Aerosol generator for spherical consumables

Abstract

An aerosol generator comprising an elongated body extending from a distal end to a proximal end, and a power supply located within the elongated body. The proximal end includes an aerosol generating article container defining a first portion of a spherical or ellipsoidal shape. An inductor is electrically coupled to the power supply and positioned along the aerosol generating article container. The aerosol generator further includes a mouthpiece element extending from a coupling end to an air outlet end. The coupling end is configured to be coupled to the proximal end of the elongated body. An airflow channel extends from the coupling end to the air outlet end.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates, in particular, to an aerosol generator for consumables in the shape of a sphere or ellipsoid. Specifically, this disclosure relates to an induction-heated aerosol generator configured to receive aerosol-generating articles in the shape of a sphere or ellipsoid, as well as a system and method of using the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol generators are typically configured to release aerosols by heating a solid, liquid, or amorphous form of an aerosol-forming substrate. An exemplary aerosol generator includes an elongated body having a power supply unit, a control unit, and a heating chamber into which an aerosol-generating article is introduced. The heating chamber typically includes a heating arrangement, such as a thermal resistance arrangement or an induction heating arrangement.

[0003] Aerosol generating articles are known that generate aerosols from an aerosol generating substrate without requiring the combustion of the aerosol generating substrate. In such articles, the aerosol generating substrate is heated to a relatively low temperature to induce aerosol formation, but combustion of the materials contained within the aerosol generating substrate is prevented, and therefore they are often called "heat-free, non-combustible" aerosol generating articles. Aerosol generating articles are combined with aerosol generating devices to form an aerosol generating system.

[0004] Efforts to improve aerosol generation systems aim to maximize the yield of active ingredients and energy efficiency. Generally, when an aerosol-generating substrate close to a heating element (in a heated arrangement) releases the desired aerosol, the dry aerosol-generating substrate moves further away from the heating element, degrading its ability to transfer heat to the aerosol-generating substrate section. Therefore, the heating element needs to be raised to a higher temperature to further heat the aerosol-generating substrate section to the desired temperature, which leads to a decrease in energy efficiency.

[0005] To achieve more uniform heating of the aerosol-generating article, the design favored a planar geometric shape of the susceptor combined with the cylindrical geometric shapes of the substrate and inductor. Such an arrangement allows for uniform heating of the aerosol-generating substrate contained within the aerosol-generating article. While these designs show promise, there is still a need to further increase efficiency by exploring different component shapes of the aerosol-generating article.

[0006] It is desirable to have an aerosol generator that improves the uniform heating of the aerosol-generating article. It is also desirable to have an aerosol generator that improves energy efficiency. Furthermore, it is desirable to have an aerosol generator that can utilize aerosol-generating articles that are spherical or ellipsoidal in shape, rather than flat. In addition, it is desirable to have an aerosol generator that improves user satisfaction and provides hassle-free operation. [Overview of the project]

[0007] The present invention relates to an aerosol generator for consumables in the shape of a sphere or ellipsoid. In particular, the present invention relates to an induction-heated aerosol generator configured to receive a spherical or ellipsoidal aerosol generating article, as well as a system and method for using the same.

[0008] The present invention provides an aerosol generator comprising an elongated body extending from a distal end to a proximal end, and a power supply disposed within the elongated body. The proximal end includes an aerosol generating article container defining a first portion of a spherical or ellipsoidal shape. An inductor is electrically coupled to the power supply and positioned along the aerosol generating article container. The aerosol generator further includes a mouthpiece element extending from a coupling end to an air outlet end. The coupling end is configured to be coupled to the proximal end of the elongated body. An airflow channel extends from the coupling end to the air outlet end.

[0009] The mouthpiece element may include a second part of the aerosol generating article container that defines a second part of a spherical or ellipsoidal shape. A second inductor may be electrically coupled to a power source and positioned along the second part of the aerosol generating article container. The first part of the aerosol generating article container and the second part of the aerosol generating article container may work together to form a spherical or ellipsoidal shape when the mouthpiece element is coupled to an elongated body.

[0010] An aerosol generator having a spherical or ellipsoidal container for receiving aerosol-generating articles in a spherical or ellipsoidal shape advantageously provides improved user satisfaction and hassle-free operation of the aerosol generator. The procedures for loading and unloading consumables are simplified by providing a spherical or ellipsoidal container for the aerosol generator that receives similar aerosol-generating articles.

[0011] An aerosol generator having a spherical or ellipsoidal container with an inductor along the aerosol generating article container advantageously provides improved heating performance and heat distribution along the aerosol generating article container. The inductor provides a more uniform heat distribution to the received aerosol generating article, reducing the possibility of overheating and uneven aerosol release.

[0012] The present invention provides an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device as described herein and an aerosol generating article having a spherical or ellipsoidal shape and tightly sized to be received in an aerosol generating article container.

[0013] The aerosol generating article may include an aerosol generating substrate and susceptor particles distributed throughout the aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating article may also include an aerosol generating substrate and a susceptor core centrally located within the aerosol generating substrate. Alternatively, the aerosol generating device may further include a susceptor forming at least a portion of the wall of the aerosol generating article container.

[0014] The present invention also provides a method for using the aerosol generating system described herein. The method includes inserting an aerosol generating article having a spherical or ellipsoidal shape into the aerosol generating article container of an aerosol generating device; coupling a mouthpiece element to the proximal end of an elongated body; activating an inductor to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating article; and drawing the aerosol from the aerosol generating article to the air outlet end of the mouthpiece element by inhaling smoke.

[0015] Advantageously, the present invention may enable increased aerosol generation efficiency. By utilizing spherical or ellipsoidal shaped containers and aerosol-generating articles, the surface area for heating and aerosol generation is increased. The spherical or ellipsoidal shape of the aerosol-generating article and container optimizes the surface area compared to planar or cylindrical shapes, thereby potentially increasing the rate of aerosol release. The overall concentric and coaxial alignment of the heating element and the spherical or ellipsoidal shaped aerosol-generating article leads to efficient heating of the aerosol-forming substrate within the aerosol-generating article. The present invention may enable reduced material use. The use of a spherical or ellipsoidal shape may allow the use of less material to achieve the same amount of aerosol release as a spherical or ellipsoidal shaped aerosol-generating article uses the aerosol-generating material more efficiently.

[0016] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” also include embodiments that have plural references, unless otherwise clearly defined by their content.

[0017] As used herein, “have,” “having,” “include,” “including,” “comprise,” “comprising,” and similar terms are used in their open-ended sense and generally mean “include, but not limited to.” Naturally, “consisting essentially of,” “consisting of,” and similar terms are subsumed under “comprising,” and similar terms.

[0018] The terms “preferred” and “preferred” refer to embodiments of the present invention that may provide certain advantages under specific circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the enumeration of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are unhelpful, nor is it intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of this disclosure, including the claims.

[0019] Any directions or orientations mentioned herein, such as “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “upward,” “downward,” and other directions or orientations, are included herein for clarity and brevity, but are not intended to limit the actual devices or systems. The devices and systems described herein may be used in a number of directions and orientations.

[0020] As used herein, “downstream” and “proximal” refer to the mouthpiece end of the aerosol generator. “Downstream” and “proximal” refer to the end of the aerosol generator that is intended to come into contact with the user’s mouth. “Upstream” and “distal” refer to the opposite end of the aerosol generator.

[0021] As used herein, “tobacco” means plant material such as leaves, stems, or any other part of several plants belonging to the genus Nicotiana, such as the tobacco (N. tabacum) species. Preferably, tobacco includes leaves, stems, or leaves and stems.

[0022] As used herein, “Controller” refers to one or more hardware devices, one or more software or firmware programs, or one or more hardware devices and software or firmware programs that manage or direct the flow of data between two or more entities. A controller may include memory, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) state machines, digital signal processors, gate arrays, microprocessors, or equivalent discrete logic circuits or integrated logic circuits. A controller may include memory containing instructions that cause one or more components of a circuit to perform the functions of the controller. The functions attributed to a controller in this disclosure may be embodied as one or more of software, firmware, and hardware. A controller may include a microprocessor. The operation of one or more controllers in a system may be coordinated by an overall system controller.

[0023] As used herein, the term “aerosol” is used to refer to a suspension of solid particles or droplets, or a combination of solid particles and droplets in a gas. The gas may be air. The solid particles or droplets may contain one or more volatile flavor compounds. The aerosol may be visible or invisible. The aerosol may contain substances that are normally liquid or solid at room temperature. The aerosol may contain substances that are normally liquid or solid at room temperature in combination with solid particles, or in combination with droplets, or in combination with both solid particles and droplets. The aerosol preferably contains nicotine.

[0024] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device" is used to refer to any device configured to be used with, or utilized with, an aerosol generating article that releases a volatile compound to form an aerosol that can be inhaled by a user. The aerosol generating device can be joined to an aerosol generating article that includes an aerosol forming substrate.

[0025] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating article" is used to refer to a disposable product that can include (e.g., hold, contain, have, or store) an aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol generating article can have the ability to be removably joined, or docked, or mated with an aerosol generating device. This enables the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol from the aerosol forming substrate of the aerosol generating article.

[0026] The aerosol generating device includes an elongate body extending from a distal end to a proximal end and a power source disposed within the elongate body. The proximal end includes an aerosol generating article container that defines a first portion having a spherical or ellipsoidal shape or cavity. An inductor is electrically coupled to the power source and is disposed along the aerosol generating article container. The aerosol generating device further includes a mouthpiece element extending from a coupling end to an air outlet end. The coupling end is configured to be coupled to the proximal end of the elongate body. An air flow channel extends from the coupling end to the air outlet end.

[0027] The mouthpiece element can include a second portion of the aerosol generating article container that defines a second portion having a spherical or ellipsoidal shape. A second inductor electrically coupled to the power source can be disposed along the second portion of the aerosol generating article container. The first portion of the aerosol generating article container and the second portion of the aerosol generating article container can cooperate to form a spherical or ellipsoidal shape when the mouthpiece element is coupled to the elongate body.

[0028] The mouthpiece element can be separated from the elongated body (disengaged position) and interchangeably attached to the proximal end of the elongated body. The mouthpiece element can be disengaged from the elongated body so that the consumer can insert the aerosol generating article into the exposed aerosol generating article container on the elongated body. Once the aerosol generating article is received into the aerosol generating article container, the mouthpiece element may be attached to or connected to the elongated body at the proximal end of the elongated body.

[0029] When the mouthpiece element is engaged (engaged) or coupled to the elongated body at its proximal end, the mouthpiece element can rest on or slide over the proximal end of the body, which is elongated by a lateral distance.

[0030] The aerosol generator includes a power source for the heating element. The power source may be a battery within the device, such as a lithium iron phosphate battery. Alternatively, the power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may require recharging, for example, via a charging port, and may have a capacity that allows for the storage of sufficient energy for the consumption of one or more aerosol generating articles. For example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to enable continuous aerosol generation for about 6 minutes, or a multiple of 6 minutes, corresponding to the typical time it takes to smoke one conventional cigarette. In another embodiment, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to enable a predetermined number of puffs or discontinuous activation of the inductor heating element.

[0031] The aerosol generating article container defines a first portion of a spherical or ellipsoidal shape or cavity, configured to fit or firmly fit a replaceable aerosol generating article. The first portion of the spherical or ellipsoidal shape or cavity may define a hemispherical shape or half of a spherical cavity.

[0032] The inductor may be positioned along a first portion of the aerosol-generating article container and may define a spherical or ellipsoidal shape or a portion of a cavity. The inductor may define a spherical cap. The inductor may define a spherical segment. The inductor may define a hemisphere. The inductor may be defined by a spiral coil. The inductor element on the first portion of the spherical or ellipsoidal shape or cavity may be coplanar along at least a portion of the outer surface of the first portion of the aerosol-generating article container.

[0033] The susceptor element is coupled with an induction heating element to generate heat from the susceptor element. The susceptor element may be positioned on the surface of the first part of the aerosol generating article container, or may form a part of the surface. The susceptor element may be positioned on or inside the aerosol generating article, which is received within the aerosol generating article container.

[0034] The controller may be housed within an elongated body and electrically coupled to the power supply and the inductor. A switch may be located on the main housing of the elongated body and may be configured to control the power supplied to the controller or control unit. The switch may be an on / off element. The controller may automatically shut off the inductor when the aerosol generator is not in the engaged position.

[0035] The mouthpiece element may include a second part of the aerosol-generating article container. The second part of the aerosol-generating article container may define a second part that is spherical or ellipsoidal in shape or a cavity. In the engagement position, the first and second parts of the aerosol-generating article container fit together to form a perfectly spherical or perfectly ellipsoidal cavity. This perfectly spherical or ellipsoidal cavity fits with or firmly fits with a replaceable aerosol-generating article.

[0036] A first and second part of an aerosol-generating article container, forming a perfectly spherical or ellipsoidal aerosol-generating article container or cavity, can cooperate to form an airtight seal. The airtightness of the perfectly spherical or ellipsoidal aerosol-generating article container or cavity can be ensured by providing an airtight seal along the periphery of each hemisphere. An airtight sealing element can separate and provide an airtight seal between the first and second parts of the aerosol-generating article container to form a perfectly spherical or ellipsoidal aerosol-generating article container or cavity. The airtight sealing element can be made of silicone rubber, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), neoprene, or butyl rubber. Thus, airflow enters the perfectly spherical or ellipsoidal aerosol-generating article container or cavity only through an air intake and exits the perfectly spherical or ellipsoidal aerosol-generating article container or cavity only through an airflow channel connecting the container to the air outlet of a mouthpiece element.

[0037] The second part may include a second inductor, electrically coupled to a power source and positioned along the second part of the aerosol-generating article container. The second inductor may define a spherical or ellipsoidal shape or a portion of a cavity. The second inductor may define a spherical cap. The second inductor may define a spherical segment. The second inductor may define a hemisphere. The second inductor may be defined by a spiral coil. The second inductor on the second part, which is spherical or ellipsoidal in shape or of a cavity, may be coplanar along at least a portion of the outer surface of the second part of the aerosol-generating article container.

[0038] The susceptor element is coupled with an induction heating element to generate heat from the susceptor element. The susceptor element may be positioned on the surface of a second part of the aerosol generating article container, or may form part of the surface. The susceptor element may be positioned on or inside the aerosol generating article, which is received within the aerosol generating article container.

[0039] The aerosol-generating article container is defined on the proximal end of an elongated body. The aerosol-generating article container may be defined on a fixed element at the proximal end of an elongated body. The aerosol-generating article container may be defined on a movable element at the proximal end of an elongated body. The aerosol-generating article container may be defined on an element that pivots around a pivot axis.

[0040] The aerosol generating article container may be defined on a pivot unit that works in cooperation with a mouthpiece element, pivoting around a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position as the mouthpiece element moves from a disengaged position to an engaged position. The mouthpiece element may allow the mouthpiece element and the proximal end of the elongated body to be displaced from a disengaged position to an engaged position around the pivot unit in between.

[0041] The pivot unit has a pivot axis that may extend through the aerosol-generating article container. The pivot axis may extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body. The pivot unit may have a V-shape and may integrate a hook-shaped concave section (defining the first part of the aerosol-generating article container) that forms the center along its longitudinal axis. The pivot axis may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pivot unit.

[0042] The pivot unit is rotatable relative to the elongated body between the disengaged and engaged positions. In the disengaged position, the pivot unit is tilted so that the concave section (defining the first part of the aerosol generating article container) is oriented toward the open end of the proximal end of the elongated body, or toward the access opening formed by the open space between the proximal end of the elongated body and the coupled end of the mouthpiece element. In the engaged position, the longitudinal axis of the pivot unit has a linear orientation relative to the elongated body. In other words, in the engaged position, the longitudinal axis of the pivot unit aligns with the longitudinal axis of the elongated body.

[0043] The pivot unit can be rotatably attached to the proximal end of the elongated body by mounting pins protruding from the side of the pivot unit. Alternatively, the pivot unit can be floating and therefore loosely supported within the proximal end of the elongated body via a supporting surface on the inner wall of the proximal end of the elongated body.

[0044] The pivot unit may rotate around the pivot axis by at least approximately 10 degrees, at least approximately 20 degrees, at least approximately 25 degrees, or at least approximately 30 degrees. The pivot unit may rotate around the pivot axis within a range of approximately 10 to approximately 90 degrees. The pivot unit may rotate around the pivot axis within a range of approximately 10 to approximately 75 degrees. The pivot unit may rotate around the pivot axis within a range of approximately 20 to approximately 60 degrees. The pivot unit may rotate around the pivot axis within a range of approximately 25 to approximately 55 degrees.

[0045] In the disengaged position, the pivot unit may be pre-tensioned by a biasing element against the surface of the proximal end of the elongated body, thereby holding it toward its inclined orientation. The biasing element may be located between the pivot unit and the proximal end of the elongated body, and it biases the pivot unit toward the open position. The biasing element preferably includes a spring.

[0046] At one end, the biasing element contacts the corner of the proximal end of the elongated body. At the other end, the biasing element contacts the angled edge of the pivot unit. The biasing element can be any type of suitable compression or torsion element, such as a wire spring, helical spring, or spiral spring.

[0047] The mouthpiece element coupling end may include an engagement extension that contacts the pivot unit as the mouthpiece element moves from the disengaged position to the engaged position, driving the pivot unit from the open position to the closed position. The engagement extension may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body and the mouthpiece element. The engagement extension may include a retaining element on its free end. The retaining element locks the pivot unit in the engaged or closed position.

[0048] During the coupling or engagement operation of the mouthpiece element as it moves on or toward the elongated body, the engagement extension is driven axially along the side wall of the proximal end of the elongated body, across the insertion path, relative to the curved bottom edge (if present) of the pivot unit. The engagement extension acts as a lever by exerting a compressive force on the pivot unit that overcomes the compressive force of the biasing element, thereby compressing the biasing element and pushing the pivot unit toward its engaged state (linear orientation). After reaching the end of insertion, the retaining element of the engagement extension works in cooperation with a receiving groove formed on the proximal end of the elongated body to create a snap-fit ​​engagement. After reaching the end of insertion or the engaged position, the distal end of the pivot unit may be placed within a mating portion defined between the side wall of the engagement extension and the side wall of the airflow channel within the mouthpiece element.

[0049] The elongated body, or mouthpiece element, defines an air intake channel into the aerosol generating article container. Upon engagement, the gap between the pivot unit and the inclined edge defines an air intake that allows air to move into the aerosol generating article container and into the received aerosol generating article, and then allows this air to move into the airflow channel of the mouthpiece element and exit through the air outlet of the mouthpiece element.

[0050] The aerosol generating system includes an aerosol generating device as described herein and an aerosol generating article having a spherical or ellipsoidal shape and size, which is closely housed within an aerosol generating article container. The aerosol generating article includes an aerosol-forming substrate that releases an aerosol upon heating.

[0051] Aerosol-generating articles are in a solid state. A solid state can be defined as a state in which a material is not fluid and maintains its boundaries without support. In a solid state, a material maintains its shape or substantially returns to its shape after elastic deformation. In particular, the shape of an aerosol-generating article is rigid and stable, even when handled by the user for consumption in an aerosol generator.

[0052] The aerosol-generating article may have a maximum dimension less than twice its minimum dimension. The aerosol-generating article may have a convex shape, particularly a spherical or ellipsoidal shape. The ellipsoidal shape is a quasi-spherical shape, such as an egg shape.

[0053] The longest dimension of the aerosol generating article may be greater than about 7 millimeters, and in particular less than about 21 millimeters. The longest dimension of the aerosol generating article may be in the range of about 7 to about 16 millimeters. The particle size of the aerosol generating article may, advantageously, allow for the operation of a single aerosol generating article for consumption. The size of the aerosol generating article may allow for the delivery of a desired amount of aerosol to the consumer. In particular, when consumed in an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating article may be delivered in 5 to 20 fumigations, preferably 10 to 13 fumigations, more preferably 11 to 12 fumigations.

[0054] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco and an aerosol-forming material. The aerosol-forming substrate may further comprise at least one of the following: tobacco leaves, cellulose fibers, tobacco fibers, and a blend of binders. The tobacco leaf blend may comprise at least one of the following tobacco types: bright tobacco, dark tobacco, and aromatic tobacco. The tobacco leaf blend may have particle sizes ranging from 100 to 380 mesh particles, particularly those ranging from 170 to 320 mesh particles. The binder may comprise, or may be made from, natural pectins such as fruit pectin, i.e., citrus pectin, or tobacco pectin; guar gum, land locust bean gum, e.g., hydroxyethyl or hydroxypropyl thereof; starch, e.g., modified starch or derivatized starch; alginates, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, ethylhydroxymethylcellulose, and carboxymethylcellulose; dextran; and xanthan gum. In a preferred embodiment, the binder of the first compound is made from guar. Examples of aerosol-forming materials include monohydric alcohols such as glycerin and menthol, polyhydric alcohols such as triethylene glycol, esters of polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol monoacetate, glycerol diacetate, or glycerol triacetate, and aliphatic esters such as dimethyl esters of monocarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, or polycarboxylic acids. The aerosol-forming substrate may further contain wetting agents such as glycerol, propylene glycol, or triethylene glycol.

[0055] The aerosol-forming substrate may contain about 15% to about 45% by weight, or about 20% to about 35% by weight, of tobacco or a blend of tobacco leaves. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain at least about 5% by weight of aerosol-forming material, or at least about 10% by weight of aerosol-forming material. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain less than about 35% by weight of aerosol-forming material, or less than about 30% by weight of aerosol-forming material. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain about 1% to about 10% by weight, or about 1% to about 5% by weight, of binder. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain about 1% to about 15% by weight, or about 3% to about 7% by weight, of cellulose fibers. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a water content of about 5% to about 35% by weight, or about 10% to about 25% by weight.

[0056] The aerosol-forming substrate may contain at least one flavoring substance. The flavoring substance may be at least partially absorbed into the aerosol-forming substrate. The flavoring substance may contain at least one flavor component. The flavoring substance may be natural, for example, natural menthol. Alternatively, the flavoring substance may be artificial, for example, synthetic menthol. The flavoring substance may contain essential oils. The flavoring substance may contain at least one of organic vegetable glycerin, organic plant extracts, and plant essential oils. Examples of flavoring substances include allyl 10 hexanoate, benzyl alcohol, citral, ethanol, Litsea cubeba oil, lemon oil, lime oil, L-menthol, for example, peppermint or spearmint, menthol, sweet orange oil, terpene-free orange oil, terpene orange oil, terpene-free tangerine oil, or combinations thereof.

[0057] The aerosol-generating article may include an aerosol-forming substrate, but may not include a susceptor. In this embodiment, the aerosol-generating article is heated by conduction from a susceptor that forms part of the aerosol-generating article container.

[0058] The aerosol-generating article may contain an aerosol-forming substrate and susceptor particles dispersed throughout the aerosol-forming substrate. The susceptor particles may be uniformly dispersed throughout the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may contain approximately 10% to 40% by weight of susceptor particles. The aerosol-generating article may contain approximately 15% to 30% by weight of susceptor particles.

[0059] The aerosol-generating article may include an aerosol-forming substrate and a centrally located susceptor within the aerosol-forming substrate. The centrally located susceptor may occupy approximately 10% to 50% of the total volume of the aerosol-generating article.

[0060] A susceptor particle, or susceptor, can be a conductive component capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat. When located in an alternating electromagnetic field, eddy currents are induced within the susceptor (if the susceptor is magnetic), and hysteresis losses occur, causing the susceptor to heat up.

[0061] The susceptor may be paramagnetic, ferromagnetic, or ferrimagnetic. The susceptor may contain metals. It may contain one of the following: aluminum, iron, nickel, copper, bronze, cobalt, ordinary carbon steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, martensitic stainless steel, or austenitic stainless steel. The susceptor may contain Inconel alloy (austenitic nickel-chromium superalloy). The susceptor may contain transition metals such as Fe, Co, Ni, or metalloid components such as B, C, Si, P, Al. The susceptor may contain mu-metal or permalloy. The susceptor may contain or be made from carbon materials. The susceptor may contain or be made from graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, or ceramics such as zirconia. The susceptor material may be heated to temperatures exceeding 250 degrees Celsius.

[0062] An inductive arrangement (using one or more inductive elements or inductors) may be configured to generate an alternating magnetic field that induces eddy currents within the susceptor of the aerosol-generating article, or within a susceptor adjacent to the aerosol-generating article. These eddy currents then generate heat, which vaporizes volatile compounds contained in the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

[0063] A method of using the aerosol generating system includes inserting an aerosol generating article having a spherical or ellipsoidal shape into the aerosol generating article container of the aerosol generating device, and connecting a mouthpiece element to the proximal end of an elongated body. The use then involves activating a heating element to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating article. The consumer can then inhale the mouthpiece element to draw the generated aerosol from the aerosol generating article to the air outlet of the mouthpiece element.

[0064] The aerosol generating article container may be fixed or pivotable from an open position to a closed position when the mouthpiece element engages with the proximal end of the elongated body and enters the engaged position. The mouthpiece element may slide on the proximal end of the elongated body in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body. The aerosol generating article container may pivot around a pivot axis, which may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body. The mouthpiece element may slide on the proximal end of the elongated body, and the aerosol generating article container may pivot simultaneously.

[0065] The consumer may stop the heating element, move the mouthpiece element from the engaged position to the disengaged position, and optionally separate or remove the mouthpiece element from the proximal end of the elongated body. The consumer then removes the aerosol-generating article from the aerosol-generating article container. The consumer may stop the heating element by pressing a switch electrically coupled to the controller.

[0066] The aerosol generator may automatically shut off the heating element. The heating element may automatically shut off when the aerosol generator moves from the engaged position. The heating element may automatically shut off when the mouthpiece element is slid from the engaged position to the disengaged position, or when the mouthpiece element is separated from or removed from the proximal end of the elongated body. When in the disengaged position, the consumer may remove the aerosol generating article from the aerosol generating article container and optionally replace the used aerosol generating article with a new one.

[0067] A non-exclusive list of non-limiting embodiments is provided below. Any one or more features of these embodiments may be combined with any one or more features of other embodiments or models described herein. [Examples]

[0068] Example 1: Aerosol generator comprising: an elongated body extending from a distal end to a proximal end, comprising a power supply disposed within the elongated body; an aerosol generating article container whose proximal end defines a first portion of a spherical or ellipsoidal shape; an inductor electrically coupled to the power supply and disposed along the aerosol generating article container; and a mouthpiece element extending from a coupling end to an air outlet end, configured such that the coupling end is coupled to the proximal end of the elongated body, and an airflow channel extending from the coupling end to the air outlet end.

[0069] Example 2: The aerosol generator according to Example 1, comprising a second part of an aerosol generating article container in which a mouthpiece element defines a second part having a spherical or ellipsoidal shape.

[0070] Example 3: The aerosol generator according to Example 2, further comprising a second inductor electrically coupled to a power source and positioned along a second portion of the aerosol generating article container.

[0071] Example 4: An aerosol generator according to Example 2 or Example 3, wherein the first part of the aerosol generating article container and the second part of the aerosol generating article container cooperate to form a spherical or ellipsoidal shape when the mouthpiece element is connected to an elongated body.

[0072] Example 5: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, comprising a controller in which an elongated body is electrically coupled to a power supply and an inductor.

[0073] Example 6: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein an elongated body or mouthpiece element defines an air intake channel into an aerosol generating article container.

[0074] Example 7: The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the inductor is coplanar along at least a portion of the outer surface of the first part of the aerosol generating article container.

[0075] Example 8: The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example 2, wherein the second inductor is coplanar along at least a portion of the outer surface of the second part of the aerosol generating article container.

[0076] Example 9: The aerosol generator according to Example 7, wherein the inductor is a spiral coil.

[0077] Example 10: The aerosol generator according to Example 8, wherein the second inductor is a spiral coil.

[0078] Example 11: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the aerosol generating article container is equipped with an airtight sealing element.

[0079] Example 12: An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device described in any of Examples 1 to 11, and an aerosol generating article having a spherical or ellipsoidal shape and sized to be closely received within an aerosol generating article container.

[0080] Example 13: The aerosol generating system according to Example 12, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises an aerosol generating substrate and susceptor particles distributed throughout the aerosol generating substrate.

[0081] Example 14: The aerosol generating system according to Example 12, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises an aerosol generating substrate and a susceptor core centrally located within the aerosol generating substrate.

[0082] Example 15: The aerosol generating system according to Example 12, comprising an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating substrate, wherein the apparatus further comprises a susceptor that forms at least a portion of the wall of the aerosol generating article container.

[0083] Example 16: A method using the aerosol generating system described in Example 12, the method comprising: inserting an aerosol generating article having a spherical or ellipsoidal shape into the aerosol generating article container of the aerosol generating device; coupling a mouthpiece element to the proximal end of an elongated body; activating an inductor to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating article; and drawing the aerosol from the aerosol generating article to the air outlet end of the mouthpiece element by inhaling smoke through the mouthpiece element.

[0084] Example 17: The method of Example 16, further comprising stopping the inductor, removing the mouthpiece element from the proximal end of the elongated body, and removing the aerosol generating article from the aerosol generating article container.

[0085] Here, with reference to the figures, the embodiments will be described further. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0086] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary aerosol generator in the disengaged position. [Figure 2]Figure 2 is a perspective view of the exemplary aerosol generator shown in Figure 1 in the disengaged position. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary aerosol generator shown in Figure 1, in the engagement position. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the exemplary aerosol generator shown in Figure 1, in the engagement position. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the exemplary aerosol generator of Figure 1 in the disengaged position, receiving an aerosol-generating article. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary aerosol generator of Figure 1 in the disengaged position, receiving an aerosol-generating article. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary aerosol generator shown in Figure 1 in the disengaged position, and of the aerosol generating article received in the aerosol generating article container of the aerosol generator. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary aerosol generator of Figure 1, sliding from the disengaged position toward the engaged position. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary aerosol generator of Figure 1, with the aerosol generating article received in the aerosol generating article container of the aerosol generator and sliding to the engagement position. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary aerosol generator of Figure 1, which is in the engagement position and operates to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating article received in an aerosol generating article container. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is an example perspective top view of a pivot unit. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary pivot unit of Figure 11, taken along line AA. [Figure 13] Figures 13A–13D are perspective views of different configurations of aerosol-generating articles and associated heat-generating elements. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary aerosol-generating article. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another exemplary aerosol-generating article. [Figure 16] Figures 16A-16B are perspective views of the aerosol generating article, as well as different configurations of the associated heating element, and the first and second parts of the spherical or ellipsoidal shape or cavity. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating a method using the aerosol generating system described herein. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0087] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary aerosol generator 100 in the disengaged position. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the exemplary aerosol generator 100 of Figure 1 in the disengaged position. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary aerosol generator 100 of Figure 1 in the engaged position. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the exemplary aerosol generator 100 of Figure 1 in the engaged position. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the exemplary aerosol generator 100 of Figure 1 in the disengaged position, receiving an aerosol generating article 160. Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary aerosol generator 100 of Figure 1 in the disengaged position, receiving an aerosol generating article 160. Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary aerosol generator 100 of Figure 1 in the disengaged position, with the aerosol generating article 160 received in the aerosol generating article container 130 of the aerosol generator 100. Figure 8 shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary aerosol generator 100 of Figure 1 sliding from the disengaged position toward the engaged position. Figure 9 shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary aerosol generator 100 of Figure 1, with an aerosol generating article 160 received in the aerosol generating article container 130 of the aerosol generator 100, and sliding to the engagement position. Figure 10 shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary aerosol generator 100 of Figure 1, in the engagement position and operating to generate an aerosol 169 from the aerosol generating article 160 received in the aerosol generating article container 130.

[0088] Figures 1 to 10 show an aerosol generator 100 having an elongated body 110 extending from a distal end 112 to a proximal end 114, and a power supply 120 located within the elongated body 110. The proximal end 114 includes an aerosol generating article container 130 defining a first portion 132 of a spherical or ellipsoidal shape or cavity. An inductor 140 is electrically coupled to the power supply 120 and positioned along the aerosol generating article container 130. A mouthpiece element 150 extends from a coupling end 152 to an air outlet end 154. The coupling end 152 is configured to be coupled to the proximal end 114 of the elongated body 110. An airflow channel 155 extends from the coupling end 152 to the air outlet end 154. The mouthpiece element 150 is slidably coupled to the elongated body 110 between an engaged position (see Figure 3) and an unengaged position (see Figure 1). The access opening 105 to the aerosol generating article container 130 is defined in the disengaged position, and the access opening 105 is closed in the engaged position. The elongated body 110 has a longitudinal axis L A It extends along the line from the distal end 112 to the proximal end 114.

[0089] The aerosol generator 100 is generally shown as having an elongated rectangular shape; however, the aerosol generator 100 may have a cylindrical or other shape. The overall length of the illustrated aerosol generator 100 is approximately 90 mm to 160 mm, or approximately 100 mm to 140 mm. The width of the illustrated aerosol generator 100 is approximately 12 mm to 28 mm, or approximately 14 mm to 21 mm. The height of the illustrated aerosol generator 100 is approximately 9 mm to 23 mm, or approximately 11 mm to 18 mm.

[0090] The lateral distance L is shown, indicating the distance between the engagement position (see Figure 3) and the disengagement position (see Figure 1) of the mouthpiece element 150 relative to the elongated body 110. The access lateral distance L' is shown in Figure 1, indicating the lateral distance defined by the access opening 105.

[0091] The illustrated horizontal distance L is approximately 11mm to 27mm, or approximately 10mm to 24mm. The illustrated horizontal distance L' is approximately 9mm to 25mm, or approximately 8mm to 22mm.

[0092] The mouthpiece element 150 may include a second portion 134 of the aerosol generating article container 130 that defines a second portion of a spherical or ellipsoidal shape or cavity. A second inductor 142 may be electrically coupled to the power supply 120 and positioned along the second portion 132 of the aerosol generating article container 130. The first portion of the aerosol generating article container 132 and the second portion of the aerosol generating article container 134 may work together to form a complete spherical or ellipsoidal shape or cavity when the mouthpiece element 150 is in an engaged position with the elongated body 110.

[0093] The aerosol-generating article containers 132 and 134, shown, have a perfect spherical or ellipsoidal shape or cavity, with a maximum lateral dimension D of approximately 4 mm to approximately 21 mm, or approximately 6.5 mm to approximately 16.5 mm. The aerosol-generating article containers 132 and 134, with their perfect spherical or ellipsoidal shape or cavity, are sized to fit closely with the aerosol-generating article 160.

[0094] The aerosol-generating article container 130 may be defined on a pivot unit 180 that pivots around a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position as the mouthpiece element 150 moves from an unlocked position to an engaged position in cooperation with the pivot unit 180, which cooperates with the mouthpiece element 150. The pivot axis may extend through the aerosol-generating article container 130.

[0095] The coupling end 152 of the mouthpiece element 150 may include an engagement extension 151 that contacts the pivot unit 180 and drives the pivot unit 180 from the open position to the closed position as the mouthpiece element 150 moves from the disengaged position to the engaged position.

[0096] The engaging extension 151 is formed along the long axis L of the elongated body 110 and the mouthpiece element 150. AIt may extend parallel to the . The engaging extension 151 may include a retaining element 153 on the free end of the engaging extension 151. The retaining element 153 fixes the pivot unit 180 in the closed position.

[0097] On the first spherical or ellipsoidal or hollow portion 132, the inductor element 140 may be coplanar along at least a portion of the outer surface of the first portion 132 of the aerosol generating article container 130. On the second spherical or ellipsoidal or hollow portion 134, the second inductor 142 may be coplanar along at least a portion of the outer surface of the second portion 134 of the aerosol generating article container 130.

[0098] The inductors 140 and 142 may be induction coils configured to generate heat within one or more susceptors. The induction coils may be spiral coils. The one or more susceptors are configured to generate heat when inductively coupled to an induction heating element. The one or more susceptors may be located within or on a spherical or ellipsoidal aerosol generating article. The one or more susceptor elements may form part of the wall of the aerosol generating article container 130.

[0099] The controller 125 is housed within the elongated body 110 and may be electrically coupled to the power supply 120 and the inductors 140 and 142. The switch 170 may be located on the main housing of the elongated body 110 and may be configured to control the power supplied to the controller or control unit 125. The switch 170 may be an on / off element. The controller 125 may automatically shut off the inductors 140 and 142 when the aerosol generator 100 is not in the engaged position.

[0100] The power source 120 may be a battery within the device, such as a lithium iron phosphate battery. The power source may require recharging via the charging port 121.

[0101] In the disengaged position, the pivot unit 180 may have tension applied to the surface of the proximal end 114 of the elongated body 110 by the biasing element 136, thereby holding it toward its inclined orientation. The biasing element 136 may contact the plane of the pivot unit 180 and the corner of the proximal end 114 of the elongated body 110. The biasing element 136 biases the pivot unit 180 toward the open position. The biasing element 136 is preferably a spring.

[0102] In the engaged position, the elongated body 110, or mouthpiece element 150, cooperate to define an air intake 107 into the aerosol generating article container 130. With engagement, the gap between the pivot unit 180 and the inclined edge defines an air intake 107, allowing air to move into the aerosol generating article container 130 and into the received aerosol generating article, and then this air to move into the airflow channel 155 of the mouthpiece element 150 and exit through the air outlet 156 of the mouthpiece element 150.

[0103] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the exemplary aerosol generator 100 of Figure 1 in the disengaged position, receiving the aerosol generating article 160. Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary aerosol generator 100 of Figure 1 in the disengaged position, receiving the aerosol generating article 160. Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary aerosol generator 100 of Figure 1 in the disengaged position, with the aerosol generating article 160 received in the aerosol generating article container 130 of the aerosol generator 160.

[0104] Figure 8 shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary aerosol generator 100 of Figure 1, sliding from the disengaged position toward the engaged position. Directional arrow D L This indicates the direction of movement of the mouthpiece element 150 toward the elongated body 110. Directional arrow D L The long axis L AIt is shown as being parallel to the lateral distance. This reduced lateral distance is shown as "L". The mouthpiece element 150 moves toward the elongated body 110, and the engaging extension 151 is driven axially along the side wall of the proximal end 114 of the elongated body 110, across the insertion path, toward the curved bottom edge of the pivot unit 180. The engaging extension 151 exerts a compressive force on the pivot unit 180 that overcomes the compressive force of the biasing element 136, thereby acting as a lever by compressing the biasing element 136 and pushing the pivot unit 180 toward its engaged state (linear orientation).

[0105] Figure 9 shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary aerosol generator 100 of Figure 1, with the aerosol generating article 160 received in the aerosol generating article container 130 of the aerosol generator 100 and sliding to the engagement position. After reaching the end of insertion, the retaining element 153 of the engagement extension 151 cooperates with the receiving groove 155 formed in the proximal end 114 of the elongated body 110 to create a snap-fit ​​engagement. After reaching the end of insertion or the engagement position, the distal end 182 of the pivot unit 180 may remain in the fitting portion 184 defined between the side wall of the engagement extension 151 and the side wall of the airflow channel 155 in the mouthpiece element 150.

[0106] Figure 10 shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary aerosol generator 100 of Figure 1, in the engaged position and operating to generate an aerosol 169 from an aerosol generating article 160 received in an aerosol generating article container 130. Upon engagement, the gap between the pivot unit 180 and the inclined edge defines an air intake 107, allowing air to move into the aerosol generating article container 130 and into the received aerosol generating article 160, and then into the airflow channel 155 of the mouthpiece element 150 and exit through the air outlet 156 of the mouthpiece element 150.

[0107] When the user inhales through the air outlet 156 of the mouthpiece element 150, air is first drawn from the air inlet 107 into the aerosol-generating article container 130 and into the aerosol-generating article 160 received within the aerosol-generating article container 130. Next, the airflow entrains particles released from the heated tobacco material. This mixture generates an aerosol 169 that converges within the airflow channel 155, where it moves upward within the airflow channel 155 and undergoes a Venturi effect where its volume expands. This volume expansion further homogenizes and cools the aerosol 169. The aerosol 169 is then accelerated by the constricted end of the airflow channel 155 and directed to the air outlet 156 that discharges the aerosol 169 into the user's mouth. After consumption of the active ingredient within the aerosol-generating article 160, the user can proceed to replace the used aerosol-generating article 160 by simply disengaging the mouthpiece element 150, removing the used aerosol-generating article 160, and then inserting a new aerosol-generating article 160.

[0108] FIG. 11 is a perspective top view of an exemplary pivoting unit 180. FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary pivoting unit 180 of FIG. 11 taken along line A-A. The pivoting unit 180 can be rotatably attached to the proximal end 114 of the elongated body 110 by a mounting pin 185 that protrudes from the side of the pivoting unit 180. The mating pin 185 coincides with the pivot axis P of the pivoting unit 180 A and coincides therewith.

[0109] The pivoting unit 180 has a pivot axis P that extends through the aerosol-generating article container 130 A The pivot axis P A can extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the elongated body 110 A The pivoting unit 180 may have a V-shape and can incorporate a hook-shaped concave section (defining a first portion 132 of the aerosol-generating article container) centered along its longitudinal axis (along line A-A). The pivot axis P A AThe axis of the pivot unit 180 may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (along line AA). The inductor 140 is positioned along the aerosol generating article container 132. The air intake surface 107 is defined on the pivot unit 180.

[0110] Figures 13A–13D are perspective views of different configurations of the aerosol generating article 160 and its associated inductor 140. Although a single inductor 140 is shown, it is understood that two or more inductors may be arranged around the aerosol generating article 160. Different coil winding structures may provide characteristic electromagnetic profiles, which can be selected according to individual requirements for electric and magnetic field potentials. In principle, the electromagnetic interaction between the spherical coil configuration 140 and the core susceptor within the aerosol generating article 160 is given by Maxwell's equations and can be framed across different complex mathematical models.

[0111] Figure 13A shows an inductor 140 having a spherical cap configuration. Figure 13B shows an inductor 140 having another spherical segment configuration. Figure 13C shows an inductor 140 having a spherical segment configuration. Figure 13D shows an inductor 140 having a further spherical segment configuration.

[0112] Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary aerosol-generating article 160. The aerosol-generating article 160 may include an aerosol-forming substrate 162 and a susceptor core 164 located centrally within the aerosol-forming substrate 160.

[0113] Figure 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another exemplary aerosol-generating article 160. The aerosol-generating article 160 may include an aerosol-forming substrate 162 and susceptor particles 164 distributed throughout the aerosol-forming substrate 162.

[0114] Figures 16A-16B are perspective views of the aerosol generating article 160, showing the associated inductors 140, 142, and different configurations of the first and second parts 132, 134, which are spherical or ellipsoidal in shape or cavity. The inductive arrangement of the spherical configuration is formed by a first coil or heating element 140 and a second coil or heating element 142, with a multi-turn wire wound around the spherical shape. The first coil, or inductor 140, is located within the wall of the lower hemisphere 132 of the aerosol generating article container 130, and the second coil inductor 140 is located within the wall of the upper hemisphere 134 of the aerosol generating article container 130. The alignment of the upper hemisphere 134 and the lower hemisphere 132, followed by engagement with the elongated body 110 of the mouthpiece element 150, leads to the alignment of the first coil or inductor 140 with the second coil or inductor 142, resulting in coaxial alignment.

[0115] The induction configuration is configured to generate an alternating magnetic field that induces eddy currents within the core susceptor 164 of the aerosol generating article 160. These eddy currents then generate heat, which vaporizes volatile compounds contained in the aerosol generating article 160. Insulation material may be placed across the respective surfaces of the lower hemisphere 132 and the upper hemisphere 134. For example, an insulating surface coating may be applied to the concave sections of the upper hemisphere 134 and the lower hemisphere 132 to prevent heat loss and protect the rest of the aerosol generating device components.

[0116] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating method 200 using an aerosol generating system as described herein.

[0117] A method of using the aerosol generating system 200 includes (202) inserting an aerosol generating article having a spherical or ellipsoidal shape into the aerosol generating article container of the aerosol generating device, and (204) coupling a mouthpiece element to the proximal end of an elongated body. Then, (206) inductor is activated to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating article, and (208) the mouthpiece element is drawn in to draw the generated aerosol from the aerosol generating article to the air outlet end of the mouthpiece element.

[0118] The method may further include (210) stopping the inductor, (212) removing the mouthpiece element from the proximal end of the elongated body, and (214) removing the aerosol-generating article from the aerosol-generating article container. In some cases, the inductor is stopped automatically by sliding the mouthpiece element from the engagement position.

[0119] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers representing amounts, quantities, percentages, etc., are understood to be modified in all cases by the term “approximately.” Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges therewith, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. Thus, in this context, the figure A is understood as A ± 2%. In this context, the figure A may be considered to include a number that falls within the general standard error to the measurement of the characteristic that figure A modifies. In some cases as used in the appended claims, the figure A may deviate by the percentage listed above, provided that the amount of deviation does not substantially affect the basic and novel characteristics(s) of the claimed invention. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges therewith, which may or may not be specifically listed herein.

Claims

1. Aerosol generator, An elongated body extending from the distal end to the proximal end, comprising: a power supply disposed within the elongated body; an aerosol generating article container whose proximal end defines a first portion of a spherical or ellipsoidal shape; and an inductor electrically coupled to the power supply and disposed along the aerosol generating article container. An aerosol generator comprising a mouthpiece element extending from a coupling end to an air outlet end, wherein the coupling end is configured to be coupled to the proximal end of the elongated body, and an airflow channel extending from the coupling end to the air outlet end of the mouthpiece element.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece element comprises a second portion of the aerosol generating article container defining a second portion having a spherical or ellipsoidal shape.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a second inductor electrically coupled to the power supply and positioned along the second portion of the aerosol generating article container.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first portion of the aerosol generating article container and the second portion of the aerosol generating article container cooperate to form a spherical or ellipsoidal shape when the mouthpiece element is connected to the elongated body.

5. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the elongated body or the mouthpiece element defines an air intake channel into the aerosol generating article container.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inductor is on the same plane along at least a portion of the outer surface of the first portion of the aerosol generating article container.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second inductor lies on the same plane along at least a portion of the outer surface of the second part of the aerosol generating article container.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the inductor is a spiral coil.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the second inductor is a spiral coil.

10. an aerosol generation system, an aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, An aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating article having a spherical or ellipsoidal shape and sized to be tightly received within the aerosol generating article container.

11. The aerosol generating system according to claim 10, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises an aerosol generating substrate and susceptor particles distributed throughout the aerosol generating substrate.

12. The aerosol generating system according to claim 10, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises an aerosol generating substrate and a susceptor core positioned at the center within the aerosol generating substrate.

13. The aerosol generating system according to claim 10, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises an aerosol generating substrate, and the apparatus further comprises a susceptor that forms at least a portion of the wall of the aerosol generating article container.

14. A method using the aerosol generating system described in claim 10, wherein the method is Inserting an aerosol generating article having a spherical or ellipsoidal shape into the aerosol generating article container of the aerosol generating device, The mouthpiece element is connected to the proximal end of the elongated body, The inductor is activated to generate aerosols from the aerosol-generating article, A method comprising inhaling smoke through the mouthpiece element to draw the aerosol from the aerosol-generating article to the air outlet end of the mouthpiece element.

15. To stop the aforementioned inductor, Removing the mouthpiece element from the proximal end of the elongated body, The method according to claim 14, further comprising removing the aerosol-generating article from the aerosol-generating article container.

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