Aerosol supply device with thermally conductive lining, aerosol generation system and aerosol generation method

Abstract

An aerosol delivery device (100) is disclosed that includes a main housing (105) and a heating element (104). The main housing (105) has a base (121) and the heating element (104) protrudes from the base (121). The aerosol delivery device (100) includes a first exterior plate (107) that surrounds at least a portion of the main housing (105) and a graphite liner (108). The graphite liner (108) is disposed in thermal contact with the base (121) of the main housing (105) and the first exterior plate (107) to conduct thermal energy from the base (121) to the first exterior plate (107).

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Smoking articles, such as cigarettes and cigars, burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide an alternative 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 or products that release compounds by heating a material rather than by 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 encompass the above-mentioned devices or 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 heats the suitable medium by permeating it with the fluctuating magnetic field.

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

[0005] It would be desirable to provide an improved aerosol delivery device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect, a main housing having a base; a heating element protruding from a base of the main housing; a first skin surrounding at least a portion of the main housing; a graphite liner disposed in thermal contact with the base and the first skin of the main housing to conduct thermal energy from the base to the first skin; An aerosol delivery device is provided that includes:

[0007] According to various embodiments, an aerosol delivery device is disclosed having a heating element. A receptacle for receiving an aerosol product may also be provided that may surround the heating element. The receptacle may be part of a removable cap that may be magnetically retained to the main housing of the aerosol delivery device.

[0008] The configuration of the aerosol delivery device according to various embodiments having a removable cap including a receptacle for receiving a consumable may result in undesirable transfer of thermal energy from the heating element to the receptacle and then to the removable cap.

[0009] To address undesired heating of the removable cap, the aerosol delivery device includes a graphite liner that may be positioned in physical and thermal contact with the main housing of the aerosol delivery device, particularly in close proximity to the location of the heating element. As a result, the graphite liner is effective in diverting thermal energy that would otherwise be transferred to the receptacle and then to the removable cap. Instead, the graphite liner is configured to dissipate thermal energy into an exterior plate that may surround most of the main housing of the aerosol delivery device. For example, the graphite liner may extend along the length of the main housing of the aerosol delivery device, including the intermediate section (which may include the electronics module) and the distal section (which may include the battery module). As a result, thermal energy may be dissipated over a relatively large surface area, preventing the temperature of the removable cap from becoming excessively high.

[0010] Thus, it can be seen that the provision of a graphite liner in an aerosol delivery device having a removable cap is particularly beneficial in reducing the temperature of the removable cap during use.

[0011] Further embodiments are contemplated in which the graphite liner may more generally comprise a carbon material, for example, embodiments are contemplated in which the liner comprises a material that includes graphene or carbon nanotubes.

[0012] Optionally, the base of the main housing may include polyetheretherketone ("PEEK"). However, other embodiments are contemplated in which the base of the main housing may be made from other materials, including other plastic materials.

[0013] Optionally, the first skin comprises a first metal.

[0014] Optionally, the first metal comprises aluminum, however, other embodiments are contemplated in which the first metal may comprise other metals.

[0015] Optionally, the heating element comprises a resistive heating element.

[0016] Optionally, the main housing further comprises a tubular element.

[0017] Optionally, the aerosol delivery device further comprises a removable cap that is retained on the tubular element during use. According to various embodiments, the removable cap may be magnetically retained on the tubular element.

[0018] Optionally, the removable cap may include a receptacle at least partially surrounding the heating element, which may function to assist in removing a used aerosol product article from the heating element at the end of a usage session.

[0019] Optionally, the receptacle comprises polyetheretherketone ("PEEK"). However, other embodiments are contemplated in which the receptacle comprises other materials, including other plastic materials.

[0020] Optionally, the receptacle may include a tubular portion and a base. The base of the receptacle may include an opening.

[0021] Optionally, the heating element, in use, protrudes through an opening in the base of the receptacle.

[0022] Optionally, the removable cap further comprises a second facing plate.

[0023] Optionally, the second skin surrounds the tubular element of the main housing in use.

[0024] Optionally, the second skin comprises a second metal.

[0025] Optionally, the second metal comprises aluminum, however, other embodiments are contemplated in which the second metal may comprise other metals.

[0026] According to another aspect, the aerosol delivery device as described above, - an aerosol product; An aerosol generating system is provided, comprising:

[0027] According to another aspect, providing an aerosol delivery device as described above; - inserting an aerosol production article into an aerosol delivery device; An aerosol generating method is provided, comprising:

[0028] According to another aspect, a main housing having a base; a heating element bonded to the main housing; a first skin surrounding at least a portion of the main housing; a graphite liner disposed in thermal contact with the base and the first skin of the main housing to conduct thermal energy from the base to the first skin; An aerosol delivery device is provided that includes:

[0029] Optionally, the base of the main housing may include polyetheretherketone ("PEEK"). However, other embodiments are contemplated in which the base of the main housing may be made from other materials, including other plastic materials.

[0030] Optionally, the first skin comprises a first metal.

[0031] Optionally, the first metal comprises aluminum, however, other embodiments are contemplated in which the first metal may comprise other metals.

[0032] Optionally, the heating element comprises a resistive heating element.Optionally, the heating element is tubular.

[0033] Optionally, the main housing further comprises a tubular element.

[0034] Optionally, the aerosol delivery device further comprises a removable cap that is retained on the tubular element during use. According to various embodiments, the removable cap may be magnetically retained on the tubular element.

[0035] Optionally, the removable cap may include a receptacle that may be at least partially received within the heating element and that may function to assist in removing a used aerosol product article from the heating element at the end of a usage session.

[0036] Optionally, the receptacle comprises polyetheretherketone ("PEEK"). However, other embodiments are contemplated in which the receptacle comprises other materials, including other plastic materials.

[0037] Optionally, the receptacle may include a tubular portion and a base portion.

[0038] Optionally, the removable cap further comprises a second facing plate.

[0039] Optionally, the second skin surrounds the tubular element of the main housing in use.

[0040] Optionally, the second skin comprises a second metal.

[0041] Optionally, the second metal comprises aluminum, however, other embodiments are contemplated in which the second metal may comprise other metals. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0042] Various embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol delivery device disposed within a charging unit, according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol delivery device disposed within a charging unit. [Diagram 3] 10 shows in greater detail a graphite liner configured to be in thermal contact with a housing surrounding a heating element to divert thermal energy from a consumable cartridge surrounding the heating element, the consumable cartridge being attached inside a removable cap held on the main housing of the aerosol delivery device, in accordance with one embodiment. [Figure 4]A more detailed view of a graphite liner configured to physically and thermally contact the base of the main housing near the heating element and divert thermal energy away from the removable cap, instead dissipating the thermal energy to a metallic outer liner that surrounds the main housing of the aerosol delivery device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 illustrates a general view of an aerosol delivery device according to one embodiment, showing a graphite liner that extends along most of the length of the main housing of the aerosol delivery device. [Figure 6] 13 shows another view of a graphite liner provided according to one embodiment in thermal contact with the housing adjacent the heating element and the outer skin of the main housing of the aerosol delivery device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] 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.

[0044] According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustion" 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.

[0045] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, such as a powered non-combustion aerosol delivery system.

[0046] In some embodiments, the non-combustion 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system configured to generate 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 in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, or gel, 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables that include an aerosol-generating material and are configured for use with a non-combustion aerosol delivery device. These consumables may be referred to as articles throughout this disclosure.

[0051] In some embodiments, a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, such as a 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 proximate to the heat generating power source.

[0052] In some embodiments, the non-combustion 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.

[0053] In some embodiments, consumables for use with non-combustion aerosol delivery devices may include aerosol generating materials, aerosol generating material storage regions, aerosol generating material transport components, aerosol generators, aerosol generating regions, housings, packaging materials, filters, mouthpieces, and / or aerosol modifiers.

[0054] An aerosol-forming material is, for example, a material that can generate an aerosol when heated, irradiated, or energized in any other manner. The aerosol-forming material may 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 fragrances.

[0055] 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.

[0056] The aerosol-generating materials may include one or more active agents and / or flavors, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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 transport 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.

[0059] The non-combustion aerosol delivery system may include a modular assembly that includes both a reusable aerosol delivery device and a replaceable aerosol product item. In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery device may include a power source and a controller (or control circuitry). The power source may include a power source, such as, for example, a battery or a rechargeable battery. In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery device may also include an aerosol generating component. However, in other implementations, the aerosol product item may include the aerosol generating component in part or in whole.

[0060] For the sake of completeness, aerosol delivery devices are known that include an inductive element. The aerosol delivery device may include one or more inductors and a susceptor configured to be heated by the one or more inductors.

[0061] 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 can be heated by both heating mechanisms. An aerosol feeder configured to generate a varying magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0062] Various embodiments will now be described in more detail.

[0063] According to various embodiments, an aerosol delivery device is provided that may be configured to be rechargeable by a charging unit. The interaction of the aerosol delivery device with the charging unit is described below for purposes of example only.

[0064] FIG. 1 shows an aerosol delivery device 100 disposed in an elongated cavity of a charging unit 101 according to an illustrated embodiment. The charging unit 101 may include a power source (not shown). The power source may include, for example, a battery (disposable or rechargeable), a rechargeable supercapacitor, a rechargeable solid-state battery (SSB), a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (LiB), or the like, a hermetically sealed battery, a pouch cell type battery, or any combination thereof. Although the aerosol delivery device 100 is shown in combination with the charging unit 101, it will be understood that the aerosol delivery device 100 may be powered by any other means. For example, the power source provided with the aerosol delivery device 100 may be charged by plugging a power source into the aerosol delivery device 100, or the power source may be replaceable, for example in the form of a replaceable battery.

[0065] The aerosol delivery device 100 may be left in the charging unit 101 for a predetermined period of time to allow sufficient charging of the aerosol delivery device 100. For example, the charging unit 101 may be configured to charge the aerosol delivery device 100 to full charge in a time period of <10 minutes, 10-20 minutes, 20-30 minutes, 30-40 minutes, 40-50 minutes, 50-60 minutes, or >60 minutes.

[0066] The charging unit 101 and / or the aerosol delivery device 100 may optionally have an indicator to visually or otherwise indicate to a user the charge level of the aerosol delivery device 100. Additionally, there may be a separate indicator that visually indicates the charge level of the charging unit 101. The current charge level of the aerosol delivery device 100 and / or the charging unit 101 may be determined by control means located in the aerosol delivery device 100 and / or the charging unit 101.

[0067] The visual indicator may include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). However, other embodiments are contemplated in which the visual indicator may be replaced with an audio indicator (e.g., a speaker) or a tactile indicator.

[0068] The aerosol delivery device 100 may include an outer housing that may have a tubular and / or cylindrical shape. However, other embodiments are envisioned in which the aerosol delivery device 100 may take other desired forms, such as, for example, the aerosol delivery device 100 may be box-shaped. According to one embodiment, the outer housing of the aerosol delivery device 100 may include an electrical insulator and may be formed, for example, of polyetheretherketone ("PEEK").

[0069] According to one embodiment, the distal end of the aerosol supply device 100 may include one or more orientation features and / or one or more magnets for securing the distal end of the aerosol supply device 100 to the base of the charging unit 101.

[0070] The aerosol delivery device 100 may be inserted into a cavity of the charging unit 101 to recharge the aerosol delivery device 100 by receiving power from the charging unit 101. The charging unit 101 may include an internal battery for powering the aerosol delivery device 100. The charging unit 101 may also be connected to an external power source.

[0071] The charging unit 101 may include a lid or cover 102 that may be slid between an open position and a closed position by a user. The lid or cover 102 is provided within the charging unit 101 and is provided at an entrance to a cavity configured to receive the aerosol delivery device 100.

[0072] The aerosol delivery system 100 includes an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. According to one embodiment, the aerosol delivery system 100 includes a resistive heater for heating the aerosol product.

[0073] When the lid or cover 102 is in the open position, an opening to the gap is exposed, thereby allowing a user to either remove the aerosol supply device 100 from the charging unit 101 (to use the aerosol supply device 100) or insert the aerosol supply device 100 into the charging unit 101 (to charge the aerosol supply device 100).

[0074] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing aerosol delivery device 100 positioned or docked within a charging unit 101. Aerosol delivery device 100 includes a main housing 105 into which a resistive heating element 104 projects. Aerosol delivery device 100 further includes a removable cap 106 that may be magnetically attached to main housing 105.

[0075] As described in more detail below, the provision of a removable cap 106, and in particular the cap's inclusion of a receptacle 120 for receiving a consumable that may be placed in proximity to the heating element 104 during use, can cause thermal energy to be transferred to the removable cap 106, which is undesirable.

[0076] Thus, embodiments directed to diverting thermal energy away from the removable cap 106 are disclosed.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 2, the removable cap 106 includes a receptacle 120 for receiving a consumable product. In use, the aerosol product is inserted into the receptacle 120. The removable cap 106 also includes a second exterior plate 109. The second exterior plate 109 is arranged to at least partially fit into the main housing 105. In use, the main housing 105 is partially received between the second exterior plate and the receptacle 120. The receptacle 120 and the second exterior plate 109 may be integral components. In other embodiments, the receptacle 120 and the second exterior plate 109 may be separate components permanently joined to each other, for example, by adhesive or welding. In other embodiments, the receptacle 120 and the second exterior plate 109 may be separable.

[0078] The receptacle 120 includes a tubular housing having a base 121. The base 121 of the receptacle 120 has an opening through which the resistive heating element 104 is positioned to protrude.

[0079] The aerosol product may be inserted into the aerosol delivery device 100 by inserting the aerosol product through an opening in the removable cap 106 and then inserting the aerosol product into the receptacle 120 and over the heating element 104 .

[0080] The heating element 104 may have a blade-like profile and, during use, the aerosol product article may be pressed onto the heating element 104 such that the blade-like profile of the heating element 120 is inserted into the distal end of the aerosol product article. The heating element 104 is configured to internally heat the aerosol product article.

[0081] At the end of a usage session, when the aerosol product article has been consumed, the removable cap 106 can be removed from the main housing 105. It will be appreciated that the process of removing the removable cap 106 has the effect of causing the base 121 of the receptacle 120 to contact a bottom surface of the aerosol product article. When the removable cap 106 is pulled off, the base 121 of the receptacle 120 contacts a distal end of the aerosol product article, and the aerosol product article is pulled away or otherwise removed from the heating element 104.

[0082] It can therefore be appreciated that it is beneficial to provide a removable cap 106 that includes a receptacle 120. However, because the receptacle 120 is located in close proximity to the heating element 104, thermal energy can be transferred to the receptacle 120 and then to a second exterior plate 109 of the removable cap 106 that may be touched by a user.

[0083] To divert thermal energy away from the receptacle 120 and the second outer panel 109, the aerosol supply device 100 may instead include a graphite liner intended to divert thermal energy within an outer panel that surrounds the body of the aerosol supply device 100 rather than within the removable cap 106.

[0084] 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol delivery device 100 according to one embodiment. The aerosol delivery device 100 includes a main housing 105, from which a heating element 104 is shown extending. The main housing 105, which surrounds the heating element 104, may have a generally tubular shape. The heating element 104 may be positioned to protrude through an opening in a base of a receptacle 120.

[0085] It will be appreciated that the heating element 104 heats up and therefore the main housing 105 in the vicinity of the heating element 104 and the receptacle 120 will heat up during use. A portion of the heat generated by the heating element 104 can potentially be transferred through the receptacle 120 to the second skin 109.

[0086] It will be appreciated that it is undesirable for the removable cap 106 to get too hot and exceed a safe temperature. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that if the removable cap 106 gets too hot, a potential safety hazard will arise. To mitigate such hazards, the aerosol delivery device further comprises a graphite liner 108 disposed in physical and thermal contact with the main housing 105 and a first exterior plate 107 that surrounds the body of the aerosol delivery device 100. The first exterior plate 107 may comprise a metal. In particular, the first exterior plate 107 may comprise aluminum.

[0087] According to various embodiments, the first skin 107 surrounds at least a portion of the main housing 107. The graphite liner 108 is disposed in thermal contact with both the portion of the main housing 105 proximate the heating element 104 and the first skin 107, thereby conducting thermal energy from the main housing 105 to the first skin 107. Without the graphite liner 108, excess thermal energy could be transferred through the receptacle 120 to the second skin 109. This could result in undesirable high temperatures in the second skin 109.

[0088] 4 shows in more detail how the graphite liner 108 may be positioned to be in thermal contact with both a portion of the main housing 105 adjacent the heating element and a metal facing plate 107 that surrounds at least a portion of the main housing 105. The metal facing plate 107 may include aluminum.

[0089] According to various embodiments, the graphite liner 108 may be curved or annular in shape to follow the inner contour of the facing plate 107. According to various embodiments, the graphite liner 108 may extend a portion or the entire circumferential distance around the aerosol delivery device 100. For example, the graphite liner 108 may have a C-shaped or circular cross-sectional shape. The graphite liner 108 may be in the form of a tube or may include truncated tubular elements.

[0090] FIG. 5 shows a general cross-sectional view of the aerosol delivery device 100 according to one embodiment, illustrating that the graphite liner 108 may extend at least 50% of the longitudinal length of the aerosol delivery device 100 (i.e., the main housing and the removable cap 106).

[0091] According to various embodiments, the graphite liner 108 may contact the outer housing or outer plate 107 of the aerosol delivery device 100 throughout the middle and distal portions of the aerosol delivery device 100. For example, the graphite liner 108 may contact the outer plate 107 in the middle region, which may include an electronics module that may include a printed circuit board ("PCB") 200 that includes control electronics that may be connected to the heating element 104.

[0092] The graphite liner 108 may also contact the outer skin 107 in a distal area that may contain the battery module 201 .

[0093] According to one embodiment, the graphite liner 108 may extend along most of the length of the aerosol supply device 100 and may contact the metal exterior plate 107 both in the area adjacent to the electronics module including the printed circuit board 200 and in the area adjacent to the battery module 201.

[0094] 6 shows another view illustrating the location of the graphite liner 108 according to one embodiment. The graphite liner 108 is shown in thermal contact with a portion of the main housing 105 and a metal skin 107 that surrounds at least a portion of the main housing 105.

[0095] According to various embodiments, an aerosol delivery device 100 is disclosed having a heating element 104. A receptacle 120 for receiving a consumable may surround the heating element 104, and the receptacle 120 may be part of a removable cap 106 that may be magnetically held to a main housing 105 of the aerosol delivery device 100.

[0096] It will be appreciated that unless mitigating measures are taken, thermal energy may tend to be transferred from the heating element 104 through the receptacle 120 to the removable cap 106 .

[0097] According to various embodiments, a graphite liner 108 is provided in physical and thermal contact with the main housing 105 adjacent the heating element 104. The graphite liner 108 is positioned to divert thermal energy away from the receptacle 120 and thus the removable cap 106, and instead dissipate the thermal energy into an exterior plate 107 that surrounds the electronics module and battery module 201, both of which are provided in the body of the aerosol delivery device. It will be appreciated that the graphite liner 108 may have a relatively large surface area. According to various embodiments, the graphite liner 108 may have a surface area of ​​<5 cm 2 , 5~10cm 2 , 10~15cm 2 , 15~20cm 2 , 20~25cm 2 , 25~30cm 2 , 30~35cm 2 , 35~40cm 2 , 40~45cm 2 , 45~50cm 2 or >50 cm 2 may be also possible.

[0098] Although reference is made above to a graphite liner 108, other embodiments are contemplated in which the liner may more generally comprise a carbon-based material. For example, embodiments are contemplated in which the graphite liner 108 may be replaced with a liner comprising graphene or carbon nanotubes. Further embodiments are also contemplated in which the graphite liner 108 may be provided and a second liner made from a different material may be placed in thermal contact with the graphite liner 108. For example, the second liner may be made from graphene or carbon nanotubes.

[0099] It will therefore be apparent that the aerosol delivery device 100 including the graphite liner 108 as detailed above is particularly beneficial in situations where the aerosol delivery device 100 includes a removable cap 106 and it is desirable to maintain the removable cap 106 at a relatively cool or low temperature.

[0100] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as a representative sample of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention 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 claimed invention. Various embodiments of the present invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of any suitable combination of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Furthermore, the present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. a main housing having a base; a heating element protruding from the base of the main housing; a first skin surrounding at least a portion of the main housing; a graphite liner disposed in thermal contact with the base and the first skin of the main housing to conduct thermal energy from the base to the first skin; An aerosol supply device comprising:

2. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the base of the main housing comprises polyetheretherketone ("PEEK").

3. 3. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first facing comprises a first metal.

4. The aerosol delivery device of claim 3 , wherein the first metal comprises aluminum.

5. An aerosol delivery device according to any preceding claim, wherein the heating element comprises a resistive heating element.

6. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the main housing further comprises a tubular element.

7. An aerosol delivery device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a removable cap which is retained on the tubular element during use.

8. 8. The aerosol delivery device of claim 7, wherein the removable cap comprises a receptacle for receiving an aerosol product, the receptacle at least partially surrounding the heating element.

9. The aerosol delivery device of claim 8 , wherein the receptacle comprises polyetheretherketone ("PEEK").

10. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 8 or 9, wherein the receptacle comprises a tubular portion and a base, the base of the receptacle comprising an opening.

11. 11. The aerosol delivery device of claim 10, wherein the heating element, in use, protrudes through the opening in the base of the receptacle.

12. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the removable cap further comprises a second outer panel.

13. 13. The aerosol delivery device of claim 12, wherein the second facing panel surrounds a tubular element of the main housing during use.

14. 14. The aerosol delivery device of claim 12 or 13, wherein the second facing comprises a second metal.

15. 15. The aerosol delivery device of claim 14, wherein the second metal comprises aluminum.

16. An aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, an aerosol product; An aerosol generating system comprising:

17. 1. A method for generating an aerosol, comprising: Providing an aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 15; inserting an aerosol product into the aerosol delivery device; 13. An aerosol generating method comprising:

18. a main housing having a base; a heating element joined to the main housing; a first skin surrounding at least a portion of the main housing; a graphite liner disposed in thermal contact with a base of the main housing and the first skin to conduct thermal energy from the base to the first skin; An aerosol supply device comprising:

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