Aerosol Delivery Device

Abstract

Aerosol Delivery Device An aerosol delivery device 202 is disclosed that includes a housing and a removable mouthpiece 226 that is magnetically held within or to the housing.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol delivery device, an aerosol generation system and an aerosol generation method.

[0002] background

[0003] Smoking articles, such as cigarettes, cigars, etc., 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 the so-called "heat-no-burn" products or tobacco heating devices or products that release compounds by heating but not burning a material. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, and may or may not contain nicotine.

[0004] Aerosol delivery systems are known that cover the aforementioned devices or products. In a typical system, a heater is used to create an aerosol from a suitable medium, which is inhaled by the user. In many cases, the medium used needs to be replaced or changed to provide a different aerosol for inhalation. It is known to use an induction heating system as a heater for creating an aerosol from a suitable medium. An induction heating system generally consists of a magnetic field generating device for generating a fluctuating magnetic field and a susceptor or heating material that can be heated by permeating the fluctuating magnetic field to heat the suitable medium.

[0005] Conventional aerosol delivery devices include a cylindrical heating chamber into which a wand-shaped consumable is inserted.

[0006] Next generation devices are contemplated in which consumables having shapes other than cylindrical are used, such as consumables with a planar substrate. The planar substrate can include a susceptor that is heated by penetration of a changing magnetic field. For example, the planar substrate can include a card base layer having an aluminum foil layer adhered thereto. The aluminum foil layer can act as the susceptor. The aerosol generating material (i.e., gel) can be provided on the aluminum foil layer (susceptor). The planar substrate can be inserted into the aerosol delivery device and translated or rotated relative to the heating element.

[0007] overview

[0008] According to one aspect, there is provided an aerosol delivery device comprising: housing, A removable mouthpiece that is magnetically held within or against the housing.

[0009] According to various embodiments, an aerosol delivery device is disclosed in which the mouthpiece can be easily removed and replaced with a different mouthpiece, for example, to change the user experience. For example, the mouthpiece can be replaced with a different mouthpiece having a different size air channel to change the flow of aerosol through the mouthpiece. According to one embodiment, the aerosol can be inhaled by the user using different mouthpieces that require different inhalation efforts.

[0010] Optionally, the housing may include one or more permanent magnets or electromagnets and the removable mouthpiece may include one or more permanent magnets or electromagnets.

[0011] Optionally, the housing may comprise one or more permanent or electromagnets and the removable mouthpiece may comprise a magnetisable material.

[0012] Optionally, the housing may comprise a magnetisable material and the removable mouthpiece may comprise one or more permanent magnets or electromagnets.

[0013] Optionally, the aerosol delivery device may further comprise an aerosol chamber attached to the removable mouthpiece.

[0014] Optionally, the housing comprises a base portion and a lid portion, the lid portion hinged or pivoted about the base portion and movable between an open position and a closed position.

[0015] Optionally, the removable mouthpiece is removable from the lid portion when the lid portion is in the open position.

[0016] According to one aspect, there is provided an aerosol delivery device comprising: A housing comprising a base portion and a lid portion, the lid portion being hinged or pivoted about the base portion and movable between an open position and a closed position; A removable mouthpiece magnetically held within or to the housing, the removable mouthpiece being removable from the lid portion when the lid portion is in an open position.

[0017] According to another aspect, there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising: The aerosol delivery device, Aerosol products.

[0018] Optionally, the aerosol product comprises: (i) a substantially circular, elliptical, or polyhedral substrate having one or more portions of an aerosol-generating material disposed on a first surface of the substrate and / or one or more portions of an aerosol-generating material disposed on a second surface of the substrate; (ii) a substantially planar substrate having one or more portions of an aerosol-generating material disposed on a first surface of the substrate and / or one or more portions of an aerosol-generating material disposed on a second surface of the substrate; or (iii) Prismatic or cylindrical aerosol product.

[0019] Depending on the needs, the aerosol product may comprise either an open consumable or a closed consumable.

[0020] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of generating an aerosol, comprising the steps of: Providing an aerosol delivery device having a housing and a removable mouthpiece that is magnetically retained within or on the housing; Inserting an aerosol production article into an aerosol delivery device; Includes.

[0021] Optionally, the method further comprises activating the one or more aerosol generators to heat the aerosol product. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] Various embodiments will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a schematic diagram of an aerosol delivery device in a configuration, the aerosol delivery device including a removable mouthpiece. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows an aerosol delivery device in combination with an aerosol product article in an arrangement in which the aerosol product article comprises multiple portions of aerosol generating material and the aerosol delivery device includes a single induction heating element and a moving mechanism for rotating the aerosol product article relative to the single induction heating element. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A shows a top view of the aerosol production article in the configuration. [Figure 3B]FIG. 3B shows an end view of the aerosol product article, illustrating multiple susceptors embedded within the aerosol product article. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C shows a side view of the aerosol product article, illustrating multiple susceptors embedded within the aerosol product article. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of an aerosol delivery device according to an arrangement in which a slidable clasp is used to secure a top cover portion of the aerosol delivery device having a removable mouthpiece to a lower base portion. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B shows a perspective view with the slidable clasp removed. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the aerosol delivery device with the lid open and an aerosol product inserted into the aerosol delivery device. [Diagram 5] Figure 5 shows a portion of an aerosol delivery device in an arrangement in which the aerosol chamber and removable mouthpiece have been removed and a magnet has been placed on the top cover portion of the aerosol delivery device to secure the housing to a corresponding magnet provided on the removable mouthpiece. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative configuration of an aerosol delivery device, the aerosol delivery device including a removable mouthpiece. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of a base portion of an aerosol delivery device in accordance with the arrangement. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B shows the base and lid portions of the aerosol delivery device according to the arrangement, showing the removable mouthpiece attached to the aerosol chamber located in the lid portion. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol delivery device in accordance with the arrangement, showing a removable aerosol chamber magnetically held within the lid portion and biased into contact with the aerosol product article, and an attached mouthpiece. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol delivery device in accordance with the arrangement, showing the removable aerosol chamber and attached mouthpiece, magnetically held within the lid portion such that the aerosol chamber disengages from the aerosol product article.

[0023] Detailed Description

[0024] Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed or described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments can be implemented conventionally, and they will not be discussed or described in detail for the sake of brevity. Thus, although not described in detail, it will be understood that aspects and features of the apparatus and method described herein can be implemented according to conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

[0025] According to the present disclosure, a "non-flammable" aerosol delivery system is one in which the constituent aerosol generating materials of the aerosol delivery system (or its component parts) are not combusted or combusted to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0026] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol delivery system, such as a powered non-flammable aerosol delivery system.

[0027] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is an e-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.

[0028] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0029] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which can be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials can be, for example, in solid, liquid or gel form and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material can comprise, for example, a tobacco or non-tobacco product.

[0030] Typically, a non-flammable aerosol delivery system can include a non-flammable aerosol delivery device and a consumable for use with the non-flammable aerosol delivery device.

[0031] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables that include an aerosol-generating material and are configured for use with a non-flammable aerosol delivery device. These consumables may also be referred to as articles throughout this disclosure.

[0032] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system, such as the non-combustible aerosol delivery device, can include a power source and a controller. The power source can be, for example, an electrical power source or a thermal power source. In some embodiments, the thermal 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 thermal power source.

[0033] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system can 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.

[0034] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-flammable aerosol delivery device can include an aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material transport component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a packaging material, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0035] An aerosol-forming material is a material that can generate an aerosol when, for example, heated, irradiated, or energized in any other manner. The aerosol-forming material can be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or semi-solid (such as a gel), which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings.

[0036] The aerosol-generating material may include a binder and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, an active agent and / or a bulking agent may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, may also be 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.

[0037] The aerosol-generating material may include or be an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may be formed by mixing a binder, such as a gelling agent, with a solvent, such as water, an aerosol-forming agent, and one or more other ingredients, such as 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% of the solvent by weight. The aerosol-generating film may be a continuous film or a discontinuous film, such as an arrangement of separate portions of the film on a substrate. The aerosol-generating film may be substantially free of tobacco.

[0038] The aerosol-generating film may comprise or be a sheet, optionally chopped to form chopped sheets.

[0039] The aerosol-forming materials can include one or more active agents and / or flavors, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and, optionally, one or more other functional materials.

[0040] An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to provide thermal energy to the aerosol-generating material to liberate one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating material and form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material without applying heat. For example, the aerosol generator can be configured to expose the aerosol-generating material to one or more vibrations, pressure increases, or electrostatic energy.

[0041] A consumable is an article that comprises or consists of an aerosol-generating material, intended to be consumed in part or in whole during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transport component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a packaging material, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that releases heat upon use to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol. The heater may comprise, for example, a combustible material, a material that can be heated by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0042] The susceptor is a heating material that can be heated by penetration of a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, such that penetration of the susceptor with a varying magnetic field results in inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, such that penetration with a 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 providing device configured to generate a varying magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0043] The non-flammable aerosol delivery system can comprise a modular assembly including both a reusable aerosol delivery device and a replaceable aerosol product article. In some implementations, the non-flammable aerosol delivery device can comprise a power source and a controller (or control circuit). The power source can comprise, for example, an electric power source such as a battery or a rechargeable battery. In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol delivery device can also comprise an aerosol generating component. However, in other embodiments, the aerosol product article can comprise, in part or in whole, the aerosol generating component.

[0044] Induction heating is a process in which an electrically conductive object, called a susceptor, is heated by penetrating the object with a changing 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 changing electric 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 so that the resulting varying magnetic field generated by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated inside the object. The object has a resistance to the flow of electric current, and when such eddy currents are generated within the object, their flow against the object's electrical resistance heats the object. This process is called Joule heating, Ohmic heating, or resistive heating.

[0045] Magnetic hysteresis heating is a process in which an object made of a magnetic material is heated by penetrating the object with a changing magnetic field. A magnetic material can be thought of as comprising 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 as generated by an electromagnet, penetrates a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes with the varying applied magnetic field. This reorientation of the magnetic dipoles causes the magnetic material to generate heat.

[0046] If an object is both conductive and magnetic, penetrating it with a changing magnetic field can generate both Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating within the object. Furthermore, the use of magnetic materials can enhance the magnetic field, thereby enhancing Joule heating.

[0047] Various embodiments will now be described in more detail.

[0048] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol delivery system according to the configuration. An aerosol delivery device 202 is shown comprising an outer housing 221, a power source 222, control circuitry 223, an inductive heating element such as one or more inductive coils 224a, a receiving area or aerosol formation chamber 225, a removable mouthpiece end 226, an air inlet 227, an air outlet 228, a contact sensitive panel 229, an inhalation sensor 230, and an end of use indicator 231.

[0049] The removable mouthpiece 226 can include a magnet 250 a that engages with a corresponding magnet 250 b provided within the housing of the aerosol delivery device 202 .

[0050] As shown in FIG. 1, the mouthpiece 226 can include an upper component formed in a lid portion 270 and a lower component formed in a base portion 271 .

[0051] 1, a configuration is contemplated in which only the top component of the mouthpiece 226 is removable from the housing. However, other arrangements are contemplated in which the bottom component of the mouthpiece 226 may be removable from the housing (or vice versa). As described in more detail below, arrangements are contemplated in which the removable mouthpiece 226 may be attached to either the lid portion or the base portion of the aerosol delivery device 202.

[0052] The outer housing 221 may be formed from any suitable material, for example, a plastic material. The outer housing 221 may be arranged such that the power source 222, the control circuitry 223, the one or more induction coils 224a, the receiving area 225, and the inhalation sensor 230 are disposed within the outer housing 221. The outer housing 221 also defines an air inlet 227 and an air outlet 228. A touch sensitive panel 229 and an end of use indicator 231 may be disposed on the exterior of the outer housing 221.

[0053] Mouthpiece end 226 is defined as the area of ​​outer housing 221 that includes air outlet 228 and is shaped to allow a user to comfortably place their lips around mouthpiece end 226 to engage air outlet 228 .

[0054] The thickness of the outer housing 221 may decrease towards the air outlet 228 to provide a relatively thin portion of the aerosol delivery device 202 that may be more easily received by the user's lips.

[0055] According to various configurations, the mouthpiece 226 is removable from the outer housing 221. The mouthpiece end 226 may comprise removable components that are separate from, but can be coupled to, the outer housing 221, and may be removed for cleaning and / or replacement with another mouthpiece end 226. By replacing the mouthpiece 226 with a different mouthpiece having different airflow characteristics, a user may experience different sensory experiences. The mouthpiece end 226 may be retained within the housing 21 by one or more magnets 250a, 250b.

[0056] The power source 222 may be configured to provide operating power to the aerosol delivery device 202. The power source 222 may comprise any suitable power source, such as a battery. For example, the power source 222 may comprise a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium ion battery ("LIB"). The power source 222 may be removable or may form an integrated part of the aerosol delivery device 202. The power source 222 may be recharged by connecting the aerosol delivery device 202 to an external power source (such as a mains power source) via an associated connection port, such as a USB port (not shown), or via a suitable wireless receiver (not shown).

[0057] The control circuitry 223 may be suitably configured or programmed to control the operation of the aerosol delivery device 202 to provide a particular operational function of the aerosol delivery device 202. The control circuitry 223 may be considered to logically comprise various subunits or circuit elements associated with different aspects of the operation of the aerosol delivery device 202. For example, the control circuitry 223 may comprise a logical subunit for controlling the recharging of the power source 222. Additionally, the control circuitry 223 may include a logical subunit for communication, for example, to facilitate data transfer to and from the aerosol delivery device 202. However, the primary function of the control circuitry 223 is to control the aerosolization of the aerosol generating material, as described in more detail below.

[0058] The aerosol delivery device 202 may further comprise a receiving area 225 configured to receive the aerosol product article 204. The receiving area 225 may be of a suitable size to removably receive the aerosol product article 204 therein. The aerosol product article 204 may comprise a carrier component or substrate (e.g., a card) 242, one or more susceptors or susceptor layers, and an aerosol-generating material 244 disposed on the one or more susceptors or susceptor layers. According to one arrangement, a single susceptor layer may be provided, which comprises an aluminum or metal foil layer.

[0059] The aerosol delivery device 202 may include a lid portion 270 and a base portion 271 configured to engage with one another. A securing mechanism may be provided to secure the lid portion 270 to the base portion 271. Various configurations for the lid portion 270 and the base portion 271 are contemplated. The aerosol delivery device 202 may include a hinged door or a removable part of the outer housing 221 to allow access to the receiving area 710 so that a user can insert and / or remove the aerosol product article 204 from the receiving area 225. The hinged door or the removable part of the outer housing 221 may act to retain the aerosol product article 204 within the receiving area 225 when closed.

[0060] When the aerosol product item 204 is used up, or if the user simply wishes to switch to a different aerosol product item 204, the aerosol product item 204 may be removed from the aerosol delivery device 202 and a replacement aerosol product item 204 may be placed in its place within the receiving area 225.

[0061] The aerosol delivery device 202 can include a permanent opening in communication with the receiving area 225 through which the aerosol product article 204 can be inserted into the receiving area 225. In such implementations, a retention mechanism can be provided to retain the aerosol product article 204 within the receiving area 225 of the aerosol delivery device 202.

[0062] 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a portion of an aerosol delivery device 202 according to one arrangement. 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 forms an aerosol delivery system.

[0063] The aerosol product article 204 has a first upper surface 112 on which the aerosol-generating material 244 can be disposed. The aerosol product article 204 can include a carrier layer 242 (which can be 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 can be disposed as multiple doses of the aerosol-generating material. The aerosol product article 204 has a second lower surface 116 opposite the first surface 112. The first surface 112 and / or the second surface 116 can be smooth or rough.

[0064] The aerosol-delivery device 202 can 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 can be configured 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.

[0065] In one arrangement, the aerosol-delivery device 202 may have an aerosol product article 204 and a moving mechanism 130 arranged to move a particular portion (or, in some cases, a dose) of the aerosol-generating material 244. The portion of the aerosol-generating material 244 is rotatable relative to one or more induction heating elements or coils 224a such that the portions of the aerosol-generating material 224 are, in this case, individually presented to the induction heating elements or coils 244a. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 2, the induction heating element 224a may comprise an induction coil and the aerosol product article 204 includes a layer that acts as a susceptor.

[0066] The aerosol delivery device 202 may be arranged such that at least one dose of the aerosol-generating material 244 rotates about an axis A at an angle θ relative to the second surface 116. The control circuitry 223 may be configured to actuate both the inductive heating element or induction coil 224a and the movement mechanism 130 such that the aerosol product article 204 rotates to align a separated portion of the aerosol-generating material 244 in proximity to the inductive heating element or induction coil 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 of paper or card.

[0067] 2 includes five doses (or portions) of aerosol-generating material 244. In other embodiments, the aerosol product article 204 can have more or fewer doses of aerosol-generating material 244. In some embodiments, the aerosol product article 204 can have doses of aerosol-generating material 244 arranged in discrete doses, as shown in FIG.

[0068] In other embodiments, the dosages may be in the form of a disk, which may be continuous or discontinuous in the circumferential direction of the aerosol product article 204. In still other embodiments, the dosages may be in the form of an annulus, a ring, or any other shape. The aerosol product article 204 may or may not have a rotationally symmetric distribution of dosages on the first surface 112 about the axis A. A symmetric distribution of dosages allows equivalently positioned dosages (within the rotationally symmetric distribution) to receive equivalent heating profiles from the induction heating element or induction coil 224a upon rotation about the axis A, if desired.

[0069] 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 embodiments, the aerosol product article 204 may be formed solely of the aerosol-generating material 244. That is, in some implementations, the aerosol product article 204 may be composed 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.

[0070] In the arrangement shown in Figure 2, it operates by indexing (or moving) multiple doses of the aerosol-generating material 244 to the induction heating element or induction coil 224a. While this arrangement of Figure 2 may slightly increase the complexity of the moving mechanism 130 for providing movement to the aerosol product article 204, there is an advantage gained by virtue of the aerosol-providing device 204 being able to include a single induction heating element 244a that is used to heat multiple portions of the aerosol-generating material 224. 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 costs and control complexity with respect to the operation and control of the induction heating element 224a.

[0071] The shape of the aerosol delivery device 202 may be cigarette-shaped (one dimension longer than the other two) or may be some other shape. In one embodiment, the aerosol delivery device 202 may have a shape that is two dimensions longer than the others, such as, for example, a compact disc player. Alternatively, the shape may be any shape that can adequately accommodate the aerosol production article 204, the one or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a, and the movement mechanism 130.

[0072] The aerosol product article 204 can comprise multiple discrete portions of the aerosol-generating material 244 disposed on a surface of the carrier component 242. According to this arrangement, the aerosol product article 204 can comprise 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or more than 15 discrete portions of the aerosol-generating material 244.

[0073] The individual portions of aerosol-generating material 244 may be provided in an n x m array. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments a greater or lesser number of separate portions may be provided and / or the portions may be provided in a different format array (e.g., a 1 x 6 array). Other arrangements are also contemplated in which the aerosol product article 204 comprises a disk and separate portions of aerosol-generating material 244 are provided on separate segments of the disk.

[0074] The one or more inductive heating elements or coils 224a may be arranged such that when the aerosol product article 204 is received in the receiving area 225, each inductive heating element or coil 224a aligns with a corresponding separate portion of the aerosol-generating material 244. For example, if six inductive heating elements or coils 224a are arranged in a 2×3 array, the aerosol product article 204 may comprise a 2×3 array of six separate portions of the aerosol-generating material 244. However, as noted above, the number of inductive heating elements or coils 224a may be different in different implementations. For example, separate inductive heating elements or coils 224a may be provided according to various arrangements 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20.

[0075] Each of the inductive heating elements or coils 224a may be individually actuated to heat a corresponding portion of the aerosol-generating material 244. Although the inductive heating elements or coils 224a are shown flush with the inner surface of the receiving area 225, in other embodiments, the inductive heating elements or coils 224a may protrude into the receiving area 225.

[0076] The receiving area 225 can include components that apply a force to a surface of the aerosol product article 204 to press the aerosol product article 204 against a surface of the aerosol delivery device 202 and prevent relative movement of the aerosol product article 204. As will be appreciated, the lid portion of the aerosol delivery device 202 may be configured to engage with the base portion via, for example, a fastening mechanism, such that the lid portion and / or the base portion include components that apply a force to a surface of the aerosol product article 204 to secure the aerosol product article 204 against relative movement.

[0077] Additionally or alternatively, one or more induction heating 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 component 242 that does not contain the aerosol-generating material 244.

[0078] 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 heating elements or induction coils 224a, the locking mechanism can be configured to engage the lid portion with the base portion to hold the aerosol product article 204 in a predetermined position and prevent relative movement of the aerosol product article 204, thereby preventing relative movement in any direction other than the specified or desired direction.

[0079] For example, in an arrangement in which the aerosol product article 204 is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation relative to one or more induction heating 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 heating elements or induction coils 224a, the locking mechanism may be configured to engage the lid portion with the base portion to prevent relative movement of the aerosol product article 224 in directions other than rotation about the axis of rotation, while still allowing the aerosol product article 204 to rotate relative to the one or more induction heating elements or induction coils 204a.

[0080] One or more induction coils 224a may be provided adjacent the receiving area 225 and may comprise generally flat coils arranged such that the axis of rotation about which a given coil is wound extends within the receiving area 225 and is generally perpendicular to the plane of the carrier component 242 of the aerosol product article 204.

[0081] The control circuitry 223 may include a mechanism for generating an alternating current flowing through any one or more of the induction coils 224a. The alternating current generates an alternating magnetic field, which heats the corresponding portion of the susceptor or susceptor layer. The heat generated by the portion of the susceptor or susceptor layer is transferred accordingly to the portion of the aerosol-generating material 244.

[0082] Various arrangements 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 are located within or as part of the aerosol delivery device 202. For example, one or more susceptors can be provided on one or more induction coils 224a, and one or more susceptors can be positioned to contact a lower surface of the carrier component 242.

[0083] The aerosol product 204 for use with the aerosol delivery device 202 can include a carrier component 242, one or more susceptor elements 224b, and one or more portions of aerosol generating materials 244a-f, as shown and described in more detail with reference to Figures 3A-3C.

[0084] FIG. 3A shows a top view of an aerosol product article 204 in one configuration, FIG. 3B shows an end view along the longitudinal (length) axis of an aerosol product article 204 in one configuration, and FIG. 3C shows a side view along the axis of an aerosol product article 204 in one configuration.

[0085] The susceptor element or elements 224b may be formed from aluminum foil, although it should be understood that other metals and / or conductive materials may be used in other implementations. As seen in FIG. 3C, the carrier component 242 may include multiple susceptor elements b whose sizes and locations correspond to the discrete portions of the aerosol-generating material 224a-244f provided on the surface of the carrier component 242. That is, the susceptor elements 224b may have similar widths and lengths as the discrete portions of the aerosol-generating material 244a-f.

[0086] The susceptor elements 224b are shown embedded in the carrier component 242. However, in other arrangements, the susceptor elements 224b may be set or placed on a surface of the carrier component 242. According to another arrangement, the susceptor may be provided as a single layer that substantially covers the carrier component 244. According to one arrangement, the aerosol product article 204 may comprise 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 aluminum foil susceptor layer.

[0087] While embodiments are described above in which separate, spatially separated portions of aerosol-generating material 244 are deposited on carrier component 242, it should be understood that in other embodiments, aerosol-generating material 244 may be provided as a continuous sheet, film, or layer of aerosol-generating material 244 rather than being provided in separate, spatially separated portions. In these embodiments, 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. In particular, regions (corresponding to portions of the aerosol-generating material) may be defined on the continuous sheet of aerosol-generating material 224 based on the dimensions of one or more induction heating elements 244a. 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 greater than 20 mg.

[0088] It will be appreciated that while each of the one or more induction heating elements or coils 224a can provide the same heating profile to each aerosol-generation region, the one or more induction heating elements or coils 224a can instead be configured to provide different heating profiles to each different aerosol-generation region. For example, aerosol-generation regions located further from the mouthpiece 228 can be heated according to a heating profile that produces a greater amount of aerosol than aerosol-generation regions located closer to the mouthpiece 228, thereby offsetting the additional loss of aerosol due to condensation along the increased travel distance and providing a more consistent delivery of aerosol from the different aerosol-generation regions.

[0089] The aerosol delivery device 202 may include a rotation device configured to rotate the aerosol product article 204 about an axis of rotation. 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 may be configured to allow the aerosol product article 204 to rotate relative to the one or more induction coils 224a while preventing relative movement of the aerosol product article 204 in a direction other than rotation about the axis of rotation, such as the z-direction displayed in FIG. 1 .

[0090] In some arrangements, the aerosol product article 204 can include one or more tracks, and the lid portion and / or base portion can be configured to apply a force along the one or more tracks to allow the aerosol product article 204 to rotate while preventing relative movement of the aerosol product article 204 in a direction other than rotation about the axis of rotation. In some arrangements, the one or more tracks can include a region of the aerosol product article 204 that does not include aerosol-generating material. In some arrangements, the one or more tracks can include a region of the aerosol product article 204 that includes a metal foil.

[0091] 4A shows an aerosol delivery device in an arrangement with a lid portion 1006 and a base portion 1008. A fastening mechanism 1010 may be provided with a clasp, such as a slidable clasp, configured to clamp the lid portion 1006 of the aerosol delivery device 202 to the base portion 1008 to engage the lid portion 1006 with the base portion 1008. Alternatively or additionally, the fastening mechanism may comprise a rotatable clasp. The lid portion 1006 may pivot about a hinge mechanism 1034.

[0092] The lid portion 1006 includes a removable mouthpiece 226 that is magnetically held to a portion of the lid portion 1006 .

[0093] The lid portion 1006 and / or the base portion 1008 can include one or more walls configured to form an aerosol chamber or an aerosol formation chamber when the lid portion 1006 engages the base portion 1008. The lid portion 1006 and / or the base portion 1008 can apply pressure uniformly to a substantially planar aerosol product article through the one or more walls to prevent relative movement of the aerosol product article.

[0094] Figure 4B shows the securing mechanism 1010 removed, and Figure 4C shows the lid portion 1006 in an open position with the aerosol product 204 inserted into the aerosol delivery device 202. When the lid portion 1006 is in the open position, the removable mouthpiece 226 can be removed from the lid portion 1006.

[0095] 5 shows the aerosol delivery device 202 in a configuration with the top portion and associated removable mouthpiece removed. The aerosol delivery device 202 comprises an aerosol generator. The aerosol generator may include one or more magnetic field generators, such as one or more inductor coils 224a. A test aerosol product or consumable 204 is shown placed within the aerosol delivery device 202. The aerosol product or consumable 204 may be disc-shaped and may comprise a substrate that may comprise, for example, a layer of card to which a layer of aluminum foil 243 is adhered. The aluminum foil layer 243 may have a thickness of 25 μm, and the aluminum foil layer 243 may function as a susceptor.

[0096] It will be understood that commercially available aerosol products or consumables 204 further comprise a layer of aerosol-generating material (e.g., gel) disposed on the aluminum foil layer 243. However, in some examples, for testing and device calibration purposes, test aerosol products 204 were tested that included only a card substrate with an aluminum foil layer 243 adhered thereto. In other examples, test aerosol products 204 were tested that included a card substrate, an aluminum foil layer 243 acting as a susceptor, and a layer of aerosol-generating material.

[0097] Various configurations of the aerosol delivery device 202 include one or more magnets 250 a arranged to secure a removable mouthpiece (not shown) to the housing of the aerosol delivery device 202 .

[0098] 5, a single magnet 250a is shown positioned within the housing of the lid portion 1006 vertically above a single inductor coil 224a. The inductor coil 224a is hidden from view and is positioned in the lower section or base portion of the aerosol delivery device 202. The location of the inductor coil 224a is indicated by a dashed line.

[0099] According to various configurations, the inductor coil 224a can have a trapezoidal profile as shown in Figure 5, or the inductor coil 224a can have a circular profile. Other configurations are also contemplated in which the inductor coil 224a has a different profile.

[0100] For testing and calibration purposes, a thermocouple 260 is shown attached to the top surface of the test aerosol product article 204, i.e., aluminum foil layer 243. It will be appreciated that the aluminum foil disk layer as susceptor 243 is heated in use by magnetic induction via inductor coil 224a. When an aerosol-generating material is provided on the top surface of aluminum foil susceptor layer 243, the aerosol-generating material is heated and forms an aerosol at a temperature that can be inhaled by a user.

[0101] Thermocouple 260 was provided for testing and calibration purposes. In particular, thermocouple 260 was provided to measure the temperature of susceptor 243 of aerosol product article 204 during testing and initial calibration of aerosol-delivery device 202.

[0102] FIG. 6 illustrates an aerosol delivery device 202 in an arrangement in which the aerosol delivery device 202 includes a removable mouthpiece 226 .

[0103] The removable mouthpiece 226 includes one or more magnets 250a disposed in contact with one or more magnets 250b disposed within a lid portion 270 of the aerosol delivery device 202. The one or more magnets 250a, 250b provided on the removable mouthpiece 226 and the lid portion 270 can be positioned in an area above the induction coil 224a.

[0104] The aerosol product article 204 is shown received in a receiving area 225 of the aerosol delivery device 202 and comprises a support or substrate layer 242, a susceptor layer 243, and a layer of aerosol-generating material 244. The support or substrate layer 242 may comprise card and the susceptor layer 243 may comprise a layer of aluminum foil 243. Other elements of the aerosol delivery device 202 shown in Figure 6 correspond to those described above with respect to Figure 1.

[0105] Arrangements are contemplated in which the inductor coil(s) 224a may be substantially planar. For example, the inductor coil(s) 224a may have a trapezoidal shape. However, other arrangements are contemplated in which the inductor coil(s) 224a may have a different shape, such as a triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, circular, elliptical, or other shape.

[0106] The aerosol delivery device 202 may further comprise an aerosol chamber arranged to receive the aerosol generated from the aerosol product article 204. The aerosol delivery device 202 may further comprise a first device arranged to move, translate or rotate the aerosol product article 204 relative to the aerosol generator or inductor coil 224a during a use session. For example, according to various arrangements, the aerosol product article 204 may be rotated or translated relative to the aerosol generator or inductor coil 224a. See also the rotational drive mechanism described above with respect to FIG. 2.

[0107] The aerosol delivery device 202 may include multiple magnetic field generators, i.e., the aerosol delivery device 202 may include multiple inductor coils 224a. The multiple magnetic field generators may be arranged to generate aerosol from different portions of the aerosol product article 204 during a use session. Accordingly, the aerosol delivery device 202 may also include multiple aerosol chambers (not shown). At least some, or each, of the aerosol chambers may be arranged to receive aerosol generated from different portions of the aerosol product article 204 during a use session.

[0108] An aerosol generation system is disclosed that comprises a combination of an aerosol delivery device 202 and an aerosol product article 204. The aerosol product article 204 may comprise an aerosol-generating material and a susceptor 243, for example, an aluminum foil. The aerosol product article 204 may be arranged in the form of a planar aerosol product article 204, i.e., having a width w, a length l, and a depth d, where w>d and l>d. The susceptor 243 may comprise a metal foil, such as an aluminum foil. According to another arrangement, the susceptor 243 may comprise steel.

[0109] The aerosol delivery device 202 may further comprise a controller or processor arranged to determine a calculated temperature (TCalc) of the susceptor 243 based on determining the resonant frequency of the inductor coil 224a. It will be appreciated that there is a correlation between the determined resonant frequency of the inductor coil 224a and a corresponding temperature induced in the susceptor 243 located proximate to the inductor coil 224a. It will be appreciated that the susceptor 243 is heated by operation of the inductor coil 224a during a usage session.

[0110] FIG. 7A shows the base portion 1008 of the aerosol delivery device 202, depicting a rotatable drive mechanism 512 having a triangular shaped protrusion 513. FIG.

[0111] The drive mechanism 512 is configured to rotate an aerosol product article (not shown in FIG. 7A ), which may be loaded into the drive mechanism 512 during use, about an axis of rotation. The drive mechanism 512 may be configured to rotate the aerosol product article relative to one or more inductive heating elements 224a, which may be located on the base portion 1008 of the aerosol delivery device 202. In particular, the drive mechanism 512 may be arranged 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 inductive heating elements 224a.

[0112] 7B shows a perspective view of an aerosol delivery device 202 having a disk-shaped aerosol product article 204 loaded onto a base portion 1008. The aerosol delivery device 202 comprises a lid portion 1006 connected to the base portion 1008 via a hinge 515.

[0113] The lid portion 1006 can be secured to the base portion 1006 by interaction of one or more magnetic elements 521 provided in the base portion 1008 with one or more corresponding magnetic elements 522 provided in the lid portion 1008. According to one arrangement, the base portion 1008 can include two first magnets 521 configured to be magnetically attracted to two corresponding second magnets 522 provided in the lid portion 1006. The first magnets 521 and the second magnets 522 can have opposite polarities.

[0114] The first magnet(s) 521 and / or the second magnet(s) 522 may include Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB), Samarium Cobalt (SmCo), Alnico, ceramic or ferrite magnets. Other arrangements are possible where one of the permanent magnets 521, 522 can be replaced with a magnetizable component or temporary magnet that can be composed of iron, iron alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, cobalt, cobalt alloy, gadolinium, gadolinium alloy, dysprosium, or dysprosium alloy.

[0115] Further arrangements are contemplated in which the lid portion 1006 and / or the base portion 1008 may include one or more electromagnets for securing the lid portion 1006 to the base 1008. In such arrangements, the one or more electromagnets may be activated to generate a magnetic field that attracts corresponding permanent magnets or magnetizable components provided on either the lid portion 1006 or the base portion 1008. Additionally, arrangements are contemplated in which both the lid portion 1006 and the base portion 1008 include electromagnets. Control circuitry (not shown) may be configured to activate the one or more electromagnets.

[0116] To secure the lid portion 1006 to the base portion 1008, the lid portion 1006 may be provided with one or more protrusions or lugs 523 that may engage corresponding recesses 524 provided in the base portion 1008. Additionally and / or alternatively, one or more protrusions or lugs may be provided on the base portion 1008 and one or more corresponding recesses may be provided on the lid portion 1006 to secure the lid portion 1006 to the base portion 1008.

[0117] The lid portion 1006 may further comprise an aerosol chamber (or plenum) 517 that may be attached to a mouthpiece 518. The aerosol chamber 517 and mouthpiece 518 may be removable from the lid portion 1006. 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 induction heating elements 224a is captured within the aerosol chamber 517 and then passed or funneled towards the mouthpiece 518 and thus inhaled by the user.

[0118] It will be appreciated that the aerosol product article 204 may be rotated during a use session, and the aerosol product article 204 may comprise multiple sectors of aerosol-generating material. For example, according to one arrangement, the aerosol product article 204 may comprise 12 sectors, which may enable a user to obtain up to 12 puffs per use.

[0119] After taking a puff, it may be desirable to rotate the aerosol product article 224 so that a new area of ​​aerosol-generating material is placed proximate the one or more inductive heating elements 204a. Thus, the aerosol chamber 517 may be disengaged from contact with the surface of the aerosol product article 204 to allow the aerosol product article 204 to rotate during a use session.

[0120] According to one arrangement, a spigot 514 may be provided on the base portion 1008 of the aerosol delivery device 202. The spigot 514 may be centered in the drive mechanism 512 and may extend through the center of the triangular shaped protrusion 513. Although the spigot 514 is shown in a retracted position in Figures 7A and 7B, the spigot 514 may be extended such that the spigot 514 protrudes beyond the top surface of the triangular shaped protrusion 513.

[0121] The spigot 514 can 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 can be retracted so that the aerosol chamber 517 re-engages with a top surface of the aerosol product article 204. A securing mechanism can be provided that can lock the lid portion 1006 to the base portion 1008 during a use session.

[0122] According to various configurations, the aerosol-producing article 204 can include a substrate layer having a metal foil layer bonded to the substrate. An upper surface of the metal foil layer can be provided with an aerosol-generating material.

[0123] 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, in use where the aerosol delivery device 202 may be configured to heat the aerosol product article 204 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.

[0124] 7A, it will be appreciated that more than one induction heating element 224a may be provided, such as two or three induction heating elements or coils. In some arrangements, the induction heating element or 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) that are held in place by a fastening mechanism, in use. Alternatively or additionally, the induction heating element or coils 224a may be replaced by one or more resistive heating elements.

[0125] The one or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a can define a flat surface as shown in Figure 7A. 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, preventing the substantially planar aerosol product article 204 from moving in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane (i.e., the z-direction as shown in Figure 7B).

[0126] The one or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a may comprise substantially planar heating elements, such as one or more planar helical 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 planar surface. For example, the one or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a may comprise one or more inverted conical induction coils, where a base portion of the conical coil defines a plane.

[0127] The aerosol delivery device 202 can include a removable mouthpiece 518 that can be held in the aerosol chamber 517 by one or more magnets.

[0128] The securing mechanism may comprise a hinge 515 such that the lid portion 1006 is connected to the base portion 1008 via the hinge 515 to form 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. 7B. The lid portion 1006 may then be closed, and the securing mechanism may be configured to engage the lid portion 1006 with the base portion 1008 to hold the aerosol product article 204 in place during use and prevent relative movement of the aerosol product article 204.

[0129] The drive mechanism 512 can be configured to rotate the aerosol product article 204 about an axis of rotation. According to other arrangements, the drive mechanism 512 can be configured to translate the aerosol product article 204.

[0130] The drive mechanism 512 can be configured to rotate and / or translate the aerosol product article 204 relative to the one or more heating elements 224a so that one or more new aerosol-generating regions of the aerosol product article 204 are moved proximal to the one or more heating elements 224a.

[0131] The drive mechanism 512 may include a hub having one or more triangular protrusions 513 provided thereon. The one or more triangular protrusions 513 may be positioned to engage with one or more corresponding openings or recesses provided in the aerosol product article 204.

[0132] 8 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol delivery device 202 according to one arrangement. The aerosol delivery device 202 includes an aerosol chamber 517 that can be urged into contact with the aerosol product article 204 introduced into the aerosol delivery device 202 during a use session. Aerosol generated by heating a region of the aerosol product article 204 can be received in the aerosol chamber 517. The aerosol chamber 517 can be physically and fluidly connected to a mouthpiece 518 such that the aerosol received in the aerosol chamber 517 is forwardly directed from the aerosol chamber 517 to the mouthpiece 518. The aerosol directed to the mouthpiece 518 can then be inhaled by a user. The mouthpiece 518 can be integral with the aerosol chamber 517, or the mouthpiece 518 can be connected to the aerosol chamber 517 and, optionally, detachable from the aerosol chamber 517.

[0133] The one or more induction coils or heaters 224a can be located at a base portion of the aerosol delivery device 202 and can be configured to heat regions of the aerosol product article 204 to generate an aerosol. According to various configurations, the one or more induction coils or heaters 224a can have a circular, polygonal, or trapezoidal profile and can be arranged to heat corresponding shaped portions of the aerosol product article 204.

[0134] The aerosol product article 204 may comprise a substrate or base layer (which may comprise a card), a susceptor layer (which may comprise a layer of aluminum foil), and a layer of aerosol-generating material that may be provided on the susceptor layer.

[0135] According to one arrangement, the aerosol may be generated puff by puff from the aerosol product article 204. It is contemplated that the aerosol product article 204 may comprise 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 desires to inhale an aerosol. A puff of aerosol may be generated within about one second of the user indicating a desire to take a puff of aerosol by activating a user interface.

[0136] The aerosol product article 204 may be disk-shaped and may include multiple sectors, with different sectors being 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 a fresh area of ​​the aerosol product article 204 for each puff.

[0137] According to various arrangements, once a puff of aerosol is generated, the induction coil(s) or induction heater(s) 224a can be switched off (or the operating temperature setpoint of the induction coil(s) or induction heater(s) 224a can be reduced to an intermediate temperature). The aerosol chamber 517 can simultaneously or subsequently disengage contact with the aerosol product article 204, and the aerosol product article 204 can be rotated relative to the induction coil(s) or induction heater(s) 224a. According to one arrangement, the aerosol product article can be rotated <10°, 20-20°, 20-30°, 30-40°, 40-50°, 50-60°, 60-70°, 70-80°, 80-90° or >90° relative to the induction coil(s) or induction heater(s) 224a before or after each time it is desired to obtain a puff of aerosol.

[0138] 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 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 proximate one or more induction coils or induction heaters 224a.

[0139] To remove the aerosol chamber 517 from physical contact with the aerosol product article 204, the aerosol chamber 517 can be pivoted and rotated about a pivot to move the aerosol chamber 517 away from the surface of the aerosol product article 204. According to various configurations, the aerosol chamber 517 can be disengaged from the aerosol product article 204 such that there is a clearance 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 out of contact with the aerosol product article 204, the aerosol product article 204 can be rotated by a drive mechanism to bring a new portion of the aerosol-generating material into proximity with the one or more induction coils or induction heaters 224a.

[0140] The drive mechanism used to rotate (or translate) the aerosol product article 204 can include one or more protrusions 513 that engage with correspondingly shaped holes provided in the aerosol product article 204. Depending on the arrangement, a triangular or other shaped protrusion 513 can be provided on the drive mechanism, and the protrusion 513 can be arranged to engage with a corresponding triangular or other shaped hole provided in the aerosol product article 204.

[0141] A protrusion 513 extending from the drive mechanism and arranged to rotate (or translate) the aerosol product article 204 can have a central hole. A spigot 514 can be provided at the base portion of the aerosol delivery device 202 and can extend through the central hole provided in the protrusion 513.

[0142] 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 movable toward or away from a base portion of the aerosol delivery device 202. According to one arrangement, when the cap member 711 is moved toward the base portion of the aerosol delivery device 202, the associated spigot 514 may be moved toward the lid portion 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 portion of the aerosol delivery device 202, the associated spigot 514 may move away from the lid portion of the aerosol delivery device 202 and disengage from the aerosol chamber 517.

[0143] In various arrangements, the spigot 514 can be configured to engage the aerosol chamber 517 directly or with a component connected to the aerosol chamber 517. For example, in one arrangement, a pivot arm 716 may be provided on the lid portion of the aerosol delivery device 202 and connected to the aerosol chamber 517 via a connecting member 717. The pivot arm 716 may be arranged to rotate about a pivot (not shown). In one arrangement, the spigot 514 can be arranged to engage the pivot arm 716 and 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.

[0144] 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 .

[0145] The spigot 514 may be biased to the retracted position by a spring. The spigot 514 may be centrally located within a protrusion 513 provided on the drive mechanism. When the spigot 514 is in the retracted position, the distal end of the spigot 514 may be substantially flush with the surface of the protrusion 513, as shown in FIG.

[0146] The aerosol chamber 517 can include a first magnet 250a that is attracted to a second magnet 250b provided on a connecting member 717 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 can be pushed inward to move the spigot 514 from a retracted position to an extended position.

[0147] 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the aerosol chamber 517 disengaged from the surface of the aerosol product 204. According to one arrangement, the cap member 711 can be pushed inwardly toward a bottom portion of the aerosol delivery device 202. The cap member 711 is connected to the spigot 514 via a fastener 710 such that as the cap member 711 is displaced toward the base portion of the aerosol delivery device 202, the spigot is displaced over the top surface of the protrusion 513 and moves toward the pivot arm 716.

[0148] 9, the spigot 514 can be positioned to contact the pivot arm 716 and rotate the pivot arm 716 about its 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.

[0149] The pivot arm 716 may be attached to the aerosol chamber 517 via a magnetic connection comprising a first magnet 250b on a connecting member 717 connected to the pivot arm 716 and a second magnet 250a attached to the aerosol chamber 517. The lid portion of the aerosol delivery device 204 is shown in a closed position in FIG.

[0150] 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 can be moved between a first position where the aerosol chamber 517 is brought into contact with the aerosol product article 204 and a second position where the aerosol chamber 517 is no longer brought into contact with the aerosol product article 204. The aerosol chamber 517 can be biased to be in either the first or second position at rest.

[0151] It is contemplated that the aerosol chamber 517 and / or mouthpiece 518 are positioned away from the upper portion of the aerosol delivery device in the position shown in FIG. 9 when the aerosol chamber 517 is not in contact with the aerosol product article 204.

[0152] According to various embodiments, an aerosol delivery device is provided that includes a housing and a removable mouthpiece, which may be magnetically retained within or to the housing.

[0153] According to various embodiments, the aerosol product article can comprise a substantially circular or elliptical substrate having a first surface and a second surface. The substrate can include, for example, paper, card, or aluminum foil. Other embodiments are contemplated in which the substrate may comprise multiple layers arranged in a sandwich. For example, the substrate can comprise 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.

[0154] An aerosol product article can comprise either an open or closed consumable. For example, it will be understood that an open consumable is a type of consumable comprising an aerosol product article in which an aerosol-generating material is provided on one or more outer or outermost surfaces of the aerosol product article. In contrast, it will be understood that a closed consumable comprises an aerosol product article in which an aerosol-generating material is not provided on the outer or outermost surface of the consumable, but rather on one or more inner surfaces. For example, according to various embodiments, a closed consumable can be provided in which one or both outer or outermost surfaces of the aerosol product article include a gas-impermeable layer, such as a plastic or other material. For example, embodiments are contemplated in which an aerosol product article is provided with an innermost substrate having one or more layers of aerosol-generating material provided on one or both sides of the substrate, and the aerosol product article is enclosed or otherwise contained within a housing made from a gas-impermeable material. A closed consumable can comprise a housing having an air inlet and an aerosol outlet. The aerosol outlet can comprise a mouthpiece.

[0155] According to various embodiments, the aerosol product article can 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 can have a longitudinal axis and can have a first airflow input end and a second airflow output end. For example, the aerosol product article can comprise a prism having a first end face and a second end face. The first end face can comprise an area where air enters the aerosol product article during use, and the second end face can comprise an area where aerosol generated within the aerosol product article exits the aerosol product article during use.

[0156] Embodiments are contemplated in which the second end further comprises a mouthpiece. For example, the aerosol product article can have a distal end (which can be positioned to allow air to enter the aerosol product article) and a proximal end (which can comprise a mouthpiece through which a user can inhale aerosol generated within the aerosol product article).

[0157] According to various embodiments, the aerosol generating material can be provided on either the first surface and / or the second surface of the substrate. For example, an aerosol product article can be provided that is either single-sided or double-sided. A single-sided aerosol product article can be operated by a single array of heating elements. A double-sided aerosol product article can be operated by a dual array of heating elements that are provided on both sides of the aerosol product article during use.

[0158] Embodiments are contemplated in which the aerosol production article can be rotated and / or translated relative to one or more aerosol generators. The one or more aerosol generators can include, for example, a single aerosol generator, or multiple aerosol generators can be arranged, for example, in an array. Embodiments are contemplated in which the aerosol generators can be provided in an n×m array, where n=2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or >10, and where m=2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or >10. For example, the aerosol generators can be provided 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.

[0159] According to various embodiments, the one or more aerosol generators can comprise one or more resistive heaters or resistive heating elements. According to other embodiments, the one or more aerosol generators can comprise one or more inductive heaters or inductive heating elements. Embodiments are also contemplated in which multiple resistive and inductive heating elements can be provided.

[0160] 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 placed adjacent to the one or more aerosol generators and heated only from 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 from two opposing sides simultaneously or sequentially.

[0161] Also contemplated are embodiments in which the aerosol product article is prismatic in shape. For example, the aerosol product article can comprise a triangular prism, a square prism, or a cylindrical prism. For example, the aerosol product article can comprise a cylindrical aerosol product article. The aerosol product article can be rotated and / or translated relative to one or more aerosol generators. For example, the aerosol delivery device can comprise a cavity into which a prismatic or cylindrical aerosol product article can be inserted. A matrix, strip, or array of aerosol generators can be provided at one or more locations around or along the cavity. The aerosol product article can then be rotated and / or translated relative to the aerosol generator to sequentially or progressively heat or otherwise access different portions of the aerosol product article.

[0162] Embodiments are contemplated in which the aerosol production article may be translated relative to one or more aerosol generators. For example, the aerosol production article may comprise multiple portions of aerosol-generating material, and the aerosol production article may be translated longitudinally such that multiple separate portions of the aerosol-generating material are activated or heated in succession or sequentially.

[0163] Further embodiments are contemplated in which the aerosol production article may comprise a cylinder, or more generally a prism. The multiple aerosol generators may be arranged around a cylindrical or prismatic aerosol production article. It is contemplated that the aerosol production article may be rotated in a static array of aerosol generators. Alternatively, the aerosol production article may remain stationary and the multiple aerosol generators may be rotated relative to the aerosol production article. Further embodiments are contemplated in which both the aerosol production article and the one or more aerosol generators are movable. For example, the aerosol production article may be rotated and / or translated with a first velocity v1, and the one or more aerosol generators may be rotated and / or translated with a second velocity v2.

[0164] In the operating mode, embodiments where v1>v2 are conceivable. In the operating mode, embodiments where v1=v2 are conceivable. In the operating mode, embodiments where v1<v2 are also conceivable.

[0165] According to various embodiments, the aerosol-generating article can comprise a flat or planar consumable having a longitudinal axis. The aerosol-generating article can be translated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. Other embodiments are also conceivable where the aerosol-generating article comprises a cylindrical consumable having a longitudinal axis. The cylindrical consumable may be rotated about the longitudinal direction and / or may be translated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The aerosol-generating article may be single-sided or double-sided. The double-sided consumable can be heated from both sides during use.

[0166] In order to address various problems and advance the technology, the present disclosure shows various embodiments by way of example. The advantages and features of the present disclosure are only representative samples of the embodiments and are not comprehensive and / or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in and teach the understanding of the claimed invention. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the present disclosure are not considered to be limitations of the present disclosure defined by the claims or equivalents of the limitations of the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Various embodiments can suitably include, consist of, or consist essentially of various combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. other than those specifically described herein, and thus it will be understood that the features of the dependent claims can be combined with the features of the independent claims in combinations other than those explicitly recited in the claims. The disclosure can include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol delivery device comprising: Housing and a removable mouthpiece magnetically retained within or to the housing; An aerosol delivery device comprising:

2. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises one or more permanent magnets or electromagnets, and the removable mouthpiece comprises one or more permanent magnets or electromagnets.

3. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises one or more permanent magnets or electromagnets and the removable mouthpiece comprises a magnetizable material.

4. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises a magnetizable material and the removable mouthpiece comprises one or more permanent magnets or electromagnets.

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

6. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the housing comprises a base portion and a lid portion, the lid portion being hinged or pivoted about the base portion and movable between an open position and a closed position.

7. The aerosol delivery device of claim 6 , wherein the removable mouthpiece is removable from the lid portion when the lid portion is in an open position.

8. 1. An aerosol delivery device comprising: a housing having a base portion and a lid portion, the lid portion hinged or pivoted about the base portion and movable between an open position and a closed position; a removable mouthpiece magnetically held within or to the housing, the removable mouthpiece being removable from the lid portion when the lid portion is in an open position; and An aerosol delivery device comprising:

9. 1. An aerosol generating system comprising: An aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 8; an aerosol product; An aerosol generating system comprising:

10. The aerosol product comprises: (i) a substantially circular, elliptical or polyhedral substrate, wherein one or more portions of an aerosol-forming material are disposed on a first surface of the substrate and / or one or more portions of an aerosol-forming material are disposed on a second surface of the substrate; (ii) a substantially flat substrate having one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material disposed on a first surface of the substrate and / or one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material disposed on a second surface of the substrate; or (iii) Prismatic or cylindrical aerosol product; 10. The aerosol generating system of claim 9 , comprising:

11. 11. The aerosol generating system of claim 9 or 10, wherein the aerosol product comprises either an open consumable or a closed consumable.

12. 1. A method for generating an aerosol, comprising: Providing an aerosol delivery device comprising a housing and a removable mouthpiece magnetically held within or relative to the housing; inserting an aerosol production item into the aerosol delivery device; A method comprising:

13. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising activating one or more aerosol generators to heat the aerosol product.

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