Aerosol generator for spherical consumables

Abstract

The aerosol generator includes an elongated body extending from a distal end to a proximal end, and a power supply located within the elongated body. The proximal end has an aerosol generating article container defining a first portion of a spherical or ellipsoidal shape or cavity. A heating element is electrically coupled to the power supply and positioned along the aerosol generating article container. A mouthpiece element extends 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. The mouthpiece element is slidably coupled to the elongated body between an engaged position and an unengaged position. An access opening to the aerosol generating article container is defined in the unengaged position, and the access opening is closed in the engaged position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates, in particular, to an aerosol generator for spherical or ellipsoidal consumables. Specifically, this disclosure relates to an aerosol generator configured to receive a spherical or ellipsoidal aerosol generating article, 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 aerosol-forming substrate. An exemplary aerosol generator includes an elongated body having a power unit, a control unit, and a heating chamber into which the 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 that generate aerosols from an aerosol-forming substrate without requiring combustion of the aerosol-forming substrate are known. Such articles induce aerosol formation by heating the aerosol-forming substrate to a relatively low temperature, but because they prevent combustion of the materials contained within the aerosol-forming substrate, they are often called "heat-non-combustion" aerosol generating articles. These aerosol generating articles are combined with aerosol generating devices to form an aerosol generating system.

[0004] Efforts to improve aerosol generation systems have aimed to maximize the yield and energy efficiency of the active ingredient. Generally, after the aerosol-forming substrate near the heating element (in a heated arrangement) has released the desired aerosol, the dry aerosol-forming substrate experiences poor heat transfer to sections of the substrate further away from the heating element. Therefore, the heating element needs to be raised to a higher temperature to further heat the sections of the aerosol-forming substrate to the desired temperature, which results in a reduction in energy efficiency.

[0005] To achieve more uniform heating of aerosol-generating articles, designs have favored a planar geometric shape for the susceptor combined with the cylindrical geometric shapes of the substrate and inductor. Such arrangements can achieve more uniform heating of the aerosol-forming substrate contained within the aerosol-generating article. While these designs are promising, there is still a need to further increase efficiency by pursuing the geometric shapes of different components of the aerosol-generating article.

[0006] It is desirable to have an aerosol generator that improves the uniformity of heating of aerosol-generating articles. 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 spherical or ellipsoidal aerosol-generating articles, rather than flat ones. Finally, it is desirable to have an aerosol generator that provides improved user satisfaction and ease of operation. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0007] The present invention relates to an aerosol generator for spherical or ellipsoidal consumables. In particular, the present invention relates to an 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 located within the elongated body. The proximal end includes an aerosol generating article container defining a first portion of a spherical or ellipsoidal shape or cavity. A heating element is electrically coupled to the power supply and positioned along the aerosol generating article container. A mouthpiece element extends 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. The mouthpiece element is slidably coupled to the elongated body between an engaged position and an unengaged position. An access opening to the aerosol generating article container is defined in the unengaged position, and the access opening is closed in the engaged position.

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

[0010] The aerosol-generating article container may be defined on a pivot unit that cooperates with a slidable mouthpiece element and pivots between an open position and a closed position about a pivot axis as the mouthpiece element moves from a disengaged position to an engaged position. The pivot axis may extend through the aerosol-generating article container. The coupling end of the mouthpiece element may include an engaging extension that contacts the pivot unit as the mouthpiece element moves from a disengaged position to an engaged position, driving the pivot unit from an open position to a closed position.

[0011] The heating element on the first portion of the spherical or ellipsoidal shape or cavity may be an induction heating element. The second heating element on the second portion of the spherical or ellipsoidal shape or cavity may be an induction heating element. The induction heating element may be an induction coil configured to generate heat within one or more susceptors. The induction coil may be a spiral coil. One or more susceptors are configured to generate heat when inductively coupled to the induction heating element. One or more susceptors may be located within or on the spherical or ellipsoidal aerosol generating article. One or more susceptors may form part of the wall of the aerosol generating article container.

[0012] The heating element on the first part of the spherical or ellipsoidal shape or cavity may be a resistance heating element. The second heating element on the second part of the spherical or ellipsoidal shape or cavity may be a resistance element.

[0013] An aerosol generator having a spherical or ellipsoidal container for receiving spherical or ellipsoidal aerosol generating articles advantageously provides improved user satisfaction and ease of operation of the aerosol generator. The procedures for loading and removing consumables are simplified by providing a spherical or ellipsoidal container for aerosol generators that receive similar aerosol generating articles.

[0014] An aerosol generator having a spherical or ellipsoidal container with a heating element along the aerosol generating article container advantageously provides improved heating performance and heat distribution along the aerosol generating article container. The heating element configured along the aerosol generating article container provides a more uniform heat distribution to the received aerosol generating article, reducing the possibility of overheating and uneven release of the aerosol.

[0015] The present invention also provides an aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating device described herein and an aerosol generating article having a spherical or ellipsoidal shape and sized to be tightly received within an aerosol generating article container.

[0016] The aerosol generating article may include an aerosol-forming substrate and susceptor particles distributed throughout the aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating article may also include an aerosol-forming substrate and a susceptor core centrally located within the aerosol generating substrate. Alternatively, or additionally, the aerosol generating device may further include susceptors forming at least a portion of the wall of the aerosol generating article container.

[0017] The present invention 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 the aerosol generating device, and sliding a mouthpiece element toward an elongated body from an unlocked position and an engaged position. Next, a heating element is activated to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating article, and the mouthpiece element is inhaled to draw the generated aerosol from the aerosol generating article to the air outlet end of the mouthpiece element.

[0018] Advantageously, the present invention may enable improved aerosol generation efficiency. By utilizing spherical or ellipsoidal containers and aerosol-generating articles, improved surface area for heating and aerosol generation is provided. Spherical or ellipsoidal aerosol-generating articles and containers optimize surface area compared to planar or cylindrical shapes, which may result in an increased rate of aerosol release. The overall concentric and coaxial alignment of the heating element and the spherical or ellipsoidal 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. By using spherical or ellipsoidal shapes, it may be possible to use less material to achieve the same amount of aerosol release as a spherical or ellipsoidal aerosol-generating article uses the aerosol-generating material more efficiently.

[0019] As used herein, the singular forms ("a," "an," and "the") also include embodiments that have plural subjects, unless otherwise clearly defined by their content.

[0020] As used herein, “have,” “having,” “include,” “including,” “comprise,” “comprising,” or similar terms are used in their unrestricted sense, generally meaning “include, but not limited to.” Naturally, “consisting essentially of,” “consisting of,” and similar terms are encompassed within “comprising” and similar terms.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] As used herein, "tobacco" means plant material such as leaves, stems, or other parts of some plants belonging to the genus Nicotiana, such as N. tabacum. Tobacco preferably includes leaves, stems, or both leaves and stems.

[0025] As used herein, a "controller" is 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. The controller may include a memory, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) state machine, a digital signal processor, a gate array, a microprocessor, or equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuitry. The controller may include a memory containing instructions that cause one or more components of the circuit to perform the functions of the controller. The functions attributed to the controller in the present disclosure may be embodied as one or more of software, firmware, and hardware. The controller may include a microprocessor. The operation of one or more controllers of the system may be coordinated by an overall system controller.

[0026] The term "aerosol" is used herein 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 include one or more volatile flavor compounds. The aerosol may be visible or invisible. The aerosol may include substances that are normally liquid or solid at room temperature. The aerosol may include 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.

[0027] The term "aerosol generating device" is used to refer to any device configured to be used 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 may interface with an aerosol generating article that includes an aerosol forming substrate.

[0028] The term "aerosol generating article" is used herein to refer to a disposable product that has the ability to contain (e.g., hold, contain, have, or store) an aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol generating article may have the ability to removably interface, or dock, or fit 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.

[0029] The aerosol generating device includes an elongated body extending from a distal end to a proximal end and a power source disposed within the elongated body. The proximal end has an aerosol generating article container defining a spherical or ellipsoidal shape or a first portion of a cavity. The heating element is electrically coupled to the power source and is disposed along the aerosol generating article container. The mouthpiece element extends 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. The airflow channel extends from the coupling end to the air outlet end. The mouthpiece element is slidably coupled to the elongated body between an engaged position and a disengaged position. An access opening to the aerosol generating article container is defined in the disengaged position and is closed in the engaged position.

[0030] The elongated body extends from the distal end to the proximal end along a longitudinal axis. The mouthpiece element extends from the coupling end to the air outlet end along the longitudinal axis. The elongated body and the mouthpiece element are slidably movable between the disengaged position and the engaged position in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body. The elongated body and the mouthpiece element are slidably movable between the disengaged position and the engaged position in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece element.

[0031] The elongated body and mouthpiece elements slide laterally between the disengaged and engaged positions. The access opening may have a lateral opening distance value that is approximately equal to the lateral distance between the disengaged and engaged positions.

[0032] The aerosol generator includes a power supply for the heating element. The power supply may be a battery within the device, such as a lithium iron phosphate battery. Alternatively, the power supply may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power supply 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 supply may have a capacity sufficient to allow for 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 supply may have a capacity sufficient to allow for a predetermined number of puffs or discontinuous activation of the heating element.

[0033] The aerosol-generating article container defines a first portion of a spherical or ellipsoidal shape or cavity configured to fit or snugly fit a replaceable aerosol-generating article. The first portion of the spherical or ellipsoidal shape or cavity may define half of a hemisphere or spherical cavity.

[0034] The heating element may be positioned along the first part of the aerosol generating article container and may define a spherical or ellipsoidal shape or a portion of a cavity. The heating element may define a spherical cap. The heating element may define a spherical segment. The heating element may define a hemisphere. The heating element may be defined by a spiral coil.

[0035] The heating element may be an inductive heating element. The susceptor element is coupled with the inductive heating element to generate heat from the susceptor element. The susceptor element may be placed on the surface of the first part of the aerosol generating article container, or may form part of the surface. The susceptor element may be placed on or inside the aerosol generating article received in the aerosol generating article container.

[0036] The heating element may be a resistance heating element.

[0037] The controller may be housed within an elongated body and electrically coupled to the power supply and the heating element. 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 heating element when the aerosol generator is not in the engaged position.

[0038] 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 engaged 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 or snugly fits with a replaceable aerosol-generating article.

[0039] The first and second parts of an aerosol-generating article container, which form a perfectly spherical or ellipsoidal aerosol-generating article container or cavity, may cooperate to form an airtight seal. The airtightness of the perfect aerosol-generating article container or cavity can be ensured by providing an airtight seal along the periphery of each hemisphere. A sealing element can separate the first and second parts of the aerosol-generating article container, which form a perfectly spherical or ellipsoidal aerosol-generating article container or cavity, and provide an airtight seal between them. The sealing element may be made of silicone rubber, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), neoprene, or butyl rubber. Thus, airflow enters the perfect aerosol-generating article container or cavity only through the air intake and leaves the perfect aerosol-generating article container or cavity only through the airflow channel connecting the perfect aerosol-generating article container or cavity to the air outlet of the mouthpiece element.

[0040] The second part may include a second heating element electrically coupled to a power source and positioned along the second part of the aerosol generating article container. The second heating element may define a spherical or ellipsoidal shape or a portion of a cavity. The second heating element may define a spherical cap. The second heating element may define a spherical segment. The second heating element may define a hemisphere. The second heating element may be defined by a spiral coil.

[0041] The second heating element may be an inductive heating element. The susceptor element is coupled with the inductive heating element to generate heat from the susceptor element. The susceptor element may be positioned on the surface of the second part of the aerosol generating article container, or may form part of the surface. The susceptor element may be positioned on or within the aerosol generating article received in the aerosol generating article container.

[0042] The second heating element may be a resistance heating element.

[0043] The aerosol generating article container may be defined on a pivot unit that pivots between an open position and a closed position around a pivot axis as the mouthpiece element moves from a disengaged position to an engaged position. The mouthpiece element may be allowed to displace from the disengaged position to an engaged position in which the mouthpiece element and the proximal end of the elongated body enclose the pivot unit between them.

[0044] The pivot unit has a pivot shaft that may extend through the aerosol-generating article container. The pivot shaft may extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body. The pivot unit may have a V-shape and may integrate a central hook-shaped concave section (defining the first part of the aerosol-generating article container) along its longitudinal axis. The pivot shaft may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pivot unit.

[0045] The pivot unit is rotatable relative to the elongated body between the disengaged position and the engaged position. In the disengaged position, the pivot unit is inclined so that the concave section (which defines the first part of the aerosol generating article container) is oriented 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.

[0046] The pivot unit may be rotatably mounted to the proximal end of the elongated body by mounting pins protruding from the side of the pivot unit. Alternatively, the pivot unit may 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.

[0047] The pivot unit may rotate at least about 10 degrees, at least about 20 degrees, at least about 25 degrees, or at least about 30 degrees around the pivot axis. The pivot unit may rotate within a range of about 10 to about 90 degrees around the pivot axis. The pivot unit may rotate within a range of about 10 to about 75 degrees around the pivot axis. The pivot unit may rotate within a range of about 20 to about 60 degrees around the pivot axis. The pivot unit may rotate within a range of about 25 to about 55 degrees around the pivot axis.

[0048] In the disengaged position, the pivot unit may be held in its inclined orientation by a biasing element that pre-tensions the surface of the proximal end of the elongated body. The biasing element may be located between the pivot unit and the proximal end of the elongated body and biases the pivot unit toward the open position. The biasing element is preferably a spring.

[0049] At one end, the biasing element contacts the corner of the proximal end of the elongated body. At the opposite end, the biasing element contacts the angled edge of the pivot unit. The biasing element may be any type of suitable compression or torsion element, such as a wire spring, a helical spring, or a spiral spring.

[0050] The coupling end of the mouthpiece element 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 the free end of the engagement extension. The retaining element fixes the pivot unit in the engaged or closed position.

[0051] During the coupling or engagement movement of the mouthpiece element as it moves toward the elongated body, the engagement extension is driven axially along the lateral wall of the proximal end of the elongated body, across the insertion path, relative to the curved lower edge 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 remain within the mating portion defined between the lateral wall of the engagement extension and the lateral wall of the airflow channel within the mouthpiece element.

[0052] 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 end 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.

[0053] The aerosol generating system includes an aerosol generating device described herein and an aerosol generating article having a spherical or ellipsoidal shape and size that is closely received within an aerosol generating article container. The aerosol generating article includes an aerosol-forming substrate that releases an aerosol upon heating.

[0054] Aerosol-generating articles are in a solid state. A solid state can be defined as a state in which a material is not fluid but maintains its boundaries without support. In a solid state, a material retains its shape or substantially returns to its shape after elastic deformation. In particular, the shape of an aerosol-generating article remains rigid and stable even when handled by the user for consumption in an aerosol generator.

[0055] 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.

[0056] The longest dimension of the aerosol generating article may be greater than about 7 millimeters and particularly 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.

[0057] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco and the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may further comprise at least one of a blend of tobacco leaves, cellulose fibers, tobacco fibers, and a binder. The tobacco leaf blend may comprise at least one of the tobacco types: bright tobacco, dark tobacco, and aromatic tobacco. The tobacco leaf blend may have a particle size of 100 to 380 mesh particles, particularly 170 to 320 mesh particles. The binder may comprise or be produced from, for example, natural pectins such as fruit pectin, e.g., citrus pectin, or tobacco pectin; guar gum, land locust bean gum, e.g., hydroxyethyl or hydroxypropyl of these gums; starch, e.g., modified starch or derivatized starch; alginate, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, ethylhydroxymethylcellulose, and carboxymethylcellulose; dextran; and xanthan gum. In a preferred embodiment, the binder in the first compound is guar. The aerosol-forming body may be 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 of monocarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl esters of monocarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, or polycarboxylic acids. The aerosol-forming substrate may further contain a wetting agent such as glycerol, propylene glycol, or triethylene glycol.

[0058] 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.

[0059] The aerosol-forming substrate may contain at least a fragrance substance. The fragrance substance may be at least partially absorbed into the aerosol-forming substrate. The fragrance substance may contain at least one fragrance component. The fragrance substance may be natural, for example, natural menthol. Alternatively, the fragrance substance may be artificial, for example, synthetic menthol. The fragrance substance may contain essential oils. The fragrance substance may contain at least one of organic vegetable glycerin, organic plant extracts, and plant essential oils. The fragrance substance may contain allyl 10 hexanoate, benzyl alcohol, citral, ethanol, isea cubeba oil, lemon oil, lime oil, L-menthol, menthol, mint such as peppermint or spearmint, sweet orange oil, terpene-free orange oil, terpene orange oil, terpene-free tangerine oil, tobacco fragrance, or a combination thereof.

[0060] The aerosol-generating article may include an aerosol-forming substrate and may not include a susceptor. In this embodiment, the aerosol-generating article is heated by conduction from a resistance heating element or by conduction from a susceptor that forms part of the aerosol-generating article container.

[0061] The aerosol-generating article may include an aerosol-forming substrate and susceptor particles distributed through the aerosol-forming substrate. The susceptor particles may be uniformly distributed throughout the entire aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may contain about 10% to about 40% by weight of susceptor particles. The aerosol-generating article may contain about 15% to about 30% by weight of susceptor particles.

[0062] The aerosol-generating article may include an aerosol-forming substrate and a susceptor located in the center of the aerosol-forming substrate. The centrally located susceptor may define approximately 10% to approximately 50% of the total volume of the aerosol-generating article.

[0063] The susceptor particle or susceptor may be a conductive piece capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat. When located in an alternating electromagnetic field, eddy currents are induced within the susceptor, and hysteresis losses occur (if the susceptor is magnetic), causing the susceptor to heat up.

[0064] The susceptor may be made of a paramagnetic material, a ferromagnetic material, or a ferrimagnetic material. The susceptor may contain a metal. The susceptor 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 a carbon material or be made of a carbon material. The susceptor may contain or be made of a ceramic such as graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, or zirconia. The susceptor material may be heated to a temperature above 250 degrees Celsius.

[0065] The induction configuration (using one or more induction elements) 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.

[0066] 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 sliding a mouthpiece element toward an elongated body from an unlocked position and an engaged position. Then, upon use, a heating element is activated and an aerosol is generated 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.

[0067] The aerosol generating article container may pivot from an open position to a closed position as the mouthpiece element slides from an unlocked position to an engaged position. The aerosol generating article container may pivot from a closed position to an open position as the mouthpiece element slides from an engaged position to an unlocked position. The mouthpiece element may slide in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body. The aerosol generating article container pivots about a pivot axis, which may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body. The mouthpiece element may slide and the aerosol generating article container may pivot simultaneously.

[0068] The consumer may stop the heating element by sliding the mouthpiece element from the engaged position to the disengaged position, and then remove the aerosol generating article from the aerosol generating article container. The consumer may also stop the heating element by pressing a switch electrically coupled to the controller.

[0069] 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. After the disengaged position is reached, 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. [Examples]

[0070] Non-limiting embodiments are provided below in a non-exclusive manner. Any one or more features of these embodiments may be combined with any one or more features of other embodiments or models described herein.

[0071] Example 1: An aerosol generator comprising: an elongated body extending from a distal end to a proximal end, wherein a power source is disposed within the elongated body, and the proximal end includes an aerosol generating article container defining a first portion of a spherical or ellipsoidal shape or cavity, and a heating element is electrically coupled to the power source and disposed along the aerosol generating article container; and 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, thereby defining an airflow channel extending from the coupling end to the air outlet end, wherein the mouthpiece element is slidably coupled to the elongated body between an engaged position and an unengaged position, and an access opening to the aerosol generating article container is defined in the unengaged position and the access opening is closed in the engaged position. Example 2: The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the mouthpiece element includes a second portion of the aerosol generating article container, and the second portion of the aerosol generating article container defines a second portion that is spherical or ellipsoidal in shape or hollow. Example 3: The aerosol generator according to Example 2, wherein the second part includes a second heating element that is electrically coupled to a power source and positioned along the second part of the aerosol generating article container, the second heating element defining a spherical or ellipsoidal shape or a portion of a cavity. Example 4: The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example 2 or 3, wherein the first and second parts of the aerosol generating article container define a perfect sphere or cavity, or a perfect ellipsoid or cavity, when the mouthpiece element is in the engagement position. Example 5: The aerosol generating apparatus according to Embodiment 1, wherein the aerosol generating article container cooperates with a slidable mouthpiece element and is defined on a pivot unit that pivots between an open position and a closed position about a pivot axis as the mouthpiece element moves from an unengaged position to an engaged position. Example 6: The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example 5, wherein the pivot shaft extends through the aerosol generating article container. Example 7: The aerosol generator according to Embodiment 5 or 6, wherein the mouthpiece element coupling end includes an engagement extension that contacts a pivot unit as the mouthpiece element moves from a disengaged position to an engaged position, and drives the pivot unit from an open position to a closed position. Example 8: The aerosol generator according to Embodiment 7, wherein the engaging extension includes a retaining element on the free end of the engaging extension, and the retaining element fixes the pivot unit in a closed position. Example 9: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 5 to 8, further comprising a biasing element between the pivot unit and the proximal end of the elongated body, wherein the biasing element biases the pivot unit toward the open position. Example 10: The aerosol generator according to Example 9, wherein the biasing element is a spring. Example 11: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the heating element is an induction heating element. Example 12: The aerosol generator according to Example 3, wherein the second heating element is an induction heating element. Example 13: The aerosol generator according to embodiment 11 or 12, wherein the induction heating element is an induction coil configured to generate heat within one or more susceptors. Example 14: The aerosol generator according to Example 12, wherein the induction heating element is a spiral coil. Example 15: The aerosol generator according to Example 13 or 14, wherein one or more susceptors are contained within a spherical or ellipsoidal aerosol generating article. Example 16: The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example 13 or 14, wherein one or more susceptors form part of the wall of the aerosol generating article container. Example 17: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 16, wherein the heating element is a resistance heating element. Example 18: The aerosol generator according to Example 3, wherein the second heating element is a resistance heating element. Example 19: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 18, comprising a slender body and a controller electrically coupled to a power supply and a heating element. Example 20: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 19, wherein an elongated body or mouthpiece element defines an air intake port into the aerosol generating article container. Example 21: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 20, wherein the aerosol generating article container includes an airtight sealing element. Example 22: An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device described in any of Examples 1 to 21, and an aerosol generating article having a spherical or ellipsoidal shape and size that is closely received in an aerosol generating article container. Example 23: The aerosol generating system according to Example 22, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises an aerosol-forming substrate and susceptor particles distributed throughout the aerosol-forming substrate. Example 24: The aerosol generating system according to Example 22, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises an aerosol forming substrate and a susceptor located in the center of the aerosol forming substrate. Example 25: A method for using the aerosol generating system described in Example 22, comprising: inserting an aerosol generating article having a spherical or ellipsoidal shape into the aerosol generating article container of the aerosol generating device; sliding a mouthpiece element toward an elongated body from an unlocked position and an engaged position; activating a heating element to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating article; and inhaling smoke through the mouthpiece element to draw the generated aerosol from the aerosol generating article to the air outlet end of the mouthpiece element. Example 26: The method according to Example 25, wherein the aerosol generating article container pivots from an open position to a closed position as the mouthpiece element slides from an unengaged position to an engaged position. Example 27: The method according to Example 25 or 26, further comprising stopping the heating element, sliding the mouthpiece element from an engaged position to an unengaged position, and removing the aerosol generating article from the aerosol generating article container. Example 28: The method according to Example 25 or 26, further comprising automatically stopping the heating element when sliding the mouthpiece element from an engaged position to an unengaged position, and removing the aerosol generating article from the aerosol generating article container. Example 29: The method according to Example 27 or 28, wherein the aerosol generating article container pivots from a closed position to an open position as the mouthpiece element slides from an engaged position to a disengaged position. Example 30: The method according to any one of Examples 25 to 29, wherein the mouthpiece element slides in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body. Example 31: The method according to Examples 26, 27, or 28, wherein the aerosol generating article container pivots about a pivot axis, and the pivot axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body. Example 32: The method according to any one of Examples 25 to 31, wherein a mouthpiece element slides and an aerosol generating article container pivots simultaneously. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0072] Here, we will further describe the examples with reference to the figures.

[0073] [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 of 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 an 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 shown in Figure 1, in the disengaged position, which receives the 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 shown in Figure 1, sliding from the disengaged position to the engaged position. [Figure 9]Figure 9 shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary aerosol generator shown in Figure 1, which slides to the engagement position with the aerosol generating article received in the aerosol generating article container of the aerosol generator. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary aerosol generator of Figure 1, which is in the engaged position and operates to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating article received in the 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 along line AA. [Figure 13A] Figures 13A to 13D are perspective views of different configurations of aerosol-generating articles and associated heat-generating elements. [Figure 13B] Figures 13A to 13D are perspective views of different configurations of aerosol-generating articles and associated heat-generating elements. [Figure 13C] Figures 13A to 13D are perspective views of different configurations of aerosol-generating articles and associated heat-generating elements. [Figure 13D] Figures 13A to 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 an exemplary aerosol-generating article. [Figure 16A] Figures 16A and 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 16B] Figures 16A and 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 of using the aerosol generation system described herein. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0074] 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, and 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, sliding to an engagement position with the aerosol generating article 160 received in the aerosol generating article container 130 of the aerosol generator 100. Figure 10 shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary aerosol generator 100 of Figure 1, in the engagement position, operating to generate an aerosol 169 from the aerosol generating article 160 received in the aerosol generating article container 130.

[0075] Figures 1 to 10 illustrate 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. A heating element 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 this line from the distal end 112 to the proximal end 114.

[0076] Although the aerosol generator 100 is generally shown as having an elongated rectangular shape, the aerosol generator 100 may have a cylindrical shape or other shapes. 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.

[0077] The lateral distance L is shown in Figure 1, which represents 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, which represents the lateral distance defined by the access opening 105.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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 heating element 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 can 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.

[0080] The illustrated aerosol-generating article containers 132 and 134 have a perfect spherical or ellipsoidal shape or cavity, with a maximum lateral dimension D of approximately 4 mm to 21 mm, or approximately 6.5 mm to 16.5 mm. The perfect spherical or ellipsoidal shape or cavity of the aerosol-generating article containers 132 and 134 are sized to fit snugly with the aerosol-generating article 160.

[0081] The aerosol generating article container 130 may be defined on a pivot unit 180 that cooperates with a slidable mouthpiece element 150 and pivots between an open position and a closed position about a pivot axis as the mouthpiece element 150 moves from an unengaged position to an engaged position. The pivot axis may extend through the aerosol generating article container 130.

[0082] The coupling end 152 of the mouthpiece element 150 may include an engagement extension 151 that contacts the pivot unit 180 as the mouthpiece element 150 moves from the disengaged position to the engaged position, and drives the pivot unit 180 from the open position to the closed position.

[0083] The engaging extension 151 is aligned with 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.

[0084] The heating element 140 on the first spherical or ellipsoidal shape or cavity 132 may be an induction heating element. The second heating element 142 on the second spherical or ellipsoidal shape or cavity 134 may be an induction heating element. The induction heating elements 140, 142 may be induction coils configured to generate heat within one or more susceptors. The induction coils may be spiral coils. One or more susceptors are configured to generate heat when inductively coupled to the induction heating elements. One or more susceptors may be located within or on the spherical or ellipsoidal aerosol generating article. One or more susceptors may form part of the wall of the aerosol generating article container 130.

[0085] The heating element 140 on the first spherical or ellipsoidal shape or cavity 132 may be a resistance heating element. The second heating element 142 on the second spherical or ellipsoidal shape or cavity 134 may be a resistance element.

[0086] The controller 125 may be located within the elongated body 110 and electrically coupled to the power supply 120 and the heating elements 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 heating elements 140 and 142 when the aerosol generator 100 is not in the engaged position.

[0087] The power supply 120 may be an internal battery, such as a lithium iron phosphate battery. The power supply may require recharging via the charging port 121.

[0088] In the disengaged position, the pivot unit 180 may be held in its inclined orientation by a biasing element 136 that pre-tensions the surface of the proximal end 114 of the elongated body 110. The biasing element 136 may be in contact with 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.

[0089] 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 allows air to move into the aerosol generating article container 130 and into the received aerosol generating article, and then this air moves into the airflow channel 155 of the mouthpiece element 150 and exits through the air outlet 156 of the mouthpiece element 150, defining an air intake 107.

[0090] 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, and the aerosol generating article 160 received in the aerosol generating article container 130 of the aerosol generator 160.

[0091] Figure 8 shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary aerosol generator 100 of Figure 1, sliding from the disengaged position to 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 toward the curved lower edge of the pivot unit 180, traversing the insertion path along the lateral wall of the proximal end 114 of the elongated body 110. The engaging extension 151 acts as a lever by applying a compressive force to the pivot unit 180 that overcomes the compressive force of the biasing element 136, thereby compressing the biasing element 136 and pushing the pivot unit 180 toward its engaged state (linear orientation).

[0092] Figure 9 shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary aerosol generator 100 of Figure 1, sliding to an engagement position with an aerosol generating article 160 received in the aerosol generating article container 130 of the aerosol generator 100. After reaching the end of insertion, the retaining element 153 of the engagement extension 151 cooperates with a 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 the insertion or engagement position, the distal end 182 of the pivot unit 180 can remain in a 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.

[0093] Figure 10 shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary aerosol generator 100 of Figure 1, which, in the engaged position, operates 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, which allows air to move into the aerosol generating article container 130 and into the received aerosol generating article 160, and then move into the airflow channel 155 of the mouthpiece element 150 and exit through the air outlet 156 of the mouthpiece element 150.

[0094] When the user inhales through the air outlet 156 of the mouthpiece element 150, the 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. The airflow then entrains particles released from the heated tobacco material. This mixture generates an aerosol 169 that converges within the airflow channel 155 and moves upward within the airflow channel 155, experiencing a Venturi effect that expands its volume. 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 in 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.

[0095] 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 along line A-A. The pivoting unit 180 may be rotatably attached to the proximal end 114 of the elongated body 110 by an attachment pin 185 that protrudes from the side of the pivoting unit 180. The mating pin A A coincides with.

[0096] The pivoting unit 180 has a pivot axis P that extends through the aerosol-generating article container 130. A The pivot axis P A may extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the elongated body 110. A The pivoting unit 180 may have a V-shape and may incorporate a hook-shaped concave section (defining the first portion 132 of the aerosol-generating article container) centered along its longitudinal axis (along line A-A). The pivot axis P AThe axis of the pivot unit 180 may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (along line AA). The heating element 140 is positioned along the aerosol generating article container 132. The air intake surface 107 is defined on the pivot unit 180.

[0097] Figures 13A to 13D are perspective views of different configurations of the aerosol generating article 160 and its associated heating element 140. While a single heating element 140 is illustrated, two or more heating elements may, of course, be arranged around the aerosol generating article 160. Different coil winding structures can provide characteristic electromagnetic profiles that 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 may be framed across different complex mathematical models.

[0098] Figure 13A illustrates a heating element 140 having a spherical cap configuration. Figure 13B illustrates a heating element 140 having a different spherical segment configuration. Figure 13C illustrates a heating element 140 having a spherical segment configuration. Figure 13D illustrates a heating element 140 having a further spherical segment configuration.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] Figures 16A and 16B are perspective views of the aerosol generating article 160, showing the associated heating elements 140 and 142, as well as different configurations of the first and second parts 132 and 134 of a spherical or ellipsoidal shape or cavity. The spherical configuration is formed by the first coil or heating element 140 and the second coil or heating element 142, with numerous wire windings wound around the spherical shape. The first coil or heating element 140 is disposed within the wall of the lower hemisphere 132 of the aerosol generating article container 130, and the second coil heating element 140 is disposed 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 follows the engagement of the mouthpiece element 150 with the elongated body 110, leading to the alignment of the first coil or heating element 140 with the second coil or heating element 142, resulting in coaxial alignment.

[0102] If the heating elements 140 and 142 are inductors, the inductive arrangement 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 within the aerosol generating article 160. Insulation material may be provided 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.

[0103] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating method 200 using the aerosol generating system described herein.

[0104] 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) sliding a mouthpiece element toward an elongated body from an unlocked position and an engaged position. Then, (206) activating a heating element to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating article, and (208) inhaling the smoke through the mouthpiece element to draw the generated aerosol from the aerosol generating article to the air outlet end of the mouthpiece element.

[0105] The method may further include (210) stopping the heating element, (212) sliding the mouthpiece element from the engaged position to the disengaged position, and (214) removing the aerosol generating article from the aerosol generating article container. In some cases, the heating element is stopped automatically by sliding the mouthpiece element from the engaged position.

[0106] 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 of 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, wherein a power source is disposed within the elongated body, and the proximal end includes an aerosol generating article container defining a first portion of a spherical or ellipsoidal shape or cavity, and a heating element is electrically coupled to the power source and arranged along the aerosol generating article container, 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, thereby forming an airflow channel, comprising: An aerosol generator in which the mouthpiece element is slidably coupled to the elongated body between an engaged position and an unengaged position, and an access opening to the aerosol generating article container is defined in the unengaged position and the access opening is closed in the engaged position.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece element includes a second portion of the aerosol generating article container, and the second portion of the aerosol generating article container defines a second portion that is spherical, ellipsoidal, or hollow.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second portion includes a second heating element that is electrically coupled to the power supply and positioned along the second portion of the aerosol generating article container, the second heating element having a spherical or ellipsoidal shape or defining a portion of a cavity.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first and second portions of the aerosol generating article container define a perfectly spherical shape or cavity, or a perfectly ellipsoidal shape or cavity, when the mouthpiece element is in the engagement position.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating article container is defined on a pivot unit that cooperates with the slidable mouthpiece element and pivots between an open position and a closed position about a pivot axis as the mouthpiece element moves from the disengaged position to the engaged position.

6. The aerosol generator according to claim 5, wherein the mouthpiece element coupling end includes an engagement extension that contacts the pivot unit and drives the pivot unit from the open position to the closed position as the mouthpiece element moves from the disengaged position to the engaged position.

7. The aerosol generator according to claim 6, wherein the engaging extension includes a return stop element on the free end of the engaging extension, and the return stop element fixes the pivot unit in the closed position.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising a biasing element between the pivot unit and the proximal end of the elongated body, wherein the biasing element biases the pivot unit toward the open position, and preferably the biasing element is a spring.

9. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the heating element is preferably an induction heating element, and the induction heating element is preferably a spiral induction coil configured to generate heat within one or more susceptors.

10. The aerosol generator according to claim 3, wherein the second heating element is preferably an induction heating element, and the induction heating element is preferably a spiral induction coil configured to generate heat within one or more susceptors.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the heating element is a resistance heating element.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second heating element is a resistance heating element.

13. Aerosol generation system, an aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 12, An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article having a spherical or ellipsoidal shape and size that is closely received within the aerosol generating article container.

14. A method using the aerosol generating system described in claim 13, 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 slid toward the elongated body from the disengaged position and the engaged position, The heating element is activated to generate aerosols from the aerosol-generating article, A method comprising: inhaling smoke through the mouthpiece element to draw the generated aerosol from the aerosol generating article to the air outlet end of the mouthpiece element.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the aerosol generating article container pivots from an open position to a closed position as the mouthpiece element slides from the disengaged position to the engaged position.

Images