Aerosol delivery devices and systems

Abstract

The aerosol delivery device (100) comprises an aerosol generator (102) comprising a plurality of aerosol-generation zones (128), a controller (104), and an aerosol exit location AO. Each aerosol-generation zone has a geometric center spaced a distance CD from the location AO. Each aerosol-generation zone (128) is a member of a plurality of aerosol-generation groups. Each aerosol-generation group comprises an aerosol-generation zone. The average of the distances CD of all aerosol-generation zones in an aerosol-generation group is a group distance GCD, and the average of all group distances GCD is a distance MGCD. A difference between each group distance GCD and the distance MGCD is less than 15.0% of the distance MGCD, and the controller (104) is configured to, upon receiving a signal, activate the aerosol-generation zones (128) of one or more of the aerosol-generation groups.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices and systems, consumables for use in aerosol delivery systems, methods of delivering aerosols, and aerosol delivery means. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol delivery systems that generate aerosols for inhalation by users are well known in the art. Such systems are generally battery-powered and include an aerosol delivery device with a battery and an aerosol generator, and consumables. Aerosols can be generated in a variety of ways. For example, aerosols can be generated by heating a substrate to form a vapor, which then condenses in the passing air to form a condensed aerosol. Alternatively, aerosols can be generated by mechanical means, vibration, etc., such that the substrate is dispersed in the passing air to form an aerosol. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol delivery device is provided. The device comprises an aerosol generator comprising two or more aerosol generation zones, a controller, and an aerosol outlet position AO. Each aerosol generation zone has a geometric center, and the geometric center of the aerosol generation zone is spaced a distance CD from the position AO. Each of the aerosol generation zones is a member of a plurality of aerosol generation groups, each aerosol generation group comprising at least one aerosol generation zone. The average of the distances CD of all aerosol generation zones contained within the aerosol generation group is a group distance GCD, and the average of the group distances GCD of all aerosol generation groups is a distance MGCD, and the difference between each group distance GCD and the distance MGCD is less than 15.0% of the distance MGCD. The controller is configured to activate the aerosol generation zones of one or more aerosol generation groups upon receiving a signal to do so.

[0004] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol delivery device, the device comprising: an aerosol generator comprising two or more aerosol generation zones; a controller; and an aerosol exit position AO, Each aerosol-generation zone has a surface area CA; each of the aerosol-generation zones is a member of a plurality of aerosol-generation groups; each aerosol-generation group comprising at least one aerosol-generation zone; The sum of the surface areas CA of all aerosol-generation zones contained within the aerosol-generation group is the area TCA; The average of all area TCAs of the aerosol generating group is the MTCA, The difference between each area TCA and area MTCA is less than 15.0% of the area MTCA; the controller is configured to activate the aerosol-generation zones of one or more aerosol-generation groups upon receiving a signal to do so; An aerosol delivery device is provided.

[0005] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a consumable suitable for use with an aerosol delivery device according to the first or second aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol delivery device comprising a position AO. The consumable comprises a plurality of individual portions of an aerosol generating material, each of the individual portions having a geometric center. When the consumable is disposed in a predetermined position and orientation relative to the position AO, the geometric center of the individual portions is spaced a distance PD from the position AO. Each of the individual portions is a member of one of a plurality of subgroups. The average of the distances PD of all the individual portions contained within a subgroup is a group distance GPD, and the average of the group distances GPD of all the subgroups is a distance MGPD, and the difference between each group distance GPD and the distance MGPD is less than 15.0% of the distance MGPD.

[0006] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a consumable suitable for use with an aerosol delivery device according to the first or second aspect of the present disclosure, the device comprising: a position AO; the consumable comprises a plurality of individual portions of aerosol-generating material; Each portion of the aerosol-forming material has a surface area PA; each portion of the aerosol-forming material is a member of one of a plurality of subgroups; each sub-group comprising at least one portion of aerosol-generating material; the sum of the surface areas PA of all the portions of the aerosol-forming material contained within a subgroup is the area TPA; The average of all area TPAs ​​of the subgroups is the MTPA, The difference between each area TPA and the area MTPA is less than 15.0% of the area MTPA. Consumables will be provided.

[0007] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol delivery device for use with a consumable according to the third or fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the device comprising an aerosol generator configured to heat at least a portion of an aerosol-generating material supported on a support.

[0008] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol delivery device and a consumable product according to the third or fourth aspect of the present disclosure.

[0009] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol delivery device according to the first or second aspect of the present disclosure and a consumable item.

[0010] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol delivery device according to the first or second aspect of the present disclosure and a consumable according to the third or fourth aspect of the present disclosure.

[0011] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of generating an aerosol from a consumable according to the third or fourth aspect of the present disclosure using an aerosol delivery device having at least one aerosol generator arranged to heat but not burn individual portions during use, wherein the at least one aerosol generator is a resistive heater element or a magnetic field generator and a susceptor.

[0012] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of generating an aerosol from a consumable according to the third or fourth aspect of the present disclosure using an aerosol delivery device according to the first or second aspect of the present disclosure.

[0013] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of operating an aerosol delivery device according to the first or second aspect of the present disclosure, wherein a controller activates an aerosol generation zone of one or more aerosol generation groups upon receiving a signal to do so.

[0014] According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of operating an aerosol delivery device according to the first or second aspect of the present disclosure, wherein a controller activates aerosol generation groups according to a predetermined sequence, each aerosol generation group being activated upon receipt of a signal to activate the next aerosol generation group.

[0015] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of supplying a number of separate aerosols other than zero, the method comprising: providing an aerosol supply device according to the first or second aspect of the present disclosure; providing at least one consumable according to the third or fourth aspect of the present disclosure; and causing the device to operate an aerosol generation zone of an aerosol generation group a number of times other than zero, the number other than zero being two or more, and wherein at least one characteristic of the aerosol generated upon each operation of an aerosol generation zone of the aerosol generation group is the same for each operation of an aerosol generation zone of the aerosol generation group.

[0016] Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the disclosure, given by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an aerosol delivery device according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 shows a second schematic diagram of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1 in which the casing of the device is treated as transparent. [Diagram 3] 2 shows a first plan view of a first embodiment of a chamber of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 shows a second plan view of the first embodiment of the chamber of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 2 shows a plan view of a second embodiment of a chamber of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 2 shows a second plan view of a second embodiment of the chamber of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 10 shows a plan view of a third embodiment of the chamber of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. [Figure 8] 1. FIG. 4 shows a second plan view of a third embodiment of the chamber of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 shows a schematic first plan view of one embodiment of a consumable suitable for use with the aerosol delivery device of FIGS. 1 and 3. [Figure 10] 10 shows a second plan view of the consumable of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 6 shows a schematic first plan view of one embodiment of a consumable suitable for use with the aerosol delivery device of FIGS. 1 and 5. [Figure 12] 12 shows a second plan view of the consumable of FIG. 11. [Figure 13] FIG. 8 shows a schematic first plan view of one embodiment of a consumable suitable for use with the aerosol delivery device of FIGS. 1 and 7. [Figure 14] 14 shows a second plan view of the consumable of FIG. 13. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol delivery device is provided. The device comprises an aerosol generator comprising two or more aerosol generation zones, a controller, and an aerosol outlet position AO. Each aerosol generation zone has a geometric center, and the geometric center of the aerosol generation zone is spaced a distance CD from the position AO. Each of the aerosol generation zones is a member of a plurality of aerosol generation groups, each aerosol generation group comprising at least one aerosol generation zone. The average of the distances CD of all aerosol generation zones contained within the aerosol generation group is a group distance GCD, and the average of the group distances GCD of all aerosol generation groups is a distance MGCD, and the difference between each group distance GCD and the distance MGCD is less than 15.0% of the distance MGCD. The controller is configured to activate the aerosol generation zones of one or more aerosol generation groups upon receiving a signal to do so.

[0019] The distance CD of each aerosol-generation zone may be different.

[0020] In one of the above embodiments, the difference between each group distance GCD and the distance MGCD is less than 12.5% ​​of the distance MGCD.

[0021] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the difference between each group distance GCD and the distance MGCD is less than 10.0% of the distance MGCD.

[0022] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the difference between each group distance GCD and the distance MGCD is less than 7.5% of the distance MGCD.

[0023] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the difference between each group distance GCD and the distance MGCD is less than 5.0% of the distance MGCD.

[0024] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the difference between each group distance GCD and the distance MGCD is less than 2.5% of the distance MGCD.

[0025] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol delivery device, the device comprising: an aerosol generator comprising two or more aerosol generation zones; a controller; and an aerosol exit position AO, Each aerosol-generation zone has a surface area CA; each of the aerosol-generation zones is a member of a plurality of aerosol-generation groups; each aerosol-generation group comprising at least one aerosol-generation zone; The sum of the surface areas CA of all aerosol-generation zones contained within the aerosol-generation group is the area TCA; The average of all area TCAs of the aerosol generating group is the MTCA, The difference between each area TCA and area MTCA is less than 15.0% of the area MTCA; the controller is configured to activate the aerosol-generation zones of one or more aerosol-generation groups upon receiving a signal to do so; An aerosol delivery device is provided.

[0026] The surface area CA of each aerosol-generation zone may be different.

[0027] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol delivery device may be a non-combustion aerosol delivery system. 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.

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

[0029] In some embodiments, the non-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.

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

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

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

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

[0034] In some embodiments, a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, such as a non-combustion aerosol delivery device, can include a power source and a controller. The power source can be, for example, a 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.

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

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

[0037] 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.

[0038] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the device further comprises an aerosol outlet, and the aerosol outlet location AO is the geometric centre of the aerosol outlet.

[0039] The aerosol outlet is an aperture or void through which the aerosol may exit the space or area in which it was generated, pass through it towards a location where it is inhaled by a user, or be exhausted into the atmosphere if the user does not wish to inhale all of the aerosol.

[0040] In an alternative embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol outlet position AO coincides with the geometric center of the aerosol outlet of the consumable when the consumable has an aerosol outlet, and is positioned in a predetermined position and orientation relative to the device when the device and consumable are in use or ready for use.

[0041] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-generation zones are zones within the aerosol generator that are each configured to enable an aerosol to be generated by an aerosol-generating material, either independently or in combination with one or more of the other aerosol-generation zones.

[0042] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, each aerosol-generation zone is a heater. In some embodiments, at least one aerosol-generation zone is a resistive heater. In some embodiments, at least one aerosol-generation zone is an induction heater, a coil of an induction heater, or a susceptor of an induction heater.

[0043] The aerosol outlet is a two-dimensional aperture through which the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator exits the portion of the aerosol generator where the aerosol was generated.

[0044] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol outlet is the end of a conduit or passageway along which the aerosol passed to exit the part of the aerosol generator in which the aerosol was generated.

[0045] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generator includes a chamber in which the aerosol is generated, the chamber being defined by one or more elements of the aerosol generator, one of which defines the aerosol outlet.

[0046] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, at least one of the chamber elements is a chamber wall.

[0047] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the chamber further includes an air inlet.

[0048] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the air inlet has a geometric center located at a position AI, which has the same relationship to the aerosol generation zone as the aerosol generation zone has to the aerosol exit position AO.

[0049] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the chamber further comprises a plurality of air inlets.

[0050] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, one of the plurality of air inlets has a geometric centre of the air inlet located at a location AI.

[0051] It should be understood that the geometric center of an object, surface, or space is the arithmetic mean location of all points within that object, surface, or space. It should be further understood that the average of two or more distances or areas is calculated by dividing the sum of the distances or areas by the number of those distances or areas.

[0052] The geometric center of the aerosol outlet is located at position AO and is the arithmetic mean position of all points within the aerosol outlet.

[0053] The aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure includes a plurality of aerosol generation groups, each group including at least one aerosol generation zone. A feature of an aerosol generation group is that when the controller operates to cause the generation of aerosol, the controller activates all the aerosol generation zones in the aerosol generation group. The order and timing of activation of the individual aerosol generation zones in the aerosol generation group are discussed below.

[0054] For purposes of calculating the location of the geometric center of the aerosol-generation zone, the aerosol-generation zone is considered to be two-dimensional and to constitute the surface of the aerosol-generation zone to which the aerosol-generating material is exposed or can be exposed when the device of the present disclosure is in use.

[0055] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, each aerosol-generation zone has a surface area CA, and the sum of the surface areas CA of all aerosol-generation zones contained within an aerosol-generation group is an area TCA; The average of all area TCAs for the aerosol generating groups is MTCA, The difference between each area TCA and area MTCA is less than 15.0% of the area MTCA.

[0056] For purposes of calculating the surface area of ​​the aerosol-generation zone, the aerosol-generation zone is considered to be two-dimensional and to constitute the surface of the aerosol-generation zone to which the aerosol-generating material is exposed or can be exposed when the device of the present disclosure is in use.

[0057] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the difference between each area TCA and area MTCA is less than 12.5% ​​of the area MTCA.

[0058] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the difference between each area TCA and area MTCA is less than 10.0% of the area MTCA.

[0059] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the difference between each area TCA and area MTCA is less than 7.5% of the area MTCA.

[0060] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the difference between each area TCA and area MTCA is less than 5.0% of the area MTCA.

[0061] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the difference between each area TCA and the area MTCA is less than 2.5% of the area MTCA.

[0062] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, each aerosol-generation zone has a surface area CA, and the average surface area CA of all aerosol-generation zones contained within an aerosol-generation group is an area MCA; The difference between each area CA and area MCA is less than 15.0% of area MCA.

[0063] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the difference between each area CA and the area MCA is less than 12.5% ​​of the area MCA.

[0064] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the difference between each area CA and the area MCA is less than 10.0% of the area MCA.

[0065] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the difference between each area CA and the area MCA is less than 7.5% of the area MCA.

[0066] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the difference between each area CA and area MCA is less than 5.0% of area MCA.

[0067] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the difference between each area CA and the area MCA is less than 2.5% of the area MCA.

[0068] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, at least one aerosol-generation group includes a non-zero number of aerosol-generation zones that are distinct from the non-zero number of aerosol-generation zones included within at least one other aerosol-generation group.

[0069] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the at least one aerosol-generation group includes one aerosol-generation zone, and the at least one aerosol-generation group includes at least two aerosol-generation zones.

[0070] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, an aerosol-generation group includes one aerosol-generation zone, and at least one aerosol-generation group includes at least two aerosol-generation zones.

[0071] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the two aerosol-generation groups include one aerosol-generation zone and at least one aerosol-generation group includes at least two aerosol-generation zones.

[0072] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the three aerosol-generation groups include one aerosol-generation zone, and at least one aerosol-generation group includes at least two aerosol-generation zones.

[0073] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, each aerosol-generation group that does not include one aerosol-generation zone includes two aerosol-generation zones.

[0074] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, there are at least three aerosol-generating groups.

[0075] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the controller is configured to activate the aerosol-generating groups in a particular order.

[0076] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the controller activates the aerosol-generating groups in an order stored in a memory accessed by the controller.

[0077] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the controller activates the aerosol generating groups in an order input by the user to the controller via the user interface. In such an embodiment, different aerosol generating groups may provide different user experiences when the device of the present disclosure is being used. Thus, the user may determine the user experience that the user wants to experience and / or the order in which the user wants to experience the experiences. The user may input the next aerosol generating group to be activated, or may input the sequence in which two or more aerosol generating groups are activated.

[0078] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the user interface may include one or more buttons or other input means.

[0079] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the user interface may include means for communicating with a separate device, such as a mobile phone, tablet device, or computer, that may be used to formulate commands for the controller.

[0080] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the user interface may communicate with the separate device via a suitable communication means, such as, for example, a wifi system, Bluetooth, radio frequency identification (RFID) labels, or other short-range wireless technology.

[0081] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the controller activates the aerosol-generating groups in an order input to the controller by a machine-readable feature disposed on the consumable. In some embodiments, the machine-readable feature may be a physical surface feature, such as, for example, a pattern of raised features or depressions, a bar code, or a rapid response (QR) code on the face of the consumable.

[0082] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the controller is configured to activate the aerosol-generation zones in the aerosol-generation group in a predetermined sequence.

[0083] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the predetermined sequence of operation of the aerosol-generation zones within an aerosol-generation group is substantially simultaneous or concurrent operation of all aerosol-generation zones within that aerosol-generation group.

[0084] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the predetermined sequence of operation of the aerosol-generation zones in an aerosol-generation group comprising two or more aerosol-generation zones is operation of the aerosol-generation zones starting with the aerosol-generation zone having the greatest distance CD and sequentially operating the aerosol-generation zones in order of decreasing distance CD.

[0085] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the predetermined sequence of operation of the aerosol-generation zones in an aerosol-generation group comprising two or more aerosol-generation zones is operation of the aerosol-generation zones starting with the aerosol-generation zone having the smallest distance CD and sequentially operating the aerosol-generation zones in order of increasing distance CD.

[0086] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the period between activation of a first aerosol-generation zone to be activated and activation of a second or subsequent aerosol-generation zone in an aerosol-generation group comprising two or more aerosol-generation zones is - the distance CD of the second or subsequent aerosol generation zone, and - surface area of ​​the second or subsequent aerosol generation zone CA at least partially in response to one or more of the following:

[0087] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, each aerosol-generation zone within an aerosol-generation group remains activated for a predetermined length of time.

[0088] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, each aerosol-generation zone within an aerosol-generation group remains activated for the same predetermined length of time.

[0089] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the predetermined length of time that the aerosol-generation zone remains activated is: - distance CD of the aerosol generation zone, - the surface area of ​​the aerosol generation zone CA, and - when the aerosol-generation zone was activated relative to any other aerosol-generation zones in the same aerosol-generation group; at least partially in response to one or more of the following:

[0090] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the controller is configured to activate an aerosol-generation zone in the aerosol-generation group, the activation causing the aerosol-generation zone to be heated to one or more predetermined temperatures.

[0091] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the device further comprises one or more means for determining the temperature to which one or more of the aerosol-generation zones have been heated.

[0092] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the predetermined temperature is the same for each aerosol-generation zone.

[0093] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the predetermined temperature for at least one of the aerosol-generation zones in an aerosol-generation group that includes two or more aerosol-generation zones is different from the predetermined temperature of at least one other aerosol-generation zone in that aerosol-generation group.

[0094] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the predetermined temperature for at least one of the aerosol-generation zones in an aerosol-generation group is different from the predetermined temperature of at least one of the aerosol-generation zones in a different aerosol-generation group.

[0095] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the controller is configured to activate an aerosol-generation zone in the aerosol-generation group, the activation causing the aerosol-generation zone to heat according to a predetermined temperature profile.

[0096] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the predetermined temperature profile is the same for each aerosol-generation zone.

[0097] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the predetermined temperature profile of at least one of the aerosol-generation zones is different from the predetermined temperature profile of at least one other aerosol-generation zone within the same aerosol-generation group that includes two or more aerosol-generation zones.

[0098] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the controller is configured to operate an aerosol generation zone of at least one aerosol generation group to heat at a predetermined temperature or a different predetermined temperature profile than the predetermined temperature or the predetermined temperature profile of at least one other aerosol generation group.

[0099] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the device further comprises an aerosol generation chamber for receiving the consumable, the chamber being at least partially defined by one or more chamber walls, and at least one aerosol generation zone being disposed on or within the chamber wall.

[0100] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the chamber and the consumable are configured such that the consumable can only be positioned within the chamber when the consumable has a predetermined orientation relative to the chamber.

[0101] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the chamber and the consumable are configured such that the consumable can be positioned within the chamber when the consumable is in one of a plurality of predetermined orientations relative to the chamber.

[0102] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the device is provided with means for redirecting the consumable within the chamber.

[0103] An advantage of configuring the chamber and consumable such that the consumable can only be positioned within the chamber when the consumable is in one of one or more predefined orientations relative to the chamber is to ensure that the aerosol-generation zone is in a predefined position relative to the consumable when the consumable is in the chamber. In this context, within the chamber includes entirely within or within the chamber to the extent required by the design and configuration of the device for satisfactory operation of the device of the present disclosure. Thus, the consumable can be configured such that the aerosol-generating material supported on the consumable is located adjacent to the aerosol-generation zone when the consumable is in the predefined orientation.

[0104] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generator comprises a line of symmetry, the line of symmetry passing through the aerosol outlet.

[0105] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generator comprises first and second lines of symmetry, the first line of symmetry passing through the aerosol outlet.

[0106] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the first line of symmetry is perpendicular to the second line of symmetry.

[0107] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the location of the aerosol-generation zones within the device is symmetrical about one or both lines of symmetry.

[0108] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-generation zones within an aerosol-generation group are symmetrical about one or both lines of symmetry.

[0109] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the position AO is on the first or second line of symmetry.

[0110] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments in which there is an air inlet with a geometric center at position AI, position AI is on the same line of symmetry as position AO.

[0111] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments where there are multiple air inlets and one of the air inlets has a geometric center at position AI, position AI is on the same line of symmetry as position AO, and the other air inlets are symmetrically positioned around the line of symmetry that contains position AO.

[0112] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments in which there is a plurality of air inlets, the air inlets are arranged symmetrically about a first line of symmetry.

[0113] One of the advantages of the device of the present disclosure is that a uniform and consistent user experience is achieved when the device is in use. More specifically, by treating each aerosol generation zone as part of an aerosol generation group, it is possible to provide a consistent aerosol experience to the user. This is because the aerosol generation zones in an aerosol generation group are, on average, the same or approximately the same distance away from the aerosol outlet as the aerosol generation zones in each of the other aerosol generation groups. This has the effect that the amount of time that the aerosol generated by the aerosol generation zones of an aerosol generation group spends in the part of the device where the aerosol was generated / the distance that the aerosol travels through the part of the device where the aerosol was generated, and therefore the amount of aerosol that will be condensed before the aerosol is extracted from the device as a result of the user inhaling from the device, is constant or approximately constant.

[0114] A further advantage of some embodiments of the present disclosure is that the use of an aerosol-generation zone as part of an aerosol-generation group allows for a high degree of control over the total length of time it takes for the aerosol-generation group to generate aerosol, which directly correlates to the length of time it takes for the aerosol to be drawn out of the aerosol generating device through the aerosol outlet.

[0115] Consumables herein may alternatively be referred to as articles.

[0116] In some embodiments, the consumable comprises an aerosol-generating material. The consumable may comprise an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a packaging material, an aerosol modifier, one or more active ingredients, one or more flavors, one or more aerosol former materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0117] The device for heating the aerosol-forming material with which the consumable is used is part of a non-combustion aerosol delivery system. A non-combustion aerosol delivery system releases a compound from an aerosol-forming material without burning the aerosol-forming material, e.g. These include electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems that use a combination of aerosol-generating materials to generate aerosol.

[0118] 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.

[0119] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, such as a powered non-combustion aerosol delivery system.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system for generating an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in solid, liquid, or gel form, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables that include aerosol generating materials and are configured for use with non-combustion aerosol delivery devices. These consumables may be referred to as articles throughout this disclosure.

[0125] In some embodiments, a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, such as a non-combustion aerosol delivery device, can include a power source and a controller. The power source can be, for example, a 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.

[0126] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system may include an area for receiving a consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0127] In some embodiments, consumables for use with non-combustion aerosol delivery devices may include aerosol generating materials, aerosol generating material storage areas, aerosol generating material transport components, aerosol generators, aerosol generating areas, housings, packaging materials, filters, mouthpieces, and / or aerosol modifiers.

[0128] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a consumable suitable for use with an aerosol delivery device according to the first or second aspect of the present disclosure. The aerosol delivery device comprises a position AO. The consumable comprises a plurality of individual portions of an aerosol generating material, each of the individual portions having a geometric center. When the consumable is disposed in a predetermined position and orientation relative to the position AO, the geometric center of the individual portion is spaced a distance PD from the position AO. Each of the individual portions is a member of one of a plurality of subgroups. The average of the distances PD of all the individual portions contained within a subgroup is a group distance GPD, and the average of the group distances GPD of all the subgroups is a distance MGPD, and the difference between each group distance GPD and the distance MGPD is less than 15.0% of the distance MGPD.

[0129] The distance PD of each individual portion may be different.

[0130] For purposes of calculating the geometric center of the individual portion, the individual portion is considered to be two-dimensional, the surface of the individual portion that is exposed to or adjacent to the aerosol-generation zone when the consumable of the present disclosure is in use.

[0131] The predetermined position and orientation of the consumable relative to position AO corresponds to the position in which the consumable is located when the device of the first aspect of the present disclosure is in use.

[0132] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a consumable suitable for use with an aerosol delivery device according to the first or second aspect of the present disclosure, the device comprising an aerosol exit position AO, the consumable comprises a plurality of individual portions of aerosol-generating material; Each portion of the aerosol-forming material has a surface area PA; each portion of the aerosol-forming material is a member of one of a plurality of subgroups; each sub-group comprising at least one portion of aerosol-generating material; the sum of the surface areas PA of all the portions of the aerosol-forming material contained within a subgroup is the area TPA; The average of all area TPAs ​​of the subgroups is the MTPA, The difference between each area TPA and the area MTPA is less than 15.0% of the area MTPA. Consumables will be provided.

[0133] The surface area PA of each individual portion may vary.

[0134] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the difference between each group distance GPD and the distance MGPD is less than 12.5% ​​of the distance MGPD.

[0135] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the difference between each group distance GPD and the distance MGPD is less than 10.0% of the distance MGPD.

[0136] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the difference between each group distance GPD and the distance MGPD is less than 7.5% of the distance MGPD.

[0137] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the difference between each group distance GPD and the distance MGPD is less than 5.0% of the distance MGPD.

[0138] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the difference between each group distance GPD and the distance MGPD is less than 2.5% of the distance MGPD.

[0139] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, each individual portion has a surface area PA, and the sum of the surface areas PA of all the individual portions contained within a subgroup is an area TPA; The average of the area TPA of all subgroups is the MTPA, The difference between each area TPA and the area MTPA is less than 15.0% of the area MTPA.

[0140] For purposes of calculating the surface area of ​​the discreet portion, the discreet portion is considered to be two-dimensional, and the discreet portion is the surface of the discreet portion that is exposed to or adjacent to the aerosol-generation zone when the consumable of the present disclosure is in use.

[0141] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the difference between each area TPA and the area MTPA is less than 12.5% ​​of the area MTPA.

[0142] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the difference between each area TPA and the area MTPA is less than 10.0% of the area MTPA.

[0143] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the difference between each area TPA and the area MTPA is less than 7.5% of the area MTPA.

[0144] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the difference between each area TPA and the area MTPA is less than 5.0% of the area MTPA.

[0145] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the difference between each area TPA and the area MTPA is less than 2.5% of the area MTPA. In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, each individual portion has a surface area PA, The average of the surface areas PA of all the individual parts contained within a part group is the area MPA, The difference between each area PA and the area MPA is less than 15.0% of the area MPA.

[0146] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the difference between each area PA and the area MPA is less than 12.5% ​​of the area MPA.

[0147] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the difference between each area PA and the area MPA is less than 10.0% of the area MPA.

[0148] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the difference between each area PA and the area MPA is less than 7.5% of the area MPA.

[0149] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the difference between each area PA and the area MPA is less than 5.0% of the area MPA.

[0150] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the difference between each area PA and the area MPA is less than 2.5% of the area MPA.

[0151] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the consumable further comprises an aerosol outlet, the aerosol outlet having a geometric center, the geometric center of the aerosol outlet being located at the same location as position AO.

[0152] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the consumable further comprises a mouthpiece, and the aerosol outlet is in fluid communication with the mouthpiece.

[0153] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the mouthpiece is integral with the aerosol outlet of the consumable and is formed from the same material as the aerosol outlet of the consumable.

[0154] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol outlet includes a socket, and the mouthpiece may reversibly or permanently engage with the socket.

[0155] An advantage of having a mouthpiece integral to the consumable is that it helps ensure a good flow path for the aerosol to pass from the space or volume in which it is generated to the user's mouth, as there is less chance of leakage than if the mouthpiece were part of the device in which the consumable is used.

[0156] A further advantage is that hygiene is improved since the tip is discarded when the consumable has been used up. This is in contrast to configurations where the tip may be used for multiple consumables, where there is a risk that the user will not clean the tip or will not clean it enough to sanitize it. A hygienic tip is advantageous for the health of the user, as it is less likely that any undesirable flavors will be introduced into the aerosol before the user inhales it.

[0157] Forming the tip as an integral part of the consumable has the added advantage that the tip can be made from the same or similar material as the rest of the consumable. This has the effect that the tip is more likely to heat up at a similar rate to the rest of the consumable, reducing the tendency for condensation to form on the tip. This will help provide a consistent session / user experience between different consumables.

[0158] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, at least one subgroup includes a non-zero individual portion that is different from a non-zero individual portion included in at least one other subgroup.

[0159] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, at least one subgroup includes one individual portion and at least one subgroup includes at least two individual portions.

[0160] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, one sub-group includes one individual portion and at least one sub-group includes at least two individual portions.

[0161] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, two sub-groups include one individual portion and at least one sub-group includes at least two individual portions.

[0162] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, three sub-groups include one individual portion, and at least one sub-group includes at least two individual portions.

[0163] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, each sub-group that does not include one individual portion includes two individual portions.

[0164] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the composition of the individual portions in at least one subgroup differs from the composition of the individual portions in at least one other subgroup.

[0165] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the discrete portions are films of aerosol-forming material.

[0166] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the consumable comprises at least one support, each support supporting at least one discrete portion.

[0167] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the consumable comprises one support, which supports all of the individual parts.

[0168] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the support supports all of the discrete portions on one surface of the support.

[0169] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the consumable comprises two or more supports, at least one of which supports all of the individual portions that the at least one support supports on one surface of the support.

[0170] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the support or at least one support is a substantially flat sheet material.

[0171] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the or at least one support is a sheet of material, and the sheet of material is formed into a three-dimensional shape.

[0172] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the or at least one sheet of material is formed into a tube.

[0173] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the support or at least one of the supports is in the shape of a rod.In such an embodiment, the support or at least one of the supports is in a long and thin shape, with both of the dimensions of the support in two orthogonal directions that are both perpendicular to the longitudinal extent (width and thickness) of the support being significant.Alternatively, in such an embodiment, the support or at least one of the supports is not a sheet, strip or ribbon of material.

[0174] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the tube or rod has a longitudinal extent and a cross-section of the tube or rod in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal extent is circular, approximately circular, square, approximately square, polygonal, or approximately polygonal.

[0175] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the support or at least one support comprises a susceptor.

[0176] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the susceptor is a metal or metal alloy.

[0177] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the susceptor is aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0178] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the susceptor is a foil or film.

[0179] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the support is a laminate.

[0180] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, at least one layer of the laminate is a susceptor, hi some embodiments, at least one other layer of the laminate is formed from a paper, card, or plastic material.

[0181] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the consumable further comprises a cover, the at least one discrete portion being covered by the cover.

[0182] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the support or at least one support supports at least one portion of the cover, and at least one volume is defined between the support or at least one support and the cover, and at least one of the volumes is configured to release an aerosol into the volume when the at least one individual portion is caused to generate an aerosol. This has the advantage that the cover can hold the aerosol in a desired location and prevent the aerosol from migrating to an undesired location. In some embodiments, the cover prevents the aerosol from entering the device, thereby reducing the risk of the aerosol condensing in the device. This aids in the cleanliness and hygiene of the device.

[0183] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, at least two volumes are defined between the support or at least one support and the cover, and each of the volumes is configured to emit an aerosol within at least one individual portion when the individual portion is caused to generate an aerosol.

[0184] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, at least one volume is configured to emit an aerosol within the volume when all of the individual portions of the sub-group are caused to generate an aerosol.

[0185] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, a non-zero volume is defined between the support or at least one support and the cover, the non-zero volume being equal to the number of individual portions, each volume being associated with one of the individual portions, In such an embodiment, each individual portion emits an aerosol into the volume associated with the individual portion when the individual portion is caused to generate an aerosol.

[0186] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, there are at least two volumes, at least two of which are in fluid communication via one or more passages, the one or more passages being defined between the support or at least one support and the cover. In some embodiments, the passages connect the volumes associated with all of the individual parts in the part group. The layout and configuration of the passages may assist in providing a consistent user experience for each of the part groups.

[0187] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the consumable further comprises an air inlet.

[0188] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the cover includes an air inlet.

[0189] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the air inlet has a geometric center located at a position AI, which has the same relationship to the individual portions as the individual portions have to the aerosol exit position AO.

[0190] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the consumable or cover further comprises a plurality of air inlets.

[0191] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, one of the plurality of air inlets has a geometric centre of the air inlet located at a location AI.

[0192] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the consumable comprises a line of symmetry that passes through the aerosol outlet when the consumable is disposed in a predetermined position and orientation relative to position AO.

[0193] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generator further comprises a second line of symmetry.

[0194] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the first line of symmetry is perpendicular to the second line of symmetry.

[0195] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the positions of the discreet portions relative to each other are symmetrical about one or both lines of symmetry.

[0196] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the position AO is on the first or second line of symmetry.

[0197] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments in which there is an air inlet with a geometric center at position AI, position AI is on the same line of symmetry as position AO.

[0198] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments where there are multiple air inlets and one of the air inlets has a geometric center at position AI, position AI is on the same line of symmetry as position AO, and the other air inlets are symmetrically positioned around the line of symmetry that contains position AO.

[0199] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments in which there is a plurality of air inlets, the air inlets are arranged symmetrically about a first line of symmetry.

[0200] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol delivery device for use with a consumable according to the third or fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the device comprising an aerosol generator configured to heat at least a portion of an aerosol-generating material supported on a support.

[0201] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol delivery device and a consumable product according to the third or fourth aspect of the present disclosure.

[0202] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol delivery device according to the first or second aspect of the present disclosure and a consumable item.

[0203] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol delivery device according to the first or second aspect of the present disclosure and a consumable according to the third or fourth aspect of the present disclosure.

[0204] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, each aerosol-generation zone is adjacent to a discrete portion when the consumable is in a predetermined position and orientation relative to position AO.

[0205] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, each aerosol-generation zone has a surface area CA and each individual portion has a surface area PA, and the surface areas CA and PA are equal or the difference between the smaller and larger of their surface areas is less than 15.0%, less than 12.5%, less than 10.0%, less than 7.5%, or less than 5.0% of the smaller surface area.

[0206] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, each aerosol-generation zone entirely overlaps an immediately adjacent individual portion, or each aerosol-generation zone is entirely overlapped by an adjacent individual portion.

[0207] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, when the consumable is in a predetermined position and orientation relative to position AO, the geometric centre of each aerosol-generation zone is adjacent to the geometric centre of the individual portion.

[0208] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of generating an aerosol from a consumable according to the third or fourth aspect of the present disclosure using an aerosol delivery device having at least one aerosol generator arranged to heat but not burn individual portions during use, wherein the at least one aerosol generator is a resistive heater element or a magnetic field generator and a susceptor.

[0209] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of generating an aerosol from a consumable according to the third or fourth aspect of the present disclosure using an aerosol delivery device according to the first or second aspect of the present disclosure.

[0210] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of operating an aerosol delivery device according to the first or second aspect of the present disclosure, wherein a controller activates an aerosol generation zone of one or more aerosol generation groups upon receiving a signal to do so.

[0211] According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of operating an aerosol delivery device according to the first or second aspect of the present disclosure, wherein a controller activates aerosol generation groups according to a predetermined sequence, each aerosol generation group being activated upon receipt of a signal to activate the next aerosol generation group in the sequence.

[0212] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the or each signal is generated by a user of the aerosol delivery device.

[0213] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the or each signal is generated by the puff detection device upon detection by the puff detection device of a puff from the aerosol delivery device by a user.

[0214] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of supplying a number of separate aerosols other than zero, the method comprising: providing an aerosol supply device according to the first or second aspect of the present disclosure; providing at least one consumable according to the third or fourth aspect of the present disclosure; and causing the device to operate an aerosol generation zone of an aerosol generation group a number of times other than zero, the number other than zero being two or more, and wherein at least one characteristic of the aerosol generated upon each operation of an aerosol generation zone of the aerosol generation group is the same for each operation of an aerosol generation zone of the aerosol generation group.

[0215] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the non-zero number is the number of aerosol-generating groups in the aerosol delivery device.

[0216] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the characteristic is the same if the difference between the value of the characteristic for operation of an aerosol generation zone of an aerosol generation group and the average value of that characteristic over a non-zero number of times is less than 15.0%, less than 12.5%, less than 10.0%, less than 7.5%, less than 5.0%, or less than 2.5% of the average value of that characteristic over a non-zero number of times.

[0217] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the property is one of the following: volume of the aerosol, temperature of the aerosol, available duration of the aerosol, density of the aerosol droplets, or percentage of one or more constituent raw materials in the aerosol. The value of any of the properties may be measured using known techniques.

[0218] 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 in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, or semi-solid (such as a gel), which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings.

[0219] The aerosol-generating materials may include one or more active agents and / or flavors, one or more aerosol former materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0220] The aerosol-generating material may include a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, a substance to be delivered and / or a filler material 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.

[0221] The aerosol-generating material may include or be in the form of an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may include a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, a substance to be delivered and / or a filler material may also be present. The aerosol-generating film may be substantially free of plant material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0222] The aerosol-generating film may have a thickness of about 0.015 mm to about 1 mm. For example, the thickness may be within the range of about 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, or 0.15 mm to about 0.5 mm or 0.3 mm.

[0223] The aerosol-generating film may be formed by combining 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 one or more substances to be delivered, to form a slurry, and then heating the slurry to volatilize at least a portion of the solvent to form the aerosol-generating film.

[0224] The slurry may be heated to remove at least about 60 wt%, 70 wt%, 80 wt%, 85 wt%, or 90 wt% of the solvent.

[0225] An aerosol-generating material may include or be an "amorphous solid." In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material includes an aerosol-generating film that is an amorphous solid. The amorphous solid may be a "monolithic solid." The amorphous solid may be substantially non-fibrous. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as a liquid, within the amorphous solid. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may include, for example, about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% amorphous solid to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% amorphous solid.

[0226] The amorphous solid may be substantially free of plant material.The amorphous solid may be substantially free of tobacco.

[0227] The susceptor is a 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 susceptor by the varying magnetic field causes inductive heating of the susceptor by resistive heating as a result of electrical eddy currents. The susceptor may be a magnetic material, such that penetration of the susceptor by the varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the susceptor. The susceptor may be both conductive and magnetic, such that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. A device configured to generate a varying magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0228] The susceptor may include a ferromagnetic metal such as iron, or an iron alloy such as steel or an iron-nickel alloy. Some exemplary ferromagnetic metals are 400 series stainless steel, such as grade 410 stainless steel, or grade 420 stainless steel, or grade 430 stainless steel, or similar grades of stainless steel. Alternatively, the susceptor may include a suitable non-magnetic, especially paramagnetic, conductive material, such as aluminum. With paramagnetic conductive materials, induction heating occurs only by resistive heating due to eddy currents. Alternatively, the susceptor may include a non-conductive ferrimagnetic material, such as a non-conductive ferrimagnetic ceramic. In that case, heat is generated only by hysteresis losses. The susceptor may include a commercially available alloy, such as Phytherm 230 (having a composition (weight %=wt%) of 50 wt% Ni, 10 wt% Cr, and the remainder Fe) or Phytherm 260 (having a composition of 50 wt% Ni, 9 wt% Cr, and the remainder Fe).

[0229] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-forming material includes an active agent.

[0230] As used herein, an active substance can be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. An active substance can be selected from, for example, dietary supplements, nootropics, psychotropic drugs. An active substance can be naturally derived or synthetically obtained. An active substance can include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, non-cannabinoid-derived terpenes, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. An active substance can include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco, cannabis, or another botanical material.

[0231] The active substance may include one or more components, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

[0232] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises nicotine, hi some embodiments, the active agent comprises caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0233] The active material may include or be derived from one or more botanical materials or their components, derivatives, or extracts. As used herein, the term "botanical material" includes any material derived from a plant, including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husks, or shells. Alternatively, the material may include synthetically obtained active compounds that are naturally present in the botanical material. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, chips, strips, or sheets, etc. Exemplary botanicals include tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo, hazel, hibiscus, bay, licorice, matcha, yerba mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea, such as green or black tea, thyme, cloves, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed, basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, rabe The mint may be selected from the following mint varieties: peppermint, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, shiso, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, pimento, mace, damiane, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, calvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab, or any combination thereof. The mint may be selected from the following mint varieties: peppermint, mentha cv, Egyptian mint, peppermint, cologne mint, candy mint, curly mint, Kentucky kernel mint, horse mint, pineapple mint, pennyroyal mint, green peppermint, and apple mint.

[0234] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or is derived from one or more botanical substances or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof, and the botanical substance is tobacco.

[0235] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or is derived from one or more botanical substances or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof, and the botanical substances are selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, and hemp.

[0236] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or is derived from one or more botanical substances or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof, and the botanical substances are selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0237] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material comprises a flavor or flavoring.

[0238] As used herein, the terms "flavor" and "flavoring agent" refer to materials that may be used, where local regulations permit, to create a desired taste, odor, or other somatic sensation in products intended for adult consumers.They may be any naturally occurring flavoring material, botanical substance, extract of botanical substance, synthetically derived material, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen, cherries, berries, red berries, cranberries, peaches, apples, oranges, mangoes, clementines, lemons, ryes, and the like). citrus fruits, tropical fruits, papaya, rhubarb, grapes, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, eggplant, betel quid, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, isopropyl alcohol, sorbet, sorbet, sorbet juice ... Nile ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, bell pepper, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, peppermint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo, hazel, hibiscus, bay, yerba mate, orange peel, rose, tea such as green or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, shiso, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, black currant, valerian, pimento, mace, damiento, maize In some embodiments, the additives may include oleaginous compounds such as oleic acid, joram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, calvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), as well as other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners.They may be of imitation, synthetic, or natural origin, or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, a liquid such as an oil, a solid such as a powder, or a gas.

[0239] In some embodiments, the flavor comprises menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises cucumber, blueberry, citrus, and / or red berry flavor components. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components extracted from cannabis.

[0240] In some embodiments, the flavor may include a sensory elicitor, which is intended to achieve somatic sensations that are usually chemically induced and perceived by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) in addition to or instead of the scent or taste nerves, and may include agents that produce a heating, cooling, tingling, or numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and a suitable cooling agent may be, but is not limited to, eucalyptol, WS-3.

[0241] The aerosol generating material includes an aerosol generating agent. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating agent may include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating agent may include one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, mesoerythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate. In a particular example, the aerosol generating agent includes glycerol.

[0242] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating agent comprises one or more polyhydric alcohols, such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerin, esters of polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerol mono-, di-, or triacetate, and / or aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate.

[0243] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may comprise from about 0.1 wt%, 0.5 wt%, 1 wt%, 3 wt%, 5 wt%, 7 wt%, or 10% to about 50 wt%, 45 wt%, 40 wt%, 35 wt%, 30 wt%, or 25 wt% of the aerosol generating agent (all calculated on a dry weight basis). The aerosol generating agent may act as a plasticizer. For example, the aerosol generating material may comprise from 0.5 to 40 wt%, from 3 to 35 wt%, or from 10 to 25 wt% of the aerosol generating agent.

[0244] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise from about 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 20 wt%, 25 wt%, 27 wt%, or 30 wt% to about 60 wt%, 55 wt%, 50 wt%, 45 wt%, 40 wt%, or 35 wt% of the aerosol-generating agent (DWB). For example, the aerosol-generating material may comprise from 10 to 60 wt%, 20 to 50 wt%, 25 to 40 wt%, or 30 to 35 wt% of the aerosol-generating agent.

[0245] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may include up to about 80 wt% aerosol-generating agent (DWB), such as about 40-80 wt%, 40-75 wt%, 50-70 wt%, or 55-65 wt%.

[0246] The aerosol-generating material may also include a gelling agent. In some embodiments, the gelling agent includes a hydrocolloid. In some embodiments, the gelling agent includes one or more compounds selected from the group including alginates, pectins, starches (and derivatives), celluloses (and derivatives), gums, silica or silicone compounds, clays, polyvinyl alcohols, and combinations thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the gelling agent includes one or more of alginates, pectins, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, pullulan, xanthan gum guar gum, carrageenan, agarose, acacia gum, fumed silica, PDMS, sodium silicate, kaolin, and polyvinyl alcohol. In some cases, the gelling agent includes alginates and / or pectins and may be combined with a hardening agent (such as a calcium source) during formation of the aerosol-generating material. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material may include calcium cross-linked alginates and / or calcium cross-linked pectins.

[0247] In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises one or more compounds selected from cellulosic gelling agents, non-cellulosic gelling agents, guar gum, acacia gum, and mixtures thereof.

[0248] In some embodiments, the cellulosic gelling agent is selected from the group consisting of hydroxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), and combinations thereof.

[0249] In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises (or is) one or more of hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), carboxymethyl cellulose, guar gum, or acacia gum.

[0250] In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises (or is) one or more non-cellulosic gelling agents, including, but not limited to, agar, xanthan gum, gum arabic, guar gum, locust bean gum, pectin, carrageenan, starch, alginate, and combinations thereof. In preferred embodiments, the non-cellulosic gelling agent is alginate or agar.

[0251] In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises alginate, and the alginate is present in the aerosol-generating material in an amount of 10-30 wt % of the aerosol-generating material (calculated on a dry weight basis). In some embodiments, the alginate is the only gelling agent present in the aerosol-generating material. In other embodiments, the gelling agent comprises alginate and at least one further gelling agent, such as pectin.

[0252] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material comprises from about 1 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%, or 25 wt% to about 60 wt%, 50 wt%, 45 wt%, 40 wt%, or 35 wt% of gelling agent (all calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the aerosol-forming material may comprise from 1 to 50 wt%, 5 to 45 wt%, 10 to 40 wt%, or 20 to 35 wt% of gelling agent.

[0253] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material comprises about 20 wt%, 22 wt%, 24 wt%, or 25 wt% to about 30 wt%, 32 wt%, or 35 wt% gelling agent (all calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the aerosol-forming material may comprise 20-35 wt% or 25-30 wt% gelling agent.

[0254] In some cases, the aerosol-generating material may include from about 1 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%, or 20 wt% to about 60 wt%, 50 wt%, 40 wt%, 30 wt%, or 25 wt% of the gelling agent (DWB). For example, the aerosol-generating material may include from 10 to 40 wt%, 15 to 30 wt%, or 20 to 25 wt% of the gelling agent (DWB).

[0255] In examples, the aerosol-generating material comprises the gelling agent and the filler together in an amount between about 10 wt%, 20 wt%, 25 wt%, 30 wt%, or 35 wt% to about 60 wt%, 55 wt%, 50 wt%, or 45 wt% of the aerosol-generating material. In examples, the aerosol-generating material comprises the gelling agent and the filler together in an amount between about 20-60 wt%, 25-55 wt%, 30-50 wt%, or 35-45 wt% of the aerosol-generating material.

[0256] In examples, the aerosol-generating material comprises gelling agent in an amount of about 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%, 25 wt%, 30 wt%, or 35 wt% to about 60 wt%, 55 wt%, 50 wt%, or 45 wt% of the aerosol-generating material (i.e., not considering the amount of filler). In examples, the aerosol-generating material comprises gelling agent in an amount of about 5-60 wt%, 20-60 wt%, 25-55 wt%, 30-50 wt%, or 35-45 wt% of the aerosol-generating material (i.e., not considering the amount of filler).

[0257] In some examples, the alginate is included in the gelling agent in an amount of about 5-40 wt%, or 15-40 wt%, of the aerosol-generating material. That is, the aerosol-generating material comprises alginate in an amount of about 5-40 wt%, or 15-40 wt%, of the aerosol-generating material by dry weight. In some examples, the aerosol-generating material comprises alginate in an amount of about 20-40 wt%, or about 15 wt% to 35 wt%, of the aerosol-generating material.

[0258] In some examples, the pectin is included in the gelling agent in an amount of about 3-15 wt% of the aerosol-forming material, i.e., the aerosol-forming material comprises pectin in an amount of about 3-15 wt% of the aerosol-forming material by dry weight, in some examples, the aerosol-forming material comprises pectin in an amount of about 5-10 wt% of the aerosol-forming material.

[0259] In some examples, the guar gum is included in the gelling agent in an amount of about 3-40 wt% of the aerosol-generating material. That is, the aerosol-generating material includes guar gum in an amount of about 3-40 wt% of the aerosol-generating material by dry weight. In some examples, the aerosol-generating material includes guar gum in an amount of about 5-10 wt% of the aerosol-generating material. In some examples, the aerosol-generating material includes guar gum in an amount of about 15-40 wt%, or about 20-40 wt%, or about 15-35 wt% of the aerosol-generating material.

[0260] In examples, the alginate is present in an amount of at least about 50 wt% of the gelling agent. In examples, the aerosol-forming material includes alginate and pectin, and the ratio of alginate to pectin is 1:1 to 10:1. The ratio of alginate to pectin is typically >1:1, i.e., the alginate is present in an amount greater than the amount of pectin. In examples, the ratio of alginate to pectin is about 2:1 to 8:1, or about 3:1 to 6:1, or approximately 4:1.

[0261] The aerosol-generating material may be formed by (a) forming a slurry including components of the aerosol-generating material or its precursors, (b) forming a layer of the slurry, (c) setting the slurry to form a gel, and (d) drying to form the aerosol-generating material.

[0262] (b) forming the layer of the slurry typically includes spraying, casting, or extruding the slurry. In an example, the slurry layer is formed by electrospraying the slurry. In an example, the slurry layer is formed by casting the slurry.

[0263] In some examples, (b) and / or (c) and / or (d) are performed at least partially simultaneously (e.g., during electrospraying). In some examples, (b), (c), and (d) are performed sequentially.

[0264] In some examples, the slurry is applied to a substrate and a layer may be formed on the substrate.

[0265] In an example, the slurry includes a gelling agent, an aerosol forming agent, and an active agent. The slurry may include these components in any of the proportions given herein for the composition of the aerosol-generating material. For example, the slurry may include (on a dry weight basis): a gelling agent and optionally a filler, the amount of the gelling agent and the filler taken together being about 10-60 wt. % of the slurry; - an aerosol former material in an amount of about 40-80 wt% of the slurry; Optionally, an active material in an amount of up to about 20 wt. % of the slurry; and may include.

[0266] Hardening the gel (c) may include providing a hardening agent to the slurry. For example, the slurry may include sodium alginate, potassium alginate, or ammonium alginate as a gel precursor, and a hardening agent including a calcium source (such as calcium chloride) may be added to the slurry to form a calcium alginate gel.

[0267] In examples, the sclerosing agent comprises or consists of calcium acetate, calcium formate, calcium carbonate, calcium bicarbonate, calcium chloride, calcium lactate, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the sclerosing agent comprises or consists of calcium formate and / or calcium lactate. In certain examples, the sclerosing agent comprises or consists of calcium formate. Typically, it has been determined that employing calcium formate as a sclerosing agent results in aerosol generating materials with greater tensile strength and greater resistance to elongation.

[0268] The total amount of hardening agent, such as a calcium source, may be 0.5 to 5 wt% (calculated on a dry weight basis). Suitably, the total amount may be from about 1 wt%, 2.5 wt%, or 4 wt% to about 4.8 wt% or 4.5 wt%. It has been found that adding too little hardening agent can result in an aerosol-forming material in which the aerosol-forming material components are not stabilized and these components fall off the aerosol-forming material. It has been found that adding too much hardening agent results in an aerosol-forming material that is very sticky and therefore difficult to handle.

[0269] If the aerosol-forming material does not contain tobacco, it may be necessary to apply a larger amount of stiffening agent. Thus, in some cases, the total amount of stiffening agent may be 0.5 to 12 wt%, such as 5 to 10 wt%, calculated on a dry weight basis. Suitably, the total amount may be from about 5 wt%, 6 wt%, or 7 wt% to about 12 wt% or 10 wt%. In this case, the aerosol-forming material will generally be tobacco-free.

[0270] In an example, adding the hardening agent to the slurry includes spraying the hardening agent onto the slurry, such as onto the top surface of the slurry.

[0271] Alginates are derivatives of alginic acid and are typically high molecular weight polymers (10-600 kDa). Alginic acid is a copolymer of β-D-mannuronic acid (M) units and α-L-guluronic acid (G) units (blocks) linked together by (1,4)-glycosidic bonds to form a polysaccharide. Upon addition of calcium cations, alginates crosslink to form gels. Alginates with a high G monomer content have been found to form gels more readily upon addition of a calcium source. Thus, in some cases, the gel precursor may include alginates in which at least about 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, or 70% of the monomer units in the alginate copolymer are α-L-guluronic acid (G) units.

[0272] In examples, drying (d) removes from about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, 70 wt%, 80 wt%, or 90 wt% to about 80 wt%, 90 wt%, or 95 wt% (WWB) of the water in the slurry.

[0273] In an example, drying (d) reduces the thickness of the cast material by at least 80%, preferably 85% or 87%. For example, the slurry is cast at a thickness of 2 mm and the resulting dried aerosol-generating material has a thickness of 0.2 mm.

[0274] In some examples, the slurry solvent consists essentially of or consists of water, hi some examples, the slurry comprises about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, 70 wt%, 80 wt%, or 90 wt% solvent (WWB).

[0275] In instances where the solvent comprises water, the dry weight content of the slurry may match the dry weight content of the aerosol-forming material.

[0276] The aerosol-generating material may include a flavor. Suitably, the aerosol-generating material may include up to about 80 wt%, 70 wt%, 60 wt%, 55 wt%, 50 wt%, or 45 wt% of the flavor. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material may include at least about 0.1 wt%, 1 wt%, 10 wt%, 20 wt%, 30 wt%, 35 wt%, or 40 wt% of the flavor (all calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the aerosol-generating material may include 1-80 wt%, 10-80 wt%, 20-70 wt%, 30-60 wt%, 35-55 wt%, or 30-45 wt% of the flavor. In some cases, the flavor includes, consists essentially of, or consists of menthol.

[0277] The aerosol-forming material may include a filler material.

[0278] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material contains less than 60 wt% filler, such as between 1 wt% and 60 wt%, or between 5 wt% and 50 wt%, or between 5 wt% and 30 wt%, or between 10 wt% and 20 wt%.

[0279] In other embodiments, the aerosol forming material contains less than 20 wt%, preferably less than 10 wt%, or less than 5 wt% filler. In some cases, the aerosol forming material contains less than 1 wt% filler, and in some cases, no filler.

[0280] In some such cases, the aerosol-forming material comprises at least 1 wt% filler, e.g., at least 5 wt%, at least 10 wt%, at least 20 wt%, at least 30 wt%, at least 40 wt%, or at least 50 wt% filler, hi some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material comprises between 5 and 25 wt% filler.

[0281] The filler, when present, may include one or more inorganic filler materials, such as calcium carbonate, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium carbonate, and suitable inorganic adsorbents, such as molecular sieves. The filler may include one or more organic filler materials, such as wood pulp, cellulose, and cellulose derivatives, such as methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). In certain cases, the aerosol-generating material does not include calcium carbonate, such as chalk.

[0282] In certain embodiments that include a filler, the filler is fibrous. For example, the filler may be a fibrous organic filler material such as wood pulp, hemp fiber, cellulose or a cellulose derivative (methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), etc.).

[0283] Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the inclusion of fibrous fillers in the aerosol-generating material may increase the tensile strength of the material, which may be particularly useful in instances where the aerosol-generating material is provided as a sheet, such as when the sheet circumscribes a rod of aerosolizable material.

[0284] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material does not include tobacco fibers, hi certain embodiments, the aerosol-forming material does not include fibrous materials.

[0285] The aerosol-generating materials may include one or more active agents and / or flavors, one or more aerosol former materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0286] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material further comprises an active agent. For example, in some cases, the aerosol-generating material further comprises tobacco material and / or nicotine. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material comprises powdered tobacco and / or nicotine and / or a tobacco extract.

[0287] In some cases, the aerosol-forming material may comprise between 5 and 60 wt% tobacco material and / or nicotine (calculated on a dry weight basis). In some cases, the aerosol-forming material may comprise between about 1 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%, or 25 wt% to about 70 wt%, 60 wt%, 50 wt%, 45 wt%, 40 wt%, 35 wt%, or 30 wt% active agent (calculated on a dry weight basis). In some cases, the aerosol-forming material may comprise between about 1 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%, or 25 wt% to about 70 wt%, 60 wt%, 50 wt%, 45 wt%, 40 wt%, 35 wt%, or 30 wt% tobacco material (calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the aerosol-generating material may include 10-50 wt%, 15-40 wt%, or 20-35 wt% tobacco material. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material may include from about 1 wt%, 2 wt%, 3 wt%, or 4 wt% to about 20 wt%, 18 wt%, 15 wt%, or 12 wt% nicotine (calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the aerosol-generating material may include 1-20 wt%, 2-18 wt%, or 3-12 wt% nicotine.

[0288] In some cases, the aerosol-generating material includes an active agent such as tobacco extract. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material may include 5-60 wt% tobacco extract (calculated on a dry weight basis). In some cases, the aerosol-generating material may include about 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%, or 25 wt% to about 60 wt%, 50 wt%, 45 wt%, 40 wt%, 35 wt%, or 30 wt% tobacco extract (calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the aerosol-generating material may include 10-50 wt%, 15-40 wt%, or 20-35 wt% tobacco extract. The tobacco extract may contain nicotine in a concentration such that the aerosol-forming material contains from 1 wt%, 1.5 wt%, 2 wt%, or 2.5 wt% to about 6 wt%, 5 wt%, 4.5 wt%, or 4 wt% nicotine (calculated on a dry weight basis). In some cases, there may be no nicotine present in the aerosol-forming material other than the nicotine originating from the tobacco extract.

[0289] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material does not include tobacco material, but does include nicotine. In some such cases, the aerosol-generating material may include from about 1 wt%, 2 wt%, 3 wt%, or 4 wt% to about 20 wt%, 18 wt%, 15 wt%, or 12 wt% nicotine (calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the aerosol-generating material may include from 1 to 20 wt%, 2 to 18 wt%, or 3 to 12 wt% nicotine.

[0290] In some cases, the total content of actives and / or flavors may be at least about 0.1 wt%, 1 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 20 wt%, 25 wt%, or 30 wt%. In some cases, the total content of actives and / or flavors may be less than about 90 wt%, 80 wt%, 70 wt%, 60 wt%, 50 wt%, or 40 wt% (all calculated on a dry weight basis).

[0291] In some cases, the total content of tobacco material, nicotine, and flavors may be at least about 0.1 wt%, 1 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 20 wt%, 25 wt%, or 30 wt%. In some cases, the total content of actives and / or flavors may be less than about 90 wt%, 80 wt%, 70 wt%, 60 wt%, 50 wt%, or 40 wt% (all calculated on a dry weight basis).

[0292] The aerosol-generating composition may include one or more active agents. In examples, the aerosol-generating material includes one or more active agents, for example, up to about 20 wt% of the aerosol-generating material. In examples, the aerosol-generating material includes the active agents in an amount of about 1 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%, or 15 wt% to about 20 wt%, 15 wt%, 15 wt%, or 5 wt% of the aerosol-generating material.

[0293] Active substances may include physiologically and / or olfactory active substances that are included in the aerosol generating composition to achieve a physiological and / or olfactory response.

[0294] The tobacco material may be present in the aerosol forming composition in an amount of about 50-95 wt%, or about 60-90 wt%, or about 70-90 wt%, or about 75-85 wt%.

[0295] The tobacco material may be present in any form, but is typically shredded (e.g., cut into narrow strips). The shredded tobacco material may be suitably blended with the aerosol-forming material to provide an aerosol-forming composition having a uniform distribution of the tobacco material and the aerosol-forming material throughout the aerosol-forming composition.

[0296] In examples, the tobacco material comprises one or more of ground tobacco, tobacco fiber, shredded tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco stems, reconstituted tobacco, and / or tobacco extract. Surprisingly, it has been determined that a relatively large amount of leaf tobacco can be used in the aerosol-generating composition to provide an acceptable aerosol when heated by a non-combustion aerosol delivery system. Leaf tobacco typically provides superior sensory properties. In examples, the tobacco material comprises leaf tobacco in an amount of at least about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, 70 wt%, 80 wt%, 85 wt%, 90 wt%, or 95 wt% of the tobacco material. In certain examples, the tobacco material comprises shredded tobacco in an amount of at least about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, 70 wt%, 80 wt%, 85 wt%, 90 wt%, or 95 wt% of the tobacco material.

[0297] The tobacco used to produce the tobacco material can be any suitable tobacco, such as single grade or blend, cut rag or whole leaf, including Virginia and / or Burley and / or Oriental.

[0298] In some embodiments, the one or more other functional ingredients may include one or more of a pH adjuster, a colorant, a preservative, a binder, a filler, a stabilizer, and / or an antioxidant.

[0299] In some cases, the aerosol-forming material may further include an emulsifier that emulsifies the molten flavor during manufacture. For example, the aerosol-forming material may include about 5 wt% to about 15 wt% (calculated on a dry weight basis), preferably about 10 wt%, of an emulsifier. The emulsifier may include gum acacia.

[0300] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is a hydrogel and contains less than about 20 wt% water, calculated on a wet weight basis. In some cases, the hydrogel may contain less than about 15 wt%, 12 wt%, or 10 wt% water, calculated on a wet weight basis. In some cases, the hydrogel may contain at least about 1 wt%, 2 wt%, or at least about 5 wt% water (WWB).

[0301] The aerosol-forming material may have any suitable water content, such as from 1 wt% to 15 wt%. Preferably, the water content of the aerosol-forming material is from about 5 wt%, 7 wt%, or 9 wt% to about 15 wt%, 13 wt%, or 11 wt% (WWB), and most preferably about 10 wt%. The water content of the aerosol-forming material may be determined, for example, by Karl Fischer titration or gas chromatography with thermal conductivity detection (GC-TCD).

[0302] In some cases, the aerosol-forming material may consist essentially of or consist of a gelling agent, water, an aerosol-forming agent, flavor, and optionally an active agent.

[0303] In some cases, the aerosol-forming materials may consist essentially of or consist of a gelling agent, water, an aerosol-forming agent, flavors, and optionally tobacco material and / or a nicotine source.

[0304] In examples, the aerosol-generating material consists essentially of or consists of a gelling agent, an aerosol-generating agent, an active agent, and water.In examples, the aerosol-generating material consists essentially of or consists of a gelling agent, an aerosol-generating agent, and water.

[0305] In examples, the aerosol-forming material does not include a flavorant, and in certain examples, the aerosol-forming material does not include an active agent.

[0306] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material comprises an aerosol-forming material, the aerosol-forming material comprising: - 1 to 60 wt. % of a gelling agent; - 0.1 to 50 wt% of an aerosol generating agent; -0.1~80wt% flavor and Including, These weights are calculated on a dry weight basis. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material comprises 1 to 80 wt % flavor (on a dry weight basis).

[0307] In some embodiments, 1 to 50 wt. % of a gelling agent; - 0.1 to 50 wt% of an aerosol generating agent; -30~60wt% flavor and Including, These weights are calculated on a dry weight basis of the aerosol-forming material.

[0308] In an alternative embodiment of the aerosol-forming material, the aerosol-forming material comprises an aerosol-forming material comprising: - 1 to 60 wt. % of a gelling agent; - 5 to 60 wt. % of an aerosol generating agent; - 10 to 60 wt% tobacco extract; Including, These weights are calculated on a dry weight basis.

[0309] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material comprises: - 1 to 60 wt. % of a gelling agent; - 20 to 60 wt. % of an aerosol generating agent; - 10 to 60 wt% tobacco extract; Including, These weights are calculated on a dry weight basis.

[0310] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material comprises 20-35 wt.% gelling agent, 10-25 wt.% aerosol former material, 5-25 wt.% fiber-containing filler, and 35-50 wt.% flavoring and / or active agent.

[0311] In some cases, the aerosol-forming materials may consist essentially of or consist of a gelling agent, an aerosol-forming agent, a tobacco extract, water, and optionally flavors. In some cases, the aerosol-forming materials may consist essentially of or consist of glycerol, alginate and / or pectin, a tobacco extract, and water.

[0312] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may comprise a gelling agent (preferably including alginate) in an amount of about 5 wt% to about 40 wt%, or about 10 wt% to 30 wt%, or about 15 wt% to about 25 wt%, a tobacco extract in an amount of about 30 wt% to about 60 wt%, or about 40 wt% to 55 wt%, or about 45 wt% to about 50 wt%, and an aerosol generating agent (preferably including glycerol) in an amount of about 10 wt% to about 50 wt%, or about 20 wt% to about 40 wt%, or about 25 wt% to about 35 wt% (DWB), having the following composition (DWB).

[0313] In one embodiment, the aerosol forming material comprises about 20 wt% alginate gelling agent, about 48 wt% Virginia tobacco extract, and about 32 wt% glycerol (DWB).

[0314] The "thickness" of an aerosol-generating material refers to the shortest distance between a first surface and a second surface. In embodiments in which the aerosol-generating material is in the form of a sheet, the thickness of the aerosol-generating material is the shortest distance between a first planar surface of the sheet and a second planar surface of the sheet opposite the first planar surface of the sheet.

[0315] In some cases, the layer of aerosol-forming aerosol-generating material has a thickness of about 0.015 mm to about 1.5 mm, preferably about 0.05 mm to about 1.5 mm, or 0.05 mm to about 1.0 mm. Preferably, the thickness may be in the range of about 0.1 mm or 0.15 mm to about 1.0 mm, 0.5 mm, or 0.3 mm.

[0316] In some cases, the aerosol-generating material may have a thickness of about 0.015 mm to about 1.0 mm. Suitably, the thickness may range from about 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, or 0.15 mm to about 0.5 mm or 0.3 mm.

[0317] Materials having a thickness of 0.1 mm are particularly suitable. The aerosol-generating material may comprise two or more layers, and the thicknesses mentioned herein refer to the combined thicknesses of the layers.

[0318] It has been found that if the aerosol-generating material is too thick, the heating efficiency is compromised, which has a negative impact on power consumption during use. Conversely, if the aerosol-generating material is too thin, it is difficult to manufacture and handle, and very thin materials are difficult to cast and are brittle, which can impair aerosol formation during use.

[0319] The thicknesses specified herein are the average thickness of the material. In some cases, the thickness of the aerosol-generating material may vary by 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 5%, or 1% or less.

[0320] In some examples, the aerosol-generating material in sheet form and in the absence of aerosol-generating material may have a tensile strength of about 200 N / m to about 900 N / m. In some examples, such as when the aerosol-generating material does not include a filler, the aerosol-generating material may have a tensile strength of 200 N / m to 400 N / m, or 200 N / m to 300 N / m, or about 250 N / m.

[0321] Such tensile strengths may be particularly suitable for embodiments in which the aerosol-generating material is formed as a sheet and then chopped into an aerosol product. In some examples, such as when the aerosol-generating material includes a filler, the aerosol-generating material may have a tensile strength of between 600 N / m and 900 N / m, or between 700 N / m and 900 N / m, or about 800 N / m.

[0322] In some examples, the aerosol generating material in sheet form may have a tensile strength of about 200 N / m to about 2600 N / m. In some examples, the aerosol generating material may have a tensile strength of 600 N / m to 2000 N / m, or 700 N / m to 1500 N / m, or about 1000 N / m. Such tensile strengths may be particularly suitable for embodiments in which the aerosol generating material constituting the aerosol generating material is formed and incorporated into an aerosol generating consumable as a sheet.

[0323] The aerosol-forming material, including the aerosol-forming material, has a density of 30 g / m 2~350g / m 2 In some cases, the sheet may have a density of 50 to 250 g / m 2 , or about 70-210g / m 2 , or about 90-190g / m 2 or preferably about 100 g / m 2 (so that it has a density similar to cut rag tobacco and mixtures of these materials do not easily separate). In some cases, the sheet may have a mass per unit area of ​​about 30-70 g / m 2 , 40~60g / m 2 , or 25-60g / m 2 and may be used to encase aerosolizable material such as tobacco.

[0324] All weight percentages (written as wt%) described herein are calculated on a dry weight basis unless otherwise stated. All weight ratios are also calculated on a dry weight basis. Weights quoted on a dry weight basis refer to the totality of the extract or slurry or material other than water, and may include ingredients that are themselves liquid at room temperature and pressure, such as glycerol. Conversely, weight percentages quoted on a wet weight basis refer to all ingredients, including water.

[0325] As used herein, the term "sheet" refers to an element having a width and length that are substantially greater than its thickness. The major surface of a sheet is the surface that extends in both the width and length dimensions when the sheet is flat. A sheet can be, for example, a strip.

[0326] The aerosol-generating material may include a colorant. The addition of a colorant may change the visual appearance of the aerosol-generating material. The presence of a colorant in the aerosol-generating material may enhance the aerosol-generating material and the visual appearance of the aerosol-generating material. By adding a colorant to the aerosol-generating material, the aerosol-generating material may be color-matched with other components of the aerosol-generating material or other components of an article comprising the aerosol-generating material.

[0327] Depending on the desired color of the aerosol-generating material, various colorants may be used. The color of the aerosol-generating material may be, for example, white, green, red, purple, blue, brown, or black. Other colors are also envisioned. Natural or synthetic colorants may be used, such as natural or synthetic dyes, food-grade colorants, and pharmaceutical-grade colorants. In certain embodiments, the colorant is caramel, which may impart a brown appearance to the aerosol-generating material. In such embodiments, the color of the aerosol-generating material may be similar to the color of other components (such as tobacco materials). In some embodiments, the addition of the colorant to the aerosol-generating material makes it visually indistinguishable from other components in the aerosol-generating material.

[0328] The colorant may be incorporated during the formation of the aerosol-generating material (e.g., when forming a slurry with the materials that form the aerosol-generating material), or the colorant may be applied to the aerosol-generating material after its formation (e.g., by spraying the colorant onto the aerosol-generating material).

[0329] In some embodiments of any of the above embodiments, talcum powder, calcium carbonate powder, or other powder is applied to an exposed surface of at least one discrete portion of the aerosol-generating material, which may reduce the level of tackiness or adhesiveness of the aerosol-generating material.

[0330] In the following description of the accompanying drawings, when an identical element is present in more than one embodiment, the same reference number is used for that element throughout, and when similar elements are present, similar reference numbers (the same numbers plus a multiple of 100) are used.

[0331] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, an aerosol delivery device 100 for generating an aerosol for inhalation by a user includes an aerosol generator 102, a controller 104, a power source 106, and an aerosol delivery element 108, all of which are at least partially contained within a casing 110.

[0332] The aerosol generator 102 includes a chamber 112 defined by a sidewall 114, ends 118, 116 (located opposite the casing sidewall 114), end wall 122 (located opposite the casing sidewall 116), an end wall 120, a portion of an inner wall 124 extending between the sidewalls 114, 118, 116, 122, and a portion of a stop wall 140 extending between the inner wall 124 and the sidewall 122. A surface 126 of the sidewall 118 facing the chamber 112 incorporates or supports an array 128 of aerosol-generation zones and suitable electrical connections (not shown) to the power source 106 and controller 104.

[0333] A slot 136 is formed between the end wall 120 and the side wall 118. The slot provides communication between the atmosphere surrounding the device 100 and the interior of the chamber 112. The slot 136 is also configured to allow a suitably configured consumable (not shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2) to be partially inserted into and withdrawn from the chamber 112 by a user of the device 100. The slot 136, surface 126, and array 128 of the aerosol-generation zone are positioned and configured such that when the consumable is properly oriented and inserted into the chamber 112 until the consumable abuts the inner wall 124 and the stop wall 140, a portion of the consumable will overlap and contact the surface of the array 128 of the aerosol-generation zone.

[0334] The aerosol delivery element 108 includes an aerosol outlet 130 that opens onto the chamber 112, an mouthpiece 134, and a passageway 132 that allows fluid communication between the aerosol outlet 130 and the mouthpiece 134. The aerosol outlet 130 is defined by the intersection of the passageway 132 with a surface of the inner wall 124 that faces the chamber 112. The intersection is circular, and the geometric center AO of the aerosol outlet is the center of the aerosol outlet 130.

[0335] Mouthpiece 134 is configured to be positioned between a user's lips when device 100 is in use so that the user can draw aerosol from chamber 112 and inhale the aerosol.

[0336] 3 and 4, the array 128 of aerosol-generation zones includes thirteen aerosol-generation zones A, B, C, D1, D2, E1, E2, F1, F2, G1, G2, H1, H2. The thirteen aerosol-generation zones are arranged symmetrically about first and second lines of symmetry S1 and S2. The first line of symmetry S1 passes through the geometric centre of the aerosol outlet 130 at location AO.

[0337] Each of the aerosol-generation zones has a geometric center, and the geometric center of a particular aerosol-generation zone is calculated by considering the aerosol-generation zone as two-dimensional and determining the arithmetic mean position of all points of the surface of that aerosol-generation zone that faces the consumable when the device 100 is in use. This can be performed using known techniques. Figure 4 shows representative geometric centers A', B', C', D1', D2', E1', E2', F1', F2', G1', G2', H1', ​​H2' of aerosol-generation zones A, B, C, D1, D2, E1, E2, F1, F2, G1, G2, H1, H2, respectively.

[0338] Each of the geometric centers A', B', C', D1', D2', E1', E2', F1', F2', G1', G2', H1', ​​H2' is a distance CD from the position AO. For clarity, only two representative distances CD (for aerosol generation zones E1 and F2) are shown in FIG. 4.

[0339] Device 100 includes eight aerosol-generation groups, which may be referred to as AGG(1), AGG(2), .... AGG(8). The controller is programmed to activate the aerosol-generation zones in aerosol-generation groups 1-8 upon receiving a signal to do so. Each of aerosol-generation zones A, B, C, D1, D2, E1, E2, F1, F2, G1, G2, H1, H2 is a member of one of aerosol-generation groups 1-8, and the assignment of aerosol-generation zones to aerosol-generation groups is shown in the table below. [Table 1]

[0340] The average of the distances CD of the aerosol-generation zones contained within an aerosol-generation group is referred to as the group distance GCD. For the array 128 of aerosol-generation zones shown in Figures 3 and 4, the GCD of each aerosol-generation group is calculated as follows: [Table 2]

[0341] The average of the group distances GCD (1–8) of all aerosol generating groups is the distance MGCD.

number

[0342] The difference between each group distance GCD and the distance MGCD is less than 15.0% of the distance MGCD.

[0343] In other embodiments, the difference between each group distance GCD and the distance MGCD is less than 12.5%, less than 10.0%, less than 7.5%, less than 5.0%, or less than 2.5% of the distance MGCD.

[0344] Each aerosol-generation zone A, B, C, D1, D2, E1, E2, F1, F2, G1, G2, H1, H2 has a surface area CA, which can be measured using known techniques.

[0345] The sum of the surface areas CA of all the aerosol-generation zones contained within an aerosol-generation group is the area TCA. The TCA of each aerosol-generation group is as shown in the table below. [Table 3]

[0346] The average of all area TCAs for the aerosol generating groups is the MTCA.

number

[0347] The difference between each area TCA and area MTCA is less than 15.0% of the area MTCA.

[0348] In other embodiments, the difference between each of the areas TCA and MTCA is less than 12.5%, less than 10.0%, less than 7.5%, less than 5.0%, or less than 2.5% of the area MTCA.

[0349] The average of the surface areas CA of all aerosol-generation zones contained within an aerosol-generation group is the area MCA.

number

[0350] The difference between each area CA and area MCA is less than 15.0% of area MCA.

[0351] In other embodiments, the difference between each area CA and area MCA is less than 12.5%, less than 10.0%, less than 7.5%, less than 5.0%, or less than 2.5% of area MCA.

[0352] The controller 106 includes a central processing unit (not shown) and a memory (not shown) that is powered by the power source 106. The controller is configured to operate the aerosol-generating groups in a particular sequence. Instructions that cause the operation of the aerosol-generating groups in a particular sequence are either pre-stored in the memory or are entered into the controller by a user or other data entry means and then stored in the memory.

[0353] If the instructions are entered by a user, the instructions may be entered directly via one or more interface devices (not shown), such as one or more buttons or other user operable interfaces. Alternatively, the user may enter the instructions indirectly, such as into a mobile phone, tablet, or similar communication or computing device (not shown), which then passes the instructions to the controller 104 / memory, such as via a Bluetooth or similar communication system.

[0354] Alternatively, a user may have a cell phone, tablet, or similar communications or computing device retrieve a set of instructions for use by the controller from the internet or other data source. Once retrieved, the instructions are transferred to the controller 104 / memory. In some embodiments, the instructions may be entered into the cell phone, tablet, or similar communications or computing device from a code, such as a bar code or quick recognition (QR) code, carried on or associated with a consumable or packaging of such a consumable for use with the aerosol delivery device 100.

[0355] Alternatively, the device 100 may include suitable input means (not shown) adapted to read machine-readable data placed on the consumable.

[0356] Controller 104 executes instructions regarding activation of the aerosol-generating zones in an aerosol-generating group when the controller receives a signal indicating that the aerosol-generating group should be activated. The signal is generated by a user pressing button 138 (shown in FIG. 1 ). In other non-illustrated embodiments, other signal generating devices, such as a puff detector, may be used to send a signal to controller 104 that the next aerosol-generating group should be activated when the puff detector detects a puff.

[0357] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, instructions stored in memory cause the controller 104 to activate the aerosol-generating groups in the following order: AGG(1), AGG(2), AGG(3), AGG(4), AGG(5), AGG(6), AGG(7), AGG(8). In other embodiments, the aerosol-generating groups may be activated in other orders.

[0358] The instructions for the controller 104 stored in memory (not shown) may also include instructions regarding how to operate the aerosol-generation zones in each aerosol-generation group. The instructions may relate to one or more of: (i) the order in which the aerosol-generation zones should be operated, (ii) the length of time the aerosol-generation zones should be operated, and / or (iii) a heating profile that operation of one or more of the aerosol-generation zones should follow.

[0359] The instructions stored in the memory may differ for each aerosol-generation group and may differ for at least one aerosol-generation group relative to at least one other of the aerosol-generation groups. For example, the instructions for heating an aerosol-generation zone in each of aerosol-generation groups AGG(1), AGG(2), and AGG(3), each of which includes only one aerosol-generation zone, may differ from the instructions for aerosol-generation groups AGG(4), AGG(5), AGG(6), AGG(7), and AGG(8), each of which includes two aerosol-generation zones.

[0360] In the above example, the instructions for each of the aerosol generation groups AGG(1), AGG(2), and AGG(3) may be for the aerosol generation zone to be heated according to a heating profile in which the aerosol generation zone is heated for a first period of time by passing a first power through the aerosol generation zone, then heated for a second period of time by passing a second, lower power through the aerosol generation zone, and then the power to the aerosol generation zone is turned off.

[0361] In the above example, the instructions for each of aerosol generation groups AGG(4), AGG(5), AGG(6), AGG(7), and AGG(8) may be: (i) at time X (time X being the time that controller 104 detects an actuation signal from button 136), the aerosol generation zone closest to position AO (or aerosol generation zone H1 in the case of AGG(8)) is heated according to the second heating profile in which the aerosol generation zone is heated for a third period of time by passing a first power through the aerosol generation zone, then heated for a fourth period of time by passing a second, lower power through the aerosol generation zone, and then the power to the aerosol generation zone is turned off; and (ii) for a fifth period of time after time X, the aerosol generation zone furthest from position AO (or aerosol generation zone H2 in the case of AGG(8)) is heated according to the second heating profile.

[0362] It will be appreciated that the controller 104 may be provided with instructions that allow for a wide range of heating times and / or heating profiles.

[0363] In some embodiments, the predetermined sequence of activation of the aerosol-generation zones within an aerosol-generation group is substantially simultaneous activation of all aerosol-generation zones within that aerosol-generation group, e.g., for AGG(7), the aerosol-generation zones are activated / power is supplied to aerosol-generation zones G1 and G2 simultaneously.

[0364] In some embodiments, the order of activation of aerosol-generation zones in an aerosol-generation group containing two or more aerosol-generation zones is activation of the aerosol-generation zones starting with the aerosol-generation zone having the greatest distance CD and sequentially activating the aerosol-generation zones in order of decreasing distance CD. For example, for AGG(4), power is supplied to aerosol-generation zone D2 at time Y and then to aerosol-generation zone D1 at time Y plus a duration. The duration between activation of aerosol-generation zone D2 and activation of aerosol-generation zone D1 depends on both the distance CD of aerosol-generation zone D1 and the surface area CA of aerosol-generation zone D1.

[0365] In some embodiments, the sequence of activation of the aerosol-generation zones in an aerosol-generation group containing two or more aerosol-generation zones is activation of the aerosol-generation zones starting with the aerosol-generation zone having the smallest distance CD and sequentially activating the aerosol-generation zones in order of increasing distance CD. For example, for AGG(5), power is supplied to aerosol-generation zone E1 at time Y and then to aerosol-generation zone E2 at time Y plus a predetermined period of time. Aerosol-generation zones E1 and E2 may each remain activated for the same predetermined length of time or may be activated for different lengths of time.

[0366] The controller 104 may process instructions for operating the aerosol-generation zones in the aerosol-generation groups such that the aerosol-generation zones heat to one or a range of predetermined temperatures. For example, in aerosol-generation group AGG(6), aerosol-generation zone F1 may be heated to a temperature T1, and aerosol-generation zone F2 may be heated to a temperature T2. Such instructions provide an advantage when the aerosol-generating material heated by aerosol-generation zone F1 is of a different composition than the aerosol-generating material heated by aerosol-generation zone F2.

[0367] In an alternative example, the predetermined temperature T to which the aerosol-generation zones are heated is the same for each aerosol-generation zone, e.g., each of aerosol-generation zones A, B, C, D1, D2, E1, E2, F1, F2, G1, G2, H1, H2 is heated to the same temperature T when heating is caused.

[0368] 5 and 6, these figures show a second embodiment of an array 228 of aerosol-generation zones comprising 23 aerosol-generation zones A, B, C, D1, D2, E1, E2, F1, F2, G1, G2, H1, H2, J1, J2, K1, K2, L1, L2, M1, M2, N1, N2. The 23 aerosol-generation zones are arranged symmetrically about first and second lines of symmetry S1 and S2. The first line of symmetry S1 passes through the geometric center at the aerosol outlet position AO.

[0369] Each of the aerosol-generation zones has a geometric center, and the geometric center of a particular aerosol-generation zone is calculated by considering the aerosol-generation zone as two-dimensional and determining the arithmetic mean position of all points on the surface of that aerosol-generation zone that face the consumable when the device 100 is in use. This can be done using known techniques. Figure 6 shows the approximate geometric centers A', B', C', D1', D2', E1', E2', F1', F2', G1', G2', E1', E2', F1', F2', G1', G2', H1', ​​H2', J1', J2', K1', K2', L1', L2', M1', M2', N1', N2' of the aerosol-generation zones A, B, C, D1, D2, E1, E2, F1, F2, G1, G2, H1', ​​H2', J1', J2', K1', K2', L1', L2', M1', M2', N1', N2', respectively.

[0370] Each of the geometric centers A', B', C', D1', D2', E1', E2', F1', F2', G1', G2', H1', ​​H2', J1', J2', K1', K2', L1', L2', M1', M2', N1', N2' is a distance CD from the position AO. For clarity, only two representative distances CD (for aerosol generation zones A / B / C and D1) are shown in FIG. 6.

[0371] Device 100 includes thirteen aerosol generation groups (AGG(1) through AGG(13)), and the controller is programmed to activate the aerosol generation zones in aerosol generation groups 1 through 13 upon receiving an appropriate signal to do so. Each of aerosol generation zones A, B, C, D1, D2, E1, E2, F1, F2, G1, G2, H1, H2, J1, J2, K1, K2, L1, L2, M1, M2, N1, and N2 is a member of one of aerosol generation groups 1 through 13, and the allocation of aerosol generation zones to aerosol generation groups is shown in the table below. [Table 4]

[0372] The features and methods of performing calculations related to these features of array 228 are the same as those described for array 128 above and shown in Figures 3 and 4, except that the number of aerosol-generation zones and aerosol-generation groups is different.

[0373] 7 and 8, these figures show a third embodiment of an array 328 of aerosol-generation zones comprising twenty aerosol-generation zones A, B, C1, C2, D1, D2, E1, E2, F1, F2, G1, G2, H1, H2, J1, J2, K1, K2, L1, L2. The twenty aerosol-generation zones are arranged symmetrically about first and second lines of symmetry S1, S2. The first line of symmetry S1 passes through the geometric centre AO of the aerosol outlet.

[0374] Each of the aerosol-generation zones has a geometric center, and the geometric center of a particular aerosol-generation zone is calculated by considering the aerosol-generation zone as two-dimensional and determining the arithmetic mean position of all points on the surface of that aerosol-generation zone that faces the consumable when the device 100 is in use. This can be performed using known techniques. Figure 8 shows the approximate geometric centers A', B', C1', C2', D1', D2', E1', E2', F1', F2', G1', G2', H1', ​​H2', J1', J2', K1', K2', L1', L2' of the aerosol-generation zones A, B, C, C2, D1, D2, E1, E2, F1, F2, G1, G2, H1, H2, J1, J2, K1, K2, L1, L2, respectively.

[0375] Each of the geometric centers A', B', C1', C2', D1', D2', E1', E2', F1', F2', G1', G2', H1', ​​H2', J1', J2', K1', K2', L1', L2' is a distance CD from the position AO. For clarity, only two representative distances CD (for aerosol generation zones E1 and J1) are shown in FIG. 8.

[0376] Device 100 includes eleven aerosol generation groups (AGG(1) through AGG(11)), and the controller is programmed to activate the aerosol generation zones in aerosol generation groups 1 through 11 upon receiving an appropriate signal to do so. Each of aerosol generation zones A, B, C1, C2, D1, D2, E1, E2, F1, F2, G1, G2, H1, H2, J1, J2, K1, K2, L1, and L2 is a member of one of aerosol generation groups 1 through 11, and the allocation of aerosol generation zones to aerosol generation groups is shown in the table below. [Table 5]

[0377] The features and methods of performing calculations related to these features of array 328 are the same as those described above for array 128 shown in Figures 3 and 4, except that the number of aerosol-generation zones and aerosol-generation groups is different.

[0378] 9 and 10, the consumable 150 includes a substrate 152 and thirteen individual portions of aerosol-generating material AA, BB, CC, DD1, DD2, EE1, EE2, FF1, FF2, GG1, GG2, HH1, HH2, which in the illustrated embodiment have the form of an aerosol-generating material film.

[0379] The support 152 is a flat sheet of material configured to have a body portion 152a and a tab portion 152b. The body portion 152a is generally rectangular with longitudinally extending side edges 154, 156 and an edge 158 at a first end of the support 152. Side edge 154 is connected to edge 158 by a stop edge 160. Side edge 156 meets edge 158 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees.

[0380] Tab portion 152b is disposed at an end of body portion 152a remote from edge 158. Tab portion 152b has an edge 162 and first and second tabs 164, 166 extending laterally from ends of longitudinal edges 154, 156, respectively, remote from edge 158. First and second tabs 164, 166 are disposed between edge 162 and the ends of longitudinal edges 154, 156 remote from edge 158.

[0381] Tab portion 152b is configured such that first and second tabs 164, 166 make tab portion 152b too large to be inserted into the aerosol delivery device in which the consumable is to be used. Similarly, the length of longitudinal edges 154, 156 of support 152 is such that the longitudinal edges are too long to be inserted other than longitudinally into the aerosol delivery device in which the consumable is to be used. This ensures that consumable 150 can only be inserted into the aerosol delivery device in which it is to be used when edge 158 is first inserted into the aerosol delivery device. This configuration also allows a user to grip tab portion 152b when they wish to remove consumable 150 from a used aerosol delivery device.

[0382] Body portion 152a is sized and configured to be insertable into and removable from a chamber in an aerosol delivery device when edge 158 is first inserted. For example, the consumable is adapted to be inserted into and removed from chamber 112 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and described above. Body portion 152a can only be fully inserted into chamber 112 when body portion 152a is in one orientation because stop wall 140 of the chamber will only be accommodated by stop edge 160 of consumable 150 in one orientation. This ensures that the individual portions AA, BB, CC, DD1, DD2, EE1, EE2, FF1, FF2, GG1, GG2, HH1, HH2 of the aerosol generating material are correctly oriented and positioned relative to chamber 112 when body portion 152a is fully inserted into chamber 112. When consumable 150 is in this position, consumable 150 can be described as being in a predetermined position and orientation relative to position AO.

[0383] The individual portions AA, BB, CC, DD1, DD2, EE1, EE2, FF1, FF2, GG1, GG2, HH1, HH2 of aerosol generating material are supported on support 152 in an array symmetrical about first and second lines of symmetry SS1, SS2. The first line of symmetry SS1 also passes through an aerosol exit location AO in the aerosol delivery device when body portion 152a of consumable 150 is in a predetermined position and orientation relative to location AO.

[0384] Each of the individual portions has a geometric center, and the geometric center of a particular individual portion is calculated by considering the aerosol-generation zone as two-dimensional and determining the arithmetic mean position of all points of the surface of that aerosol-generation zone that faces the consumable when the device 100 is in use. This can be performed using known techniques. Figure 10 shows the approximate geometric centers AA', BB', CC', DD1', DD2', EE1', EE2', FF1', FF2', GG1', GG2', HH1', HH2' of the aerosol-generation zones AA, BB, CC, DD1, DD2, EE1, EE2, FF1, FF2, GG1, GG2, HH1, HH2, respectively.

[0385] Each of the geometric centers AA', BB', CC', DD1', DD2', EE1', EE2', FF1', FF2', GG1', GG2', HH1', HH2' is a distance PD from position AO when the consumable 150 is in a predetermined position and orientation relative to position AO. For clarity, only two representative distances PD (for aerosol-generation zones EE1 and GG1) are shown in FIG. 10.

[0386] Each of the individual portions on support 152 is considered to be part of one of eight part groups (PG(1)-PG(8)) included in consumable 150. The individual portion or portions of a part group are intended to be heated to emit an aerosol when the aerosol delivery device with which the consumable is used is activated.

[0387] Each of the individual parts AA, BB, CC, DD1, DD2, EE1, EE2, FF1, FF2, GG1, GG2, HH1, and HH2 is a member of one of the subgroups 1 to 8, and the allocation of the individual parts to the subgroups is shown in the table below. [Table 6]

[0388] The average of the distances PD of the individual parts contained within a sub-group is referred to as the group distance GPD. For the individual parts of the consumable 150 shown in Figures 9 and 10, the GPD for each aerosol-generation group is calculated as follows: [Table 7]

[0389] The average of the group distances GPD (1–8) of all aerosol generating groups is the distance MGPD.

number

[0390] The difference between each group distance GPD and the distance MGPD is less than 15.0% of the distance MGPD.

[0391] In other embodiments, the difference between each group distance GPD and the distance MGPD is less than 12.5%, less than 10.0%, less than 7.5%, less than 5.0%, or less than 2.5% of the distance MGPD.

[0392] Each individual portion AA, BB, CC, DD1, DD2, EE1, EE2, FF1, FF2, GG1, GG2, HH1, HH2 has a surface area PA, which can be measured using known techniques.

[0393] The sum of the surface areas PA of all aerosol-generation zones contained within an aerosol-generation group is the area TPA. The TPA of each aerosol-generation group is as shown in the table below. [Table 8]

[0394] The average of all area TPAs ​​for the aerosol generating group is the MTPA.

number

[0395] The difference between each area TPA and the area MTPA is less than 15.0% of the area MTPA.

[0396] In other embodiments, the difference between each areal TPA and the areal MTPA is less than 12.5%, less than 10.0%, less than 7.5%, less than 5.0%, or less than 2.5% of the areal MTPA.

[0397] The average of the surface areas PA of all aerosol-generation zones contained within an aerosol-generation group is the area MPA.

number

[0398] The difference between each area PA and the area MPA is less than 15.0% of the area MPA.

[0399] In other embodiments, the difference between each area PA and the area MPA is less than 12.5%, less than 10.0%, less than 7.5%, less than 5.0%, or less than 2.5% of the area MPA.

[0400] In the illustrated embodiment, the composition of the aerosol-generating material in the individual portions within at least one subgroup differs from the composition of the aerosol-generating material in the individual portions within at least one other subgroup. The difference in composition may include different flavors and / or different active ingredients.

[0401] In other embodiments, the composition of the aerosol-generating material in at least one individual portion within a sub-group differs from the composition of the aerosol-generating material in at least one other individual portion of the sub-group. The difference in composition may include a different flavor and / or a different active ingredient.

[0402] The support 152 of the consumable 150 is a flat laminate sheet material. One of the layers of the laminate material is a susceptor in the form of aluminum foil. In some embodiments, the susceptor is an alternative material suitable for use in induction heating.

[0403] In some embodiments, the susceptor extends across the entire support, while in other embodiments, the susceptor is present only in locations on the support where a discreet portion of the aerosol-generating material is supported.

[0404] In some non-illustrated embodiments, the support 152 is a sheet of material that is formed into a three-dimensional shape that may be a tube having a longitudinal extent, and a cross-section of the tube in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal extent that is circular, approximately circular, square, approximately square, polygonal, or approximately polygonal.

[0405] 11 and 12, these figures show a consumable 250 including 23 individual portions AA, BB, CC, DD1, DD2, EE1, EE2, FF1, FF2, GG1, GG2, HH1, HH2, JJ1, JJ2, KK1, KK2, LL1, LL2, MM1, MM2, NN1, NN2. The 23 individual portions are symmetrically arranged about first and second lines of symmetry SS1 and SS2. The first line of symmetry SS1 passes through the geometric center AO of the aerosol outlet when the consumable is in a predetermined position and orientation relative to the position AO.

[0406] The support 152 of the consumable 250 has the same configuration as the consumable 150 described above and shown in FIGS.

[0407] Each of the individual portions has a geometric center, and the geometric center of a particular individual portion is calculated by considering the aerosol-generation zone as two-dimensional and determining the arithmetic mean position of all points of the surface of that aerosol-generation zone that faces the consumable when the device 100 is in use. This can be performed using known techniques. Figure 12 shows the approximate geometric centers AA', BB', CC', DD1', DD2', EE1', EE2', FF1', FF2', GG1', GG2', HH1', HH2', JJ1', JJ2', KK1', KK2', LL1', LL2', MM1', MM2', NN1', NN2' of the individual portions AA, BB, CC, DD1, DD2, EE1, EE2, FF1, FF2, GG1, GG2, HH1', HH2', JJ1', JJ2', KK1', KK2', LL1', LL2', MM1', MM2', NN1', NN2', respectively.

[0408] Each of the geometric centers AA', BB', CC', DD1', DD2', EE1', EE2', FF1', FF2', GG1', GG2', HH1', HH2', JJ1', JJ2', KK1', KK2', LL1', LL2', MM1', MM2', NN1', NN2' is a distance PD from position AO when the consumable is in a predetermined position and orientation relative to position AO. For clarity, only two representative distances PD (for individual portions AA' / BB' / CC' and NN1') are shown in FIG. 12.

[0409] Consumable 250 includes thirteen subgroups 1-13 (PG(1)-PG(13)). Each of individual portions AA, BB, CC, DD1, DD2, EE1, EE2, FF1, FF2, GG1, GG2, HH1, HH2, JJ1, JJ2, KK1, KK2, LL1, LL2, MM1, MM2, NN1, and NN2 is a member of one of subgroups 1-13, and the allocation of individual portions to subgroups is shown in the table below. [Table 9]

[0410] The features and methods of performing calculations related to these features of consumable 250 are the same as those described for consumable 150 above and shown in Figures 9 and 10, except for the different number of individual portions and subgroups. Consumable 250 is adapted for use in connection with array 228 of aerosol-generation zones shown in Figures 5 and 6 and described above.

[0411] 13 and 14, these figures show a consumable 350 including twenty individual portions AA, BB, CC1, CC2, DD1, DD2, EE1, EE2, FF1, FF2, GG1, GG2, HH1, HH2, JJ1, JJ2, KK1, KK2, LL1, LL2. The twenty individual portions are symmetrically arranged about first and second lines of symmetry SS1 and SS2. The first line of symmetry SS1 passes through the geometric center AO of the aerosol outlet when the consumable is in a predetermined position and orientation relative to the position AO.

[0412] The support 152 of the consumable 350 has the same configuration as the consumable 150 described above and shown in FIGS.

[0413] Each of the individual portions has a geometric center, and the geometric center of a particular individual portion is calculated by considering the aerosol-generation zone as two-dimensional and determining the arithmetic mean position of all points of the surface of that aerosol-generation zone that faces the consumable when the device 100 is in use. This can be performed using known techniques. Figure 14 shows representative geometric centers AA', BB', CC1', CC2', DD1', DD2', EE1', EE2', FF1', FF2', GG1', GG2', HH1', HH2', JJ1', JJ2', KK1', KK2', LL1', LL2' of the individual portions AA, BB, CC1, CC2, DD1, DD2, EE1, EE2, FF1, FF2, GG1, GG2, HH1', HH2', JJ1', JJ2', KK1', KK2', LL1', LL2', respectively.

[0414] Each of the geometric centers AA', BB', CC1', CC2', DD1', DD2', EE1', EE2', FF1', FF2', GG1', GG2', HH1', HH2', JJ1', JJ2', KK1', KK2', LL1', LL2' is a distance PD from position AO when the consumable is in a predetermined position and orientation relative to position AO. For clarity, only two representative distances PD (for individual portions EE1' and EE2') are shown in FIG. 14.

[0415] Consumable 350 includes eleven subgroups 1 through 11 (PG(1) through PG(11)). Each of the individual portions AA, BB, CC1, CC2, DD1, DD2, EE1, EE2, FF1, FF2, GG1, GG2, HH1, HH2, JJ1, JJ2, KK1, KK2, LL1, and LL2 is a member of one of the subgroups 1 through 11, and the allocation of the individual portions to the subgroups is shown in the table below. [Table 10]

[0416] The features and methods of performing calculations related to these features of consumable 350 are the same as those described for consumable 150 above and shown in Figures 9 and 10, except for the different number of individual portions and subgroups. Consumable 350 is adapted for use in connection with array 328 of aerosol-generation zones shown in Figures 7 and 8 and described above.

[0417] The above description is intended to be illustrative only, and those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosed disclosure. Still other modifications that fall within the scope of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of a consideration of the present disclosure.

[0418] Various aspects of the disclosed aerosol delivery device and consumables in various embodiments may be used alone, in combination, or in various configurations not specifically discussed in the above embodiments. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details and configurations of the components described in the foregoing description or illustrated in the drawings. For example, aspects described in one embodiment may be combined in any manner with aspects described in other embodiments. Although specific embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broader aspects of the present disclosure. The following claims should not be limited by the embodiments described in the examples, but should be given the broadest reasonable interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims

1. An aerosol delivery device, the device comprising: an aerosol generator comprising two or more aerosol-generation zones; a controller; and an aerosol exit position AO; each aerosol-generation zone has a geometric center, said geometric center of the aerosol-generation zone being spaced a distance CD from said position AO; each of the aerosol-generation zones is a member of a plurality of aerosol-generation groups; each aerosol-generation group comprises at least one aerosol-generation zone; the average of the distances CD of all the aerosol-generation zones contained within an aerosol-generation group is the group distance GCD; the average of the group distances GCD of all the aerosol-generating groups is a distance MGCD; The difference between each group distance GCD and the distance MGCD is less than 15.0% of the distance MGCD; the controller is configured to activate the aerosol-generation zones of one or more aerosol-generation groups upon receiving a signal to do so; Aerosol delivery device.

2. each aerosol-generation zone has a surface area CA, the sum of the surface areas CA of all the aerosol-generation zones contained within an aerosol-generation group is an area TCA; the average of all of the area TCAs of the aerosol-generating group is the MTCA; The difference between each area TCA and the area MTCA is less than 15.0% of the area MTCA. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 .

3. An aerosol delivery device, the device comprising: an aerosol generator comprising two or more aerosol-generation zones; a controller; and an aerosol exit position AO; Each aerosol-generation zone has a surface area CA, each of the aerosol-generation zones is a member of a plurality of aerosol-generation groups; each aerosol-generation group comprises at least one aerosol-generation zone; the sum of the surface areas CA of all the aerosol-generation zones contained within an aerosol-generation group is an area TCA; the average of all of the area TCAs of the aerosol-generating group is the MTCA; The difference between each area TCA and the area MTCA is less than 15.0% of the area MTCA; the controller is configured to activate the aerosol-generation zones of one or more aerosol-generation groups upon receiving a signal to do so; Aerosol delivery device.

4. 3. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the difference between each group distance GCD and the distance MGCD is less than 12.5%, less than 10.0%, less than 7.5%, less than 5.0%, or less than 2.5% of the distance MGCD.

5. The aerosol delivery device of claim 2, 3, or claim 4 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the difference between each area TCA and the area MTCA is less than 12.5%, less than 10.0%, less than 7.5%, less than 5.0%, or less than 2.5% of the area MTCA.

6. Each aerosol-generation zone has a surface area CA, the average of the surface areas CA of all the aerosol-generation zones contained within an aerosol-generation group is the area MCA; The difference between each area CA and the area MCA is less than 15.0% of the area MCA. The aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The aerosol delivery device of claim 6, wherein the difference between each area CA and the area MCA is less than 12.5%, less than 10.0%, less than 7.5%, less than 5.0%, or less than 2.5% of the area MCA.

8. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the device further comprises an aerosol outlet, and the aerosol outlet position AO is the geometric centre of the aerosol outlet.

9. 8. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the aerosol outlet position AO is located at the same position as the geometric center of the aerosol outlet of a consumable when the consumable has an aerosol outlet, and is positioned at a predetermined position and orientation relative to the device when the device and consumable are in use or ready for use.

10. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein at least one aerosol-generation group comprises a non-zero aerosol-generation zone that differs from a non-zero aerosol-generation zone comprised within at least one other aerosol-generation group.

11. 11. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein at least one aerosol-generation group comprises one aerosol-generation zone and at least one aerosol-generation group comprises at least two aerosol-generation zones.

12. 12. The aerosol delivery device of claim 11, wherein one, two, or three aerosol-generation groups comprise one aerosol-generation zone and at least one aerosol-generation group comprises at least two aerosol-generation zones.

13. 13. The aerosol delivery device of claim 11 or 12, wherein each aerosol-generation group that does not include one aerosol-generation zone comprises two aerosol-generation zones.

14. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein there are at least three aerosol-generating groups.

15. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the controller is configured to operate the aerosol-generating groups in a particular order.

16. 16. The aerosol delivery device of claim 15, wherein the controller activates the aerosol-generating groups in an order stored in a memory accessed by the controller.

17. 16. The aerosol delivery device of claim 15, wherein the controller activates the aerosol-generating groups in an order entered into the controller by a user via a user interface.

18. 20. The aerosol delivery device of claim 17, wherein the controller activates the aerosol generating groups in an order inputted to the controller by a machine-readable feature located on a consumable.

19. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the controller is configured to activate the aerosol-generation zones in an aerosol-generation group in a predetermined sequence.

20. 20. The aerosol delivery device of claim 19, wherein the predetermined sequence of operation of the aerosol-generation zones within an aerosol-generation group is substantially simultaneous operation of all of the aerosol-generation zones within that aerosol-generation group.

21. 20. The aerosol delivery device of claim 19, wherein the predetermined sequence of activation of the aerosol-generation zones in an aerosol-generation group comprising two or more aerosol-generation zones is activation of the aerosol-generation zones starting with the aerosol-generation zone having the greatest distance CD and sequentially activating the aerosol-generation zones in order of decreasing distance CD.

22. 20. The aerosol delivery device of claim 19, wherein the predetermined sequence of activation of the aerosol-generation zones in an aerosol-generation group including two or more aerosol-generation zones is activation of the aerosol-generation zones starting with the aerosol-generation zone having a minimum distance CD and sequentially activating the aerosol-generation zones in order of increasing distance CD.

23. 23. The aerosol delivery device of claim 19, 21, or 22, wherein a period between activation of a first aerosol generation zone to be activated and activation of a second or subsequent aerosol generation zone in an aerosol generation group including two or more aerosol generation zones depends at least in part on one or more of the distance CD of the second or subsequent aerosol generation zone and the surface area CA of the second or subsequent aerosol generation zone.

24. An aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein each aerosol-generation zone within an aerosol-generation group remains activated for a predetermined length of time.

25. 25. The aerosol delivery device of claim 24, wherein each aerosol-generation zone within an aerosol-generation group remains activated for the same predetermined length of time.

26. 25. The aerosol delivery device of claim 24, wherein the predetermined length of time that an aerosol generation zone remains activated depends at least in part on one or more of the distance CD of the aerosol generation zone, the surface area CA of the aerosol generation zone, and when the aerosol generation zone is activated compared to any other aerosol generation zones within the same aerosol generation zone.

27. 27. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the controller is configured to activate the aerosol-generation zones in an aerosol-generation group, the activation causing the aerosol-generation zones to be heated to one or more predetermined temperatures.

28. 28. The aerosol delivery device of claim 27, wherein the predetermined temperature is the same for each aerosol-generation zone.

29. 28. The aerosol delivery device of claim 27, wherein the predetermined temperature for at least one of the aerosol-generation zones is different from the predetermined temperature of at least one other aerosol-generation zone within the aerosol-generation group including two or more aerosol-generation zones.

30. 30. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the controller is configured to activate the aerosol-generation zones in an aerosol-generation group, the activation causing the aerosol-generation zones to heat according to a predetermined temperature profile.

31. 31. The aerosol delivery device of claim 30, wherein the predetermined temperature profile is the same for each aerosol-generation zone.

32. 31. The aerosol delivery device of claim 30, wherein the predetermined temperature profile of at least one of the aerosol-generation zones is different from the predetermined temperature profile of at least one other aerosol-generation zone within the aerosol-generation group comprising two or more aerosol-generation zones.

33. 33. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 26 to 32, wherein the controller is configured to operate the aerosol-generation zone of at least one aerosol-generation group to one or both of a different predetermined temperature and a predetermined temperature profile different from one or both of the predetermined temperature and the predetermined temperature profile of at least one other aerosol-generation group.

34. 34. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein the device further comprises an aerosol generation chamber for receiving a consumable, the chamber being at least partially defined by one or more chamber walls, and at least one aerosol generation zone being disposed on or within the chamber wall.

35. 35. The aerosol delivery device of claim 34, wherein the chamber and consumable are configured such that the consumable can be positioned within the chamber only when the consumable has a predetermined orientation relative to the chamber.

36. 35. The aerosol delivery device of claim 34, wherein the chamber and consumable are configured such that the consumable can be positioned within the chamber when the consumable is in one of a plurality of predetermined orientations relative to the chamber.

37. 37. The aerosol delivery device of claim 36, wherein the device is provided with a means for redirecting the consumable within the chamber.

38. 38. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein the aerosol generator comprises a line of symmetry, the line of symmetry passing through the aerosol outlet.

39. 40. The aerosol delivery device of claim 38, wherein the aerosol generator further comprises a second line of symmetry.

40. 40. The aerosol delivery device of claim 38 or 39, wherein the first line of symmetry is perpendicular to the second line of symmetry.

41. An aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 38 to 40, wherein the position of the aerosol-generation zone within the device is symmetrical about one or both lines of symmetry.

42. 42. An aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 38 to 41, wherein the aerosol-generation zones within an aerosol-generation group are symmetrical about one or both lines of symmetry.

43. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 38 to 42, wherein the position AO is on a first or second line of symmetry.

44. 44. A consumable suitable for use with an aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 43, the aerosol delivery device comprising a position AO; the consumable comprises a plurality of individual portions of aerosol-forming material; each of the discrete portions has a geometric center, and when the consumable is disposed in a predetermined position and orientation relative to the position AO, the geometric center of the discrete portion is spaced a distance PD from the position AO; each of the individual portions is a member of a plurality of subgroups; the average of the distances PD of all the individual parts contained within a subgroup is the group distance GPD; the average of the group distances GPD of all the sub-groups is a distance MGPD; The difference between each group distance GPD and the distance MGPD is less than 15.0% of the distance MGPD. consumables.

45. Each individual portion has a surface area PA, the sum of the surface areas PA of all the individual portions contained within a sub-group is an area TPA; the average of the areas TPA of all the subgroups is the MTPA; The difference between each area TPA and the area MTPA is less than 15.0% of the area MTPA.

45. The consumable product of claim 44.

46. 44. A consumable suitable for use with an aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 43, the device comprising an aerosol exit position AO, the consumable comprises a plurality of individual portions of aerosol-forming material; Each portion of the aerosol-forming material has a surface area PA, each portion of the aerosol-forming material is a member of one of a plurality of subgroups; each sub-group comprising at least one portion of aerosol-forming material; the sum of the surface areas PA of all the portions of aerosol-forming material contained within a sub-group is an area TPA; the average of all of the areas TPA of the subgroups is the MTPA; The difference between each area TPA and the area MTPA is less than 15.0% of the area MTPA. consumables.

47. 46. ​​The consumable of claim 44 or 45, wherein a difference between each group distance GPD and the distance MGPD is less than 12.5%, less than 10.0%, less than 7.5%, less than 5.0%, or less than 2.5% of the distance MGPD.

48. A consumable according to claim 45, 46 or claim 47 when dependent on claim 45, wherein the difference between each area TPA and the area MTPA is less than 12.5%, less than 10.0%, less than 7.5%, less than 5.0%, or less than 2.5% of the area MTPA.

49. Each individual portion has a surface area PA, the average of the surface areas PA of all the individual portions comprised within a sub-group is an area MPA; The difference between each area PA and the area MPA is less than 15.0% of the area MPA; A consumable product according to any one of claims 44 to 48.

50. 50. The consumable of claim 49, wherein the difference between each area PA and the area MPA is less than 12.5%, less than 10.0%, less than 7.5%, less than 5.0%, or less than 2.5% of the area MPA.

51. The consumable of any one of claims 44 to 50, further comprising an aerosol outlet, the aerosol outlet having a geometric center, the geometric center of the aerosol outlet being located at the same position as the position AO.

52. 52. The consumable of claim 51, further comprising a mouthpiece, the aerosol outlet being in fluid communication with the mouthpiece.

53. 53. The consumable product of any one of claims 44 to 52, wherein at least one subgroup includes a number of non-zero individual portions that differ from the number of non-zero individual portions included in at least one other subgroup.

54. 54. The consumable product of any one of claims 44 to 53, wherein at least one sub-group comprises one individual portion and at least one sub-group comprises at least two individual portions.

55. 55. The consumable product of claim 54, wherein one, two, or three sub-groups include one individual portion and at least one sub-group includes at least two individual portions.

56. 56. A consumable product according to claim 54 or 55, wherein each part group that does not include one individual portion includes two individual portions.

57. A consumable product according to any one of claims 44 to 56, wherein the composition of the aerosol-generating material in the individual portions within at least one subgroup is different from the composition of the aerosol-generating material in the individual portions within at least one other subgroup.

58. A consumable product according to any one of claims 44 to 57, wherein the individual portions are formed from a film of aerosol-forming material.

59. A consumable according to any one of claims 44 to 58, wherein the consumable comprises at least one support, each support supporting at least one discrete portion.

60. 60. The consumable of claim 59, wherein the consumable comprises a support, the support supporting all of the individual portions.

61. 61. The consumable of claim 60, wherein the support supports all of the discrete portions on one surface of the support.

62. 60. The consumable of claim 59, wherein the consumable comprises two or more supports, at least one support supporting all of the individual portions that the at least one support supports on one surface of the support.

63. 63. A consumable product according to any one of claims 59 to 62, wherein the or at least one support is a substantially flat sheet material.

64. 64. A consumable product according to any one of claims 59 to 63, wherein the or at least one support is a sheet material, the sheet material being formed into a three dimensional shape.

65. 65. The consumable of claim 64, wherein the sheet material is formed into a tube.

66. 66. The consumable of any one of claims 59 to 65, wherein the or at least one support is in the shape of a rod.

67. 67. A consumable product as claimed in claim 65 or 66, wherein the tube or rod has a longitudinal extent and a cross-section of the tube or rod in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal extent is circular, approximately circular, square, approximately square, polygonal, or approximately polygonal.

68. The consumable of any one of claims 44 to 67, wherein the support comprises a susceptor.

69. 69. The consumable of claim 68, wherein the susceptor is a metal or a metal alloy.

70. 70. The consumable of claim 68 or 69, wherein the susceptor is a foil or a film.

71. The consumable product according to any one of claims 60 to 70, wherein the support is a laminate.

72. The consumable of claim 71 when dependent on any one of claims 68 to 70, wherein at least one layer of the laminate is a susceptor.

73. The consumable product of any one of claims 44 to 72, further comprising a cover, at least one individual portion being covered by the cover.

74. A consumable product as described in claim 73 when dependent on any one of claims 59 to 72, wherein the or at least one support supports at least one portion of the cover, at least one volume is defined between the or at least one support and the cover, and at least one of the volumes is configured to emit an aerosol within at least one individual portion when the individual portion is caused to generate an aerosol.

75. 75. The consumable of claim 74, wherein at least two volumes are defined between the or at least one support and the cover, each of the volumes configured to emit an aerosol within at least one individual portion when the individual portion is caused to generate an aerosol.

76. 76. The consumable of claim 74 or 75, wherein at least one volume is configured to emit an aerosol within the volume when all of the individual portions of a sub-group are caused to generate an aerosol.

77. 75. The consumable of claim 74, wherein a volume other than zero is defined between the or at least one support and the cover, the non-zero number being equal to a number of individual portions, each volume being associated with one of the individual portions, and each individual portion releasing an aerosol into the volume associated with the individual portion when that individual portion is caused to generate an aerosol.

78. 78. A consumable product according to any one of claims 74 to 77, wherein there are at least two volumes, at least two of which are in fluid communication via one or more passageways, the one or more passageways being defined between the or at least one support and the cover.

79. A consumable according to claim 51 or any one of claims 52 to 78 when dependent on claim 51, wherein the consumable has a line of symmetry, the line of symmetry passing through the aerosol outlet when the consumable is positioned in the predetermined position and orientation relative to the position AO.

80. 80. The consumable product of claim 79, wherein the aerosol generator further comprises a second line of symmetry.

81. 81. The consumable product of claim 79 or 80, wherein the first line of symmetry is perpendicular to the second line of symmetry.

82. 82. A consumable product according to any one of claims 79 to 81, wherein the positions of the discreet portions relative to each other are symmetrical about one or both lines of symmetry.

83. A consumable product according to any one of claims 79 to 82, wherein the position AO is on a first or second line of symmetry.

84. 84. An aerosol delivery device for use with the consumable of any one of claims 44 to 83, the device comprising an aerosol generator configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material supported on a support.

85. An aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol delivery device and a consumable product according to any one of claims 44 to 83.

86. An aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 43 and a consumable item.

87. An aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 43 and a consumable according to any one of claims 44 to 83.

88. 88. The aerosol delivery system of claim 87, wherein each aerosol-generation zone is adjacent to a discrete portion when the consumable is in the predetermined position and orientation relative to the position AO.

89. 89. The aerosol delivery system of claim 88, wherein each aerosol-generation zone has a surface area CA and each individual portion has a surface area PA, and the surface areas CA and PA are equal or the difference between the smaller and larger of the surface areas is less than 15.0%, less than 12.5%, less than 10.0%, less than 10%, less than 7.5%, or less than 5% of the surface area of ​​the smaller.

90. 90. An aerosol delivery system as claimed in claim 88 or 89, wherein each aerosol-generation zone entirely overlaps an adjacent discrete portion or each aerosol-generation zone is entirely overlapped by an adjacent discrete portion.

91. An aerosol delivery system as described in any one of claims 85 to 90, wherein when the consumable is in a predetermined position and orientation relative to the position AO, the geometric center of each aerosol generation zone is adjacent to the geometric center of the individual portion.

92. A method of generating an aerosol from a consumable according to any one of claims 44 to 83 using an aerosol delivery device having at least one aerosol generator arranged to heat the individual portions during use, wherein the at least one aerosol generator is a resistive heater element or a magnetic field generator and a susceptor.

93. A method of generating an aerosol from a consumable product according to any one of claims 44 to 83 using an aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 43.

94. A method of operating an aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 43, wherein the controller activates the aerosol-generation zones of one or more aerosol-generation groups upon receiving a signal to do so.

95. A method of operating an aerosol delivery device as described in any one of claims 1 to 43, wherein the controller activates the aerosol generation groups according to a predetermined sequence, each aerosol generation group being activated upon receipt of a signal to activate the next aerosol generation group in the sequence.

96. 96. The method of claim 94 or 95, wherein the or each signal is generated by a user of the aerosol delivery device.

97. A method according to any one of claims 94 to 96, wherein the or each signal is generated by a puff detection device upon detection by the puff detection device of a puff from the aerosol delivery device by a user.

98. 83. A method of supplying a number of distinct aerosols other than zero, the method comprising the steps of providing an aerosol delivery device as described in any one of claims 1 to 43; providing at least one consumable as described in any one of claims 44 to 83; and causing the device to operate an aerosol generation zone of an aerosol generation group a number of times other than zero, the number other than zero being 2 or more, and at least one characteristic of the aerosol generated upon each operation of an aerosol generation zone of an aerosol generation group being the same for each operation of an aerosol generation zone of an aerosol generation group.

99. 99. The method of claim 98, wherein the characteristic is the same if the difference between the value of the characteristic for operation of the aerosol-generation zone of an aerosol-generation group and the average value of that characteristic over the non-zero number of times is less than 15.0%, less than 12.5%, less than 10.0%, less than 7.5%, less than 5.0%, or less than 2.5% of the average value of that characteristic over the non-zero number of times.

100. 100. The method of claim 98 or 99, wherein the property is one of the following: a volume of the aerosol, a temperature of the aerosol, an available duration of the aerosol, a density of the aerosol droplets, or a proportion of one or more constituent raw materials in the aerosol.

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