Aerosol Delivery Device

Abstract

An aerosol delivery device (202) is disclosed that comprises an aerosol chamber (517) movable between a first position in which the aerosol chamber (517) contacts the aerosol product article (204) and a second position in which the aerosol chamber (517) does not contact the aerosol product article (204). The aerosol delivery device (202) further comprises a first mechanism (514) arranged to move the aerosol chamber (517) between the first and second positions.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Smoking articles, such as cigarettes and cigars, burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without combustion. Examples of such products are so-called "heat-not-burn" products, or tobacco heating devices and products, which release compounds by heating a material, but not burning it. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, and may or may not contain nicotine.

[0003] Aerosol delivery systems are known that cover the above mentioned devices and products. In a typical system, a heater is used to generate an aerosol from a suitable medium, which is then inhaled by a user. In many cases, the medium used must be replaced or changed to provide a different aerosol for inhalation. It is known to use an induction heating system as a heater for generating an aerosol from a suitable medium. An induction heating system generally consists of a magnetic field generating device that generates a fluctuating magnetic field, and a heatable susceptor or heating material that is permeated with the fluctuating magnetic field to heat the suitable medium.

[0004] A conventional aerosol delivery device includes a cylindrical heating chamber into which a rod-shaped consumable is inserted.

[0005] Next generation devices are envisioned in which consumables having shapes other than cylindrical are used, such as consumables that include a planar substrate. The planar substrate may include a susceptor that is heated by penetration with a varying magnetic field. For example, the planar substrate may include a card base layer having an aluminum foil layer adhered thereto. The aluminum foil layer may act as a susceptor. The aerosol generating material (i.e., gel) may be provided on the aluminum foil layer (susceptor). The planar substrate may be inserted into the aerosol delivery device and translated or rotated relative to the heating element. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect, an aerosol chamber movable between a first position in which the aerosol chamber contacts the aerosol product article and a second position in which the aerosol chamber does not contact the aerosol product article; and a first mechanism positioned to move the aerosol chamber between a first position and a second position.

[0007] According to various embodiments, an aerosol delivery device is provided in which the aerosol chamber can be moved into contact with the aerosol product article when it is desired to generate a puff of aerosol from the aerosol product article. The aerosol chamber can then be disengaged from the aerosol product article, thereby allowing rotation or translation of the aerosol product article. As a result, a fresh portion of the aerosol-generating material can then be moved proximate the induction heating element and a subsequent puff of aerosol can be generated.

[0008] The first mechanism may be positioned to directly contact the aerosol chamber. Alternatively, the first mechanism may be positioned to contact a component attached to the aerosol chamber. For example, the first mechanism may be positioned to contact a pivot arm attached to the aerosol chamber, causing the aerosol chamber to pivot away from contact with the aerosol product article.

[0009] Optionally, the first mechanism further comprises a pivot arm connected to the aerosol chamber.

[0010] Optionally, the pivot arm is pivotable about a pivot.

[0011] Optionally, the aerosol chamber is positioned to receive an aerosol generated from the aerosol production article.

[0012] Optionally, the aerosol delivery device further comprises a mouthpiece attached or connected to the aerosol chamber.

[0013] Optionally, the aerosol chamber and mouthpiece are removable from the pivot arm.

[0014] Optionally, the first mechanism may further comprise a spigot.

[0015] The spigot can be moved between a retracted position and an extended position. In the extended position, the spigot can engage a pivot arm to pivot the aerosol chamber out of engagement with the aerosol product article, or can directly engage the aerosol chamber. When the spigot is moved to the retracted position, the pivot arm can be biased by a spring to return to a position where the aerosol chamber re-engages the aerosol product article.

[0016] Optionally, the aerosol delivery device may further comprise a drive mechanism for rotating or translating the aerosol product article.

[0017] Optionally, the drive mechanism may include one or more protrusions for engaging with one or more corresponding openings in the aerosol product article.

[0018] Optionally, the first mechanism may extend through one or more protrusions on the drive mechanism.

[0019] Optionally, the aerosol chamber may be biased to be in either the first position or the second position when at rest.

[0020] According to another aspect, an aerosol delivery device as described above; an aerosol product; An aerosol generating system is provided, comprising:

[0021] Optionally, the aerosol product article comprises (i) a substantially circular, elliptical or polyhedral substrate having one or more portions of aerosol-generating material disposed on a first surface of the substrate and / or one or more portions of aerosol-generating material disposed on a second surface of the substrate, (ii) a substantially planar substrate having one or more portions of aerosol-generating material disposed on a first surface of the substrate and / or one or more portions of aerosol-generating material disposed on a second surface of the substrate, or (iii) a prismatic or cylindrical aerosol product article.

[0022] The aerosol product may include either an open consumable or a closed consumable.

[0023] According to another aspect, Inserting an aerosol product article into an aerosol delivery device comprising an aerosol chamber; contacting the aerosol chamber with an aerosol product; generating an aerosol from an aerosol-producing article; moving the aerosol chamber out of contact with the aerosol production article; Rotating or translating the aerosol product, and then re-contacting the aerosol chamber with the aerosol product; and A method for generating an aerosol is provided, comprising:

[0024] Various embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] An aerosol delivery device is shown in combination with an aerosol product article, where the aerosol product article includes multiple portions of an aerosol generating material, and the aerosol delivery device includes a single induction heating element and a movement mechanism for rotating the aerosol product article relative to the single induction heating element. [Figure 2A] 1 shows a perspective view of the base of an aerosol delivery device, the aerosol delivery device comprising a drive mechanism having a triangular protrusion for engaging with a corresponding triangular opening in an aerosol product article. [Figure 2B] 1 shows the base and lid of an aerosol delivery device with a disk-shaped aerosol product article inserted into the aerosol delivery device and engaging with a triangular protruding portion of a drive mechanism to rotate the aerosol product article. [Diagram 3] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol delivery device in which the aerosol chamber is urged into contact with the aerosol product article. [Figure 4] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol delivery device in which a spigot engages a pivot arm attached to an aerosol chamber such that the aerosol chamber is disengaged from contact with the aerosol product article. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed or described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented in a conventional manner and will not be discussed or described in detail for the sake of brevity. Thus, it will be understood that aspects and features of the apparatus and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

[0027] According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol delivery system is one in which the constituent aerosol-generating materials (or components thereof) of the aerosol delivery system are not combusted or burned to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0028] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, such as a powered non-combustion aerosol delivery system.

[0029] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol generating material is not a requirement.

[0030] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. One example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0031] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in solid, liquid, or gel form and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0032] Typically, a non-combustion aerosol delivery system may include a non-combustion aerosol delivery device and a consumable for use with the non-combustion aerosol delivery device.

[0033] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables that include an aerosol generating material and are configured for use with a non-combustible aerosol delivery device. These consumables may be referred to as articles throughout this disclosure.

[0034] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system, such as the non-combustion aerosol delivery device, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, an electrical power source or a heat generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat generating power source includes a carbon substrate that can be energized to deliver power in the form of heat to an aerosol generating material or a heat transfer material in proximity to the heat generating power source.

[0035] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system may include an area for receiving a consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0036] In some embodiments, consumables for use with non-combustible aerosol delivery devices may include aerosol generating materials, aerosol generating material storage areas, aerosol generating material transport components, aerosol generators, aerosol generating areas, housings, packaging materials, filters, mouthpieces, and / or aerosol modifiers.

[0037] An aerosol-generating material is a material that can generate an aerosol when, for example, heated, irradiated, or in any other way energized. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, or semi-solid (such as a gel), which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings.

[0038] The aerosol-generating material may include a binder and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, an active agent and / or a filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, is also present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0039] The aerosol-generating material may include or be an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may be formed by combining a binder, such as a gelling agent, with one or more other components, such as a solvent, such as water, an aerosol-forming agent, and an active agent, to form a slurry, and then heating the slurry to volatilize at least a portion of the solvent to form the aerosol-generating film. The slurry may be heated to remove at least about 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, or 90% by weight of the solvent. The aerosol-generating film may be a continuous film or may be a discontinuous film, such as an arrangement of individual portions of the film on a substrate. The aerosol-generating film may be substantially free of tobacco.

[0040] The aerosol-generating film may comprise or be a sheet, optionally chopped to form chopped sheets.

[0041] The aerosol-generating materials may include one or more active agents and / or flavorings, one or more aerosol former materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0042] The 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 to release 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 may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, pressure increase, or electrostatic energy.

[0043] A consumable is an article that includes or consists of an aerosol-generating material, some or all of which are intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material delivery component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a packaging material, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. A consumable may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that generates heat during use to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol. The heater may include, for example, a combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0044] The susceptor is a heating material that can be heated by penetration by a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, such that penetration of the conductive material by the varying magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, such that penetration of the magnetic material by the varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both conductive and magnetic, such that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. An aerosol delivery device configured to generate a varying magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0045] The non-combustible aerosol delivery system may comprise a modular assembly including both a reusable aerosol delivery device and a replaceable aerosol product article. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol delivery device may comprise a power source and a controller (or control circuitry). The power source may comprise a power source, such as, for example, a battery or a rechargeable battery. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol delivery device may also include an aerosol generating component. However, in other implementations, the aerosol product article may include the aerosol generating component in part or in whole.

[0046] Induction heating is a process in which an electrically conductive object, called a susceptor, is heated by penetrating it with a varying magnetic field. The process is described by Faraday's law of induction and Ohm's law. An induction heater may comprise an electromagnet and a device for passing a varying current, such as an alternating current, through the electromagnet. When the electromagnet and the object to be heated are appropriately positioned relative to one another such that the varying magnetic field generated by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated within the object. The object has a resistance to the flow of current, and when such eddy currents are generated within the object, their flow against the electrical resistance of the object heats the object. This process is called Joule heating, Ohmic heating, or resistive heating.

[0047] Magnetic hysteresis heating is the process by which an object made of a magnetic material is heated by the penetration of the object with a varying magnetic field. The magnetic material can be thought of as containing many atomic-scale magnets, or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates such a material, the magnetic dipoles align with the magnetic field. Thus, when a varying magnetic field, for example an alternating magnetic field such as that produced by an electromagnet, penetrates a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes with the applied varying magnetic field. Such magnetic dipole reorientation causes the production of heat in the magnetic material.

[0048] When an object is both conductive and magnetic, the penetration of a varying magnetic field into the object can cause both Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating in the object. Furthermore, the use of magnetic materials can strengthen the magnetic field, which can enhance Joule heating.

[0049] Various embodiments will now be described.

[0050] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a portion of an aerosol delivery device 202 in one configuration. The aerosol delivery device 202 is shown with an aerosol product article 204 that includes an aerosol-generating material disposed within the aerosol delivery device 202. The combination of the aerosol delivery device 202 and the aerosol product article 204 together form an aerosol delivery system.

[0051] The aerosol product article 204 has a first (or top) surface 112 on which the aerosol-generating material 244 can be disposed. The aerosol product article 204 may include a carrier layer 242 (sometimes referred to herein as a carrier or substrate support layer) and a susceptor layer on which the aerosol-generating material 244 can be disposed. The aerosol-generating material 244 may be disposed as multiple doses of the aerosol-generating material 244. The aerosol product article 204 has a second (or bottom) surface 116 opposite the first surface 112. The first surface 112 and / or the second surface 116 may be smooth or rough.

[0052] The aerosol-delivery device 202 may include one or more inductive heating elements 224a positioned to face the second surface 116 of the aerosol product article 204. The one or more inductive heating elements 224a may be positioned to transfer energy from a power source, such as a battery (not shown), to the aerosol-generating material 244 to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material 244.

[0053] According to one arrangement, the aerosol delivery device 202 may have a moving mechanism 130 arranged to move a portion (or, in some cases, a dose) of the aerosol product article 204, in particular a portion (or a dose) of the aerosol-generating material 244. The portion of the aerosol-generating material 244 may be rotated relative to one or more of the induction heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a such that the portion of the aerosol-generating material 244 is, in this case, individually presented to the induction heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 1, the induction heating element 224a may include an induction coil and the aerosol product article 204 includes a layer acting as a susceptor.

[0054] The aerosol delivery device 202 may be arranged such that at least one dose of the aerosol-generating material 244 rotates about the axis A at a constant angle θ relative to the second surface 116. The control circuitry 223 may be configured to operate both the induction heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a and the movement mechanism 130 such that the aerosol product article 204 rotates to align the individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 244 proximate to the induction heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a. The aerosol product article 204 may be substantially flat or planar. The carrier layer 242 of the aerosol product article 204 may be formed partially or entirely from paper or card.

[0055] 1 includes five doses (or portions) of aerosol-generating material 244. In other examples, the aerosol product article 204 may have more or fewer doses of aerosol-generating material 244. In some examples, the aerosol product article 204 may have doses of aerosol-generating material 244 arranged in individual doses, as shown in FIG.

[0056] In other examples, the doses may be in the form of a disk, which may be continuous or discontinuous around the circumference of the aerosol product article 204. In yet other examples, the doses may be in the form of annulus, ring, or any other shape. The aerosol product article 204 may or may not have a rotationally symmetric distribution of doses on the first surface 112 about the axis A. A symmetric distribution of doses allows for equally positioned doses (within a rotationally symmetric distribution) to receive the same heating profile from the induction heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a upon rotation about the axis A, as desired.

[0057] The aerosol product article 204 in this example includes an aerosol-generating material 244 disposed on a susceptor layer of the aerosol product article 204. However, in other implementations, the aerosol product article 204 may be formed exclusively from the aerosol-generating material 244. That is, in some implementations, the aerosol product article 204 may consist entirely of the aerosol-generating material 244. In this example, one or more susceptor elements may be provided as part of the aerosol generating device 204.

[0058] The aerosol product article 204 may have a layered structure and may be formed from multiple materials. In one example, the aerosol product article 204 may have a layer formed from at least one of a thermally conductive material, a dielectric material, a permeable material, or an impermeable material.

[0059] In some implementations, the carrier layer 242 or substrate may be or include a metallic element that is configured to be heated by a varying magnetic field and thus can act as a susceptor layer. In such implementations, the inductive heating element 224a may include one or more inductive coils 224a that, when energized, cause heating in the metallic element of the aerosol product article 204. The degree of heating may be affected by the distance between the metallic element or susceptor layer and the inductive coils 224a.

[0060] The arrangement shown in Figure 2 operates by indexing (or moving) multiple doses of aerosol-generating material 244 to the inductive heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a. While this arrangement in Figure 2 may slightly increase the complexity of the moving mechanism 130 to provide movement to the aerosol product article 204, it has the advantage that the aerosol delivery device 204 may include a single inductive heating element 224a that is used to heat multiple portions of the aerosol-generating material 244. It will be appreciated that a single heating element 224a requires a single control mechanism (such as control circuit 223), whereas multiple heaters may each require a separate control mechanism. Thus, this arrangement may reduce the cost and control complexity associated with the operation and control of the inductive heating element 224a.

[0061] The shape of the aerosol delivery device 202 may be cigarette-shaped (i.e., one dimension is longer than the other two dimensions) or other shapes. In one example, the aerosol delivery device 202 may have a shape in which two dimensions are longer than one other dimension, such as, for example, a compact disc player. Alternatively, the shape may be any shape that can suitably accommodate the aerosol product article 204, the one or more inductive heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a, and the movement mechanism 130.

[0062] The aerosol product article 204 may include a carrier part 242, which may be formed from a card. The carrier part 242 may form the majority of the aerosol product article 204 and may act as a base for one or more susceptors or susceptor layers on which the aerosol-generating material 244 is provided or deposited. The carrier part 242 may be generally cubic or disc-like in shape. The carrier part 242 may have a length (or diameter) of 30-80 mm, a width of 7-25 mm, and a thickness of 0.2 mm. However, it should be understood that other arrangements are contemplated in which the carrier part 242 may have different dimensions as required. In some implementations, the carrier part 242 may include one or more protrusions extending along the length and / or width of the carrier part 242 to help facilitate handling of the aerosol product article 204 by a user.

[0063] The aerosol product article 204 may include multiple individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 244 disposed on a surface of the carrier component 242. According to one arrangement, the aerosol product article 204 may include two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, or more than fifteen individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 244.

[0064] The individual portions of aerosol-generating material 244 may be arranged in an n x m array. However, it should be understood that in other implementations, a greater or lesser number of individual portions may be provided and / or the portions may be arranged in a different type of arrangement (e.g., a 1 x 6 array). Other arrangements are also contemplated in which the aerosol product article 204 comprises a disk and the separate portions of aerosol-generating material 244 are provided on separate segments of the disk.

[0065] The aerosol-generating material 244 may be disposed at individual, separate locations on a single surface of the component carrier 242. Although the individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 244 are shown as having a circular footprint, it should be understood that the individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 244 may take any other footprint, such as a square, trapezoid, or rectangular, as desired. The individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 244 may have a diameter d and a thickness t a The thickness of the individual parts t a can take any suitable value, for example, thickness t a can be in the range of 50 μm to 1.5 mm. In some arrangements, the thickness t a may be about 50 μm to about 200 μm, or about 50 μm to about 100 μm, or about 60 μm to about 90 μm, suitably about 77 μm. a may be greater than 200 μm, for example, from about 50 μm to about 400 μm, or up to about 1 mm, or up to about 1.5 mm.

[0066] The individual portions of aerosol-generating material 244 may be disposed separately from one another such that each of the individual portions can be individually or selectively energized (eg, heated) to generate an aerosol.

[0067] In some implementations, a portion of the aerosol-generating material 244 may have a mass of 20 mg or less, such that the amount of material aerosolized by the induction heater or induction coil 224a and associated susceptor elements at any one time is relatively small. For example, the mass per portion may be 20 mg or less, or 10 mg or less, or 5 mg or less. It is contemplated that the total mass of the aerosol product item 204 may be greater than 20 mg.

[0068] The aerosol product article 204 may include multiple portions of aerosol-forming material 244 that are all formed from the same aerosol-forming material. Alternatively, the aerosol product article 204 may include multiple portions of aerosol-forming material 244, where at least two portions are formed from different aerosol-forming materials.

[0069] The one or more inductive heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a may be positioned such that a surface of the one or more inductive heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a forms part of a surface of the receiving area of ​​the aerosol delivery device 202. That is, an outer surface or upper surface of the one or more inductive heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a may be flush with an inner surface of the receiving area.

[0070] The receiving area may comprise components that apply a force to a surface of the aerosol product article 204 to press the aerosol product article 204 against the surface of the aerosol delivery device 202 to prevent relative movement of the aerosol product article 204 when it is desired to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material. The lid of the aerosol delivery device 202 may be configured to engage with the base via a securing mechanism. Thus, the lid and / or the base may comprise components that apply a force to a surface of the aerosol product article 204 to secure the aerosol product article 204 against relative movement.

[0071] Additionally or alternatively, one or more induction heater elements or induction coils 224a may be configured to move toward or away from the aerosol product article 204 and may be pressed into a surface of the carrier part 242 that does not contain the aerosol-generating material 244.

[0072] In an arrangement in which the aerosol product article 204 is configured to move in a specified or desired direction relative to one or more induction heater elements or induction coils 224a, the locking mechanism may be configured to engage the lid with the base to hold the aerosol product article 204 in a fixed position to prevent relative movement of the aerosol product article 204, thereby preventing relative movement in any direction other than the specified or desired direction.

[0073] For example, in an arrangement in which the aerosol product article 204 is configured to rotate about a rotational axis relative to one or more induction heater elements or induction coils 224a so as to present a fresh area of ​​aerosol-generating material on the aerosol product article 204 to the one or more induction heater elements or induction coils 224a, the securing mechanism may be configured to engage the lid with the base to prevent relative motion of the aerosol product article 204 in any direction other than rotation about the rotational axis, while still allowing the aerosol product article 204 to rotate relative to the one or more induction heater elements or induction coils 224a.

[0074] The one or more induction coils 224a are provided adjacent to the receiving area 225 and may include a generally flat coil arranged such that the axis of rotation around which a given coil is wound extends within the receiving area 225 and is approximately perpendicular to the plane of the carrier part 242 of the aerosol product article 204.

[0075] The control circuitry 223 may include a mechanism for generating an alternating current through any one or more of the induction coils 224a. The alternating current generates an alternating magnetic field that heats the corresponding susceptor(s) or portion of the susceptor layer. The heat generated by the susceptor(s) or portion of the susceptor layer is correspondingly transferred to the portion of the aerosol-generating material 244.

[0076] The control circuit 223 may be configured to provide current to the induction coil 224a in response to receiving signals from the touch sensitive panel 229 and / or the inhalation sensor 230.

[0077] Various configurations have been described in which one or more susceptors are provided as part of the aerosol product article 204. However, other arrangements are contemplated in which one or more susceptors may be disposed within or as part of the aerosol delivery device 202. For example, one or more susceptors may be provided above one or more induction coils 224a, or one or more susceptors may be positioned to contact a lower surface of the carrier component 242 of the aerosol product article 204.

[0078] An aerosol product article 204 for use with the aerosol delivery device 202 may include a carrier component 242, one or more susceptor elements, and one or more portions of aerosol-generating material.

[0079] The susceptor element or elements may be formed from aluminum foil, although it should be understood that other metals and / or conductive materials may be used in other implementations. The carrier part 242 may include several susceptor elements that correspond in size and position to the individual portions of aerosol-generating material disposed on a surface of the carrier part 242. That is, the susceptor elements may have a similar width and length as the individual portions of aerosol-generating material.

[0080] The susceptor elements may be embedded in the carrier part 242. However, in other arrangements, the susceptor elements may be disposed or located on a surface of the carrier part 242. According to another arrangement, the susceptor may be provided as a single layer that substantially covers the carrier part 244. According to one arrangement, the aerosol product article 204 may include a substrate or support layer, a single layer of aluminum foil that acts as a susceptor, and one or more regions of aerosol-generating material 244 deposited on the susceptor layer of aluminum foil.

[0081] While embodiments are described above in which individual, spatially distinct portions of aerosol-generating material 244 are deposited on carrier component 242, it should be understood that in other implementations, aerosol-generating material 244 may not be provided in individual, spatially distinct portions, but may instead be provided as a continuous sheet, film, or layer of aerosol-generating material 244. In these implementations, certain regions of the sheet of aerosol-generating material 244 may be selectively heated to generate an aerosol in much the same manner as described above. Specifically, regions (corresponding to portions of the aerosol-generating material) may be defined on the continuous sheet of aerosol-generating material 244 based on the dimensions of one or more induction heating elements 224a. Each region or portion of aerosol-generating material 244 may have a mass of 20 mg or less, while the entire continuous sheet, film, or layer may have a mass of more than 20 mg.

[0082] According to various configurations, the aerosol production item 204 may include a disk-shaped or circular consumable item.

[0083] While it has been noted above that the one or more heating elements 224a are arranged to provide heat to the aerosol-generating material 244 (or a portion thereof) at an operating temperature at which an aerosol is generated from the portion of the aerosol-generating material 244, in some implementations, the one or more inductive heating elements or induction coils 224a and associated susceptor element(s) may be arranged to preheat a portion of the aerosol-generating material to a preheat temperature (lower than the operating temperature).

[0084] At the preheat temperature, a smaller amount of aerosol or substantially no aerosol may be generated when a portion is heated at the preheat temperature. In particular, in some implementations, the control circuitry 223 may be configured to provide power or energy before the start of the first predetermined period, i.e., before receiving a signal indicating the user's intent to inhale the aerosol. A smaller amount of energy is required to raise the temperature of the aerosol-generating material 244 from the preheat temperature to the operating temperature, thus improving the responsiveness of the system. This may be particularly suitable for relatively thick portions of the aerosol-generating material, e.g., having a thickness of more than 400 μm, which may require the provision of a relatively large amount of energy to reach the operating temperature.

[0085] Additionally, when a portion of the aerosol-generating material is provided on the carrier part 242, the portion may, in some implementations, include a weakened area, such as a through hole or a relatively thin area of ​​aerosol-generating material, in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of the carrier part 242. The through hole may provide a channel for the generated aerosol to escape and be released into the environment or into the airflow through the aerosol delivery device 202, rather than causing a potential accumulation of aerosol between the carrier part 242 and the aerosol-generating material 244. Such an accumulation of aerosol may reduce the heating efficiency of the system, since the accumulation of aerosol may, in some implementations, cause lifting of the aerosol-generating material from the carrier part 242, thus reducing the efficiency of heat transfer to the aerosol-generating material. Each portion of the aerosol-generating material may be provided with one of more weakened areas as needed.

[0086] The aerosol delivery device 202 may include a rotation device configured to rotate the aerosol product article 204 about a rotation axis. The rotation device may be configured to rotate the aerosol product article 204 relative to the one or more induction coils 224a such that one or more fresh aerosol-generating regions of the aerosol product article 204 are moved into proximity with the one or more induction coils 224a. The locking mechanism is configured to allow rotation of the aerosol product article 204 relative to the one or more induction coils 224a while preventing relative motion of the aerosol product article 204 in any direction other than rotation about the rotation axis.

[0087] In some arrangements, the aerosol product article 204 may include one or more tracks, and the lid and / or base may be configured to apply a force along the one or more tracks to allow the aerosol product article 204 to rotate while preventing relative motion of the aerosol product article 204 in directions other than rotation about the axis of rotation. In some arrangements, the one or more tracks may include an area of ​​the aerosol product article 204 that does not include aerosol generating material. In some configurations, the one or more tracks may include an area of ​​the aerosol product article 204 that includes a metal foil.

[0088] The aerosol delivery device 202 may include a lid that may include an aerosol chamber or plenum and a mouthpiece. In some arrangements, the mouthpiece and the aerosol chamber or plenum may be integral with the lid.

[0089] It is contemplated that the aerosol chamber or plenum may contact the surface of the aerosol product article 204 during a use session. It will be appreciated that an integral tip and lid may be provided that can ensure uniform compression of the aerosol product article 204. That is, when the tip and lid are provided as a single integral piece, there is substantially no additional mechanical play or difference resulting from the connection between the tip and the lid. As a result, the force exerted by the lid on the aerosol product article 204 may be substantially constant across the upper lid-facing surface of the aerosol generating material.

[0090] Other arrangements are contemplated in which the aerosol delivery device 202 may include a removable mouthpiece that may be retained within the housing of the aerosol delivery device 202 by one or more magnets. It is also contemplated that the aerosol chamber or plenum may also be removable.

[0091] FIG. 2A shows base 1008 of aerosol delivery device 202, depicting rotatable drive mechanism 512 having triangular shaped protrusion 513. FIG.

[0092] The drive mechanism 512 is configured to rotate an aerosol product article (not shown in FIG. 2A ), which may be loaded into the drive mechanism 512 during use, about a rotation axis. The drive mechanism 512 may be configured to rotate the aerosol product article relative to one or more induction heating elements 224a, which may be disposed on the base 1008 of the aerosol delivery device 202. Specifically, the drive mechanism 512 may be configured to rotate the aerosol product article such that one or more fresh regions of aerosol-generating material provided on the aerosol product article are moved proximate to the one or more induction heating elements 224a.

[0093] 2B shows a perspective view of aerosol delivery device 202 having a disk-shaped aerosol product 204 loaded into a base 1008. Aerosol delivery device 202 includes a lid 1006 connected to base 1008 via a hinge 515.

[0094] The lid 1006 may be secured to the base 1008 by interaction of one or more magnetic elements 521 on the base 1008 with one or more corresponding magnetic elements 522 on the lid 1006. According to one arrangement, the base 1008 may include two first magnets 521 configured to be magnetically attracted to two corresponding second magnets 522 on the lid 1006. The first magnets 521 and second magnets 522 may be of opposite polarity.

[0095] The one or more first magnets 521 and / or the one or more second magnets 522 may include neodymium iron boron (NdFeB), samarium cobalt (SmCo), alnico, ceramic or ferrite magnets.

[0096] Other arrangements are possible where one of the permanent magnets 521, 522 can be replaced with a magnetizable part or temporary magnet, which can be made of iron, iron alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, cobalt, cobalt alloy, gadolinium, gadolinium alloy, dysprosium or dysprosium alloy.

[0097] Further arrangements are contemplated in which the lid 1006 and / or the base 1008 may include one or more electromagnets to secure the lid 1006 to the base 1008. In such arrangements, the one or more electromagnets may be actuated to generate a magnetic field that attracts corresponding permanent magnets or magnetizable components provided on either the lid 1006 or base 1008. Further arrangements are contemplated in which both the lid 1006 and the base 1008 may include electromagnets. Control circuitry (not shown) may be configured to actuate the one or more electromagnets.

[0098] The lid 1006 may be provided with one or more protrusions or lugs 523 that may engage corresponding recesses 524 provided on the base 1008 to secure the lid 1006 to the base 1008. Additionally and / or alternatively, the base 1008 may be provided with one or more protrusions or lugs and the lid 1006 may be provided with one or more corresponding recesses to secure the lid 1006 to the base 1008.

[0099] The lid 1006 may further comprise an aerosol chamber (or plenum) 517 which may be attached to a mouthpiece 518. The aerosol chamber 517 may be moved into contact with a surface of the aerosol product article 204 during use such that aerosol generated from a region of the aerosol product article 204 proximate to the one or more inductive heating elements 224a is captured within the aerosol chamber 517 and then passed or otherwise directed to the mouthpiece 518 where it may then be inhaled by a user.

[0100] It will be appreciated that the aerosol product article 204 may be rotated during a use session and the aerosol product article 204 may include multiple sectors of aerosol-generating material. For example, according to one arrangement, the aerosol product article 204 may include 12 sectors, which may allow a user to obtain up to 12 puffs per use session.

[0101] After a puff has been taken, it may be desirable to rotate the aerosol product article 204 so that a fresh area of ​​aerosol generating material is positioned proximate to the one or more inductive heating elements 224a. Thus, to allow the aerosol product article 204 to be rotated during a use session, the aerosol chamber 517 can be disengaged from contact with the surface of the aerosol product article 204.

[0102] According to one arrangement, spigot 514 can be provided on base 1008 of aerosol delivery device 202. Spigot 514 can be located at the center of drive mechanism 512 and can extend through the center of triangular projection 513. Although spigot 514 is shown in a retracted position in Figures 2A and 2B, spigot 514 can be extended such that spigot 514 protrudes beyond the top surface of triangular projection 513.

[0103] The spigot 514 may be positioned to engage the aerosol chamber 517 to push or displace the aerosol chamber 517 out of engagement with the aerosol product article 204, thereby allowing the aerosol product article 204 to rotate relative to the one or more induction heating elements 224a. After the aerosol product article 204 has been rotated, the spigot 514 may be retracted such that the aerosol chamber 517 re-engages with a top surface of the aerosol product article 204. A locking mechanism may be provided that allows the lid 1006 to be locked to the base 1008 during a use session.

[0104] According to various arrangements, the aerosol-producing article 204 may include a substrate layer having a metal foil layer bonded to the substrate. The aerosol-generating material may be disposed on top of the metal foil layer.

[0105] The securing mechanism may be positioned to prevent relative movement of the metal foil layer with respect to the substrate of the aerosol product article 204. That is, if the aerosol delivery device 202 may be configured to heat the aerosol product article 204 in use to generate an aerosol, the securing mechanism may be configured to engage the lid portion 1006 with the base portion 1008 to secure the aerosol product article 204 and prevent the metal foil layer from peeling off from the substrate during heating.

[0106] 2A shows only one induction heating element or induction coil 224a, it will be appreciated that more than one induction heating element 224a may be provided, such as two or three induction heating elements or induction coils. In some arrangements, the one or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a may comprise one or more induction heating elements with one or more induction coils for generating a varying magnetic field to heat one or more susceptor elements of the aerosol product article 204 (such as a metal foil) held in place by a fixing mechanism, in use. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a may be replaced with one or more resistive heating elements.

[0107] The one or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a can define a plane, as shown in Figure 2A. The securing mechanism can be configured to engage the lid portion 1006 with the base portion 1008 to hold the substantially planar aerosol product article 204 in a position parallel to the plane to prevent movement of the substantially planar aerosol product article 204 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane (i.e., in the z-direction as shown in Figure 2B).

[0108] The one or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a may include substantially planar heating elements, such as one or more flat spiral induction coils. However, other arrangements are contemplated in which the one or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a may be non-planar, but still define a plane. For example, the one or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a may comprise one or more inverted conical induction coils, where the base of the conical coil(s) defines a plane.

[0109] The aerosol chamber 517 may be integral with the mouthpiece 518. However, other arrangements are contemplated in which the aerosol delivery device 202 may include a removable mouthpiece 518 that may be held to the aerosol chamber 517 by one or more magnets.

[0110] The securing mechanism may comprise a hinge 515 such that the lid 1006 is connected to the base 1008 via the hinge 515, forming a clamshell arrangement. That is, the aerosol delivery device 202 may be configured to receive the aerosol product article 204 when the hinge 515 is in an open position, for example as shown in FIG. 2B. The lid 1006 may then be closed, and the securing mechanism may be configured to engage the lid 1006 with the base 1008 to hold the aerosol product article 204 in place during use to prevent relative movement of the aerosol product article 204.

[0111] The drive mechanism 512 may be configured to rotate the aerosol product article 204 about an axis of rotation. According to other configurations, the drive mechanism 512 may be configured to translate the aerosol product article 204.

[0112] The drive mechanism 512 may be configured to rotate and / or translate the aerosol product article 204 relative to the one or more heating elements 224a such that one or more fresh aerosol generating regions of the aerosol product article 204 are moved proximal to the one or more heating elements 224a.

[0113] The drive mechanism 512 may include a hub having one or more triangular shaped protrusions 513 disposed thereon. The one or more triangular shaped protrusions 513 may be positioned to engage with one or more corresponding openings or recesses disposed in the aerosol product article 204.

[0114] 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol delivery device 202 according to one arrangement. The aerosol delivery device 202 includes an aerosol chamber 517 that may be urged into contact with the aerosol product article 204 introduced into the aerosol delivery device 202 during a session of use. Aerosol generated by heating a region of the aerosol product article 204 may be received within the aerosol chamber 517. The aerosol chamber 517 may be physically and fluidly connected to the mouthpiece 518 such that the aerosol received within the aerosol chamber 517 is then forwardly transferred from the aerosol chamber 517 to the mouthpiece 518. The aerosol transferred to the mouthpiece 518 may then be inhaled by a user. The mouthpiece 518 may be integral with the aerosol chamber 517, or the mouthpiece 518 may be detachable from the aerosol chamber 517.

[0115] The one or more induction coils or heaters 224a may be disposed at a base of the aerosol delivery device 202 and may be arranged to heat a region of the aerosol product article 204 to generate an aerosol. According to various arrangements, the one or more induction coils or heaters 224a may have a circular, polygonal or trapezoidal profile and may be arranged to heat a corresponding shaped portion of the aerosol product article 204.

[0116] The aerosol product article 204 may include a base layer or substrate (which may include a card), a susceptor layer (which may include a layer of aluminum foil), and a layer of aerosol-generating material that may be disposed on the susceptor layer.

[0117] According to one arrangement, aerosol may be generated from the aerosol product article 204 on a puff-by-puff basis. It is contemplated that the aerosol product article 204 may include a relatively thin layer of an aerosol-generating material, which may be provided in the form of a gel. The one or more induction coils or heaters 224a may be switched on and off and may be activated when a user wishes to inhale the aerosol. A puff of aerosol may be generated within about one second of a user indicating a desire to inhale the aerosol by activating a user interface.

[0118] The aerosol product article 204 may be disk-shaped and may include multiple sectors where different sectors may be heated for each desired puff. The aerosol product article 204 may be rotated (or translated) in stages during a use session between puffs to generate aerosol from new areas of the aerosol product article 204 for each puff.

[0119] According to various arrangements, once a puff of aerosol has been generated, the induction coil(s) or induction heater(s) 224a may be switched off (or the operating temperature setpoint of the induction coil(s) or induction heater(s) 224a may be reduced to an intermediate temperature). The aerosol chamber 517 may be simultaneously or subsequently disengaged from contact with the aerosol product article 204, and the aerosol product article 204 may then be rotated relative to the induction coil(s) or induction heater(s) 224a. According to one arrangement, the aerosol product article may be rotated less than 10°, 20-20°, 20-30°, 30-40°, 40-50°, 50-60°, 60-70°, 70-80°, 80-90°, or more than 90° relative to the induction coil(s) or induction heater(s) 224a each time before or after it is desired to obtain a puff of aerosol.

[0120] In order to rotate (or translate) the aerosol product article 204 multiple times during a use session, it may be necessary to disengage the aerosol chamber 517 from making physical contact with the aerosol product article 204 multiple times during a use session in order to rotate (or translate) the aerosol product article 204 so that a fresh portion of the aerosol generating material can be placed in proximity to one or more induction coils or induction heaters 224a.

[0121] To disengage the aerosol chamber 517 from physical contact with the aerosol product article 204, the aerosol chamber 517 may be pivoted or rotated about a pivot such that the aerosol chamber 517 is moved in a direction away from the surface of the aerosol product article 204. According to various arrangements, the aerosol chamber 517 may be disengaged from the aerosol product article 204 such that there is a gap between the aerosol chamber 517 and the aerosol product article 204 of at least 50 μm, 50-100 μm, 100-500 μm, 500-1000 μm, 1-2 mm, 2-3 mm, 3-4 mm, or 4-5 mm. As a result of ensuring that the aerosol chamber 517 is removed from contact with the aerosol product article 204, the aerosol product article 204 may then be rotated by the drive mechanism such that a fresh portion of the aerosol-generating material may be brought into proximity with the one or more induction coils or induction heaters 224a.

[0122] The drive mechanism used to rotate (or translate) the aerosol product article 204 may include one or more protrusions 513 that engage with correspondingly shaped opening(s) provided in the aerosol product article 204. Thus, according to one arrangement, a triangular or other shaped protrusion 513 may be provided on the drive mechanism, and the protrusion 513 may be arranged to engage with a corresponding triangular or other shaped opening provided in the aerosol product article 204.

[0123] A protrusion 513 extending from the drive mechanism and arranged to rotate (or translate) the aerosol product article 204 may include a central opening. A spigot 514 may be provided at the base of the aerosol delivery device 202 and may extend through the central opening provided in the protrusion 513.

[0124] The spigot 514 may be connected to the cap member 711 via a fastener 710 and may be disposed within the bore. The cap member 711 may be moved toward or away from the base of the aerosol delivery device 202. According to one arrangement, when the cap member 711 is moved toward the base of the aerosol delivery device 202, the associated spigot 514 may be moved toward the lid of the aerosol delivery device 202 and directly or indirectly engage with the aerosol chamber 517. When the cap member 711 is moved away from the base of the aerosol delivery device 202, the associated spigot 514 may be moved away from the lid of the aerosol delivery device 202 and disengage from the aerosol chamber 517.

[0125] According to various arrangements, the spigot 514 may be configured to directly engage the aerosol chamber 517 or a component connected to the aerosol chamber 517. For example, according to one arrangement, a pivot arm 716 may be provided on the lid of the aerosol delivery device 202 and may be connected to the aerosol chamber 517 via a connecting member 717. The pivot arm 716 may be configured to pivot about a pivot (not shown). According to one arrangement, the spigot 514 may be configured to engage the pivot arm 716 to rotate the pivot arm 716 about the pivot and away from the aerosol product article 204 to lift the aerosol chamber 517 out of contact with the aerosol product article 204.

[0126] According to one arrangement, the pivot arm 716 may be spring biased such that the aerosol chamber 517 is biased into contact with the aerosol product article 204 .

[0127] The spigot 514 may be biased to the retracted position by a spring. The spigot 514 may be centrally located within a protrusion 513 on the drive mechanism. When the spigot 514 is in the retracted position, the distal end of the spigot 514 may be essentially flush with the surface of the protrusion 513, as shown in FIG.

[0128] The aerosol chamber 517 may include a first magnet 250a that is attracted to a second magnet 250b that may be provided on a connecting member 717 that is attached to the pivot arm 716. The pivot arm 716 and connected aerosol chamber 517 are shown spring biased such that the aerosol chamber 517 contacts the surface of the aerosol product article 204. The cap member 711 may be pushed inward to move the spigot 514 from a retracted position to an extended position.

[0129] 4 shows a cross-sectional view illustrating aerosol chamber 517 disengaged from the surface of aerosol product article 204. According to one arrangement, cap member 711 may be pushed inward toward the bottom of aerosol delivery device 202. Cap member 711 is connected to spigot 514 via fastener 710 such that displacement of cap member 711 toward the base of aerosol delivery device 202 also displaces the spigot past the top surface of protrusion 513 and moves toward pivot arm 716.

[0130] 4, the spigot 514 can be positioned to contact the pivot arm 716 and rotate the pivot arm 716 about a pivot to move the aerosol chamber 517 away from contact with the aerosol product article 204. As a result, the spigot 514 engages the pivot arm 716 to move the aerosol chamber 517 out of engagement with the aerosol product article 204.

[0131] The pivot arm 716 may be attached to the aerosol chamber 517 via a magnetic connection that may include a first magnet 250b provided on a connecting member 717 connected to the pivot arm 716 and a second magnet 250a attached to the aerosol chamber 517. The lid of the aerosol delivery device 204 is shown in a closed position in FIG.

[0132] Thus, a first mechanism is disclosed that comprises a spigot 514 and an optional pivot arm 716 connected to an aerosol chamber 517. The first mechanism may be moved between a first position that places the aerosol chamber 517 in contact with the aerosol product article 204 and a second position that places the aerosol chamber 517 no longer in contact with the aerosol product article 204. The aerosol chamber 517 may be biased to be in either the first position or the second position at rest.

[0133] According to various embodiments, an aerosol delivery device is provided that includes an aerosol chamber 517 movable between a first position in which the aerosol chamber 517 contacts the aerosol product article 204 and a second position in which the aerosol chamber 517 does not contact the aerosol product article 204. A first mechanism may be arranged to move the aerosol chamber 517 between the first and second positions. According to various embodiments, the aerosol product article may include a substantially circular or elliptical substrate having a first surface and a second surface. The substrate may include, for example, paper, card, or aluminum foil. Other embodiments are contemplated in which the substrate may include multiple layers arranged in a sandwich configuration. For example, the substrate may include a paper or card substrate having a first aluminum foil layer disposed on the first surface and a second aluminum foil layer disposed on the second surface.

[0134] An aerosol product article may include either an open consumable or a closed consumable. For example, an open consumable is a type of consumable that includes an aerosol product article, where the aerosol-generating material is provided on one or more exterior or outermost surfaces of the aerosol product article. In contrast, a closed consumable is understood to include an aerosol product article where the aerosol-generating material is not provided on the exterior or outermost surface of the consumable, but rather on one or more interior surfaces. For example, according to various embodiments, a closed consumable may be provided, where one or both of the exterior or outermost surface(s) of the aerosol product article includes a gas-impermeable layer, such as a plastic or other material. For example, embodiments are contemplated where an aerosol product article is provided that includes an innermost substrate having one or more layers of aerosol-generating material provided on one or both surfaces of the substrate, where the aerosol product article is enclosed or otherwise contained within a housing made of a gas-impermeable material. A closed consumable may include a housing having an air inlet and an aerosol outlet. The aerosol outlet may include a mouthpiece.

[0135] According to various embodiments, the aerosol product article may have a length (L), a width (W) and a thickness (T), where the length (L) of the aerosol product article is greater than the width (W) and / or the thickness (T). The aerosol product article may have a longitudinal axis and may have a first air flow input end and a second air flow output end. For example, the aerosol product article may comprise a prism having a first end face and a second end face. The first end face may comprise an area where air enters the aerosol product article during use, and the second end face may comprise an area where aerosol generated within the aerosol product article exits the aerosol product article during use.

[0136] Embodiments are contemplated in which the second end surface further comprises a mouthpiece. For example, the aerosol product article may include a distal end (which may be positioned so that air enters the aerosol product article) and a proximal end (which may comprise a mouthpiece through which a user can inhale aerosol generated within the aerosol product article).

[0137] According to various embodiments, the aerosol generating material may be provided on either the first surface and / or the second surface of the substrate. For example, a single-sided or double-sided aerosol product article may be provided. A single-sided aerosol product article may be activated by a single array of heating elements. A double-sided aerosol product article may be activated by a dual array of heating elements provided on both sides of the aerosol product article during use.

[0138] Embodiments are contemplated in which the aerosol production article may be rotated and / or translated relative to the one or more aerosol generators. The one or more aerosol generators may comprise, for example, a single aerosol generator, or multiple aerosol generators may be arranged, for example, in an array. Embodiments are contemplated in which the aerosol generators may be arranged in an n×m array, where n=2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or >10, and m=2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or >10. For example, the aerosol generators may be arranged in a 2×2 array, a 2×3 array, a 2×4 array, a 2×5 array, a 2×6 array, a 2×7 array, a 2×8 array, a 2×9 array, or a 2×10 array.

[0139] According to various embodiments, the one or more aerosol generators may include one or more resistive heaters or resistive heating elements. According to other embodiments, the one or more aerosol generators may comprise one or more inductive heaters or inductive heating elements. Embodiments are also contemplated in which multiple resistive and inductive heating elements may be provided.

[0140] The aerosol product article may be arranged to be rotated and / or translated relative to the one or more aerosol generators such that the aerosol product article is disposed adjacent to the one or more aerosol generators and heated from only one side. Alternatively, the aerosol product article may be arranged to be rotated and / or translated relative to the one or more aerosol generators such that the aerosol product article is inserted between a first set of aerosol generators and a second set of aerosol generators. According to such embodiments, the aerosol product article may be arranged to be heated simultaneously or sequentially from two opposing sides.

[0141] Embodiments are also contemplated in which the aerosol product article may be prismatic in shape. For example, the aerosol product article may comprise a triangular prism, a regular square prism, or a cylindrical prism. For example, the aerosol product article may comprise a cylindrical aerosol product article. The aerosol product article may be rotated and / or translated relative to one or more aerosol generators. For example, the aerosol delivery device may comprise a cavity into which a prismatic or cylindrical aerosol product article may be inserted. A matrix, strip, or array of aerosol generators may be provided at one or more locations around or along the cavity. The aerosol product article may then be rotated and / or translated relative to the aerosol generator such that different portions of the aerosol product article may be heated or otherwise accessed sequentially or incrementally.

[0142] Embodiments are contemplated in which the aerosol product article may be translated to one of more aerosol generators. For example, the aerosol product article may include multiple portions of aerosol-generating material, and the aerosol product article may be translated longitudinally such that multiple separate portions of the aerosol-generating material may be activated or heated in succession or sequence.

[0143] Further embodiments are contemplated in which the aerosol-generating article may include a cylinder or more generally a prism. A plurality of aerosol generators may be arranged around or near the cylindrical or prismatic aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article is thought to be able to rotate within a stationary array of aerosol generators. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article may remain stationary and a plurality of aerosol generators may rotate relative to the aerosol-generating article. Still further embodiments are contemplated in which both the aerosol-generating article and one or more aerosol generators are movable. For example, the aerosol-generating article may be rotated and / or translated at a first speed v1 and one or more aerosol generators may be rotated and / or translated at a second speed v2. Embodiments are contemplated in which v1 > v2 in the operating mode. Embodiments are contemplated in which v1 = v2 in the operating mode. Embodiments are also contemplated in which v1 < v2 in the operating mode.

[0144] According to various embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may include a flat or planar consumable having a longitudinal axis. The aerosol-generating article may be translated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. Other embodiments are contemplated in which the aerosol-generating article includes a cylindrical consumable having a longitudinal axis. The cylindrical consumable may be rotated about its longitudinal axis and / or translated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The aerosol-generating article may be single-sided or double-sided. The double-sided consumable may be heated from both sides during use.

[0145] To address various problems and advance the art, the present disclosure presents various embodiments by way of example. The advantages and features of the present disclosure are merely a representative sample of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. They are presented solely to aid in understanding and to teach the claimed invention(s). The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the present disclosure should not be considered limitations on the present disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. It will be understood that the various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or essentially consist of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. other than those specifically described herein, and thus the features of the dependent claims may be combined with the features of the independent claims in combinations other than those expressly recited in the claims. The present disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. an aerosol chamber movable between a first position in which the aerosol chamber contacts the aerosol product article and a second position in which the aerosol chamber does not contact the aerosol product article; a first mechanism positioned to move the aerosol chamber between the first position and the second position; 1. An aerosol delivery device comprising:

2. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the first mechanism further comprises a pivot arm connected to the aerosol chamber.

3. The aerosol delivery device of claim 2 , wherein the pivot arm is pivotable about a pivot.

4. 4. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the aerosol chamber is positioned to receive an aerosol generated from an aerosol production article.

5. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a mouthpiece attached to or connected to the aerosol chamber.

6. The aerosol delivery device of claim 5 , wherein the aerosol chamber and the mouthpiece are removable from the pivot arm.

7. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the first mechanism further comprises a spigot.

8. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a drive mechanism for rotating or translating the aerosol product.

9. 9. The aerosol delivery device of claim 8, wherein the drive mechanism comprises one or more protrusions for engaging one or more corresponding openings in the aerosol product article.

10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 8 or 9, wherein the first feature extends through the one or more protrusions.

11. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the aerosol chamber is biased to be in either the first position or the second position at rest.

12. An aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 11; an aerosol product; 1. An aerosol generating system comprising:

13. 13. The aerosol generation system of claim 12, wherein the aerosol product article comprises: (i) a substantially circular, elliptical or polyhedral substrate having one or more portions of aerosol-generating material disposed on a first surface of the substrate and / or one or more portions of aerosol-generating material disposed on a second surface of the substrate; (ii) a substantially planar substrate having one or more portions of aerosol-generating material disposed on a first surface of the substrate and / or one or more portions of aerosol-generating material disposed on a second surface of the substrate; or (iii) a prismatic or cylindrical aerosol product article.

14. 14. The aerosol generating system of claim 12 or 13, wherein the aerosol product comprises either an open consumable or a closed consumable.

15. inserting an aerosol product into an aerosol delivery device comprising an aerosol chamber; contacting the aerosol chamber with the aerosol product; generating an aerosol from the aerosol-producing article; moving the aerosol chamber out of contact with the aerosol product; rotating and / or translating the aerosol product article; and thereafter re-contacting the aerosol chamber with the aerosol product; A method for generating an aerosol comprising:

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