Aerosol generating device having a heating assembly and extractor

Abstract

An aerosol generating device (1) comprising a heated cavity (5) configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate, a heating assembly (8) disposed within the heated cavity (5), and an extractor (14) including an extractor surface (15) movable within the heated cavity (5), at least a portion of the extractor surface (15) being formed by a portion of the heating assembly (8).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system including the aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Some known aerosol-generating systems include an aerosol-generating device having a power source such as a battery, a controller, and a heating element for heating the aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a tobacco rod or a tobacco plug disposed within the aerosol-generating article. In use, the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating cavity of the aerosol-generating device, and the heating element penetrates the aerosol-forming substrate or is disposed around the outside of the aerosol-forming substrate. Electrical power is supplied from the power source to the heating element to heat the aerosol-forming substrate, causing volatile components of the aerosol-forming substrate to be vaporized and released, condensing to form an aerosol that is inhaled by the user. In some such aerosol-generating systems, the aerosol-generating article resembles a conventional cigarette, having a similar cylindrical stick-like configuration.

[0003] It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generation system that allows for easy removal of the aerosol-forming substrate from the aerosol-generating device. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generation system that is capable of heating two or more aerosol-forming substrates to improve user control over the aerosol generated by the aerosol generation system. It would also be desirable to provide an aerosol generation system that is even more compact and easier to manufacture. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may include a heated cavity configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating device may include a heating assembly disposed within the heated cavity. The aerosol generating device may include an extractor. The extractor may include an extractor surface movable within the heated cavity. At least a portion of the extractor surface may be formed by a portion of the heating assembly.

[0005] According to the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device is provided, comprising a heated cavity configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate, a heating assembly disposed within the heated cavity, and an extractor including an extractor surface movable within the heated cavity, wherein at least a portion of the extractor surface is formed by a portion of the heating assembly.

[0006] Advantageously, providing an aerosol-generating device with an extractor may facilitate removal of the aerosol-forming substrate from the heated cavity. Advantageously, forming at least a portion of the extractor surface that is movable within the heated cavity from a portion of the heating assembly may reduce the number of component parts required within the aerosol-generating device. Advantageously, forming at least a portion of the extractor surface that is movable within the heated cavity from a portion of the heating assembly may facilitate manufacture of the aerosol-generating device.

[0007] In some preferred embodiments, the heating assembly includes a heating element. In some of these embodiments, a portion of the heating element may form a portion of the extractor surface. In some embodiments, the heating element may form a portion of the extractor surface.

[0008] Advantageously, forming a portion of the extractor surface from at least a portion of the heating element may facilitate heat transfer from the heating element to an aerosol-forming substrate received within the heated cavity.

[0009] When the aerosol-forming substrate is received within the heated cavity, the aerosol-forming substrate may come into contact with the extractor surface. If at least a portion of the extractor surface is formed from a heating element, the aerosol-forming substrate received within the heated cavity may come into contact with the heating element.

[0010] As used herein, "aerosol-generating device" refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol.

[0011] As used herein, "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds capable of forming an aerosol. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate is typically part of an aerosol-generating article.

[0012] As used herein, "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate capable of emitting a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. For example, the aerosol-generating article may be an article that generates an aerosol that is directly inhalable by a user sucking or puffing on a mouthpiece at the proximal or oral end of an aerosol-generating article, aerosol-generating device, or aerosol-generating system. The aerosol-generating article may be disposable.

[0013] As used herein, "aerosol-generating system" refers to the combination of an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article. In an aerosol-generating system, the aerosol-generating article and the aerosol-generating device work together to generate an aerosol.

[0014] As used herein, "proximal" refers to the user end or mouth end of an aerosol-generating device, aerosol-generating article, or aerosol-generating system. The proximal end of a component of an aerosol-generating device, aerosol-generating article, or aerosol-generating system is the end of the component closest to the user end or mouth end of the aerosol-generating device, aerosol-generating article, or aerosol-generating system. As used herein, "distal" refers to the end opposite the proximal end.

[0015] As used herein, "end" and "side" are used interchangeably to refer to the tip of a feature of an aerosol-generating device, heating assembly, heating element, or aerosol-generating article. The features described herein preferably have two opposing ends and at least one side extending between the two opposing ends. Preferably, the features described herein have a length extending longitudinally between the opposing ends and a width extending transversely between the two opposing sides.

[0016] As used herein, "length" refers to the largest dimension of a feature along its longitudinal axis.

[0017] As used herein, "width" refers to the largest dimension of a feature in the transverse direction of the feature, the transverse direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0018] As used herein, "thickness" and "depth" refer to the largest dimension of a feature in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the feature and perpendicular to the transverse direction of the feature.

[0019] The heated cavity has a central longitudinal axis, hi some embodiments, the extractor surface is movable along the longitudinal axis of the heated cavity.

[0020] The extractor surface may be movable within the heated cavity in any suitable manner. Preferably, the extractor surface is slidable within the heated cavity. Preferably, the extractor surface is translatable within the heated cavity.

[0021] The heated cavity may have a proximal end. The heated cavity may include a distal end opposite the proximal end. The proximal end may be substantially open. The proximal end may be substantially open to allow an aerosol-forming substrate to be inserted into and removed from the heated cavity.

[0022] The extractor surface may be movable from a first position to a second position. The extractor surface may be movable from the first position to the second position in a proximal direction toward the proximal end of the heated cavity.

[0023] The extractor surface may be movable from the second position to the first position. The extractor surface may be movable distally from the second position to the first position, toward a distal end of the heated cavity.

[0024] The first position may be a heating position where the aerosol-forming substrate is received within the heated cavity and can be heated by the heating assembly. The second position may be an extraction position where the aerosol-forming substrate received within the heated cavity is located at, around, or outside the open proximal end of the heated cavity. In the second position, the extractor surface may be disposed at the open proximal end of the heated cavity. In the second position, the extractor surface may be disposed outside the heated cavity.

[0025] The extractor surface may be movable from a first position to a third position. The extractor surface may be movable distally from the first position to the third position, toward a distal end of the heated cavity.

[0026] The extractor surface may be movable from the third position to the first position. The extractor surface may be movable proximally from the third position to the first position, toward the proximal end of the heated cavity.

[0027] The third position may be an additional heating position in which a larger amount of aerosol-forming substrate can be received within the heating cavity and heated by the heating assembly compared to when the extractor surface is in the first position.

[0028] Advantageously, providing an aerosol generating device with two heating positions that enable the aerosol generating device to receive and heat two different volumes of aerosol-forming substrate may enable a user to customize the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating system. For example, a user may be able to customize the amount of aerosol generated by the aerosol generating system by varying the amount of aerosol-forming substrate received in the heated cavity. For example, a user may be able to customize the composition of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating system by inserting two or more different aerosol-forming substrates into the heated cavity.

[0029] The extractor surface may take any suitable form.

[0030] The extractor surface may be planar, extending in a substantially plane.

[0031] As used herein, "planar" generally refers to features formed within a single Euclidean plane and not wrapped around or conformed to a curved or other non-planar shape. A planar surface extends in two dimensions in a single Euclidean plane. A planar object extends in substantially two dimensions in a single Euclidean plane, more than a third dimension parallel to the plane. More specifically, a planar object extends in a first dimension and a second dimension perpendicular to the first dimension, and is at least two, five, or ten times larger than the object extends in a third dimension perpendicular to the first and second dimensions. Advantageously, planar components of a heating assembly can be easily handled during manufacturing and provide a robust structure.

[0032] The extractor surface may have any suitable shape. For example, the extractor surface may be substantially circular, oval, hexagonal, polygonal, rectangular, square, or any other suitable polygonal shape. Preferably, the extractor surface is substantially circular.

[0033] In some preferred embodiments, the surface of the heated cavity is defined by an extractor surface. In these embodiments, the extractor surface may define a distal end face of the heated cavity. In some of these embodiments where the extractor surface is substantially circular, the heated cavity is substantially cylindrical.

[0034] The heated cavity is configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate. Where the aerosol-forming substrate is comprised within an aerosol-generating article, the heated cavity may be configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0035] The heated cavity may be configured to receive a first aerosol-forming substrate and a second aerosol-forming substrate. If the first aerosol-forming substrate and the second aerosol-forming substrate are comprised within an aerosol-generating article, the heated cavity may be configured to receive the aerosol-generating article.

[0036] The heating cavity may have any suitable form.

[0037] The heating cavity has a cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape of the heating cavity may have any suitable shape. The cross-sectional shape of the heating cavity may be one of a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, a square, or a rectangle. Preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the heating cavity is a circle.

[0038] As used herein, a "transverse cross section" is a cross section of a feature taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the feature.

[0039] The heating cavity has a heating cavity length. The heating cavity length may be any suitable length. The heating cavity length may be between about 45 millimeters and about 55 millimeters.

[0040] The heating cavity has a heating cavity width. The heating cavity width may be any suitable width. The heating cavity width may be about 10 millimeters to about 15 millimeters.

[0041] The heating cavity has a heating cavity depth. The heating cavity depth may be any suitable depth. The heating cavity depth may be from about 0.10 millimeters to about 7 millimeters.

[0042] The heated cavity has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the heated cavity is preferably open to receive the aerosol-forming substrate. The distal end of the heated cavity is preferably substantially closed.

[0043] The aerosol generating device includes a heating assembly, at least a portion of which forms at least a portion of the extractor surface.

[0044] The heating assembly may comprise a heating element. In some embodiments, a surface of the heating element forms at least a portion of the extractor surface. In some embodiments, a portion of the extractor surface is formed by a portion of the surface of the heating element. In some embodiments, the entire extractor surface is formed by the surface of the heating element.

[0045] The heating element may be a planar heating element. The heating element may be a flat heating element. The heating element may be a flat, planar heating element.

[0046] As used herein, "flat" refers to a substantially two-dimensional topological manifold. In other words, "flat" means substantially two-dimensional. An example of a flat article is a structure between two substantially parallel surfaces, where the distance between the two surfaces is less than the extension substantially within the surfaces. A planar feature extends in substantially two dimensions than the third dimension. More specifically, a planar feature extends in a first dimension and a second dimension perpendicular to the first dimension, and is at least five times larger than the feature extends in a third dimension perpendicular to the first and second dimensions. A substantially flat feature may be planar. A substantially flat feature may be curved along one or more dimensions, for example, forming a dome or bridge shape. Advantageously, flat components of a heating assembly can be easily handled during manufacturing and provide a robust structure.

[0047] The heating element may have any suitable shape. The heating element shape may be one of a circle, an oval, a polygon, a square, a rectangle, or any other regular polygon. Preferably, the heating element shape is a circle.

[0048] In some preferred embodiments, the heating element is a flat, planar disk.

[0049] As used herein, a "disc" refers to a right circular cylinder having a diameter at least five times greater than its depth.

[0050] The heating element may have any suitable size.

[0051] The heating element may have a heating element length. The heating element length may be any suitable length. The heating element length may be from about 12 millimeters to about 22 millimeters.

[0052] The heating element has a heating element width. The heating element width may be any suitable width. The heating element width may be from about 12 millimeters to about 22 millimeters.

[0053] The heating element has a heating element thickness, which may be any suitable thickness, and may be from about 0.1 millimeters to about 0.5 millimeters.

[0054] The heating element may be made from any suitable material.

[0055] The heating element may be formed from an electrically conductive material.

[0056] As used herein, "electrically conductive" means a conductivity of about 1×10 at 20 degrees Celsius (°C). -5 Less than ohmmeter (Ωm), typically about 1×10 -5 Ohmmeter (Ωm) ~ approx. 1 x 10 -9 Refers to a material that has a volume resistivity in ohmmeters (Ωm).

[0057] The heating element may be formed from an electrically conductive material.

[0058] As used herein, the term "thermally conductive" refers to a material having a bulk thermal conductivity of at least about 10 watts per meter Kelvin (mW / (mK)) at 23 degrees Celsius (°C) and a relative humidity of 50 percent as measured using the modified transient plane heat source (MTPS) method.

[0059] The heating element may be formed from at least one of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, metal, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel, titanium, and composites of metallic materials.

[0060] The heating assembly may be any suitable type of heating assembly, and the heating element may be any suitable type of heating element.

[0061] The heating assembly may be a resistive heating assembly. In some embodiments, the heating element is a resistive heating element.

[0062] In some embodiments, the heating assembly is an induction heating assembly.

[0063] The heating assembly may include an inductor coil.

[0064] The inductor coil may have any suitable form. The inductor coil may be a tubular inductor coil. The inductor coil may be a planar inductor coil. The inductor coil may be a flat inductor coil. Preferably, the inductor coil may be a flat, planar inductor coil.

[0065] The inductor coil has an inductor coil shape. The inductor coil shape may be any suitable shape. The inductor coil may have one of a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a polygonal shape, a square shape, or preferably a rectangular shape. Preferably, the inductor coil has the same shape as the heating element.

[0066] As used herein, a "planar inductor coil" generally refers to a coil that lies on a single Euclidean plane, with the axis of the coil's windings perpendicular to the plane of the coil. A planar inductor coil can have any desired shape within the plane of the coil. For example, a planar display coil may have a circular shape or an oval or rectangular shape. Preferably, the inductor coil is a spiral coil. It is particularly preferred that the inductor coil be a planar circular spiral coil.

[0067] The inductor coil has an inductor coil size. The inductor coil size may be any suitable size. The inductor coil has an inductor coil length. The inductor coil length may be any suitable length. The inductor coil length may be between about 15 millimeters and 20 millimeters. The inductor coil has an inductor coil width. The inductor coil width may be any suitable width. The inductor coil width may be between about 10 millimeters and about 15 millimeters. The inductor coil has an inductor coil thickness. The inductor coil thickness may be any suitable thickness. The inductor coil thickness may be between about 0.1 millimeters and about 0.5 millimeters.

[0068] The inductor coil may have any suitable number of turns.

[0069] The inductor coil may be formed from any suitable material, including at least one of silver, gold, aluminum, brass, zinc, iron, nickel, and alloys thereof, and conductive ceramics such as yttrium-doped zirconia, indium tin oxide, and yttrium-doped titanate.

[0070] The inductor coil shape may be different from the heating element shape, and in some preferred embodiments, the inductor coil shape is substantially the same as the heating element shape.

[0071] If the heating assembly includes a heating element, the inductor coil size may differ from the heating element size. In some preferred embodiments, the inductor coil size is substantially the same as the heating element size.

[0072] The heating element may preferably be disposed between the extractor surface and the inductor coil. The inductor coil may be disposed distal to the heating element. The inductor coil may be disposed below the heating element.

[0073] The inductor coil may generate a varying magnetic field when a varying current is supplied to the inductor coil.

[0074] As used herein, "varying current" refers to a current that varies over time. An inductor coil generates a varying magnetic field when a varying current is supplied to the inductor coil. The term "varying current" is intended to include alternating current. A varying current is an alternating current, and an alternating current generates an alternating magnetic field.

[0075] The varying current may be an alternating current. As used herein, "alternating current" refers to a current that periodically reverses direction. The alternating current may have any suitable frequency. A suitable frequency for the alternating current may be between 100 kilohertz (kHz) and 30 megahertz (MHz). If the at least one inductor coil is a tubular coil, the alternating current may have a frequency between 500 kilohertz (kHz) and 30 megahertz (MHz). If the at least one inductor coil is a planar coil, the alternating current may have a frequency between 100 kilohertz (kHz) and 1 megahertz (MHz).

[0076] The heating element may be a susceptor element.The heating element may be a planar susceptor element.

[0077] As used herein, a "susceptor element" refers to an element that is heatable by penetration by a fluctuating magnetic field. The susceptor element is typically heatable by at least one of Joule heating through the induction of eddy currents in the susceptor element and hysteresis losses.

[0078] When the heating assembly includes an inductor coil and the heating element is a susceptor element, the susceptor element may be arranged to be penetrated by a varying magnetic field generated by the inductor coil when a varying current is supplied to the inductor coil.

[0079] The susceptor element may be formed from any suitable material. Preferably, the susceptor element comprises a magnetic material that can be heated by penetration by a fluctuating magnetic field. The magnetic material may be a ferromagnetic material such as ferrite, ferritic iron, a ferromagnetic alloy, a ferromagnetic steel, or a ferromagnetic stainless steel such as SAE 400 series stainless steel, SAE types 409, 410, 420, or 430 stainless steel.

[0080] As used herein, "magnetic material" refers to a material that can interact with a magnetic field, including both paramagnetic and ferromagnetic materials.

[0081] In some preferred embodiments, the susceptor element comprises, on a dry weight basis, at least about 5 percent, or at least about 20 percent, or at least about 50 percent, or at least about 90 percent ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material.

[0082] The shape of the susceptor element may be different from the shape of the inductor coil, but preferably the shape of the susceptor element is substantially the same as the shape of the inductor coil.

[0083] The inductor coil size may be different from the susceptor element size. Preferably, the susceptor element size is substantially the same as the inductor coil size.

[0084] In some embodiments, the extractor includes an inductor coil. In some embodiments, a surface of the inductor coil forms at least a portion of the extractor surface. In some embodiments, a portion of the extractor surface is formed by a portion of the surface of the inductor coil. In some embodiments, the extractor surface is formed by the surface of the inductor coil.

[0085] When at least a portion of the extractor surface is formed by a portion of the surface of the inductor coil, the heating assembly typically does not include a heating element. In some embodiments, the heating element is typically included within the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate and a heating element in the form of a susceptor element. When the heating assembly comprises an inductor coil and the heating element is a susceptor element included within the aerosol-generating article, the susceptor element may be arranged to be penetrated by a varying magnetic field generated by the inductor coil when a varying current is supplied to the inductor coil and the aerosol-generating article is received within the heated cavity.

[0086] If the heating assembly comprises an inductor coil, the inductor coil may be movable with the extractor surface of the extractor.

[0087] By allowing the inductor coil to move with the extractor surface, it may be possible to maintain the inductor coil at a constant distance from the susceptor element. Advantageously, maintaining the inductor coil at a constant distance from the susceptor element may allow the inductor coil to be maintained in an optimal position for inductive heating of the susceptor element by the varying magnetic field generated by the inductor coil.

[0088] The heating assembly may further comprise a shielding element.

[0089] The shielding element may be a planar shielding element that extends in a plane.The shielding element may be a flat shielding element.The shielding element may be a flat, planar shielding element.

[0090] The shielding element may be disposed in any suitable location. If the heating assembly comprises a heating element, the heating element may be disposed between the extractor surface and the shielding element. If the heating assembly comprises an inductor coil, the inductor coil may be disposed between the extractor surface and the shielding element. If the heating assembly comprises a heating element and an inductor coil, the inductor coil may be disposed between the heating element and the shielding element.

[0091] The shielding element has a shielding element shape. The shielding element shape may be any suitable shape. If the heating assembly includes a heating element, the shielding element shape may be different from the heating element shape. Preferably, the shielding element shape is substantially the same as the heating element shape. If the heating assembly includes an inductor coil, the shielding element shape may be different from the inductor coil shape. Preferably, the shielding element shape is substantially the same as the inductor coil shape. The shielding element may have the shape of a circle, an oval, a square, a rectangle, or any other regular polygon.

[0092] In some preferred embodiments, the shielding element is a flat, planar disk.

[0093] The shielding element has a shielding element size. The shielding element size may be any suitable size. If the heating assembly includes a heating element, the shielding element size may be different from the heating element size. If the heating assembly includes a heating element, the shielding element size is preferably substantially the same as the heating element size. If the heating assembly includes an inductor coil, the shielding element size may be different from the inductor coil size. If the heating assembly includes an inductor coil, the shielding element size is preferably substantially the same as the inductor coil size.

[0094] The shielding element has a shielding element length. The shielding element length may be any suitable length. The shielding element length may be between about 15 millimeters and about 20 millimeters. The shielding element has a shielding element width. The shielding element width may be any suitable width. The shielding element width may be between about 10 millimeters and about 15 millimeters. The shielding element has a shielding element thickness. The shielding element thickness may be any suitable thickness. The shielding element thickness may be between 0.1 millimeters and 0.5 millimeters.

[0095] The shielding elements may be formed from any suitable material.

[0096] The shielding element may be formed from a conductive material. The shielding element may include a metal or a metal alloy. The shielding element may include one or more of copper, nickel, silver, a silver-aluminum alloy, a silver-copper alloy, a silver-fiberglass alloy, and a nickel-graphite alloy. The shielding element may include a copper alloy. The shielding element may include nickel-silver. In other words, the shielding element may include an alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc. The shielding element may include copper alloy 770. The shielding element may include an alloy including 55 weight percent copper, 27 weight percent zinc, and 18 weight percent nickel.

[0097] The shielding element may include silicon. The shielding element may include a silicon substrate including metal particles. The metal particles may include one or more of copper, nickel, silver, a silver-aluminum alloy, a silver-copper alloy, a silver-glass fiber, and a nickel-graphite alloy.

[0098] The shielding element may be formed from a material having a relative magnetic permeability of at least 5, or at least 10, or at least 20, or at least 30, or at least 40, or at least 50, or at least 60, or at least 80, or at least 100, at a frequency of 6 to 8 megahertz (MHz) and a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. Advantageously, providing a shielding element with such a relative magnetic permeability may allow the shielding element to shield the exterior of the device and one or more of the other components of the device from any fluctuating magnetic fields generated by the heating assembly.

[0099] The shielding element may include a magnetic material. The shielding element may include at least about 5 percent, or at least about 20 percent, or at least about 50 percent, or at least about 90 percent ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material on a dry weight basis. The magnetic material of the shielding element may be a ferromagnetic material such as ferrite, ferritic iron, a ferromagnetic alloy, a ferromagnetic steel, or a ferromagnetic stainless steel such as an SAE 400 series stainless steel, SAE Type 409, 410, 420, or 430 stainless steel.

[0100] Advantageously, forming the shielding element from a magnetic material may allow the shielding element to shield the exterior of the device and one or more of the other components of the device from the varying magnetic fields generated by the heating assembly.

[0101] In some embodiments, the entire heating assembly is movable within the heated cavity along with the extractor surface. In some embodiments, a portion of the heating assembly is movable within the heated cavity along with the extractor surface. If the heating assembly includes a heating element, the heating element may be movable within the heated cavity along with the extractor surface. If the heating assembly includes an inductor coil, the inductor coil may be movable within the heated cavity along with the extractor surface. If the heating assembly includes a shielding element, the shielding element may be movable within the heated cavity along with the extractor surface.

[0102] The aerosol generating device may comprise two or more heating assemblies. The aerosol generating device may comprise a first heating assembly and a second heating assembly.

[0103] The aerosol generating device may include a first heating assembly including a first heating element and a second heating assembly including a second heating element. The first heating assembly may include a first planar heating element extending in a plane. The second heating assembly may include a second planar heating element extending in the plane of the first heating element. The second planar heating element may surround the first heating element.

[0104] According to the present disclosure, it is contemplated that the aerosol generating device including the first heating assembly and the second heating assembly may or may not include an extractor.

[0105] When the first heating assembly includes a first heating element and the second heating assembly includes a second heating element, the first heating element may be formed from the same material as the second heating element, hi some embodiments, the first heating element is formed from a different material than the second heating element.

[0106] According to the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may include a first heating assembly. The first heating assembly may include a first planar heating element extending in a plane. The aerosol generating device may include a second heating assembly. The second heating assembly may include a second planar heating element extending in the plane of the first heating element. The second planar heating element may surround the first heating element.

[0107] According to the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device is provided that includes a first heating assembly including a first planar heating element extending in a plane, and a second heating assembly including a second planar heating element extending in the plane of the first heating element and surrounding the first heating element.

[0108] In some preferred embodiments, the first heating element is substantially circular and the second heating element forms a ring surrounding the first heating element.

[0109] In some particularly preferred embodiments, the first heating element is a flat, planar disk and the second heating element is a flat, planar ring that surrounds the first aerosol-forming substrate.

[0110] The first heating assembly may be any suitable type of heating assembly. The second heating assembly may be any suitable type of heating assembly. The first heating assembly and the second heating assembly may be the same type of heating assembly. The second heating assembly may be a different type of heating assembly than the first heating assembly.

[0111] The first heating assembly may be a resistive heating assembly. The first heating assembly may include a first heating element that is a resistive heating element.

[0112] The second heating assembly may be a resistive heating assembly. The second heating assembly may include a second heating element that is a resistive heating element.

[0113] The first heating assembly may be an induction heating assembly. The first heating assembly may include a first heating element that is a susceptor element.

[0114] The second heating assembly may be an induction heating assembly. The second heating assembly may include a second heating element that is a susceptor element.

[0115] When the first heating assembly is an induction heating assembly, the first heating assembly may include a first inductor coil that may generate a first varying magnetic field when a first varying current is supplied to the first inductor coil.

[0116] If the first heating assembly is an induction heating assembly, the first heating assembly may or may not include a first heating element. If the first heating assembly includes a first heating element, the first heating element may be disposed to be penetrated by a first varying magnetic field generated by a first inductor coil. At least a portion of a surface of the first heating element may form at least a portion of the extractor surface. If the first heating assembly does not include a first heating element, at least a portion of a surface of the first inductor coil may form at least a portion of the extractor surface.

[0117] When the second heating assembly is an induction heating assembly, the second heating assembly can include a second inductor coil that can generate a second varying magnetic field when a second varying current is supplied to the second inductor coil.

[0118] The second heating assembly may or may not include a second heating element. If the second heating assembly includes a second heating element, the second heating element may be disposed to be penetrated by the second varying magnetic field generated by the second inductor coil. At least a portion of a surface of the second heating element may form at least a portion of the extractor surface. If the second heating assembly does not include a second heating element, at least a portion of a surface of the second inductor coil may form at least a portion of the extractor surface.

[0119] The aerosol generating device may comprise a first heating assembly including a first heating element and a second heating assembly including a second heating element, wherein at least a portion of the surface of the first heating element forms a portion of the extractor surface, and at least a portion of the surface of the second heating element forms a portion of the extractor surface.

[0120] The aerosol generating device may include a first heating assembly including a first inductor coil and a second heating assembly including a second inductor coil, wherein at least a portion of a surface of the first inductor coil forms a portion of the extractor surface and at least a portion of a surface of the second inductor coil forms a portion of the extractor surface.

[0121] The aerosol generating device may comprise a first heating assembly including a first heating element and a second heating assembly including a second inductor coil, wherein at least a portion of the surface of the first heating element forms a portion of the extractor surface and at least a portion of the surface of the second inductor coil forms a portion of the extractor surface.

[0122] The aerosol generating device may include a first heating assembly including a first inductor coil and a second heating assembly including a second heating element, wherein at least a portion of a surface of the first inductor coil forms a portion of the extractor surface and at least a portion of a surface of the second heating element forms a portion of the extractor surface.

[0123] In some embodiments where the first heating assembly is an induction heating assembly and the second heating assembly is an induction heating assembly, the first heating assembly may include an inductor coil and the second heating assembly may include the same inductor coil. The inductor coil may generate a varying magnetic field when a varying current is supplied to the inductor coil. The first heating element may be disposed to be penetrated by the varying magnetic field generated by the inductor coil, and the second heating element may be disposed to be penetrated by the varying magnetic field generated by the inductor coil.

[0124] The aerosol generating device may include a controller. The controller may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor, a microcontroller, or an application specific integrated chip (ASIC) or other electronic circuit capable of providing control. The controller may include additional electronic components.

[0125] The controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the heating assembly. If the heating assembly includes a heating element, the controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the heating element to heat the heating element. If the heating assembly includes an inductor coil, the controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the inductor coil. If the heating assembly includes an inductor coil, the controller may be configured to supply a varying current to the inductor coil to generate a varying magnetic field. The controller may be configured to supply an alternating current to the inductor coil to generate an alternating magnetic field.

[0126] When the aerosol generating device includes a first heating assembly and a second heating assembly, the controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the first heating assembly and to control the supply of power to the second heating assembly. When the first heating assembly includes a first heating element and the second heating assembly includes a second heating element, the controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the first heating element and to control the supply of power to the second heating element. When the first heating assembly includes a first inductor coil and the second heating assembly includes a second inductor coil, the controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the first inductor coil and to control the supply of power to the second inductor coil.

[0127] The controller may be configured to selectively control the supply of power to the first heating assembly and to selectively control the supply of power to the second heating assembly. The aerosol generating device may include a user interface. The user interface may have a first user input configured to allow a user to selectively control the supply of power to the first heating assembly. The user interface may have a second user input configured to allow a user to selectively control the supply of power to the second heating assembly.

[0128] The user interface may be any suitable user interface. The user interface may comprise one or more physical user inputs, such as buttons or switches. The user interface may comprise a touchscreen. If the user interface comprises a touchscreen, the one or more user inputs may be part of the touchscreen.

[0129] Advantageously, allowing selective control of the power supply to the first heating assembly and selective control of the power supply to the second heating assembly may provide a user with improved control over the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device from an aerosol-forming substrate received within the heating cavity.

[0130] If the first heating assembly includes a first heating element, the controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the first heating assembly to heat the first heating element to a first operating temperature.

[0131] If the second heating assembly includes a second heating element, the controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the second heating assembly to heat the second heating element to a second operating temperature. In some embodiments, the second operating temperature is the same as the first operating temperature. In some preferred embodiments, the second operating temperature is different from the first operating temperature.

[0132] As used herein, "operating temperature" is the temperature at which volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0133] The controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the first heating assembly to heat the first heating element to a first operating temperature of at least about 100 degrees Celsius, or at least about 200 degrees Celsius, or at least about 300 degrees Celsius. The controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the first heating assembly to heat the first heating element to a first operating temperature of not more than about 350 degrees Celsius, or not more than about 280 degrees Celsius. The controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the first heating assembly to heat the first heating element to a first operating temperature of between about 100 degrees Celsius and about 350 degrees Celsius, or between about 200 degrees Celsius and about 280 degrees Celsius.

[0134] The controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the second heating assembly to heat the second heating element to a second operating temperature of at least about 100 degrees Celsius, or at least about 200 degrees Celsius, or at least about 300 degrees Celsius. The controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the second heating assembly to heat the second heating element to a second operating temperature of not more than about 350 degrees Celsius, or not more than about 280 degrees Celsius. The controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the second heating assembly to heat the second heating element to a second operating temperature of between about 100 degrees Celsius and about 350 degrees Celsius, or between about 200 degrees Celsius and about 280 degrees Celsius.

[0135] The controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the second heating assembly independently of the supply of power to the first heating assembly.

[0136] Advantageously, controlling the power supply to the second heating assembly independently of the power supply to the first heating assembly may allow improved control over the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating device from an aerosol-forming substrate received within the heated cavity. Particularly advantageously, controlling the power supply to the second heating assembly independently of the power supply to the first heating assembly may allow a first aerosol-forming substrate disposed within the heated cavity at or about a first portion of the cavity surface to be heated independently of a second aerosol-forming substrate disposed within the heated cavity at or about a second portion of the cavity surface.

[0137] The controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the first heating assembly and to control the supply of power to the second heating assembly such that power is supplied to the first heating assembly and the second heating assembly simultaneously.

[0138] The controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the first heating assembly and to control the supply of power to the second heating assembly such that power is supplied to the first heating assembly and the second heating assembly such that power is supplied to only the first assembly.The controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the first heating assembly and to control the supply of power to the second heating assembly such that power is supplied to the first heating assembly and the second heating assembly such that power is supplied to only the second assembly.

[0139] The aerosol generating device may include a power supply, which may be arranged to provide power to the heating assembly.

[0140] Where the aerosol generating device comprises a first heating assembly and a second heating assembly, the power source may be arranged to provide power to the first heating assembly and the second heating assembly.

[0141] The power source may be any suitable power source. Preferably, the power source is a DC power source. The power source may be a battery. The power source may be a rechargeable battery. The battery may be a lithium-based battery, such as a lithium cobalt battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, a lithium titanate battery, or a lithium polymer battery. The battery may be a nickel-metal hydride battery or a nickel-cadmium battery. The power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may be rechargeable and configured for numerous charge and discharge cycles. The power source may have a capacity that allows for the storage of energy sufficient for one or more user experiences with the aerosol generation system. For example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to allow continuous generation of aerosol for a period of approximately six minutes, corresponding to the typical time it takes to smoke a conventional cigarette, or for a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to allow a predetermined number of puffs or discontinuous activation of the first and second heating assemblies. The power source may be configured to provide between about 5 puffs and about 12 puffs to the aerosol generation device. The power supply may be configured to provide between about 8 puffs and about 10 puffs to the aerosol generating device.

[0142] The aerosol generating device includes a controller and may include additional electronic components, for example, in some embodiments, the controller may include any of a sensor, a switch, and a display element.

[0143] If the heating assembly is an induction heating assembly, or if at least one of the first and second heating assemblies is an induction heating assembly, and the power source is a DC power source, the aerosol generating device may include a DC / AC converter. The DC / AC converter may enable the aerosol generating device to supply alternating current to the inductor coil of the induction heating assembly. The DC / AC converter may be disposed between the DC power source and the inductor coil of the induction heating assembly. The DC / AC converter may include a capacitor. The DC / AC converter may include an LC (inductor-capacitor) load network.

[0144] In some preferred embodiments, the DC / AC converter may include a capacitor, and the DC / AC converter further includes an LC (inductor-capacitor) load network, and the LC load network includes an inductor coil and a capacitor. In some of these preferred embodiments, the inductor coil is connected in series with the capacitor.

[0145] In some preferred embodiments, the DC / AC converter comprises a class E power amplifier. The DC / AC converter may comprise a class D power amplifier.

[0146] In some of these embodiments, the power supply circuit may further include a DC / DC converter. The DC / DC converter may be disposed between the DC power source and the DC / AC converter. The DC / DC converter may allow DC power sources having different supply voltages to be used with the aerosol generating device without modifying the functionality of the aerosol generating device.

[0147] The power supply circuit may further include a puff detector. The puff detector may be configured to detect when a user puffs on the aerosol generating device. The puff detector may be any suitable sensor capable of detecting when a user puffs on the aerosol generating device. For example, the puff detector may be an airflow sensor.

[0148] If the power supply circuit includes a puff detector, the controller may be configured to supply power to the heating assembly to heat the aerosol-forming substrate received within the heating cavity when the puff detector detects that a user is inhaling or puffing on the aerosol generating device.

[0149] If the power supply circuit includes a puff detector and the aerosol generating device includes a first heating assembly and a second heating assembly, the controller may be configured to supply power to one or both of the first heating assembly and the second heating assembly to heat an aerosol-forming substrate received within the heating cavity when the puff detector detects that a user is inhaling or puffing on the aerosol generating device.

[0150] The aerosol generating device may include a biasing device configured to bias the extractor surface in a direction, and the biasing device may be configured to bias the extractor surface toward the open proximal end of the heated cavity.

[0151] The biasing device may be any suitable biasing device capable of biasing the extractor surface in a direction.

[0152] The biasing device may include a resilient element, such as a spring. The spring may be any suitable type of spring, such as a leaf spring or a coil spring. The spring may be arranged to bias the extractor surface toward the open proximal end of the heated cavity.

[0153] The biasing device may include a magnetic material. The biasing device may include a first magnet disposed in the heated cavity. The biasing device may include a second magnet disposed in the extractor. The first magnet may be configured to bias the second magnet toward the open proximal end of the heated cavity. The first magnet may include a permanent magnet. The first magnet may include an electromagnet. The second magnet may include a permanent magnet. The second magnet may include an electromagnet. When the aerosol generating device includes a controller, and at least one of the first magnet and the second magnet includes an electromagnet, the controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the electromagnet to control the biasing device. The controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the biasing device to control the position of the extractor surface. The controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the biasing device to move the extractor surface between the first position and the second position. If the extractor is movable between the third position and the first position, the controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the biasing device to move the extractor surface between the third position and the first position.

[0154] In some of these embodiments, the biasing device includes a first magnet and a second magnet, where one of the first magnet and the second magnet is an electromagnet and a resilient element, such as a spring. In these embodiments, the first magnet and the second magnet may be configured to proximally bias the extractor surface toward the open proximal end of the heated cavity. In these embodiments, the resilient element may be configured to distally bias the extractor surface toward the distal end of the heated cavity. Thus, when power is supplied to the electromagnet, the first magnet and the second magnet bias the extractor surface toward the proximal end of the heated cavity, and when power is not supplied to the electromagnet, the resilient element biases the extractor surface toward the distal end of the heated cavity.

[0155] The aerosol generating device may have any suitable form. The aerosol generating device may be planar, extending in a plane. The aerosol generating device may be flat. The aerosol generating device may be a flat, planar aerosol generating device. Preferably, the aerosol generating device is substantially cylindrical.

[0156] The aerosol generating device has a cross-sectional shape. The aerosol generating device may have any suitable cross-sectional shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating device may be circular, elliptical, rectangular, square, or any other regular polygonal shape. Preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating device is circular.

[0157] The aerosol generating device may have any suitable size. Preferably, the aerosol generating device is portable. The aerosol generating device may be a handheld aerosol generating device. In other words, the aerosol generating device may be sized and shaped to be held in a user's hand. The aerosol generating device may have a size comparable to a conventional cigar or cigarette. The aerosol generating device may have a length of approximately 70 millimeters to approximately 120 millimeters.

[0158] The aerosol generator has an aerosol generator length. The aerosol generator length may be any suitable length. The aerosol generator length may be about 30 mm to about 150 mm, about 70 mm to about 120 mm, or preferably about 100 mm to about 110 mm.

[0159] The aerosol generator has an aerosol generator width. The aerosol generator width may be any suitable width. The aerosol generator width may be about 25 millimeters to about 35 millimeters.

[0160] The aerosol-generating device has an aerosol-generating device thickness. The aerosol-generating device thickness may be any suitable thickness. The aerosol-generating device thickness may be about 25 millimeters to about 35 millimeters.

[0161] The aerosol generating device may include a housing, which may define at least a portion of the heating cavity.

[0162] The housing may be planar, extending in a plane. The plane of the housing may be parallel to the plane of the cavity surface. The housing is preferably flat. The housing may be a planar, flat housing.

[0163] The housing may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials.

[0164] The housing may be formed from a non-magnetic material.

[0165] As used herein, "non-magnetic material" refers to a material that does not interact with magnetic fields and cannot be heated by penetration by an alternating magnetic field.

[0166] In some embodiments, the housing is formed from an electrically insulating material.

[0167] As used herein, "thermal insulating" refers to a material that has a bulk thermal conductivity of less than about 5 watts per meter Kelvin (mW / (mK)) at 23 degrees Celsius (°C) and a relative humidity of 50 percent as measured using the modified transient plane heat source (MTPS) method.

[0168] In some embodiments, the housing is formed from an electrically insulating material.

[0169] As used herein, "electrically insulating" means a resistance of about 1×10 at 20 degrees Celsius (°C). 6 More than ohmmeter (Ωm), typically about 1×10 9 Ohmmeter (Ωm) ~ approx. 1 x 1021 Refers to a material that has a volume resistivity in ohmmeters (Ωm).

[0170] Preferably the material is light and not brittle.

[0171] Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics, or composites containing one or more of these materials, or thermoplastics suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyethylene.

[0172] According to the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generation system. The aerosol generation system may comprise an aerosol generating device as described above. The aerosol generation system may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0173] According to the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device as described above and an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0174] The aerosol generation system may be configured to deliver nicotine or cannabinoids to a user.

[0175] The aerosol-generating system comprises an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may have any suitable form. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially planar, extending in a plane. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially flat. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a substantially flat, planar aerosol-generating article.

[0176] The aerosol-forming substrate has a transverse cross-sectional shape. The aerosol-forming substrate may have any suitable transverse cross-sectional shape. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a transverse cross-sectional shape that is circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, or any other regular polygon. Preferably, the transverse cross-sectional shape of the aerosol-forming substrate is substantially circular.

[0177] In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate is a flat, planar disk.

[0178] In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate is contained within an aerosol-generating article.

[0179] The aerosol-generating article may take any suitable form. The aerosol-generating article may be substantially planar, extending in a plane. The aerosol-generating article may be substantially flat. The aerosol-generating article may be a substantially flat, planar aerosol-generating article.

[0180] The aerosol-generating article has a transverse cross-sectional shape. The aerosol-generating article may have any suitable transverse cross-sectional shape. The aerosol-generating article may have a circular, oval, square, rectangular, or any other regular polygonal transverse cross-sectional shape. Preferably, the transverse cross-section of the aerosol-generating article is substantially circular.

[0181] In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol-generating article is a flat, planar disc.

[0182] The aerosol-generating article may have any suitable size.

[0183] The heated cavity of the aerosol-generating device may be configured to receive an aerosol-generating article when the extractor surface is in the second position. The aerosol-generating article may have substantially the same shape and size as the heated cavity of the aerosol-generating device when the extractor surface is in the second position. If the extractor surface of the aerosol-generating device is movable between the first and third positions, the heated cavity may be configured to receive two aerosol-generating articles when the extractor surface is in the third position. The aerosol-generating article may have a thickness that is approximately half the depth of the heated cavity of the aerosol-generating device when the extractor surface is in the third position.

[0184] The aerosol-generating article has an article length. The article length may be any suitable article length. The article length may be from about 4 millimeters to about 22 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article has an article width. The article width may be any suitable article width. The article width may be from about 4 millimeters to about 22 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article has an article thickness. The article thickness may be any suitable article thickness. The article thickness may be from about 0.7 millimeters to about 7.5 millimeters.

[0185] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article comprises a susceptor element. If the heating assembly of the aerosol-generating device is an induction heating assembly, and the induction heating assembly does not include a heating element, the aerosol-generating article may comprise a susceptor element.

[0186] The susceptor element may be arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate. The susceptor element may be arranged to be penetrated by a varying magnetic field generated by an inductor coil of an induction heating assembly of the aerosol-generating device when the aerosol-generating article is received within the heating cavity.

[0187] The susceptor element can be any suitable susceptor element, as described above. The susceptor element can have the same shape as the aerosol-forming substrate. The susceptor element can be a flat, planar disk.

[0188] Where the aerosol-generating article comprises a first aerosol-forming substrate and a second aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-generating article may comprise a first susceptor arranged to heat the first aerosol-forming substrate. Where the aerosol-generating article comprises a first aerosol-forming substrate and a second aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-generating article may comprise a second susceptor arranged to heat the second aerosol-forming substrate.

[0189] If the first heating assembly of the aerosol-generating device is an induction heating assembly and the first induction heating assembly does not include a first heating element, the aerosol-generating article may comprise a first susceptor element. If the second heating assembly of the aerosol-generating device is an induction heating assembly and the second induction heating assembly does not include a second heating element, the aerosol-generating article may comprise a second susceptor element.

[0190] The first susceptor element may have the same shape as the first aerosol-forming substrate. The second susceptor element may have the same shape as the second aerosol-forming substrate.

[0191] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a housing. The housing may define a substrate cavity. The aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed within the substrate cavity. The housing is preferably a wrapper. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may comprise a wrapper surrounding the aerosol-forming substrate. The wrapper may be formed of any suitable material. Preferably, the wrapper is formed from cigarette paper.

[0192] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating system comprises a first aerosol-forming substrate and a second aerosol-forming substrate. In particular, when the aerosol-generating device comprises a first heating assembly and a second heating assembly, the aerosol-generating system may comprise a first aerosol-forming substrate and a second aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a first aerosol-forming substrate and a second aerosol-forming substrate.

[0193] When the aerosol-generating article comprises a first aerosol-forming substrate and a second aerosol-forming substrate, the first aerosol-forming substrate may be the same as the second aerosol-forming substrate, but the second aerosol-forming substrate is preferably different from the first aerosol-forming substrate.

[0194] Where the aerosol-generating system comprises a first aerosol-forming substrate and a second aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-generating system may comprise an aerosol-generating article comprising the first aerosol-forming substrate and the second aerosol-forming substrate.

[0195] The aerosol-generating article may be configured such that the first aerosol-forming substrate is heated by the first heating assembly when the aerosol-generating article is received within the heating cavity. The aerosol-generating article may be configured such that the second aerosol-forming substrate is heated by the second heating assembly when the aerosol-generating article is received within the heating cavity.

[0196] The first aerosol-forming substrate may be a planar aerosol-forming substrate extending in a first plane. The second aerosol-forming substrate may be a planar aerosol-forming substrate extending in a second plane. The second plane of the second planar aerosol-forming substrate may be parallel to the first plane of the first planar aerosol-forming substrate. The second plane of the second planar aerosol-forming substrate may be the first plane of the first planar aerosol-forming substrate.

[0197] In some preferred embodiments, the first aerosol-forming substrate is a first planar aerosol-forming substrate extending in a plane, and the second aerosol-forming substrate is a second planar aerosol-forming substrate extending in the plane of the first aerosol-forming substrate and surrounding the first aerosol-forming substrate. The second aerosol-forming substrate may be arranged concentrically with the first aerosol-forming substrate.

[0198] In some particularly preferred embodiments, the first aerosol-forming substrate is a flat, planar disk and the second aerosol-forming substrate is a flat, planar ring surrounding the first aerosol-forming substrate.

[0199] When the aerosol-generating device comprises a first heating assembly including a first planar heating element extending in a plane, and a second heating assembly including a second planar heating element extending in the plane of the first heating element and surrounding the first heating element, the first aerosol-forming substrate may have substantially the same shape, length, and width as the first heating element, and the second aerosol-forming substrate may have substantially the same shape, length, and width as the second heating element.

[0200] When the aerosol-generation system comprises a first heating assembly and a second heating assembly, the first aerosol-forming substrate may be configured to be heated by the first heating assembly, and the second aerosol-forming substrate may be configured to be heated by the second heating assembly.

[0201] When the first heating assembly includes a first heating element, the first aerosol-forming substrate may be configured to be heated by the first heating element when the aerosol-generating article is received within the heating cavity.

[0202] If the second heating assembly includes a second heating element, the second aerosol-forming substrate may be configured to be heated by the second heating element when the aerosol-generating article is received within the heating cavity.

[0203] If the first heating assembly includes a first inductor coil and does not include a first heating element, the aerosol-generating article may include a first heating element in the form of a susceptor element. The first heating element may be disposed within the aerosol-generating article to heat the first aerosol-forming substrate. The first heating element may be disposed to be penetrated by a first varying magnetic field generated by the first inductor coil when the aerosol-generating article is received within the heating cavity.

[0204] If the second heating assembly includes a second inductor coil but not a second heating element, the aerosol-generating article may include a second heating element in the form of a susceptor element. The second heating element may be disposed within the aerosol-generating article to heat the second aerosol-forming substrate. The second heating element may be disposed so as to be penetrated by a second varying magnetic field generated by the second inductor coil when the aerosol-generating article is received within the heating cavity.

[0205] The aerosol-generating device is configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate, which may be any suitable aerosol-forming substrate.

[0206] The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate.The aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0207] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate containing tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavour compounds that are released from the substrate upon heating.

[0208] The solid aerosol-forming substrate may include a tobacco plug. The tobacco plug may include one or more of herb leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco stems, expanded tobacco, and homogenized tobacco, for example, in the form of powder, granules, pellets, shreds, strands, strips, or sheets. As used herein, "homogenized tobacco material" refers to a material formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. Providing homogenized tobacco material may improve aerosol generation and the nicotine content and flavor profile of the aerosol generated during heating of the aerosol-generating article. Specifically, the process of making homogenized tobacco involves grinding tobacco leaves, which allows for more efficient release of nicotine and flavor upon heating. When the tobacco plug includes homogenized tobacco material, the homogenized tobacco material may be in the form of a sheet. As used herein, "sheet" refers to a layered element having a width and length substantially greater than its thickness.

[0209] The solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenized tobacco material. The solid aerosol-forming material may comprise pieces, strands, or strips of homogenized tobacco material. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a sheet of homogenized tobacco material.

[0210] The homogenized tobacco material sheet may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco obtained by grinding or otherwise comminuted one or both of tobacco lamina and tobacco stems. The homogenized tobacco material sheet may also include one or more of tobacco dust, tobacco fines, and other particulate tobacco by-products formed, for example, during tobacco processing, handling, or transport. The homogenized tobacco material sheet is preferably formed by a casting process of a type that generally involves casting a slurry containing particulate tobacco and one or more binders onto a conveyor belt or other support surface, drying the cast slurry to form a homogenized tobacco material sheet, and removing the homogenized tobacco material sheet from the support surface.

[0211] The solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aggregate of crimped sheets of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "aggregated" is used to describe a sheet that is rolled, folded, or otherwise compressed or pinched in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

[0212] In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an assembly of textured sheets of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, "textured sheet" refers to a sheet that has been crimped, embossed, debossed, perforated, or otherwise deformed. The use of textured sheets of homogenized tobacco material can advantageously facilitate assembling the sheets of homogenized tobacco material to form the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an assembly of textured sheets of homogenized tobacco material that include a plurality of spaced indentations, protrusions, perforations, or a combination thereof.

[0213] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an assembly of a crimped sheet of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, "crimped sheet" refers to a sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations. Preferably, the substantially parallel ridges or corrugations extend along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. This conveniently facilitates assembly of the crimped sheet of homogenized tobacco material to form the aerosol-generating article. However, it will be recognized that a crimped sheet of homogenized tobacco material for inclusion in an aerosol-generating article may alternatively or additionally have a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations arranged at an acute or obtuse angle to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

[0214] The aerosol-forming substrate may include tobacco-containing and non-tobacco-containing materials.

[0215] The aerosol-forming substrate may include an aerosol former. The aerosol-forming substrate may include a single aerosol former or a combination of two or more aerosol formers. As used herein, the term "aerosol former" is used to describe any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates the formation of an aerosol during use and is substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating article. Suitable aerosol formers include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols (such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerin), esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol monoacetate, diacetate, or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of monocarboxylic, dicarboxylic, or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate). Preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols (such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and most preferably glycerin) or mixtures thereof. The aerosol former content of the aerosol-forming substrate may exceed 5% on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of about 5 percent to about 30 percent on a dry weight basis.The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of about 20 percent on a dry weight basis.

[0216] The aerosol-forming substrate preferably comprises homogenized tobacco material, an aerosol former, and water.

[0217] The homogenized tobacco material may be provided in a sheet that is folded, crimped, or cut into strips. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sheet is cut into strips having widths of about 0.2 millimeters to about 2 millimeters, more preferably about 0.4 millimeters to about 1.2 millimeters. In one embodiment, the strips have a width of about 0.9 millimeters.

[0218] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate is a gel. Advantageously, the gel is solid at room temperature. As used herein, "solid gel" refers to a gel that has a stable size and shape and does not flow at room temperature. As used herein, "room temperature" refers to 25 degrees Celsius.

[0219] If the aerosol-forming substrate is a gel, the gel may advantageously be a thermoreversible gel. This means that the gel becomes fluid when heated to its melting temperature and becomes a gel again at its gelling temperature. The gelling temperature is preferably above room temperature and above atmospheric pressure. Atmospheric pressure means a pressure of 1 atmosphere. The melting temperature is preferably higher than the gelling temperature. The melting temperature of the gel is preferably above 50°C, 60°C, or 70°C, more preferably above 80°C. In this context, melting temperature means the temperature at which the gel is no longer solid and begins to flow. The gel may contain a gelling agent. Preferably, the gel contains agar, agarose, or sodium alginate. The gel may contain gellan gum. The gel may contain a mixture of materials. The gel may contain water.

[0220] The gel may be provided as a single block or as multiple gel elements, for example, beads or capsules. By using capsules or beads, the user may know that the cartridge has already been used, as the gel will not form the same capsules or beads upon heating and subsequent gelling after cooling.

[0221] The gel may contain nicotine or a tobacco product, or another target compound, for delivery to the user. If the resulting aerosol is to contain nicotine, it is advantageous to include the nicotine in a gel or another solid form in the base container rather than in a liquid form. The nicotine may be included in the gel along with the aerosol former. Nicotine can be irritating to the skin and toxic. Therefore, it is desirable to prevent any possible leakage of nicotine by trapping it in the gel at room temperature.

[0222] When agar is used as the gelling agent, the gel preferably contains 0.5 to 5% by weight (more preferably 0.8 to 1% by weight) of agar. The gel may further contain 0.1 to 2% by weight of nicotine. The gel may further contain 30 to 90% by weight (more preferably 70 to 90% by weight) of glycerin. The remainder of the gel may contain water and optional flavoring agents.

[0223] When gellan gum is used as a gelling agent, the gel preferably contains 0.5 to 5% by weight of gellan gum. The gel may further contain 0.1 to 2% by weight of nicotine. The gel may further contain 30 to 99.4% by weight of glycerin. The remainder of the gel may contain water and optional flavoring agents.

[0224] In one embodiment, the gel comprises 2% nicotine, 70% glycerol, 27% water, and 1% agar by weight, hi another embodiment, the gel comprises 65% glycerol, 20% water, 14.3% tobacco, and 0.7% agar by weight.

[0225] When the aerosol-generating system includes a first aerosol-forming substrate and a second aerosol-forming substrate, the composition of the first aerosol-forming substrate and the composition of the second aerosol-forming substrate may be different. Advantageously, providing the first aerosol-forming substrate and the second aerosol-forming substrate with different compositions may enable the aerosol-generating system to vary the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating system. This may allow users to customize their aerosol generation experience from the aerosol-generating system. [Example]

[0226] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, below is provided a first, non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features described above, for example, with any one or more features of other examples, embodiments, or aspects described herein.

[0227] Example 1 An aerosol generating device, comprising: a heated cavity configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate; a heating assembly disposed within the heating cavity; An aerosol generating device comprising: an extractor including an extractor surface movable within a heated cavity, at least a portion of the extractor surface being formed by a portion of a heating assembly. Example 2. 2. The aerosol generating device of example 1, wherein the heated cavity has a longitudinal axis and the extractor surface is movable along the longitudinal axis of the heated cavity. Example 3. 3. The aerosol generating device of example 1 or 2, wherein the extractor surface is slidable or translatable within the heated cavity. Example 4. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the heated cavity has a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end, and the proximal end is substantially open. Example 5. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 4, wherein the extractor surface is movable proximally from the first position to the second position toward the proximal end of the heated cavity, and the extractor surface is movable distally from the second position to the first position toward the distal end of the heated cavity. Example 6 An aerosol generating device as described in Example 5, wherein the first position is a heating position where the aerosol-forming substrate is received within the heated cavity and can be heated by the heating assembly, and the second position is an extraction position where the aerosol-forming substrate received within the heated cavity is located at, around, or outside the open proximal end of the heated cavity, and optionally, in the second position, an extractor surface is disposed at the open proximal end of the heated cavity or outside the heated cavity. Example 7 An aerosol generating device as described in Example 5 or 6, wherein the extractor surface is movable distally from the first position to the distal end of the heated cavity, and the extractor surface is movable proximally from the third position to the first position to the proximal end of the heated cavity. Example 8 An aerosol generating device as described in Example 7, wherein the third position is an additional heating position, and a larger volume of aerosol-forming substrate can be received in the heating cavity and heated by the heating assembly compared to when the extractor surface is in the first position. Example 9. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the surface of the heated cavity is defined by an extractor surface, and optionally the extractor surface defines a distal end face of the heated cavity. Example 10. 10. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the heating assembly comprises a heating element, the surface of the heating element forming at least a portion of the surface of the extractor. Example 11 11. The aerosol generating device of Example 10, wherein the heating element is a resistive heating element. Example 12 11. The aerosol generating device of example 10, wherein the heating assembly further comprises an inductor coil. Example 13 13. The aerosol generating device of embodiment 12, wherein the inductor coil is a planar inductor coil. Example 14. 14. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 12 to 13, wherein the inductor coil is movable with the extractor surface of the extractor. Example 15. 15. The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 12 to 14, wherein the inductor coil is disposed below the heating element. Example 16. 16. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 12 to 15, wherein the heating element is a susceptor element. Example 17. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 16, wherein the inductor coil generates a varying magnetic field when a varying current is supplied to the inductor coil, and the susceptor element is arranged to be penetrated by the varying magnetic field generated by the inductor coil. Example 18. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 16 or 17, wherein the susceptor element comprises a magnetic material that can be heated by penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field, and optionally the susceptor element comprises at least about 5 percent, or at least about 20 percent, or at least about 50 percent, or at least about 90 percent ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material on a dry weight basis. Example 19. 19. The aerosol generating device of Example 18, wherein the magnetic material is a ferromagnetic material such as ferrite, ferritic iron, a ferromagnetic alloy, a ferromagnetic steel, or a ferromagnetic stainless steel such as an SAE 400 series stainless steel, SAE type 409, 410, 420, or 430 stainless steel. Example 20. 20. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 12 to 19, wherein the heating assembly further comprises a shielding element. Example 21. 21. The aerosol generating device of Example 20, wherein the inductor coil is disposed between the heating element and the shielding element. Example 22. 22. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 20 or 21, wherein the shielding element is formed from a material having a relative magnetic permeability of at least 5, or at least 10, or at least 20, or at least 30, or at least 40, or at least 50, or at least 60, or at least 80, or at least 100 at a frequency of 6 to 8 megahertz (MHz) and a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. Example 23. An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 20 to 22, wherein the first shielding element comprises a magnetic material, and optionally, the first shielding element comprises at least about 5 percent, or at least about 20 percent, or at least about 50 percent, or at least about 90 percent ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material on a dry weight basis. Example 24. 24. The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 23, wherein the surface of the extractor is planar and extends substantially in a plane. Example 25. 25. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 24, wherein the extractor surface is substantially circular and, optionally, the heated cavity is substantially cylindrical. Example 26. An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 25, wherein the heating assembly is a first heating assembly, the heating element of the first heating assembly is a first planar heating element extending in a plane, and the aerosol generating device comprises a second heating assembly including a second planar heating element extending in the plane of the first heating element and surrounding the first heating element. Example 27. 27. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 26, wherein the first heating element is substantially circular and the second heating element forms a ring surrounding the first heating element. Example 28. 28. The aerosol generating device of Example 26 or 27, wherein the first heating element is a resistance heating element. Example 29. 29. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 26 to 28, wherein the second heating element is a resistance heating element. Example 30. 30. The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples 26, 27, or 29, wherein the first heating element is a susceptor element. Example 31. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 30, wherein the first heating assembly comprises a first inductor coil that generates a varying magnetic field when a varying current is supplied to the first inductor coil, and the first heating element is arranged to be penetrated by the varying magnetic field generated by the first inductor coil. Example 32. 29. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 26 to 28, wherein the second heating element is a susceptor element. Example 33. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 32, wherein the second heating assembly includes a second inductor coil that generates a varying magnetic field when a varying current is supplied to the second inductor coil, and the second heating element is arranged to be penetrated by the varying magnetic field generated by the second inductor coil. Example 34. 28. The aerosol generating apparatus of Example 26 or 27, wherein the first heating element is a first susceptor element and the second heating element is a second susceptor element. Example 35. a first heating assembly including a first inductor coil that generates a varying magnetic field when a varying current is supplied to the first inductor coil, the first heating element being disposed to be penetrated by the varying magnetic field generated by the first inductor coil; An aerosol generating device as described in Example 34, wherein the second heating assembly includes a second inductor coil that generates a varying magnetic field when a varying current is supplied to the second inductor coil, and the second heating element is arranged to be penetrated by the varying magnetic field generated by the second inductor coil. Example 36. 36. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 35, wherein the heating assembly is movable together with the extractor surface within the heating cavity. Example 37. 37. The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples 1 to 36, further comprising a biasing device configured to bias the extractor surface towards the open proximal end of the heated cavity. Example 38. 38. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 37, wherein the biasing device comprises an elastic element such as a spring. Example 39. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 37 or 38, wherein the biasing device includes a first magnet disposed in the heated cavity and a second magnet disposed in the extractor, and the first magnet is configured to bias the second magnet toward the open proximal end of the heated cavity. Example 40. 40. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 39, wherein the first magnet includes at least one of a permanent magnet and an electromagnet. Example 41. An aerosol generating device described in Example 39 or 40, wherein the second magnet includes at least one of a permanent magnet and an electromagnet. Example 42. 1. An aerosol generating system comprising: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 41; an aerosol-forming substrate; and Example 43. 43. The aerosol-generating system of example 42, further comprising an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. Example 44. 44. An aerosol-generating system as described in Example 43, wherein the aerosol-generating article is substantially planar. Example 45. 45. An aerosol-generating system as described in Example 43 or 44, wherein the aerosol-generating article is substantially circular, and optionally the aerosol-generating article is a circular, planar disc.

[0228] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, below is provided a non-exhaustive list of second, non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features described above, for example, with any one or more features of other examples, embodiments, or aspects described herein.

[0229] Example 1 An aerosol generating device, comprising: a first heating assembly including a first planar heating element extending in a plane; a second heating assembly including a second planar heating element extending in the plane of and surrounding the first heating element. Example 2. 2. The aerosol generating device of example 1, wherein the first heating element is substantially circular and the second heating element forms a ring surrounding the first heating element. Example 3. 3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first heating element is a resistance heating element. Example 4. 4. The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the second heating element is a resistance heating element. Example 5. 5. The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples 1, 2, or 4, wherein the first heating element is a susceptor element. Example 6 An aerosol generating device as described in Example 5, wherein the first heating assembly includes a first inductor coil that generates a varying magnetic field when a varying current is supplied to the first inductor coil, and the first heating element is arranged to be penetrated by the varying magnetic field generated by the first inductor coil. Example 7 4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the second heating element is a susceptor element. Example 8 An aerosol generating device as described in Example 7, wherein the second heating assembly includes a second inductor coil that generates a varying magnetic field when a varying current is supplied to the second inductor coil, and the second heating element is arranged to be penetrated by the varying magnetic field generated by the second inductor coil. Example 9. 3. The aerosol generating apparatus of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the first heating element is a first susceptor element and the second heating element is a second susceptor element. Example 10. a first heating assembly including a first inductor coil that generates a varying magnetic field when a varying current is supplied to the first inductor coil, the first heating element being disposed to be penetrated by the varying magnetic field generated by the first inductor coil; An aerosol generating device as described in Example 9, wherein the second heating assembly includes a second inductor coil that generates a varying magnetic field when a varying current is supplied to the second inductor coil, and the second heating element is arranged to be penetrated by the varying magnetic field generated by the second inductor coil. Example 11 An aerosol generating device as described in Example 9, wherein the first heating assembly includes an inductor coil that generates a varying magnetic field when a varying current is supplied to the inductor coil, the first heating element is arranged to be penetrated by the varying magnetic field generated by the inductor coil, and the second heating assembly includes an inductor coil and the second heating element is arranged to be penetrated by the varying magnetic field generated by the inductor coil. Example 12 12. The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the first heating element is made of the same material as the second heating element. Example 13 12. The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the first heating element is made of a different material from the second heating element. Example 14. An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the first heating element is configured to be heated to a first temperature, and the second heating element is configured to be heated to a second temperature different from the first temperature. Example 15. An aerosol generating device further comprising a controller, the controller configured to control the supply of power to a first heating assembly for heating the first heating element, and the controller configured to control the supply of power to a second heating assembly for heating the second heating element, wherein the supply of power to the first heating assembly is independent of the supply of power to the second heating assembly. Example 16. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 15, wherein the controller is further configured to control the supply of power to the first heating assembly to heat the first heating element to a first operating temperature, and the controller is further configured to control the supply of power to the second heating assembly to heat the second heating element to a second operating temperature, the second operating temperature being different from the first operating temperature. Example 17. 1. An aerosol generating system comprising: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 16; an aerosol-forming substrate; and Example 18. 18. The aerosol-generating system of example 17, further comprising an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. Example 19. 19. The aerosol-generating system of Example 18, wherein the aerosol-generating article is substantially planar. Example 20. 20. An aerosol-generating system as described in Example 18 or 19, wherein the aerosol-generating article is substantially circular, and optionally the aerosol-generating article is a circular, planar disc. Example 21. 21. The aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 18 to 20, wherein the low aerosol-generating article comprises a first aerosol-forming substrate and a second aerosol-forming substrate. Example 22. 22. The aerosol-generating system of Example 21, wherein the first aerosol-forming substrate is a first planar aerosol-forming substrate extending in a plane, and the second aerosol-forming substrate is a second planar aerosol-forming substrate extending in the plane of the first aerosol-forming substrate and surrounding the first aerosol-forming substrate. Example 23. 23. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the first aerosol-forming substrate is configured to be heated by a first heating element and the second aerosol-forming substrate is configured to be heated by a second heating element. Example 24. An aerosol generation system described in any one of Examples 17 to 23, wherein the aerosol generation device further comprises a heated cavity configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate, and optionally, the first planar heating element and the second planar heating element form at least a portion of the surface of the heated cavity. Example 25. An aerosol generation system as described in Example 24, wherein the heating cavity has a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end, the proximal end being substantially open, and the first planar heating element and the second planar heating element form at least a portion of the surface of the heating cavity at the distal end.

[0230] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the figures. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0231] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 with the mouthpiece removed. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of an aerosol generation system according to the present disclosure, comprising the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 and an aerosol-generating article. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 with the extractor in the heating position. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 with the extractor in the extracting position. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a portion of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 with the extractor in the second, heated position. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a portion of the aerosol-generating system of FIG. 3, including two aerosol-generating articles. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of a portion of the aerosol-generating system of FIG. 3 having two aerosol-generating articles received within the heated cavity. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a portion of an aerosol generating device according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0232] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an aerosol generation device 1 according to the present disclosure. The aerosol generation device 1 comprises a main body 2 and a mouthpiece 3 removably attachable to the main body 2. The mouthpiece 3 includes a mouthpiece opening 4 that allows the aerosol generated by the aerosol generation device 1 to be delivered to a user.

[0233] The body 2 of the aerosol generating device 1 includes a heated cavity 5, as shown in FIG. 2 . The heated cavity 5 is configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate, as will be described in more detail below. The heated cavity 5 is defined by a housing 6 of the body 2, as shown in more detail in FIGS. 4 and 5 . The heated cavity 5 is substantially cylindrical and has a circular transverse cross-sectional shape. The heated cavity 5 has an open proximal end. The open proximal end of the heated cavity 5 allows the aerosol-forming substrate to be inserted into and removed from the heated cavity 5. The heated cavity 5 also has a substantially closed distal end opposite the proximal end. At the open proximal end of the heated cavity 5, the heated cavity 5 is provided with a plurality of air inlets 7 in the form of notches or grooves in the housing 6.

[0234] An air inlet 7 at the open proximal end of the heated cavity 5 allows ambient air to be drawn into the heated cavity 5. As shown in FIG. 1 , when the mouthpiece 3 is disposed over the heated cavity 5, an opening is formed at the interface between the mouthpiece 3 and the housing 6 of the main body 2, and an airflow path is defined between the opening at the interface and the heated cavity 5. The airflow path extends proximally from the opening at the interface between the mouthpiece 3 and the housing 6 of the main body 2 between the mouthpiece 3 and the outer surface of the housing 6 of the main body 2. The airflow path terminates at the air inlet 7 at the proximal end of the heated cavity. The air inlet 7 is angled distally to direct air from the airflow path into the heated cavity 5 and toward an aerosol-forming substrate received within the heated cavity 5.

[0235] The aerosol generation device 1 further comprises a heating assembly 8 disposed within the heating cavity 5. In this embodiment, the heating assembly 8 is an induction heating assembly. The induction heating assembly 8 comprises a heating element 9 in the form of a susceptor element, an inductor coil 10, and a shielding element 11.

[0236] The heating assembly 8 comprises a layered structure including an inductor coil 10 disposed between a susceptor element 9 and a shielding element 11. The heating assembly 8 is a substantially flat, planar assembly.

[0237] The heating element 9 is a flat, planar heating element extending in a plane. The heating element 9 generally has the form of a circular disk. The heating element 9 is a susceptor element that can be heated by penetration by a fluctuating magnetic field. In this embodiment, the susceptor element 9 is made of ferromagnetic stainless steel.

[0238] Inductor coil 10 is a flat, planar inductor coil that extends in a plane parallel to the plane of heating element 9. Inductor coil 10 is a circular coil having substantially circular turns. Susceptor element 9 and inductor coil 10 are arranged such that a varying current supplied to inductor coil 10 generates a varying magnetic field that penetrates and heats susceptor element 9.

[0239] Shielding element 11 is a flat, planar shielding element extending in a plane parallel to the plane of heating element 9. Shielding element 11 is formed from copper alloy 770. Shielding element 11 is intended to protect electrical components disposed behind heating assembly 8 from the fluctuating magnetic field generated by inductor coil 10 when a fluctuating current is supplied to inductor coil 10. A further shielding element (not shown) made of a thermally insulating material may also be disposed behind shielding element 11 to further protect components disposed behind the heating assembly from the heat generated by the heating assembly.

[0240] The aerosol generating device 1 further comprises an extractor 14. The extractor 14 is disposed within the heated cavity 5. The extractor 14 includes an extractor surface 15, which in this embodiment is formed by the surface of the susceptor element 9. The extractor surface 15 forms the distal end of the heated cavity 5. Thus, the position of the extractor surface 15 defines the depth of the heated cavity 5.

[0241] The extractor surface 15 is movable within the heated cavity 5. The heated cavity 5 has a longitudinal axis, and the extractor surface 15 is movable along the longitudinal axis of the heated cavity 5. The extractor surface 15 is movable between three positions: a first position, a second position, and a third position.

[0242] The first position is shown in Figure 4. The first position is a heating position in which an aerosol-generating article can be received within the heating cavity 5 and heated by the heating assembly 8. In the first position, the heating cavity 5 has a depth suitable for receiving the aerosol-generating article.

[0243] The extractor surface 15 is movable proximally from a first position to a second position, and is also movable distally from the second position to the first position.

[0244] The second position is shown in Figure 5. The second position is an extractor position in which the aerosol-forming substrate received within the heated cavity 5 is located at or around the open proximal end of the heated cavity 5. In the second position, the extractor surface 15 is disposed at the open proximal end of the heated cavity 5. In the second position, it is easier for a user to reach and remove the aerosol-generating article from the heated cavity 5 than in the first position.

[0245] The extractor surface 15 is movable distally from the first position to the third position, and is also movable proximally from the third position to the first position.

[0246] The third position is shown in Figure 6. The third position is a further heating position in which two aerosol-generating articles can be received within the heating cavity 5 and heated by the heating assembly 8. In the third position, the heating cavity 5 has a depth suitable for receiving two aerosol-generating articles.

[0247] The extractor 14 includes an extractor surface 15 formed from the surface of the heating element 9. The extractor 14 further includes a compressible central column 16, a detent 17, and a biasing device 18.

[0248] The compressible central column 16 supports the heating assembly 8 at a proximal end of the central column 16. The compressible central column 16 is deformable from a second position on the extractor surface 15 to a first position on the extractor surface 15 and to a third position. In this manner, the entire heating assembly 8 is movable within the heating chamber 5 along with the extractor surface 15 between the first position, the second position, and the third position. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, only the heating element may be movable along with the extractor surface. In particular, if the heating assembly is a resistive heating assembly, only the resistive heating element may be movable along with the extractor surface.

[0249] Detent 17 extends from central column 16 into a track having a series of notches formed in housing 6 of body 2. Detent 17 moves with extractor surface 15. Body 2 is configured to receive detent 17 of extractor 14 within the track having a series of notches. The series of notches correspond to when extractor surface 15 is in a first position, a second position, and a third position. When extractor surface 15 reaches each of the first position, the second position, and the third position, detent 17 may move out of the track and into one of the notches to secure extractor surface 15 in the first position, the second position, and the third position, respectively. In this manner, detent 17, in cooperation with housing 6 of body 2, functions as a stop for positioning extractor surface 15 in each of the first position, the second position, and the third position.

[0250] Extractor 14 further includes an arm (not shown) extending from housing 6 of body 2. Housing 6 of body 2 includes an opening forming a further track configured to allow the arm to extend from housing 6 and move proximally and distally with extractor surface 15. The arm allows a user to move extractor surface 15 between a first position, a second position, and a third position to move detents 17 into each of the respective notches.

[0251] Extractor 14 further includes a biasing device 18 in the form of a resilient element. In this embodiment, the resilient element is a coil spring that surrounds central column 16. Coil spring 18 is configured to bias extractor surface 15 in a proximal direction. In other words, coil spring 18 is configured to bias extractor surface 15 from the first position to the second position and from the third position to the first position.

[0252] The biasing device 18 in this embodiment includes a resilient element. However, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the biasing means may include a magnetic biasing means. For example, the biasing means may include a permanent magnet disposed beneath the shielding element 11 of the heating assembly and an electromagnet at the distal end of the central column 16 of the extractor 14. When power is supplied to the electromagnet, the electromagnet may repel the permanent magnet beneath the shielding element 11 and may bias the extractor surface 15 proximally from the first position to the second position and from the third position to the first position.

[0253] The body 2 of the aerosol generating device 1 further comprises a power control circuit 19, which includes a controller (not shown), and a power source 20 in the form of a rechargeable battery. The inductor coil 10 of the heating assembly 8 is electrically connected to the power source 20 via the power control circuit 19. The controller of the power control circuit 19 controls the supply of power from the power source 20 to the inductor coil 10 of the heating assembly 8.

[0254] The power control circuit 19 supplies an alternating current to the inductor coil 10, which generates an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor element 9 is penetrated by the alternating magnetic field generated by the inductor coil 10, which heats the susceptor element 9. The aerosol-forming substrate received in the heating cavity 5 on the surface of the susceptor element 9, i.e., the extractor surface 15, is heated by the susceptor element 9 when the alternating current is supplied to the inductor coil 10 and the susceptor element 9 is heated by penetration by the alternating magnetic field generated by the inductor coil 10.

[0255] The aerosol generating device 1 further comprises a user interface (not shown) connected to the controller of the power circuit 19, which allows a user to control the generation of aerosol from the aerosol generating system. In this embodiment, the user interface includes a user input in the form of a button that, when pressed, sends a signal to the controller to power the inductor coil 10 of the heating assembly 8.

[0256] Figure 3 shows a single aerosol-generating article 21 inserted into the heating cavity 5 of the body 2. In Figure 3, the aerosol-generating article 21 is a flat, planar disk of aerosol-forming substrate in the form of a plug of homogenized cast leaf tobacco wrapped in porous plug wrap paper. In Figure 3, the extractor surface 15 is disposed in a first position such that the heating cavity 5 is sized to fit the single aerosol-generating article 21.

[0257] In use, when a user presses a button on a user interface on the body 2 of the aerosol-generating device 1, the controller supplies power in the form of alternating current to the inductor coil 10. When the alternating current is supplied to the inductor coil 10, the inductor coil 10 generates an alternating magnetic field. The alternating magnetic field penetrates the susceptor element 9, causing the susceptor element 9 to heat. The heated susceptor element 9 then heats the aerosol-forming substrate within the aerosol-generating article 21 received within the heating cavity 5. The heated aerosol-forming substrate releases volatile compounds.

[0258] In use, when a user draws on the mouthpiece 3 of the aerosol-generating device 1, ambient air is drawn into the aerosol-generating device at an opening at the interface between the mouthpiece 3 and the housing 6 of the main body 2. The ambient air is drawn along an airflow path between the main body housing 6 and the mouthpiece 3 to an air inlet 7 at the proximal end of the heated cavity 5. The air inlet 7 directs the air into the heated cavity 5 and onto an aerosol-generating article 21 received within the heated cavity 5. Volatile compounds emitted from the aerosol-generating article 21 are entrained in the airflow, which is drawn from the heated cavity 5 into the mouthpiece 3. The volatile compounds cool to form an aerosol, which is drawn through the mouthpiece opening 4 and delivered to the user.

[0259] 7 and 8 show two aerosol-generating articles, a first aerosol-generating article 21 and a second aerosol-generating article 22, inserted into the heated cavity 5 of the main body 2 of the aerosol-generating device 1. In FIGS. 7 and 8, the first aerosol-generating article 21 is identical to the first aerosol-generating article 21 shown in FIG. 3, comprising a flat, planar disc of aerosol-forming substrate in the form of a plug of homogenized cast leaf tobacco wrapped in porous plug wrap paper. The second aerosol-generating article 22 is a flat, planar disc of aerosol-generating substrate in the form of a gel containing nicotine and menthol as flavoring agents. The size and shape of the second aerosol-generating article 22 are substantially the same as those of the first aerosol-generating article 21. In FIGS. 7 and 8, the extractor surface 15 is disposed in a third position such that the heated cavity 5 is sized to fit the two aerosol-generating articles.

[0260] In use, when power is supplied to the heating assembly 8 to heat the heating element 9, heat is transferred directly from the heating element 9 to the first aerosol-forming substrate of the first aerosol-generating article 21. The second aerosol-forming substrate of the second aerosol-generating article 22 is indirectly heated via heated volatile compounds emitted from the first aerosol-forming substrate and drawn through the second aerosol-forming substrate. Drawing the heated volatile compounds from the first aerosol-forming substrate through the second aerosol-forming substrate heats the second aerosol-forming substrate and causes the volatile compounds to be drawn from the second aerosol-forming substrate.

[0261] 9 shows another embodiment of an aerosol generation system according to the present disclosure, which comprises an aerosol generation device 1 and an aerosol-generating article 21.

[0262] Figure 9 shows a portion of an aerosol generation device 1 similar to that of Figure 1, and like reference numerals are used to designate like features. The aerosol generation device 1 of Figure 9 comprises a heating cavity 5, a first heating assembly 9, and a second heating assembly 12.

[0263] The first heating assembly 9 includes a first planar heating element in the form of a flat circular disc extending in a plane. The second heating assembly 12 includes a second planar heating element in the form of a flat annular disc extending in the plane of the first heating element. The second heating element surrounds the first heating element.

[0264] The first heating element and the second heating element define the distal end of the heating cavity 5 .

[0265] In this embodiment, the aerosol generating device does not include an extractor, however, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments the aerosol generating device may include an extractor and the surfaces of the first heating element and the second heating element may form extractor surfaces.

[0266] Of course, in other embodiments, one or both of the heating assemblies may be an induction heating assembly.

[0267] The aerosol-generating article 21 of Figure 9 comprises a first aerosol-forming substrate 23 and a second aerosol-forming substrate 24. The first aerosol-forming substrate 23 comprises a flat, planar disk of the first aerosol-forming substrate. The second aerosol-forming substrate comprises a flat, planar ring of the second aerosol-forming substrate surrounding the first aerosol-forming substrate 23.

[0268] The first aerosol-forming substrate has the same shape and dimensions as the first heating element of the first heating assembly 9. The second aerosol-forming substrate has the same shape and dimensions as the second heating element of the second heating assembly 12. The first aerosol-forming substrate 23 is aligned with the second heating element such that the first heating element is arranged to heat the first aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-generating article 21 is received in the heating cavity 5. The second aerosol-forming substrate 24 is aligned with the second heating element such that the second heating element is arranged to heat the second aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-generating article 21 is received in the heating cavity 5.

[0269] In this embodiment, the first aerosol-forming substrate comprises a flavorant, such as menthol, and an aerosol former. A second embodiment comprises a collection of crimped sheets of homogenized tobacco.

[0270] A controller (not shown) is configured to supply power to the first heating element of the first heating assembly 9 to heat the first aerosol-forming substrate to a first operating temperature, and to supply power to the second heating element of the second heating assembly 12 to heat the second aerosol-forming substrate to a second operating temperature. The first operating temperature is optimized for the release of volatile compounds from the first aerosol-forming substrate 23. The second operating temperature is optimized for the release of volatile compounds from the second aerosol-forming substrate 24.

[0271] The controller is configured to supply power to the first heating element of the first heating assembly 9 independently of the second heating element of the second heating assembly 12. The controller is also configured to supply power to the second heating element of the second heating assembly 12 independently of the first heating element of the first heating assembly 9. In this manner, the aerosol-generating device of Figure 9 may use the first heating element to heat only the first aerosol-forming substrate 23, may use the second heating element to heat only the second aerosol-forming substrate 24, or may use both the first and second heating elements to simultaneously heat the combination of the first aerosol-forming substrate 23 and the second aerosol-forming substrate 24. A user may control which heating element is activated by pressing a button on a user interface (not shown).

[0272] For purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like are understood to be modified in all instances by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, as well as any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. Thus, in this context, the number A would be understood as A ± 5 percent of A.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a heated cavity configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate; a heating assembly disposed within the heating cavity, the heating assembly including an inductor coil; an extractor including an extractor surface movable within the heated cavity, at least a portion of the extractor surface being formed by a portion of the heating assembly, and a portion of a surface of the inductor coil forming at least a portion of the extractor surface.

2. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the heated cavity has a longitudinal axis and the extractor surface is movable along the longitudinal axis of the heated cavity.

3. 3. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the heated cavity has a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end, the proximal end being substantially open, the extractor surface being movable in a proximal direction toward the proximal end of the heated cavity from a first position to a second position, and the extractor surface being movable in a distal direction toward the distal end of the heated cavity from the second position to the first position.

4. 4. The aerosol generating device of claim 3, wherein the first position is a heating position where an aerosol-forming substrate can be received within the heated cavity and heated by the heating assembly, and the second position is an extraction position where the aerosol-forming substrate received within the heated cavity is located at, around, or outside the open proximal end of the heated cavity, and optionally, at the second position, the extractor surface is disposed at the open proximal end of the heated cavity or outside the heated cavity.

5. 5. The aerosol generating device of claim 4, wherein the extractor surface is movable distally from the first position to a third position toward the distal end of the heated cavity, and the extractor surface is movable proximally from the third position to the first position toward the proximal end of the heated cavity.

6. 6. The aerosol generating device of claim 5, wherein the third position is an additional heating position, and a larger volume of aerosol-forming substrate can be received in the heating cavity and heated by the heating assembly compared to when the extractor surface is in the first position.

7. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the surface of the heated cavity is defined by the extractor surface, and optionally, the extractor surface defines the distal end face of the heated cavity.

8. 8. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the heating assembly comprises a heating element, the surface of the heating element forming at least a part of the surface of the extractor.

9. 9. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the heating assembly further comprises a heating element in the form of a susceptor element.

10. 10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the inductor coil is movable together with the extractor surface of the extractor.

11. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the heating assembly is a first heating assembly including a first planar heating element extending in a plane, and the aerosol generating device comprises a second heating assembly including a second planar heating element extending in the plane of the first heating element and surrounding the first heating element.

12. 12. The aerosol generating device of claim 11, wherein the first heating element is substantially circular and the second heating element forms a ring surrounding the first heating element.

13. 13. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising a biasing device configured to bias the extractor surface towards the open proximal end of the heated cavity.

14. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 13; an aerosol-forming substrate; and optionally, the aerosol-generating system further comprises an aerosol-generating article comprising the aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-generating article being a circular, planar disc.

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