Aerosol generating articles and aerosol generating systems

Abstract

An aerosol generating article (10, 70) comprises a plurality of individual aerosol generating substrate segments (20) arranged circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article (10, 70) and having exposed surfaces (24) facing inward toward the longitudinal axis. The plurality of individual aerosol generating substrate segments (20) can be heated individually and sequentially, and each of the individual aerosol generating substrate segments (20) contains a quantifiable amount of aerosol generating substrate corresponding to, for example, a single inhalation or puff. Aerosol generating systems (1, 2, 3, 4) including the aerosol generating article (10, 70) in combination with an aerosol generating device (12, 50, 60, 72) comprising a power supply (6) and a controller (8) are also described.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article is for use with an aerosol-generating device that heats the aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user. The present disclosure is particularly applicable to aerosol-generating articles for use with portable (hand-held) self-contained aerosol-generating devices that can operate at low temperatures. Instead of burning the aerosol-generating substrate, such devices heat it to generate an aerosol for inhalation. Embodiments of the present disclosure also relate to an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article. [Background Art]

[0002] In recent years, the popularity and use of risk reduction devices (also known as vaporizers) or risk modification devices have grown rapidly as an alternative to the use of conventional tobacco products. Various devices and systems are available that heat or warm, rather than burn, an aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

[0003] Commonly available risk reduction or risk modification devices are substrate-heated aerosol-generating devices, that is, so-called non-combustion heated devices. This type of device generates an aerosol or vapor, for example, by heating an aerosol-generating substrate contained within an aerosol-generating article, typically comprising moist tobacco leaves or other suitable vaporizable material, in a heating chamber to a temperature typically in the range of 150°C to 350°C. Heating the aerosol-generating substrate to a temperature within this range without igniting or burning it generates vapor, which typically cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by the user of the device. [Summary of Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] Aerosol generating articles that can be used with aerosol generating devices can take various forms, such as elongated cylindrical sticks or flat rectangular parallelepipeds. The form of the aerosol generating article often involves a trade-off between convenience, aesthetics, and heating efficiency. Typically, the entire aerosol generating substrate is heated during each user inhalation (or "puff") to generate an inhalable aerosol, but this is inefficient and can lead to the generation of aerosols with inconsistent quality (e.g., sensory quality, nicotine content) between user inhalations (or "puffs"), for example, as the aerosol generating substrate is depleted. This disclosure seeks to address this drawback. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an aerosol-generating article, Multiple individual aerosol-generating substrate segments are arranged circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article, each having an exposed surface facing inward toward the longitudinal axis. In an aerosol-generating article, An aerosol generating article is provided in which multiple individual aerosol generating substrate segments can be sequentially heated, and each individual aerosol generating substrate segment contains a fixed amount of aerosol generating substrate.

[0006] As used herein, the term "quantitative" refers to an aerosol-generating substrate segment containing a measured or predetermined amount of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0007] The aerosol generating article is intended for use with an aerosol generating device, which heats individual aerosol generating substrate segments sequentially and individually (i.e., one at a time) without burning the aerosol generating substrate segments, thereby volatilizing at least one component of each aerosol generating substrate segment, generating heated vapor, which cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by the user of the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device is a handheld, portable device.

[0008] Generally, vapor is a substance that is in the gaseous phase at temperatures below its critical temperature, meaning that vapor can condense into a liquid by increasing pressure without lowering the temperature, while aerosol is fine solid particles or droplets suspended in air or another gas. However, it should be noted that in this specification, the terms “aerosol” and “vapor” may be used synonymously, particularly in reference to the form of an inhalable medium generated for inhalation by the user.

[0009] Multiple individual aerosol-generating substrate segments can be heated individually and sequentially. By providing multiple individual aerosol-generating substrate segments that can be heated individually and sequentially (i.e., one at a time) and contain a fixed amount of aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosols generated when each substrate segment is heated have consistent quality (e.g., sensory quality, nicotine content). The time required for aerosol generation for inhalation is also reduced thanks to the individual and sequential heating of the individual aerosol-generating substrate segments. The ability to heat the individual aerosol-generating substrate segments individually and sequentially also improves energy efficiency because only a portion of the total amount of aerosol-generating substrate (composed of all aerosol-generating substrate segments) is heated at any given time.

[0010] The optional features are described below. These can be applied individually or in any combination with any aspect of this disclosure.

[0011] Each individual aerosol-generating substrate segment may contain a quantitative amount of aerosol-generating substrate corresponding to a single inhalation or puff. Thus, the quantitative amount may correspond to the amount of aerosol-generating substrate delivered to the user in a single inhalation or puff. The quantitative amount of aerosol-generating substrate contains one or more components necessary for generating an aerosol. For example, the quantitative amount may include a predetermined amount of tobacco or nicotine or flavoring, or a combination thereof. The quantitative amount may also include an aerosol-forming agent.

[0012] The aerosol-generating substrate may include any type of solid or semi-solid material. Exemplary types of aerosol-generating solids include powders, granules, pellets, shredded, strands, particles, gels, strips, loose leaves, cut fillers, porous materials, foamed materials, or sheets. The aerosol-generating substrate may include plant-derived materials, particularly tobacco. Advantageously, the aerosol-generating substrate may include reconstituted tobacco, for example, reconstituted tobacco comprising tobacco and any one or more of cellulose fibers, tobacco stem fibers, and inorganic fillers (such as CaCO3). The reconstituted tobacco may include any type of tobacco sheet (paper-like sheet, cast tobacco sheet, etc.) in crumpled, folded, and / or rolled complete sheets or sheet fragments, and in oriented aggregate form (e.g., parallel arrangement configuration or weave pattern of substantially identical sheet fragments) or in randomly arranged form (e.g., sheet fragments of various sizes and shapes in a bulk mixed form as tobacco cut filler).

[0013] Therefore, aerosol generating devices may be referred to as "heated tobacco devices," "non-combustion heated tobacco devices," "tobacco product vaporization devices," or "T-vapor" devices, and these are interpreted as devices suitable for obtaining those effects.

[0014] Examples of aerosol-forming agents include polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin or propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof. In other possible examples, the aerosol-forming agent may include other alcohols such as ethanol or 1,3-propanediol, or it may include water. Typically, an aerosol-generating substrate may contain an aerosol-forming agent content of about 5% to about 50% on a dry weight basis. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate may contain an aerosol-forming agent content of about 10% to about 20%, and optionally about 15%, on a dry weight basis.

[0015] When heated, each individual aerosol-generating substrate segment may release volatile compounds. These volatile compounds may include nicotine or flavoring compounds such as tobacco flavorings.

[0016] Multiple individual aerosol-generating substrate segments may be substantially planar. Multiple individual aerosol-generating substrate segments may be arranged at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. In some examples, multiple individual aerosol-generating substrate segments may be arranged around the inner surface of a frustoconical substrate support. Such a configuration may facilitate the manufacture of the aerosol-generating article and / or facilitate contact between the aerosol-generating substrate segments and the heater of the aerosol-generating device. Such a configuration may allow multiple aerosol-generating articles to be used in an aerosol-generating device, for example, in a stacked or nested configuration, thereby increasing the total number of puffs available to the user. Such a configuration may also facilitate the storage and / or packaging of multiple aerosol-generating articles, for example, in a stacked or nested configuration.

[0017] The aerosol generating article may have independent air channels that work in conjunction with each individual aerosol generating substrate segment. When an individual aerosol generating substrate segment is heated by the heater of the aerosol generating device, the heated aerosol is delivered directly to the user for inhalation along its own independent and dedicated air channel, for example, through the outlet of the aerosol generating device, without passing through any other individual aerosol generating substrate segments. This helps ensure that the aerosol generated when individual aerosol substrate segments are heated individually and sequentially has a consistent quality (e.g., sensory quality, nicotine content). The heated aerosol generated by heating an individual segment of the individual aerosol generating substrate segment does not come into contact with any previously heated individual aerosol generating substrate segments, thereby ensuring that the aerosol inhaled by the user is not contaminated. The heated aerosol generated by heating an individual segment of the individual aerosol generating substrate segment does not come into contact with any still-unheated individual aerosol generating substrate segments, thereby avoiding thermal damage to the unheated aerosol generating substrate segments and the resulting possibility of premature release of volatile compounds.

[0018] Multiple individual aerosol-generating substrate segments may be individually and sequentially heated by a heater in an aerosol-generating device. Such a configuration may simplify the structure of the aerosol-generating article, as the heater is a component of the aerosol-generating device. Furthermore, such a configuration may improve the manufacturability of the aerosol-generating article. The heater may include an electric resistance heater. The use of an electric resistance heater may be particularly convenient for sequentially heating individual aerosol-generating substrate segments.

[0019] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a plurality of individual heater elements. Each of the plurality of individual heater elements may be in conjunction with a corresponding segment of the individual aerosol-generating substrate segment. Each of the plurality of individual heater elements may be in contact with a corresponding segment of the individual aerosol-generating substrate segment. Each of the plurality of individual heater elements may be substantially planar.

[0020] Each of the multiple individual heater elements may include a resistive heater element, such as a resistive heater track. Each of the multiple resistive heater elements may include a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact.

[0021] Each of the multiple individual heater elements may be provided with an inductively heatable susceptor. The inductively heatable susceptor may include, but is not limited to, ferromagnetic materials such as cobalt, iron, nickel, zinc, manganese, and any combination thereof. In other examples, the inductively heatable susceptor may include other materials, such as other metallic materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon steel, as well as ceramic materials such as silicon carbide and carbonaceous materials, and any combination of any of the materials described above. In further examples, the inductively heatable susceptor may include other conductive materials, such as metals such as copper, alloys of conductive materials, or other materials in which one or more conductive materials are embedded. When an electromagnetic field is applied near an aerosol generating article when using it with an aerosol generating device equipped with an electromagnetic field generator (such as an induction coil), the inductively heatable susceptor may generate heat through the Joule effect caused by eddy currents flowing through the susceptor, and in the case of ferromagnetic materials, through magnetic hysteresis losses.

[0022] Each of the multiple individual aerosol-generating substrate segments may be independently and sequentially heated by an individual heater element that works in conjunction with it.

[0023] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, an aerosol generating system, an aerosol generating device comprising a power supply and a controller, The aerosol-generating article as defined above, disposed outside an aerosol-generating device, and An aerosol-generating system is provided, comprising

[0024] The aerosol-generating device is a hand-held portable device that individually and sequentially heats individual aerosol-generating substrate segments of the aerosol-generating article without burning the aerosol-generating substrate segments to volatilize at least one component of each aerosol-generating substrate segment, thereby generating heated vapor that cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by a user of the aerosol-generating system.

[0025] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a heater for individually and sequentially heating a plurality of individual aerosol-generating substrate segments. Such a configuration may allow the structure of the aerosol-generating article to be simplified because the heater is a component part of the aerosol-generating device. Further, such a configuration may improve the manufacturability of the aerosol-generating article because there is no need to incorporate a heater into the aerosol-generating article. The heater may comprise an electrical resistance heater. The use of an electrical resistance heater may be particularly convenient for independently and sequentially heating individual aerosol-generating substrate segments.

[0026] The heater may comprise an array of individual heater elements. The individual heater elements may be arranged circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device. Each of the individual heater elements may cooperate with a corresponding one of the individual aerosol-generating substrate segments. With this configuration, each individual aerosol-generating substrate segment is disposed adjacent to a dedicated heater element configured to heat that one of the individual aerosol-generating substrate segments, such that the aerosol-generating article can remain stationary when disposed on the aerosol-generating device.

[0027] The controller may be configured to individually and sequentially heat multiple individual aerosol-generating substrate segments by individually and sequentially activating each heater element in the array (for example, by supplying power to the heater elements from a power source) in response to the user's inhalation or puff. This configuration allows the individual aerosol-generating substrate segments to be heated individually and sequentially in a consistent manner to provide a fixed amount of aerosol-generating substrate corresponding to, for example, a single inhalation or puff. "Consistently" means that the individual aerosol-generating substrate segments are heated in the same manner, for example, by supplying the same power to each heater element for the same amount of time. Thus, the aerosol generated and inhaled by the user in each puff or inhalation has a consistent quality (e.g., sensory quality, nicotine content).

[0028] The heater may comprise a single heater element. The aerosol generating article may be located outside the aerosol generating device to rotate around the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device, sequentially arranging each of the multiple individual aerosol generating substrate segments adjacent to a single heater element, for example, aligning them circumferentially, in order to heat the multiple individual aerosol generating substrate segments individually and sequentially. The aerosol generating article may be manually rotatable, for example by a user, to sequentially arranging each of the multiple individual aerosol generating substrate segments adjacent to a single heater element. For example, a user may rotate the aerosol generating article after each puff or inhalation to position the previously unheated segments of the individual aerosol generating substrate segments adjacent to a single heater element. In another example, the aerosol generating device may be equipped with a rotating device, such as a motor, to rotate the aerosol generating article by a predetermined angular amount, for example after each puff or inhalation, to position the previously unheated segments of the individual aerosol generating substrate segments adjacent to a single heater element.

[0029] In an example where an aerosol generating article comprises multiple individual heater elements, each of which interacts with a corresponding segment of an individual aerosol generating substrate segment, the controller may be configured to operate each individual heater element individually and sequentially to heat each of the individual aerosol generating substrate segments individually and sequentially by the individual heater element interacting with it. Since each individual heater element is operated only once to heat the individual aerosol generating substrate segment interacting with it, the robustness and cost of the heater elements can be reduced compared to an example where one or more heater elements must form part of an aerosol generating device and therefore be reused in multiple aerosol generating articles. In the latter case, the heater elements must be robust enough to operate for a period of about one to two years, typically with about 100 to 200 puffs per day.

[0030] The aerosol generating device may have a plurality of individual electrical contacts, each of which contacts one of the first electrical contacts of a plurality of individual heater elements. Each of the individual electrical contacts may be a spring-loaded electrical contact. The aerosol generating device may have a common electrical contact that contacts the second electrical contacts of the plurality of individual heater elements. The controller may be configured to operate each of the individual heater elements individually and sequentially by supplying power from a power source to the individual heater elements via the individual electrical contacts that contact the first electrical contacts of the individual heater elements and the common electrical contact that contacts the second electrical contacts of the individual heater elements.

[0031] The aerosol generating device may have at least one air inlet. The aerosol generating device may have at least one air outlet.

[0032] In an example where the heater comprises a single heater element that forms part of the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating system may include a single airflow channel adjacent to the single heater element, configured to guide airflow through individual aerosol generating substrate segments, for example, arranged circumferentially with the single heater element. The single airflow channel may extend between the air inlet and air outlet of the aerosol generating device. Providing a single airflow channel may simplify the structure of the aerosol generating device.

[0033] In an example where the heater comprises an array of individual heater elements, the aerosol generation system may have multiple independent airflow channels. Each independent airflow channel may be configured to direct airflow through one of the individual aerosol generation substrate segments. Each independent airflow channel may have an air inlet. Each independent airflow channel may have an air outlet.

[0034] When individual aerosol-generating substrate segments are heated by the heater of the aerosol-generating device, the heated aerosol is delivered directly to the user for inhalation, for example, through an air outlet, without passing through any other individual aerosol-generating substrate segments. This helps ensure that the aerosols generated when individual aerosol-generating substrate segments are heated individually and sequentially have consistent quality (e.g., sensory quality, nicotine content). The heated aerosols generated by heating individual segments of the individual aerosol-generating substrate segments do not come into contact with any previously heated individual aerosol-generating substrate segments, thereby ensuring that the aerosols inhaled by the user are not contaminated. The heated aerosols generated by heating individual segments of the individual aerosol-generating substrate segments do not come into contact with any still-unheated individual aerosol-generating substrate segments, thereby avoiding thermal damage to the unheated aerosol-generating substrate segments and the resulting possibility of premature release of volatile compounds.

[0035] An aerosol generating system may include a flow controller positioned in the air channel to selectively control the flow of air through the air channel. For example, an aerosol generating system may include a flow controller positioned in a single air channel, or a flow controller positioned in each independent air channel to selectively control the flow of air through each independent air channel. The flow controller may have an open configuration and a closed configuration. An open configuration of the flow controller may allow air to flow along the air channel, for example, into an air inlet and out through individual aerosol generating substrate segments and out through an air outlet. A closed configuration of the flow controller may substantially prevent or block air from flowing along the air channel, for example, into an air inlet and out through individual aerosol generating substrate segments and out through an air outlet. The aerosol generating device may be configured to heat individual aerosol generating substrate segments only when the flow controller is in an open configuration. The flow controller may be a valve, for example, an electrically operated valve or an electromechanically operated valve or a thermally operated valve or a magnetically operated valve or an optically operated valve or an SMA valve with a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator. In some examples, the flow controller may be a one-way valve. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0036] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view of a first example of an aerosol generating system, including an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article, before the device and article are assembled. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an enlarged view of a portion of the first example of the aerosol generation system, with the aerosol generating article shown in a cutaway view. [Figure 3] Figures 1 and 2 are schematic perspective views of a first example of the aerosol generating system after assembly, with the aerosol generating article positioned outside the aerosol generating device. [Figure 4] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing part of a second example of an aerosol generation system equipped with a flow controller. [Figure 5] This is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a third example of an aerosol generating system before assembly of the device and article, showing a portion of the aerosol generating device and a cutaway view of the aerosol generating article. [Figure 6] Figure 5 shows the proximal end (oral end) of the aerosol generating device before assembly with the article. [Figure 7] Figure 5 shows the proximal end (oral end) of the aerosol generating device after assembly, with the aerosol generating article positioned outside the aerosol generating device. [Figure 8] Figures 5 to 7 are schematic perspective views of a third example of an aerosol generation system, in which the aerosol generating article is positioned outside the aerosol generation device. [Figure 9] These are schematic cross-sectional views showing a portion of the aerosol generation system shown in Figures 1 to 7 before assembly of the device and the article. [Figure 10A-10C] This is a schematic cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 9, showing different heater profiles, after the aerosol generating article has been assembled into the aerosol generating device. [Figure 11] This is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol generating device that forms part of a fourth example of an aerosol generating system. [Figure 12] This is a schematic perspective view of a fourth example of an aerosol generating system, including the aerosol generating device and aerosol generating article shown in Figure 11, during the assembly of the device and the article. [Figure 13] Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view of a fourth example of the aerosol generating system after assembly, with one aerosol generating article positioned outside the aerosol generating device. [Figure 14] Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view of the fourth example of the aerosol generating system after assembly, with three nested aerosol generating articles positioned outside the aerosol generating device. [Figure 15] Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the aerosol generation system shown. [Figure 16]Figures 11 to 15 are schematic plan views of the resistance heater track and individual aerosol generating substrate segments that form part of the aerosol generating article in the aerosol generating system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] Herein, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described as mere examples with reference to the attached drawings.

[0038] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, a first example of an electric aerosol generating system 1 is shown. The aerosol generating system 1 includes an aerosol generating article 10 and an aerosol generating device 12.

[0039] The aerosol generating article 10 is a consumable item and comprises a substantially frustoconical substrate support 14. The substantially frustoconical substrate support 14 has an inner surface 16 and an outer surface 18 and may contain a plastic material. The aerosol generating article 10 further comprises a plurality of individual aerosol generating substrate segments 20 arranged circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article 10 and, in the illustrated example, around the inner surface 16 of the substantially frustoconical substrate support 14. As is best seen in Figure 2, the substantially frustoconical substrate support 14 may comprise a plurality of circumferentially spaced partitions 22 on the inner surface 16, where each pair of circumferentially adjacent partitions 22 defines a space for housing individual aerosol generating substrate segments 20.

[0040] Each of the individual aerosol-generating substrate segments 20 is substantially planar and has an exposed inner surface 24 facing inward toward the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article 10. The individual aerosol-generating substrate segments 20 are positioned at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article 10 due to the geometric shape of the frustoconical substrate support 14. More specifically, the individual aerosol-generating substrate segments 20 are positioned on the substantially frustoconical substrate support 14 so as to be inclined inward or tapered from the first end 10a (distal end during use) to the second end 10b (proximal end during use) of the aerosol-generating article 10.

[0041] Each of the individual aerosol-generating substrate segments 20 contains a fixed amount of aerosol-generating substrate, and therefore, when heated, delivers a fixed amount of aerosol-generating substrate to the user. In some examples, each fixed amount corresponds to a single inhalation or puff. Therefore, in some examples, each of the individual aerosol-generating substrate segments 20 delivers a fixed amount of aerosol-generating substrate to the user in a single inhalation or puff.

[0042] Each of the individual aerosol-generating substrate segments 20 contains one or more components necessary for generating an aerosol. In some examples, each of the individual aerosol-generating substrate segments 20 contains a predetermined amount of tobacco or nicotine or flavoring, or a combination thereof. Each of the individual aerosol-generating substrate segments 20 also typically contains an aerosol-forming agent, such as glycerin or propylene glycol. When heated, each of the individual aerosol-generating substrate segments 20 releases one or more volatile compounds in a quantifiable manner.

[0043] The aerosol generating device 12 comprises a cylindrical hollow housing 26 having a substantially circular cross-section. The housing 26 is typically formed of a rigid, heat-insulating plastic material such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The aerosol generating device 12 comprises a proximal portion 28 and a distal portion 30, separated by a shoulder portion 32. The aerosol generating device 12 has a distal end 12a and a proximal end 12b (or oral end), and in the illustrated example, the housing 26 is tapered longitudinally inward from the shoulder portion 32 toward the distal end 12a. In other (not illustrated) examples, the housing 26 may be tapered in the opposite longitudinal direction or may have a constant diameter in the longitudinal direction.

[0044] The proximal portion 28 comprises a heater 34 configured to heat a plurality of individual aerosol-generating substrate segments 20. In the illustrated example, the heater 34 comprises an array of individual electrical resistance heater elements 36 arranged circumferentially and uniformly around the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device 12, more specifically around a substantially frustoconical heater support 35. Each of the heater elements 36 is elongated and is positioned longitudinally on the substantially frustoconical heater support 35 at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device 12. Thus, the heater elements 36 are inclined inward or tapered away from the shoulder portion 32 toward the proximal end 12b (or mouth end) of the aerosol-generating device 12. In a preferred example, the angle at which the heater elements 36 are positioned is substantially the same as the angle at which the individual aerosol-generating substrate segments 20 are positioned with respect to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article 10. As can be seen best in Figure 2, the substantially frustoconical heater support 35 may have multiple partitions 37 spaced apart in the circumferential direction, with each pair of circumferentially adjacent partitions 37 defining a space for accommodating one of the individual heater elements 36.

[0045] The number of heater elements 36 corresponds to the number of individual aerosol generating substrate segments 20 of the aerosol generating article 10. In the illustrated example, the aerosol generating device 12 comprises 20 heater elements 36, and the aerosol generating article 10 similarly comprises 20 individual aerosol generating substrate segments 20. This is merely an example, and it should be understood that any suitable number of heater elements 36 and individual aerosol generating substrate segments 20 may be provided, as long as each is provided in the same number.

[0046] The aerosol generating device 12 further comprises a mouthpiece 38 at its proximal end 12b for the user's lips to engage with, enabling the user to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating system 1. The mouthpiece 38 includes a channel 40 through which heated vapor can flow from the individual aerosol generating substrate segment 20 through the outlet end 43 to the user's mouth upon inhalation on the mouthpiece 38. The heated vapor may cool and condense as it flows through the channel 40 to form an aerosol.

[0047] During use of the aerosol generating system 1, the aerosol generating article 10 is positioned outside the aerosol generating device 12. More specifically, the aerosol generating article 10 is positioned outside the proximal portion 28 of the aerosol generating device 12 such that the exposed inner surface 24 of each individual aerosol generating substrate segment 20 is in contact with a corresponding heater element 36, and each of the partitions 22 formed on the substantially frustoconical substrate support 14 aligns with a corresponding partition 37 formed on the substantially frustoconical heater support 35. As described above, in the first illustrated example, the number of heater elements 36 corresponds to the number of individual aerosol generating substrate segments 20. Thus, when the aerosol generating article 10 is positioned on the aerosol generating device 12, each of the individual heater elements 36 interacts with a corresponding segment of the individual aerosol generating substrate segments 20.

[0048] The aerosol generating device 12 comprises a power source 6, such as a battery, and a controller 8 equipped with an electrical circuit. The power source 6 and the controller 8 may be located in the distal portion 30 of the aerosol generating device 12 within a hollow housing 26, as schematically shown in Figure 1. The controller 8 is configured to supply power from the power source 6 to heater elements 36 to heat individual aerosol generating substrate segments 20. More specifically, the controller 8 is configured to supply power from the power source 6 to the heater elements 36 individually and sequentially. The controller 8 is configured to detect the airflow through the aerosol generating device 12. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the airflow through the aerosol generating device 12 indicates inhalation or "puffing" by the user. The aerosol generating device 12 may be equipped with a puff detector (not shown), such as an airflow sensor or a microphone, to detect the airflow through the aerosol generating device 12 and to provide a corresponding signal to the controller 8. The controller 8 is configured to individually and sequentially activate each heater element 36 in response to detected user inhalation or puffs, thereby individually and sequentially heating the multiple individual aerosol-generating substrate segments 20. For example, when a first puff is detected, the controller 8 exclusively supplies power from the power supply 6 to the first heater element of the heater elements 36; then, when a second puff is detected, exclusively supplies power from the power supply 6 to the second heater element of the heater elements 36; and then, for each subsequent detected puff, exclusively supplies power from the power supply 6 to each of the remaining heater elements 36 until all heater elements 36 are individually and sequentially activated. In this operating mode, the individual aerosol-generating substrate segments 20 are heated individually and sequentially, and each of the individual aerosol-generating substrate segments 20 delivers a fixed amount of aerosol-generating substrate to the user with each puff.

[0049] The shoulder portion 32 of the aerosol generating device 12 functions as a distal stopper for the first end 10a of the aerosol generating article 10. More specifically, when the aerosol generating article 10 is positioned outside the proximal portion 28 of the aerosol generating device 12, the first end 10a (which is in the form of a circular rim) of the aerosol generating article 10 contacts the shoulder portion 32.

[0050] The aerosol generating system 1 comprises a plurality of independent air channels 42 that work in conjunction with individual aerosol generating substrate segments 20. In the illustrated example, the aerosol generating device 12 comprises a plurality of air inlets 44 arranged circumferentially around a shoulder 32 at the distal end of a substantially frustoconical heater support 35, and a plurality of air outlets 46 arranged circumferentially around the proximal end of the substantially frustoconical heater support 35. Each independent air channel 42 extends between the air inlet 44 and the corresponding air outlet 46 such that air flows along each independent air channel 42 through only one of the individual aerosol generating substrate segments 20. Thus, each independent air channel 42 works in conjunction with one of the individual aerosol generating substrate segments 20. The air outlets 46 are fluidly connected to channels 40 in the mouthpiece 38 so that when the user inhales through the mouthpiece 38, air can be drawn through the independent air channels 42 and through the heated individual aerosol generating substrate segments 20.

[0051] Referring to Figure 4, a portion of a second example of aerosol generating system 2 is shown, similar to the first example of aerosol generating system 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3, with corresponding components indicated using the same reference numerals. Aerosol generating system 2 includes an aerosol generating device 60, which comprises a flow controller 48 positioned in each independent air channel 42 to selectively control the airflow through each independent air channel 42. The flow controller 48 has a closed configuration, shown by dashed lines in Figure 4, and an open configuration, shown by solid lines in Figure 4. In the closed configuration, the flow controller 48 substantially prevents or blocks air from flowing into the intake port 44 and outflowing through the individual aerosol generating substrate segments 20 and the air outlet 46. In the open configuration, the flow controller 48 allows air to flow into the air inlet 44, along the air channel 42 through the individual aerosol generating substrate segments 20, outflowing through the air outlet 46, and into the channel 40 of the mouthpiece 38. In some examples, the aerosol generating device 60 is configured to heat individual aerosol generating substrate segments 20 by, for example, enabling the supply of power from the power source 6 to the heater element 36 only when the flow controller 48 is in an open configuration, via the controller 8. Thus, air flows along the selected air channel 42 of the independent air channels 42 only when the individual aerosol generating substrate segment 20 of the selected air channel 42 is heated. This configuration ensures that the heated aerosol is delivered directly to the user for inhalation, for example, through the respective air outlets 46, without passing through any of the other individual aerosol generating substrate segments 20.

[0052] The flow controller 48 shown in Figure 3, presented as an example, includes a piezoelectric valve 49. When a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric valve 49 by the power supply 6 and controller 8, the piezoelectric valve 49 moves from a closed configuration to an open configuration under the command of controller 8, thereby opening the air passage 42. When the applied voltage is removed, the piezoelectric valve 49 moves from an open configuration to a closed configuration under the command of controller 8, thereby closing the air passage 42. Thus, the opening and closing of the air passage 42 can be controlled simply and effectively by the piezoelectric valve 49 under the command of controller 8. The use of the piezoelectric valve 49 is particularly advantageous because it moves quickly when a voltage is applied or removed. In some examples, a linear movement of about 2 mm from a closed configuration to an open configuration may be sufficient to open the air passage 42. In some examples, about 0.3 to 0.8 mm at the air inlet 44 may be sufficient. 2 The cross-sectional area, and in some cases, more preferably, about 0.5 to 0.6 mm at the air inlet 44. 2 The cross-sectional area can provide the optimal airflow resistance (i.e., pull-in resistance) for the user.

[0053] To assemble the aerosol generating systems 1 and 2 into a ready-to-use state, the user slides the aerosol generating article 10 onto the mouthpiece 38 and onto the proximal portion 28 of the aerosol generating devices 12 and 60. The user slides the aerosol generating article 10 onto the proximal portion 28 toward the distal portion 30 until the first end 10a (distal end) of the aerosol generating article 10 contacts the shoulder portion 32, with the partition 22 on the substantially frustoconical substrate support 14 circumferentially aligned with the partition 37 on the substantially frustoconical heater support 35. In this position, the substantially frustoconical substrate support 14 is fully received on the proximal portion 28, and each of the individual aerosol generating substrate segments 20 is aligned with one of the heater elements 36.

[0054] The controller 8 is configured to detect the start of use of the aerosol generating devices 12, 60 in response to user input, such as the pressing of a button to switch the aerosol generating devices 12, 60 from off mode to standby mode. When the user inhales through the mouthpiece 38, the controller 8 detects the user's puff (for example, based on a signal received from the puff detector) and supplies power from the power supply 6 to the first heater element of the heater element 36. The heater element 36 heats an individual aerosol generating substrate segment 20 located adjacent to the activated heater element 36, and the heating of the individual aerosol generating substrate segment 20 releases one or more volatile compounds to form vapor.

[0055] When the user inhales through the mouthpiece 38, ambient air is also drawn into the air inlet 44 of the air passage 42, and in the air passage 42, the individual aerosol generating substrate segment 20 is heated by the operation of the corresponding heater element 36. This may require, for example, the flow controller 48, such as a piezoelectric valve 49 (if present), to move from a closed configuration to an open configuration within its air passage 42 (for example, under the command of the controller 8), as described above. As ambient air flows along the air passage 42 from the air inlet 44 to the air outlet 46, the ambient air is drawn in through the individual aerosol generating substrate segment 20. The vapor generated by heating the individual aerosol generating substrate segment 20 is carried along with the airflow through the air passage 42. The carried vapor flows out from the air outlet 46 and into the channel 40 of the mouthpiece 38, flowing toward the outlet at the proximal (or downstream) outlet end 43 of the mouthpiece 38. As the vapor flows through the channel 40, it may cool and condense to form an aerosol that is delivered to the user for inhalation. As explained above, the aerosol inhaled by the user in a single puff corresponds to a fixed amount of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0056] A typical puff duration can be approximately 2-3 seconds. When the end of the puff is detected by the puff detector, the controller 8 cuts off the power supply from the power source 6 to the heater element 36. The flow controller 48 (if present) may also move from an open configuration to a closed configuration (for example, under the command of the controller 8). In some examples, the flow controller 48 (if present) may remain in an open configuration.

[0057] When the next puff is detected by the puff detector, the controller 8 supplies power from the power supply 6 to the second heater element of the heater element 36. Also, the flow controller 48 (if present) in the air channel 42 may move from a closed configuration to an open configuration as described above. The heater element 36 heats the individual aerosol generating substrate segment 20 positioned adjacent to the heater element 36 in the manner described above until the end of the puff is detected by the puff detector and the power supply to the heater element 36 is terminated by the controller 8. Here again, the flow controller 48 (if present) in the air channel 42 may also move from an open configuration to a closed configuration as described above.

[0058] This process may be repeated when further puffing is detected, until the controller 8 detects that all heater elements 36 are activated, and therefore all individual aerosol-generating substrate segments 20 have been heated, and that the aerosol-generating article 10 has been completely depleted and needs to be replaced with an unused aerosol-generating article 10 (i.e., an aerosol-generating article that has not been previously heated in any of the individual aerosol-generating substrate segments 20).

[0059] Referring to Figures 5 to 8, a third example of the electric aerosol generating system 3 is shown. The aerosol generating system 3 includes an aerosol generating article 10 and an aerosol generating device 50. The aerosol generating article 10 is as described above. The aerosol generating device 50 is similar to the aerosol generating device 12 described above, and the corresponding components are indicated using the same reference numbers.

[0060] The heater 34 of the aerosol generating device 50 comprises a single heater element 36 positioned on a substantially frustoconical heater support 35. The single heater element 36 is elongated and positioned longitudinally on the substantially frustoconical heater support 35 at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device 50. Thus, the heater element 36 is inclined inward or tapered so as to move away from the shoulder 32 toward the proximal end 12b (or mouth end) of the aerosol generating device 50. In a preferred example, the angle at which the heater element 36 is positioned is substantially the same as the angle at which the individual aerosol generating substrate segment 20 is positioned with respect to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article 10.

[0061] During use of the aerosol generating system 3, the aerosol generating article 10 is positioned outside the aerosol generating device 50. More specifically, the aerosol generating article 10 is positioned outside the proximal portion 28 of the aerosol generating device 50 as described above, such that the exposed inner surface 24 of one of the individual aerosol generating substrate segments 20 is in contact with the heater element 36.

[0062] The controller 8 is configured to supply power from the power supply 6 to the heater element 36 to heat the individual aerosol generating substrate segments 20 arranged adjacent to the heater element 36. More specifically, the controller 8 is configured to detect the airflow through the aerosol generating device 50, such airflow indicating user inhalation or "puffing" as described above. The aerosol generating device 50 may, for this purpose, include a puff detector (not shown), such as an airflow sensor or a microphone. The controller 8 is configured to activate the heater element 36 in response to the detected user inhalation or puffing to heat the individual aerosol generating substrate segments 20 arranged adjacent to the heater element 36. In the illustrated third example of the aerosol generating system 3, the aerosol generating article 10 is rotatably mounted on the proximal portion 28 of the aerosol generating device 50 for rotation about its longitudinal axis (as indicated by arrow R in Figures 7 and 8), sequentially arranging each of the individual aerosol generating substrate segments 20 adjacent to the heater element 36. This makes it possible to sequentially align the individual aerosol-generating substrate segments 20 with the heater elements 36 and heat them using the heater elements 36.

[0063] The aerosol generating system 3 may have a single air channel 42. In the illustrated example, the aerosol generating device 50 has a plurality of air inlets 44 at the shoulder 32 at the distal end of a substantially frustoconical heater support 35, and an air outlet 46 at the proximal end of the substantially frustoconical heater support 35. The air channel 42 extends between the air inlets 44 and the air outlet 46 so that air flows along the air channel 42 through individual aerosol generating substrate segments 20 positioned adjacent to the heater element 36. The air outlet 46 is fluidly connected to a channel 40 of the mouthpiece 38 so that when the user inhales through the mouthpiece 38, air can be drawn through the air channel 42 and through the heated individual aerosol generating substrate segments 20.

[0064] To assemble the aerosol generating system 3 into a ready-to-use state, the user slides the aerosol generating article 10 above the mouthpiece 38 and onto the proximal portion 28 of the aerosol generating device 50. The user slides the aerosol generating article 10 onto the proximal portion 28 toward the distal portion 30 until the first end 10a (distal end) of the aerosol generating article 10 abuts against the shoulder portion 32 and one of the individual aerosol generating substrate segments 20 aligns with the heater element 36.

[0065] The controller 8 is configured to detect the start of use of the aerosol generating device 50 in response to user input, such as pressing a button to switch the aerosol generating device 50 from off mode to standby mode. When the user inhales through the mouthpiece 38, the controller 8 detects the user's puff (for example, based on a signal received from the puff detector) and supplies power to the heater element 36 from the power supply 6. The heater element 36 heats an individual aerosol generating substrate segment 20 located adjacent to the activated heater element 36, and the heating of the individual aerosol generating substrate segment 20 releases one or more volatile compounds to form vapor.

[0066] When the user inhales through the mouthpiece 38, ambient air is also drawn into the air inlet 44 of the air passage 42. This may require, for example, the flow controller 48, such as a piezoelectric valve 49 (if present), to move from a closed configuration to an open configuration within the air passage 42 (for example, under the command of the controller 8), as described above. As ambient air flows along the air passage 42 from the air inlet 44 to the air outlet 46, the ambient air is drawn in through the individual aerosol generating substrate segment 20. The vapor generated by heating the individual aerosol generating substrate segment 20 is entrained in the airflow through the air passage 42. The entrained vapor flows out from the air outlet 46 and into the channel 40 of the mouthpiece 38, flowing toward the outlet at the proximal (or downstream) outlet end 43 of the mouthpiece 38. As the vapor flows through the channel 40, it cools and condenses to form an aerosol that is delivered to the user for inhalation. As described above, the aerosol inhaled by the user in a single puff corresponds to a certain amount of aerosol generating substrate.

[0067] A typical puff duration can be approximately 2-3 seconds. When the end of a puff is detected by the puff detector, the controller 8 cuts off the power supply from the power source 6 to the heater element 36. The flow controller 48 (if present) may also move from an open configuration to a closed configuration (for example, under the command of the controller 8). In some examples, the flow controller 48 (if present) may remain in an open configuration. The aerosol generating article 10 is then rotated on the proximal portion 28 (as indicated by arrow R in Figures 7 and 8) to move the heated individual aerosol generating segment 20 away from the heater element 36 and move the circumferentially adjacent unheated individual aerosol generating segment 20 to circumferentially align with the heater element 36. When the next puff is detected by the puff detector, the controller 8 resumes supplying power from the power source 6 to the heater element 36. The flow controller 48 (if present) in the airflow channel 42 may also move from a closed configuration to an open configuration as described above. The heater element 36 heats the individual aerosol-generating substrate segments 20 positioned adjacent to the heater element 36 in the manner described above until the end of a puff is detected by the puff detector and the power supply to the heater element 36 is terminated by the controller 8. Here again, the flow controller 48 in the air channel 42 (if present) may also move from an open configuration to a closed configuration as described above. These steps may be repeated, for example, based on the number of times the heater element 36 has been operated during a session or since the aerosol-generating article 10 was placed on the proximal portion 28 of the aerosol-generating device 50, until the controller 8 detects that all individual aerosol-generating substrate segments 20 have been heated, thus indicating that all individual aerosol-generating substrate segments 20 have been heated and that the aerosol-generating article 10 has been completely depleted and needs to be replaced with an unused aerosol-generating article 10 (i.e., an aerosol-generating article that has not been previously heated on any of the individual aerosol-generating substrate segments 20).

[0068] The aerosol generating article 10 can be rotated by a predetermined angular amount to ensure that each of the individual aerosol generating substrate segments 20 and the heater element 36 are precisely and sequentially aligned. The rotation can be performed manually, for example, by the user, after each puff has been performed. In another example, the aerosol generating device 50 may include a rotating device (not shown), such as a motor, for rotating the aerosol generating article 10 by a predetermined angular amount (i.e., index rotation) after each puff has been performed to position one of the individual aerosol generating substrate segments 20 that has not been previously heated adjacent to the heater element 36.

[0069] To maximize the energy efficiency of the aerosol generating systems 1, 2, and 3, it is important to ensure good contact between the heater element 36 and the individual aerosol generating substrate segments 20 in order to maximize heat transfer from the heater element 36 to the individual aerosol generating substrate segments 20 by heat conduction. Referring to Figure 9, it has been proposed that good contact can be achieved by setting the inclination angle α to at least 30°, more preferably at least 45°, and less than 90°. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the inclination angle α also affects the dimensions of the aerosol generating article 10, and as the inclination angle α increases, the overall diameter of the aerosol generating article 10 decreases.

[0070] In the first mode shown in Figure 10A, the heater element 36 is substantially planar and has a substantially planar continuous heater surface 33 that contacts the exposed inner surface 24 of the individual aerosol generating substrate segment 20.

[0071] In the second mode shown in Figure 10B, the heater element 36 has a substantially convex profile and thus has a substantially curved continuous heater surface 33 that contacts the exposed inner surface 24 of the individual aerosol generating substrate segment 20. The contact between the curved continuous heater surface 33 and the exposed inner surface 24 of the individual aerosol generating substrate segment 20 may cause slight deformation and / or compression of the individual aerosol generating substrate segment 20 (this is exaggerated in Figure 10B). The heater element 36 having this curved profile can facilitate the airflow from the air inlet 44 to the air outlet 46 through the air channel 42, and in particular, it may allow vapor to be more easily entrained in the air flowing through the gap around the heater element 36 that is formed as a result of its curved profile.

[0072] In the third mode shown in Figure 10C, the heater element 36 has a ribbed profile and thus has a plurality of heater surface portions 33a, 33b, 33c that contact the exposed inner surface 24 of the individual aerosol generating substrate segment 20. The heater element 36 may define a plurality of air passages 33d, which may facilitate airflow from the air inlet 44 to the air outlet 46 through the air passage 42, and in particular may allow vapor to be more easily entrained in the air flowing through the air passages 33d.

[0073] Next, referring to Figures 11-16, a fourth example of an electric aerosol generating system 4 is shown. The aerosol generating system 4 includes an aerosol generating article 70 and an aerosol generating device 72. The aerosol generating system 4 is similar to the aerosol generating systems 1 and 2 described above, and the corresponding components are indicated using the same reference numbers.

[0074] Referring first to Figure 15, three aerosol-generating articles 70 are shown nested within an aerosol-generating device 72, each comprising a substantially frustoconical substrate support 14. The substantially frustoconical substrate support 14 has an inner surface 16 and an outer surface 18 and may contain a plastic material. The aerosol-generating article 70 comprises a plurality of individual aerosol-generating substrate segments 20 arranged circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article 70 and, in the illustrated example, around the inner surface 16 of the substantially frustoconical substrate support 14 (in the same manner as shown in Figure 2). Although not visible in Figure 15, the substantially frustoconical substrate support 14 may comprise a plurality of circumferentially spaced partitions 22 on the inner surface 16 (as can be seen from Figure 2), with each pair of circumferentially adjacent partitions 22 defining a space for housing individual aerosol-generating substrate segments 20.

[0075] The aerosol generating article 70 comprises a plurality of individual heater elements 74. Each heater element 74 interacts with a corresponding segment of an individual aerosol generating substrate segment 20. More specifically, the heater elements 74 are arranged circumferentially around the inner surface 16 of a substantially frustoconical substrate support 14, in the space between the inner surface 16 and the aerosol generating substrate segment 20, via a partition 22. As best seen in Figure 16, each heater element 74 may have a resistance heater track 75 of any suitable shape. Each heater element 74 has a first electrical contact 76 and a second electrical contact 78.

[0076] The aerosol generating device 72 includes a common electrical contact 82 extending around the outer surface of the mouthpiece 38. The aerosol generating device 72 also includes a plurality of individual electrical contacts 80 spaced circumferentially around the inner surface 84 of the skirt portion 86 of the hollow housing 26 of the aerosol generating device 72. Each individual electrical contact 80 is electrically isolated from all other individual electrical contacts 80. In some examples, the individual electrical contacts 80 are spring-loaded electrical contacts. In the illustrated example, there are three rows 88a-c of individual electrical contacts 80 spaced longitudinally, but at least one row of individual electrical contacts 80 is sufficient to enable the aerosol generating device 72 to be used with the aerosol generating article 70 as described above.

[0077] The aerosol generating articles 70 are placed outside the aerosol generating device 72 by the user during use of the aerosol generating system 4. More specifically, the aerosol generating articles 70 are placed outside the proximal portion 28 of the aerosol generating device 72 such that the first electrical contacts 76 of each heater element 74 contact one of the individual electrical contacts 80 of the aerosol generating device 72, and the second electrical contacts 78 of each heater element 74 contact the common electrical contact 82 of the aerosol generating device 72. As described above, the individual electrical contacts 80 may be spring-loaded to ensure good contact between the individual electrical contacts 80 and the first electrical contacts 76 of the heater element 74. If desired, two or more aerosol generating articles 70 can be placed outside the aerosol generating device 72 (as best seen in Figure 15), depending on the number of rows 88 of individual heater elements 80 arranged longitudinally and spaced apart.

[0078] The controller 8 is configured to detect the start of use of the aerosol generating device 72 in response to user input, such as the pressing of a button to switch the aerosol generating device 72 from off mode to standby mode. When the user inhales through the mouthpiece 38, the controller 8 detects the user's puff (for example, based on a signal received from the puff detector) and supplies power from the power supply 6 to the first heater element of the heater element 74. Specifically, the controller 8 supplies power from the power supply 6 to the first heater element 74 via individual electrical contacts 80 in contact with the first electrical contact 76 of the first heater element 74 and a common electrical contact 82 in contact with the second electrical contact 78 of the first heater element 74. The first heater element 74 heats the individual aerosol generating substrate segment 20 in contact with the first heater element 74, and the heating of the individual aerosol generating substrate segment 20 releases one or more volatile compounds to form vapor.

[0079] When the user inhales through the mouthpiece 38, ambient air is also drawn into the air inlet 44 of the air channel 42 of the heated individual aerosol generating substrate segment 20. This may require a flow controller 48, such as a piezoelectric valve 49, to move from a closed configuration to an open configuration (for example, under the command of the controller 8) if present in its air channel 42 (see Figure 4). As ambient air flows along the air channel 42 from the air inlet 44 to the air outlet 46, it is drawn through the individual aerosol generating substrate segment 20. Vapor generated by heating the individual aerosol generating substrate segment 20 is carried along with the airflow through the air channel 42. The carried vapor flows out from the air outlet 46 and into the channel 40 of the mouthpiece 38, flowing towards the outlet at the proximal (or downstream) outlet end 43 of the mouthpiece 38. As the vapor flows through the channel 40, it may cool and condense to form an aerosol that is delivered to the user for inhalation. As explained above, the aerosol inhaled by the user during a single puff corresponds to a quantitative amount of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0080] A typical puff duration can be approximately 2-3 seconds. When the end of the puff is detected by the puff detector, the controller 8 cuts off the power supply from the power source 6 to the first heater element 74. The flow controller 48 (if present) may also move from an open configuration to a closed configuration (for example, under the command of the controller 8). In some examples, the flow controller 48 (if present) may remain in an open configuration.

[0081] When the next puff is detected by the puff detector, the controller 8 supplies power from the power supply 6 to the second heater element of the heater element 74. Specifically, the controller 8 supplies power from the power supply 6 to the second heater element 74 via the individual electrical contact 80 that is in contact with the first electrical contact 76 of the second heater element 74 and the common electrical contact 82 that is in contact with the second electrical contact 78 of the second heater element 74. The second heater element 74 heats the individual aerosol generating substrate segment 20 that is in contact with the second heater element 74, and the heating of the individual aerosol generating substrate segment 20 releases one or more volatile compounds to form vapor.

[0082] Furthermore, the flow controller 48 (if present) in the air channel 42 may move from a closed configuration to an open configuration as described above. The second heater element 74 heats the individual aerosol-generating substrate segment 20 in contact with the second heater element 74 until the end of puffing is detected by the puff detector and the power supply to the second heater element 74 is terminated by the controller 8. Here again, the flow controller 48 (if present) in the air channel 42 may also move from an open configuration to a closed configuration as described above.

[0083] This process may be repeated when further puffs are detected, and the controller 8 detects that all heater elements 74 of a particular aerosol generating article 70 are activated, thus indicating that all individual aerosol generating substrate segments 20 are heated and that the aerosol generating article 70 is completely depleted and needs to be replaced with an unused aerosol generating article 70 (i.e., an aerosol generating article in which none of the individual aerosol generating substrate segments 20 have been previously heated). In an example where the aerosol generating system 70 includes multiple nested aerosol generating articles 70 as shown in Figure 15, the individual aerosol generating substrate segments 20 of each aerosol generating article 70 may be heated before the aerosol generating article 70 needs to be replaced. Thus, the aerosol generating system 4 can improve the user experience by reducing the frequency with which used aerosol generating articles 70 need to be removed and replaced.

[0084] While exemplary embodiments have been described in the preceding paragraphs, it should be understood that various modifications can be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the attached claims. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the claims should not be limited to the exemplary embodiments described above.

[0085] Unless otherwise indicated herein, or unless clearly inconsistent with the context, any combination of any possible variations of the features described above is also included in this disclosure.

[0086] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, throughout this specification and the claims, words such as “comprise” and “comprising” should be interpreted comprehensively, that is, “including, but not limited to,” rather than in an exclusive or exhaustive sense.

Claims

1. Aerosol-generating articles (10, 70), A plurality of individual aerosol-generating substrate segments (20) are arranged circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating articles (10, 70) and each has an exposed surface (24) facing inward toward the longitudinal axis. In an aerosol generating article (10, 70) equipped with, The aerosol generating article (10, 70) wherein the plurality of individual aerosol generating substrate segments (20) can be heated individually and sequentially, and each of the individual aerosol generating substrate segments (20) contains a fixed amount of aerosol generating substrate.

2. The aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein each of the individual aerosol generating substrate segments (20) contains a quantitative amount of aerosol generating substrate corresponding to a single inhalation or puff.

3. The aerosol generating article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of individual aerosol generating substrate segments (20) are arranged at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article (10, 70), and preferably the plurality of individual aerosol generating substrate segments (20) are arranged around the inner surface (16) of a frustoconical substrate support (14).

4. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the aerosol generating article (10, 70) is provided with an independent air channel (42) that works in conjunction with each of the individual aerosol generating substrate segments (20).

5. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of individual aerosol generating substrate segments (20) can be individually and sequentially heated by a heater (34) of an aerosol generating device (12, 50, 60).

6. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the aerosol generating article (70) comprises a plurality of individual heater elements (74), and each of the plurality of individual heater elements (74) cooperates with a corresponding segment of the individual aerosol generating substrate segment (20).

7. The aerosol generating article according to claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of individual aerosol generating substrate segments (20) can be individually and sequentially heated by an individual heater element (74) that works in conjunction with it.

8. an aerosol generating device (12, 50, 60, 72) equipped with a power supply (6) and a controller (8), An aerosol generating article (10, 70) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, disposed outside the aerosol generating device (12, 50, 60, 72) and Aerosol generation systems (1, 2, 3, 4), including the above.

9. The aerosol generating system according to claim 8, wherein the aerosol generating device (12, 50, 60) comprises a heater (34) for individually and sequentially heating the plurality of individual aerosol generating substrate segments (20).

10. The aerosol generating system according to claim 9, wherein the heater (34) comprises an array of individual heater elements (36) arranged circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device (12, 50, 60), each of the individual heater elements (36) cooperates with a corresponding segment of the individual aerosol generating substrate segments (20), and the controller (8) is configured to individually and sequentially activate each heater element (36) in the array in response to the user's inhalation or puffing to individually and sequentially heat the plurality of individual aerosol generating substrate segments (20).

11. The aerosol generating system according to claim 9, wherein the heater (34) comprises a single heater element (36), and the aerosol generating article (10) is positioned outside the aerosol generating device (50) so as to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device (50) and sequentially position each of the plurality of individual aerosol generating substrate segments (20) adjacent to the single heater element (36) to individually and sequentially heat the plurality of individual aerosol generating substrate segments (20).

12. The aerosol generating system according to claim 8, wherein the aerosol generating article (70) comprises a plurality of individual heater elements (74), each of the plurality of individual heater elements (74) is coordinated with a corresponding segment of the individual aerosol generating substrate segment (20), and the controller (8) is configured to operate each of the individual heater elements (74) individually and sequentially, thereby individually and sequentially heating each of the plurality of individual aerosol generating substrate segments (20) with the individual heater element (74) that is coordinated with it.

13. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the aerosol generating device (12, 50, 60, 72) comprises an air inlet (44) and an air outlet (46), and defines a plurality of independent airflow channels (42) that cooperate with each of the individual aerosol generating substrate segments (20).

14. The aerosol generating system according to claim 13, wherein the aerosol generating device (12, 50, 60, 72) is provided with a flow controller (48) located in each independent air passage (42) to selectively control the airflow through each independent air passage (42).

15. The aerosol generating system according to claim 14, wherein the flow controller (48) is movable between a closed configuration that substantially prevents airflow along the independent air passages (42) and an open configuration that allows airflow along the independent air passages (42), and the aerosol generating devices (12, 50, 60, 72) are configured to heat the individual aerosol generating substrate segments (20) only when the flow controller (48) is in the open configuration.

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