Inductor coil

Abstract

To provide an inductor for use in an aerosol provision device.SOLUTION: The inductor includes an electrically conductive element and a secondary coil. The element includes an electrically conductive non-spiral first portion 601 coincident with a first plane, an electrically conductive non-spiral second portion 602 coincident with a second plane that is spaced from the first plane, and an electrically conductive connector 603 that electrically connects the first portion 601 to the second portion 602. The electrically conductive element is configured such that, when a varying electrical current is applied to the electrically conductive element, a corresponding varying electrical current is induced in the secondary coil.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an inductor for use in an aerosol delivery device, a magnetic field generator for use in an aerosol delivery device, and an aerosol delivery device. The aerosol delivery device may be, for example, a tobacco heating product.

[0002] Smoking articles, such as cigarettes and cigars, burn tobacco to produce tobacco smoke during use. 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 rather than burning a material. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.

[0003] Aerosol delivery systems are known that encompass the aforementioned devices or products. Typical systems use a heater to generate an aerosol from a suitable medium, which is then inhaled by a user. Often, the medium used must be replaced or changed to deliver and inhale different aerosols. It is known to use an induction heating system as a heater to generate an aerosol from a suitable medium. An induction heating system generally consists of a magnetic field generating device for generating a varying magnetic field and a susceptor or heating material that can be heated by the penetration of the varying magnetic field to heat the suitable medium.

[0004] Many different magnetic field generating devices, such as three-dimensional inductor coils, are known. However, various constraints, such as available space, device size, and required power, limit the types of magnetic field generating devices. Furthermore, various parameters limit the efficiency of inductive coupling between the magnetic field generating device and the susceptor. For example, such parameters include the spacing between the magnetic field generating device and the susceptor or heating material, or their relative area sizes and orientations.

[0005] It would be desirable to provide an improved aerosol delivery device.

[0006] According to one aspect, an inductor for use in an aerosol delivery device is provided, the inductor comprising a conductive element and a secondary coil, the element comprising a conductive non-helical first portion coincident with a first plane, a conductive non-helical second portion coincident with a second plane spaced apart from the first plane, and a conductive connector electrically connecting the first portion to the second portion, the conductive element configured such that when a varying current is applied to the conductive element, a corresponding varying current is induced in the secondary coil.

[0007] According to various embodiments, the current induced in the secondary coil (or "sense coil") can produce a corresponding voltage across the secondary coil, which can be measured by a controller and is proportional to the current through the inductor. This means that the controller can record the voltage across the secondary coil as a function of the drive frequency of the device. Based on this measurement, the controller can calculate the temperature of the heating chamber, susceptor, or aerosol product.

[0008] The controller can then adjust the characteristics of the fluctuating or alternating current applied to the inductor of the at least one heating unit as needed, which can be, for example, amplitude, frequency, or duty cycle, to ensure that the temperature of the heating chamber, susceptor, or aerosol product remains within a predetermined temperature range.

[0009] According to one aspect, an inductor for use in an aerosol delivery device is provided, the inductor comprising a conductive element and a secondary coil, the element comprising a conductive first partial annular body coincident with a first plane, a conductive second partial annular body coincident with a second plane spaced apart from the first plane, and a conductive connector electrically connecting the first partial annular body to the second partial annular body, the conductive element configured such that when a varying current is applied to the conductive element, a corresponding varying current is induced in the secondary coil.

[0010] According to one aspect, an inductor for use in an aerosol delivery device is provided, the inductor comprising a conductive element and an electromagnetic shield, the element comprising a conductive, non-helical first portion coincident with a first plane, a conductive, non-helical second portion coincident with a second plane spaced apart from the first plane, and a conductive connector electrically connecting the first portion to the second portion, the electromagnetic shield being positioned to at least partially surround at least one of the conductive, non-helical first portion coincident with the first plane, the conductive, non-helical second portion coincident with the second plane, and the conductive connector.

[0011] According to one aspect, an inductor for use in an aerosol delivery device is provided, the inductor comprising a conductive element and an electromagnetic shield, the element comprising a conductive first partial annular body coincident with a first plane, a conductive second partial annular body coincident with a second plane spaced apart from the first plane, and a conductive connector electrically connecting the first partial annular body to the second partial annular body, and the electromagnetic shield is positioned to at least partially surround at least one of the conductive first partial annular body coincident with the first plane, the conductive second partial annular body coincident with the second plane, and the conductive connector.

[0012] According to one aspect, an inductor for use in an aerosol delivery device is provided, the inductor comprising a conductive element, the element comprising a conductive non-helical first portion coinciding with a first plane, a conductive non-helical second portion coinciding with a second plane spaced apart from the first plane, and a conductive connector electrically connecting the first portion to the second portion.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the second plane is parallel to the first plane.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the first portion is a first partial ring and the second portion is a second partial ring.

[0015] According to another aspect, an inductor for use in an aerosol delivery device is provided, the inductor comprising a conductive element, the element comprising a conductive first partial annular body coincident with a first plane, a conductive second partial annular body coincident with a second plane spaced apart from the first plane, and a conductive connector electrically connecting the first partial annular body to the second partial annular body.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the second plane is parallel to the first plane.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the first portion or first sub-annulus is a first arc and the second portion or second sub-annulus is a second arc.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, when viewed perpendicular to the first plane, the first portion or partial ring and the second portion or partial ring extend in opposite rotational directions from the conductive connector.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the first portion or first partial annular body only partially overlaps the second portion or second partial annular body when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first plane.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the first portion or first partial annular body at least partially overlaps the conductive connector when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first plane.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second planes are flat planes.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the distance between the first plane and the second plane measured in a direction perpendicular to the first and second planes is less than 2 millimeters. In an exemplary embodiment, the distance between the first plane and the second plane is less than 1 millimeter.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the first portion or sub-annulus and the second portion or sub-annulus together define at least 0.9 turns about an axis perpendicular to the first and second planes.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the element comprises additional conductive non-helical portions or conductive partial rings coinciding with each of the spaced apart planes.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the spaced apart plane is parallel to the first plane.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the total number of turns around the axis defined together by all of the conductive non-helical or partial toroidal portions of the element is between 1 and 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the total number of turns is between 1 and 8. In an exemplary embodiment, the total number of turns is between 1 and 4.

[0027] In exemplary embodiments, the distance between each adjacent pair of element portions or sub-annuli is equal to or differs from the distance between each other adjacent pair of element portions or sub-annuli by less than 10%.

[0028] In exemplary embodiments, the first and second portions or partial annular bodies each have a thickness measured in a direction perpendicular to the first plane between 10 micrometers and 200 micrometers. In exemplary embodiments, the thickness is between 25 micrometers and 175 micrometers. In exemplary embodiments, the thickness is between 100 micrometers and 150 micrometers.

[0029] According to another aspect, an inductor for use in an aerosol delivery device is provided, the inductor comprising a coil having a pitch of less than 2 millimeters.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the pitch is less than 1 millimeter.

[0031] According to another aspect, an inductor structure for use in an aerosol delivery device is provided, the inductor structure comprising an electrically insulating support having opposite first and second sides, and an inductor as disclosed above, with a first portion or first partial annular body on the first side of the support and a second portion or second partial annular body on the second side of the support.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the inductor structure has a through hole radially inwardly and coaxially with the first and second portions or sub-annuli.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, the conductive connector of the inductor extends through the support.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the support has a thickness of 0.2 millimeters to 2 millimeters. In an exemplary embodiment, the support has a thickness of 0.5 millimeters to 1 millimeter. In an exemplary embodiment, the support has a thickness of 0.75 millimeters to 0.95 millimeters.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the inductor structure comprises a printed circuit board, the support is a non-conductive substrate of the printed circuit board, and the first and second portions or partial annular bodies are tracks on the substrate.

[0036] According to another aspect, there is provided an inductor assembly for use in an aerosol delivery device, the inductor assembly comprising a plurality of inductors as disclosed above, or comprising a plurality of inductor arrangements as disclosed above.

[0037] According to one aspect, a magnetic field generator for use in an aerosol delivery device is provided, the magnetic field generator comprising one or more inductors as disclosed above, or one or more inductor structures as disclosed above, or an inductor assembly as disclosed above.

[0038] According to one aspect, a magnetic field generator for use in an aerosol delivery device is provided, the magnetic field generator comprising one or more inductors and an apparatus operable to pass a varying current through the one or more inductors, the one or more inductors and the apparatus configured to generate a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density of at least 0.01 Tesla. In an exemplary embodiment, the magnetic flux density is at least 0.1 Tesla.

[0039] In exemplary embodiments, the or each inductor is an inductor as disclosed above, or the magnetic field generator comprises one or more inductor arrangements as disclosed above, and the one or more inductors of the magnetic field generator are the inductors of the respective one or more inductor arrangements.

[0040] According to one aspect, an aerosol delivery device is provided comprising a heating region for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosolizable material, and a magnetic field generator as disclosed above, wherein the magnetic field generator is configured to be operable to generate a varying magnetic field for use in heating at least a portion of the aerosolizable material of the article when the article is in the heating region.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, the or each inductor of the magnetic field generator at least partially surrounds the heating region.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, the aerosol delivery device comprises a susceptor that is heatable by penetration of a varying magnetic field, thereby heating the heating region.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the magnetic field generator is configured to be operable to independently generate a plurality of respective varying magnetic fields for use in independently heating respective portions of the aerosolizable material of the article.

[0044] According to one aspect, an aerosol delivery system is provided comprising an aerosol delivery device as disclosed above and an article comprising an aerosolizable material, wherein the article comprising the aerosolizable material is at least partially insertable into the heating region.

[0045] According to one aspect, a magnetic field generator for use in an aerosol delivery device is provided, the magnetic field generator comprising one or more inductors, one or more coils, and an apparatus operable to pass a varying current through the one or more inductors, wherein when the apparatus passes a varying current through the one or more inductors, a corresponding varying current is induced in the one or more coils, and the one or more inductors and the apparatus are configured to generate a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density of at least 0.01 Tesla.

[0046] According to one aspect, a magnetic field generator for use in an aerosol delivery device is provided, the magnetic field generator comprising one or more inductors, an apparatus operable to pass a varying current through the one or more inductors, and an electromagnetic shield, the electromagnetic shield being positioned between the one or more inductors and the apparatus, the electromagnetic shielding being further positioned to at least partially surround the one or more inductors and / or the apparatus, and the one or more inductors and the apparatus being configured to generate a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density of at least 0.01 Tesla.

[0047] Various embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0048] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic side view of an example aerosol delivery system. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a flow chart illustrating an example method for heating an aerosolizable material. [Figure 3] 10 is a flow chart illustrating another example of a method for heating an aerosolizable material. [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an inductor arrangement of the aerosol delivery device of the system of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of an inductor of the inductor configuration of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram of an embodiment in which an inductor element is provided that includes a conductive, non-helical first portion that coincides with a first plane, a conductive, non-helical second portion that coincides with a second plane that is spaced apart from the first plane, and a conductive connector that electrically connects the first portion to the second portion. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an electrical equivalent diagram illustrating a method according to one embodiment in which a single sense element or coil can be considered to be placed in close proximity to an inductor element or coil. [Figure 8]FIG. 10 is an electrical equivalent diagram illustrating a method according to one embodiment in which a single sense element or coil can be considered to be placed in close proximity to two inductor elements or coils. [Figure 9] 10 is an electrical equivalent diagram illustrating how, according to one embodiment, two inductor elements or coils may be provided, each with a corresponding sense element or coil. Detailed Description

[0049] As used herein, the term "aerosolizable material" includes materials that, upon heating, provide volatile components, typically in the form of a vapor or an aerosol. "Aerosolizable material" may be tobacco-free or tobacco-containing. "Aerosolizable material" may include, for example, one or more of tobacco itself, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco extract, homogenized tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Aerosolizable material may be in the form of ground tobacco, cut rag tobacco, extruded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, reconstituted aerosolizable material, liquid, gel, solid, amorphous solid, gelled sheet, powder, beads, granules, or chunks, etc. "Aerosolizable material" may also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. "Aerosolizable material" may also include one or more humectants, such as glycerol or propylene glycol.

[0050] In some examples, the aerosolizable material is in the form of an "amorphous solid." Any material referred to herein as an "amorphous solid" may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous) or a "dry gel." In some cases, it may be referred to as a "thick film." In some examples, the amorphous solid may consist of, or consist essentially of, a gelling agent, an aerosol-generating agent, a tobacco material and / or a nicotine source, water, and, optionally, a flavoring. In some examples, the gel or amorphous solid is in the form of a foam, such as an open-cell foam.

[0051] The susceptor is a material that can be heated by the penetration of a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The heating material can be a conductive material, such that the penetration of the varying magnetic field into the heating material results in induction heating of the heating material. The heating material can be a magnetic material, such that the penetration of the varying magnetic field into the heating material results in magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The heating material can be both conductive and magnetic, such that the heating material can be heated by both heating mechanisms.

[0052] Induction heating is a process in which a conductive object is heated by penetrating a changing magnetic field into the object. This process is explained by Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction and Ohm's law. An induction heater can include an electromagnet and a device for passing a changing current, such as an alternating current, through the electromagnet. When the electromagnet and the object to be heated are positioned relative to each other so that the changing magnetic field generated by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated in the object. The object has a resistance to the flow of electric current. Therefore, when such eddy currents are generated in the object, they flow against the object's electrical resistance, thereby heating the object. This process is called Joule heating, Ohmic heating, or resistive heating.

[0053] In one example, the susceptor is in the form of a closed circuit. It has been found that when the susceptor is in the form of a closed circuit, there is a stronger magnetic coupling between the susceptor and the electromagnet in use, resulting in increased or improved Joule heating.

[0054] Magnetic hysteresis heating is the process by which an object made from a magnetic material is heated by the penetration of a changing magnetic field. Magnetic materials can be thought of as containing many atomic-scale magnets, or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates such a material, the magnetic dipoles align along the field. Thus, when a changing magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field produced by an electromagnet, penetrates a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes with the applied changing magnetic field. This change in orientation of the magnetic dipoles generates heat within the magnetic material.

[0055] When an object is both conductive and magnetic, subjecting it to a varying magnetic field can cause both Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating. Furthermore, magnetic materials can be used to enhance the magnetic field, thereby enhancing Joule heating.

[0056] In each of the above processes, because heat is generated within the object itself rather than by conduction from an external heat source, rapid temperature rise and more uniform heat distribution within the object can be achieved, particularly by appropriate selection of the object's material and geometry, and the magnitude and orientation of the varying magnetic field relative to the object. Furthermore, induction heating and magnetic hysteresis heating do not require a physical connection between the varying magnetic field source and the object, thereby increasing design freedom and control of the heating profile and reducing costs.

[0057] Referring to Figure 1, a schematic cross-sectional side view of an example aerosol delivery system is shown. System 1 includes an aerosol delivery device 100 and an article 10 comprising an aerosolizable material 11. Aerosolizable material 11 may be, for example, any of the types of aerosolizable materials discussed herein. In this example, aerosol delivery device 100 is a tobacco heating product (also known in the art as a tobacco heating device or a non-combustion heating device).

[0058] In some examples, aerosolizable material 11 is a non-liquid material. In some examples, aerosolizable material 11 is a gel. In some examples, aerosolizable material 11 includes tobacco. However, in other examples, aerosolizable material 11 may be comprised of tobacco, may consist substantially entirely of tobacco, may include tobacco and aerosolizable materials other than tobacco, may include aerosolizable materials other than tobacco, or may be tobacco-free. In some examples, aerosolizable material 11 may include a vapor or aerosol-forming agent or a humectant (e.g., glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, or diethylene glycol). In some examples, aerosolizable material 11 includes a reconstituted aerosolizable material, such as reconstituted tobacco.

[0059] In some examples, aerosolizable material 11 is substantially cylindrical with a substantially circular cross-section and a longitudinal axis, while in other examples, aerosolizable material 11 may have another cross-sectional shape and / or may not be elongated.

[0060] The axial length of aerosolizable material 11 of article 10 may be, for example, between 8 mm and 120 mm. For example, the axial length of aerosolizable material 11 may be greater than 9 mm, or 10 mm, or 15 mm, or 20 mm. For example, the axial length of aerosolizable material 11 may be less than 100 mm, or 75 mm, or 50 mm, or 40 mm.

[0061] In some examples, such as the example shown in FIG. 1 , article 10 includes a filter element 12 for filtering aerosol or vapor emitted from aerosolizable material 11 during use. Alternatively or additionally, filter element 12 may be for controlling the pressure drop across the length of article 10. Filter element 12 may include one or more filters. Filter element 12 may be of any type used in the tobacco industry. For example, the filter may be made of cellulose acetate. In some examples, filter element 12 is substantially cylindrical with a substantially circular cross-section and a longitudinal axis. In other examples, filter element 12 may have another cross-sectional shape and / or may not be elongated.

[0062] In some examples, filter composition 12 abuts a longitudinal end of aerosolizable material 11. In other examples, filter composition 12 may be spaced apart from aerosolizable material 11, such as by a gap and / or one or more additional components of article 10. In some examples, filter composition 12 may include an additive or flavor source (such as additive- or flavor-containing capsules or threads), which may be held by the body of filtration material or between two bodies of filtration material, for example.

[0063] The article 10 may also include a wrapper (not shown) wrapped around the aerosolizable material 11 and the filter element 12 to hold the filter element 12 against the aerosolizable material 11. The wrapper may be wrapped around the aerosolizable material 11 and the filter element 12 such that the free ends of the wrapper overlap one another. The wrapper may form part or all of the circumferential outer surface of the article 10. The wrapper may be made from any suitable material, such as paper, cardboard, or recycled aerosolizable material (e.g., reconstituted tobacco). The paper may be tipping paper, as is known in the art. The wrapper may also include an adhesive (not shown) that adheres the overlapped free ends of the wrapper to one another and helps prevent the overlapped free ends from separating.

[0064] In other examples, the adhesive may be omitted or the wrapper may take a different form than that described. In other examples, filter composition 12 may be held to aerosolizable material 11 by a connector other than a wrapper, such as an adhesive. In some examples, filter composition 12 may be omitted.

[0065] Aerosol delivery device 100 comprises a heated region 110 for receiving at least a portion of article 10, an outlet 120 through which, in use, aerosol can be delivered from heated region 110 to a user, and a heating apparatus 130 for generating aerosol by heating article 10 when article 10 is at least partially disposed within heated region 110. In some examples, such as that shown in FIG. 1 , aerosol can be delivered from heated region 110 to a user through article 10 itself, rather than through any gaps adjacent to article 10. Nevertheless, in such examples, aerosol still passes through outlet 120 while traveling within article 10.

[0066] Device 100 may define at least one air inlet (not shown) that fluidly connects heated region 110 with the exterior of device 100. A user can inhale the volatile component(s) of the aerosolizable material by breathing the volatile component(s) from heated region 110 through article 10. Once the volatile component(s) are removed from heated region 110 and article 10, air can be drawn into heated region 110 through air inlet(s) of device 100.

[0067] In this example, the heating region 110 extends along an axis AA and is sized and shaped to accommodate only a portion of the article 10. In this example, the axis AA is a central axis of the heating region 110. Further, in this example, the heating region 110 is elongated, and thus the axis AA is a longitudinal axis AA of the heating region 110. The article 10 is at least partially insertable into the heating region 110 through the outlet 120 and protrudes from the heating region 110 through the outlet 120 during use. In other examples, the heating region 110 may or may not be elongated and may be sized to accommodate the entire article 10. In some such examples, the device 100 may include a mouthpiece that can be positioned over the outlet 120 and through which aerosol can be drawn from the heating region 110 and the article 10.

[0068] In this example, when article 10 is at least partially disposed within heated region 110, different portions 11a-11e of aerosolizable material 11 are disposed at different respective locations 110a-110e within heated region 110. In this example, these locations 110a-110e are at different respective axial locations along axis AA of heated region 110. Furthermore, in this example, because heated region 110 is elongated, locations 110a-110e can be considered to be at different longitudinally spaced locations along the length of heated region 110. In this example, article 10 can be considered to include five such portions 11a-11e of aerosolizable material 11 disposed at first location 110a, second location 110b, third location 110c, fourth location 110d, and fifth location 110e, respectively. More specifically, the second position 110b is fluidly disposed between the first position 110a and the outlet 120, the third position 110c is fluidly disposed between the second position 110b and the outlet 120, the fourth position 110d is fluidly disposed between the third position 110c and the outlet 120, and the fifth position is fluidly disposed between the fourth position 110d and the outlet 120.

[0069] The heating apparatus 130 includes a plurality of heating units 140a-140e, each of which is capable of heating a respective one of the portions 11a-11e of the aerosolizable material 11 to a temperature sufficient to aerosolize its components when the article 10 is at least partially disposed within the heating zone 110. The plurality of heating units 140a-140e may be axially aligned with one another along the axis AA. The length of each of the portions 11a-11e of the aerosolizable material 11 thus heatable along the axis AA may be between 1 millimeter and 20 millimeters, such as between 2 millimeters and 10 millimeters, between 3 millimeters and 8 millimeters, or between 4 millimeters and 6 millimeters.

[0070] The heating apparatus 130 in this example includes five heating units 140a-140e, namely, first heating unit 140a, second heating unit 140b, third heating unit 140c, fourth heating unit 140d, and fifth heating unit 140e. The heating units 140a-140e are at different axial positions along the axis AA of the heating zone 110. Furthermore, in this example, because the heating zone 110 is elongated, the heating units 140a-140e can be considered to be at different longitudinally spaced positions along the length of the heating zone 110. More specifically, second heating unit 140b is disposed between first heating unit 140a and outlet 120, third heating unit 140c is disposed between second heating unit 140b and outlet 120, fourth heating unit 140d is disposed between third heating unit 140c and outlet 120, and fifth heating unit 140e is disposed between fourth heating unit 140d and outlet 120. In other examples, heating apparatus 130 can include more than five heating units 140a-140e, or fewer than five heating units, such as only four, only three, only two, or only one. The number of portion(s) of aerosolizable material 11 heatable by each heating unit(s) can vary correspondingly.

[0071] The heating device 130 also includes a controller 135 configured to operate the heating units 140a-140e to heat respective portions 11a-11e of the aerosolizable material 11 during use. In this example, the controller 135 is configured to operate the heating units 140a-140e independently of one another, thereby allowing respective portions 11a-11e of the aerosolizable material 11 to be heated independently. This may be desirable for progressive heating of the aerosolizable material 11 during use. Furthermore, in examples in which the portions 11a-11e of the aerosolizable material 11 have different respective morphologies or properties, such as different tobacco blends and / or different applied or inherent flavors, being able to independently heat the portions 11a-11e of the aerosolizable material 11 may enable heating of selected portions 11a-11e of the aerosolizable material 11 at different times during a use session to generate aerosols having predetermined properties depending on time. In some examples, the heating device 130 may also be operable in one or more modes in which the controller 135 is configured to operate two or more of the heating units 140a-140e simultaneously, such as all of the heating units 140a-140e, during a usage session.

[0072] In this example, the heating units 140a-140e comprise respective induction heating units configured to generate respective varying magnetic fields, such as alternating current magnetic fields. Accordingly, the heating apparatus 130 can be considered to comprise a magnetic field generator, and the controller 135 can be considered to be an apparatus operable to apply a varying current to the inductor 150 of each of the heating units 140a-140e. Additionally, in this example, the device 100 comprises a susceptor 190 that is heatable by the intrusion of the varying magnetic field, thereby heating the heating region 110 and the items 10 therein, in use. That is, the portions of the susceptor 190 are heatable by the intrusion of the respective varying magnetic fields, thereby heating the respective portions 11a-11e of the aerosolizable material 11 at the respective locations 110a-110e of the heating region 110.

[0073] In some examples, the susceptor 190 is made of or includes aluminum. However, in other examples, the susceptor 190 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 examples, the susceptor 190 may include a metal or a metal alloy. In some examples, the susceptor 190 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. Other material(s) may be used in other examples.

[0074] In some examples, such as those in which the susceptor 190 comprises iron, e.g., steel (e.g., mild steel or stainless steel), or aluminum, the susceptor 190 may include a coating that helps prevent corrosion or oxidation of the susceptor 190 during use. Such coatings may include, for example, nickel plating, gold plating, or a ceramic or inert polymer coating.

[0075] In this example, the susceptor 190 is tubular and surrounds the heating region 110. Indeed, in this example, the inner surface of the susceptor 190 partially defines the heating region 110. The inner cross-sectional shape of the susceptor 190 may be circular or a different shape, such as elliptical, polygonal, or irregular. In other examples, the susceptor 190 may take a different form, such as a non-tubular structure that also partially surrounds the heating region 110, or a protruding structure, such as a rod, pin, or blade, that penetrates the heating region 110. In some examples, the susceptor 190 may be replaced by multiple susceptors, each of which is heatable by the penetration of a respective one of the varying magnetic fields, thereby heating a respective one of the portions 11a-11e of the aerosolizable material 11. Each of the multiple susceptors may be tubular or may take one of the other forms discussed herein for the susceptor 190, for example. In a further example, device 100 may lack susceptor 190, and article 10 may comprise one or more susceptors heatable by the penetration of a varying magnetic field to heat respective portions 11a-11e of aerosolizable material 11. Each of one or more susceptors of article 10 may take any suitable form, such as a structure wrapped around or otherwise surrounding aerosolizable material 11 (e.g., a metal foil such as aluminum foil), a structure disposed within aerosolizable material 11, or a group of particles or other elements mixed with aerosolizable material 11. In examples where apparatus 100 lacks susceptor 190, susceptor 190 may be replaced by a heat-resistant tube that partially defines heating region 110. Such a heat-resistant tube may be made, for example, from polyether ether ketone (PEEK) or a ceramic material.

[0076] In this example, the heating device 130 includes a power source (not shown) and a user interface (not shown) for user operation of the device. The power source in this example is a rechargeable battery. In other examples, the power source may be something 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.

[0077] In this example, controller 135 is electrically connected between the power source and heating units 140a-140e. In this example, controller 135 is also electrically connected to the power source. More specifically, in this example, controller 135 is for controlling the supply of power from the power source to heating units 140a-140e. In this example, controller 135 comprises an IC, such as an integrated circuit (IC) on a printed circuit board (PCB). In other examples, controller 135 may take different forms. In this example, controller 135 is operated by a user operating a user interface. The user interface may comprise push buttons, toggle switches, dials, a touch screen, or the like. In other examples, the user interface may be remote and wirelessly connected to the rest of aerosol delivery device 100, such as via Bluetooth®.

[0078] In this example, a user operates the user interface, causing the controller 135 to cause an alternating current to flow through at least one inductor 150 of each of the heating units 140a-140e. This causes the inductor 150 to generate an alternating magnetic field. The inductor 150 and the susceptor 190 are positioned relative to each other so that the varying magnetic field generated by the inductor 150 penetrates the susceptor 190. If the susceptor 190 is conductive, this penetration generates one or more eddy currents in the susceptor 190. The eddy currents flow within the susceptor 190 against the susceptor's electrical resistance, causing the susceptor 190 to heat by Joule heating. If the susceptor 190 is magnetic, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles in the susceptor 190 changes with changes in the applied magnetic field, thereby generating heat in the susceptor 190.

[0079] The device 100 may also include a secondary ("sense") coil (not shown), which can function as a sensing coil for sensing the induced fluctuating current through the secondary coil when the power supply applies a fluctuating current to at least one inductor 150 of each heating unit 140a-140e as controlled by the controller 135. Each inductor 150 of each heating unit 140a-140e may have a respective secondary coil. In this example, when the controller 135 applies a fluctuating current to at least one inductor 150 of each heating unit 140a-140e, the inductor 150 generates an alternating magnetic field. The alternating magnetic field induces a fluctuating current in the secondary coil by generating eddy currents in the respective secondary coil. The secondary coil may be positioned above or below the inductor 150, for example, in a plane parallel to the inductor 150.

[0080] In other examples where there are two or more inductors 150, a secondary coil may be positioned between the inductors 150 such that both inductors 150 induce a varying current through the secondary coil. However, in other examples where each of the heating units 140a-140e includes two or more respective inductors 150, there may be a respective secondary coil for each inductor 150 such that each inductor 150 induces a varying current in its respective secondary coil.

[0081] The current induced in the secondary coil produces a corresponding voltage across the secondary coil, which can be measured by the controller 135 and is proportional to the current through the inductor 150. This means that the controller 135 can record the voltage across the secondary coil as a function of the drive frequency of the device. Based on this measurement, the controller 135 can calculate the temperature of the heating chamber 110, the susceptor 190, or the article 10, respectively. The controller 135 can then adjust the characteristics of the fluctuating or alternating current applied to the inductor 150 of at least one heating unit 140a-140e as needed to ensure that the temperature of the heating chamber 110, the susceptor 190, or the article 10, respectively, remains within a predetermined temperature range. This characteristic can be, for example, amplitude, frequency, or duty cycle.

[0082] In some examples, the secondary coil may be a coil of wire or a track on a PCB.

[0083] In some examples, the secondary coil may include any one or more of nickel, steel, iron, and cobalt.

[0084] The device 100 may include a temperature sensor (not shown) for detecting the temperature of the heating chamber 110, the susceptor 190, or the article 10. The temperature sensor may be communicatively connected to the controller 135, such that the controller 135 can monitor the temperature of the heating chamber 110, the susceptor 190, or the article 10, respectively, based on information output by the temperature sensor. In another example, the temperature may be detected and monitored by measuring an electrical characteristic of the system, such as a change in the current in the heating units 140a-140e. Based on one or more signals received from the temperature sensor, the controller 135 can adjust the characteristic of the fluctuating or alternating current as needed to ensure that the temperature of the heating chamber 110, the susceptor 190, or the article 10, respectively, remains within a predetermined temperature range. This characteristic may be, for example, amplitude, frequency, or duty cycle. Within a predetermined temperature range, the aerosolizable material 11 within the article 10 disposed in the heating chamber 110 is heated sufficiently to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material 11, in use, without burning the aerosolizable material 11. Thus, the controller 135, and the device 100 as a whole, are configured to heat the aerosolizable material 11 to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material 11 without burning the aerosolizable material 11. This temperature range may be from about 50°C to about 350°C, such as from about 100°C to about 300°C, or from about 150°C to about 280°C. In other examples, the temperature range may be outside of these ranges. In some examples, the upper limit of the temperature range may be greater than 350°C. In some examples, the temperature sensor may be omitted.

[0085] The configuration of each of heating units 140a-140e is discussed further below with reference to Figures 2 and 3. However, it should be noted at this stage that the magnitude or extent of the varying magnetic field, as measured in the direction of axis AA, is relatively small, and as a result, the portion of susceptor 190 penetrated by the varying magnetic field during use is correspondingly small. It may therefore be desirable for susceptor 190 to have a thermal conductivity sufficient to increase the proportion of susceptor 190 that is heated by thermal conduction as a result of penetration of the varying magnetic field, and thereby correspondingly increase the proportion of aerosolizable material 11 that is heated by operation of each of heating units 140a-140e. It has been found desirable to provide susceptor 190 with a thermal conductivity of at least 10 W / m / K, optionally at least 50 W / m / K, and even optionally at least 100 W / m / K. In this example, susceptor 190 is made of aluminum and has a thermal conductivity of greater than 200 W / m / K, such as 200-250 W / m / K, e.g., about 205 W / m / K or 237 W / m / K. As noted above, the length of each of portions 11a-11e of aerosolizable material 11 along axis AA may be between 1 millimeter and 20 millimeters, such as between 2 millimeters and 10 millimeters, between 3 millimeters and 8 millimeters, or between 4 millimeters and 6 millimeters.

[0086] In this example, heating device 130 is configured to heat first portion 11a of aerosolizable material 11 to a temperature sufficient to aerosolize components of first portion 11a of aerosolizable material 11 during a heating session, before or more quickly than heating second portion 11b of aerosolizable material 11. More specifically, controller 135 is configured to operate first and second heating units 140a, 140b to heat first portion 11a of aerosolizable material 11 during a heating session, before or more quickly than heating second portion 11b of aerosolizable material 11. Thus, during a heating session, the location at which thermal energy is applied to aerosolizable material 11 of article 10 is initially at a location relatively fluidly spaced from outlet 120 and the user, and then the location moves toward outlet 120. This provides the advantage that the aerosol is generated from a continuous, "fresh" portion of the aerosolizable material 11 during the heating session, which can provide a sensory-satisfying experience for the user that may be more similar to that experienced when smoking a conventional combustible, factory-made cigarette.

[0087] Additionally, in some examples, controller 135 is configured to stop powering first heating unit 140a for at least a portion (or all) of the time period during which controller 135 is configured to operate second heating unit 140b. This provides the additional advantage that aerosol generated in a given portion of aerosolizable material 11 does not have to pass through another portion of previously heated aerosolizable material 11, which could adversely affect the aerosol. For example, passing the aerosol through previously heated or used aerosol material could cause the aerosol to pick up components that alter the flavor of the aerosol (off-notes).

[0088] 1 , heating device 130 may also be configured to heat at least one additional portion 11b-11e of aerosolizable material 11 to a temperature sufficient to aerosolize components of the additional portion 11b-11e of aerosolizable material 11 during a heating session before or more quickly than heating of the still additional portion 11c-11e of aerosolizable material 11 that is fluidly closer to outlet 120. That is, controller 135 may be configured to appropriately operate the heating units to heat at least one additional portion 11b-11e of aerosolizable material 11 before or more quickly than heating of the still additional portion 11c-11e of aerosolizable material 11. For example, in the device of FIG. 1, the heating device 130 may be configured to (i) heat the second portion 11b of the aerosolizable material 11 to a temperature sufficient to aerosolize the components of the second portion 11b of the aerosolizable material 11 before or more quickly than the heating of the third portion 11c of the aerosolizable material 11, (ii) heat the third portion 11c of the aerosolizable material 11 to a temperature sufficient to aerosolize the components of the third portion 11c of the aerosolizable material 11 before or more quickly than the heating of the fourth portion 11d of the aerosolizable material 11, and (iii) heat the fourth portion 11d of the aerosolizable material 11 to a temperature sufficient to aerosolize the components of the fourth portion 11d of the aerosolizable material 11 before or more quickly than the heating of the fifth portion 11e of the aerosolizable material 11.

[0089] It will be appreciated that for a given duration of a heating session, the greater the number of heating units and associated portions of aerosolizable material 11, the greater the opportunity to generate aerosol from “fresh” or unused portions of aerosolizable material 11 extending along a given axial length. Alternatively, for a given duration of heating each portion of aerosolizable material 11, the greater the number of heating units and associated portions of aerosolizable material 11, the longer the heating session may be. It should be appreciated that the duration that individual heating units may be activated may be adjusted (e.g., shortened) to adjust (e.g., shorten) the overall heating session, while the power supplied to the heating elements may be adjusted (e.g., increased) to reach operating temperature more quickly. A balance may be struck between the number of heating units (which may determine the number of “fresh puffs”), the overall session length, and the achievable power supply (which may be determined by the characteristics of the power source).

[0090] In some examples, device 100 may include electromagnetic shielding (not shown) to at least partially surround controller 135, heating units 140a-140e, and any one or all of inductors 150 of each of heating units 140a-140e. In other examples, electromagnetic shielding may be disposed between each inductor 150 of a heating unit and controller 135, such that the electromagnetic shielding partially surrounds inductor 150 and / or controller 135. In examples with more than one inductor 150, there may be more than one electromagnetic shield section to at least partially surround each of inductors 150, any one or all of the respective heating units 140a-140e for each of the inductors, and controller 135. In this same example, an electromagnetic shielding section may instead be disposed between each of inductors 150 with its corresponding heating unit 140a-140e and controller 135.

[0091] 2, a flow chart illustrating an example method for heating an aerosolizable material during a heating session using an aerosol delivery device is shown. The aerosol delivery device used in method 200 includes a heating region for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosolizable material, an outlet through which, in use, an aerosol can be delivered from the heating region to a user, and a heating apparatus for generating an aerosol by heating the article when the article is at least partially disposed within the heating region. The aerosol delivery device may be, for example, the one shown in FIG. 1 or any suitable variation thereof discussed herein.

[0092] The method 200 includes a step 210 in which the heating device 130 heats the first portion 11a of the aerosolizable material 11 of the article 10 to a temperature sufficient to aerosolize the components of the first portion 11a of the aerosolizable material 11 when the article 10 is at least partially positioned within the heating region 110, before or faster than a step 220 in which the heating device 130 heats the second portion 11b of the aerosolizable material 11 of the article 10 to a temperature sufficient to aerosolize the components of the second portion 11b of the aerosolizable material 11, the second portion 11b of the aerosolizable material 11 being fluidly positioned between the first portion 11a of the aerosolizable material 11 and the outlet 120.

[0093] It will be understood from the teachings herein that method 200 can be suitably configured so that, as discussed above, heating device 130 also includes a step of heating at least one further portion 11b-11e of aerosolizable material 11 to a temperature sufficient to aerosolize the components of further portion 11b-11e of aerosolizable material 11 before or more quickly than heating still further portions 11c-11e of aerosolizable material 11 that are fluidly closer to outlet 120.

[0094] Referring to Figure 3, a flow chart illustrating another example of a method for heating an aerosolizable material during a heating session using an aerosol delivery device is shown. The aerosol delivery device used in method 300 includes a heating region for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosolizable material, an outlet through which, in use, an aerosol can be delivered from the heating region to a user, and a heating device for generating an aerosol by heating the article when the article is at least partially disposed within the heating region. The heating device includes a first heating unit, a second heating unit, a third heating unit, and a controller configured to operate the first, second, and third heating units. The aerosol delivery device may be, for example, the one shown in Figure 1 or any of the suitable variations thereof discussed herein.

[0095] The method 300 includes a step 310 in which the controller 135, when the article 10 is at least partially disposed within the heating zone 110, controls the first, second, and third heating units 140 a, 140 b, 140 c independently of one another to cause the first heating unit 140 a to heat the first portion 11 a of the aerosolizable material 11 of the article 10 (e.g., before or faster than the second portion 11 b) to a temperature sufficient to aerosolize the components of the first portion 11 a of the aerosolizable material 11, and causes the second heating unit 140 b to heat the second portion 11 b of the aerosolizable material 11 of the article 10 (e.g., before or faster than the third portion 11 c). The method includes step 320 of causing a third heating unit 140c to heat the second portion 11b of the aerosolizable material 11 of the article 10 to a temperature sufficient to aerosolize the components of the second portion 11b of the aerosolizable material 11, and step 330 of causing a third heating unit 140c to heat the third portion 11c of the aerosolizable material 11 of the article 10 to a temperature sufficient to aerosolize the components of the third portion 11c of the aerosolizable material 11, wherein the second portion 11b of the aerosolizable material 11 is fluidly disposed between the first portion 11a of the aerosolizable material 11 and the outlet 120, and the third portion 11c of the aerosolizable material 11 is fluidly disposed between the second portion 11b of the aerosolizable material 11 and the outlet 120.

[0096] When the aerosol supply device used in method 300 is equipped with sufficient heating units, it will be understood from the teachings of this specification that method 300 can be suitably configured to include a heating device 130 that also controls the fourth and fifth heating units 140d, 140e independently of each other when the item 10 is at least partially positioned within the heating region 110, causing the fourth heating unit 140d to heat the fourth portion 11d of the aerosolizable material 11 of the item 10 to a temperature sufficient to aerosolize the components of the fourth portion 11d of the aerosolizable material 11, and causing the fifth heating unit 140e to heat the fifth portion 11e of the aerosolizable material 11 of the item 10 to a temperature sufficient to aerosolize the components of the fifth portion 11e of the aerosolizable material 11. Here, the fourth portion 11d of the aerosolizable material 11 is fluidly disposed between the third portion 11c of the aerosolizable material 11 and the outlet 120, and the fifth portion 11e of the aerosolizable material 11 is fluidly disposed between the fourth portion 11d of the aerosolizable material 11 and the outlet 120.

[0097] Next, one of the heating units 140a to 140e of the heating device 130 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 4 and 5, which are a schematic cross-sectional side view of an inductor configuration 150 of the heating unit and a schematic perspective view of an inductor 160 of the inductor configuration 150, respectively.

[0098] Inductor structure 150 includes an electrically insulating support 172 and an inductor 160. Support 172 has opposing first and second sides 172a and 172b, and portions 162, 164 of inductor 160 reside on the first and second sides 172a, 172b, respectively, of support 172.

[0099] More specifically, the inductor 160 comprises a conductive element 160. The element 160 comprises a conductive, non-helical first portion 162 that coincides with a first plane P1 and a conductive, non-helical second portion 164 that coincides with a second plane P2 spaced apart from the first plane P1. In this example, the second plane P2 is parallel to the first plane P1, but this need not be the case in other examples. For example, the second plane P2 may be at an angle of 20 degrees or less, 10 degrees or less, or 5 degrees or less, relative to the first plane P1. The inductor 160 also comprises a first conductive connector 163 that electrically connects the first portion 162 to the second portion 164. The first portion 162 is on a first side 172a of the support 172, and the second portion 164 is on a second side 172b of the support 172. The conductive connector 163 penetrates the support 172 from the first side surface 172a to the second side surface 172b. The conductive connector 163 may have a structure in which the surface of a through hole provided in the support 172 is plated (for example, copper plated).

[0100] The support 172 can be made from any suitable electrically insulating material(s). In some examples, the support 172 comprises a matrix (such as an epoxy resin, optionally with a filler such as a ceramic) and a reinforcing structure (such as a woven or non-woven material such as fiberglass or paper).

[0101] Inductor 160 may be made from any suitable conductive material(s). In some examples, inductor 160 is made from copper.

[0102] In some examples, inductor structure 150 includes or is formed from a PCB. In such examples, support 172 is a non-conductive substrate of the PCB, which may be formed from a material such as FR-4 glass epoxy or cotton paper impregnated with phenolic resin, and first and second portions 162, 164 of inductor 160 are tracks on the substrate. This facilitates manufacturing of inductor structure 150 and also allows portions 162, 164 of element 160 to be thin and closely spaced, as discussed in more detail below.

[0103] In this example, the first portion 162 is a first partial annular body 162, and the second portion 164 is a second partial annular body 164. Furthermore, in this example, each of the first and second portions 162, 164 follows only a portion of a respective circular path. Thus, the first portion or first partial annular body 162 is a first arc of a circle, and the second portion or second partial annular body 164 is a second arc of a circle. In other examples, the first and second portions 162, 164 may follow a path other than a circle, such as an ellipse, a polygon, or an irregular shape. However, matching the shape of the first and second portions 162, 164 to the shape (or at least an aspect of the shape, such as the periphery) of the portion of the respective adjacent susceptor 190 (whether provided in the device 100 or the article 10) can help improve and make the magnetic coupling between the inductor 160 and the susceptor 190 more consistent. Furthermore, in examples where the first and second portions 162, 164 are respective arcs, making the radii of the arcs equal can also help to produce a more consistent magnetic field along the length of the inductor 160, and therefore more consistent heating of the susceptor 190.

[0104] The inductor structure 150 has a through-hole 152 radially inwardly and coaxially with the first and second portions 162, 164 or partial annulus. In the assembled device 100, the susceptor 190 and heating region 110 extend through the through-hole 152, such that the portions 162, 164 of the element 160 together at least partially surround the susceptor 190 and heating region 110. In examples where the susceptor 190 is replaced by multiple susceptors, each of the multiple susceptors may be positioned to extend through the through-hole 152 of one or more inductor structures 150 of a respective heating unit 140a-140e. In some examples, the or each susceptor does not extend through the through-hole 152, but rather is adjacent (e.g., axially) to the associated element 160.

[0105] As discussed above, in examples where the heating apparatus 130 does not include a susceptor, the heating region 110 may still extend through some or all of the through-holes 152 of the inductor structure 150 of each heating unit 140a-140e. In some such examples, the article 10 includes one or more susceptors, such as a metal foil (e.g., aluminum foil) wrapped around or surrounding the aerosolizable material 11, and / or a susceptor, such as in the form of a pad at one end of the article 10 axially adjacent the aerosolizable material 11 of the article 10. In some examples, the susceptor of an article 10 comprising a liquid or gel or other flowable aerosolizable material may include a (e.g., metallic) susceptor in or coated on a (e.g., ceramic) wick. In some examples, the portions 11a-11e of the aerosolizable material 11 have the same respective shapes or characteristics, or different respective shapes or characteristics, such as different tobacco blends and / or different applied or inherent flavors. In some such examples, the article 10 may include multiple susceptors, each of which is heatable and positioned to heat a respective one of the portions 11a-11e of the aerosolizable material 11. In some examples, the portions 11a-11e of the aerosolizable material 11 are separated from one another. In other examples, there may be multiple heating zones, each of which is positioned between a pair of inductor elements 150. Some or all of the multiple heating zones may not extend through the through-hole 152. The multiple heating zones may be for receiving respective articles 10 including the aerosolizable material 11. The aerosolizable material 11 of each article 10 may be of the same or different respective shapes or characteristics. In some examples, the through-hole 152 may be omitted.

[0106] 5, when viewed orthogonal to first plane P1, and therefore along axis BB of inductor 160, first portion 162 and second portion 164 extend in counter-rotating directions from first conductive connector 163. For example, when viewing inductor 160 in FIG. 5 along axis BB from left to right as depicted in FIG. 5, first portion 162 of inductor 160 extends in a counterclockwise direction from connector 163, while second portion 164 of inductor 160 extends in a clockwise direction from connector 163.

[0107] Furthermore, in this example, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first plane P1, the first portion 162 or first partial annular body only partially overlaps the second portion 164 or second partial annular body. In this example, the first portion 162 and the second portion 164 together define approximately 1.75 turns about an axis BB perpendicular to the first and second planes P1 and P2. In other examples, the number of turns may be other than 1.75 turns, such as at least 0.9 turns. For example, the number of turns may be between 0.9 and 1.5 turns, or between 1 and 1.25 turns. In other examples, the number of turns may be less than 0.9 turns, but reducing the number of turns per support 172 may increase the axial length of the inductor assembly 150.

[0108] Furthermore, when viewed orthogonal to the first plane P1, the first portion 162 or first partial annular body and the second portion 164 or second partial annular body at least partially overlap with the first conductive connector 163. This is facilitated by the inductor structure 150 comprising or formed from a PCB (or, more generally, a planar substrate layer). Notably, in such examples, the first conductive connector 163 takes the form of a “via” extending through the support 172. Even in examples where the inductor structure 150 is not formed from a PCB, the connector 163 may still extend through the support 172. This overlapping arrangement allows the inductor 160 to occupy a relatively small footprint when viewed orthogonal to the first plane P1, compared to a comparative example in which the first and second portions 162, 164 are connected by the connector 163 spaced radially outward from the first and second portions 162, 164. Furthermore, this overlapping arrangement allows the width of the through hole 152 to be increased compared to a comparative example in which the first and second portions 162, 164 are connected by a connector 163 spaced radially inward of the first and second portions 162, 164. Nevertheless, in some examples, the connector 163 may be radially inward or radially outward of the first and second portions 162, 164. This can be achieved by the connector 163 being formed by a "through via" that extends through the support 172. Through vias tend to be cheaper to form than blind vias because they can be formed after the PCB is manufactured.

[0109] Note that in this example, inductor structure 150 includes two additional supports 174, 176, and element 160 includes two additional conductive non-helical portions 166, 168 that coincide with two respective spaced-apart planes P3, P4 that are parallel to first plane P1. In other examples, one or each of spaced-apart planes P3, P4 may be at an angle relative to first plane P1, such as an angle of 20 degrees or less, or 10 degrees or less, or 5 degrees or less. Second conductive non-helical portion 164 and third conductive non-helical portion 166 are on opposite sides of second support 174 and are electrically connected by second conductive connector 165. Third conductive non-helical portion 166 and fourth conductive non-helical portion 168 are on opposite sides of third support 176 and are electrically connected by third conductive connector 167. Second and third conductive connectors 165, 167 are rotationally offset from first conductive connector 163. In configurations in which supports 172, 174, and 176 are formed as PCBs, connectors 163 and 167 may be formed as "blind vias," while connector 165 may be formed as a "buried via."

[0110] In this example, the first portion or partial ring 162, the second portion or partial ring 164, the third portion or partial ring 166, and the fourth portion or partial ring 168 together define a total of approximately 3.6 turns about an axis BB perpendicular to the first and second planes P1 and P2. In other examples, the total number of turns may be another number other than 3.6 turns, such as 1 to 10 turns. For example, the total number of turns may be 1 to 8 turns or 1 to 4 turns. A relatively small total number of turns is believed to increase the voltage available at the susceptor 190 (whether provided in the device 100 or the article 10) to pass current along or around the susceptor 190.

[0111] It should be noted that the inductor 160 also comprises a first terminal 161 and a second terminal 169 at opposite ends of the inductor 160, which terminals allow current to flow through the inductor 160 during use.

[0112] In this example, the thickness of each of the first, second, and third supports 172, 174, and 176 is approximately 0.85 millimeters. In some examples, the thickness of one or more of the supports 172, 174, and 176 may be other than 0.85 millimeters, such as another thickness in the range of 0.2 millimeters to 2 millimeters. For example, each of the thicknesses may be 0.5 millimeters to 1 millimeter, or 0.75 millimeters to 0.95 millimeters. In some examples, the thicknesses of each of the supports 172, 174, and 176 are equal to or substantially equal to one another. In other examples, the thickness of one or more of the supports 172, 174, and 176 may be different from the thickness of one or more of the other supports 172, 174, and 176.

[0113] In this example, each of the portions 162, 164, 166, and 168 of the inductor 160 has a thickness measured in a direction perpendicular to the first plane P1 of approximately 142 micrometers. In some examples, the thickness of one or more of the portions 162, 164, 166, and 168 of the inductor 160 may be other than 142 micrometers, such as another thickness in the range of 10 micrometers to 200 micrometers. For example, each of the thicknesses may be between 25 micrometers and 175 micrometers, or between 100 micrometers and 150 micrometers.

[0114] In examples where the inductor structure 150 is fabricated from a PCB, the thickness of the material of the inductor 160 can be determined by “plating up” the material to the substrate before constructing the PCB. Some standard circuit boards have a 1-ounce layer of conductive material, such as copper, on the substrate. The thickness of the 1-ounce layer is approximately 38 micrometers. Plating up to a 4-ounce layer increases the thickness to approximately 142 micrometers. The increased thickness makes the structure of the inductor structure more robust and reduces system losses by proportionally reducing resistive losses. Increasing the volume of the material of the inductor 160 increases the thermal capacity of the inductor 160, reducing the temperature rise for a given heat input. This can be beneficial because it can be used to help ensure that the temperature of the inductor 160 itself during use does not become so high as to cause damage to the structure of the inductor structure 150. In some examples, the thicknesses of the respective portions 162, 164, 166, and 168 of the inductor 160 are equal to each other or substantially equal to each other. This can result in a more consistent heating effect produced by different portions of inductor 160. In other examples, the thickness of one or more of portions 162, 164, 166, 168 of inductor 160 can be different from the thickness of one or more of other portions 162, 164, 166, 168 of inductor 160. This can be done intentionally in some examples, so that the heating effect produced by a particular portion(s) of inductor 160 can be increased relative to the heating effect produced by other portion(s) of inductor 160.

[0115] In this example, each of the planes P1 to P4 is a flat plane or a substantially flat plane, but in other examples this need not be the case.

[0116] The first plane P1 and the second plane P2 are spaced apart by a distance D1 in the direction of the axis BB of the inductor 160, as shown in Figure 5. In this example, the distance D1 between the first plane P1 and the second plane P2 measured in a direction perpendicular to the first and second planes P1 and P2 is less than 2 millimeters, such as less than 1 millimeter. In other examples, the distance D1 may be, for example, between 1 millimeter and 2 millimeters, or greater than 2 millimeters.

[0117] The combination of the first conductive connector 163 and the first and second portions 162, 164 of the conductive element 160 can be considered to be a helical coil, or approximately a helical coil. Indeed, the complete inductor 160 can be considered to be a helical coil, or approximately a helical coil.

[0118] Considering the distances D1, D2, and D3 between adjacent pairs of planes P1, P2, P3, and P4, the pitch of the coil in this example can be considered to be less than 2 millimeters, such as less than 1 millimeter. In other examples, the pitch may be between 1 millimeter and 2 millimeters, or greater than 2 millimeters, for example. Optionally, the distance between each adjacent pair of portions 162, 164, 166, and 168 of element 160 is equal to or differs by less than 10% from the distance between each adjacent pair of portions 162, 164, 166, and 168 of element 160. This allows the magnetic field to be generated more consistently along the length of inductor 160, thereby heating susceptor 190 more consistently.

[0119] The narrower the pitch, the greater the ratio of magnetic field strength to the mass of the susceptor 190 (whether in the device 100 or in the article 10) to which energy is applied. However, this must be balanced against the negative impact of the "proximity effect." In particular, as the pitch decreases, losses due to the proximity effect increase. Therefore, the pitch must be carefully selected to reduce losses in the inductor 160 while increasing the energy available to heat the susceptor 190. In some examples, the inductor 160 and controller 135, when properly configured, have been found to produce a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density of at least 0.01 Tesla. In some examples, the magnetic flux density is at least 0.1 Tesla.

[0120] Fabricating inductor structure 150 from a PCB allows for a relatively narrow pitch. Given the present teachings, one skilled in the art will be able to conceive of other methods of fabricating inductor coils with similarly narrow pitches. However, fabricating inductor structure 150 from a PCB is also likely to be less expensive than some other methods of fabricating inductor coils, such as winding Litz wire.

[0121] While the illustrated example inductor structure 150 includes three supports 172, 174, and 176 and an inductor 160 with four portions 162, 164, 166, and 168, this need not be the case in other examples. In some examples, inductor 160 may include more or fewer than four portions, such as only three portions 162, 164, and 166, or only two portions 162 and 164. In some examples, inductor structure 150 may include more or fewer than three supports, such as only two supports 172 and 174, or only one support 172. Indeed, in some examples, inductor structure 150 may include only one support and inductor 160 may include only two portions, with the two portions 162 and 164 of inductor 160 located on opposite sides of a single support 172. It will be appreciated that the number of conductive connectors 163, 165, 167 must be adjusted accordingly depending on the number of two sections 162, 164, 166, 168 present in inductor 160. In some instances, inductor 160 may be provided without any support between sections 162, 164, 166, 168 of inductor 160. In such instances, it is desirable for inductor 160 to be strong enough to be self-supporting.

[0122] The inductor structures 150, or inductors 160 thereof, of each heating unit 140a-140e may be provided in an inductor assembly or magnetic field generator 130 for inclusion in an aerosol delivery device, such as device 100 of FIG. 1 or any of the variations thereof discussed herein. The inductors 160 of the inductor assembly, magnetic field generator 130, or device 100 may be spaced a distance selected to heat a majority or other desired amount of the aerosolizable material 11 while avoiding or reducing interference between the inductors 160. As discussed herein, a relatively narrow pitch of the inductors has been found to result in the generation of a relatively focused, varying magnetic field, such that other inductors 160 can be spaced relatively closely together without significant interference. Adjacent inductors 160 may be spaced a distance of 5 to 50 millimeters, such as a distance of 10 to 40 millimeters, or a distance of 15 to 30 millimeters. In other examples, other distances may be used.

[0123] Once all, substantially all, or many of the volatilizable components of the aerosolizable material 11 in the article 10 have been consumed, the user can remove the article 10 from the heating chamber 110 of the device 100 and discard the article 10.

[0124] In some examples, article 10 is sold, supplied, or otherwise provided separately from device 100 in which article 10 can be used. However, in some examples, device 100 and one or more articles 10 may be provided together as a system, such as a kit or assembly, possibly with additional components such as cleaning implements.

[0125] 6 shows an embodiment in which an inductor coil as shown can be placed in close proximity to a secondary (or sense) coil (not shown). The inductor may form part of the aerosol delivery device.

[0126] The inductor comprises a conductive element having a conductive non-helical first portion 601 coincident with a first plane, a conductive non-helical second portion 602 coincident with a second plane spaced apart from the first plane, and a conductive connector 603 electrically connecting the first portion to the second portion, which may be parallel to the first plane.

[0127] The first portion 601 may comprise a first partial annular body, and the second portion 602 may comprise a second partial annular body.

[0128] According to one embodiment, an inductor for use in an aerosol delivery device is disclosed, the inductor comprising a conductive element, the element comprising: a conductive first partial annular body 601 coincident with a first plane; a conductive second partial annular body 602 coincident with a second plane spaced apart from the first plane; and a conductive connector 603 electrically connecting the first partial annular body 601 to the second partial annular body 602. The second plane may be parallel to the first plane.

[0129] The first portion or first partial annulus 601 may include a first arc, and the second portion or second partial annulus 602 may include a second arc.

[0130] When viewed perpendicular to the first plane, the first portion or partial ring 601 and the second portion or partial ring 602 can be considered to extend in opposite directions from the conductive connector 603.

[0131] When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first plane, the first portion or first partial annular body 601 can be considered to only partially overlap the second portion or second partial annular body 602.

[0132] When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first plane, the first portion or first partial annular body 601 may at least partially overlap the conductive connector 603. The first and second planes may be flat planes. The distance between the first and second planes, measured in a direction perpendicular to the first and second planes, may be less than 2 millimeters. In an exemplary embodiment, the distance between the first and second planes may be less than 1 millimeter. The first portion or partial annular body 601 and the second portion or partial annular body 602 may together define at least 0.9 turns about an axis perpendicular to the first and second planes.

[0133] The element may comprise further conductive non-helical portions or conductive partial rings coinciding with respective spaced apart planes, which may be parallel to the first plane.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the total number of turns around the axis defined by all of the conductive non-helical portions or sub-annular bodies of the element together may be between 1 and 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the total number of turns may be between 1 and 8. In an exemplary embodiment, the total number of turns may be between 1 and 4.

[0135] The distance between each adjacent pair of element portions or sub-annuli may be equal to or differ by less than 10% from the distance between each other adjacent pair of element portions or sub-annuli.

[0136] The first and second portions or partial annular bodies may each have a thickness measured in a direction perpendicular to the first plane between 10 micrometers and 200 micrometers. In exemplary embodiments, the thickness may be between 25 micrometers and 175 micrometers. In exemplary embodiments, the thickness is between 100 micrometers and 150 micrometers.

[0137] An inductor for use in an aerosol delivery device is disclosed. The inductor may comprise a coil having a pitch of less than 2 millimeters. The pitch may be less than 1 millimeter. An inductor structure for use in an aerosol delivery device is disclosed. The inductor structure may comprise an electrically insulating support having opposing first and second sides. The inductor structure may comprise an inductor as disclosed above, with a first portion or first partial annular body on the first side of the support and a second portion or second partial annular body on the second side of the support.

[0138] The inductor structure may have a through hole radially inwardly and coaxially with the first and second portions or partial annular bodies. The conductive connector of the inductor may extend through the support. The support may have a thickness of 0.2 millimeters to 2 millimeters. In an exemplary embodiment, the support may have a thickness of 0.5 millimeters to 1 millimeter. In an exemplary embodiment, the support has a thickness of 0.75 millimeters to 0.95 millimeters.

[0139] The inductor arrangement may comprise a printed circuit board, the support being a non-conductive substrate of the printed circuit board and the first and second portions or partial rings being tracks on the substrate.

[0140] An embodiment is disclosed that includes an inductor assembly for use in an aerosol delivery device. The inductor assembly may include multiple inductors or multiple inductor configurations. According to another embodiment, a magnetic field generator is disclosed for use in an aerosol delivery device. The magnetic field generator may include one or more inductors or one or more inductor configurations as disclosed above.

[0141] The magnetic field generator may comprise one or more inductors and a device operable to pass a varying current through the one or more inductors, the one or more inductors and the device configured to generate a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density of at least 0.01 Tesla. In an exemplary embodiment, the magnetic flux density is at least 0.1 Tesla.

[0142] The magnetic field generator may comprise one or more inductor arrangements, and the one or more inductors of the magnetic field generator may be the inductors of each of the one or more inductor arrangements.

[0143] An aerosol delivery device is disclosed that includes a heating region for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosolizable material, and a magnetic field generator, the magnetic field generator configured to be operable to generate a varying magnetic field for use in heating at least a portion of the aerosolizable material of the article when the article is in the heating region.

[0144] In an exemplary embodiment, the or each inductor of the magnetic field generator at least partially surrounds the heating region.

[0145] In an exemplary embodiment, the aerosol delivery device comprises a susceptor that is heatable by penetration of a varying magnetic field, thereby heating the heating region.

[0146] In an exemplary embodiment, the magnetic field generator is configured to be operable to independently generate a plurality of respective varying magnetic fields for use in independently heating respective portions of the aerosolizable material of the article.

[0147] An aerosol delivery system is disclosed that includes an aerosol delivery device and an article comprising an aerosolizable material, the article comprising the aerosolizable material being at least partially insertable into a heating region.

[0148] An inductor for use in an aerosol delivery device is disclosed, which may include a conductive element and a secondary coil, the element including a conductive non-helical first portion coincident with a first plane, a conductive non-helical second portion coincident with a second plane spaced apart from the first plane, and a conductive connector electrically connecting the first portion to the second portion, the conductive element configured such that when a varying current is applied to the conductive element, a corresponding varying current is induced in the secondary coil.

[0149] An inductor for use in an aerosol delivery device is disclosed, which may include a conductive element and a secondary coil, the element including a conductive first partial annular body coincident with a first plane, a conductive second partial annular body coincident with a second plane spaced from the first plane, and a conductive connector electrically connecting the first partial annular body to the second partial annular body, the conductive element configured such that when a varying current is applied to the conductive element, a corresponding varying current is induced in the secondary coil.

[0150] A magnetic field generator for use in an aerosol delivery device is disclosed, which may include one or more inductors, one or more coils, and an apparatus operable to pass a varying current through the one or more inductors, wherein when the apparatus passes a varying current through the one or more inductors, a corresponding varying current is induced in the one or more coils, and the one or more inductors and the apparatus are configured to produce a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density of at least 0.01 Tesla.

[0151] According to one embodiment, an inductor for use in an aerosol delivery device is disclosed, the inductor comprising a conductive element and an electromagnetic shield, the element comprising a conductive non-helical first portion coincident with a first plane, a conductive non-helical second portion coincident with a second plane spaced apart from the first plane, and a conductive connector electrically connecting the first portion to the second portion, and the electromagnetic shield is positioned to at least partially surround at least one of the conductive non-helical first portion coincident with the first plane, the conductive non-helical second portion coincident with the second plane, and the conductive connector.

[0152] According to one embodiment, an inductor for use in an aerosol delivery device is disclosed.

[0153] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment in which a single sense coil 200 is placed in close proximity to two inductor coils 150 .

[0154] FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment in which two inductor coils 150 are provided and a single sense coil 200 is provided.

[0155] FIG. 9 shows an embodiment in which two inductor coils 150 are provided, each inductor coil 150 being positioned adjacent to a different sense coil 200 .

[0156] The inductor may include a conductive element and an electromagnetic shield, the element including a conductive first partial ring coincident with the first plane, a conductive second partial ring coincident with a second plane spaced apart from the first plane, and a conductive connector electrically connecting the first partial ring to the second partial ring, and the electromagnetic shield is positioned to at least partially surround at least one of the conductive first partial ring coincident with the first plane, the conductive second partial ring coincident with the second plane, and the conductive connector.

[0157] According to another embodiment, a magnetic field generator for use in an aerosol delivery device is disclosed, the magnetic field generator comprising one or more inductors, an apparatus operable to pass a varying current through the one or more inductors, and an electromagnetic shield, the electromagnetic shield being positioned between the one or more inductors and the apparatus, the electromagnetic shielding being further positioned to at least partially surround the one or more inductors and / or the apparatus, and the one or more inductors and the apparatus being configured to generate a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density of at least 0.01 Tesla.

[0158] The aerosol generation devices, aerosol generation systems, and inductor coils according to various embodiments have been found to be particularly useful when generating aerosol from a substantially planar consumable. The substantially planar consumable may be provided in either an array or a circular configuration. Other configurations are also contemplated.

[0159] In some embodiments, for example where a substantially planar consumable is provided in the form of an array, multiple heating regions may be provided, for example, according to one embodiment, one heating region may be provided per portion, pixel, or section of the consumable.

[0160] In another embodiment, a substantially flat consumable may be rotated so that segments of the consumable are heated by similarly shaped heaters. According to this embodiment, a single heating zone may be provided.

[0161] In particular, an inductor coil according to various embodiments may be provided as part of a non-combustion aerosol delivery device configured to non-combustibly heat a consumable as part of a non-combustion aerosol delivery system. In particular, the consumable may comprise multiple individual portions of aerosol-generating material.

[0162] The consumable may include a support on which the aerosol-generating material is provided. The support serves as a support for the aerosol-generating material to form, facilitating manufacturing. The support can provide tensile strength to the aerosol-generating material, facilitating handling. In some cases, multiple individual portions of the aerosol-generating material are deposited on such a support. In some cases, multiple individual portions of amorphous material are deposited on such a support. In some cases, individual portions of the aerosol-generating material are deposited on such a support so that each individual portion can be heated and aerosolized separately.

[0163] The individual portions of aerosol-generating material are preferably provided on a support such that each individual portion can be separately heated and aerosolized. It has been found that consumables having this configuration are able to deliver a consistent aerosol to the user with each puff.

[0164] In some cases, the support may be formed from a material selected from metal foil, paper, carbon paper, greaseproof paper, ceramic, carbon allotropes such as graphite and graphene, plastic, cardboard, wood, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the support may include or consist of tobacco material, such as a sheet of reconstituted tobacco. In some cases, the support may be formed from a material selected from metal foil, paper, cardboard, wood, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the support itself is a laminated structure comprising layers of materials selected from the foregoing list. In some cases, the support may also function as a flavoring carrier. For example, the support may be impregnated with flavorings or tobacco extract. In some cases, the support may be non-magnetic. In some cases, the support may be magnetic. This feature may be used to secure the support to an assembly during use or to generate a specific amorphous solid form. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material may include one or more magnets that can be used to secure the material to an induction heater during use.

[0165] In some cases, the support may be substantially or completely impermeable to gases and / or aerosols. This prevents aerosols or gases from passing through the support layer, thereby controlling flow and ensuring delivery to the user. This can also be used, for example, to prevent condensation or other deposition of gases / aerosols on the surface of a heater provided in the aerosol generation assembly during use. This can therefore improve consumption efficiency and hygiene in some cases.

[0166] In some cases, the surface of the support that contacts the aerosol-generating material may be porous. For example, in one case, the support comprises paper. Porous supports such as paper have been found to be particularly suitable for the present invention. A porous (e.g., paper) layer contacts the aerosol-generating material and forms a strong bond. The aerosol-generating material is formed by drying a gel; without being limited by theory, it is believed that the gel-forming slurry partially penetrates the porous support (e.g., paper), resulting in partial bonding of the support to the gel as the gel solidifies and forms bridges. This provides a strong bond between the gel and the support (and between the dried gel and the support).

[0167] In one particular case, the support may be a paper-backed foil, with the paper layer abutting the aerosol-generating material, thereby providing the properties discussed in the previous paragraph. The foil backing is substantially impermeable and controls the flow path of the aerosol. The metal foil backing also serves to conduct heat to the aerosol-generating material.

[0168] In other cases, a layer of paper-backed foil abuts the aerosol-generating material, and the foil is substantially impermeable to prevent water provided to the aerosol-generating material from being absorbed by the paper, which could weaken its structural integrity.

[0169] In some cases, the support is formed from or includes a metal foil, such as aluminum foil. The metal support can improve the conduction of thermal energy to the amorphous solid. Additionally or alternatively, the metal foil can function as a susceptor in an induction heating system. In certain embodiments, the support comprises a metal foil layer and a support layer, such as cardboard. In these embodiments, the thickness of the metal foil layer can be less than about 20 μm, such as from about 1 μm to about 10 μm, with a thickness of about 5 μm being preferred.

[0170] In some cases, the thickness of the support may be from about 0.010 mm to about 2.0 mm, with from about 0.015 mm, 0.02 mm, 0.05 mm, or 0.1 mm to about 1.5 mm, 1.0 mm, or 0.5 mm being preferred.

[0171] It is contemplated that the sense coil may be located anywhere in the PCB stackup. For example, according to one embodiment, the sense coil may be located on the exterior surface of the PCB for ease of connection. Electrically, the sense coil can be thought of as a transducer that acts only as a receptacle that couples to the primary warming coil.

[0172] The susceptor is obviously another transducer acting as a receiver, but its loading is significantly lower and it absorbs most of the current by a large margin. It will be appreciated that the loading on the sense coil is very small.

[0173] This embodiment may be optimized for PCBs as movement is an issue, although it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to PCBs.

[0174] To address various challenges and advance the art, this disclosure provides various exemplary embodiments throughout. These embodiments enable the claimed inventions to be practiced and provide superior inductors, superior inductor structures, superior inductor assemblies, superior magnetic field generators, superior aerosol delivery devices, and superior aerosol delivery systems. The advantages and features of the present disclosure are merely representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive or exclusive of all advantages and features. They are presented solely to aid in the understanding and teaching of the features disclosed in the claims and elsewhere. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting the disclosure as defined by the claims or equivalents thereof, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and / or spirit of the present disclosure. The various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. This disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

[0175] The present disclosure includes the following aspects. [Claim 1] a conductive element; A secondary coil; Equipped with the element comprises an electrically conductive, non-helical first portion coincident with a first plane, an electrically conductive, non-helical second portion coincident with a second plane spaced from the first plane, and a conductive connector electrically connecting the first portion to the second portion; An inductor for use in an aerosol delivery device, wherein the conductive element is configured such that when a varying current is applied to the conductive element, a corresponding varying current is induced in the secondary coil. [Claim 2] a conductive element; A secondary coil; Equipped with the element comprises a conductive first partial ring coincident with a first plane, a conductive second partial ring coincident with a second plane spaced from the first plane, and a conductive connector electrically connecting the first partial ring to the second partial ring; An inductor for use in an aerosol delivery device, wherein the conductive element is configured such that when a varying current is applied to the conductive element, a corresponding varying current is induced in the secondary coil. [Claim 3] a conductive element; an electromagnetic shield; Equipped with the conductive element comprises a conductive non-helical first portion coincident with a first plane, a conductive non-helical second portion coincident with a second plane spaced from the first plane, and a conductive connector electrically connecting the first portion to the second portion; An inductor for use in an aerosol delivery device, wherein the electromagnetic shield is positioned to at least partially surround at least one of: (i) the conductive non-helical first portion coincident with the first plane; (ii) the conductive non-helical second portion coincident with the second plane; and (iii) the conductive connector. [Claim 4] a conductive element; an electromagnetic shield; Equipped with the conductive element comprises a conductive first partial ring coincident with a first plane, a conductive second partial ring coincident with a second plane spaced from the first plane, and a conductive connector electrically connecting the first partial ring to the second partial ring; An inductor for use in an aerosol delivery device, wherein the electromagnetic shield is positioned to at least partially surround at least one of: (i) the conductive non-helical first portion coincident with the first plane; (ii) the conductive non-helical second portion coincident with the second plane; and (iii) the conductive connector. [Claim 5] a conductive element; An inductor for use in an aerosol delivery device, wherein the element comprises: a conductive, non-helical first portion coincident with a first plane; a conductive, non-helical second portion coincident with a second plane spaced from the first plane; and a conductive connector electrically connecting the first portion to the second portion. [Claim 6] The inductor of claim 5 , wherein the first portion is a first partial ring and the second portion is a second partial ring. [Claim 7] An inductor for use in an aerosol delivery device, comprising a conductive element, the element comprising: a conductive first partial ring coincident with a first plane; a conductive second partial ring coincident with a second plane spaced from the first plane; and a conductive connector electrically connecting the first partial ring to the second partial ring. [Claim 8] 8. The inductor according to claim 1, wherein the first portion or first partial annular body is a first arc, and the second portion or second partial annular body is a second arc. [Claim 9] 9. The inductor according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first plane, the first portion or partial annular body and the second portion or partial annular body extend from the conductive connector so as to rotate in opposite directions. [Claim 10] 10. The inductor according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first plane, the first portion or first partial annular body only partially overlaps the second portion or second partial annular body. [Claim 11] 11. The inductor according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first plane, the first portion or first partial annular body at least partially overlaps the conductive connector. [Claim 12] 12. The inductor according to claim 1, wherein the first and second planes are flat planes. [Claim 13] 13. The inductor according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the first plane and the second plane measured in a direction perpendicular to the first and second planes is less than 2 millimeters. [Claim 14] 14. The inductor of claim 1, wherein the first portion or partial annulus and the second portion or partial annulus together define at least 0.9 turns about an axis perpendicular to the first and second planes. [Claim 15] 15. An inductor according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the element comprises further conductive non-helical portions or conductive partial annular bodies coinciding with respective spaced apart planes. [Claim 16] 16. The inductor of claim 15, wherein the total number of turns around the axis defined together by all of the conductive non-helical or partial annular portions of the element is between 1 and 10 turns. [Claim 17] 17. An inductor as claimed in claim 15 or 16, wherein the distance between each adjacent pair of the portions or partial rings of the element is equal to or differs from the distance between each adjacent other pair of the portions or partial rings of the element by less than 10%. [Claim 18] 18. The inductor according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of each of the first and second portions or partial annular bodies measured in a direction perpendicular to the first plane is between 10 micrometers and 200 micrometers. [Claim 19] An inductor for use in an aerosol delivery device, the inductor comprising a coil having a pitch less than 2 millimeters. [Claim 20] an electrically insulating support having opposite first and second sides; an inductor according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the first portion or first partial annular body is on the first side surface of the support, and the second portion or second partial annular body is on the second side surface of the support; 1. An inductor structure for use in an aerosol delivery device, comprising: [Claim 21] 21. The inductor structure of claim 20, further comprising a through hole radially inwardly and coaxially with said first and second portions or sub-annuli. [Claim 22] 22. An inductor arrangement according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the conductive connector of the inductor extends through the support. [Claim 23] 23. The inductor structure of claim 20, 21, or 22, wherein the support has a thickness of 0.2 mm to 2 mm. [Claim 24] 24. An inductor structure according to any one of claims 20 to 23, comprising a printed circuit board, the support being a non-conductive substrate of the printed circuit board, and the first and second parts or partial annular bodies being tracks on the substrate. [Claim 25] 25. An inductor assembly for use in an aerosol delivery device, comprising a plurality of inductors according to any one of claims 1 to 19, or a plurality of inductor arrangements according to any one of claims 20 to 24. [Claim 26] A magnetic field generator for use in an aerosol delivery device, comprising one or more inductors according to any one of claims 1 to 19, or one or more inductor structures according to any one of claims 20 to 24, or an inductor assembly according to claim 25. [Claim 27] one or more inductors; and an apparatus operable to apply a varying current to the one or more inductors; A magnetic field generator for use in an aerosol delivery device, wherein the one or more inductors and the apparatus are configured to generate a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density of at least 0.01 Tesla. [Claim 28] the or each inductor is an inductor according to any one of claims 1 to 19, or 28. A magnetic field generator according to claim 27, comprising one or more inductor arrangements according to any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein the one or more inductors of the magnetic field generator are inductors of a respective one or more inductor arrangements. [Claim 29] a heating region for receiving at least a portion of the article comprising the aerosolizable material; A magnetic field generator according to any one of claims 26, 27 or 28; Equipped with An aerosol delivery device configured such that the magnetic field generator is operable to generate a varying magnetic field for use in heating at least a portion of the aerosolizable material of the article when the article is in the heating region. [Claim 30] 30. The aerosol delivery device of claim 29, wherein the or each inductor of the magnetic field generator at least partially surrounds the heating region. [Claim 31] 31. The aerosol delivery device of claim 29 or 30, comprising a susceptor that is heatable by penetration of the fluctuating magnetic field, thereby heating the heating region. [Claim 32] 32. The aerosol delivery device of claim 29, 30, or 31, wherein the magnetic field generator is configured to be operable to generate a plurality of respective varying magnetic fields independently of one another for use in independently heating respective portions of the aerosolizable material of the article. [Claim 33] 33. An aerosol delivery system comprising the aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 29 to 32 and an article comprising an aerosolizable material, wherein the article comprising an aerosolizable material is at least partially insertable into the heating region. [Claim 34] one or more inductors, one or more coils, and a device operable to pass a varying current through the one or more inductors; when the device passes a varying current through the one or more inductors, a corresponding varying current is induced in the one or more coils; A magnetic field generator for use in an aerosol delivery device, wherein the one or more inductors and the apparatus are configured to generate a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density of at least 0.01 Tesla. [Claim 35] one or more inductors; a device operable to apply a varying current to the one or more inductors; an electromagnetic shield; Equipped with A magnetic field generator for use in an aerosol delivery device, wherein the electromagnetic shield is positioned between the one or more inductors and the device, the electromagnetic shield is further positioned to at least partially surround the one or more inductors and / or the device, and the one or more inductors and the device are configured to generate a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density of at least 0.01 Tesla.

Claims

[Claim 1] a conductive element; A secondary coil; Equipped with the element comprises an electrically conductive, non-helical first portion coincident with a first plane, an electrically conductive, non-helical second portion coincident with a second plane spaced from the first plane, and a conductive connector electrically connecting the first portion to the second portion; An inductor for use in an aerosol delivery device, wherein the conductive element is configured such that when a varying current is applied to the conductive element, a corresponding varying current is induced in the secondary coil.

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