Aerosol generating device

Abstract

An aerosol delivery device (6) for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material (26) is disclosed. The device (6) includes a plurality of aerosol generators (46) and a controller (34), where the aerosol generators (46) are arranged adjacent to one another to form an array of aerosol generators (46). The device (6) is configured such that the aerosol-generating material (26) is arranged in an overlapping manner in the array of aerosol generators (46). Each aerosol generator (46) is configured to generate an aerosol from a generation region (56) of the aerosol-generating material (26) when the aerosol generator (46) is fully activated, and the generation regions (56) associated with adjacent aerosol generators (46) in the array abut, partially overlap, or are adjacent to one another.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, and a system including the aerosol-generating device and an article including the aerosol-generating material. [Background technology]

[0002] Smoking articles, such as cigarettes and cigars, burn tobacco to produce tobacco smoke during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these tobacco-burning articles by creating products that release compounds without burning. An example of such a product is a heating device that releases compounds by heating a material without burning it. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, and may or may not contain nicotine. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generation device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. The device includes a plurality of aerosol generators and a controller. The aerosol generators are arranged adjacent to one another to form an array of aerosol generators, and the device is configured such that the aerosol-generating material is arranged in an overlapping manner in the array of aerosol generators. Each aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from a generation region of the aerosol-generating material when the aerosol generator is fully activated, and the generation regions associated with adjacent aerosol generators in the array abut, partially overlap, or are adjacent to one another.

[0004] An aerosol-generating material overlaps an array of aerosol generators when the surface of the aerosol-generating material is in contact with or near the surface of the array of aerosol generators such that full operation of the aerosol generator can generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material.

[0005] In one embodiment of the above embodiments, the aerosol generator is fully activated when it is at its intended maximum aerosol-generating condition. For an aerosol generator that generates heat to cause aerosolization of the aerosol-generating material, fully activated is when the aerosol generator is at its maximum intended temperature.

[0006] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generator that generates heat to cause aerosolization of the aerosol-generating material can cause aerosol generation at some operating level less than full operation.

[0007] In some embodiments, the aerosol generator may be operated to a level less than full operation, which preheats but does not aerosolize the aerosol-generating material.

[0008] An advantage of the aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure is that abutting or overlapping generation regions results in maximized aerosolization of the aerosol-generating material because there are no portions of the aerosol-generating material that are not aerosolized between the aerosolized regions.

[0009] A further advantage is that efficient aerosolization of the aerosol-forming material allows for the size of the aerosol-forming material to be minimized.

[0010] A further advantage is that in embodiments in which an aerosol generator generates heat to cause aerosolization of the aerosol-generating material, heating of a first region of the aerosol-generating material by a first aerosol generator, in addition to generating an aerosol from the first region, also warms at least a portion of an adjacent region of the aerosol-generating material due to heat conduction through the aerosol-generating material, which has the effect of reducing the energy required to aerosolize the adjacent region of the aerosol-generating material if that region is aerosolized immediately after the first region.

[0011] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, each of the aerosol generators are the same size as each other.

[0012] In an alternative embodiment of any of the above embodiments, at least one aerosol generator is sized differently relative to the other aerosol generators.

[0013] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the controller controls the order in which the aerosol generators are activated, and the controller activates the aerosol generators sequentially from the aerosol generator at a first position in the array of aerosol generators to the aerosol generator at a second position in the array of aerosol generators. The first and second positions in the array of aerosol generators may be at first and second ends of the array if the array extends longitudinally, or may be at other positions in the array of aerosol generators.

[0014] Sequential activation of the aerosol generators is activation in a predetermined order that, in some embodiments, is determined by adjacent aerosol generators, and in other embodiments, adjacent aerosol generators in the sequence are not physically adjacent to each other in the array of aerosol generators.

[0015] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the predetermined order of activation of each aerosol generator is an order determined by the positioning of the aerosol generators relative to one another.

[0016] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the predetermined activation sequence of each aerosol generator is a sequence determined by one or more of the size, shape, surface area or other characteristics of the aerosol generator.

[0017] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, each aerosol generator activated by the controller is after the first activated aerosol generator and adjacent to the previously activated aerosol generator.

[0018] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the array of aerosol generators extends longitudinally between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end. In some embodiments, the longitudinal direction extends between a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end, in some embodiments, is at or adjacent to a mouthpiece for the aerosol delivery device.

[0019] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the first location is at the first longitudinal end and the second location is at the second longitudinal end.

[0020] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, each aerosol generator is configured to heat but not aerosolize a heating region of aerosol-generating material when the aerosol generator is fully activated, and the heating region associated with a given aerosol generator at least partially surrounds the generation region of that aerosol generator.

[0021] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the heating region associated with the first aerosol generator at least partially overlaps the generation region of the second aerosol generator, and the second aerosol generator is adjacent to the first aerosol generator and closer to the second position in the array than the first aerosol generator.

[0022] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, each aerosol generator is configured to heat but not aerosolize a generation region of the aerosol-forming material of that aerosol generator when the aerosol generator is partially activated, such that partial activation causes the aerosol generator to reach a temperature below the aerosolization temperature of the aerosol-forming material.

[0023] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the array of aerosol generators forms a longitudinally extending rod, or the array of aerosol generators forms a longitudinally extending rod supported on the surface or surfaces of a longitudinally extending support rod.

[0024] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the array of aerosol generators has a longitudinal dimension of two or more aerosol generators and a lateral dimension of one aerosol generator.

[0025] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, each aerosol generator is formed as a closed loop and configured to extend around a longitudinally extending rod.

[0026] In one embodiment of the above embodiments, the closed loop has one of the following shapes: circular, elliptical, rectangular or other polyhedral shape.

[0027] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the array of aerosol generators has two or more aerosol generator longitudinal dimensions and two or more aerosol generator lateral dimensions.

[0028] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the generation regions associated with the aerosol generators abut or overlap each other both longitudinally and laterally.

[0029] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the controller controls the order in which the aerosol generators are activated, and the controller activates the aerosol generators completely in order from at least one aerosol generator at a first position in the array to at least one aerosol generator at a second position in the array.

[0030] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, at least one intermediate portion of the sequence in which the aerosol generators are fully activated is the activation of an aerosol generator that is longitudinally closer to a second position in the array than the previously activated aerosol generator and is laterally at the same position as the previously activated aerosol generator.

[0031] The intermediate portion of the sequence is the portion between the complete activation of the first aerosol generator in the sequence and the complete activation of the last aerosol generator in the sequence.

[0032] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, at least one intermediate portion of the sequence in which the aerosol generators are fully activated is the activation of an aerosol generator that is substantially the same longitudinal distance from the second position of the array as the previously activated aerosol generator and laterally spaced from the position of the previously activated aerosol generator.

[0033] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, at least one intermediate portion of the sequence in which the aerosol generators are fully activated is the activation of an aerosol generator that is longitudinally closer to a second position in the array than the previously activated aerosol generator and laterally spaced apart from the position of the previously activated aerosol generator.

[0034] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the controller further controls the number of aerosol generators that are fully activated at any given time.

[0035] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the controller is configured to partially activate one or more aerosol generators as part of a sequence of fully activating the aerosol generators.

[0036] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the array of aerosol generators comprises at least one printed circuit board supporting a plurality of individually heatable circuits.

[0037] In one embodiment of the above embodiments, at least one of the printed circuit boards comprises a flexible printed circuit board.

[0038] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, at least one of the aerosol generators comprises an electrical resistance heater.

[0039] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, at least one of the aerosol generators comprises an etched film heater or a printed film heater.

[0040] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the array of aerosol generators comprises a plurality of resistive tracks or traces supported on or deposited on a carrier.

[0041] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the predetermined order of actuation of each track or trace is an order determined by the positioning of the tracks or traces relative to one another.

[0042] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the predetermined order of actuation of each track or trace is an order determined by one or more of the size, shape, surface area, composition or other characteristics of the track or trace.

[0043] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the carrier is planar or substantially flat.

[0044] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, each of the tracks or traces is disposed on one surface of the carrier. In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, at least one of the aerosol generators comprises an induction coil. In one embodiment of the above embodiments, at least one of the aerosol generators comprises a susceptor.

[0045] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the controller comprises a memory and a processor, and one or more schedules for the complete activation of the aerosol generators in the array of aerosol generators are stored in the memory.

[0046] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the memory causes the controller to fully activate the first aerosol generator upon receipt of a first input by the controller, and sequentially fully activate all remaining aerosol generators in a predetermined order until all aerosol generators are fully activated.

[0047] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the schedule stored in the memory divides the aerosol generators into a non-zero number (n) of groups of aerosol generators and assigns numbers from 1 to n to the groups, each group of aerosol generators comprising a non-zero number of aerosol generators, and the schedule includes instructions to fully activate the aerosol generators in group 1 according to a first sub-schedule upon receipt of a first input by the controller, to fully activate the aerosol generators in group 2 according to a second sub-schedule upon receipt of an nth input by the controller, and to repeat the pattern until the aerosol generators in group n are fully activated according to the nth sub-schedule upon receipt of an nth input by the controller.

[0048] In one embodiment of the above embodiment, each of the subschedules 1 to n is the same.

[0049] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the number of aerosol generators in each of groups 1 to n is the same.

[0050] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the schedule includes instructions associating each individual aerosol generator with a period during which that aerosol generator should be fully activated.

[0051] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the period of time that each of the individual aerosol generators is activated is the same.

[0052] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the device comprises puff detection means, the puff detection means in communication with the controller, the puff detection means configured to detect a characteristic of a puff, the puff detection means configured to generate a signal upon detection of the characteristic of the puff, the signal being transmitted to the controller.

[0053] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the detected characteristic of the puff is one of the start of the puff, the end of the puff, the period between the start and end of the puff, the number of puffs per predetermined period, the period between puffs, the drop in air pressure in the puff detection means resulting from the puff, the velocity of air passing through the puff detector at a predetermined time within the period of the puff, and the amount of the puff.

[0054] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the puff detection means is configured to detect two or more characteristics of the puff, and the puff detection means is configured to generate a different signal upon detection of each characteristic of the puff, the signals being transmitted to the controller.

[0055] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the device comprises a plurality of puff detection means, each puff detection means in communication with the controller.

[0056] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, one or more tables are stored in memory, at least one table relating characteristics of a puff to a predetermined schedule for the complete operation of one or more aerosol generators, and the controller executes the predetermined schedule in response to receiving a signal generated by the puff detection means upon detection of that characteristic of the puff in one or more of the tables.

[0057] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the predetermined schedule overrides any schedule that may be in place in the controller at the time of receipt of the signal generated by the puff detection means.

[0058] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the device further comprises a user-operated activation means, for example an activation button.

[0059] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the one or more tables include one or more of the following ways to control the operation time of the aerosol generator:

[0060] Initiating a period of activation upon detection of a puff characteristic or upon detection of input from a user-operated activation means.

[0061] Initiating a flexible period of actuation, limited to a maximum period, upon detection of a puff characteristic or upon detection of an input from a user-operated actuation means.

[0062] Upon detection of the puff characteristics or upon detection of an input from a user-operated actuation means, initiating a flexible actuation period, the actuation period being controlled by the temperature of the one or more actuated aerosol generators.

[0063] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the device further comprises at least one display element, and the controller is capable of activating the at least one display element when the aerosol generator is activated.

[0064] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the controller may cause data relating to the operation of the device to be displayed on at least one display element.

[0065] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the display element is configured to present a visual representation of the conventional cigarette as it is burning.

[0066] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the display element is configured to present a visual representation of the proportion of the aerosol-forming material that has not yet been aerosolized.

[0067] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol delivery device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure and an article, the article including an aerosol-generating material.

[0068] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material using an aerosol-generation device. The aerosol-supply device includes a plurality of aerosol generators and a controller. The aerosol generators are arranged adjacent to one another to form an array of aerosol generators, and the device is configured to deliver the aerosol-generating material to the array of aerosol generators in an overlapping manner. Each aerosol generator generates an aerosol from a generation region of the aerosol-generating material when the aerosol generator is fully activated, and the generation regions associated with the aerosol generators abut or partially overlap one another.

[0069] An aerosol-generating material overlaps an array of aerosol generators when the surface of the aerosol-generating material is in contact with or near the surface of the array of aerosol generators such that full operation of the aerosol generator can generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material.

[0070] In one embodiment of the above embodiments, the aerosol generator is fully activated when it is at its intended maximum aerosol-generating condition. For an aerosol generator that generates heat to cause aerosolization of the aerosol-generating material, fully activated is when the aerosol generator is at its maximum intended temperature.

[0071] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generator that generates heat to cause aerosolization of the aerosol-generating material can cause aerosol generation at some operating level less than full operation.

[0072] In some embodiments, the aerosol generator can be operated to a level less than full operation that preheats but does not aerosolize the aerosol-generating material.

[0073] An advantage of the aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure is that abutting or overlapping generation regions results in maximized aerosolization of the aerosol-generating material because there are no portions of the aerosol-generating material that are not aerosolized between the aerosolized regions.

[0074] A further advantage is that efficient aerosolization of the aerosol-forming material allows for the size of the aerosol-forming material to be minimized.

[0075] A further advantage is that in embodiments in which an aerosol generator generates heat to cause aerosolization of the aerosol-generating material, heating of a first region of the aerosol-generating material by a first aerosol generator, in addition to generating an aerosol from the first region, also warms at least a portion of an adjacent region of the aerosol-generating material due to heat conduction through the aerosol-generating material, which has the effect of reducing the energy required to aerosolize the adjacent region of the aerosol-generating material if that region is aerosolized immediately after the first region.

[0076] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the controller controls the order in which the aerosol generators are activated, and the controller activates the aerosol generators completely in sequence from an aerosol generator at a first position in the array of aerosol generators to an aerosol generator at a second position in the array of aerosol generators. The first and second positions in the array of aerosol generators may be at first and second ends of the array if the array extends longitudinally, or may be at other positions in the array of aerosol generators.

[0077] Sequential activation of the aerosol generators is activation in a predetermined order that, in some embodiments, is determined by adjacent aerosol generators, and in other embodiments, adjacent aerosol generators in the sequence are not physically adjacent to each other in the array of aerosol generators.

[0078] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the array of aerosol generators extends longitudinally between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end.

[0079] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the array of aerosol generators extends longitudinally between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end. In some embodiments, the longitudinal direction extends between a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end, in some embodiments, is at or adjacent to a mouthpiece for the aerosol delivery device.

[0080] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the first location is at the first longitudinal end and the second location is at the second longitudinal end.

[0081] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, each aerosol generator heats but does not aerosolize a heating region of aerosol-generating material when the aerosol generator is fully activated, and the heating region associated with a given aerosol generator at least partially surrounds the generation region of that aerosol generator.

[0082] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the heating region associated with the first aerosol generator at least partially overlaps the generation region of the second aerosol generator, and the second aerosol generator is adjacent to the first aerosol generator and closer to the second position in the array than the first aerosol generator.

[0083] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, each aerosol generator heats but does not aerosolize a generation region of the aerosol-forming material of that aerosol generator when that aerosol generator is partially activated.

[0084] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the array of aerosol generators forms a longitudinally extending rod, or the array of aerosol generators forms a longitudinally extending rod supported on the surface or surfaces of a longitudinally extending support rod.

[0085] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the array of aerosol generators has a longitudinal dimension of two or more aerosol generators and a lateral dimension of one aerosol generator.

[0086] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, each aerosol generator is formed as a closed loop configured to extend around a longitudinally extending rod.

[0087] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the closed loop has one of the following shapes: circular, elliptical, rectangular, or other polyhedral shape.

[0088] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the array of aerosol generators has two or more aerosol generator longitudinal dimensions and two or more aerosol generator lateral dimensions.

[0089] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the generation regions associated with the aerosol generators abut or overlap each other both longitudinally and laterally.

[0090] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the controller controls the order in which the aerosol generators are activated, and the controller activates the aerosol generators completely in order from at least one aerosol generator at a first position in the array to at least one aerosol generator at a second position in the array.

[0091] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, at least one intermediate portion of the sequence in which the aerosol generators are fully activated is the activation of an aerosol generator that is longitudinally closer to a second position in the array than the previously activated aerosol generator and is laterally at the same position as the previously activated aerosol generator.

[0092] The intermediate portion of the sequence is the portion between the complete activation of the first aerosol generator in the sequence and the complete activation of the last aerosol generator in the sequence.

[0093] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, at least one intermediate portion of the sequence in which the aerosol generators are fully activated is the activation of an aerosol generator that is substantially the same longitudinal distance from the second position of the array as the previously activated aerosol generator and laterally spaced from the position of the previously activated aerosol generator.

[0094] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, at least one intermediate portion of the sequence in which the aerosol generators are fully activated is the activation of an aerosol generator that is longitudinally closer to a second position in the array than the previously activated aerosol generator and laterally spaced apart from the position of the previously activated aerosol generator.

[0095] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the controller further controls the number of aerosol generators that are fully activated at any given time.

[0096] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the controller partially activates one or more aerosol generators as part of a sequence of fully activating the aerosol generators.

[0097] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the array of aerosol generators comprises at least one printed circuit board supporting a plurality of individually heatable circuits.

[0098] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, at least one of the printed circuit boards comprises a flexible printed circuit board.

[0099] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, at least one of the aerosol generators comprises an electrical resistance heater.

[0100] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, at least one of the aerosol generators comprises an etched film heater or a printed film heater.

[0101] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, at least one of the aerosol generators comprises an induction coil.

[0102] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the controller comprises a memory and a processor, and one or more schedules for the complete activation of the aerosol generators in the array of aerosol generators are stored in the memory.

[0103] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the schedule stored in the memory causes the controller to fully activate a first aerosol generator upon receiving a first input by the controller, and sequentially fully activate all of the remaining aerosol generators in a predetermined order until all aerosol generators are fully activated.

[0104] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the schedule stored in the memory divides the aerosol generators into a non-zero number (n) of groups of aerosol generators and assigns numbers from 1 to n to the groups, each group of aerosol generators comprising a non-zero number of aerosol generators, and the schedule includes instructions to fully activate the aerosol generators in group 1 according to a first sub-schedule upon receipt of a first input by the controller, to fully activate the aerosol generators in group 2 according to a second sub-schedule upon receipt of an nth input by the controller, and to repeat the pattern until the aerosol generators in group n are fully activated according to the nth sub-schedule upon receipt of an nth input by the controller.

[0105] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, each of the subschedules 1 to n is the same.

[0106] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the number of aerosol generators in each of groups 1 to n is the same.

[0107] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the schedule includes instructions associating each individual aerosol generator with a period during which that aerosol generator should be fully activated.

[0108] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the period of time that each of the individual aerosol generators should be activated is the same.

[0109] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the device comprises puff detection means, the puff detection means in communication with the controller, the puff detection means detecting a characteristic of the puff, the puff detection means generating a signal upon detection of the characteristic of the puff, the signal being sent to the controller.

[0110] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the detected characteristic of the puff is one of the start of the puff, the end of the puff, the period between the start and end of the puff, the number of puffs per predetermined period, the period between puffs, the drop in air pressure in the puff detection means resulting from the puff, the velocity of air passing through the puff detector at a predetermined time within the period of the puff, and the amount of the puff.

[0111] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the puff detection means detects two or more characteristics of the puff, and the puff detection means generates a different signal upon detection of each characteristic of the puff, the signals being sent to the controller.

[0112] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the device comprises a plurality of puff detection means, each puff detection means in communication with the controller.

[0113] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, one or more tables are stored in memory, at least one table relating characteristics of a puff to a predetermined schedule for the complete operation of one or more aerosol generators, and the controller executes the predetermined schedule in response to receiving a signal generated by the puff detection means upon detection of that characteristic of the puff.

[0114] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the predetermined schedule overrides any schedule that may be in place in the controller at the time of receipt of the signal generated by the puff detection means.

[0115] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the device further comprises at least one display element, and the controller is capable of activating the at least one display element when the aerosol generator is activated.

[0116] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the controller may cause data relating to the operation of the device to be displayed on at least one display element.

[0117] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the display element presents a visual representation of a conventional cigarette as it is burning.

[0118] In any one of the above embodiments, the display element presents a visual representation of the proportion of the aerosol-forming material that has not yet been aerosolized.

[0119] The apparatus of the first, second and third aspects of the present disclosure may optionally include one or more, or all of the features described above. The method of the third aspect of the present disclosure may optionally include one or more, or all of the features described above.

[0120] The present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0121] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic front view illustrating one embodiment of an aerosol generating system according to the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic perspective front view of one embodiment of an article for use with the aerosol generating system of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a partial cutaway view of the article of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view showing the aerosol generation device of the aerosol generation system of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the aerosol generation system of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 6 is a first schematic enlarged view showing a portion of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a portion of an array of aerosol generators of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 4. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a second enlarged schematic view of a portion of the aerosol generation system of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a third schematic enlarged view of a portion of the aerosol generation system of FIG. 1. [Figure 10] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a first embodiment of an array of aerosol generators in the aerosol generation device of FIG. 4. [Figure 11] 5 is a schematic diagram showing a second embodiment of an array of aerosol generators in the aerosol generating device of FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 12] 5 is a schematic diagram showing a third embodiment of an array of aerosol generators in the aerosol generation device of FIG. 4. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0122] An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to expose the aerosol-generating material to thermal energy to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating material and form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to expose the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibrational, elevated pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0123] An "aerosol-forming material" is a material that can generate an aerosol when, for example, heated, irradiated, or otherwise energized. Aerosol-forming materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. Aerosol-forming materials may include any plant-based material, such as any tobacco-containing material, including, for example, one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-forming materials may also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. Aerosol-forming materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, gel, or wax. Aerosol-forming materials may also be, for example, a combination or blend of materials. Aerosol-forming materials are also sometimes known as "smokable materials."

[0124] The aerosol-forming material may include a binder and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, an active agent and / or a filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, may also be present, in which one or more other components of the aerosol-forming material may or may not be soluble. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material is substantially free of plant material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0125] The aerosol-generating material may include or be an "amorphous solid." The amorphous solid may be a "monolithic solid." In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some fluid, such as a liquid, within the amorphous solid. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may contain, for example, about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% amorphous solid to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% amorphous solid.

[0126] The aerosol-generating material may include an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may comprise or be a sheet that may optionally be shredded to form a shredded sheet. The aerosol-generating sheet or shredded sheet may be substantially free of tobacco.

[0127] Devices are known that heat an aerosol-generating material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material, typically forming an inhalable aerosol without burning or combusting the aerosol-generating material. Such devices may be described as "aerosol-generating devices," "aerosol-delivery devices," "non-combustion heating devices," "tobacco heating product devices," or "tobacco heating devices." Similarly, so-called e-cigarette devices exist, which typically vaporize aerosol-generating material in liquid form, which may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of, or provided as part of, a rod, cartridge, or cassette that can be inserted into the device. A heater for heating and volatilizing the aerosol-generating material may be provided as a "permanent" part of the device.

[0128] The aerosol-generating device can accept an article comprising an aerosol-generating material for heating. An "article" in this context is a component that includes or contains the aerosol-generating material when heated to volatilize the aerosol-generating material, and optionally other components when used. A user can insert the article into the aerosol-delivery device before it is heated to generate an aerosol, which the user then inhales. The article can be of a predetermined or specific size, for example, configured to be placed in a heating chamber of the device sized to receive the article.

[0129] In the following description of the accompanying drawings, where the same element is present in more than one embodiment, the same reference number is used for that element throughout, and where similar elements are present, similar reference numbers (the same number plus a multiple of 100) are used.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generation system 2 comprises an item (also known as a consumable) 4 and an aerosol generation device 6 .

[0131] 2 and 3, the article 4 includes a central cylindrical hollow core 8 having a coating of aerosol-generating material 26. The core 8 is formed from a material capable of supporting a coating of aerosol-generating material 26 on its radially outer surface. In some examples, the core 8 is formed from a metal or metal alloy sheet material, such as aluminum foil. The aerosol-generating material 26 forms a continuous, uniform coating on the outer surface of the core 8. The hollow core 8 defines a hollow passageway dimensioned such that the core 8 slidably fits onto the aerosol-generating rod 24 of the aerosol-generating device 6, described below. In other, not shown, embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may have overlapping or other seams as a result of the method of manufacturing the article. All such structures are within the scope of the present invention.

[0132] The first end 12 of the core 8 resides within an opening that extends at least partially through the frusto-conical first end element 10. The first end 12 of the core 8 is secured within the opening by friction, physical securing means, and / or adhesive. A mouthpiece 28 extends from the first end 12 in a direction away from the core 8.

[0133] The second end 14 of the core 8 is secured within an opening extending through a cylindrical second end element 16. The second end 14 of the core 8 is secured within the opening by friction, physical fastening means, and / or adhesive. The second end of the core 8 penetrates an end face 16A of the second end element 16 so that the interior of the hollow core 8 is accessible through the opening.

[0134] A cylindrical shell 18 is supported on and extends between the radially outermost portions of the first and second end elements 10, 16. An air passage 20 is defined by the radially outer surface of the aerosol-generating material 26 on the core 8 and the radially inner surface of the shell 18.

[0135] The second end element 16 includes one or more passages (not shown) extending between the surface 16 A of the second end element 16 and the air passage 20 .

[0136] First end element 10 includes one or more passages (not shown) extending between face 10A of first end element 10 and mouth tip 28 extending from face 10B. Thus, at least one air passage is formed from end face 16A through end element 16, along air passage 20, through end element 10, into mouth tip 28, and out an opening (not shown) in mouth tip 28.

[0137] 4 and 5, the aerosol generating device 6 comprises a handle 22 and an aerosol generating rod 24. The handle 22 includes a housing 30 defining an interior space. A power source 32, e.g., a rechargeable battery, and a control unit 34 are disposed within the interior space. The housing 30 is provided with an input device 36, which in the illustrated embodiment is a push button. The housing 30 also is provided with a display device 38. The control unit 34, power source 32, input device 36, and display 38 are all electrically connected by suitable electrical connection means, e.g., wires.

[0138] The envelope 30 includes a closed end 40 and an opposite end from which the aerosol-generating rod 24 extends.

[0139] The aerosol-generating rod 24 includes a base 48, a longitudinally extending cylindrical support rod 42, and an array 44 of aerosol generators 46 (not all of the aerosol generators 46 are labeled for clarity). The array 44 or aerosol generators 46 are attached to an axially extending surface of the support rod 42.

[0140] The base 48 is configured to engage the end of the outer skin 30 opposite the closed end 40. The base 48 includes one or more ribs or other upstanding features 50 sized and positioned to prevent the surface 16A of the second end element 16 from contacting a main portion of the base 48 when the hollow core 8 of the article 4 is placed on the aerosol-generating rod 24. This ensures that the air passage(s) through the second element end 16 are not blocked when the article 4 is placed on the aerosol-generating rod 24.

[0141] Each aerosol generator 46 is electrically connected to the control unit 34 by suitable electrical connection means (not shown), such as wires.

[0142] In a first embodiment of the aerosol-generating rod 24, each of the aerosol generators 46 is a ring and includes a resistive heater material. In the first embodiment, each aerosol generator 46 is the same size as each of the other aerosol generators 46. For illustrative purposes, a small number of aerosol generators 46 are shown in FIG. 7. The aerosol-generating rod 24 may include more or fewer aerosol generators 46 than are shown in FIG. 7. The aerosol generators 46 are arranged end-to-end to form a cylinder around the support rod 42, thus forming an array of aerosol generators 46: multiple aerosol generators 46 in the longitudinal direction and one aerosol generator 46 in the lateral direction (perpendicular to the longitudinal direction).

[0143] The number of aerosol generators 46 and the dimensions of each aerosol generator 46 may be determined at least in part by the longitudinal dimensions of the support rod 42 and the amount of aerosol to be generated per unit surface area of ​​each aerosol generator 46.

[0144] 8 and 9, the aerosol generators 46 in the array 44 are positioned relative to one another so that, when fully activated, each aerosol generator 46 causes aerosolization of a generation region 56 of the aerosol-generating material 26, which is shown surrounded by dashed line 52. Thus, when aerosol generator 46A is fully activated, aerosol-generation region 56A of the aerosol-generating material 26 is surrounded by line 52A; when aerosol generator 46B is fully activated, aerosol-generation region 56B of the aerosol-generating material 26 is surrounded by line 52B; and so on. The aerosol generators 46 are positioned relative to one another so that the aerosol-generation regions 56 of the aerosol-generating material 26 aerosolized by adjacent aerosol generators 46 overlap. This has the effect of maximizing the amount of aerosol-generating material 26 that is aerosolized.

[0145] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, in addition to aerosolizing the aerosol-forming material 26 within the generation region 56, fully operating the aerosol generator 46 also heats an additional portion of the aerosol-forming material 26 adjacent to the aerosolized aerosol-forming material 26. This region is shown enclosed by line 54 in FIG.

[0146] In some embodiments, controller 34 can partially activate one or more aerosol generators 46. In a partial activation mode, aerosol generator 46 can heat, but not aerosolize, aerosol-generating material 26 in generation region 56, possibly in the region bounded by line 54.

[0147] In some embodiments, each aerosol generator 46 comprises a resistively heated generator including components for heating the aerosol generator 46 through a resistive heating process. In this embodiment, an electric current is applied directly to the resistive aerosol generator 46, and the resulting current flow within the aerosol generator 46 heats the aerosol generator 46 by Joule heating. The aerosol generator 46 includes a resistive material configured to generate heat when an appropriate electric current flows through it, and the aerosol generating device 6 includes electrical contacts for supplying the electric current to the aerosol generator 46. The resistive material may be coated with a suitable dielectric to prevent shorting to the article 4.

[0148] In some examples, in use, each aerosol generator 46 is configured to heat to a temperature of about 200°C to about 350°C when fully activated, such as about 240°C to about 300°C, or about 250°C to about 280°C.

[0149] In some alternative embodiments, each aerosol generator 46 comprises an etched film heater.

[0150] In some alternative embodiments, each aerosol generator 46 comprises a magnetic field generator, and the core 8 is a susceptor. The magnetic field generator is configured to generate one or more varying magnetic fields that penetrate the article 4 to heat the core 8. The magnetic field generator includes an inductor coil arrangement (not shown). The inductor coil arrangement comprises an inductor coil (not shown) that functions as an inductor element. The inductor coil may be a helical coil, although other configurations are contemplated. In some embodiments, the inductor coil arrangement comprises two or more inductor coils. The two or more inductor coils in such embodiments may be positioned next to each other and coaxially aligned along the axis.

[0151] The core 8 / susceptor may include one or more perforations that coincide with the boundary of the generation region 56, which helps to limit inductive heating of the core 8 to the portion of the core 8 covered by the generation region 56 with which the aerosol generator is associated.

[0152] In some examples, during use, the magnetic field generator is configured to heat the core 8 to a temperature of about 200°C to about 350°C, such as about 240°C to about 300°C, or about 250°C to about 280°C.

[0153] The inductor coil may be a helical coil comprising a conductive material such as copper. The coil is formed from a wire, such as a Litz wire, wound in a helical shape around a support member. The coil defines a generally tubular shape. The inductor coil has a generally circular outer shape. In other embodiments, the inductor coil may have a different shape, such as a generally square, rectangular, or oval shape. The coil width may increase or decrease along its length.

[0154] Other types of inductor coils, such as flat spiral coils, may also be used. A spiral coil can be used to define an elongated inductor zone for receiving a susceptor, providing a long, narrow length of susceptor to be received in the elongated inductor zone. The length of the susceptor exposed to the varying magnetic field can be maximized. A spiral coil arrangement in a closed inductor zone can assist in concentrating the magnetic field flux.

[0155] Litz wire comprises multiple individual wires that are individually insulated and twisted together to form a single wire. Litz wire is designed to reduce skin effect losses within the conductor. Other types of wire, such as solid, may be used. The configuration of the helical inductor coil may vary along its axial length. For example, the or each inductor coil may have substantially the same or different values ​​of inductance, axial length, radius, pitch, number of turns, etc.

[0156] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the array 44 of aerosol generators 46 extends longitudinally between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end of the aerosol-generating rod 24. In the aerosol-generating device 6 shown in Figure 4, the first longitudinal end of the aerosol-generating rod 24 is distal to the handle 22, and the second longitudinal end is adjacent to the handle 22.

[0157] Furthermore, it may be easiest to think of the array 44 of aerosol generators 46 as if the array 44 were projected onto a plane rather than extending around the aerosol-generating rod 24. In that case, the array 44 may be depicted as shown in FIG.

[0158] In some embodiments, the array 144 of aerosol generators 146 is in the form of an array with multiple aerosol generators 146 in both the longitudinal and lateral directions. Figure 11 shows an example of an array 144 with 15 aerosol generators 146 in the longitudinal direction and two aerosol generators 146 in the lateral direction. Figure 12 shows an example of an array 244 with 15 aerosol generators 246 in the longitudinal direction and four aerosol generators 246 in the lateral direction. It will be understood that other arrays may be used and are within the scope of the present invention.

[0159] In some embodiments, the array 44, 144, 244 comprises at least one printed circuit board supporting multiple independently heatable circuits. Each aerosol generator 46, 146, 246 is comprised of at least one of these circuits. In such embodiments, one or more printed circuit boards may be attached to the support rod 42. Alternatively, the circuit board may be sufficiently rigid that the aerosol-generating rod 24 may be formed from one or more circuit boards.

[0160] In some embodiments, at least one of the printed circuit boards comprises a flexible printed circuit board, which may be wound into a tubular shape and supported on a support rod 42 or to form the aerosol-generating rod 24.

[0161] The controller 34 is configured to control the order in which the aerosol generators 46, 146, 246 are activated and their overall operation.

[0162] The function of the controller 34 of the aerosol generation device 6, and therefore the method of operation of the aerosol generation device 6, will now be described.

[0163] In some embodiments, the controller 34 fully activates the aerosol generators 46, 146, 246 in sequence, from a first aerosol generator at a first position in the array 44, for example, aerosol generator 46a (as seen in FIG. 4 or FIG. 10), to aerosol generator 46o at a second position in the array 44.

[0164] In some embodiments, the aerosol generators 46, 146, 246 are activated one at a time.

[0165] In some embodiments, the controller may activate different non-zero numbers of aerosol generators 46, 146, 246 at particular steps in the sequence. For example, in the first step in the sequence, the controller may activate two aerosol generators 46, 146, 246 fully simultaneously, while subsequent steps may activate only one aerosol generator 46, 146, 246 at each step in the sequence.

[0166] The number of aerosol generators 46, 146, 246 that the controller activates in any portion or step of the sequence depends, in some embodiments, on the desired amount of aerosol to be produced in a given portion or step of the sequence.

[0167] In some embodiments, the controller 34 fully activates the aerosol generators 246 in sequence from at least two aerosol generators 246, e.g., two aerosol generators, in a first position of the array 244 of Figure 12 to at least two aerosol generators 246, e.g., two aerosol generators, in a second position of the array, e.g., from aerosol generators 246a2 and 246a3 to aerosol generators 246o2 and 246o3.

[0168] In some embodiments, the controller 34 fully activates the aerosol generators 246 between the first position and the second position such that in at least one intermediate portion or step in the sequence in which the aerosol generators are fully activated, there is activation of an aerosol generator, e.g., aerosol generator 246e4, that is longitudinally closer to the second position of the array 244 than the previously activated aerosol generator, e.g., aerosol generator 246d4, and that is laterally at the same position as the previously activated aerosol generator 246d4.

[0169] In some embodiments, the controller 34 fully activates the aerosol generators 246 between the first and second positions such that, in at least one intermediate portion or step in the sequence in which the aerosol generators are fully activated, there is activation of an aerosol generator, for example, aerosol generator 246e3, that is approximately the same longitudinal distance from the previously activated aerosol generator 246d4 and the second position of the array (246o2 and 246o3) and laterally spaced from the position of the previously activated aerosol generator 246d4.

[0170] In some embodiments, the controller 34 fully activates the aerosol generators 246 between the first and second positions such that in at least one intermediate portion or step in the sequence in which the aerosol generators are fully activated, there is activation of an aerosol generator, for example, aerosol generator 246f2, that is longitudinally closer to the second position (246o2 and 246o3) of the array than the previously activated aerosol generator 246e3 and laterally spaced apart from the position of the previously activated aerosol generator 246e3.

[0171] In some embodiments, the controller 34 fully activates the aerosol generators 246 between the first and second positions such that, in at least one intermediate portion or step in the sequence in which the aerosol generators are fully activated, there are at least two aerosol generators, e.g., aerosol generators 246f2 and 246f4, activated at approximately the same longitudinal distance from the previously activated aerosol generator 246e3 and the second position of the array (246o2 and 246o3), spaced laterally from the position of the previously activated aerosol generator 246e3, and spaced apart from each other.

[0172] In some embodiments, controller 34 partially activates one or more of aerosol generators 46 as part of a sequence that fully activates aerosol generators 246. For example, if aerosol generator 246d4 had been fully activated as described above, aerosol generator 246e4 would be partially activated, thereby reducing the time it takes for aerosol generator 246e4 to cause aerosolization of aerosol-generating material 26 associated with aerosol generator 246e4 in aerosol-generation region 56.

[0173] In some embodiments, the controller 34 includes a memory (not shown) and a processor (not shown). The memory stores one or more schedules for the complete activation of the aerosol generators 46, 146, 246 in the array 44.

[0174] In some embodiments, the schedule stored in memory causes the controller 34, upon receiving a first input received by the controller 34, to fully activate the first aerosol generator 46, 146, 246, and then sequentially fully activate all of the remaining aerosol generators 46, 146, 246 in a predetermined order until all aerosol generators are fully activated.

[0175] In the illustrated aerosol generation device 6, the first input received by the controller is generated by a user actuating an input device 36. In some embodiments, the input device is a button electronically connected to the controller.

[0176] In some embodiments, the schedule stored in memory divides the aerosol generators 46, 146, 246 into a non-zero number (n) of groups of aerosol generators and assigns numbers from 1 to n to the groups. Each group of aerosol generators 46, 146, 246 comprises a non-zero number of aerosol generators 46, 146, 246, and the schedule includes instructions to the controller 34 to fully activate the aerosol generators 46, 146, 246 of group 1 according to a first sub-schedule upon receipt of a first input by the controller 34, fully activate the aerosol generators 46, 146, 246 of group 2 according to a second sub-schedule upon receipt of an nth input by the controller 34, and repeat the pattern until the aerosol generators 46, 146, 246 of group n are fully activated according to the nth sub-schedule upon receipt of an nth input by the controller 34.

[0177] In some embodiments, each of the subschedules 1 through n is the same.

[0178] In some embodiments, the number of aerosol generators 46, 146, 246 in each of groups 1-n is the same.

[0179] In some embodiments, the schedule includes instructions associating each individual aerosol generator 46, 146, 246 with a period during which that aerosol generator 46, 146, 246 should be fully activated.

[0180] In some embodiments, the period of time that each of the individual aerosol generators 46, 146, 246 should be activated is the same.

[0181] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device 6 includes a puff detection means 58. In the aerosol generating device 6 shown in Figures 4 and 5, the puff detection means 58 is disposed adjacent to the base of the aerosol generating rod 24 so as to be able to detect a user of the aerosol generating system 2 drawing on the mouthpiece 28. The puff detection means 58 is in electronic communication with the controller 34. The puff detection means 58 is configured to detect characteristics of a puff by the user, and the puff detection means generates an electronic signal when the characteristics of the puff are detected. The electronic signal is transmitted to the controller 34.

[0182] In some embodiments, the detected characteristic of the puff is one of the start of the puff, the end of the puff, the period between the start and end of the puff, the number of puffs per predetermined period, the period between puffs, the drop in air pressure in the puff detection means resulting from the puff, the velocity of air passing through the puff detection means 58 at a determined time within the period of the puff, and the amount of the puff.

[0183] In some embodiments, the puff detection means 58 is configured to detect more than one characteristic of the puff, and the puff detection means generates a different electronic signal upon detection of each characteristic of the puff, all of which are transmitted to the controller.

[0184] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device 6 comprises multiple puff detection means 58 (only one shown in the figures), each puff detection means 58 in communication with the controller 34. One of the puff detection means 58 may be located within the air passage 20.

[0185] In some embodiments, one or more tables are stored in memory, with at least one table relating characteristics of a puff to a predetermined schedule for the complete activation of one or more aerosol generators 46, 146, 246. The controller 34 then executes the predetermined schedule for activating the aerosol generators 46, 146, 246 in response to receiving a signal generated by the puff detection means 58 and detecting that characteristic of the puff in the one or more tables.

[0186] In some embodiments, the predetermined schedule in the table as a result of receiving a signal from puff detection means 58 overrides any schedule that controller 34 was executing at the time the signal generated by puff detection means 58 was received.

[0187] In some embodiments, the aerosol generation device 6 further comprises at least one display element 38, and the controller 34 may activate the at least one display element 38 when the aerosol generator 46, 146, 246 is activated.

[0188] In some embodiments, the controller 34 may cause at least one display element 38 to display data related to the operation of the aerosol generating device 6 .

[0189] In some embodiments, display element 38 is configured to present a visual representation of a conventional cigarette as it is burning.

[0190] In some embodiments, display element 38 is configured to present a visual representation of the percentage of aerosol-forming material 26 on article 4 that has not yet been aerosolized.

[0191] To use the aerosol generation device 6 of the present invention, an article 4 is placed on the aerosol generation rod 24. When the user is ready to begin a user session, the user initiates operation of the aerosol generation device 6 by actuating the input device 36. The controller 34 receives a signal reflecting the actuation of the input device 36 and proceeds to follow a schedule stored in memory or determined in response to detection of one or more characteristics of the user's puff by the puff detection means 58. The controller then functions as described above.

[0192] statement 1. An aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, comprising a plurality of aerosol generators and a controller, the aerosol generators are arranged next to each other to form an array of aerosol generators; the aerosol delivery device is configured such that the aerosol-generating material is arranged in an overlapping manner in the array of aerosol generators; each aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from a generation region of the aerosol-generating material when the aerosol generator is fully activated; An aerosol delivery device in which the generation regions associated with adjacent aerosol generators in the array abut, overlap, or are adjacent to each other.

[0193] 2. The controller is configured to control the order in which the aerosol generators are activated; 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the controller fully activates the aerosol generators sequentially from an aerosol generator at a first position in the array of aerosol generators to an aerosol generator at a second position in the array of aerosol generators.

[0194] 3. An aerosol delivery device according to statement 1 or 2, wherein the array of aerosol generators extends longitudinally between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end.

[0195] 4. An aerosol delivery device according to statement 3 when dependent on statement 2, wherein the first position is at the first longitudinal end and the second position is at the second longitudinal end.

[0196] 5. each aerosol generator is configured to heat, but not aerosolize, a heating region of the aerosol-generating material when the aerosol generator is fully activated; An aerosol delivery device according to any one of statements 1 to 4, wherein the heating region associated with a given aerosol generator at least partially surrounds the generation region of that aerosol generator.

[0197] 6. An aerosol delivery device described in statement 5 when dependent on statement 2, or statement 3 or 4 when dependent on statement 2, wherein a heating region associated with a first aerosol generator at least partially overlaps a generation region of a second aerosol generator, and wherein the second aerosol generator is adjacent to the first aerosol generator and closer to a second position in the array than the first aerosol generator.

[0198] 7. The aerosol delivery device of any one of statements 1 to 6, wherein each aerosol generator is configured to heat but not aerosolize a generation region of the aerosol-generating material of that aerosol generator when that aerosol generator is partially activated.

[0199] 8. An aerosol delivery device according to any one of statements 1 to 7, wherein the array of aerosol generators forms a longitudinally extending rod or the array of aerosol generators is supported on a surface or surfaces of a longitudinally extending support rod to form a longitudinally extending rod.

[0200] 9. The aerosol delivery device of any one of statements 1 to 8, wherein the array of aerosol generators has a longitudinal dimension of two or more aerosol generators and a lateral dimension of one aerosol generator.

[0201] 10. The aerosol delivery device of statement 9 when dependent on statement 8, wherein each of the aerosol generators is formed as a closed loop and configured to extend around a longitudinally extending rod, and optionally the closed loop has one of a circular, elliptical, rectangular or other polyhedral shape.

[0202] 11. An aerosol delivery device described in any one of statements 1 to 8, wherein the array of aerosol generators has a longitudinal dimension of two or more aerosol generators and a lateral dimension of two or more aerosol generators.

[0203] 12. An aerosol delivery device according to statement 11, wherein the generation regions associated with the aerosol generators abut or partially overlap each other in both the longitudinal and lateral directions.

[0204] 13. A controller controls the order in which the aerosol generators are activated; 13. The aerosol delivery device of statement 11 or 12, wherein the controller fully activates the aerosol generators in sequence from at least one aerosol generator at a first position in the array to at least one aerosol generator at a second position in the array.

[0205] 14. The aerosol delivery device of statement 13, wherein at least one intermediate portion of the sequence in which the aerosol generators are fully activated is activation of an aerosol generator that is longitudinally closer to a second position in the array than the previously activated aerosol generator and at the same lateral position as the previously activated aerosol generator.

[0206] 15. An aerosol delivery device according to statement 13 or 14, wherein at least one intermediate portion of the sequence in which the aerosol generators are fully activated is activation of an aerosol generator that is substantially the same longitudinal distance as the previously activated aerosol generator from the second position in the array and spaced laterally from the position of the previously activated aerosol generator.

[0207] 16. An aerosol delivery device according to any one of statements 13 to 15, wherein at least one intermediate portion of the sequence in which the aerosol generators are fully activated is the activation of an aerosol generator that is longitudinally closer to the second position in the array than the previously activated aerosol generator and laterally spaced apart from the position of the previously activated aerosol generator.

[0208] 17. An aerosol delivery device according to statement 2, or any one of statements 3 to 12 when subordinate to statement 2, wherein the controller further controls the number of aerosol generators that are fully activated at any given time.

[0209] 18. The aerosol delivery device of statement 13, wherein the controller further controls the number of aerosol generators that are fully activated at any given time, and wherein at least one intermediate portion of the sequence includes one or more of the intermediate portions of the sequence described in any one of statements 14 to 16.

[0210] 19. An aerosol delivery device according to any one of statements 13 to 18 when subject to statement 7, wherein the controller is configured to partially activate one or more aerosol generators as part of a sequence of fully activating the aerosol generators.

[0211] 20. An aerosol delivery device described in any one of statements 1 to 19, wherein the array of aerosol generators comprises at least one printed circuit board supporting a plurality of individually heatable circuits.

[0212] 21. The aerosol delivery device of statement 20, wherein at least one of the printed circuit boards comprises a flexible printed circuit board.

[0213] 22. An aerosol delivery device according to any one of statements 1 to 21, wherein at least one of the aerosol generators comprises an electrical resistance heater.

[0214] 23. An aerosol delivery device according to any one of statements 1 to 21, wherein at least one of the aerosol generators comprises an etched film heater or a printed film heater.

[0215] 24. An aerosol delivery device according to any one of statements 1 to 23, wherein at least one of the aerosol generators comprises an induction coil.

[0216] 25. An aerosol delivery device described in any one of statements 1 to 24, wherein the controller comprises a memory and a processor, and one or more schedules for the complete activation of the aerosol generators in the array of aerosol generators are stored in the memory.

[0217] 26. The aerosol delivery device of statement 25, wherein the schedule stored in the memory causes the controller to fully activate a first aerosol generator upon receipt of a first input by the controller, and sequentially fully activate all of the remaining aerosol generators in a predetermined order until all aerosol generators are fully activated.

[0218] 27. The aerosol delivery device of statement 25, wherein the schedule stored in the memory divides the aerosol generators into a non-zero number (n) of groups of aerosol generators and assigns numbers 1 through n to the groups, each group of aerosol generators comprising a non-zero number of aerosol generators, and the schedule includes instructions to fully activate the aerosol generators in group 1 according to a first sub-schedule upon receipt of a first input by the controller, to fully activate the aerosol generators in group 2 according to a second sub-schedule upon receipt of an nth input by the controller, and to repeat the pattern until the aerosol generators in group n are fully activated according to the nth sub-schedule upon receipt of an nth input by the controller.

[0219] 28. The aerosol delivery device of statement 27, wherein each of subschedules 1 to n is the same.

[0220] 29. The aerosol delivery device of statement 27 or 28, wherein the number of aerosol generators in each of groups 1 to n is the same.

[0221] 30. An aerosol delivery device described in any one of statements 25 to 29, wherein the schedule includes instructions associating each individual aerosol generator with a period during which that aerosol generator should be fully activated.

[0222] 31. The aerosol delivery device of statement 30, wherein the period of time during which each of the individual aerosol generators is activated is the same.

[0223] 32. An aerosol delivery device described in any one of statements 1 to 31, wherein the aerosol delivery device comprises a puff detection means, the puff detection means is in communication with the controller, the puff detection means is configured to detect a characteristic of the puff, the puff detection means is configured to generate a signal upon detection of the characteristic of the puff, and the signal is sent to the controller.

[0224] 33. The aerosol delivery device of statement 32, wherein the detected characteristic of the puff is one of the start of the puff, the end of the puff, the period between the start and end of the puff, the number of puffs per predetermined period, the period between puffs, the drop in air pressure in the puff detection means resulting from the puff, the velocity of air passing through the puff detector at a predetermined time within the period of the puff, and the amount of the puff.

[0225] 34. An aerosol delivery device according to statement 32 or 33, wherein the puff detection means is configured to detect two or more characteristics of the puff, and the puff detection means is configured to generate a different signal upon detection of each characteristic of the puff, and the signal is sent to the controller.

[0226] 35. An aerosol delivery device according to any one of statements 32 to 34, wherein the aerosol delivery device comprises a plurality of puff detection means, each of the puff detection means being in communication with the controller.

[0227] 36. The aerosol delivery device of any one of statements 32-35 when dependent on any one of statements 25-31, wherein one or more tables are stored in memory, at least one table relating characteristics of a puff to a predetermined schedule for the complete operation of one or more aerosol generators, and the controller executes the predetermined schedule in response to receiving a signal generated by the puff detection means upon detection of that characteristic of the puff in one or more of the tables.

[0228] 37. The aerosol delivery device of statement 36, wherein the predetermined schedule overrides any schedule that the controller was executing upon receipt of the signal generated by the puff detection means.

[0229] 38. An aerosol delivery device described in any one of statements 1 to 37, wherein the aerosol delivery device further comprises at least one display element, and the controller is capable of activating the at least one display element when the aerosol generator is activated.

[0230] 39. The aerosol delivery device described in statement 38, wherein the controller can cause at least one display element to display data related to the operation of the aerosol delivery device.

[0231] 40. The aerosol delivery device of statement 38 or 39, wherein the display element is configured to present a visual representation of a conventional cigarette as it is burning.

[0232] 41. The aerosol delivery device of any one of statements 38-40, wherein the display element is configured to present a visual representation of the proportion of aerosol-generating material that has not yet been aerosolized.

[0233] 42. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol delivery device according to any one of statements 1 to 41 and an article, wherein the article comprises an aerosol-generating material.

[0234] 43. A method of generating an aerosol from an article containing an aerosol-generating material using an aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-delivery device comprising a plurality of aerosol generators and a controller; the aerosol generators are arranged next to each other to form an array of aerosol generators; the device is configured to overlay the aerosol-generating material onto the array of aerosol generators; each aerosol generator generates an aerosol from a generation region of the aerosol-generating material when the aerosol generator is fully activated; A method in which the generation regions associated with the aerosol generators abut each other, overlap each other, or are adjacent to each other.

[0235] 44. A controller controls the order in which the aerosol generators are activated; The method of statement 43, wherein the controller fully activates the aerosol generators sequentially from an aerosol generator at a first position in the array of aerosol generators to an aerosol generator at a second position in the array of aerosol generators.

[0236] 45. The method of statement 43 or 44, wherein the array of aerosol generators extends longitudinally between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end.

[0237] 46. ​​The method of statement 45 when dependent on statement 44, wherein the first position is at the first longitudinal end and the second position is at the second longitudinal end.

[0238] 47. Each of the aerosol generators heats but does not aerosolize a heating region of aerosol-generating material when the aerosol generator is fully activated; 47. The method of any one of statements 43-46, wherein the heating region associated with a given aerosol generator at least partially surrounds the generation region of that aerosol generator.

[0239] 48. The method of statement 47 when dependent on statement 44, or statement 45 or 46 when dependent on statement 44, wherein a heating region associated with a first aerosol generator at least partially overlaps a generation region of a second aerosol generator, and wherein the second aerosol generator is adjacent to the first aerosol generator and closer to the second position of the array than the first aerosol generator.

[0240] 49. The method of any one of statements 43-48, wherein each of the aerosol generators heats but does not aerosolize a generation region of the aerosol-generating material of that aerosol generator when that aerosol generator is partially activated.

[0241] 50. The method of any one of statements 43 to 49, wherein the array of aerosol generators forms a longitudinally extending rod, or the array of aerosol generators is supported on a surface or surfaces of a longitudinally extending support rod to form a longitudinally extending rod.

[0242] 51. The method of any one of statements 43 to 50, wherein the array of aerosol generators has a longitudinal dimension of two or more aerosol generators and a lateral dimension of one aerosol generator.

[0243] 52. The method of statement 51 when dependent on statement 50, wherein each of the aerosol generators is formed as a closed loop configured to extend around a longitudinally extending rod, and optionally the closed loop has one of a circular, elliptical, rectangular or other polyhedral shape.

[0244] 53. The method of any one of statements 43 to 50, wherein the array of aerosol generators has two or more aerosol generator longitudinal dimensions and two or more aerosol generator lateral dimensions.

[0245] 54. The method according to statement 53, wherein the generation regions associated with the aerosol generators abut or partially overlap each other in both the longitudinal and lateral directions.

[0246] 55. A controller controls the order in which the aerosol generators are activated; The method of statement 53 or 54, wherein the controller fully activates the aerosol generators in sequence from at least one aerosol generator at a first position in the array to at least one aerosol generator at a second position in the array.

[0247] 56. The method of statement 55, wherein at least one intermediate portion of the sequence in which the aerosol generators are fully activated is activation of an aerosol generator that is longitudinally closer to a second position in the array than the previously activated aerosol generator and laterally at the same position as the previously activated aerosol generator.

[0248] 57. The method of statement 55 or 56, wherein at least one intermediate portion of the sequence in which the aerosol generators are fully activated is activation of an aerosol generator that is substantially the same longitudinal distance from the second position in the array as the previously activated aerosol generator and spaced laterally from the position of the previously activated aerosol generator.

[0249] 58. The method of any one of statements 55-57, wherein at least one intermediate portion of the sequence in which the aerosol generators are fully activated is activation of an aerosol generator that is longitudinally closer to the second position in the array than the previously activated aerosol generator and laterally spaced apart from the position of the previously activated aerosol generator.

[0250] 59. The method of statement 44, or any one of statements 45-54 when dependent on statement 44, wherein the controller further controls the number of aerosol generators that are fully activated at any given time.

[0251] 60. The method of statement 55, wherein the controller further controls the number of aerosol generators that are fully activated at any given time, and wherein at least one intermediate portion of the sequence includes one or more of the intermediate portions of the sequence described in any one of statements 56-58.

[0252] 61. The method of any one of statements 55-60 when dependent on statement 49, wherein the controller is configured to partially activate one or more aerosol generators as part of a sequence of fully activating the aerosol generators.

[0253] 62. The method of any one of statements 43 to 61, wherein the array of aerosol generators comprises at least one printed circuit board supporting a plurality of individually heatable circuits.

[0254] 63. The method of statement 62, wherein at least one of the printed circuit boards comprises a flexible printed circuit board.

[0255] 64. The method of any one of statements 43 to 63, wherein at least one of the aerosol generators comprises an electrical resistance heater.

[0256] 65. The method of any one of statements 43 to 63, wherein at least one of the aerosol generators comprises an etched film heater or a printed film heater.

[0257] 66. The method of any one of statements 43 to 65, wherein at least one of the aerosol generators comprises an induction coil.

[0258] 67. The method of any one of statements 43 to 66, wherein the controller comprises a memory and a processor, and one or more schedules for the complete activation of the aerosol generators in the array of aerosol generators are stored in the memory.

[0259] 68. The method of statement 67, wherein the schedule stored in the memory causes the controller to fully activate a first aerosol generator upon receipt of a first input by the controller, and sequentially fully activate all of the remaining aerosol generators in a predetermined order until all aerosol generators are fully activated.

[0260] 69. The method of statement 67, wherein the schedule stored in the memory divides the aerosol generators into a non-zero number (n) of groups of aerosol generators and assigns numbers 1 through n to the groups, each group of aerosol generators comprising a non-zero number of aerosol generators, and the schedule includes instructions to fully activate the aerosol generators in group 1 according to a first sub-schedule upon receipt of a first input by the controller, to fully activate the aerosol generators in group 2 according to a second sub-schedule upon receipt of an nth input by the controller, and to repeat that pattern until the aerosol generators in group n are fully activated according to the nth sub-schedule upon receipt of an nth input by the controller.

[0261] 70. The method of statement 69, wherein each of subschedules 1 to n is the same.

[0262] 71. The method according to statement 69 or 70, wherein the number of aerosol generators in each of groups 1 to n is the same.

[0263] 72. The method of any one of statements 67-71, wherein the schedule includes instructions associating each individual aerosol generator with a period during which that aerosol generator should be fully activated.

[0264] 73. The method of statement 72, wherein the period for which each of the individual aerosol generators is to be operated is the same.

[0265] 74. The method of any one of statements 43-73, wherein the aerosol delivery device comprises puff detection means, the puff detection means is in communication with the controller, the puff detection means detects a characteristic of the puff, the puff detection means generates a signal upon detection of the characteristic of the puff, and the signal is sent to the controller.

[0266] 75. The method of statement 74, wherein the detected characteristic of the puff is one of the start of the puff, the end of the puff, the period between the start and end of the puff, the number of puffs per predetermined period, the period between puffs, the drop in air pressure in the puff detection means resulting from the puff, the velocity of air passing through the puff detector at a predetermined time within the period of the puff, and the amount of the puff.

[0267] 76. The method of statement 74 or 75, wherein the puff detection means detects two or more characteristics of the puff, and the puff detection means generates a different signal upon detection of each characteristic of the puff, and the signals are sent to the controller.

[0268] 77. The method of any one of statements 74-76, wherein the aerosol delivery device comprises a plurality of puff detection means, each of the puff detection means in communication with the controller.

[0269] 78. The method of any one of statements 74-77 when dependent on any one of statements 67-73, wherein one or more tables are stored in memory, at least one table relating characteristics of a puff to a predetermined schedule for the complete operation of one or more aerosol generators, and the controller executes the predetermined schedule in response to receiving a signal generated by the puff detection means upon detection of that characteristic of a puff in one or more of the tables.

[0270] 79. The method of statement 78, wherein the predetermined schedule overrides any schedule that the controller was executing at the time of receipt of the signal generated by the puff detection means.

[0271] 80. The method of any one of statements 43-79, wherein the aerosol delivery device further comprises at least one display element, and the controller can activate the at least one display element when the aerosol generator is activated.

[0272] 81. The method of statement 80, wherein the controller may cause at least one display element to display data related to the operation of the aerosol delivery device.

[0273] 82. The method of statement 80 or 81, wherein the display element is configured to present a visual representation of a conventional cigarette as the conventional cigarette is burning.

[0274] 83. The method of any one of statements 80-82, wherein the display element is configured to present a visual representation of the proportion of the aerosol-generating material that has not yet been aerosolized.

[0275] The above description is intended to be illustrative only, and those skilled in the art will recognize that changes can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Still other modifications that fall within the scope of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of a consideration of the present disclosure.

[0276] Various aspects of the aerosol delivery device, aerosol delivery system, and method of using the device disclosed in various embodiments may be used alone, in combination, or in various configurations not specifically described in the above embodiments. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details and arrangements of components set forth in the foregoing description or illustrated in the drawings. For example, aspects described in one embodiment may be combined in any manner with aspects described in other embodiments. While specific embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications can be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. The scope of the following claims should not be limited by the embodiments described in the examples, but should be accorded the broadest reasonable interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, comprising: a plurality of aerosol generators; and a controller, the plurality of aerosol generators are arranged adjacent to one another to form an array of aerosol generators; the aerosol delivery device is configured such that the aerosol-generating materials are arranged in an overlapping manner in the array of aerosol generators; each aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from a generation region of the aerosol-generating material when the aerosol generator is fully activated; An aerosol delivery device in which the generation regions associated with adjacent aerosol generators in the array abut, overlap, or are adjacent to each other.

2. the controller is configured to control the order in which the plurality of aerosol generators are activated; 2. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the controller fully activates the plurality of aerosol generators sequentially from the aerosol generator at a first position in the array of aerosol generators to the aerosol generator at a second position in the array of aerosol generators.

3. 3. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the array of aerosol generators extends longitudinally between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, and optionally, the first position is at the first longitudinal end and the second position is at the second longitudinal end.

4. each aerosol generator configured to heat but not aerosolize a heating region of aerosol-generating material when the aerosol generator is fully activated; 4. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the heating region associated with a given aerosol generator at least partially surrounds the generation region of the aerosol generator.

5. An aerosol delivery device as described in claim 4 when dependent on claim 2, or claim 3 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the heating area associated with a first aerosol generator at least partially overlaps the generation area of ​​a second aerosol generator, and the second aerosol generator is adjacent to the first aerosol generator and closer to the second position in the array than the first aerosol generator.

6. 6. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the array of aerosol generators forms a longitudinally extending rod, or the array of aerosol generators is supported on a surface or surfaces of a longitudinally extending support rod to form a longitudinally extending rod.

7. 7. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the array of aerosol generators has a longitudinal dimension of two or more aerosol generators and a lateral dimension of one aerosol generator, and optionally each aerosol generator is formed as a closed loop and configured to extend around a longitudinally extending rod, and optionally the closed loop has one of the following shapes: circular, elliptical, rectangular or other polyhedral.

8. 8. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the array of aerosol generators has a longitudinal dimension of two or more aerosol generators and a lateral dimension of two or more aerosol generators.

9. The aerosol delivery device of claim 8 , wherein the generation regions associated with the aerosol generators abut or partially overlap one another in both the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction.

10. the controller controls the order in which the plurality of aerosol generators are activated; 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 8 or 9, wherein the controller fully activates the plurality of aerosol generators in a sequence from at least one aerosol generator at the first position of the array to at least one aerosol generator at the second position of the array.

11. 11. The aerosol delivery device of claim 10, when dependent on claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to partially activate one or more aerosol generators as part of a sequence of fully activating the plurality of aerosol generators.

12. 12. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the array of aerosol generators comprises at least one printed circuit board supporting a plurality of individually heatable circuits.

13. 13. The aerosol delivery device of claim 12, wherein at least one of the plurality of printed circuit boards comprises a flexible printed circuit board.

14. 14. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of aerosol generators comprises one of an electrical resistance heater, an etched film heater, a printed film heater, or an induction coil.

15. 15. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the controller comprises a memory and a processor, and one or more schedules for the complete operation of the plurality of aerosol generators in the array of aerosol generators are stored in the memory.

16. 16. The aerosol delivery device of claim 15, wherein the schedule stored in the memory causes the controller to fully activate a first aerosol generator upon receipt of a first input by the controller, and to sequentially fully activate all remaining aerosol generators in a predetermined order until all of the aerosol generators are fully activated.

17. 17. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, further comprising at least one display element, and wherein the controller is capable of activating the at least one display element when the aerosol generator is activated.

18. 18. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the aerosol delivery device comprises puff detection means, the puff detection means in communication with the controller, the puff detection means configured to detect a characteristic of a puff, the puff detection means configured to generate a signal upon detection of the characteristic of the puff, the signal being transmitted to the controller.

19. 19. The aerosol delivery device of claim 18, wherein the detected characteristic of the puff is one of the start of the puff, the end of the puff, the period between the start and end of the puff, the number of puffs per predetermined period, the period between multiple puffs, the drop in air pressure in the puff detection means resulting from the puff, the velocity of air passing through the puff detection means at a determined time within the period of the puff, and the amount of the puff.

20. 20. The aerosol delivery device of claim 18 or 19, wherein the puff detection means is configured to detect two or more characteristics of the puff, and the puff detection means is configured to generate a different signal upon detection of each characteristic of the puff, and the signals are transmitted to the controller.

21. An aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 20 and an article containing an aerosol-forming material.

22. 1. A method for generating an aerosol from an article comprising an aerosol-generating material using an aerosol-generating device, comprising: the aerosol delivery device comprises a plurality of aerosol generators and a controller; the plurality of aerosol generators are arranged adjacent to one another to form an array of aerosol generators; the device is configured to apply the aerosol-generating material to the array of aerosol generators; each aerosol generator generating an aerosol from a generation region of the aerosol-generating material when the aerosol generator is fully activated; A method wherein the generation regions associated with the plurality of aerosol generators abut one another, overlap one another, or are adjacent to one another.

23. the controller controls the order in which the plurality of aerosol generators are activated; 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the controller fully activates the plurality of aerosol generators sequentially from an aerosol generator at a first position in the array of aerosol generators to an aerosol generator at a second position in the array of aerosol generators.

24. 24. The method of claim 22 or 23, wherein the array of aerosol generators comprises at least one printed circuit board supporting a plurality of individually heatable circuits.

25. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein at least one of the printed circuit boards comprises a flexible printed circuit board.

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