Aerosol Delivery Device

Abstract

An aerosol delivery device (102) for generating an aerosol from an article containing an aerosol-generating material, the aerosol delivery device (102) comprising: a device body (109) defining an end; a heating element (114) protruding from the end of the device body and defining an axis (104); and first and second holding members (116a) and (116b) protruding from the end of the device body, at least the first holding member being movable relative to the heating element and including a non-planar surface configured to contact the article containing the aerosol-generating material.

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 comprising an aerosol-generating material, the aerosol delivery device comprising: a device body defining an end; a heating element protruding from the end of the device body and defining an axis; and first and second retaining members protruding from the end of the device body, at least the first retaining member being movable relative to the heating element and including a non-planar surface configured to contact the article comprising the aerosol-generating material.

[0004] In a further embodiment of the above, each of the first and second retaining members includes a respective non-planar surface, each of the non-planar surfaces configured to contact an article including an aerosol-forming material.

[0005] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the first retaining member and the second retaining member are each movable relative to the heating element in different directions from each other.

[0006] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the first retaining member and the second retaining member are positioned on opposite sides of the heating element.

[0007] In a further embodiment of any of the above, one or both of the first and second retaining members are slidable on the device body so as to be translatable relative to the heating element.

[0008] In a further embodiment of any of the above, one or both of the first and second retaining members are pivotable on the device body for rotational movement relative to the heating element.

[0009] In a further embodiment of any of the above, each of the first retaining member and the second retaining member includes at least one lateral edge, and the first retaining member and the second retaining member are separated from each other at the lateral edges to form at least one gap along the axial direction.

[0010] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the first retaining member and the second retaining member together extend no more than about 90% of the distance circumferentially about the axis.

[0011] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the first retention member and the second retention member together extend about 40% or more of the distance circumferentially about the axis.

[0012] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the heating element includes multiple heating sections that are heatable independently of one another.

[0013] In a further embodiment of any of the above, one or both of the first retaining member and the second retaining member are configured to be heatable to generate an aerosol from the article.

[0014] In a further embodiment of any of the above, one or both of the first retaining member and the second retaining member are configured to be heatable independently of the heating element.

[0015] In a further embodiment of any of the above, one or both of the first retention member and the second retention member comprises a mesh structure forming a plurality of through holes.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is an aerosol delivery system comprising any of the aerosol delivery devices described above and an article including an aerosol-generating material, the article including an outer surface shaped to correspond to the non-planar surface of the at least one retaining member, the non-planar surface being movable into contact with the outer surface of the article.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the above, the article comprises one or more conduits that form part of a flow path through the system.

[0018] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the article comprises an elongated core, the heating element being receivable within the elongated core.

[0019] 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.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is a method of using any of the above aerosol delivery systems, comprising the steps of positioning an article on the device and moving a first holding member to bring a non-planar surface into contact with an outer surface of the article. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] 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

[0022] 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."

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] A heating element or heater 114 extends from the end of the body 109 and housing 108 and is configured to be received within the aerosol product article 106. The heater 114 is received within an elongated cavity or core 118 of the aerosol product article 106. The shape and size of the elongated core 118 and the heater 114 may be such that the heater 114 is received within the elongated core 118 in contact with the inner surface of the elongated core.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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, generating eddy currents within the susceptor.

[0035] 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.

[0036] If present, the susceptor may be included in the heater 114 and may be positioned, for example, on an outer surface 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.

[0037] In one embodiment, heater 114 may include multiple heating sections or heating 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 zone may be adjusted separately relative to the other heating sections.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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 that assist a user in properly positioning the article 106 on the device 102 for use. Positioning the article 106 on the heater 114 may result in the user accidentally deforming the article 106. Deformation of the article 106 may lead to uneven heating during use of the system 100, especially when multiple heating zones are used in the heater 114. Therefore, it may be advantageous to provide features that allow the consumable to conform to a particular shape during use by a user.

[0048] 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 120 of the item 106 may be susceptible to damage by the user while positioning the item 106.

[0049] The device 102 includes a pair of retaining members 116a, 116b that contact the article 106 at predetermined locations on the heater 114 to conform the article 106 to a particular shape. Each of the retaining members 116a, 116b extends longitudinally from the device body 109 parallel to the heater 114 to form an area between the retaining members 116a, 116b for receiving the article 106. Each of the retaining members 116a, 116b includes a non-planar inner surface 117a, 117b that is shaped to contact the outer surface 120 of the article 106 and conform the outer surface 120 of the article 106 to the non-planar shape of the retaining member inner surfaces 117a, 117b.

[0050] Surfaces 117a, 117b are non-planar in that they comprise curved surfaces rather than flat surfaces, e.g., when viewed in cross section in a plane perpendicular to axis 104, surfaces 117a, 117b comprise curved profiles rather than straight profiles.

[0051] One or both of the retaining members 116a, 116b are movable such that the non-planar interior surface(s) 117a, 117b move into and out of contact with the item 106. The movable retaining members 116a, 116b improve the ease of positioning an item in place between the interior surfaces 117a, 117b while in the open position before the members 116a, 116b move to the closed position to hold the item 106 in shape.

[0052] 2a-2c and 3a-3c illustrate the step of positioning or positioning the article 106 on the device 102 in the first exemplary embodiment. In the positioning step, the article 106 is positioned on the device 102 so that the heater 114 is received within the article, and the holding members 116a, 116b are moved into contact with the article 106.

[0053] 2a and 3a show the item 106 and the device 102 prior to a first step of initial positioning of the item 106 on the device 102 by a user. Before the item 106 is initially positioned on the device 102, the area 128 formed between the retaining members 116a, 116b includes free space, i.e., a space that is free of any other portion of the device 102 and suitable for receiving the item.

[0054] In the first step of initial positioning, the retention members 116a, 116b are in a first expanded state or first mode. 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 indicated by arrow 136. The article 106 is moved onto the heater 114 and into the region 128 defined between the retention members 116a, 116b.

[0055] In the expanded state of the retention members, the item 106 can be received on the device while maintaining a gap between the item 106 and the retention members 116 a, 116 b. The presence of a gap between the item 106 and the retention members 116 a, 116 b can improve the ease with which the user can position the item 106 on the device 102.

[0056] 2b and 3b show the article 106 and the 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 between the retention members 116a, 116b in an expanded state.

[0057] In the expanded state, the retention members 116a, 116b define a separation between their respective inner surfaces 117a, 117b that is greater than the diameter or width of the article 106, such that the inner surfaces 117a, 117b define a gap or open space from the outer surface 120 of the article 106.

[0058] Once the item 106 is initially positioned on the device 102, a second positioning step can be performed by the user to bring the non-planar inner surfaces 117a, 117b of the retention members 116a, 116b into contact with the item 106. In this step, the retention members 116a, 116b are moved from a first, expanded state to a second, contracted state or second mode. In the contracted state, the inner surfaces 117a, 117b of the retention members 116a, 116b contact the outer surface 120 of the item 106.

[0059] As indicated by arrows 140 and 142, the retaining members 116a, 116b and their respective non-planar surfaces 117a, 117b are each moved relative to the device body 109 and heater 114 in a direction toward the heater 114 and the article 106. The direction of movement of the non-planar surfaces 117a, 117b, as viewed in a plane perpendicular to the axis, is each toward the axis 104 of the device 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the movement includes translating the retaining members 116a, 116b relative to the device body 109. That is, the retaining members 116a, 116b are movable such that all portions of the retaining members 116a, 116b move relative to the device body 109 as viewed in a plane perpendicular to the axis. The retaining members 116a, 116b can be translated by sliding relative to the device body 109.

[0060] 2c and 3c show the article 106 and device 102 after a second step of positioning the article 106 on the device 102. The movement of the retaining members 116a, 116b to the contracted state reduces or eliminates the gap that previously existed between the non-planar interior surfaces 117a, 117b and the exterior surface 120 of the article 106.

[0061] 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.

[0062] The retention members 116a, 116b are 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] The device 102 and article 106 of the second embodiment are similar to those described above with respect to the first embodiment, except for the movement of the retaining members 116a, 116b. In the second exemplary embodiment, the movement includes rotating the retaining members 116a, 116b relative to the device body 109. That is, when viewed in a plane perpendicular to the axis 104, the retaining members 116a, 116b are movable such that only a portion of the retaining members 116a, 116b move relative to the device body 109. The retaining members 116a, 116b may rotate by pivoting relative to the device body 109.

[0065] 4a, the retention members 116a, 116b are in a first expanded state or first mode during initial positioning of the article 106 on the device 102. The retention members 116a, 116b are then moved from the first expanded state to a second contracted state or second mode, as indicated by arrows 144 and 146. The retention members 116a, 116b and the non-planar surfaces 117a, 117b are moved by pivoting in a direction toward the heater 114 and the article 106, respectively. The direction of movement of the non-planar surfaces 117a, 117b, as viewed in a plane perpendicular to the axis, is toward the axis 104 of the device 102, respectively.

[0066] Although an embodiment is depicted in which both retaining members 116a, 116b are movable and both include non-planar surfaces 117a, 117b, it will be understood that other similar devices in which only one retaining member is movable and / or only one retaining member has a non-planar surface will also provide improved ease of positioning an item and improved assurance of conformance to the shape of the item.

[0067] While embodiments are depicted in which both retaining members 116 a, 116 b move translationally relative to the device body or both move rotationally relative to the device body, it will be understood that movement of the retaining members may include both translation and rotation. Additionally or alternatively, moving the retaining members may include moving both retaining members in a similar mirror movement relative to one another, or may include moving each of the retaining members in a different movement relative to one another.

[0068] In both the expanded and contracted states, it may be preferable to maintain a spacing between the retaining members 116a, 116b, which can improve airflow into the conduit 122 of the article 106 at the bottom end of the article. In the contracted state, the retaining members 116a, 116b in the depicted embodiment define two spaces 134a, 134b that provide separation between the two retaining members to allow airflow therethrough.

[0069] Two gaps 134a, 134b are formed between the side edges 132a, 132b, 132c, 132d of the retention members 116a, 116b and extend axially along the retention members 116a, 116b from the device body to the proximal ends 130a, 130b of the respective retention members 116a, 116b. For example, a first gap 134a may be formed between the first side edges 132a, 132c of the first and second retention members 116a, 116b, and a second gap 134b may be formed between the second side edges 132b, 132d of the first and second retention members 116a, 116b. The gaps 134a, 134b extend in a direction along the axis 104 from the device body 109 to the proximal ends 130a, 130b of the retention members 116a, 116b, respectively. The two gaps 134a, 134b extend along the entire axial extent of the retention members 116a, 116b.

[0070] The spacings 134a, 134b may be arranged such that, in the retracted state of the retaining members 116a, 116b, the retaining members 116a, 116b together extend no more than about 90% of the distance circumferentially about the axis 104. That is, the retaining members 116a, 116b together do not extend completely around the axis 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the non-planar interior surfaces 117a, 117b of the retaining members 116a, 116b contact the outer surface 120 of the article around no more than about 90% of the cross-sectional circumference of the outer surface 120. The retaining members 116a, 116b extend around less than the entire circumference of the device 102, thereby leaving a separation for airflow entering the article 106.

[0071] Additionally or alternatively, it may be preferable for the retaining members 116a, 116b to have contact between them around a relatively large area of ​​the article 106 in order for the retaining members 116a, 116b to maintain conformance to the particular shape of the article 106. In one embodiment, in the contracted state of the retaining members 116a, 116b, the retaining members 116a, 116b together extend a distance of about 40% or more circumferentially about the axis 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the non-planar interior surfaces 117a, 117b contact the outer surface 120 of the article around about 40% or more of the cross-sectional circumference of the outer surface 120.

[0072] The retention members 116a, 116b, heater 114, and article 102 may, in the depicted embodiment, include a substantially constant cross-sectional size and / or shape along axis 104 from device body 109 over a majority (50% or more) of their total axial extent toward the proximal end 110 of device 102. For example, the cross-sectional size and / or shape of any one or more of retention members 116a, 116b, heater 114, and article 102 may be constant over 90% of their total axial extent.

[0073] One or both of the movable retention members 116a, 116b may be movable in the manner described herein over a majority (50% or more) of their total axial range, for example, 90% or more of their total axial range, while the remainder of the retention members 116a, 116b may be stationary or substantially non-movable relative to the device body 109.

[0074] The retention members 116a, 116b may be mechanically movable between the expanded and contracted states. That is, the device 102 may include a mechanism for moving the retention members 116a, 116b between the contracted and expanded states. For example, the retention members 116a, 116b may be translatable along a track and / or rotatable about a pin in response to triggering of a mechanism.

[0075] The retention members 116a, 116b 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 for moving the retention members 116a, 116b between the expanded and contracted states. The manual trigger may alternatively include an electronic signal from the device 102 triggered by the user that activates the mechanism.

[0076] The retaining members 116a, 116b may alternatively be mechanically movable automatically in response to a first step of initially positioning the item 106 on the device 102. For example, the positioning of the item may contact a feature on the device 102 that triggers movement of the retaining members 116a, 116b. Alternatively, a feature on the device may detect the presence of the item and generate a signal that triggers a mechanism to move the retaining members 116a, 116b.

[0077] In any of the above configurations, one or both of the holding members 116a, 116b may be heatable to heat the aerosol-generating material of the article 106. Heating the holding members 116a, 116b along with the heater 114 may allow for more uniform and consistent heating of the consumable.

[0078] The holding members 116a, 116b may be heatable, for example, by including various components for heating the aerosol-generating material of the aerosol product article 106 via an induction or resistance heating process. One or both of the holding members 116a, 116b may include any of the features described above in connection with the heater 114 for providing resistance or induction heating and / or may include multiple heating sections or zones similar to those described above in connection with the heater 114.

[0079] The retaining members 116a, 116b may further be heatable independently of the heater 114 and / or each other, e.g., such that each is heated to different temperatures and / or at different times during use of the device. Independent heating of the retaining members 116a, 116b can, for example, provide for coordinated release of aerosol from the aerosol-generating material.

[0080] In any of the above configurations, one or both of the retaining members 116a, 116b may additionally include a mesh structure forming a plurality of holes, each of which may form a through-hole extending through the retaining members 116a, 116b from the outer surface thereof to the non-planar inner surface 117a, 117b, such that the retaining members 116a, 116b are porous to allow air flow.

[0081] Providing a mesh structure can reduce the weight of the retaining members 116a, 116b, thereby reducing the overall weight of the device 102. Additionally, a mesh that includes perforations can allow air to contact the article 106 or can improve airflow to the article 106, which can improve aerosol generation from the article 106.

[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) projecting from the end of the device body (109) and defining an axis (104); a first retaining member (116a) and a second retaining member (116b) protruding from the end of the device body (109), at least the first retaining member (116a, 116b) being movable relative to the heating element (114) and including non-planar surfaces (117a, 117b) configured to contact an article containing an aerosol-forming material; An aerosol delivery device (102) comprising:

2. 2. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second retaining members includes a respective non-planar surface configured to contact the article containing the aerosol-generating material.

3. The aerosol delivery device (102) of claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the first holding member (116a) and the second holding member (116b) is movable relative to the heating element (114) in different directions.

4. The aerosol delivery device (102) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first holding member (116a) and the second holding member (116b) are positioned on opposite sides of the heating element (114).

5. The aerosol delivery device (102) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein one or both of the first holding member (116a) and the second holding member (116b) are slidable on the device body so as to be translatable relative to the heating element (114).

6. The aerosol delivery device (102) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein one or both of the first holding member (116a) and the second holding member (116b) are pivotable on the device body so as to be rotatable relative to the heating element (114).

7. The aerosol delivery device (102) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of the first retaining member (116a) and the second retaining member (116b) includes at least one lateral edge, and the first retaining member (116a) and the second retaining member (116b) are separated from each other by the lateral edges to form at least one gap along the direction of the axis (104).

8. 8. The aerosol delivery device (102) of claim 7, wherein the first retaining member and the second retaining member together extend no more than about 90% of the distance circumferentially about the axis (104).

9. 9. The aerosol delivery device (102) of claim 7 or 8, wherein the first retaining member and the second retaining member together extend a distance of about 40% or more in a circumferential direction about the axis (104).

10. The aerosol delivery device (102) of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the heating element (114) comprises a plurality of heating sections that can be heated independently of each other.

11. The aerosol delivery device (102) of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein one or both of the first holding member (116a) and the second holding member (116b) are configured to be heatable to generate an aerosol from the article.

12. 12. The aerosol delivery device (102) of claim 11, wherein one or both of the first holding member (116a) and the second holding member (116b) are configured to be heatable independently of the heating element (114).

13. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein one or both of the first holding member and the second holding member have a mesh structure forming a plurality of through holes.

14. An aerosol delivery system (100), comprising: The aerosol delivery device (102) according to any one of claims 1 to 13; an article (106) comprising an aerosol-generating material and an outer surface (120) shaped to correspond to the non-planar surface (117a, 117b) of the at least one retaining member (116a, 116b), wherein the non-planar surface (117a, 117b) is movable into contact with the outer surface (120) of the article (106); An aerosol delivery system comprising:

15. 15. The aerosol delivery system (100) of claim 14, wherein the article (106) comprises one or more conduits (122) that form part of a flow path (124) through the system (100).

16. 16. The aerosol delivery system (100) of claim 14 or 15, wherein the article (106) comprises an elongated core (118), and the heating element (114) is receivable within the elongated core (118).

17. The aerosol delivery system (100) of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the article (106) comprises an aerosol-generating material including a binder, an aerosol-forming agent, and a filler.

18. A method of using the aerosol delivery system according to any one of claims 14 to 17, comprising the steps of: positioning the article (106) on the device (102); moving the first retention members (116a, 116b) so that the non-planar surfaces (117a, 117b) contact the outer surface (120) of the article (106); A method comprising:

Images