Aerosol generating device

Abstract

The aerosol generating device (10) includes a heating assembly (12). The heating assembly (12) includes a heating section (14) arranged to receive an aerosol product article (16) including an aerosol generating substrate (38). The aerosol generating device (10) further includes a gripper mechanism (18) configured to engage the aerosol product article (16) in the heating section (14) based on a temperature of the heating section (14). The gripper mechanism (18) includes a gripper (20) movable between a disengaged position (22) and an engaged position (24) based on a temperature of the heating section (14). In the disengaged position (22), the aerosol product article (16) can be received by and removed from the gripper (20), and in the engaged position (24), the gripper (20) is configured to engage the aerosol product article (16). The gripper (20) includes a shape memory alloy, below a transition temperature the shape memory alloy has a first configuration (26) that defines a disengaged position (22), and above a transition temperature the shape memory alloy has a second configuration (28) that defines an engaged position (24). The first configuration (26) includes a first helical coil (30) and the second configuration (28) includes a second helical coil (32). The diameter of the first helical coil (30) is greater than the diameter of the second helical coil (32).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly to an aerosol generating device for heating an aerosol generating substrate to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the popularity and use of reduced or modified risk devices (also known as vaporizers) has grown rapidly as an alternative to the use of traditional tobacco products. A variety of devices and systems are available that heat or warm, rather than burn, an aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol for inhalation by the user.

[0003] Commonly available risk reduction or modification devices are aerosol-generating devices, i.e. so-called non-combustion heating devices. This type of device generates an aerosol or vapour by heating an aerosol-generating substrate, contained in an aerosol product such as a heated tobacco stick, in a heating compartment, typically to a temperature in the range of 150°C to 300°C. Heating the aerosol-generating substrate to a temperature within this range, without burning or combusting the aerosol-generating substrate, generates a vapour that typically cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by a user of the device.

[0004] In some instances, the aerosol product may not be securely held in the heating section. Furthermore, as the aerosol-generating substrate vaporizes during use, the aerosol product may lose volume and become loose in the heating section even if initially held securely. Thus, during a vaping session, the aerosol product may fall out of the heating section or may be unintentionally removed from the heating section, for example by sticking to the user's lips. This is an undesirable user experience and may be dangerous. Furthermore, if the aerosol product is not securely held in the heating section, there may be an air gap between the aerosol product and the heater of the aerosol generating device. This negatively affects heating efficiency and reduces battery performance. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] There is therefore a need to provide an aerosol generating device that mitigates these drawbacks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device, comprising: a heating assembly including a heating section arranged to receive an aerosol product article including an aerosol-generating substrate; a gripper mechanism configured to engage an aerosol product article in the heating section based on a temperature of the heating section; An aerosol generation device is provided, comprising: a gripper mechanism including a gripper movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position based on a temperature of the heating section; in the disengaged position, an aerosol product article can be received by and removed from the gripper; and in the engaged position, the gripper is configured to engage the aerosol product article; the gripper includes a shape memory alloy; below a transition temperature, the shape memory alloy has a first configuration defining the disengaged position; and above the transition temperature, the shape memory alloy has a second configuration defining the engaged position; the first configuration includes a first helical coil; and the second configuration includes a second helical coil; the diameter of the first helical coil is greater than the diameter of the second helical coil.

[0007] In the disengaged position, the diameter of the first helical coil is larger than the diameter of the aerosol product article, so that the aerosol product article can be received by and removed from the gripper. In the engaged position, the diameter of the second helical coil is smaller than the diameter of the aerosol product article, even when the aerosol product article has a reduced volume after most or all of the aerosol-generating substrate has been vaporized during a vaping session. In the engaged position, the aerosol product article is thus securely held by the gripper not only at the beginning of a vaping session before use, but also during the course of the vaping session. Thus, during a vaping session, the aerosol product article cannot fall out of the heated section or be unintentionally removed from the heated section, for example by sticking to the user's lips.

[0008] Optionally, the gripper is configured such that in the engagement position, the gripper engages a first section of the aerosol product article, the first section being configured to include the aerosol-generating substrate. When the gripper is in the engagement position, the gripper may be configured to engage only the first section. The heating assembly may be configured such that, in use, only the first section of the aerosol product article is received within the heating section. In such an arrangement, only the first section, including the aerosol-generating substrate, is subjected to heating within the heating section, improving heating efficiency. Furthermore, the heating section (i.e., oven) can be made shorter, thus reducing the size of the aerosol generating device. Furthermore, having the second section (i.e., cooling section) of the aerosol product article (i.e., stick) outside the heating section (i.e., oven) maximizes cooling efficiency of the vapour before it reaches the mouth of the user.

[0009] Optionally, when the gripper is in the engaged position, the gripper may be configured to engage the first section having the largest first section volume and also to engage the first section having the smallest first section volume resulting from most or all of the aerosol-generating substrate being vaporized by the vaping session. Optionally, the diameter of the first helical coil is larger than the diameter of the first section having the largest first section volume and the diameter of the second helical coil is smaller than the diameter of the first section having the largest first section volume. The diameter of the second helical coil may be smaller than the diameter of the first section having the smallest first section volume resulting from most or all of the aerosol-generating substrate being vaporized by the vaping session. In the engaged position, the first section is thus securely held by the gripper not only at the start of a vaping session prior to use, but also during the course of the vaping session.

[0010] Optionally, the heating assembly is configured such that, in use, a second section of the aerosol product article is external to the heating section, the second section including the vapour outlet channel, In this arrangement, the vapour outlet channel is located outside the heating section, improving cooling efficiency of the generated vapour.

[0011] The axial length of the first helical coil may be smaller than the axial length of the second helical coil. Alternatively, the pitch of the second helical coil (i.e., engaged position) may be smaller than the pitch of the first helical coil (i.e., disengaged position). These two options are dictated by the fact that the length of the wire forming the helical coil (i.e., spring) is constant in the two configurations (i.e., first helical coil and second helical coil) despite the change in shape.

[0012] In some examples, the gripper may provide a heater for a heating assembly of the aerosol generating device. The heater may be a resistive heating element of a resistive heating assembly. Alternatively, the heater may be an inductively heatable susceptor of an inductive heating assembly. Because the gripper also functions as a heater, in the engaged position, there is no air gap between the aerosol product article and the heater of the aerosol generating device, and thus intimate contact is maintained during the course of a vaping session. This improves heating efficiency due to better heat transfer or better inductive coupling (of resistive or inductive heaters, respectively), resulting in longer battery life or smaller battery requirements.

[0013] In other examples, the gripper is separate and different from the heater of the heating assembly of the aerosol generation device.

[0014] The gripper may be located within the heating section, at or towards the base of the heating section.

[0015] In some cases, the transition temperature is at least 50°C and below the vaporization temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate, which is typically greater than 150°C. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an example of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional detail view of an aerosol product. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional detailed view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4a] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a gripper in a first configuration disengaged from an aerosol product article. [Figure 4b] FIG. 4b is a schematic diagram of the gripper of FIG. 4a in a second configuration engaged with an aerosol product. [Figure 5a] FIG. 4b is a schematic diagram of the gripper of FIG. 4a in a first configuration. [Figure 5b] FIG. 4b is a schematic diagram of the gripper of FIG. 4a in a second configuration. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a heating assembly of a prior art aerosol generating device having an aerosol product disposed within a heating compartment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a heating assembly of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 having an aerosol product disposed within the heating compartment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] 1, an aerosol generation device 10 according to the present disclosure is shown generally. The aerosol generation device 10 is configured for use with an aerosol product article 16, such that the aerosol generation device 10 and the aerosol product article 16 together form an aerosol generation system.

[0019] The aerosol generating device 10 may equally be referred to as a "heated tobacco device," a "non-combustion heated tobacco device," a "device for vaporizing a tobacco product," etc., and is to be construed as a device suitable for achieving these effects. The features disclosed herein are equally applicable to devices designed to vaporize any aerosol-generating substrate.

[0020] The aerosol generating device 10 is a handheld, portable device, meaning that a user can hold and support the device in one hand without assistance. The aerosol generating device 10 has a first (or proximal) end 44 and a second (or distal) end 46, and includes a device housing 48.

[0021] The aerosol generating device 10 includes a controller 50. The aerosol generating device 10 may include a user interface for controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device 10 via the controller 50.

[0022] The controller 50 is configured to detect the initiation of use of the aerosol generation device 10, for example, in response to a user input, such as pressing a button to activate the aerosol generation device 10, or in response to a detected airflow through the aerosol generation device 10. As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, the airflow through the aerosol generation device 10 indicates an inhalation or "puff" by a user. The aerosol generation device 10 may include a puff detector, such as, for example, an airflow sensor (not shown), to detect the airflow through the aerosol generation device 10.

[0023] The controller 50 includes electronic circuitry. The aerosol generating device 10 includes a power source 52, such as a battery. The power source 52 and electronic circuitry may be configured to operate at high frequencies in the case of an inductively heated aerosol generating device 10. For example, the power source 52 and electronic circuitry may be configured to operate at frequencies of about 80 kHz to 500 kHz, optionally about 150 kHz to 250 kHz, optionally about 200 kHz. The power source 52 and electronic circuitry may also be configured to operate at higher frequencies, for example in the MHz range, if desired.

[0024] The aerosol generation device 10 includes a heating assembly 12. The heating assembly 12 further includes a heating section 14. The heating section 14 is positioned to receive an aerosol product article 16. In some examples, the heating section 14 has a substantially cylindrical cross-section. The heating section 14 defines a cavity.

[0025] The heating section 14 has a first end 54 and a second end 56. The heating section 14 includes an opening 58 at the first end 54 for receiving the aerosol product article 16. In the illustrated example, the heating section 14 includes a substantially cylindrical sidewall 60, i.e., a sidewall 60 having a substantially circular cross-section.

[0026] The aerosol product article 16 includes an aerosol-generating substrate 38. The aerosol-generating substrate 38 can be any type of solid or semi-solid material. Exemplary types of aerosol-generating solids include powders, granules, pellets, flakes, strands, particles, gels, strips, loose-leaf, cut-leaf, cut-filler, porous materials, foamed materials or sheets. The aerosol-generating substrate 38 can include plant-derived materials, and in particular tobacco. It can advantageously include reconstituted tobacco. The aerosol-generating substrate 38 can be a tobacco plug.

[0027] The aerosol-generating substrate 38 may include an aerosol-forming agent. Examples of aerosol-forming agents include polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof. Typically, the aerosol-generating substrate 38 may include an aerosol-forming agent content of about 5% to about 50% on a dry weight basis. In some examples, the aerosol-generating substrate 38 may include an aerosol-forming agent content of about 10% to about 20% on a dry weight basis, and in some cases about 15% on a dry weight basis.

[0028] Upon heating, the aerosol-generating substrate 38 may release volatile compounds, which may include flavor compounds, such as nicotine or tobacco flavorings.

[0029] The shape of the aerosol product article 16 corresponds to the shape of the heating section 14. The aerosol product article 16 may be substantially cylindrical or rod-shaped. The aerosol product article 16 may be substantially formed in the shape of a stick and may generally resemble a cigarette, with a tubular region in which the aerosol-generating substrates are arranged in a suitable manner. The aerosol product article 16 may be a disposable and replaceable item that may contain, for example, tobacco as an aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol product article 16 may be a heated tobacco stick. The aerosol product article 16 is a consumable product.

[0030] The aerosol-producing article 16 has a first end 62 (or oral end), a second end 64, and includes a filter 66 at the first end 62. The filter 66 functions as a mouthpiece and may include, for example, a breathable plug including cellulose acetate fibers.

[0031] Referring to Figure 2, a detailed view of the aerosol product article 16 is shown in schematic form. As shown in the detailed view of Figure 2, the aerosol product article 16 includes a first section 36 and a second section 40. The first section 36 includes an aerosol-generating substrate 38, i.e., a tobacco plug. In the illustrated example, the full extent of the first section 36 is not shown. The second section 40 includes a vapor outlet channel 42. The vapor outlet channel 42 includes a hollow tube 43, e.g., an acetate tube.

[0032] In the illustrated example, the filter 66 includes a mouthpiece filter 68 and a polymeric film filter 70. The aerosol-generating substrate 38 and the filter 66 are surrounded by a paper wrapper 72 and are thus embodied as an aerosol product 16. A second paper wrapper 74, or mouth end paper, is provided at the first end 62. In some designs, one or more vapor collection areas, cooling areas, and other structures may also be included.

[0033] Referring again to FIG. 1, to use the aerosol generation device 10, a user inserts the aerosol product article 16 into the heating section 14 through the opening 58 so that the second end 64 of the aerosol product article 16 is positioned at the second end 56 of the heating section 14, and the filter 66 at the first end 62 of the aerosol product article 16 protrudes from the first end 54 of the heating section 14 so that it can be held between the user's lips.

[0034] The heating assembly 12 includes a heater 13 , or heating element, positioned to heat an aerosol-generating substrate 38 of an aerosol product article 16 received within a heating section 14 .

[0035] The heating assembly 12 may be an inductive heating assembly (not shown). The inductive heating assembly further includes an induction coil (not shown). The induction coil is arranged to be energized to generate an alternating electromagnetic field for inductively heating an inductively heatable susceptor (not shown). Thus, in such an example, the heater 13 is an inductively heatable susceptor.

[0036] The inductively heatable susceptor may be disposed around the periphery of the heating section 14. Alternatively, the inductively heatable susceptor may be disposed to protrude from the second end 56 into the heating section 14 (e.g., as a heating blade or pin) and penetrate the aerosol-generating substrate 38 when the aerosol product article 16 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10. In other examples, the inductively heatable susceptor is instead provided within the aerosol-generating substrate 38 during manufacture of the aerosol product article 16. In such examples, the aerosol product article 16 includes an inductively heatable susceptor.

[0037] The induction coil may be energized by a power supply 52 and a controller 50. The induction coil may comprise Litz wire or Litz cable, however, it will be appreciated that other materials may be used.

[0038] The induction coil may extend around the heating section 14. As such, the induction coil may be annular. The induction coil may be substantially helical in shape. In some examples, the circular cross-section of a helical induction coil may facilitate insertion of the aerosol product article 16 and, optionally, one or more inductively heatable susceptors into the heating section 14 and ensure uniform heating of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0039] The inductively heatable susceptor comprises an electrically conductive material. The inductively heatable susceptor may comprise, but is not limited to, one or more of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, aluminum, iron, nickel, nickel-containing compounds, titanium, mild steel, stainless steel, low carbon steel and alloys thereof, such as nickel chromium or nickel copper, and composites of metallic materials. In some examples, the inductively heatable susceptor comprises a metal selected from the group consisting of mild steel, stainless steel, and low carbon stainless steel.

[0040] In use, application of an electromagnetic field in the vicinity of the inductively heatable susceptor causes the inductively heatable susceptor to generate heat due to eddy currents and magnetic hysteresis losses resulting in the conversion of energy from electromagnetic to thermal.

[0041] The induction coil may be arranged, in use, to operate with a varying electromagnetic field having a magnetic flux density of about 20 mT to about 2.0 T (at its highest density point).

[0042] Another approach is to use a resistive heating assembly (not shown). In such a case, the heater 13 is a resistive heater (not shown). The resistive heater may surround the aerosol-generating substrate 38 and transfer heat to an outer surface of the aerosol-generating substrate 38, for example, the resistive heater may be arranged around the periphery of the heating section 14. Alternatively, the resistive heater may be arranged to protrude from the second end 56 into the heating section 14 (e.g., as a heating blade or pin) and penetrate the aerosol-generating substrate 38 when the aerosol product article 16 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 10. In use, current from the power supply 52 is supplied directly to the resistive heater to generate heat.

[0043] In use, heat from the heater 13 (i.e. an inductively heatable susceptor or a resistive heater) is transferred, for example by conduction, radiation and convection, to the aerosol-generating substrate 38 of the aerosol product article 16 disposed in the heating section 14 to generate vapor by heating the aerosol-generating substrate (without combusting the aerosol-generating substrate), which cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by a user of the aerosol generating device 10, such as through a filter 66. Vaporization of the aerosol-generating substrate is facilitated, for example, by adding air from the surrounding environment through an air inlet (not shown).

[0044] Generally speaking, a vapor is a substance that is in the gas phase below its critical temperature, meaning that it can be condensed into a liquid by increasing the pressure without decreasing the temperature. An aerosol, on the other hand, is a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air or another gas. However, it should be noted that the terms "aerosol" and "vapor" may be used interchangeably herein, particularly with respect to the form of inhalable medium that is produced for a user to inhale.

[0045] The aerosol generation device 10 further includes a gripper mechanism 18. The gripper mechanism 18 is configured to engage the aerosol product article 16 in the heating section 14 based on the temperature of the heating section 14. The gripper mechanism 18 includes a gripper 20.

[0046] Referring to Fig. 3, a detailed view of the aerosol generation device 10 is shown diagrammatically. As shown in Fig. 3, the gripper 20 has a helical shape. The gripper 20 may be a spring. The gripper 20 may be a coil spring. In the illustrated example, the gripper 20 is disposed inside the heating section 14 at or towards a base 34 of the heating section 14. The base 34 is at a second end 56 of the heating section 14.

[0047] In the illustrated example, the aerosol generation device 10 includes a lid 76, i.e., a closure member, configured to be slidably movable by a user to open and close the heating compartment 14. The lid 76 is movable relative to the opening 58 between a closed position, in which the lid 76 covers the opening 58, and an open position, in which the opening 58 is not blocked by the lid 76. In the example of Fig. 3, the lid 76 is in the closed position covering the opening 58.

[0048] 4a and 5a, and 4b and 5b, there is shown generally the gripper 20 in a first configuration 26 (i.e., disengaged position 22) and in a second configuration 28 (i.e., engaged position 24), respectively. Figure 4a also shows the aerosol product article 16 received in, but not engaged by, the gripper 20. Figure 4b also shows the aerosol product article 16 received in, and engaged by, the gripper 20.

[0049] The gripper 20 is movable between a disengaged position 22 (as shown in Figures 4a and 5a) and an engaged position 24 (as shown in Figures 4b and 5b) based on the temperature of the heating section 14. In the disengaged position 22 shown in Figures 4a and 5a, the aerosol product article 16 can be received by and removed from the gripper 20. In the engaged position 24 shown in Figures 4b and 5b, the gripper 20 can engage the aerosol product article 16. The aerosol product article 16 is received by and engaged by the gripper 20 at the engaged position 24 shown in Figure 4b.

[0050] The gripper 20 includes a shape memory alloy that has an inherent two-way effect. The shape memory alloy may include, for example, Nitinol (nickel titanium).

[0051] Below the transition temperature, the shape memory alloy has a first configuration 26 that defines the disengaged position 22. Above the transition temperature, the shape memory alloy has a second configuration 28 that defines the engaged position 24. The first configuration 26 includes a first helical coil 30 and the second configuration 28 includes a second helical coil 32. The diameter of the first helical coil 30 is greater than the diameter of the second helical coil 32.

[0052] In the illustrated example, the axial length of the first helical coil 30 is smaller than the axial length of the second helical coil 32. Alternatively, the pitch of the second helical coil 32 (i.e., in the engaged position) may be smaller than the pitch of the first helical coil 30 (i.e., in the disengaged position). These two options are dictated by the fact that the length of the wire forming the helical coils 30, 32 (i.e., the spring) remains constant in the two configurations (i.e., the first helical coil 30 and the second helical coil 32) despite changes in shape.

[0053] The first helical coil 30 and the second helical coil 32 can be springs, i.e. coil springs. Thus, the shape memory alloy has an inherent two-way shape memory effect. At low temperatures (typically below 50°C), a first shape in the form of the first helical coil 30 is provided. At high temperatures (i.e. above a transition temperature, e.g. above 150°C), a second shape in the form of the second helical coil 32 is provided. Thus, the transition between the first and second shapes is temperature dependent and does not require the application of an external force.

[0054] 4a and 5a, the diameter of the first helical coil 30 is larger than the diameter of the aerosol product article 16, and therefore the aerosol product article 16 can be received by and removed from the gripper 20. Thus, in the disengaged position 22, the gripper 20 cannot engage the aerosol product article 16.

[0055] In the engagement position 24 shown in Figures 4b and 5b, the diameter of the second helical coil 32 is smaller than the diameter of the aerosol product article 16, even when the aerosol product article has a reduced volume after most or all of the aerosol-generating substrate has been vaporized during a vaping session. Thus, in the engagement position 24, the aerosol product article 16 is securely held by the gripper 20 not only at the start of a vaping session prior to use, but also during the course of a vaping session. Thus, during a vaping session, the aerosol product article 16 cannot fall out of the heating section 14 or be unintentionally removed from the heating section 14, for example by sticking to the user's lips.

[0056] Thus, the gripper mechanism 18 is configured to allow the aerosol product article 16 to be easily inserted into the heating section 14 without any effort (e.g., by dropping the aerosol product article 16 into the heating section 14 and having it received, for example, in the first helical coil 30) before the onset of heating (i.e., when the heating section 14 and gripper 20 are typically below 50° C.). During the course of a vaping session (i.e., when the heating section 14 and gripper 20 are typically above 150° C.), the gripper 20, for example the second helical coil 32, actively holds the aerosol product article 16 in place even when the aerosol product article 16 has a reduced volume after most or all of the aerosol-generating substrate has been vaporized.

[0057] In some examples, the transition temperature is at least 50° C. and less than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol-generating substrate 38. The vaporization temperature is typically greater than 150° C. In such examples, the gripper 20 is thus movable from the disengaged position 22 to the engaged position 24 based on the temperature of the heated section 14 being at least 50° C. In such examples, the gripper 20 is movable from the engaged position 24 to the disengaged position 22 based on the temperature of the heated section 14 being less than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol-generating substrate 38.

[0058] In some examples, the transition temperature may be about 50°C. The transition temperature may be less than 180°C. The transition temperature may be 150°C. The transition temperature may be up to about 180°C. The transition temperature may be up to about 150°C. The transition temperature may range from about 50°C to about 180°C. The transition temperature may range from about 50°C to about 150°C.

[0059] In the illustrated example, the gripper 20 provides the heater 13, i.e., the heating element, of the heating assembly 12 of the aerosol generation device 10. The gripper 20 and the heater 13 are therefore one and the same. The heater 13 can be a resistive heating element of a resistive heating assembly. Alternatively, the heater 13 can be an inductively heatable susceptor of an inductive heating assembly. In such an example, the gripper 20 also functions as the heater 13, so that in the engagement position 24 there is no air gap between the aerosol product item 16 and the heater 13 of the aerosol generation device 10, and therefore intimate contact is maintained during the course of the vaping session. This improves heating efficiency due to better heat transfer or better inductive coupling (of resistive or inductive heaters, respectively), resulting in longer battery life or smaller battery requirements.

[0060] In other examples, the gripper 20 is separate and distinct from the heater 13 of the heating assembly 12 of the aerosol generation device 10. In such examples, the aerosol generation device 10 thus includes the gripper 20 and a separate and distinct heater 13. In such examples, the gripper 20 is passively heated by the heater 13.

[0061] In some examples, the gripper 20 is configured such that in the engagement position 24, the gripper 20 can engage a first section 36 of the aerosol product article 16. The gripper 20 may be configured such that in the engagement position, the gripper 20 can only engage the first section 36. The gripper 20 may be configured such that in use, in the engagement position 24, only the first section 36 of the aerosol product article 16 is received within the heating section 14. Thus, only the first section 36, which includes the aerosol-generating substrate 38, is subjected to heating within the heating section 14, improving heating efficiency.

[0062] The first section 36 has a maximum first section volume and a minimum first section volume. The first section 36 has the maximum first section volume when the aerosol product article 16 is unused, i.e., new. The first section 36 has the minimum first section volume when most or all of the aerosol-generating substrate 38 has been vaporized by a vaping session. Thus, the volume of the first section 36 decreases from the maximum first section volume to the minimum first section volume during a vaping session.

[0063] In some examples, the gripper 20 is configured such that, in the engagement position 24, the diameter of the second helical coil 32 is smaller than the diameter of the first section 36 having the largest first section volume, such that the gripper 20 can engage with the first section 36 having the largest first section volume, as shown in FIG. 4b. Additionally, the gripper 20 is configured such that, in the engagement position 24, the diameter of the second helical coil 32 is smaller than the diameter of the first section 36 having the smallest first section volume, such that the gripper 20 can also engage with the first section 36 having the smallest first section volume.

[0064] Thus, in the engaged position 24, the first section 36 is securely held by the gripper 20 not only at the start of a vaping session prior to use, but also during the course of a vaping session. Thus, a good grip on the aerosol-generating substrate 38, i.e. the first section 36 including the tobacco plug, is maintained as the aerosol-generating substrate 38 contracts as vapour mass is extracted by evaporation during the vaping session.

[0065] As described above, in the disengaged position 22, the aerosol product article 16 can be received by and removed from the gripper 20. Thus, as shown in Figure 4a, in the disengaged position 22, the gripper 20 cannot engage the first section 36 having the largest first section volume because the diameter of the first helical coil 30 is greater than the diameter of the first section 36 having the largest first section volume.

[0066] 6, there is shown a schematic diagram of a heating assembly 112 of a prior art aerosol generating device 100 having an aerosol product article 16 disposed within a heating section 114 of the heating assembly 112. The heating section 114 has a first end 154 and a second end 156.

[0067] In this prior art arrangement, a portion of the second section 40 of the aerosol product 16 is disposed within the heating section 114. As noted above, the second section 40 includes a vapor outlet channel 42, such as a hollow acetate tube 43. In such a prior art arrangement, during use, at least a portion of the vapor outlet channel 42 heats to some degree within the heating section 114, thereby reducing the efficiency of cooling the generated vapor.

[0068] Such prior art arrangements require that a portion of the second section 40 be disposed within the heating section 114 to maintain adequate retention for the aerosol product article 16 during use. Adequate retention can be maintained by the size of the second section 40 remaining constant during use. As noted above, the first section 36, which includes the aerosol-generating substrate 38, i.e., the tobacco plug, shrinks during use and therefore adequate retention cannot be maintained if only the first section 36 is disposed within the heating section 114.

[0069] 7, a heating assembly 12 of an aerosol generating device 10 according to an example of the present disclosure is shown, having an aerosol product article 16 disposed within the heating section 14. In the example shown, the heating assembly 12 is configured such that, in use, a second section 40 of the aerosol product article 16 is outside the heating section 14. In this arrangement, the vapour outlet channel 42, e.g. a hollow acetate tube 43, is located outside the heating section 14, improving the efficiency of cooling the generated vapour. Thus, having the second section 40 (i.e. the stick cooling section) outside the heating section 14 (i.e. the oven) maximises the efficiency of cooling the vapour before it reaches the user's mouth.

[0070] 6 and 7, the heating section 114 of the prior art arrangement (FIG. 6) is longer than the heating section 14 of the example of the present disclosure (FIG. 7) so that a portion of the second section 40 can be received within the heating section 114. Thus, the heating section 14 of the example of the present disclosure can be shorter (i.e., of reduced length), reducing the manufacturing cost and size of the device 10.

[0071] The figures also show a method of manufacturing the aerosol generation device 10 according to examples of the present disclosure. The figures also illustrate a method of providing an aerosol generation system according to examples of the present disclosure.

[0072] Although exemplary embodiments have been described in the preceding paragraphs, it should be understood that various modifications to those embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Thus, the breadth and scope of the claims should not be limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments.

[0073] Any combination of the above-described features in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.

[0074] Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, throughout this specification and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, i.e., "including but not limited to", rather than in an exclusive or exhaustive sense.

Claims

1. Aerosol generating device (10), A heating assembly (12) comprising a heating section (14) arranged to receive an aerosol product (16) containing an aerosol generating substrate (38), A gripper mechanism (18) is configured to engage with the aerosol product (16) in the heating compartment (14) based on the temperature of the heating compartment (14). The gripper mechanism (18) includes a gripper (20) that is movable between a disengaged position (22) and an engaged position (24) based on the temperature of the heated section (14), in which the aerosol product (16) can be received by and removed from the gripper (20), and in which the engaged position (24) the gripper (20) is configured to engage with the aerosol product (16), and the gripper (20) includes a shape memory alloy and has a transition temperature below The aerosol generating device (10) wherein the shape memory alloy has a first configuration (26) that defines the disengagement position (22), and above the transition temperature, the shape memory alloy has a second configuration (28) that defines the engagement position (24), the first configuration (26) includes a first helical coil (30), and the second configuration (28) includes a second helical coil (32), the diameter of the first helical coil (30) being greater than the diameter of the second helical coil (32).

2. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 1, wherein when the gripper (20) is in the engagement position (24), the gripper (20) is configured to engage with a first section (36) of the aerosol product (16), the first section (36) includes the aerosol generating substrate (38).

3. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 2, wherein when the gripper (20) is in the engagement position (24), the gripper (20) is configured to engage only with the first section (36).

4. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein when the gripper (20) is in the engagement position (24), the gripper (20) is configured to engage with the first section (36) having the largest first section volume, and also to engage with the first section (36) having the smallest first section volume resulting from the vaporization of most or all of the aerosol generating substrate (38) by the vaping session.

5. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 4, wherein the diameter of the first helical coil (30) is greater than the diameter of the first section (36) having the largest first section volume, and the diameter of the second helical coil (32) is smaller than the diameter of the first section (36) having the largest first section volume.

6. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 5, wherein the diameter of the second helical coil (32) is smaller than the diameter of the first section (36) having the smallest first section volume resulting from the vaporization of most or all of the aerosol generating substrate (38) by a vaping session.

7. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the heating assembly (12) is configured such that, when in use, only the first section (36) of the aerosol product (16) is received within the heating compartment (14).

8. The heating assembly (12) is configured such that, when in use, a second section (40) of the aerosol product (16) is outside the heating section (14), and the second section (40) includes a vapor outlet channel (42), the aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 2 or 3.

9. The aerosol generating device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the axial length of the first helical coil (30) is smaller than the axial length of the second helical coil (32).

10. The aerosol generating device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the gripper (20) provides a heater (13) for the heating assembly (12) of the aerosol generating device (10).

11. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 10, wherein the heater (13) is a resistance heating element of a resistance heating assembly.

12. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 10, wherein the heater (13) is an induction-heatable susceptor of an induction heating assembly.

13. The aerosol generating device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the gripper (20) is separate from and distinct from the heater (13) of the heating assembly (12) of the aerosol generating device (10).

14. The aerosol generating device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the gripper (20) is positioned inside the heating compartment (14) at or toward the base (34) of the heating compartment (14).

15. The aerosol generating device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the transition temperature is at least 50°C and is less than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol generating substrate (38).

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