Aerosol supply device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol supply device, an aerosol generation system, and a method for generating aerosols. [Solution] An aerosol supply device 202 is disclosed, comprising an aerosol chamber 517 that is movable between a first position in which the aerosol chamber 517 is in contact with an aerosol product 204 and a second position in which the aerosol chamber is not in contact with an aerosol product. The aerosol supply device further comprises a first mechanism 514 arranged to move the aerosol chamber between the first and second positions.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars generate tobacco smoke by burning tobacco during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without burning. Examples of such products include so-called "non-burning heating" products, or tobacco heating devices and products, which release compounds by heating a material but do not burn. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, and may or may not contain nicotine.

[0003] Aerosol supply systems covering the above-described devices and products are known. In a typical system, an aerosol is generated from a suitable medium using a heater, and then this is inhaled by the user. In many cases, in order to provide different aerosols for inhalation, it is necessary to replace or change the medium used. As a heater for generating an aerosol from a suitable medium, it is known to use an induction heating system. An induction heating system generally consists of a magnetic field generation device that generates a fluctuating magnetic field, and a heatable susceptor or heating material that penetrates the fluctuating magnetic field to heat a suitable medium.

[0004] Conventional aerosol supply devices include a cylindrical heating chamber into which a rod-shaped consumable is inserted.

[0005] Next-generation devices can be envisioned that utilize consumables having shapes other than cylindrical, such as consumables containing planar substrates. The planar substrate may include a susceptor that is heated by penetration due to a fluctuating magnetic field. For example, the planar substrate may include a card base layer having an aluminum foil layer bonded thereto. The aluminum foil layer may act as a susceptor. The aerosol-generating material (i.e., gel) may be provided on the aluminum foil layer (susceptor). The planar substrate may be inserted into an aerosol supply device and may be translated or rotated relative to the heating element. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0006] According to one aspect, An aerosol chamber that is movable between a first position in which the aerosol chamber is in contact with the aerosol product and a second position in which the aerosol chamber is not in contact with the aerosol product, An aerosol supply device is provided, comprising a first mechanism arranged to move an aerosol chamber between a first position and a second position.

[0007] According to various embodiments, an aerosol supply device is provided in which an aerosol chamber can be moved to contact an aerosol product when it is desired to generate a puff of aerosol from the aerosol product. The aerosol chamber can then be disengaged from the aerosol product, thereby allowing rotation or translation of the aerosol product. As a result, a fresh portion of the aerosol-generating material can then be moved closer to an induction heating element, thereby generating a puff of aerosol.

[0008] The first mechanism may be positioned to be in direct contact with the aerosol chamber. Alternatively, the first mechanism may be positioned to be in contact with a component attached to the aerosol chamber. For example, the first mechanism may be in contact with a pivot arm attached to the aerosol chamber, so that the aerosol chamber pivots away from contact with the aerosol product.

[0009] Optionally, the first mechanism further comprises a pivot arm connected to an aerosol chamber.

[0010] The pivot arm can optionally pivot around the pivot point.

[0011] Optionally, the aerosol chamber is configured to receive the aerosol generated from the aerosol product.

[0012] Optionally, the aerosol supply device further comprises a mouthpiece attached to or connected to the aerosol chamber.

[0013] The aerosol chamber and mouthpiece are optionally detachable from the pivot arm.

[0014] Optionally, the first mechanism may further include a spigot.

[0015] The spigot can move between a retracted position and an extended position. In the extended position, the spigot can engage with the pivot arm or directly with the aerosol chamber to pivot the aerosol chamber so as to disengage it from the aerosol product. When the spigot moves to the retracted position, the pivot arm may be spring-driven to return the aerosol chamber to a position where it re-engages with the aerosol product.

[0016] Optionally, the aerosol supply device may further include a drive mechanism for rotating or translating the aerosol product.

[0017] Optionally, the drive mechanism may include one or more projections for engaging with one or more corresponding openings provided in the aerosol product.

[0018] Optionally, the first mechanism may extend through one or more protrusions provided in the drive mechanism.

[0019] Optionally, the aerosol chamber may be biased to be in either the first position or the second position at rest.

[0020] According to another aspect, the above-described aerosol supply device, an aerosol-generating article, and an aerosol-generating system is provided.

[0021] Optionally, the aerosol-generating article includes (i) a substantially circular, elliptical or polyhedral substrate having one or more portions of an aerosol-generating material disposed on a first surface of the substrate and / or one or more portions of an aerosol-generating material disposed on a second surface of the substrate, (ii) a substantially planar substrate having one or more portions of an aerosol-generating material disposed on a first surface of the substrate and / or one or more portions of an aerosol-generating material disposed on a second surface of the substrate, or (iii) a prismatic or cylindrical aerosol-generating article.

[0022] The aerosol-generating article may include either an open consumable or a closed consumable.

[0023] According to another aspect, inserting an aerosol-generating article into an aerosol supply device comprising an aerosol chamber, bringing the aerosol chamber into contact with the aerosol-generating article, generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating article, moving the aerosol chamber away from contact with the aerosol-generating article, rotating or translating the aerosol-generating article, and then recontacting the aerosol chamber with the aerosol-generating article, and a method of generating an aerosol is provided.

[0024] Here, various embodiments will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] An aerosol generating device is shown in combination with an aerosol supply device, where the aerosol generating article includes a plurality of portions of an aerosol generating material, and the aerosol supply device includes a single induction heating element and a moving mechanism for rotating the aerosol generating article relative to the single induction heating element. [Figure 2A] A perspective view of the base of the aerosol supply device is shown, where the aerosol supply device includes a drive mechanism having a triangular protrusion for engaging with a corresponding triangular opening provided in the aerosol generating article. [Figure 2B] A base and a lid of the aerosol supply device are shown, where a disk-shaped aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol supply device and engages with a triangular protrusion forming part of the drive mechanism for rotating the aerosol generating article. [Figure 3] A cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply device is shown, where the aerosol chamber is biased to contact the aerosol generating article. [Figure 4] A cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply device is shown, where a spigot engages with a pivot arm attached to the aerosol chamber so that the aerosol chamber is disengaged from contact with the aerosol generating article.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Certain examples and aspects and features of embodiments are considered or described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented as in the prior art, and these are not considered or described in detail for the sake of brevity. Thus, it will be understood that among the aspects and features of the devices and methods considered herein that are not described in detail, they may be implemented in accordance with the prior art for implementing such aspects and features.

[0027] According to this disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol supply system is a system in which the constituent aerosol-generating materials (or their components) of the aerosol supply system are not burned or incinerated in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

[0028] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0029] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0030] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustible heating system. An example of such a system is a cigarette heating system.

[0031] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0032] Typically, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the non-combustible aerosol supply device.

[0033] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating materials and configured for use with non-combustible aerosol supply devices. These consumables may be referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0034] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a non-combustible aerosol supply device, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, an electrical power source or a heat-generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat-generating power source includes a carbon substrate that can be energized to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or heat-transferring material adjacent to the heat-generating power source.

[0035] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system may include a region for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating region, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0036] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, aerosol generating material storage area, aerosol generating material transfer component, aerosol generator, aerosol generating area, housing, packaging material, filter, suction nozzle, and / or aerosol modifier.

[0037] Aerosol-generating materials are materials that can generate aerosols when energy is supplied, for example, by heating, irradiation, or any other method. Aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or semi-solid (such as a gel), which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings.

[0038] The aerosol-generating material may include a binder and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, an active substance and / or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent such as water may also be present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant-based materials. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0039] The aerosol-generating material may include an aerosol-generating film, or it may be an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may be formed by combining a binder, such as a gelling agent, with one or more other components, such as a solvent, such as water, an aerosol-forming agent, and an active substance, to form a slurry, and then heating the slurry to volatilize at least a portion of the solvent to form the aerosol-generating film. The slurry may be heated to remove at least about 60% by weight, 70% by weight, 80% by weight, 85% by weight, or 90% by weight of the solvent. The aerosol-generating film may be a continuous film or a discontinuous film, such as an arrangement of individual parts of the film on a support. The aerosol-generating film may not contain tobacco substantially.

[0040] The aerosol-generating film may comprise a sheet, or may be a sheet, or may be optionally shredded to form shredded sheets.

[0041] The aerosol-generating material may include one or more active substances and / or fragrances, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0042] An aerosol generator is a device configured to produce an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to supply thermal energy to the aerosol-generating material in order to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to produce an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to supply one or more of the aerosol-generating material to vibration, pressure increase, or electrostatic energy.

[0043] Consumables are articles containing or consisting of aerosol-generating material, some or all of which are intended to be consumed 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, packaging material, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. Consumables may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which generates heat during use to produce an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material. The heater may comprise, for example, a flammable material, an electrically conductive material, or a susceptor.

[0044] A susceptor is a heating material that can be heated by penetration due to a fluctuating magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, and as a result, penetration of the conductive material by the fluctuating magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, and as a result, penetration of the magnetic material by the fluctuating magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both conductive and magnetic, and as a result, the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. An aerosol supply device configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0045] A non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a modular assembly that includes both a reusable aerosol supply device and interchangeable aerosol products. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol supply device may comprise a power source and a controller (or control circuit element). The power source may comprise a power source such as a battery or rechargeable battery. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol supply device may also comprise an aerosol generating component. However, in other implementations, the aerosol product may comprise the aerosol generating component partially or entirely.

[0046] Induction heating is the process of heating a conductive object called a susceptor by passing it through a fluctuating magnetic field. This process is described by Faraday's law of induction and Ohm's law. An induction heater may comprise 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 appropriately relative to each other so that the fluctuating magnetic field generated by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated within the object. Objects have resistance to the flow of current, and when such eddy currents are generated within an object, their flow against the object's electrical resistance heats the object. This process is called Joule heating, Ohm heating, or resistance heating.

[0047] Magnetic hysteresis heating is the process by which an object made of a magnetic material is heated when a fluctuating magnetic field penetrates it. A magnetic material can be thought of as containing many atomic-scale magnets, or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates such a material, the magnetic dipoles align with the field. Therefore, when a fluctuating magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field generated by an electromagnet, penetrates a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes along with the applied fluctuating magnetic field. Such magnetic dipole reorientation causes heat generation in the magnetic material.

[0048] When an object is both conductive and magnetic, the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field into it can induce both Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating within the object. Furthermore, the use of magnetic materials can strengthen the magnetic field, which can enhance Joule heating.

[0049] Here, we will describe various embodiments.

[0050] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a portion of an aerosol supply device 202 in a single configuration. The aerosol supply device 202 is shown together with an aerosol product 204 containing aerosol generating material placed inside the aerosol supply device 202. The combination of the aerosol supply device 202 and the aerosol product 204 together forms an aerosol supply system.

[0051] The aerosol product 204 has a first (or upper) surface 112 on which an aerosol-generating material 244 can be placed. The aerosol product 204 may include a carrier layer 242 (sometimes referred to herein as a carrier or substrate support layer) and a susceptor layer on which the aerosol-generating material 244 can be placed. The aerosol-generating material 244 may be placed as multiple doses of the aerosol-generating material 244. The aerosol product 204 has a second (or lower) surface 116 opposite to the first surface 112. The first surface 112 and / or the second surface 116 may be smooth or rough.

[0052] The aerosol supply device 202 may include one or more induction heating elements 224a positioned to face the second surface 116 of the aerosol product 204. The one or more induction heating elements 224a may be positioned to transfer energy from a power source, such as a battery (not shown), to the aerosol generating material 244 in order to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating material 244.

[0053] In one configuration, the aerosol supply device 202 may have a transfer mechanism 130 arranged to move a portion (or optionally, a dosage) of the aerosol product 204, in particular, of the aerosol generating material 244. The portion of the aerosol generating material 244 may be rotated relative to one or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a, so that the portion of the aerosol generating material 244 is presented in this case individually to the induction heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a. In the configuration shown in Figure 1, the induction heating element(s) 224a may include an induction coil, and the aerosol product 204 includes a layer that acts as a susceptor.

[0054] The aerosol supply device 202 may be positioned such that at least one dose of the aerosol generating material 244 rotates around axis A at a constant angle θ with respect to the second surface 116. The control circuit 223 may be configured to actuate both the induction heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a and the moving mechanism 130 so that the aerosol product(s) 204 rotate to align individual portions of the aerosol generating material 244 with the induction heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a in close proximity. The aerosol product(s) 204 may be substantially flat or planar. The carrier layer 242 of the aerosol product(s) 204 may be formed from paper or card, partially or entirely.

[0055] The aerosol product 204 shown in Figure 1 contains 5 doses (or portions) of aerosol-generating material 244. In other examples, the aerosol product 204 may have more or fewer doses of aerosol-generating material 244. In some examples, the aerosol product 204 may have doses of aerosol-generating material 244 arranged in individual doses, as shown in Figure 1.

[0056] In other examples, the dosage may be in the form of a disc that may be continuous or discontinuous in the circumferential direction of the aerosol product 204. In yet another example, the dosage may be in the form of a ring, a ring, or any other shape. The aerosol product 204 may or may not have a rotationally symmetric distribution of dosages on the first surface 112 about axis A. The symmetrical distribution of dosages allows for dosages (within the rotationally symmetric distribution) that are equally positioned to receive the same heating profile from the induction heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a when rotated about axis A, as needed.

[0057] In this example, the aerosol product 204 includes an aerosol-generating material 244 arranged on a susceptor layer of the aerosol product 204. However, in other implementations, the aerosol product 204 may be formed solely from the aerosol-generating material 244. That is, in some implementations, the aerosol product 204 may consist entirely of the aerosol-generating material 244. In this example, one or more susceptor elements may be provided as part of the aerosol-generating device 204.

[0058] The aerosol product 204 may have a layered structure and may be formed from multiple materials. In one example, the aerosol product 204 may have layers formed from at least one of a thermally conductive material, an inductive material, a permeable material, or an impermeable material.

[0059] In some implementations, the carrier layer 242 or substrate may be a metallic element, or may include one, that is configured to be heated by a fluctuating magnetic field and thus act as a susceptor layer. In such implementations, the induction heating element 224a may include one or more induction coils 224a that, when energized, cause heating within the metallic element of the aerosol product 204. The degree of heating may be influenced by the distance between the metallic element or susceptor layer and the induction coils 224a.

[0060] The arrangement shown in Figure 2 operates by indexing (or moving) multiple doses of aerosol-generating material 244 to an induction heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a. While this arrangement in Figure 2 may slightly increase the complexity of the movement mechanism 130 to provide movement to the aerosol product 204, it has the advantage that the aerosol supply device 204 can include a single induction heating element 224a used to heat multiple portions of the aerosol-generating material 244. It will be understood that a single heating element 224a requires a single control mechanism (such as a control circuit 223), while multiple heaters may each require a separate control mechanism. Therefore, this arrangement can reduce the cost and control complexity related to the operation and control of the induction heating element 224a.

[0061] The shape of the aerosol supply device 202 may be cigarette-shaped (i.e., one dimension is longer than the other two) or other shapes. For example, the aerosol supply device 202 may have a shape in which two dimensions are longer than the other one, such as a compact disc player. Alternatively, the shape may be any shape that can adequately accommodate the aerosol product 204, one or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a and the moving mechanism 130.

[0062] The aerosol product 204 may include a carrier component 242, which may be formed from a card. The carrier component 242 may form the majority of the aerosol product 204 and may act as the base of one or more susceptors or susceptor layers on which the aerosol-generating material 244 is provided or deposited. The carrier component 242 may be substantially cubic or disc-shaped. The carrier component 242 may have a length (or diameter) of 30 to 80 mm, a width of 7 to 25 mm, and a thickness of 0.2 mm. However, it should be understood that other arrangements are possible on which the carrier component 242 may have different dimensions as needed. In some implementations, the carrier component 242 may include one or more protrusions extending in the longitudinal and / or width directions of the carrier component 242 to help facilitate handling of the aerosol product 204 by the user.

[0063] The aerosol product 204 may include multiple individual parts of the aerosol-generating material 244 arranged on the surface of the carrier component 242. According to one arrangement, the aerosol product 204 may include two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelfth, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen or more individual parts of the aerosol-generating material 244.

[0064] Individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 244 may be arranged in an n × m array. However, it should be understood that in other implementations, there may be more or fewer individual portions, and / or those portions may be arranged in different forms of arrays (e.g., a 1 × 6 array). Other arrangements are also conceivable in which the aerosol product 204 includes a disk, and the individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 244 are provided on separate segments of the disk.

[0065] The aerosol-generating material 244 may be arranged in separate, distinct positions on a single surface of the part carrier 242. While the individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 244 are shown having a circular footprint, it should be understood that the individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 244 may take any other footprint, such as a square, trapezoid, or rectangle, as needed. The individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 244 have a diameter d and a thickness t. a It may have the thickness t of the individual part. a It can take any appropriate value, for example, thickness t a The thickness can be in the range of 50 μm to 1.5 mm. In some configurations, the thickness t a The thickness may be approximately 50 μm to 200 μm, or approximately 50 μm to 100 μm, or approximately 60 μm to 90 μm, and preferably approximately 77 μm. In other configurations, the thickness t a The diameter may be larger than 200 μm, for example, from about 50 μm to about 400 μm, or up to about 1 mm, or up to about 1.5 mm.

[0066] The individual parts of the aerosol-generating material 244 may be arranged separately from each other so that each individual part can be individually or selectively energized (e.g., heated) to generate an aerosol.

[0067] In some implementations, the portion of the aerosol-generating material 244 may have a mass of 20 mg or less, such that the amount of material aerosolized by the induction heater or induction coil 224a and associated susceptor element is relatively small at any given time. For example, the mass per portion may be 20 mg or less, or 10 mg or less, or 5 mg or less. The total mass of the aerosol product 204 may be greater than 20 mg.

[0068] The aerosol product 204 may include multiple portions of the aerosol-generating material 244, all formed from the same aerosol-generating material. Alternatively, the aerosol product 204 may include multiple portions of the aerosol-generating material 244, at least two of which are formed from different aerosol-generating materials.

[0069] One or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a may be positioned such that the surface of one or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a forms part of the surface of the receiving area of ​​the aerosol supply device 202. That is, the outer or upper surface of one or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a may be coplanar with the inner surface of the receiving area.

[0070] The receiving region may include components that apply force to the surface of the aerosol product 204 to press it against the surface of the aerosol supply device 202 in order to prevent relative motion of the aerosol product 204 when it is desired to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material. The lid of the aerosol supply device 202 may be configured to engage with the base via a fixing mechanism. Therefore, the lid and / or base may include components that apply force to the surface of the aerosol product 204 to fix the aerosol product 204 against relative motion.

[0071] Additionally or alternatively, one or more induction heater elements or induction coils 224a may be configured to move toward or away from the aerosol product 204, and may be pressed into the surface of a carrier component 242 that does not contain the aerosol-generating material 244.

[0072] In arrangements in which the aerosol product 204 is configured to move in a specified or desired direction relative to one or more induction heater elements or induction coils 224a, the fixing mechanism may be configured to engage the lid with the base to hold the aerosol product 204 in place to prevent relative movement of the aerosol product 204, thereby preventing relative movement in directions other than the specified or desired direction.

[0073] For example, in an arrangement in which the aerosol product 204 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis with respect to one or more induction heater elements or induction coils 224a so as to present a fresh area of ​​aerosol-generating material on the aerosol product 204 to one or more induction heater elements or induction coils 224a, the fixing mechanism may be configured to engage the lid with the base so as to still allow the aerosol product 204 to rotate with respect to one or more induction heater elements or induction coils 224a while preventing relative motion of the aerosol product 204 in directions other than rotation around the rotation axis.

[0074] One or more induction coils 224a are provided adjacent to the receiving region 225 and may include substantially flat coils in which the axis of rotation around which a given coil is wound extends into the receiving region 225 and is positioned substantially perpendicular to the plane of the carrier component 242 of the aerosol product 204.

[0075] The control circuit 223 may include a mechanism for generating an alternating current that flows through one or more of the induction coils 224a. The alternating current generates an alternating magnetic field that heats the corresponding susceptor(s) or a portion of the susceptor layer. The heat generated by the susceptor(s) or a portion of the susceptor layer is transferred accordingly to a portion of the aerosol-generating material 244.

[0076] The control circuit 223 may be configured to supply current to the induction coil 224a in response to receiving signals from the touch-sensing panel 229 and / or the inhalation sensor 230.

[0077] Various configurations are described in which one or more susceptors are provided as part of the aerosol product 204. However, other arrangements are possible in which one or more susceptors may be located within or as part of the aerosol supply device 202. For example, one or more susceptors may be located above one or more induction coils 224a, or one or more susceptors may be located in contact with the lower surface of the carrier component 242 of the aerosol product 204.

[0078] The aerosol product 204 for use with the aerosol supply device 202 may include a carrier component 242, one or more susceptor elements, and one or more portions of the aerosol generating material.

[0079] One or more susceptor elements may be formed from aluminum foil, but it should be understood that other metals and / or conductive materials may be used in other mounting configurations. The carrier component 242 may include several susceptor elements whose size and position correspond to individual portions of the aerosol-generating material placed on the surface of the carrier component 242. That is, the susceptor elements may have similar widths and lengths to the individual portions of the aerosol-generating material.

[0080] The susceptor element may be embedded in the carrier component 242. However, in other arrangements, the susceptor element may be placed or positioned on the surface of the carrier component 242. According to another arrangement, the susceptor may be provided as a single layer substantially covering the carrier component 244. According to one arrangement, the aerosol product 204 may include a substrate or support layer, a single layer of aluminum foil acting as a susceptor, and one or more regions of the aerosol-generating material 244 deposited on the aluminum foil susceptor layer.

[0081] While embodiments in which separate, spatially distinct portions of the aerosol-generating material 244 are deposited on a carrier component 242 have been described above, it should be understood that in other implementations, the aerosol-generating material 244 may not be provided in separate, spatially distinct portions, but instead as a continuous sheet, film, or layer of the aerosol-generating material 244. In these implementations, specific regions of the sheet of aerosol-generating material 244 can be selectively heated to generate aerosols in substantially the same manner as described above. Specifically, regions (corresponding to portions of the aerosol-generating material) can be defined on a continuous sheet of aerosol-generating material 244 based on the dimensions of one or more induction heating elements 224a. Each region or portion of the aerosol-generating material 244 may have a mass of 20 mg or less, but the entire continuous sheet, film, or layer may have a mass of more than 20 mg.

[0082] Depending on the configuration, the aerosol product 204 may include disc-shaped or circular consumables.

[0083] As described above, one or more heating elements 224a are arranged to provide heat to the aerosol-generating material 244 (or a portion thereof) at an operating temperature from which aerosols are generated from a portion of the aerosol-generating material 244. However, in some implementations, one or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a and associated susceptor elements(s) may be arranged to preheat a portion of the aerosol-generating material to a preheating temperature (lower than the operating temperature).

[0084] At the preheating temperature, when a portion is heated to the preheating temperature, a smaller amount of aerosol may be generated, or substantially no aerosol may be generated. In particular, in some implementations, the control circuit 223 may be configured to supply power or energy before the start of a first predetermined period, i.e., before receiving a signal indicating the user's intention to inhale the aerosol. Less energy is required to raise the temperature of the aerosol-generating material 244 from the preheating temperature to the operating temperature, and therefore the system's responsiveness is improved. This may be particularly suitable for relatively thick portions of aerosol-generating material having a thickness greater than 400 μm, for example, where a relatively large amount of energy may be required to reach the operating temperature.

[0085] Furthermore, if a portion of the aerosol-generating material is provided on the carrier component 242, that portion may, in some implementations, include weakening 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 242. The through-holes may provide a channel for the generated aerosols to escape and be released into the environment or the airflow through the aerosol supply device 202, rather than causing a potential accumulation of aerosols between the carrier component 242 and the aerosol-generating material 244. Such accumulation of aerosols can reduce the heating efficiency of the system, as the accumulation of aerosols may, in some implementations, cause the aerosol-generating material to lift from the carrier component 242, thus reducing the efficiency of heat transfer to the aerosol-generating material. Each portion of the aerosol-generating material may be provided with one of more weakening regions as needed.

[0086] The aerosol supply device 202 may include a rotating device configured to rotate the aerosol product 204 about a rotation axis. The rotating device may be configured to rotate the aerosol product 204 relative to one or more induction coils 224a such that one or more fresh aerosol-generating regions of the aerosol product 204 are moved in proximity to one or more induction coils 224a. The fixing mechanism is configured to allow the aerosol product 204 to rotate relative to one or more induction coils 224a while preventing relative motion of the aerosol product 204 in directions other than rotation about the rotation axis.

[0087] In the configuration, the aerosol product 204 may include one or more tracks, and the lid and / or base may be configured to apply force along one or more tracks to allow the aerosol product 204 to rotate while preventing relative motion of the aerosol product 204 in directions other than rotation around the axis of rotation. In some configurations, one or more tracks may include areas of the aerosol product 204 that do not contain aerosol-generating material. In some configurations, one or more tracks may include areas of the aerosol product 204 that contain metal foil.

[0088] The aerosol supply device 202 may include a lid that may contain an aerosol chamber or plenum and a mouthpiece. In some arrangements, the mouthpiece and the aerosol chamber or plenum may be integrated with the lid.

[0089] The aerosol chamber or plenum is expected to come into contact with the surface of the aerosol product 204 during a usage session. It will be understood that an integrated mouthpiece and lid may be provided to ensure uniform compression of the aerosol product 204. That is, if the mouthpiece and lid are provided as a single, integrated part, there is virtually no additional mechanical play or difference arising from the connection between the mouthpiece and the lid. As a result, the force exerted on the aerosol product 204 by the lid may be substantially constant across the surface of the aerosol-generating material facing the lid.

[0090] Other possible arrangements include the aerosol supply device 202 having a removable mouthpiece that can be held in place within the housing of the aerosol supply device 202 by one or more magnets. The aerosol chamber or plenum may also be removable.

[0091] Figure 2A shows the base 1008 of the aerosol supply device 202 and a rotatable drive mechanism 512 having a triangular projection 513.

[0092] The drive mechanism 512 is configured to rotate an aerosol product (not shown in Figure 2A) that can be loaded into the drive mechanism 512 during use, around a rotation axis. The drive mechanism 512 may be configured to rotate the aerosol product relative to one or more induction heating elements 224a that may be located at the base 1008 of the aerosol supply device 202. Specifically, the drive mechanism 512 may be configured to rotate the aerosol product such that one or more fresh areas of the aerosol-generating material supplied on the aerosol product are moved closer to one or more induction heating elements 224a.

[0093] Figure 2B shows a perspective view of an aerosol supply device 202 having a disc-shaped aerosol product 204 loaded on a base 1008. The aerosol supply device 202 includes a lid 1006 connected to the base 1008 via a hinge 515.

[0094] The lid 1006 may be fixed to the base 1008 by the interaction of one or more magnetic elements 521 provided on the base 1008 and one or more corresponding magnetic elements 522 provided on the lid 1006. In one arrangement, the base 1008 may comprise two first magnets 521 configured to be magnetically attracted to two corresponding second magnets 522 provided on the lid 1006. The first magnets 521 and the second magnets 522 may have opposite polarities.

[0095] One or more first magnets 521 and / or one or more second magnets 522 may include neodymium iron boron (NdFeB), samarium cobalt (SmCo), alnico, ceramic, or ferrite magnets.

[0096] Other configurations are possible if one of the permanent magnets 521 or 522 can be replaced with a magnetizable component or temporary magnet which may be made of iron, iron alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, cobalt, cobalt alloy, gadolinium, gadolinium alloy, dysprosium, or dysprosium alloy.

[0097] Further arrangements are conceivable in which the lid 1006 and / or base 1008 may be equipped with one or more electromagnets to secure the lid 1006 to the base 1008. In such arrangements, one or more electromagnets can be actuated to generate a magnetic field that attracts a corresponding permanent magnet or magnetizable component provided on either the lid 1006 or the base 1008. Further arrangements are conceivable in which both the lid 1006 and the base 1008 may be equipped with electromagnets. A control circuit (not shown) may be configured to actuate one or more electromagnets.

[0098] To secure the lid 1006 to the base 1008, one or more projections or lugs 523 can be provided on the lid 1006 that can engage with corresponding recesses 524 provided on the base 1008. Additionally and / or alternatively, to secure the lid 1006 to the base 1008, one or more projections or lugs may be provided on the base 1008, and one or more corresponding recesses may be provided on the lid 1006.

[0099] The lid 1006 may further comprise an aerosol chamber (or plenum) 517 that can be attached to the mouthpiece 518. The aerosol chamber 517 may be moved to contact the surface of the aerosol product 204 during use so that aerosols generated from areas of the aerosol product 204 adjacent to one or more induction heating elements 224a are captured within the aerosol chamber 517 and then proceed to the mouthpiece 518 or otherwise fed in, and subsequently inhaled by the user.

[0100] It will be understood that the aerosol product 204 may be rotated during a usage session, and that the aerosol product 204 may contain multiple sectors of aerosol-generating material. For example, according to one arrangement, the aerosol product 204 may have 12 sectors, which may allow the user to obtain up to 12 puffs per usage session.

[0101] After puffing, it may be desirable to rotate the aerosol product 204 so that a fresh area of ​​the aerosol-generating material is positioned close to one or more induction heating elements 224a. Therefore, to allow the aerosol product 204 to be rotated during a usage session, the aerosol chamber 517 can be disengaged from contact with the surface of the aerosol product 204.

[0102] In one configuration, the spigot 514 can be provided on the base 1008 of the aerosol supply device 202. The spigot 514 may be located at the center of the drive mechanism 512, or it may extend through the center of the triangular projection 513. Although the spigot 514 is shown in a retracted position in Figures 2A and 2B, the spigot 514 may be extended so that it protrudes beyond the upper surface of the triangular projection 513.

[0103] The spigot 514 may be positioned to engage with the aerosol chamber 517 in order to push or displace the aerosol chamber 517 to disengage from the aerosol product 204, thereby allowing the aerosol product 204 to rotate relative to one or more induction heating elements 224a. After the aerosol product 204 has rotated, the spigot 514 may be retracted so that the aerosol chamber 517 re-engages with the upper surface of the aerosol product 204. A locking mechanism may be provided that allows the lid 1006 to be locked to the base 1008 during a usage session.

[0104] Depending on the configuration, the aerosol product 204 may include a substrate layer having a metal foil layer bonded to the substrate. The aerosol generating material may be provided on the upper surface of the metal foil layer.

[0105] The fixing mechanism may be arranged to prevent relative movement of the metal foil layer of the aerosol product 204 with respect to the substrate. That is, if the aerosol supply device 202 can be configured to heat the aerosol product 204 to generate an aerosol when in use, the fixing mechanism may be configured to engage the lid portion 1006 with the base portion 1008 to fix the aerosol product 204 and prevent the metal foil layer from peeling off from the substrate during heating.

[0106] Although Figure 2A shows only one induction heating element or induction coil 224a, it will be understood that two or more induction heating elements 224a, such as two or three induction heating elements or induction coils, may be provided. In some arrangements, one or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a may comprise one or more induction heating elements equipped with one or more induction coils for generating a fluctuating magnetic field to heat one or more susceptor elements of an aerosol product 204 (such as metal foil) held in place by a fixing mechanism when in use. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a may be replaced with one or more resistance heating elements.

[0107] One or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a can define a plane as shown in Figure 2A. The fixing mechanism may be configured such that the lid 1006 engages with the base 1008 to hold the substantially planar aerosol product 204 in a position parallel to the plane, in order to prevent movement of the substantially planar aerosol product 204 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane (i.e., the z direction shown in Figure 2B).

[0108] One or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a may include substantially planar heating elements, such as one or more flat helical induction coils. However, other arrangements are also conceivable in which one or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a are non-planar, but they can still define a plane. For example, one or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a may comprise one or more inverted cone induction coils, the base of which may be a cone coil, which defines a plane.

[0109] The aerosol chamber 517 may be integrated with the mouthpiece 518. However, other configurations are possible in which the aerosol supply device 202 may include a removable mouthpiece 518 that can be held in the aerosol chamber 517 by one or more magnets.

[0110] The locking mechanism may include a hinge 515 such that the lid 1006 is connected to the base 1008 via the hinge 515, forming a clamshell arrangement. That is, the aerosol supply device 202 may be configured to receive the aerosol product 204 when the hinge 515 is in the open position, as shown in Figure 2B, for example. The lid 1006 may then be closed, and the locking mechanism may be configured to engage the lid 1006 with the base 1008 to hold the aerosol product 204 in place during use to prevent relative movement of the aerosol product 204.

[0111] The drive mechanism 512 may be configured to rotate the aerosol product 204 around a rotation axis. In other configurations, the drive mechanism 512 may be configured to translate the aerosol product 204.

[0112] The drive mechanism 512 may be configured to rotate and / or translate the aerosol product 204 relative to one or more heating elements 224a so that one or more fresh aerosol-generating regions of the aerosol product 204 are moved to the vicinity of one or more heating elements 224a.

[0113] The drive mechanism 512 may include a hub having one or more triangular projections 513 provided on the hub. The one or more triangular projections 513 may be arranged to engage with one or more corresponding openings or recesses provided in the aerosol product 204.

[0114] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol supply device 202 in one configuration. The aerosol supply device 202 includes an aerosol chamber 517 that can be biased to come into contact with an aerosol product 204 introduced into the aerosol supply device 202 during a usage session. The aerosol generated by heating a region of the aerosol product 204 may be received in the aerosol chamber 517. The aerosol chamber 517 may be physically and fluidly connected to a mouthpiece 518 so that the aerosol received in the aerosol chamber 517 is then transferred forward from the aerosol chamber 517 to the mouthpiece 518. The aerosol transferred to the mouthpiece 518 can then be inhaled by the user. The mouthpiece 518 may be integrated with the aerosol chamber 517, or the mouthpiece 518 may be detachable from the aerosol chamber 517.

[0115] One or more induction coils or induction heaters 224a may be positioned at the base of the aerosol supply device 202 and may be positioned to heat a region of the aerosol product 204 to generate an aerosol. Depending on the arrangement, one or more induction coils or induction heaters 224a may have a circular, polygonal, or trapezoidal contour and may be positioned to heat a corresponding shaped portion of the aerosol product 204.

[0116] The aerosol product 204 may include a base layer or substrate (which may include a card), a susceptor layer (which may include a layer of aluminum foil), and a layer of aerosol-generating material that can be provided on the susceptor layer.

[0117] In one configuration, an aerosol can be generated from the aerosol product 204 in each puff. The aerosol product 204 may include a relatively thin layer of aerosol-generating material, which may be provided in the form of a gel. One or more induction coils or induction heaters 224a may be switched on and off and activated when the user wishes to inhale the aerosol. A puff of aerosol can be generated within approximately one second, indicating to the user that they wish to inhale the aerosol by activating the user interface.

[0118] The aerosol product 204 may be disc-shaped and may contain multiple sectors, each of which a different sector can be heated for each desired puff. To generate aerosol from a fresh region of the aerosol product 204 for each puff, the aerosol product 204 may be rotated (or translated) in stages during the usage session between aspirations.

[0119] In various configurations, when an aerosol puff is generated, one or more induction coils or induction heaters 224a can be switched off (or the operating temperature of one or more induction coils or induction heaters 224a can be lowered to an intermediate temperature). The aerosol chamber 517 may be disengaged simultaneously with or subsequently from contact with the aerosol product 204, and the aerosol product 204 may then be rotated relative to one or more induction coils or induction heaters 224a. In one configuration, the aerosol product may be rotated less than 10°, 20-20°, 20-30°, 30-40°, 40-50°, 50-60°, 60-70°, 70-80°, 80-90°, or more than 90° relative to one or more induction coils or induction heaters 224a each time before or after it is desired to obtain an aerosol puff.

[0120] In order to rotate (or translate) the aerosol product 204 multiple times during a usage session, it may be necessary to disengage the aerosol chamber 517 from physical contact with the aerosol product 204 multiple times during a usage session, so that a fresh portion of the aerosol generating material can be positioned in close proximity to one or more induction coils or induction heaters 224a in order to rotate (or translate) the aerosol product 204 multiple times during a usage session.

[0121] To disengage the aerosol chamber 517 from physical contact with the aerosol product 204, the aerosol chamber 517 may be pivoted and rotated around a pivot so that the aerosol chamber 517 moves away from the surface of the aerosol product 204. According to various arrangements, the aerosol chamber 517 can be disengaged from the aerosol product 204 such that there is a gap of at least 50 μm, 50-100 μm, 100-500 μm, 500-1000 μm, 1-2 mm, 2-3 mm, 3-4 mm, or 4-5 mm between the aerosol chamber 517 and the aerosol product 204. As a result of the aerosol chamber 517 being reliably removed from contact with the aerosol product 204, the aerosol product 204 can then be rotated by the drive mechanism so that a fresh portion of the aerosol-generating material can be brought into close proximity to one or more induction coils or induction heaters 224a.

[0122] The drive mechanism used to rotate (or translate) the aerosol product 204 may include one or more projections 513 that engage with correspondingly shaped openings 204. Thus, according to one arrangement, triangular or other shaped projections 513 may be provided on the drive mechanism and arranged to engage with correspondingly triangular or other shaped openings 204.

[0123] The projection 513, which extends from the drive mechanism and is positioned to rotate (or translate) the aerosol product 204, may have a central opening. The spigot 514 may be located at the base of the aerosol supply device 202 and may extend through the central opening provided in the projection 513.

[0124] The spigot 514 may be connected to the cap member 711 via a fastener 710, or it may be provided within the bore. The cap member 711 may be moved toward or away from the base of the aerosol supply device 202. According to one arrangement, if the cap member 711 is moved toward the base of the aerosol supply device 202, the associated spigot 514 can be moved toward the lid of the aerosol supply device 202 and engaged directly or indirectly with the aerosol chamber 517. If the cap member 711 is moved away from the base of the aerosol supply device 202, the associated spigot 514 can be moved away from the lid of the aerosol supply device 202 and disengaged from the aerosol chamber 517.

[0125] In various configurations, the spigot 514 may be configured to directly engage with the aerosol chamber 517 or a component connected to the aerosol chamber 517. For example, in one configuration, a pivot arm 716 may be provided on the lid of the aerosol supply device 202, and the pivot arm 716 may be connected to the aerosol chamber 517 via a connecting member 717. The pivot arm 716 may be configured to pivot about a pivot (not shown). In one configuration, the spigot 514 may be configured to engage with the pivot arm 716 to rotate the pivot arm 716 about the pivot, so as to lift the aerosol chamber 517 away from contact with the aerosol product 204, and to rotate it away from the aerosol product 204.

[0126] In one configuration, the pivot arm 716 may be biased by a spring so that the aerosol chamber 517 is biased to contact the aerosol product 204.

[0127] The spigot 514 may be biased to the retracted position by a spring. The spigot 514 may be located in the center of a projection 513 provided on the drive mechanism. When the spigot 514 is in the retracted position, the distal end of the spigot 514 may be essentially coplanar with the surface of the projection 513, as shown in Figure 3.

[0128] The aerosol chamber 517 may include a first magnet 250a that is attracted to a second magnet 250b, which may be provided on a connecting member 717 attached to the pivot arm 716. The pivot arm 716 and the connected aerosol chamber 517 are shown to be spring-biased so that the aerosol chamber 517 contacts the surface of the aerosol product 204. The cap member 711 can be pushed inward to move the spigot 514 from the retracted position to the extended position.

[0129] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol chamber 517 disengaged from the surface of the aerosol product 204. According to one arrangement, the cap member 711 may be pushed inward toward the bottom of the aerosol supply device 202. The displacement of the cap member 711 toward the base of the aerosol supply device 202 causes the spigot to also be displaced beyond the upper surface of the projection 513 and connected to the spigot 514 via the fastener 710 so as to move toward the pivot arm 716.

[0130] As shown in Figure 4, the spigot 514 can be positioned to contact the pivot arm 716 and rotate the pivot arm 716 around the pivot, so as to move the aerosol chamber 517 away from contact with the aerosol product 204. As a result, the spigot 514 engages with the pivot arm 716 to move the aerosol chamber 517 away from engagement with the aerosol product 204.

[0131] The pivot arm 716 can be attached to the aerosol chamber 517 via a magnetic connection that may include a first magnet 250b provided on a connecting member 717 connected to the pivot arm 716 and a second magnet 250a attached to the aerosol chamber 517. The lid of the aerosol supply device 204 is shown in the closed position in Figure 4.

[0132] Accordingly, a first mechanism is disclosed comprising a spigot 514 and an optional pivot arm 716 connected to an aerosol chamber 517. The first mechanism may be moved between a first position in which the aerosol chamber 517 is in contact with the aerosol product 204 and a second position in which the aerosol chamber 517 is no longer in contact with the aerosol product 204. The aerosol chamber 517 may be biased to be in either the first or second position when stationary.

[0133] According to various embodiments, an aerosol supply device is provided comprising an aerosol chamber 517 that is movable between a first position in which the aerosol chamber 517 is in contact with the aerosol product 204 and a second position in which the aerosol chamber 517 is not in contact with the aerosol product 204. The first mechanism may be arranged to move the aerosol chamber 517 between the first and second positions. According to various embodiments, the aerosol product may include a substantially circular or elliptical substrate having a first surface and a second surface. The substrate may include, for example, paper, card, or aluminum foil. Other embodiments are conceivable in which the substrate may include multiple layers arranged in a sandwich-like manner. For example, the substrate may include a paper or card substrate having a first aluminum foil layer arranged on the first surface and a second aluminum foil layer arranged on the second surface.

[0134] The aerosol product may include either an open or closed consumable. For example, an open consumable is a type of consumable containing an aerosol product, where the aerosol-generating material is provided on one or more outer or outermost surfaces of the aerosol product. In contrast, a closed consumable may include an aerosol product in which the aerosol-generating material is not provided on the outer or outermost surface of the consumable, but rather on one or more inner surfaces. For example, according to various embodiments, a closed consumable may be provided in which one or both of the outer or outermost surfaces of the aerosol product include a gas-impermeable layer such as plastic or other material. For example, an aerosol product may be provided in which an innermost substrate has one or more layers of aerosol-generating material provided on one or both sides of the substrate, and the aerosol product is enclosed in or otherwise housed within a housing made of a gas-impermeable material. The closed consumable may include a housing having an air inlet and an aerosol outlet. The aerosol outlet may include an intake.

[0135] According to various embodiments, the aerosol product may have a length (L), width (W), and thickness (T), where the length (L) of the aerosol product is greater than the width (W) and / or thickness (T). The aerosol product may have a longitudinal axis and may have a first airflow inlet end and a second airflow outlet end. For example, the aerosol product may include a prism having a first end face and a second end face. The first end face may include a region into which air enters the aerosol product during use, and the second end face may include a region into which aerosols generated within the aerosol product exit during use.

[0136] Embodiments are conceivable in which the second end face further comprises a suction port. For example, the aerosol product may include a distal end (which may be positioned so that air enters the aerosol product) and a proximal end (which may have a suction port through which a user can inhale the aerosol generated in the aerosol product).

[0137] According to various embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may be provided on either a first surface and / or a second surface of the substrate. For example, a single-sided or double-sided aerosol product may be provided. A single-sided aerosol product may be activated by a single array of heating elements. A double-sided aerosol product may be activated by a double array of heating elements provided on both sides of the aerosol product during use.

[0138] Embodiments are conceivable in which an aerosol product can be rotated and / or translated relative to one or more aerosol generators. The one or more aerosol generators may consist of, for example, a single aerosol generator, or a plurality of aerosol generators may be arranged, for example, in an array. Embodiments are conceivable in which the aerosol generators are arranged in an n × m array, where n = 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or > 10, and m = 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or > 10. For example, the aerosol generators may be arranged in a 2 × 2 array, 2 × 3 array, 2 × 4 array, 2 × 5 array, 2 × 6 array, 2 × 7 array, 2 × 8 array, 2 × 9 array or 2 × 10 array.

[0139] According to various embodiments, one or more aerosol generators may include one or more resistance heaters or resistance heating elements. According to other embodiments, one or more aerosol generators may include one or more induction heaters or induction heating elements. Embodiments in which multiple resistance and induction heating elements can be provided are also conceivable.

[0140] The aerosol product may be positioned adjacent to one or more aerosol generators and rotated and / or translated relative to one or more aerosol generators so that it is heated from only one side. Alternatively, the aerosol product may be positioned rotated and / or translated relative to one or more aerosol generators so that it is inserted between a first set of aerosol generators and a second set of aerosol generators. According to such embodiments, the aerosol product may be positioned so that it is heated simultaneously or sequentially from two opposing sides.

[0141] Embodiments are also conceivable in which the aerosol product is prismatic in shape. For example, the aerosol product may include a triangular prism, a square prism, or a cylindrical prism. For example, the aerosol product may include a cylindrical aerosol product. The aerosol product may be rotated and / or translated relative to one or more aerosol generators. For example, an aerosol supply device may have a cavity into which a prismatic or cylindrical aerosol product can be inserted. The matrix, strip, or array of the aerosol generator may be provided at one or more positions around or along the cavity. The aerosol product can then be rotated and / or translated relative to the aerosol generator so that different parts of the aerosol product can be sequentially or progressively heated or otherwise accessed.

[0142] Embodiments are conceivable in which the aerosol product can be translated to one of many aerosol generators. For example, the aerosol product may comprise multiple parts of the aerosol-generating material, and the aerosol product may be translated longitudinally so that multiple distinct parts of the aerosol-generating material can be activated or heated successively or sequentially.

[0143] Further embodiments are contemplated where the aerosol-generating article may include a cylinder or more generally a prism. A plurality of aerosol generators may be arranged around or near a cylindrical or prismatic aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article is thought to be able to rotate within a stationary array of aerosol generators. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article may remain stationary and a plurality of aerosol generators may rotate relative to the aerosol-generating article. Still further embodiments are contemplated where both the aerosol-generating article and one or more aerosol generators are movable. For example, the aerosol-generating article may be rotated and / or translated at a first speed v1, and one or more aerosol generators may be rotated and / or translated at a second speed v2. Embodiments where v1 > v2 in the operating mode are contemplated. Embodiments where v1 = v2 in the operating mode are contemplated. Embodiments where v1 < v2 in the operating mode are also contemplated.

[0144] According to various embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may include a flat or planar consumable having a longitudinal axis. The aerosol-generating article may be translated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. Other embodiments are contemplated where the aerosol-generating article includes a cylindrical consumable having a longitudinal axis. The cylindrical consumable may be rotated about its longitudinal axis and / or translated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The aerosol-generating article may be single-sided or double-sided. The double-sided consumable may be heated from both sides during use.

[0145] To address various issues and advance the technology, this disclosure provides illustrative examples of various embodiments. The advantages and features of this disclosure are merely representative samples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. They are presented solely to aid understanding and to teach the claimed invention(s). The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of this disclosure should not be considered limitations to the disclosure as defined by the claims or to equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modified without departing from the scope of the claims. Various embodiments may suitably include, be composed of, or essentially consist of, various combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein, and it should be understood 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. This specification contains the following provisions: [Clause 1] An aerosol chamber, wherein the aerosol chamber is movable between a first position in which it is in contact with an aerosol product and a second position in which it is not in contact with an aerosol product. A first mechanism is arranged to move the aerosol chamber between the first position and the second position, An aerosol supply device equipped with the following features. [Clause 2] The aerosol supply device according to Clause 1, wherein the first mechanism further comprises a pivot arm connected to the aerosol chamber. [Clause 3] The aerosol supply device according to Clause 2, wherein the pivot arm is pivotable around the pivot. [Clause 4] The aerosol supply device according to clause 1, 2, or 3, wherein the aerosol chamber is arranged to receive an aerosol generated from an aerosol product. [Clause 5] The aerosol supply device according to any one of the clauses 1 to 4, further comprising a mouthpiece attached to or connected to the aerosol chamber. [Clause 6] The aerosol supply device according to Clause 5, wherein the aerosol chamber and the suction port are detachable from the pivot arm. [Clause 7] The aerosol supply device according to any one of the clauses 1 to 6, wherein the first mechanism further comprises a spigot. [Clause 8] The aerosol supply device according to any one of the clauses 1 to 7, further comprising a drive mechanism for rotating or translating the aerosol product. [Clause 9] The aerosol supply device according to Clause 8, wherein the drive mechanism comprises one or more projections for engaging with one or more corresponding openings provided in the aerosol product. [Clause 10] The aerosol supply device according to clause 8 or 9, wherein the first mechanism extends through one or more protrusions. [Clause 11] The aerosol supply device according to any one of the claims 1 to 10, wherein the aerosol chamber is biased to be in either the first position or the second position when stationary. [Article 12] an aerosol supply device as described in any one of clauses 1 to 11, Aerosol products and an aerosol generation system, including... [Clause 13] The aerosol generating system according to Clause 12, wherein the aerosol product comprises (i) a substantially circular, elliptical, or polyhedral substrate having one or more portions of aerosol-generating material disposed on a first surface of the substrate and / or one or more portions of aerosol-generating material disposed on a second surface of the substrate; (ii) a substantially planar substrate having one or more portions of aerosol-generating material disposed on a first surface of the substrate and / or one or more portions of aerosol-generating material disposed on a second surface of the substrate; or (iii) a prismatic or cylindrical aerosol product. [Clause 14] The aerosol generating system according to clause 12 or 13, wherein the aerosol product includes either an open consumable or a closed consumable. [Article 15] The steps include inserting an aerosol product into an aerosol supply device equipped with an aerosol chamber, The steps include bringing the aerosol chamber into contact with the aerosol product, The steps include generating an aerosol from the aerosol product, The steps include moving the aerosol chamber so that it is out of contact with the aerosol product, The steps include rotating and / or translating the aerosol product, and thereafter, The step of bringing the aerosol chamber back into contact with the aerosol product, A method for generating an aerosol containing [a specific substance].

Claims

1. Aerosol supply device, A drive mechanism for rotating the aerosol product, An aerosol generator configured to generate aerosols from aerosol-generating materials, Equipped with, The drive mechanism comprises one or more protrusions for engaging with the aerosol product, An aerosol supply device in which the drive mechanism is configured to rotate the aerosol product relative to the aerosol generator so that different parts of the aerosol product are progressively heated.

2. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein one or more protrusions are arranged to engage with corresponding openings provided in the aerosol product.

3. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generator is a heater configured to expose the aerosol generating material to thermal energy.

4. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises a plurality of aerosol generators, and the drive mechanism is configured to rotate the aerosol product relative to the plurality of aerosol generators such that different portions of the aerosol product are progressively heated.

5. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, Aerosol products and An aerosol generation system equipped with the following features.

6. The aerosol generating system according to claim 5, wherein the aerosol product is substantially flat or planar.

7. The aerosol generating system according to claim 5, wherein the aerosol product includes a cylinder or a prismatic column.

8. The aerosol generation system according to claim 7, wherein the aerosol supply device comprises a cavity into which the prismatic or cylindrical aerosol product is inserted, and a matrix, strip, or array of aerosol generators is provided at one or more positions around or along the cavity.

9. An aerosol supply device comprising a drive mechanism for rotating aerosol products, The drive mechanism includes a projection extending from the drive mechanism and arranged to rotate the aerosol product, The aforementioned projection is an aerosol supply device having a central opening.

10. The aerosol supply device according to claim 9, further comprising a spigot provided at the base of the aerosol supply device and extending through the central opening provided on the projection.

11. The aerosol supply device according to claim 10, wherein the drive mechanism is configured to rotate the aerosol product relative to the aerosol generator so that different parts of the aerosol product are progressively heated.

12. The aerosol supply device according to claim 9, Aerosol products and An aerosol generation system equipped with the following features.

13. An aerosol supply device comprising a drive mechanism for rotating aerosol products, An aerosol supply device comprising a drive mechanism with a spigot positioned at the center of the drive mechanism.

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