Aerosol supply device

Abstract

To provide an improved aerosol supply device.SOLUTION: An aerosol supply device comprises one or a plurality of aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosol from an aerosol generating material, a controller to control the aerosol generators, and a user interface. The user interface may be arranged to enable a user to interact with the user interface at a point in time after the usage session has commenced to cause the controller to (i) halt or change further operations of the aerosol generator, and / or (ii) place the aerosol generator in a power saving mode, and / or (iii) change or vary a heating profile set for the aerosol generator for the remainder of the session, and / or (iv) change or vary the duration of the heating profile set for the aerosol generator for the remainder of the session.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol delivery device, an aerosol generating system, and a method for generating an aerosol. [Background technology]

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

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

[0004] It would be desirable to provide an improved aerosol delivery device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect, there is provided an aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material, the aerosol delivery device comprising: one or more aerosol generators arranged to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material; a controller for controlling one or more aerosol generators; a user interface arranged to enable a user to interact with the user interface to cause the controller, at time t1 after the use session has begun, to (i) pause or modify further operation of one or more aerosol generators, and / or (ii) place one or more aerosol generators into a power saving mode of operation, and / or (iii) change or vary a heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the use session from time t1 onwards, and / or (iv) change or vary the duration of a heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the use session from time t1 onwards; An aerosol delivery device is provided comprising:

[0006] Various embodiments relate to an aerosol delivery device in which, after a usage session has begun, a user can interact with a user interface to interrupt or change the heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the usage session.

[0007] According to one embodiment, when the controller pauses or modifies further operation of the one or more aerosol generators, the controller may be further configured to reduce energy or power supplied to the one or more aerosol generators such that an operating temperature of the one or more aerosol generators decreases to a temperature T1, where T1≦200° C. Optionally, T1 is selected from the group consisting of: (i) below 20° C., (ii) between 20 and 40° C., (iii) between 40 and 60° C., (iv) between 60 and 80° C., (v) between 80 and 100° C., (vi) between 100 and 120° C., (vii) between 120 and 140° C., (viii) between 140 and 160° C., (ix) between 160 and 180° C., and (x) between 180 and 200° C.

[0008] If the controller is caused to pause or alter further operation of one or more aerosol generators, the controller may be further configured to turn off the energy or power supplied to the one or more aerosol generators.

[0009] When the controller is caused to pause or modify further operation of the one or more aerosol generators, the controller may be further arranged to prevent aerosol from being generated from the aerosol-generating material.

[0010] The user interface may be further arranged to allow the user to further interact with the user interface to cause the controller, at a next time point t2, to (i) resume operation of one or more aerosol generators and / or (ii) bring one or more aerosol generators out of a power saving operating mode.

[0011] The controller may be further configured to turn off energy or power supplied to the one or more aerosol generators after a predetermined period of time from time t1 if there has been no further user interaction with the user interface after time t1. The predetermined period of time may be less than 10 seconds, 10-20 seconds, 20-30 seconds, 30-40 seconds, 40-50 seconds, 50-60 seconds, 60-70 seconds, 70-80 seconds, 80-90 seconds, 90-100 seconds, 100-110 seconds, 110-120 seconds, 120-130 seconds, 130-140 seconds, 140-150 seconds, 150-160 seconds, 160-170 seconds, 170-180 seconds, or more than 180 seconds.

[0012] According to one embodiment, before time t1, the controller is arranged to set a first heating profile for one or more aerosol generators having a first average operating temperature T1 throughout the intended use session, and following user interaction with the user interface after time t1, the controller is arranged to set a second, different heating profile for one or more aerosol generators so that the one or more aerosol generators have a second average operating temperature T2 throughout the use session, where T1>T2 or T2>T1.

[0013] According to one embodiment, following a user interaction with the user interface at time t1, the controller is arranged to increase or gradually increase the operating temperature of one or more aerosol generators.

[0014] According to one embodiment, following a user interaction with the user interface at time t1, the controller is arranged to reduce or gradually reduce the operating temperature of one or more aerosol generators.

[0015] Following a user interaction with the user interface at time t1, the controller may be configured to increase the duration of the heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the usage session from time t1 onwards.

[0016] Following a user interaction with the user interface at time t1, the controller may be configured to reduce the duration of the heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the usage session from time t1 onwards.

[0017] Following a user interaction with the user interface at time t1, the controller may be arranged to set different predetermined heating profiles for one or more aerosol generators.

[0018] The one or more aerosol generators may comprise one or more induction heating units.

[0019] The one or more aerosol generators may comprise one or more resistive or non-inductive heating units.

[0020] The one or more aerosol generators may be equipped with one or more external heating units.

[0021] The one or more aerosol generators include one or more internal heating units.

[0022] If the controller is caused to change or vary the heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the use session from time t1 onwards, the controller may be further configured to increase or decrease the temperature of one or more aerosol generators.

[0023] The one or more aerosol generators may comprise a first heating unit and a second heating unit.

[0024] According to one embodiment, (i) the first heating unit comprises an induction heating unit and the second heating unit comprises an induction heating unit; (ii) the first heating unit comprises an induction heating unit and the second heating unit comprises a resistive or non-inductive heating unit; (iii) the first heating unit comprises a resistive or non-inductive heating unit and the second heating unit comprises an induction heating unit; or (iv) the first heating unit comprises a resistive or non-inductive heating unit and the second heating unit comprises a resistive or non-inductive heating unit.

[0025] According to one embodiment, (i) the first heating unit comprises an external heating unit and the second heating unit comprises an external heating unit; (ii) the first heating unit comprises an external heating unit and the second heating unit comprises an internal heating unit; (iii) the first heating unit comprises an internal heating unit and the second heating unit comprises an internal heating unit; or (iv) the first heating unit comprises an internal heating unit and the second heating unit comprises an external heating unit.

[0026] If the controller is forced to change or vary the heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the use session from time t1 onwards, the controller may be configured to increase or decrease the temperature of the first heating unit.

[0027] If the controller is forced to change or vary the heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the use session from time t1 onwards, the controller may be configured to increase or decrease the temperature of the second heating unit.

[0028] A use session can be determined to begin when power or energy is first supplied to one or more aerosol generators after an aerosol product is inserted into the aerosol delivery device.

[0029] A use session may be determined to begin when power or energy is first supplied to one or more aerosol generators to raise the temperature of the one or more aerosol generators to an operating temperature Tmin so that a user can inhale a first puff of aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material. Optionally, Tmin is within the ranges of: (i) 200-210°C, (ii) 210-220°C, (iii) 220-230°C, (iv) 230-240°C, (v) 240-250°C, (vi) 250-260°C, (vii) 260-270°C, (viii) 270-280°C, (ix) 280-290°C, and (x) 290-300°C.

[0030] A usage session may be determined to end when power or energy is no longer supplied to one or more aerosol generators.

[0031] A usage session may be determined to end when the aerosol-generating material is substantially depleted or when the user is unable to inhale additional puffs of aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material.

[0032] A usage session may be determined to relate to a period of time during which a user is able to inhale multiple puffs of aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material without replacing or refilling the aerosol-generating material.

[0033] The aerosol delivery device may further comprise a first device arranged to detect the frequency with which a user takes puffs of the aerosol, and if the frequency is above or below a predetermined level, the controller is further arranged to prompt the user to interact with the user interface.

[0034] The first device may comprise a microphone.

[0035] The aerosol delivery device may further comprise a second device arranged to detect the frequency with which the user inhales puffs of aerosol, and if the frequency falls below a predetermined level, the controller is further arranged to pause operation of one or more aerosol generators or to turn off the energy or power supplied to one or more aerosol generators.

[0036] According to another aspect, an aerosol delivery device as described above; an aerosol-producing article comprising an aerosol-forming material; An aerosol generating system is provided, comprising:

[0037] At the time of use, the aerosol product is inserted into the aerosol delivery device.

[0038] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of generating an aerosol, comprising the steps of: providing an aerosol delivery device comprising one or more aerosol generators arranged to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, the aerosol delivery device further comprising a user interface; inserting an aerosol production article into an aerosol delivery device; At time t1 after the use session has begun, in response to a user interacting with the user interface, (i) pausing or modifying further operation of one or more aerosol generators, and / or (ii) placing one or more aerosol generators into a power saving mode of operation, and / or (iii) changing or varying a heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the use session from time t1 onwards, and / or (iv) changing or varying a duration of a heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the use session from time t1 onwards. A method is provided which includes:

[0039] Various embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a heating assembly of an aerosol delivery device. [Figure 1B] 1B is a cross-sectional view of the heating assembly shown in FIG. 1A with an aerosol production article disposed therein. [Figure 2A] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol production article for use with an aerosol delivery device. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol delivery article. [Figure 3]10 is a graph showing a schematic temperature profile of a first heating unit in an aerosol delivery device during an exemplary smoking session. [Figure 4] 10 is a graph showing a schematic temperature profile of a second heating unit in an aerosol delivery device during an exemplary smoking session. [Figure 5] 1 is a graph illustrating a schematic programmed heating profile of a heating element in an aerosol delivery device during an exemplary use session. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of an aerosol delivery device having a user interface that a user can press to pause operation of the aerosol delivery device or to select a different heating profile after a usage session has begun. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 illustrates a heating profile that can be set for one or more aerosol generators of an aerosol delivery device according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] A diagram showing a heating profile that can be set for one or more aerosol generators of an aerosol delivery device according to one embodiment, in which at time t1 during a usage session, a user interacts with a user interface to pause operation of the aerosol generator, and at a next time t2, the user interacts with the user interface a second time to resume operation of the aerosol generator. [Figure 9] A diagram showing a heating profile that can be set for one or more aerosol generators of an aerosol delivery device according to one embodiment, where at a first time t1 during a usage session, a user interacts with a user interface to place the aerosol delivery device into a power saving operating mode in which power to the aerosol generators is turned off, and at a second time t2, the user interacts with the user interface a second time to take the aerosol delivery device out of the power saving operating mode and resume operation. [Figure 10]A figure showing a heating profile that can be set for one or more aerosol generators of an aerosol delivery device according to one embodiment, in which at time t1 during a usage session, a user interacts with a user interface to change the heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the usage session. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 shows a heating profile that can be set for one or more heating units of an aerosol delivery device according to one embodiment, where a user interacts with a user interface to extend the duration of the heating profile during a usage session. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] The term "aerosol-forming material" includes materials that, when heated, provide volatile components, typically in the form of an aerosol. Aerosol-forming materials include any tobacco-containing material, such as one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-forming materials can also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. Aerosol-forming materials can be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, gel, wax, etc. Aerosol-forming materials can also be, for example, a combination or blend of materials. Aerosol-forming materials are also sometimes known as "smoking materials." In one embodiment, the aerosol-forming material is a non-liquid aerosol-forming material. In certain embodiments, the non-liquid aerosol-forming material includes tobacco.

[0042] Devices are known that heat an aerosol-forming material without burning the aerosol-forming material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-forming material, typically forming an inhalable aerosol. Such devices may be described as "aerosol-generating devices," "aerosol-delivery devices," "non-combustion heating devices," "tobacco heating products," "tobacco heating product devices," "tobacco heating devices," or the like. In one embodiment, the aerosol-delivery device is a tobacco heating product. The non-liquid aerosol-forming material for use with a tobacco heating product includes tobacco.

[0043] E-cigarette devices are also known that include an aerosol delivery device that vaporizes a liquid form of aerosol-generating material, which may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of, or provided as part of, a rod, cartridge, or cassette that can be inserted into the device. A heater that heats and vaporizes the aerosol-generating material may be provided as a "permanent" part of the device.

[0044] Aerosol delivery devices are also known that generate an aerosol from a mixed aerosol product comprising a section containing a cartomizer containing a liquid or gel aerosol-forming material and another section containing a solid aerosol-forming material, such as tobacco granules.

[0045] The aerosol delivery device can receive an article containing an aerosol-forming material for heating, also referred to as a "smoking article." In this context, an "article," "aerosol-producing item," or "smoking article" is a component that, when used, contains an aerosol-forming material and, when heated, volatilizes the aerosol-forming material and, optionally, other components. A user can insert the article into the aerosol delivery device and then heat it to produce an aerosol, which the user then inhales. The article can be, for example, of a predetermined or specific size configured to be placed within a heating chamber of a device sized to receive the article.

[0046] An aerosol delivery device according to various embodiments includes a plurality of aerosol generators that, in use, generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material.

[0047] An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to thermal energy, liberating one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator can be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0048] A heating unit typically refers to a component arranged to receive electrical energy from an electrical energy source and provide thermal energy to the aerosol-forming material. A heating unit can include a heating element. A heating element is typically a material arranged to provide heat to the aerosol-forming material during use. A heating unit including a heating element can include any other components required, such as components for converting the electrical energy received by the heating unit. In other examples, the heating element itself can be configured to convert electrical energy into thermal energy.

[0049] The heating unit can include an induction coil, which in some examples is configured to cause heating of at least one conductive heating element such that thermal energy can be conducted from the at least one conductive heating element to the aerosol-forming material, thereby causing heating of the aerosol-forming material.

[0050] In some examples, the coil can be configured to generate a varying magnetic field that, in use, penetrates at least one heating element, thereby causing inductive heating and / or magnetic hysteresis heating of the at least one heating element. In such an arrangement, the or each heating element can be referred to as a "susceptor." A coil configured to generate a varying magnetic field that, in use, penetrates at least one conductive heating element, thereby causing inductive heating of the at least one conductive heating element can be referred to as an "induction coil" or an "inductor coil."

[0051] In some examples, the coil can be helical. In some examples, the coil can surround at least a portion of a heated section of an aerosol delivery device configured to receive the aerosol-generating material. In some examples, the coil is a helical coil surrounding at least a portion of the heated section.

[0052] It has been found that the inductive heating units in the aerosol delivery device reach their maximum operating temperature much more rapidly than the corresponding resistive heating elements. According to various embodiments, the aerosol delivery device can be configured such that one or both heating units reach their maximum operating temperature at a rate of at least 100° C. per second. In certain embodiments, the aerosol delivery device can be configured such that one or both heating units reach their maximum operating temperature at a rate of at least 150° C. per second.

[0053] Induction heating systems can be of interest because the magnitude of the varying magnetic field can be easily controlled by controlling the power supplied to the heating unit. Furthermore, induction heating does not require a physical connection to be provided between the varying magnetic field source and the heat source, which can increase design freedom and control over the heating profile and reduce costs.

[0054] The aerosol delivery device can include a heating assembly. The heating assembly can include a first heating unit and a second heating unit.

[0055] The first and second heating units can comprise induction heating units, which can be independently controllable from one another. Heating the aerosol-generating material with independent heating units can provide more precise control over the heating of the aerosol-generating material. Independently controllable heating units can also provide heat energy differently to different portions of the aerosol-generating material, resulting in different temperature profiles in the portions of the aerosol-generating material.

[0056] According to various embodiments, the first and second heating units can be configured to have different temperature profiles in use, thereby providing asymmetric heating of the aerosol-generating material along a longitudinal plane between the mouth end and distal end of the aerosol delivery device when the aerosol delivery device is in use.

[0057] Alternatively, the first and second heating units can be configured to have substantially the same temperature profile in use, thereby providing symmetric heating of the aerosol-generating material along a longitudinal plane between the mouth end and distal end of the aerosol delivery device when the aerosol delivery device is in use.

[0058] An object that can be inductively heated is known as a susceptor. If the susceptor comprises a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, heat can also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses within the susceptor, i.e., by fluctuations in the orientation of magnetic dipoles within the magnetic material as a result of alignment with a varying magnetic field. In induction heating, heat is generated within the susceptor, allowing for rapid heating compared to, for example, heating by conduction. Furthermore, no physical contact is required between the induction heater and the susceptor, allowing for greater freedom in construction and application.

[0059] Throughout this document, reference may be made to the temperature of one or more heating units or heating elements. The temperature of a heating unit or heating element may also conveniently be referred to as the temperature of the heating unit comprising the heating element. This does not necessarily mean that the entire heating unit is at a given temperature. For example, when referring to the temperature of an induction heating unit, this does not necessarily mean that both the induction element and the susceptor have such a temperature. Rather, in this example, the temperature of the induction heating unit corresponds to the temperature of the heating element comprised within the induction heating unit. For the avoidance of doubt, the temperature of the heating element and the temperature of the heating unit may be used interchangeably.

[0060] As used herein, a "temperature profile" or "heating profile" refers to the variation in the temperature of a material over time. For example, the varying temperature of a heating element or heating unit measured at the heating element or heating unit over the duration of a smoking session can be referred to as the temperature profile or heating profile of that heating element or heating unit. In use, the heating element or heating unit provides heat to the aerosol-forming material to generate an aerosol. Thus, the temperature profile or heating profile of the heating element or heating unit induces a temperature profile in the aerosol-forming material disposed near the heating element or heating unit.

[0061] As used herein, an "operating temperature" in reference to a heating element or heating unit refers to any heating element temperature at which the element can heat the aerosol-generating material to produce enough aerosol for a satisfactory puff without burning the aerosol-generating material. The maximum operating temperature of a heating element or heating unit is the highest temperature the heating element or heating unit reaches during a smoking session. The minimum operating temperature of a heating element or heating unit refers to the lowest heating element temperature at which the heating element or heating unit can generate enough aerosol from the aerosol-generating material for a satisfactory puff. When multiple heating elements or heating units are present in the aerosol delivery device, each heating element or heating unit has an associated maximum operating temperature. The maximum operating temperature of each heating element or heating unit can be the same or different for each heating element or heating unit.

[0062] In one embodiment of the aerosol-delivery device, each heating element or heating unit can be configured to heat the aerosol-generating material without combustion. The temperature profile or heating profile of each heating element or heating unit can induce a temperature profile in each associated portion of the aerosol-generating material, although the temperature profile or heating profile of the heating element or heating unit and the temperature profile or heating profile of the associated portion of the aerosol-generating material may not correspond exactly. For example, depending on the heat capacity of the aerosol-generating material, "bleed" may occur in the form of conduction, convection, and / or radiation of thermal energy from one portion of the aerosol-generating material to another; fluctuations may occur in the conduction, convection, and / or radiation of thermal energy from the heating element or heating unit to the aerosol-generating material; and a delay may occur between a change in the temperature profile of the heating element or heating unit and a change in the temperature profile of the aerosol-generating material.

[0063] The aerosol delivery device can include a controller that controls each heating unit present in the aerosol delivery device. The controller can include a printed circuit board ("PCB"). The controller can be configured to control the power supplied to each heating unit present in the aerosol delivery device and to control the "programmed heating profile" of each heating unit. For example, the controller can be programmed to control the current supplied to multiple inductors to control the resulting temperature profile or heating profile of the corresponding induction heating element or induction heating unit. As between the temperature profile of the heating element / unit and the temperature profile of the aerosol-generating material described above, the programmed heating profile of the heating element or heating unit may not exactly correspond to the observed temperature profile of the heating element or heating unit for the same reasons described above.

[0064] The term "operating temperature" can also be used in reference to an aerosol-generating material. In this case, the term refers to the temperature of the aerosol-generating material itself at which sufficient aerosol for a satisfactory puff is generated from the aerosol-generating material. The maximum operating temperature of an aerosol-generating material is the highest temperature reached by any portion of the aerosol-generating material during a smoking session. In some embodiments, the maximum operating temperature of an aerosol-generating material is greater than 200°C, 210°C, 220°C, 230°C, 240°C, 250°C, 260°C, or 270°C. In some embodiments, the maximum operating temperature of an aerosol-generating material is less than 300°C, 290°C, 280°C, 270°C, 260°C, or 250°C. The minimum operating temperature is the lowest temperature of an aerosol-generating material at which sufficient aerosol is generated from the material to generate sufficient aerosol for a satisfactory "puff." In some embodiments, the minimum operating temperature of an aerosol-generating material is greater than 90°C, 100°C, 110°C, 120°C, 130°C, 140°C, or 150°C. In some embodiments, the minimum operating temperature of the aerosol-forming material is less than 150°C, 140°C, 130°C, or 120°C.

[0065] Various embodiments are disclosed that reduce the amount of time it takes for an aerosol delivery device to be ready for use, and more generally, improve the inhalation experience for the user. Surprisingly, it has been discovered that reducing the time it takes for a heating element or heating unit to reach an operating temperature can at least partially alleviate "hot puffs," a phenomenon that occurs when the generated aerosol contains a lot of moisture. Thus, aerosol delivery devices according to various embodiments can deliver to consumers inhalable aerosols that have better sensory properties than aerosols delivered by conventional aerosol delivery devices that do not include heating units that reach their maximum operating temperature as quickly.

[0066] In some embodiments, the aerosol delivery device is configured such that at least one heating element or heating unit therein reaches its maximum operating temperature within 20 seconds, and the maximum operating temperature is the first temperature at which the at least one heating unit is held for at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, or 20 seconds, i.e., in these embodiments, the heating unit is not held at a temperature other than the maximum operating temperature until the maximum operating temperature is reached.

[0067] In some embodiments, the at least one heating unit reaches its maximum operating temperature from ambient temperature within a given period of time.

[0068] The aerosol delivery device can be configured to operate as described herein. The aerosol delivery device can be configured to operate in this manner, at least in part, by a controller that can be programmed to operate the device in one or more different modes. Thus, references herein to the configuration of the aerosol delivery device or its components can refer to a controller programmed to operate the aerosol delivery device disclosed herein, among other features (such as the spatial arrangement of the heating unit).

[0069] Aerosol-producing articles intended for aerosol delivery devices (such as tobacco heating products) typically contain more water and / or aerosol-forming agents than combustible smoking articles to facilitate aerosol formation during use. This higher moisture and / or aerosol-forming agent content can increase the risk of condensation collecting within the aerosol delivery device during use, particularly at locations away from the heating unit(s). This problem can be greater in aerosol delivery devices with enclosed heating chambers, and particularly in devices with external heaters, than in devices with internal heaters (such as "blade" heaters). Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that an externally heated heating assembly heats a larger proportion / surface area of ​​the aerosol-generating material, thereby releasing more aerosol than aerosol delivery devices that internally heat the aerosol-generating material, leading to more condensation of the aerosol within the aerosol delivery device.

[0070] By using various programmed heating profiles within an aerosol delivery device configured to externally and / or internally heat an aerosol-generating material, a desired amount of aerosol can be delivered to a user while maintaining a relatively low amount of aerosol condensing within the aerosol delivery device. For example, the maximum operating temperature of a heating unit can affect the amount of condensation that forms. A lower maximum operating temperature can provide less undesirable condensation. The difference between the maximum operating temperatures of heating units within a heating assembly can also affect the amount of condensation that forms. Furthermore, the point at which each heating unit reaches its maximum operating temperature during a use session can affect the amount of condensation that forms.

[0071] During use, the aerosol delivery device can heat the aerosol-generating material to deliver an inhalable aerosol. The aerosol delivery device can be "ready for use" when at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material reaches a minimum operating temperature, and a user can take a puff containing a satisfactory amount of aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol delivery device can be ready for use within about 20 seconds, 15 seconds, 10 seconds, or 5 seconds of providing power to one or both heating units. The aerosol delivery device can be ready for use within about 20 seconds, 15 seconds, 10 seconds, or 5 seconds of activating the device. The aerosol delivery device can begin providing power to a heating unit, such as the first heating unit or the second heating unit, when the device is activated, or can begin providing power to the heating unit after the aerosol delivery device is activated. The aerosol delivery device can be configured such that power to the one or more heating units begins some time after activation of the aerosol delivery device, such as at least 1, 2, or 3 seconds after activation of the aerosol delivery device. The aerosol delivery device can be configured such that power is not supplied to one of the heating units, or to any heating units present in the heating assembly, until at least 2.5 seconds after activation of the aerosol delivery device. This can extend battery life by avoiding unintentional activation of the heating unit(s).

[0072] The aerosol delivery device can be ready for use more quickly than corresponding aerosol delivery devices known in the art, providing an improved user experience. Generally, because it takes some amount of time to transfer sufficient thermal energy from the heating units to the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol, the aerosol delivery device is ready for use some time after one of the heating units reaches its maximum operating temperature. The aerosol delivery device can be ready for use within 20 seconds, 15 seconds, 10 seconds, or 5 seconds after one of the heating units reaches its maximum operating temperature.

[0073] In some embodiments, the user's sensory experience resulting from the aerosol produced by the device resembles the experience of smoking a combustible cigarette, such as an industrially made cigarette.

[0074] The aerosol delivery device can indicate readiness for use via an indicator. In one embodiment, the aerosol delivery device can be configured such that the indicator indicates readiness for use within about 20 seconds, 15 seconds, 10 seconds, or 5 seconds after power is applied to one of the heating units. In certain embodiments, the aerosol delivery device can be configured such that the indicator indicates readiness for use within about 20 seconds, 15 seconds, 10 seconds, or 5 seconds after activation of the device. In another embodiment, the device is configured such that the indicator indicates readiness for use within about 20 seconds, 15 seconds, or 10 seconds after the first heating unit reaches its maximum operating temperature.

[0075] As used herein, a "puff" refers to a single inhalation by a user of the aerosol produced by the aerosol delivery device.

[0076] As used herein, a "use session" refers to a single period of use of an aerosol delivery device by a user. A use session begins when power is first supplied to at least one aerosol generator present in the heating assembly. After a period of time has elapsed since the start of the use session, the device is ready for use.

[0077] A use session can end when power is no longer supplied to any of the aerosol generators in the aerosol delivery device. The end of a use session can coincide with the aerosol product being depleted (i.e., when the total particulate matter yield (mg) per puff is deemed unacceptably low by the user). A session can have multiple puffs. A session can have a duration of 7 minutes, 6 minutes, 5 minutes, 4 minutes 30 seconds, 4 minutes, or less than 3 minutes 30 seconds. In some embodiments, a use session can have a duration of 2 to 5 minutes, 3 to 4.5 minutes, 3.5 to 4.5 minutes, or approximately 4 minutes. A session can be initiated by a user activating a button or switch on the device, which, upon activation or some time after activation, causes the temperature of at least one heating unit to begin increasing.

[0078] A use session can be determined to begin when power or energy is first supplied to one or more aerosol generators after an aerosol product is inserted into the aerosol delivery device. A use session can be determined to begin when power or energy is first supplied to one or more aerosol generators to raise the temperature of the one or more aerosol generators to an operating temperature Tmin so that a user can inhale a first puff of aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material. According to various embodiments, Tmin can be within the following ranges: (i) 200-210°C, (ii) 210-220°C, (iii) 220-230°C, (iv) 230-240°C, (v) 240-250°C, (vi) 250-260°C, (vii) 260-270°C, (viii) 270-280°C, (ix) 280-290°C, and (x) 290-300°C.

[0079] A use session may be determined to end when power or energy is no longer supplied to one or more aerosol generators. A use session may be determined to end when the aerosol-generating material is substantially depleted or when the user is unable to inhale additional puffs of aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material.

[0080] A usage session may be determined to relate to a period of time during which a user is able to inhale multiple puffs of aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material without replacing or refilling the aerosol-generating material.

[0081] In some embodiments, the aerosol delivery device can be operable in at least a first (eg, base) mode of operation and a second (eg, boost) mode of operation.

[0082] The heating assembly may be operable in up to two modes of operation, or may be operable in more than two modes, such as three modes, four modes, or five modes.

[0083] Each operating mode can be associated with a predetermined heating profile for each heating unit in the heating assembly, such as a programmed heating profile. One or more of the programmed heating profiles can be programmed or selected by a user. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the programmed heating profiles can be programmed by a manufacturer. In these examples, the one or more programmed heating profiles can be fixed such that an end user cannot change the one or more programmed heating profiles.

[0084] The operating mode can be user-selectable. For example, a user can select a desired operating mode by interacting with a user interface. Power can be supplied to the first heating unit at substantially the same time that the desired operating mode is selected.

[0085] Each mode can be associated with a temperature profile that is different from the temperature profiles of the other modes. Furthermore, one or more modes can be associated with a different time point when the device is ready for use. For example, the heating assembly can be configured such that in a first mode, the device is ready for use a first period of time from the start of a use session, and in a second mode, the device is ready for use a second period of time from the start of the session. The first period of time can be different from the second period of time.

[0086] In some examples, the heating assembly can be configured to have the aerosol delivery device ready for use within 30 seconds, 25 seconds, 20 seconds, or 15 seconds after applying power to the heating unit when operating in a first mode. The heating assembly can also be configured to have the aerosol delivery device ready for use in a shorter period of time when operating in a second mode, or within 25 seconds, 20 seconds, 15 seconds, or 10 seconds after applying power to the heating unit when operating in the second mode.

[0087] In certain embodiments, the aerosol delivery device can be configured such that an indicator indicates that the aerosol delivery device is ready for use within 20 seconds of selecting the first (e.g., basic) mode and within 10 seconds of selecting the second (e.g., boost) mode.

[0088] Providing an aerosol delivery device, such as a tobacco heating product, with a heating assembly that can operate in multiple modes (e.g., base mode and boost mode) provides consumers with additional options, especially when each mode is associated with a different maximum heater temperature. Furthermore, such aerosol delivery devices can provide different aerosols with different characteristics because volatile components in the aerosol-generating material volatilize at different rates and concentrations at different heater temperatures. This allows users to select a particular mode based on the desired characteristics of the inhalable aerosol, such as the degree of tobacco flavor, nicotine concentration, and aerosol temperature. For example, a mode that more quickly prepares the aerosol delivery device for use (e.g., the second or "boost" mode) can provide a more rapid first puff, or a greater nicotine content per puff, or a more concentrated flavor per puff. Conversely, a mode that prepares the aerosol delivery device for use later in a use session (e.g., the first or base mode) can provide a longer overall use session, a lower nicotine content per puff, and a more sustained flavor delivery.

[0089] In embodiments in which the aerosol delivery device is ready for use more quickly in the second (e.g., boost) mode and / or the first and / or second heating units have a higher maximum operating temperature in the second mode, the second mode can be referred to as a "boost" mode. Various embodiments provide an aerosol delivery device that can operate in a first "normal" or "basic" mode and a second "boost" mode. The "boost" mode can provide a more rapid first puff, or a greater nicotine content per puff, or a more concentrated flavor per puff.

[0090] The aerosol delivery device can include up to two aerosol generators. In other examples, the aerosol delivery device can include more than two independently controllable aerosol generators, such as three, four, or five independently controllable aerosol generators.

[0091] As discussed hereinabove, in some embodiments, at least one of the heating units provided in the heating assembly can constitute an induction heating unit. In these embodiments, the heating unit includes an inductor (e.g., one or more inductor coils), and the aerosol delivery device can be arranged to pass a varying current, such as an alternating current, through the inductor. The varying current in the inductor generates a varying magnetic field. When the inductor and the heating element are suitably positioned relative to one another so that the varying magnetic field generated by the inductor penetrates the heating element, one or more eddy currents are generated in the heating element. The heating element has a resistance to the flow of current, and therefore, when such eddy currents are generated in the object, the flow of current against the object's electrical resistance heats the object via Joule heating. Providing a varying magnetic field to the susceptor can conveniently be referred to as providing energy to the susceptor.

[0092] An aerosol generating system is disclosed that includes the aerosol delivery device described herein in combination with an aerosol product article.

[0093] The aerosol delivery device may comprise a non-combustion heating device or tobacco heating product ("THP") that heats the smokable material without burning it.

[0094] The aerosol delivery device or aerosol generating device will now be described in more detail.

[0095] FIG. 1A shows an induction heating assembly 100 of an aerosol delivery device, provided for illustrative purposes to illustrate various aspects of a non-combustion heated aerosol delivery device. FIG. 1B shows a cross-sectional view of the induction heating assembly 100 of the device. In an alternative embodiment, the heating assembly can comprise a resistive heating assembly, and the aerosol delivery device includes one or more electrical resistance heaters. According to one embodiment, the one or more electrical resistance heaters can include windings or films of electrical resistance wire. The windings or films of electrical resistance wire can be provided in a tubular configuration that surrounds the aerosol product article.

[0096] The heating assembly 100 has a first, or proximal, or mouth end 102 and a second, or distal, end 104. In use, a user inhales the formed aerosol from the mouth end of the aerosol delivery device, which may be open-ended.

[0097] The heating assembly 100 includes a first induction heating unit 110 and a second induction heating unit 120. The first induction heating unit 110 includes a first inductor coil 112 and a first heating element 114. The second induction heating unit 120 includes a second inductor coil 122 and a second heating element 124.

[0098] 1A and 1B show the aerosol product article 130 received within a susceptor 140 (see FIG. 1B). The susceptor 140 forms the first induction heating element 114 and the second induction heating element 124. The susceptor 140 can be formed from any material suitable for induction heating. For example, the susceptor 140 can include a metal. In some embodiments, the susceptor 140 can include a non-ferrous metal such as copper, nickel, titanium, aluminum, tin, or zinc, and / or a ferrous material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt. Additionally or alternatively, the susceptor 140 can include a semiconductor such as silicon carbide, carbon, or graphite.

[0099] Each induction heating element present in the aerosol delivery device can have any suitable shape. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1B, the induction heating elements 114, 124 define a receptacle that surrounds the aerosol product article to heat it externally. In other embodiments (not shown), one or more induction heating elements can be substantially elongated and positioned to penetrate the aerosol product article and heat it internally.

[0100] 1B, the first induction heating element 114 and the second induction heating element 124 can be provided together as a unitary element 140. That is, in some embodiments, there is no physical distinction between the first heating element 114 and the second heating element 124. Rather, the different characteristics between the first heating unit 110 and the second heating unit 120 are defined by the separate inductor coils 112, 122 surrounding each induction heating element 114, 124, and therefore can be controlled independently of one another. In other embodiments (not shown), physically distinct induction heating elements can also be used.

[0101] The first inductor coil 112 and the second inductor coil 122 can be made from a conductive material. In this example, the first inductor coil 112 and the second inductor coil 122 are made from litz wire / cable wound in a helical shape to provide the helical inductor coils 112, 122. Litz wire comprises multiple individual wires that are individually insulated and twisted together to form a single wire. Litz wire is designed to reduce skin effect losses in the conductor. In the exemplary induction heating assembly 100, the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 are made from copper litz wire having a circular cross-section. In other examples, the litz wire can have other cross-section shapes, such as a square cross-section.

[0102] The first inductor coil 112 is configured to generate a first varying magnetic field for heating the first induction heating element 114, and the second inductor coil 122 is configured to generate a second varying magnetic field for heating a second section of the susceptor 124. Taken together, the first inductor coil 112 and the first induction heating element 114 form the first induction heating unit 110. Similarly, the second inductor coil 122 and the second induction heating element 124 take together to form the second induction heating unit 120.

[0103] In this example, the first inductor coil 112 is adjacent to the second inductor coil 122 in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the device heating assembly 100 (i.e., the first inductor coil 112 and the second inductor coil 122 do not overlap). The susceptor structure 140 may comprise a single susceptor. Ends 150 of the first inductor coil 112 and the second inductor coil 122 may be connected to a controller (not shown), such as a PCB. In some embodiments, the controller comprises a PID controller (proportional-integral-derivative controller).

[0104] The varying magnetic field generates eddy currents in the first induction heating element 114, causing it to rapidly heat to its maximum operating temperature within a short period of time, for example, within 20, 15, 12, 10, 5, or 2 seconds, after applying alternating current to the coil 112. Locating the first induction heating unit 110, which is configured to rapidly reach its maximum operating temperature, closer to the mouth end 102 of the heating assembly 100 than the second induction heating unit 120 can mean that an acceptable aerosol is provided to the user as soon as possible after the start of a use session.

[0105] It will be appreciated that in some examples, the first inductor coil 112 and the second inductor coil 122 can have at least one characteristic that differs from one another. For example, the first inductor coil 112 can have at least one characteristic that differs from the second inductor coil 122. More specifically, in one example, the first inductor coil 112 can have a different inductance value than the second inductor coil 122. In FIGS. 1A and 1B, the first inductor coil 112 and the second inductor coil 122 are different lengths such that the first inductor coil 112 is wound over a smaller section of the susceptor 140 than the second inductor coil 122. Thus, the first inductor coil 112 can include a different number of turns than the second inductor coil 122 (assuming the spacing between individual turns is substantially the same). In yet another example, the first inductor coil 112 can be made from a different material than the second inductor coil 122. In some examples, the first inductor coil 112 and the second inductor coil 122 may be substantially identical.

[0106] In this example, the first inductor coil 112 and the second inductor coil 122 are wound in the same direction. However, in other embodiments, the inductor coils 112, 122 can be wound in opposite directions. This can be useful when the inductor coils are active at different times. For example, the first inductor coil 112 can initially operate to heat the first induction heating element 114, and the second inductor coil 122 can later operate to heat the second induction heating element 124. Winding the coils in opposite directions helps reduce the current induced in inactive coils when used with certain types of control circuitry. In one example, the first inductor coil 112 can be a right-handed spiral, and the second inductor coil 122 can be a left-handed spiral. In another example, the first inductor coil 112 can be a left-handed spiral, and the second inductor coil 122 can be a right-handed spiral.

[0107] The coils 112, 122 can have any suitable geometry. Without wishing to be bound by theory, configuring the induction heating element to be smaller (e.g., a smaller pitch helix, fewer turns in the helix, or a shorter overall helix length) can increase the speed at which the induction heating element can reach its maximum operating temperature. In some embodiments, the first coil 112 can have a length of less than about 20 mm, less than 18 mm, less than 16 mm, or about 14 mm along the length of the heating assembly 100. The first coil 112 can have a shorter length along the length of the heating assembly 100 than the second coil 124. Such a configuration can provide asymmetric heating of the aerosol product article along the length of the aerosol product article.

[0108] The susceptor 140 in this example is hollow, thus defining a receptacle in which the aerosol-generating material is received. For example, the item 130 can be inserted into the susceptor 140. In this example, the susceptor 140 is tubular and has a circular cross section.

[0109] The induction heating elements 114 and 124 surround the aerosol product article 130 and are positioned to externally heat the aerosol product article 130. The aerosol delivery device is configured such that when the aerosol product article 130 is received within the susceptor 140, the outer surface of the article 130 abuts the inner surface of the susceptor 140. This ensures the most efficient heating. The article 130 in this example includes an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material is disposed within the susceptor 140. The article 130 may also include other components, such as a filter, packaging material, and / or a cooling structure.

[0110] The heating assembly 100 is not limited to two heating units. In some examples, the heating assembly 100 can include three, four, five, six, or more heating units. Each of these heating units can be controllable independently of the other heating units present in the heating assembly 100.

[0111] 2A and 2B, there are shown a partial cutaway cross-sectional view and a perspective view of an example aerosol product 200. The aerosol product 200 shown in Figures 2A and 2B corresponds to the aerosol product 130 shown in Figure 1.

[0112] The aerosol production article 200 can be in any shape suitable for use with an aerosol delivery device. The aerosol production article 130 can be in the form of a cartridge, cassette, or rod that can be inserted into the device, or can be provided as part thereof. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B and 2 , the aerosol product article 130 is in the form of a substantially cylindrical rod and includes a body of smoking material 202 and a rod-form filter assembly 204. The filter assembly 204 includes three segments: a cooling segment 206, a filter segment 208, and a mouth end segment 210. The article 200 has a first end 212, also known as the mouth end or proximal end, and a second end 214, also known as the distal end. The body of aerosol-generating material 202 is located toward the distal end 214 of the article 200. In one example, the cooling segment 206 is positioned adjacent to the body of aerosol-generating material 202, between the body of aerosol-generating material 202 and the filter segment 208, such that the cooling segment 206 is in abutting relationship with the aerosol-generating material 202 and the filter segment 208. In other examples, a separation can be provided between the body of aerosol-generating material 202 and the cooling segment 206 and between the body of aerosol-generating material 202 and the filter segment 208. The filter segment 208 is positioned between the cooling segment 206 and the mouth end segment 210. The mouth end segment 210 is positioned adjacent to the filter segment 208 toward the proximal end 212 of the article 200. In one example, the filter segment 208 is in abutting relationship with the mouth end segment 210. In one embodiment, the overall length of the filter assembly 204 is between 37 mm and 45 mm, and optionally the overall length of the filter assembly 204 is 41 mm.

[0113] In use, portions 202a and 202b of body 202 of aerosol-generating material may correspond to first and second induction heating elements 114 and 124, respectively, of portion 100 shown in FIG. 1B.

[0114] The body of smoking material may have multiple portions 202a, 202b corresponding to multiple induction heating elements present in the aerosol delivery device. For example, the aerosol product article 200 may have a first portion 202a corresponding to the first induction heating element 114 and a second portion 202b corresponding to the second induction heating element 124. These portions 202a, 202b may exhibit different temperature profiles during a use session, and the temperature profiles of the portions 202a, 202b may be derived from the temperature profiles of the first induction heating element 114 and the second induction heating element 124, respectively.

[0115] When multiple portions 202a, 202b of the body of aerosol-generating material 202 are present, any number of the substrate portions 202a, 202b can have substantially the same composition. In certain examples, all of the substrate portions 202a, 202b have substantially the same composition. In one embodiment, the body of aerosol-generating material 202 is a single, continuous body, with no physical separation between the first portion 202a and the second portion 202b, and the first and second portions have substantially the same composition.

[0116] In one embodiment, the body of aerosol-forming material 202 comprises tobacco. However, in each of the other embodiments, the body of smoking material 202 can consist of tobacco, consist substantially entirely of tobacco, contain tobacco and aerosol-forming materials other than tobacco, contain aerosol-forming materials other than tobacco, or be tobacco-free. The aerosol-forming materials can include an aerosol-forming agent, such as glycerol.

[0117] In certain embodiments, the aerosol-forming material may include one or more tobacco components, filler components, adhesives, and aerosol-forming agents.

[0118] The filler component can be any suitable inorganic filler material. Suitable inorganic filler materials include, but are not limited to, calcium carbonate (i.e., chalk), perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium carbonate, and suitable inorganic adsorbents such as molecular sieves. Calcium carbonate is particularly suitable. In some cases, the filler comprises an organic material such as wood pulp, cellulose, and cellulose derivatives.

[0119] The adhesive can be any suitable adhesive, hi some embodiments, the adhesive comprises one or more of alginate, cellulose or modified cellulose, polysaccharides, starch or modified starch, and natural gums.

[0120] Suitable adhesives include, but are not limited to, alginates containing any suitable cation, such as sodium alginate, calcium alginate, and potassium alginate; celluloses or modified celluloses, such as hydroxypropyl cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose; starches or modified starches; polysaccharides, such as pectins containing any suitable cation, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, or magnesium pectinate; xanthan gum, guar gum, and any other suitable natural gum.

[0121] The adhesive may be included in the aerosol-forming material in any suitable amount and concentration.

[0122] An "aerosol-generating agent" is an agent that facilitates the generation of an aerosol. An aerosol-generating agent can facilitate the generation of an aerosol by facilitating the initial vaporization and / or condensation of a gas into an inhalable solid and / or liquid aerosol. In some embodiments, an aerosol-generating agent can improve the delivery of flavor from an aerosol product.

[0123] Generally, any suitable aerosol-generating agent or agents can be included in the aerosol-generating material, including, but not limited to, polyols such as sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols such as propylene glycol or triethylene glycol, non-polyols such as monohydric alcohols, high-boiling hydrocarbons, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as diacetin, triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, or myristic acid, including ethyl myristate and isopropyl myristate, and aliphatic carboxylic acid esters such as methyl stearate, dimethyl dodecanedioate, and dimethyl tetradecanedioate.

[0124] In certain embodiments, the aerosol-forming material comprises a tobacco component in an amount of 60-90% by weight of the tobacco composition, a filler component in an amount of 0-20% by weight of the tobacco composition, and an aerosol-forming agent in an amount of 10-20% by weight of the tobacco composition. The tobacco component can include reconstituted tobacco in an amount of 70-100% by weight of the tobacco component.

[0125] In one example, the body of aerosol-generating material 202 is between 34 mm and 50 mm in length, optionally the body of aerosol-generating material 202 is between 38 mm and 46 mm in length, and further optionally the body of aerosol-generating material 202 is 42 mm in length.

[0126] In one example, the total length of article 200 is between 71 mm and 95 mm, optionally the total length of article 200 is between 79 mm and 87 mm, and further optionally the total length of article 200 is 83 mm.

[0127] The axial end of the body of aerosol-generating material 202 can be seen at the distal end 214 of the article 200. However, in other embodiments, the distal end 214 of the article 200 can include an end member (not shown) that covers the axial end of the body of aerosol-generating material 202.

[0128] The body of aerosol-generating material 202 is joined to the filter assembly 204 by an annular tipping paper (not shown) that surrounds the filter assembly 204 substantially around its circumference and extends partially along the length of the body of aerosol-generating material 202. In one example, the tipping paper is made from 58 GSM tipping base paper. In one example, the tipping paper has a length of 42 mm to 50 mm, and optionally, the tipping paper has a length of 46 mm.

[0129] In one example, cooling segment 206 is an annular tube that surrounds and defines a cavity within the cooling segment. The cavity provides a chamber for the flow of heated volatile components generated from body 202 of aerosol-generating material. Cooling segment 206 is hollow, providing a chamber for aerosol accumulation that is still rigid enough to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during use of article 200 during manufacturing and insertion into device 100. In one example, the wall thickness of cooling segment 206 is approximately 0.29 mm.

[0130] The cooling segment 206 provides a physical displacement between the aerosol-generating material 202 and the filter segment 208. The physical displacement provided by the cooling segment 206 provides a thermal gradient across the length of the cooling segment 206. In one example, the cooling segment 206 is configured to provide a temperature difference of at least 40° C. between the heated volatile components entering the first end of the cooling segment 206 and the heated volatile components exiting the second end of the cooling segment 206. In one example, the cooling segment 206 is configured to provide a temperature difference of at least 60° C. between the heated volatile components entering the first end of the cooling segment 206 and the heated volatile components exiting the second end of the cooling segment 206. This temperature difference across the length of the cooling segment 206 protects the temperature-sensitive filter segment 208 from the high temperatures of the aerosol-generating material 202 when heated by the heating assembly 100 of the aerosol delivery device. If no physical displacement is provided between the filter segment 208 and the aerosol-generating material body 202 and the heating elements 114, 124 of the heating assembly 100, the temperature-sensitive filter segment 208 may be damaged during use and therefore would not effectively perform its required function.

[0131] In one example, the length of the cooling segment 206 is at least 15 mm. In one example, the length of the cooling segment 206 is between 20 mm and 30 mm, more particularly between 23 mm and 27 mm, more particularly between 25 mm and 27 mm, and even more particularly 25 mm.

[0132] The cooling segment 206 is made from paper, meaning that the cooling segment 206 is constructed from a material that does not produce problematic, e.g., toxic, compounds when adjacent to the heating assembly 100 of the aerosol delivery device during use. In one example, the cooling segment 206 is manufactured from a spirally wound paper tube that maintains mechanical rigidity while providing a hollow interior chamber. The spirally wound paper tube is capable of meeting the strict dimensional accuracy requirements of high-speed manufacturing processes for tube length, outer diameter, roundness, and straightness.

[0133] In another example, cooling segment 206 is a recess made from rigid plug wrap or tipping paper that is manufactured to be sufficiently rigid to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during use of article 200 during manufacturing and insertion into device 100.

[0134] In each example of cooling segment 206, the dimensional accuracy of the cooling segment is sufficient to meet the dimensional accuracy requirements of high speed manufacturing processes.

[0135] The filter segment 208 may be formed from any filter material sufficient to remove one or more volatile compounds from heated volatiles from the smoking material. In one example, the filter segment 208 is made from a monoacetate material, such as cellulose acetate. The filter segment 208 provides cooling and reduced irritation from heated volatiles without depleting the amount of heated volatiles to an unsatisfactory level for the user.

[0136] The density of the cellulose acetate tow material of filter segment 208 controls the pressure drop across filter segment 208, thereby controlling the resistance to draw of article 200. Therefore, the selection of material for filter segment 208 is important in controlling the resistance to draw of article 200. In addition, filter segment 208 performs a filtration function within article 200.

[0137] In one example, the filter segment 208 is made from 8Y15 grade filter tow material, which provides filtration for the heated volatile material while also reducing the size of condensed aerosol droplets resulting from the heated volatile material, thereby satisfactorily reducing the irritation and throat impact of the heated volatile material.

[0138] The presence of filter segment 208 provides an insulating effect by providing additional cooling to the heated volatiles exiting cooling segment 206. This additional cooling reduces the temperature of the user's lips when they contact the surface of filter segment 208.

[0139] One or more flavors can be added to the filter segment 208 in the form of direct injection of a flavored liquid into the filter segment 208, or by embedding or disposing one or more flavored breakable capsules or other flavor carriers in the cellulose acetate tow of the filter segment 208.

[0140] In one example, the filter segment 208 is between 6 mm and 10 mm in length, optionally 8 mm.

[0141] The mouth end segment 210 is an annular tube that lies around and defines a cavity within the mouth end segment 210. The cavity provides a chamber for heated volatiles that flow from the filter segment 208. The mouth end segment 210 is hollow, providing a chamber for aerosol accumulation that is rigid enough to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during use of the article during manufacturing and insertion into the device 100. In one example, the wall thickness of the mouth end segment 210 is about 0.29 mm.

[0142] In one example, the mouth end segment 210 has a length of between 6 mm and 10 mm, optionally 8 mm. In one example, the mouth end segment has a thickness of 0.29 mm.

[0143] The mouth end segment 210 can be manufactured from a spirally wound paper tube that provides a hollow interior chamber while maintaining critical mechanical stiffness. A spirally wound paper tube can meet the strict dimensional accuracy requirements of high-speed manufacturing processes for tube length, outer diameter, roundness, and straightness.

[0144] Mouth end segment 210 serves the function of preventing any liquid condensate that accumulates at the outlet of filter segment 208 from coming into direct contact with the user.

[0145] It should be appreciated that in one example, the mouth end segment 210 and the cooling segment 206 may be formed from a single tube, with the filter segment 208 located within the tube to separate the mouth end segment 210 and the cooling segment 206.

[0146] A ventilation region 216 is provided within article 200 to allow air to flow from the exterior of article 200 to the interior of article 200. In one example, ventilation region 216 takes the form of one or more vent holes 216 formed through an outer layer of article 200. The vent holes may be located within cooling segment 206 to assist in cooling article 200. In one example, ventilation region 216 comprises one or more rows of holes, optionally with each row of holes arranged circumferentially around article 200 in a cross section substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of article 200.

[0147] In one example, there are 1 to 4 rows of vent holes to provide ventilation for article 200. Each row of vent holes can have 12 to 36 vent holes 216. The vent holes 216 can be, for example, 100 to 500 μm in diameter. In one example, the axial separation between rows of vent holes 216 is 0.25 mm to 0.75 mm, and optionally the axial separation between rows of vent holes 216 is 0.5 mm.

[0148] In one example, the vent holes 216 are uniform in size. In another example, the vent holes 216 vary in size. The vent holes can be created using any suitable technique, such as one or more of laser techniques, mechanical drilling of the cooling segment 206, or pre-drilling of the cooling segment 206 before it is formed into the article 200. The vent holes 216 are positioned to provide effective cooling to the article 200.

[0149] In one example, the row of vent holes 216 is positioned at least 11 mm from the proximal end 212 of the article, and optionally the vent holes are positioned 17 mm to 20 mm from the proximal end 212 of the article 200. The positions of the vent holes 216 are positioned such that the user cannot block the vent holes 216 while the article 200 is in use.

[0150] Spacing the row of vent holes 17 mm to 20 mm from the proximal end 212 of the article 200 allows the vent holes 216 to be located on the exterior of the device 100 when the article 200 is fully inserted into the device 100, as can be seen in Figure 1. Locating the vent holes on the exterior of the apparatus allows unheated air to enter the article 200 from outside the device 100 through the vent holes and assist in cooling the article 200.

[0151] The length of cooling segment 206 is such that when item 200 is fully inserted into device 100, cooling segment 206 is partially inserted into device 100. The length of cooling segment 206 serves two functions: first, to provide a physical gap between the heater arrangement and thermal filter arrangement 208 of device 100; and second, to allow vent hole 216 to be located within the cooling segment while also being located outside of device 100 when item 200 is fully inserted into device 100. As can be seen from FIG. 1 , the majority of cooling element 206 is located within device 100. However, a portion of cooling element 206 extends from device 100. Vent hole 216 is located in this portion of cooling element 206 that extends from device 100.

[0152] FIG. 3 illustrates a temperature profile 300 of a first heating element in an aerosol delivery device, such as the first induction heating element 114 shown in FIG. 1B during an exemplary use session 302. Temperature profile 300 preferably refers to the temperature profile of the first induction heating element 114 in any operating mode of the heating assembly. The temperature profile 300 of the first heating element 114 is measured by a suitable temperature sensor disposed on the first heating element 114. Suitable temperature sensors include a thermocouple, a thermopile, or a resistance temperature detector (RTD, also known as a resistance thermometer). In certain embodiments, the device includes at least one RTD. In one embodiment, the device includes a thermocouple disposed on each heating element 114, 124 present in the aerosol delivery device. Temperature data measured by the or each temperature sensor can be communicated to a controller. Furthermore, when the heating elements 114, 124 reach a predetermined temperature, the temperature data can be communicated to the controller, so that the controller can vary the supply of power to the elements in the aerosol delivery device accordingly. Optionally, the controller comprises a PID (proportional integral derivative) controller to control the temperature of the heating elements based on data provided by one or more temperature sensors located within the device using a control loop feedback mechanism, hi one embodiment, the controller comprises a PID controller configured to control the temperature of each heating element based on temperature data provided by a thermocouple located in each of the heating elements.

[0153] A use session 302 begins when the device is activated 304, with the controller controlling the device to supply energy to at least the first induction heating unit 110. The device can be activated by a user, for example, by actuating a push button or inhaling from the device. Activation means for use with aerosol delivery devices are known to those skilled in the art. In the context of a heating assembly comprising induction heating means, a use session begins when the controller commands the supply of a varying current to the inductors (such as the first coil 112 and the second coil 122), and thus a varying magnetic field to the induction heating elements, generating an increase in the temperature of the induction heating elements. As discussed herein above, this can conveniently be referred to as "supplying energy to the induction heating unit."

[0154] The end 306 of a use session 302 occurs when the controller commands elements within the aerosol delivery device to stop supplying energy to all heating units present within the device. In the context of a heating assembly including an induction heating unit, the use session ends when the supply of varying electrical current to any of the induction heating elements provided within the heating assembly, and therefore the supply of any varying magnetic field to the induction heating elements, ceases.

[0155] At the beginning of a smoking session 302, the temperature of the first heating element increases rapidly until it reaches a maximum operating temperature 308. According to various embodiments, the time 310 it takes to reach the maximum operating temperature 308 can be referred to as a "rise" period and has a duration of less than 20 seconds.

[0156] The temperature of the first heating element may optionally be reduced from the maximum operating temperature 308 to a lower temperature 314 at a later time 312 in the use session. If the temperature is reduced from the maximum operating temperature 308 at a later time 302 in the use session, the temperature 314 to which the first heating element is reduced is preferably the operating temperature. The operating temperature 314 to which the first heating element is reduced may suitably be referred to as the “second operating temperature” 314. Optionally, the temperature of the first heating element does not decrease below the minimum operating temperature of the first heating element until the end 306 of the use session 302. The first heating element optionally remains at or above the second operating temperature 314 until the end 306 of the use session 302.

[0157] In embodiments in which the heating assembly is operable in multiple modes (e.g., base mode and boost mode), the temperature of the first heating element may be reduced from the maximum operating temperature 308 to the second operating temperature 314 in at least one of the modes. Optionally, the temperature of the first heating element is reduced from the maximum operating temperature 308 to the second operating temperature 314 in all of the operable modes. For the avoidance of doubt, the maximum operating temperature 308 and second operating temperature 314 of the first heating element may be different for each mode.

[0158] In some examples, the second operating temperature 314 is between 180 and 240°C. When the heating assembly is operable in multiple modes, the second operating temperature 314 in at least one operating mode can be between 180 and 240°C. Optionally, the second operating temperature 314 in all operating modes can be between 180 and 240°C. Further optionally, the second operating temperature 314 is at least 220°C. In some examples, the first heating element or heating unit remains at or above the second operating temperature 314 in all operating modes until the end of the use session. Without wishing to be bound by theory, configuring the heating assembly so that the first heating element does not fall below 220°C until the end of the use session 220 may at least partially prevent condensation from occurring on the first portion of the aerosol product article during the use session and / or may reduce the resistance to draw offered by the first portion of the aerosol product article.

[0159] In these embodiments, the first heating element can remain at or substantially near its maximum operating temperature for at most at least 25%, 50%, or 75% of the session. For example, the first heating element can remain at its maximum operating temperature for a first duration of the use session, then decrease to a second operating temperature, and remain at the second operating temperature for a second duration of the use session, the first duration being at least 25%, 50%, or 75% of the session. The first duration can be longer or shorter than the second duration. Optionally, in at least one operating mode, the first duration is longer than the second duration. In this example, the ratio of the first duration to the second duration can be between 1.1:1 and 7:1, between 1.5:1 and 5:1, between 2:1 and 3:1, or approximately 2.5:1.

[0160] In certain embodiments, the device is operable in multiple modes, and the ratios listed above apply to the first mode of operation. In the second mode of operation, the first duration can be longer or shorter than the second duration. Optionally, the second duration is longer than the first duration. Thus, one embodiment is a device configured such that in the first mode of operation, the first duration is longer than the second duration, but in the second mode of operation, the second duration is longer than the first duration. In one embodiment, in the second mode of operation, the ratio of the second duration to the first duration can be between 1.1:1 and 5:1, between 1.2 and 2:1, or between 1.3:1 and 1.4:1. In other embodiments, in the second mode of operation, the ratio of the second duration to the first duration can be between 2:1 and 12:1, or between 2.5:1 and 11:1. In particular, the ratio may be between 3:1 and 4:1, alternatively the ratio may be between 8:1 and 10:1. This embodiment may be particularly suitable for reducing the amount of condensation that forms within the device during a usage session.

[0161] It has been determined that operating the first heating element at its maximum operating temperature for a greater portion of a use session can help reduce the amount of condensation that collects within the device during use. This effect can be particularly noticeable in so-called "boost" modes of operation in which the heating unit operates at a higher maximum operating temperature during shorter use sessions.

[0162] The maximum operating temperature 308 can be approximately 200°C to 300°C, or 210°C to 290°C, or 220°C to 280°C, or 230°C to 270°C, or 240°C to 260°C.

[0163] 4 illustrates a temperature profile 400 of a second heating element, such as the second induction heating element 124 shown in FIG. 1B, when present in an aerosol delivery device during an exemplary smoking session 402. The smoking session 402 corresponds to the smoking session 302 shown in FIG. 3. The temperature profile 400 suitably refers to the temperature profile of the second induction heating element 124 in any operating mode of the heating assembly.

[0164] A use session 402 begins when the device is activated 404 and energy is supplied to at least the first induction heating unit. In this example, the controller is configured not to supply energy to the second induction heating unit at the start of the use session 402. Nevertheless, the temperature of the second induction heating element is likely to increase to some extent due to thermal "bleed," which is the conduction, convection, and / or radiation of thermal energy from the first heating element 114 to the second heating element 124.

[0165] At a first programmed time point 406 after the start of a use session, the controller commands the supply of energy to the second heating unit 120, and the temperature of the second heating element 124 rises rapidly before reaching a predetermined first operating temperature 410 at time point 408, and the controller then controls the second heating unit 120 so that the second heating element 124 remains at substantially this temperature for a further period of time. The predetermined first operating temperature 410 may be lower than a maximum operating temperature 412 of the second heating element 124. In other embodiments (not shown), the first predetermined operating temperature is a maximum operating temperature, i.e., the second heating element 124 is heated directly to its maximum operating temperature upon activation of the second heating unit 120.

[0166] In some embodiments, the predetermined first operating temperature 410 is between 150°C and 200°C. The predetermined first operating temperature 410 can be greater than 150°C, 160°C, 170°C, 180°C, or 190°C. The predetermined first operating temperature 410 can be less than 200°C, 190°C, 180°C, 170°C, or 160°C. Optionally, the predetermined first operating temperature 410 is between 150°C and 170°C. A lower first operating temperature 410 can help reduce the amount of undesirable condensation that collects within the device.

[0167] In embodiments in which the heating assembly is operable in multiple modes, the heating assembly can be configured such that in at least one mode, the second heating element 124 rises to a first operating temperature 410, maintains the first operating temperature 410, and then rises to a maximum operating temperature 412. Optionally, the heating assembly is configured such that in all operable modes, the second heating element 124 rises to a first operating temperature 410, maintains the first operating temperature 410, and then rises to a maximum operating temperature 412.

[0168] The first programmed time 406 at which power is first supplied to the second heating unit 120 can be at least about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60 seconds after device activation 404. For embodiments in which the heating assembly is operable in multiple modes, the first programmed time 406 is at least about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, or 80 seconds after device activation 404 in at least one mode. Optionally, the first programmed time 406 is at least about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, or 80 seconds after device activation 404 in all operable modes. The first programmed time 406 can be the same for each mode or can differ between modes. Optionally, the first programmed time 406 differs between modes. In particular, the first programmed point in time 406 can be a later point in time during a use session in the first mode than in the second mode.

[0169] In some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 can be configured such that the second induction unit 120 ramps up to the first predetermined operating temperature 410 within 10 seconds, or 5 seconds, 4 seconds, 3 seconds, or 2 seconds from the programmed time point 406 to increase the temperature of the second induction heating element 124 to the first predetermined operating temperature 410. In other words, the period 414 between the two times 406, 408 can have a duration of 10 seconds or less, 5 seconds or less, 4 seconds or less, 3 seconds or less, or 2 seconds or less. Optionally, the period 414 has a duration of 2 seconds or less.

[0170] The second heating element 124 may be maintained at the predetermined first operating temperature 410 for a predetermined period of time until a second programmed time point 416, at which point the controller controls the second heating unit to increase the second heating element 124 to its maximum operating temperature 412. At this second programmed time point 416, the temperature of the second heating element 124 increases rapidly before reaching the maximum operating temperature 412 at time point 418. The controller then controls the second heating unit so that the second heating element 124 remains at substantially this temperature for a further period of time.

[0171] The second programmed time point 416 can be at least about 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 40 seconds, 50 seconds, or 60 seconds from the activation 404 of the device.

[0172] In some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 can be configured such that the second induction element 124 ramps up from the first predetermined operating temperature 410 to the maximum operating temperature 412 within 10 seconds, or 5 seconds, 4 seconds, 3 seconds, or 2 seconds from a programmed time point 416 to increase the temperature of the second induction heating element 124 to the maximum operating temperature 412. In other words, the period 420 between the two times 416, 418 can have a duration of 10 seconds or less, 5 seconds or less, 4 seconds or less, 3 seconds or less, or 2 seconds or less. Optionally, the period 420 has a duration of 2 seconds or less.

[0173] The temperature of the second heating element during the period from time 416 to time 418 may increase at a rate of at least 50° C. per second, or 100° C. per second, or 150° C. per second.

[0174] In some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 can be configured such that the second induction heating element 124 reaches the maximum operating temperature 412 at least about 30 seconds, 40 seconds, 50 seconds, 60 seconds, 80 seconds, 100 seconds, or 120 seconds after activation 404 of the device. Optionally, the heating assembly 100 is configured such that the second induction heating element 124 reaches the maximum operating temperature 412 at least about 120 seconds after activation 404 of the device.

[0175] In some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 can be configured such that the second induction heating element 124 reaches its maximum operating temperature 412 at least about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100, or 120 seconds after the first induction heating element 122 reaches its maximum operating temperature 308. Optionally, the heating assembly 100 is configured such that the second induction heating element 124 reaches its maximum operating temperature 412 at least about 120 seconds after the first induction heating element 122 reaches its maximum operating temperature 308. In other words, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 , the time point 418 may be at least 120 seconds later than the time point 310 during the smoking session 302, 402.

[0176] The second heating element 124 may be maintained at its maximum operating temperature 412 for a predetermined period until the end of the smoking session 422, at which point the controller controls the heating assembly to cease supplying energy to all heating elements present in the aerosol delivery device. Optionally, after the temperature of the second heating element 124 reaches the operating temperature (roughly around the first predetermined time point 406), the temperature of the second heating element 124 does not decrease below the minimum operating temperature 424 of the second heating element 124 until the end of the smoking session 402.

[0177] In embodiments in which the first heating element 122 drops from its maximum operating temperature 308 to a lower temperature later within a smoking session, the second heating element 124 can reach its maximum operating temperature 412 before, after, or simultaneously with the drop in temperature of the first heating element 122. In one embodiment, the second heating element 124 reaches its maximum operating temperature 412 before the first heating element 122 drops from its maximum operating temperature 308 to a lower temperature.

[0178] In some embodiments, the maximum operating temperature 308 of the first heating element 122 is substantially the same as that of the second heating element 124. In other embodiments, the maximum operating temperatures 308, 412 of the first heating element 122 and the second heating element 124 can be different. For example, the maximum operating temperature 308 of the first heating element 122 can be greater than that of the second heating element 124, or the maximum operating temperature 412 of the second heating element 124 can be greater than that of the first heating element 122. In one embodiment, the maximum operating temperature 308 of the first heating element 122 is greater than the maximum operating temperature 412 of the second heating element 124. In another embodiment, the maximum operating temperature 308 of the first heating element 122 is substantially the same as that of the second heating element 124.

[0179] Over the period that the heating elements remain at a substantially constant temperature, slight variations in temperature may occur around the target temperature defined by the controller. In some embodiments, the variations are less than about ±10°C, or ±5°C, or ±4°C, or ±3°C, or ±2°C, or ±1°C. Optionally, the variations are less than about ±3°C across at least the first heating element, across at least the second heating element, or across both the first heating element and the second element.

[0180] 3 and 4 discussed herein above reflect measured or observed temperature profiles of heating units present in device 100. FIG. 5 reflects programmed heating profiles of any heating units present in device 100. Any programmed heating profile of any heating unit present in the heating assembly of the device can be illustrated by the schematic programmed heating profile shown in FIG.

[0181] The programmed heating profile 500 includes a first temperature, temperature A502, that the heating unit is programmed to reach during a given use session at time A504. Time A504 may conveniently be defined in terms of the number of seconds that have elapsed since the start of the use session, i.e., from the time that power is first supplied to at least one heating unit present in the heating assembly.

[0182] Optionally, the programmed heating profile 500 can include a second temperature, temperature B506. Temperature B506 is a different temperature than temperature A502. In some embodiments, the device is programmed to reach temperature B506 at time B508 during a given use session. Time B508 comes later in time than time A504.

[0183] From time A504 to time B508, the device is programmed to have temperature A502, which is substantially the same temperature. However, in some embodiments, there may be variation around temperature A502 during this period. For example, the heating unit may have a temperature within 10°C of temperature A502 during this period, optionally within 5°C of temperature A502 during this period. Such a profile would still be considered to correspond to the profile shown generally in Figure 5. In other embodiments, there is substantially no variation from temperature A502 during this period.

[0184] Although FIG. 5 shows temperature B 506 being higher than temperature A 502, the program heating profiles of the present disclosure are not so limited, and for any given heating profile, temperature B 506 can be higher or lower than temperature A 502.

[0185] Optionally, the program heating profile 500 includes a second temperature, temperature B 506.

[0186] Optionally, the programmed heating profile 500 may include a third temperature, temperature C510, which is different from temperature B. In some embodiments, the device is programmed to reach temperature C510 at time C512 during a given use session, which is later in time than time B508 and therefore time A502.

[0187] Temperature C510 may or may not be the same temperature as temperature A502.

[0188] While FIG. 5 shows temperature C510 to be higher than temperature B506 and temperature A502, the program temperature profiles of the present disclosure are not so limited; for any given heating profile, temperature C510 can be higher or lower than temperature A502, and for any given heating profile, temperature C510 can be higher or lower than temperature B506.

[0189] The program heating profile 500 includes a final time point 514 at which the supply of energy to the heating unit ceases for the remainder of the use session. The final time point 514 may coincide with the end of the use session.

[0190] Surprisingly, it has been found that the temperatures 502, 506, 510 and times 504, 508, 512, 514 of the heating unit's programmed heating profile can be adjusted to reduce the buildup of condensation within the device 100. In particular, by configuring the device so that time point B 508 occurs after 50% of the usage session has elapsed, and optionally after 75% of the usage session has elapsed, the amount of condensation that collects within the device during use can be reduced.

[0191] In embodiments where the heating assembly includes at least two heating units, the heating assembly can be configured such that the first and second heating units have substantially the same maximum operating temperature. The inventors have determined that this configuration can also reduce condensation buildup within the device.

[0192] 6 shows an example of an aerosol delivery device 600 according to one embodiment. The device includes a user interface 610 and an indicator 620. In this example, the user interface 610 is a push button. The indicator 620 includes a visual indicator. The indicator 620 may also include a tactile indicator (not shown). The tactile indicator of the indicator 620 is located separate from the visual indicator within the device 600.

[0193] Indicators 620 are positioned to surround user interface 610. It has been found that positioning indicators 620 to surround user interface 610 can mean that a user will find it easier to operate the device.

[0194] The user interface 610 can have a substantially circular shape in a first plane. The user interface 610 can extend in a dimension orthogonal to the first plane and can have a convex or concave shape. The user interface 610 can form a concave shape on the surface of the device. Providing the user interface 610 with a concave shape can allow for easier and more precise operation of the device with a user's fingertip. The indicator 620 can have a substantially circular outline. The indicator 620 can be provided as an annulus such that the user interface 610 can be provided at the center of the indicator 620.

[0195] Device 600 comprises a housing 630. Housing 630 may comprise a receptacle 640 for receiving an aerosol product article during use. Receptacle 640 comprises a heating assembly (not shown) for non-combustion heating of an aerosol product article disposed within receptacle 640. Device 600 may optionally further comprise a movable cover 650 for covering the opening of receptacle 640 when the device is not in use. Movable cover 650 may comprise a sliding cover. A user can activate the device by interacting with user interface 610. The device is configured such that the device is activated by the user pressing a push button.

[0196] The device can be configured to be set into one of two modes before initiating a use session. One operating mode that can be set is a "normal" mode, and a second operating mode that can be set is a "boost" mode. A user can interact with the user interface 610 to select the operating mode before initiating a use session. The device is configured to allow the operating mode to be selected by pressing a push button for different durations. After the operating mode is selected, power is supplied to at least one heating unit or aerosol generator in the heating assembly.

[0197] Device 600 can be configured such that after an operating mode is selected by a user, indicator 620 indicates the selected mode to the user. The selected mode can be indicated by activation of a light source within a visual indicator component of indicator 620. The selected mode can also be indicated by activation of a tactile indicator component of indicator 620.

[0198] At least one component of indicator 620 may continue to display the selected mode to the user until the device is ready to be used. The visual indicator portion of indicator 620 may continue to display the selected mode from the time the mode is selected until the device is ready to be used, at which point the indicator may indicate that the device is ready to be used.

[0199] 7 illustrates a heating profile that may be set for one or more aerosol generators according to one embodiment. A use session may be considered to begin at time 0, with one or more aerosol generators set to a target operating temperature 700 for a period of 0-80 seconds. After 80 seconds, the heating profile increases to temperature 701 by time 150 seconds, such that one or more aerosol generators are set to the target operating temperature 701 for a period of 80-150 seconds. After 150 seconds, the heating profile increases to temperature 702 by time 180 seconds, such that one or more aerosol generators are set to the target operating temperature 702 for a period of 150-180 seconds. The use session ends at time 180 seconds, when energy or power to one or more aerosol generators is turned off.

[0200] It will be appreciated that the heating profile may be selected by the user prior to commencing a usage session, for example, the user may choose between a normal mode of operation and a boost mode of operation.

[0201] However, according to various embodiments, in addition to selecting a heating profile before initiating a use session, the user can also interact with the user interface after the use session has begun to vary the heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the use session.

[0202] In particular, the user may interact with the user interface at a time t1 after the use session has begun to place the controller into one or more further operating modes.

[0203] According to one embodiment, the user can interact with the user interface to pause or modify further operation of one or more aerosol generators at time t1 after the use session has begun.

[0204] 8 illustrates a heating profile according to one embodiment in which, at time t1 after a use session has begun, a user presses a user interface to place the aerosol delivery device into a paused operating mode. In the particular example shown in FIG. 8, operation of the aerosol delivery device is paused for 40 seconds between 50 and 90 seconds.

[0205] In the example shown in FIG. 8, the heating profile is such that when operation of the aerosol delivery device is paused for a period of 50 to 90 seconds, the controller continues to set the same operating temperature 800 for one or more aerosol generators.

[0206] However, other embodiments are contemplated in which the controller may be further configured to turn off or reduce the energy or power supplied to one or more aerosol generators when the controller is caused to pause or alter further operation of one or more aerosol generators.

[0207] When the controller is caused to pause or modify further operation of the one or more aerosol generators, the controller may be further arranged to prevent aerosol from being generated from the aerosol-generating material.

[0208] The user interface may be further arranged to allow the user to further interact with the user interface to cause the controller, at a next time point t2, to (i) resume operation of one or more aerosol generators and / or (ii) bring one or more aerosol generators out of a power saving operating mode.

[0209] The controller may be further configured to turn off energy or power supplied to the one or more aerosol generators after a predetermined period of time from time t1 if there has been no further user interaction with the user interface after time t1. The predetermined period of time may be less than 10 seconds, 10-20 seconds, 20-30 seconds, 30-40 seconds, 40-50 seconds, 50-60 seconds, 60-70 seconds, 70-80 seconds, 80-90 seconds, 90-100 seconds, 100-110 seconds, 110-120 seconds, 120-130 seconds, 130-140 seconds, 140-150 seconds, 150-160 seconds, 160-170 seconds, 170-180 seconds, or more than 180 seconds.

[0210] 8, at a second time point, time t2 (90 seconds), the user presses the user interface to bring the aerosol delivery device out of sleep mode, at which point the heating profile configured for the one or more aerosol generators resumes. Because a 40-second delay is introduced, the heating profile now ends at a later time point, 220 seconds, i.e., 40 seconds after the end of the heating profile shown in FIG. 7.

[0211] According to one embodiment, when the controller pauses or modifies further operation of the one or more aerosol generators, the controller may be further configured to reduce energy or power supplied to the one or more aerosol generators such that an operating temperature of the one or more aerosol generators decreases to a temperature T1, where T1≦200° C. Optionally, T1 is selected from the group consisting of: (i) below 20° C., (ii) between 20 and 40° C., (iii) between 40 and 60° C., (iv) between 60 and 80° C., (v) between 80 and 100° C., (vi) between 100 and 120° C., (vii) between 120 and 140° C., (viii) between 140 and 160° C., (ix) between 160 and 180° C., and (x) between 180 and 200° C.

[0212] FIG. 9 illustrates a heating profile according to one embodiment in which, at time t1 (50 seconds) after the start of a use session, the user presses the user interface to place the aerosol delivery device into a power-saving mode of operation.

[0213] In a particular embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the aerosol delivery device is placed into a power saving mode at 50 seconds, such that energy or power to one or more aerosol generators is turned off to conserve power.

[0214] At the next time point t2 (90 seconds), the user presses the user interface a second time to bring the aerosol delivery device out of the power saving mode of operation, at which point the heating profile configured for the one or more aerosol generators resumes. Due to the 40 second period during which the device enters the power saving mode of operation, the heating profile now ends at 220 seconds, i.e., 40 seconds after the end of the heating profile shown in FIG. 7.

[0215] According to another embodiment, at time t1 after the use session has begun, a user can interact with a user interface to change or vary the heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the use session from time t1 onwards.

[0216] 10 illustrates one embodiment in which, at time t1 (50 seconds), a user interacts with a user interface to change the heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the use session. Prior to pressing the user interface at time t1, the heating profile 1010 shown in FIG. 10 was set for one or more aerosol generators. However, as a result of pressing the user interface at time t1, a different heating profile 1011 can now be set for the remainder of the use session.

[0217] According to another embodiment, at time t1 after the start of a use session, a user can interact with a user interface to change or vary the duration of a heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the use session from time t1 onwards, e.g., the duration of the heating profile can be increased or decreased.

[0218] 10, the heating profile 1010 is increased after the user interacts with the user interface at time t1. According to other embodiments, the length of the usage session may also be shortened when the temperature of the heating profile is increased.

[0219] Conversely, after the user interacts with the user interface at time t1, the heating profile 1010 may be decreased. For example, it is contemplated that the length of the usage session may also be increased if the heating profile 1020 is decreased.

[0220] Further embodiments are contemplated in which, after the user interacts with the user interface at time t1, a new heating profile that is substantially different from the profile can be set for one or more heating units for the remainder of the usage session.

[0221] 11 illustrates an embodiment in which a user interacts with a user interface to vary the duration of a heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators during a use session. According to the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, if a user interacts with the user interface at some point after a use session begins, the duration of the heating profile can be extended, so that rather than ending the heating profile at time 1110 at 180 seconds, the heating profile is now extended to a later time 1111, which in the particular example illustrated in FIG. 11 is at 250 seconds.

[0222] According to one embodiment, before time t1 (when the user interacts with the user interface), the controller is arranged to set a first heating profile for one or more aerosol generators having a first average operating temperature T1 throughout the intended use session, and following the user's interaction with the user interface after time t1, the controller is arranged to set a second, different heating profile for one or more aerosol generators so that the one or more aerosol generators have a second average operating temperature T2 throughout the use session, where T1>T2 or T2>T1.

[0223] According to one embodiment, following a user interaction with the user interface at time t1, the controller is arranged to increase or gradually increase the operating temperature of one or more aerosol generators.

[0224] According to an alternative embodiment, following a user interaction with the user interface at time t1, the controller is arranged to reduce or gradually reduce the operating temperature of one or more aerosol generators.

[0225] Following a user interaction with the user interface at time t1, the controller may be configured to increase the duration of the heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the usage session from time t1 onwards.

[0226] Alternatively, following a user interaction with the user interface at time t1, the controller may be configured to reduce the duration of the heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the usage session from time t1 onwards.

[0227] More particularly, following a user interaction with the user interface at time t1, the controller may be arranged to set different predetermined heating profiles for one or more aerosol generators.

[0228] The one or more aerosol generators may comprise one or more induction heating units.

[0229] The one or more aerosol generators may comprise one or more resistive or non-inductive heating units.

[0230] The one or more aerosol generators may be equipped with one or more external heating units.

[0231] The one or more aerosol generators include one or more internal heating units.

[0232] It will be understood that the external heating unit constitutes a heating unit that surrounds the aerosol product article and induces heat to the outer portion of the aerosol product article, which heat then heats the remainder of the aerosol product article. The external heating unit(s) may constitute an inductive heating unit(s) and / or a resistive heating unit(s).

[0233] In contrast, an internal heating unit constitutes a heating unit that enters or is provided within the body of the aerosol product article. For example, the internal heating unit can include a blade provided within the base of the heating chamber of the aerosol delivery device. An aerosol product article inserted into the aerosol delivery device is pressed against the blade, causing the blade to extend into the distal end of the aerosol product article. According to various embodiments, the internal heating unit(s) can constitute a resistive heating unit, and an electric current is passed through the heating unit to heat it. However, other embodiments are also contemplated in which the internal heating unit(s) can constitute an inductive heating unit(s). The inductive heating unit can include an induction coil that generates a time-varying magnetic field and a susceptor. The induction coil and the susceptor are suitably positioned relative to one another so that a varying magnetic field provided by an inductor penetrates the susceptor and generates one or more eddy currents within the susceptor. The susceptor has a resistance to the flow of electric current, and therefore, when such eddy currents are generated within the susceptor, they flow against the electrical resistance of the susceptor, causing the susceptor to heat by Joule heating. For example, a susceptor can be provided within the base of a heating chamber of an aerosol delivery device, so that when an aerosol product article is inserted into the aerosol delivery device, it is forced into the susceptor. The susceptor can then be heated by an induction coil that can be spaced a distance from the internal susceptor.

[0234] If the controller is caused to change or vary the heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the use session from time t1 onwards, the controller may be further configured to increase or decrease the temperature of one or more aerosol generators.

[0235] The one or more aerosol generators may comprise a first heating unit and a second heating unit.

[0236] According to one embodiment, (i) the first heating unit constitutes an induction heating unit and the second heating unit constitutes an induction heating unit; (ii) the first heating unit constitutes an induction heating unit and the second heating unit constitutes a resistive or non-inductive heating unit; (iii) the first heating unit constitutes a resistive or non-inductive heating unit and the second heating unit constitutes an induction heating unit; or (iv) the first heating unit constitutes a resistive or non-inductive heating unit and the second heating unit constitutes a resistive or non-inductive heating unit.

[0237] According to one embodiment, (i) the first heating unit constitutes an external heating unit and the second heating unit constitutes an external heating unit; (ii) the first heating unit constitutes an external heating unit and the second heating unit constitutes an internal heating unit; (iii) the first heating unit constitutes an internal heating unit and the second heating unit constitutes an internal heating unit; or (iv) the first heating unit constitutes an internal heating unit and the second heating unit constitutes an external heating unit.

[0238] If the controller is forced to change or vary the heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the use session from time t1 onwards, the controller may be configured to increase or decrease the temperature of the first heating unit.

[0239] If the controller is forced to change or vary the heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the use session from time t1 onwards, the controller may be configured to increase or decrease the temperature of the second heating unit.

[0240] A use session can be determined to begin when power or energy is first supplied to one or more aerosol generators after an aerosol product is inserted into the aerosol delivery device.

[0241] A use session may be determined to begin when power or energy is first supplied to one or more aerosol generators to raise the temperature of the one or more aerosol generators to an operating temperature Tmin so that a user can inhale a first puff of aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material. Optionally, Tmin is within the ranges of: (i) 200-210°C, (ii) 210-220°C, (iii) 220-230°C, (iv) 230-240°C, (v) 240-250°C, (vi) 250-260°C, (vii) 260-270°C, (viii) 270-280°C, (ix) 280-290°C, and (x) 290-300°C.

[0242] A usage session may be determined to end when power or energy is no longer supplied to one or more aerosol generators.

[0243] A usage session may be determined to end when the aerosol-generating material is substantially depleted or when the user is unable to inhale additional puffs of aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material.

[0244] A usage session may be determined to relate to a period of time during which a user is able to inhale multiple puffs of aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material without replacing or refilling the aerosol-generating material.

[0245] The aerosol delivery device may additionally or alternatively comprise a first device arranged to detect how often a user takes puffs of the aerosol or whether no puffs have been taken within a predetermined period of time, and the controller is further arranged to prompt the user to interact with the user interface if the frequency is above or below a predetermined level (either during the predetermined period or if no puffs have been detected). The first device may comprise a microphone.

[0246] The aerosol delivery device may additionally or alternatively comprise a second device arranged to detect how often a user takes puffs of aerosol or whether no puffs have been taken within a predetermined period of time, and if the frequency falls below a predetermined level (or if no puffs are detected within the period of time), the controller is further arranged to pause operation of one or more aerosol generators or to turn off the energy or power supplied to one or more aerosol generators.

[0247] According to various embodiments, the aerosol delivery device can be arranged to detect a new or fresh puff being taken a period of time after detecting a lack of puffs, which results in the device entering a power saving mode, upon which the aerosol delivery device can resume operation.

[0248] Further embodiments are contemplated in which the aerosol delivery device may be configured to detect when a user is taking puffs at a frequency above a threshold (which may be a user-set threshold or a predetermined threshold), at which point the aerosol delivery device may change its operating mode. For example, the aerosol delivery device may change its operating mode such that the aerosol delivery device operates in an operating mode having an increased or otherwise altered temperature or heating profile, such as a boost operating mode.

[0249] Additionally or alternatively, the aerosol delivery device may be arranged to detect when the user is taking puffs at a frequency above a threshold (which may be a user-set threshold or a predetermined threshold), at which point the aerosol delivery device may prompt the user to interact with a user interface.

[0250] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as a representative sample of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It is understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered limitations on the scope of the invention, as defined by the claims, or limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the present 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. In addition, the present disclosure may include other inventions not claimed herein but which may be claimed in the future. The following provisions are included in this specification: [Article 1] 1. An aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, comprising: one or more aerosol generators arranged to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming material; a controller for controlling the one or more aerosol generators; a user interface arranged to enable a user to interact with the user interface to cause, at a time t1 after a use session has begun, the controller to (i) pause or modify further operation of the one or more aerosol generators, and / or (ii) cause the one or more aerosol generators to enter a power saving mode of operation, and / or (iii) change or vary a heating profile set for the one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the use session from time t1 onwards, and / or (iv) change or vary a duration of a heating profile set for the one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the use session from time t1 onwards; An aerosol delivery device comprising: [Clause 2] An aerosol supply device as described in clause 1, wherein when the controller pauses or changes further operation of the one or more aerosol generators, the controller is further configured to reduce the energy or power supplied to the one or more aerosol generators so that the operating temperature of the one or more aerosol generators drops to temperature T1, wherein T1≦200°C. [Article 3] 3. The aerosol delivery device of clause 2, wherein T1 is selected from the group consisting of: (i) less than 20°C, (ii) 20-40°C, (iii) 40-60°C, (iv) 60-80°C, (v) 80-100°C, (vi) 100-120°C, (vii) 120-140°C, (viii) 140-160°C, (ix) 160-180°C, and (x) 180-200°C. [Article 4] An aerosol delivery device as described in clause 1, 2, or 3, wherein the controller is further configured to turn off the energy or power supplied to the one or more aerosol generators when the controller is caused to pause or change further operation of the one or more aerosol generators. [Article 5] An aerosol delivery device as described in any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the controller is further configured to prevent aerosol from being generated from the aerosol-generating material when the controller is caused to pause or modify further operation of the one or more aerosol generators. [Article 6] An aerosol delivery device as described in any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the user interface is further configured to allow a user to further interact with the user interface to cause the controller, at a next time point t2, to (i) resume operation of the one or more aerosol generators and / or (ii) cause the one or more aerosol generators to exit a power saving operating mode. [Article 7] An aerosol delivery device described in any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the controller is further configured to turn off the energy or power supplied to the one or more aerosol generators after a predetermined period from time t1 if the user has not further interacted with the user interface after time t1. [Article 8] An aerosol delivery device as described in any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein before time t1, the controller is configured to set a first heating profile for the one or more aerosol generators having a first average operating temperature T1 throughout an intended use session, and following user interaction with the user interface from time t1 onwards, the controller is configured to set a second, different heating profile for the one or more aerosol generators so that the one or more aerosol generators have a second average operating temperature T2 throughout the use session, wherein T1>T2 or T2>T1. [Article 9] An aerosol delivery device as described in any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the controller is arranged to increase or gradually increase the operating temperature of the one or more aerosol generators following interaction with the user interface by a user at time t1. [Article 10] An aerosol delivery device as described in any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the controller is configured to reduce or gradually reduce the operating temperature of the one or more aerosol generators following a user's interaction with the user interface at time t1. [Article 11] An aerosol delivery device as described in any one of clauses 1 to 10, wherein following a user's interaction with the user interface at time t1, the controller is configured to increase the duration of the heating profile set for the one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the usage session from time t1 onwards. [Article 12] An aerosol delivery device as described in any one of clauses 1 to 10, wherein following a user's interaction with the user interface at time t1, the controller is configured to reduce the duration of the heating profile set for the one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the usage session from time t1 onwards. [Article 13] An aerosol delivery device as described in any one of clauses 1 to 12, wherein the controller is configured to set different predetermined heating profiles for the one or more aerosol generators following interaction with the user interface by a user at time t1. [Article 14] 14. The aerosol delivery device of any one of clauses 1 to 13, wherein the one or more aerosol generators comprise one or more induction heating units. [Article 15] 15. The aerosol delivery device of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the one or more aerosol generators comprise one or more resistive or non-inductive heating units. [Article 16] 16. The aerosol delivery device of any one of clauses 1 to 15, wherein the one or more aerosol generators are equipped with one or more external heating units. [Article 17] 17. The aerosol delivery device of any one of clauses 1 to 16, wherein the one or more aerosol generators comprise one or more internal heating units. [Article 18] An aerosol delivery device as described in any one of clauses 1 to 17, wherein the controller is further configured to increase or decrease the temperature of the one or more aerosol generators when the controller changes or varies the heating profile set for the one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the usage session from time t1 onwards. [Article 19] 19. The aerosol delivery device of any one of clauses 1 to 18, wherein the one or more aerosol generators comprise a first heating unit and a second heating unit. [Article 20] 19. The aerosol delivery device of claim 19, wherein (i) the first heating unit comprises an induction heating unit and the second heating unit comprises an induction heating unit; (ii) the first heating unit comprises an induction heating unit and the second heating unit comprises a resistance or non-inductive heating unit; (iii) the first heating unit comprises a resistance or non-inductive heating unit and the second heating unit comprises an induction heating unit; or (iv) the first heating unit comprises a resistance or non-inductive heating unit and the second heating unit comprises a resistance or non-inductive heating unit. [Article 21] 21. The aerosol delivery device of clause 19 or 20, wherein (i) the first heating unit comprises an external heating unit and the second heating unit comprises an external heating unit; (ii) the first heating unit comprises an external heating unit and the second heating unit comprises an internal heating unit; (iii) the first heating unit comprises an internal heating unit and the second heating unit comprises an internal heating unit; or (iv) the first heating unit comprises an internal heating unit and the second heating unit comprises an external heating unit. [Article 22] An aerosol delivery device as described in any one of clauses 19, 20, or 21, wherein the controller is configured to increase or decrease the temperature of the first heating unit when the controller changes or varies the heating profile set for the one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the use session from time t1 onwards. [Article 23] An aerosol delivery device as described in any one of clauses 19 to 22, wherein the controller is configured to increase or decrease the temperature of the second heating unit when the controller changes or varies the heating profile set for the one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the usage session from time t1 onwards. [Article 24] An aerosol delivery device as described in any one of clauses 1 to 23, wherein a usage session is determined to begin when power or energy is first supplied to the one or more aerosol generators after an aerosol product is inserted into the aerosol delivery device. [Article 25] An aerosol delivery device as described in any one of clauses 1 to 24, wherein a use session is determined to start when power or energy is first supplied to the one or more aerosol generators to raise the temperature of the one or more aerosol generators to an operating temperature Tmin so that a user can inhale a first puff of aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material. [Article 26] 26. The aerosol delivery device of clause 25, wherein Tmin is within the range of: (i) 200-210°C, (ii) 210-220°C, (iii) 220-230°C, (iv) 230-240°C, (v) 240-250°C, (vi) 250-260°C, (vii) 260-270°C, (viii) 270-280°C, (ix) 280-290°C, and (x) 290-300°C. [Article 27] 27. An aerosol delivery device according to any one of clauses 1 to 26, wherein a usage session is determined to end when power or energy is no longer supplied to the one or more aerosol generators. [Article 28] 28. The aerosol delivery device of any one of clauses 1 to 27, wherein a usage session is determined to end when the aerosol-generating material is substantially used up or when the user is unable to inhale further puffs of aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material. [Article 29] An aerosol delivery device as described in any one of clauses 1 to 28, wherein a usage session is determined to relate to a period of time during which a user can inhale multiple puffs of aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material without replacing or refilling the aerosol generating material. [Article 30] An aerosol delivery device described in any one of clauses 1 to 29, further comprising a first device arranged to detect the frequency at which a user inhales puffs of aerosol, and wherein the controller is further arranged to prompt the user to interact with the user interface if the frequency is above or below a predetermined level. [Article 31] 31. The aerosol delivery device of clause 30, wherein the first device comprises a microphone. [Article 32] An aerosol delivery device described in any one of clauses 1 to 31, further comprising a second device arranged to detect the frequency at which a user inhales puffs of aerosol, and wherein if the frequency falls below a predetermined level, the controller is further arranged to pause the operation of the one or more aerosol generators or turn off the energy or power supplied to the one or more aerosol generators. [Article 33] Clause 1-32, an aerosol delivery device; an aerosol-producing article comprising an aerosol-forming material; An aerosol generating system comprising: [Article 34] 34. An aerosol generation system as described in clause 33, wherein the aerosol product item is inserted into the aerosol delivery device at the time of use. [Article 35] 1. A method for generating an aerosol, comprising: providing an aerosol delivery device comprising one or more aerosol generators arranged to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, the aerosol delivery device further comprising a user interface; inserting an aerosol product into the aerosol delivery device; At time t1 after the start of a use session, in response to a user interaction with the user interface, (i) pausing or modifying further operation of the one or more aerosol generators, and / or (ii) causing the one or more aerosol generators to enter a power saving mode of operation, and / or (iii) changing or varying a heating profile set for the one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the use session from time t1 onwards, and / or (iv) changing or varying a duration of a heating profile set for the one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the use session from time t1 onwards. A method comprising:

Claims

[Claim 1] 1. An aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, comprising: one or more aerosol generators arranged to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming material; a controller for controlling the one or more aerosol generators; a user interface arranged to enable a user to interact with the user interface to cause, at a time t1 after a use session has begun, the controller to (i) pause or modify further operation of the one or more aerosol generators, and / or (ii) cause the one or more aerosol generators to enter a power saving mode of operation, and / or (iii) change or vary a heating profile set for the one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the use session from time t1 onwards, and / or (iv) change or vary a duration of a heating profile set for the one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the use session from time t1 onwards; An aerosol delivery device comprising:

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