Heated non-combustion aerosol generating device with controlled flavor - Patent Application 20070123333

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heated non-combustion aerosol generating device (11) configured to operate with a tobacco article (12), the tobacco article (12) comprising a tobacco portion (14) and a flavor module (24) containing a flavor. The aerosol generating device (11) comprises: a receiving cavity configured to receive the tobacco article (12) together with the flavor module (24), an emitting module (40) configured to interact with the flavor module (24) and emit the flavor in the tobacco portion (14) when the tobacco article (12) is received in the receiving cavity (36), and a control module configured to obtain programmed events and to operate the emitting module (40) according to the programmed events.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heated non-combustion aerosol generating device.

[0002] The present invention also relates to an aerosol generating assembly comprising such an aerosol generating device and a tobacco article.

[0003] In particular, the aerosol generation assembly comprises an aerosol generation device configured to operate with a tobacco article comprising a tobacco substrate capable of forming an aerosol when heated. Thus, such types of aerosol generation assemblies, known as heat-and-no-burn assemblies, are adapted to heat, rather than burn, a substrate by conduction, convection, and / or radiation to generate an aerosol for inhalation. [Background technology]

[0004] The popularity and use of risk reduction or risk modification devices (also known as vaporizers) has grown rapidly in recent years as an aid to assist habitual smokers wishing to quit smoking traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, and roll-a-cigarettes. A variety of devices and systems are available that heat or warm a vaporizable substance, as opposed to burning tobacco in traditional tobacco products.

[0005] Commonly available risk reduction or risk modification devices are substrate heated aerosol generating devices or heated non-combustion devices. This type of device typically generates an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol substrate, which typically includes moist tobacco or other suitable vaporizable material, to a temperature typically ranging from 150°C to 350°C. By heating, rather than burning or combusting, the aerosol substrate releases an aerosol that includes the ingredients desired by the user, but does not include the toxic and carcinogenic by-products of combustion and burning. Furthermore, aerosols generated by heating tobacco or other vaporizable material typically do not include the burnt or bitter taste that can result from combustion and burning, which can be unpleasant to the user, and thus the substrate does not require sugars and other additives that are typically added to such materials to make the smoke and / or vapor more palatable to the user.

[0006] It is also known to add a number of flavoring substances to tobacco articles to impart a flavor to the generated aerosol that is pleasing to the user. The flavoring substances may be ethyl vanillin (vanilla), menthol, isoamyl acetate (banana oil), or the like.

[0007] However, the control of the flavor is very limited for the user. In fact, the user cannot control whether he / she wants a flavor or not, and when the flavor should be released if he / she wants a flavor. Generally, if the user wants to vape a non-flavored aerosol, he / she has to replace the article, which can be troublesome for the user. And conversely, if the user wants to have some flavor after an unflavored vaping session, he / she has to replace the article again. Moreover, it is not possible to mix different flavors according to the user's wishes. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating device that allows for easy and convenient flavoring while providing an improved sensory experience of the vaporized aerosol to the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To this end, the present invention provides a heat-non-combustion aerosol generating device configured to operate with a tobacco article, the tobacco article comprising a tobacco portion and a flavor module containing a flavor, the aerosol generating device comprising: a receiving cavity configured to receive a tobacco article together with a flavor module; - an emission module configured to interact with the flavor module to emit flavor into the tobacco article when the tobacco article is received in the receiving cavity; - a control module configured to obtain programmed events and operate an emission module according to the programmed events.

[0010] Due to these features, the aerosol generating device can release flavors in a manner programmed by the control module. The control module is configured to control the release module and activate it according to a programmed event, providing a way for the user to vape additional flavors without having to manually activate the flavor module through the device. Thus, the user may decide when they want to release a flavor, and the user may, for example, first vape a raw tobacco flavor before the programmed event, and when the programmed event occurs, the control module activates the release module, which releases the flavor in the aerosol such that the user may vape the flavored aerosol after the programmed event without changing the item or manually activating the flavor module. The present invention thus allows for easy and convenient flavor release for the user.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the programmed events include: - the number of puffs that have elapsed since the start of your vaping session; -The amount of time that has elapsed since the start of your vaping session; - Reduced initial aerosol flavor, - achieving a predetermined heating temperature; - consuming a given amount of energy; and - responding to at least one of the elements selected from the group consisting of: a special action performed by the user, a command, or a response to a notification.

[0012] Due to these characteristics, the control module can control the emission module according to a programmed event. In particular, the programmed event can be the number of puffs or the time elapsed since the beginning of the vaping session that defines when the control module will emit a flavor for the user. The programmed event can be a diminution of the initial aerosol flavor to provide a new flavor release to compensate for this flavor diminution and improve the sensory sensation of the vaped aerosol for the user. The same flavor can be used or a different flavor can be used. The programmed event can also be a response to a special action, command or notification performed by the user, for example a reduction in the puff frequency by the user indicating a possible diminution of the initial aerosol flavor, or a predefined gesture from the user, such as shaking, tapping, wiping the device, etc. The programmed event can also correspond to achieving a predefined heating temperature of the heater or vaporizable material, or consuming a predefined amount of energy. In the first case, the device can be equipped with a temperature sensor located in the vicinity of the tobacco article or the heater, and the control module can analyze the measurements emitted by the sensor. Current or voltage control can also be used to control the temperature. In the second case, the control module or any other component can determine the amount of energy received from the battery and, if this amount reaches, for example, a predetermined threshold, conclude that a programmed event has occurred.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the device further comprises an external communication module (e.g., a wireless module such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, RFID, etc.) configured to receive programmed events from an external electronic system and to transmit the programmed events to the control module.

[0014] Due to these features, the user may program programmed events through a dedicated application from an external electronic system, for example a smartphone, which are then transmitted to the device and received from the external communication module, which transmits the programmed events to a control module that may activate the emission module according to the programmed events.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the device can be switched between a manual configuration, in which the emission module is configured to be activated by a user, and an automatic configuration, in which the emission module is configured to be activated by a control module.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the control module is configured to apply machine learning methods during manual configuration to learn programmed events by analyzing user behavior.

[0017] Due to these characteristics, the user may use the device during a first phase in which the device is in manual configuration. During this first phase, the user may activate the release module manually, for example via a dedicated button, and the control module analyzes the user behavior, in particular by applying machine learning methods. The control module can then identify programmed events by this analysis, for example when the user mainly activates the release module, for example by determining the average number of puffs that have elapsed before the release of a new flavor by the user. During a second phase, the user may use the device in automatic configuration. The control module then controls the release module and activates it according to the programmed events.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the emission module is configured to exert a mechanical action on the flavor module to emit the flavor, the emission module further comprising a motor configured to operate the emission module when activated by the control module.

[0019] These features allow the control module to activate the motor of the release module, which in turn can mechanically crush the flavor module to release the flavor.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the release module comprises a clamping system configured to clamp a portion of the tobacco article from the outside to fracture the flavor module.

[0021] Due to these features, the release module is, for example, equipped with a pincher with two arms that is actuated by a motor and is able to exert pressure on two opposite sides of the flavour module in order to crush it.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the release module comprises a perforation system configured to perforate the flavour module.

[0023] Due to these features, the emission module comprises, for example, an endless linear screw actuated by a motor and capable of exerting pressure on the flavour module in order to perforate it.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the flavour module comprises a melting or softening system adapted to melt or soften the flavour module to obtain release of the flavour.

[0025] Because of these features, the device may include a resistive heating section positioned adjacent to the flavor module which, when activated, specifically melts the melting or softening system to release the flavor.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the flavour module comprises a heat sensitive element and the emission module comprises a coil configured to interact with the heat sensitive element of the flavour module by electromagnetic induction.

[0027] Due to these features, the control module can activate the coil of the emission module, which in turn generates an electromagnetic field that can interact with the thermal element of the flavor module, in particular the susceptor, by electromagnetic induction to emit flavor.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the coil is configured to heat a heat sensitive element of the flavour module to at least partially melt the flavour module.

[0029] Because of these features, the coil is configured to heat the heat sensitive element by electromagnetic induction, and the heated susceptor causes the flavor module to at least partially melt.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the coil is configured to heat a heat sensitive element of the flavour module, causing it to change shape and thereby fracture the flavour module.

[0031] Due to these characteristics, the coil is configured to heat the susceptor by electromagnetic induction, which causes the heated susceptor to change its shape, thus destroying the flavor module from the inside.

[0032] According to some embodiments, the aerosol generating device further comprises at least one heating module different from the emission module, the or each heating module being configured to heat a tobacco portion of the tobacco article when the tobacco article is received within the receiving cavity.

[0033] These features allow the control module to control the heating module independently from the emission module.

[0034] The heating module is configured to heat the tobacco portion to generate an aerosol that flows through the article towards the mouth end.

[0035] For example, each heating module may include a thin film heater that extends along substantially the entire length of the tobacco portion, or along only a portion of this length, or an induction coil configured to supply electromagnetic energy to an induction heating element (e.g., a susceptor) positioned inside the tobacco portion of the article.

[0036] In some configurations, the heating module is disposed in a downstream section of the receiving cavity and the discharge module is disposed in an upstream section of the receiving cavity, such that the discharge module can be maintained away from heat generated by the heating module because the discharge module is located upstream.

[0037] The present invention also provides an aerosol generating assembly comprising: a tobacco article comprising a tobacco portion and a flavor module containing a flavor; - a heating non-combustion aerosol generating device configured to operate with a tobacco article according to any one of the preceding claims.

[0038] According to some embodiments, the flavor module comprises a heat-sensitive deformable element, the heat-sensitive deformable element comprising a shape memory alloy (SPA).

[0039] The invention and its advantages will be better understood on reading the following description, given by way of non-limiting example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic side view of an aerosol generating assembly according to the present invention comprising a tobacco article and a heated non-combustion aerosol generating device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the aerosol generation assembly of FIG. 1 according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the aerosol generation assembly of FIG. 2. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the aerosol generation assembly of FIG. 1 according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the aerosol generation assembly of FIG. 1 according to a third embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the aerosol generation assembly of FIG. 1 according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0041] Before the present invention is described, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of construction set forth in the following description, as it will be apparent to one skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0042] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device" or "device" may include a vaping device that delivers an aerosol to a user, including an aerosol for vaping, using a heater element, which will be described in more detail below. The device may be portable. "Portable" may refer to a device for use when held by a user. The device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol (as opposed to a fixed amount of aerosol), for example, by activating a heater element for a variable amount of time, which may be controlled by a trigger. The trigger may be user-activated, such as a vaping button and / or an inhalation sensor. The inhalation sensor may be sensitive to the intensity of the inhalation as well as the duration of the inhalation, and may allow for the provision of a variable amount of vapor (to mimic the smoking effect of a conventional combustible smoking article, such as a cigarette, cigar, or pipe). The device may include a temperature regulation control for driving the temperature of the heater and / or the heated aerosol-generating material (aerosol precursor) to a specific target temperature and then maintaining the temperature at the target temperature that allows for efficient generation of aerosol.

[0043] As used herein, the term "aerosol" may include a suspension of vaporizable material as one or more of solid particles, liquid droplets, and gas. The suspension may be in a gaseous state, including air. Aerosol herein may generally refer to or include a vapor. Aerosol may include one or more components of vaporizable material.

[0044] As used herein, the term "vaporizable material" or "precursor" may refer to smokable material and aerosol forming agents, which may comprise, for example, nicotine or tobacco. Tobacco may take the form of various materials, such as cut tobacco, granulated tobacco, tobacco leaves, and / or reconstituted tobacco. Suitable aerosol forming agents include polyols (e.g., sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols such as propylene glycol or triethylene glycol), non-polyols (e.g., monohydric alcohols, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerin or vegetable glycerin). In some embodiments, the aerosol generating agent may be glycerol, propylene glycol, or a mixture of glycerol and propylene glycol. The substrate may also include at least one of a gelling agent, a binder, a stabilizer, and a humectant.

[0045] Description of the First Embodiment of the Invention 1 shows an aerosol generation assembly 10 comprising an aerosol generation device 11 and a tobacco article 12. The aerosol generation device 11 is intended to operate together with the tobacco article 12 to generate an aerosol.

[0046] The tobacco article 12 here presents, for example, a cylindrical shape extending along an article axis X. In a variant, the tobacco article 12 may present a flattened rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, the length L of the article 12 according to the article axis X is comprised between 10 and 80 mm, for example approximately 60 mm. According to different embodiments, the value L may be chosen within a range of, for example, ±40%.

[0048] The tobacco article 12 comprises a tobacco portion 14 and a non-tobacco portion 16 disposed along an article axis X. The tobacco portion 14 may, for example, be slightly longer than the non-tobacco portion 16. The tobacco portion 14 defines an abutment end 20 of the article 12, and the non-tobacco portion 16 defines a mouth end 22 of the article 12. The tobacco portion 14 and the non-tobacco portion 16 may be secured one to the other by a wrapper.

[0049] As will be explained in more detail below, the tobacco portion 14 is intended to be heated by the device 11. The tobacco portion 14 comprises a vaporizable material as defined above.

[0050] The mouth end 22 of the non-tobacco portion 16 is intended to be placed in the mouth of a user when the user wishes to take a puff. A portion of the non-tobacco portion 16 is intended to be inserted into the device 11. The non-tobacco portion 16 forms a cooling and / or filtering portion. The non-tobacco portion 16 is intended to function, for example, as a cooler and / or filter to cool and / or filter the vapour before it is inhaled by the user. The non-tobacco portion 16 may comprise a filtering material such as paper and / or cellulose acetate fibres.

[0051] 2-6, the non-tobacco portion 16 comprises at least a flavor module 24. The flavor module 24 is a capsule in which a fill, such as a liquid containing a flavored material, is placed within a shell. The flavor module 24 may have, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape. The flavor module 24, and in particular the shell, is designed to be crushed or melted to release the flavored material within the article 12. As will be explained below, the flavor module 24 allows for the provision of flavor to the user in the vaporized aerosol.

[0052] The aerosol generating device 11 comprises a housing 30 along the device axis Y. The housing 30 defines an interior space of the device 11 that accommodates various elements designed to perform different functions of the device 11. The housing 30 may further comprise an air flow path and / or an inlet for the introduction of air into the tobacco article 12. In particular, the device 11 comprises a power source 32, a control module 34, a receiving cavity 36 for receiving the tobacco article 12, and at least one heater 38, also referred to as a heating module. The device 11 further comprises an emission module 40 configured to interact with the flavor module 24, as described below. In some embodiments, the device 11 may further comprise an external communication module 42.

[0053] The receiving cavity 36 has a shape complementary to that of the article 12, in particular a cylindrical sidewall. Each heater 38 is disposed adjacent to the sidewall. Each heater 38 may comprise a thin-film heater extending along substantially the entire length of the tobacco portion 14 along the article axis X, or along only a portion of this length. Each heater 38 is powered by a power source 32 and controlled by a control module 34. The sidewall of the receiving cavity 36 is preferably made of a thin conductive material, preferably a metal such as stainless steel. The heater 38 is configured to heat the tobacco portion 14 to generate an aerosol that flows through the article toward the mouth end 22. In another embodiment (not shown), the heater 38 comprises an induction coil configured to supply electromagnetic energy to an induction heating element (e.g., a susceptor) disposed inside the tobacco portion of the article.

[0054] The power supply 32 comprises a battery, for example a rechargeable lithium ion battery as known in the art. The power supply 32 is configured to provide power to the control module 34, the heater 38, and the emission module 40. The control module 34 is configured to control the voltage provided by the power supply 32 to the heater 38, for example.

[0055] The external communication module 42 is configured to communicate with an external electronic system, such as a user communication device, through an antenna. The antenna can perform a passive communication with the tag. Advantageously, the antenna can communicate with the external electronic system via the NFC protocol (Near Field Communication protocol), the RFID protocol (Radio Frequency Identification protocol), the Bluetooth protocol, or any other available protocol.

[0056] The emission module 40 is configured to interact with the flavor module 24 to emit flavor within the tobacco portion 14 when the tobacco article 12 is received within the receiving cavity 36 .

[0057] The emission module 40 is distinct from the or each heater 38 .

[0058] Advantageously, as can be seen in FIG. 2, the heater 38 is located in a downstream section of the receiving cavity 36 compared to the discharge module 40 which is located in an upstream section of the receiving cavity 36 .

[0059] In particular, as depicted in Fig. 2, the release module 40 is here configured to exert a mechanical action on the flavor module 24 to release the flavor. The release module 40 comprises a clamping system configured to externally pinch a portion of the tobacco article 12 to crush the flavor module 24. The release module 40 further comprises a motor 44 configured to operate the clamping system. The clamping system is, for example, a pincher having two arms actuated by the motor 44. The clamping system can be switched from an open position depicted in Fig. 3, in which the two arms are spaced apart from each other with the flavor module 24 between them, to a clamping position, in which the two arms are brought together to clamp the flavor module 24. The flavor module 24 is then crushed by the applied pressure, releasing the flavor within the tobacco portion 14.

[0060] The device 11 can be switched between a manual configuration, in which the emission module 40 is configured to be activated by a user, and an automatic configuration, in which the emission module 40 is configured to be activated by the control module 34. To that end, the device 11 further comprises a button 46 designed to be activated by a user. The button 40 is, for example, a push button or a slide button. The button 46 makes it possible to switch the device 11 into the desired configuration, the manual configuration or the automatic configuration.

[0061] In the manual configuration, the release module 40 is configured to be actuated by a user, for example, via a gear 48 that appears as a rotating button on the device 11. The gear 48 is exposed on the exterior of the device 11. The user may turn the gear 48 to actuate the arms of the clamping system to clamp the flavor module 24 and release the flavor.

[0062] In the automatic configuration, the emission module 40 is configured to be activated by the control module 34. In particular, the control module 40 is configured to retrieve a programmed event and activate the emission module 40 according to the programmed event. The programmed event may in particular correspond to: the number of puffs that have elapsed since the start of the vaping session, the time that has elapsed since the start of the vaping session, the degradation of the initial aerosol flavor, or a response to a special action command or notification performed by the user. In particular, the programmed event may be the number of puffs or the time that has elapsed since the start of the vaping session that defines when the control module 34 will release the flavor for the user. The programmed event may be the degradation of the initial aerosol flavor contained to provide the user with a new release of flavor to compensate for this flavor degradation over time and to improve the sensory sensation of the vaporized aerosol for the user. The same flavor may be used or a different flavor may be used. The programmed event may also be, for example, a decrease in the puff frequency by the user indicating a possible flavor degradation, or a response to a special action, command, or notification performed by the user, for example as a predefined gesture from the user, such as shaking, tapping, or wiping the device. The programmed event may also correspond to achieving a predetermined heating temperature of the heater of vaporizable material. The programmed event may also correspond to consuming a predetermined amount of energy. This allows flavor release at an optimal temperature and improves the user's vaping experience. In the first case, the device 11 may comprise a temperature sensor placed in the vicinity of the tobacco article 12, and the control module 34 may analyze measurements emanating from the sensor. In the second case, the control module 34 or any other component may determine the amount of energy received from the battery 32 and conclude that the programmed event has occurred if this amount reaches, for example, a predetermined threshold.

[0063] Advantageously, the control module 34 may be configured to control the heater 38 independently from the emission module 40 .

[0064] The external communication module 42 is configured to receive a programmed event from an external electronic system and transmit the programmed event to the control module 34. A user may program the programmed event from the external electronic system via a dedicated application. The external electronic system then transmits the programmed event to the device 11. The external communication module 42 is configured to receive a programmed event and transmit it to the control module 34, which may activate the emission module 40 according to the programmed event.

[0065] In a variant or in addition, the control module 34 is configured to apply machine learning methods during manual configuration to learn the programmed events by analyzing the user behavior. In particular, the user may use the device 11 during a first stage in which the device 11 is in manual configuration. During this first stage, the user may manually activate the release module 40 via the gear 48. The control module 34 is configured to analyze the user behavior through machine learning methods. After a sufficient number of user behavior analyses, the control module 34 can then identify the programmed events, for example when the user mainly activates the release module, for example by identifying the average number of puffs that have passed until the release of flavor by the user. During a second stage, the user may use the device 11 in automatic configuration by activating the button 46. The control module 34 can control the release module 40 and activate it according to the identified programmed events.

[0066] As an example, a user introduces a new tobacco article 12 into the device 11. The user switches the device 11 to manual configuration by means of the button 46. During a different vaping session, the user activates the release module 40 through the gear 48 after about 10 puffs. The control module 34 can then identify as a programmed event that the flavor should be released after 4 puffs. The user then switches the device 11 to automatic configuration. When the user is puffing, the control module 34 controls the release module 40 according to the programmed event. Here, the control module 34 activates the release module 40 through the motor 44 after 4 puffs to release the flavor in the article 12. The released flavor thus provides a boost of flavor from the aerosol or compensates for flavor degradation. For example, the tobacco may be flavored, for example with a liquid flavor, and the flavor module 24 is broken when the flavor starts to decrease. The same flavor may be used or a different flavor may be used.

[0067] As another example, the user programs through a dedicated application on his / her smartphone that the flavor should be released when the user shakes the device 11 several times as an activation gesture. This programmed event is transmitted to the control module 34 via the external communication module 42. The device 11 then goes directly into auto-configuration. When the user is vaping, the control module 34 controls the movement of the device 11, for example through an accelerometer, and when the user performs an activation gesture, here shaking the device 11, the control module 34 activates the release module 40 to release the flavor in the tobacco portion 14.

[0068] Description of the second embodiment of the present invention FIG. 4 shows an aerosol generation assembly 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] The aerosol generation assembly 10 according to the second embodiment is similar to the aerosol generation assembly 10 according to the first embodiment described above, except for the features described below.

[0070] As can be seen in FIG. 4, the release module 40 here comprises a perforation system configured to perforate the flavour module 24 .

[0071] The ejection module 40 comprises, for example, an endless linear screw actuated by a motor 44 or a pusher actuated by a solenoid. The ejection module 40 can be switched from a retracted position, in which the endless linear screw is spaced away from the flavor module, to a deployed position, in which the endless linear screw applies pressure to the flavor module 24 to pierce it, as shown in FIG.

[0072] Description of the third embodiment of the present invention FIG. 5 shows an aerosol generation assembly 10 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] The aerosol generation assembly 10 according to the third embodiment is similar to the aerosol generation assembly 10 according to the first embodiment described above, except for the features described below.

[0074] As can be seen in Figure 5, the flavour module 24 here comprises a heat-sensitive element 50, in particular a susceptor. A susceptor is a material used for its ability to absorb electromagnetic energy and convert it into heat.

[0075] The emission module 40 comprises a coil configured to interact with the thermal element 50 of the flavor module 24 by electromagnetic induction. In particular, the coil is configured to heat the thermal element 50 of the flavor module 24 to at least partially melt the flavor module 24 in order to release flavor within the tobacco portion 14.

[0076] The control module 34 is therefore configured to activate the coil by circulating a current through the coil. The coil generates an electromagnetic field, and the heat sensitive element 50 heats up accordingly. The flavor module 24, and in particular the shell, melts due to the heat and releases the flavor, in particular the flavor filled in the article.

[0077] Description of the Fourth Embodiment of the Invention FIG. 6 shows an aerosol generation assembly 10 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] The aerosol generation assembly 10 according to the fourth embodiment is similar to the aerosol generation assembly 10 according to the third embodiment described above, except for the features described below.

[0079] As can be seen in Figure 6, the flavor module 24 comprises a thermally deformable element 50 formed from a shape memory alloy (SMA), which is an alloy that can be deformed when cold, but returns to its undeformed (or "memorized") shape when heated.

[0080] The emission module 40 comprises a coil configured to interact with the deformable element 50 of the flavor module 24, for example by electromagnetic induction. In particular, the coil may be configured to heat a susceptor of the flavor module 24, causing it to change shape and thereby fracture.

[0081] The control module 34 is therefore configured to activate the coil by circulating an electric current through the coil. The coil generates an electromagnetic field, and the deformable element 50 heats up in response and returns to its pre-deformed shape. The flavor module 24 is fractured by the deformation of the deformable element 50, releasing flavor within the tobacco portion 14. For example, the deformable element 50 assumes a contracted shape when cold and an expanded shape when heated. In a variant, the heat-sensitive element can be heated by a heater external to the device, for example a thin film heater.

[0082] Description of Other Embodiments of the Invention It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments may be implemented in various ways, particularly by combining the previous embodiments.

[0083] For example, in a non-illustrated embodiment, the flavor module 24 comprises a melting or softening system adapted to melt or soften the flavor module 24 to obtain the release of flavor. In particular, the device 11 may comprise a resistive heating portion positioned in close proximity to the flavor module 24 and which, when activated, in particular melts or softens the flavor melting or softening system to release the flavor. The melting or softening system is, for example, a thinner zone of the shell in the flavor module 24 or a zone made of a heat-sensitive material. In this case, the flavor module 24 does not have a susceptor.

[0084] For example, the article 12 may comprise several flavor modules 24. The device 11 then comprises several emission modules 40, each of which cooperates with one of the flavor modules 24. The control module 34 is configured to operate each emission module 40 independently of each other. It is thus possible to provide several flavors over time during a vaping session.

Claims

1. A heat-and-burn aerosol-generating device (11) configured to operate with a tobacco article (12), the tobacco article (12) comprising a tobacco portion (14) and a flavor module (24) containing a flavor, the heat-and-burn aerosol-generating device (11) comprising: a receiving cavity (36) configured to receive the tobacco article (12) together with the flavor module (24); an emission module (40) configured to interact with the flavor module (24) to emit the flavor into the tobacco article (12) when the tobacco article (12) is received in the receiving cavity (36); a control module (34) configured to receive programmed events and to activate said emission module (40) according to said programmed events; A heated non-combustion aerosol generating device (11) comprising:

2. The programmed event is: - the number of puffs that have elapsed since the start of the vaping session; - the time elapsed since the start of the vaping session; - Decreased tobacco flavor, - achieving a predetermined heating temperature; - consuming a predetermined amount of energy; - in response to a special action, command, or notification performed by the user; corresponds to at least one of the elements selected from the group including: A heating non-combustion aerosol generating device (11) according to claim 1.

3. The heating non-combustion aerosol generating device (11) further comprises an external communication module (42), the external communication module (42) is configured to receive the programmed events from an external electronic system and transmit the programmed events to the control module (34); A heating non-combustion aerosol generating device (11) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The heated non-combustion aerosol generating device (11) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the heated non-combustion aerosol generating device (11) can be switched between a manual configuration in which the emission module (40) is configured to be activated by a user and an automatic configuration in which the emission module (40) is configured to be activated by the control module (34).

5. The heated non-combustion aerosol generating device (11) of claim 4, wherein the control module (34) is configured to apply machine learning techniques during the manual configuration to learn the programmed events by analyzing user behavior.

6. the release module (40) is configured to exert a mechanical action on the flavor module (24) to release the flavor; The heating non-combustion aerosol generating device (11) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the emission module (40) further comprises a motor (44) configured to operate the emission module (40) when activated by the control module (34).

7. The heated non-combustion aerosol generating device (11) of claim 6, wherein the release module (40) is provided with a clamping system configured to clamp a portion of the tobacco article (12) from the outside to crush the flavor module (24).

8. 7. The heating non-combustion aerosol generating device (11) according to claim 6, wherein the emission module (40) comprises a perforation system configured to perforate the flavor module (24).

9. 3. The heating non-combustion aerosol generating device (11) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flavor module (24) comprises a melting or softening system adapted to melt or soften the flavor module (24) to release the flavor.

10. the flavor module (24) comprises a heat-sensitive element (50); 3. The heating non-combustion aerosol generating device (11) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the emission module (40) comprises a coil configured to interact with the heat-sensitive element (50) of the flavor module (24) by electromagnetic induction.

11. The heating non-combustion aerosol generating device (11) of claim 10, wherein the coil is configured to heat the heat-sensitive element (50) of the flavor module (24) to at least partially melt the flavor module (24).

12. The heating non-combustion aerosol generating device (11) of claim 10, wherein the coil is configured to heat the heat-sensitive element (50) of the flavor module (24) and change its shape, thereby causing the flavor module (24) to fracture.

13. The heated non-combustion aerosol generating device (11) of claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one heating module (38) different from the emission module (40), each of the heating modules (38) configured to heat the tobacco portion (14) of the tobacco article (12) when the tobacco article (12) is received in the receiving cavity (36).

14. An aerosol generating assembly (10) comprising: a tobacco article (12) comprising a tobacco portion (14) and a flavor module (24) containing a flavor; - a heated non-combustion aerosol generating device (11) according to claim 1 or 2, configured to operate with said tobacco article (12); An aerosol generating assembly (10) comprising:

15. The flavor module (24) comprises a heat-sensitive deformable element (50), The heat-sensitive deformable element (50) comprises a shape memory alloy.

15. An aerosol generating assembly (10) according to claim 14.

Images