Apparatus for heating aerosolisable material

Abstract

To provide a novel apparatus arranged to heat aerosolisable material to volatilise at least one component of the aerosolisable material.SOLUTION: An apparatus comprises a conductive wire defining a receiving portion arranged to receive a consumable article comprising aerosolisable material and a support structure encapsulating at least an outer edge of the conductive wire to thereby support the receiving portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus configured to heat an aerosolizable material. [Background technology]

[0002] Articles such as cigarettes, cigars, and the like burn tobacco to produce tobacco smoke during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these tobacco-burning articles by creating products that release compounds without combustion. Examples of such products are so-called non-combustion heating products, also known as tobacco heating products or tobacco heating devices, which release compounds by heating a material without burning it. The material may be, for example, tobacco, another non-tobacco product, or a combination, such as a blended mixture, which may or may not contain nicotine. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect, there is provided an apparatus configured to heat an aerosolizable material to vaporize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, the apparatus comprising: a conductive wire defining a receiving portion configured to receive a consumable product including an aerosolizable material; and a support structure surrounding at least the outer edge of the conductive wire to support the receiving portion.

[0004] In one exemplary embodiment, the support structure surrounds both the outer edge of the conductive wire and the inner edge of the conductive wire, thereby forming an insulating layer between the conductive wire and the consumable during use.

[0005] In one exemplary embodiment, the thickness of the support structure between the inner surface of the support structure and the inner edge of the conductive wire is in the range of 0.1 to 0.5 mm.

[0006] In one exemplary embodiment, the support structure has a thickness in the range of 1 mm to 5 mm.

[0007] In one exemplary embodiment, the conductive wire has a substantially rectangular cross-section with a width in the range of 2.75 mm ±30% to 5.95 mm ±30% and a thickness in the range of 0.05 mm ±30% to 0.1 mm ±30%.

[0008] In one exemplary embodiment, the conductive wire has a substantially circular cross section with a diameter in the range of 0.2 to 0.65 mm.

[0009] In one exemplary embodiment, the support structure comprises a plastic material.

[0010] In one exemplary embodiment, the support structure comprises polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0011] According to one aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing an apparatus configured to heat an aerosolizable material, the method comprising: forming a coil of conductive wire; and enclosing the coil of wire within a support structure, whereby the enclosed conductive wire forms a heating chamber configured to receive the consumable.

[0012] According to one aspect, there is provided an apparatus configured to heat an aerosolizable material to vaporize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, the apparatus comprising: a metal receiving portion configured to receive a consumable containing an aerosolizable material; an electrically conductive wire disposed about the receiving portion, the electrically conductive wire configured to generate heat for transfer to the received consumable aerosolizable material in response to application of an electric current; an oxide layer formed on the surface of the metal receiving portion, the oxide layer being disposed between the metal receiving portion and the conductive wire;

[0013] In one exemplary embodiment, the oxide layer is an anodized layer.

[0014] In one exemplary embodiment, the receiving portion is a tube configured to receive a cylindrical consumable containing an aerosolizable material.

[0015] In one exemplary embodiment, the tube has a diameter in the range of 5 to 10 mm.

[0016] In one exemplary embodiment, the conductive wire is helically disposed around the receiving portion.

[0017] In one exemplary embodiment, the conductive wire comprises one or more of aluminum, manganin, copper, steel, constantan, nickel, nichrome, stainless steel, silver, and fecralloy.

[0018] In one exemplary embodiment, the conductive wire comprises one or more zones including a first zone and a second zone, where the first zone extends along the receiving portion from a distal end of the receiving portion to an intermediate point, and the second zone extends from the intermediate point to a proximal end of the receiving portion.

[0019] In one exemplary embodiment, the first zone extends a length in the range of 10 to 20 mm.

[0020] In one exemplary embodiment, the second zone extends a length in the range of 25-30 mm.

[0021] In one exemplary embodiment, the receiving portion comprises aluminum, and the conductive wire is electrically isolated from the receiving portion by a layer of anodized aluminum.

[0022] In one exemplary embodiment, the receiving portion comprises an aluminum tube having a thickness in the range of 0.05 to 0.15 mm.

[0023] In one exemplary embodiment, the distal end of the receiving portion comprises a flared opening.

[0024] According to one aspect, there is provided an apparatus configured to heat an aerosolizable material to vaporize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, the apparatus comprising: a coil of conductive wire; Support structure and Equipped with The resilience of the coil provides a clamping force that holds the coil in place on the support tube.

[0025] According to one aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing an apparatus configured to heat an aerosolizable material, the method comprising: providing a support structure configured to receive a consumable containing an aerosolizable material; forming a coil of conductive wire around a support structure; Including, The resilience of the coil provides a clamping force that holds the coil in place on the support tube.

[0026] According to one aspect, there is provided an apparatus configured to heat an aerosolizable material to vaporize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, the apparatus comprising: a coil of conductive wire; a support structure wound with a coil of conductive wire; and a clamping mechanism configured to clamp the coil of conductive wire to a support structure.

[0027] In one exemplary embodiment, the clamping mechanism comprises a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion configured to engage with one another to surround the coil of conductive wire.

[0028] According to one aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing an apparatus configured to heat an aerosolizable material, the method comprising: providing a support structure configured to receive a consumable containing an aerosolizable material; forming a coil of conductive wire around a support structure; providing a clamping mechanism to the conductive coil, the clamping mechanism configured to clamp the coil of conductive wire to a support structure.

[0029] Various embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material to vaporize at least one component of the aerosolizable material. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a conductive wire. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material to vaporize at least one component of the aerosolizable material. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material to vaporize at least one component of the aerosolizable material. [Figure 5a] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material to vaporize at least one component of the aerosolizable material. [Figure 5b] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material to vaporize at least one component of the aerosolizable material. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view of an example of an apparatus according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Devices are known that heat aerosolizable material without burning or combusting the aerosolizable material to vaporize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, typically thereby forming an inhalable aerosol. Such devices are sometimes referred to as "non-combustion heating" devices, or "tobacco heating products," or "tobacco heating devices," or similar terms. Similarly, so-called e-cigarette devices exist that typically vaporize aerosolizable material in liquid form, which may or may not contain nicotine. Generally, the aerosolizable material can take the form of or be provided as part of a rod, cartridge, or cassette that can be inserted into the device. The heating material for heating and vaporizing the aerosolizable material may be provided as a "permanent" part of the device or as part of a consumable that is discarded and replaced after use. A "consumable" in this context is a device or article, or other component, that includes or contains the aerosolizable material during use, which is heated during use to vaporize the aerosolizable material.

[0032] As used herein, the term "aerosolizable material" includes materials that, upon heating, provide evaporative components, typically in the form of a vapor or aerosol. "Aerosolizable material" may be a non-tobacco-containing material or a tobacco-containing material. "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 take the form of ground tobacco, cut rag tobacco, extruded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, reconstituted aerosolizable material, liquid, gel, gelled sheet, powder, or agglomerate. "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.

[0033] 1, there is shown a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of an apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 100 is for heating an aerosolizable material to vaporize at least one component of the aerosolizable material.

[0034] The device 100 comprises a device housing 102, hereafter referred to as the body 102. The body 102 comprises a receiving portion 104 for receiving at least a portion of a consumable containing an aerosolizable material to be heated.

[0035] The device 100 has an outlet 106 that allows vaporized components of the aerosolizable material to exit the receiving portion 104 and out of the device 100 when the consumable is heated during use.

[0036] The device 100 has an air inlet 108 that fluidly connects the receiving portion 104 to the exterior of the device 100. A user may be able to inhale the vaporized component(s) of the aerosolizable material by drawing on the vaporized component(s) from the consumable. As the vaporized component(s) are removed from the consumable, air may be drawn into the receiving portion 104 through the air inlet 108 of the device 100.

[0037] In this embodiment, the receiving portion 104 is cylindrical (i.e., circular in cross section) and forms a recess or cavity for receiving at least a portion of the consumable. The receiving portion 104 can have a diameter in the range of 5-10 mm. In this embodiment, the receiving portion 104 includes a flared opening 124.

[0038] The receiving portion 104 may be made from a metallic material, such as aluminum, copper, manganin, steel, constantan, nichrome, stainless steel, nickel, fecralloy®, or the like. In this embodiment, the receiving portion 104 is a tubular structure configured to receive a consumable having a cylindrical configuration. However, in other embodiments, the receiving portion 104 may be configured to receive consumables having other configurations (i.e., non-cylindrical) and therefore may have other geometries configured to receive such consumables. For example, the receiving portion 104 may have a rectangular cross-section. In other embodiments, the receiving portion 104 may be something other than a recess, such as a ledge, surface, or protrusion, that cooperates with or requires mechanical interlocking with the consumable to receive it. In this embodiment, the receiving portion 104 is elongated and sized and shaped to accommodate a portion of the consumable, such that another portion of the consumable protrudes from the body 102. In other embodiments, the receiving portion 104 may be dimensioned to receive the entire consumable. Typically, the receiving portion 104 has a wall thickness in the range of 0.05 to 0.15 mm. For example, the receiving portion 104 may be a tube having a wall thickness of about 0.1 mm.

[0039] Surrounding the receiving portion 104 is an electrically conductive wire 110 configured to generate heat by resistive heating in response to the application of an electric current. The electrically conductive wire 110 can take any suitable form. In this embodiment, the electrically conductive wire 110 is a coil of electrically conductive wire wrapped around the receiving portion 104 in a helical configuration. The coil extends along a longitudinal axis that is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the receiving portion 104.

[0040] Each turn of the coil is electrically isolated from adjacent turns. In this embodiment, each turn of the coil is separated from adjacent turns by an air gap. In some embodiments, the coil may be surrounded by a dielectric material. Electrically isolating the turns of the coil from adjacent turns prevents short circuits between the turns of the coil, which would otherwise affect the resistance of the coil and change the heating characteristics of the conductive wire 110.

[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a wire 200 from which the conductive wire 110 can be formed to cooperate with the receiving portion 104. In this embodiment, the wire 200 can be drawn or otherwise formed to have a substantially circular cross-section. In particular, the wire 200 has a diameter 202. In some embodiments, the wire diameter 202 ranges from 0.2 to 0.65 mm. A wire having a larger diameter can provide an increased contact area with the receiving portion 104, which may result in improved heat transfer between the wire 200 and the receiving portion 104. The increased contact area between the wire 200 and the receiving portion 104, and the resulting improved thermal contact between the wire 200 and the receiving portion 104, can provide improved heat transfer between the wire 200 and the receiving portion 104, thus improving the heating efficiency of the device 100. Alternatively, in other examples, a wire having any other suitable cross-sectional shape, such as a rectangular cross-sectional shape, may be used.

[0042] When placed within the device (i.e., wrapped around the receiving portion 104), the substantially circular configuration of the wire can be deformed so that its circular cross-section conforms to the outer surface of the receiving portion 104. For example, the circular cross-section of the wire can be deformed so that the cross-section becomes elliptical. Furthermore, the wire can conform to the radius of the outer surface of the receiving portion 104. In embodiments in which the conductive wire 200 forms a helix, the conductive wire 200 can be deformed to form a compound curve, i.e., a curve that conforms to a curve on an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the receiving portion 104 and a curve that conforms to a curve on an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receiving portion 104.

[0043] In this embodiment, the conductive wire 110 extends along substantially the entire length of the receiving portion 104. However, in other embodiments, the conductive wire 110 may extend along only a portion of the receiving portion 104 (i.e., not along the entire length of the receiving portion 104).

[0044] The outer surface of the receiving portion 104 includes an insulating layer 112 that provides electrical isolation between the conductive wire 110 and the receiving portion 104. The insulating layer 112 may include, for example, a dielectric material. In some embodiments, the insulating layer 112 may be adhered to the outer surface of the receiving portion 104. For example, the insulating layer 112 may be a layer of polyimide film adhered to the outer surface of the receiving portion 104. In other embodiments, the insulating layer 112 may be an oxide layer formed on the outer surface of the receiving portion 104. For example, the receiving portion 104 may be formed of a metal material and the insulating layer 112 may be formed of an oxide of that metal. In one example, the receiving portion 104 may be formed of aluminum and the insulating layer 112 may be an anodized layer formed of aluminum oxide. In some examples, the anodized layer may be formed by so-called hard anodizing. In some examples, the anodized layer has a thickness between 15 nanometers and 25 micrometers.

[0045] In this embodiment, the conductive wire 110 is wrapped around an insulating layer 112 supported by the receiving portion 104. Resilience provided by the material from which the conductive wire 110 is made may provide a compressive force that holds the conductive wire 110 in contact with the insulating layer 112 on the surface of the receiving portion 104, thus improving thermal contact between the conductive wire 110 and the receiving portion 104. Alternatively, or additionally, another component, such as an additional tube or one or more spring clips, may be disposed around the conductive wire 110 to hold or clamp the conductive wire 110 in place in the receiving portion 104. For example, in some embodiments, the clamping mechanism may include first and second clamping portions, each configured to engage with another to surround a coil of conductive wire. When the first and second clamping portions engage with each other around the conductive wire 110, the first and second clamping portions can exert a compressive force on the conductive wire 110, biasing the conductive wire 110 toward the outer surface of the receiving portion 104. In other embodiments, the conductive wire 110 can comprise electrical traces formed between layers of dielectric material. For example, the electrical traces can be etched traces formed between sheets of polyimide.

[0046] Although in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the conductive wire 110 is arranged in a coil, in other embodiments, the conductive wire 110 may have other configurations, for example, the conductive wire 110 may be configured in a “zigzag” pattern extending along the longitudinal axis of the receiving portion 104.

[0047] The conductive wire 110 may be formed of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the conductive wire 110 is formed of a metallic material. For example, the conductive wire 110 may include one or more of aluminum, copper, manganin, steel, constantan, nichrome, stainless steel, nickel, and Fecralloy®, an alloy of iron, chromium, and aluminum that has a relatively low resistivity and can ramp up to a target temperature relatively quickly. In other embodiments, the conductive wire 110 may be formed of a ceramic material.

[0048] The device 100 also includes a power supply 114 for applying an electric current to the conductive wire 110 during use. In response to the application of the electric current, the temperature of the conductive wire 110 increases due to resistive heating of the conductive wire 110. In this embodiment, the power supply 114 is a rechargeable battery. In other embodiments, the power supply 114 may be something other than a rechargeable battery, such as a non-rechargeable battery, a capacitor, a combination battery and capacitor, or a connection to an external power source such as a mains or USB-powered power source.

[0049] A first terminal 114a of the power source 114 is electrically connected to the first end 110a of the conductive wire 110. A second terminal 114b of the power source 114 is electrically connected to the second end 110b of the conductive wire 110. In this embodiment, an electrical connection is also made between the second terminal 114b of the power source 114 and a midpoint 110c of the conductive wire 110 between the first end 110a and the second end 110b. This configuration of electrical connections allows power to be applied to different zones of the conductive wire 110. In particular, in this embodiment, a first zone 116 (referred to herein as Zone 1) is defined between the first end 110a and a midpoint 110c between the first end 110a and the second end 110b, and a second zone 118 (referred to herein as Zone 2) is defined between the second end 110b and a midpoint 110c between the first end 110a and the second end 110b. In other embodiments, the conductive wire 110 may be electrically connected to the power source 114 to define a single zone, or may be electrically connected to the power source 114 to define three or more zones. The zones may be of substantially equal length or may be of different lengths to provide different heating characteristics to different heating zones. In some embodiments, Zone 1 116 extends along the conductive wire 110 (and thus the receiving portion 104) for a length in the range of 10-20 mm, and Zone 2 118 extends along the conductive wire 110 (and thus the receiving portion 104) for a length in the range of 25-30 mm. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, Zone 1 116 extends along the conductive wire 110 (and thus the receiving portion 104) for a length in the range of 14-16 mm, and Zone 2 118 extends along the conductive wire 110 (and thus the receiving portion 104) for a length in the range of 27-28 mm.

[0050] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a perspective view of device 100 with conductive wire 110 wrapped around receiving portion 104. In particular, Figure 3 shows a first wire 302 (connected to a power source) connected to first end 110a of conductive wire 110, a second wire 304 (connected to a power source) connected to second end 110b of conductive wire 110 (thereby defining zone 1 116), and a third wire 306 (connected to a power source) coupled to midpoint 110c of conductive wire 110 (thereby defining zone 2 118).

[0051] The rate at which the temperature of the conductive wire 110 increases depends on the power applied to the conductive wire 110 and the resistance of the conductive wire 110. In embodiments in which the power source 114 is a rechargeable battery, the voltage provided by the battery is typically at least about 2.7 volts but can be as high as 4.2 volts, and can deliver a current of up to about 8.6 amps. Thus, the maximum power that can be supplied by such a rechargeable battery is typically about 23 watts. Thus, the target resistance of the conductive wire 112 when powered by such a rechargeable battery is about 0.32 ohms (0.35 ohms ±5%). Such a resistance allows the temperature of the conductive wire 110 to increase from room temperature (i.e., about 23°C) to about 280°C in about 3 seconds, or at a rate of about 90°C per second, which is comparable to the heating rate of an induction wire configured to heat consumables containing aerosolizable materials.

[0052] The resistance of the conductive wire 110 depends on the resistivity of the material. A material with a lower density has a lower mass and therefore requires less energy and / or heating time. Similarly, a material with a lower specific heat requires less energy and / or heating time. However, since density is inversely proportional to specific heat, one cannot choose to have both low; a compromise must be found.

[0053] With respect to the resistivity of a material, a trade-off must be made between the energy and / or time required to heat it and the coverage of the surface to be heated: a material with a higher resistivity requires less material and therefore has less mass (and therefore requires less energy and / or time to heat) but will cover less of the surface to be heated, while a material with a lower resistivity requires more material and therefore has more mass (and therefore requires more energy and / or time to heat) but will cover more of the surface to be heated.

[0054] If the target temperature rise is about 257°C and the maximum available power is about 23 watts, (s / mm 3 The time t required to reach the desired temperature for a given volume of material (having units of v can be calculated for a variety of materials using this formula.

[0055] t v = (temperature rise x specific heat x density) / power The controller 120 is electrically connected to the power supply 114. The controller 120 is for controlling the supply of power from the power supply 114 to the conductive heater 110. The controller 120 may comprise an integrated circuit (IC), for example, an IC on a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0056] The controller 120 is operated by user manipulation of a user interface 122. The user interface 122 is located external to the main body 102. The user interface 122 may include, for example, push buttons, toggle switches, dials, a touch screen, etc. In other embodiments, the user interface 122 may be remote and may be wirelessly connected to the rest of the device, such as via Bluetooth.

[0057] A user operates the user interface 122, which enables the controller 120 to cause the power supply 114 to apply current to the conductive heater 110, which then generates heat by resistive heating.

[0058] In some examples, during use, the apparatus 100 is configured such that the conductive wire 110 heats the first zone 116 to a first zone target temperature and the second zone 118 to a second zone target temperature. The target temperature of the first zone 116 may be in a range of between about 240°C and about 300°C, such as between about 250°C and about 280°C. Similarly, the target temperature of the second zone 118 may be in a range of between about 240°C and about 300°C, such as between about 250°C and about 280°C. In some examples, the apparatus 100 is configured such that the conductive wire 110 first heats the first zone 116 to the first zone target temperature and then subsequently heats the second zone 118 to the second zone target temperature (or vice versa).

[0059] In some examples, in use, the apparatus 100 is configured such that the conductive wire 110 heats the first zone 116 to a target temperature for the first zone in a ramp-up time of between 2 and 10 seconds, such as between 2 and 5 seconds, such as between 2 and 40 seconds. Similarly, in use, the apparatus 100 is configured such that the conductive wire 110 heats the second zone 118 to a target temperature for the second zone in a ramp-up time of between 2 and 10 seconds, such as between 2 and 5 seconds, such as between 2 and 40 seconds.

[0060] 4 shows the device 100, as described above with reference to FIG. 1, in use with a consumable 400 inserted into the receiving portion 104. As described above, the consumable 400 is inserted into the device 100 and heated, thereby releasing (i.e., vaporizing) components present in the aerosolizable material present in the consumable 400. The end 402 of the consumable 400, in some embodiments, can function as a mouthpiece through which vaporized components from the aerosolizable material can be inhaled.

[0061] When a consumable is present in the receiving portion 104 and the control device 120 controls the power source 114 to pass current through the conductive wire 110, the heat from the conductive wire 110 heats the aerosolizable material, causing the components of the aerosolizable material to evaporate.

[0062] FIG. 5 a illustrates an embodiment of device 500 in which the receiving portion is defined by the conductive wire itself. That is, there may not be a separate receiving portion, such as a tube, between the conductive wire and the space where the consumable is to be received. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 , the outwardly facing surface of conductive wire 502 (e.g., a coil) may be supported and / or mounted to the inner surface of support structure 504, such that conductive wire 502 and support structure 504 form a heating chamber that defines space 506 for receiving the consumable, without the need for a separate, thermally conductive internal support structure around which conductive wire 502 is wound. Such an embodiment may improve the transfer of thermal energy from conductive wire 502 to the aerosolizable material within the received consumable.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 5b, which illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5a, in some embodiments, the conductive wire 502 may be completely surrounded by the support structure 504. The support structure 504 may define an isolation layer 508 between the conductive wire 502 and the space 506 that is to receive the consumable. The isolation layer 508 may have a thickness of up to 0.5 mm. In one particular embodiment, the isolation layer 508 has a thickness of approximately 0.26 mm. However, in some embodiments, the conductive wire 502 may not be completely surrounded by the support structure 504, and thus the inner surface of the conductive wire 502 may be exposed to the space 506 that is to receive the consumable, thereby allowing the conductive wire 502 to directly contact the received consumable. That is, the isolation layer 508 may have a thickness in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0064] In some embodiments, the conductive wire 502 can have a substantially rectangular cross-section. In particular, the wire 502 can have a width and a thickness. In some embodiments, the wire width 202 ranges from 2.75 mm ±30% to 5.95 mm ±30%. In some embodiments, the wire thickness ranges from 0.05 mm ±30% to 0.1 mm ±30%.

[0065] In some embodiments, the support structure 504 may be made of a plastic material that can withstand the temperatures required to vaporize one or more components of the aerosolizable material. For example, the support structure may include polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0066] Figure 6 is a perspective view of another example of an apparatus 600 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus shown in Figure 6 is similar to the apparatus shown in Figure 3, but includes multiple coils, in this example a first coil 602 and a second coil 604, that define different heating zones.

[0067] The first coil 602 has a first end 602a and a second end 602b, which are electrically connected (e.g., by a crimp or solder joint) to a first power supply wire 606a and a second power supply wire 606b, respectively. Similarly, the second coil 604 has a first end 604a and a second end 604b, which are electrically connected (e.g., by a crimp or solder joint) to a first power supply wire 606c and a second power supply wire 606d, respectively. Each of the first coil 602 and the second coil 604 is wrapped around the receiving portion 104 in a helical configuration. Each of the power supply wires 606a-606d can include a conductive core covered with an electrically insulating sheath. In some examples, the insulating sheath can be formed from polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0068] In use, the first coil 602 is configured to heat a first heating zone of the receiving portion 104, and the second coil 604 is configured to heat a second zone of the receiving portion 104. The first heating zone can extend along the receiving portion 104 from a distal end of the receiving portion 104 to a boundary point, and the second heating zone can extend from the boundary point to a proximal end of the receiving portion 104. In some examples, the first heating zone extends a length in the range of 10-15 mm. In some examples, the second heating zone extends a length in the range of 20-30 mm.

[0069] The ends of the first and second coils include tabs that provide space for making electrical connections (eg, by crimp or solder joints) to a power source via power supply wires 606a-606d.

[0070] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as merely representative samples of embodiments and are not intended to be exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or on the equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of any suitable combination of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Additionally, the present disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future. [Item of invention] [Item 1] 1. An apparatus configured to heat an aerosolizable material to vaporize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, comprising: a conductive wire defining a receiving portion configured to receive a consumable product including an aerosolizable material; a support structure surrounding at least an outer edge of the conductive wire and supporting the receiving portion; An apparatus comprising: [Item 2] Item 1. The device of item 1, wherein the support structure surrounds both the outer edge of the conductive wire and the inner edge of the conductive wire, thereby forming an isolation layer between the conductive wire and the consumable during use. [Item 3] 3. The device according to item 2, wherein the thickness of the support structure between the inner surface of the support structure and the inner edge of the conductive wire is in the range of 0.1 to 0.5 mm. [Item 4] 4. The device according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the support structure has a thickness in the range of 1 mm to 5 mm. [Item 5] 5. The device according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the conductive wire has a substantially rectangular cross-section with a width in the range of 2.75 mm ± 30% to 5.95 mm ± 30% and a thickness in the range of 0.05 mm ± 30% to 0.1 mm ± 30%. [Item 6] 6. The device according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the conductive wire has a substantially circular cross section with a diameter in the range of 0.2 to 0.65 mm. [Item 7] 7. The apparatus of any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the support structure comprises a plastic material. [Item 8] 8. The apparatus of any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the support structure comprises polyetheretherketone (PEEK). [Item 9] 1. A method of manufacturing an apparatus configured to heat an aerosolizable material, comprising: forming a coil of conductive wire; enclosing the coil of conductive wire within a support structure, whereby the enclosed conductive wire forms a heating chamber configured to receive a consumable; A method comprising: [Item 10] 1. An apparatus configured to heat an aerosolizable material to vaporize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, comprising: a metal receiving portion configured to receive a consumable containing an aerosolizable material; an electrically conductive wire disposed about the receiving portion, the electrically conductive wire configured to generate heat for transfer to the received consumable aerosolizable material in response to application of an electric current; and an oxide layer formed on the surface of the metal receiving portion, the oxide layer being disposed between the metal receiving portion and the conductive wire; An apparatus comprising: [Item 11] Item 11. The device of item 10, wherein the oxide layer is an anodized layer. [Item 12] Item 12. The device of item 11, wherein the oxide layer is a hard anodized layer having a thickness between 15 nanometers and 25 micrometers. [Item 13] 13. The device of any one of items 10 to 12, wherein the receiving portion is a tube configured to receive a cylindrical consumable containing an aerosolizable material. [Item 14] Item 14. The apparatus according to item 13, wherein the tube has a diameter in the range of 5 to 10 mm. [Item 15] 15. The device according to any one of items 10 to 14, wherein the conductive wire is arranged in a spiral shape around the receiving portion. [Item 16] 16. The apparatus of any one of items 10-15, wherein the conductive wire comprises one or more of aluminum, manganin, copper, steel, constantan, nickel, nichrome, stainless steel, silver, and fecralloy®. [Item 17] 17. The device of any one of items 10-16, wherein the conductive wire comprises one or more zones including a first zone and a second zone, the first zone extending along the receiving portion from a distal end of the receiving portion to an intermediate point, and the second zone extending from the intermediate point to a proximal end of the receiving portion. [Item 18] Item 18. The device according to item 17, wherein the first zone extends for a length in the range of 10 to 20 mm. [Item 19] Item 18. The device according to item 17, wherein the second zone extends for a length in the range of 25 to 30 mm. [Item 20] 20. The device of any one of items 17 to 19, wherein the conductive wire comprises separate first and second coils, the first coil comprising the first zone, and the second coil comprising the second zone. [Item 21] 20. The device of any one of items 17 to 19, wherein the conductive wire comprises a single coil, and the single coil comprises the first zone and the second zone. [Item 22] 22. The apparatus according to any one of items 17 to 21, wherein the first zone has a target temperature in the range of 240°C to 300°C and / or the second zone has a target temperature in the range of 240°C to 300°C. [Item 23] 23. The apparatus of any one of items 17 to 22, wherein the first zone has a ramp-up time in the range of 2 to 40 seconds and / or the second zone has a ramp-up time in the range of 2 to 40 seconds. [Item 24] 24. The device of any one of items 10 to 23, wherein the receiving portion comprises aluminum and the conductive wire is electrically isolated from the receiving portion by a layer of anodized aluminum. [Item 25] Item 25. The apparatus according to item 24, wherein the receiving portion comprises an aluminum tube having a thickness in the range of 0.05 to 0.15 mm. [Item 26] 26. The device of any one of items 10 to 25, wherein the distal end of the receiving portion comprises a flared opening. [Item 27] 1. An apparatus configured to heat an aerosolizable material to vaporize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, comprising: a coil of conductive wire; Support structure and Equipped with The apparatus wherein the resilience of the coil provides a clamping force that holds the coil in place on the support tube. [Item 28] 1. A method of manufacturing an apparatus configured to heat an aerosolizable material, comprising: providing a support structure configured to receive a consumable containing an aerosolizable material; forming a coil of conductive wire around the support structure; Including, A method wherein the resilience of the coil provides a clamping force that holds the coil in place on the support tube. [Item 29] 1. An apparatus configured to heat an aerosolizable material to vaporize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, comprising: a coil of conductive wire; a support structure around which the coil of conductive wire is wound; a clamping mechanism configured to clamp the coil of conductive wire to the support structure; An apparatus comprising: [Item 30] 30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the clamping mechanism comprises a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion, the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion configured to engage with each other to surround the coil of conductive wire. [Item 31] 1. A method of manufacturing an apparatus configured to heat an aerosolizable material, comprising: providing a support structure configured to receive a consumable containing an aerosolizable material; forming a coil of conductive wire around the support structure; providing a clamping mechanism to the conductive coil, the clamping mechanism configured to clamp the coil of conductive wire to the support structure; A method comprising:

Claims

[Claim 1] 1. An apparatus configured to heat an aerosolizable material to vaporize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, comprising: a conductive wire defining a receiving portion configured to receive a consumable product including an aerosolizable material; a support structure surrounding at least an outer edge of the conductive wire and supporting the receiving portion; An apparatus comprising:

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