Aerosol supply device

Abstract

To provide an aerosol delivery device that improves aerosol delivery and / or the user's perceptual experience. [Solution] An aerosol supply device 2 is disclosed, which includes a suction port 26 having one or more variable apertures, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members 901.

Description

Field

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

[0002] Electronic aerosol generation systems, such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), generally include a reservoir of a source liquid containing a formulation typically including nicotine, and the aerosol is then generated, for example, by heating and vaporization. Thus, an aerosol supply source for an aerosol supply system may comprise a heater having a heating element arranged to receive the source liquid from the reservoir, for example, by wicking or capillary action. During use of the device by a user, power is supplied to the heating element to vaporize the source liquid in the vicinity of the heating element to generate an aerosol for inhalation by the user. Such devices typically include one or more air inlet holes located away from the mouthpiece end of the system. When the user inhales through a mouthpiece connected to the mouthpiece end of the system, air is drawn through the inlet holes and passes through the aerosol supply source. There is a flow path connecting between the aerosol supply source and the mouthpiece opening, and as a result, the air passing through the aerosol supply source continues to be drawn into the mouthpiece opening along the flow path while carrying a portion of the aerosol from the aerosol supply source. The air carrying the aerosol exits the aerosol supply system through the mouthpiece opening for inhalation by the user.

[0003] Other aerosol supply devices generate an aerosol from a solid material such as tobacco or a tobacco derivative. Such devices operate in a manner substantially similar to the above liquid-based systems, where the solid tobacco material is heated to its vaporization temperature to generate an aerosol, which is then inhaled by the user. In most aerosol supply devices, the user seeks consistent delivery puff-by-puff so that the same taste is achieved for each puff and / or the same desired effect is obtained. However, the above devices do not always provide consistent delivery.

[0004] It is desirable to provide an aerosol delivery device that improves aerosol delivery and / or the user's perceptual experience. Overview

[0005] According to one embodiment, an aerosol supply device is provided that includes a suction port having one or more variable apertures, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members.

[0006] By providing one or more variable apertures, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members at the mouthpiece, the ratio of air to aerosol in the aerosol supplied to the user can be changed.

[0007] In various embodiments, it can be considered that the concentration or dilution of the aerosol contents flowing to the mouthpiece outlet (and correctly experienced by the user) can be changed or optimized by increasing or decreasing the proportion of air in the aerosol. For example, it may be determined that the sensory experience can be improved by increasing the air content of the aerosol at a specific point in time when more air can flow to the mouthpiece outlet by increasing the opening of one or more variable apertures, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members.

[0008] Conversely, it may be determined that the sensory experience can be improved by reducing the air content of the aerosol at specific points in time, by decreasing the opening of one or more variable apertures, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members, thereby limiting the amount of air that mixes with the aerosol and flows out the mouthpiece.

[0009] Various embodiments are possible. According to one embodiment, one or more variable throttles, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members can be adjusted between off and on, i.e., between 0% transmission and 100% transmission.

[0010] However, alternative embodiments are contemplated where the opening degree of one or more variable throttles, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members can be changed. For example, one or more variable throttles, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members can be changed between x% transmission and y% transmission, where 0 < x < 100 and 0 < y < 100.

[0011] In particular, the term "variable throttle" should always be understood as a valve that can always pass some air but can change the degree of air transmission through the throttle.

[0012] Optionally, one or more variable throttles, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members are configured to change the air flow entering the suction port so as to change the aerosolization of the aerosol flowing into the suction port or the ratio of air to aerosol in the mixture of air and aerosol flowing into the suction port.

[0013] For example, the ratio of air to aerosol (or concentration or dilution) in the aerosol flowing into the suction port can be changed as desired to improve the resulting sensory experience.

[0014] Optionally, one or more variable throttles, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members are configured to change the aerosol flow away from the suction port so as to change the aerosolization of the aerosol flowing into the suction port or the ratio of air to aerosol in the mixture of air and aerosol flowing into the suction port.

[0015] For example, the ratio of air to aerosol (or concentration or dilution) in the aerosol flowing into the suction port can be changed as desired to improve the resulting sensory experience.

[0016] Optionally, the aerosol supply device further comprises a control circuit, which is configured to selectively control one or more variable throttles, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members in response to (i) the operation or deactivation of one or more heating elements, (ii) as a function of time, (iii) according to a predetermined timing profile, or (iv) according to one or more settings defined by the user.

[0017] For example, the ratio (or concentration or dilution) of air to aerosol in the aerosol flowing into the intake can be changed by activating a second heating element after a certain period of time following the activation of a first heating element. For example, an aerosol supply device can be configured to operate in multiple different heating modes. In the first operating mode, the first heating element can be activated to quickly raise the aerosol product to its initial heating temperature. Later in the session, the second heating element can be activated to further increase the temperature of the aerosol product. Changing the operating mode may be linked to changing the position or transmission amount of one or more variable apertures, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members to change the air content of the aerosol or the ratio of air to aerosol.

[0018] In another embodiment, an aerosol supply device is provided comprising (i) one or more air inlets having one or more adjustable air inlets, and / or (ii) one or more air outlets having one or more adjustable air outlets.

[0019] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more variable throttling, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members provided at the intake, it is possible to provide an aerosol supply device comprising, more generally, one or more air inlets having one or more adjustable air inlets, and / or one or more air outlets having one or more adjustable air outlets.

[0020] Optionally, the aerosol supply device includes a control circuit, which is configured to selectively control one or more air inlets and / or one or more air outlets in (i) in response to the operation or deactivation of a plurality of heating elements, (ii) as a function of time, (iii) according to a predetermined timing profile, or (iv) according to one or more settings defined by the user.

[0021] For example, the ratio (or concentration or dilution) of air to aerosol in the aerosol transmitted to the user can be changed by activating a second heating element after a certain period of time following the activation of a first heating element. For example, an aerosol supply device could be capable of operating in multiple different heating modes. In the first operating mode, the first heating element can be activated to quickly raise the aerosol product to its initial heating temperature. Later in the session, the second heating element can be activated to further increase the temperature of the aerosol product. The change in mode may be linked to the change of one or more air inlets and / or air outlets to change the air content of the aerosol.

[0022] In another embodiment, an aerosol supply device is provided, comprising a mouthpiece having a user portion and one or more stream divider portions for diverting the aerosol away from the user portion, wherein the one or more stream divider portions are operable in a first mode in which a first amount V1 of the aerosol or aerosol / air mixture is directed to the user portion and a second mode in which a second amount V2 of the aerosol or aerosol / air mixture is directed to the user portion. <V1である。

[0023] Instead of altering the airflow into the aerosol stream passing through the inlet of the aerosol supply device, one or more stream splitter sections may be configured to divert a portion of the aerosol away from the inlet in order to change the ratio (or concentration or dilution) of air to aerosol in the aerosol experienced by the user.

[0024] Optionally, the aerosol supply device further comprises a control circuit, which is configured to selectively control one or more diverter portions (i) in response to activation or deactivation of one or more heating elements, (ii) as a function of time, (iii) according to a predetermined timing profile, or (iv) according to one or more settings determined by the user.

[0025] For example, the ratio (or concentration or dilution) of air to aerosol in the aerosol transmitted to the user can be changed by activating the second heating element after a certain time has elapsed after activating the first heating element. For example, it is contemplated that the aerosol supply device can be operable in a plurality of different heating modes. In a first operating mode, the first heating element can be activated to quickly raise the temperature of the aerosol-generating article to an initial heating temperature. In the second half of the session, the second heating element can be activated to further increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating article. The change in mode may be associated with a change in the degree to which one or more diverter portions divert a portion of the aerosol away from the inlet, in order to vary the air content of the aerosol.

[0026] Optionally, the aerosol supply device further comprises a chamber for receiving the aerosol-generating article.

[0027] According to various embodiments, the aerosol-generating article is inserted or received within the chamber of the aerosol supply device during use.

[0028] Optionally, the aerosol supply device further comprises one or more heating elements. The heating element may comprise a resistive heating element or an inductive heating element.

[0029] In one embodiment, the aerosol supply device may comprise a plurality of individual heating elements. The heating element itself may be substantially planar, and the number of individual aerosol-generating regions provided within the planar aerosol-generating article and the number of heating elements may correspond one-to-one.

[0030] Optionally, the aerosol supply device may further comprise one or more aerosol generation regions, and one or more or each aerosol generation region may comprise at least one air supply hole in fluid communication with the external atmosphere.

[0031] It is contemplated that different aerosol generation regions can have either the same or different flow paths to the mouthpiece. If there is a single flow path to the mouthpiece, one or more air supply holes may be provided so that air can enter the chamber containing the aerosol generating article.

[0032] If there are multiple flow paths to the mouthpiece, one or more air supply holes may be provided in each flow path to supply air to different aerosol generation regions.

[0033] According to one aspect, an aerosol supply device as described above, and an aerosol generating article comprising a plurality of aerosol generating material portions is provided.

[0034] Optionally, (i) each aerosol generating material portion is substantially the same, or (ii) at least some of the plurality of aerosol generating material portions are substantially different.

[0035] If each aerosol generating material portion or each aerosol generation region is substantially the same, the sensory experience may be consistent throughout the session.

[0036] However, other embodiments are contemplated where it is desired to vary the sensory experience throughout the session and at least some of the plurality of aerosol generating material portions or at least some of the aerosol generation regions are different. For example, it may be desired to provide a session where a particular fragrance is introduced at specific different times during the session.

[0037] Optionally, the aerosol generator may include a substantially planar aerosol generator.

[0038] In contrast to rod-shaped or stick-shaped aerosol generators, according to various embodiments, the aerosol generator may be substantially flat and have a length and width longer than the depth or height of the aerosol generator.

[0039] Optionally, the planar aerosol generator may have multiple aerosol generation regions.

[0040] The aerosol generating product may be configured to have multiple separate regions or parts, each of which can be selectively activated by one or more heating elements.

[0041] Optionally, the aerosol generating product may be positioned adjacent to multiple heating elements during use.

[0042] Optionally, the aerosol generator may be positioned such that, during use, one or more aerosol generating regions are adjacent to the heating element, and the aerosol generator may be rotated or moved relative to the heating element so that one or more aerosol generating regions are moved closer to the heating element.

[0043] According to this embodiment, a single heating element may be provided, and the planar aerosol generator can be selectively rotated so that it is above the heating element in order to use different aerosol generation regions during the session.

[0044] According to one aspect, The steps include: preparing an aerosol supply device equipped with a suction port having one or more variable apertures, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members; The steps include changing one or more variable throttles, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members in order to change the airflow into the mouthpiece, and thus to aerosolize the aerosol flowing into the mouthpiece, or to change the ratio of air to aerosol in the mixture of air and aerosol flowing into the mouthpiece; A method for generating an aerosol containing the above is provided.

[0045] According to another embodiment, (i) providing an aerosol supply device having one or more air inlets having one or more adjustable air inlets, and / or (ii) having one or more air outlets having one or more adjustable air outlets, The steps of changing one or more air inlets and / or one or more air outlets so as to change the airflow into the mouthpiece and / or the airflow away from the mouthpiece, and thus to aerosolize the aerosol flowing into the mouthpiece, or to change the ratio of air to aerosol in the mixture of air and aerosol flowing into the mouthpiece; A method for generating an aerosol containing the above is provided.

[0046] According to another embodiment, A step of preparing a mouthpiece having a user portion and one or more stream divider portions for deflecting the aerosol away from the user portion, The steps include operating one or more flow splitter sections in a first mode in which a first amount V1 of aerosol or aerosol / air mixture is directed to the user section, A step of operating one or more flow splitter sections in a second mode in which a second amount V2 of aerosol or aerosol / air mixture is directed to a user section, wherein V2 <V1である、ステップと A method for generating an aerosol containing the above is provided.

[0047] It will be recognized that the features and embodiments of the present invention described above with respect to the first and other aspects of the present invention are equally applicable to embodiments of the present invention according to other aspects of the present invention, and may be combined with them as appropriate, not limited to the specific combinations described above.

[0048] Next, various embodiments will be described as mere examples with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0049] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol supply system comprising an aerosol supply device and an aerosol generating product. The aerosol supply device includes multiple heating elements, and the aerosol generating product includes multiple aerosol generating material components. [Figure 2A] Figure 1 is a top view of the aerosol generator shown. [Figure 2B] This is an end view of the aerosol product along its longitudinal axis. [Figure 2C] This is a side view of the aerosol product along its widthwise axis. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional top view of the heating element of the aerosol supply device. [Figure 4] This is an exemplary top view of a contact sensing panel used to operate various functions of an aerosol supply device. [Figure 5] This is an example of a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol supply system comprising an aerosol supply device and an aerosol generating product. The aerosol supply device comprises multiple induction coils, and the aerosol generating product comprises multiple aerosol generating material parts and corresponding susceptor parts. [Figure 6A] Figure 5 is a top view of aerosol generator 4. [Figure 6B] This is an end view of the aerosol product along its longitudinal axis. [Figure 6C] This is a side view of the aerosol product along its widthwise axis. [Figure 7] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol supply device. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is an isometric view of a portion of the aerosol supply device. [Figure 9] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol supply device according to one embodiment, which includes a suction port having one or more variable apertures, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members. Detailed explanation

[0050] This specification discusses or describes aspects and features of specific examples and embodiments. Some aspects and features in specific examples and embodiments may have been embodied in the prior art, and for the sake of brevity, they will not be discussed or described in detail. Therefore, it will be recognized that aspects and features of apparatus and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail can be embodied according to any prior art for embodying such aspects and features.

[0051] This disclosure relates to a “non-combustible” aerosol delivery system. A “non-combustible” aerosol delivery system is a system in which the material components (or their components) of the aerosol delivery system are not burned or agitated in order to facilitate the delivery of aerosols to the user. Furthermore, as is common in the art, the terms “vapor” and “aerosol,” as well as related terms such as “vaporize,” “volatilize,” and “aerosolize,” can be used interchangeably in general.

[0052] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system for generating 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 comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include plant-based materials, such as tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0053] Typically, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol supply device and aerosol generating products (sometimes called consumables) for use with the non-combustible aerosol supply device. However, an article that itself provides means for powering an aerosol generating component can itself be considered to form a non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0054] Aerosol-generating products are intended to be consumed, in whole or in part, during use by the user. Consumables are articles comprising, or consisting of, aerosol-generating materials, which are intended to be consumed, in whole or in part, during use by the user. Consumables may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. Consumables may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which releases heat to generate an aerosol in the aerosol-generating material during use. The heater may comprise, for example, a flammable material, an electrically conductive material, or a susceptor.

[0055] Non-combustible aerosol supply systems often comprise a modular assembly that includes both reusable aerosol supply devices and replaceable articles, though not always. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply device may comprise a power source and a controller (or control circuit). The power source may be a power source such as a battery or a rechargeable battery. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply device may also comprise an aerosol generating component. However, in other embodiments, the aerosol generating product may comprise the aerosol generating component partially or completely.

[0056] An aerosol generating component (aerosol generator) is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating component is a heater that can interact with the aerosol generating material to form an aerosol by releasing one or more volatile components from the material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating component can generate an aerosol from a material without heating. For example, the aerosol generating component can generate an aerosol from a material without applying heat by, for example, one or more of the following means: vibratory means, mechanical means, pressurizing means, or electrostatic means.

[0057] Aerosol generators for use with non-combustible aerosol supply devices generally comprise an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material is a material that can generate an aerosol when energy is applied, for example, by heating, irradiation, or any other means. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or semi-solid (such as a gel), and may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings.

[0058] The aerosolizable material may be present on or within a carrier support (or carrier component) to form a substrate. The carrier support may be, for example, paper, cardboard, cardboard, recycled aerosolizable material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or alloy, or may contain any of these.

[0059] In some embodiments, the aerosol generator for use with an aerosol supply device may comprise an aerosolizable material or a region for receiving the aerosolizable material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator for use with an aerosol supply device may comprise a mouthpiece, or alternatively, the aerosol supply device may comprise a mouthpiece communicating with the aerosol generator. The region for receiving the aerosolizable material may be a storage region for housing the aerosolizable material. For example, this storage region may be a reservoir.

[0060] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply system 1. The aerosol supply system 1 comprises two main components: an aerosol supply device 2 and an aerosol generator 4.

[0061] The aerosol supply device 2 comprises an outer housing 21, a power supply 22, a control circuit 23, a plurality of aerosol generation components 24, a chamber 25, a suction port end 26, an air inlet 27, an air outlet 28, a contact sensing panel 29, a suction sensor 30, and a usage end indicator 31.

[0062] The outer housing 21 may be formed from any suitable material, such as plastic. The outer housing 21 is configured to house the power supply 22, control circuit 23, aerosol generation component 24, chamber 25, and suction sensor 30. The outer housing 21 also defines an air inlet 27 and an air outlet 28, which will be described in more detail below. The contact sensing panel 29 and the end-of-use indicator are located on the outside of the outer housing 21.

[0063] The outer housing 21 further includes a mouthpiece end 26. The outer housing 21 and the mouthpiece end 26 are formed as a single component (i.e., the mouthpiece end 26 forms part of the outer housing 21). The mouthpiece end 26 is defined as a region of the outer housing 21 that includes an air outlet 28 and is shaped such that a user can comfortably place their lips around the mouthpiece end 26 and engage with the air outlet 28. In Figure 1, the thickness of the outer housing 21 tapers towards the air outlet 28, providing a relatively thin portion of the aerosol supply device 2 that can be more easily accommodated by the user's lips. However, in other embodiments, the mouthpiece end 26 may be a removable component that is separate from the outer housing 21 but can be coupled to the outer housing 21, and can be removed for cleaning and / or replacement with another mouthpiece end 26.

[0064] The power supply 22 is configured to supply operating power to the aerosol supply device 2. The power supply 22 may be any suitable power source, such as a battery. For example, the power supply 22 may comprise a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion battery. The power supply 22 may be detachable or may form an integrated part of the aerosol supply device 2. In some embodiments, the power supply 22 may be recharged by connecting the aerosol supply device 2 to an external power source (such as a mains power supply) via an associated connection port, such as a USB port (not shown), or via a suitable wireless receiver (not shown).

[0065] The control circuit 23 is appropriately configured or programmed to control the operation of the aerosol supply device and provide specific operational functions of the aerosol supply device 2. The control circuit 23 may be considered to logically comprise various subunits or circuit elements related to various aspects of the operation of the aerosol supply device. For example, the control circuit 23 may include a logic subunit for controlling the recharging of the power supply 22. In addition, the control circuit 23 may include a logic subunit for communication to facilitate data transfer to or from the aerosol supply device 2, for example. However, the primary function of the control circuit 23 is to control the aerosolization of the aerosol-generating material, as will be described in more detail below. It will be recognized that the functions of the control circuit 23 can be provided in various different ways, for example, using one or more appropriately programmed programmable computers, and / or one or more appropriately configured application-specific integrated circuits, circuits, chips, or chipsets configured to provide the desired functions. The control circuit 23 may be connected to the power supply 23, receive power from the power supply 22, and be configured to distribute or control the power supply to other components of the aerosol supply device 2.

[0066] In the described embodiment, the aerosol supply device 2 further comprises a chamber 25 positioned to receive the aerosol product 4.

[0067] The aerosol generating product 4 may comprise a carrier component 42 and an aerosol generating material 44. The aerosol generating product 4 is shown in more detail in Figures 2A to 2C.

[0068] Figure 2A is a top view of the aerosol generator 4, Figure 2B is an end view of the aerosol generator 4 along its longitudinal axis, and Figure 2C is a side view of the aerosol generator 4 along its width axis.

[0069] In this embodiment, the aerosol generating product 4 may include a carrier component 42 formed of a card. The carrier component 42 forms the majority of the aerosol generating product 4 and functions as a base on which the aerosol generating material 44 is placed.

[0070] As shown in Figures 2A to 2C, the carrier component 42 has a length l, a width w, and a thickness t. c It has a nearly cubic shape. As a specific example, the length of the carrier component 42 may be 30 to 80 mm, the width may be 7 to 25 mm, and the thickness may be 0.2 to 1 mm. However, it should be recognized that the above are exemplary dimensions of the carrier component 42, and in other embodiments, the carrier component 42 may have different dimensions as needed. In some embodiments, the carrier component 42 may have one or more protrusions extending in the longitudinal and / or width directions of the carrier component 42 to help facilitate the handling of the aerosol product 4 by the user.

[0071] According to various embodiments, the aerosol product 4 is substantially planar.

[0072] In the examples shown in Figures 1 and 2A-2C, the aerosol generator 4 comprises multiple individual portions of aerosol-generating material 44 arranged on the surface of the carrier component 42. More specifically, the aerosol generator 4 comprises six individual portions of aerosol-generating material 44, labeled 44a-44f, arranged in a 2x3 array. However, it should be noted that in other embodiments, more or fewer individual portions may be provided, and / or these portions may be arranged in different arrays (e.g., a 1x6 array). In the illustrated examples, the aerosol-generating material 44 is arranged at discrete, separate locations on a single surface of the carrier component 42. Although the individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 44 are shown to have a circular footprint, it should be noted that the individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 44 may have any other footprint, such as a square or rectangle, as needed. The individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 44 have a diameter d and a thickness t, as shown in Figures 2A-2C. a It has a thickness t. a This can take any appropriate value, for example, thickness t a The thickness t may be in the range of 50 μm to 1.5 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness t a The thickness is approximately 50 μm to 200 μm, or approximately 50 μm to 100 μm, or approximately 60 μm to 90 μm, with approximately 77 μm being appropriate. In other embodiments, the thickness t a The thickness may be greater than 200 μm, for example, approximately 50 μm to approximately 400 μm, or approximately 1 mm, or approximately 1.5 mm.

[0073] The individual parts of the aerosol-generating material 44 are separated from each other so that each individual part can be individually or selectively energized (e.g., heated) to generate an aerosol. In some embodiments, these parts of the aerosol-generating material 44 may have a mass of 20 mg or less, and as a result, the amount of material aerosolized in any single step by a given aerosol-generating product 24 is relatively small. For example, the mass of one part may be 20 mg or less, or 10 mg or less, or 5 mg or less. Of course, it should be recognized that the total mass of the aerosol-generating product 4 may be heavier than 20 mg.

[0074] The aerosol generating product 4 may comprise multiple parts of the aerosol generating material 44, all of which are formed from the same aerosol generating material 44. Alternatively, the aerosol generating product 4 may comprise multiple parts of the aerosol generating material 44, in which at least two parts are formed from different aerosol generating materials.

[0075] Chamber 25 is sized to be suitable for removably receiving the aerosol generator 4. Although not shown, the aerosol supply device 2 may include a hinged door or a removable portion of the outer housing 21 to allow access to the chamber 25, so that the user can insert the aerosol generator 4 into the chamber 25 and / or remove the aerosol generator 4 from the chamber 25. The hinged door or the removable portion of the outer housing 21 may also function to hold the aerosol generator 4 inside the chamber 25 when closed. When the aerosol generator 4 is depleted, or when the user simply wishes to switch to a different aerosol generator 4, the aerosol generator 4 can be removed from the aerosol supply device 2 and a replacement aerosol generator 4 can be placed in its place in the chamber 25. Alternatively, the aerosol supply device 2 may include a permanent opening that communicates with the chamber 25 and into which the aerosol generator 4 can be inserted. In this implementation, a holding mechanism may be provided for holding the aerosol product 4 within the chamber 25 of the aerosol supply device 2.

[0076] As shown in Figure 1, the aerosol supply device 2 comprises several aerosol generating components 24 (although other embodiments may be possible in which a single aerosol generating component is provided). In the embodiments described, the aerosol generating component 24 is a heating element 24, more specifically a resistive heating element 24 (although other embodiments may be possible in which the heating element comprises an inductive heating element, as described below). The resistive heating element 24 receives an electric current and converts its electrical energy into heat. The resistive heating element 24 may be formed from or include any suitable resistive heating material, such as nichrome (Ni20Cr80), which generates heat when it receives an electric current. In one embodiment, the heating element 24 may comprise an electrically insulating substrate on which resistive passages are arranged.

[0077] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional top view of the aerosol supply device 2 showing the arrangement of the heating element 24 in more detail. In Figures 1 and 3, the heating element 24 is positioned such that its surface forms part of the surface of the chamber 25. That is, the outer surface of the heating element 24 is flush with the inner surface of the receiving portion. More specifically, the outer surface of the heating element 24 that is flush with the inner surface of the chamber 25 is the surface of the heating element 24 that is heated (i.e., its temperature rises) when an electric current is passed through it.

[0078] The heating elements 24 are positioned such that each heating element 24 aligns with the corresponding individual part of the aerosol generating material 44 when the aerosol generating product 4 is received into the chamber 25. Thus, in this example, the six heating elements 24 are arranged in a 2x3 arrangement that roughly corresponds to the 2x3 arrangement of the six individual parts of the aerosol generating material 44 shown in Figures 2A to 2C. However, as discussed above, the number of heating elements 24 may differ in different embodiments, for example, there may be 8, 10, 12, or 14 heating elements 24. In some embodiments, the number of heating elements 24 is 6 or more, but 20 or less.

[0079] More specifically, the heating elements 24 are denoted 24a to 24f in Figure 3, and each heating element 24 should be understood to be positioned to align with the corresponding portion of the aerosol-generating material 44, as indicated by the corresponding letter following the reference numerals 24, 44. Thus, each heating element 24 can be operated individually to heat the corresponding portion of the aerosol-generating material 44.

[0080] The heating element 24 is shown flush with the inner surface of the chamber 25, but in other embodiments, the heating element 24 may protrude into the chamber 25. In either case, the aerosol generating material 4 comes into contact with the surface of the heating element 24 when it is inside the chamber 25, and as a result, the heat generated by the heating element 24 is conducted to the aerosol generating material 44 through the carrier component 42.

[0081] In some embodiments, to improve heat transfer efficiency, the chamber 25 may be provided with a component that applies force to the surface of the carrier component 42 so as to press the carrier component 42 against the heater element 24, thereby increasing the heat transfer efficiency by conduction to the aerosol-generating material 44. In addition to or instead of this, the heater element 24 may be configured to move toward / away from the aerosol-generating product 4, and may be pressed against the surface of the carrier component 42 that does not contain the aerosol-generating material 44.

[0082] During use, the aerosol supply device 2 (more specifically, the control circuit 23) is configured to supply power to the heating element 24 in response to user input. Generally, the control circuit 23 is configured to selectively apply power to the heating element 24 to heat the corresponding portion of the aerosol-generating material 44 to generate an aerosol. When the user inhales into the aerosol supply device 2 (i.e., inhales through the mouthpiece end 26), air is drawn into the aerosol supply device 2 through the air inlet 27, enters the chamber 25, where it mixes with the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol-generating material 44, and is then drawn to the user's mouth through the air outlet 28. That is, the aerosol is delivered to the user through the mouthpiece end 26 and the air outlet 28.

[0083] As shown in Figure 1, the aerosol supply device 2 may optionally include a contact sensing panel 29 and an suction sensor 30. Both the contact sensing panel 29 and the suction sensor 30 function as mechanisms for receiving user input to trigger aerosol generation, and are therefore sometimes more broadly referred to as user input mechanisms. The received user input can be said to indicate that the user wants to generate an aerosol.

[0084] However, other configurations are possible in which the aerosol supply device 2 does not include either the contact sensing panel 29 or the suction sensor 30.

[0085] The contact sensing panel 29 may be a capacitive touch sensor and can be operated by the user of the aerosol supply device 2 by placing their finger or another suitable conductive object (e.g., a stylus) on the contact sensing panel. In the described embodiment, the contact sensing panel includes an area that the user can press to initiate aerosol generation. The control circuit 23 may be configured to receive a signal from the contact sensing panel 29 and use this signal to determine whether the user is pressing (i.e., activating) this area of ​​the contact sensing panel 29. If the control circuit 23 receives this signal, it is configured to supply power from the power supply 22 to one or more of the heating elements 24. The power may be supplied for a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) from the moment contact is detected, or it may be supplied in proportion to the length of time contact is detected. In other embodiments, the contact sensing panel 29 may be replaced with a button or the like that can be activated by the user.

[0086] The suction sensor 30 may include a pressure sensor or microphone configured to detect a drop in pressure or airflow caused by the user inhaling through the aerosol supply device 2. The suction sensor 30 is positioned in fluid communication with the airflow path (i.e., in fluid communication with the airflow path between the inlet 27 and the outlet 28). In a similar manner to the above, the control circuit 23 may be configured to receive a signal from the suction sensor and use this signal to determine whether the user is inhaling through the aerosol supply system 1. When the control circuit 23 receives this signal, the control circuit 23 is configured to supply power from the power supply 22 to one or more of the heating elements 24. The power may be supplied for a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) from the moment the inhalation is detected, or it may be supplied in proportion to the length of time the inhalation is detected.

[0087] In the described example, both the contact sensing panel 29 and the suction sensor 30 detect that the user intends to begin generating an aerosol for suction. The control circuit 23 may be configured to supply power to the heating element 24 only when signals are detected from both the contact sensing panel 29 and the suction sensor 30. This can help prevent the heating element 24 from being activated unintentionally due to the accidental activation of one of the user input mechanisms. However, in other embodiments, the aerosol supply system 1 may have only one of the contact sensing panel 29 and the suction sensor 30.

[0088] These aspects of the operation of the aerosol supply system 1 (i.e., puff detection and contact detection) can themselves be performed according to established techniques (for example, using conventional suction sensors and suction sensor signal processing techniques, and using conventional touch sensors and touch sensor signal processing techniques).

[0089] In some embodiments, the control circuit 23 is configured to sequentially supply power to each of the individual heating elements 24 in response to the detection of signals from either or both of the contact sensing panel 29 and the suction sensor 30. More specifically, the control circuit 23 is configured to sequentially supply power to each of the individual heating elements 23 in response to the order in which signals received from either or both of the contact sensing panel 29 and the suction sensor 30 are detected. For example, the control circuit 23 may be configured to supply power to the first heating element 24 of the plurality of heating elements 24 when the signal is first detected (e.g., from when the aerosol supply device 2 is first switched on). When the signal stops, or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the signal was detected, the control circuit 23 records that the first heating element 24 has been activated (and therefore the corresponding individual part of the aerosol generating material 44 has been heated). The control circuit 23 decides to activate the second heating element 24 in response to the next signal received from either or both of the contact sensing panel 29 and the suction sensor 30.

[0090] Therefore, when the control circuit 23 receives a signal from either or both of the contact sensing panel 29 and the suction sensor 30, the control circuit 23 activates the second heating element 24. This process is repeated for the remaining heating elements 24, and as a result, all heating elements 24 are activated sequentially.

[0091] In effect, this operation means that for each inhalation, a different portion of the aerosol-generating material 44 is heated, and an aerosol is generated from it. In other words, a single individual portion of the aerosol-generating material is heated each time the user inhales.

[0092] In other embodiments, the control circuit 23 may activate the first heating element 24 multiple times (e.g., twice) or activate each of the multiple heating elements 24 once, and then sequentially activate the heating elements a second time when the next signal is detected after all heating elements 24 have been activated once.

[0093] This sequential operation is sometimes called a "sequential operation mode," and it is primarily designed to deliver a consistent aerosol with each inhalation (which can be measured, for example, by the total aerosol generated or the total components delivered). Therefore, this mode may be most effective when each part of the aerosol-generating material 44 of the aerosol-generating product 4 is substantially identical, i.e., when parts 44a to 44f are formed from the same material.

[0094] In some other embodiments, the control circuit 23 is configured to simultaneously supply power to one or more of the heating elements 24 in response to the detection of signals from either or both of the contact sensing panel 29 and the suction sensor 30.

[0095] In such an implementation, the control circuit 23 may be configured to supply power to a selected heating element among the heating elements 24 in accordance with a predetermined configuration. The predetermined configuration may be one selected or determined by the user. For example, the contact sensing panel 29 may have an area in which the user can individually select which of the heating elements 24 to activate when the control circuit 23 receives a signal from either or both of the contact sensing panel 29 and the suction sensor 30. In some implementations, the user may also set a power level for each heating element 24 so as to be supplied to the heating element 24 in response to receiving a signal.

[0096] Figure 4 is a top view of the contact sensing panel 29. Figure 4 schematically shows the outer housing 21 and the contact sensing panel 29 as described above. The contact sensing panel 29 comprises six regions 29a to 29f corresponding to each of the six heating elements 24, and a region 29g corresponding to a region for indicating that the user wishes to start suction or generate an aerosol, as described above. Each of the six regions 29a to 29f corresponds to a contact sensing area that the user can touch to control the power supply to each of the six corresponding heating elements 24. In the embodiments described, each heating element 24 may have multiple states, for example, an off state in which no power is supplied to the heating element 24, a low-power state in which a first level of power is supplied to the heating element 24, and a high-power state in which a second level of power greater than the first level of power is supplied to the heating element 24. However, in other embodiments, fewer or more states may be available to the heating element 24. For example, each heating element 24 may have an off state in which no power is supplied to the heating element 24, and an on state in which power is supplied to the heating element 24.

[0097] Therefore, before generating an aerosol, the user can set which heating elements 24 (and subsequently which parts of the aerosol-generating material 44) to heat (and optionally, to what extent to heat them) by interacting with the contact sensing panel 29. For example, the user may repeatedly tap areas 29a to 29f to cycle through different states (e.g., off, low power, high power, off). Alternatively, the user may press and hold areas 29a to 29f to cycle through different states. In this case, the duration of the press determines the state.

[0098] The contact sensing panel 29 may have one or more indicators in each of the regions 29a to 29f that indicate the current state of the heating element 24. For example, the contact sensing panel may have one or more LEDs or similar lighting elements, where the intensity of the LEDs indicates the current state of the heating element 24. Alternatively, a color LED or similar lighting element may be provided, where the color indicates the current state. Alternatively, the contact sensing panel 29 may have a display element that shows the current state of the heating element 24 (for example, which may be located beneath the transparent contact sensing panel 29, or which may be located adjacent to the regions 29a to 29f of the contact sensing panel 29).

[0099] Once the user configures the heating element 24, the control circuit 23 is configured to supply power to the selected heating element 24 according to a preset configuration in response to the detection of signals from either or both of the contact sensing panel 29 (more specifically, the area 29g of the contact sensing panel 29) and the suction sensor 30.

[0100] Therefore, operating the heating elements 24 simultaneously in this manner may be called a "simultaneous operation mode," which is primarily designed to deliver a customizable aerosol from a given article 4, with the intention of allowing the user to customize their experience session by session, or even puff by puff. Thus, this mode may be most effective when the parts of the aerosol-generating material 44 of the aerosol-generating article 4 are different from each other. For example, when parts 44a and 44b are made of one material, and parts 44c and 44d are made of different materials. Thus, in this operating mode, the user can choose which parts to aerosolize at any given moment, and therefore which combination of aerosols to deliver.

[0101] In both simultaneous and sequential operation modes, the control circuit 23 may be configured to generate a warning signal indicating the end of use of the aerosol generator 4 when, for example, each of the heating elements 24 has been operated sequentially a predetermined number of times, or when a given heating element 24 has been operated a predetermined number of times and / or for a given cumulative operating time and / or for a given cumulative operating power. In Figure 1, the aerosol supply device 2 includes an end-of-use indicator 31, which in this embodiment is an LED. However, in other embodiments, the end-of-use indicator 31 may include any mechanism that can give a warning signal to the user, i.e., the end-of-use indicator 31 may be an optical element that delivers an optical signal, a sound generator that delivers an audio signal, and / or a vibrator that delivers a tactile signal. In some embodiments, the indicator 31 may be combined with a contact sensing panel (for example, if the contact sensing panel includes a display element) or may be provided in other embodiments. When a warning signal is output, the aerosol supply device 2 may prevent its next operation. When the user replaces the aerosol generator 4, and / or switches off the warning signal via a manual means such as a button (not shown), the warning signal can be switched off and the control circuit 23 is reset.

[0102] More specifically, in an implementation where the sequential operation mode is used, the control circuit 23 may be configured to count the number of signals received from either or both of the contact sensing panel 29 and the suction sensor 30 during the period of use, and to determine that the aerosol generating product 4 has reached the end of its lifespan when the count reaches a predetermined number. For example, for an article 4 comprising six individual parts of aerosol generating material 44, the predetermined number could be 6, 12, 18, etc., depending on the current implementation.

[0103] In implementations where the simultaneous operation mode is used, the control circuit 23 may be configured to count the number of times one or each of the individual parts of the aerosol generating material 44 is heated. For example, the control circuit 23 can count how many times the nicotine-containing part has been heated and determine the end of the lifespan of the aerosol generating product 4 when this number reaches a predetermined number. Alternatively, the control circuit 23 may be configured to count separately for each individual part of the aerosol generating material 44 when that part is heated. Each part may have the same or different predetermined number of times, and the control circuit 23 determines the end of the lifespan of the aerosol generating product 4 when any one of the counts for each part of the aerosol generating material reaches a predetermined number.

[0104] In any implementation, the control circuit 23 may also take into account the length of time the aerosol-generating material is heated and / or the temperature at which the aerosol-generating material is heated. In this regard, the control circuit 23 may be configured to calculate a cumulative parameter indicating the heating state experienced by each part of the aerosol-generating material 44, rather than counting individual operations. This parameter may be, for example, cumulative time, and the temperature of the material is used to adjust the length of time added to the cumulative time. For example, a part heated at 200°C for 3 seconds may contribute 3 seconds to the cumulative time, while a part heated at 250°C for 3 seconds may contribute 4.5 seconds to the cumulative time.

[0105] The techniques described above for determining the end of life of aerosol product 4 should not be understood as an exhaustive list of methods for determining the end of life of aerosol product 4, and in practice, any other suitable method may be used in accordance with the principles of this disclosure.

[0106] In the above-described implementation of the aerosol supply system 1, multiple (individual) portions of the aerosol-generating material 44 are provided, which can be selectively aerosolized using the aerosol-generating component 24. Such an aerosol-generating system 1 offers advantages over other systems designed to heat larger materials. In particular, the fact that only selected portions(s) of the aerosol-generating material are aerosolized in response to a given suction results in a more energy-efficient system overall.

[0107] In a heating system, several parameters affect the overall effectiveness of the system in delivering a sufficient amount of aerosol to the user with each puff. On the one hand, the thickness of the aerosol-generating material is important because it affects how quickly the aerosol-generating material reaches its operating temperature (and subsequently generates aerosols). This is important for several reasons, but it can lead to more efficient use of energy from the power supply 22, as the heating element may not need to operate for the same length of time compared to heating thicker portions of the material. On the other hand, the total mass of the aerosol-generating material being heated affects the total amount of aerosol that can be generated and subsequently delivered to the user. In addition, the temperature at which the aerosol-generating material is heated can also affect both how quickly the aerosol-generating material reaches its operating temperature and the amount of aerosol generated.

[0108] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply system 200 with a different configuration. The aerosol supply system 200 includes components that are broadly similar to those described in relation to Figure 1, but with the reference number 200 added. For efficiency, components with similar reference numbers should be understood to be approximately the same as their correspondings in Figures 1 and 2A to 2C, unless otherwise specified.

[0109] The aerosol supply device 202 comprises an outer housing 221, a power supply 222, a control circuit 223, an inductive coil 224a, a chamber 225, a suction port end 226, an air inlet 227, an air outlet 228, a contact sensing panel 229, a suction sensor 230, and an end-of-use indicator 231.

[0110] The aerosol generator 204 comprises a carrier component 242, an aerosol generating material 244, and a susceptor element 244b, as shown in more detail in Figures 6A to 6C. Figure 6B is a top view of the aerosol generator 4, Figure 6B is an end view of the aerosol generator 204 along its longitudinal (length) axis, and Figure 6C is a side view of the aerosol generator 204 along its width axis.

[0111] Figures 5 and 6 both represent an aerosol supply system 200 that generates an aerosol for aspiration by heating an aerosol-generating material 244 using induction. In the embodiment described, the aerosol-generating component 224 is formed from two parts: an induction coil 224a located in the aerosol supply device 202 and a susceptor 224b located in the aerosol-generating product 204. Thus, in this embodiment described, each aerosol-generating component 224 comprises elements dispersed between the aerosol-generating product 204 and the aerosol supply device 202.

[0112] Induction heating is a process of heating a conductive object called a susceptor by allowing a fluctuating magnetic field to penetrate it. This process is explained by Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction and Ohm's law. An induction heater may consist of an electromagnet and a device for passing a fluctuating current, such as alternating current, through the electromagnet. When the electromagnet and the object to be heated are positioned in the appropriate relative positions so that the fluctuating magnetic field generated by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated within the object. This object has resistance to the flow of current. Therefore, when such eddy currents are generated within the object, they flow against the object's electrical resistance, thereby heating the object. This process is called Joule heating, Ohm heating, or resistance heating.

[0113] A susceptor is a material that can be heated by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, and as a result, the heating material is inductively heated by the penetration of the fluctuating magnetic field. The heating material may be a magnetic material, and as a result, the heating material is magnetically hysterically heated by the penetration of the fluctuating magnetic field. The susceptor may be both conductive and magnetic, and as a result, the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. A device configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0114] Magnetic hysteresis heating is a process that heats an object made of a magnetic material by introducing a fluctuating magnetic field into that object. Magnetic materials can be thought of as containing many atomic-scale magnets, or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field enters such a material, the magnetic dipoles align along the magnetic field. Therefore, when a fluctuating magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field (e.g., one generated by an electromagnet), enters a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes in accordance with the applied fluctuating magnetic field. This reorientation of magnetic dipoles generates heat within the magnetic material.

[0115] When an object possesses both conductivity and magnetism, introducing a fluctuating magnetic field into it can induce both Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating. Furthermore, using magnetic materials can strengthen the magnetic field, thereby intensifying the Joule heating.

[0116] In this embodiment described, the susceptor 224b is formed from aluminum foil, but it should be noted that in other embodiments, other metals and / or conductive materials may be used. As seen in Figure 6, the carrier component 242 comprises several susceptors 224b whose size and position correspond to individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 244 disposed on the surface of the carrier component 242. That is, the susceptors 224b have similar width and length to the individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 244.

[0117] The susceptor is shown embedded in the carrier component 242. However, in other embodiments, the susceptor 224b may be located on the surface of the carrier component 242. In another embodiment (not shown), the susceptor may be provided as a layer that substantially covers the carrier component.

[0118] The aerosol supply device 202 comprises a plurality of induction coils 224a, schematically shown in Figure 5. The induction coils 224a are shown adjacent to the chamber 225 and are generally flat coils positioned such that the axis of rotation around which a given coil is wound extends into the chamber 225 and is approximately perpendicular to the plane of the carrier component 242 of the aerosol generator 204. It should be noted that the windings are not precisely shown in Figure 5 and any suitable induction coils may be used.

[0119] The control circuit 223 includes a mechanism to generate an alternating current that flows through one or more of the induction coils 224a. This alternating current generates an alternating magnetic field as described above, which raises the temperature of the corresponding susceptor 224b (or more). The heat generated by the susceptor 224b (or more) is transferred accordingly to the aerosol-generating material 244.

[0120] As described above in relation to Figures 1 and 2A-2C, the control circuit 223 is configured to supply current to the induction coil 224a in response to receiving signals from the contact sensing panel 229 and / or the suction sensor 230. As previously described, any technique for selecting which heating element 24 is heated by the control circuit 23 can be applied similarly to selecting which induction coil 224a is energized (and thus which part of the aerosol-generating material 244 is subsequently heated) in response to receiving signals from the contact sensing panel 229 and / or the suction sensor 230 by the control circuit 223 in order to generate an aerosol for the user to inhale.

[0121] Although the above describes an induction-heated aerosol supply system in which the induction coil 224a and susceptor 224b are dispersed between the aerosol generator 204 and the device 202, an induction-heated aerosol supply system may be provided in which the induction coil 224a and susceptor 224b are located only within the aerosol supply device 202. For example, referring to Figure 6, the susceptor 224b may be located above the induction coil 224a and positioned (in a manner similar to the aerosol supply system 1 shown in Figure 1) so that the susceptor 224b is in contact with the lower surface of the carrier component 242.

[0122] Therefore, Figure 5 illustrates a more specific embodiment in which the techniques described in this disclosure can be applied and induction heating can be used in the aerosol supply device 202 to generate an aerosol for the user to inhale.

[0123] In some cases, aerosol supply devices 2 and 202, which have an array of aerosol generating components 24 (heating elements 24, 224, etc.) designed to generate aerosols for each puff by heating different parts of multiple aerosol generating material components, have been found to exhibit inconsistencies in the amount of aerosol delivered to the user per puff, even when the heating conditions are nearly the same.

[0124] This is thought to be partly due to the fact that some parts of the aerosol-generating material 44 are positioned at relatively different spatial distances from the openings 28, 228 of the mouthpieces 26, 226, and as a result, when an aerosol is first formed in a location adjacent to a part of the aerosol-generating material, the distance that the aerosol must travel may differ. Therefore, the volume of the air passage between the aerosol-generating material and the mouthpiece may vary depending on the position of the aerosol-generating material.

[0125] Generally, high-temperature aerosols cool down and condense as they move. This means that aerosols generated from different parts of the aerosol-generating material 44 may cool down and condense at different rates. This can lead to inconsistencies (such as particle size distribution) in the aerosols delivered from each part.

[0126] In various embodiments, different parts of the aerosol-generating material 44 may be operated at different times, and it will be recognized that the aerosol content may change as a function of time. Various embodiments are conceivable in which the concentration or dilution of the aerosol transmitted to the user through the mouthpieces 26, 226 can be changed during the session by changing the position, transmission amount, or state of one or more variable apertures, air inlet members, or valve members that can be provided in the mouthpieces 26, 226.

[0127] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a single-component aerosol supply device.

[0128] An internal cross-section of an aerosol supply device further comprising a central aerosol transmission channel 50 is shown, where the central aerosol transmission channel 50 forms a volumetric section, which is arranged to surround the entire aerosol generating product and, therefore, its heating element or each heating element and the corresponding aerosol generating material portion, that is, the volumetric section of the central aerosol transmission tunnel 50 surrounds each of the aerosol generating regions.

[0129] The central transmission tunnel 50 is connected to an intake port 26 having an opening that defines an air inlet 28, and is equipped with one or more air holes 52, the air holes 52 which are in fluid communication with the outside atmosphere, and as a result the central aerosol transmission tunnel 50 can facilitate the transmission of aerosols generated when multiple aerosol-generating material parts are heated by their respective heating elements. In this example, the air outlet 27 can be omitted.

[0130] One or more variable throttles, air inlet members, or valve members may be provided in the intake port 26, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0131] Figure 8 is an isometric exploded view of a portion of an aerosol supply device, which comprises a central aerosol transmission channel 50 as described with reference to Figure 7, and a plurality of heating elements 24, in this example, in a 2x5 configuration. In this example, each of the plurality of heating elements 24 has an associated aerosol transmission tunnel 54. In this example, the plurality of aerosol transmission tunnels 54 are surrounded by a volume defined by the central aerosol transmission tunnel 50. Each of the plurality of heating elements 24 surrounded by each aerosol transmission tunnel has an individual air supply port that fluidly communicates with the outside atmosphere, facilitating the flow of the aerosol-generating material generated when the heating element 24 heats the aerosol-generating material. In this example, the air inlet 27 can be omitted.

[0132] In some examples, the multiple aerosol transmission tunnels 54 include individual valves (not shown) configured to open and close as needed. More specifically, the control circuit may be configured to open and close individual valves depending on whether a particular heating element 24 is activated, and therefore whether a particular aerosol generation region is activated. Thus, the control circuit may open or close any combination of the individual valves simultaneously, depending on which of the multiple heating elements 24 is activated, for example, all of the valves may be open, or all of the valves may be closed, or any percentage of the valves may be open and the remaining percentage may be closed.

[0133] In some examples, the volume defined by the central aerosol transmission tunnel 50 surrounds a plurality of aerosol transmission tunnels 54 such that the plurality of aerosol transmission tunnels 54 are in fluid communication with the central transmission tunnel 50.

[0134] During use, the aerosol supply device (more specifically, the control circuit) is configured to supply power to the heating element 24 and individual valves (if present) in response to user input. Generally, the control circuit is configured to selectively power the heating element 24 to generate an aerosol, and subsequently heat the corresponding aerosol-generating material portion, and while the heating element 24 is heating, the control circuit is configured to keep the respective valves closed so that the required amount of aerosol can be formed. When the user inhales into the device (i.e., inhales through the mouthpiece end 26), the control circuit selectively opens the valves, drawing air into the aerosol supply device 2 through individual air supply holes of a plurality of aerosol transmission tunnels 54, where it mixes with the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol-generating material, and then travels through the individual aerosol transmission tunnels 54 to the user's mouth via the air outlets 28. That is, the aerosol is delivered to the user through the mouthpiece end 26 and the air outlets 28.

[0135] In some examples, when the control circuit is configured to selectively apply power to multiple heating elements 24, the user inhales the device (i.e., inhales through the mouthpiece end 26), the control circuit opens the corresponding valve, and air is drawn into the device through the individual air supply holes of the multiple aerosol transmission tunnels 54. The air mixes with the aerosol produced by heating the aerosol-generating material in each of the aerosol transmission tunnels, and the individual mixtures of air and aerosol are then further mixed in the central aerosol transmission tunnel 52 before flowing through the air outlet 28 to the user's mouth.

[0136] In some examples, the aerosol-generating material can be substantially planar and receivable in the chamber of the aerosol supply device. The control circuit may be configured to give and / or modify the heating profile of the heating element 24 such that the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol-generating material by the heating element 24 is substantially consistent as it exits the intake port 26 through the air outlet 28. For example, if one portion of the aerosol-generating material must travel a long distance to another portion of the aerosol-generating material, the heating profile given to the portion of the heating element 24 away from the intake port may increase the heating temperature or cause the heating element 24 to operate for a longer period of time to generate a larger amount of aerosol.

[0137] In some examples, the control circuit may be configured to aerosolize some aerosol-generating material portions according to a common aerosolization or heating profile, while the aerosolization or heating profile for the remaining aerosol-generating material portions is set according to the distance from the aerosol transmission channel 54 to the outlet 28 of that portion.

[0138] In an alternative configuration, the cross-sectional or other shape of the central aerosol transmission channel adjacent to the second aerosol generation region may be larger than the cross-sectional or other shape of the central aerosol transmission channel adjacent to the first aerosol generation region. In such an embodiment, the aerosol delivery rate from the second aerosol generation region can be increased relative to the aerosol delivery rate from the first aerosol generation region. This can compensate for the increased distance from the mouthpiece to the second aerosol generation region and make the delivery time more consistent.

[0139] The above assumes that there is one common outlet through which the aerosol is directed when the user inhales into the device. However, the principle of this disclosure is equally applicable to devices with multiple outlets.

[0140] Figure 9 shows an embodiment in which a throttling, valve, or variable air inlet member 901 is provided on the body of the mouthpiece 26 to change the ratio of air to aerosol in the aerosol supplied to the mouthpiece 26, and thus the aerosol experienced by the user. It will be understood that being able to change the ratio of air to aerosol (or the concentration or dilution of the aerosol) can potentially improve the resulting sensory experience. The embodiment shown in Figure 9 relates to an aerosol supply device 2 having a plurality of resistance heaters 24, but it will be understood that other embodiments are conceivable in which the heaters 24 may be induction heaters or other types of heaters.

[0141] The aerosol supply device 2 may include a suction port 28 having one or more variable diaphragms, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members 901 provided at the suction port 28.

[0142] Providing one or more variable throttles, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members 901 at the suction port 26 can change or optimize the ratio of air to aerosol in the aerosol content experienced by the user through the outlet 28 of the suction port 26. For example, when it is determined that the sensory experience can be improved by increasing the opening degree of one or more variable throttles, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members 901, so that more air flows to the outlet 28 of the suction port 26 and the ratio of air to aerosol can be increased, the air content of the aerosol (or the ratio of air to aerosol) can be increased at a specific point.

[0143] Conversely, when it is determined that the sensory experience can be improved by reducing the opening degree of one or more variable throttles, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members 901 to limit the amount of air flowing through the outlet 28 of the suction port 26 after mixing with the aerosol, and thus reducing the ratio of air to aerosol, the air content of the aerosol can be reduced at a specific point.

[0144] Various embodiments are conceivable. According to one embodiment, one or more variable throttles, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members 901 can be adjusted between off and on, that is, between 0% transmission and 100% transmission.

[0145] However, alternative embodiments in which the opening degree of one or more variable throttles, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members 901 can be changed are conceivable. For example, one or more variable throttles, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members 901 can be changed between x% transmission and y% transmission, where 0 < x < 100 and 0 < y < 100.

[0146] In particular, the term "variable throttle" should always be understood as a valve that can allow some air to pass through at all times but can change the degree of air transmission through the throttle.

[0147] One or more variable throttles, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members 901 can be configured to change the airflow into the suction port 28 so as to change the aerosolization of the aerosol flowing into the suction port 28.

[0148] For example, it may be desirable to increase or decrease the ratio of air to aerosol in the aerosol transmitted to the outlet 28 of the intake port 26 and experienced by the user by changing the amount of air passing through one or more variable apertures, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members 901.

[0149] One or more variable apertures, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members 901 can be configured to change the flow of aerosols away from the intake port 28 in order to change the aerosolization of the aerosols flowing into the intake port 28.

[0150] Furthermore, the aerosol flow can be diverted away from the mouthpiece 26 before reaching the outlet 28 of the mouthpiece 26, thereby altering or reducing the concentration of aerosol experienced by the user, which may result in an improved sensory experience and / or potentially avoidance of hot puffs.

[0151] According to various embodiments, for example, it may be determined that at a particular point in a session, the aerosol is particularly hot and humid, and therefore may cause a “hot puff” sensation. To avoid such a sensation due to the high moisture content of the aerosol, air can be mixed with the aerosol by one or more variable diaphragms, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members 901. Alternatively, a portion of the aerosol can be deflected away from the outlet 28 of the mouthpiece 26 by one or more variable diaphragms, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members 901.

[0152] The control circuit 23 can be configured to selectively control one or more variable throttles, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members 901 in various ways. For example, according to one embodiment, the control circuit 23 may be configured to selectively control one or more variable throttles, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members 901 in response to the operation or deactivation of one or more heating elements 24.

[0153] In another embodiment, the control circuit 23 may be configured to selectively control one or more variable throttles, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members 901 as a function of time or according to one or more predetermined timing profiles.

[0154] In another embodiment, the control circuit 23 may be configured to selectively control one or more variable throttles, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members 901 according to one or more settings defined by the user. For example, the user may want to change the ratio of air to aerosol as a matter of personal preference and / or in relation to the various aerosol generators 4 inserted into the aerosol supply device 2.

[0155] For example, if the aerosol generating product 4 has a first component or fragrance, it is conceivable that one or more variable throttles, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members 901 can be set so that the ratio of air to aerosol experienced by the user is a first setting or level. Then, if a different aerosol generating product 4 having a second different component or fragrance is tested, one or more variable throttles, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members 901 can be set so that the ratio of air to aerosol experienced by the user is a second different setting or level.

[0156] Therefore, it will be recognized that this configuration allows the user to optimize the aerosol-to-air ratio they experience. The aerosol-to-air ratio may be set automatically according to various embodiments, or at least an operating range, i.e., the maximum and minimum aerosol-to-air ratios, may be set or predetermined. However, within this range, the user can vary the aerosol-to-air ratio between the maximum and minimum limits.

[0157] More generally, one or more variable apertures, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members 901 can be configured to increase or decrease the airflow into the aerosol stream toward the outlet 28 of the intake 26, thereby changing or optimizing the composition of the air / aerosol mixture experienced by the user in order to improve the sensory experience.

[0158] It is also conceivable that one or more valve members 901 can work to divert the aerosol away from the outlet 28 of the mouthpiece 26 in order to reduce the amount of aerosol that reaches the outlet 28 of the mouthpiece 26.

[0159] The aerosol supply device may include one or more adjustable air inlets 902. Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the aerosol supply device may include one or more air outlets 901 located in a suction port 26 having one or more adjustable air outlets. The air outlets 901 can be configured to direct or divert the flow of air and / or aerosol away from the outlet 28 of the suction port 26.

[0160] The control circuit 23 can be configured to selectively control one or more air inlets 902 and / or one or more air outlets 901. For example, the control circuit may be configured to control the air inlets 902 and / or outlets 901 as a function of time in response to the operation or deactivation of one or more heating elements 24, according to one or more predetermined timing profiles or according to one or more user-defined settings.

[0161] For example, the ratio of air to aerosol in the aerosol / air mixture flowing into the suction port 26 can be changed by activating the second heating element after a certain period of time after activating the first heating element. For example, it is considered that the aerosol supply device 2 can be operable in a plurality of different heating modes. In the first operation mode, the first heating element can be activated to quickly raise the temperature to initially heat the aerosol generating article 4. In the second half of the session, the second heating element can be activated to further raise the temperature of the aerosol generating article 4. The change in mode may be associated with a change in the position or transmission amount of one or more variable throttles, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members 901 so as to change the air content of the aerosol or the ratio of air to aerosol in the air / aerosol mixture supplied to the user.

[0162] More generally, the aerosol supply device can include a suction port 26 having a user portion 28 and one or more diverter portions 901 for diverting the aerosol away from the user portion 28, and the one or more diverter portions 901 are operable in a first mode in which a first amount V1 of the aerosol or aerosol / air mixture is directed towards the user portion 28 and a second mode in which a second amount V2 of the aerosol or aerosol / air mixture is directed towards the user portion 28, and it is considered that V2 < V1.

[0163] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, a single throttle, air inlet, air outlet, or valve 901 is shown. However, it will be understood that a plurality of throttles, air inlets, air outlets, or valves 901 may be arranged at the suction port 26.

[0164] For example, according to one embodiment, a plurality of throttles, air inlets, air outlets, or valves 901 may be arranged in a circumferential arrangement or pattern around the neck of the suction port 26.

[0165] The control circuit 23 can be configured to selectively control one or more shunt sections in the following ways: (i) in response to the operation or deactivation of one or more heating elements; (ii) as a function of time; (iii) according to a predetermined timing profile; or (iv) according to one or more settings determined by the user.

[0166] The aerosol supply device 2 includes a chamber 25 for receiving an aerosol generator 4. The aerosol generator 4 that can be inserted into the aerosol supply device 2 may be a substantially planar aerosol generator 4. The planar aerosol generator may have multiple aerosol generating regions. The aerosol supply device may further include one or more heating elements 24. The aerosol generator 4 may have multiple aerosol generating regions that can be arranged adjacent to the multiple heating elements 24.

[0167] However, other embodiments are conceivable, and according to one embodiment, during use, the aerosol generator 4, which has multiple aerosol generating regions, may be arranged such that one or more aerosol generating regions are adjacent to a single heating element (not shown in Figure 9). In this case, the aerosol generator 4 is rotated or moved relative to the heating element so that one or more aerosol generating regions move closer to the heating element. Using a single heating element 24 can reduce the complexity and cost of the aerosol supply device 2.

[0168] The aerosol supply device 2 may further comprise a plurality of aerosol generation regions, one or more of these regions, or each aerosol generation region, having at least one air supply port that fluidly communicates with the external atmosphere.

[0169] By combining it with an aerosol generating product 4 having multiple aerosol generating material parts, an aerosol supply system equipped with the above-described aerosol supply device 2 can be provided.

[0170] According to one embodiment, (i) each aerosol-generating material portion is substantially the same, or (ii) at least some of the multiple aerosol-generating material portions are substantially different.

[0171] In addition, as described above, the suction port 26 forms part of the outer housing 21 and / or is coupled to the outer housing 21, but it should be recognized that in some embodiments, the suction port 26 may form part of the aerosol generator 4. This may be particularly true when the aerosol generator 4 comprises a chamber through which air and / or aerosol can pass, and the chamber contains an aerosol-generating material. In these embodiments, the aerosol generator 4 is placed in the chamber 25, and the suction port of the aerosol generator protrudes from the chamber 25 so as to extend from the aerosol supply device 2. In these examples, the chamber 25 has an opening through which the suction port 26 protrudes. The opening in these embodiments may be referred to as the outlet 28 of the aerosol supply device 2.

[0172] The above describes a system in which an array of aerosol generating components 24 (e.g., heater elements) is provided to supply energy to individual parts of the aerosol generating material. However, in other embodiments, the aerosol generating product 4 and / or the aerosol generating components 24 may be configured to move relative to each other. That is, there may be fewer aerosol generating components 24 than the individual parts of the aerosol generating material 44 provided on the carrier component 42 of the aerosol generating product 4. As a result, relative movement between the aerosol generating product 4 and the aerosol generating components 24 is required to allow energy to be supplied individually to each individual part of the aerosol generating material. For example, the movable heating element 24 may be provided within the chamber 25 so that it can move relative to the chamber 25. In this way, the movable heating element 24 can be translated (e.g., in the width and length directions of the carrier component) so that the heating element 24 can be aligned with each individual part of the aerosol generating material. This method can reduce the number of aerosol generating components required while providing a similar user experience.

[0173] While the above describes embodiments in which discrete, spatially separate portions of the aerosol-generating material are arranged on the carrier component, it should be noted that in other embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may not be provided in discrete, spatially separate portions, but instead as a continuous sheet of aerosol-generating material. In these embodiments, specific regions of the sheet of aerosol-generating material may be selectively heated to generate aerosols in substantially the same manner as described above. However, regardless of whether these portions are spatially separate or not, this disclosure describes heating (or aerosolizing) portions of the aerosol-generating material. In particular, regions (corresponding to portions of the aerosol-generating material) may be defined on the continuous sheet of aerosol-generating material based on the dimensions of the heating element 24 (or, more specifically, the surface of the heating element 24 designed to raise the temperature). In this regard, it may be considered that a region or portion of the aerosol-generating material is defined when the corresponding region of the heating element 24 is projected onto the sheet of aerosol-generating material. According to this disclosure, each region or portion of the aerosol-generating material may have a mass of 20 mg or less, but the entire continuous sheet may have a mass greater than 20 mg.

[0174] The above describes an embodiment in which the aerosol supply device 2 can be set up or operated using a contact sensing panel 29 attached to the aerosol supply device 2. However, the aerosol supply device 2 may instead be set up or controlled remotely. For example, the control circuit 23 may include a corresponding communication circuit (e.g., Bluetooth®) that enables the control circuit 23 to communicate with a remote device such as a smartphone. Thus, the contact sensing panel 29 may be implemented substantially using an application running on a smartphone. The smartphone can then transmit user input or settings to the control circuit 23, which may be configured to operate based on the received input or settings.

[0175] The above describes an embodiment in which an aerosol is generated by applying energy to an aerosol-generating material (e.g., by heating the aerosol-generating material) and then inhaled by a user. However, it should be recognized that in some embodiments, the generated aerosol may pass through or over an aerosol-modifying component to modify one or more properties of the aerosol before it is inhaled by a user. For example, the aerosol supply device 2, 202 may include an air-permeable insert (not shown) inserted into the air channel downstream of the aerosol-generating material (e.g., the insert may be located at outlet 28). The insert may contain a material that alters one or more of the aerosol's flavor, temperature, particle size, nicotine concentration, etc., as it passes through the insert before it enters the user's mouth. For example, the insert may contain tobacco or processed tobacco. Such a system is sometimes called a hybrid system. The insert may contain any suitable aerosol-modifying material, which may contain the aerosol-generating material described above.

[0176] As described above, the heating element 24 is configured to supply heat to the aerosol-generating material (or a portion thereof) so that it reaches an operating temperature at which aerosols are generated. However, in some embodiments, the heating element 24 is configured to preheat the portion of the aerosol-generating material to a preheating temperature (which is lower than the operating temperature). At the preheating temperature, when these portions are heated to the preheating temperature, less aerosol is generated, or no aerosol is generated at all. In particular, in some embodiments, the control circuit is configured to supply power / energy before a first predetermined period begins (i.e., before receiving a signal indicating the user's intention to inhale an aerosol). However, the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of the aerosol-generating material from the preheating temperature to the operating temperature is less, and therefore the system's responsiveness is improved, but the total energy consumption increases. This may be particularly suitable for relatively thick portions of the aerosol-generating material, e.g., portions with a thickness exceeding 400 μm, which require a relatively large amount of energy to reach the operating temperature. However, in such embodiments, energy consumption (e.g., from the power supply 22) may be relatively high.

[0177] Each heating element 24 may provide the same heating profile to its respective aerosol-generating region 24, but it will be recognized that one or more heating elements 24 may instead be configured to provide different heating profiles to their respective aerosol-generating regions 24. For example, an aerosol-generating region 24 located farther from the mouthpiece 28 may be heated according to a heating profile that generates more aerosol than an aerosol-generating region 24 located closer to the mouthpiece 28, which can offset further aerosol loss due to condensation along the longer travel distance and make the delivery of aerosols from different aerosol-generating regions 24 more consistent.

[0178] While the above describes an embodiment in which the aerosol supply device 2 is equipped with a use-out indicator 31, it should be recognized that the use-out indicator 31 may be provided by another device separate from the aerosol supply device 2. For example, in some embodiments, the control circuit 23 of the aerosol supply device 2 may include a communication mechanism that enables data transfer between the aerosol supply device 2 and a remote device such as a smartphone or smartwatch. In these embodiments, when the control circuit 23 determines that the aerosol generator 4 has reached the end of its use, the control circuit 23 is configured to send a signal to the remote device, which is configured to generate a warning signal (for example, using the display of a smartphone). Other remote devices and other mechanisms for generating warning signals may be used as described above.

[0179] In addition, when portions of the aerosol-generating material are provided on a carrier component, these portions may, in some embodiments, include vulnerable regions, such as through-holes or relatively thin areas of aerosol-generating material, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the carrier component. This may occur when the hottest portion of the aerosol-generating material is in direct contact with the carrier component (in other words, a scenario in which heat is primarily applied to the surface of the aerosol-generating material in contact with the carrier component). Thus, through-holes can provide a path for generated aerosols to escape and be released into the airflow through the environment / aerosol supply device 2, rather than potentially accumulating aerosols between the carrier component and the aerosol-generating material. Such accumulation of aerosols can, in some embodiments, cause the aerosol-generating material to float away from the carrier component and thus reduce the efficiency of heat transfer to the aerosol-generating material, thus reducing the heating efficiency of the system. Each portion of the aerosol-generating material may have one or more vulnerable regions as needed.

[0180] In some embodiments, the aerosol product 4 may have an identifier such as a readable barcode or RFID tag, and the aerosol supply device 2 may have a corresponding reader. When the aerosol product 4 is inserted into the chamber 25 of the aerosol supply device 2, the aerosol supply device 2 may be configured to read the identifier attached to the aerosol product 4. The control circuit 23 may be configured to recognize the presence of the aerosol product 4 (and thus permit heating and / or reset the end-of-life indicator), or to identify the type and / or location of the portion of the aerosol-generating material relative to the aerosol product 4. This can influence which portion the control circuit 23 aerosolizes and / or how these portions are aerosolized by, for example, adjusting the aerosol-generating temperature and / or heating time. Any suitable technique for recognizing the aerosol product 4 may be used.

[0181] While the embodiments described above have focused in some respects on several specific exemplary aerosol generation systems, it will be recognized that the same principles can be applied to aerosol generation systems using other techniques. That is, the specific modes in which various forms of aerosol supply systems function are not directly related to the basic principles of the examples described herein.

[0182] To address various challenges and advance technology, this disclosure illustrates various embodiments. The advantages and features of this disclosure are merely representative examples of the embodiments and do not encompass or exclude all advantages and features. They are presented solely to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed invention(s). The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of this disclosure should not be considered to limit this disclosure as defined by the claims or to limit equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments can be utilized and modified without departing from the claims. Various embodiments may appropriately comprise, consist solely of, or substantially consist of, various combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those described in detail herein, and it should be recognized that the features of dependent claims may be combined with the features of independent claims in combinations other than those expressly described in the claims. This disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

[0183] This disclosure includes the following embodiments. (Embodiment 1) An aerosol supply device comprising a suction port having one or more variable apertures, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members. (Embodiment 2) The aerosol supply device according to Embodiment 1, wherein one or more variable apertures, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members are configured to change the flow of air entering the intake so as to aerosolize the aerosol flowing into the intake, or to change the ratio of air to aerosol in a mixture of air and aerosol flowing into the intake. (Embodiment 3) The aerosol supply device according to Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the one or more variable throttles, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members are configured to change the flow of the aerosol away from the intake port so as to aerosolize the aerosol flowing into the intake port, or to change the ratio of air to aerosol in the mixture of air and aerosol flowing into the intake port. (Embodiment 4) The aerosol supply device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, further comprising a control circuit, wherein the control circuit is configured to selectively control one or more variable throttles, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members in response to (i) the operation or deactivation of one or more heating elements, (ii) as a function of time, (iii) according to a predetermined timing profile, or (iv) according to one or more settings determined by the user. (Embodiment 5) (i) an aerosol supply device comprising one or more air inlets having one or more adjustable air inlets, and / or (ii) one or more air outlets having one or more adjustable air outlets. (Embodiment 6) The aerosol supply device according to Embodiment 5, further comprising a control circuit, wherein the control circuit is configured to selectively control the one or more air inlets and / or the one or more air outlets in response to (i) the operation or deactivation of one or more heating elements, (ii) as a function of time, (iii) according to a predetermined timing profile, or (iv) according to one or more settings determined by the user. (Embodiment 7) The mouthpiece comprises a user portion and one or more stream divider portions for diverting the aerosol away from the user portion, wherein the one or more stream divider portions are operable in a first mode in which a first amount V1 of the aerosol or aerosol / air mixture is directed towards the user portion and a second mode in which a second amount V2 of the aerosol or aerosol / air mixture is directed towards the user portion. <v1である、エアロゾル供給デバイス。(Embodiment 8) The aerosol supply device according to Embodiment 7, further comprising a control circuit, wherein the control circuit is configured to selectively control one or more shunter sections in response to (i) the operation or deactivation of one or more heating elements, (ii) as a function of time, (iii) according to a predetermined timing profile, or (iv) according to one or more settings determined by the user. (Embodiment 9) An aerosol supply device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, further comprising a chamber for receiving aerosol products. (Embodiment 10) The aerosol supply device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the aerosol supply device further comprises one or more heating elements. (Embodiment 11) An aerosol supply device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, further comprising one or more aerosol generation regions, wherein one or more or each aerosol generation region is provided with at least one air supply port for fluid communication with the external atmosphere. (Embodiment 12) an aerosol supply device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 11, an aerosol generating product comprising multiple aerosol generating material parts, an aerosol supply system equipped with the following features. (Embodiment 13) (i) Each aerosol-generating material portion is substantially the same, or (ii) At least some of the multiple aerosol-generating material portions are substantially different, according to Embodiment 12. (Embodiment 14) The aerosol supply system according to embodiment 12 or 13, wherein the aerosol generating product comprises a substantially planar aerosol generating product. (Embodiment 15) The aerosol supply system according to Embodiment 14, wherein the planar aerosol generating product comprises a plurality of aerosol generating regions. (Embodiment 16) The aerosol supply system according to any one of embodiments 12 to 15, wherein the aerosol generating product is arranged adjacent to a plurality of heating elements when in use. (Embodiment 17) The aerosol supply system according to any one of embodiments 12 to 15, wherein the aerosol generating product is arranged such that, when in use, one or more aerosol generating regions are located adjacent to a heating element, and the aerosol generating product is rotated or moved relative to the heating element such that one or more aerosol generating regions are moved closer to the heating element. (Embodiment 18) The steps include: preparing an aerosol supply device equipped with a suction port having one or more variable apertures, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members; The steps of changing one or more variable throttles, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members so as to change the airflow into the intake, and thus the aerosolization of the aerosol flowing into the intake, or the ratio of air to aerosol in the mixture of air and aerosol flowing into the intake, A method for generating an aerosol containing [a specific substance]. (Embodiment 19) (i) providing an aerosol supply device having one or more air inlets having one or more adjustable air inlets, and / or (ii) having one or more air outlets having one or more adjustable air outlets, The steps of changing one or more air inlets and / or one or more air outlets so as to change the airflow into the mouthpiece and / or the airflow away from the mouthpiece, and thus to aerosolize the aerosol flowing into the mouthpiece, or to change the ratio of air to aerosol in the mixture of air and aerosol flowing into the mouthpiece, A method for generating an aerosol containing [a specific substance]. (Embodiment 20) A step of preparing a mouthpiece having a user portion and one or more stream divider portions for deflecting the aerosol away from the user portion, The steps include: operating one or more of the flow divider sections in a first mode in which a first amount V1 of aerosol or aerosol / air mixture is directed to the user section; The step of operating one or more of the flow divider sections in a second mode in which a second amount V2 of the aerosol / air mixture is directed to the user section, wherein V2 <v1である、ステップと、 A method for generating an aerosol containing [a specific substance].< / v1である、ステップと、

Claims

[Claim 1] An aerosol supply device comprising a suction port having one or more variable apertures, one or more variable air inlet members, or one or more valve members.

Images