Aerosol Delivery Device

Abstract

1. An aerosol delivery device (102) for generating an aerosol from an article (106) containing an aerosol-generating material, the aerosol delivery device (102) comprising: a device body (109) defining an end; and a heating element (114) protruding from the end of the device body to define an axis, the heating element having at least one heating surface (116) movable relative to the device body in a direction away from the axis, the heating element being configured to be received within the consumable such that the at least one heating surface is movable into contact with an inner surface of the consumable.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generation device for generating an aerosol from a removable aerosol product article. The present invention also relates to an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation device and an aerosol product article. [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 one aspect of the present disclosure, there is an aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an article including an aerosol-generating material, the aerosol delivery device comprising: a device body defining an end; and a heating element protruding from the end of the device body to define an axis, the heating element having at least one heating surface movable relative to the device body in a direction away from the axis, the heating element being configured to be received within the consumable such that the at least one heating surface is movable into contact with an inner surface of the consumable.

[0004] In a further embodiment of the above, the at least one heating surface of the heating element includes a first heating surface and a second heating surface, the first heating surface and the second heating surface being movable in different directions away from the axis.

[0005] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the first heating surface and the second heating surface are positioned on opposite sides of an axis and are movable in opposite directions away from each other.

[0006] In a further embodiment of any of the above, at least one heating surface of the heating element comprises a single continuous surface, the heating surface being movable circumferentially apart relative to the axis.

[0007] In a further embodiment of any of the above, at least one heating surface is translatable relative to the device body.

[0008] In a further embodiment of any of the above, at least one heating surface is rotatably moveable relative to the device body.

[0009] In further embodiments of any of the above, at least one heating surface is non-planar.

[0010] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the heater is an exposed heater that is not surrounded by any other part of the device around the axis.

[0011] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the heating surface is movable in response to a mechanism configured to be actuated by a user.

[0012] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the heating surface is movable in response to a mechanism configured to be actuated by the device in response to an article being received on the device.

[0013] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the heating element includes multiple heating zones that are heatable independently of one another.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is an aerosol delivery system comprising: an article comprising any of the aerosol delivery devices described above; an aerosol-generating material; and a cavity defined by an inner surface, wherein the heating element is received within the cavity and is movable into and out of contact with the inner surface.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the above, the article comprises one or more conduits that form part of a flow path through the system.

[0016] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the article comprises an aerosol-forming material comprising a binder, an aerosol-forming agent, and a filler.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is a method of using any of the above aerosol delivery systems, comprising: positioning an article on the device; and moving a heating element so that at least one heating surface contacts an inner surface of the article. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] The present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic front view of an aerosol generation system according to one aspect of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 2a] 2 illustrates the step of positioning an aerosol product on an aerosol generation device to form the aerosol generation system of FIG. 1. [Figure 2b] 2 illustrates the step of positioning an aerosol product on an aerosol generation device to form the aerosol generation system of FIG. 1. [Figure 2c] 2 illustrates the step of positioning an aerosol product on an aerosol generation device to form the aerosol generation system of FIG. 1. [Figure 3a] 2a is a cross-sectional view of the first exemplary embodiment of the aerosol product article and aerosol generating device along line AA in FIG. 2a. [Figure 3b] 2b is a cross-sectional view of the first exemplary embodiment of the aerosol product article and aerosol generating device along line BB in FIG. 2b. [Figure 3c]2c is a cross-sectional view of the first exemplary embodiment of the aerosol product article and aerosol generating device along line CC in FIG. 2c. [Figure 4a] 2a is a cross-sectional view of a second exemplary embodiment of an aerosol product article and an aerosol generating device along line AA in FIG. 2a. [Figure 4b] 2b is a cross-sectional view of the second exemplary embodiment of the aerosol product article and aerosol generating device along line BB in FIG. 2b. [Figure 4c] 2c is a cross-sectional view of the second exemplary embodiment of the aerosol product article and aerosol generating device along line CC in FIG. 2c. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating material" refers to a material that can generate an aerosol when energized, for example, by heating, irradiation, or any other method. Aerosol-generating materials can be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. Aerosol-generating materials can 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-generating materials can also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. Aerosol-generating materials can be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, gel, or wax. Aerosol-generating materials can also be, for example, a combination or blend of materials. Aerosol-generating materials can also be known as "smokable materials."

[0020] The aerosol-generating material may include a binder and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, an active agent and / or a filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, may also be present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0021] An aerosol-generating material may include or be an "amorphous solid." An amorphous solid may be a "monolithic solid." In some embodiments, an 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, an 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.

[0022] The aerosol-generating material may include an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may include 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.

[0023] Devices are known that heat aerosol-generating materials to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating materials, typically forming an inhalable aerosol without burning or combusting the aerosol-generating materials. 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 materials in liquid form, which may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol-generating materials 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 materials may be provided as a "permanent" part of the device.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 1 shows an example of an aerosol generation system 100. The system 100 includes an aerosol generation device 102 for generating an aerosol from a removable aerosol product article 106, and the removable aerosol product article 106 includes an aerosol-generating material. The device 102 can be used to heat the article 106 to generate an aerosol or other inhalable material that can be inhaled by a user of the device 102.

[0026] The device 102 includes a housing 108 that surrounds and houses the various components of the device 102. The housing 108 is elongated. The housing 108 defines a body 109 of the device 102.

[0027] A heating element or heater 114 extends from the body 109 and the housing 108 and is configured to be received within the aerosol product article 106. The heater 114 is received within an elongated core 118 of the aerosol product article 106.

[0028] The device 102 defines a longitudinal axis 104 along which the aerosol product article 106 can extend when positioned over a heater 114. The heater 114 is aligned on the longitudinal axis 104.

[0029] The heater 114 can include various components for heating the aerosol-forming material of the aerosol product article 106 via, for example, an induction heating process or a resistive heating process.

[0030] Resistive heating utilizes the Joule heating effect that results from the electrical resistance of a material in response to the application of an electric current directly through the material.

[0031] Induction heating is a process of heating an electrically conductive heating element (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. An induction heating assembly may include an induction element, such as one or more inductor coils, and a device for passing a variable current, such as an alternating current, through the induction element. The variable current in the induction element generates a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field penetrates a susceptor suitably positioned relative to the induction element and generates eddy currents within the susceptor.

[0032] The susceptor has an electrical resistance to eddy currents, and the flow of eddy currents against this resistance causes the susceptor to heat by Joule heating. If the susceptor contains a ferromagnetic material, such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, heat can also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses within the susceptor—that is, by the change in orientation of magnetic dipoles within the magnetic material as a result of alignment with a fluctuating magnetic field. Induction heating generates heat within the susceptor, allowing for more rapid heating than, for example, conduction heating. Furthermore, no physical contact between the induction element and the susceptor is required, allowing for greater flexibility in construction and application.

[0033] If present, the susceptor may be included in the heater 114 and may be positioned, for example, on the outer surface 116 of the heater 114, or may form the core of the heater 114, which may be surrounded by one or more layers or coatings of material that cannot be heated by induction. In other examples, the susceptor may be positioned within the device 102 to otherwise generate heat within the heater 114.

[0034] In one embodiment, heater 114 may include multiple heating sections or zones. The heating zones may be axially separated from one another or axially adjacent to one another and disposed along axis 104. The heating zones may be independently heatable in that the temperature of each heating section may be adjusted separately relative to the other heating sections.

[0035] The device 102 may include a user-operable control element, such as a button or switch 126, that when manipulated, e.g., pressed, operates the device 102. For example, a user may activate the device 102 by pressing the switch 126.

[0036] The end of the heater 114 distal from the device housing 108 may be known as the proximal end (or oral end) 110 of the device 102 because it is closest to the user's mouth during use. During use, the user places the aerosol production article 106 over the heater 114, operates a user control to initiate heating of the aerosol-generating material within the aerosol production article 106, and inhales the aerosol generated within the aerosol production article 106. This causes the aerosol to flow through the aerosol production article 106 along one or more flow paths 124 toward the proximal end 110 of the device 102.

[0037] The end of the device's housing 108 distal from the heater 114 may be known as the distal end 112 of the device 102, as it is the end farthest from a user's mouth in use. When a user inhales aerosol generated within the device, the aerosol flows in a direction toward the proximal end of the device 102. The terms proximal and distal as applied to features of the device 102 are described by reference to the relative positions of such features with respect to one another in the proximal-distal direction along the axis 104.

[0038] The device 102 may further include a controller (control circuitry) and a power supply housed within the device housing 108. The heater 114 is configured to heat the aerosol-forming material of the aerosol-producing article 106 when positioned over the heater 114 so that an aerosol is generated from the aerosol-forming material. The power supply supplies electrical power to the heater 114, and the heater 114 converts the supplied electrical energy into thermal energy for heating the aerosol-forming material.

[0039] The power source may be, for example, a battery, such as a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium batteries (such as lithium-ion batteries), nickel batteries (such as nickel-cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries.

[0040] The power source may be electrically coupled to the heater 114 and, under the control of the controller, may provide power as needed to heat the aerosol-generating material of the aerosol product article 106. The control circuitry may be configured to activate and deactivate the heater 114 based on a user's manipulation of a control element. For example, the controller may activate the heater 114 in response to a user manipulating the switch 126.

[0041] In this example, the article 106 is generally cylindrical with a generally cylindrical elongated core 118, and the heater 114 is correspondingly generally cylindrical in shape, although other shapes may also be suitable.

[0042] The aerosol product article 106 may include one or more conduits 122 that form part of a flow path 124. During use, the distal end of the aerosol product article 106 may be positioned adjacent to or engaged with the base (or distal end) of the heater 114. Air may enter the aerosol product article 106 through the one or more conduits 122 that form part of the flow path 124 and flow through the article 106 toward the proximal end of the device 102.

[0043] Undesirably, aerosol condensation may collect within the flow path 124 during such use of the system 100. Therefore, it may be preferable to form the flow path 124 within the article 106, as replacing the article 106 will also remove any such condensation from the system 100 without requiring another cleaning of the device 102. The article 106 with the condensation may then be discarded, for example, while the device 102 can continue to be used with another article.

[0044] In the above-described systems 100 in which the heater 114 of the device 102 is received within the article 106, it may be beneficial to provide features to assist a user in properly positioning the article 106 on the device 102 for use. Positioning the article 106 on the device 102 so that the heater 114 is in intimate contact with the inner surface 120 of the elongated core 118 of the article 106 can allow for more uniform and consistent heating of the aerosol-generating material within the article 106, particularly when multiple heating zones are used in the heater 114. Therefore, it may be beneficial for a user to be able to easily and reliably position the article 106 on the heater 114 so that intimate contact is achieved.

[0045] It may also be desirable to reduce the likelihood of a user damaging the item 106 when positioning it on the device 102. For example, if the item 106 includes a conduit 122 for forming a flow path 124, the outer surface of the item 106 may be susceptible to damage by the user while positioning the item 106.

[0046] The device 102 includes an extendable or movable heater 114 that is movable relative to the device body 109 to improve ease of positioning the item 106 on the device 102 and to create intimate contact between the heater 114 and the item 106.

[0047] 2a-2c and 3a-3c illustrate the steps of positioning or positioning the article 106 on the device 102 in the first exemplary embodiment. The article 106 is positioned on the device 102 such that the heater 114 is received within the article, and the heater 114 is moved into contact with the article 106.

[0048] 2a and 3a show the article 106 and device 102 before a first step of initial positioning of the article 106 on the device 102 by a user. Before the article 106 is initially positioned on the device 102, the heater 114 is exposed, i.e., most or substantially all of the heater 114 is not surrounded by any other portion of the device 102 or article 106 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 104 of the device 102.

[0049] As best seen in FIG. 3a, the heater 114 of the first exemplary embodiment includes first and second heater sections 114a, 114b arranged about the longitudinal axis 104. Each of the first and second heater sections 114a, 114b extends from the device toward the proximal end 110 in the housing 108. Each of the first and second heater sections 114a, 114b defines a respective portion of the outer surface 116 of the heater 114, with the first heater section 114a including a first outer surface portion 116a and the second heater section 114b including a second outer surface portion 116b.

[0050] One or both of the outer surface portions 116a, 116b may be non-planar. That is, one or both of the outer surface portions 116a, 116b may include a curved surface rather than a flat surface. For example, when viewed in cross section in a plane perpendicular to the axis 104, the surfaces 116a, 116b may include a curved profile rather than a straight profile.

[0051] In the first step of initial positioning, the heater 114 is in a first contracted state or first mode. In the contracted state, the first and second outer surface portions 116a, 116b each define a first distance from the longitudinal axis 104. The distance is in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 104. In the illustrated example, when the heater 114 is in the contracted state, a gap exists between the first heater section 114a and the second heater section 114b. In other examples, when the heater 114 is in the contracted state, there may be substantially no gap between the first heater section 114a and the second heater section 114b.

[0052] In a first step of initial positioning, the article 106 is moved substantially along the longitudinal axis 104 in a direction from the proximal end 110 toward the distal end 112, as shown by arrow 128, so that the heater 114 is received within the elongated core 118.

[0053] In the contracted state, the heater 114 includes a cross-sectional shape that is smaller than the cross-sectional shape of the elongated core 118 of the article 106. The heater 114 in the contracted state can be received within the elongated core 118 of the article 106 while maintaining a gap between the heater 108 and the article 106. The presence of a gap between the heater 108 and the article 106 can improve the ease with which the article 106 can be positioned on the device 102 by a user.

[0054] 2b and 3b show the article 106 and device 102 after a first step of initial positioning. In the example shown, the article 106 abuts a portion of the housing 108 of the device 102. The article 106 is positioned on the device 102 to surround the heater 114, which is in a contracted state.

[0055] In the contracted state, the heater 114 defines a gap or open space between an outer surface 116 of the heater 114 and an inner surface 120 of the elongated core 118. In the illustrated example, the article 106 is positionable over the heater 114 such that the gap extends entirely around the heater 114 in a direction about the longitudinal axis 102.

[0056] In the first exemplary embodiment, each of the first and second outer surface portions 116a, 116b is spaced apart from the inner surface 120 of the elongated core 118 to form a gap.

[0057] Once the article 106 is initially positioned on the device 102, a second positioning step can be performed by the user to bring the heater 114 into closer contact with the article 106. The heater 114 is moved from a first contracted state to a second expanded state or mode within the article 106, as indicated by arrows 130 and 132. In the expanded state, the outer surface 116 of the heater contacts the inner surface 120 of the elongated core 118.

[0058] In a first exemplary embodiment, the heater 114 may be moved to the expanded state by moving the first and second heater sections 114a, 114b, both of which are moved such that the first and second outer surface portions 116a, 116b, respectively, move away from the longitudinal axis.

[0059] 2c and 3c show the article 106 and device 102 after a second step of positioning the article 106 on the device 102. The heater 114 moves to the expanded state, reducing or eliminating the gap that previously existed between the outer surface 116 of the heater 114 and the inner surface 120 of the elongated core 118. The outer surface 116 can contact the inner surface 120 around substantially all of the cross-sectional perimeter or circumference of the heater 114, for example, around about 90% or more of the cross-section of the heater 114.

[0060] After the second step of positioning, the heater 114 is in an expanded state, and the first and second outer surface portions 116 a, 116 b each define a second distance from the longitudinal axis that is greater than their respective first distances from the longitudinal axis in the contracted state. By moving the first and second outer surface portions 116 a, 116 b away from the longitudinal axis, the first and second outer surface portions 116 a, 116 b each contact the inner surface 120 of the elongated core 118.

[0061] While in the arrangement of Figures 3a-3c, heater sections 114a, 114b are each movable, and arrangements are also contemplated in which only one of heater sections 114a, 114b is movable to move each of outer surface portions 116a, 116b away from longitudinal axis 104.

[0062] Positioning the item 106 on the device 102 with the heater 114 in a contracted state may improve the ease with which a user can position the item 106. Additionally, due to the reduced size of the heater 114 relative to the elongated core 118 of the item, and the resulting gap that can be maintained between the two, the user may be less likely to damage the item 106.

[0063] By moving the heater 114 from the contracted state to the expanded state, the outer surface 116 of the heater 114 can be brought into intimate contact with the inner surface 120 of the elongated core 118, allowing the heater 114 to heat the item 106 uniformly and consistently.

[0064] After the second step of positioning the article 106 on the device 102, the system 100 can be used to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user as described above.

[0065] The heater sections 114a, 114b, and corresponding heating surfaces 116a, 116b, of the depicted embodiment translate relative to the device body 109 and move relative to the device body. That is, when viewed in a plane perpendicular to the axis 104, the heating sections 114a, 114b are movable such that all portions of the heating sections 114a, 114b move relative to the device body 109. The heating sections 114a, 114b may translate by sliding relative to the device body 109. In other embodiments (not shown), movement of the heating sections 114a, 114b, and corresponding heating surfaces 116a, 116b, may additionally or alternatively include rotating the heating sections 114a, 114b relative to the device body 109. That is, when viewed in a plane perpendicular to the axis 104, the heating sections 114a, 114b may be movable such that only a portion of the heating sections 114a, 114b move relative to the device body 109. The heating sections 114 a , 114 b can be rotated by pivoting relative to the device body 109 .

[0066] The heater 114 is reversibly movable between an expanded state and a contracted state. Thus, a user can subsequently remove the article 106 from the device 102, for example, after generating an aerosol using the system 100. Removing the article 106 from the device 102 can substantially reverse the steps of positioning the article 106 within the device 102.

[0067] Continuing with reference to Figures 2a-2c, Figures 4a-4c illustrate steps for positioning or positioning the item 106 on the device 102 in a second exemplary embodiment. Figures 2a and 4a illustrate the item 106 and the device 102 before a first step of initial positioning of the item 106 on the device 102 by a user. Figures 2b and 4b illustrate the item 106 and the device 102 after the first step of initial positioning. Figures 2c and 4c illustrate the item 106 and the device 102 after a second step of positioning the item 106 on the device 102.

[0068] The device 102 and article 106 of the second embodiment are similar to those described above with respect to the first embodiment, except that the heater 114 comprises a single continuous section 114c defining a single continuous outer surface 116c.

[0069] 4a, the heater 114 is in a first contracted state during initial positioning of the article 106 on the device 102. In the heater's contracted state, the single outer surface 116c defines a first distance from the longitudinal axis 104. This distance is in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 104. The single outer surface portion 116c is separated from the inner surface 120 of the elongated core 118 to form a gap.

[0070] The heater 114 may then be moved in a second step to position it in a second expanded state by moving the single heater section 114c. The heater section 114c is moved such that the single outer surface 116c moves away from the longitudinal axis. In the expanded state of the heater 114, the single outer surface section 116c defines a second distance from the longitudinal axis that is greater than the first distance from the longitudinal axis in the contracted state. By moving the single outer surface section 116c away from the longitudinal axis, the single outer surface section 116c contacts the inner surface 120 of the elongate core 118.

[0071] The heating surface 116c may be non-planar. That is, the heating surface 116c may comprise a curved surface rather than a flat surface. For example, when viewed in cross section in a plane perpendicular to the axis 104, the surface 116c may comprise a curved profile rather than a straight profile.

[0072] Although two exemplary embodiments are shown, it should be understood that the device may include a heater having other numbers and / or shapes of heater section(s) and outer surface portion(s), such that at least one of the outer surface portions is movable away from the longitudinal axis to bring the outer surface of the heater into contact with the inner surface 120 of the article 106.

[0073] The heater 114 and article 102 may, as in the depicted embodiment, include a substantially constant cross-sectional size and / or shape along the axis 104 from the device body 109 over a majority (50% or more) of their total axial extent toward the proximal end 110 of the device 102. For example, the cross-sectional size and / or shape of either the heater 114 and article 102 may be constant over 90% of their total axial extent.

[0074] The heater 114 may be movable over a large portion (50% or more) of its total axial range, for example, 90% or more of its total axial range, in the manner described herein. The remainder of the heater may be stationary or substantially unmovable relative to the device body 109.

[0075] In each of the configurations, the heater 114 may be mechanically movable between a contracted state and an expanded state. That is, the device 102 may include a mechanism that can be actuated or triggered to cause movement of the outer surface 116 of the heater 114 between the contracted state and the expanded state. Sections of the heater 114 may be translatable along a track in response to triggering the mechanism, such that the outer surface 116 moves directly away from the longitudinal axis, as in the configurations of Figures 3a-3c, or rotationally around the longitudinal axis and away from the longitudinal axis, as in the configurations of Figures 4a-4c.

[0076] The heater 114 may be manually mechanically movable by a user, for example, by including a manual trigger such as a switch, button, or lever that triggers a mechanism to move the heater 114 between the contracted and expanded states. The manual trigger may alternatively include an electronic signal from the device 102 triggered by the user that activates the mechanism.

[0077] The heater 114 may alternatively be mechanically movable automatically in response to a first step of initially positioning the article 106 on the device 102. For example, the positioning of the article may contact a feature on the device 102 that triggers movement of the heater. Alternatively, a feature on the device may detect the presence of the article and generate a signal that triggers a mechanism to move the heater.

[0078] Any of the above-described devices may additionally include a locking feature or features configured to selectively secure or lock the item 106 axially in place on the heater 114 under certain conditions. Such locking features may be suitable to prevent a user from removing the item 106 under certain conditions, such as when the heater 114 is increasing in temperature or above a certain temperature, for improved safety.

[0079] The locking feature may comprise one or more protrusions extending radially outward from the movable outer surface(s) of the heater, which protrusions engage the article 106 when the heater 114 is in the expanded state. Alternatively, the protrusions may be separately movable portions of the heater 114 that are movable radially outward independent of the expansion or contraction of the heater to engage the article 106.

[0080] Alternatively, the locking feature may include a frictional engagement between the outer surface(s) and the inner surface 120 of the article 106 that substantially prevents axial movement of the article 106 when the heater 114 is in the expanded state.

[0081] The engagement of the locking feature with the item may be controlled depending on the state of the device 102. In one example, the heater 114 and / or locking feature may be held in engagement with the item 106 in response to a manual mechanical locking mechanism within the device 102, which prevents disengagement of the heater 114 or locking feature while the mechanism is activated. In another example, the heater 114 and / or locking feature may be automatically held in engagement with the item 106 in response to an electronic or thermal state of the device 102 or heater 114, such that the locking feature is automatically engaged when the heater 114 is in the heating process and / or above a certain temperature.

[0082] The above-described embodiments are illustrative examples of the present invention, and further embodiments of the present invention are contemplated. It should be understood that any feature described in connection with any one embodiment may be used alone or in combination with the other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other embodiment, or any combination of any other embodiment. For these reasons, the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this disclosure.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol delivery device (102) for generating an aerosol from an article containing an aerosol-forming material, comprising: a device body (109) defining an end; a heating element (114) protruding from the end of the device body (109) to define an axis (104), the heating element (114) comprising at least one heating surface (116) movable relative to the device body (109) in a direction away from the axis (104), the heating element (114) being configured to be received within the consumable such that the at least one heating surface (116) is movable into contact with an inner surface of the consumable; An aerosol delivery device (102) comprising:

2. 2. The aerosol delivery device (102) of claim 1, wherein the at least one heating surface of the heating element (114) includes a first heating surface (116a) and a second heating surface (116b), and the first heating surface (116a) and the second heating surface (116b) are movable in different directions away from the axis (104).

3. 3. The aerosol delivery device (102) of claim 2, wherein the first heating surface (116a) and the second heating surface (116b) are positioned on opposite sides of the axis (104) and are movable in opposite directions away from each other.

4. 2. The aerosol delivery device (102) of claim 1, wherein the at least one heating surface of the heating element (114) comprises a single continuous surface (116c), and the heating surface (116c) is movable circumferentially away from the axis (104).

5. The aerosol delivery device (102) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one heating surface (116) is translatable relative to the device body (109).

6. The aerosol delivery device (102) of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one heating surface (116) is rotatably movable relative to the device body (109).

7. The aerosol delivery device (102) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one heated surface (116) is non-planar.

8. 8. The aerosol delivery device (102) of claim 1, wherein the heater (114) is an exposed heater that is not surrounded by any other part of the device (102) around the axis (104).

9. The aerosol delivery device (102) of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the heated surface is movable in response to a mechanism configured to be actuated by a user.

10. 9. The aerosol delivery device (102) of claim 1, wherein the heating surface is movable in response to a mechanism configured to be actuated by the device in response to the item being received on the device (102).

11. The aerosol delivery device (102) of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the heating element (114) comprises a plurality of heating zones that can be heated independently of one another.

12. An aerosol delivery system (100), comprising: The aerosol delivery device (102) according to any one of claims 1 to 11; an article (106) comprising an aerosol-generating material and a cavity (118) defined by an inner surface (120), wherein the heating element (114) is received within the cavity (118) and is movable into and out of contact with the inner surface (120); An aerosol delivery system (100) comprising:

13. 13. The aerosol delivery system (100) of claim 12, wherein the article (106) comprises one or more conduits (122) that form part of a flow path (124) through the system (100).

14. 14. The aerosol delivery system (100) of claim 12 or 13, wherein the article (106) comprises an aerosol-generating material including a binder, an aerosol-forming agent, and a filler.

15. A method of using the aerosol delivery system according to any one of claims 12 to 14, comprising the steps of: positioning the article (106) on the device (102); moving the heating element (114) so ​​that the at least one heating surface (116) contacts the inner surface (120) of the article (106); A method comprising:

Images