Aerosol supply device

Abstract

The present invention provides an aerosol supply device, an aerosol generation system, and a method for generating aerosols. [Solution] An aerosol supply device for generating aerosols from an aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more external aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosols from the aerosol-generating material, one or more internal aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosols from the aerosol-generating material, and a controller for controlling the external and internal aerosol generators. The controller may be configured to operate in a first operating mode during a usage session, in which the external aerosol generators are activated but the internal aerosol generators are not. The controller may also be configured to operate in a second operating mode during a usage session, in which the internal aerosol generators are activated but the external aerosol generators are not.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

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

[0002] Articles such as cigarettes and cigars burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these types of tobacco-burning articles by creating products that release compounds without burning them. Devices are known that heat a smoking material to volatilize at least one component of the smoking material without burning the smoking material, thereby forming an aerosol that can typically be inhaled. Such devices may be described as non-combustion heating devices, tobacco heating products (THP), tobacco heating devices, or the like. Various different configurations are known for volatilizing at least one component of a smoking material.

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

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

[0005] According to one aspect, there is provided an aerosol supply device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, the device comprising: one or more external aerosol generators arranged to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material; and one or more internal aerosol generators arranged to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material; and a controller for controlling the one or more external and internal aerosol generators, and wherein the device comprises The controller can operate in a first operating mode during a usage session in which it activates one or more external aerosol generators but does not activate one or more internal aerosol generators. An aerosol supply device is provided in which the controller can operate in a second operating mode in which it activates one or more internal aerosol generators during a usage session, but does not activate one or more external aerosol generators.

[0006] In the first operating mode, the controller can be configured to set a first heating profile having a first duration for one or more external aerosol generators. In the second operating mode, the controller may be configured to set a second heating profile having a second duration for one or more internal aerosol generators.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the first and second heating profiles are the same. Alternatively, the first and second heating profiles may be different.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the first and second durations are the same. Alternatively, the first and second durations are different.

[0009] In another embodiment, an aerosol supply device for generating aerosols from an aerosol-generating material, One or more external aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosols from aerosol-generating material, One or more internal aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosols from aerosol-generating material, A controller for controlling one or more external and internal aerosol generators. Equipped with, An aerosol supply device is provided in which the controller can operate in an operating mode in which (i) during a usage session, one or more external aerosol generators are started first but one or more internal aerosol generators are not started, then one or more internal aerosol generators are started but one or more external aerosol generators are not started, or (ii) during a usage session, one or more internal aerosol generators are started first but one or more external aerosol generators are not started, then one or more external aerosol generators are started but one or more internal aerosol generators are not started.

[0010] One or more external aerosol generators can constitute one or more inductive aerosol generators.

[0011] One or more external aerosol generators can constitute one or more resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators.

[0012] One or more internal aerosol generators can constitute one or more induced aerosol generators.

[0013] One or more internal aerosol generators can constitute one or more resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators.

[0014] One or more external aerosol generators may include a first external heating unit and a second external heating unit.

[0015] One or more internal aerosol generators may include a first internal heating unit and a second internal heating unit.

[0016] According to one embodiment, an aerosol supply device for generating aerosols from an aerosol-generating material, One or more induction aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosols from aerosol-generating material, One or more resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosols from an aerosol-generating material, A controller for controlling one or more inductive and resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators. Equipped with, The controller can operate in a first operating mode during a usage session in which it activates one or more inductive aerosol generators but does not activate one or more resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators. An aerosol supply device is provided in which the controller can operate in a second operating mode in which, during a usage session, one or more resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators are activated, but one or more inductive aerosol generators are not activated.

[0017] According to one embodiment, in a first operating mode, the controller sets a first heating profile having a first duration for one or more induction aerosol generators. In the second operating mode, the controller sets a second heating profile having a second duration for one or more resistors or non-inductive aerosol generators.

[0018] The first and second heating profiles can be the same. Alternatively, the first and second heating profiles can be different.

[0019] The durations of the first and second phases can be the same. Alternatively, the durations of the first and second phases can be different.

[0020] In another embodiment, an aerosol supply device for generating aerosols from an aerosol-generating material, One or more induction aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosols from aerosol-generating material, One or more resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosols from an aerosol-generating material, a controller for controlling one or more inductive and resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators comprising: there is provided an aerosol provision device, wherein the controller is operable in an operation mode of: (i) during a use session, initially activating one or more inductive aerosol generators without activating the one or more resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators, and then activating the one or more resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators without activating the one or more inductive aerosol generators; or (ii) during a use session, initially activating one or more resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators without activating the one or more inductive aerosol generators, and then activating the one or more inductive aerosol generators without activating the one or more resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators.

[0021] The one or more inductive aerosol generators may constitute one or more external aerosol generators.

[0022] The one or more inductive aerosol generators may constitute one or more internal aerosol generators.

[0023] The one or more resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators may constitute one or more external aerosol generators.

[0024] The one or more resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators may constitute one or more internal aerosol generators.

[0025] The one or more inductive aerosol generators may comprise a first induction heating unit and a second induction heating unit.

[0026] The one or more resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators may comprise a first resistive or non-inductive heating unit and a second resistive or non-inductive heating unit.

[0027] The aerosol supply device may further include a user interface positioned to detect input from the user, and the user interface may be positioned to select the operating mode of the controller.

[0028] The aerosol supply device may further comprise a first device for automatically recognizing the aerosol product inserted into the aerosol supply device, the first device being configured to select the operating mode of the controller.

[0029] A usage session can be determined to begin when power or energy is first supplied to one or more aerosol generators after the aerosol product has been inserted into the aerosol supply device.

[0030] A usage session can be determined to begin when power or energy is first supplied to one or more aerosol generators to raise the temperature of one or more aerosol generators to the operating temperature Tmin so that the user can inhale the first puff of aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material. According to one embodiment, Tmin is within the range of (i) 200-210°C, (ii) 210-220°C, (iii) 220-230°C, (iv) 230-240°C, (v) 240-250°C, (vi) 250-260°C, (vii) 260-270°C, (viii) 270-280°C, (ix) 280-290°C, and (x) 290-300°C.

[0031] A usage session can be determined to have ended when power or energy is no longer supplied to one or more aerosol generators.

[0032] A session can be determined to have ended when the aerosol-generating material has been substantially exhausted, or when the user is unable to inhale any further puffs of the aerosol produced from the aerosol-generating material.

[0033] A usage session can be determined to be related to a period during which the user can inhale multiple puffs of aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material without replacing or replenishing the aerosol generating material.

[0034] According to another embodiment, The aerosol supply device described above, Aerosol products containing aerosol generating materials and An aerosol generation system is provided that includes the following features.

[0035] The aerosol product is inserted into the aerosol supply device when in use.

[0036] In another embodiment, a method for generating an aerosol, The step of providing an aerosol supply device comprising one or more external aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosols from an aerosol-generating material and one or more internal aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosols from an aerosol-generating material, The steps include inserting the aerosol product into an aerosol supply device, A step of selecting between a first operating mode and a second operating mode. Includes, In the first operating mode, one or more external aerosol generators are activated, but one or more internal aerosol generators are not activated. A method is provided for a second operating mode in which one or more internal aerosol generators are activated, but one or more external aerosol generators are not activated.

[0037] In another embodiment, a method for generating an aerosol, The step of providing an aerosol supply device comprising one or more external aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosols from an aerosol-generating material and one or more internal aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosols from an aerosol-generating material, The steps include inserting the aerosol product into an aerosol supply device, (i) During a usage session, one or more external aerosol generators are started first, but one or more internal aerosol generators are not started, then one or more internal aerosol generators are started, but one or more external aerosol generators are not started, or (ii) During a usage session, one or more internal aerosol generators are started first, but one or more external aerosol generators are not started, then one or more external aerosol generators are started, but one or more internal aerosol generators are not started. A method including this is provided.

[0038] In another embodiment, a method for generating an aerosol, The step of providing an aerosol supply device comprising one or more inductive aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosols from an aerosol-generating material and one or more resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosols from an aerosol-generating material, The steps include inserting the aerosol product into an aerosol supply device, A step of selecting between a first operating mode and a second operating mode. Includes, In the first operating mode, during a usage session, one or more inductive aerosol generators are activated, but one or more resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators are not activated. A method is provided for a second operating mode in which, during a usage session, one or more resistors or non-inductive aerosol generators are activated, but one or more inductive aerosol generators are not activated.

[0039] In another embodiment, a method for generating an aerosol, The step of providing an aerosol supply device comprising one or more inductive aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosols from an aerosol-generating material and one or more resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosols from an aerosol-generating material, (i) During a usage session, one or more inductive aerosol generators are activated first, but one or more resistors or non-inductive aerosol generators are not activated, then one or more resistors or non-inductive aerosol generators are activated, but one or more inductive aerosol generators are not activated, or (ii) During a usage session, one or more resistors or non-inductive aerosol generators are activated first, but one or more inductive aerosol generators are not activated, then one or more inductive aerosol generators are activated, but one or more resistors or non-inductive aerosol generators are not activated. A method including this is provided.

[0040] Various embodiments will be described below with reference to the attached drawings, for illustrative purposes only. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0041] [Figure 1A] This is a schematic diagram of the heating assembly of an aerosol supply device. [Figure 1B] This is a cross-sectional view of the heating assembly shown in Figure 1A, in which the aerosol product is placed. [Figure 2A] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol product for use with an aerosol supply device. [Figure 2B] This is a perspective view of an aerosol supply article. [Figure 3] This graph shows the schematic temperature profile of the first heating unit in an aerosol supply device during an exemplary smoking session. [Figure 4] This graph shows the schematic temperature profile of the second heating unit in an aerosol supply device during an exemplary smoking session. [Figure 5] This graph shows a schematic programmed heating profile of the heating element within the aerosol supply device during an exemplary usage session. [Figure 6]This figure shows an aerosol supply device according to one embodiment, comprising an external induction heating unit, an external resistance heating unit, and an internal resistance heating unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0042] The term “aerosol-generating material” includes materials that, when heated, typically provide volatile components in the form of an aerosol. Aerosol-generating material includes any tobacco-containing material, such as one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, puffed tobacco, recombined tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-generating material may also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. Aerosol-generating material can be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, gel, or wax. Aerosol-generating material can also be, for example, a combination or blend of materials. Aerosol-generating material may also be known as “smoking material.” In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating material is a non-liquid aerosol-generating material. In certain embodiments, the non-liquid aerosol-generating material includes tobacco.

[0043] Apparatuses are known that heat an aerosol-generating material without burning it, thereby volatilizing at least one component of the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol that can typically be inhaled. Such apparatuses may be described as "aerosol-generating devices," "aerosol-providing devices," "non-combustion heating devices," "tobacco heating products," "tobacco heating product devices," or "tobacco heating devices." In one embodiment, the aerosol-providing device is a tobacco heating product. The non-liquid aerosol-generating material for use with the tobacco heating product includes tobacco.

[0044] e-cigarette devices are also known, which constitute an aerosol supply device that vaporizes an aerosol-generating material in liquid form, which may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a rod, cartridge, or cassette that can be inserted into the device, or may be provided as part thereof. A heater for heating and vaporizing the aerosol-generating material may be provided as a "permanent" part of the device.

[0045] Aerosol supply devices that generate aerosols from composite aerosol products are also known. The composite aerosol product comprises a section containing a cartomizer containing a liquid or gel-like aerosol generating material, and another section containing a solid aerosol generating material such as tobacco granules.

[0046] An aerosol supply device can receive an article containing an aerosol-generating material for heating, also called a “smoking article.” In this context, “article,” “aerosol product,” or “smoking article” is a component containing an aerosol-generating material when heated during use, which volatilizes the aerosol-generating material and optionally other components. A user can insert an article into the aerosol supply device, heat it to generate an aerosol, and then inhale the aerosol. The article may be of a predetermined or specific size, for example, configured to be placed within a heating chamber of a device sized to receive the article.

[0047] Aerosol supply devices according to various embodiments include multiple aerosol generators for generating aerosols from aerosol-generating materials during use.

[0048] 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 apply thermal energy to the aerosol-generating material, thereby releasing one or more volatile substances from the 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 apply one or more of the following to the aerosol-generating material: vibration, pressure increase, or electrostatic energy.

[0049] A heating unit typically refers to a component arranged to receive electrical energy from an electrical energy source and supply thermal energy to an aerosol-generating material. A heating unit may include a heating element, which is typically a material arranged to supply heat to an aerosol-generating material when in use. A heating unit with a heating element may include any other components as needed, such as components for converting the electrical energy received by the heating unit. In another example, the heating element itself may be configured to convert electrical energy into thermal energy.

[0050] The heating unit may include an induction coil. In some examples, the coil is configured to cause heating of at least one conductive heating element, which in turn allows thermal energy to be conducted from at least one conductive heating element to the aerosol-generating material, thereby causing heating of the aerosol-generating material.

[0051] In some examples, a coil can be configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field that penetrates at least one heating element during use, thereby causing inductive heating and / or magnetic hysteresis heating of the at least one heating element. In such a configuration, the said or each heating element may be called a “susceptor.” A coil configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field that penetrates at least one conductive heating element during use, thereby causing inductive heating of the at least one conductive heating element, may be called an “induction coil” or “inductor coil.”

[0052] In some examples, the coil can be helical. In some examples, the coil can surround at least a portion of the heating section of an aerosol supply device configured to receive aerosol-generating material. In some examples, the coil is a helical coil surrounding at least a portion of the heating section.

[0053] It has been found that induction heating units within aerosol supply devices reach their maximum operating temperature much more rapidly than corresponding resistance heating elements. According to various embodiments, the aerosol supply device can be configured so that one or both heating units reach their maximum operating temperature at a rate of at least 100°C per second. In certain embodiments, the aerosol supply device can be configured so that one or both heating units reach their maximum operating temperature at a rate of at least 150°C per second.

[0054] Induction heating systems are of interest because the magnitude of the fluctuating magnetic field can be easily controlled by controlling the power supplied to the heating unit. Furthermore, since induction heating does not require a physical connection between the fluctuating magnetic field source and the heat source, it can increase design freedom and control over the heating profile and reduce costs.

[0055] The aerosol supply device may include a heating assembly. The heating assembly may include a first heating unit and a second heating unit.

[0056] The first and second heating units can constitute an induction heating unit, and these units can be controlled independently of each other. Heating the aerosol-generating material by independent heating units provides more precise control over the heating of the aerosol-generating material. Independently controllable heating units can also deliver thermal energy in different ways to different parts of the aerosol-generating material, resulting in different temperature profiles in those parts of the material.

[0057] According to various embodiments, the first and second heating units can be configured to have different temperature profiles when in use. This allows for asymmetric heating of the aerosol-generating material along the longitudinal plane between the inlet and distal ends of the aerosol supply device when the aerosol supply device is in use.

[0058] Alternatively, the first and second heating units can be configured to have substantially the same temperature profile during use. This allows for symmetrical heating of the aerosol-generating material along the longitudinal plane between the inlet and distal ends of the aerosol supply device when the aerosol supply device is in use.

[0059] Objects capable of induction heating are known as susceptors. If the susceptor contains a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, heat can also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses within the susceptor, i.e., by fluctuations in the orientation of magnetic dipoles within the magnetic material resulting from alignment with a fluctuating magnetic field. In induction heating, compared to, for example, conduction heating, heat is generated within the susceptor, enabling rapid heating. Furthermore, no physical contact is required between the induction heater and the susceptor, enhancing freedom in structure and application.

[0060] Throughout this book, the temperature of one or more heating units or heating elements may be referred to. It is also convenient that the temperature of a heating unit or heating element be referred to as the temperature of the heating unit comprising the heating element. This does not necessarily mean that the entire heating unit is at a given temperature. For example, when the temperature of an induction heating unit is referred to, this does not necessarily mean that both the induction element and the susceptor have such a temperature. Rather, in this example, the temperature of the induction heating unit corresponds to the temperature of the heating element provided within the induction heating unit. To avoid misunderstanding, the temperatures of heating elements and heating units can be used interchangeably.

[0061] In this book, "temperature profile" or "heating profile" refers to the temperature fluctuations of a material over time. For example, the temperature fluctuations of a heating element or heating unit measured over the duration of a smoking session can be called the temperature profile or heating profile of the heating element or heating unit. A heating element or heating unit generates aerosols by providing heat to an aerosol-generating material during use. Therefore, the temperature profile or heating profile of the heating element or heating unit induces the temperature profile of the aerosol-generating material placed near the heating element or heating unit.

[0062] In this document, "operating temperature" related to a heating element or heating unit refers to any heating element temperature at which the element can heat the aerosol-generating material to produce enough aerosol for a satisfactory puff without burning the aerosol-generating material. The maximum operating temperature of a heating element or heating unit is the highest temperature the heating element or heating unit reaches during a smoking session. The minimum operating temperature of a heating element or heating unit refers to the lowest heating element temperature at which the heating element or heating unit can produce enough aerosol from the aerosol-generating material to produce a satisfactory puff. If multiple heating elements or heating units are present in an aerosol supply device, each heating element or heating unit has its own maximum operating temperature. The maximum operating temperatures of each heating element or heating unit may be the same or may differ for each heating element or heating unit.

[0063] In an aerosol supply device according to one embodiment, each heating element or heating unit can be arranged to cause aerosol release from the aerosol-generating material in a non-combustion manner. The temperature profile or heating profile of each heating element or heating unit may induce the temperature profile of each relevant part of the aerosol-generating material, but the temperature profiles or heating profiles of the heating elements or heating units and the relevant parts of the aerosol-generating material may not correspond strictly. For example, depending on the heat capacity of the aerosol-generating material, "bleeding" may occur in the form of conduction, convection, and / or radiation of thermal energy from one part of the aerosol-generating material to another, and there may be fluctuations in the conduction, convection, and / or radiation of thermal energy from the heating elements or heating units to the aerosol-generating material, and there may be a lag between the change in the temperature profile of the heating elements or heating units and the change in the temperature profile of the aerosol-generating material.

[0064] An aerosol supply device may include a controller for controlling each heating unit present within the aerosol supply device. The controller may include a printed circuit board ("PCB"). The controller may be configured to control the power supplied to each heating unit and to control the "programmed heating profile" of each heating unit present within the aerosol supply device. For example, the controller may be programmed to control the current supplied to multiple inductors to control the resulting temperature profile or heating profile of the corresponding induction heating element or induction heating unit. The programmed heating profile of a heating element or heating unit may not strictly correspond to the observed temperature profile of the heating element or heating unit for the same reasons as described above, such as between the temperature profile of the heating element / unit and the temperature profile of the aerosol-generating material.

[0065] The term “operating temperature” can also be used in relation to aerosol-generating materials. In this case, the term refers to the temperature of the aerosol-generating material itself at which enough aerosol is produced to produce a satisfactory puff. The maximum operating temperature of the aerosol-generating material is the highest temperature reached by any part of the aerosol-generating material during a smoking session. In some embodiments, the maximum operating temperature of the aerosol-generating material is greater than 200°C, 210°C, 220°C, 230°C, 240°C, 250°C, 260°C, or 270°C. In some embodiments, the maximum operating temperature of the aerosol-generating material is less than 300°C, 290°C, 280°C, 270°C, 260°C, or 250°C. The minimum operating temperature is the lowest temperature of the aerosol-generating material at which enough aerosol is produced from the material to produce enough aerosol to produce a satisfactory “puff.” In some embodiments, the minimum operating temperature of the aerosol-generating material is greater than 90°C, 100°C, 110°C, 120°C, 130°C, 140°C, or 150°C. In some embodiments, the minimum operating temperature of the aerosol-generating material is 150°C, 140°C, 130°C, or below 120°C.

[0066] Various embodiments are disclosed that reduce the amount of time required to prepare an aerosol supply device for use, and more generally, improve the inhalation experience for the user. Surprisingly, it has been found that reducing the time it takes for the heating element or heating unit to reach its operating temperature can at least partially mitigate the "hot puff" phenomenon, which occurs when the generated aerosol contains a lot of moisture. Thus, aerosol supply devices according to various embodiments can supply consumers with inhalable aerosols that have better sensory properties than aerosols supplied by conventional aerosol supply devices that do not have a heating unit that reaches its maximum operating temperature so rapidly.

[0067] In some embodiments, the aerosol supply device is configured such that at least one heating element or heating unit within the device reaches its maximum operating temperature within 20 seconds, and the maximum operating temperature is a first temperature at which at least one heating unit is held for at least 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, or 20 seconds. That is, in these embodiments, the heating unit is not held at a temperature other than the maximum operating temperature until it reaches the maximum operating temperature.

[0068] In some embodiments, at least one heating unit reaches its maximum operating temperature from the ambient temperature within a given period of time.

[0069] The aerosol supply device can be configured to operate as described herein. The aerosol supply device can be configured, at least partially, to operate in this manner by a controller that can be programmed to operate the device in one or more different modes. Therefore, in this document, references to the configuration of the aerosol supply device or its components may refer, among other features (such as the spatial arrangement of heating units), to a controller programmed to operate the aerosol supply device disclosed herein.

[0070] Aerosol products for aerosol supply devices (such as tobacco heating products) typically contain more water and / or aerosol-generating agents than combustible tobacco products to facilitate aerosol formation during use. This higher water and / or aerosol-generating agent content may increase the risk of condensation buildup within the aerosol supply device during use, particularly away from the heating unit. This problem may be more pronounced in aerosol supply devices with enclosed heating chambers, and especially in devices with external heaters, than in devices with internal heaters (such as "blade" heaters). While we do not wish to be constrained by theory, it is thought that external heating assemblies heat a larger proportion / surface area of ​​the aerosol-generating material, thus releasing more aerosols than in aerosol supply devices that heat the aerosol-generating material internally, leading to more aerosol condensation within the aerosol supply device.

[0071] By using various programmed heating profiles within an aerosol supply device configured to heat the aerosol-generating material externally and / or internally, it is possible to supply a desired amount of aerosol to the user while keeping the amount of aerosol condensing within the aerosol supply device relatively low. For example, the maximum operating temperature of the heating unit can affect the amount of condensation formed. A lower maximum operating temperature can result in less undesirable condensation. The difference between the maximum operating temperatures of the heating units in the heating assembly can also affect the amount of condensation formed. Furthermore, the point at which each heating unit reaches its maximum operating temperature during a usage session can affect the amount of condensation formed.

[0072] During use, the aerosol supply device can heat the aerosol-generating material to supply an inhalable aerosol. The aerosol supply device can be said to be "ready for use" when at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material reaches the minimum operating temperature, and the user can inhale a puff containing a satisfactory amount of aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol supply device can become ready for use within about 20 seconds, or within 15 seconds, 10 seconds, or 5 seconds, after power is supplied to one or both heating units. The aerosol supply device can become ready for use within about 20 seconds, or within 15 seconds, 10 seconds, or 5 seconds, after the device is started. The aerosol supply device can start supplying power to heating units, such as a first heating unit or a second heating unit, when the device is started, or can start supplying power to heating units after the aerosol supply device is started. The aerosol supply device can be configured to begin supplying power to one heating unit or to that heating unit some time after the aerosol supply device has been activated, such as at least 1, 2, or 3 seconds after the aerosol supply device has been activated. The aerosol supply device can also be configured to not supply power to one of the heating units or any heating units present in the heating assembly until at least 2.5 seconds after the aerosol supply device has been activated. This can extend battery life by avoiding unintended activation of the heating units.

[0073] The aerosol supply device can be ready for use more quickly than corresponding aerosol supply devices known in the art, providing an improved user experience. Generally, it takes some time for sufficient thermal energy to be transferred from the heating unit to the aerosol-generating material to produce an aerosol, so the aerosol supply device is ready for use some time after one of the heating units reaches its maximum operating temperature. The aerosol supply device can be ready for use within 20 seconds, or 15 seconds, 10 seconds, or 5 seconds after one of the heating units reaches its maximum operating temperature.

[0074] In some embodiments, the user's sensory experience resulting from the aerosol generated by the device is similar to the experience of smoking a flammable cigarette, such as a factory-made cigarette.

[0075] The aerosol supply device can indicate, via an indicator, that it is ready for use. In one embodiment, the aerosol supply device may be configured so that the indicator indicates that the aerosol supply device is ready for use within approximately 20 seconds, or within 15 seconds, 10 seconds, or 5 seconds, after power is supplied to one of the heating units. In a particular embodiment, the aerosol supply device may be configured so that the indicator indicates that the aerosol supply device is ready for use within approximately 20 seconds, or within 15 seconds, 10 seconds, or 5 seconds, after the device is started up. In another embodiment, the device is configured so that the indicator indicates that the device is ready for use within approximately 20 seconds, or within 15 seconds, or 10 seconds, after the first heating unit reaches its maximum operating temperature.

[0076] In this book, "puff" refers to a single inhalation by a user of an aerosol generated by an aerosol supply device.

[0077] In this document, a "usage session" refers to a single period of use of an aerosol supply device by a user. A usage session begins when power is first supplied to at least one heating unit within the heating assembly. After a certain period has elapsed since the start of the usage session, the device is ready for use.

[0078] A usage session can be terminated when power is no longer supplied to any of the heating units in the aerosol supply device. The termination of a usage session can coincide with the point when the aerosol product is exhausted (the point at which the total particulate matter yield (mg) in each puff is considered unacceptably low by the user). A session may consist of multiple puffs. A session may have a duration of 7 minutes, or 6 minutes, or 5 minutes, or 4 minutes 30 seconds, or less than 4 minutes, or 3 minutes 30 seconds. In some embodiments, a usage session may have a duration of 2 to 5 minutes, or 3 to 4.5 minutes, or 3.5 to 4.5 minutes, or about 4 minutes. A session can be started by the user activating a button or switch on the device, and at startup or some time after startup, the temperature of at least one heating unit begins to rise.

[0079] A usage session can be determined to begin when power or energy is first supplied to the heating unit after the aerosol product has been inserted into the aerosol supply device. A usage session can also be determined to begin when power or energy is first supplied to one or more heating units to raise the temperature of one or more heating units to the operating temperature Tmin so that the user can inhale the first puff of aerosol produced from the aerosol generating material. According to various embodiments, Tmin can be within the range of (i) 200-210°C, (ii) 210-220°C, (iii) 220-230°C, (iv) 230-240°C, (v) 240-250°C, (vi) 250-260°C, (vii) 260-270°C, (viii) 270-280°C, (ix) 280-290°C, and (x) 290-300°C.

[0080] A session may be deemed to have ended when power or energy is no longer supplied to one or more heating units. A session may also be deemed to have ended when the aerosol generating material is substantially depleted, or when the user is unable to inhale any further puffs of aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material.

[0081] A usage session can be determined to be related to a period during which the user can inhale multiple puffs of aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material without replacing or replenishing the aerosol generating material.

[0082] In some embodiments, the aerosol supply device can be configured to operate in at least a first (e.g., basic) operating mode and a second (e.g., boost) operating mode.

[0083] The heating assembly can operate in up to two operating modes, or in three or more modes, such as three, four, or five modes.

[0084] Each operating mode may be associated with a predetermined heating profile for each heating unit in the heating assembly, such as a programmed heating profile. One or more of these programmed heating profiles can be programmed and selected by the user. In addition or by alternative means, one or more of the programmed heating profiles can be programmed by the manufacturer. In these examples, one or more programmed heating profiles can be fixed so that the end user cannot change one or more of the programmed heating profiles.

[0085] The operating mode can be selected by the user. For example, the user can select a desired operating mode by interacting with the user interface. Power supply to the first heating unit can be started substantially simultaneously with the selection of the desired operating mode.

[0086] Each mode may be associated with a different temperature profile than the other modes. Furthermore, one or more modes may be associated with different points in time when the device is ready for use. For example, a heating assembly may be configured such that in a first mode, the device is ready for use a first period after the start of a usage session, and in a second mode, the device is ready for use a second period after the start of that session. The first period may be different from the second period.

[0087] In some examples, the heating assembly is configured to be ready for use of the aerosol supply device within 30, 25, 20, or 15 seconds after power is supplied to the heating unit when operating in the first mode. The heating assembly can also be configured to be ready for use of the aerosol supply device in a shorter time when operating in the second mode, within 25, 20, 15, or 10 seconds after power is supplied to the heating unit when operating in the second mode.

[0088] In certain embodiments, the aerosol supply device may be configured so that an indicator shows that the aerosol supply device is ready to use within 20 seconds of selecting a first (e.g., basic) mode and within 10 seconds of selecting a second (e.g., boost) mode.

[0089] Providing aerosol delivery devices, such as tobacco heating products, with heating assemblies capable of operating in multiple modes (e.g., basic mode and boost mode) gives consumers more choices, especially when each mode is associated with a different maximum heater temperature. Furthermore, such aerosol delivery devices can provide different aerosols with different characteristics because volatile components in the aerosol-generating material volatilize at different rates and concentrations at different heater temperatures. This allows users to select a specific mode based on desired characteristics of the inhalable aerosol, such as the degree of tobacco flavor, nicotine concentration, and aerosol temperature. For example, a mode that allows the aerosol delivery device to be ready for use more quickly (e.g., a second or "boost" mode) can provide a faster first puff, a higher nicotine content per puff, or a more concentrated flavor per puff. Conversely, a mode that allows the aerosol delivery device to be ready for use at a later point in the usage session (e.g., a first or basic mode) can provide a longer overall usage session, a lower nicotine content per puff, and a more sustained flavor delivery.

[0090] In embodiments where the aerosol delivery device is ready for use more quickly in a second (e.g., boost) mode, and / or where the first and / or second heating units have a higher maximum operating temperature in the second mode, the second mode may be referred to as the “boost” mode. Various embodiments provide an aerosol delivery device capable of operating in a first “normal” mode or “basic” mode and a second “boost” mode. The “boost” mode can provide a faster first puff, or a higher nicotine content per puff, or a more concentrated flavor per puff.

[0091] An aerosol supply device can have up to two aerosol generators. In other examples, an aerosol supply device can have three or more independently controllable aerosol generators, such as three, four, or five independently controllable aerosol generators.

[0092] As discussed above in this book, in some embodiments, at least one of the aerosol generators provided within the heating assembly may include an induction heating unit. In these embodiments, the heating unit includes an inductor (e.g., one or more inductor coils), and the aerosol supply device may be arranged to pass a fluctuating current, such as an alternating current, through the inductor. The fluctuating current in the inductor generates a fluctuating magnetic field. When the inductor and the heating element are suitably positioned relative to each other so that the fluctuating magnetic field generated by the inductor penetrates the heating element, one or more eddy currents are generated within the heating element. The heating element has resistance to the flow of current, and therefore, when such eddy currents are generated within an object, the object is heated by Joule heating due to the flow of current against the electrical resistance of the object. It is convenient that supplying a fluctuating magnetic field to a susceptor can mean supplying energy to the susceptor.

[0093] An aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol supply device described in this document in combination with an aerosol product is disclosed.

[0094] The aerosol supply device may include a non-combustion device or tobacco heating product ("THP") that heats the tobacco material without burning it.

[0095] The aerosol supply device or aerosol generation device will be described in more detail below.

[0096] Figure 1A shows an induction heating assembly 100 of an aerosol supply device, given for illustrative purposes to illustrate various embodiments of a non-combustion heated aerosol supply device. Figure 1B shows a cross-sectional view of the induction heating assembly 100 of the device. In alternative embodiments, the heating assembly may constitute a resistance heating assembly, and the aerosol generator comprises one or more electrical resistance heaters. According to one embodiment, one or more electrical resistance heaters may comprise windings or thin films of electrical resistance wire. The windings or thin films of electrical resistance wire may be provided as tubular structures surrounding the aerosol product.

[0097] The heating assembly 100 has a first end or proximal end or mouthpiece end 102 and a second end or distal end 104. When in use, the user inhales the formed aerosol from the mouthpiece end of the aerosol supply device. The mouthpiece end can be an open end.

[0098] The heating assembly 100 comprises a first induction heating unit 110 and a second induction heating unit 120. The first induction heating unit 110 comprises a first inductor coil 112 and a first heating element 114. The second induction heating unit 120 comprises a second inductor coil 122 and a second heating element 124.

[0099] Figures 1A and 1B show the aerosol product 130 received within the susceptor 140 (see Figure 1B). The susceptor 140 forms a first induction heating element 114 and a second induction heating element 124. The susceptor 140 can be formed from any material suitable for induction heating. For example, the susceptor 140 may include a metal. In some embodiments, the susceptor 140 may include non-ferrous metals such as copper, nickel, titanium, aluminum, tin, or zinc, and / or iron materials such as iron, nickel, or cobalt. Additionally or alternatively, the susceptor 140 may include semiconductors such as silicon carbide, carbon, or graphite.

[0100] Each induction heating element present within the aerosol supply device can have any preferred shape. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1B, induction heating elements 114 and 124 define a receptacle that surrounds the aerosol product and heats it from the outside. In other embodiments (not shown), one or more induction heating elements can be substantially elongated and positioned to penetrate the aerosol product and heat it from the inside.

[0101] As shown in Figure 1B, the first induction heating element 114 and the second induction heating element 124 can be provided together as a single element 140. That is, in some embodiments, there is no physical distinction between the first heating element 114 and the second heating element 124. Rather, the different characteristics between the first aerosol generator 110 and the second aerosol generator 120 are defined by separate inductor coils 112 and 122 surrounding each induction heating element 114 and 124, and can therefore be controlled independently of each other. In other embodiments (not shown), physically different induction heating elements can also be used.

[0102] The first inductor coil 112 and the second inductor coil 122 can be made from a conductive material. In this example, the first inductor coil 112 and the second inductor coil 122 are made from Litz wire / cable wound in a spiral shape to provide helical inductor coils 112, 122. Litz wire consists of multiple individual wires, which are individually insulated and twisted together to form a single wire. Litz wire is designed to reduce skin effect losses of conductors. In the exemplary induction heating assembly 100, the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 are made from copper Litz wire having a circular cross-section. In other examples, Litz wire may have other cross-sectional shapes, such as square.

[0103] The first inductor coil 112 is configured to generate a first fluctuating magnetic field for heating the first induction heating element 114, and the second inductor coil 122 is configured to generate a second fluctuating magnetic field for heating a second section of the susceptor 124. Together, the first inductor coil 112 and the first induction heating element 114 form the first induction heating unit 110. Similarly, together, the second inductor coil 122 and the second induction heating element 124 form the second induction heating unit 120.

[0104] In this example, the first inductor coil 112 is adjacent to the second inductor coil 122 in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the device heating assembly 100 (i.e., the first and second inductor coils 112 and 122 do not overlap). The susceptor assembly 140 can constitute a single susceptor. The ends 150 of the first and second inductor coils 112 and 122 can be connected to a controller (not shown), such as a PCB. In this embodiment, the controller constitutes a PID controller (proportional-integral-derivative controller).

[0105] The fluctuating magnetic field generates eddy currents within the first induction heating element 114, thereby supplying alternating current to the coil 112 and rapidly heating the first induction heating element 114 to its maximum operating temperature within a short period, for example, within 20, 15, 12, 10, 5, or 2 seconds. Placing the first induction heating unit 110, which is configured to rapidly reach its maximum operating temperature, closer to the inlet end 102 of the heating assembly 100 than the second induction heating unit 120 can mean that an acceptable aerosol is provided to the user as soon as possible after the start of the usage session.

[0106] It will be understood that in some examples, the first inductor coil 112 and the second inductor coil 122 may have at least one characteristic that is different from each other. For example, the first inductor coil 112 may have at least one characteristic that is different from the second inductor coil 122. More specifically, in one example, the first inductor coil 112 may have a different inductance value than the second inductor coil 122. In Figures 1A and 1B, the first inductor coil 112 and the second inductor coil 122 are of different lengths such that the first inductor coil 112 is wound over a smaller section of the susceptor 140 than the second inductor coil 122. Thus, the first inductor coil 112 may contain a different number of turns than the second inductor coil 122 (assuming the spacing between individual turns is substantially the same). In yet another example, the first inductor coil 112 may be made from a different material than the second inductor coil 122. In some examples, the first inductor coil 112 and the second inductor coil 122 can be substantially identical.

[0107] In this example, the first inductor coil 112 and the second inductor coil 122 are wound in the same direction. However, in another embodiment, the inductor coils 112 and 122 can be wound in opposite directions. This can be useful when the inductor coils are active at different times. For example, the first inductor coil 112 may initially operate to heat the first induction heating element 114, and later the second inductor coil 122 may operate to heat the second induction heating element 124. Winding the coils in opposite directions helps to reduce the current induced in the inactive coil when used with certain types of control circuits. In one example, the first inductor coil 112 may be a clockwise helix and the second inductor coil 122 may be a counterclockwise helix. In another example, the first inductor coil 112 may be a counterclockwise helix and the second inductor coil 122 may be a clockwise helix.

[0108] The coils 112 and 122 can have any preferred geometry. While we do not wish to be constrained by theory, configuring the induction heating element to be smaller (e.g., smaller pitch spiral, fewer turns in the spiral, shorter overall length of the spiral) can increase the speed at which the induction heating element can reach its maximum operating temperature. In some embodiments, the first coil 112 may have a length of less than about 20 mm, less than 18 mm, less than 16 mm, or about 14 mm in the longitudinal direction of the heating assembly 100. The first coil 112 may have a shorter length than the second coil 124 in the longitudinal direction of the heating assembly 100. Such configurations can provide asymmetric heating of the aerosol product along the length of the aerosol product.

[0109] In this example, the susceptor 140 is hollow and thus defines a receptacle that receives the aerosol-generating material. For example, article 130 can be inserted into the susceptor 140. In this example, the susceptor 140 is tubular and has a circular cross-section.

[0110] The induction heating elements 114 and 124 surround the aerosol product 130 and are arranged to heat the aerosol product 130 from the outside. The aerosol supply device is configured such that when the aerosol product 130 is received into the susceptor 140, the outer surface of the article 130 contacts the inner surface of the susceptor 140. This ensures that heating is most efficient. The article 130 in this example includes an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material is placed inside the susceptor 140. The article 130 may also comprise other components such as a filter, packaging material, and / or a cooling structure.

[0111] The heating assembly 100 is not limited to two aerosol generators. In some examples, the heating assembly 100 may have three, four, five, six, or seven or more aerosol generators. Each of these aerosol generators can be controlled independently of other aerosol generators present in the heating assembly 100.

[0112] Referring to Figures 2A and 2B, a partial cross-sectional view and perspective view of an example of aerosol product 200 are shown. The aerosol product 200 shown in Figures 2A and 2B corresponds to the aerosol product 130 shown in Figure 1.

[0113] The aerosol product 200 can be in any shape suitable for use with an aerosol supply device. The aerosol product 130 can be in the form of a cartridge, cassette, or rod that can be inserted into the device, or can be provided as part thereof. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1A, 1B, and 2, the aerosol product 130 is in the form of a substantially cylindrical rod and includes a smoking material body 202 and a rod-shaped filter assembly 204. The filter assembly 204 includes three segments, namely a cooling segment 206, a filter segment 208, and a mouthpiece end segment 210. The article 200 has a first end 212, also known as the mouthpiece end or proximal end, and a second end 214, also known as the distal end. The aerosol generating material body 202 is located toward the distal end 214 of the article 200. In one example, the cooling segment 206 is located adjacent to the aerosol-generating material 202 between the aerosol-generating material 202 and the filter segment 208, and therefore the cooling segment 206 is in contact with both the aerosol-generating material 202 and the filter segment 208. In other examples, separations can be provided between the aerosol-generating material 202 and the cooling segment 206, and between the aerosol-generating material 202 and the filter segment 208. The filter segment 208 is located between the cooling segment 206 and the mouthpiece end segment 210. The mouthpiece end segment 210 is located adjacent to the filter segment 208 toward the proximal end 212 of the article 200. In one example, the filter segment 208 is in contact with the mouthpiece end segment 210. In one embodiment, the total length of the filter assembly 204 is 37 mm to 45 mm, and the total length of the filter assembly 204 is 41 mm.

[0114] When in use, portions 202a and 202b of the aerosol-generating material 202 can correspond to the first induction heating element 114 and the second induction heating element 124 of portion 100 shown in Figure 1B, respectively.

[0115] The smoking material may have multiple parts 202a, 202b corresponding to multiple induction heating elements present in the aerosol supply device. For example, the aerosol product 200 may have a first part 202a corresponding to a first induction heating element 114 and a second part 202b corresponding to a second induction heating element 124. These parts 202a, 202b may exhibit different temperature profiles during a usage session, and the temperature profiles of parts 202a, 202b may be derived from the temperature profiles of the first induction heating element 114 and the second induction heating element 124, respectively.

[0116] When there are multiple portions 202a, 202b of the aerosol-generating material 202, any number of substrate portions 202a, 202b can have substantially the same composition. In a particular example, all of the substrate portions 202a, 202b have substantially the same composition. In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating material 202 is a single continuum, and there is no physical separation between the first portion 202a and the second portion 202b, and the first and second portions have substantially the same composition.

[0117] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating material 202 contains tobacco. However, in each of the other embodiments, the smoking material 202 may consist of tobacco, may consist substantially entirely of tobacco, may contain tobacco and aerosol-generating materials other than tobacco, may contain aerosol-generating materials other than tobacco, or may be tobacco-free. The aerosol-generating material may include an aerosol-generating agent such as glycerol.

[0118] In certain embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may include one or more tobacco components, filler components, adhesives, and aerosol-generating agents.

[0119] The filler component can be any suitable inorganic filler material. Suitable inorganic filler materials include, but are not limited to, calcium carbonate (i.e., chalk), perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium carbonate, and suitable inorganic adsorbents such as molecular sieves. Calcium carbonate is particularly preferred. In some cases, the filler includes organic materials such as wood pulp, cellulose, and cellulose derivatives.

[0120] The adhesive can be any suitable adhesive. In some embodiments, the adhesive comprises one or more of alginic acid, cellulose or modified cellulose, polysaccharides, starch or modified starch, and natural gum.

[0121] Suitable adhesives include, but are not limited to, alginates containing any suitable cation such as sodium alginate, calcium alginate, and potassium alginate; cellulose or modified cellulose such as hydroxypropyl cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose; polysaccharides such as starch or modified starch; pectin salts containing any suitable cation such as sodium pectinate, potassium, calcium, or magnesium; xanthan gum; guar gum; and any other suitable natural gums.

[0122] The adhesive can be included in the aerosol-generating material in any suitable amount and concentration.

[0123] An "aerosol-generating agent" is an agent that promotes aerosol formation. Aerosol-generating agents can promote aerosol formation by facilitating initial vaporization and / or condensation of gas into inhalable solid and / or liquid aerosols. In some embodiments, aerosol-generating agents can improve flavor delivery from aerosol products.

[0124] In general, any one or more suitable aerosol-generating agents may be included in the aerosol-generating material. Suitable aerosol-generating agents include, but are not limited to, sorbitol, glycerol, and polyols such as glycols such as propylene glycol or triethylene glycol, non-polyols such as monohydric alcohols, high-boiling hydrocarbons, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as diacetin, triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, or myristic acid including ethyl myristate and isopropyl myristate, and aliphatic carboxylic acid esters such as methyl stearate, dimethyl dodecanediate, and dimethyl tetradecanediate.

[0125] In certain embodiments, the aerosol-generating material comprises 60 to 90% by weight of tobacco components, 0 to 20% by weight of filler components, and 10 to 20% by weight of aerosol-generating agent. The tobacco components may include 70 to 100% by weight of recycled tobacco.

[0126] In one example, the aerosol-generating material 202 has a length of 34 mm to 50 mm, optionally a length of 38 mm to 46 mm, and optionally a length of 42 mm.

[0127] For example, the total length of item 200 is 71mm to 95mm, optionally 79mm to 87mm, and optionally 83mm.

[0128] The axial end of the aerosol-generating material 202 can be seen at the distal end 214 of the article 200. However, in other embodiments, the distal end 214 of the article 200 may include an end member (not shown) that covers the axial end of the aerosol-generating material 202.

[0129] The aerosol-generating material 202 is bonded to the filter assembly 204 by annular chip paper (not shown), which is substantially located around the circumference of the filter assembly 204 and extends partially along the length of the aerosol-generating material 202. In one example, the chip paper is made from 58GSM standard chip base paper. In one example, the chip paper has a length of 42mm to 50mm, and optionally, the chip paper has a length of 46mm.

[0130] In one example, the cooling segment 206 is an annular tube, positioned around and defining a void within the cooling segment. The void provides a chamber for heated volatile components generated from the aerosol-generating material 202 to flow. The cooling segment 206 is hollow and provides a chamber for aerosol accumulation that is still rigid enough to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during the use of the article 200 during manufacturing and insertion into the device 100. In one example, the wall thickness of the cooling segment 206 is approximately 0.29 mm.

[0131] The cooling segment 206 provides a physical displacement between the aerosol-generating material 202 and the filter segment 208. The physical displacement provided by the cooling segment 206 provides a thermal gradient along the length of the cooling segment 206. In one example, the cooling segment 3206 is configured to provide a temperature difference of at least 40°C between the heated volatile components entering the first end of the cooling segment 206 and the heated volatile components exiting the second end of the cooling segment 206. In another example, the cooling segment 206 is configured to provide a temperature difference of at least 60°C between the heated volatile components entering the first end of the cooling segment 206 and the heated volatile components exiting the second end of the cooling segment 206. This temperature difference along the length of the cooling element 206 protects the temperature-sensitive filter segment 308 from the high temperature of the aerosol-generating material 202 when heated by the heating assembly 100 of the device aerosol supply device. If no physical displacement is provided between the filter segment 208 and the aerosol-generating material 202 and the heating elements 114 and 124 of the heating assembly 100, the temperature-sensitive filter segment 208 may be damaged during use and therefore should not effectively perform its required function.

[0132] In one example, the length of the cooling segment 206 is at least 15 mm. In another example, the length of the cooling segment 206 is 20 mm to 30 mm, more specifically 23 mm to 27 mm, more specifically 25 mm to 27 mm, and more specifically 25 mm.

[0133] The cooling segment 206 is made from paper, which means that the cooling segment 206 is composed of a material that does not produce problematic compounds, such as toxic compounds, when it is adjacent to the heating assembly 100 of the aerosol supply device during use. In one example, the cooling segment 206 is manufactured from a helical-wound paper tube that maintains mechanical rigidity while providing a hollow internal chamber. The helical-wound paper tube can meet the strict dimensional accuracy requirements of a high-speed manufacturing process regarding the length, outer diameter, roundness, and straightness of the tube.

[0134] In another example, the cooling segment 206 is a recess made from a rigid plug wrap or tip paper. The rigid plug wrap or tip paper is manufactured to be rigid enough to withstand the axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during the manufacturing process and while the article 200 is in use during insertion into the device 100.

[0135] In each example of cooling segment 206, the dimensional accuracy of the cooling segment is sufficient to meet the dimensional accuracy requirements of the high-speed manufacturing process.

[0136] The filter segment 208 can be formed from any filter material sufficient to remove one or more volatile compounds from the heated volatile components of the smoking material. In one example, the filter segment 208 is made from a monoacetic acid material such as cellulose acetate. The filter segment 208 provides cooling and irritation reduction from heated volatile components without depleting the amount of heated volatile components to a level unsatisfactory to the user.

[0137] The density of the cellulose acetate tow material in the filter segment 208 controls the pressure drop in the filter segment 208, thereby controlling the suction resistance of article 200. Therefore, the selection of the material for the filter segment 208 is important in controlling the suction resistance of article 200. In addition, the filter segment 208 performs a filtration function within article 200.

[0138] For example, filter segment 208 is made from 8Y15 grade filter tow material, such material provides a filtering effect on heated volatile materials while also reducing the size of condensed aerosol droplets caused by the heated volatile materials, thereby reducing the irritation and throat effects of heated volatile materials to a satisfactory level.

[0139] The presence of the filter segment 208 provides insulation by providing further cooling to the heated volatile components leaving the cooling segment 206. This further cooling reduces the contact temperature of the user's lips with the surface of the filter segment 208.

[0140] One or more flavors can be added to the filter segment 208 by direct injection of a flavored liquid into the filter segment 208, or by embedding or placing one or more flavored, destructible capsules or other flavor carriers in the cellulose acetate tow of the filter segment 208.

[0141] In one example, filter segment 208 has a length of 6mm to 10mm, with an optional length of 8mm.

[0142] The suction end segment 210 is an annular tube that is positioned around and defines a void within the suction end segment 210. The void provides a chamber for heated volatile components flowing from the filter segment 208. The suction end segment 210 is hollow and provides a chamber for aerosol accumulation that is still rigid enough to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during use of the article during manufacturing and insertion into the device 100. In one example, the wall thickness of the suction end segment 210 is approximately 0.29 mm.

[0143] In one example, the length of the mouthpiece end segment 210 is 6mm to 10mm, with an optional length of 8mm. In another example, the thickness of the mouthpiece end segment is 0.29mm.

[0144] The suction end segment 210 can be manufactured from a helical-wound paper tube that maintains critical mechanical rigidity while providing a hollow internal chamber. The helical-wound paper tube can meet the strict dimensional accuracy requirements of high-speed manufacturing processes regarding tube length, outer diameter, roundness, and straightness.

[0145] The inlet end segment 210 provides a function to prevent any liquid condensation that accumulates at the outlet of the filter segment 208 from coming into direct contact with the user.

[0146] In one example, the intake end segment 210 and the cooling segment 206 can be formed from a single tube, and the filter segment 208 is located within that tube to separate the intake end segment 210 and the cooling segment 206.

[0147] A ventilation region 216 is provided within the article 200 to allow air to flow from the outside of the article 200 into the inside of the article 200. In one example, the ventilation region 216 takes the form of one or more ventilation holes 216 formed through the outer layer of the article 200. The ventilation holes may be located within a cooling segment 206 to assist in the cooling of the article 200. In one example, the ventilation region 216 comprises one or more rows of holes, and optionally, the holes in each row are arranged circumferentially around the article 200 in a cross section substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the article 200.

[0148] In one example, there are 1 to 4 rows of ventilation holes to provide ventilation to the article 200. Each row of ventilation holes may have 12 to 36 ventilation holes 216. The ventilation holes 216 may have a diameter of, for example, 100 to 500 μm. In one example, the axial separation between rows of ventilation holes 216 is 0.25 mm to 0.75 mm, and optionally the axial separation between rows of ventilation holes 216 is 0.5 mm.

[0149] In one example, the vents 216 are of uniform size. In another example, the vents 216 are of varying size. The vents can be made using one or more of any preferred techniques, such as laser technology, mechanical perforation of the cooling segments 206, or pre-perforation of the cooling segments 206 before they are formed in the article 200. The vents 216 are positioned to provide effective cooling to the article 200.

[0150] In one example, the row of ventilation holes 216 is positioned at least 11 mm away from the proximal end 212 of the article, and optionally the ventilation holes are positioned 17 mm to 20 mm away from the proximal end 212 of the article 200. The position of the ventilation holes 216 is arranged so that the user does not block the ventilation holes 216 while the article 200 is in use.

[0151] By positioning the row of vents 17mm to 20mm from the proximal end 212 of the article 200, the vents 216 can be positioned outside the device 100 when the article 200 is fully inserted into the device 100, as can be seen in Figure 1. Positioning the vents outside the device allows unheated air to enter the article 200 from outside the device 100 through the vents, assisting in the cooling of the article 200.

[0152] The length of the cooling segment 206 is such that when the article 200 is fully inserted into the device 100, the cooling segment 206 is partially inserted into the device 100. The length of the cooling segment 206 provides a first function: to provide a physical gap between the heater component and the thermal filter component 208 of the device 100, and a second function: to allow the vent 216 to be located both inside the cooling segment and outside the device 100 when the article 200 is fully inserted into the device 100. As can be seen in Figure 1, the majority of the cooling element 206 is located inside the device 100. However, a portion of the cooling element 206 extends from the device 100. The vent 216 is located in this portion of the cooling element 206 that extends from the device 100.

[0153] Figure 3 shows the temperature profile 300 of a first heating element in an aerosol supply device, such as the first induction heating element 114 shown in Figure 1B during an exemplary usage session 302. The temperature profile 300 preferably refers to the temperature profile of the first induction heating element 114 in any operating mode of the heating assembly. The temperature profile 300 of the first heating element 114 is measured by a suitable temperature sensor located on the first heating element 114. Suitable temperature sensors include thermocouples, thermopiles, or resistance temperature detectors (RTDs, also known as resistance thermometers). In certain embodiments, the device comprises at least one RTD. In one embodiment, the device comprises thermocouples located on each heating element 114, 124 present in the aerosol supply device. Temperature data measured by the said or each temperature sensor can be communicated to a controller. Furthermore, when the heating elements 114, 124 reach a predetermined temperature, temperature data can be communicated to the controller, and the controller can therefore change the power supply to the elements in the aerosol supply device accordingly. Optionally, the controller may be configured as a PID (proportional-integral-derivative) controller that uses a control loop feedback mechanism to control the temperature of heating elements based on data supplied from one or more temperature sensors located within the device. In one embodiment, the controller includes a PID controller configured to control the temperature of each heating element based on temperature data supplied from thermocouples located on each of the heating elements.

[0154] An operation session 302 begins 304 when the device is activated, and the controller controls the device to supply energy to at least the first induction heating unit 110. The device can be activated by a user, for example, by operating a push button or by inhalation from the device. Actuators for use with the aerosol supply device are known to those skilled in the art. In the context of a heating assembly comprising induction heating means, an operation session begins when the controller commands the inductors (such as the first coil 112 and the second coil 122) to supply a fluctuating current, and thus a fluctuating magnetic field to the induction heating element, thereby generating a temperature rise in the induction heating element. As described above in this book, it is convenient that this can be called "supplying energy to the induction heating unit."

[0155] The termination of a session 302 occurs when the controller instructs the elements within the aerosol supply device to stop supplying energy to all aerosol generators present within the aerosol supply device. In the context of a heating assembly with inductive aerosol generators, a session ends when the supply of fluctuating current to any of the inductive heating elements provided within the heating assembly stops, and therefore the supply of any fluctuating magnetic field to the inductive heating elements stops.

[0156] At the start of a smoking session 302, the temperature of the first heating element rapidly increases until it reaches the maximum operating temperature 308. According to various embodiments, the time 310 required to reach the maximum operating temperature 308 can be called the “rise” period and has a duration of less than 20 seconds.

[0157] The temperature of the first heating element can optionally decrease from the maximum operating temperature 308 to a lower temperature 314 at time 312 after the usage session. If the temperature decreases from the maximum operating temperature 308 at time 302 after the usage session, the temperature 314 at which the first heating element decreases is preferably the operating temperature. The operating temperature 314 at which the first heating element decreases can preferably be called the "second operating temperature" 314. Optionally, the temperature of the first heating element does not decrease below the minimum operating temperature of the first heating element until the end of usage session 302 306. The first heating element remains at or above the second operating temperature 314 until the end of usage session 302 306.

[0158] In embodiments where the heating assembly is capable of operating in multiple modes (e.g., a base mode and a boost mode), the temperature of the first heating element can be reduced from a maximum operating temperature 308 to a second operating temperature 314 in at least one of those modes. Optionally, the temperature of the first heating element can be reduced from a maximum operating temperature 308 to a second operating temperature 314 in all operating modes. To avoid misunderstanding, the maximum operating temperature 308 and the second operating temperature 314 of the first heating element may differ from mode to mode.

[0159] In some examples, the second operating temperature 314 is 180–240°C. When the heating assembly is capable of operating in multiple modes, the second operating temperature 314 in at least one operating mode can be 180–240°C. Optionally, the second operating temperature 314 in all operating modes can be 180–240°C. Optionally, the second operating temperature 314 is at least 220°C. In some examples, the first heating element or aerosol generator remains above the second operating temperature 314 in all operating modes until the end of the usage session. While not intended to be constrained by theory, configuring the heating assembly so that the first heating element does not drop below 220°C until the end of the usage session 220 can at least partially prevent condensation of the first portion of the aerosol product during the usage session and / or reduce the suction resistance provided by the first portion of the aerosol product.

[0160] In these embodiments, the first heating element can remain at or substantially near its maximum operating temperature for at least 25%, 50%, or 75% of the session. For example, the first heating element can remain at its maximum operating temperature for a first duration of use, then decrease to a second operating temperature, and remain at a second operating temperature for a second duration of use, where the first duration is at least 25%, 50%, or 75% of the session. The first duration can be longer or shorter than the second duration. Optionally, in at least one operating mode, the first duration is longer than the second duration. In this example, the ratio of the first duration to the second duration can be 1.1:1 to 7:1, 1.5:1 to 5:1, 2:1 to 3:1, or approximately 2.5:1.

[0161] In certain embodiments, the device can operate in multiple modes, and the ratios listed above apply to the first operating mode. In the second operating mode, the first duration can be longer or shorter than the second duration. Optionally, the second duration is longer than the first duration. Therefore, one embodiment is a device configured such that in the first operating mode, the first duration is longer than the second duration, but in the second operating mode, the second duration is longer than the first duration. In one embodiment, in the second operating mode, the ratio of the second duration to the first duration can be 1.1:1 to 5:1, 1.2 to 2:1, or 1.3:1 to 1.4:1. In another embodiment, in the second operating mode, the ratio of the second duration to the first duration can be 2:1 to 12:1, or 2.5:1 to 11:1. In particular, this ratio can be 3:1 to 4:1, or alternatively, 8:1 to 10:1. This embodiment can be particularly suitable for reducing the amount of condensation that forms within the device during a usage session.

[0162] We determined that operating the first heating element at its maximum operating temperature for a larger portion of the usage session helps reduce the amount of condensation that builds up inside the device during use. This effect can be particularly pronounced in so-called "boost" operating modes, where the heating unit operates at a higher maximum operating temperature during shorter usage sessions.

[0163] The maximum operating temperature 308 can be approximately 200°C to 300°C, or 210°C to 290°C, or 220°C to 280°C, or 230°C to 270°C, or 240°C to 260°C.

[0164] Figure 4 shows the temperature profile 400 of the second heating element when it is located within an aerosol supply device such as the second induction heating element 124 shown in Figure 1B during an exemplary smoking session 402. Smoking session 402 corresponds to smoking session 302 shown in Figure 3.

[0165] Figure 4 shows the temperature profile 400 of the second heating element when it is located within an aerosol supply device such as the second induction heating element 124 shown in Figure 1B during an exemplary usage session 402. Usage session 402 corresponds to usage session 302 shown in Figure 3. The temperature profile 400 preferably refers to the temperature profile of the second induction heating element 124 in any operating mode of the heating assembly.

[0166] Usage session 402 starts in 404 when the device is powered up, and energy is supplied to at least the first induction heating unit. In this example, the controller is configured not to supply energy to the second induction heating unit at the start of usage session 402. Nevertheless, due to thermal "bleed," which is the conduction, convection, and / or radiation of thermal energy from the first heating element 114 to the second heating element 124, the temperature of the second induction heating element is likely to rise to some extent.

[0167] At a first programmed time point 406 after the start of a usage session, the controller commands the second heating unit 120 to supply energy, and the temperature of the second heating element 124 rises rapidly, reaching a predetermined first operating temperature 410 at time point 408, after which the controller controls the second heating unit 120 so that the second heating element 124 remains at this temperature substantially for a further period. The predetermined first operating temperature 410 can be lower than the maximum operating temperature 412 of the second heating element 124. In other embodiments (not shown), the first predetermined operating temperature is the maximum operating temperature, i.e., the second heating element 124 is directly heated to its maximum operating temperature when the second heating unit 120 is started.

[0168] In some embodiments, a predetermined first operating temperature 410 is 150°C to 200°C. A predetermined first operating temperature 410 can be greater than 150°C, 160°C, 170°C, 180°C, or 190°C. A predetermined first operating temperature 410 can be less than 200°C, 190°C, 180°C, 170°C, or 160°C. Optionally, a predetermined first operating temperature 410 is 150°C to 170°C. A lower first operating temperature 410 can help reduce the amount of undesirable condensation that builds up inside the device.

[0169] In embodiments in which the heating assembly is capable of operating in multiple modes, the heating assembly may be configured in at least one mode to raise the second heating element 124 to a first operating temperature 410, maintain the first operating temperature 410, and then raise it to a maximum operating temperature 412. Optionally, the heating assembly may be configured in all operating modes to raise the second heating element 124 to a first operating temperature 410, maintain the first operating temperature 410, and then raise it to a maximum operating temperature 412.

[0170] The first programmed time 406 at which power is first supplied to the second heating unit 120 can be at least approximately 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60 seconds after the device startup 404. In embodiments where the heating assembly can operate in multiple modes, the first programmed time 406 is at least approximately 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, or 80 seconds after the device startup 404 in at least one mode. Optionally, the first programmed time 406 is at least approximately 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, or 80 seconds after the device startup 404 in all operable modes. The first programmed time 406 can be the same in each mode or can differ between modes. Optionally, the first programmed time 406 differs between modes. In particular, the first programmed time point 406 can be a later time point during a session using the first mode than the second mode.

[0171] In some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 may be configured such that the second induction unit 120 raises the temperature of the second induction heating element 124 to a predetermined operating temperature 410 within 10 seconds, or 5 seconds, 4 seconds, 3 seconds, or 2 seconds from a programmed time point 406. In other words, the period 414 between the two time points 406, 408 may have a duration of 10 seconds or less, 5 seconds or less, 4 seconds or less, 3 seconds or less, or 2 seconds or less. Optionally, the period 414 may have a duration of 2 seconds or less.

[0172] The second heating element 124 can be maintained at a predetermined first operating temperature 410 for a predetermined period until a second programmed time point 416, at which point the controller controls the second heating unit so that the second heating element 124 rises to its maximum operating temperature 412. At this second programmed time point 416, the temperature of the second heating element 124 rises rapidly and then reaches the maximum operating temperature 412 at time point 418. The controller then controls the second heating unit so that the second heating element 124 remains at this temperature substantially for a further period.

[0173] The second programmed time point 416 can be at least about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60 seconds from the device startup 404.

[0174] In some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 may be configured such that the second induction element 124 raises the temperature of the second induction heating element 124 from a first predetermined operating temperature 410 to a maximum operating temperature 412 within 10 seconds, 5 seconds, 4 seconds, 3 seconds, or 2 seconds from a programmed time point 416 to increase the temperature of the second induction heating element 124 to a maximum operating temperature 412. In other words, the period 420 between the two time points 416, 418 may have a duration of 10 seconds or less, 5 seconds or less, 4 seconds or less, 3 seconds or less, or 2 seconds or less. Optionally, the period 420 may have a duration of 2 seconds or less.

[0175] The temperature of the second heating element during the period from time 416 to time 418 can rise at a rate of at least 50°C per second, or 100°C per second, or 150°C per second.

[0176] In some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 can be configured such that the second induction heating element 124 reaches the maximum operating temperature 412 at least about 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100, or 120 seconds after the device is started up 404. Optionally, the heating assembly 100 is configured such that the second induction heating element 124 reaches the maximum operating temperature 412 at least about 120 seconds after the device is started up 404.

[0177] In some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 can be configured such that the second induction heating element 124 reaches its maximum operating temperature 412 at least about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100, or 120 seconds after the first induction heating element 122 reaches its maximum operating temperature 308. Optionally, the heating assembly 100 can be configured such that the second induction heating element 124 reaches its maximum operating temperature 412 at least about 120 seconds after the first induction heating element 122 reaches its maximum operating temperature 308. In other words, referring to Figures 3 and 4, time 418 can be at least 120 seconds later than time 310 during smoking sessions 302, 402.

[0178] The second heating element 124 can be maintained at its maximum operating temperature 412 for a predetermined period until the end of the smoking session 422, and the controller then controls the heating assembly to stop supplying energy to all heating elements present in the aerosol supply device at the end of the smoking session 422. Optionally, after the temperature of the second heating element 124 reaches its operating temperature (roughly around the first predetermined time 406), the temperature of the second heating element 124 does not fall below its minimum operating temperature 424 until the end of the smoking session 402.

[0179] In embodiments where the first heating element 122 later decreases in temperature from its maximum operating temperature 308 to a lower temperature during a smoking session, the second heating element 124 can reach its maximum operating temperature 412 before the first heating element 122 decreases in temperature, after the first heating element 122 decreases in temperature, or simultaneously with the first heating element 122 decreases in temperature. In one embodiment, the second heating element 124 reaches its maximum operating temperature 412 before the first heating element 122 decreases in temperature from its maximum operating temperature 308 to a lower temperature.

[0180] In some embodiments, the maximum operating temperature 308 of the first heating element 122 is substantially the same as that of the second heating element 124. In other embodiments, the maximum operating temperatures 308 and 412 of the first and second heating elements 124 can be different. For example, the maximum operating temperature 308 of the first heating element 122 may be higher than that of the second heating element 124, or the maximum operating temperature 412 of the second heating element 124 may be higher than that of the first heating element 122. In one embodiment, the maximum operating temperature 308 of the first heating element 122 is greater than that of the second heating element 124. In another embodiment, the maximum operating temperature 308 of the first heating element 122 is substantially the same as that of the second heating element 124.

[0181] During the period in which the heating element remains at a substantially constant temperature, slight temperature fluctuations may occur around the target temperature defined by the controller. In some embodiments, the fluctuations are less than approximately ±10°C, ±5°C, ±4°C, ±3°C, ±2°C, or ±1°C. Optionally, the fluctuations are less than approximately ±3°C across at least the first heating element, across at least the second heating element, or across both the first and second heating elements.

[0182] Figures 3 and 4 discussed above in this book reflect the measured or observed temperature profiles of the heating units present in device 100. Figure 5 reflects the programmed heating profiles of all heating units present in device 100. All programmed heating profiles of all heating units present in the heating assembly of this device can be represented by the schematic programmed heating profiles shown in Figure 5.

[0183] The programmed heating profile 500 includes a first temperature, temperature A502, which is a first temperature programmed to be reached by the heating unit at time A504 during a given usage session. It is convenient that time A504 can be defined as the number of seconds elapsed from the start of the usage session, i.e., from the time when power was first supplied to at least one heating unit present in the heating assembly.

[0184] Optionally, the programmed heating profile 500 may include a second temperature, temperature B506, which is different from temperature A502. In some embodiments, the device is programmed to reach temperature B506 at time B508 during a given usage session. Time B508 occurs after time A504.

[0185] From time point A504 to time point B508, the device is programmed to have a temperature A502, which is substantially the same temperature. However, in some embodiments, there may be fluctuations around temperature A502 during this period. For example, the heating unit may have a temperature within 10°C of temperature A502 during this period, and optionally within 5°C of temperature A502 during this period. Such profiles are still considered to correspond to the profile schematically shown in Figure 5. In other embodiments, there is substantially no fluctuation from temperature A502 during this period.

[0186] Figure 5 shows that temperature B506 is higher than temperature A502, but the program heating profiles of this disclosure are not limited in this way, and for any given heating profile, temperature B506 can be higher or lower than temperature A502.

[0187] Optionally, the program heating profile 500 includes a second temperature, temperature B506.

[0188] Optionally, the programmed heating profile 500 may include a third temperature, temperature C510, which is different from temperature B. In some embodiments, the device is programmed to reach temperature C510 at time C512 during a given usage session. Time C512 occurs after time B508, and therefore after time A502.

[0189] Temperature C510 may or may not be the same temperature as temperature A502.

[0190] Figure 5 shows that temperature C510 is higher than temperatures B506 and A502, but the program temperature profiles of this disclosure are not limited in this way, and for any given heating profile, temperature C510 can be higher or lower than temperature A502, and for any given heating profile, temperature C510 can be higher or lower than temperature B506.

[0191] The program heating profile 500 includes a final point in time 514, which is the point in time when the supply of energy to the heating unit is stopped for the remainder of the usage session. The final point in time 514 can be the same as the end of the usage session.

[0192] Surprisingly, it was found that the accumulation of condensate within device 100 could be reduced by adjusting the temperatures 502, 506, 510 and time points 504, 508, 512, 514 of the heating unit's programmed heating profile. In particular, the amount of condensate that accumulates within the device during use can be reduced by configuring the device so that time point B508 occurs after 50% of the usage session has elapsed, or optionally after 75% of the usage session has elapsed.

[0193] In embodiments where the heating assembly comprises at least two aerosol generators, the heating assembly can be configured such that the first and second aerosol generators have substantially the same maximum operating temperature. The inventors have also found that this configuration can reduce the accumulation of condensates within the device.

[0194] Figure 6 shows one embodiment in which an aerosol product 600 comprising an aerosol generating material 605 is inserted into an aerosol supply device 601.

[0195] Various different embodiments are envisioned for the aerosol supply device 601, which may comprise a combination of both an external heating unit (or more generally, an external aerosol generator) and an internal heating unit (or more generally, an internal aerosol generator). It will be understood that the external heating unit surrounds the aerosol product 600 and constitutes a heating unit that induces heat to the outer portion of the aerosol product 600 and then heats the rest of the aerosol product 600. The external heating unit may constitute an induction heating unit and / or a resistance heating unit.

[0196] In contrast, an internal heating unit constitutes a heating unit that enters into or is provided within the body of the aerosol product 600. For example, the internal heating unit may comprise a blade 606 provided at the base of the heating chamber of the aerosol supply device 601. When the aerosol product 600 is inserted into the aerosol supply device 601, it is pushed down onto the blade 606, causing the blade 606 to extend into the distal end of the aerosol product 600. According to various embodiments, the internal heating unit may constitute a resistance heating unit, which heats the heating unit by passing an electric current through it. However, other embodiments are also conceivable in which the internal heating unit may constitute an induction heating unit. The induction heating unit may comprise an induction coil for generating a time-varying magnetic field and a susceptor. The induction coil and susceptor are preferably arranged relative to each other so that the fluctuating magnetic field generated by the inductor enters the susceptor and generates one or more eddy currents within the susceptor. The susceptor has resistance to the flow of electric current, and therefore when such eddy currents are generated within the susceptor, the flow of current against the electrical resistance of the susceptor causes the susceptor to heat up by Joule heating. For example, the susceptor can be located within the base of the heating chamber of the aerosol supply device 601 so that the aerosol product 600 is pressed against the susceptor when the aerosol product 600 is inserted into the aerosol supply device 601. The susceptor can then be heated by an induction coil that can be separated from the internal susceptor at a distance.

[0197] The aerosol supply device 601 may comprise one or more external aerosol generators 602, 603, 604 arranged to generate aerosols from the aerosol-generating material 605. The aerosol supply device 601 may further comprise one or more internal aerosol generators 606 arranged to generate aerosols from the aerosol-generating material 605.

[0198] A controller is provided for controlling one or more external aerosol generators 602, 603, 604 and one or more internal aerosol generators 606. In particular, the controller is configured to set a desired heating profile for one or more external and internal aerosol generators.

[0199] The controller can be configured to operate in a first operating mode during a usage session, in which one or more external aerosol generators 602, 603, 604 are activated but one or more internal aerosol generators 606 are not activated. The controller can also be configured to operate in a second operating mode during a usage session, in which one or more internal aerosol generators 606 are activated but one or more external aerosol generators 602, 603, 604 are not activated. Thus, according to one embodiment, the aerosol product 600 can be heated during a usage session by either external or internal heating. Depending on the composition of the consumable or aerosol product 600, or the user's preference, for example, different types of consumables or aerosol products 600 can be inserted into the aerosol supply device 601, and it is intended that different types of consumables or aerosol products 600 may be heated in different ways.

[0200] Embodiments are envisioned in which the composition of the consumable or aerosol product 600 may vary over the diameter of the consumable or aerosol product 600. In such embodiments, it may be desirable to first generate the aerosol from the smoking material located in the center of the consumable or aerosol product 600. Accordingly, the controller can be operated in an operating mode that activates one or more internal aerosol generators but does not activate one or more external aerosol generators. As a result, heat can be applied internally to the consumable or aerosol product 600 first, so that the smoking material located in the center of the consumable or aerosol product 600 is heated first and generates an aerosol. As the usage session progresses, heat from the internal heating unit is transferred radially outward, heating the outer portion of the consumable or aerosol product 600, and as a result, the aerosol is then generated from the smoking material located toward the outermost portion of the consumable or aerosol product 600.

[0201] In a first operating mode, the controller may be configured to set a first heating profile having a first duration for one or more external aerosol generators 602, 603, 604, and in a second operating mode, the controller may be configured to set a second heating profile having a second duration for one or more internal aerosol generators 606.

[0202] According to one embodiment, the first and second heating profiles are the same. Alternatively, the first and second heating profiles may be different.

[0203] For example, according to one embodiment, the user may want to enjoy the first puff as quickly as possible after starting the aerosol supply device 601. In this situation, the controller can activate either the heating unit or the aerosol generator, whichever is considered most effective in reducing the time to the first puff.

[0204] According to one embodiment, the first and second durations are the same. Therefore, regardless of whether the external heating unit or the internal heating unit is activated, the duration of the heating profile set in the heating unit or aerosol generator is intended to be the same.

[0205] Alternatively, the first and second durations can be different. For example, if the controller operates in an operating mode in which one or more external aerosol generators are activated, the duration of the heating profile can be a first predetermined length. Alternatively, if the controller is selected to operate in an operating mode in which one or more internal aerosol generators are activated, the duration of the heating profile set for one or more internal aerosol generators can be shorter (or longer) than the first predetermined length.

[0206] According to another embodiment, the controller can be configured to operate in an operating mode during a usage session in which, initially, one or more external aerosol generators 602, 603, 604 are activated but one or more internal aerosol generators 606 are not activated, and then one or more internal aerosol generators 606 are activated but one or more external aerosol generators 602, 603, 604 are not activated. For example, it may be determined that the desired sensory experience can be best achieved by initially heating the aerosol product 600 using the external heating units 602, 603, 604. The external heating units 602, 603, 604 can be configured as induction heating units 602, 603, for example, capable of raising the temperature of the aerosol-generating material 605 faster than a resistance heating unit. As a result, aerosols can be rapidly generated from the aerosol-generating material 605 by initially activating the external heating units. After aerosol generation has begun, it may be desired to generate aerosols from the smoking material located around the central core of the aerosol product 600. Therefore, the controller can then switch the external induction heating units 602 and 603 to OFF and the internal heating unit to ON. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the internal heating unit or aerosol generator can constitute the resistance heating unit 606. However, other embodiments are also conceivable in which the internal heating unit can constitute the induction heating unit.

[0207] Alternatively, the controller can be configured to operate during a usage session by first activating one or more internal aerosol generators 606 but not one or more external aerosol generators 602, 603, 604, and then activating one or more external aerosol generators 602, 603, 604 but not one or more internal aerosol generators 606.

[0208] One or more external aerosol generators can constitute one or more inductive aerosol generators. In the example shown in Figure 6, a first external heating unit is shown which constitutes an inductive heating unit comprising an inductor coil 602 and a susceptor 603.

[0209] One or more external aerosol generators can constitute one or more resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators. In the example shown in Figure 6, a second external heating unit comprising a resistive heater 604 is shown.

[0210] One or more internal aerosol generators can constitute one or more induced aerosol generators.

[0211] One or more internal aerosol generators can constitute one or more resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators. In the example shown in Figure 6, an internal heating unit is shown that includes a resistive blade heater 606 connected to a power supply 607.

[0212] One or more external aerosol generators may include a first external heating unit and a second external heating unit. For example, as shown in Figure 6, a first external heating unit that can constitute induction heating units 602 and 603 may be provided, and a second external heating unit that can constitute a resistance heater 604 may be provided.

[0213] One or more internal aerosol generators may comprise a first internal heating unit and a second internal heating unit. In the example shown in Figure 6, a single internal heating unit 606 is shown. However, according to various embodiments, a second internal heating unit may also be provided. For example, a second internal resistance heater or an internal induction heating unit may be provided.

[0214] According to another embodiment, the aerosol supply device 601 may comprise one or more inductive aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosols from the aerosol generating material 605, and one or more resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosols from the aerosol generating material 605.

[0215] The controller is provided for controlling one or more inductive and resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators. The controller can operate in a first operating mode during a usage session in which one or more inductive aerosol generators are activated but one or more resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators are not activated, and the controller can also operate in a second operating mode during a usage session in which one or more resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators are activated but one or more inductive aerosol generators are not activated.

[0216] In a first operating mode, the controller sets a first heating profile having a first duration for one or more inductive aerosol generators, and in a second operating mode, the controller sets a second heating profile having a second duration for one or more resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators.

[0217] The first and second heating profiles can be the same. Alternatively, the first and second heating profiles can be different.

[0218] The durations of the first and second phases can be the same. Alternatively, the durations of the first and second phases can be different.

[0219] According to another embodiment, the aerosol supply device 601 comprises one or more inductive aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosols from the aerosol generating material 603, and one or more resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosols from the aerosol generating material 603.

[0220] A controller is provided for controlling one or more inductive and resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators. The controller can operate in the following operating modes: (i) during a usage session, it first activates one or more inductive aerosol generators but does not activate one or more resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators, then activates one or more resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators but does not activate one or more inductive aerosol generators; or (ii) during a usage session, it first activates one or more resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators but does not activate one or more inductive aerosol generators, then activates one or more inductive aerosol generators but does not activate one or more resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators.

[0221] One or more induction aerosol generators can constitute one or more external aerosol generators.

[0222] One or more induction aerosol generators can constitute one or more internal aerosol generators.

[0223] One or more resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators can constitute one or more external aerosol generators.

[0224] One or more resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators can constitute one or more internal aerosol generators.

[0225] One or more induction aerosol generators may comprise a first induction heating unit and a second induction heating unit.

[0226] One or more resistors or non-inductive aerosol generators may comprise a first resistor or non-inductive heating unit and a second resistor or non-inductive heating unit.

[0227] The aerosol supply device 601 may further include a user interface positioned to detect input from the user, the user interface being positioned to select the operating mode of the controller.

[0228] The aerosol supply device 601 may further comprise a first device for automatically recognizing the aerosol product 600 inserted into the aerosol supply device 601, the first device being configured to select the operating mode of the controller.

[0229] A usage session can be determined to begin when power or energy is first supplied to one or more heating units or aerosol generators after the aerosol product 600 has been inserted into the aerosol supply device 601.

[0230] An in-use session can be determined to begin when power or energy is first supplied to one or more heating units or aerosol generators to raise their temperature to the operating temperature Tmin so that the user can inhale the first puff of aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material 605. According to one embodiment, Tmin is within the range of (i) 200-210°C, (ii) 210-220°C, (iii) 220-230°C, (iv) 230-240°C, (v) 240-250°C, (vi) 250-260°C, (vii) 260-270°C, (viii) 270-280°C, (ix) 280-290°C, and (x) 290-300°C.

[0231] A usage session can be determined to have ended when power or energy is no longer supplied to one or more heating units or aerosol generators.

[0232] A session can be determined to have ended when the aerosol generating material 605 has been substantially exhausted, or when the user is unable to inhale any further puffs of the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material 605.

[0233] A usage session can be determined to be related to a period during which the user can inhale multiple puffs of aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material 605 without replacing or replenishing the aerosol generating material 605.

[0234] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations to the scope of the invention as defined by the claims, or to equivalents thereof, and that other embodiments may be utilized and modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or essentially consist of, appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions that are not claimed herein but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An aerosol supply device for generating aerosols from aerosol-generating materials, One or more external aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosols from the aerosol generating material, One or more internal aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosols from the aerosol-generating material, A controller for controlling one or more external and internal aerosol generators. Equipped with, The controller can operate in a first operating mode during a usage session in which it activates one or more external aerosol generators but does not activate one or more internal aerosol generators. An aerosol supply device in which the controller can operate in a second operating mode in which, during a usage session, it activates one or more internal aerosol generators but does not activate one or more external aerosol generators.

2. In the first operating mode, the controller is configured to set a first heating profile having a first duration for the one or more external aerosol generators. In the second operating mode, the controller is configured to set a second heating profile having a second duration for the one or more internal aerosol generators. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1.

3. The aerosol supply device according to claim 2, wherein the first and second heating profiles are the same.

4. The aerosol supply device according to claim 2, wherein the first and second heating profiles are different.

5. The aerosol supply device according to claim 2, 3, or 4, wherein the first and second durations are the same.

6. The aerosol supply device according to claim 2, 3, or 4, wherein the first and second durations are different.

7. An aerosol supply device for generating aerosols from aerosol-generating materials, One or more external aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosols from the aerosol generating material, One or more internal aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosols from the aerosol-generating material, A controller for controlling one or more external and internal aerosol generators. Equipped with, An aerosol supply device in which the controller can operate in an operating mode in which (i) during a usage session, the controller first activates the one or more external aerosol generators but does not activate the one or more internal aerosol generators, then activates the one or more internal aerosol generators but does not activate the one or more external aerosol generators, or (ii) during a usage session, the controller first activates the one or more internal aerosol generators but does not activate the one or more external aerosol generators, then activates the one or more external aerosol generators but does not activate the one or more internal aerosol generators.

8. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the one or more external aerosol generators constitute one or more induction aerosol generators.

9. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the one or more external aerosol generators constitute one or more resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators.

10. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the one or more internal aerosol generators constitute one or more induction aerosol generators.

11. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the one or more internal aerosol generators constitute one or more resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators.

12. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the one or more external aerosol generators comprises a first external heating unit and a second external heating unit.

13. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the one or more internal aerosol generators comprises a first internal heating unit and a second internal heating unit.

14. An aerosol supply device for generating aerosols from aerosol-generating materials, One or more induction aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosols from the aerosol-generating material, One or more resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosols from the aerosol-generating material, A controller for controlling one or more inductive and resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators. Equipped with, The controller can operate in a first operating mode during a usage session in which it activates one or more inductive aerosol generators but does not activate one or more resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators. An aerosol supply device in which the controller is capable of operating in a second operating mode during a usage session, in which one or more resistors or non-inductive aerosol generators are activated, but one or more inductive aerosol generators are not activated.

15. In the first operating mode, the controller sets a first heating profile having a first duration for one or more induction aerosol generators. In the second operating mode, the controller sets a second heating profile having a second duration for the one or more resistors or non-inductive aerosol generators. The aerosol supply device according to claim 14.

16. The aerosol supply device according to claim 15, wherein the first and second heating profiles are the same.

17. The aerosol supply device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the first and second heating profiles are different.

18. The aerosol supply device according to claim 15, 16, or 17, wherein the first and second durations are the same.

19. The aerosol supply device according to claim 15, 16, or 17, wherein the first and second durations are different.

20. An aerosol supply device for generating aerosols from aerosol-generating materials, One or more induction aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosols from the aerosol-generating material, One or more resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosols from the aerosol-generating material, A controller for controlling one or more inductive and resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators. Equipped with, An aerosol supply device in which the controller is capable of operating in an operating mode in which (i) during a usage session, the controller first activates one or more inductive aerosol generators but does not activate one or more resistor or non-inductive aerosol generators, then activates one or more resistor or non-inductive aerosol generators but does not activate one or more inductive aerosol generators, or (ii) during a usage session, the controller first activates one or more resistor or non-inductive aerosol generators but does not activate one or more inductive aerosol generators, then activates one or more inductive aerosol generators but does not activate one or more resistor or non-inductive aerosol generators.

21. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein the one or more induction aerosol generators constitute one or more external aerosol generators.

22. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 14 to 21, wherein the one or more induction aerosol generators constitute one or more internal aerosol generators.

23. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein the one or more resistors or non-inductive aerosol generators constitute one or more external aerosol generators.

24. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein the one or more resistors or non-inductive aerosol generators constitute one or more internal aerosol generators.

25. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 14 to 24, wherein the one or more induction aerosol generators comprises a first induction heating unit and a second induction heating unit.

26. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 14 to 25, wherein the one or more resistors or non-inductive aerosol generators comprises a first resistor or non-inductive heating unit and a second resistor or non-inductive heating unit.

27. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 26, further comprising a user interface arranged to detect input from a user, wherein the user interface is arranged to select the operating mode of the controller.

28. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 27, further comprising a first device for automatically recognizing an aerosol product inserted into the aerosol supply device, wherein the first device is arranged to select the operating mode of the controller.

29. An aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the usage session is determined to begin when power or energy is first supplied to one or more aerosol generators after an aerosol product has been inserted into the aerosol supply device.

30. An aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein a usage session is determined to begin when power or energy is first supplied to one or more aerosol generators to raise the temperature of one or more aerosol generators to an operating temperature Tmin so that a user can inhale the first puff of aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material.

31. The aerosol supply device according to claim 30, wherein Tmin is within the range of (i) 200-210°C, (ii) 210-220°C, (iii) 220-230°C, (iv) 230-240°C, (v) 240-250°C, (vi) 250-260°C, (vii) 260-270°C, (viiii) 270-280°C, (ix) 280-290°C, and (x) 290-300°C.

32. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein the usage session is determined to have ended when power or energy is no longer supplied to one or more aerosol generators.

33. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the usage session is determined to end when the aerosol generating material is substantially exhausted or when the user is unable to inhale further puffs of the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material.

34. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein the usage session is determined to relate to a period during which the user can inhale multiple puffs of aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material without replacement or replenishment of the aerosol generating material.

35. an aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 34, Aerosol products containing aerosol generating materials and An aerosol generation system equipped with the following features.

36. The aerosol generation system according to claim 35, wherein the aerosol product is inserted into the aerosol supply device when in use.

37. A method for generating an aerosol, The step of providing an aerosol supply device comprising one or more external aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosols from an aerosol-generating material and one or more internal aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosols from an aerosol-generating material, The steps include inserting the aerosol product into the aerosol supply device, A step of selecting between a first operating mode and a second operating mode. Includes, In the first operating mode, the one or more external aerosol generators are activated, but the one or more internal aerosol generators are not activated. A method in which, in the second operating mode, one or more internal aerosol generators are activated, but one or more external aerosol generators are not activated.

38. A method for generating an aerosol, The step of providing an aerosol supply device comprising one or more external aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosols from an aerosol-generating material and one or more internal aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosols from an aerosol-generating material, The steps include inserting the aerosol product into the aerosol supply device, (i) During a usage session, the first one or more external aerosol generators are started, but the first one or more internal aerosol generators are not started, and then the first one or more internal aerosol generators are started, but the first one or more external aerosol generators are not started, or (ii) During a usage session, the first one or more internal aerosol generators are started, but the first one or more external aerosol generators are not started, and then the first one or more external aerosol generators are started, but the first one or more internal aerosol generators are not started. A method that includes this.

39. A method for generating an aerosol, The step of providing an aerosol supply device comprising one or more inductive aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosols from an aerosol-generating material and one or more resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosols from an aerosol-generating material, The steps include inserting the aerosol product into the aerosol supply device, A step of selecting between a first operating mode and a second operating mode. Includes, In the first operating mode, during a usage session, one or more inductive aerosol generators are activated, but one or more resistors or non-inductive aerosol generators are not activated. A method in which, in the second operating mode, one or more resistors or non-inductive aerosol generators are activated during a usage session, but one or more inductive aerosol generators are not activated.

40. A method for generating an aerosol, The step of providing an aerosol supply device comprising one or more inductive aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosols from an aerosol-generating material and one or more resistive or non-inductive aerosol generators arranged to generate aerosols from an aerosol-generating material, (i) During a usage session, the first one or more inductive aerosol generators are activated, but one or more resistors or non-inductive aerosol generators are not activated, and then the first one or more resistors or non-inductive aerosol generators are activated, but one or more inductive aerosol generators are not activated, or (ii) During a usage session, the first one or more resistors or non-inductive aerosol generators are activated, but one or more inductive aerosol generators are not activated, and then the first one or more inductive aerosol generators are activated, but one or more resistors or non-inductive aerosol generators are not activated. A method that includes this.

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