Aerosol provision device

Abstract

To provide an aerosol provision device, comprising an inductor coil suitable for heating a susceptor.SOLUTION: An aerosol provision device comprises inductor coils 124, 126 configured to generate the varying magnetic field for heating the susceptor arrangement 132. The inductor coil is helical, is formed from litz wire and comprises between about 25 and about 350 wire strands.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol delivery device. [Background technology]

[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 tobacco-burning articles by creating products that release compounds without combustion. Examples of such products include heating devices that release compounds by heating, rather than burning, a material. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol delivery device including an inductor coil configured to generate a varying magnetic field for heating a susceptor unit. The inductor coil is helical and formed from Litz wire. The Litz wire has an oval cross section and includes about 25 to about 350 wire strands.

[0004] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for producing an aerosol-generating material, the aerosol-generating material comprising: a susceptor device heatable by the penetration of a varying magnetic field; an inductor coil configured to generate a varying magnetic field for heating the susceptor device; An aerosol delivery device is provided, comprising: an inductor coil having a helical shape and formed from Litz wire having an oval cross section and comprising about 25 to about 350 wire strands.

[0005] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol delivery device including an inductor coil configured to generate a varying magnetic field for heating a susceptor unit, the inductor coil being helical and formed from Litz wire, the Litz wire having a rectangular cross section and comprising about 25 to about 350 wire strands.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a susceptor device heatable by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field to heat the aerosol-generating material; an inductor coil configured to generate a varying magnetic field for heating the susceptor device; An aerosol delivery device is provided, comprising: an inductor coil having a helical shape and formed from Litz wire, the Litz wire having a rectangular cross section and comprising about 25 to about 350 wire strands.

[0007] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, which description is given by way of example only and is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of an example aerosol delivery device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1 with the outer cover removed. [Figure 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a heating assembly in an aerosol delivery device, and FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of a portion of the heating assembly of FIG. 5A. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 shows first and second inductor coils wound around an insulating member. [Figure 7]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first inductor coil. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second inductor coil. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a cross section of a Litz wire. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic top-down view of an inductor coil. [Figure 11] 2 is a diagram showing a cross section of the first and second inductor coils, the susceptor, and the insulating member. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 illustrates another example of first and second inductor coils wound around an insulating member. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first inductor coil according to another example. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second inductor coil according to another example. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a cross section of another example of a Litz wire. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic top-down view of another example inductor coil. [Figure 17] 10 is a diagram illustrating a cross section of first and second inductor coils, a susceptor, and an insulating member according to another example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming material" includes materials that, upon heating, provide volatile components, typically in the form of an aerosol. Aerosol-forming materials may include any tobacco-containing material, such as one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-forming materials may also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the particular product. Aerosol-forming materials may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, gel, wax, etc. Aerosol-forming materials may be, for example, a combination or mixture of materials. Aerosol-forming materials are sometimes referred to as "smoking materials."

[0010] Devices are known that heat an aerosol-forming material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-forming material, typically to form an inhalable aerosol, without burning or combusting the aerosol-forming material. Such devices are sometimes referred to as "aerosol-generating devices," "aerosol delivery devices," "non-combustion heating devices," "tobacco heating product devices," or "tobacco heating devices." Similarly, there are so-called e-cigarette devices, which typically vaporize a liquid form of the aerosol-forming material (which may or may not contain nicotine). The aerosol-forming 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 for heating and volatilizing the aerosol-forming material may be provided as a "permanent" part of the device.

[0011] The aerosol delivery device can receive an article comprising an aerosol-forming material for heating. An "article" in this context is a component that, when in use, contains or houses the aerosol-forming material, and optionally other components, where the aerosol-forming material is heated to volatilize it. A user may insert the article into the aerosol delivery device before the article is heated to generate an aerosol that the user inhales. The article may be of predetermined or specific dimensions, for example, configured to be placed within a heating chamber of a device dimensioned to receive the article.

[0012] A first aspect of the present disclosure defines at least one inductor coil configured to penetrate a susceptor and generate a varying magnetic field for heating the susceptor. As discussed in more detail herein, a susceptor (also known as a susceptor device) is an electrically conductive object that can be heated by a varying magnetic field. An article comprising an aerosol-generating material can be received within, placed near, or in contact with the susceptor. When heated, the susceptor transfers heat to the aerosol-generating material, thereby releasing an aerosol. In one example, the susceptor defines a receptacle, and the susceptor receives the aerosol-generating material.

[0013] In a first embodiment, the inductor coil is helical and has an oval cross section, and is formed from Litz wire comprising multiple wire strands. Litz wire is a wire comprising multiple wire strands used to carry alternating current. Litz wire is used to reduce skin effect losses in conductors and comprises multiple individually insulated wires that are twisted or braided together. The result of this winding is that each strand has an equal percentage of its total length outside the conductor. This has the effect of equally distributing current among the wire strands and reducing resistance within the wire. In some examples, the Litz wire comprises several bundles of wire strands, where the wire strands within each bundle are twisted together. These wire bundles are then twisted or braided together in a similar manner.

[0014] In the present disclosure, the Litz wire in the inductor coil has about 25 to about 350 wire strands. Inductor coils formed with Litz wire having an oval cross section and such a large number of wire strands have been found to be suitable for heating susceptors used in aerosol delivery devices, which also provide a good balance of performance and cost.

[0015] The Litz wire of the inductor coil preferably has about 60 to about 150 wire strands. The Litz wire may have about 100 to about 130 wire strands, or about 110 to about 120 wire strands.

[0016] In one example, the Litz wire in the inductor coil has about 115 wire strands. Such Litz wire is particularly effective for heating susceptors used in aerosol delivery devices.

[0017] In another example, the Litz wire of the inductor coil has about 50 to about 100 wire strands, such as about 60 to about 90 wire strands, or about 70 to about 80 wire strands. In one example, the Litz wire of the inductor coil has about 75 wire strands.

[0018] The Litz wire may comprise at least four bundles of wire strands. Preferably, the Litz wire comprises five bundles. As briefly discussed above, each bundle comprises multiple wire strands, and the wire strands within each bundle are twisted together. These wire bundles can be twisted / braided together in a similar manner. The wire strands in all bundles add up to the total number of wire strands in the Litz wire. There may be the same number of wire strands in each bundle. If multiple wire strands are bundled together into a Litz wire and then further braided and twisted together within the bundles, the proportion of each wire spent at the edge of the bundle may be more uniform.

[0019] Each wire strand in the Litz wire has a diameter. For example, the wire strands may have a diameter of about 0.05 mm to about 0.2 mm. In some examples, the diameter is 34 AWG (0.16 mm) to 40 AWG (0.0799 mm), where AWG is American Wire Gauge. In other examples, the wire strands have a diameter of 36 AWG (0.127 mm) to 39 AWG (0.0897 mm). In other examples, the wire strands have a diameter of 37 AWG (0.113 mm) to 38 AWG (0.101 mm).

[0020] The wire strands preferably have a diameter of 38 AWG (0.101 mm), e.g., about 0.1 mm. Litz wire having the number of wire strands specified above and these dimensions has been found to provide a good balance between efficient heating, lower cost, low resistance, and ensures that the aerosol delivery device is small and lightweight.

[0021] The Litz wire may have a length of about 300 mm to about 450 mm. For example, the Litz wire may have a length of about 300 mm to about 350 mm, e.g., about 310 mm to about 320 mm. Alternatively, the Litz wire may have a length of about 350 mm to about 450 mm, e.g., about 390 mm to about 410 mm. The length of the Litz wire is the length when uncoiled. In certain configurations, the Litz wire has a length of about 315 mm or about 400 mm. These lengths have been found to be suitable for providing effective heating of the susceptor.

[0022] The inductor coil may have a length of about 15 mm to about 35 mm, measured along the axis of the helix formed by the coil. For example, the length may be about 15 mm to about 25 mm, or about 25 mm to about 35 mm. Preferably, the inductor coil has a length of about 20 mm or about 27 mm.

[0023] The inductor coil may have approximately 5-9 turns. One turn is one complete rotation around the axis. For example, the inductor coil may have approximately 6-7 turns, e.g., 6.75 turns, or approximately 8-9 turns, e.g., 8.75 turns. An inductor coil with such a large number of turns can provide an effective magnetic field for heating the susceptor.

[0024] The inductor coil may comprise Litz wire wound (helically) at a specific pitch. The pitch is the length of the inductor coil (measured along the longitudinal axis of the device / susceptor) over one complete turn. A shorter pitch can induce a stronger magnetic field. Conversely, a longer pitch can induce a weaker magnetic field.

[0025] In some configurations, the pitch is about 2 mm to about 4 mm, or about 2 mm to about 3 mm. For example, the pitch can be about 2.5 mm to about 3 mm. Preferably, the pitch is about 2.8 mm or about 2.9 mm, e.g., about 2.81 mm or about 2.88 mm. These particular pitches have been found to provide efficient heating of the susceptor and, therefore, the aerosol-generating material.

[0026] A battery can power the inductor coil. The battery may have a voltage of approximately 2.9V to 4.16V and can provide a peak current of approximately 18 Amps.

[0027] In one example, the inner diameter of the inductor coil is approximately 10-14 mm, and the outer diameter is approximately 12-16 mm. In a specific example, the inner diameter of the inductor coil is approximately 12-13 mm, and the outer diameter is approximately 14-15 mm. Preferably, the inner diameter of the coil is approximately 12 mm, and the outer diameter is approximately 14.6 mm. The inner diameter of a spiral inductor coil (when viewed in cross section) is any straight portion that passes through the center of the inductor coil and terminates at the inner circumference of the coil. The outer diameter of a spiral inductor coil (when viewed in cross section) is any straight portion that passes through the center of the inductor coil and terminates at the outer circumference of the coil. These dimensions can provide effective heating of the susceptor device while maintaining a compact exterior size.

[0028] The inductor coil may have gaps between successive turns, each gap having a length of about 1.4 mm to 1.6 mm, e.g., about 1.5 mm to about 1.6 mm. Preferably, the gaps are about 1.5 mm or 1.6 mm, e.g., about 1.51 mm or 1.58 mm. These dimensions provide a magnetic field of sufficient strength to heat the susceptor. The gap length is measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device / susceptor / inductor coil. The gaps are portions of the coil where there is no wire (i.e., there is space between successive turns).

[0029] The inductor coil may have a mass of about 1 g to about 2.5 g. In certain configurations, the inductor coil has a mass of about 1.3 g to 1.6 g, such as 1.4 g, or a mass of about 2 g to about 2.2 g, such as 2.1 g.

[0030] As noted, the Litz wire has an elliptical cross-section. In certain instances, the Litz wire has a circular cross-section. Thus, the Litz wire may have a diameter of about 1 mm to about 1.5 mm, or about 1.2 mm to about 1.4 mm. Preferably, the Litz wire has a diameter of about 1.3 mm.

[0031] In instances where the Litz wire does not have a circular cross section, the major axis of the ellipse may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the susceptor / coil. The major axis may have a length of about 1 mm to about 1.5 mm. The minor axis has a length that is shorter than the length of the major axis. The minor axis may have a length of about 1 mm to about 1.5 mm.

[0032] In some examples, during use, the inductor coil is configured to heat the susceptor to a temperature between about 240 degrees Celsius and about 300 degrees Celsius, for example, between about 250 degrees Celsius and about 280 degrees Celsius.

[0033] The inductor coil may be spaced from the outer surface of the susceptor by a distance of about 3 mm to about 4 mm. Thus, the inner surface of the inductor coil and the outer surface of the susceptor may be spaced apart by this distance. This distance may be a radial distance. A distance within this range has been found to represent a good balance between the susceptor being radially close to the inductor coil, allowing for efficient heating, and being radially spaced apart for improved insulation of the inductor coil and insulating members.

[0034] In another example, the inductor coil may be positioned a distance greater than about 2.5 mm from the outer surface of the susceptor.

[0035] In another example, the inductor coil may be spaced apart from the outer surface of the susceptor by a distance of about 3 mm to about 3.5 mm. In a further example, the inductor coil may be spaced apart from the outer surface of the susceptor by a distance of about 3 mm to about 3.25 mm, preferably about 3.25 mm. In another example, the inductor coil may be spaced apart from the outer surface of the susceptor by a distance greater than about 3.2 mm. In further examples, the inductor coil may be spaced apart from the outer surface of the susceptor by a distance less than about 3.5 mm, or less than about 3.3 mm. These distances have been found to represent a good balance between the susceptor being radially close to the inductor coil to allow for efficient heating, and being radially spaced apart for improved insulation of the inductor coil and insulating members.

[0036] In some examples, each of the multiple wire strands includes a bondable coating. The bondable coating is a coating that surrounds each wire strand and can be activated (e.g., by heating) to bond the strands within the Litz wire to one or more adjacent strands. The bondable coating allows the Litz wire to be formed into the shape of the inductor coil on the support member, and the inductor coil retains its shape after the bondable coating is activated. Thus, the bondable coating "sets" the shape of the inductor coil. In some examples, the bondable coating is an electrically insulating layer that surrounds the conductive core. However, the bondable coating and the insulator may be separate layers, with the bondable coating surrounding the insulating layer. In one example, the conductive core of the Litz wire comprises copper.

[0037] In certain instances, the aerosol delivery device comprises a susceptor unit. In other instances, the article comprising the aerosol-generating material comprises a susceptor unit.

[0038] The susceptor device may be hollow and / or substantially tubular to allow the aerosol-forming material to be received within the susceptor and the susceptor to surround the aerosol-forming material.

[0039] Preferably, the device is a tobacco heating device, also known as a non-combustion heating device.

[0040] In a further embodiment, the inductor coil is helical and formed from Litz wire having a rectangular cross section and multiple wire strands. In this embodiment, the Litz wire of the inductor coil has from about 25 to about 350 wire strands. Again, inductor coils formed from Litz wire having a rectangular cross section and such a large number of wire strands have been found to be suitable for heating susceptors used in aerosol delivery devices, which also provide a good balance between performance and cost.

[0041] Preferably, the Litz wire of the inductor coil has about 60 to about 150 wire strands. Even more preferably, the Litz wire has about 100 to about 130 wire strands, or about 110 to about 120 wire strands. Most preferably, the Litz wire of the inductor coil has about 115 wire strands. Such Litz wire is particularly effective for heating susceptors used in aerosol delivery devices. The Litz wire may have at least four bundles of wire strands.

[0042] The Litz wire may comprise at least four bundles of wire strands. Preferably, the Litz wire comprises five bundles. There may be an equal number of wire strands within each bundle.

[0043] Each wire strand in the Litz wire has a diameter. For example, the wire strands may have a diameter of about 0.05 mm to about 0.2 mm. In some examples, the diameter is 34 AWG (0.16 mm) to 40 AWG (0.0799 mm), where AWG is American Wire Gauge. In other examples, the wire strands have a diameter of 36 AWG (0.127 mm) to 39 AWG (0.0897 mm). In other examples, the wire strands have a diameter of 37 AWG (0.113 mm) to 38 AWG (0.101 mm).

[0044] The wire strands preferably have a diameter of 38 AWG (0.101 mm), e.g., about 0.1 mm. Litz wire having the number of wire strands specified above and these dimensions has been found to provide a good balance between efficient heating, lower cost, low resistance, and ensures that the aerosol delivery device is small and lightweight.

[0045] The Litz wire may have a length of about 250 mm to about 450 mm. For example, the Litz wire may have a length of about 250 mm to about 300 mm, e.g., about 280 mm to about 290 mm. Alternatively, the Litz wire may have a length of about 400 mm to about 450 mm, e.g., about 410 mm to about 420 mm. The length of the Litz wire is the length when uncoiled. In certain configurations, the Litz wire has a length of about 285 mm or about 420 mm. These lengths have been found to be suitable for providing effective heating of the susceptor.

[0046] The inductor coil may have a length of about 15 mm to about 35 mm, measured along the axis of the helix formed by the coil. For example, the length may be about 15 mm to about 25 mm, or about 25 mm to about 35 mm. Preferably, the inductor coil has a length of about 20 mm or about 30 mm.

[0047] The inductor coil may have approximately 5-9 turns. One turn is one complete rotation around the axis. For example, the inductor coil may have approximately 5-6 turns, e.g., 5.75 turns, or approximately 8-9 turns, e.g., 8.75 turns. An inductor coil with such a large number of turns provides an effective magnetic field for heating the susceptor.

[0048] In some configurations, the pitch is about 2 mm to about 4 mm, or about 2.5 mm to about 3.5 mm. For example, the pitch can be about 3 mm to about 3.5 mm. Preferably, the pitch is about 3.1 mm or about 3.2 mm. These particular pitches have been found to provide efficient heating of the susceptor and, therefore, the aerosol-generating material.

[0049] In one example, the inner diameter of the inductor coil is about 10-14 mm, and the outer diameter is about 12-16 mm. In a specific example, the inner diameter of the inductor coil is about 12-13 mm, and the outer diameter is about 14-15 mm. Preferably, the inner diameter of the coil is about 12 mm, and the outer diameter is about 14.3 mm. These dimensions can provide effective heating of the susceptor device while maintaining a compact outer size.

[0050] The inductor coil may have gaps between successive turns, each gap having a length of about 0.9 mm to 1 mm, these dimensions providing a magnetic field of suitable strength to heat the susceptor.

[0051] The inductor coil may have a mass of about 2g to about 4g. In certain configurations, the inductor coil has a mass of about 2.2g to about 2.6g, such as 2.4g, or about 3.3g to about 3.6g, such as 3.5g.

[0052] As noted above, in this example, the Litz wire has a rectangular cross-section. The rectangle may have two short sides and two long sides, where the dimensions of each side of the rectangle define the area of ​​the rectangular cross-section. Another example may have a generally square cross-section with four substantially equal sides. The cross-sectional area is approximately 1.5 mm. 2 ~about 3mm 2 In a preferred example, the cross-sectional area is about 2 mm 2 ~about 3mm 2 , or approximately 2.2 mm 2 ~about 2.6mm 2 The cross-sectional area is approximately 2.4 mm 2 ~about 2.5mm 2It is preferable that:

[0053] In an example having a rectangular cross section with two short sides and two long sides, the short sides may have a dimension of about 0.9 mm to about 1.4 mm, and the long sides may have a dimension of about 1.9 mm to about 2.4 mm. Alternatively, the short sides may have a dimension of about 1 mm to about 1.2 mm, and the long sides may have a dimension of about 2.1 mm to about 2.3 mm. Preferably, the short sides have a dimension of about 1.1 mm (±0.1 mm) and the long sides have a dimension of about 2.2 mm (±0.1 mm). In such an example, the cross-sectional area is about 2.42 mm. 2 is.

[0054] In certain instances, the aerosol delivery device comprises a susceptor apparatus. In other instances, an article comprising an aerosol-generating material comprises a susceptor apparatus.

[0055] Other features of the aerosol delivery device and / or wire strand may be the same as in the first embodiment.

[0056] 1 shows an example of an aerosol delivery device 100 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating medium / material. Broadly, device 100 can be used to heat a replaceable item 110 containing an aerosol-generating medium to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium that is inhaled by a user of device 100.

[0057] The device 100 includes a housing 102 (in the form of an outer cover) that surrounds and contains the various components of the device 100. The device 100 has an opening 104 at one end through which an item 110 may be inserted for heating by a heating assembly. In use, the item 110 may be fully or partially inserted into the heating assembly where it is heated by one or more components of the heater assembly.

[0058] The device 100 of this example includes a first end member 106 with a lid 108 movable relative to the first end member 106 to close the opening 104 when the item 110 is not in place. In Figure 1, the lid 108 is shown in an open configuration, but the cap 108 may be moved to a closed configuration. For example, a user may slide the lid 108 in the direction of arrow "A."

[0059] Device 100 may include a user-operable control element 112, such as a button or switch, that, when pressed, activates device 100. For example, a user may turn device 100 on by operating switch 112.

[0060] Device 100 may include an electrical component, such as a socket / port 114, that can receive a cable for charging a battery in device 100. For example, socket 114 may be a charging port, such as a USB charging port.

[0061] 2 depicts the device 100 of FIG. 1 with the outer cover 102 removed and without the article 110 present. The device 100 defines a longitudinal axis 134.

[0062] 2, first end member 106 is disposed at one end of device 100, and second end member 116 is disposed at the opposite end of device 100. First end member 106 and second end member 116 together at least partially define an end surface of device 100. For example, the bottom surface of second end member 116 at least partially defines the bottom surface of device 100. An edge of outer cover 102 may also define a portion of the end surface. In this example, lid 108 also defines a portion of the top surface of device 100.

[0063] The end of the device nearest opening 104 is sometimes referred to as the proximal end (or mouth end) of device 100, as it is closest to the user's mouth during use. In use, a user inserts item 110 into opening 104, operates user control 112 to initiate heating of the aerosol-generating material, and inhales the aerosol generated by the device, which then flows through device 100 along a flow path toward the proximal end of device 100.

[0064] The other end of the device, furthest from opening 104, is sometimes referred to as the distal end of device 100, as it is the end farthest from the user's mouth during use. As the user inhales the aerosol generated by the device, the aerosol flows out of the distal end of device 100.

[0065] Device 100 further includes a power source 118. Power source 118 may 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 120 that holds battery 118 in place.

[0066] The device further includes at least one electronic module 122. The electronic module 122 may include, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB 122 may support at least one controller, such as a processor, and a memory. The PCB 122 may include one or more electrical traces for electrically connecting various electronic components of the device 100. For example, battery terminals may be electrically connected to the PCB 122 so that power can be distributed throughout the device 100. The socket 114 may also be electrically coupled to the battery via electrical traces.

[0067] In the exemplary device 100, the heating assembly is an induction heating assembly, comprising various components for heating the aerosol-generating material of the article 110 via an induction heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating a conductive object (such as a susceptor) via electromagnetic induction. An induction heating assembly may include an induction element, such as one or more induction coils, and a device for applying a varying current, such as an alternating current, to the induction element. The varying current in the induction element generates a varying magnetic field. This varying magnetic field penetrates a susceptor appropriately positioned relative to the induction element and generates eddy currents within the susceptor. The susceptor has an electrical resistance to the eddy currents, and therefore, the eddy currents flow against this resistance, heating the susceptor via Joule heating. If the susceptor comprises a ferromagnetic material, such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, heat can also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses in the susceptor, i.e., by the magnetic dipoles of the magnetic material changing their orientation as a result of aligning with the varying magnetic field. Compared to heating by heat conduction, induction heating allows for rapid heating because heat is generated inside the susceptor, and there is no need for any physical contact between the induction heater and the susceptor, allowing for greater flexibility in manufacturing and application.

[0068] The induction heating assembly of the exemplary device 100 includes a susceptor device 132 (referred to herein as a "susceptor"), a first inductor coil 124, and a second inductor coil 126. The first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 are made from a conductive material. In this example, the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 are made from litz wire / cable that is helically wound to form the helical inductor coils 124, 126. Litz wire is composed of 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 conductors. In the exemplary device 100, the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 are made from copper litz wire with a rectangular cross-section. In other examples, the litz wire may have other cross-section shapes, such as an oval.

[0069] The first inductor coil 124 is configured to generate a first varying magnetic field for heating a first portion of the susceptor 132, and the second inductor coil 126 is configured to generate a second varying magnetic field for heating a second portion of the susceptor 132. In this example, the first inductor coil 124 is adjacent to the second inductor coil 126 in a direction along the longitudinal axis 134 of the device 100 (i.e., the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 do not overlap). The susceptor unit 132 may include a single susceptor or two or more separate susceptors. Each end 130 of the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 may be connected to the PCB 122.

[0070] It should be understood that the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 may have at least one different characteristic from each other in some examples. For example, the first inductor coil 124 may have at least one different characteristic from the second inductor coil 126. More specifically, in one example, the first inductor coil 124 may have a different inductance value than the second inductor coil 126. In FIG. 2 , the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 have different lengths such that the first inductor coil 124 is wound over a smaller portion of the susceptor 132 than the second inductor coil 126. Thus, the first inductor coil 124 may have a different number of turns than the second inductor coil 126 (assuming the spacing between individual turns is substantially the same). In yet another example, the first inductor coil 124 may be made of a different material than the second inductor coil 126. In some examples, the first and second inductor coils 124, 126 may be substantially identical.

[0071] In this example, the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 are wound in opposite directions. This can be useful if each inductor coil is energized at a different time. For example, the first inductor coil 124 may initially operate to heat a first region / portion of the article 110, and at a later time, the second inductor coil 126 may operate to heat a second region / portion of the article 110. Winding each coil in opposite directions helps reduce current induced in unenergized coils when used in combination with certain types of control circuitry. In FIG. 2, the first inductor coil 124 is a right-handed spiral, and the second inductor coil 126 is a left-handed spiral. However, in other embodiments, the inductor coils 124, 126 may be wound in the same direction, or the first inductor coil 124 may be a left-handed spiral and the second inductor coil 126 may be a right-handed spiral.

[0072] The susceptor 132 in this example is hollow and thus defines a receptacle in which the aerosol-generating material is received. For example, the article 110 can be inserted into the susceptor 132. In this example, the susceptor 132 is tubular with a circular cross section.

[0073] 2 further includes an insulating member 128, which may be generally tubular and may at least partially surround the susceptor 132. The insulating member 128 may be made from any insulating material, such as, for example, plastic. In this particular example, the insulating member is made from polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The insulating member 128 may help insulate various components of the device 100 from heat generated by the susceptor 132.

[0074] The insulating member 128 can also fully or partially support the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 are disposed around the insulating member 128 and contact the radially outward surface of the insulating member 128. In some examples, the insulating member 128 does not abut the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126. For example, a small gap may exist between the outer surface of the insulating member 128 and the inner surfaces of the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126.

[0075] In a particular example, the susceptor 132 , the insulating member 128 , and the first and second inductor coils 124 and 126 are coaxial about a central longitudinal axis of the susceptor 132 .

[0076] 3 is a partial cross-sectional side view of device 100. In this example, outer cover 102 is present. The rectangular cross-sectional shapes of first inductor coil 124 and second inductor coil 126 are more clearly visible.

[0077] The device 100 further comprises a support 136 that engages one end of the susceptor 132 to hold the susceptor 132 in place. The support 136 is connected to the second end member 116.

[0078] The device may also include a second printed circuit board 138 associated with the control element 112 .

[0079] The device 100 further includes a second lid / cap 140 and a spring 142 disposed toward the distal end of the device 100. The spring 142 allows the second lid 140 to be opened to access the susceptor 132. A user may open the second lid 140 to clean the susceptor 132 and / or the support 136.

[0080] The device 100 further includes an expansion chamber 144 extending away from the proximal end of the susceptor 132 toward the opening 104 of the device. A retaining clip 146 is positioned at least partially within the expansion chamber 144 to abut and retain the article 110 when the article 110 is received within the device 100. The expansion chamber 144 is connected to the end member 106.

[0081] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the device 100 of FIG. 1 without the outer cover 102.

[0082] FIG. 5A depicts a cross-section of a portion of the device 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 5B depicts a close-up of a region of FIG. 5A. FIGS. 5A and 5B show the article 110 received within the susceptor 132, with the article 110 sized so that the outer surface of the article 110 abuts the inner surface of the susceptor 132. This ensures the most efficient heating. The article 110 in this example includes an aerosol-generating material 110a. The aerosol-generating material 110a is disposed within the susceptor 132. The article 110 may also include other components, such as a filter, packaging material, and / or cooling structure.

[0083] 5B shows that the outer surface of the susceptor 132 is separated from the inner surfaces of the inductor coils 124, 126 by a distance 150 measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 158 of the susceptor 132. In one particular example, the distance 150 is about 3 mm to 4 mm, about 3 mm to 3.5 mm, or about 3.25 mm.

[0084] 5B further shows that the outer surface of the insulating member 128 is spaced from the inner surfaces of the inductor coils 124, 126 by a distance 152 measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 158 of the susceptor 132. In one particular example, the distance 152 is approximately 0.05 mm. In another example, the distance 152 is substantially 0 mm such that the inductor coils 124, 126 abut and contact the insulating member 128.

[0085] In one example, the susceptor 132 has a wall thickness 154 of between about 0.025 mm and 1 mm, or about 0.05 mm.

[0086] In one example, the susceptor 132 has a length of about 40 mm to 60 mm, about 40 mm to 45 mm, or about 44.5 mm.

[0087] In one example, the insulating member 128 has a wall thickness 156 of between about 0.25 mm and 2 mm, between 0.25 mm and 1 mm, or about 0.5 mm.

[0088] FIG. 6 illustrates the heating assembly of device 100. As briefly mentioned above, the heating assembly includes first and second inductor coils 124 and 126 positioned adjacent to one another along axis 158 (which is also parallel to longitudinal axis 134 of device 100). During use, first inductor coil 124 is activated first, causing a first portion of susceptor 132 to heat up (i.e., the portion of susceptor 132 surrounded by first inductor coil 124), which then heats a first portion of the aerosol-generating material. At a later time, first inductor coil 124 may be turned off, and second inductor coil 126 may be activated, causing a second portion of susceptor 132 to heat up (i.e., the portion of susceptor 132 surrounded by second inductor coil 126), which then heats a second portion of the aerosol-generating material. The second inductor coil 126 may be switched on while the first inductor coil 124 is operating, and the first inductor coil 124 may be switched off while the second inductor coil 126 continues to operate. Alternatively, the first inductor coil 124 may be switched off before the second inductor coil 126 is switched on. A controller can control when each inductor coil is operated / excited.

[0089] In some examples, the length 202 of the first inductor coil 124 is shorter than the length 204 of the second inductor coil 126. The length of each inductor coil is measured in a direction parallel to the axis of the inductor coils 124, 126. The first, shorter inductor coil 124 may be positioned closer to the oral end (proximal end) of the device 100 than the second inductor coil 126. When the aerosol-generating material is heated, an aerosol is released. When a user inhales, the aerosol is drawn toward the oral end of the device 100 in the direction of arrow 206. The aerosol exits the device 100 through the opening / mouthpiece 104 and is inhaled by the user. The first inductor coil 124 is positioned closer to the opening 104 than the second inductor coil 126.

[0090] In this example, the first inductor coil 124 has a length 202 of approximately 20 mm, and the second inductor coil 126 has a length 204 of approximately 30 mm. The first wire that is helically wound to form the first inductor coil 124 has an unwound length of approximately 285 mm. The second wire that is helically wound to form the second inductor coil 126 has an unwound length of approximately 420 mm.

[0091] Each inductor coil 124, 126 is formed from a Litz wire comprising multiple wire strands. For example, there may be about 25 to about 350 wire strands in each Litz wire. In this example, there are about 115 wire strands in each Litz wire. In some examples, the wire strands are grouped into two or more bundles, where each bundle comprises a number of wire strands such that the sum of the wire strands in all bundles equals the total number of wire strands. In this example, there are five bundles of 23 wire strands each.

[0092] Each of the wire strands has a diameter. For example, the diameter may be about 0.05 mm to about 0.2 mm. In some examples, the diameter is 34 AWG (0.16 mm) to 40 AWG (0.0799 mm), where AWG is American Wire Gauge. In this example, each of the wire strands has a diameter of 38 AWG (0.101 mm).

[0093] 6, the Litz wire of the first inductor coil 124 is wound approximately 5.75 times around the axis 158, and the Litz wire of the second inductor coil 126 is wound approximately 8.75 times around the axis 158. The Litz wire does not form an integral number of turns because the end of each Litz wire is bent away from the surface of the insulating member 128 before a full turn is completed.

[0094] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the first inductor coil 124. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the second inductor coil 126. In this example, the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 have different pitches. The first inductor coil 124 has a first pitch 210, and the second inductor coil has a second pitch 212. The pitch is the length of the inductor coil over one complete turn (measured along the longitudinal axis 134 of the device or along the longitudinal axis 158 of the susceptor). In this example, the first pitch is smaller than the second pitch; more specifically, the first pitch 210 is approximately 3.1 mm, and the second pitch 212 is approximately 3.2 mm. In other examples, the pitches are the same for each inductor coil, or the second pitch is smaller than the first pitch.

[0095] FIG. 7 illustrates a first inductor coil 124 having approximately 5.75 turns, where one turn is one complete revolution around the axis 158. A gap 214 exists between each successive turn. In this example, the length of the gap 214 is approximately 0.9 mm. Similarly, FIG. 8 illustrates a second inductor coil 126 having approximately 8.75 turns. A gap 216 exists between each successive turn. In this example, the length of the gap 216 is approximately 1 mm. The size of the gap is equal to the difference between the pitch and the dimension of the Litz wire along the inductor coil / axis 158.

[0096] In this example, the first inductor coil 124 has a mass of approximately 2.4 g and the second inductor coil 126 has a mass of approximately 3.5 g.

[0097] 9 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-section of a Litz wire forming either of the first or second inductor coils 124, 126. As shown, the Litz wire has a rectangular cross-section (the individual wires forming the Litz wire are not shown for clarity). The shorter side of the cross-section has a dimension 218, and the longer side of the cross-section has a dimension 220. In this example, the shorter side has a dimension 218 of approximately 1.1 mm, and the longer side has a dimension 220 of approximately 2.2 mm. Thus, the total cross-sectional area is approximately 2.42 mm. 2 5B and 6, the long side is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 158 of the susceptor 132 to achieve the desired magnetic field strength.

[0098] 10 is a top-down diagrammatic view of either of the inductor coils 124, 126. In this example, the inductor coils 124, 126 are positioned coaxially with the longitudinal axis 158 of the susceptor 132 (although the susceptor 132 is not shown for clarity).

[0099] 10 shows inductor coils 124, 126 having an outer diameter 222 and an inner diameter 228. Outer diameter 222 may be between about 12 mm and about 16 mm, and inner diameter 228 may be between about 10 mm and about 14 mm. In this particular example, inner diameter 228 is about 12 mm in length and outer diameter 222 is about 14.3 mm in length.

[0100] Figure 11 is another diagrammatic view of a cross section of the heating assembly. Figure 11 illustrates that the outer periphery / outer surfaces of the inductor coils 124, 126 are spaced a distance 304 from the susceptor 232. Thus, the first and second inductor coils have substantially the same outer diameter 306. Figure 11 illustrates the inner diameter 308 of the first and second inductor coils 124, 226 as being substantially the same.

[0101] The "outer periphery" of the inductor coil 124, 226 is the edge of the inductor coil that is located furthest away from the outer surface 132a of the susceptor 132 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 158.

[0102] As shown, the inner surfaces of the inductor coils 124, 126 are spaced a distance 310 from the outer surface 132a of the susceptor 132. This distance may be between about 3 mm and about 4 mm, for example, about 3.25 mm.

[0103] 12 illustrates another heating assembly for use with device 100. In this example, the square cross-section Litz wire forming the inductor coil is replaced with an inductor coil comprising Litz wire having a circular cross-section. Other features of device 100 remain substantially the same.

[0104] The heating assembly includes a first inductor coil 224 and a second inductor coil 226 positioned adjacent to each other along a longitudinal axis 158 defined by the susceptor 132 (which is also parallel to the longitudinal axis 134 of the device 100). During use, the first inductor coil 224 is activated first, causing a first portion of the susceptor 132 (i.e., the portion of the susceptor 132 surrounded by the first inductor coil 224) to heat, which in turn heats, a first portion of the aerosol-generating material. At a later time, the first inductor coil 224 may be turned off, and the second inductor coil 226 may be activated, causing a second portion of the susceptor 132 (i.e., the portion of the susceptor 132 surrounded by the second inductor coil 226) to heat, which in turn heats, a second portion of the aerosol-generating material. The second inductor coil 226 may be switched on while the first inductor coil 224 is operating, and the first inductor coil 224 may be switched off while the second inductor coil 226 continues to operate. Alternatively, the first inductor coil 224 may be switched off before the second inductor coil 226 is switched on. A controller can control when each inductor coil is operated / excited.

[0105] In some examples, the length 402 of the first inductor coil 224 is shorter than the length 404 of the second inductor coil 226. The length of each inductor coil is measured in a direction parallel to the axis 200 defined by the inductor coils 224, 226. The first, shorter inductor coil 224 may be positioned closer to the oral end (proximal end) of the device 100 than the second inductor coil 226. When the aerosol-generating material is heated, an aerosol is released. When a user inhales, the aerosol is drawn toward the oral end of the device 100 in the direction of arrow 406. The aerosol exits the device 100 through the opening / mouthpiece 104 and is inhaled by the user. The first inductor coil 224 is positioned closer to the opening 104 than the second inductor coil 226.

[0106] In this example, the first inductor coil 224 has a length 402 of approximately 20 mm, and the second inductor coil 226 has a length 404 of approximately 27 mm. The first wire that is helically wound to form the first inductor coil 224 has an unwound length of approximately 315 mm. The second wire that is helically wound to form the second inductor coil 226 has an unwound length of approximately 400 mm.

[0107] Each inductor coil 224, 226 is formed from Litz wire comprising multiple wire strands. For example, there may be about 25 to about 350 wire strands in each Litz wire. In this example, there are about 115 wire strands in each Litz wire. In some examples, the wire strands are grouped into two or more bundles, where each bundle comprises a number of wire strands such that the sum of the wire strands in all bundles equals the total number of wire strands. In this example, there are five bundles of 23 wire strands each.

[0108] Each of the wire strands has a diameter. For example, the diameter may be about 0.05 mm to about 0.2 mm. In some examples, the diameter is 34 AWG (0.16 mm) to 40 AWG (0.0799 mm), where AWG is American Wire Gauge. In this example, each of the wire strands has a diameter of 38 AWG (0.101 mm).

[0109] 12, the Litz wire of the first inductor coil 224 is wound approximately 6.75 times around the axis 158, and the Litz wire of the second inductor coil 226 is wound approximately 8.75 times around the axis 158. The Litz wire does not form an integral number of turns because the end of each Litz wire is bent away from the surface of the insulating member 128 before a full turn is completed.

[0110] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the first inductor coil 224. FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the second inductor coil 226. In this example, the first inductor coil 224 and the second inductor coil 226 have different pitches. The first inductor coil 224 has a first pitch 410, and the second inductor coil has a second pitch 412. The pitch is the length of the inductor coil over one complete turn (measured along the longitudinal axis 134 of the device or along the longitudinal axis 158 of the susceptor). In this example, the first pitch is smaller than the second pitch; more specifically, the first pitch 410 is approximately 2.81 mm, and the second pitch 412 is approximately 2.88 mm. In other examples, the pitches are the same for each inductor coil, or the second pitch is smaller than the first pitch.

[0111] FIG. 13 illustrates a first inductor coil 224 having approximately 6.75 turns, where one turn is one complete revolution around axis 158. A gap 414 exists between each successive turn. In this example, the length of gap 414 is approximately 1.51 mm. Similarly, FIG. 14 illustrates a second inductor coil 226 having approximately 8.75 turns. A gap 416 exists between each successive turn. In this example, the length of gap 416 is approximately 1.58 mm. The size of the gap is equal to the difference between the pitch and the diameter of the Litz wire. Thus, in this example, the Litz wire has a diameter of approximately 1.3 mm.

[0112] In this example, the first inductor coil 224 has a mass of approximately 1.4 g and the second inductor coil 226 has a mass of approximately 2.1 g.

[0113] 15 is a diagram illustrating a cross section of a Litz wire forming either the first or second inductor coil 224, 226. As shown, the Litz wire has a circular cross section (the individual wires forming the Litz wire are not shown for clarity). The Litz wire has a diameter 418, which may be between about 1 mm and about 1.5 mm. In this example, the diameter is about 1.3 mm.

[0114] 16 is a top-down diagrammatic view of either of the inductor coils 224, 226. In this example, the inductor coils 224, 226 are positioned coaxially with the longitudinal axis 158 of the susceptor 132 (although the susceptor 132 is not shown for clarity).

[0115] 16 shows inductor coils 224, 226 having an outer diameter 422 and an inner diameter 428. Outer diameter 422 may be between about 12 mm and about 16 mm, and inner diameter 428 may be between about 10 mm and about 14 mm. In this particular example, inner diameter 428 is about 12 mm in length and outer diameter 422 is about 14.6 mm in length.

[0116] Figure 17 is another diagrammatic view of a cross section of the heating assembly. Figure 17 illustrates that the outer periphery / outer surfaces of the inductor coils 224, 226 are spaced a distance 504 from the susceptor 232. Thus, the first and second inductor coils have substantially the same outer diameter 506. Figure 17 illustrates the inner diameter 508 of the first and second inductor coils 224, 226 as being substantially the same.

[0117] The "outer periphery" of the inductor coils 224, 226 is the edge of the inductor coil that is located furthest away from the outer surface 132a of the susceptor 132 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 158.

[0118] As shown, the inner surfaces of the inductor coils 224, 226 are spaced a distance 510 from the outer surface 132a of the susceptor 132. This distance may be between about 3 mm and about 4 mm, for example, about 3.25 mm.

[0119] The above-described embodiments should be understood as illustrative of the present invention. Additional embodiments of the present invention are contemplated. It should be understood that any feature described with respect to any one embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other described features, and may also be used with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be used without departing from the scope of the present invention, which is defined in the appended claims.

[0120] The following numbered sections provide further disclosure that is not a patent claim but is related to the ideas described herein.

[0121] Item 1 1. An aerosol delivery device comprising an inductor coil configured to generate a varying magnetic field for heating a susceptor unit, An aerosol delivery device, wherein the inductor coil is helical and formed from Litz wire, the Litz wire having an oval cross section and comprising about 25 to about 350 wire strands.

[0122] Section 2 Item 1. The aerosol delivery device according to item 1, wherein the Litz wire comprises about 60 to about 150 wire strands.

[0123] Section 3 Item 3. The aerosol delivery device according to Item 2, wherein the Litz wire comprises about 100 to about 130 wire strands.

[0124] Section 4 Item 3. The aerosol delivery device of item 3, wherein the Litz wire comprises approximately 115 wire strands.

[0125] Section 5 Item 5. The aerosol delivery device according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the Litz wire comprises at least four bundles of wire strands.

[0126] Section 6 Item 6. The aerosol delivery device of item 5, wherein the same number of wire strands are present in each of the at least four bundles.

[0127] Section 7 Item 5. The aerosol delivery device according to any one of Items 1 to 4, wherein the wire strand has a diameter of about 0.05 mm to about 0.2 mm.

[0128] Section 8 Item 8. The aerosol delivery device of item 7, wherein the wire strand has a diameter of about 0.1 mm.

[0129] Section 9 Item 9. The aerosol delivery device according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the Litz wire has a length of about 300 mm to about 450 mm.

[0130] Section 10 Item 10. The aerosol delivery device of any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the inductor coil has approximately 6 to 9 turns.

[0131] Section 11 Item 11. The aerosol delivery device according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the inductor coil has gaps between successive turns, each gap having a length of about 1.4 mm to about 1.6 mm.

[0132] Item 12 Item 12. The aerosol delivery device according to any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the inductor coil has a mass of about 1 g to about 2.5 g.

[0133] Item 13 Item 13. The aerosol delivery device according to any one of items 1 to 12, wherein the Litz wire has a circular cross section.

[0134] Item 14 Item 14. The aerosol delivery device according to Item 13, wherein the Litz wire has a diameter of about 1 mm to about 1.5 mm.

[0135] Item 15 Item 15. The aerosol delivery device according to item 14, wherein the Litz wire has a diameter of about 1.2 mm to about 1.4 mm.

[0136] Item 16 Item 16. The aerosol delivery device according to any one of items 1 to 15, further comprising a susceptor device, the susceptor device being heatable by penetration of the varying magnetic field to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0137] Item 17 The aerosol supply device according to any one of items 1 to 16, an article comprising an aerosol-forming material; An aerosol delivery system comprising:

[0138] Section 18 1. An aerosol delivery device comprising an inductor coil configured to generate a varying magnetic field for heating a susceptor unit, An aerosol delivery device, wherein the inductor coil is helical and formed from Litz wire, the Litz wire having a rectangular cross section and comprising about 25 to about 350 wire strands.

[0139] Section 19 Item 19. The aerosol delivery device according to item 18, wherein the Litz wire comprises about 60 to about 150 wire strands.

[0140] Section 20 Item 20. The aerosol delivery device according to Item 19, wherein the Litz wire comprises about 100 to about 130 wire strands.

[0141] Section 21 21. The aerosol delivery device of claim 20, wherein the Litz wire comprises approximately 115 wire strands.

[0142] Section 22 22. The aerosol delivery device of any one of items 18 to 21, wherein the Litz wire comprises at least four bundles of wire strands.

[0143] Section 23 Item 23. The aerosol delivery device of paragraph 22, wherein the same number of wire strands are present in each of the at least four bundles.

[0144] Section 24 Item 24. The aerosol delivery device according to any one of Items 18 to 23, wherein the wire strand has a diameter of about 0.05 mm to about 0.2 mm.

[0145] Section 25 Item 25. The aerosol delivery device of item 24, wherein the wire strand has a diameter of about 0.1 mm.

[0146] Section 26 Item 26. The aerosol delivery device according to any one of items 18 to 25, wherein the Litz wire has a length of about 250 mm to about 450 mm.

[0147] Section 27 27. The aerosol delivery device of any one of paragraphs 18 to 26, wherein the inductor coil has about 5 to 9 turns.

[0148] Section 28 28. The aerosol delivery device of any one of items 18 to 27, wherein the inductor coil has gaps between successive turns, each gap having a length of about 0.9 mm to about 1 mm.

[0149] Section 29 Item 29. The aerosol delivery device according to any one of items 18 to 28, wherein the inductor coil has a mass of about 2 g to about 4 g.

[0150] Item 30 The Litz wire is about 1.5 mm 2 ~about 3mm 2 Item 30. The aerosol delivery device according to any one of Items 18 to 29, having a cross-sectional area of

[0151] Section 31 Item 31. The aerosol delivery device according to any one of items 18 to 30, further comprising a susceptor device, the susceptor device being heatable by penetration of the varying magnetic field to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0152] Section 32 Item 18 to 31, and the aerosol supply device according to any one of items 18 to 31; an article comprising an aerosol-forming material; An aerosol delivery system comprising:

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol delivery device comprising an inductor coil configured to generate a varying magnetic field for heating a susceptor unit, The aerosol delivery device, wherein the inductor coil is helical and formed from Litz wire, the Litz wire having an oval cross section and comprising about 25 to about 350 wire strands.

2. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the Litz wire comprises about 60 to about 150 wire strands.

3. 3. The aerosol delivery device of claim 2, wherein the Litz wire comprises about 100 to about 130 wire strands.

4. 4. The aerosol delivery device of claim 3, wherein the Litz wire comprises approximately 115 wire strands.

5. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the Litz wire comprises at least four bundles of wire strands.

6. The aerosol delivery device of claim 5 , wherein there are an equal number of wire strands in each of the at least four bundles.

7. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the wire strands have a diameter of about 0.05 mm to about 0.2 mm.

8. 8. The aerosol delivery device of claim 7, wherein the wire strand has a diameter of about 0.1 mm.

9. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the Litz wire has a length of about 300 mm to about 450 mm.

10. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the inductor coil has about 6 to 9 turns.

11. 11. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the inductor coil comprises gaps between successive turns, each gap having a length of about 1.4 mm to about 1.6 mm.

12. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the inductor coil has a mass of about 1 g to about 2.5 g.

13. 13. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the Litz wire has a circular cross section.

14. 14. The aerosol delivery device of claim 13, wherein the Litz wire has a diameter of about 1 mm to about 1.5 mm.

15. 15. The aerosol delivery device of claim 14, wherein the Litz wire has a diameter of about 1.2 mm to about 1.4 mm.

16. 16. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, further comprising the susceptor device, the susceptor device being heatable by penetration of the varying magnetic field to heat the aerosol-generating material.

17. An aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 16; an article comprising an aerosol-forming material; An aerosol delivery system comprising:

18. 1. An aerosol delivery device comprising an inductor coil configured to generate a varying magnetic field for heating a susceptor unit, The aerosol delivery device, wherein the inductor coil is helical and formed from Litz wire, the Litz wire having a rectangular cross section and comprising about 25 to about 350 wire strands.

19. 20. The aerosol delivery device of claim 18, wherein the Litz wire comprises about 60 to about 150 wire strands.

20. 20. The aerosol delivery device of claim 19, wherein the Litz wire comprises about 100 to about 130 wire strands.

21. 21. The aerosol delivery device of claim 20, wherein the Litz wire comprises approximately 115 wire strands.

22. 22. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the Litz wire comprises at least four bundles of wire strands.

23. 23. The aerosol delivery device of claim 22, wherein there are an equal number of wire strands in each of the at least four bundles.

24. 24. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein the wire strands have a diameter of about 0.05 mm to about 0.2 mm.

25. 25. The aerosol delivery device of claim 24, wherein the wire strand has a diameter of about 0.1 mm.

26. 26. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 18 to 25, wherein the Litz wire has a length of about 250 mm to about 450 mm.

27. 27. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 18 to 26, wherein the inductor coil has about 5 to 9 turns.

28. 28. The aerosol delivery device of claim 18, wherein the inductor coil comprises gaps between successive turns, each gap having a length of about 0.9 mm to about 1 mm.

29. 29. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 18 to 28, wherein the inductor coil has a mass of about 2 g to about 4 g.

30. The Litz wire is about 1.5 mm ２ ~Approx. 3mm ２ 30. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 18 to 29, having a cross-sectional area of

31. 31. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 18 to 30, further comprising the susceptor device, the susceptor device being heatable by penetration of the varying magnetic field to heat the aerosol-generating material.

32. An aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 18 to 31; an article comprising an aerosol-forming material; An aerosol delivery system comprising:

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