Aerosol generating device and heating chamber therefor

Abstract

To provide an improved aerosol generation device and a heating chamber therefor.SOLUTION: An aerosol generation device 100 has a heating chamber 108 for receiving a substrate carrier 114 containing an aerosol substrate 128. The heating chamber comprises an open first end 110, a chamber side wall 126, and a base 112 at a second end of the chamber side wall opposite the open first end. The base comprises a platform 148 extending from a portion of the base towards the open first end from an interior surface of the base. The platform is formed of a series of first protrusions positioned at an edge of the base, such that the platform is not positioned centrally.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aerosol generating devices and heating chambers therefor. The disclosure is particularly applicable to portable aerosol generating devices that may be self-contained and low temperature. Such devices can heat tobacco or other suitable materials by conduction, convection, and / or radiation, rather than by combustion, to generate an aerosol for inhalation. [Background technology]

[0002] The popularity and use of risk reduction or risk modification devices (also known as vaporizers) has grown rapidly in recent years as an aid to assist regular smokers wishing to quit smoking traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, and rolling tobacco. A variety of devices and systems are available that heat or warm an aerosolizable substance, as opposed to burning tobacco in traditional tobacco products.

[0003] A commonly available risk reduction or risk modification device is the heated substrate aerosol generator or heat-not-burn device. This type of device generates an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol substrate, typically comprising moist tobacco or other suitable aerosolizable material, to a temperature typically ranging from 150°C to 300°C. By heating rather than burning or combusting the aerosol substrate, an aerosol is released that contains the ingredients desired by the user but without the toxic and carcinogenic by-products of combustion and burning. Furthermore, the aerosols produced by heating tobacco or other aerosolizable material typically do not contain the burnt or bitter taste resulting from combustion and burning that can be unpleasant to the user, and thus the substrate does not require sugars and other additives that are typically added to such materials to make the smoke and / or vapor more palatable to the user.

[0004] In general terms, it is desirable to rapidly heat the aerosol substrate to a temperature at which an aerosol can be released from the aerosol substrate, and to maintain the aerosol substrate at that temperature. It will be apparent that the aerosol will only be released from the aerosol substrate and delivered to a user if there is air flow past the aerosol substrate.

[0005] Because this type of aerosol generating device is a portable device, energy consumption is an important design consideration.The present invention aims to address problems with existing devices and to provide an improved aerosol generating device and heating chamber therefor. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a heating chamber for an aerosol generating device, the heating chamber comprising: an open first end; A chamber sidewall; and a base at a second end of the chamber sidewall opposite the open first end, the base including a platform extending from an inner surface of the base from a portion of the base toward the open end.

[0007] Optionally, the platform is formed from a deformation of the base.

[0008] Optionally, the platform comprises a piece of material added to the base.

[0009] Optionally, the platform comprises a first portion of the base remaining after removal of a second portion of the base.

[0010] Optionally, the platform further comprises a channel around the periphery.

[0011] Optionally, the platform is atraumatic.

[0012] Optionally, the platform is configured so as not to damage the pre-packaged aerosol substrate.

[0013] Optionally, the platform comprises a platform sidewall facing the chamber sidewall and a platform top facing the open end.

[0014] Optionally, the platform top is substantially flat, convex, or hemispherical.

[0015] Optionally, the platform is shaped to increase the strength of the base so that the base is resilient to deformation.

[0016] Optionally, the heating chamber comprises a flange located at the open top and extending radially outward from a center of the chamber, the platform, base, chamber sidewall and flange being constructed from a single piece of material.

[0017] Optionally, the heating chamber further comprises a heater (e.g., a heating element) in thermal engagement with a sidewall of the chamber. The platform may be shaped to extend (e.g., lengthen) a thermal flow path between the heater / heating element and the base and / or platform.

[0018] Optionally, the heater / heating element extends around the sidewall of the chamber, and preferably does not extend around the base.

[0019] Optionally, the heater / heating element extends across a portion of the chamber sidewall, but the heating element does not extend across the entire chamber sidewall.

[0020] Optionally, the heater comprises one or more heating elements, preferably the heater has a backing film, the heating elements being positioned within the backing film.

[0021] Optionally, the platform top has an area that is 75% or less of the cross-sectional area of ​​the base.

[0022] Optionally, the platform has a width of 5mm or less, preferably 4mm.

[0023] Optionally, the platform has a height that is 10% or less of the height of the sidewall (eg, the distance from the open first end to the second end of the chamber sidewall).

[0024] Optionally, the platform has a height above the base of 2mm or less, preferably 1mm.

[0025] Optionally, the base is circular and the platform has a circular contour.

[0026] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a system is provided that includes a heating chamber, the heating chamber The platform is configured to receive a substrate carrier including an aerosol substrate formed of a loosely packed material at a first end of the substrate carrier, and a top of the platform is configured to contact the first end of the substrate carrier.

[0027] Optionally, the top of the platform is further from the base than a portion of the first end of the substrate support that is closest to the base, such that the top of the platform is configured to compress the loosely packed material.

[0028] Optionally, the top of the platform is configured so as not to damage the first end of the substrate support.

[0029] Optionally, the surface area of ​​the upper surface of the platform is between 20% and 70%, preferably between 25% and 40%, more preferably about 30% of the surface area of ​​the first end of the substrate support.

[0030] Optionally, the heating chamber is a heating chamber having an open channel, the open channel being partially covered by the first end of the substrate carrier, the open channel being configured to collect any loosely packed material that has become dislodged from the substrate carrier without blocking air flow into the tip of the substrate carrier.

[0031] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising: Power supply, A heating chamber as described above and a system as described above; a heater configured to provide heat to the heating chamber; and a control circuit configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the heater.

[0032] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of manufacturing a heating chamber as described above, wherein the platform is formed by compressing a portion of the base between a press mold formed of a female portion and a male portion to form a deformation of the base.

[0033] Optionally, the method includes attaching a heater to an outer surface of the heating chamber.

[0034] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1. [Figure 2a] 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 taken along line XX shown in FIG. 2 from above. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1, in which a substrate carrier of an aerosol substrate is being loaded into the aerosol generating device. [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device being loaded with a substrate carrier of an aerosol substrate. [Diagram 5] 2 is a schematic perspective view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1, in which the aerosol generating device is loaded with a substrate carrier of an aerosol substrate. [Figure 6] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1, in which the aerosol generating device is loaded with a substrate carrier of an aerosol substrate. [Figure 6a] FIG. 7 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a portion of FIG. 6 highlighting the interaction between the substrate carrier and protrusions in the heating chamber and the corresponding effect on the air flow path. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the heater separated from the heating chamber. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol generating device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, having an alternative airflow arrangement; FIG. [Figure 9] 1 shows a cross-section of a side profile of the heating chamber showing the platform extending from the base of the heating chamber. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows the heating chamber of FIG. 9 with the substrate carrier positioned such that the tip of the substrate carrier is lower than the top of the platform. [Figure 11] 1 shows a platform formed by a depression in the base. [Figure 12] 1 shows a platform formed by removing a section of the base. [Figure 13] 1 shows a platform formed by adding a portion to a base. [Figure 14] 1 shows a heating chamber having both a platform on the base and protrusions along the sidewalls. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 shows a top view of a heating chamber in which the platform has a circular cross-section and is centrally positioned within the heating chamber. [Figure 16] A top view of a heating chamber is shown in which the platform has a square cross section and is centrally located within the heating chamber. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 shows a top view of a heating chamber in which a platform has an irregular shaped cross-section and is centrally located. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 shows a top view of a heating chamber in which the platform is not centered as a result of the platform being formed by a series of protrusions located on the edges of the base. [Figure 19] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a heating chamber having a platform that is hemispherical in shape. [Figure 20] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a heat chamber having a platform and a flange distributed proximate the open end of the heat chamber and extending outwardly away from the center of the heat chamber. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] First embodiment 1 and 2, according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device 100 comprises an outer casing 102 that houses the various components of the aerosol generating device 100. In the first embodiment, the outer casing 102 is tubular. More specifically, the outer casing is cylindrical. It should be noted that the outer casing 102 does not have to have a tubular or cylindrical shape, but can be any shape as long as it is sized to fit the components described in the various embodiments described herein. The outer casing 102 can be formed of any suitable material, or indeed layers of material. For example, an inner layer of metal can be surrounded by an outer layer of plastic. This allows the outer casing 102 to be comfortable to hold by a user. Any heat that escapes from the aerosol generating device 100 is distributed around the outer casing 102 by the metal layer, thus preventing hot spots, while the plastic layer makes the outer casing 102 soft to the touch. Additionally, the plastic layer can help protect the metal layer from tarnishing or scratching, thereby improving the long-term appearance of the aerosol generating device 100 .

[0037] A first end 104 of the aerosol generation device 100 shown at the bottom of each of Figures 1-6 is described for convenience as the bottom, base, or lower end of the aerosol generation device 100. A second end 106 of the aerosol generation device 100 shown at the top of each of Figures 1-6 is described as the top or upper end of the aerosol generation device 100. In a first embodiment, the first end 104 is the lower end of the outer casing 102. During use, a user Typically, the aerosol generating device 100 is oriented with the first end 104 facing downward and / or distal to the user's mouth and the second end 106 facing upward and / or proximal to the user's mouth.

[0038] As shown, the aerosol generation device 100 holds a pair of washers 107a, 107b in place at the second end 106 by an interference fit with the interior portion of the outer casing 102 (only the upper washer 107a is visible in Figures 1, 3, and 5). In some embodiments, the outer casing 102 is pleated or bent around the upper washer 107a at the second end 106 of the aerosol generation device 100 to hold the washers 107a, 107b in place. The other washer 107b (i.e., the washer furthest from the second end 106 of the aerosol generation device 100) rests on a shoulder or annular ridge 109 of the outer casing 102, thereby preventing the lower washer 107b from seating more than a predetermined distance from the second end 106 of the aerosol generation device 100. The washers 107a, 107b are formed from a thermally insulating material, which in this embodiment is, for example, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), suitable for use in medical devices.

[0039] The aerosol generating device 100 has a heating chamber 108 located towards the second end 106 of the aerosol generating device 100. The heating chamber 108 is open towards the second end 106 of the aerosol generating device 100. In other words, the heating chamber 108 has a first open end 110 towards the second end 106 of the aerosol generating device 100. The heating chamber 108 is held in spaced relation from the inner surface of the outer casing 102 by fitting through central openings of washers 107a, 107b. In this configuration, the heating chamber 108 is held in a generally coaxial configuration with the outer casing 102. The heating chamber 108 is suspended by a flange 138 of the heating chamber 108 located at the open end 110 of the heating chamber 108 and captured between a pair of washers 107a, 107b. This means that heat transfer from the heating chamber 108 to the outer casing 102 generally passes through the washers 107a, 107b and is thereby limited by the insulating properties of the washers 107a, 107b. Elsewhere, there is an air gap surrounding the heating chamber 108, so that heat transfer from the heating chamber 108 to the outer casing 102 other than through the washers 107a, 107b is also reduced. In the illustrated embodiment, the flange 138 extends outwardly from the sidewall 126 of the heating chamber 108 a distance of about 1 mm, forming an annular structure.

[0040] To further improve the thermal insulation of the heating chamber 108, the heating chamber 108 is also surrounded by insulation. In some embodiments, the insulation is a fibrous or foam material, such as absorbent cotton. In the illustrated embodiment, the insulation comprises an insulation member 152 in the form of an insulating cup comprising a double-walled tube 154 and a base 156. In some embodiments, the insulation member 152 may comprise a pair of nested cups enclosing a cavity therebetween. The cavity 158 defined between the walls of the double-walled tube 154 can be filled with an insulating material, such as a fiber, foam, gel, or gas (e.g., at low pressure). In some cases, the cavity 158 may include a vacuum. Advantageously, the vacuum requires a very thin thickness to achieve high thermal insulation, and the walls of the double-walled tube 154 surrounding the cavity 158 can be only 100 μm thick, and the total thickness (the two walls and the cavity 158 between them) can be only 1 mm. The base 156 is an insulating material, such as silicone. The flexibility of the silicone allows the electrical connection 150 of the heater 124 to pass through the base 156 which forms a seal around the electrical connection 150 .

[0041] 1-6, the aerosol generating device 100 may include an outer casing 102, a heating chamber 108, and an insulating member 152, as described in detail above. 1 shows an elastically deformable member 160 located between the outwardly facing surface of the insulating sidewall 154 and the inner surface of the outer casing 102 to hold the insulating member 152 in place. The elastically deformable member 160 can provide sufficient friction to form an interference fit to keep the insulating member 152 in place. The elastically deformable member 160 can be a gasket or O-ring or other closed loop of material that fits over the outwardly facing surface of the insulating sidewall 154 and the inner surface of the outer casing 102. The elastically deformable member 160 can be formed of an insulating material such as silicone. This can provide additional insulation between the insulating member 152 and the outer casing 102. This therefore reduces heat transferred to the outer casing 102, making the outer casing 102 more comfortable to hold for a user in use. The elastically deformable material can be, for example, an elastic or rubber material that can be compressed and deformed, but bounces back to its original shape.

[0042] As an alternative to this configuration, the insulating member 152 may be supported by struts that extend between the insulating member 152 and the outer casing 102. The struts may provide added rigidity to ensure that the heating chamber 108 is centered within the outer casing 102, or that the heating chamber is located at a set location. The struts may be designed to ensure that heat is evenly distributed throughout the outer casing 102 to prevent hot spots.

[0043] As yet a further alternative, the heating chamber 108 may be secured within the aerosol generating device 100 by an engagement portion on the outer casing 102 for engaging the sidewall 126 at the open end 110 of the heating chamber 108. Since the open end 110 is exposed to the most cold air flow and therefore cools the fastest, mounting the heating chamber 108 to the outer casing 102 near the open end 110 allows heat to dissipate quickly to the environment and ensures a tight fit.

[0044] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the heating chamber 108 is removable from the aerosol generating device 100. Thus, the heating chamber 108 can be easily cleaned or replaced. In such embodiments, the heater 124 and electrical connections 150 may not be removable and may be left in place in the insulating member 152.

[0045] In a first embodiment, the base 112 of the heating chamber 108 is closed. That is, the heating chamber 108 is cup-shaped. In other embodiments, the base 112 of the heating chamber 108 has one or more holes or is perforated, so that the heating chamber 108 remains generally cup-shaped but is not closed at the base 112. In yet other embodiments, the base 112 is closed, but the sidewall 126 has one or more holes or is perforated in an area adjacent to the base 112, for example, between the heater 124 (or metal layer 144) and the base 112. The heating chamber 108 also has a sidewall 126 between the base 112 and the open end 110. The sidewall 126 and the base 112 are connected to each other. In a first embodiment, the sidewall 126 is tubular. More specifically, the sidewall is cylindrical. However, in other embodiments, the sidewall 126 has other suitable shapes, such as a tube having an elliptical or polygonal cross section. Typically, the cross-section is generally uniform over the length of the heating chamber 108 (not considering the protrusions 140), but in other embodiments the cross-section may vary, for example the cross-section may reduce in size towards one end, such as a tapered tubular shape or a frustoconical shape.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the heating chamber 108 is unitary, i.e., the sidewall 126 and the base 112 are formed from a single piece of material, for example, by a deep drawing process. This can result in a stronger overall heating chamber 108. In other examples, the base 112 and / or the flange 138 can be formed as separate pieces and then attached to the sidewall 126. The sidewall 126 itself is configured to be thin-walled. In some embodiments, the sidewall is at most 150 μm thick. Typically, the sidewall 126 is less than 100 μm thick, for example about 90 μm thick, or even about 80 μm thick. In some cases, the sidewall 126 may be about 50 μm thick, but as the thickness decreases, the breakage rate in the manufacturing process increases. Overall, a range of 50 μm to 100 μm is usually suitable, with a range of 70 μm to 90 μm being optimal. Manufacturing tolerances are about ±10 μm, but the parameters provided are intended to be accurate to about ±5 μm.

[0047] When the sidewall 126 is thin as defined above, the thermal properties of the heating chamber 108 change significantly. Because the sidewall 126 is so thin, heat transfer through the sidewall 126 encounters negligible resistance, but heat transfer along the sidewall 126 (i.e., parallel to the central axis or around the circumference of the sidewall 126) has small channels along which conduction can occur, so that heat generated by the heater 124 located on the outer surface of the heating chamber 108 remains localized near the heater 124 in a radially outward direction from the sidewall 126 at the open end, but quickly results in heating of the inner surface of the heating chamber 108. In addition, the thin sidewall 126 helps to reduce the thermal mass of the heating chamber 108, which results in an improvement in the overall efficiency of the aerosol generating device 100, since less energy is used to heat the sidewall 126.

[0048] The heating chamber 108, and specifically the sidewall 126 of the heating chamber 108, comprises a material having a thermal conductivity of 50 W / mK or less. In a first embodiment, the heating chamber 108 is a metal, preferably stainless steel. Stainless steel has a thermal conductivity of about 15 W / mK to 40 W / mK, with the exact value depending on the particular alloy. As a further example, a 300 series stainless steel suitable for this application has a thermal conductivity of about 16 W / mK. Suitable examples include 304, 316, and 321 stainless steels, which are approved for medical applications, have high strength, and have sufficiently low thermal conductivity to allow for the localization of heat described herein.

[0049] Materials with the recited levels of thermal conductivity reduce the ability of heat to be conducted away from the area to which it is applied, compared to materials with higher thermal conductivity, e.g., heat remains localized adjacent to the heater 124. Heat is inhibited from transferring to other portions of the aerosol generating device 100, thereby improving heating efficiency by ensuring that only those portions of the aerosol generating device 100 that are intended to be heated are actually heated, and not those that are not intended to be heated.

[0050] Metals are preferred materials because they are strong, malleable, and easy to mold and form. In addition, their thermal properties vary widely from metal to metal and can be tailored as needed by careful alloying. In this application, "metal" refers to elemental (i.e., pure) metals as well as alloys of several metals or other elements, such as carbon.

[0051] Accordingly, the configuration of heating chamber 108 with thin sidewalls 126, along with the selection of a material having desirable thermal properties from which sidewalls 126 are formed, ensures that heat can be efficiently conducted through sidewalls 126 and into aerosol substrate 128. Advantageously, this also results in a reduction in the time required to raise the temperature from ambient to a temperature at which an aerosol can be released from aerosol substrate 128, following initial activation of the heater.

[0052] The heating chamber 108 is formed by deep drawing, which is an effective method of forming the heating chamber 108 and can be used to provide very thin side walls 126. The deep drawing process involves pressing a sheet metal blank with a punch tool into a forming die. A series of progressively smaller punch tools and dies are used to form a tubular structure having a base at one end and a tube that is deeper than it is across (the tube having a relatively greater length than it is wide, hence the term "deep drawn"). As such, the sidewalls of the tube formed in this manner are the same thickness as the original sheet metal. Similarly, the base formed in this manner is the same thickness as the starting sheet metal blank. Flanges can be formed at the ends of the tube by leaving a peripheral edge of the original sheet metal blank extending outward at the end of the tubular wall opposite the base (i.e., starting with more material in the blank than is needed to form the tube and base). Alternatively, the flanges can be formed later in a separate step involving one or more of cutting, bending, rolling, swaging, etc.

[0053] As noted, the tubular sidewall 126 of the first embodiment is thinner than the base 112. This can be achieved by first deep drawing the tubular sidewall 126 and then ironing the wall. Ironing refers to heating the tubular sidewall 126 and drawing it, so that the tubular sidewall becomes thinner in the process. In this manner, the tubular sidewall 126 can be made to the dimensions described herein.

[0054] The thin sidewall 126 can be fragile. This can be mitigated by providing additional structural support to the sidewall 126 and by forming the sidewall 126 into a tubular shape, preferably a cylindrical shape. In some cases, the additional structural support is provided as a separate feature, but it is noted that the flange 138 and the base 112 also provide a degree of structural support. Considering the base 112 first, it is noted that a tube that is open at both ends is generally prone to collapse, but providing the base 112 in the heating chamber 108 of the present disclosure provides additional support. It is noted that in the illustrated embodiment, the base 112 is thicker than the sidewall 126, for example, 2 to 10 times thicker than the sidewall 126. In some cases, this may result in a base 112 that is 200 μm to 500 μm thick, for example about 400 μm thick. The base 112 also has the additional purpose of preventing the substrate carrier 114 from being inserted too far into the aerosol generating device 100. Increasing the thickness of the base 112 helps prevent damage to the heating chamber 108 if a user inadvertently applies too much force when inserting the substrate carrier 114. Similarly, when a user cleans the heating chamber 108, the user may typically insert an object such as an elongated brush through the open end 110 of the heating chamber 108. This means that when the elongated object strikes the base 112, the user is likely to exert more force against the base 112 than against the sidewalls 126 of the heating chamber 108. Thus, the thickness of the base 112 relative to the sidewalls 126 may help prevent damage to the heating chamber 108 during cleaning. In other embodiments, the base 112 has the same thickness as the sidewalls 126, which provides some of the advantageous effects described above.

[0055] The flange 138 extends outwardly from the sidewall 126 and has an annular shape that extends entirely around the periphery of the sidewall 126 at the open end 110 of the heating chamber 108. The flange 138 resists bending and shear forces at the sidewall 126. For example, lateral deformation of the tube defined by the sidewall 126 would likely require the flange 138 to buckle. It should be noted that although the flange 138 is shown extending at a generally right angle from the sidewall 126, the flange 138 could extend obliquely from the sidewall 126, for example forming a funnel shape with the sidewall 126, while retaining the advantageous features described above. In some embodiments, instead of being annular, the flange 138 is located only partially around the periphery of the sidewall 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the flange 138 is the same thickness as the side wall 126, but in other embodiments, the flange 138 is thicker than the side wall 126 to improve resistance to deformation. Increasing the thickness of certain parts for strength is balanced against the increased thermal mass introduced so that the thermal mass remains high yet efficient.

[0056] The inner surface of the sidewall 126 is formed with a number of protrusions 140. The width of the protrusions 140 around the periphery of the sidewall 126 is small compared to their length parallel to the central axis of the sidewall 126 (i.e., generally in the direction from the base 112 to the open end 110 of the heating chamber 108). In this example, there are four protrusions 140. As will become apparent from the discussion below, four is typically the preferred number of protrusions 140 to hold the substrate carrier 114 in a central position within the heating chamber 108. In some embodiments, for example, three protrusions spaced (evenly) about 120 degrees around the circumference of the sidewall 126 may be sufficient. The protrusions 140 have a variety of purposes, and the exact shape of the protrusions 140 (and the corresponding recesses on the outer surface of the sidewall 126) is chosen based on the desired effect. In any case, the protrusions 140 may be referred to as engagement elements, since they extend towards and engage the substrate carrier 114. In fact, the terms "protrusion" and "engagement element" are used interchangeably herein. Similarly, when the protrusion 140 is provided by compressing the sidewall 126 from the outside, such as by hydroforming or pressure forming, the term "recess" is used interchangeably with the terms "protrusion" and "engagement element". Forming the protrusion 140 by recessing the sidewall 126 has the advantage that the protrusion is integral with the sidewall 126 and therefore has minimal impact on heat flow. In addition, the protrusion 140 does not add any thermal mass as would be the case if an additional element were added to the interior surface of the sidewall 126 of the heating chamber 108. In fact, as a result of forming the protrusion 140 by recessing the sidewall 126, the thickness of the sidewall 126 remains substantially constant in the circumferential and / or axial directions, even at the locations where the protrusion is provided. Finally, recessing the sidewall as described increases the strength of the sidewall 126 by introducing a portion that extends across the sidewall 126, thereby providing resistance to bending of the sidewall 126.

[0057] The heating chamber 108 is configured to accommodate a substrate carrier 114. Typically, the substrate carrier comprises an aerosol substrate 128, such as tobacco or another suitable aerosolizable material that can be heated to generate an aerosol for inhalation. In a first embodiment, the heating chamber 108 is sized to accommodate a dose of the aerosol substrate 128, for example, in the form of a substrate carrier 114, also known as a "consumable," as shown in Figures 3-6. However, this is not required, and in other embodiments, the heating chamber 108 is configured to accommodate other forms of aerosol substrate 128, such as loose or otherwise packaged tobacco.

[0058] The aerosol generating device 100 functions both by conducting heat from the surfaces of the protrusions 140 that engage the outer layer 132 of the substrate carrier 114, and by heating the air in the air gap between the inner surface of the sidewall 126 and the outer surface of the substrate carrier 114. That is, when a user inhales on the aerosol generating device 100, there is convective heating of the aerosol substrate 128 as heated air is drawn through the aerosol substrate 128 (as described in more detail below). The width and height (i.e., the distance each protrusion 140 extends into the heating chamber 128) increase the surface area of ​​the sidewall 126 that transfers heat to the air, thereby allowing the aerosol generating device 100 to reach an effective temperature more quickly.

[0059] When the substrate carrier 114 is inserted into the heating chamber 108, the protrusions 140 on the inner surface of the sidewall 126 extend towards and actually contact the substrate carrier 114 (see, e.g., FIG. 6 ). This causes the aerosol substrate 128 to also be heated by conduction through the outer layer 132 of the substrate carrier 114.

[0060] To conduct heat into the aerosol substrate 128, the surface 145 of the protrusion 140 is It will be apparent that the outer layer 132 of the substrate 114 must interengage with the outer layer 132 of the substrate 114. However, manufacturing tolerances may result in small variations in the diameter of the substrate 114. In addition, due to the relatively soft and compressible nature of the outer layer 132 of the substrate 114 and the aerosol substrate 128 held therein, any damage or rough handling to the substrate 114 may result in the outer layer 132 decreasing in diameter or changing in shape to an oval or elliptical cross section in the area where the outer layer 132 is intended to interengage with the surface 145 of the protrusions 140. Accordingly, any variation in the diameter of the substrate 114 may result in a reduced thermal engagement between the outer layer 132 of the substrate 114 and the surface 145 of the protrusions 140, thereby adversely affecting the thermal conduction from the surface 145 of the protrusions 140 through the outer layer 132 of the substrate 114 and into the aerosol substrate 128. To mitigate the effects of any variations in the diameter of the substrate carrier 114 due to manufacturing tolerances or damage, the protrusions 140 are preferably sized to extend sufficiently into the heating chamber 108 to cause compression of the substrate carrier 114, thereby ensuring an interference fit between the surface 145 of the protrusions 140 and the outer layer 132 of the substrate carrier 114. This compression of the outer layer 132 of the substrate carrier 114 may also cause longitudinal marking of the outer layer 132 of the substrate carrier 114 to provide a visual indication that the substrate carrier 114 has been used.

[0061] FIG. 6(a) shows a close-up view of the heating chamber 108 and the substrate carrier 114. As can be seen, the arrow B indicates the air flow path that results in the convection heating described above. As mentioned above, the heating chamber 108 may be cup-shaped with a sealed and airtight base 112, meaning that air flow cannot pass through the sealed and airtight base 112 and must flow down the side of the substrate carrier 114 to enter the first end 134 of the substrate carrier. As mentioned above, the protrusions 140 extend a sufficient distance into the heating chamber 108 to contact at least the outer surface of the substrate carrier 114 and typically cause at least some compression of the substrate carrier. As a result, the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6(a) is through the protrusions 140 on the left and right of the figure, so that there are no air gaps all the way along the heating chamber 108 in the plane of the figure. Instead, the air flow paths (arrows B) are shown as dashed lines in the region of the lobes 140, indicating that the air flow paths are located in front of and behind the lobes 140. Indeed, a comparison with Figure 2(a) shows that the air flow paths occupy four equally spaced gap regions between the four lobes 140. Of course, in some circumstances there may be more or less than four lobes 140, in which case the general point that the air flow paths exist in the gaps between the lobes remains true.

[0062] Also highlighted in FIG. 6(a) is the deformation of the outer surface of the substrate carrier 114 caused by the substrate carrier 114 being forced past the protrusions 140 as it is inserted into the heating chamber 108. As mentioned above, the distance the protrusions 140 extend into the heating chamber may be advantageously selected to be large enough to cause any compression of the substrate carrier 114. This (sometimes permanent) deformation during heating may help provide stability to the substrate carrier 114 in the sense that it creates a denser region of the aerosol substrate 128 near the first end 134 of the substrate carrier 114. Additionally, the resulting undulating outer surface of the substrate carrier 114 provides a gripping effect on the edge of the denser region of the aerosol substrate 128 near the first end 134 of the substrate carrier 114. Overall, this reduces the likelihood that any loose aerosol substrate will fall off the first end 134 of the substrate carrier 114 and contaminate the heating chamber 108. This is a useful effect because, as discussed above, heating the aerosol substrate 128 causes the aerosol substrate 128 to shrink, thereby increasing the likelihood that loose aerosol substrate 128 will fall off the first end 134 of the substrate carrier 114. This undesirable effect is mitigated by the deformation effect described.

[0063] To ensure that the protrusions 140 are in contact with the substrate carrier 114 (contact is necessary to cause conductive heating, compression, and deformation of the aerosol substrate), the manufacturing tolerances of each of the protrusions 140, the heating chamber 108, and the substrate carrier 114 are taken into account. For example, the inner diameter of the heating chamber 108 may be 7.6±0.1 mm, the substrate carrier 114 may have an outer diameter of 7.0±0.1 mm, and the protrusions 140 may have a manufacturing tolerance of ±0.1 mm. In this example, assuming that the substrate carrier 114 is centrally mounted within the heating chamber 108 (i.e., leaving a uniform gap around the outside of the substrate carrier 114), the gap that each protrusion 140 must span to contact the substrate carrier 114 ranges from 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm. In other words, since each protrusion 140 spans a radial distance, the smallest possible value in this example is half the difference between the smallest possible diameter of the heating chamber 108 and the largest possible diameter of the substrate support 114, i.e. [(7.6-0.1)-(7.0+0.1)] / 2=0.2 mm. The upper limit of the range in this example is (for similar reasons) half the difference between the largest possible diameter of the heating chamber 108 and the smallest possible diameter of the substrate support 114, i.e. [(7.6+0.1)-(7.0-0.1)] / 2=0.4 mm. It is clear that to ensure that the protrusions 140 do indeed contact the substrate support, in this example, each protrusion must extend at least 0.4 mm into the heating chamber. However, this does not take into account the manufacturing tolerances of the protrusions 140. If a protrusion of 0.4 mm is required, the range that is actually produced is 0.4±0.1 mm, i.e. it varies between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm. Some of the protrusions will not span the maximum possible gap between the heating chamber 108 and the substrate carrier 114. Therefore, the protrusions 140 in this example should be fabricated with a nominal protrusion distance of 0.5 mm, resulting in a range of values ​​from 0.4 mm to 0.6 mm. This value is sufficient to ensure that the protrusions 140 always contact the substrate carrier.

[0064] In general, writing the inner diameter of the heating chamber 108 as D±δD, the outer diameter of the substrate support 114 as d±δd, and the distance that the protrusion 140 extends into the heating chamber 108 as L±δL, the distance that the protrusion 140 is intended to extend into the heating chamber should be selected as follows:

number

[0065] Additionally, manufacturing tolerances may result in slight variations in the density of the aerosol substrate 128 within the substrate carrier 114. Such variations in the density of the aerosol substrate 128 may exist both axially and radially within a single substrate carrier 114 or between different substrate carriers 114 manufactured in the same batch. Accordingly, it will also be apparent that it is important that the density of the aerosol substrate 128 is also relatively constant to ensure relatively uniform heat transfer within the aerosol substrate 128 within a particular substrate carrier 114. To mitigate the effects of any inconsistencies in the density of the aerosol substrate 128, the protrusions 140 may be dimensioned to extend sufficiently into the heating chamber 108 to cause compression of the aerosol substrate 128 within the substrate carrier 114, thereby improving heat transfer through the aerosol substrate 128 by eliminating air gaps. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusions 140 may be dimensioned to extend sufficiently into the heating chamber 108 to cause compression of the aerosol substrate 128 within the substrate carrier 114, thereby improving heat transfer through the aerosol substrate 128 by eliminating air gaps. A protrusion 140 that extends into the heating chamber 108 by approximately 0.4 mm is suitable. In other examples, the distance that the protrusion 140 extends into the heating chamber 108 may be defined as a percentage of the distance across the heating chamber 108. For example, the protrusion 140 may extend a distance of 3% to 7%, such as approximately 5%, of the distance across the heating chamber 108. In another embodiment, the restricted diameter circumscribed by the protrusion 140 within the heating chamber 108 is 6.0 mm to 6.8 mm, more preferably 6.2 mm to 6.5 mm, especially 6.2 mm (±0.5 mm). Each of the plurality of protrusions 140 spans a radial distance of 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm, most preferably 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm.

[0066] With respect to the protrusions / recesses 140, the width corresponds to the distance around the periphery of the sidewall 126. Similarly, its length extends perpendicular to its width and runs broadly from the base 112 to the open end of the heating chamber 108 or to the flange 138, and its height corresponds to the distance the protrusion extends from the sidewall 126. It should be noted that the space between adjacent protrusions 140, the sidewall 126, and the outer layer 132 of the substrate carrier 114 defines the area available for airflow. This has the effect that the smaller the distance between adjacent protrusions 140 and / or the height of the protrusions 140 (i.e., the distance the protrusions 140 extend into the heating chamber 108), the harder the user must inhale to draw air through the aerosol generating device 100 (known as increased draw resistance). It will be apparent that it is the width of the protrusions 140 that defines the reduction in the airflow channel between the sidewall 126 and the substrate carrier 114 (assuming that the protrusions 140 are in contact with the outer layer 132 of the substrate carrier 114). Conversely (again, under the assumption that the protrusions 140 are in contact with the outer layer 132 of the substrate carrier 114), increasing the height of the protrusions 140 will compress the aerosol substrate more, thereby eliminating air gaps in the aerosol substrate 128, which also increases the draw resistance. These two parameters can be adjusted to provide a satisfactory draw resistance that is neither too low nor too high. The heating chamber 108 can be made larger to increase the airflow channel between the sidewall 126 and the substrate carrier 114, but there is a practical limit before the gap becomes too large and the heater 124 begins to become ineffective. Typically, a gap of 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm or 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm around the exterior surface of the substrate support 114 is a good compromise, allowing the retraction resistance to be fine-tuned within tolerances by varying the size of the protrusions 140. The air gap around the exterior of the substrate support 114 can also be varied by varying the number of protrusions 140. Any number of protrusions 140 (one or more) will provide at least some of the advantages discussed herein (increasing the heating area, providing compression, providing conductive heating of the aerosol substrate 128, adjusting the air gap, etc.).The minimum number to hold the substrate carrier 114 in a central (i.e. coaxial) alignment with the heating chamber 108 is four. In another possible design, there are only three protrusions distributed at a distance of 120 degrees from each other. A design with fewer than four protrusions 140 tends to allow a situation in which the substrate carrier 114 is pressed against a portion of the side wall 126 between two protrusions 140. Obviously, in a limited space, providing a very large number of protrusions (e.g., 30 or more) tends to lead to a situation in which there are few or no gaps between the protrusions, which may completely close the air flow path between the outer surface of the substrate carrier 114 and the inner surface of the side wall 126, greatly reducing the ability of the aerosol generating device to provide convection heating. However, such a design can still be used in conjunction with the possibility of providing a hole in the center of the base 112 to define an air flow channel. Typically, the protrusions 140 may be evenly spaced around the circumference of the sidewall 126 to help provide even compression and heating, although in some variations they may have an asymmetrical arrangement depending on the exact effect desired.

[0067] It will be apparent that the size and number of the protrusions 140 also allows for adjusting the balance between conductive and convective heating. By increasing the length of the protrusions 140 (the distance that the protrusions 140 extend around the perimeter of the sidewall 126), the available perimeter of the sidewall 126 that acts as an airflow channel (arrow B in Figures 6 and 6(a)) is reduced, and thus the convective heating provided by the aerosol generating device 100 is reduced. However, the conductive heating provided by the aerosol generating device 100 is increased, as the wider protrusions 140 contact the substrate carrier 114 over a larger portion of the perimeter. A similar effect is seen when more protrusions 140 are added, in that the perimeter of the sidewall 126 available for convection is reduced, while the conductive channel is increased by increasing the total contact surface area between the protrusions 140 and the substrate carrier 114. Note that increasing the length of the protrusions 140 also reduces the volume of air in the heating chamber 108 that is heated by the heater 124, reducing the convective heating, while the contact surface area between the protrusions 140 and the substrate carrier is increased, increasing the conductive heating. Increasing the distance each protrusion 140 extends into the heating chamber 108 can help improve conductive heating without significantly reducing convective heating. Thus, the aerosol generating device 100 can be designed to balance the types of conductive and convective heating by varying the number and size of the protrusions 140 as described above. The heat localization effect resulting from the relatively thin sidewall 126 and the use of a material with a relatively low thermal conductivity (e.g., stainless steel) ensures that conductive heating is the appropriate means of transferring heat to the substrate support 114 and subsequently to the aerosol substrate 128. Because the portion of the sidewall 126 that is heated can generally correspond to the location of the protrusions 140, this means that the generated heat is conducted by the protrusions 140 to the substrate support 114 but is not conducted away from the substrate support. In locations that are heated but do not correspond to the protrusions 140, the heating of the sidewall 126 leads to the convective heating described above.

[0068] As shown in Figures 1-6, the protrusions 140 are elongated. That is, the protrusions extend a length greater than their width. In some cases, the protrusions 140 may have a length that is 5, 10, or even 25 times their width. For example, as discussed above, the protrusions 140 may extend 0.4 mm into the heating chamber 108, and in one example may be 0.5 mm wide and 12 mm long. These dimensions are suitable for a heating chamber 108 that is 30 mm to 40 mm long. In this example, the protrusions 140 do not extend the entire length of the heating chamber 108 because, in the example given, the protrusions are shorter than the heating chamber 108. Thus, each of the protrusions 140 has a top edge 142a and a bottom edge 142b. The top edge 142a is the portion of the protrusion 140 that is closest to the open end 110 of the heating chamber 108 and also closest to the flange 138. The bottom edge 142b is the end of the protrusion 140 located closest to the base 112. It can be seen that above the top edge 142a (closer to the open end than the top edge 142a) and below the bottom edge 142b (closer to the base 112 than the bottom edge 142b), the sidewall 126 is free of the protrusion 140. That is, the sidewall 126 is not deformed or recessed in these areas. In some instances, the protrusion 140 is longer and extends all the way to the top and / or bottom of the sidewall 126, so that one or both of the following are true: the top edge 142a is aligned with the open end 110 of the heating chamber 108 (or flange 138), and the bottom edge 142b is aligned with the base 112. In fact, in such cases, the top edge 142a and / or the bottom edge 142b may not even be present.

[0069] It may be advantageous for the protrusion 140 not to extend all the way along the length of the heating chamber 108 (e.g., from the base 112 to the flange 138). At the upper end, the upper edge 142a of the protrusion 140 may be used as an indicator to prevent the user from inserting the substrate carrier 114 too far into the aerosol generation device 100, as described below. However, it may be useful to heat other areas of the substrate carrier 114 in addition to the area containing the aerosol substrate 128. This may help to keep the temperature of the substrate 114 high (above room temperature, but not so high that it would burn the user) once the aerosol has been generated. 108 , it is beneficial to prevent re-condensation that would impair the user experience. Thus, the effective heating area of ​​the heating chamber 108 extends beyond the expected location of the aerosol substrate 128 (i.e., up the heating chamber 108 near the open end). This means that the heating chamber 108 extends above the upper edge 142a of the protrusion 140, or equivalently, the protrusion 140 does not extend all the way to the open end of the heating chamber 108. Similarly, compression of the aerosol substrate 128 at the end 134 of the substrate carrier 114 inserted into the heating chamber 108 may cause parts of the aerosol substrate 128 to fall off the substrate carrier 114 and contaminate the heating chamber 108. Therefore, it may be advantageous to position the lower edge 142b of the protrusion 140 further from the base 112 than the expected location of the end 134 of the substrate carrier 114.

[0070] In some embodiments, the protrusions 140 are not elongated, but have a width approximately equal to their length. For example, the protrusions may be as wide as their height (e.g., have a square or circular profile when viewed radially), or the protrusions may be two to five times as long as their width. It is noted that the centering effect provided by the protrusions 140 can be achieved without the protrusions 140 being elongated. In some examples, there may be multiple sets of protrusions 140, for example, an upper set closer to the open end of the heating chamber 108 and a lower set spaced from the upper set and located closer to the base 112. This may help ensure that the substrate support 114 is held in a coaxial configuration while reducing the retraction resistance introduced by a single set of protrusions 140 spanning the same distance. The two sets of protrusions 140 may be substantially the same, or they may differ in their length or width, or in the number or arrangement of protrusions 140 configured around the sidewall 126.

[0071] In side view, the protrusions 140 are shown as having a trapezoidal profile. What is meant by this is that the profile along the length of each protrusion 140, e.g., the central longitudinal cross section of the protrusion 140, is approximately trapezoidal. That is, the upper edge 142a is generally planar and tapers to meet the sidewall 126 proximate the open end 110 of the heating chamber 108. In other words, the upper edge 142a is chamfered in profile. Similarly, the protrusion 140 has a lower portion 142b, which is generally planar and tapers to meet the sidewall 126 proximate the base 112 of the heating chamber 108. That is, the lower edge 142b is chamfered in profile. In other embodiments, the upper edge 142a and / or the lower edge 142b do not taper to the sidewall 126, but instead extend at an angle of about 90 degrees from the sidewall 126. In yet other embodiments, the upper edge 142a and / or the lower edge 142b have a curved or rounded shape. Bridging the upper edge 142a and the lower edge 142b is a generally planar region that contacts and / or compresses the substrate support 114. The planar contact portion may help provide even compression and conductive heating. In other examples, the planar portion may instead be a curved portion that bends outwardly to contact the substrate support 128, for example having a polygonal or curved profile (e.g., a portion of a circle).

[0072] If the protrusion 140 has an upper edge 142a, the protrusion 140 also functions to prevent over-insertion of the substrate carrier 114. As shown most clearly in Figures 4 and 6, the substrate carrier 114 has a lower portion containing the aerosol substrate 128, which terminates midway along the substrate carrier 114 at the boundary of the aerosol substrate 128. The aerosol substrate 128 is typically more compressible than the other regions 130 of the substrate carrier 114. Thus, due to the reduced compressibility of the other regions 130 of the substrate carrier 114, a user inserting the substrate carrier 114 will experience an increase in resistance when the upper edge 142a of the protrusion 140 aligns with the boundary of the aerosol substrate 128. To accomplish this, the portion of the base 112 that the substrate carrier 114 contacts should be spaced from the upper edge 142a of the protrusion 140 by the same distance as the length of the substrate carrier 114 occupied by the aerosol substrate 128. In this example, the aerosol substrate 128 occupies approximately 20 mm of the substrate carrier 114, so that the distance between the upper edge 142a of the protrusion 140 and the portion of the base that the substrate carrier 114 contacts when the substrate carrier 114 is inserted into the heating chamber 108 is also approximately 20 mm.

[0073] As shown, the base 112 also includes a platform 148. The platform 148 is formed in a single step in which the base 112 is pressed from below (e.g., by hydroforming, mechanical pressure, as part of the formation of the heating chamber 108) to leave a depression on the outer surface (lower surface) of the base 112 and the platform 148 on the inner surface (upper surface, inside the heating chamber 108) of the base 112. When the platform 148 is thus formed, e.g., with a corresponding depression, these terms are used interchangeably. In other cases, the platform 148 may be formed from a separate piece separately attached to the base 112, or may be formed by milling out a portion of the base 112 to leave the platform 148, in either case without the need for a corresponding depression. These latter cases may provide more variety in the shapes of the platform 148 that can be realized, because they do not rely on deformations of the base 112, which (albeit in a convenient way) limits the complexity with which shapes can be chosen. While the illustrated shape is generally circular, there are, of course, a wide variety of shapes that would achieve the desired effect detailed herein, including, but not limited to, polygonal, curved, and shapes that include one or more of these types of shapes. Indeed, while shown as a centrally located platform 148, in some cases there may be one or more platform elements spaced from the center, such as, for example, the edges of the heating chamber 108. Typically, the platform 148 has a generally flat top, although hemispherical platforms or platforms having rounded dome shapes at the top are also envisioned.

[0074] As mentioned above, the distance between the top edge 142a of the protrusion 140 and the portion of the base 112 that the substrate carrier 114 contacts can be carefully selected to match the length of the aerosol substrate 128 so as to provide an indication to the user that the user has inserted the substrate carrier 114 as far into the aerosol generating device 100 as necessary. If there is no platform 148 on the base 112, this simply means that the distance from the base 112 to the top edge 142a of the protrusion 140 should match the length of the aerosol substrate 128. If the platform 148 is present, the length of the aerosol substrate 128 should correspond to the distance between the top edge 142a of the protrusion 140 and the top of the platform 148 (i.e., the portion closest to the open end 110 of the heating chamber 108 in some examples). In yet another example, the distance between the top edge 142a of the protrusion 140 and the top of the platform 148 is slightly less than the length of the aerosol substrate 128. This means that the tip 134 of the substrate carrier 114 must extend slightly past the top of the platform 148, causing compression of the aerosol substrate 128 at the end 134 of the substrate carrier 114. In fact, this compression effect can occur even in instances where there are no protrusions 140 on the inner surface of the sidewall 126. This compression helps to prevent the aerosol substrate 128 at the end 134 of the substrate carrier 114 from falling into the heating chamber 108, thereby reducing the need for cleaning of the heating chamber 108, which can be a complex and difficult task. In addition, this compression helps to compress the end 134 of the substrate carrier 114, thereby reducing the effect mentioned above, i.e., it is undesirable to use the protrusions 140 extending from the sidewall 126 to compress this area, as this would tend to increase the likelihood of the aerosol substrate 128 falling out of the substrate carrier 114.

[0075] The platform 148 also collects any aerosol substrate 128 that falls off the substrate carrier 114 without impeding the airflow path into the tip 134 of the substrate carrier 114. For example, the platform 148 divides the lower end of the heating chamber 108 (i.e., the portion closest to the base 112) into an upright portion forming the platform 148 and a lower portion forming the remainder of the base 112. The lower portion can receive any loose particles of the aerosol substrate 128 that have fallen off the substrate carrier 114, while air can flow over such loose particles of the aerosol substrate 128 and into the end of the substrate carrier 114. To achieve this effect, the platform 148 can be about 1 mm higher than the remainder of the base 112. The platform 148 may have a diameter smaller than that of the substrate carrier 114, such that the platform 148 does not impede the flow of air through the aerosol substrate 128. Preferably, the platform 148 has a diameter of 0.5 mm to 0.2 mm, most preferably 0.45 mm to 0.35 mm, e.g., 0.4 mm (± 0.03 mm).

[0076] The aerosol generating device 100 has a user operable button 116. In a first embodiment, the user operable button 116 is located on a side wall 118 of the casing 102. The user operable button 116 is configured such that activation of the user operable button 116, for example by pressing the user operable button 116, activates the aerosol generating device 100 to heat the aerosol substrate 128 and generate an aerosol for inhalation. In some embodiments, the user operable button 116 is also configured to allow a user to activate other functions of the aerosol generating device 100 and / or illuminate a light to indicate the status of the aerosol generating device 100. In other examples, a separate light or lights (e.g., one or more LEDs or other suitable light sources) may be provided to indicate the status of the aerosol generating device 100. In this context, status may mean one or more of: battery charge remaining, heater status (e.g., on, off, error, etc.), device status (e.g., whether ready to take a puff), or other status indications, such as error mode, the number of puffs consumed, an indication that the entire substrate carrier 114 has been consumed, or puffs remaining before the power source is depleted, etc.

[0077] In a first embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 is electrically powered, i.e., configured to heat the aerosol substrate 128 using electrical power. To this end, the aerosol generating device 100 comprises a power source 120, e.g., a battery. The power source 120 is coupled to a control circuit 122. The control circuit 122 is in turn coupled to a heater 124. A user-operable button 116 is configured to couple and decouple the power source 120 to the heater 124 via the control circuit 122. In this embodiment, the power source 120 is located towards the first end 104 of the aerosol generating device 100. This allows the power source 120 to be spaced apart from the heater 124, which is located towards the second end 106 of the aerosol generating device 100. In other embodiments, the heating chamber 108 is heated in other ways, e.g., by burning a combustible gas.

[0078] The heater 124 is attached to the outer surface of the heating chamber 108. The heater 124 is disposed on a metal layer 144, which is itself disposed in contact with the outer surface of the sidewall 126. The metal layer 144 forms a band around the periphery of the heating chamber 108 to conform to the shape of the outer surface of the sidewall 126. The heater 124 is attached to the center of the metal layer 144, which extends equal distances upward and downward beyond the heater 124. As shown, the heater 124 is located entirely on the metal layer 144, such that the metal layer 144 covers a larger area than the area occupied by the heater 124. The heater 124 as shown in Figures 1-6 is attached to the middle portion of the heating chamber 108 between the base 112 and the open end 110, and is attached to the area of ​​the outer surface covered by the metal layer 114. In other embodiments, the heater 124 may be attached to other portions of the heating chamber 108 or may be contained within the sidewall 126 of the heating chamber 108. It should be noted that it is not necessary for the exterior of the thermal chamber 108 to include the metal layer 144 .

[0079] The heater 124 comprises a heating element 164, an electrical connection track 150, and a backing film 166, as shown in FIG. 7. The heating element 164 is configured such that when an electric current is passed through the heating element 164, the heating element 164 heats up and increases in temperature. The heating element 164 is shaped to not include sharp corners, which may induce hot spots or form melting points in the heater 124. The heating element 164 also has a uniform width, and portions of the element 164 that extend close to each other are kept approximately equal distances apart. The heating element 164 in FIG. 7 shows two resistive paths 164a, 164b, each of which takes a serpentine path over the area of ​​the heater 124 to cover as large an area as possible while still complying with the criteria mentioned above. These paths 164a, 164b are configured electrically in parallel with each other in FIG. 7. It should be noted that other numbers of paths can be used, for example, three paths, one path, or multiple paths. The paths 164a, 164b do not cross to avoid shorting. The heating element 164 is configured to have a resistance to produce the correct power density for the level of heating required. In some examples, the heating element 164 has a resistance between 0.4Ω and 2.0Ω, particularly advantageously between 0.5Ω and 1.5Ω, and more particularly between 0.6Ω and 0.7Ω.

[0080] The electrical connection tracks 150 are shown as part of the heater 124, but in some embodiments may be replaced by wires or other connection elements. The electrical connections 150 are used to provide power to the heating element 164 and to form a circuit with the power supply 120. The electrical connection tracks 150 are shown extending vertically downward from the heating element 164. With the heater 124 in place, the electrical connections 150 extend beyond the base 112 of the heating chamber 108 and through the base 156 of the insulating member 152 to connect with the control circuitry 122.

[0081] The backing film 166 may be a single sheet to which the heating element 164 is attached, or may form an envelope that sandwiches the heating element between two sheets 166a, 166b. In some embodiments, the backing film 166 is formed of polyimide. In some embodiments, the thickness of the backing film 166 is minimized to reduce the thermal mass of the heater 124. For example, the thickness of the backing film 166 may be 50 μm, or 40 μm, or 25 μm.

[0082] A heating element 164 is attached to the sidewall 108. In FIG. 7, the heating element 164 is configured to wrap once around the heating chamber 108 by carefully selecting the size of the heater 124. This ensures that the heat generated by the heater 124 is approximately evenly distributed around the surface covered by the heater 124. It should be noted that in some examples, the heater 124 may wrap an integral number of times around the heating chamber 108, rather than just one wrap.

[0083] It should also be noted that the height of the heater 124 is approximately 14 mm to 15 mm. The circumference of the heater 124 (or its length before application to the heating chamber 108) is approximately 24 mm to 25 mm. The height of the heating element 164 may be less than 14 mm. This allows the heating element 164 to be positioned entirely inside the backing film 166 of the heater 124, with a border around the perimeter of the heating element 164. Thus, the area covered by the heater 124 may be approximately 3.75 cm2 in some embodiments.

[0084] The power used by the heater 124 is provided by a power supply 120, which in this embodiment is in the form of a cell (or battery). The voltage provided by the power supply 120 is a regulated or boosted voltage. For example, the power supply 120 may provide a voltage in the range of 2.8V to 4.2V. In one example, the power supply 120 is configured to generate a voltage of 3.7V. With an exemplary resistance of the heating element 164 in one embodiment of 0.6Ω and an exemplary voltage of 3.7V, this would result in a power output of approximately 30W for the heating element 164. It should be noted that based on the exemplary resistance and voltage, the power output can be between 15W and 50W. The cells forming the power supply 120 may be rechargeable cells or alternatively single-use cells 120. The power supply is typically configured to be capable of powering 20 or more thermal cycles. This allows a user to use 20 full packets of substrate carriers 114 on a single charge of the aerosol generating device 100. The cells may be lithium-ion cells or any other type of commercially available cells. The cells may be, for example, 18650 or 18350 cells. If the cell is an 18350 cell, the aerosol generating device 100 may be configured to store sufficient charge for 12 thermal cycles, or indeed 20 thermal cycles, allowing a user to consume 12 or 20 substrate carriers 114.

[0085] One important value for the heater 124 is the power per unit area it generates. This is a measure of how much heat can be delivered by the heater 124 to the area it contacts (in this case, the heating chamber 108). In the example described, this ranges from 4 W / cm2 to 13.5 W / cm2. The maximum power density of the heater is typically rated between 2 W / cm2 and 10 W / cm2, depending on the design. Therefore, in some of these embodiments, a copper or other conductive metal layer 144 may be provided on the heating chamber 108 to efficiently conduct heat away from the heater 124 and reduce the possibility of damage to the heater 124.

[0086] The power supplied by the heater 124 may be constant in some embodiments and not constant in other embodiments. For example, the heater 124 may supply variable power via a duty cycle, or more specifically, a pulse width modulation cycle. This allows the power to be supplied in pulses, allowing the time-average power output by the heater 124 to be easily controlled by simply selecting the ratio of "on" time to "off" time. The level of power output by the heater 124 may also be controlled by additional control means, such as manipulation of current or voltage.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 7, the aerosol generating device 100 has a temperature sensor 170 for detecting the temperature of the heater 124 or the temperature of the environment surrounding the heater 124. The temperature sensor 170 may be, for example, a thermistor, a thermocouple, or any other thermometer. For example, the thermistor may be formed of glass beads encapsulating a resistive material, which is connected to a voltmeter and the current flowing through the resistive material is known. Thus, as the temperature of the glass changes, the resistance of the resistive material changes in a predictable manner, and therefore its temperature can be determined from the voltage drop across the resistive material at a constant current (constant voltage mode is also possible). In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 170 is located on a surface of the heating chamber 108, for example in a recess formed in the outer surface of the heating chamber 108. The recess may be as described elsewhere herein, for example part of the protrusion 140, or it may be a recess specially provided to hold the temperature sensor 170. In the illustrated embodiment, the temperature sensor 170 is provided on the backing layer 166 of the heater 124. In other embodiments, the temperature sensor 170 is integral to the heating element 164 of the heater 124, in the sense that the temperature is detected by monitoring changes in the resistance of the heating element 164.

[0088] In the aerosol generating device 100 of the first embodiment, the time to the first puff after starting the aerosol generating device 100 is an important parameter. The user of the aerosol generating device 100 determines the time from starting the aerosol generating device 100 to inhaling the aerosol from the substrate carrier 128. It will be appreciated that it is preferable to begin the inhalation of aerosol from the substrate carrier 128 as soon as possible, with minimal delay time. Thus, during the first stage of heating, the power supply 120 provides 100% of the available power to the heater 124, for example by setting the duty cycle always on or by manipulating the product of voltage and current to its maximum possible value. This may be for a period of 30 seconds, or more preferably for a period of 20 seconds, or any period until the temperature sensor 170 gives a reading corresponding to 240° C. Typically, the substrate carrier 114 may operate optimally at 180° C. Nevertheless, it may be advantageous to heat the temperature sensor 170 above this temperature so that the user can extract the aerosol from the substrate carrier 114 as quickly as possible. This is because the aerosol substrate 128 is heated by convection of hot air through the aerosol substrate 128 and, to some extent, by conduction between the protrusions 140 and the exterior surface of the substrate carrier 114, so that the temperature of the aerosol substrate 128 typically lags behind (i.e., is lower than) the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 170. In contrast, the temperature sensor 170 measures a temperature closer to that of the heater 124, rather than that of the aerosol substrate 128, since good thermal contact with the heater 124 is maintained. In practice, it can be difficult to accurately measure the temperature of the aerosol substrate 128, so the heating cycle is often determined experimentally, where different heating profiles and heater temperatures are tried and the various aerosol components formed at that temperature are monitored for aerosols generated by the aerosol substrate 128. An optimal cycle provides aerosol as quickly as possible, while avoiding the generation of combustion products due to overheating of the aerosol substrate 128.

[0089] The temperature detected by the temperature sensor 170 may be used to set the level of power delivered by the cell 120, for example, by forming a feedback loop in which the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 170 is used to control the powering cycle of the heater. The heating cycle described below may be for the case where a user desires to consume a single substrate support 114.

[0090] In a first embodiment, the heater 124 extends around the periphery of the heating chamber 108. That is, the heater 124 surrounds the heating chamber 108. More specifically, the heater 124 extends around the periphery of the sidewall 126 of the heating chamber 108, but does not extend around the periphery of the base 112 of the heating chamber 108. The heater 124 does not extend across the entirety of the sidewall 126 of the heating chamber 108. Rather, the heater extends around some or all of the periphery of the sidewall 126, but only a portion of the length of the sidewall 126. In this context, this length is the length from the base 112 to the open end 110 of the heating chamber 108. In other embodiments, the heater 124 extends across the entirety of the sidewall 126. In yet other embodiments, the heater 124 comprises two heating portions separated by a gap, such that a central portion of the heating chamber 108, e.g., a portion of the sidewall 126 halfway between the base 112 and the open end 110 of the heating chamber 108, remains uncovered. In other embodiments, the heating chamber 108 is cup-shaped, so the heater 110 is similarly cup-shaped, e.g., the heater extends completely around the periphery of the base 112 of the heating chamber 108. In still other embodiments, the heater 124 comprises multiple heating elements 164 distributed proximately around the heating chamber 108. In some embodiments, there are spaces between the heating elements 164. In other embodiments, the heating elements overlap one another. In some embodiments, the heating elements 164 may be spaced apart, e.g., laterally, around the circumference of the heating chamber 108 or sidewall 126, and in other embodiments, the heating elements 164 may be spaced apart, e.g., vertically, along the length of the heating chamber 108 or sidewall 126. It will be appreciated that the heater 124 in the first embodiment is located outside of, on the exterior surface of, the heating chamber 108. The heater 124 is located in good thermal contact with the heating chamber 108 to allow good transfer of heat between the heater 124 and the heating chamber 108.

[0091] The metal layer 144 may be formed from copper or any other material (e.g., metal or alloy) having a high thermal conductivity, such as gold or silver. In this context, high thermal conductivity may refer to a metal or alloy having a thermal conductivity of 150 W / mK or more. The metal layer 144 may be applied by any suitable method, such as by electroplating. Other methods for applying the layer 144 include applying a metal tape to the heating chamber 108, chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, and the like. Electroplating is a convenient method for applying the layer 144, but requires that the part onto which the layer 144 is plated is conductive. Other deposition methods do not require this, and these other methods open the possibility that the heating chamber 108 may be formed from a non-conductive material, such as a ceramic, that may have useful thermal properties. Also, when a layer is described as a metal, this should generally be interpreted to mean "formed from a metal or alloy," but in this context, metal refers to a material with a relatively high thermal conductivity (>150 W / mK). If the metal layer 144 is electroplated onto the sidewall 126, it may be necessary to first form a "strike layer" to ensure that the electroplated layer adheres to the exterior surface. For example, if the metal layer 144 is copper and the sidewall 126 is stainless steel, a nickel strike layer is often used to ensure good adhesion. Electroplated and deposited layers have the advantage that there is direct contact between the metal layer 144 and the material of the sidewall 126, improving thermal conductivity between the two elements.

[0092] Whichever method is used to form the metal layer 144, the thickness of the layer 144 is usually somewhat thinner than the thickness of the sidewall 126. For example, the thickness of the metal layer may range from 10 μm to 50 μm, or from 10 μm to 30 μm, e.g., about 20 μm. If a strike layer is used, it may be even thinner than the metal layer 144, e.g., 10 μm, or even 5 μm. As will be explained in more detail below, the purpose of the metal layer 144 is to distribute the heat generated by the heater 124 over an area larger than the area occupied by the heater 124. Once this effect is sufficiently achieved, there is little advantage to making the metal layer 144 thicker, since this would simply increase the thermal mass and reduce the efficiency of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0093] It will be apparent from FIGS. 1-6 that the metal layer 144 extends over only a portion of the exterior surface of the sidewall 126. This allows for a defined heating area as well as a reduced thermal mass of the heating chamber 108. Generally, the metal layer 144 has a higher thermal conductivity than the sidewall 126, so the heat generated by the heater 124 spreads quickly throughout the area covered by the metal layer 144, whereas the sidewall 126 is thinner and has a relatively lower thermal conductivity than the metal layer 144, so the heat remains relatively localized to the area of ​​the sidewall 126 covered by the metal layer 144. Selective electroplating is achieved by masking portions of the heating chamber 108 with a suitable tape (e.g., polyester or polyimide) or silicone rubber mold. Other plating methods may use different tape or masking methods as appropriate.

[0094] As shown in Figures 1-6, the metal layer 144 overlaps the entire length of the heating chamber 108 along which the protrusions / indentations 140 extend. This means that the protrusions 140 are heated by the thermal conduction effect of the metal layer 144, which allows the protrusions 140 to provide the conductive heating described above. The extent of the metal layer 144 generally corresponds to the extent of the heated area, so in many cases it is not necessary for the metal layer to extend to the top and bottom of the heating chamber 108 (i.e., the open end and closest to the base 112). As mentioned above, the area of ​​the substrate support 114 that will be heated starts slightly above the boundary of the aerosol substrate 128 and extends towards the end 134 of the substrate support 114, but in many cases does not include the end 134 of the substrate support 114. As mentioned above, the metal layer 144 has the effect that the heat generated by the heater 124 is spread over a larger area than the area occupied by the heater 124 itself. This means that ... This means that more power can be supplied to the heater 124 than the nominal power based on its W / cm2 rating and the surface area that the heater 124 occupies, because the heat generated is spread over a larger area, so the effective area of ​​the heater 124 is larger than the surface area that the heater 124 actually occupies.

[0095] Since the heating zones may be defined by the portions of the sidewall 126 that are covered by the metal layer 144, it is less important to precisely position the heater 124 outside the heating chamber 108. For example, instead of having to align the heater 124 a specific distance from the top or bottom of the sidewall 126, the metal layer 144 can be formed in a very specific area and the heater 124 can be positioned over the top of the metal layer 144, thereby spreading the heat across the metal layer 144 area or heating zone as described above. Standardizing the masking process for electroplating or deposition is often easier than precisely aligning the heater 124.

[0096] Similarly, where there is a protrusion 140 formed by indenting the sidewall 126, the indentation represents a portion of the sidewall 126 that does not contact the heater 124 wrapped around the heating chamber 108; instead, the heater 124 tends to bridge over the indentation, leaving a gap. The metal layer 144 can help mitigate this effect, because even portions of the sidewall 126 that are not in direct contact with the heater 124 receive heat from the heater 124 by conduction through the metal layer 144. In some cases, the heating element 164 may be configured to minimize overlap between the heating element 164 and the indentation on the exterior surface of the sidewall 126, for example, by configuring the heating element 164 to cross the indentation but not extend along it. In other cases, the heater 124 is positioned on the exterior surface of the sidewall 126 such that the portion of the heater 124 that overlies the indentation results in a gap between the heating element 164. Whatever the method chosen to mitigate the effect of the heater 124 overlying the recesses, the metal layer 144 mitigates that effect by conducting heat into the recesses. In addition, the metal layer 144 provides additional thickness to the recessed areas of the sidewalls 126, thereby providing additional structural support to these areas. In effect, the additional thickness provided by the metal layer 126 strengthens the thin sidewalls 126 in all areas covered by the metal layer 144.

[0097] The metal layer 144 can be formed before or after a step in which a recess is formed in the sidewall 126 of the exterior surface to provide the protrusion 140 that extends into the heating chamber 108. Forming the recess before the metal layer is preferred because once the metal layer 144 is formed, steps such as annealing tend to damage the metal layer 144, and stamping the sidewall 126 to form the protrusion 140 becomes more difficult due to the increased thickness of the sidewall 126 in combination with the metal layer 144. However, if the recess is formed before the metal layer 144 is formed on the sidewall 126, it is much easier to form the metal layer 144 so that it extends beyond the recess (i.e., up and down), because it is difficult to mask the exterior surface of the sidewall 126 so that the metal layer extends into the recess. Any gap between the masking and the sidewall 126 can allow the metal layer 144 to deposit under the masking.

[0098] An insulating layer 146 is wrapped around the heater 124. This layer 146 is under tension, providing a compressive force to the heater 124, holding the heater 124 tightly against the exterior surface of the sidewall 126. Advantageously, this insulating layer 146 is a heat shrink material. This allows the insulating layer 146 to be wrapped tightly around the heating chamber (over the heater 124, metal layer 144, etc.) and then heated. Upon heating, the insulating layer 146 shrinks, pressing the heater 124 tightly against the exterior surface of the sidewall 126 of the heating chamber 108. This eliminates any air gaps between the heater 124 and the sidewall 126, and holds the heater 124 tightly against the exterior surface of the sidewall 126 of the heating chamber 108. 124 is maintained in very good thermal contact with the sidewall, thereby ensuring good efficiency, since the heat generated by heater 124 results in heating of the sidewall (and subsequently the aerosol substrate 128) and is not wasted or otherwise leaked into heating the air.

[0099] In a preferred embodiment, a heat shrink material is used, such as a treated polyimide tape that only shrinks in one dimension. For example, in the example of polyimide tape, the tape can be configured to only shrink in the length direction. This means that the tape can be wrapped around the heating chamber 108 and heater 124, and when heated, it will shrink, forcing the heater 124 against the sidewall 126. Since the insulating layer 146 shrinks in the length direction, the force thus generated is uniform and directed inward. If the tape were to shrink in the lateral (width) direction, this could cause wrinkles in the heater 124 or the tape itself. This would then introduce gaps and reduce the efficiency of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0100] 3-6, the substrate carrier 114 includes a prepackaged amount of aerosol substrate 128 with an aerosol collection area 130 enclosed within an outer layer 132. The aerosol substrate 128 is located toward a first end 134 of the substrate carrier 114. The aerosol substrate 128 extends across the entire width of the substrate carrier 114 within the outer layer 132. The aerosol substrates also abut each other midway along the substrate carrier 114 and meet at a boundary. Overall, the substrate carrier 114 is generally cylindrical. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the aerosol generating device 100 is shown without the substrate carrier 114. In FIGS. 3 and 4, the substrate carrier 114 is shown above the aerosol generating device 100 but is not loaded within the aerosol generating device 100. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the substrate carrier 114 is shown loaded into the aerosol generating device 100.

[0101] When a user wishes to use the aerosol generating device 100, the user first loads the substrate carrier 114 into the aerosol generating device 100. This involves inserting the substrate carrier 114 into the heating chamber 108. The substrate carrier 114 is inserted into the heating chamber 108 with a first end 134 of the substrate carrier 114, which is located on the side where the aerosol substrate 128 is located, oriented so that it is within the heating chamber 108. The substrate carrier 114 is inserted into the heating chamber 108 until the first end 134 of the substrate carrier 114 comes to rest against a platform 148 extending inwardly from the base 112 of the heating chamber 108, i.e., until the substrate carrier 114 cannot be inserted any further into the heating chamber 108. In the embodiment shown, as described above, there is an additional effect from the interaction between the upper edge 142a of the protrusion 140 and the boundary of the adjacent less compressible regions of the aerosol substrate 128 and the substrate carrier 114, which alerts the user that the substrate carrier 114 has been inserted sufficiently deep into the aerosol generation device 100. It can be seen from Figures 3 and 4 that when the substrate carrier 114 is inserted as deep as possible into the heating chamber 108, only a portion of the length of the substrate carrier 114 is inside the heating chamber 108. The remainder of the length of the substrate carrier 114 protrudes from the heating chamber 108. At least a portion of the remainder of the length of the substrate carrier 114 also protrudes from the second end 106 of the aerosol generation device 100. In the first embodiment, the entire remainder of the length of the substrate carrier 114 protrudes from the second end 106 of the aerosol generation device 100. That is, the open end 110 of the heating chamber 108 is coincident with the second end 106 of the aerosol generation device 100. In other embodiments, all or substantially all of the substrate carrier 114 may be contained within the aerosol generation device 100 such that no part, or substantially no part, of the substrate carrier 114 protrudes from the aerosol generation device 100.

[0102] When the substrate carrier 114 is inserted into the heating chamber 108, the aerosol substrate 128 within the substrate carrier 114 is at least partially configured within the heating chamber 108. In one embodiment, the aerosol substrate 128 is entirely within the heating chamber 108. In fact, the prepackaged quantity of aerosol substrate 128 within the substrate carrier 114 is configured to extend from the first end 134 of the substrate carrier 114 along the substrate carrier 114 a distance that is approximately (or exactly) equal to the interior height of the heating chamber 108 from the base 112 to the open end 110 of the heating chamber 108. This is effectively the same as the length of the sidewall 126 of the heating chamber 108 that is inside the heating chamber 108.

[0103] With the substrate carrier 114 loaded into the aerosol generating device 100, the user switches the aerosol generating device 100 on using the user operable button 116. This causes power from the power source 120 to be provided to the heater 124 via (and under the control of) the control circuit 122. The heater 124 transfers heat into the aerosol substrate 128 via the protrusions 140, heating the aerosol substrate 128 to a temperature at which the aerosol substrate 128 can begin to emit vapor. Once heated to a temperature at which vapor can begin to be emitted, the user can inhale the vapor by drawing the vapor through the second end 136 of the substrate carrier 114. That is, vapor is generated from the aerosol substrate 128 located at the first end 134 of the substrate carrier 114 within the heating chamber 108, drawn along the length of the substrate carrier 114, through a vapor collection area 130 within the substrate carrier 114 to the second end 136 of the substrate carrier where it enters the user's mouth. This steam flow is indicated by arrow A in FIG.

[0104] It will be appreciated that when a user inhales vapor in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 6, the vapor flows from the vicinity of the aerosol substrate 128 in the heating chamber 108. This action draws ambient air from the environment surrounding the aerosol generating device 100 into the heating chamber 108 (via the flow path indicated by arrow B in FIG. 6 and shown in more detail in FIG. 6(a)). This ambient air is then heated by the heater 124, which in turn heats the aerosol substrate 128 to generate an aerosol. More specifically, in the first embodiment, the air enters the heating chamber 108 through a space provided between the sidewall 126 of the heating chamber 108 and the outer layer 132 of the substrate carrier 114. For this purpose, the outer diameter of the substrate carrier 114 is smaller than the inner diameter of the heating chamber 108. More specifically, in the first embodiment, the heating chamber 108 has an inner diameter (where no protrusions are provided, e.g., when the protrusions 140 are not present or between the protrusions 140) of 10 mm or less, preferably 8 mm or less, most preferably about 7.6 mm. This allows the substrate carrier 114 to have a diameter of about 7.0 mm (±0.1 mm) (where it is not compressed by the protrusions 140). This corresponds to a circumference of 21 mm to 22 mm, or more preferably 21.75 mm. In other words, the spacing between the substrate carrier 114 and the side wall 126 of the heating chamber 108 is most preferably about 0.1 mm. In other variations, the spacing is at least 0.2 mm, and in some examples at most 0.3 mm. Arrow B in FIG. 6 indicates the direction in which air is drawn into the heating chamber 108.

[0105] When a user activates the aerosol generating device 100 by activating the user-operable button 116, the aerosol generating device 100 heats the aerosol substrate 128 to a temperature sufficient to cause vaporization of a portion of the aerosol substrate 128. More specifically, the control circuitry 122 provides power from the power source 120 to the heater 124 to heat the aerosol substrate 128 to a first temperature. Once the aerosol substrate 128 reaches the first temperature, the components of the aerosol substrate 128 begin to vaporize; that is, the aerosol substrate produces vapor. Once vapor is produced, the user can inhale the vapor through the second end 136 of the substrate carrier 114. In some scenarios, the user may know that it will take a certain amount of time for the aerosol generating device 100 to heat the aerosol substrate 128 to the first temperature and for the aerosol substrate 128 to start producing vapor. This means that the user can determine for themselves when to start inhaling the vapor. In other scenarios, the aerosol generating device 100 may be configured to heat the aerosol substrate 128 to a first temperature and then produce vapor. The sol generating device 100 is configured to provide an indication to the user that vapor is available for inhalation. Indeed, in a first embodiment, the control circuit 122 illuminates the user operable button 116 when the aerosol substrate 128 has been at a first temperature for an initial period of time. In other embodiments, the indication is provided by another indication, such as by generating a sound or by vibrating a vibrator. Similarly, in other embodiments, the indication is provided after a fixed period of time from the aerosol generating device 100 being activated, as soon as the heater 124 has reached an operating temperature, or following some other event.

[0106] The user may continue to inhale vapor as long as the aerosol substrate 128 is capable of continuing to generate vapor, e.g., as long as there are vaporizable components remaining in the aerosol substrate 128 for vaporization into a suitable vapor. The control circuit 122 adjusts the power provided to the heater 124 to ensure that the temperature of the aerosol substrate 128 does not exceed a threshold level. Specifically, at a certain temperature, depending on the composition of the aerosol substrate 128, the aerosol substrate 128 will begin to burn. This is not a desired effect, and temperatures above this temperature are avoided. To assist in this, the aerosol generating device 100 is provided with a temperature sensor (not shown). The control circuit 122 is configured to receive an indication of the temperature of the aerosol substrate 128 from the temperature sensor and use the indication to control the power provided to the heater 124. For example, in one scenario, the control circuit 122 provides maximum power to the heater 124 for an initial period of time until the heater or chamber reaches a first temperature. Subsequently, once the aerosol substrate 128 reaches the first temperature, the control circuit 122 stops supplying power to the heater 124 for a second period of time until the aerosol substrate 128 reaches a second temperature, which is lower than the first temperature. Subsequently, once the heater 124 reaches the second temperature, the control circuit 122 begins supplying power to the heater 124 for a third period of time until the heater 124 again reaches the first temperature. This may continue until the aerosol substrate 128 is exhausted (i.e., all aerosol that can be generated by heating has already been generated) or until the user stops using the aerosol generating device 100. In another scenario, once the first temperature is reached, the control circuit 122 reduces the power supplied to the heater 124 to maintain the aerosol substrate 128 at the first temperature but not increase the temperature of the aerosol substrate 128.

[0107] A single inhalation by a user is commonly referred to as a "puff." In some scenarios, it is desirable to emulate the experience of smoking a cigarette. This means that the aerosol generating device 100 is typically capable of holding enough aerosol substrate 128 to provide 10-15 puffs.

[0108] In some embodiments, the control circuit 122 is configured to count puffs and turn off the heater 124 after the user has taken 10-15 puffs. Counting the puffs is performed in one of a variety of ways. In some embodiments, the control circuit 122 determines when the temperature drops during a puff. This is because cooling is caused as fresh, cool air flows past the temperature sensor 170, which is detected by the temperature sensor. In other embodiments, the airflow is detected directly using a flow detector. Other suitable methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In other embodiments, the control circuit additionally or instead turns off the heater 124 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first puff. This can serve to both reduce power consumption and provide a backup to switch off if the puff counter fails to properly register that the predetermined number of puffs have been taken.

[0109] In some examples, the control circuit 122 is configured to power the heater 124 to follow a predetermined heating cycle that takes a predetermined amount of time to complete. Once the cycle is complete, the heater 124 is turned off completely. In some cases, the cycle may utilize a feedback loop between the heater 124 and the temperature sensor 170. For example, the heating cycle may be parameterized by a series of temperatures to which the heater 124 (or, more precisely, the temperature sensor) is heated or cooled. The temperatures and durations of such heating cycles may be empirically determined to optimize the temperature of the aerosol substrate 128. For example, this may be necessary where the outer layer of the aerosol substrate 128 is at a different temperature than the core, because direct measurement of the temperature of the aerosol substrate may be impractical or misleading.

[0110] In the following example, the time to first puff is 20 seconds. From this point on, the level of power supplied to the heater 124 is reduced from 100% so that the temperature remains constant at about 240° C. for about 20 seconds. The power supplied to the heater 124 can then be further reduced so that the temperature recorded by the temperature sensor 170 is about 200° C. This temperature can be held for about 60 seconds. The power level may then be further reduced so that the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 170 drops to the operating temperature of the substrate carrier 114, which in this case is about 180° C. This temperature can be held for 140 seconds. This time interval may be determined by the length of time the substrate carrier 114 may be used. For example, the substrate carrier 114 may stop generating aerosol after a set period of time, and thus the period during which the temperature is set to 180° C. may allow the heating cycle to continue for this duration. After this point, the power supplied to the heater 124 may be reduced to zero. Even when the heater 124 is turned off, any aerosol or vapor generated while the heater 124 was on can still be drawn from the aerosol generating device 100 by the user inhaling it. Thus, even when the heater 124 is turned off, the user may be alerted to this situation by the visual indicator remaining on, even though the heater 124 has already been turned off in preparation for the end of the aerosol inhalation session. In some embodiments, this set period may be 20 seconds. The total duration of the heating cycle may be about 4 minutes in some embodiments.

[0111] The above exemplary thermal cycle may be altered by the use of the substrate carrier 114 by a user. When a user extracts an aerosol from the substrate carrier 114, the user's breath encourages cool air to flow through the open end of the heating chamber 108, past the heater 124, and towards the base 112 of the heating chamber 108. The air may then enter the substrate carrier 114 through the tip 134 of the substrate carrier 114. As the cool air enters the cavity of the heating chamber 108, replacing the previously present hot air, the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 170 will decrease. If the temperature sensor 170 senses that the temperature has decreased, this may be used to increase the power provided by the cell to the heater to heat the temperature sensor 170 back up to the operating temperature of the substrate carrier 114. This may be achieved by providing a maximum amount of power to the heater 124, or alternatively, by providing an amount of power greater than that required to maintain a constant temperature reading from the temperature sensor 170.

[0112] The power source 120 is at least sufficient to raise the aerosol substrate 128 in a single substrate carrier 114 up to a first temperature and maintain it at the first temperature to provide sufficient vapor for at least 10-15 puffs. More generally, consistent with emulating the experience of smoking, the power source 120 will typically be sufficient to repeat this cycle (raising the aerosol substrate 128 to a first temperature and maintaining the first temperature and vapor generation for 10-15 puffs) 10 or even 20 times, thereby emulating the user experience of smoking a packet of cigarettes before the power source 120 needs to be replaced or recharged.

[0113] In general, the efficiency of the aerosol generating device 100 is improved if as much of the heat generated by the heater 124 as possible is directed to heating the aerosol substrate 128. To this end, the aerosol generating device 100 is typically configured to provide heat in a controlled manner to the aerosol substrate 128 while reducing heat flow to other parts of the aerosol generating device 100. In particular, heat flow to parts of the aerosol generating device 100 that are handled by a user is kept to a minimum so that these parts remain cool and comfortable to hold, for example by insulation as described in more detail herein.

[0114] 1-6 and the accompanying description, it can be seen that according to a first embodiment, there is provided a heating chamber 108 for an aerosol generating device 100, the heating chamber 108 comprising an open end 110, a base 112, and a sidewall 126 between the open end 110 and the base 112, the sidewall 126 having a first thickness and the base 112 having a second thickness greater than the first thickness. Reducing the thickness of the sidewall 126 can help reduce the power consumption of the aerosol generating device 100, as it reduces the energy required to heat the heating chamber 108 to a desired temperature.

[0115] Second embodiment A second embodiment will now be described with reference to Figure 8. The aerosol generating device 100 of the second embodiment is identical to the aerosol generating device 100 of the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 6, except as described below, and the same reference numbers have been used to refer to similar features. The aerosol generating device 100 of the second embodiment has a configuration that allows air to be drawn into the heating chamber 108 during use, which differs from the first embodiment.

[0116] More specifically, and referring to Figure 8, the base 112 of the heating chamber 108 is provided with a channel 113. The channel 113 is centrally located in the base 112. The channel extends through the base 112 so as to be in fluid communication with the environment outside the outer casing 102 of the aerosol generating device 100. More specifically, the channel 113 is in fluid communication with the inlet 137 of the outer casing 102.

[0117] The inlet 137 extends through the outer casing 102. The channel is located partway along the length of the outer casing 102 between the first end 104 and the second end 106 of the aerosol generating device 100. In a second embodiment, the outer casing defines a gap 139 adjacent the control circuit 122 and between the inlet 137 in the outer casing 102 and the channel 113 in the base 112 of the heating chamber 108. The gap 139 provides fluid communication between the inlet 137 and the channel 113, such that air can pass from the environment outside the outer casing 102, through the inlet 137, the gap 139, and the channel 113, and into the heating chamber 108.

[0118] During use, air is drawn into the heating chamber 108 from the environment surrounding the aerosol generating device 100 as vapor is inhaled by a user at the second end 136 of the substrate carrier 114. More specifically, air passes through the inlet 139 in the direction of arrow C and into the gap 139. From the gap 139, air passes through the channel 113 in the direction of arrow D and into the heating chamber 108. This allows first the vapor, and then the vapor mixed with the air, to be drawn through the substrate carrier 114 in the direction of arrow D and inhaled by the user at the second end 136 of the substrate carrier 114. The air is generally heated as it enters the heating chamber 108, which aids in transferring heat to the aerosol substrate 128 by convection.

[0119] The air flow path through the heating chamber 108 is generally linear in the second embodiment, i.e. It will be appreciated that the flow path extends in a generally straight line from the base 112 of the heating chamber 108 to the open end 110 of the heating chamber 108. The configuration of the second embodiment also allows for a reduced gap between the sidewall 126 of the heating chamber 108 and the substrate carrier. Indeed, in the second embodiment, the diameter of the heating chamber 108 is less than 7.6 mm, and the spacing between the 7.0 mm diameter substrate carrier 114 and the sidewall 126 of the heating chamber 108 is less than 1 mm.

[0120] In variations of the second embodiment, the location of the inlet 137 is different. In one particular embodiment, the inlet 137 is located at the first end 104 of the aerosol generation device 100. This allows the passage of air throughout the aerosol generation device 100 to be generally linear, e.g., air enters the aerosol generation device 100 at the first end 104, which is typically oriented distal to a user during use, flows through (or over, through, etc.) the aerosol substrate 128 within the aerosol generation device 100, and enters the user's mouth at the second end 136 of the substrate carrier 114, which is typically oriented proximal to the user during use, e.g., toward the user's mouth.

[0121] Third embodiment A third embodiment will now be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. The heating chamber 108 of the third embodiment may be identical to the heating chamber 108 of the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 6, except as described below, and the same reference numerals have been used to refer to similar features. It is also possible that the heating chamber 108 of the third embodiment corresponds to the heating chamber 108 of the second embodiment, for example with a channel 113 provided in the base 112 of the heating chamber 108, except as described below, which forms a further embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] However, it should be noted that the heating chamber 108 of the third (and further) embodiment may be a stand-alone embodiment in itself, or may be combined with features of the fourth to thirteenth embodiments to achieve the advantages highlighted below.

[0123] FIG. 9 shows a cross-section of a side profile of the heating chamber 108 showing a platform extending from the base of the heating chamber 108. The heating chamber 108 comprises an open first end 110, a chamber sidewall 126, and a base 112 connected to the sidewall 126 opposite the open end 110. The base 112 comprises a platform 148 extending from an inner surface of the base 112 from a portion of the base 112 towards the open end 110. The platform 148 covers an area of ​​the base 112 and elevates the base 112 such that the top of the platform 148 is positioned vertically above the base 112 of the heating chamber 108. FIG. 9 shows that this creates a channel above the base 112 around the platform 148. The platform 148 shown in FIG. 9 may have a height of less than 2 mm above the base 112, or preferably a height of about 1 mm above the base 112.

[0124] FIG. 9 also shows that the top of the platform 148 is shaped to be non-marring. This means that its shape is configured so that it will not damage the surfaces it contacts, specifically the substrate carrier 114 described herein. For example, the platform 148 may have a flat or substantially flat top that will apply even pressure to the surfaces it contacts, as shown in FIG. 9. Although shown as sharp corners, the sides of the platform may actually be chamfered or rounded to reduce the possibility of damaging the substrate carrier 114. In an alternative embodiment, the top of the platform 148 may also be convex. The platform 148 may include a platform sidewall that faces the chamber sidewall 126 and a platform top that faces the open end 110 of the heating chamber 108. The platform 148 In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the base 112 may be 75% or less than the cross-sectional area of ​​the base 112 when viewed from directly above the heating chamber 108, as shown in FIG.

[0125] FIG. 9 shows a platform 148 having a width of 5 mm or less, preferably 4 mm, or even 4.0 mm. For the platform 148 shown in FIG. 9, which is circular when viewed along the direction of the main axis of the heating chamber 108, a width (or diameter) of 4 mm corresponds to a platform 148 having an area (e.g., upper surface facing the substrate support 114) that is about 30% (more precisely about 33%) of the area of ​​the first end or tip 134 of the substrate support 114 (based on a substrate support having a diameter of 7 mm, as described above). More generally, the upper part of the platform 148 presents a contact surface area with the substrate support 114 (tip 134 of the substrate support 114) that is 20% to 70%, preferably 25% to 40% of the surface area of ​​the tip 134 of the substrate support 114. It is noted that these ranges cover embodiments in which the platform 148 is not circular (or cylindrical) and in which the substrate support 114 is not necessarily cylindrical as described elsewhere. Below the lower end of this range, the platform 148 is unlikely to compress the aerosol substrate 128 of the substrate carrier 114, and may instead penetrate the aerosol substrate 128. Thus, the substrate carrier 114 may not be securely supported on the platform. Above the upper end of this range, air flow into the first end or tip 134 of the substrate carrier 114 may be impeded or restricted; in other words, the pressure drop at the tip 134 may be undesirably increased.

[0126] Moreover, in the embodiment of FIG. 9, the platform 148 has a height that is less than or equal to 10% of the height of the sidewall 126 (eg, the distance from the open first end 110 to the second end of the sidewall 126).

[0127] FIG. 10 illustrates the heating chamber 108 of FIG. 9 with the substrate carrier 114 positioned such that the tip of the substrate carrier 114 is lower than the top of the platform 148. The substrate carrier 114 may include a first end 134 and a second end 136 as described above. The substrate carrier 114 may have an aerosol substrate 128 located at the first end 134 of the substrate carrier 114 and a vapor collection 130 region located toward the second end 136. The aerosol substrate 128 and the vapor collection region 130 may be joined at a joint region between the first end 134 and the second end 136. The first end 134 of the substrate carrier 114 may be referred to as the tip. The aerosol substrate 128 may contact the top of the platform 148 as shown in FIG. 10. The aerosol substrate 128 may be formed from a loosely packed material. One example of such a material may be tobacco. A loosely packed material may be packed such that when a force is applied, the material may fall off the substrate carrier 114. For example, if the substrate carrier 114 is vigorously shaken, the loosely packed material may become dislodged from the substrate carrier 114. FIG. 10 shows that in a first configuration in which the first end 134 of the substrate carrier 114 contacts the top of the platform 148 of the heating chamber 108, the platform 148 is configured to compress the loosely packed material such that the top of the platform 148 is further away from the base 112 than the portion of the first end 134 of the substrate carrier 114 closest to the base 112. Compression means that the loosely packed (or semi-loosely referred to) material is held within the substrate carrier 114 without the material or portions of the material spilling out of the substrate carrier 114. As shown, the substrate carrier 114 covers (or partially covers) a portion of the channel around the platform 148.

[0128] In the event that some of the material of the aerosol substrate 128 falls out of the substrate carrier 114 despite the tip of the substrate carrier 114 being compressed, the open channel is configured to collect the loosened loosely packed material without blocking airflow into the tip of the substrate carrier 114. This allows the user to continue using the substrate carrier 114 despite some of the loosely packed material being loosened. , allowing the aerosol to continue to be extracted from the substrate carrier 114.

[0129] It should be noted that, as shown in FIGS. 1-6, the heating chamber 108 may include a heater 124 or heating element in thermal contact with the chamber sidewall 126. The platform 148 may be shaped to extend the thermal flow path between the heating element 164 and the base 112 and / or platform 148. As heat is transferred from the heating element 164 to the sidewall 126 via conduction, the platform 148 increases the path length that heat must travel to reach the top of the platform 148 (as opposed to simply reaching the base 112). This means that the top of the platform 148 will take longer to reach thermal equilibrium with the heater 124 or sidewall 126 by conduction alone. This increased path length may be advantageous to achieve a desired heating effect, such as in some embodiments where it is advantageous to keep the tip at a lower temperature than the side of the sidewall 126, to reduce the risk of burning the substrate support 114 in some way.

[0130] Figures 1 to 6 show an aerosol generating device 100 comprising a power supply 120, a heating chamber 108 as described above, a heater configured to supply heat to the heating chamber 108, and a control circuit 122 configured to control the supply of power from the power supply 120 to the heater 124.

[0131] 9 and 10 show that the base 112 is connected to the sidewall 126 of the heating chamber 108. This forms a unitary, cup-shaped heating chamber 108. The base and sidewall are therefore formed of the same material as each other. Preferably, this material is a metal or alloy, and more preferably, this material is stainless steel. The cup formed by the base 112 and the sidewall 126 may be airtight, such that air can only enter the heating chamber 108 through the open end 110 of the heating chamber 108.

[0132] Fourth embodiment A fourth embodiment will now be described with reference to Figure 11. The heating chamber 108 of the fourth embodiment may be identical to the heating chamber 108 of the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 6, except as described below, and the same reference numerals have been used to refer to similar features. It is also possible that the heating chamber 108 of the fourth embodiment corresponds to the heating chamber 108 of the second embodiment, for example with a channel 113 provided in the base 112 of the heating chamber 108, except as described below, which forms a further embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0133] However, it should be noted that the heating chamber 108 of the fourth (and further) embodiment may be a stand-alone embodiment in itself, or may be combined with features of the seventh to thirteenth embodiments to achieve the advantages highlighted below.

[0134] FIG. 11 shows a platform 148 formed with a depression in the base 112. The platform 148 may be formed, for example, in a single step, in which the base 112 is pressed from below (e.g., by hydroforming, mechanical pressure, etc., as part of forming the heating chamber 108), leaving a depression on the outside (lower surface) of the base 112 and leaving the platform 148 on the inside (upper surface of the inside of the heating chamber 108) of the base 112. The formation of the depression is advantageous because it increases the structural rigidity of the heating chamber 108. In some embodiments, the heating chamber 108 may have low rigidity because it is formed with thin walls 126. Thus, forming a depression to increase this rigidity is advantageous because it increases the force that can be applied to the heating chamber 108 without plastically deforming the heating chamber 108. For example, if a user applies force to the base 112 with the substrate carrier 114, the depression in the platform 148 may allow the heating chamber 108 to effectively withstand this force. do.

[0135] The heating chamber 108 may be manufactured by compressing a portion of the base 112 between a press formed by a female portion and a male portion to form a deformation of the base 112. For example, the male portion may be located on the outside of the base 112 and the female portion may be located on the interior of the base inside the heating chamber 108. A force may be applied to force the male portion into the female portion, causing the portion of the base 112 in contact with the male portion to be indented into the shape of the female portion.

[0136] Fifth embodiment A fifth embodiment will now be described with reference to Figure 12. The heating chamber 108 of the fifth embodiment may be identical to the heating chamber 108 of the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 6, except as described below, and the same reference numbers have been used to refer to similar features. It is also possible that the heating chamber 108 of the fifth embodiment corresponds to the heating chamber 108 of the second embodiment, for example, in which a channel 113 is provided in the base 112 of the heating chamber 108, except as described below, which forms a further embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0137] However, it should be noted that the heating chamber 108 of the fifth (and further) embodiment may be a stand-alone embodiment in itself, or may be combined with features of the seventh to thirteenth embodiments to achieve the advantages highlighted below.

[0138] 12 shows a platform 148 formed by removing a section of the base 112. This indicates that material has been removed from the interior of the base 112 of the heating chamber 108, as there are no recesses on the exterior surface of the base 112, and only the platform 148 on the interior surface of the base 112. This removal of material also results in a channel. The platform 148 may comprise a first portion of the base 112 that is left after removal of a second portion of the base 112. This may be achieved by an etching process, or alternatively, by a mechanical process.

[0139] Sixth embodiment A sixth embodiment will now be described with reference to Figure 13. The heating chamber 108 of the sixth embodiment may be identical to the heating chamber 108 of the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 6, except as described below, and the same reference numbers have been used to refer to similar features. It is also possible that the heating chamber 108 of the sixth embodiment corresponds to the heating chamber 108 of the second embodiment, for example, with a channel 113 provided in the base 112 of the heating chamber 108, except as described below, which forms a further embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0140] However, it should be noted that the heating chamber 108 of the sixth (and further) embodiment may be a stand-alone embodiment in itself, or may be combined with features of the seventh to thirteenth embodiments to achieve the advantages highlighted below.

[0141] 13 illustrates platform 148 formed by adding a portion to base 112. This illustrates that platform 148 may include a portion of material that has been added to base 112. For example, platform 148 may be formed from a metal, which may be a different metal than base 112, or alternatively, platform 148 may be formed from the same metal as base 112. As a further alternative, platform 148 may be formed from a ceramic or plastic.

[0142] In this embodiment, the platform 148 is It may be removable from the heating chamber 108 to help ensure speed and efficiency for the user. In this embodiment, the platform 148 may be formed by welding, bonding, screwing, or adding a piece of material to the heating chamber 108. An adhesive may be used to bond the platform 148 to the base 112. If the platform 148 is removable, a recess may be formed in the base 112 into which the platform 148 may be recessed.

[0143] Seventh embodiment A seventh embodiment will now be described with reference to Figure 14. The heating chamber 108 of the seventh embodiment may be identical to the heating chamber 108 of the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 6, except as described below, and the same reference numerals have been used to refer to similar features. It is also possible that the heating chamber 108 of the seventh embodiment corresponds to the heating chamber 108 of the second embodiment, for example, in which the base 112 of the heating chamber 108 is provided with a channel 113, except as described below, which forms a further embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0144] However, it should be noted that the heating chamber 108 of the seventh (and further) embodiment may be a stand-alone embodiment in itself, or may be combined with features of the eighth to thirteenth embodiments to achieve the advantages highlighted below.

[0145] 14 shows a heating chamber 108 having both a platform 148 on the base 112 and a protrusion 140 along the sidewall 126. The protrusion 140 may be formed in the sidewall 126 by recessing the sidewall 126. The protrusion 140 may help center the substrate carrier 114 when it is placed into the heating chamber 108, as well as improve structural rigidity and provide an air channel around the substrate carrier 114 to allow air to pass to the first end 134 of the substrate carrier 114 during use. The protrusion 140 is disposed on or formed from the chamber sidewall 126 and is positioned approximately equidistant from the base 112 and the open end 110. The protrusion 140 together with the platform 148 positions the substrate carrier 114 in the heating chamber 108. For example, the protrusions 140 provide friction to the substrate carrier 114 as it is pushed into the heating chamber 108, and the platform 148 provides a surface that stops the substrate carrier 114 from going any deeper into the heating chamber 108. The friction and compression together assist the user by providing feedback as to when the substrate carrier 114 is correctly positioned, thereby preventing the user from exerting too much force on the substrate carrier 114 or pushing the substrate carrier 114 too deeply into the heating chamber 108. Moreover, when the tip of the substrate carrier 114 is in contact with the platform 148, the top of the protrusions 140 may be aligned with the interface region between the aerosol substrate 128 and the vapor collection region 130. This may allow only a small portion of the remaining portion of the substrate carrier 114 to be heated while the aerosol substrate 128 is being heated. In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to heat a portion of the vapor collection region 130 to prevent the aerosol generated from the aerosol substrate 128 from condensing excessively as it exits through the junction region due to the presence of a large temperature gradient.

[0146] Eighth embodiment An eighth embodiment will now be described with reference to Figure 15. The heating chamber 108 of the eighth embodiment may be identical to the heating chamber 108 of the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 6, except as described below, and the same reference numbers have been used to refer to similar features. It is also possible that the heating chamber 108 of the eighth embodiment corresponds to the heating chamber 108 of the second embodiment, for example, in which the base 112 of the heating chamber 108 is provided with a channel 113, but except as described below, this is not a limitation of the present disclosure. This forms a further embodiment of the invention.

[0147] However, it should be noted that the heating chamber 108 of the eighth (and further) embodiment may be a stand-alone embodiment in itself, or may be combined with features of the ninth to thirteenth embodiments to achieve the advantages highlighted below.

[0148] 15 shows a top view of the heating chamber 108, where the platform 148 has a circular profile and cross-section and is centrally positioned within the heating chamber 108. The base 112 is also shown as circular. The platform 148 may have a profile having alternative shapes, and in some of these embodiments, the platform 148 has a profile that is rotationally symmetric. It should also be noted that in some embodiments, the platform 148 may be positioned asymmetrically within the heating chamber 108.

[0149] Ninth embodiment A ninth embodiment will now be described with reference to Figure 16. The heating chamber 108 of the ninth embodiment may be identical to the heating chamber 108 of the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 6, except as described below, and the same reference numbers have been used to refer to similar features. It is also possible that the heating chamber 108 of the ninth embodiment corresponds to the heating chamber 108 of the second embodiment, for example, in which a channel 113 is provided in the base 112 of the heating chamber 108, except as described below, which forms a further embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0150] However, it should be noted that the heating chamber 108 of the ninth (and further) embodiment may be a stand-alone embodiment in itself, or may be combined with features of the tenth to thirteenth embodiments to achieve the advantages highlighted below.

[0151] 16 shows a plan view of the heating chamber 108 where the platform 148 has a square cross section and is centrally located within the heating chamber 108. This may have a similar technical effect as the circular platform 148, but may be configured to function with, for example, four protrusions 140, such that each side of the square extends parallel to the air flow path to efficiently direct the airflow to the tip 134 of the substrate support 114. Such a configuration is shown in FIG. 2(a), which shows the use of four protrusions 140 spaced 90 degrees apart from one another on the heating chamber sidewall 126.

[0152] Tenth embodiment A tenth embodiment will now be described with reference to Figure 17. The heating chamber 108 of the tenth embodiment may be identical to the heating chamber 108 of the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 6, except as described below, and the same reference numerals have been used to refer to similar features. It is also possible that the heating chamber 108 of the tenth embodiment corresponds to the heating chamber 108 of the second embodiment, for example, in which a channel 113 is provided in the base 112 of the heating chamber 108, except as described below, which forms a further embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0153] However, it should be noted that the heating chamber 108 of the tenth (and further) embodiment may be a stand-alone embodiment in itself, or may be combined with features of the eleventh to thirteenth embodiments to achieve the advantages highlighted below.

[0154] 17 shows a top view of the heating chamber 108 where the platform 148 is centrally located with an irregularly shaped cross section. The irregular shape of the platform 148 can have many uses. It may be used to brand the heating chamber 108. Additionally, the irregular shape may form a lock and key mechanism with the tip 134 of the substrate carrier 114 such that only specially designed substrate carriers 114 may be used with the heating chamber 108.

[0155] Eleventh embodiment An eleventh embodiment will now be described with reference to Figure 18. The heating chamber 108 of the eleventh embodiment may be identical to the heating chamber 108 of the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 6, except as described below, and the same reference numerals have been used to refer to similar features. It is also possible that the heating chamber 108 of the eleventh embodiment corresponds to the heating chamber 108 of the second embodiment, for example, in which a channel 113 is provided in the base 112 of the heating chamber 108, except as described below, which forms a further embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0156] However, it should be noted that the heating chamber 108 of the eleventh (and further) embodiment may be a stand-alone embodiment in itself, or may be combined with features of the twelfth to thirteenth embodiments to achieve the advantages highlighted below.

[0157] 18 shows a plan view of the heating chamber where the platform 148 is not centrally located, but is formed of a series of protrusions located on the edge of the base 112. This can be used so that the tip end contacts the base 112, or alternatively the protrusions of the platform 148 can be tapered, allowing the substrate carrier 114 to be pushed a certain distance into the heating chamber 108 before being stopped by the protrusions of the platform 148. The protrusions 140 of the side wall 126 and the protrusions of the wall of the base 112 may form a single element. For example, the protrusions shown in FIG. 2(a) may be joined with the protrusions of the platform 148 shown in FIG. 18.

[0158] Twelfth embodiment A twelfth embodiment will now be described with reference to Figure 19. The heating chamber 108 of the twelfth embodiment may be identical to the heating chamber 108 of the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 6, except as described below, and the same reference numbers have been used to refer to similar features. It is also possible that the heating chamber 108 of the twelfth embodiment corresponds to the heating chamber 108 of the second embodiment, for example, in which a channel 113 is provided in the base 112 of the heating chamber 108, except as described below, which forms a further embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0159] However, it should be noted that the heating chamber 108 of the twelfth (and further) embodiments may be a stand-alone embodiment in itself, or may be combined with features of the thirteenth embodiment to achieve the advantages highlighted below.

[0160] FIG. 19 shows a cross-sectional view of the heating chamber 108 with a platform 148, which is hemispherical in shape. This hemispherical shape may be non-damaging. It may be formed by indenting or by inserting a piece of material into the heating chamber 108 and gluing it to the base 112. The platform 148 may be centrally located so that air flows into the first end 134 from all directions. The diameter of the hemisphere may be such that when the first end 134 is compressed, the outer band of the first end 134 of the substrate carrier 114 is still open to air flow, allowing air to enter the first end 134.

[0161] Thirteenth embodiment Here, the thirteenth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The chamber 108 may be identical to the heating chamber 108 of the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 6, except as described below, and the same reference numerals are used to refer to similar features. It is also possible that the heating chamber 108 of the thirteenth embodiment corresponds to the heating chamber 108 of the second embodiment, for example, with a channel 113 provided in the base 112 of the heating chamber 108, except as described below, which forms a further embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0162] However, it should be noted that the heating chamber 108 of the thirteenth (and further) embodiment may be a stand-alone embodiment in itself.

[0163] 20 shows a cross-sectional view of the heat chamber 108 having a platform 148 and a flange 138 positioned proximate the open end 110 of the heat chamber 108 and extending outwardly away from the center of the heat chamber 108. The platform 148, base 112, chamber sidewall 126, and flange 138 may all be constructed from a single piece of material. This unitary construction may increase the strength of the heat chamber 108 to resist deformation. It may also provide structural support to the sidewall 126.

[0164] Definitions and Alternatives It will be appreciated from the above description that many features of the various embodiments are interchangeable. The disclosure extends to further embodiments including features that combine features from the various embodiments together in a manner not specifically mentioned. For example, the third to fifth embodiments do not have the platform 148 shown in Figures 1 to 6. The inclusion of this platform 148 in the third to fifth embodiments may provide the advantages of the platform 148 described in connection with those figures.

[0165] 9-20 show the heating chamber 108 separated from the aerosol generation device 100. This emphasizes that the advantageous features described with respect to the heating chamber 108 are independent of other features of the aerosol inhalation device 100. In particular, there are many applications for the platform 148 in the base 112, not all of which are tied to the vapor inhalation device 100 described herein. Such a design can benefit from the improved strength provided by the platform 148 to the base 112 and heating chamber 108 as a whole. Such applications are advantageously provided with the heating chamber described herein.

[0166] The term "heater" should be understood to mean any device for outputting sufficient thermal energy to form an aerosol from the aerosol substrate 128. The transfer of thermal energy from the heater 124 to the aerosol substrate 128 can be conductive, convective, radiative, or any combination of these means. As a non-limiting example, a conductive heater may be in direct contact and pressed against the aerosol substrate 128, or may be in contact with a separate component that itself causes heating of the aerosol substrate 128 by conduction, convection, and / or radiation. Convective heating may include heating a liquid or gas, which results in the transfer of thermal energy (directly or indirectly) to the aerosol substrate.

[0167] Radiative heating includes, but is not limited to, transferring energy to the aerosol substrate 128 by emitting electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet, visible, infrared, microwave, or radio frequency portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The radiation so emitted may be absorbed directly by the aerosol substrate 128 causing heating, or the radiation may be absorbed by another material, such as a susceptor or fluorescent material, such that the radiation is re-emitted at a different wavelength or spectral weighting. In some cases, the radiation may be absorbed by a material, which then transfers heat to the aerosol substrate 128 by any combination of conduction, convection, and / or radiation. Transmitted to 28.

[0168] The heater may be electrically powered, combustion powered, or powered by any other suitable means. Electrically powered heaters may include resistive track elements (optionally including insulating packaging), inductive heating systems (including, for example, electromagnets and high frequency oscillators), etc. The heater 128 may be configured around the outside of the aerosol substrate 128, may penetrate partway or completely into the aerosol substrate 128, or any combination thereof.

[0169] The term "temperature sensor" is used to describe an element capable of determining the absolute or relative temperature of a portion of the aerosol generating device 100. This may include a thermocouple, a thermopile, a thermistor, etc. The temperature sensor may be provided as part of another component or may be a separate component. In some examples, multiple temperature sensors are provided, e.g., to monitor the heating of various portions of the aerosol generating device 100, e.g., to determine a thermal profile.

[0170] The control circuitry 122 is shown throughout as having a single user operable button 116 for triggering the aerosol generating device 100 on. This keeps the controls simple and reduces the likelihood that a user will misuse or fail to properly control the aerosol generating device 100. However, in some cases the input controls available to the user may be more complex than this, for example to control the temperature, e.g., within pre-set limits, to vary the flavor balance of the vapor, or to switch between, e.g., power saving and quick heating modes.

[0171] With reference to the above-mentioned embodiments, the aerosol substrate 128 includes tobacco, e.g., in dried or cured form, and optionally with additional ingredients for flavor or to provide a smoother or otherwise more satisfying effect. In some examples, the aerosol substrate 128, such as tobacco, may be treated with a vaporizer. The vaporizer may improve the generation of vapor from the aerosol substrate. The vaporizer may include, for example, a polyol, such as glycerol, or a glycol, such as propylene glycol. In some cases, the aerosol substrate may not even include tobacco or nicotine, but instead may include natural or synthetic ingredients for flavoring, volatility, improved smoothness, and / or other satisfying effects. The aerosol substrate 128 may be provided as a solid or paste-type material in shredded, pelleted, powdered, granular, strip or sheet form, and optionally combinations thereof. Similarly, the aerosol substrate 128 may be liquid or gel. Indeed, in some examples, both solid and liquid / gel portions may be included.

[0172] Thus, the aerosol generating device 100 may equally be referred to as a "heated tobacco device," a "heated non-combustion tobacco device," a "device for vaporizing tobacco products," etc., and is to be construed as a device suitable for achieving these effects. The features disclosed herein are equally applicable to devices designed to vaporize any aerosol substrate.

[0173] Embodiments of the aerosol generating device 100 are described as being configured to house an aerosol substrate 128 in a pre-packaged substrate carrier 114. The substrate carrier 114 may generally resemble a cigarette with a tubular region having the aerosol substrate configured in a suitable form. Some designs may also include filters, vapor collection regions, cooling regions, and other structures. An outer layer of paper or other flexible planar material, such as foil, may also be provided, for example, to hold the aerosol substrate in place, further enhancing the resemblance to a cigarette or the like.

[0174] As used herein, the term "fluid" shall be construed as generically describing a type of non-solid material that is capable of flowing, including but not limited to liquids, pastes, gels, powders, etc. Accordingly, a "fluidized material" shall be construed as a material that is inherently fluid or a material that has been modified to behave as a fluid. Fluidization may include, but is not limited to, powdering, dissolving in a solvent, gelling, thickening, thinning, etc.

[0175] As used herein, the term "volatile" refers to a substance that can be easily changed from a solid or liquid state to a gaseous state. As a non-limiting example, a volatile substance may have a boiling or sublimation temperature near room temperature at ambient pressure. Thus, "volatilize" or "volatilise" shall be interpreted to mean to cause (a material) to volatilize and / or to evaporate or disperse into a vapor.

[0176] As used herein, the term "vapour" (or "vapor") means: (i) the form into which a liquid is transformed spontaneously by the action of a sufficient degree of heat; or (ii) liquid / moisture particles suspended in the atmosphere and visible as a cloud of steam / smoke; or (iii) a fluid that fills space like a gas, but can be liquefied by pressure alone when below a critical temperature.

[0177] Consistent with this definition, the term "vaporize" (or "vaporize") means: (i) to change into or cause to change into a vapor, and (ii) when a particle changes physical state (i.e., from a liquid or solid to a gaseous state).

[0178] As used herein, the term "atomise" (or "atomize") shall mean: (i) the conversion (of a substance, especially a liquid) into very small particles or droplets, and (ii) where the particles remain in the same physical state (liquid or solid) as they were before atomization.

[0179] As used herein, the term "aerosol" shall mean a system of particles dispersed in air or gas, such as mist, fog, or smoke. Accordingly, the term "aerosolize" (or "aerosolize") means to make into an aerosol and / or to disperse as an aerosol. It is noted that the meaning of aerosol / aerosolize is consistent with each of volatilize, atomize, and vaporize defined above. For the avoidance of doubt, aerosol is used to consistently describe mist or droplets containing atomized, volatilized, or vaporized particles. Aerosol also includes mist or droplets containing any combination of atomized, volatilized, or vaporized particles.

Claims

1. A heating chamber (108) for an aerosol generating device (100), said heating chamber (108) comprising: an open first end (110); a chamber sidewall (126); a base (112) at a second end of the chamber sidewall (126) opposite the open first end (110); the base (112) includes a platform (148) extending from an inner surface of the base (112) from a portion of the base (112) toward the open first end (110); The heating chamber (108), wherein the platform (148) is not centrally located, but is formed of a series of first protrusions located at an edge of the base (112).

2. 2. The heating chamber (108) of claim 1, further comprising: A heating chamber (108), wherein the first protrusion of the platform (148) is tapered.

3. The heating chamber (108) according to claim 1 or 2, The heating chamber (108) further includes a plurality of second protrusions (140) along the chamber sidewall (126).

4. 4. The heating chamber (108) of claim 3, further comprising: A plurality of the second protrusions (140) are formed on an inner surface of the chamber sidewall (126); A heating chamber (108), wherein the plurality of second projections (140) formed on the interior surface and the first projections located on the edge of the base (112) form a single element.

5. A heating chamber (108) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The platform (148) comprises a platform sidewall facing the chamber sidewall (126) and a platform top facing the open first end (110).

6. 6. The heating chamber (108) of claim 5, further comprising: The platform top is substantially flat, convex, or hemispherical.

7. A heating chamber (108) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The heating chamber (108) comprises a flange (138) positioned at the open first end (110) and extending radially outward from a center of the heating chamber (108), and the platform (148), the base (112), the chamber sidewall (126), and the flange (138) are constructed from a single piece of material.

8. A heating chamber (108) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The heating chamber (108) further comprises a heater (124) in thermal engagement with the chamber sidewall (126).

9. 9. The heating chamber (108) of claim 8, further comprising: The platform (148) is shaped to extend a heat flow path between the heater (124) and the base (112) and / or the platform (148).

10. A heating chamber (108) according to claim 8 or 9, The heater (124) extends around the chamber sidewall (126) and does not extend around the base (112).

11. A heating chamber (108) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The platform (148) has a height that is less than or equal to 10% of the height of the chamber sidewall (126).

12. A heating chamber (108) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The platform (148) has a height above the base (112) of no more than 2 mm.

13. 13. A system comprising the heating chamber (108) of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the heating chamber (108) is configured to accommodate a substrate carrier (114), the substrate carrier (114) including an aerosol substrate (128) formed of a packed material at a first end (134) of the substrate carrier (114), and an upper portion of the platform (148) is configured to contact the first end (134) of the substrate carrier (114).

14. 14. The system according to claim 13, The system further comprises an upper portion of the platform (148) that is further from the base (112) than a portion of the first end (134) of the substrate support (114) that is closest to the base (112), such that the upper portion of the platform (148) is configured to compress the loaded material (128).

15. 15. An aerosol generating device (100) comprising a heating chamber (108) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 or a system according to claim 13 or 14.

Images