Aerosol supply device

Abstract

An aerosol supply device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol product is disclosed, having a first section for containing a first aerosol generating material and a second section for containing a second aerosol generating material. [Solution] The aerosol supply device 300 comprises a first aerosol generator 301 equipped with a first heating element for generating aerosols from a first aerosol generating material, and a second aerosol generator 302 equipped with a second heating element for generating aerosols from a second aerosol generating material. An insulating member 305 is placed between the first heating element and the second heating element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol supply device, an aerosol supply system, and an aerosol generation method. Background

[0002] Articles such as cigarettes and cigars generate tobacco smoke by burning tobacco during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these types of articles that burn tobacco by creating products that release compounds without burning. Devices are known that heat a smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material and typically form an inhalable aerosol without burning or combusting the smokable material. Such devices may be described as "non-combustion heating" devices or "tobacco heating products" (THP) or "tobacco heating devices". Various different arrangements for volatilizing at least one component of the smokable material are known.

[0003] The material may be, for example, a combination such as tobacco or other non-tobacco products, or a mixture that may or may not contain nicotine.

[0004] It is desirable to provide an improved aerosol supply device. Summary

[0005] According to one aspect, an aerosol supply device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating article having a first section containing a first aerosol generating material and a second section containing a second aerosol generating material, comprising: · A first aerosol generator comprising a first heating element for generating an aerosol from the first aerosol generating material; · A second aerosol generator comprising a second heating element for generating an aerosol from the second aerosol generating material; · A heat insulating member disposed between the first heating element and the second heating element is provided.

[0006] According to various embodiments, an insulating member is provided between a first heating element and a second heating element. The insulating member may function as a spacer. The insulating member is positioned to maintain a desired distance between the two heating elements and also functions to reduce heat transfer between the two heating elements. In particular, when an aerosol product having a first section containing a first aerosol-generating material and a second section containing a second aerosol-generating material is to be heated in an aerosol supply device having two separate aerosol generators, it may be desirable to heat the two sections to different temperatures. Therefore, the insulating member is beneficial in that it allows two different sections of the aerosol product to be heated to different temperatures, and helps prevent one heating element, which can be heated to a high temperature, from inadvertently heating the other heating element to the same or similar temperature by heat conduction.

[0007] The insulating material may be solid. The insulating material may also be gas-impermeable to prevent gas from passing through it.

[0008] Optionally, the first aerosol generator comprises a first induction coil and a first susceptor containing a material that can be heated by penetration due to a fluctuating magnetic field, the first susceptor comprising a first heating element.

[0009] Optionally, the first susceptor is tubular.

[0010] Optionally, the first aerosol generator includes a first resistance heater equipped with a first heating element.

[0011] Optionally, the first resistance heater is tubular.

[0012] Optionally, the first heating element comprises an electrical resistance winding or a thin film.

[0013] Optionally, the second aerosol generator comprises a second induction coil and a second susceptor containing a material that can be heated by penetration due to a fluctuating magnetic field, the second susceptor comprising a second heating element.

[0014] Optionally, the second susceptor is tubular.

[0015] Optionally, the second aerosol generator includes a second resistance heater equipped with a second heating element.

[0016] Optionally, the second resistance heater is tubular.

[0017] Optionally, the second heating element comprises an electrical resistance winding or a thin film.

[0018] Optionally, the heat insulating member is placed between the end of the first heating element and the end of the second heating element.

[0019] Optionally, the insulating members are positioned to maintain a spacing of 1.5-1.6 mm, 1.6-1.7 mm, 1.7-1.8 mm, 1.8-1.9 mm, 1.9-2.0 mm, 2.0-2.1 mm, 2.1-2.2 mm, 2.2-2.3 mm, 2.3-2.4 mm, 2.4-2.5 mm, or 2.0 mm between the ends of the first heating element and the ends of the second heating element.

[0020] Optionally, the end or lip of the first heating element is received or positioned within a hole or recess formed in the insulating member.

[0021] Optionally, the end or lip of the second heating element is received or positioned within a hole or recess formed in the insulating member.

[0022] Optionally, the first heating element has a first outer diameter d1, the second heating element has a second outer diameter d2, and the insulating member has a third outer diameter d3, where d3 > d2 and d3 > d1.

[0023] Optionally, the insulating member may be positioned to be in physical contact with the first heating element and / or the second heating element. Alternatively, the insulating member may be positioned so as not to be in physical contact with the first heating element and / or the second heating element.

[0024] According to various embodiments, an aerosol supply device is provided for generating an aerosol from an aerosol product, the aerosol supply device having a first section for containing a first aerosol-generating material and a second section for containing a second aerosol-generating material, the aerosol supply device is A first aerosol generator including a first induction coil and a first susceptor for heating a first section, A second aerosol generator including a second induction coil and a second susceptor for heating the second section, • An insulating member positioned between the end of the first susceptor and the end of the second susceptor. It is equipped with.

[0025] According to various embodiments, an insulating member is provided between a first susceptor and a second susceptor. The insulating member is positioned to maintain a desired distance between the two susceptors and also functions to reduce heat transfer between the two susceptors. In particular, when an aerosol product having a first section containing a first aerosol-generating material and a second section containing a second aerosol-generating material is to be heated in an aerosol supply device having two separate heating units, it may be desirable to heat the two sections to different temperatures. Thus, the insulating member is beneficial in that it allows two different sections of the aerosol product to be heated to different temperatures, and helps prevent one susceptor, which can be heated to a high temperature, from inadvertently heating the other susceptor to the same or similar temperature by heat conduction.

[0026] The heat insulating member may be arranged to maintain a gap of 1.5 - 1.6 mm, 1.6 - 1.7 mm, 1.7 - 1.8 mm, 1.8 - 1.9 mm, 1.9 - 2.0 mm, 2.0 - 2.1 mm, 2.1 - 2.2 mm, 2.2 - 2.3 mm, 2.3 - 2.4 mm, 2.4 - 2.5 mm or 2.0 mm between the end of the first susceptor and the end of the second susceptor. The first susceptor may be substantially cylindrical or tubular, and / or the second susceptor may be substantially cylindrical or tubular. The end or lip of the first susceptor may be received or positioned within a hole or recess formed within the heat insulating member. The end or lip of the second susceptor may be received or positioned within a hole or recess formed within the heat insulating member. The first susceptor may have a first outer diameter d1, the second susceptor may have a second outer diameter d2, and the heat insulating member may have a third outer diameter d3, where d3 > d2 and d3 > d1. The heat insulating member may be arranged to physically contact the first susceptor and / or the second susceptor.

[0027] Optionally, the heat insulating member is substantially annular or ring-shaped.

[0028] Optionally, the heat insulating member includes a heat insulating material.

[0029] Optionally, the heat insulating member includes a plastic material.

[0030] Optionally, the aerosol supply device comprises a non-combustible aerosol supply device. [[ID=**17]]

[0031] The first heating element and the second heating element may be arranged to heat the aerosol generating article without burning it.

[0032] Optionally, the aerosol supply device further comprises an opening into which the aerosol generating article can be inserted during use, and the first aerosol generator is arranged closer to the opening than the second aerosol generator.

[0033] Optionally, the aerosol supply device further comprises a control circuit configured to operate both a first aerosol generator and a second aerosol generator, and to heat the second section of the aerosol product to a lower temperature than the first section of the aerosol product during use.

[0034] Other embodiments are conceivable in which the second section of the aerosol product is heated to a higher temperature than the first section of the aerosol product.

[0035] Optionally, the control circuit is configured to heat a first section of the aerosol product to a temperature T1 during use in the first aerosol generator, where T1 is selected from the group consisting of (i) 250°C, (ii) 200-210°C, (iii) 210-220°C, (iv) 220-230°C, (v) 230-240°C, (vi) 240-250°C, (vii) 250-260°C, (viii) 260-270°C, (ix) 270-280°C, (x) 280-290°C, or (xi) 290-300°C.

[0036] In another embodiment, the control circuit may be positioned in the second aerosol generator to heat the second section of the aerosol product to a temperature T2 during use, where T2 is selected from the group consisting of (i) 250°C, (ii) 200-210°C, (iii) 210-220°C, (iv) 220-230°C, (v) 230-240°C, (vi) 240-250°C, (vii) 250-260°C, (viii) 260-270°C, (ix) 270-280°C, (x) 280-290°C, or (xi) 290-300°C.

[0037] Optionally, the control circuit may be configured to turn on the first aerosol generator and keep it turned on for the duration of the usage session.

[0038] According to various embodiments, the first aerosol generator may be configured to remain on for at least 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% of the session.

[0039] According to another embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to set the first aerosol generator to an initial target temperature T3 during a usage session, and then reduce the target temperature to a lower temperature T4. According to one embodiment, T3 and / or T4 may be selected from the group consisting of (i) 250°C, (ii) 200-210°C, (iii) 210-220°C, (iv) 220-230°C, (v) 230-240°C, (vi) 240-250°C, (vii) 250-260°C, (viii) 260-270°C, (ix) 270-280°C, (x) 280-290°C, or (xi) 290-300°C.

[0040] Optionally, the control circuit may be configured to heat a second section of the aerosol product to a temperature T2 during use in the second aerosol generator, where T2 is selected from the group consisting of (i) 200°C, (ii) 150-160°C, (iii) 160-170°C, (iv) 170-180°C, (v) 180-190°C, (vi) 190-200°C, (vii) 200-210°C, (viii) 210-220°C, (ix) 220-230°C, (x) 230-240°C, or (xi) 240-250°C.

[0041] In another embodiment, the control circuit may be positioned in the first aerosol generator to heat a first section of the aerosol product to a temperature T1 during use, where T1 is selected from the group consisting of (i) 200°C, (ii) 150-160°C, (iii) 160-170°C, (iv) 170-180°C, (v) 180-190°C, (vi) 190-200°C, (vii) 200-210°C, (viii) 210-220°C, (ix) 220-230°C, (x) 230-240°C, or (xi) 240-250°C.

[0042] Optionally, the control circuit is configured to turn on the second aerosol generator and keep it on for the duration of the usage session.

[0043] According to various embodiments, the second aerosol generator may be configured to remain on for at least 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% of the session.

[0044] In another embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to set the second aerosol generator to an initial target temperature T5 during a usage session, then raise the target temperature to a temperature T6 for a period of time, and then further raise the target temperature to a temperature T7, where T7 > T6 > T5. According to one embodiment, T5 = 0, and T6 and / or T7 may be selected from the group consisting of (i) 150-160°C, (ii) 160-170°C, (iii) 170-180°C, (iv) 180-190°C, (v) 190-200°C, (vi) 200-210°C, (vii) 210-220°C, (viii) 220-230°C, (ix) 230-240°C, (x) 240-250°C, (xi) 250-260°C, (xii) 260-270°C, (xiii) 270-280°C, (xiv) 280-290°C, or (xv) 290-300°C.

[0045] Optionally, the aerosol supply device further comprises an aluminum shroud positioned outside the first aerosol generator and / or the second aerosol generator to retain heat within the aerosol supply device and / or to reduce heat transfer to the outermost housing of the aerosol supply device.

[0046] Optionally, the aerosol supply device further comprises one or more layers of graphite or graphite tape placed outside the first aerosol generator and / or the second aerosol generator in order to retain heat within the aerosol supply device and / or to reduce heat transfer to the outermost housing of the aerosol supply device.

[0047] Optionally, the aerosol supply device further comprises a device arranged to recognize the aerosol product inserted into the aerosol supply device during use and to determine whether to activate the first and / or second aerosol generator.

[0048] The insulating material is optionally gas-impermeable.

[0049] In another embodiment, an aerosol supply device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol product having a first section for containing a first aerosol generating material and a second section for containing a second aerosol generating material, A first aerosol generator comprising a first heating element for generating an aerosol from a first aerosol generating material, and a first resistance heater, A second aerosol generator comprising a second heating element for generating an aerosol from a second aerosol generating material, and a second resistance heater, - A gas-impermeable insulating material is placed between the first heating element and the second heating element. An aerosol supply device is provided that includes the following:

[0050] Optionally, the end or lip of the first heating element is received or positioned within a hole or recess formed in the insulating member, and the end or lip of the second heating element is received or positioned within a hole or recess formed in the insulating member.

[0051] According to another embodiment, • The aerosol supply device described above, - An aerosol product comprising a first section for containing a first aerosol generating material and a second section for containing a second aerosol generating material, and further comprising a mouthpiece or filter section, wherein the first section is closer to the mouthpiece or filter section than the second section. An aerosol supply system is provided that includes the following features.

[0052] Optionally, the first aerosol-generating material may include a liquid, gel, or solid.

[0053] The gel may be provided as a thin film. The solid may be provided in the form of granules.

[0054] Optionally, the second aerosol-generating material may be a liquid, gel, or solid.

[0055] The gel may be provided as a thin film. The solid may be provided in the form of granules.

[0056] Optionally, the first aerosol-generating material and / or the second aerosol-generating material may include an active substance and / or a flavoring agent.

[0057] Optionally, the active substance may include a nutritional supplement, a nootropic substance, or a psychostimulant.

[0058] Selectively, the active substance may be naturally occurring or obtained synthetically.

[0059] The active substance may optionally include nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, one or more vitamins such as B6, B12, or C, or melatonin.

[0060] Optionally, the active substance may include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco.

[0061] In some embodiments, the delivered substance includes a fragrance.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the first aerosol-generating material has a first physical state, and the second aerosol-generating material has a second physical state. The second physical state may be the same as or different from the first physical state.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the first aerosol-generating material may include a liquid or a gel (which may include a thin film), and the second aerosol-generating material may include a solid which may be provided in the form of granules. The solid may include tobacco which may be provided in the form of tobacco granules.

[0064] Optionally, the aerosol supply device is configured to generate aerosols from the aerosol product, and the temperature of the aerosol released from the aerosol product's intake or filter section is configured to be below 40°C during use.

[0065] According to another embodiment, The steps include providing the aerosol supply device described above, The steps include inserting an aerosol product having a first section for containing a first aerosol generating material and a second section for containing a second aerosol generating material into an aerosol supply device, The steps include: • Activating the first aerosol generator and / or the second aerosol generator. A method for generating an aerosol, including [a specific component], is provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0066] Herein, various embodiments will be described, as examples only, with reference to the attached drawings, along with other arrangements given for illustrative purposes. [Figure 1A] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a heating assembly of an aerosol supply device, provided for illustrative purposes. [Figure 1B] Figure 1B is a cross-sectional view of the heating assembly shown in Figure 1A, with the aerosol product disposed inside. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol product for use with the aerosol supply device shown in Figures 1A and 1B, provided for illustrative purposes. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B is a perspective view of the aerosol product. [Figure 3]Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a heating assembly of an aerosol supply device according to one embodiment, the heating assembly comprising two aerosol generators, each aerosol generator comprising an induction coil and a susceptor, the two susceptors being separated from each other by an insulating portion. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an aerosol product according to one embodiment, which comprises a filter section, a paper tube section, a liquid section, and a tobacco section. Detailed explanation

[0067] Aerosol-generating materials are materials that can generate aerosols when heated, irradiated, or energized by other means, for example. Aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings.

[0068] The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or fragrances, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0069] Apparatuses are known that form an aerosol that can be inhaled without burning or combustion of the aerosol-generating material by heating the material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material. Such apparatuses may be described as "aerosol-generating devices," "aerosol-supplying devices," "non-combustion heating devices," "tobacco heating products," "tobacco heating product devices," or "tobacco heating devices." In one embodiment, the aerosol-supplying device is a tobacco heating product. The non-liquid aerosol-generating material for use with the tobacco heating product includes tobacco.

[0070] Electronic cigarette devices are also known that include an aerosol supply device for vaporizing an aerosol-generating material in liquid form, which may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a rod, cartridge, or cassette that can be inserted into the device, or may be provided as part of such a rod, cartridge, or cassette. A heater for heating and vaporizing the aerosol-generating material may be provided as a "permanent" part of the device.

[0071] A non-combustible aerosol supply system may include a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0072] An aerosol supply device can receive an article containing an aerosol-generating material for heating, also called a “smoking article.” In this context, “article,” “aerosol product,” or “smoking article” refers to a component that contains or is contained in use an aerosol-generating material that is heated to volatilize the aerosol-generating material, and optionally, other components in use. The user may insert the article into the aerosol supply device before the article is heated to generate an aerosol, after which the user inhales the aerosol. The article may be of a predetermined or specific size, for example, configured to be placed in a heating chamber of a device sized to receive the article.

[0073] Aerosol supply devices according to various embodiments comprise a plurality of aerosol generators. An aerosol generator is a device configured to produce an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to supply thermal energy to the aerosol-generating material in order to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to produce an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to supply one or more of the aerosol-generating material with vibration, pressure increase, or electrostatic energy.

[0074] The aerosol generator may include an induction coil. In some examples, the coil is configured to cause heating of at least one conductive heating element, as a result of thermal energy being conducted from at least one conductive heating element to the aerosol-generating material, thereby causing heating of the aerosol-generating material.

[0075] In some examples, a coil is configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field that penetrates at least one heating element during use, thereby causing inductive heating and / or magnetic hysteresis heating of at least one heating element. In such arrangements, the heating element or each heating element may be called a “susceptor.” A coil configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field that penetrates at least one conductive heating element during use, thereby causing inductive heating of at least one conductive heating element, may be called an “induction coil” or “inductor coil.”

[0076] In some examples, the coil is helical. In some examples, the coil may surround at least a portion of the heating zone of an aerosol supply device configured to receive an aerosol-generating material. In some examples, the coil is a helical coil surrounding at least a portion of the heating zone.

[0077] It has been found that induction heating units within aerosol supply devices reach their maximum operating temperature much faster than corresponding resistance heating elements. According to various embodiments, the aerosol supply device may be configured so that one or both heating units reach their maximum operating temperature at a rate of at least 100°C / second. In certain embodiments, the aerosol supply device may be configured so that one or both heating units reach their maximum operating temperature at a rate of at least 150°C / second.

[0078] Induction heating systems can be important because the magnitude of the fluctuating magnetic field can be easily controlled by controlling the power supplied to the heating unit. Furthermore, induction heating does not require a physical connection between the source of the fluctuating magnetic field and the heat source, which can lead to greater design flexibility and control over the heating profile, and potentially lower costs.

[0079] The aerosol supply device may include a heating assembly. The heating assembly may include a first aerosol generator and a second aerosol generator. The first and second aerosol generators may include induction heating units, and the units may be independently controllable. Heating the aerosol-generating material with independent heating units may provide more precise control over the heating of the aerosol-generating material. Independently controllable heating units may also supply different thermal energy to different parts of the aerosol-generating material, resulting in different temperature profiles between the parts of the aerosol-generating material.

[0080] According to various embodiments, the first and second aerosol generators may be configured to have different temperature profiles when in use. This may provide asymmetric heating of the aerosol-generating material along the longitudinal plane between the inlet and distal ends of the aerosol-supplying device when the aerosol-supplying device is in use.

[0081] Alternatively, the first and second aerosol generators may be configured to have substantially the same temperature profile during use. This may provide symmetrical heating of the aerosol-generating material along the longitudinal plane between the inlet and distal ends of the aerosol-supplying device during use.

[0082] An object that can be inductively heated is known as a susceptor. If the susceptor contains a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, heat may also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses within the susceptor, i.e., by fluctuations in the orientation of magnetic dipoles within the magnetic material resulting from their alignment with a fluctuating magnetic field. Compared to heating by conduction, for example, in induction heating, heat is generated inside the susceptor, allowing for rapid heating. Furthermore, no physical contact is required between the induction heater and the susceptor, increasing the freedom of construction and application.

[0083] Throughout this specification, the temperature of a heating element may be referred to. For convenience, the temperature of a heating element may also be referred to as the temperature of a heating unit comprising the heating element. This does not necessarily mean that the entire heating unit is at a given temperature. For example, when referring to the temperature of an induction heating unit, it does not necessarily mean that both the induction element and the susceptor have such temperatures. Rather, in this example, the temperature of the induction heating unit corresponds to the temperature of the heating element configured within the induction heating unit. To avoid misunderstanding, the temperature of the heating element and the temperature of the heating unit can be used interchangeably.

[0084] As used herein, “temperature profile” refers to the change in the temperature of a material over time. For example, the change in temperature of a heating element or heating unit measured on the heating element or heating unit during a smoking session may be referred to as the temperature profile of that heating element or heating unit. A heating element or heating unit generates an aerosol by supplying heat to an aerosol-generating material during use. Therefore, the temperature profile of the heating element or heating unit induces the temperature profile of the aerosol-generating material placed near the heating element or heating unit.

[0085] As used herein with respect to a heating element or heating unit, “operating temperature” refers to any heating element temperature at which the element can heat the aerosol-generating material to produce sufficient aerosol for satisfactory smoke inhalation without burning the aerosol-generating material. The maximum operating temperature of a heating element is the highest temperature the element reaches during a smoking session. The minimum operating temperature of a heating element refers to the lowest heating element temperature at which the heating element can produce sufficient aerosol from the aerosol-generating material for satisfactory smoke inhalation. If there are multiple heating elements or heating units in an aerosol supply device, each heating element or heating unit has its own maximum operating temperature. The maximum operating temperatures of each heating element or heating unit may be the same or may differ from one heating element to another.

[0086] In one embodiment of the aerosol supply device, each heating element or heating unit may be arranged to heat the aerosol-generating material but not burn it. The temperature profile of each heating element or heating unit may induce the temperature profile of each relevant part of the aerosol-generating material, but the temperature profiles of the heating elements or heating units and the relevant parts of the aerosol-generating material do not have to correspond precisely. For example, there may be "bleed" in the form of conduction, convection, and / or radiation of thermal energy from one part of the aerosol-generating material to another, and there may be fluctuations in the conduction, convection, and / or radiation of thermal energy from the heating elements or heating units to the aerosol-generating material, and there may be a delay between the change in the temperature profile of the heating elements or heating units and the change in the temperature profile of the aerosol-generating material, depending on the heat capacity of the aerosol-generating material.

[0087] An aerosol supply device may include a controller for controlling each aerosol generator present within the aerosol supply device. The controller may include a printed circuit board ("PCB"). The controller may be configured to control the power supplied to each heating unit, thereby controlling the "programmed heating profile" of each heating unit present in the aerosol supply device. For example, the controller may be programmed to control the current supplied to multiple inductors, thereby controlling the resulting temperature profile of the corresponding induction heating element or induction heating unit. As with the temperature profiles between the heating elements / units and aerosol generating materials described above, the programmed heating profile of a heating element or heating unit may not precisely correspond to the observed temperature profile of the heating element or heating unit for the same reasons described above.

[0088] The term "operating temperature" can also be used with respect to aerosol-generating materials. In this case, the term refers to any temperature of the aerosol-generating material itself at which sufficient aerosol is produced for satisfactory smoking. The maximum operating temperature of the aerosol-generating material is the highest temperature reached by any part of the aerosol-generating material during a smoking session. In some embodiments, the maximum operating temperature of the aerosol-generating material is higher than 200°C, 210°C, 220°C, 230°C, 240°C, 250°C, 260°C, or 270°C. In some embodiments, the maximum operating temperature of the aerosol-generating material is lower than 300°C, 290°C, 280°C, 270°C, 260°C, or 250°C. The minimum operating temperature is the lowest temperature of the aerosol-generating material at which sufficient aerosol is produced from the material to generate sufficient aerosol for satisfactory "smoking." In some embodiments, the minimum operating temperature of the aerosol-generating material is higher than 90°C, 100°C, 110°C, 120°C, 130°C, 140°C, or 150°C. In some embodiments, the minimum operating temperature of the aerosol-generating material is below 150°C, 140°C, 130°C, or 120°C.

[0089] The objective of various embodiments is to reduce the time required for an aerosol supply device to be ready for use, and more generally, to improve the user's inhalation experience. Surprisingly, it has been found that by reducing the time required for the heating element or heating unit to reach its operating temperature, "hot puff," a phenomenon that occurs when the generated aerosol contains a high water content, can be at least partially mitigated. Therefore, aerosol supply devices according to various embodiments may provide consumers with inhalable aerosols that have superior sensory stimulation characteristics than aerosols provided by conventional aerosol supply devices that do not include a heating unit that rapidly reaches its maximum operating temperature.

[0090] In some embodiments, the aerosol supply device is configured such that at least one heating element within the device reaches its maximum operating temperature within 20 seconds, and the maximum operating temperature is a first temperature at which at least one heating unit is held for at least 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, or 20 seconds. That is, in these embodiments, the heating unit is not held at a temperature other than the maximum operating temperature before reaching the maximum operating temperature. In some embodiments, at least one heating unit reaches its maximum operating temperature from the ambient temperature within a given period.

[0091] The aerosol supply device may be configured to operate as described herein. The aerosol supply device may be configured to operate in this manner by a controller which can be programmed to operate the device in one or more different modes. Accordingly, references herein to the configuration of the aerosol supply device or its components may refer to a controller programmed to operate the aerosol supply device disclosed herein, among other features (such as the spatial arrangement of heating units).

[0092] Aerosol products for aerosol supply devices (such as tobacco heating products) typically contain more water and / or aerosol-generating agents than combustible smoking articles to facilitate aerosol formation during use. This higher water and / or aerosol-generating agent content can increase the risk of condensation buildup within the aerosol supply device during use, particularly away from the heating unit. This problem can be more pronounced in aerosol supply devices with sealed heating chambers, especially those with external heaters, than in aerosol supply devices with internal heaters (such as "blade" heaters). While we do not wish to be bound by theory, it is thought that a larger proportion / surface area of ​​the aerosol-generating material is heated by the external heating assembly, resulting in more aerosol release and thus more aerosol condensation within the aerosol supply device than in aerosol supply devices where the aerosol-generating material is heated internally.

[0093] In an aerosol supply device configured to provide a desired amount of aerosol to the user by externally heating the aerosol-generating material, while keeping the amount of aerosol condensing within the aerosol supply device relatively low, various programmed heating profiles may be employed. For example, the maximum operating temperature of the heating unit may affect the amount of condensation formed. A lower maximum operating temperature may result in less undesirable condensation. The difference between the maximum operating temperatures of the heating units within the heating assembly may also affect the amount of condensation formed. Furthermore, the point in a usage session at which each heating unit reaches its maximum operating temperature may affect the amount of condensation formed.

[0094] During use, the aerosol supply device may heat the aerosol-generating material to provide an inhalable aerosol. The aerosol supply device may be referred to as “ready for use” when at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material has reached its minimum operating temperature and the user can perform fuming containing a satisfactory amount of aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol supply device may be ready for use within about 20 seconds, or 15 seconds, or 10 seconds, or 5 seconds, after power is supplied to one or both heating units. The aerosol supply device may be ready for use within about 20 seconds, or 15 seconds, or 10 seconds, or 5 seconds, after the device has been activated. The aerosol supply device may begin supplying power to heating units, such as a first aerosol generator or a second aerosol generator, when the device is activated, or may begin supplying power to heating units after the aerosol supply device has been activated. The aerosol supply device may be configured such that power begins to be supplied to one or more heating units some time after the aerosol supply device is activated, for example, at least 1, 2, or 3 seconds after the aerosol supply device is activated. The aerosol supply device may also be configured such that power is not supplied to one of the heating units, or any heating unit present in the heating assembly, until at least 2.5 seconds have passed since the aerosol supply device was activated. This may extend battery life by avoiding unintended operation of the heating units.

[0095] This aerosol supply device may be ready for use more quickly than corresponding aerosol supply devices known in the art, and may provide an improved user experience. Generally, it takes some time for sufficient thermal energy to be transferred from the heating unit to the aerosol-generating material in order to generate an aerosol, so the aerosol supply device is ready for use some time after one of the heating units has reached its maximum operating temperature. The aerosol supply device may be ready for use within 20 seconds, or within 15 seconds, or within 10 seconds, or within 5 seconds after one of the heating units has reached its maximum operating temperature.

[0096] In some embodiments, the user's sensory experience resulting from the aerosol generated by the device is similar to the sensory experience of smoking a combustible cigarette, such as a factory-made cigarette.

[0097] The aerosol supply device may indicate, via an indicator, that it is ready for use. In one embodiment, the aerosol supply device may be configured such that the indicator indicates the aerosol supply device is ready for use within approximately 20 seconds, or within 15 seconds, or within 10 seconds, or within 5 seconds, after power is supplied to one of the heating units. In a particular embodiment, the aerosol supply device may be configured such that the indicator indicates the aerosol supply device is ready for use within approximately 20 seconds, or within 15 seconds, or within 10 seconds, or within 5 seconds, after the device has been activated. In another embodiment, the device is configured such that the indicator indicates the device is ready for use within approximately 20 seconds, i.e., within 15 seconds, or within 10 seconds, after the first aerosol generator has reached its maximum operating temperature.

[0098] As used herein, “inhalation” refers to a single inhalation by the user of an aerosol generated by an aerosol supply device.

[0099] As used herein, a “usage session” refers to a single period of use of the aerosol supply device by a user. A usage session begins when power is first supplied to at least one heating unit within the heating assembly. After a certain period has elapsed since the start of the usage session, the device is ready for use.

[0100] A usage session ends when power is no longer supplied to any heating unit in the aerosol supply device. The end of a usage session may coincide with the depletion of the aerosol product (the point at which the total particulate matter yield (mg) in each smoke is considered unacceptably low by the user). A session may consist of multiple smokes. A session may have a duration of less than 7 minutes, or less than 6 minutes, or less than 5 minutes, or less than 4 minutes 30 seconds, or less than 4 minutes, or less than 3 minutes 30 seconds. In some embodiments, a usage session may have a duration of 2 to 5 minutes, or 3 to 4.5 minutes, or 3.5 to 4.5 minutes, or about 4 minutes. A session is started by the user activating a button or switch on the device, which can initiate a temperature rise in at least one heating unit at the time of activation or some time afterward.

[0101] The usage session may be determined to begin when power or energy is first supplied to the heating unit after the aerosol product has been inserted into the aerosol supply device. The usage session may also be determined to begin when power or energy is first supplied to one or more heating units to raise the temperature of one or more heating units to the operating temperature Tmin so that the user can perform the first fume extraction of the aerosol produced from the aerosol generating material. According to various embodiments, Tmin may be within the following ranges: (i) 200-210°C, (ii) 210-220°C, (iii) 220-230°C, (iv) 230-240°C, (v) 240-250°C, (vi) 250-260°C, (vii) 260-270°C, (viii) 270-280°C, (ix) 280-290°C, and (x) 290-300°C.

[0102] A session may be terminated when power or energy is no longer supplied to one or more heating units. A session may also be terminated when the aerosol-generating material has been substantially consumed, or when the user is unable to further inhale the aerosols produced from the aerosol-generating material.

[0103] The usage session may be determined in relation to the period during which the user can inhale multiple aerosols generated from the aerosol-generating material without replacing or replenishing the material.

[0104] In some embodiments, the aerosol supply device may be capable of operating in at least a first (e.g., base) operating mode and a second (e.g., boost) operating mode.

[0105] A heating assembly may be capable of operating in up to two operating modes, or it may be capable of operating in three or more modes, such as three, four, or five modes. Each operating mode may be associated with a predetermined heating profile for each heating unit in the heating assembly, such as a programmed heating profile. One or more of the programmed heating profiles may be programmed by the user. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the programmed heating profiles may be programmed by the manufacturer. In these examples, one or more programmed heating profiles may be fixed so that the end user cannot change one or more of the programmed heating profiles.

[0106] The operating mode may be selectable by the user. For example, the user may select a desired operating mode by interacting with a user interface. Substantly simultaneously with the selection of the desired operating mode, power may begin to be supplied to the first aerosol generator.

[0107] Each mode may be associated with a different temperature profile than that of the other modes. Furthermore, one or more modes may be associated with different points in time when the device is ready for use. For example, a heating assembly may be configured such that in a first mode, the device is ready for use during a first period after the start of a usage session, and in a second mode, the device is ready for use during a second period after the start of a session. The first period may be different from the second period.

[0108] In some examples, the heating assembly may be configured to be ready for use of the aerosol supply device within 30, 25, 20, or 15 seconds after power is supplied to the heating unit when operating in the first mode. The heating assembly may also be configured to be ready for use of the aerosol supply device in a shorter time when operating in the second mode, i.e., within 25, 20, 15, or 10 seconds after power is supplied to the heating unit when operating in the second mode. In certain embodiments, the aerosol supply device may be configured such that an indicator shows that the aerosol supply device is ready for use within 20 seconds of selecting the first (e.g., base) mode and within 10 seconds of selecting the second (e.g., boost) mode.

[0109] Providing aerosol delivery devices, such as tobacco heating products, with heating assemblies capable of operating in multiple modes (e.g., base mode and boost mode) gives consumers more choices, especially when each mode is associated with a different maximum heating temperature. Furthermore, such aerosol delivery devices can provide different aerosols with different properties because the volatile components in the aerosol-generating material volatilize at different rates and concentrations at different heating temperatures. This allows users to select a particular mode based on desired properties of the inhalable aerosol, such as the degree of tobacco flavoring, nicotine concentration, and aerosol temperature. For example, a mode that prepares the aerosol delivery device for use more quickly (e.g., a second or "boost" mode) may provide a faster initial puff, a higher nicotine content per puff, or a more concentrated flavor per puff. Conversely, a mode that prepares the aerosol delivery device for use at a later point in the usage session (e.g., a first or base mode) may provide a longer overall usage session, a lower nicotine content per puff, and a more sustained delivery of flavoring.

[0110] In embodiments where the aerosol delivery device is ready for use more quickly in a second (e.g., boost) mode, and / or the first and / or second aerosol generator has a higher maximum operating temperature in the second mode, the second mode may be referred to as the “boost” mode. Various embodiments provide aerosol delivery devices capable of operating in a first “normal” or “base” mode and a second “boost” mode. The “boost” mode may provide a faster initial puff, or a higher nicotine content per puff, or a more concentrated flavor per puff.

[0111] The aerosol supply device may have up to two heating units. In other examples, the aerosol supply device may have three or more independently controllable heating units, such as three, four, or five independently controllable heating units.

[0112] As described above, in some embodiments, at least one of the heating units provided in the heating assembly may be an induction heating unit. In these embodiments, the heating unit comprises an inductor (e.g., one or more inductor coils), and the aerosol supply device may be configured to supply a variable current, such as alternating current, to the inductor. The variable current in the inductor generates a fluctuating magnetic field. When the inductor and the heating element are properly positioned relative to each other, the fluctuating magnetic field generated by the inductor penetrates the heating element, generating one or more eddy currents inside the heating element. Because the heating element has resistance to the flow of current, when such eddy currents are generated in an object, their flow against the electrical resistance of the object heats the object by Joule heating. Supplying a fluctuating magnetic field to a susceptor is sometimes, for convenience, referred to as supplying energy to the susceptor.

[0113] Another embodiment is an aerosol generation system comprising the aerosol supply device described herein, combined with an aerosol product.

[0114] Here, an aerosol supply device will be described as an example.

[0115] Figure 1A shows an induction heating assembly 100 of an aerosol supply device, provided for illustrative purposes to illustrate various embodiments of a non-combustion heated aerosol supply device. Figure 1B shows a cross-sectional view of the induction heating assembly 100 of the device. The heating assembly 100 has a first or proximal or suction end 102 and a second or distal end 104. During use, the user inhales the formed aerosol from the suction end 102 of the aerosol supply device. The suction end 102 may be an open end.

[0116] The heating assembly 100 comprises a first induction heating unit 110 and a second induction heating unit 120. The first induction heating unit 110 comprises a first inductor coil 112 and a first heating element 114. The second induction heating unit 120 comprises a second inductor coil 122 and a second heating element 124.

[0117] Figures 1A and 1B show the aerosol product 130 received within a single susceptor 140 (see Figure 1B). The single susceptor 140 forms both the first induction heating element 114 and the second induction heating element 124. The susceptor 140 may be formed from any material suitable for induction heating. For example, the susceptor 140 may include a metal. In some embodiments, the susceptor 140 may include non-ferrous metals such as copper, nickel, titanium, aluminum, tin, or zinc, and / or iron-based materials such as iron, nickel, or cobalt. Additionally or alternatively, the susceptor 140 may include semiconductors such as silicon carbide, carbon, or graphite.

[0118] Each induction heating element within the aerosol supply device may have any suitable shape. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1B, induction heating elements 114, 124 surround the aerosol product and define a receptacle for heating the aerosol product from the outside. In other arrangements (not shown), one or more induction heating elements may be substantially elongated and may penetrate the aerosol product and be positioned to heat the aerosol product from within.

[0119] As shown in Figure 1B, the first induction heating element 114 and the second induction heating element 124 may be provided together as an integrated susceptor element 140. That is, in some embodiments, there is no physical distinction between the first heating element 114 and the second heating element 124. Rather, the different characteristics between the first and second aerosol generators 110, 120 are defined by separate inductor coils 112, 122 surrounding each induction heating element 114, 124, thereby allowing them to be controlled independently of each other. In other embodiments (not shown), physically separate induction heating elements may be employed.

[0120] The first and second inductor coils 112, 122 may be made from a conductive material. For example, the first and second inductor coils 112, 122 may be made from LITZ® wire / cable, which is wound in a spiral to provide the helical inductor coils 112, 122. LITZ® wire comprises a plurality of individual wires that are individually insulated and twisted together to form a single wire. LITZ® wire is designed to reduce skin effect losses in conductors. In the exemplary induction heating assembly 100, the first and second inductor coils 124, 126 are made from copper LITZ® wire having a circular cross-section. In other examples, LITZ® wire may have a cross-section of other shapes, such as circular.

[0121] The first inductor coil 112 is configured to generate a first fluctuating magnetic field for heating the first induction heating element 114, and the second inductor coil 122 is configured to generate a second fluctuating magnetic field for heating the second section of the susceptor 124. The first inductor coil 112 and the first induction heating element 114 together form the first induction heating unit 110. Similarly, the second inductor coil 122 and the second induction heating element 124 together form the second induction heating unit 120.

[0122] In this example, the first inductor coil 112 is adjacent to the second inductor coil 122 in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the device heating assembly 100 (i.e., the first and second inductor coils 112, 122 do not overlap). The susceptor assembly 140 may comprise a single susceptor. The ends 150 of the first and second inductor coils 112, 122 can be connected to a controller such as a PCB (not shown). In embodiments, the controller may comprise a PID controller (proportional-integral-derivative controller).

[0123] The fluctuating magnetic field generates eddy currents within the first induction heating element 114, thereby rapidly heating the first induction heating element 114 to its maximum operating temperature within a short period of time after supplying alternating current to the coil 112, for example, within 20, 15, 12, 10, 5, or 2 seconds. Placing the first induction heating unit 110, which is configured to reach the maximum operating temperature quickly, closer to the inlet end 102 of the heating assembly 100 than the second induction heating unit 120 may mean that an acceptable aerosol is provided to the user as soon as possible after the start of the usage session.

[0124] It will be understood that the first and second inductor coils 112, 122 may, in some examples, have at least one characteristic that is different from each other. For example, the first inductor coil 112 may have at least one characteristic that is different from the second inductor coil 122. More specifically, in one example, the first inductor coil 112 may have a different inductance value than the second inductor coil 122. In Figures 1A and 1B, the first and second inductor coils 112, 122 are of different lengths such that the first inductor coil 112 is wound over a smaller section of the susceptor 140 than the second inductor coil 122. Thus, the first inductor coil 112 may contain a different number of turns than the second inductor coil 122 (assuming that the spacing between individual turns is substantially the same). In yet another example, the first inductor coil 112 may be made from a different material than the second inductor coil 122. In some examples, the first and second inductor coils 112 and 122 may be substantially identical.

[0125] In this example, the first inductor coil 112 and the second inductor coil 122 are wound in the same direction. However, in another embodiment, the inductor coils 112 and 122 may be wound in opposite directions. This can be useful when the inductor coils are active at different times. For example, the first inductor coil 112 may operate first to heat the first induction heating element 114, and then the second inductor coil 122 may operate to heat the second induction heating element 124. Winding the coils in opposite directions helps to reduce the current induced in the inactive coil when used with certain types of control circuits. In one example, the first inductor coil 112 may be a right-handed helical and the second inductor coil 122 may be a left-handed helical. In another example, the first inductor coil 112 may be a left-handed helical and the second inductor coil 122 may be a right-handed helical.

[0126] The coils 112 and 122 may have any suitable geometric shape. While we do not wish to be bound by theory, the speed at which the induction heating element can reach its maximum operating temperature may be increased by configuring the induction heating element to be smaller (e.g., smaller helical pitch, fewer helical turns, shorter overall helical length). In some embodiments, the first coil 112 may have a length of less than about 20 mm, less than 18 mm, less than 16 mm, or about 14 mm in the longitudinal direction of the heating assembly 100. The first coil 112 may have a shorter length than the second coil 124 in the longitudinal direction of the heating assembly 100. Such an arrangement may provide asymmetric heating of the aerosol product along the length of the aerosol product.

[0127] The single susceptor 140 in this example is hollow and therefore defines a receptacle within which an aerosol-generating material is received. For example, article 130 can be inserted into the susceptor 140. In this example, the susceptor 140 is tubular with a circular cross-section. Induction heating elements 114, 124 surround the aerosol product article 130 and are positioned to heat the aerosol product article 130 from the outside. The aerosol supply device is configured such that when the aerosol product article 130 is received into the susceptor 140, the outer surface of article 130 abuts against the inner surface of the susceptor 140. This ensures that heating is performed most efficiently. Article 130 in this example includes an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material is positioned within the susceptor 140. Article 130 may also comprise other components such as a filter, packaging material, and / or a cooling structure. The heating assembly 100 is not limited to two heating units. In some examples, the heating assembly 100 may comprise three, four, five, six, or more than six heating units. Each of these heating units may be controllable independently of the other heating units present in the heating assembly 100.

[0128] Referring to Figures 2A and 2B, partial cross-sectional and perspective views of an example of aerosol product 200, which are given for illustrative purposes only, are shown. The aerosol product 200 shown in Figures 2A and 2B corresponds to the aerosol product 130 shown in Figure 1.

[0129] The aerosol product 200 may be in any shape suitable for use with an aerosol supply device. The aerosol product 130 may be in the form of a cartridge, cassette, or rod that can be inserted into the device, or may be provided as part thereof. In the arrangement shown in Figures 1A, 1B, and 2, the aerosol product 130 is in the form of a substantially cylindrical rod, comprising a body 202 of smokeable material and a filter assembly 204 in the form of a rod.

[0130] The filter assembly 204 includes three segments: a cooling segment 206, a filter segment 208, and a mouthpiece end segment 210. Article 200 has a first end 212, also known as the mouthpiece end or proximal end, and a second end 214, also known as the distal end. The body 202 of the aerosol-generating material is positioned toward the distal end 214 of article 200.

[0131] In one example, the cooling segment 206 is positioned adjacent to the body 202 of the aerosol-generating material and the filter segment 208, so that the cooling segment 206 is in contact with the aerosol-generating material 202 and the filter segment 208. In other examples, there may be separations between the body 202 of the aerosol-generating material and the cooling segment 206, and between the body 202 of the aerosol-generating material and the filter segment 208. The filter segment 208 is positioned between the cooling segment 206 and the mouthpiece end segment 210. The mouthpiece end segment 210 is positioned adjacent to the filter segment 208 and toward the proximal end 212 of the article 200. In one example, the filter segment 208 is in contact with the mouthpiece end segment 210. In one embodiment, the total length of the filter assembly 204 is 37 mm to 45 mm, and optionally, the total length of the filter assembly 204 is 41 mm.

[0132] During use, portions 202a and 202b of the main body 202 of the aerosol generating material may correspond to the first induction heating element 114 and the second induction heating element 124 of portion 100 shown in Figure 1B, respectively.

[0133] The main body of the smokeable material may have multiple parts 202a, 202b corresponding to multiple induction heating elements present in the aerosol supply device. For example, the aerosol product 200 may have a first part 202a corresponding to a first induction heating element 114 and a second part 202b corresponding to a second induction heating element 124. These parts 202a, 202b may exhibit different temperature profiles during a usage session. The temperature profiles of parts 202a, 202b may be derived from the temperature profiles of the first induction heating element 114 and the second induction heating element 124, respectively.

[0134] If the aerosol-generating material body 202 has multiple parts 202a, 202b, any number of substrate parts 202a, 202b may have substantially the same composition. In a particular example, all of the substrate parts 202a, 202b may have substantially the same composition. The aerosol-generating material body 202 may be a single continuous body, and there may be no physical separation between the first part 202a and the second part 202b. Furthermore, the first part 202a and the second part 202b may have substantially the same composition.

[0135] According to various embodiments, the body 202 of the aerosol-generating material contains tobacco. The body 202 of the smoking material may consist of tobacco, may consist substantially entirely of tobacco, may contain tobacco and non-tobacco aerosol-generating materials, may contain non-tobacco aerosol-generating materials, or may not contain tobacco. The aerosol-generating material may contain an aerosol-generating agent such as glycerol. In certain embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may contain one or more tobacco components, filler components, binders, and aerosol-generating agents.

[0136] An "aerosol-generating agent" is an agent that promotes the generation of aerosols. Aerosol-generating agents can promote aerosol generation by facilitating the initial vaporization and / or condensation of gases into inhalable solid and / or liquid aerosols. In some embodiments, aerosol-generating agents may improve the delivery of fragrances from the aerosol products.

[0137] In certain embodiments, the aerosol-generating material comprises 60 to 90% by weight of tobacco components, 0 to 20% by weight of filler components, and 10 to 20% by weight of aerosol-generating agent. The tobacco components may also include tobacco reconstituted with paper in an amount of 70 to 100% by weight of the tobacco components. In one example, the body 202 of the aerosol-generating material is 34 mm to 50 mm in length, optionally 38 mm to 46 mm in length, and further optionally 42 mm in length.

[0138] In one example, the total length of article 200 is 71 mm to 95 mm, optionally 79 mm to 87 mm, and optionally 83 mm. The axial end of the body 202 of the aerosol-generating material can be seen at the distal end 214 of article 200. However, in other embodiments, the distal end 214 of article 200 may include an end member (not shown) that covers the axial end of the body 202 of the aerosol-generating material.

[0139] The aerosol-generating material body 202 is positioned around the approximate circumference of the filter assembly 204 so as to surround it, and is joined to the filter assembly 204 by an annular inclined paper (not shown) that extends partially along the length of the aerosol-generating material body 202. In one example, the chip paper is made from 58GSM standard chip base paper. In one example, it has a length of 42mm to 50mm, and optionally, the chip paper has a length of 46mm.

[0140] In one example, the cooling segment 206 is an annular tube positioned around the cooling segment and defining an air gap within the cooling segment. The air gap provides a chamber for heated volatile components generated from the body 202 of the aerosol-generating material to flow. The cooling segment 206 is hollow to provide a chamber for aerosol accumulation, but is rigid enough to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during manufacturing and while the article 200 is inserted into the device 100 during use. In one example, the wall thickness of the cooling segment 206 is approximately 0.29 mm.

[0141] The cooling segment 206 provides a physical displacement between the aerosol-generating material 202 and the filter segment 208. The physical displacement provided by the cooling segment 206 provides a thermal gradient along the length of the cooling segment 206. In one example, the cooling segment 206 is configured to provide a temperature difference of at least 40°C between heated volatile components entering the first end of the cooling segment 206 and heated volatile components exiting the second end of the cooling segment 206. In another example, the cooling segment 206 is configured to provide a temperature difference of at least 60°C between heated volatile components entering the first end of the cooling segment 206 and heated volatile components exiting the second end of the cooling segment 206. This temperature difference along the length of the cooling element 206 protects the temperature-sensitive filter segment 208 from the high temperature of the aerosol-generating material 202 when heated by the heating assembly 100 of the device aerosol supply device. If no physical displacement is provided between the filter segment 208 and the main body 202 of the aerosol-generating material and the heating elements 114 and 124 of the heating assembly 100, the temperature-sensitive filter segment 208 may be damaged during use and therefore may not effectively perform its required function.

[0142] In one example, the length of the cooling segment 206 is at least 15 mm. In another example, the length of the cooling segment 206 is 20 mm to 30 mm, more specifically 23 mm to 27 mm, more specifically 25 mm to 27 mm, and more specifically 25 mm.

[0143] The cooling segment 206 may be made from paper and therefore composed of a material that does not produce compounds of concern when used adjacent to the heater assembly 100 of the aerosol supply device, such as toxic compounds. In one example, the cooling segment 206 may be manufactured from a helically wound paper tube that provides a hollow internal chamber but maintains mechanical rigidity. The helically wound paper tube can meet the stringent dimensional accuracy requirements of a high-speed manufacturing process with respect to the length, outer diameter, roundness, and straightness of the tube.

[0144] In another example, the cooling segment 206 is a recess formed from rigid plug wrap or tip paper. The rigid plug wrap or tip paper is manufactured to be rigid enough to withstand the axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during manufacturing and use while the article 200 is inserted into the device 100.

[0145] For each example of cooling segment 206, the dimensional accuracy of the cooling segment is sufficient to meet the dimensional accuracy requirements of the high-speed manufacturing process.

[0146] The filter segment 208 may be formed from any filter material sufficient to remove one or more volatile compounds from heated volatile components from the smokeable material. In one example, the filter segment 208 is made from a monoacetate material such as cellulose acetate. The filter segment 208 provides cooling and irritation reduction from heated volatile components without depleting the amount of heated volatile components to a level unsatisfactory to the user.

[0147] The density of the cellulose acetate tow material in the filter segment 208 controls the pressure drop across the filter segment 208, and subsequently controls the draw resistance of the article 200. Therefore, the selection of the material for the filter segment 208 is important in controlling the draw resistance of the article 200. Furthermore, the filter segment 208 performs a filtration function in the article 200.

[0148] In one example, filter segment 208 is made from 8Y15 grade filter tow material, which provides a filtering effect to the heated volatile material while also reducing the size of the condensed aerosol droplets produced from the heated volatile material, thereby progressively reducing the irritation and throat impact of the heated volatile material to a satisfactory level.

[0149] The presence of the filter segment 208 provides an insulating effect by providing further cooling to the heated volatile components exiting the cooling segment 206. This further cooling effect lowers the contact temperature of the user's lips on the surface of the filter segment 208. One or more fragrances may be added to the filter segment 208 by direct injection of a scented liquid into the filter segment 208, or by embedding or placing one or more scented, breakable capsules or other fragrance carriers within the cellulose acetate tow of the filter segment 208.

[0150] In one example, the filter segment 208 is 6mm to 10mm in length, optionally 8mm. The mouthpiece end segment 210 is an annular tube positioned around an air gap within the mouthpiece end segment 210, defining the air gap. The air gap provides a chamber for heated volatile components flowing from the filter segment 208. The mouthpiece end segment 210 is hollow to provide a chamber for aerosol accumulation, but is rigid enough to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during manufacturing and use while the article is inserted into the device 100. In one example, the wall thickness of the mouthpiece end segment 210 is approximately 0.29mm.

[0151] In one example, the length of the suction end segment 210 is 6 mm to 10 mm, optionally 8 mm. In one example, the thickness of the suction end segment is 0.29 mm. The suction end segment 210 may be manufactured from a helically wound paper tube that provides a hollow internal chamber while maintaining critical mechanical rigidity. The helically wound paper tube can meet the stringent dimensional accuracy requirements of a high-speed manufacturing process with respect to tube length, outer diameter, roundness, and straightness. The suction end segment 210 provides the function of preventing liquid condensation accumulating at the outlet of the filter segment 208 from coming into direct contact with the user.

[0152] In one example, the intake end segment 210 and the cooling segment 206 may be formed from a single tube, and the filter segment 208 may be located within a tube separating the intake end segment 210 and the cooling segment 206.

[0153] Article 200 is provided with a ventilation region 216 that allows air to flow from the outside of Article 200 into the inside of Article 200. In one example, the ventilation region 216 takes the form of one or more ventilation holes 216 formed through the outer layer of Article 200. The ventilation holes may be located within a cooling segment 206 to help cool Article 200. In one example, the ventilation region 216 comprises one or more rows of holes, and optionally, each row of holes is arranged circumferentially around Article 200 in a cross section substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of Article 200.

[0154] In one example, there are 1 to 4 rows of ventilation holes to provide ventilation to the article 200. Each row of ventilation holes may have 12 to 36 ventilation holes 216. The ventilation holes 216 may have, for example, a diameter of 100 to 500 μm. In one example, the axial spacing between rows of ventilation holes 216 is 0.25 mm to 0.75 mm, and optionally, the axial spacing between rows of ventilation holes 216 is 0.5 mm.

[0155] In one example, the vents 216 are of uniform size. In another example, the vents 216 are of varying sizes. The vents can be fabricated using one or more of any suitable techniques, such as laser technology, mechanical perforation of the cooling segments 206, or pre-perforation of the cooling segments 206 before they are formed in the article 200. The vents 216 are positioned to provide effective cooling to the article 200.

[0156] In one example, the row of vents 216 is positioned at least 11 mm from the proximal end 212 of the article, and optionally, the vents are positioned 17 mm to 20 mm from the proximal end 212 of the article 200. The position of the vents 216 is determined so that the user does not block the vents 216 when using the article 200.

[0157] By providing a row of vents 17mm to 20mm from the proximal end 212 of the article 200, the vents 216 can be positioned outside the device 100 when the article 200 is fully inserted into the device 100, as can be seen in Figure 1. Positioning the vents outside the device allows unheated air to enter the article 200 from outside the device 100 through the vents to help cool the article 200.

[0158] The length of the cooling segment 206 is such that when the article 200 is fully inserted into the device 100, the cooling segment 206 is partially inserted into the device 100. The length of the cooling segment 206 provides a first function: to provide a physical gap between the heater equipment and the heat-sensitive filter equipment 208 of the device 100 when the article 200 is fully inserted into the device 100; and a second function: to allow the vent 216 to be located within the cooling segment while also being located outside the device 100. As can be seen in Figure 1, the majority of the cooling element 206 is located within the device 100. However, there is a portion of the cooling element 206 that extends from the device 100. In this portion of the cooling element 206, the vent 216 extends from the device 100 where it is located.

[0159] Next, with reference to Figure 3, various embodiments of aerosol supply devices will be described in more detail.

[0160] Figure 3 shows a heating assembly of an aerosol supply device 300 according to one embodiment. The aerosol supply device 300 has a first section for housing a first aerosol generating material and a second section for housing a second aerosol generating material, and is arranged to generate an aerosol from an aerosol product inserted into the upper opening of the body of the aerosol supply device 300 when in use. An aerosol product having a first section for housing a first aerosol generating material and a second section for housing a second aerosol generating material, which can be inserted into the aerosol supply device 300, will be described in more detail below with reference to Figure 4.

[0161] The aerosol product that can be inserted into the aerosol supply device 300 may comprise several sections. According to one embodiment, the aerosol product may comprise a mouthpiece section which may comprise a cellulose acetate filter. A paper tube section may follow the mouthpiece section. A first (e.g., liquid or gel) section which may comprise a cartomizer or cartridge having a liquid or gel reservoir may follow the paper tube section, and a second (e.g., solid) section which may comprise an active substance may follow the first (e.g., liquid or gel) section. The active substance may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may be selected from, for example, nutritional supplements, nootropics, and psychostimulants. The active substance may be naturally occurring or obtained synthetically. The active substance may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, or melatonin. The active substance may include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco.

[0162] According to one embodiment, the second section may comprise a tobacco rod. The gel may be provided in the form of a thin film. The aerosol supply device 300 shown in Figure 3 comprises a first aerosol generator comprising a first induction coil 301 and a first susceptor 303 for heating the first section of the aerosol product when the aerosol product is inserted into the aerosol supply device 300.

[0163] The aerosol supply device 300 further comprises a second aerosol generator having a second induction coil 302 and a second susceptor 304 for heating a second section of the aerosol product when the aerosol product is inserted into the aerosol supply device 300.

[0164] Other embodiments are also contemplated in which either the first aerosol generator and / or the second aerosol generator may include a resistance heater with a conductive heating element. The resistance heater may include an electrical resistance winding or thin film that can be located inside a tube surrounding the aerosol product.

[0165] According to one embodiment, the first aerosol generator may include an induction coil and a susceptor, and the second aerosol generator may include a resistance heater. Alternatively, the first aerosol generator may include a resistance heater, and the second aerosol generator may include an induction coil and a susceptor.

[0166] Therefore, it will be understood that the heating element for heating either the first or second section of the aerosol-generating material may comprise either a susceptor (of an induction heating unit) or a conductive heating element such as an electrical resistance winding or thin film (of a resistance heating unit).

[0167] The first and second aerosol generators are positioned to heat the aerosol product but not to burn it.

[0168] According to various embodiments, the insulating member, portion, or spacer 305 is provided between the first susceptor 303 and the second susceptor 304 (or more generally between the first heating element and the second heating element), and the insulating member, portion, or spacer 305 is positioned to maintain the separation distance between the first susceptor 303 and the second susceptor 304 (or between the first heating element and the second heating element).

[0169] The insulating member, portion, or spacer 305 may be positioned to maintain a desired distance between two susceptors 303, 304 (or heating elements) and may also function to reduce heat transfer between the two susceptors 303, 304 (or heating elements). In particular, when it is desired that an aerosol product having a first section containing a first aerosol-generating material and a second section containing a second aerosol-generating material be heated within the aerosol supply device 300, it may be desired to heat the two sections of the aerosol product to different temperatures. Therefore, the insulating member, portion, or spacer 305 is beneficial in that it allows two different sections of the aerosol product to be heated to different temperatures, and helps prevent one susceptor (or heating element) that can be heated to a high temperature from inadvertently heating the other susceptor (or heating element) to the same or similar temperature by heat conduction.

[0170] The insulating member, part, or spacer 305 may be substantially annular or ring-shaped. The insulating member, part, or spacer 305 may be solid and may be gas-impermeable so that gas cannot pass through the insulating member, part, or spacer 305.

[0171] The insulating member or spacer 305 is positioned to maintain a gap of 1.5–1.6 mm, 1.6–1.7 mm, 1.7–1.8 mm, 1.8–1.9 mm, 1.9–2.0 mm, 2.0–2.1 mm, 2.1–2.2 mm, 2.2–2.3 mm, 2.3–2.4 mm, 2.4–2.5 mm, or 2.0 mm between the end of the first susceptor 303 (or first heating element) and the end of the second susceptor 304 (or second heating element). Other embodiments are intended in which the separation distance maintained between the two heating elements is less than 1.5 mm or greater than 2.5 mm.

[0172] The first susceptor 303 (or heating element) may be substantially cylindrical or tubular, and / or the second susceptor 304 (or heating element) may also be substantially cylindrical or tubular. According to one embodiment, the end or lip of the first susceptor 303 (or heating element) may be received or positioned in a hole or recess formed in the heat insulating member or spacer 305. Similarly, according to one embodiment, the end or lip of the second susceptor 304 (or heating element) may be received or positioned in a hole or recess formed in the heat insulating member or spacer 305.

[0173] The first susceptor 303 (or heating element) may have a first outer diameter d1, the second susceptor 304 (or heating element) may have a second outer diameter d2, and the heat insulating member, part, or spacer 305 may have a third outer diameter d3 such that d3 > d2 and d3 > d1.

[0174] The insulating member, portion, or spacer 305 may be positioned to be in physical contact with the first susceptor 303 (or heating element) and / or the second susceptor 304 (or heating element).

[0175] The insulating member, portion, or spacer 305 may be positioned so as not to be in physical contact with the first susceptor 303 (or heating element) and / or the second susceptor 304 (or heating element). That is, there may be an air gap between the insulating member and one or both of the first and second susceptors (or heating elements). The insulating member, portion, or spacer 305 may include an insulating material such as a plastic material or other suitable insulating material.

[0176] In another configuration, the first susceptor 303 and the second susceptor 304 may be separated by an air gap, i.e., no spacer 305 is provided. More generally, other configurations in which the first and second heating elements are separated by an air gap are also contemplated. The overall thickness of the air gap and / or the insulating member, part or spacer 305 may be 1.5-1.6 mm, 1.6-1.7 mm, 1.7-1.8 mm, 1.8-1.9 mm, 1.9-2.0 mm, 2.0-2.1 mm, 2.1-2.2 mm, 2.2-2.3 mm, 2.3-2.4 mm, or 2.4-2.5 mm. The overall thickness of the air gap or the insulating member, part or spacer 305 may be 2.0 mm. Other embodiments in which the overall thickness may be less than 1.5 mm or greater than 2.5 mm are also contemplated.

[0177] The insulating member, portion, or spacer 305 may comprise a plastic component or plastic spacer, which may be positioned to leave the susceptors 303, 304, or heating elements separated by an optimal separation distance, which may be in the range of 1.5 to 2.5 mm, depending on various embodiments. Other embodiments are contemplated in which the insulating member, portion, or spacer 305 positioned between the two heating elements may include any suitable insulating material.

[0178] The aerosol supply device 300 has an opening into which an aerosol product is inserted during use. A first aerosol generator, comprising a first induction coil 301 and a first susceptor 303 (or more generally a first heating element), is positioned closer to the opening than a second aerosol generator, comprising a second induction coil 302 and a second susceptor 304 (or more generally a second heating element).

[0179] The aerosol supply device 300 includes a control circuit arranged to operate both a first aerosol generator and a second aerosol generator. In particular, the control circuit is arranged to operate first and second induction coils 301 and 302 to generate a time-varying magnetic field. The time-varying magnetic field induced by the first induction coil 301 heats the first susceptor 303, and the time-varying magnetic field induced by the second induction coil 302 heats the second susceptor 304.

[0180] Alternatively, the control circuit may be configured to pass current through a first resistive heating element and / or a second resistive heating element, the resistive heating element comprising a conductive element.

[0181] According to various embodiments, a second section of the aerosol product (which may include solid granules) may be heated to a lower temperature (e.g., 200°C) than the first section of the aerosol product, which may include a cartomizer or cartridge containing a liquid or gel that can be heated to a temperature of, for example, 250°C. However, other embodiments are conceivable in which the first section may contain solid granules and the second section may contain a liquid or gel. The gel may include a thin film.

[0182] The control circuit may be configured to heat a first section of the aerosol product to a temperature of about 250°C during use, in a first aerosol generator comprising a first induction coil 301 and a first susceptor 303 (or more generally, a first heating element). According to various embodiments, the first aerosol generator may be configured to heat a first section of the aerosol product to a temperature of 200-210°C, 210-220°C, 220-230°C, 230-240°C, 240-250°C, 250-260°C, 260-270°C, 270-280°C, 280-290°C, or 290-300°C.

[0183] The control circuit may be configured to turn on the first aerosol generator for the entire duration of the session and to keep the first aerosol generator turned on. Other embodiments are contemplated in which the control circuit may be configured to turn on the first aerosol generator for at least 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% of the entire duration of the session.

[0184] The control circuit may be positioned in the second aerosol generator to heat the second section of the aerosol supply device to a temperature T2 during use, where T2 may be 200°C. Other embodiments are conceivable in which T2 is in the range of 150-160°C, 160-170°C, 170-180°C, 180-190°C, 190-200°C, 200-210°C, 210-220°C, 220-230°C, 230-240°C, or 240-250°C.

[0185] The control circuit may be configured to turn on the second aerosol generator and keep it on for the duration of the session. Other embodiments are contemplated in which the control circuit may be configured to turn on the first aerosol generator for at least 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% of the entire duration of the session.

[0186] The aerosol supply device 300 may further comprise an aluminum shroud positioned outside the first aerosol generator and the second aerosol generator. The aluminum shroud may be positioned to retain heat within the heating assembly of the aerosol supply device 300. The aluminum shroud may also reduce heat transfer to the outermost housing of the aerosol supply device 300. To retain heat within the aerosol supply device 300 and / or to reduce heat transfer to the outermost housing of the aerosol supply device 300, one or more layers of graphite or graphite tape may be positioned outside the first aerosol generator and the second aerosol generator.

[0187] The aerosol supply device 300 may further include a recognition device arranged to recognize an aerosol product having a first section for containing a first aerosol generating material and a second section for containing a second aerosol generating material when the aerosol product is inserted into the aerosol supply device 300. The recognition device may be arranged to determine whether the first and second aerosol generators should be activated.

[0188] According to various embodiments, an aerosol supply system is disclosed comprising both an aerosol supply device 300 and an aerosol product having a first section for containing a first aerosol generating material and a second section for containing a second aerosol generating material. The aerosol product further comprises an intake section, wherein the first section of the aerosol product is closer to the intake section than the second section of the aerosol product.

[0189] The aerosol supply device 300 is configured to generate aerosols from the aerosol product. The temperature of the aerosol released from the intake section of the aerosol product may be configured to be below 40°C during use.

[0190] Figure 4 shows in more detail an aerosol product 400 according to one embodiment. According to one embodiment, the aerosol product 400 comprises a filter section 401 which may be 10 mm in length. The filter section 401 may contain a cellulose acetate filter tow such as Tow 5.0 / 30,000. The cellulose acetate tow may be surrounded by an outer wrap which may contain HENGFENG® 27gsm paper.

[0191] Since the user puts the filter section 401 into their mouth, the filter section 401 is sometimes called the mouthpiece section. Following the filter section 401 is a paper tube section 402, which may be 16 mm in length according to one embodiment. The paper tube section 402 is essentially a spacer and may include DELFORT® 21.0 mm / 21.8 mm.

[0192] A first section 403 is provided after the paper tube section 402. In a particular embodiment shown in Figure 4, the first section 403 comprises a cartomizer or cartridge which may have a core 405 of nonwoven cotton that can be impregnated with a gel or liquid. The core 405 may be surrounded by an outer wrap of aluminum foil 406 which may have a thickness of 32 μm.

[0193] The aerosol product 400 further comprises a second section 404 following the first section 403, the second section 404 of which may comprise a tobacco plug. More generally, the second section 404 may comprise an active substance. The active substance may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may be selected from, for example, dietary supplements, nootropics, and psychostimulants. The active substance may be naturally occurring or obtained synthetically. The active substance may comprise, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins, such as B6 or B12 or C, or melatonin. The active substance may comprise one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco.

[0194] The first (e.g., liquid or gel) section 403 and the second (e.g., solid) section 404 may be provided on the outer wrap of HENGFENG® 27gsm paper. The first (e.g., liquid or gel) section 403 of the aerosol product 400 may contain a liquid or gel aerosol-producing material, and the second (e.g., solid) section 404 may contain a solid aerosol-producing material. The solid aerosol-producing material may include granules formed from an active substance. The active substance may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may be selected from, for example, dietary supplements, nootropics, and psychostimulants. The active substance may be naturally occurring or obtained synthetically. The active substance may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins, such as B6 or B12 or C, or melatonin. The active substance may include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco.

[0195] According to the embodiment shown and described with reference to Figure 4, the total length of the aerosol product 400 may be 48 mm, and the aerosol product may have a diameter of 22.8 mm, 22.9 mm, or 23.0 mm.

[0196] Alternative embodiments are considered in which the aerosol product may be configured differently. For example, according to one embodiment, the aerosol product may comprise a filter section, a paper tube section, and combined first and second sections, the combined first and second sections comprising a mixture of shredded gel and tobacco. More generally, the combined first and second sections may comprise a mixture of active substances. The active substances may be physiologically active materials, which are materials intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substances may be selected from, for example, dietary supplements, nootropics, and psychostimulants. The active substances may be naturally occurring or obtained synthetically. The active substances may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins, such as B6 or B12 or C, or melatonin. The active substances may comprise one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco. According to one embodiment, the total length of the aerosol product may be longer than, for example, 75 mm, and the diameter may be smaller than, for example, 20.35 mm.

[0197] According to another embodiment, the aerosol product may comprise a filter section, a paper tube section, and combined first and second sections, the combined first and second sections comprising a tobacco rod formed together with a double-layer wrap enclosing the tobacco rod. More generally, the combined first and second sections may comprise a rod formed from a mixture of active substances. The active substance may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may be selected from, for example, dietary supplements, nootropics, and psychostimulants. The active substance may be naturally occurring or obtained synthetically. The active substance may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins, such as B6 or B12 or C, or melatonin. The active substance may comprise one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco.

[0198] The double-layer wrap may include a gel sheet that directly encloses the rod. A paper outer overlap may also be provided. According to this embodiment, the total length of the aerosol product may be 75 mm and the diameter may be 20.35 mm.

[0199] In another embodiment, the aerosol product may comprise a filter section, a paper tube section, a first section comprising a solid rod containing an active substance, and a second section comprising a cartomizer or cartridge containing a liquid or gel. The active substance may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may be selected from, for example, nutritional supplements, nootropics, and psychostimulants. The active substance may be naturally occurring or obtained synthetically. The active substance may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, or melatonin. The active substance may comprise one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco.

[0200] Therefore, it will be understood that this alternative embodiment involves reversing the positions of the liquid or gel section and the rod section, as shown in Figure 4. According to this embodiment, the total length of the aerosol product may be 75 mm and the diameter may be 20.35 mm.

[0201] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered limitations to the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or to equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be used and modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may appropriately include, consist of, or essentially consist of, appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Furthermore, this disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An aerosol supply device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol product, comprising a first section for containing a first aerosol generating material and a second section for containing a second aerosol generating material, A first aerosol generator comprising a first heating element for generating an aerosol from the first aerosol generating material, A second aerosol generator comprising a second heating element for generating an aerosol from the second aerosol generating material, A heat insulating member disposed between the first heating element and the second heating element, An aerosol supply device comprising the above features.

2. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the first aerosol generator comprises a first induction coil and a first susceptor containing a material that can be heated by penetration by a fluctuating magnetic field, and the first susceptor comprises a first heating element.

3. The aerosol supply device according to claim 2, wherein the first susceptor is tubular.

4. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the first aerosol generator comprises a first resistance heater having the first heating element.

5. The aerosol supply device according to claim 4, wherein the first resistance heater is tubular.

6. The aerosol supply device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first heating element comprises an electrical resistance winding or a thin film.

7. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second aerosol generator comprises a second induction coil and a second susceptor containing a material that can be heated by penetration by a fluctuating magnetic field, and the second susceptor comprises the second heating element.

8. The aerosol supply device according to claim 7, wherein the second susceptor is tubular.

9. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second aerosol generator comprises a second resistance heater having the second heating element.

10. The aerosol supply device according to claim 9, wherein the second resistance heater is tubular.

11. The aerosol supply device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the second heating element comprises an electrical resistance winding or a thin film.

12. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the heat insulating member is disposed between the end of the first heating element and the end of the second heating element.

13. The aerosol supply device according to claim 12, wherein the insulating member is arranged to maintain a distance of 1.5 to 1.6 mm, 1.6 to 1.7 mm, 1.7 to 1.8 mm, 1.8 to 1.9 mm, 1.9 to 2.0 mm, 2.0 to 2.1 mm, 2.1 to 2.2 mm, 2.2 to 2.3 mm, 2.3 to 2.4 mm, 2.4 to 2.5 mm, or 2.0 mm between the end of the first heating element and the end of the second heating element.

14. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the end or lip of the first heating element is received or positioned in a hole or recess formed in the heat insulating member.

15. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the end or lip of the second heating element is received or positioned in a hole or recess formed in the heat insulating member.

16. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the first heating element has a first outer diameter d1, the second heating element has a second outer diameter d2, and the heat insulating member has a third outer diameter d3, where d3 > d2 and d3 > d1.

17. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the heat insulating member is arranged to be in physical contact with the first heating element and / or the second heating element.

18. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the heat insulating member is substantially annular or ring-shaped.

19. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the heat insulating member includes a heat insulating material.

20. The aerosol supply device according to claim 19, wherein the heat insulating member includes a plastic material.

21. An aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, comprising a non-combustion aerosol supply device.

22. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, further comprising an opening into which an aerosol product is inserted during use, wherein the first aerosol generator is positioned closer to the opening than the second aerosol generator.

23. The aerosol supply device according to claim 22, further comprising a control circuit arranged to operate both the first aerosol generator and the second aerosol generator and, during use, to heat the second section of the aerosol product to a lower temperature than the first section of the aerosol product.

24. The aerosol supply device according to claim 23, wherein the control circuit is positioned in the first aerosol generator to heat the first section of the aerosol product to a temperature T1 during use, and T1 is selected from the group consisting of (i) 250°C, (ii) 200-210°C, (iii) 210-220°C, (iv) 220-230°C, (v) 230-240°C, (vi) 240-250°C, (vii) 250-260°C, (viiii) 260-270°C, (ix) 270-280°C, (x) 280-290°C, or (xi) 290-300°C.

25. The aerosol supply device according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the control circuit is configured to turn on the first aerosol generator and keep the first aerosol generator turned on during the duration of a usage session.

26. The aerosol supply device according to claim 23, 24, or 25, wherein the control circuit is arranged in the second aerosol generator to heat the second section of the aerosol product to a temperature T2 during use, and T2 is selected from the group consisting of (i) 200°C, (ii) 150–160°C, (iii) 160–170°C, (iv) 170–180°C, (v) 180–190°C, (vi) 190–200°C, (vii) 200–210°C, (viiii) 210–220°C, (ix) 220–230°C, (x) 230–240°C, or (xi) 240–250°C.

27. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein the control circuit is configured to turn on the second aerosol generator and keep the second aerosol generator turned on during the duration of the usage session.

28. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 27, further comprising an aluminum shroud positioned outside the first aerosol generator and / or the second aerosol generator for retaining heat within the aerosol supply device and / or for reducing heat transfer to the outermost housing of the aerosol supply device.

29. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 28, further comprising one or more layers of graphite or graphite tape disposed outside the first aerosol generator and / or the second aerosol generator in order to retain heat within the aerosol supply device and / or to reduce heat transfer to the outermost housing of the aerosol supply device.

30. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 29, further comprising a device arranged to recognize an aerosol product inserted into the aerosol supply device during use and to determine whether the first and / or second aerosol generator should be activated.

31. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the heat insulating member is gas impermeable.

32. An aerosol supply device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol product, comprising a first section for containing a first aerosol generating material and a second section for containing a second aerosol generating material, A first aerosol generator comprising a first heating element for generating an aerosol from a first aerosol generating material, and a first resistance heater, A second aerosol generator comprising a second heating element for generating an aerosol from a second aerosol generating material, and a second resistance heater, A gas-impermeable insulating member is placed between the first heating element and the second heating element. An aerosol supply device comprising the above features.

33. The aerosol supply device according to claim 32, wherein the end or lip of the first heating element is received or positioned in a hole or recess formed in the heat insulating member, and the end or lip of the second heating element is received or positioned in a hole or recess formed in the heat insulating member.

34. an aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 33, An aerosol product comprising a first section for containing a first aerosol generating material and a second section for containing a second aerosol generating material, and further comprising a mouthpiece or filter section, wherein the first section is closer to the mouthpiece or filter section than the second section, and an aerosol supply system equipped with the following features.

35. The steps of providing an aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 33, The steps include inserting an aerosol product having a first section for containing a first aerosol generating material and a second section for containing a second aerosol generating material into the aerosol supply device, The steps of operating the first aerosol generator and / or the second aerosol generator, A method for generating an aerosol containing [a specific substance].

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