HEATER ASSEMBLY FOR AEROSOL GENERATION SYSTEMS

Abstract

An aerosol generation system (100) for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating substrate is provided. The aerosol generation system includes a heating element (140). A receiving chamber (144) is defined at least in part by the heating element (140). A wicking element (120) is received in the receiving chamber (144). The receiving chamber (144) has a first configuration and a second configuration. An interior volume of the receiving chamber (144) is greater when the receiving chamber (144) is in the first configuration than when the receiving chamber (144) is in the second configuration. In the second configuration, the heating element (140) is in contact with the wicking element (120).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generation system and methods of using and controlling an aerosol generation system. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an aerosol generation system including a wicking element received in a receiving chamber, the receiving chamber having a first configuration and a second configuration. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol generating systems configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco-containing substrate, are known in the art. Many known aerosol generating systems generate an aerosol by application of heat to the substrate by a heater assembly. In electrically operated aerosol generating systems, heat is applied to the substrate when the heater assembly is supplied with power from a power source. The generated aerosol can then be inhaled by a user of the device.

[0003] In many aerosol generating devices, the heater element of the heater assembly is configured to heat a quantity of aerosol-forming substrate contained in a porous material, such as a wick or capillary element, provided adjacent to or in contact with the heater element. The porous material is capable of transporting the aerosol-forming substrate in liquid form from a reservoir provided in the aerosol generating system. In this way, the aerosol-forming substrate in the vicinity of the heater element that is vaporized during use of the aerosol generating system is continuously replenished.

[0004] Efficient heating of the aerosol-forming substrate contained in the porous material is desirable to reduce the power requirements of the heater assembly. This is particularly important when the aerosol generating system is portable and includes a portable power source such as a battery. Heating of the aerosol-forming substrate contained in the porous material can be efficient when there is direct contact between the porous material and the heater element. An example of such a heater assembly includes a resistive heating element in the form of a coil of wire wound around a wick. At least one end of the wick extends into the reservoir of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0005] One problem with aerosol generating systems in which the heater element is in direct contact with a porous material, such as a coil and wick type arrangement, is that over the course of many heating cycles, the porous material may deteriorate. Deterioration may be caused by heating of the porous material. Deterioration may also be caused by chemical interactions between the aerosol-forming substrate and the porous material, mechanical stress on the porous material, and particle accumulation on the surface of the porous material. Deterioration of the porous material may result in inefficient heat transfer between the heating element and the porous material, and inefficient transfer of liquid from the reservoir to the heater element by the porous material. Thus, the porous material has a limited useful life. The useful life of the porous material is typically significantly shorter than the life of other components of the aerosol generating system, such as the heater element. It is typically not possible to replace deteriorated porous material without disassembling the system and heater assembly. This is not something that the average consumer is able or inclined to do.

[0006] Some aerosol generating systems include a reusable aerosol generator and a disposable cartridge. The disposable cartridge includes an aerosol-forming substrate, and the cartridge can be replaced when the aerosol-forming substrate is depleted. Such cartridges can include a heater element and a porous material, for example, the cartridge can include a coil and wick type arrangement. In such cases, the heater element and the porous material are discarded along with the remainder of the cartridge when the aerosol-forming substrate of the cartridge is depleted.

[0007] When the porous material is provided in a disposable cartridge, it will generally be discarded and replaced before significant degradation occurs, however, the inclusion of both the heater element and the porous material in the cartridge increases the material costs and complexity of the cartridge.

[0008] More generally, high speed manufacturing of heater elements and porous material provided together and in contact with one another is difficult, at least some of the steps in the manufacturing process require manual labor, particularly high speed manufacturing of coil and wick type arrangements, which further increases the cost of manufacturing cartridges that include heater elements and porous material.

[0009] It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating system in which efficient heating of the aerosol-forming substrate contained in the porous material is achieved during use. It would be desirable to provide a heater assembly in which degradation of the system's components, particularly the heater assembly and the porous material, is reduced compared to prior art systems, particularly compared to coil and wick type arrangements. It would further be desirable to provide an aerosol generating system in which the porous material is replaceable as it deteriorates. In the context of an aerosol generating system comprising a disposable cartridge, it would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating system in which the porous material is replaceable without increasing the cost and complexity of the cartridge. Summary of the Invention

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generation system for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol generation system may comprise a heating element. The aerosol generation system may comprise a receiving chamber. The receiving chamber may be at least partially defined by the heating element. The aerosol generation system may comprise a wicking element. The wicking element may be received in the receiving chamber.

[0011] The receiving chamber may have a first configuration. The receiving chamber may have a second configuration. An interior volume of the receiving chamber may be greater when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration than when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration. In the second configuration, the heating element may be in contact with the wicking element.

[0012] A receiving chamber having a first configuration and a second configuration may advantageously provide a simple and effective means by which the heating element can be coupled or decoupled from the wicking element. By providing two such configurations, the heating element does not need to be in constant contact with the wicking element.

[0013] When the receiving chamber is in the second configuration, contact between the heating element and the wicking element may advantageously provide efficient heating of the wicking element by the heating element. The aerosol-forming substrate contained within the wicking element may be efficiently heated when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration. Advantageously, efficient heating may be achieved because contact between the heating element and the wicking element allows for thermal conduction. Furthermore, contact between the heating element and the wicking element may draw liquid from the wicking element to the heating element.

[0014] The wicking element may be receivable and removable from the receiving chamber when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration. The larger internal volume of the receiving chamber when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration may advantageously mean that the heating element is not connected to the wicking element and is not in contact with the wicking element in the first configuration of the receiving chamber such that the wicking element is removable. In this way, the wicking element may advantageously be replaceable. Preferably, the wicking element may be replaced when it deteriorates. In particular, the wicking element may advantageously be replaceable when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration without the need to dismantle the aerosol generation system.

[0015] Providing a heater assembly that can be coupled and decoupled from a wicking element may advantageously reduce degradation of at least one of the heating element and the wicking element received in the receiving chamber.

[0016] Deterioration of the heating element and the wicking element may be caused by contact between at least one heating element and the wicking element received in the receiving chamber of the heater assembly. A heater assembly including a receiving chamber having a first configuration and a second configuration may allow for reduced contact between the at least one heating element and the wicking element received in the receiving chamber compared to a heater assembly in which there is permanent contact between the heating element and the wicking element. This may reduce deterioration of the wicking element.

[0017] For example, the receiving chamber may be installed in the second configuration only during use of the aerosol generation system when the heating element is used to heat the wicking element. Otherwise, the receiving chamber may be installed in the first configuration. In this manner, the heating element may contact the wicking element only during heating of the wicking element to ensure that efficient heating of the wicking element is achieved. This may significantly reduce the amount of time that there is contact between the heating element and the wicking element. This may advantageously extend the life of the wicking element.

[0018] The aerosol generation system may comprise a reservoir. The reservoir may contain the aerosol-forming substrate in condensed form. The wicking element may be connectable to the reservoir so as to be in fluid communication with the aerosol-forming substrate in the reservoir.

[0019] The aerosol generating system may comprise an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may comprise a heating element. The aerosol generating device may comprise a receiving chamber.

[0020] The aerosol generating device may include a wicking element.

[0021] The heating element may be movable or deformable to reduce an interior volume of the receiving chamber in the second configuration compared to the first configuration. The heating element may be moved or deformed in the second configuration relative to the first configuration so as to contact the wicking element.

[0022] The aerosol generation system may include an actuator. The actuator may be configured to move or deform the heating element for transitioning the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the second configuration. The actuator may be configured to move or deform the heating element to reversibly configure the receiving chamber between the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0023] The receiving chamber may be configured such that the wicking element is insertable and removable from the receiving chamber along a longitudinal direction, which may define a central axis through the receiving chamber.

[0024] At least a first portion of the heating element may be closer to the central axis in the second configuration than in the first direction.

[0025] At least a first component of motion of the first portion of the heating element when the heating element is moved or deformed may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The actuator may be configured such that a first component of motion of the first portion of the heating element may be toward the central axis when the receiving chamber transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0026] The heating element may include a second portion different from the first portion. In a second configuration of the receiving chamber, the second portion of the heating element may not be in contact with the wicking element.

[0027] The second portion of the heating element may comprise or consist of a material having a lower resistivity than the resistivity of the material of the first portion of the heating element. Providing such a material may advantageously result in the second portion of the heating element having a lower resistance per unit length than the first portion of the heating element. The second portion of the heating element may comprise a coating. The coating may comprise a material having a lower resistivity than the resistivity of the material of the first portion of the heating element.

[0028] The second portion of the heating element may have a larger cross-sectional area than the first portion, which may advantageously result in the second portion of the heating element having a lower resistance per unit length than the first portion of the heating element, in such a case the second portion of the heating element may be made of the same material or materials as the first portion of the heating element.

[0029] In the first configuration, the receiving chamber may be configured such that the wicking element is freely removable or receivable within the receiving chamber, which may be achieved as a result of the heating element not contacting the wicking element received in the receiving chamber when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration.

[0030] In a second configuration, the receiving chamber may be configured to apply a retention force to the wicking element. The retention force may be applied at least in part by the heating element. The retention force may advantageously ensure that there is contact between the heating element and the wicking element to provide efficient heating.

[0031] The heating element may include or consist of a resilient material. This may be particularly advantageous when the heating element is deformable to reduce the internal volume of the receiving chamber. The heating element may be deformed in the second configuration relative to the first configuration. A heating element including or consisting of a resilient material may advantageously return to the shape of the first configuration when released from the second configuration.

[0032] The internal volume of the receiving chamber may be at least 5% greater when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration than when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration, preferably at least 10% greater, preferably at least 15% greater, preferably at least 20%, more preferably at least 30%, and even more preferably at least 50% greater.

[0033] The receiving chamber preferably has an axisymmetric shape, at least in the first configuration, the axis of symmetry of the axisymmetric shape being preferably a central axis parallel to the longitudinal direction, and the receiving chamber preferably is cylindrical, at least in the first configuration.

[0034] The receiving chamber may have an axisymmetric shape in the second configuration. The axis of symmetry of the axisymmetric shape is preferably a central axis parallel to the longitudinal direction. The receiving chamber is preferably cylindrical in the second configuration.

[0035] At least in the first configuration, the receiving chamber may have a width of 1 millimeter to 12 millimeters, preferably 3 millimeter to 7 millimeters. If the receiving chamber is cylindrical, the width value corresponds to the diameter value of the cylindrical chamber.

[0036] The cross-sectional dimension of the receiving chamber may be greater when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration than when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration. The cross-sectional dimension may be the cross-sectional area or cross-sectional width of the receiving chamber. When the receiving chamber is cylindrical, the cross-sectional dimension may be the diameter or radius of the receiving chamber.

[0037] The cross-sectional dimension may be the dimension of a cross section of the receiving chamber perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0038] The heating element may include a coil. The coil may be wound around a central axis. The receiving chamber may be at least partially defined by the coil.

[0039] The coil may have an electrical resistance between 0.4 ohms and 4 ohms.

[0040] The coil may be formed by a coil of wire. The wire may have a diameter of 0.1 mm to 1 mm, preferably 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm. The length of the wire may be 10 mm to 150 mm, preferably 20 mm to 50 mm.

[0041] The cross-sectional dimension may be the dimension of a cross section of the receiving chamber perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0042] The heating element may include a coil. The coil may be wound around a central axis. The receiving chamber may be at least partially defined by the coil.

[0043] The coil may have an electrical resistance between 0.4 ohms and 4 ohms.

[0044] The coil may be formed by a coil of wire. The wire may have a diameter of 0.1 mm to 1 mm, preferably 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm. The length of the wire may be 10 mm to 150 mm, preferably 20 mm to 50 mm.

[0045] The first and second ends of the heating element may further comprise or form one or more contact portions. The first and second ends of the heating element do not have to be in the shape of a coil.

[0046] The first and second contact portions may advantageously be mechanically connected or connectable to an actuation means, which may be configured to deform the heating element by manipulating the first and second contact portions.

[0047] The first contact portion and the second contact portion are preferably electrical contact portions. The first heater element may advantageously be connectable to a power source via the first electrical contact portion and the second electrical contact portion. The power source may be external to the heater assembly. For example, an aerosol generating device comprising the heater assembly may also comprise a power source.

[0048] The first end of the heating element may be movable relative to the second end of the heating element to reduce an internal volume of the receiving chamber in the second configuration compared to the first configuration. Preferably, the first end of the heating element may be rotatable relative to the second end of the heating element to reduce an internal volume of the receiving chamber in the second configuration compared to the first configuration. The first end of the heating element may be rotatable about a central axis relative to the second end of the heating element.

[0049] The receiving chamber may be at least partially defined by a coil of the heating element. Rotation of the first end relative to the second end of the heater element may deform the coil.

[0050] The coil may be a helical coil. The helical coil may be axially symmetric about a helical axis. The helical axis may be parallel to a central axis. The helical axis may preferably be the central axis. The helical coil may have a circular cross section.

[0051] The diameter of the coil may be greater when the coil is in the first configuration than when the coil is in the second configuration. The cross-section of the coil may be taken perpendicular to the helical axis of the coil.

[0052] The pitch of the coil may be greater when the coil is in the first configuration than when the coil is in the second configuration.

[0053] As used herein, the "pitch" of a helical coil is the length of one complete helix turn measured along the helical axis of the helical coil.

[0054] The total number of turns of the coil may be less when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration than when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration. The total number of turns of the coil may increase by a non-integer number of turns between the first and second configurations of the receiving chamber. The total number of turns may increase by a fraction of a turn between the first and second configurations of the receiving chamber.

[0055] The number of turns per unit length of the coil may be less when the coil is in the first configuration than when the coil is in the second configuration.

[0056] The length of the coil may be substantially the same when the coil is in the first configuration as when the coil is in the second configuration, in other words, the distance between the first and second ends of the coil along the central axis may be substantially the same when the receiving chamber is in both the first and second configurations.

[0057] The actuator of the aerosol generation system may be configured to move or rotate the first end of the coil relative to the second end of the coil for transition of the receiving chamber between the first and second configurations. Preferably, the actuator may be configured to move or rotate the first and second contact portions of the heating element, thereby causing movement or rotation of the first and second ends of the coil connected to the first and second contact portions, respectively.

[0058] The helical coil may be a left-handed helical coil or a right-handed helical coil. As used herein, whether a helical coil is "left-handed" or "right-handed" is defined along the length of the central axis in the direction from the first end to the second end of the heating element.

[0059] When the helical coil is left-handed, the actuator may be configured to rotate the first end of the coil in a clockwise direction relative to the second end of the coil to transition the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the second configuration, and the actuator may additionally or alternatively be configured to rotate the second end of the coil in a counterclockwise direction relative to the first end of the coil to transition the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0060] When the helical coil is right-handed, the actuator may be configured to rotate the first end of the coil in a counterclockwise direction relative to the second end of the coil to transition the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the second configuration. The actuator may also or alternatively be configured to rotate the second end of the coil in a clockwise direction relative to the first end of the coil to transition the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the second configuration, which results in an increase in the number of turns (although the increase may be less than one full turn).

[0061] The heating element may comprise a space configured to allow air to pass through the heating element at least when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration. The space may advantageously allow vaporized aerosol-forming substrate to escape from a wicking element received in the receiving chamber during use of the heater assembly. When the heating element is a helical coil, the space may be defined between successive turns of the helical coil at least when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration.

[0062] The aerosol generating system may comprise a housing. The heating element may be at least partially contained within the housing. At least a portion of the heating element may be surrounded by the housing. The housing may form a hollow body containing at least a portion of the heating element. The heating element may be completely contained within the housing.

[0063] The actuator may comprise a user interface element and an actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism may be configured to actuate the receiving chamber between the first configuration and the second configuration in response to an input to the user interface element.

[0064] The actuation mechanism may be configured to translate movement of the user interface during input to move or deform the heating element. The user interface may preferably be movable between a first position and a second position. The actuation mechanism may be configured to transition the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the second configuration upon movement of the user interface from the first position to the second position. The actuation mechanism may further be configured to transition the receiving chamber from the second configuration to the first configuration upon movement of the user interface from the second position to the first position.

[0065] The actuation mechanism may comprise a portion of a housing. The housing may include a first portion and a second portion. At least the first portion of the housing may form a user interface element. The first portion of the housing may be movable relative to the second portion. Preferably, the first portion of the housing may be rotatable relative to the second portion. Even more preferably, the first portion of the housing may be rotatable relative to the second portion about a central axis. Advantageously, rotation of the first portion of the housing relative to the second portion of the housing may move or deform the heating element due to a transition of the receiving chamber between the first and second configurations.

[0066] Alternatively, the actuator may be electrically operated and controlled by a control circuit. The control circuit may be configured to control the actuator to transition the receiving chamber from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position as needed. For example, at the beginning of a period of use of the device, a user may activate the system. Activation may include the user pressing a button or other user interface element of the device. Alternatively, activation may include the user drawing air through a mouthpiece of the system, which may be detected by the smoke detector arrangement. The control circuit may be configured to transition the receiving chamber from the first position to the second position upon activation of the device. The control circuit may also be configured to provide power to the heater assembly.

[0067] The control circuitry may be configured to transition the receiving chamber from the second position to the first position at the end of a period of use or when the device is otherwise shut down.

[0068] As described above, the heating element may comprise a coil wound about a central axis and may further comprise a first end and a second end, the coil being defined between the first end and the second end. The first end of the coil may be engaged with a first portion of the housing. The first end of the heating element may preferably be permanently secured to the first portion of the housing. The second end of the heating element may be engaged with a second portion of the housing. The second end of the heating element may preferably be permanently secured to the second portion of the housing.

[0069] Engaging or permanently fixing the coil to the housing at the first and second ends may advantageously constrain the heating element such that rotation of the first portion of the housing relative to the second portion deforms the heating element and reduces the internal volume. This may be because rotational motion of the first portion of the housing relative to the second portion of the housing may be transferred to the first heating element, causing the first end of the heating element to rotate relative to the second end of the heating element for the transition of the receiving chamber between the first and second configurations. Furthermore, the separation of the first end of the heating element relative to the second end of the heating element along the central axis may be maintained substantially constant in both the first and second configurations. In this way, the length of the coil may be maintained substantially constant in both the first and second configurations. Thus, rotation of the two ends of the heating element relative to each other may change the diameter, pitch, and number of turns per unit length of the helical coil.

[0070] Whether rotation of the housing transitions the receiving chamber between the first configuration and the second configuration will depend on whether the coil is left-handed or right-handed and the direction that the first portion of the housing rotates relative to the first portion of the housing.

[0071] Preferably, the coil may not be engaged or secured to the housing other than at the first and second ends, and thus the coil may advantageously be free to deform between the first and second ends.

[0072] In a first configuration, the coil of the heating element may be in contact with the housing along the length of the coil.

[0073] In the second configuration, the coil of the heating element may not contact the housing.In the second configuration, the heating element may not contact the housing except at the first and second ends.

[0074] An airflow path may be defined between the housing and the heating element when at least the receiving chamber is in the second configuration. The receiving chamber may be at least partially defined by a first side of the heating element. The airflow path may be at least partially defined in a second side of the heating element opposite the first side when at least the receiving chamber is in the second configuration.

[0075] An aerosol-generation chamber may be defined between the element housing and the heating element when at least the receiving chamber is in the second configuration.Thus, the heater assembly may comprise a heating chamber, the heating chamber comprising the receiving chamber and the aerosol-generation chamber.

[0076] When the heating element comprises a coil, the receiving chamber may be defined on an inner surface of the coil, so that if the coil is a helical coil having a cylindrical cross-section, the receiving chamber may also be cylindrical, and the airflow path may be at least partially defined on an outer surface of the coil opposite the inner surface of the coil, at least when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration.

[0077] In an alternative embodiment, the heating element may comprise a planar portion, the normal to the plane of the planar portion may be perpendicular to at least one of the longitudinal or central axis.

[0078] The planar portion may be sheet-like. The heating element may be fluid permeable. The heating element may comprise a mesh or sheet containing a plurality of conductive filaments and a plurality of holes.

[0079] The heating element may be movable to reduce an interior volume of the receiving chamber in the second configuration compared to the first configuration. The heating element may be movable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis along which the wicking element is receivable in the receiving chamber.

[0080] The heater assembly may include an actuator configured to move the heating element to transition the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0081] The heater assembly has been described as including a heating element. As such, the heater assembly may include further heating elements. For example, the heater assembly may include a second heating element. The heater assembly may include a third heating element. The heater assembly may include a fourth heating element.

[0082] Each of the heating elements may have characteristics corresponding to the characteristics of the heating element. For example, each of the heating elements may contact the wicking element when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration. Each of the heating elements may be movable or deformable to reduce an interior volume of the receiving chamber in the second configuration compared to the first configuration. An actuator of the aerosol generation system may be configured to move or deform each of the heating elements for transition of the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0083] When the heating element comprises a coil, one or more of the further heating elements may also comprise a coil having features corresponding to the coil of the heating element. For example, the one or more further heating elements may each comprise a coil, a first end, and a second end. Each coil may be a helical coil.

[0084] In other words, the heater assembly may include multiple coils.

[0085] The helical axes of each of the plurality of coils may be parallel to each other. The helical axis of each of the plurality of coils may be a central axis.

[0086] One or more of the multiple coils may overlap another coil.

[0087] The multiple coils may be distributed along the central axis. The multiple coils may be spaced apart along the length of the central axis.

[0088] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating device" is used to describe a device that generates an aerosol by interacting with an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article is preferably a cartridge.

[0089] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substrate made of or including an aerosol-forming material that is capable of releasing a volatile compound upon heating to generate an aerosol.

[0090] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming material" refers to a material that is capable of releasing volatile compounds upon heating to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise or be composed of an aerosol-forming material.

[0091] The aerosol generating system may include a power source. The system may be an aerosol generating device including a power source. The power source may be contained in a housing of the device. The power source may be electrically connectable to at least the first heating element. When the heating element includes a coil wound around a central axis and a first end and a second end, the power source may be connected or connectable to electrical contacts fixed to the first end and the second end.

[0092] The power source is a DC power source having a DC supply voltage in the range of about 2.5 volts to about 4.5 volts, and a DC supply current in the range of about 1 amp to about 10 amps (corresponding to a DC power supply in the range of about 2.5 watts to about 45 watts). The power source may be a battery, such as a rechargeable lithium ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may be rechargeable. The power source may have a capacity that allows for the storage of sufficient energy for one or more uses of the aerosol generating device. For example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to allow continuous generation of aerosol for about six minutes, or a multiple of six minutes, corresponding to the typical time it takes to smoke one conventional cigarette. In another embodiment, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to allow for a predetermined number of puffs, or for discontinuous activation.

[0093] The heating element may be a resistive heating element. The heating element may include an electrically resistive material. Suitable electrically resistive materials include, but are not limited to, semiconductors such as doped ceramics, "conductive" ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilicide, etc.), carbon, graphite, metals, alloys, and composites made of ceramic and metallic materials. Such composites may include doped and undoped ceramics.

[0094] The power supply may be arranged, in use, to supply an electrical current to the resistive heating element.

[0095] An aerosol generating device that includes a resistive heating element may be described as a resistively heated aerosol generating device.

[0096] Alternatively, the aerosol generator may be an inductively heated aerosol generator. The inductively heated aerosol generator may comprise an inductor coil. The inductor coil may be connected or connectable to a power source.

[0097] When the aerosol generation device comprises an inductor coil, the aerosol generation device may be configured to supply an alternating current to the inductor coil. The alternating current may have any suitable frequency. The alternating current may preferably be a high frequency alternating current. The alternating current may have a frequency between 100 kilohertz (kHz) and 30 megahertz (MHz). In use, the alternating current supplied to the inductor coil may generate a changing magnetic field.

[0098] When the power supply is configured to provide alternating current, the aerosol generating device may advantageously comprise a direct current to alternating current (DC / AC) inverter for converting the DC current provided by the DC power supply into alternating current. The DC / AC converter may comprise a class D or class E power amplifier. The power supply may be configured to provide alternating current.

[0099] The inductor coil may surround or be adjacent to at least a first heating element of the heater assembly, in such a case the heating element may be a susceptor element.

[0100] As used herein, "susceptor" or "susceptor element" means a conductive element that heats up when subjected to a changing magnetic field generated by an inductor coil. This may be the result of eddy currents induced in the susceptor element, or hysteresis losses (or both eddy currents and hysteresis losses induced in the susceptor element). Possible materials for the susceptor include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, and virtually any other conductive element.

[0101] The aerosol generating device may include a controller. The controller may be a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor, a microcontroller, or an application specific integrated circuit chip (ASIC) or other electronic control circuit. The controller may be configured to regulate the power supply from the power source to the heater assembly.

[0102] The wicking element may have a fibrous or spongy structure. The wicking element preferably comprises a bundle of capillaries. For example, the wicking element may comprise a plurality of fibers or threads or other fine tubes. The fibers or threads may be generally aligned to transport the liquid to the heater. Alternatively, the wicking element may comprise a spongy or foam-like material. The structure of the wicking element may form a plurality of small holes or tubes through which the liquid can be transported by capillary action. The wicking element may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials are spongy or foam materials, ceramic or graphite-based materials in the form of fibers or sintered powders, foamed metal or plastic materials, fibrous materials, such as fibrous materials made of spun or extruded fibers (such as cellulose acetate, polyester, or bonded polyolefin, polyethylene, terylene or polypropylene fibers, nylon fibers or ceramics). The wicking element may have any suitable capillarity and porosity to be used with different liquid physical properties. A liquid has physical properties, including but not limited to viscosity, surface tension, density, thermal conductivity, boiling point, and vapor pressure, that enable the liquid to be transported through a capillary device by capillary action.

[0103] Preferably, the wicking element may be a ceramic wick. The ceramic wick may comprise, or preferably consist of, a ceramic material. Preferably, when the wicking element is a ceramic wick, the wicking element may comprise a porous ceramic. The porous ceramic wick may comprise an open pore ceramic. The ceramic wick may be rigid. The ceramic wick may not deform when the chamber is in the second configuration.

[0104] Preferably, the wicking element may comprise or consist of an elastic material, such that the wicking element may advantageously return to its original shape after being compressed.

[0105] The aerosol generating system may comprise a cartridge. The cartridge may be removably connectable to the aerosol generating device. The cartridge may include a cartridge housing. The cartridge housing may define a reservoir containing the aerosol-forming substrate in condensed form.

[0106] The wicking element may be receivable or removable from the receiving chamber when the cartridge is not coupled to the aerosol generation device, and the wicking element may be completely surrounded by the aerosol generation device and the cartridge when the cartridge is coupled to the aerosol generation device.

[0107] Cartridges according to the present disclosure may advantageously be simple to manufacture and have low material costs. The cartridge may not include a heating element. The cartridge may not include a heating element at all. The cartridge may not include a wicking element. Thus, the material costs and complexity of cartridges according to the present disclosure may be lower than prior art cartridges that include both a heating element and a porous material, such as cartridges that include a coil and wick type arrangement.

[0108] The aerosol-forming substrate contained in the cartridge is a substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. The volatile compound can be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid, or may contain both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a gel. The gel may be solid at room temperature. In this context, "solid" means that the gel has a stable size and shape and does not flow. In this context, room temperature means 25 degrees Celsius.

[0109] The second aerosol-forming substrate is preferably a liquid.

[0110] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material that contains volatile tobacco flavour compounds that are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate may alternatively comprise a non-tobacco-containing material.

[0111] The aerosol-forming substrate may include at least one aerosol former. The aerosol former is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates the formation of a dense, stable aerosol during use and is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the system. Suitable aerosol formers are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols (such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerin, etc.), esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol monoacetate, diacetate, or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate, etc.). Preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof (such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and most preferably glycerin). The aerosol-forming substrate may include other additives and ingredients, such as flavoring agents.

[0112] The aerosol-forming substrate may be adsorbed, coated, impregnated or otherwise loaded onto a carrier or support, which may be separate from the wicking element.

[0113] The aerosol-forming substrate may be contained in a reservoir, which may have any suitable shape and size, depending on the requirements of the aerosol generation system.

[0114] When the cartridge is coupled to an aerosol generating device, the wicking element may be in fluid communication with the aerosol-forming substrate in the reservoir.

[0115] The cartridge may include an opening. The opening may be an opening in the cartridge housing. The opening may be aligned with the wicking element when the cartridge is coupled to the aerosol generation device. A portion of the wicking element may be received through the opening when the cartridge is coupled to the aerosol generation device.

[0116] When the cartridge is coupled to an aerosol generating device, the wicking element may be in fluid communication with the aerosol-forming substrate in the reservoir through the opening, and thus may advantageously transport the aerosol-forming substrate from the reservoir to the heating element.

[0117] At least a first portion of the wicking element may extend beyond the receiving chamber when the wicking element is received in the receiving chamber.The first portion of the wicking element may extend beyond the housing of the aerosol generation device when the wicking element is received in the receiving chamber.

[0118] The first portion of the wicking element may be adjacent to or received through the opening in the cartridge housing when the cartridge is coupled to the aerosol generating device.

[0119] A first portion of the wicking element may be received in the reservoir of the cartridge if the first portion of the wicking element is received through an opening in the cartridge when the cartridge is coupled to an aerosol generation device.

[0120] The reservoir may comprise a carrier or support containing the aerosol-forming substrate. The wicking element may contact the carrier or support of the reservoir when the cartridge is connected to an aerosol generating device. Thus, the aerosol-forming substrate may be transferred from the carrier or support to the wicking element.

[0121] The cartridge may comprise a seal across the opening. The seal may be removable prior to use of the cartridge. Alternatively, the seal may be a frangible seal. The seal may advantageously prevent exposure of the aerosol-forming substrate contained within the reservoir to air. Sealing the reservoir may also prevent leakage of the aerosol-forming substrate during movement of the cartridge.

[0122] The portion of the wicking element that is received in the receiving chamber may have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the receiving chamber of the heater assembly that the wicking element is configured to be received in. Preferably, the wicking element has an axisymmetric shape. Preferably, the wicking element is cylindrical.

[0123] The portion of the wicking element received in the receiving chamber may have a length of between 3 millimeters and 15 millimeters, preferably between 5 and 10 millimeters.

[0124] The wicking element may have a width of 1 millimeter to 12 millimeters, preferably 3 millimeters to 7 millimeters. If the wicking element is cylindrical, the width value corresponds to the diameter value of the cylindrical wicking element.

[0125] The aerosol generating device may comprise one or more engagement members. The one or more engagement members may be configured to engage with corresponding engagement members of the cartridge. The one or more engagement members may be configured such that the aerosol generating device is configured to engage with the cartridge by rotating the aerosol generating device relative to the cartridge.

[0126] The one or more engagement members of the aerosol generation device may comprise one or more protrusions configured to be received in one or more corresponding slots of the cartridge.

[0127] Alternatively or additionally, the one or more engagement members of the aerosol generating device may comprise one or more slots configured to receive one or more corresponding protrusions of the cartridge.

[0128] The one or more engagement members may be configured to engage the aerosol generating device with the cartridge when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration. The one or more engagement members may be configured to prevent the heating element housing from being detached from the cartridge when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration. This may prevent damage to the heating element or the wicking element.

[0129] The aerosol generation system may include an airflow path extending between an air inlet and an air outlet.

[0130] The cartridge may comprise a mouthpiece portion, which may be provided at an end of the cartridge opposite the opening.

[0131] The air outlet may be formed in the mouthpiece portion of the cartridge such that a cartridge user may draw air through the airflow path by inhaling through the mouthpiece portion.

[0132] At least a portion of the airflow path may extend through the portion of the reservoir. At least a portion of the airflow path that extends through the portion of the reservoir may be annular in shape. At least a portion of the airflow path that extends through the portion of the reservoir may be defined by a cartridge housing.

[0133] At least a portion of the airflow path may be defined by an outer surface of the wicking element. In this manner, vapor generated by heating the aerosol-forming substrate contained within the wick may be emitted directly into air flowing through the airflow path.

[0134] When the heating element comprises a coil between the first and second ends, the actuator of the aerosol generation system may be configured to move or rotate the first end of the coil relative to the second end of the coil for transition of the receiving chamber from the first or second configuration to the third configuration. Preferably, the actuator may be configured to move or rotate the first and second contact portions of the heating element.

[0135] When the helical coil is left-handed, the actuator may be configured to rotate the first end of the heating element in a clockwise direction relative to the second end of the heating element to transition the receiving chamber from the first or second configuration to the third configuration, and the actuator may additionally or alternatively be configured to rotate the second end of the heating element in a counterclockwise direction relative to the first end of the coil to transition the receiving chamber from the first or second configuration to the third configuration.

[0136] When the helical coil is right-handed, the actuator may be configured to rotate the first end of the heating element in a counterclockwise direction relative to the second end of the heating element to transition the receiving chamber from the first or second configuration to the third configuration. The actuator may also or alternatively be configured to rotate the second end of the heating element in a clockwise direction relative to the first end of the heating element to transition the receiving chamber from the first or second configuration to the third configuration.

[0137] As described above, the actuator may be electrically operated and controlled by a control circuit. The control circuit may be configured to actuate the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the third configuration before actuating the receiving chamber to the second configuration. This may force the aerosol-forming substrate out of the wicking element, as described above. The control circuit may be configured to actuate the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the third configuration before providing power to the heater assembly to heat the aerosol-forming substrate, or at the beginning of a period of use. As described above, this may increase the amount of aerosol generated at the beginning of a puff. The control circuit is configured to actuate the receiving chamber from the second configuration to the third configuration at the end of a period of use. As described above, this may advantageously reduce or minimize cross-contamination.

[0138] The control circuitry can be configured to actuate the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the third configuration and then actuate the receiving chamber from the third configuration to the second configuration, which can be particularly advantageous at the beginning of a period of use.

[0139] The control circuitry may then be configured to actuate the receiving chamber from the second configuration to the third configuration and back to the second configuration, which may advantageously allow the wicking element to be pumped as described above. The control circuitry may be configured to repeatedly actuate the receiving chamber from the second configuration to the third configuration and back to the second configuration multiple times.

[0140] The control circuitry may be configured to actuate the receiving chamber from the second configuration to the third configuration and then actuate the receiving chamber from the third configuration to the first configuration, which may be particularly advantageous at the end of a period of use.

[0141] According to a second aspect, there is provided a method of using the aerosol generation system according to the first aspect. The method may comprise configuring the receiving chamber in a second configuration. The method may comprise supplying power to the heating element to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0142] The step of configuring the receiving chamber in the second configuration may be performed before the step of supplying power to the heating element.

[0143] Configuring the receiving chamber in the second configuration may include transitioning the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0144] The method may include transitioning the receiving chamber from the second configuration to the first configuration after the step of supplying power to the heating element.

[0145] The method may include coupling the cartridge to the aerosol generation device.The method may include decoupling the cartridge from the aerosol generation device.

[0146] The method may include inserting a wicking element into the receiving chamber when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration. The method may include decoupling the aerosol generation device and the cartridge prior to inserting the wicking element into the receiving chamber. The method may include coupling the aerosol generation device and the cartridge after inserting the wicking element into the receiving chamber.

[0147] The method may include at least one of removing or replacing the wicking element from the receiving chamber when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration.

[0148] The heating element may include a first end, a second end, and a coil wound about a central axis. Translating the receiving chamber may include rotating the first end relative to the second end.

[0149] The method may include configuring the receiving chamber in a third configuration.

[0150] Configuring the receiving chamber in the third configuration can include transitioning the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the third configuration, which may be prior to transitioning the receiving chamber to the second configuration. Transitioning the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the third configuration may be prior to or simultaneous with providing power to the heating element to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0151] The method may include repeatedly transitioning the receiving chamber from the third configuration to the second configuration and then back to the second configuration, which may be repeated multiple times.

[0152] Configuring the receiving chamber in the third configuration may include transitioning the receiving chamber from the second configuration to the third configuration, which may occur simultaneously with or subsequent to providing power to the heating element to generate the aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0153] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of controlling an aerosol generation system as described in the first aspect. The aerosol generation device of the aerosol generation system may include an actuator controller electrically operated by a control circuit. The method may include configuring the receiving chamber in a second configuration. The method may include providing power to the heating element to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0154] The step of configuring the receiving chamber in the second configuration may be performed before the step of supplying power to the heating element.

[0155] Configuring the receiving chamber in the second configuration may include transitioning the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0156] The method may include transitioning the receiving chamber from the second configuration to the first configuration after the step of supplying power to the heating element.

[0157] The method may include configuring the chamber in a third configuration.

[0158] Configuring the chamber in the third configuration may include reconfiguring the chamber from the first configuration to the third configuration, which may occur prior to reconfiguring the chamber to the second configuration. Reconfiguring the chamber from the first configuration to the second configuration may occur prior to or simultaneously with providing power to the first heating element to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0159] The method may include repeatedly reconfiguring the chamber from the third configuration to the second configuration and then back to the second configuration, which may be repeated multiple times.

[0160] Configuring the chamber in the third configuration may include reconfiguring the chamber from the second configuration to the third configuration, which may occur simultaneously with or subsequent to providing power to the first heating element to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0161] Features described with respect to one aspect may be applied to other aspects of the present disclosure, in particular advantageous or optional features described with respect to the first aspect of the present disclosure may be applied to the second or third aspects of the present disclosure.

[0162] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, the following provides a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0163] Example 1. An aerosol generating system for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol generating system comprising: A heating element; a receiving chamber defined at least in part by a heating element; a wicking element received in the receiving chamber; the receiving chamber has a first configuration and a second configuration, and an interior volume of the receiving chamber is greater when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration than when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration; In a second configuration, the aerosol generating system has a heating element in contact with a wicking element.

[0164] Example 2. An aerosol-generating system according to Example 1, wherein the aerosol-generating system comprises a reservoir containing an aerosol-forming substrate in condensed form.

[0165] Example 3. An aerosol generation system according to Example 1 or Example 2, further comprising an aerosol generation device and a cartridge, the aerosol generation device comprising a heating element, a receiving chamber, and a wicking element.

[0166] Example 4. An aerosol generating system according to example 3, wherein the device further comprises a power source.

[0167] Example 5. An aerosol generating device according to example 4, wherein a power source is electrically connectable to the heating element.

[0168] Example 6. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 3 to 5, wherein the cartridge is removably connected to the device.

[0169] Example 7. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 3 to 6 comprising a reservoir containing the aerosol-forming substrate in condensed form, the cartridge comprising a cartridge housing defining the reservoir.

[0170] Example 8. An aerosol generating system according to Example 7, wherein the wicking element is in fluid communication with the aerosol-forming substrate in the reservoir when the cartridge is connected to the device.

[0171] Example 9. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 3 to 8, wherein the cartridge comprises a mouthpiece portion.

[0172] Example 10. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 3 to 9, wherein the cartridge does not include a heating element.

[0173] Example 11. An aerosol generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the heating element in the decoupled position is not in contact with the wicking element.

[0174] Example 12. An aerosol generation system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol generation system further comprises an airflow path extending between the air inlet and the air outlet.

[0175] Example 13. An aerosol generation system according to Example 12, wherein the aerosol generation system further comprises a heating element housing, and the heating element is at least partially contained within the heating element housing.

[0176] Example 14. An aerosol generating system according to example 13, wherein a portion of the airflow path is defined between the heating element housing and the heating element when at least the receiving chamber is in the second configuration.

[0177] Example 15. The aerosol generation system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the receiving chamber further has a third configuration, and an internal volume of the receiving chamber is greater in both the first configuration and the second configuration than when the receiving chamber is in the third configuration.

[0178] Example 16. An aerosol generating system according to example 15, wherein the internal volume of the receiving chamber is at least 10% greater than when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration.

[0179] Example 17. An aerosol generation system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the wicking element is removable from the receiving chamber when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration.

[0180] Example 18. An aerosol generation system according to any one of the preceding examples, further comprising an actuator configured to actuate the receiving chamber between the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0181] Example 19. An aerosol generating system according to Example 18, wherein the actuator is electrically operated and controlled by a control circuit.

[0182] Example 20. An aerosol generating system according to Example 19, further comprising a power source, the electrically operated actuator being connected or connectable to the power source.

[0183] Example 21. An aerosol generation system according to example 19 or example 20, wherein the electrical circuit is configured to operate the actuator to actuate the receiving chamber between the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0184] Example 22. An aerosol generating system according to Example 21, wherein the electrical circuit is configured to actuate the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the second configuration after activation of the system at the beginning of a period of use.

[0185] Example 23. An aerosol generating system according to Example 22, wherein the electrical circuit is further configured to provide power from the power source to the first heater element following start-up of the system at the beginning of a period of use.

[0186] Example 24. The aerosol generating system according to Example 23, wherein the electrical circuit is configured to power the first heater element after actuating the receiving chamber into the second configuration.

[0187] Example 25. The aerosol generating system according to Example 23, wherein the electrical circuit is configured to power the first heater element prior to actuating the receiving chamber into the second configuration.

[0188] Example 26. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 22 to 25, wherein the actuator is further configured to actuate the receiving chamber into a third configuration, and the internal volume of the receiving chamber is greater in both the first configuration and the second configuration than when the receiving chamber is in the third configuration.

[0189] Example 27. An aerosol generating system according to Example 26, wherein the electrical circuit is configured to actuate the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the third configuration, and thereafter actuate the receiving chamber to the second configuration.

[0190] Example 28. The aerosol generation system according to example 26 or example 27, wherein the electrical circuit is configured to actuate the receiving chamber from the second configuration to the third configuration at the end of the period of use.

[0191] Example 29. An aerosol generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the heating element comprises a coil wound around a central axis.

[0192] Example 30. An aerosol generation system according to example 29, wherein the coil is deformable to reduce an internal volume of the receiving chamber in the second configuration compared to the first configuration.

[0193] Example 31. An aerosol generation system according to example 29 or example 30, wherein the heater assembly further comprises an actuator configured to deform the coil for transition of the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0194] Example 32. An aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 29 to 31, wherein the wicking element is receivable in the receiving chamber in a direction parallel to the central axis.

[0195] Example 33. An aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 29 to 32, wherein in a second configuration of the receiving chamber, at least a first portion of the coil contacts the wicking element when the wicking element is received in the receiving chamber.

[0196] Example 34. An aerosol generating system according to example 33, wherein the coil comprises a second portion different from the first portion.

[0197] Example 35. An aerosol generation system according to example 34, wherein in a second configuration of the receiving chamber, the second portion of the coil does not contact the wicking element when the wicking element is received in the receiving chamber.

[0198] Example 36. An aerosol generating system according to example 34 or example 35, wherein the second portion of the coil comprises a coating material having a lower resistivity than the material of the first portion of the coil.

[0199] Example 37. An aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 34 to 36, wherein the second portion of the coil has a larger cross-sectional dimension than the first portion.

[0200] Example 38. An aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 29 to 37, wherein the coil is a helical coil.

[0201] Example 39. An aerosol generating system according to example 38, wherein the helical coil is axially symmetric.

[0202] Example 40 An aerosol generation system according to example 38 or example 39, wherein the helical coil has a circular cross section.

[0203] Example 41. An aerosol generating system according to example 40, wherein the diameter of the heating element is greater when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration than when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration.

[0204] Example 42. An aerosol generating system according to any of Examples 29 to 41, wherein the heating element comprises a first end and a second end.

[0205] Example 43. An aerosol generating system according to example 42, wherein at least one of the first end and the second end of the heating element is not in the shape of a coil.

[0206] Example 44. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 42 to 43, wherein the first end is rotatable relative to the second end to reduce the internal volume of the receiving chamber in the second configuration compared to the first configuration.

[0207] Example 45. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 42 to 44, wherein the heater assembly further comprises an actuator configured to rotate the first end relative to the second end for transition of the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0208] Example 46. An aerosol generating system according to any of Examples 29 to 45, wherein the heating element is a helical coil and the number of turns per unit length of the heating element is greater when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration than when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration.

[0209] Example 47. An aerosol generating system according to Example 46, wherein the distance between the first end and the second end of the heating element along the central axis is substantially the same when the receiving chamber is in both the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0210] Example 48. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 13 to 47, wherein the heater assembly further comprises a user interface element configured to actuate the receiving chamber between the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0211] Example 49. An aerosol generating system according to Example 48, wherein at least a first portion of the heating element housing forms a user interface element.

[0212] Example 50. An aerosol generating system according to Example 49, wherein the heating element comprises a coil wound around a central axis having a first end and a second end, and the first end of the heating element is fixed to a first portion of the heating element housing.

[0213] Example 51. An aerosol generating system according to Example 50, wherein the heating element is not fixed to a first portion of the heating element housing other than the first end.

[0214] Example 52. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 48 to 51, wherein the heating element housing includes a second portion and the first portion of the heating element housing is movable relative to the second portion of the heating element housing.

[0215] Example 53. An aerosol generating system according to example 52, wherein the first portion of the heating element housing is rotatable relative to the second portion of the housing.

[0216] Example 54. An aerosol generating system according to Example 52 or Example 53, wherein the heating element is a coil wound around a central axis having a first end and a second end, and the second end of the coil is fixed to a second portion of the heating element housing.

[0217] Example 55. An aerosol generating system according to Example 54, wherein the heating element is not fixed to the second portion of the heating element housing other than the second end.

[0218] Example 56. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 52 to 55, wherein the first and second parts of the housing together form a hollow body containing at least a portion of the heating element.

[0219] Example 57. A method of using an aerosol generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, comprising: configuring the receiving chamber in a second configuration; and applying power to a first heating element to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0220] Example 58. The method according to example 57, wherein the step of configuring the receiving chamber in the second configuration is performed before the step of supplying power to the heating element.

[0221] Example 59. The method according to example 57 or example 58, wherein the step of configuring the receiving chamber in the second configuration includes transitioning the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0222] Example 60. The method according to any one of Examples 57 to 59, further comprising reconfiguring the receiving chamber from the second configuration to the first configuration after the step of supplying power to the heating element.

[0223] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the figures. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0224] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation device and a cartridge, the device including a wicking element. [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the aerosol generation system of FIG. 1, in which the cartridge is disconnected from the aerosol generation device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the aerosol generating device of FIGS. 1 and 2, with the wicking element removed from the receiving chamber. [Figure 4A-4B]4A is a perspective view of the resistive heating element and wicking element of the aerosol generation system of FIG. 1; in FIG. 4A, the resistive heating element is disconnected from the wicking element, and in FIG. 4B, the resistive heating element is connected to the wicking element. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the heater assembly of the aerosol generation system of FIG. 1 without a wicking element. [Figure 6A-6B] 6A is a schematic diagram of the heater assembly and wicking element of the aerosol generation system of FIG. 1; in FIG. 6A, the resistive heating element is disconnected from the wicking element, and in FIG. 6B, the resistive heating element is connected to the wicking element. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a cartridge of the aerosol generation system of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of using the aerosol generation system of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of an aerosol generation system according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0225] 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of an aerosol generating system 100. The aerosol generating system 100 comprises a cartridge 110. The cartridge 110 includes a reservoir 112 containing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate 116. The reservoir 112 is defined by a cartridge housing 111. The cartridge 110 further comprises an internal passageway 113. A portion of the internal passageway 113 is annular. At one end, the cartridge 110 comprises a mouthpiece portion 114.

[0226] The aerosol generating system 100 also includes an aerosol generating device 150. The aerosol generating device 150 includes a controller 154 and a power source 156 in the form of a rechargeable battery. A device housing 152 of the aerosol generating device 150 contains both the controller 154 and the power source 156. The device housing 152 includes an air inlet 158 ​​and a device airflow passageway 115 extending from the air inlet 158.

[0227] The aerosol generating device 150 further comprises a heater assembly 130 .

[0228] The aerosol generating device 150 further comprises a wicking element 120. The wicking element 120 has a cylindrical shape.

[0229] The heater assembly 130 includes a resistive heating element 140 configured to heat the wicking element 120. The resistive heating element 140 is formed of an electrically conductive material that is configured to increase in temperature when an electric current is passed through it. The resistive heating element 140 includes a wire wound around a central axis to form a helical coil 141. The helical coil 141 of the resistive heating element 140 defines a receiving chamber 144.

[0230] The heater assembly chamber 144 defined by the helical coil 141 of the resistive heating element 140 has two configurations. In the first configuration, the resistive heating element 140 is decoupled from the wicking element 120. In the second configuration, the resistive heating element 140 is coupled to the wicking element 120. This is shown in Figures 4A and 4B and 6A and 6B. The interior volume of the heater assembly chamber 144 is larger in the first configuration than in the second configuration.

[0231] A first portion 121 of the wicking element 120 extends from the heater assembly chamber 144. The first portion 121 of the wicking element 120 includes a first end.

[0232] The second portion 122 of the wicking element 120 of the aerosol generating device 150 is received within the heater assembly chamber 144 and includes a second end opposite the first end of the wicking element.

[0233] 1, a wicking element 120 is shown in fluid contact with a liquid aerosol-forming substrate 116 in a reservoir 112 of a cartridge 110. In particular, a first end of the wicking element 120 is contained within the cartridge housing 111 and in fluid communication with the reservoir 112. The wicking element 120 is receivable within and removable from the cartridge 110 along a longitudinal axis corresponding to the central axis.

[0234] Figure 2 shows the aerosol generation system 100 of Figure 1, but now with the cartridge 110 disconnected from the aerosol generation device 150. In particular, the cartridge 110 has been disconnected from the heater assembly 130. The wicking element 120 of the aerosol generation device 150 of Figure 2 is no longer received in the cartridge 110. A first portion 121 of the wicking element 120 protrudes from the heater assembly 130.

[0235] The wicking element 120 is receivable within and removable from the receiving chamber 144 along the central axis. Figure 3 shows the aerosol generation device 150 of Figure 2, but with the wicking element 120 disconnected and removed from the aerosol generation device 150. In particular, the second portion 122 of the wicking element 120 has been disconnected and removed from the heater assembly chamber 144 of the heater assembly 130. To enable removal of the wicking element 120 from the heater assembly chamber 144, the heater assembly chamber 144 is installed in a first configuration.

[0236] 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams of a resistive heating element and a wicking element of a first embodiment of an aerosol generation system.

[0237] FIG. 4A shows how the helical coil 141 of the resistive heating element 140 is formed by wire wound around a central axis to form a helical coil. A heater assembly chamber 144 is defined by the helical coil 141 of the resistive heating element 140. The cylindrical wicking element 120 of the cartridge is received in the heater assembly chamber 140 such that a portion of the wicking element 120 is surrounded by the helical coil 141 of the resistive heating element 140 and is received by the heater assembly chamber 144 defined by the helical coil 141. A first portion of the wicking element 120 protrudes from the heater assembly chamber 144 defined by the helical coil 141. The helical coil 141 shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B is a left-handed helical coil, but the helical coil 141 may alternatively be a right-handed helical coil.

[0238] The heater assembly chamber 144 defined by the helical coil 141 has a first configuration and a second configuration. FIG. 4A illustrates the heater assembly chamber 144 in the first configuration. FIG. 4B illustrates the heater assembly chamber 144 in the second configuration. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the interior volume of the receiving chamber 144 defined by the helical coil 141 is larger in the first configuration than in the second configuration. In particular, the cross-sectional area of ​​the heater assembly chamber 144 is larger in the first configuration than in the second configuration, while the length of the heater assembly chamber remains substantially constant. The cross-sectional area of ​​the heater assembly chamber 144 is a cross-section of the receiving chamber taken perpendicular to the helical axis of the helical coil 141.

[0239] The pitch of the helical coil 141 is greater when the helical coil is in the first configuration than when the helical coil is in the second configuration. The number of turns per unit length of the helical coil 141 is less when the helical coil is in the first configuration than when the helical coil is in the second configuration. However, the length of the helical coil is substantially the same when the helical coil is in the first configuration as when the helical coil is in the second configuration.

[0240] When the heater assembly chamber is in the first configuration, as shown in Figure 4A, the resistive heating element 140 is not in contact with the wicking element 120. In other words, the resistive heating element 140 is decoupled from the wicking element 120, and the wicking element 120 is freely accessible or removable from the heater assembly chamber 144. When the heater assembly chamber 144 is in the second configuration, as shown in Figure 4B, the resistive heating element 140 is in contact with the wicking element 120. In other words, the resistive heating element 140 is coupled to the wicking element 120.

[0241] 4A and 4B, the resistive heating element 140 includes a first end 142 and a second end 143. The first end 142 and the second end 143 protrude at a right angle to a central axis of the helical coil 141. The first end 142 and the second end 143 include a material having a resistance per unit length that is lower than the resistance per unit length of the material of the helical coil 141. Thus, the first end 142 and the second end 143 advantageously do not heat up as much as the helical coil 141 when power is supplied to the resistive heating element 140.

[0242] The heater assembly chamber 144 is configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration by deforming the resistive heating element 140. In particular, a first pair of opposing rotational forces 148, represented by arrows at the first end 142 and the second end 143 of the resistive heating element 140, can be applied to the first end 142 and the second end 143 to reversibly deform the resistive heating element 140 such that the heater assembly chamber 144 is transitionable from the first configuration to the second configuration. A second pair of opposing rotational forces acting in a direction opposite to that of the first pair of opposing rotational forces 148 can be applied to the first end 142 and the second end 143 to reversibly deform the resistive heating element 140 such that the heater assembly chamber 144 is transitionable from the second configuration to the first configuration.

[0243] 4A and 4B show how opposing rotational forces 148 are applied to the first and second ends of the resistive heating element 140 to define a receiving chamber 144, but the transition of the receiving chamber can apply a rotational force to only one of the first end 142 or second end 143. A rotational force applied to only one of the ends of the resistive heating element 140 will still cause rotation of one of the first end 142 or second end 143 relative to the other.

[0244] As shown in FIG. 1, the heater assembly 130 further comprises an upper actuator element 132 and a lower actuator element 134. The upper actuator element 132 and the lower actuator element 134 together form a housing having a hollow body that surrounds the heating element 140. The heater assembly including the upper actuator element 132 and the lower actuator element 134 is shown separately from the rest of the aerosol generating system 100 in a schematic perspective view of FIG. 5. A first end 142 of the resistive heating element 140 engages the upper actuator element 132. In particular, the first end 142 of the resistive heating element 140 passes through an opening defined in the upper actuator element 132. A second end 143 of the resistive heating element 140 engages the lower actuator element 134. In particular, the second end 143 of the resistive heating element 140 passes through an opening defined in the lower actuator element 134.

[0245] The upper actuator element 132 is axially rotatable relative to the lower actuator element 134. In particular, the actuator element 132 is axially rotatable relative to the lower actuator element 134 about the heating element's helical axis, represented by the dashed line in FIG. 3. By rotating the upper actuator element 132 relative to the lower actuator element 134, the first end 142 of the resistive heating element 140 rotates relative to the second end 143, elastically deforming the resistive heating element 140 and transitioning the receiving chamber 144 between the first and second configurations. The rotational forces applied to the upper actuator element 132 and the lower actuator element 134 for transitioning the receiving chamber 144 between the first and second configurations are indicated by arrows 192, 194, respectively. Although FIG. 3 shows both the lower actuator element 132 and the upper actuator element 134 as rotatable, it is sufficient that only one of the actuator elements is rotatable relative to the other.

[0246] Figure 6A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the heater assembly of Figure 5, but where the wicking element 120 is received in a heater assembly chamber 144. In Figure 6A, the heater assembly chamber 144 is in a first configuration. An upper actuator element 132 and a lower actuator element 134 surround a resistive heating element 140. A second end portion 143 protrudes from the lower actuator element 134. Because Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view, only the second end portion 143 is visible.

[0247] Figure 6B shows the heater assembly with the heater assembly chamber 144 in a second configuration. As seen in Figure 4B, the wicking element 120 is received in the heater assembly chamber in a second configuration 146, with the resistive heating element 140 in contact with the wicking element 120. An airflow path 147 is defined by the annular space between the helical coil 141 and the lower actuator element 134, and also between the helical coil 141 and the upper actuator element 132. The annular spaces between the helical coil 141 and the lower actuator element 134, and also between the helical coil 141 and the upper actuator element 132, themselves define an aerosol generation chamber where the aerosol is initially generated before being delivered to the user.

[0248] FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of the cartridge 110 separate from the aerosol generating device. A cavity 301 is defined by an inner wall 303. The cavity 301 is generally cylindrical. The cavity 301 includes a first circular opening at the end of the cartridge distal to the mouthpiece 114. The cavity 301 includes a second circular opening to the reservoir 112, the second circular opening diametrically opposite the first circular opening. The inner wall 303 is integrally formed with the cartridge housing 111. The reservoir 112 is defined by the cartridge housing 111. An internal passageway 113 is defined by the cartridge housing 111 and the wicking element wall 303.

[0249] The cartridge 110 is configured such that the first portion 121 of the wicking element 120 is received in a cavity 301 of the cartridge 110 when the cartridge 110 is coupled to the aerosol generation device 150. The first portion 121 of the wicking element 120 is received in the cavity 301 through the first circular opening. The cartridge 110 is configured such that when the wicking element 120 is received in the cavity 301 of the cartridge 110, the first end of the wicking element 120 is in fluid communication with the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 116 contained in the reservoir 112.

[0250] 8 shows a schematic diagram of a first method of using the aerosol generation system 100. The method includes step 801 of receiving the wicking element 120 in the heater assembly chamber 144 in a first configuration. As described above, in the first configuration, the wicking element 120 is freely receivable and removable from the resistive heating element 140 in the first configuration, and the wicking element 120 and the resistive heating element 140 are not coupled. Therefore, it is easy to receive the wicking element 120 in the heater assembly chamber 144 when the heater assembly chamber 144 is in the first configuration.

[0251] The method further includes a step 802 of coupling the cartridge 110 with the aerosol generation device 150. The first portion 121 of the wicking element 120 is received in the recess 301 of the cartridge 110. The wicking element 120 is in fluid communication with the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 116.

[0252] The method further includes a step 803 of rotating the first end 142 of the resistive heating element 140 relative to the second end 143 of the resistive heating element 140 to deform the resistive heating element 140 such that the resistive heating element 140 contacts the wicking element 120. Thus, the wicking element 120 is in the heater assembly chamber 144 in the second configuration. Thus, in step 803, the heater assembly chamber 144 transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0253] The method further includes step 804 of using the aerosol generation system 100 while the heater assembly chamber 144 is in the second configuration. Step 803 of transitioning the heater assembly chamber 144 from the first configuration to the second configuration automatically sends an activation signal to the controller 154 to activate the device 150. Activation of the device 150 results in power being provided to the resistive heating element 140 from the battery 156. The battery 156 is connected to the first end 142 and the second end 143 of the resistive heating element 140 via wires and suitable electrical contacts, not shown. This causes a current to flow through the resistive heating element 140, thereby resistively heating the resistive heating element 140.

[0254] In other embodiments, the device 150 is not immediately activated in response to the heater assembly chamber 144 transitioning from the first configuration to the second configuration. Instead, the user may press a button (not shown) on the aerosol generation device 150 to send an activation signal to the controller 154. In other embodiments, an airflow or pressure sensor is located in the aerosol generation system 100 and electrically connected to the controller 154. The airflow or pressure sensor detects when the user is drawing on the mouthpiece portion 114 and sends a signal to the controller 154 to provide power to the resistive heating element 140.

[0255] During step 804, the user can puff on the mouthpiece portion 114 of the cartridge 110. As the user puffs on the mouthpiece portion 114 of the cartridge 110, air is drawn into the air inlet 158. An airflow path is defined between the air inlet 158 ​​and the mouthpiece portion 114, passing through the device airflow passage 115, the heater assembly 130, and the internal passage 113 of the cartridge 110. In particular, the airflow path passes through the wicking element 120. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate 116 in the reservoir 112 is drawn into the wicking element 120 by capillary forces. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate 116 in the wicking element 120 is then heated and vaporized by the resistive heating element 140 to generate vapor. The airflow entrains the vapor formed by heating the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 116 in the wicking element 120 by the resistive heating element 140. This entrained vapor then cools and condenses to form an aerosol, which is then drawn from the system by the user through the internal passageway 113 and mouthpiece portion 114 of the cartridge 110.

[0256] Because the resistive heating element 140 is in contact with the wicking element 120 in the second configuration, the wicking element 120 (and therefore the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 116 ) is efficiently heated by the resistive heating element 140 .

[0257] The method further includes a fifth step 805 of transitioning the heater assembly chamber 144 from the second configuration to the first configuration. After the fifth step 805, the resistive heating element 140 is separated from the wicking element 120. Following step 805, the cartridge 110 may be separated from the aerosol generating device and replaced. This may be advantageous if the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 116 of the cartridge 110 is depleted. Additionally, after the cartridge is separated from the aerosol generating device, the wicking element 120 may be removed from the aerosol generating device 150 and replaced. This may be advantageous if the wicking element 120 is degraded or damaged. Alternatively or additionally, steps 803-805 may be repeated for subsequent periods of use until the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 116 of the cartridge 110 is depleted.

[0258] The heater assembly chamber 144 is described as having a first configuration and a second configuration. The heater assembly chamber 144 also has a third configuration (not shown). In the third configuration, the receiving chamber 144 has a smaller interior volume than both the first and second configurations. In some embodiments, the wicking element 120 includes a compressible material. As such, in the third configuration, the compressible material of the wicking element is compressed.

[0259] Thus, in some embodiments, method step 803 includes rotating a first end 142 of the resistive heating element 140 relative to a second end 143 of the resistive heating element to deform the heating element so that the receiving chamber is in a third configuration, and then rotating the first end 142 of the resistive heating element 140 relative to the second end 143 of the resistive heating element to deform the resistive heating element so that the resistive heating element is in contact with the wicking element.

[0260] The heater assembly chamber 144 is configured in a third configuration before the aerosol-forming substrate contained in the wicking element 120 in the second configuration is forced out of the wicking element 120. The aerosol-forming substrate is then rapidly heated and vaporized during step 804.

[0261] FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating system 700 according to the invention. The aerosol generating system 700 is similar to that shown in FIG. 1 and will therefore only be described with respect to the different features. The heater assembly 730 of the aerosol generating device 750 further comprises an inductor coil 795. Instead of a resistive heating element, the heater assembly 730 of the aerosol generating device 750 further comprises a susceptor element 740. The susceptor element 740 comprises a helical susceptor coil of the same form as the helical coil 141 of the resistive heating element 140 of FIGS. 1-6, including the end portions that protrude through the upper actuator element 132 and the lower actuator element 134. However, instead of being directly resistively heated, the susceptor element 740 is heated by induction. An alternating current is applied to the inductor coil 795, which generates a magnetic field. The susceptor element 740 is heated by eddy currents and hysteresis losses induced by the generated magnetic field.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol generation system for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol generation system comprising: A heating element; a receiving chamber defined at least in part by the heating element; a wicking element received in the receiving chamber; the receiving chamber has a first configuration and a second configuration, an interior volume of the receiving chamber being greater when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration than when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration; In the second configuration, the heating element is in contact with the wicking element; The aerosol generation system comprises an actuator, the actuator comprising a user interface element and an actuation mechanism, the actuation mechanism configured to actuate the receiving chamber between the first configuration and the second configuration in response to input to the user interface element.

2. 10. The aerosol generation system of claim 1, further comprising an aerosol generation device and a cartridge, the aerosol generation device comprising the heating element, the receiving chamber, and the wicking element, and the cartridge is removably connectable to the aerosol generation device.

3. The aerosol generating system of claim 2 , wherein the device further comprises a power source.

4. 3. An aerosol generating system according to claim 1, further comprising a reservoir containing an aerosol-forming substrate in condensed form, said cartridge comprising a cartridge housing defining said reservoir.

5. 5. The aerosol generating system of claim 4, wherein the wicking element is in fluid communication with the aerosol-forming substrate in the reservoir when the cartridge is coupled to the device.

6. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the cartridge does not include a heating element.

7. 7. The aerosol generation system of claim 2, wherein at least a first portion of the wicking element extends beyond the receiving chamber when the wicking element is received in the receiving chamber.

8. 8. The aerosol generation system of claim 7, wherein the cartridge housing defines an opening and the first portion of the wicking element is adjacent to or received through the opening of the cartridge housing when the cartridge is connected to the aerosol generation device.

9. An aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the actuation mechanism is configured to convert movement of the user interface during input to move or deform the heating element.

10. 10. The aerosol generation system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the heating element is movable or deformable to reduce the internal volume of the receiving chamber in the second configuration compared to the first configuration.

11. The aerosol generation system of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the heating element comprises a coil and the actuator is configured to deform the coil to transition the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the second configuration.

12. 12. The aerosol generation system of claim 11, wherein the heating element further comprises a first end and a second end, and the actuator is configured to rotate the first end relative to the second end for transitioning the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the second configuration.

13. 13. The aerosol generation system of claim 11 or 12, wherein the coil is a helical coil.

14. A method of using an aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the steps of: configuring the receiving chamber in the second configuration; and and applying power to a first heating element to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate.

15. The method of claim 14 , further comprising reconfiguring the receiving chamber from the second configuration to the first configuration after the step of applying power to the heating element.

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