the base 54 when the first user-insertable support 57 is installed in the device 100. Thus, the engagement region acts as a retainer that retains movement of the first user-insertable support 57 and retains the heating element 130 in at least one direction of movement in the device 100. Such directional movement may be axial movement, for example, axial movement of the user-insertable supports 55, 56, 57 along the longitudinal axis HH shown in Figure 2. In some embodiments, the engagement regions resist translational movement of the user-insertable supports 55, 56, 57 relative to the base 24. Alternatively or additionally, the engagement regions shown in this embodiment resist rotation of the user-insertable supports 55, 56, 57 about the longitudinal axis HH.

[0106] The engagement region is an abutment member that abuts at least one surface of the user-insertable support 55, 56, 57 and limits the range of movement of the user-insertable support 55, 56, 57. The securing of the first coupling member 572 with the corresponding second coupling member (i.e., the engagement region of the device 100) can prevent movement of the user-insertable support 55, 56, 57 in the device 100, particularly when a consumable containing an aerosol-generating material is removed from the device 100.

[0107] The first coupling members 572 of the user-insertable supports 55, 56, 57 are used to hold the user-insertable supports 55, 56, 57 at a specific location in the device 100. In some embodiments, the first coupling members 572 engage with the engagement regions in a push-fit relationship. In this example, a push-fit relationship is when an insertion force can be used to insert a first member (e.g., the first coupling member or the second coupling member) into a second member (e.g., the other of the first coupling member or the second coupling member). The insertion force is exerted by the user's fingers to overcome the frictional resistance between the first and second members. This frictional resistance holds the first and second members together as a single combination under friction. Therefore, separation of the first and second members is achieved by exerting a finger force similar to the insertion force. In a push-fit relationship, the first and second members cannot move freely relative to each other, but they are not permanently fixed in position relative to each other because they can be moved relative to each other by finger force. Thus, the first and second coupling members each prevent free movement of the user-insertable supports 55, 56, 57, which are not fixed in position when using the push-in relationship. Thus, in the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3, the second coupling members facilitate improved retention of the user-insertable supports 55, 56, 57 in the device.

[0108] In other embodiments, a threaded relationship may be used instead of a push-fit relationship. For example, the first coupling member 572 may be a threaded rod and the engagement region may be a threaded hole that receives the threaded rod. Another means of engagement, either instead of or in addition to a push-fit relationship, may be the use of a locking pin that is insertable into one or both of the support members 55, 56, 57 and the engagement region to prevent removal of the support members 55, 56, 57 from the engagement region. In some embodiments, the device includes multiple receivers that each receive a locking pin. In such embodiments, the device includes a single engagement region for engagement with multiple support members 55, 56, 57 that can be inserted sequentially. Thus, the locking pin positions the support members 55, 56, 57 during use.

[0109] In some embodiments, the first coupling member 572 and the engagement region interact via a dovetail interlocking relationship. For example, the first coupling member 572 may have a dovetail shape that can form a dovetail when received and mated with a correspondingly shaped engagement region.

[0110] In some embodiments, each of the first coupling members 572 has the same general shape. Each of the corresponding second coupling members may have the same general shape. Each of the first coupling members 572 protrudes a similar amount away from the body 571 of the user-insertable support 55, 56, 57. In some embodiments, each of the first coupling members 572 extends a similar amount along the width of the user-insertable support 55, 56, 57. Each of the second coupling members may extend a similar amount along the width of the device 100. However, the length and width of each of the first and second coupling members may differ. At least one corner and / or edge of each coupling member may be chamfered, rounded, or beveled.

[0111] 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method 900 of configuring a non-combustible aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. The method includes providing a non-combustible aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material in step 901. The method also includes user-engaging an engagement region of the device with at least one user-insertable support that supports one or more consumables including the aerosol-generating material in a heating zone of the device in step 902.

[0112] In some embodiments, user engagement 902 includes inserting a first coupling member of at least one user-insertable support into an engagement region of the device. Alternatively, user engagement 902 may include inserting an engagement region of the device into a first coupling member of the at least one user-insertable support. In some embodiments, user engagement 902 includes engaging an engagement region of the device with the at least one user-insertable support by pushing, such that friction maintains user engagement. User engagement 902 may include sequentially inserting a first coupling member of at least one user-insertable support into a first engagement region of the device and a second coupling member of at least one other user-insertable support into a second engagement region of the device.

[0113] The method may further include inserting a heating element into an opening in at least one user-insertable support, the opening being communicable with a passageway in the user-insertable support through which the heating element is insertable along the insertion path. The axis of the opening may be perpendicular to the axis of the passageway. The heating element may be a male member, such as a rod, pin, or blade, and may be configured to penetrate one or more consumables containing the aerosol-generating material when received in the heating zone. The male member may extend along a central axis of the heating zone and be configured to automatically penetrate the consumables containing the aerosol-generating material when inserted.

[0114] In some embodiments, the heating material is aluminum. However, in other embodiments, the heating material may be other than aluminum. In some embodiments, the heating material may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of an electrically conductive material, a magnetic material, and a magnetically conductive material. In some embodiments, the heating material may include a metal or alloy. In some embodiments, the heating material may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, steel, plain carbon steel, mild steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, molybdenum, silicon carbide, copper, and bronze. In other embodiments, other heating material(s) may be used.

[0115] In some embodiments, the sheet comprising the heating material is free of holes and cuts. In some embodiments, the sheet comprising the heating material comprises a foil, such as a metal or alloy foil (e.g., aluminum foil). However, in some embodiments, the sheet comprising the heating material may have holes or cuts. For example, in some embodiments, the sheet comprising the heating material may comprise a mesh, a perforated sheet, or a perforated foil, such as a metal or alloy perforated foil (e.g., perforated aluminum foil).

[0116] In some embodiments, such as when the heating material comprises iron, such as steel (e.g., mild steel or stainless steel), or aluminum, the sheet comprising the heating material may be coated to help prevent corrosion or oxidation of the heating material during use. Such coatings may include, for example, nickel plating, gold plating, or ceramic or inert polymer coatings. In some embodiments, the sheet comprising the heating material may comprise or consist of nickel-plated aluminum foil.

[0117] The heating material may have a skin depth, which is the outer zone where most of the induced currents and / or induced reorientation of magnetic dipoles occurs. Given that the thickness of the heating material is relatively small, a greater percentage of the heating material may be heatable by a given varying magnetic field compared to heating materials having a relatively greater depth or thickness than other dimensions. This results in more efficient use of materials while reducing costs.

[0118] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material includes tobacco. However, in other embodiments, the aerosol-forming material may consist entirely of tobacco, consist essentially entirely of tobacco, contain tobacco and aerosol-forming materials other than tobacco, contain aerosol-forming materials other than tobacco, or be tobacco-free. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material may include a vapor or aerosol-forming agent or a humectant such as glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, or diethylene glycol.

[0119] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material is a non-liquid aerosol-forming material and the device is for generating an aerosol from the non-liquid aerosol-forming material.

[0120] Once all or substantially all of the volatilizable component(s) of the aerosol-forming material in the consumable 70 have been used up, the user may remove the consumable 70 from the heating zone 110 of the device 100 and discard it. The user may then reuse the device 100 with another consumable 70. However, in other embodiments, the device 100 and the consumable 70 may be discarded together when the volatilizable component(s) of the aerosol-forming material have been used up.

[0121] In some embodiments, consumables 70 are sold, supplied, or provided separately from the device 100 in which they can be used. However, in some embodiments, the device 100 and one or more consumables 70 may be provided together as a non-flammable aerosol delivery system, such as a kit or assembly, possibly with additional components such as cleaning implements.

[0122] To address various problems and advance the art, the entire disclosure illustrates, by way of explanation and example, various embodiments by which the claimed inventions may be implemented and which provide an improved non-flammable aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, a method of constructing a non-flammable aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, and a non-flammable aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. The advantages and features of the present disclosure are merely a representative sample of embodiments and are not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive. They are presented solely for the purpose of aiding in understanding and teaching the features of the claims or disclosure. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the present disclosure should not be construed as limitations on the present disclosure, as defined by the claims, or limitations on equivalents of the claims, and it is understood that other embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and / or spirit of the present disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably include, consist of, or consist essentially of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. The present disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. 1. A non-flammable aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material, comprising: an aerosol-generation zone that receives one or more consumables containing aerosol-generating materials; an aerosol generator configured to generate the aerosol from the one or more consumables containing an aerosol-forming material in the aerosol-generation zone; an engagement region for engaging and disengaging with at least one user-insertable support that supports the one or more consumables containing aerosol-generating materials in the aerosol-generation zone; A non-flammable aerosol delivery device comprising:

2. 10. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the aerosol generator comprises or is a heating device used to heat the one or more consumables containing aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generation zone.

3. 3. The non-combustible aerosol delivery device of claim 2, wherein the heating device comprises a magnetic field generator that generates one or more varying magnetic fields that, in use, penetrate into one or more longitudinal sections of the aerosol generation zone.

4. 4. The non-burning aerosol delivery device of claim 3, wherein the magnetic field generator comprises a plurality of flat spiral coils of conductive material arranged in respective planes sequentially along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generation zone.

5. 5. The non-burning aerosol delivery device of claim 4, wherein the aerosol-generation zone extends through an aperture in each of the plurality of flat spiral coils.

6. A non-flammable aerosol delivery device as described in any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the apparatus comprises a heating element containing a heating material that can be heated by heating the aerosol generation zone by penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field that can be generated by the magnetic field generator.

7. 7. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of claim 6, wherein the heating element is tubular and configured to surround the one or more consumables containing aerosol-generating materials when the one or more consumables are received by the aerosol-generation zone.

8. 7. The non-combustible aerosol delivery device of claim 6, wherein the heating element is a male member and configured to penetrate the one or more consumables containing aerosol-generating materials when the one or more consumables are received by the aerosol-generation zone.

9. 1. A non-flammable aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, comprising: at least one user-insertable support; a non-flammable aerosol delivery device; Equipped with the non-flammable aerosol delivery device comprising: an aerosol-generation zone that receives one or more consumables containing aerosol-generating materials; an aerosol generator configured to generate the aerosol from the one or more consumables containing an aerosol-forming material in the aerosol-generation zone; an engagement area; Equipped with A non-flammable aerosol delivery system, wherein the at least one user-insertable support is engageable and disengageable with the engagement region and supports the one or more consumables containing aerosol-generating materials in the aerosol-generation zone.

10. 10. The non-flammable aerosol delivery system of claim 9, wherein the at least one user-insertable support comprises a passageway that defines at least a portion of the aerosol-generation zone and receives the one or more consumables containing aerosol-generating materials.

11. 11. The non-flammable aerosol delivery system of claim 9 or 10, wherein the aerosol generator comprises or is a heating device used to heat the one or more consumables containing aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generation zone.

12. 12. The non-flammable aerosol delivery system of claim 11, wherein the heating device comprises a magnetic field generator that generates one or more varying magnetic fields that, in use, penetrate into one or more longitudinal sections of the aerosol generation zone.

13. 13. The non-flammable aerosol delivery system of claim 12, wherein the magnetic field generator comprises a plurality of flat spiral coils of conductive material arranged in respective planes sequentially along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generation zone.

14. 14. The non-flammable aerosol delivery system of claim 13, wherein the aerosol-generation zone extends through a hole in each of the plurality of flat spiral coils.

15. A non-flammable aerosol supply system as described in any one of claims 11 to 14, comprising a heating element containing a heating material that can be heated by heating the aerosol generation zone through the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field that can be generated by a magnetic field generator.

16. 16. The non-flammable aerosol delivery system of claim 15, wherein the non-flammable aerosol delivery device comprises the heating element.

17. 17. The non-flammable aerosol delivery system of claim 16, wherein the heating element is a male member and configured to penetrate the one or more consumables containing aerosol-generating material when the one or more consumables are received by the aerosol-generation zone.

18. 18. The non-flammable aerosol delivery system of claim 17, wherein the at least one user-insertable support includes an opening that can communicate with a passageway through which the heating element as a male member can be inserted along an insertion path.

19. a first user-insertable support and a second user-insertable support; A non-flammable aerosol delivery system as described in any one of claims 9 to 18, wherein the first user-insertable support portion and the second user-insertable support portion are interchangeably insertable into the non-flammable aerosol delivery device by a user of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system.

20. 20. The non-flammable aerosol delivery system of claim 19, wherein the first user-insertable support comprises a first passageway that defines at least a portion of a first aerosol-generation zone, and the second user-insertable support comprises a second passageway that defines at least a portion of a second aerosol-generation zone, the first passageway being geometrically different from the second passageway.

21. 21. The non-flammable aerosol delivery system of claim 20, wherein the first user-insertable support and first heating element constitute a first set of components, the second user-insertable support and second heating element constitute a second set of components, and the first heating element and the second heating element each comprise a heating material that can be heated by heating the first aerosol generation zone and the second aerosol generation zone, respectively, through the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field that can be generated by a magnetic field generator.

22. 1. A method of constructing a non-combustible aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, comprising: providing a non-combustible aerosol delivery device that generates the aerosol from an aerosol-forming material; user-engaging an engagement region of the non-combustible aerosol delivery device with at least one user-insertable support that supports one or more consumables including an aerosol-forming material in an aerosol-generation zone of the non-combustible aerosol delivery device; A method comprising:

23. 1. A non-flammable aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, comprising: an aerosol generator for use in generating an aerosol from one or more consumables containing an aerosol-generating material; a plurality of adapters interchangeably coupleable to the aerosol generator by a user of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system; Equipped with The non-flammable aerosol delivery system, wherein each of the plurality of adapters is differently sized to support a differently sized consumable containing an aerosol-generating material in the aerosol generator.

24. 24. The non-flammable aerosol delivery system of claim 23, wherein the aerosol generator comprises a plurality of helical coils of conductive material spaced apart along the axis of the aerosol generator to generate respective varying magnetic fields.

25. 25. The non-flammable aerosol delivery system of claim 23 or 24, wherein the aerosol generator is a heater that heats the aerosol-forming material in thermal contact with the heater.

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