Infrared heating type aerosol generating element

Abstract

To provide an aerosol generation element for generating aerosol by a shisha device.SOLUTION: There is provided an aerosol generation element for generating aerosol by a shisha device. The aerosol generation element includes a receptacle for receiving an aerosol forming substrate and a photonic device configured so as to generate beams of IR radiation. The aerosol generation element is disposed so as to heat the aerosol forming substrate by directing the beams of IR radiation on the aerosol forming substrate. The present invention further includes the shisha device equipped with the aerosol generation element, an aerosol generation system equipped with both the shisha device and an aerosol generation article, and a method for forming aerosol by the shisha device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating element for generating an aerosol in a shisha device. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating element, where an aerosol is generated via heating an aerosol-forming substrate by infrared (IR) radiation. The present invention further relates to a shisha device comprising the aerosol generating element, an aerosol generating system comprising both the shisha device and the aerosol-generating article, and a method for forming an aerosol in a shisha device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional shisha devices are used to smoke a tobacco substrate and are configured so that the vapor and smoke pass through a water basin before being inhaled by the user. Shisha devices may include a single outlet or may include two or more outlets so that two or more users can use the device simultaneously. Using a shisha device is considered by many to be a recreational activity and a social experience.

[0003] Conventional shisha devices use charcoal to heat or burn a tobacco substrate to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user. Undesirable combustion by-products, such as high levels of carbon monoxide and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, as well as other harmful and potentially harmful components, may be generated during use of conventional shisha devices. Carbon monoxide may be generated by the combustion of the tobacco substrate as well as charcoal.

[0004] One way to reduce the production of carbon monoxide and combustion by-products is to use an electric heater, e.g., a resistance heater, instead of charcoal, to heat the tobacco substrate to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the substrate without burning the substrate.

[0005] However, compared to conventional charcoal-powered shisha devices, electrically heated devices may suffer from lower total aerosol mass, lower visible aerosol, lower aerosol volume, or any combination thereof. The reduction in one or more of these aerosol properties may be particularly noticeable during the first puff due to poor contact between the substrate and the heated surface. As a result, the time it takes to heat the substrate until the first puff is available for consumption (TT1P) may be relatively long compared to conventional charcoal-heated shisha devices.

[0006] At the same time, in a traditional shisha, the charcoal does not heat the entire aerosol-forming substrate simultaneously and evenly, providing unique heating characteristics. Moving the charcoal to different points at a desired pace is an important part of the traditional shisha practice and smoking experience.

[0007] It would be desirable to provide a shisha device that reduces the production of carbon monoxide and undesirable combustion by-products as compared to conventional charcoal shisha devices.

[0008] It is desirable to provide a shisha device that has heating characteristics that match, resemble, or mimic traditional shisha conventions and smoking experiences. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In various aspects of the invention, an aerosol generating element for generating an aerosol in a shisha device is provided, the aerosol generating element comprising a receptacle for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate and a photonic device configured to generate a beam of IR radiation, the aerosol generating element being arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate by directing the beam of IR radiation onto the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0010] The photonic device thus acts as an IR emitter. In general, the aerosol generating elements of the present invention use IR radiation to heat one or more components of an aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco, as described below.

[0011] The aerosol-generating element of the present invention therefore provides an alternative heating system in which the aerosol-forming substrate is heated by absorption of IR radiation. Heating by IR radiation offers the advantages of fast, flexible and efficient heating.

[0012] In contrast to conduction or convection, radiation transfers energy via electromagnetic waves. As a result, there is no requirement for the presence or absence of a medium or "heat carrier". This can help reduce the time required to bring the aerosol-forming substrate to the desired temperature. This can be particularly beneficial during the period of pre-heating the aerosol-forming substrate. Furthermore, no physical contact between the aerosol-generating element and the aerosol-forming substrate is required. The aerosol-generating element of the present invention allows for non-contact heating of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0013] The aerosol-generating element may be used with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. Specifically, the aerosol-generating element may receive and heat the aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be heated by the aerosol-generating element but may not be combusted. The aerosol-generating element may include a heating element. The heating element may include an electric heating element.

[0014] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating element may include features of a conventional shisha device, such as any of a receptacle for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate, a cover plate for covering the receptacle, a cartridge containing the aerosol-forming substrate, a foil for covering the cartridge, and at least one pellet of charcoal for heating the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0015] Different materials absorb IR radiation at different frequencies. Careful selection of wavelengths can facilitate efficient heating of certain materials while other materials remain substantially cool. Thus, the aerosol generating element of the present invention allows targeted heating as a function of one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate. Targeted IR radiation does not necessarily heat the surrounding air. This means that more efficient heating can be achieved. Also, more design freedom is provided since air gaps do not cause significant heat losses as in conventional electrically heated shisha systems. Therefore, insulating materials are less likely to be required.

[0016] The IR beam can be manipulated to irradiate only specific parts of the aerosol-forming substrate. It is also known that IR absorption has low transmission. The IR beam allows heating only the irradiated parts of the aerosol-forming substrate. Thus, the aerosol-generating element of the present invention allows targeted heating as a function of space.

[0017] Another advantage of the IR heating means of the present invention is the fast thermal response: the aerosol-forming substrate can be heated substantially for the duration of the irradiation.

[0018] Also, IR heating offers great flexibility for the spatial arrangement of the IR emitter and the substrate, which provides a wide range of options for the geometric design of the aerosol generating element and the shisha device.

[0019] In some embodiments, the IR beam may be manipulated between the photonic device and the aerosol-forming substrate, and in some embodiments, the manipulation of the IR beam is preferably facilitated by optical elements.

[0020] In some embodiments, the aerosol generation element further comprises an optical element located between the photonic device and the receptacle and configured to steer the beam of IR radiation.

[0021] The term "manipulating a beam of IR radiation" may include any change in the optical path of a beam of IR radiation, including any of the following: reflecting an IR beam, deflecting an IR beam, converging an IR beam, and expanding an IR beam.

[0022] The term "optical element" includes any element capable of manipulating a beam of IR radiation. Examples include mirrors, curved mirrors, lenses, convex lenses, and concave lenses. Concave lenses can widen the IR beam to reduce its energy density. Such configurations can be particularly useful for maintaining the substrate at a predetermined low temperature during long intervals of time when no puffing occurs, such as during preheating stages or between puffs. Convex lenses can focus the IR beam to increase its energy density. A converging or focused beam can allow for rapid depletion of a particular area of ​​the substrate.

[0023] According to one or more embodiments, the optical elements of the aerosol generating component of the present invention may be disposed on an optical mount. The optical mount may be movable. The movement of the optical mount may be performed mechanically, electrically, or electromechanically. The movement may be achieved by any suitable means. Examples include a stepper motor, an eccentric screw, or both a stepper motor and an eccentric screw. The movement may be performed manually by a user. The movement is preferably performed automatically by an electronically controlled component.

[0024] The position of the optical element may be adjustable during use by the optical mount. The optical element disposed on the optical mount allows for steering the beam of IR radiation. The optical element disposed on the optical mount allows for dynamically steering the beam of IR radiation.

[0025] The term "movable optical mount" includes any type of mount for an optical element that allows the optical element to be moved to different positions or orientations relative to an incident IR beam, whereby the manipulation of the IR beam performed by the optical element can be changed by moving the optical element via the movable optical mount.

[0026] The term "dynamically manipulating the beam of IR radiation" means that the beam of IR radiation can be manipulated during use of the aerosol generating element in the shisha device.

[0027] The term "in use" may refer to any moment when a user activates the shisha device. "In use" may refer to any moment when the shisha device is switched on. "In use" may refer to any moment when power is supplied to the photonic device. "In use" may refer to the moment during or between puffs.

[0028] Steering of the IR beam may be performed via a movable optical mount. Mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical movement may be accomplished by any suitable means. Examples include stepper motors, eccentric screws, piezoelectric screws, or combinations thereof. Movement may be performed manually by a user. Movement is preferably performed automatically by electronically controlled components.

[0029] Generally, the progress of the dynamic manipulation of the IR beam may be controlled by a computer program running on the electronic circuit. Part of the dynamic manipulation or the entire dynamic manipulation may be controlled automatically, for example, according to the computer program. The computer program may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. One or more aspects of the dynamic manipulation may be partially or completely controllable by a user. For example, the user may control the pace of the dynamic manipulation. The user may control the location of the substrate to which the IR beam is directed. For example, means may be included that allow a user to input commands and thereby dynamically manipulate the IR beam according to his or her preferences. Such means may be any suitable means known to those skilled in the art. An example is a control unit that includes a user interface. In some embodiments, the user interface may include electronic, mechanical, or electromechanical user interface means.

[0030] Dynamic manipulation of the beam of IR radiation may allow the trajectory of the beam to be dynamically manipulated. Dynamic manipulation of the IR beam may thereby allow different parts of the aerosol-forming substrate to be irradiated. Dynamic manipulation of the IR beam may thereby allow selective irradiation of the aerosol-forming substrate, and thus selective aerosol generation. Dynamic manipulation of the IR beam may allow sequential irradiation of the aerosol-forming substrate. Using the aerosol-generating element of the present invention, different parts of the aerosol-forming substrate may be heated sequentially. The sequential heating may be partially or completely controlled by the user. The aerosol-generating element of the present invention may resemble the movement of charcoal on the substrate, and the traditional conventions of the smoking experience may still be preserved.

[0031] The photonic device of the aerosol generating element functions as an IR emitter. To select an appropriate IR emitter, the composition of the aerosol-forming substrate should be considered. The IR emitter may be selected taking into consideration one or more IR emitter characteristics. The one or more IR emitter characteristics may be selected depending on one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the one or more electromagnetic emitter characteristics may include any one or combination of wavelength, frequency, spot size, swept source, pulsed vs. continuous wave, energy, and power. For example, the wavelength of the IR emitter may be selected taking into consideration the absorption of IR light by one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate. The wavelength of the IR emitter may be selected taking into consideration the transmission of IR light by one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0032] The wavelength of the IR emitter may correspond to an IR absorption band of a component of the aerosol-forming substrate. The wavelength of the IR emitter may correspond to an IR absorption band of two or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0033] For example, the wavelength of the IR emitter may correspond to one or more IR absorption bands of glycerol, molasses, sugar, invert sugar, tobacco, tobacco derivatives, or any other component of the aerosol-forming substrate, as described below.

[0034] The term "wavelength" may refer to a single wavelength, multiple single wavelengths, a range of wavelengths, a range of wavelengths, or any combination thereof.

[0035] For example, there may be a relatively large amount of glycerol present in the aerosol-forming substrate, and the wavelength requirement may be adapted to the strong absorption band of glycerol, which is found at wavelengths of IR light between 1300 nanometers and 2000 nanometers. Thus, the IR emitter may emit IR light in the range of 800 nanometers to 2300 nanometers, preferably between 1300 nanometers and 2000 nanometers.

[0036] In some embodiments, the IR emitter may emit IR light at a power ranging from 0.1 Watts to 30 Watts, preferably from 0.5 Watts to 25 Watts, more preferably from 1 Watt to 20 Watts, more preferably from 1 Watt to 3 Watts. In some embodiments, a relatively high power is used to preheat the aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, a relatively low power is used for on-demand puffing.

[0037] For "puff on demand" operation, the IR emitter must be able to bring the minimum amount of aerosol-forming substrate required to generate the aerosol for one puff up to 250 degrees Celsius within 5 seconds, preferably within 2 seconds, preferably within 1 second. The minimum amount of aerosol-forming substrate required to generate the aerosol for one puff can be up to 1.2 cubic centimeters.

[0038] In some embodiments, the energy density of the beam of IR radiation may range from 0.010 Watts / cm2 to 30 Watts / cm2, preferably from 0.050 Watts / cm2 to 6 Watts / cm2, and more preferably from 0.100 Watts / cm2 to 3 Watts / cm2.

[0039] In some embodiments, the diameter of the beam of IR radiation may range from 1 millimeter to 110 millimeters, preferably from 2 millimeters to 100 millimeters, and more preferably from 5 millimeters to 80 millimeters. Generally, a relatively large diameter is used for preheating the aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, a relatively small diameter is used for on-demand puffing.

[0040] The term "IR beam diameter" may refer to the diameter of the area of ​​the aerosol-forming substrate that is directly irradiated by the beam of IR radiation.

[0041] The distance between the IR emitter and the aerosol-forming substrate may be up to 30 centimetres, preferably up to 20 centimetres, more preferably up to 10 centimetres.

[0042] Control over the intensity of heating of the aerosol-forming substrate by the IR emitter can be achieved by moving the wavelength of heating slightly off-resonance from the one already selected. This can advantageously maximize the absorption of the desired compound, e.g., glycerol, in the aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, control over the intensity of heating of the aerosol-forming substrate can be achieved by varying the power supplied to the IR emitter.

[0043] In some embodiments, the IR emitter may comprise a laser. In some embodiments, the IR emitter may comprise a laser diode. The photonic device of the aerosol generating element of the present invention may comprise an IR laser diode.

[0044] The photonic device of the present invention may be used as the sole heating means for heating the aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the photonic device of the present invention may be used in combination with one or more additional heating means. Any heating means may be used as the additional heating means. Examples include electrical heating means, such as resistive heating means, inductive heating means, or a combination of both resistive and inductive heating means.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, the aerosol generating element may additionally comprise additional heating means, such as electric heating means, configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate received in the receptacle. The additional electric heating means may be in thermal contact with the receptacle. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the receptacle may be formed by the additional electric heating means.

[0046] The additional heating means preferably includes a resistive heating means. For example, the additional heating means may include one or more resistive wires or other resistive elements. The resistive wire may be in contact with a thermally conductive material to distribute the generated heat over a larger area. Examples of suitable conductive materials include aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, and combinations thereof. For purposes of this disclosure, when the resistive wire is in contact with a thermally conductive material, both the resistive wire and the thermally conductive material are part of the heating means that forms at least a portion of the surface of the receptacle.

[0047] In some embodiments, the additional heating means includes an induction heating means. For example, the additional heating means may include a susceptor material forming a surface of the receptacle. The term "susceptor" as used herein refers to a material capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat. When placed in an alternating electromagnetic field, eddy currents are typically induced in the susceptor and hysteresis losses may occur, resulting in heating of the susceptor. When the susceptor is placed in thermal contact with or in close thermal proximity to an aerosol-forming substrate, the substrate is heated by the susceptor, thereby forming an aerosol. The susceptor is preferably disposed in at least partial direct physical contact with the aerosol-forming substrate or a cartridge containing the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0048] The susceptor may be formed from any material that can be inductively heated. Preferably, the susceptor may be formed from any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate. Preferred susceptors include metal or carbon. Preferred susceptors may include or consist of ferromagnetic materials (e.g., ferritic iron), ferromagnetic alloys (such as ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel), and ferrites. Suitable susceptors may be or include aluminum.

[0049] The preferred susceptor is a metal susceptor (e.g., stainless steel). However, the susceptor material may also include or be made of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, aluminum, niobium, Inconel alloy (austenitic nickel-chromium based superalloy), metallized film, ceramic (e.g., zirconium, etc.), transition metal (e.g., Fe, Co, Ni, etc.), or semi-metallic components (e.g., B, C, Si, P, Al, etc.).

[0050] The susceptor preferably comprises more than 5%, preferably more than 20%, preferably more than 50% or 90% ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material. Preferred susceptors may be heated to temperatures in excess of 250 degrees Celsius. Suitable susceptors may comprise a non-metallic core having a metallic layer disposed thereon (e.g., metallic tracks formed on the surface of a ceramic core).

[0051] The shisha device may also include one or more induction coils configured to induce eddy currents and / or hysteresis losses in the susceptor material, resulting in heating of the susceptor material. The susceptor material may also be positioned in a cartridge that contains the aerosol-generating substrate. The susceptor element that includes the susceptor material may include any suitable material, such as those described in PCT Patent Application Publication Nos. 2014 / 102092 and 2015 / 177255.

[0052] The additional heating means, whether an induction heating means or a susceptor, may be thermally coupled to the heat block. The additional heating means may be in direct contact with the heat block. The heat block may comprise any suitable thermally conductive material. In some embodiments, the heat block comprises aluminum, alumina, or alumina ceramic. The heat block may form an exterior surface of the additional heating means.

[0053] The aerosol-generating element may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol-forming substrate by the heating means described above. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate is preferably heated to a temperature in the range of about 150°C to about 250°C, more preferably about 180°C to about 230°C, or about 200°C to about 230°C.

[0054] In some embodiments, the IR beam may be considered as a depleting agent, meaning that aerosol formation occurs substantially only where the IR beam irradiates the aerosol-forming substrate. If an electric heating means is additionally provided, in some embodiments, the electric heating means may maintain the substrate at a constant temperature below the volatilization temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate. The IR heating means may provide additional energy to heat the compound above the volatilization temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate to generate the aerosol.

[0055] In some embodiments, the IR beam can help provide a fast initial volatilization of a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate, while the additional electric heating means means to heat the majority of the aerosol-forming substrate for a longer period of time. In some conventional electric heating arrangements, there can be a relatively large delay between turning on the electric shisha device to provide energy to the electric heating means and the time when the user can take the first puff. This period is known in the art as "time to first puff" (TT1P). Thus, combining the IR beam with the additional electric heating means can help reduce the TT1P by providing aerosol for the first one, two, or several puffs via IR heating alone until the additional electric heating means can bring the relatively larger volume of the aerosol-forming substrate to the volatilization temperature.

[0056] In one or more embodiments, the aerosol generating element comprises a window. The window may be located between the photonic device and the receptacle. In one or more embodiments, the window may be substantially transparent to the beam of IR radiation. The window may be located at a position between the optical element and the receptacle. In these embodiments, the IR light may be transmitted through the window into the receptacle. The window may therefore prevent the accumulation of residue on the surface of the IR emitter or the optical element. The window functions to prevent the IR emitter and the optical element from becoming contaminated. Otherwise, residue such as dirt and debris from heating the aerosol-forming substrate may accumulate on the optical element or the IR emitter, or both. The window may be less susceptible to such contamination and easier to clean. To this end, the window may be a removable component that can be removed from the device for cleaning.

[0057] In one or more embodiments, the optical element comprises a mirror for reflecting the beam of IR radiation. The mirror may act as an optical element to manipulate the beam of IR radiation by reflection of the beam in the mirror. The size of the irradiated portion of the aerosol-forming substrate may be manipulated by reflecting the beam of IR radiation in the mirror. The mirror may be a curved mirror.

[0058] Preferably, the radius or effective radius of the curved mirror is not fixed, but can be dynamically manipulated. Suitable means for manipulating the radius of the curved mirror include, but are not limited to, water or air pressure. Suitable variable radius mirrors are commercially available and allow for dynamic variation of the beam characteristics during operation. For this purpose, the mirror surface is formed from a flexible material. By varying the applied water or air pressure, the flexible mirror surface is deformed. This deformation allows for the curvature of the mirror to be changed to dynamically manipulate the beam of IR radiation.

[0059] Alternatively, or additionally, the position of the IR beam on the aerosol-forming substrate may be dynamically manipulated by a moveable optical mount on which a mirror may be disposed, for example, the reflection angle of the mirror may be dynamically manipulated using a microstructure assembly of stepper motors.

[0060] In one or more embodiments, the beam of IR radiation includes an incident IR radiation beam propagating from the photonic device towards the curved mirror and a reflected IR radiation beam propagating from the curved mirror to the receptacle, with an angle between the incident IR radiation beam and the reflected IR radiation beam, preferably about 90 degrees. Thus, the beam is deflected by the curved mirror at an angle, preferably about 90 degrees. Deflecting the beam of IR radiation at a predefined angle along its path from the photonic device to the receptacle may allow the aerosol generating element to be designed with a different shape. For example, if the beam is deflected at a predefined angle, the photonic device does not necessarily need to be positioned in a linear relationship to the illuminated surface of the aerosol-forming substrate contained within the receptacle. This may allow for a more compact design of the shisha device.

[0061] In one or more embodiments, the optical element may include a lens, which may include one or more of a concave lens for expanding the beam of IR radiation in a direction toward the receptacle, and a convex lens for converging the beam of IR radiation in a direction toward the receptacle.

[0062] A concave lens can widen the IR beam to reduce the energy density of the IR beam. Such a configuration can be particularly useful for maintaining the substrate at a predetermined low temperature during long intervals when no puffing is occurring, such as during a preheat stage or between puffs.

[0063] A convex lens can focus the IR beam to increase the energy density of the IR beam. A converging or focused beam can allow for rapid depletion of specific areas of the substrate.

[0064] In one or more embodiments, the optical elements may include variable lenses that can be switched between convex and concave shapes. Similar to the deformable mirrors described above, these variable lenses may be made from a flexible material and may be switched by changing the applied water or air pressure. Again, pressure-induced deformation may change the curvature of the lens.

[0065] In embodiments where the radius of the curved mirror is not fixed, but can be dynamically manipulated similar to a lens, the curved mirror can be used as an optical element to selectively converge, expand, or both focus and expand the IR beam. By increasing the radius of curvature of the curved mirror, the beam expands in the direction towards the receptacle. By decreasing the radius of curvature of the curved mirror, the beam converges in the direction towards the receptacle.

[0066] In one or more embodiments, the optical element may be connected to a control unit. The control unit may be arranged for a user to select a particular portion of the aerosol-forming substrate received in the receptacle to be heated by the IR radiation. The control unit includes a user interface that allows the user to input commands and thereby manipulate the IR beam according to his or her preferences. The user interface may include a touch screen that allows the user to signal which area of ​​the substrate should be heated. For example, an optical mount, which may be movable by a stepper motor, may then be activated to direct the IR beam to the signaled point within the substrate. Additionally, a display may indicate which portion of the substrate has already been consumed or at least irradiated. The control unit may be included to maximize retention of convention in non-charcoal operated shishas. Generally, any suitable aerosol-forming substrate may be used in accordance with the present invention. The aerosol-forming substrate is preferably a substrate that has the ability to emit volatile compounds that may form an aerosol. The volatile compounds may be emitted by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid and may include both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate preferably comprises a solid.

[0067] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. The nicotine-containing aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a nicotine salt matrix. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate preferably comprises tobacco, the tobacco-containing material preferably containing volatile tobacco flavour compounds which are released from the aerosol-forming substrate on heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenised tobacco material. The homogenised tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may alternatively or additionally comprise a non-tobacco-containing material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenised plant-derived material.

[0068] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more of powders, granules, pellets, pieces, spaghetti, strips, or sheets containing, for example, one or more of herb leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco stem fragments, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, or expanded tobacco.

[0069] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol former. The aerosol former may be any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol in use and is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the shisha device. Suitable aerosol formers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols (such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerol), esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol monoacetate, diacetate or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate). Particularly preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof (such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and most preferably glycerol). The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise other additives and ingredients, such as flavorants. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises nicotine and at least one aerosol former. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aerosol former is glycerol.

[0070] The aerosol-forming substrate may include any suitable amount of aerosol former. For example, the aerosol former content may be 5% or more on a dry weight basis, and preferably is greater than 30% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol former content may be less than about 95% on a dry weight basis. Preferably, the aerosol former content is up to about 55%.

[0071] The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided on or embedded in a thermally stable carrier. The carrier may comprise a thin layer of the substrate deposited on the first major surface, the second major outer surface, or both the first and second major surfaces. The carrier may be formed of, for example, paper or paper-like material, non-woven carbon fiber mat, low-mass open mesh metal screen, or perforated metal foil or any other thermally stable polymeric matrix. Alternatively, the carrier may take the form of a powder, granules, pellets, pieces, spaghetti, strips or sheets, etc. The carrier may be a non-woven fabric or fiber bundle incorporating tobacco components. The non-woven fabric or fiber bundle may comprise, for example, carbon fibers, natural cellulose fibers, or cellulose derivative fibers.

[0072] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises one or more sugars in any suitable amount. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises invert sugar, which is a mixture of glucose and fructose obtained by grinding sucrose. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises about 1% to about 40% by weight of a sugar (such as invert sugar). In some embodiments, the one or more sugars may be mixed with a suitable carrier, such as corn starch or maltodextrin.

[0073] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises one or more sensory enhancers. Suitable sensory enhancers include sensates such as flavorants and cooling agents. Suitable flavorants include natural or synthetic menthol, peppermint, spearmint, coffee, tea, spices (such as cinnamon, clove and ginger), cocoa, vanilla, fruit flavors, chocolate, eucalyptus, geranium, eugenol, agave, juniper, anethole, linalool and any combination thereof.

[0074] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate is in the form of a suspension. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may be in the form of molasses. As used herein, "molasses" refers to an aerosol-forming substrate composition that includes about 25% or more sugar. For example, molasses may include at least about 30% sugar by weight, such as at least about 40% sugar by weight. Typically, molasses contains less than about 60% sugar by weight, such as less than about 50% sugar by weight.

[0075] The term "tobacco material" refers to a material or substance that contains tobacco, including, for example, a tobacco blend or flavored tobacco.

[0076] As used herein, the term "aerosol" when discussing an aerosol stream can mean an aerosol, air containing an aerosol or vapor, or air entrained with an aerosol. Air containing a vapor can be a precursor to air containing an aerosol, for example, after cooling or acceleration.

[0077] The IR emitter may be adapted to the IR absorption band of any component of the aerosol-forming substrate.The IR emitter may be adapted to the IR transmission of any component of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0078] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shisha device comprising an aerosol generating element as described above. In one or more embodiments, the shisha device may further comprise an air conduit and a liquid vessel.

[0079] In use, the generated aerosol may flow through the aerosol conduit. The aerosol conduit may also be referred to herein as a stem pipe. The aerosol conduit comprises a proximal end portion defining a proximal opening positioned to receive an airflow from the aerosol generating element. The conduit includes a distal end portion defining a distal opening positioned inside the vessel. The vessel is configured to receive a liquid therein up to a liquid fill level. The aerosol conduit is in fluid communication with the vessel. An airflow channel may be defined between the aerosol generating element and the interior of the vessel. In particular, the aerosol generating element is in fluid communication with the vessel by the conduit. The interior of the vessel includes a lower volume for receiving the liquid and an upper volume for a head space. The vessel includes a head space outlet in fluid communication with the upper volume of the vessel above the liquid fill level. In some embodiments, a hose may be connected to the head space outlet. A mouthpiece may be coupled to the hose for a user of the shisha device to take a puff.

[0080] The vessel may include an optically transparent or opaque housing that allows a consumer to observe the contents contained within the vessel. The vessel may include a liquid fill boundary, such as a liquid fill line. The vessel housing may be formed of any suitable material. For example, the vessel housing may include glass or a suitable rigid plastic material. The vessel is preferably removable from the portion of the shisha device having the aerosol generating element to allow a consumer to fill or clean the vessel.

[0081] The vessel may be filled to a liquid fill level. The liquid preferably comprises water, which may optionally be infused with one or more colors, flavors, or colorants and flavors. For example, the water may be infused with one or both of a plant or herbal infusion. In some embodiments, the aerosol may be altered by being drawn through the liquid.

[0082] Air can be flowed through the aerosol generating element to draw the aerosol from the aerosol generating element through the aerosol conduit. The aerosol conduit can define an airflow channel. The airflow can exit the shisha device through the headspace outlet of the vessel. The air can flow through the aerosol conduit by applying negative pressure to the headspace outlet. The source of the negative pressure can be the user's inhalation or puffing. In response, the aerosol can be drawn through the aerosol conduit through a liquid contained within the interior of the vessel. The user can inhale on a mouthpiece in fluid communication with the headspace outlet to generate or provide negative pressure to the headspace outlet or the mouthpiece. In some embodiments, the airflow can enter an aerosol-forming substrate receptacle of the shisha device and flow along or across the aerosol-forming substrate to entrain the aerosol. The aerosol-entrained air can then flow from an outlet in the receptacle through the conduit to the vessel.

[0083] As used herein, the term "downstream" refers to the direction along the aerosol conduit from the aerosol generation element toward the interior of the vessel. The term "upstream" means the direction opposite the downstream direction, or along the aerosol conduit from the interior of the vessel toward the aerosol generation element.

[0084] The aerosol conduit is positioned between the aerosol generation element and the interior of the vessel. The aerosol conduit may include one or more components along the aerosol conduit. The aerosol conduit includes a proximal end portion defining a proximal opening positioned to receive the airflow from the aerosol generation element. The aerosol conduit includes a distal end portion defining a distal opening positioned within the interior of the vessel. The distal end portion of the aerosol conduit may extend into a volume of liquid within the interior of the vessel during use of the shisha device.

[0085] The aerosol conduit may be described as defining a longitudinal axis extending through the proximal and distal end portions. A transverse direction may be defined as perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. For example, the cross-section, circumference, width, or diameter of the aerosol conduit may be defined transversely or in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0086] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising the shisha device of the present invention and an aerosol generating article. Generally, the aerosol generating article is a consumable item that is removably attached to a receptacle of an aerosol generating element. The aerosol generating article includes an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0087] In one or more embodiments, the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the aerosol-generating article may be loose shisha molasses. In one or more embodiments, the aerosol-generating article comprises a cartridge including an outer shell that encapsulates the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0088] Generally, the receptacle is configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate or an aerosol-generating article. Thus, the receptacle is configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate or a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0089] The receptacle may include any suitable number of openings in communication with one or more air inlet channels. In some embodiments, the receptacle may include 1-1000 openings (such as 1-500 openings). The openings may be uniformly sized or non-uniformly sized. The openings may be uniformly shaped or non-uniformly shaped. The openings may be uniformly distributed or non-uniformly distributed. The openings may be formed in any suitable location of the receptacle. For example, the openings may be formed in one or both of the top or bottom of the receptacle. Preferably, the openings are formed in the bottom of the receptacle.

[0090] The receptacle is preferably shaped and sized to allow contact between one or more walls or ceiling of the receptacle and the aerosol-forming substrate or cartridge containing the aerosol-forming substrate when the substrate or cartridge is received by the receptacle. Advantageously, this facilitates conductive heating of the aerosol-forming substrate by the heating element.

[0091] The interior of the receptacle and the exterior of the cartridge containing the aerosol-forming substrate are preferably of similar size and dimensions. The interior of the receptacle preferably has a height to base width (or diameter) ratio of greater than about 1.5 to 1. The exterior of the cartridge preferably has a height to base width (or diameter) ratio of greater than about 1.5 to 1. Such a ratio may allow for more efficient depletion of the aerosol-forming substrate within the cartridge during use by allowing heat from the heating element to penetrate to the center of the cartridge. For example, the receptacle and cartridge may have a base diameter (or width) that is about 1.5 to about 5 times the height, or about 1.5 to about 4 times the height, or about 1.5 to about 3 times the height. Similarly, the receptacle and cartridge may have a height that is about 1.5 to about 5 times the base diameter (or width), or about 1.5 to about 4 times the base diameter (or width), or about 1.5 to about 3 times the base diameter (or width). The receptacles and cartridges preferably have a height:base diameter or base diameter:height ratio of about 1.5:1 to about 2.5:1.

[0092] In some embodiments, the interior of the receptacle and the exterior of the cartridge each have a base diameter in the range of about 15 millimeters to about 30 millimeters, and a height in the range of about 40 millimeters to about 60 millimeters.

[0093] The receptacle may be formed from one or more parts. Preferably, the receptacle is formed by two or more parts. At least a portion of the receptacle is preferably movable relative to another part to allow access to the interior of the receptacle for inserting a cartridge into the receptacle. For example, one part may be removably attachable to another part to allow insertion of an aerosol-forming substrate or a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate when the parts are separated. The parts may be attachable in any suitable manner, such as by threaded engagement, interference fit, snap fit, or the like. In some embodiments, the parts are attached to each other via a hinge. When the parts are attached via a hinge, the parts may also include a locking mechanism to secure the parts relative to each other when the receptacle is in a closed position. In some embodiments, the receptacle includes a drawer that may be slidably opened to allow an aerosol-forming substrate or a cartridge to be placed in the drawer, and that can be slidably closed to allow the shisha device to be used.

[0094] Any suitable aerosol-generating article for at least partially containing the aerosol-forming substrate may be used in the shisha device described herein. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a cartridge. The cartridge, the contents of the cartridge, or both the cartridge and the contents of the cartridge may be arranged to be heated by a heating element. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate not provided in the cartridge may be placed in the receptacle.

[0095] The cartridge preferably includes a thermally conductive body. For example, the body may include any one of aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, and combinations of one or more thereof. The body preferably includes aluminum. In some embodiments, the cartridge includes one or more materials that are less thermally conductive than aluminum. For example, the body may include any suitable thermally stable polymeric material. If the material is thin enough, sufficient heat may be transferred through the body to the aerosol-forming substrate contained therein, especially when the body is formed from a relatively non-thermally conductive material.

[0096] The cartridge may include one or more openings. In some embodiments, the one or more openings may be formed in the top and bottom of the body to allow airflow through the cartridge in use. If the top of the receptacle includes one or more openings, at least some of the openings in the top of the cartridge may align with the openings in the top of the receptacle. The cartridge may include alignment features configured to mate with complementary alignment features of the receptacle to align the openings of the cartridge with the openings of the receptacle when the cartridge is inserted into the receptacle. The openings in the body of the cartridge may be covered during storage to prevent the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the cartridge from leaking out of the cartridge. Additionally or alternatively, the openings in the body of the cartridge may have dimensions small enough to prevent or inhibit the aerosol-forming substrate from exiting the cartridge. If the openings are covered, the consumer may remove the cover before inserting the cartridge into the receptacle. In some embodiments, the shisha device is configured to pierce the cartridge to form an opening in the cartridge. In some embodiments, the receptacle of the shisha device is configured to pierce the cartridge to form an opening in the cartridge.

[0097] The cartridge may be of any suitable shape. Preferably, the cartridge has a frusto-conical or cylindrical shape.

[0098] The cartridge may have a lid. The lid may be removable. The removable lid may be removed before using the aerosol generating element to irradiate the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge. This may minimize energy loss through absorption of the interface material and maximize direct irradiation of the aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may be reusable, such that a user purchases the substrate separately and manually loads the substrate instead of purchasing a pre-prepared shisha cartridge. This may provide the advantage of being more similar to traditional shisha practices.

[0099] In one or more embodiments, the aerosol-generating article comprises a cartridge including an outer shell enclosing an aerosol-forming substrate, and the aerosol-generating element is configured to either directly heat the aerosol-forming substrate within the cartridge, or to directly heat the outer shell of the cartridge and indirectly heat the aerosol-forming substrate within the cartridge via the outer shell of the cartridge.

[0100] The shisha device may include control electronics operably coupled to the resistive heating element, the inductive coil, the photonic device, the optical element, and / or the movable optical mount, the control electronics configured to control heating of the heating element.

[0101] The control electronics may be provided in any suitable form. The control electronics may include a controller. The control electronics may include a memory. The memory may include instructions that cause one or more components of the shisha device to perform functions or aspects of the control electronics. The functionality attributed to the control electronics in this disclosure may be embodied as one or more of software, firmware, and hardware. The memory may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0102] Specifically, one or more components, such as the controller described herein, may include a processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), computer, logic array, or other device capable of directing data into or out of the control electronics. The controller may include one or more computing devices having memory, processing means, and communication hardware. The controller may include circuitry used to couple the various components of the controller together or with other components operatively coupled to the controller. The functions of the controller may be implemented by hardware. The functions of the controller may be implemented by computer instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The functions of the controller may be implemented by both hardware and instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0103] Where the controller includes a processor, the processor may, in some embodiments, include any one or more of a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuitry. In some embodiments, the processor may include multiple components, such as one or more microprocessors, one or more controllers, one or more DSPs, one or more ASICs, and one or more FPGAs, as well as any combination of other discrete or integrated logic circuitry. The functionality attributed to a controller or processor herein may be embodied as software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof. Although described herein as a processor-based system, alternative controllers may utilize other components, such as relays and timers, alone or in combination with a microprocessor-based system, to achieve the desired results.

[0104] In one or more embodiments, the exemplary systems, methods, and interfaces may be implemented using one or more computer programs using a computing device, which may include one or more processors, memory, or both memory and one or more processors. The program code, logic, or both code and logic described herein may be applied to input data or information to perform the functions described herein and generate desired output data / information. The output data or information may be applied as input to one or more other devices or methods as described herein or as applied in a known manner. In view of the above, it will be readily apparent that the controller functions as described herein may be implemented in any manner known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0105] In some embodiments, the control electronics may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The electronic circuitry may be configured to regulate the supply of electrical power. The electrical power may be supplied to the heater element or induction coil in the form of current pulses.

[0106] If the heating element includes a resistive heating element, in some embodiments the control electronics may be configured to measure or monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element. In some embodiments, the control electronics may be configured to control the supply of power to the heating element in response to the electrical resistance of the heating element. In this manner, the control electronics may regulate the temperature of the resistive element.

[0107] When the heating component includes an induction coil and the heating element includes a susceptor material, in some embodiments, the control electronics may be configured to monitor an aspect of the induction coil. In some embodiments, the control electronics may be configured to control the supply of power to the induction coil depending on an aspect of the coil, for example, as described in WO2015 / 177255. In this manner, the control electronics may regulate the temperature of the susceptor material.

[0108] The shisha device may include a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may include a thermocouple. The temperature sensor may be operably coupled to the control electronics to control the temperature of the heating element. The temperature sensor may be located in any suitable location. For example, the temperature sensor may be configured to be inserted into an aerosol-forming substrate or cartridge received in a receptacle to monitor the temperature of the heated aerosol-forming substrate. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor may be in contact with the heating element. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor may be positioned to detect the temperature at an aerosol outlet of the shisha device, such as an aerosol outlet of an aerosol generating element. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor may be in contact with a cooling element, such as the heated side of a heat pump. The sensor may send a signal regarding the sensed temperature to the control electronics, which may adjust the heating of the heating element to achieve a suitable temperature at the sensor.

[0109] Any suitable thermocouple may be used, such as a K-type thermocouple. The thermocouple may be located in the cartridge where the temperature is lowest. For example, the thermocouple may be located in the center or middle of the cartridge. In some shisha devices, the thermocouple may be located under the aerosol-forming substrate (such as molasses), for example, by placing the thermocouple between the receptacle of the substrate and the heating element (such as charcoal) and then placing the substrate on top.

[0110] Regardless of whether the shisha device includes a temperature sensor, the device is preferably configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate received in the receptacle sufficiently to generate an aerosol without combusting the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0111] The control electronics may be operably coupled to a power source of the shisha device. The shisha device may comprise any suitable power source. For example, the power source of the shisha device may be a battery or a set of batteries (e.g., a battery pack). In some embodiments, one or more components of the battery, such as the cathode and anode elements, or even the entire battery, may be adapted to match the geometric shape of the part of the shisha device in which they are placed. In some cases, the battery or battery components may be adapted by rolling or assembly to match the geometric shape. The battery of the power supply unit may be rechargeable. The battery of the power supply may be removable and replaceable. Any suitable battery may be used. For example, a commercially available heavy-duty type battery or a standard battery (such as a battery used for industrial heavy-duty power tools). Alternatively, the power supply unit may be any type of power supply source, including a supercapacitor or a hypercapacitor. In some embodiments, the shisha device may be connectable to an external power supply source and may be electrically and electronically designed for such purpose. Regardless of the type of power source used, it is preferred that the power source provide sufficient energy for normal functioning of the shisha device for at least about 30 minutes, preferably at least about 50 minutes, and more preferably at least about 70 minutes of continuous operation of the device before requiring recharging or connection to an external power source.

[0112] The shisha device may comprise an acceleration element. The aerosol-laden air may depressurize as it passes through one or more acceleration elements. The aerosol-laden air may then pass through a stem pipe into the vessel and then be inhaled by a user. The acceleration element may be positioned along the aerosol conduit, such as along an airflow channel of the aerosol conduit. In particular, the acceleration element may be positioned along the aerosol conduit. The acceleration element may integrally form part of the airflow channel or the aerosol conduit. The acceleration element may be configured to accelerate the aerosol flowing through the acceleration element.

[0113] The shisha device may include a cooling element. The cooling element may be disposed along the airflow channel or aerosol conduit. The cooling element may integrally form a portion of the airflow channel or aerosol conduit. The cooling element is configured to cool the aerosol in the airflow channel, particularly the air flowing through or past the cooling element. The cooling element may be disposed downstream from the aerosol generation element along the airflow channel. Specifically, the cooling element may be disposed between the aerosol generation element and the end of the airflow channel, or at least between the aerosol generation element and the vessel. Additionally, the cooling element may be positioned adjacent to or as close as possible to the deceleration chamber, or the deceleration portion of the stem pipe, which may facilitate rapid cooling for aerosol generation. The cooling element may utilize passive cooling, active cooling, or both. The cooling element may include a conduit of thermally conductive material.

[0114] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for forming an aerosol in a shisha device is provided. According to the method, a beam of IR radiation is generated by a photonic device. Furthermore, the beam of IR radiation is directed from the photonic device to an aerosol-forming substrate received in a receptacle of the shisha device. Finally, the aerosol-forming substrate received in the receptacle is heated by the beam of IR radiation. As a result, the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate increases with absorption of the IR light. The temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate may increase with absorption of the IR light until it reaches a vaporization temperature at which an aerosol is formed.

[0115] In one or more embodiments of the method, the wavelength of the beam of IR radiation is selected to correspond to a wavelength at which at least a component of the aerosol-forming substrate absorbs IR radiation.

[0116] In one or more embodiments of the method, the method includes manipulating the beam of IR radiation prior to heating an aerosol-forming substrate received in a receptacle of the shisha device with the beam of IR radiation. In some embodiments of the method, manipulating the beam of IR radiation includes manipulating the IR beam of radiation using one or more optical elements. In some embodiments, the one or more optical elements may be provided on a moveable mount. Thus, different portions of the aerosol-forming substrate may be selectively, e.g., sequentially, heated.

[0117] In some embodiments of the method, the method includes dynamically manipulating the beam of IR radiation, which in some embodiments may be achieved by a moveable mounting of the optical element such that different portions of the aerosol-forming substrate are selectively, e.g., sequentially, heated.

[0118] In one or more embodiments of the method, the method comprises heating the aerosol-forming substrate by additional electrical heating means, thus allowing the aerosol-forming substrate to be heated simultaneously by both the beam of IR radiation and the additional electrical heating means.

[0119] For illustrative purposes, one method of using a shisha device as described herein is provided below in chronological order. The vessel may be removed from other components of the shisha device and filled with water. One or more of natural fruit beverages, botanicals, and herbal infusions may be added to the water for flavoring. The amount of liquid added should cover a portion of the main conduit, but not exceed a fill level mark that may be optionally present on the vessel. The vessel is then reassembled into the shisha device. A portion of the aerosol generating element may be removed or opened to allow an aerosol-forming substrate or cartridge to be inserted into the receptacle. The aerosol generating element is then reassembled or closed. The device may then be turned on. The user may puff from the mouthpiece until a desired amount of aerosol is generated to fill the chamber with the air acceleration inlet. The user may puff from the mouthpiece as desired. The user may continue to use the device until no aerosol is visible in the chamber. Preferably, the device automatically shuts off when the cartridge or substrate is depleted of usable aerosol-forming substrate. Alternatively, or in addition, the consumer may refill the device with fresh aerosol-forming substrate or fresh cartridge, for example after receiving a signal from the device that the consumable is depleted or nearly depleted. Once refilled with fresh substrate or cartridge, the device can continue to be used. Preferably, the shisha device can be turned off at any time by the consumer, for example by switching off the device.

[0120] In some embodiments, a user may activate one or more heating elements, for example, by using an activation element on the mouthpiece. For example, the activation element may wirelessly communicate with the control electronics and send a signal to the control electronics to activate the heating elements from a standby mode to full heating. Such manual activation is preferably effective only while the user is drawing on the mouthpiece, to prevent overheating or unnecessary heating of the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge.

[0121] In some embodiments, the mouthpiece includes a puff sensor that is in wireless communication with the control electronics, such that a puff on the mouthpiece by the consumer causes the heating element to activate from a standby mode to full heat.

[0122] The shisha device of the present invention may have any suitable air management. In one embodiment, a puff from a user creates a suction effect that creates a low pressure inside the device, which causes outside air to flow through the air inlet of the device, into the air inlet channel, and into the receptacle of the aerosol generating element. The air may then flow through the aerosol-forming substrate, or a cartridge containing the substrate in the receptacle, and carry the aerosol through the aerosol outlet of the receptacle. The aerosol may then flow into the first opening of the air acceleration inlet of the chamber (unless the outlet of the aerosol generating element also serves as the air acceleration inlet of the chamber). As the air flows through the inlet of the chamber, the air is accelerated. The accelerated air exits the inlet through a second opening and enters the main chamber of the chamber, where the air is decelerated. The deceleration in the main chamber may improve nucleation resulting in a visible aerosol enhancement in the chamber. The aerosolized air may then flow out of the chamber through the main conduit (unless the main conduit is the main chamber of the chamber) and into the liquid inside the vessel. The aerosol then bubbles out of the liquid and into a headspace in the vessel above the level of the liquid, and out the headspace outlet for delivery to the consumer through the hose and mouthpiece. The external air flow, and the aerosol flow inside the shisha device, may be driven by a puff from the user.

[0123] It is preferred that the assembly of all the main components of the shisha device of the present invention ensures the sealing function of the device. The sealing function should ensure that proper airflow management is performed. The sealing function may be achieved in any suitable manner. For example, seals such as sealing rings and sealing washers may be used to ensure a hermetic seal.

[0124] The seal ring and seal washer or other sealing element may be made of any suitable material. For example, the seal may include one or more of a graphene compound and a silicon compound. The material is preferably approved for human use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

[0125] The main components, such as the chamber, the main conduit from the chamber, the cover housing of the receptacle, and the vessel, may be made of any suitable material. For example, these components may be made independently of glass, glass-based compounds, polysulfone (PSU), polyethersulfone (PES), or polyphenylsulfone (PPSU). Preferably, the components are formed of a material suitable for use in a standard dishwasher.

[0126] In some embodiments, the mouthpiece of the present invention incorporates a male / female quick coupling feature for connecting to a hose unit.

[0127] The electronic IR heated shisha device may operate as follows: A cartridge filled with an aerosol-forming substrate may be heated by IR radiation. To this end, an aerosol generating element directs IR radiation to the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating element may be configured such that the temperature provided is sufficient to generate an aerosol without burning or incinerating the aerosol-forming substrate. A user may draw air from the electronic shisha, which may enter through an air inlet channel, pass through a cooling element, travel along the cartridge, then travel toward the bottom of the cartridge, and then to the bottom of the receptacle. The generated aerosol may be accelerated while passing through an acceleration element. Before or during acceleration, the generated aerosol may be cooled by a cooling element to increase the concentration of the aerosol. As the aerosol enters the chamber and expands inside the chamber, it may experience pressure changes that may cause the aerosol to slow down before passing through a main or stem pipe that is partially immersed in water in the lower volume of the vessel. The generated aerosol passes through the water and spreads out into the head volume of the vessel before being extracted by a hose.

[0128] In one or more embodiments of the method, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises shisha molasses.

[0129] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium containing software for performing the above-described method.

[0130] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a controller configured to implement the above-mentioned method. In some embodiments, said controller includes software for executing the above-mentioned method. In some embodiments, the software is provided as part of the controller in the above-mentioned non-transitory computer readable medium.

[0131] All scientific and technical terms used herein have meanings commonly used in the art unless otherwise specified. The definitions provided herein are intended to facilitate understanding of certain terms used frequently herein.

[0132] Features described with respect to one aspect may be equally applied to other aspects of the invention.

[0133] The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0134] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a shisha device including an aerosol generating element of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an aerosol generating element of the present invention according to one embodiment. [Diagram 3] 3A and 3B show an aerosol generating element of the present invention according to another embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4A shows an aerosol-generating element according to the present invention according to another embodiment, and Figure 4B shows an aerosol-generating element according to the present invention according to another embodiment. [Diagram 5] Figure 5A shows a shisha device of the invention according to one embodiment, the shisha device comprising an aerosol generating element of the invention, and Figure 5B shows a control unit for use with the aerosol generating element of the invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows the IR spectrum of glycerol. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0135] The shisha device 100 comprises an aerosol generating element 10 configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate 20 (not shown). The aerosol generating element 10 may heat the aerosol-forming substrate 20, for example by IR radiation as discussed below with respect to FIG. 2, to generate an aerosol. In use, the generated aerosol flows through an aerosol conduit. The aerosol conduit may be provided as part of the stem pipe 34. The aerosol conduit includes a proximal end portion defining a proximal opening 42 positioned to receive the airflow from the aerosol generating element 10, and a distal end portion defining a distal opening 44 positioned within the vessel 46.

[0136] The stem pipe 34 is in fluid communication with the vessel 46. An airflow channel is defined between the aerosol generation element 10 and the interior of the vessel 46. In particular, the aerosol generation element 10 is in fluid communication with the vessel 46 by the stem pipe 34, which at least partially defines the airflow channel. The interior of the vessel 46 includes an upper volume 48 for headspace and a lower volume 50 for liquid. A hose 52 is in fluid communication with the upper volume 48 through a headspace outlet 54 formed in the side of the vessel 46 above the liquid line. A mouthpiece 56 is connected to the hose 52 for a user of the device 100.

[0137] The generated aerosol may flow through the aerosol generation element 10, through the stem pipe 34 and through the airflow channel into the lower volume 49. The aerosol passes through the liquid in the lower volume 49 and rises into the upper volume 48. A user drawing on the mouthpiece 56 of the hose 52 may draw the aerosol in the upper volume 48 through the headspace outlet 54 and into the hose 20 for inhalation. In particular, the negative pressure of the mouthpiece 56 may be transformed into a negative pressure at the headspace outlet 54, causing airflow through the aerosol generation element 10 and the stem pipe 34.

[0138] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of an aerosol generation element 10 of the present invention for generating an aerosol as part of the shisha device 100 of FIG. 1. The aerosol generation element 10 includes a photonic device 14 configured to generate and emit a beam 16 of IR radiation. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the beam 16 of IR radiation is generated by an IR laser diode emitting radiation having a wavelength between 1300 nanometers and 2000 nanometers with a power between 1 watt and 20 watts. The aerosol generation element 10 further comprises a receptacle 18 for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate 20. The aerosol generation element 10 is arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate 20 by directing the beam 16 of IR radiation from the photonic device 14 to the aerosol-forming substrate 20 received in the receptacle 18. An optical element 22 is located in the path of the beam 16 of IR radiation between the photonic device 14 and the receptacle 18. The optical element 22 is configured to manipulate the beam 16 of IR radiation. 2, the optical element 22 includes a curved mirror for manipulating the beam of IR radiation 16 by reflecting the beam 16 so that it changes direction. The radius of the curved mirror is preferably not fixed, but rather may be dynamically manipulated, for example, by water or air pressure.

[0139] The optical element 22 is mounted within the aerosol generation element 10 by an optical mount 24. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the beam of IR radiation 16 includes an incident beam of IR radiation propagating from the photonic device 14 towards the curved mirror and a reflected beam of IR radiation propagating from the curved mirror to the receptacle 18. The curved mirror reflects the beam of IR radiation 16 and redirects the beam in a new direction that is at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to the original direction of the beam. Thus, there is an angle of about 90 degrees between the incident beam of IR radiation and the reflected beam of IR radiation. However, other angles of reflection may be accommodated as desired.

[0140] The optical mount 24 may be movable to adjust different reflection angles. The position on the aerosol-forming substrate 20 at which the beam of IR radiation 16 irradiates the substrate may be dynamically manipulated by the movable optical mount 24. For example, the rotation angle of a curved mirror relative to the incident IR beam may be manipulated using the movable optical mount 24. For example, the movable optical mount 24 may include a microstructured assembly of stepper motors. Thus, selective heating of individual portions of the aerosol-forming substrate 20 may be achieved. Thus, selective heating may make it possible to achieve sequential heating of different portions of the aerosol-forming substrate 20.

[0141] The embodiment of Figure 2 further includes a window 26 located between the optical element 22 and the receptacle 18 and substantially transparent to the beam of IR radiation 16. The reflected beam of IR radiation 16 is transmitted through the window 26 and into the receptacle 18. The window 26 prevents residue build-up on the surface of the laser diode and on the curved mirror.

[0142] FIG. 2 shows some further details of an embodiment of the aerosol generating element 10 of the shisha device 12.

[0143] To allow airflow into the device, the receptacle 18 includes at least one air inlet 28. Within the receptacle 18, there may be a received aerosol-forming substrate 20. The aerosol-forming substrate 20 may be provided as part of an aerosol-generating article provided within a capsule 30. In some embodiments, the lid of the capsule 30 may be opened or removed prior to heating. In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment, the capsule 30 is positioned at a distance of up to 5 centimeters from the IR laser diode. In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment, the capsule 30 does not have a lid. This may help to prevent or at least reduce energy loss due to absorption of interface materials. This may also help to maximize direct irradiation of the aerosol-forming substrate 20.

[0144] Upon absorbing the beam of IR radiation 16, the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate 20 increases until it reaches a temperature at which a vapor is generated and an aerosol is formed within the receptacle 18. The underside of the capsule 30 is provided with an airflow outlet, such as one or more openings 32 for allowing airflow through the capsule 30.

[0145] Generally, air enters the receptacle 18 through air inlet 28, passes through the aerosol-forming substrate 20, and exits the capsule 30 through an opening 32 located on the underside of the capsule 30. The generated aerosol then passes through stem pipe 34 into the water and accumulates on the headspace of the water basin (not shown in FIG. 2). The aerosol then passes through the headspace outlet and through a hose into the mouthpiece (a feature not shown in FIG. 1) where it can be inhaled by the user.

[0146] Figures 3A and 3B show another embodiment of a portion of the aerosol generating element 10 of the present invention. The receptacle is not shown in Figures 3A and 3B. In contrast to the embodiment of Figure 2, the optical element 22 of Figures 3A and 3B includes a convex lens. As can be seen from Figures 3A and 3B, the convex lens of the optical element 22 manipulates the beam of IR radiation 16 to converge after passing through the optical element 22. The convergence and therefore focusing of the beam of IR radiation 16 increases the energy density of the IR radiation beam 16. The focused beam allows for rapid depletion of a specific area of ​​the aerosol-forming substrate 20.

[0147] Furthermore, the optical element 22 includes a movable optical mount 24 for dynamically manipulating the trajectory of the beam 16 of IR radiation. This is visualized by different orientations of the axis of the convex lens of the optical element 22 in Figs. 3A and 3B. Thus, Figs. 3A and 3B show two of several different configurations of the optical element that can be adjusted via the movable optical mount 24. The movement of the movable optical mount 24 can be realized by a stepper motor. As can be seen from Figs. 3A and 3B, the movement of the optical mount 24 manipulates the trajectory of the focused beam 16. Manipulating the trajectory of the focused beam 16 of IR radiation manipulates the exact location where the beam 16 of IR radiation is incident on the aerosol-forming substrate 20. As a result, the aerosol-forming substrate 20 can be selectively irradiated. Thus, the aerosol-forming substrate 20 can be sequentially irradiated. The pace at which the beam trajectory is manipulated can be set by the manufacturer or by the user according to their own preferences. Such a configuration can be particularly useful for puffing on demand shisha systems.

[0148] Figure 4A shows another embodiment of a portion of an aerosol-generating element 10 of the present invention. Again, in Figure 4A, a receptacle is not shown. An aerosol-forming substrate 20 is provided within an open-lid capsule 30. In addition to the previously described embodiments, in the embodiment of Figure 4A, the optical element 22 includes a concave lens. As can be seen in Figure 4A, the concave lens of the optical element 22 manipulates the beam of IR radiation 16 to widen the beam of IR radiation 16 after passing through the optical element 22. Such a configuration is particularly useful for maintaining the substrate at an appropriate temperature during extended intervals of time when no puffs are being taken, such as pre-heat times or between puffs.

[0149] The aerosol-generating element 10 of the embodiment of Figure 4A further comprises additional electrical heating means. The additional electrical heating means comprises resistive heating means 36. In this embodiment, the beam of IR radiation 16 is devised as a depleting agent, meaning that aerosol formation takes place substantially only where the beam of IR radiation 16 irradiates the aerosol-forming substrate 20. The resistive heating means 36 maintains the substrate at a constant temperature below the vaporization temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate. The IR heating means provides the additional energy required to raise one or more compounds of the aerosol-forming substrate 20 to or above their vaporization temperature to generate an aerosol.

[0150] Figure 4B shows another embodiment of a portion of the aerosol-generating element 10 of the present invention. No receptacle is shown in Figure 3B either. The embodiment of Figure 4B is similar to that of Figure 4A. A focused beam of IR radiation 16 is devised as a depletion agent, and aerosol formation takes place substantially only in a discrete portion of the aerosol-forming substrate 20 where the focused beam of IR radiation 16 irradiates the aerosol-forming substrate 20.

[0151] The embodiment of FIG. 3B differs from the embodiment of FIG. 4A in that optical element 22 of FIG. 4B includes a convex lens instead of a concave lens.

[0152] The optical element 22 of Figure 4B includes a movable optical mount 24 for dynamically manipulating the trajectory of the beam of IR radiation 16. This configuration is similar to that of the optical element 22 and movable optical mount 24 of the embodiment of Figures 3A and 3B.

[0153] Thus, the aerosol-forming substrate 20 may be sequentially irradiated with the beam 16 of IR radiation.

[0154] 5A and 5B show a control unit 38 for use with the aerosol generating element 10 of the present invention. The control unit 38 may maximize the retention of conventions in the non-charcoal powered shisha device 12 of the present invention.

[0155] FIG. 5A shows in a side view the control unit 38 located on top of the aerosol generating element 10. Additionally, the stem pipe 34 of the shisha device 12 is shown. FIG. 5B shows in a top view the control unit 38 including a user interface 40. The user interface 40 includes a display. The display visualizes the area of ​​the aerosol-forming substrate to be heated by means of a contour map. Furthermore, the display may indicate which part of the aerosol-forming substrate 20 has already been consumed. The display may further have the function of a user input means in the form of a touch screen. Thus, when the control unit 38 is used in an embodiment in which, for example, the aerosol generating element 10 includes means for manipulating the beam of IR radiation 16, such as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the user may input which area of ​​the aerosol-forming substrate 20 should be heated. For example, the user may tap or press and hold an area on the display touch screen to control the position to which the beam of IR radiation 16 is directed. This action causes the stepper motor of the moveable optical mount 24 to actively direct the beam of IR radiation 16 onto the aerosol-forming substrate 20 at the signaled spot.

[0156] A typical substrate used in a shisha device, such as Al-Fakher's double apple molasses, may have a composition of, for example, 15-30 percent tobacco, 45-55 percent glycerol, and 15-30 percent sugar. As can be seen from the IR spectrum of glycerol illustrated in Figure 6 (from Xu, M., Wang, X., Jin, B. and Ren, H. Micromachines 2014, 6(2), 186-195), glycerol has a strong absorption band in the range of 1300-2000 nanometers. Therefore, a suitable IR emitter for use in the shisha device of the present invention may be, for example, a laser diode capable of emitting light at wavelengths of 1300-2000 nanometers.

[0157] In some embodiments, to enable proper use of the shisha device, the IR laser diode should be able to pre-heat the exposed portion of the substrate from room temperature to a target temperature of about 200 degrees Celsius within about 4 minutes. After this pre-heating stage, constant evaporation over a typical usage period of about 40 minutes should be promoted by the heating power of the IR emitter.

[0158] Assuming that the material at the surface of the substrate, approximately ⅓ of the total substrate material, is exposed to the light and heated via IR radiation, it can be concluded that the IR laser diode should provide 7 to 20 watts of preheating power.

[0159] After reaching the target temperature of 200 degrees Celsius, the shisha is typically used for about 40 minutes, during which the temperature must be maintained constant at the target temperature. During this period of use, a total of 2.8 grams of molasses substrate is typically evaporated. Considering the above composition of Al-Fakher's Double Apple Molasses, a continuous reduced radiant power of 1 to 3 watts is required for such evaporation.

[0160] In the given example, the power density required to preheat Al-Fakher double apple molasses to a target temperature of 200 degrees Celsius within 4 minutes is about 1-1.5 watts per square centimeter. During use of the shisha device, the power density of the IR laser diode can be reduced to about 0.3-0.7 watts per square centimeter.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating element for generating an aerosol in a shisha device, the aerosol generating element comprising: - a receptacle for receiving an aerosol forming substrate; - a photonic device configured to generate a beam of IR radiation; and The aerosol generating element is arranged to heat the aerosol forming substrate by directing the beam of IR radiation onto the aerosol forming substrate, the photonic device includes an IR laser diode, and the wavelength range of the beam of IR radiation is from 1300 nanometers to 2000 nanometers. An aerosol generating element.

2. The aerosol generating element according to claim 1, wherein the wavelength of the beam of IR radiation corresponds to a wavelength at which at least a component of the aerosol forming substrate absorbs IR radiation.

3. The aerosol generating element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the diameter of the beam of IR radiation is in the range of 1 millimeter to 110 millimeters.

4. The aerosol generating element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the power of the beam of IR radiation is in the range of 0.1 watt to 30 watts.

5. The aerosol generating element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the energy density of the beam of IR radiation is in the range of 0.010 watt per square centimeter to 30 watts per square centimeter.

6. The aerosol generating element according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an optical element located between the photonic device and the receptacle and configured to manipulate the beam of IR radiation.

7. The aerosol generating element according to claim 6, further comprising a window located between the photonic device and the receptacle and substantially transparent to the beam of IR radiation.

8. The aerosol generating element according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the beam of IR radiation includes an incident IR radiation beam propagating from the photonic device towards the optical element and a reflected IR radiation beam propagating from the optical element towards the receptacle, and there is an angle between the incident IR radiation beam and the reflected IR radiation beam.

9. The optical element is a concave lens for spreading the beam of IR radiation in a direction towards the receptacle, and The aerosol generation element according to any one of claims 6 to 8, comprising one or both of convex lenses for converging the beam of the IR radiation in a direction towards the receptacle.

10. The aerosol generation element according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising electric heating means arranged for heating the aerosol-forming substrate received by the receptacle.

11. The aerosol generation element according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a control unit for a user to select a specific part of the receptacle to be heated.

12. A shisha device comprising the aerosol generation element according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. An aerosol generation system comprising the shisha device according to claim 12 and an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate is arranged to be received by the receptacle of the aerosol generation element of the shisha device, and the aerosol-forming substrate is arranged to be heated by the aerosol generation element of the shisha device.

14. The aerosol generation system according to claim 13, comprising a cartridge including an outer shell for enclosing the aerosol-forming substrate.

15. A method for forming an aerosol with a shisha device, the method comprising: (a) generating a beam of IR radiation by a photonic device, the photonic device including an IR laser diode; (b) directing the beam of the IR radiation from the photonic device towards the aerosol-forming substrate received by the receptacle of the shisha device; (c) heating the aerosol-forming substrate received by the receptacle of the shisha device with the beam of the IR radiation, wherein the range of the wavelength of the beam of the IR radiation is from 1300 nanometers to 2000 nanometers.

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