Aerosol supply device

Abstract

An aerosol delivery device 702 is disclosed that includes a mouth 726 and one or more first aerosol-generation regions 730 located at a first distance d1 from the mouth 726. One or more second aerosol-generation regions 731 are located at a second distance d2 from the mouth 726, where d2>d1. The aerosol delivery device 702 further includes one or more first aerosol transmission channels 710 configured to deliver aerosol generated from the one or more first aerosol-generation regions 730 to the mouth 726, the one or more first aerosol transmission channels 710 having a first cross-sectional or other shape, and the one or more second aerosol transmission channels 711 configured to deliver aerosol generated from the one or more second aerosol-generation regions 731 to the mouth 726, the one or more second aerosol transmission channels 711 having a second cross-sectional or other shape, the second cross-sectional or other shape being different from the first cross-sectional or other shape.

Description

Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol supply device, an aerosol generating article, an aerosol supply system, and a method of generating an aerosol. Background

[0002] Electronic aerosol supply systems such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) generally include a reservoir of a source liquid containing a formulation typically including nicotine, and the aerosol is then generated, for example, by heating and vaporizing. Thus, an aerosol supply source for an aerosol supply system may comprise a heater having a heating element arranged to receive the source liquid from the reservoir, for example, by wicking / capillary action. During use of the aerosol supply device by a user, power is supplied to the heating element to vaporize the source liquid in the vicinity of the heating element to generate an aerosol for inhalation by the user. Such an aerosol supply device typically comprises one or more air inlet holes located remotely from the mouthpiece end of the system. When the user inhales through a mouthpiece connected to the mouthpiece end of the system, air is drawn through the inlet holes and passes through the aerosol supply source. There is a flow path connecting between the aerosol supply source and the mouthpiece opening, and as a result, the air passing through the aerosol supply source continues to be drawn into the mouthpiece opening along the flow path while carrying a portion of the aerosol from the aerosol supply source. The air carrying the aerosol exits the aerosol supply system through the mouthpiece opening for inhalation by the user.

[0003] Other aerosol supply devices generate an aerosol from a solid material such as tobacco or a tobacco derivative. Such devices operate in a manner substantially similar to the above liquid-based systems, where the solid tobacco material is heated to its vaporization temperature to generate an aerosol, which is then inhaled by the user. In most aerosol supply devices, the user seeks consistent delivery per puff so that the same taste is obtained for each puff and / or the same desired effect is achieved. However, the above aerosol supply devices do not always provide consistent delivery.

[0004] Describe various techniques that attempt to address some of these issues. Overview

[0005] According to one aspect, a suction port, one or more first aerosol generation regions located at a first distance d1 from the suction port, one or more second aerosol generation regions located at a second distance d2 from the suction port, where d2 > d1, one or more first aerosol transmission channels configured to transmit aerosol generated from the one or more first aerosol generation regions to the suction port, the one or more first aerosol transmission channels having a first cross-section or other shape, one or more second aerosol transmission channels configured to transmit aerosol generated from the one or more second aerosol generation regions to the suction port, the one or more second aerosol transmission channels having a second cross-section or other shape, and the second cross-section or other shape being different from the first cross-section or other shape, An aerosol supply device is provided.

[0006] According to various embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the transmission channel from the aerosol generation region located near the suction port can be configured to be larger than the cross-sectional area of the transmission channel from the aerosol generation region located farther from the suction port so that the effective air passage volumes of the respective transmission channels are more similar and thus the aerosol can be delivered more consistently.

[0007] Alternatively, it is recognized that the volume in which the aerosol can be formed can control the rate at which the aerosol is formed. In particular, increasing the volume for aerosol formation may be able to generate the desired aerosol more rapidly.

[0008] Delivery of aerosol from an aerosol generation region located far from the mouthpiece can typically take longer than delivery from an aerosol generation region located closer to the mouthpiece. The Applicant has confirmed that it may be possible to form the aerosol more rapidly by increasing the volume for aerosol formation. Thus, the cross-sectional area of the transmission flow path from an aerosol generation region located closer to the mouthpiece can be made larger than the cross-sectional area of the transmission flow path from an aerosol generation region located far from the mouthpiece, such that the longer time for aerosol delivery due to the increased distance from the mouthpiece is offset by the shorter time required for aerosol formation. Such a system can make the delivery times of aerosol from aerosol generation regions located at different distances from the mouthpiece more consistent, thereby improving the user experience.

[0009] Optionally, the first cross-section or other shape is larger than the second cross-section or other shape.

[0010] Optionally, the effective air passage volume of one or more first aerosol transmission flow paths is approximately equal to the effective air passage volume of one or more second aerosol transmission flow paths.

[0011] Optionally, the cross-section or other shape of one or more first aerosol transmission flow paths and one or more second aerosol transmission flow paths is configured such that the amounts of aerosol supplied from one or more first aerosol generation regions and one or more second aerosol generation regions are substantially equal.

[0012] Optionally, the second cross-section or other shape is larger than the first cross-section or other shape.

[0013] Optionally, the cross-section or other shape of one or more first aerosol transmission flow paths and one or more second aerosol transmission flow paths is configured such that the aerosol delivery rates from the first aerosol generation region and the second aerosol generation region to the mouthpiece are substantially equal.

[0014] Optionally, the aerosol supply device comprises a central aerosol transmission channel, and one or more first aerosol transmission channels and one or more second aerosol transmission channels are formed within the central aerosol transmission channel.

[0015] Optionally, the central aerosol transmission channel has a tapered cross-section or other shape.

[0016] Optionally, the one or more first aerosol transmission channels are separate from the one or more second aerosol transmission channels.

[0017] Optionally, the aerosol supply device further comprises one or more heating elements for heating one or more aerosol generation regions.

[0018] Optionally, the one or more heating elements comprise one or more resistive heating elements or inductive heating elements.

[0019] According to another aspect, an aerosol supply device as described above, and an aerosol generating article comprising a plurality of aerosol generating material portions is provided an aerosol supply system.

[0020] According to another aspect, an outlet, one or more first aerosol generating material portions located at a first distance d1 from the outlet, one or more second aerosol generating material portions located at a second distance d2 from the outlet, where d2 > d1, one or more first aerosol transmission channels configured to transmit the aerosol generated from the one or more first aerosol generating material portions to the outlet, the one or more first aerosol transmission channels having a first cross-section or other shape, One or more second aerosol transmission channels configured to transmit the aerosol generated from one or more second aerosol generation material portions to the outlet, the one or more second aerosol transmission channels having a second cross-section or other shape, the second cross-section or other shape being different from the first cross-section or other shape, the one or more second aerosol transmission channels An aerosol generating article comprising is provided.

[0021] Optionally, the one or more first aerosol transmission channels have a larger cross-section or other shape than the one or more second aerosol transmission channels.

[0022] Optionally, the effective air passage volume of the one or more first aerosol transmission channels is approximately equal to the effective air passage volume of the one or more second aerosol transmission channels.

[0023] Optionally, the cross-section or other shape of the one or more first aerosol transmission channels and the one or more second aerosol transmission channels is configured such that the amounts of aerosol supplied from the one or more first aerosol generation regions and the one or more second aerosol generation regions are substantially equal.

[0024] Optionally, the one or more second aerosol transmission channels have a larger cross-section or other shape than the one or more first aerosol transmission channels.

[0025] Optionally, the cross-section or other shape of the one or more first aerosol transmission channels and the one or more second aerosol transmission channels is configured such that the delivery rates of the aerosol from the one or more first aerosol generation regions and the one or more second aerosol generation regions to the outlet are substantially equal.

[0026] Optionally, the aerosol generating article comprises a central aerosol transmission channel, and the one or more first aerosol transmission channels and the one or more second aerosol transmission channels are formed within the central aerosol transmission channel.

[0027] Optionally, the cross-section or other shape of the central aerosol transmission flow path is tapered.

[0028] Optionally, one or more first aerosol transmission flow paths are separate from one or more second aerosol transmission flow paths.

[0029] According to another aspect, an aerosol-generating article as described above, an aerosol supply device configured to receive the aerosol-generating article, the aerosol supply device being configured to generate an aerosol from a plurality of aerosol-generating material portions and an aerosol supply system comprising the same are provided.

[0030] According to another aspect, providing an aerosol supply device comprising a mouthpiece, one or more first aerosol generation regions located at a first distance d1 from the mouthpiece, and one or more second aerosol generation regions located at a second distance d2 from the mouthpiece, wherein d2 > d1; transmitting the aerosol generated from the one or more first aerosol generation regions to the mouthpiece via one or more first aerosol transmission flow paths having a first cross-section or other shape; transmitting the aerosol generated from the one or more second aerosol generation regions to the mouthpiece via one or more second aerosol transmission flow paths having a second cross-section or other shape, the second cross-section or other shape being different from the first cross-section or other shape; and a method of generating an aerosol is provided.

[0031] According to another aspect, providing an aerosol-generating article comprising an outlet, one or more first aerosol-generating material portions located at a first distance d1 from the outlet, and one or more second aerosol-generating material portions located at a second distance d2 from the outlet, wherein d2 > d1; Transmitting the aerosol generated from one or more first aerosol - generating material portions to an outlet via one or more first aerosol - transmission channels having a first cross - section or other shape; Transmitting the aerosol generated from one or more second aerosol - generating material portions to an outlet via one or more second aerosol - transmission channels having a second cross - section or other shape, wherein the second cross - section or other shape is different from the first cross - section or other shape; A method of generating an aerosol is provided, which includes the above steps.

[0032] It should be recognized that the features and aspects of the present invention described above with respect to the first and other aspects of the present invention are equally applicable to embodiments of the present invention according to other aspects of the present invention, and are not limited to the above - mentioned specific combinations and may be appropriately combined with them.

[0033] Next, with reference to the accompanying drawings, various embodiments will be described by way of example only.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0034]

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[0035] In this specification, specific examples and aspects and features of embodiments are discussed or described. Some aspects and features in the specific examples and embodiments may have been conventionally implemented, and for the sake of brevity of description, they will not be discussed or described in detail. Thus, it will be recognized that aspects and features of the devices and methods discussed in this specification that are not described in detail can be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

[0036] The present disclosure relates to a "non-combustible" aerosol supply system. A "non-combustible" aerosol supply system is a system that does not burn, or is not combusted, the aerosol generating material composition (or its components) of the aerosol supply system in order to facilitate the delivery of the aerosol to the user. Further, as is common in the art, the terms "vapor" and "aerosol", and related terms such as "vaporize", "volatilize", and "aerosolize" can generally be used interchangeably.

[0037] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system for generating an aerosol using a combination of aerosol generating materials (one or more of which may be heated). Each of the aerosol generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol generating material and a solid aerosol generating material. The solid aerosol generating material may include plant-based materials, such as tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0038] Typically, the non-combustible aerosol supply device may comprise an article (sometimes referred to as a consumable) for use with the non-combustible aerosol supply device. However, an article that itself comprises means for powering the aerosol generating components is considered to be capable of forming a non-combustible aerosol supply system by itself.

[0039] The aerosol generating article is intended for partial or complete consumption during use by the user. The aerosol generating article may include an aerosol generating material or may consist only of an aerosol generating material. A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of an aerosol generating material, which is intended for partial or complete consumption during use by the user. The consumable may comprise one or more other components such as an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material transfer component, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. The consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator such as a heater that releases heat to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating material during use. The heater may comprise, for example, a combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor. The aerosol generating article may include one or more other elements such as a filter or an aerosol modifying substance (e.g., a component for adding flavor to or changing other properties of the aerosol passing through or over the aerosol modifying substance).

[0040] The non-combustible aerosol supply device often comprises a modular assembly that includes both a reusable aerosol supply device and a replaceable article, although not always. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply device may comprise a power source and a controller (or control circuit). The power source may be, for example, a power source such as a battery or a rechargeable battery. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply device may also comprise an aerosol generating component. However, in other embodiments, the aerosol generating article may partially or completely comprise the aerosol generating component.

[0041] An aerosol generation component (aerosol generator) is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generation material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generation component is a heater that can interact with the aerosol generation material to release one or more volatile components from the aerosol generation material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generation component can generate an aerosol from the aerosol generation material without heating. For example, the aerosol generation component can generate an aerosol from the aerosol generation material without applying heat by, for example, one or more of vibratory means, mechanical means, pressurizing means, or electrostatic means.

[0042] In some embodiments, the heater may comprise one or more electrical resistance heaters including, for example, one or more nichrome resistance heaters (plural possible) and / or one or more ceramic heaters (plural possible). The heater may comprise one or more induction heaters including a construct that can form a chamber into which an article comprising the aerosol generation material is inserted or otherwise disposed during use. Alternatively or in addition, one or more susceptors may be provided in the aerosol generation material. Other heater constructs may also be used.

[0043] An aerosol generation article for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device comprises an aerosol generation material. The aerosol generation material is a material that can generate an aerosol when, for example, heated, irradiated, or otherwise energized. The aerosol generation material may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, or semi-solid (such as a gel), and it may or may not contain an active substance and / or a flavorant.

[0044] Optionally, the aerosol generation material may comprise any one or more of an active ingredient, a carrier ingredient, a fragrance, and one or more other functional ingredients.

[0045] The aerosol - forming material may be present on or in a carrier support (or carrier component) to form a substrate. The carrier support may be, for example, paper, card, cardboard, thick paper, recycled aerosol - forming material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or alloy, or may contain them.

[0046] In some embodiments, an aerosol - generating article for use with a non - combustible aerosol supply device may comprise an aerosol - forming material or a region for receiving the aerosol - forming material. In some embodiments, an aerosol - generating article for use with a non - combustible aerosol supply device may comprise a mouthpiece, or alternatively, the non - combustible aerosol supply device may comprise a mouthpiece in communication with the aerosol - generating article. The region for receiving the aerosol - forming material may be a storage region for storing the aerosol - forming material. For example, this storage region may be a reservoir.

[0047] Figure 1 is a schematic cross - sectional view of an aerosol supply system 1. The aerosol supply system 1 comprises two main components, namely an aerosol supply device 2 and an aerosol - generating article 4.

[0048] The aerosol supply device 2 comprises an outer housing 21, a power source 22, a control circuit 23, a plurality of aerosol - generating components 24, a receiving part 25, a mouthpiece end 26, an air inlet 27, an air outlet 28, a contact - sensing panel 29, a suction sensor 30, and an end - of - use indicator 31.

[0049] The outer housing 21 may be formed from any suitable material, for example a plastic material. The outer housing 21 is configured such that the power source 22, the control circuit 23, the aerosol - generating components 24, the receiving part 25, and the suction sensor 30 are disposed within the outer housing 21. The outer housing 21 also defines an air inlet 27 and an air outlet 28, which will be described in more detail below. The contact - sensing panel 29 and the end - of - use indicator are disposed outside the outer housing 21.

[0050] The outer housing 21 further includes a suction port end portion 26. The outer housing 21 and the suction port end portion 26 are formed as a single component (i.e., the suction port end portion 26 forms part of the outer housing 21). The suction port end portion 26 is defined as a region of the outer housing 21 that includes an air outlet 28 and is shaped such that a user can comfortably place their lips around the suction port end portion 26 and engage with the air outlet 28. In FIG. 1, the thickness of the outer housing 21 tapers towards the air outlet 28 to provide a relatively thin portion of the aerosol supply device 2 that can be more easily accommodated by the user's lips. However, in other embodiments, the suction port end portion 26 may be a removable component that is separate from the outer housing 21 but can be coupled to the outer housing 21 and can be removed for cleaning and / or replacement with another suction port end portion 26.

[0051] The power source 22 is configured to supply operating power to the aerosol supply device 2. The power source 22 may be any suitable power source such as a battery. For example, the power source 22 may comprise a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion battery. The power source 22 may be removable or may form an integral part of the aerosol supply device 2. In some embodiments, the power source 22 may be recharged by connecting the aerosol supply device 2 to an external power source (such as a main power source) via a related connection port such as a USB port (not shown) or via a suitable wireless receiver (not shown).

[0052] The control circuit 23 is suitably configured or programmed to control the operation of the aerosol supply device to provide certain operating functions of the aerosol supply device 2. The control circuit 23 may be considered to logically comprise various sub-units / circuit elements related to various aspects of the operation of the aerosol supply device. For example, the control circuit 23 may comprise a logic sub-unit for controlling the recharging of the power supply 22. In addition to this, the control circuit 23 may comprise, for example, a communication logic sub-unit to facilitate data transfer from or to the device 2. However, the main function of the control circuit 23 is to control the aerosolization of the aerosol-generating material, as will be described in more detail below. The functions of the control circuit 23 can be provided in a variety of different ways, for example, using one or more suitably programmed programmable computers and / or one or more suitably configured application-specific integrated circuits / circuits / chips / chip sets configured to provide the desired functions. The control circuit 23 may be connected to the power supply 23, receive power from the power supply 22, and be configured to distribute or control the power supply to other components of the aerosol supply device 2.

[0053] In the described embodiment, the aerosol supply device 2 further comprises a receiving part 25 arranged to receive the aerosol-generating article 4.

[0054] The aerosol-generating article 4 may comprise a carrier component 42 and an aerosol-generating material 44. The aerosol-generating article 4 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 2A-2C. FIG. 2A is a top view of the aerosol-generating article 4, FIG. 2B is an end view along the longitudinal (length) axis of the aerosol-generating article 4, and FIG. 2C is a side view along the width axis of the aerosol-generating article 4.

[0055] The aerosol-generating article 4 may comprise, in this embodiment, a carrier component 42 formed of a card. The carrier component 42 forms the majority of the aerosol-generating article 4 and functions as a base on which the aerosol-generating material 44 is disposed.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 2A - 2C, the carrier component 42 has a substantially cubic shape with a length l, a width w, and a thickness t. c Specifically, the length of the carrier component 42 may be 30 - 80 mm, the width may be 7 - 25 mm, and the thickness may be 0.2 - 1 mm. However, the above are exemplary dimensions of the carrier component 42, and it should be recognized that in other embodiments, the carrier component 42 may have different dimensions as required. In some embodiments, the carrier component 42 may include one or more protrusions extending in the length direction and / or width direction of the carrier component 42 to assist the user in handling the aerosol generating article 4.

[0057] In the examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A - 2C, the aerosol generating article 4 includes a plurality of individual portions of the aerosol generating material 44 disposed on the surface of the carrier component 42. More specifically, the aerosol generating article 4 includes six individual portions of the aerosol generating material 44 labeled 44a - 44f arranged in a 2×3 array. However, it should be recognized that in other embodiments, more or fewer individual portions may be provided and / or these portions may be arranged in a different array (e.g., a 1×6 array). In the illustrated example, the aerosol generating material 44 is disposed at discrete separate positions on a single surface of the component carrier 42. The individual portions of the aerosol generating material 44 are shown as having a circular footprint, but it should be recognized that the individual portions of the aerosol generating material 44 may take any other footprint, such as square or rectangular, as required. The individual portions of the aerosol generating material 44 have a diameter d and a thickness t as shown in FIGS. 2A - 2C. a has. The thickness t a may take any suitable value. For example, the thickness t a may be in the range of 50 μm - 1.5 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness t ais from about 50 μm to about 200 μm, or from about 50 μm to about 100 μm, or from about 60 μm to about 90 μm, with about 77 μm being suitable. In other embodiments, the thickness t a may be thicker than 200 μm, for example, from about 50 μm to about 400 μm, or up to about 1 mm, or up to about 1.5 mm.

[0058] Individual portions of the aerosol - generating material 44 are separated from each other such that each individual portion can be individually or selectively energized (e.g., heated) to generate an aerosol. In some embodiments, these portions of the aerosol - generating material 44 may have a mass of 20 mg or less, such that the amount of material aerosolized at any one time by a given aerosol - generating article 24 is relatively small. For example, the mass of one portion may be 20 mg or less, or 10 mg or less, or 5 mg or less. Of course, it should be recognized that the total mass of the aerosol - generating article 4 may be heavier than 20 mg.

[0059] The aerosol - generating article 4 may comprise a plurality of portions of an aerosol - generating material, all formed from the same aerosol - generating material. Alternatively, the aerosol - generating article 4 may include a plurality of portions of the aerosol - generating material 44, where at least two portions are formed from different aerosol - generating materials.

[0060] The receiving part 25 is sized to removably receive the aerosol generating article 4. Although not shown, the aerosol supply device 2 may comprise a hinged door or a removable part of the outer housing 21 to allow access to the receiving part 25, such that the user can insert the aerosol generating article 4 into the receiving part 25 and / or remove the aerosol generating article 4 from the receiving part 25. The hinged door or the removable part of the outer housing 21 can also function to hold the aerosol generating article 4 within the receiving part 25 when closed. When the aerosol generating article 4 is depleted or when the user simply wishes to switch to a different aerosol generating article 4, the aerosol generating article 4 can be removed from the aerosol supply device 2 and a replacement aerosol generating article 4 can be placed in the receiving part 25 in its place. Alternatively, the aerosol supply device 2 may include a permanent opening in communication with the receiving part 25 through which the aerosol generating article 4 can be inserted into the receiving part 25. In such an embodiment, a retaining mechanism may be provided to hold the aerosol generating article 4 within the receiving part 25 of the aerosol supply device 2.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol supply device 2 comprises a number of aerosol generation components 24. In the described embodiment, the aerosol generation component 24 is a heating element 24, and more particularly, a resistive heating element 24. The resistive heating element 24 receives an electric current and converts that electrical energy into heat. The resistive heating element 24 may be formed of, or include, any suitable resistive heating material such as nichrome (Ni20Cr80) which generates heat when it receives an electric current. In one embodiment, the heating element 24 may comprise an electrically insulating substrate in which a resistive path is disposed. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional top view of the aerosol supply device 2 showing the arrangement of the heating element 24 in more detail. In FIGS. 1 and 3, the heating element 24 is arranged such that the surface of the heating element 24 forms part of the surface of the receiving portion 25. That is, the outer surface of the heating element 24 is flush with the inner surface of the receiving portion. More particularly, the outer surface of the heating element 24 which is flush with the inner surface of the receiving portion 25 is the surface of the heating element 24 which is heated (i.e., its temperature rises) when an electric current is passed through the heating element 24.

[0062] When the aerosol generation article 4 is received in the receiving portion 25, the heating elements 24 are arranged such that each heating element 24 is aligned with a corresponding individual portion of the aerosol generation material 44. Thus, in this example, six heating elements 24 are arranged in a 2×3 array which roughly corresponds to the 2×3 arrangement of the six individual portions of the aerosol generation material 44 shown in FIGS. 2A-2C. However, as discussed above, the number of heating elements 24 may vary in different embodiments and, for example, there may be 8, 10, 12, 14 etc. heating elements 24. In some embodiments, the number of heating elements 24 is more than six but less than twenty.

[0063] More specifically, the heating elements 24 are labeled 24a to 24f in FIG. 3, and each heating element 24 is arranged to be aligned with a corresponding portion of the aerosol-forming material 44, as indicated by the corresponding letter following the reference numeral 24 / 44. Thus, each of the heating elements 24 can be individually actuated to heat the corresponding portion of the aerosol-forming material 44. The heating elements 24 are shown flush with the inner surface of the receiving part 25, but in other embodiments, the heating elements 24 may protrude into the receiving part 25. In either case, when the aerosol-forming article 4 is present within the receiving part 25, it contacts the surface of the heating element 24, and as a result, the heat generated by the heating element 24 is conducted through the carrier component 42 to the aerosol-forming material 44.

[0064] In some embodiments, to improve the heat transfer efficiency, the receiving part may comprise a component that applies a force to the surface of the carrier component 42 so as to press the carrier component 42 against the heater element 24, thereby increasing the heat transfer efficiency by conduction to the aerosol-forming material 44. In addition to or instead of this, the heater element 24 may be configured to move in a direction towards / away from the aerosol-forming article 4 and may be pressed against the surface of the carrier component 42 that does not comprise the aerosol-forming material 44.

[0065] In use, the aerosol supply device 2 (more specifically, the control circuit 23) is configured to supply power to the heating elements 24 in response to a user input. Generally, the control circuit 23 is configured to selectively apply power to the heating elements 24 to heat the corresponding portions of the aerosol-forming material 44 to generate an aerosol. When the user draws on the aerosol supply device 2 (i.e., draws at the mouthpiece end 26), air is drawn into the aerosol supply device 2 through the air inlet 27, enters the receiving part 25, where it mixes with the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol-forming material 44, and then is drawn through the air outlet 28 into the user's mouth. That is, the aerosol is delivered to the user through the mouthpiece end 26 and the air outlet 28.

[0066] The aerosol supply device 2 in FIG. 1 includes a contact sensing panel 29 and a suction sensor 30. The contact sensing panel 29 and the suction sensor 30 both function as a mechanism for receiving user input to cause the generation of aerosol, and thus may more broadly be referred to as a user input mechanism. The received user input can be said to indicate that the user wants to generate aerosol.

[0067] The contact sensing panel 29 may be a capacitive touch sensor and can be operated by a user of the aerosol supply device 2 placing a finger or another suitable conductive object (such as a stylus) on the contact sensing panel. In the described embodiment, the contact sensing panel includes an area that the user can press to initiate aerosol generation. The control circuit 23 can be configured to receive a signal from the contact sensing panel 29 and use this signal to determine whether the user is pressing this area of the contact sensing panel 29 (i.e., whether it is being actuated). When the control circuit 23 receives this signal, the control circuit 23 is configured to supply power from the power supply 22 to one or more of the heating elements 24. The power may be supplied for a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) from the moment contact is detected, or may be supplied corresponding to the length of time contact is detected. In other embodiments, the contact sensing panel 29 may be replaced by a button or the like that the user can operate.

[0068] The suction sensor 30 may be a pressure sensor, a microphone, or the like configured to detect a pressure drop or an air flow generated by the user sucking with the aerosol supply device 2. The suction sensor 30 is arranged in fluid communication with the air flow path (i.e., in fluid communication with the air flow path between the inlet 27 and the outlet 28). In a similar manner as described above, the control circuit 23 can be configured to receive a signal from the suction sensor and use this signal to determine whether the user is sucking with the aerosol supply system 1. When the control circuit 23 receives this signal, the control circuit 23 is configured to supply power from the power supply 22 to one or more of the heating elements 24. The power may be supplied for a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) from the moment suction is detected, or may be supplied corresponding to the length of time suction is detected.

[0069] In the example described, both the touch sensing panel 29 and the suction sensor 30 detect that the user wishes to start generating an aerosol for suction. The control circuit 23 may be configured to supply power to the heating element 24 only when signals from both the touch sensing panel 29 and the suction sensor 30 are detected. This can help prevent the heating element 24 from operating unintentionally due to one of the user input mechanisms activating accidentally. However, in other embodiments, the aerosol supply system 1 may have only one of the touch sensing panel 29 and the suction sensor 30.

[0070] These aspects of the operation of the aerosol supply system 1 (i.e., puff detection and touch detection) can be performed per se according to established techniques (e.g., using conventional suction sensors and suction sensor signal processing techniques, as well as using conventional touch sensors and touch sensor signal processing techniques).

[0071] In some embodiments, in response to detecting a signal from either or both of the contact sensing panel 29 and the suction sensor 30, the control circuit 23 is configured to sequentially supply power to each of the individual heating elements 24. More specifically, the control circuit 23 is configured to sequentially supply power to each of the individual heating elements 23 in response to the order of detection of a signal received from either or both of the contact sensing panel 29 and the suction sensor 30. For example, the control circuit 23 may be configured to supply power to a first heating element 24 among the plurality of heating elements 24 when a signal is first detected (e.g., when the switch of the aerosol supply device 2 is first turned on). When the signal stops or in response to a predetermined time elapsing since the signal was detected, the control circuit 23 records that the first heating element 24 has been activated (and thus the corresponding individual portion of the aerosol generating material 44 has been heated). The control circuit 23 determines to activate the second heating element 24 in response to receiving the next signal from either or both of the contact sensing panel 29 and the suction sensor 30. Thus, when the control circuit 23 receives a signal from either or both of the contact sensing panel 29 and the suction sensor 30, the control circuit 23 activates the second heating element 24. This process is repeated for the remaining heating elements 24, and as a result, all of the heating elements 24 are sequentially activated.

[0072] In effect, this operation means that for each suction, different portions of the individual portions of the aerosol generating material 44 are heated and aerosol is then generated therefrom. In other words, a single individual portion of the aerosol generating material is heated for each suction by the user.

[0073] In other embodiments, before determining that the control circuit 23 should activate the second heating element 24 in response to the next signal from either or both of the touch sensing panel 29 and the suction sensor 30, the first heating element 24 may be activated multiple times (e.g., twice), or each of the plurality of heating elements 24 may be activated once, and when the next signal is detected when all the heating elements 24 have been activated once, the heating elements may be configured to be activated sequentially a second time.

[0074] Such sequential activation may be referred to as the "sequential activation mode", which is mainly designed to deliver a consistent aerosol with each puff (this can be measured, for example, by the total aerosol generated or the total components delivered). Thus, this mode may be most effective when each part of the aerosol generating material 44 of the aerosol generating article 4 is substantially the same, i.e., when the parts 44a - 44f are formed from the same material.

[0075] In some other embodiments, in response to the detection of a signal from either or both of the touch sensing panel 29 and the suction sensor 30, the control circuit 23 is configured to supply power to one or more of the heating elements 24 simultaneously.

[0076] In some embodiments, two or more individual parts of the aerosol generating material 44 may be heated with each puff.

[0077] In such embodiments, the control circuit 23 may be configured to supply power to the selected heating elements among the heating elements 24 corresponding to a predetermined configuration. The predetermined configuration may be a configuration selected or determined by the user. For example, the touch sensing panel 29 may include an area where the user can individually select which of the heating elements 24 to activate when the control circuit 23 receives a signal from either or both of the touch sensing panel 29 and the suction sensor 30. In some embodiments, the user may also be able to set the power level for each heating element 24 so that it is supplied to the heating element 24 in response to receiving the signal.

[0078] FIG. 4 is a top view of the contact sensing panel 29 according to such an embodiment. FIG. 4 schematically shows the outer housing 21 and the contact sensing panel 29 as described above. The contact sensing panel 29 includes six regions 29a-29f corresponding to each of the six heating elements 24, and a region 29g corresponding to a region for indicating that the user desires to initiate suction or generate an aerosol, as described above. Each of the six regions 29a-29f corresponds to a contact sensing region that a user can touch to control the power supply to each of the six corresponding heating elements 24. In the described embodiment, each heating element 24 can have a plurality of states, for example, an off state in which no power is supplied to the heating element 24, a low power state in which a first level of power is supplied to the heating element 24, and a high power state in which a second level of power greater than the first level of power is supplied to the heating element 24. However, in other embodiments, fewer or more states may be available for the heating element 24. For example, each heating element 24 may have an off state in which no power is supplied to the heating element 24 and an on state in which power is supplied to the heating element 24.

[0079] Thus, before generating an aerosol, the user can set which heating element 24 (and subsequently which portion of the aerosol-generating material 44) to heat (and optionally to what extent to heat them) by interacting with the contact sensing panel 29. For example, the user may repeatedly tap the regions 29a-29f to cycle through different states (e.g., off, low power, high power, off, etc.). Alternatively, the user may press and hold the regions 29a-29f to cycle through different states. In this case, the duration of the press determines the state.

[0080] The contact sensing panel 29 may include one or more indicators for each of the respective regions 29a to 29f indicating the current state of the heating element 24. For example, the contact sensing panel may include one or more LEDs or similar lighting elements, and the intensity of the LED indicates the current state of the heating element 24. Alternatively, color LEDs or similar lighting elements may be provided, and the color indicates the current state. Alternatively, the contact sensing panel 29 may include a display element (which may be, for example, under the transparent contact sensing panel 29 or provided adjacent to the regions 29a to 29f of the contact sensing panel 29) for displaying the current state of the heating element 24.

[0081] When the user sets the configuration of the heating element 24, in response to detection of a signal from either or both of the contact sensing panel 29 (more specifically, region 29g of the contact sensing panel 29) and the suction sensor 30, the control circuit 23 is configured to supply power to the selected heating element 24 according to a preset configuration.

[0082] Thus, such simultaneous activation of the heating elements 24 is sometimes referred to as the "simultaneous activation mode", which is mainly intended to allow the user to customize the experience for each session or even for each puff, and is designed to deliver a customizable aerosol from a given article 4. Thus, this mode can be most effective when the portions of the aerosol generating material 44 of the aerosol generating article 4 are different from each other. For example, when portions 44a and 44b are formed of one material and portions 44c and 44d are formed of different materials.

[0083] Thus, in this mode of operation, the user can select which portion to aerosolize and thus which combination of aerosols to supply at any given moment.

[0084] In both the simultaneous operation mode and the sequential operation mode, the control circuit 23 may be configured to generate a warning signal indicating the end of use of the aerosol generating article 4, for example, when each of the heating elements 24 has been sequentially operated a predetermined number of times, or when a given heating element 24 has been operated with a predetermined number of times and / or a given cumulative operation time and / or a given cumulative operation power. In FIG. 1, the aerosol supply device 2 includes an end-of-use indicator 31, which is an LED in this embodiment. However, in other embodiments, the end-of-use indicator 31 may comprise any mechanism capable of giving a warning signal to the user, that is, the end-of-use indicator 31 may be an optical element for delivering an optical signal, a sound generator for delivering an audio signal, and / or a vibrator for delivering a tactile signal. In some embodiments, the indicator 31 may be combined with a touch sensing panel (for example, if the touch sensing panel includes display elements), or provided in other ways. The aerosol supply device 2 may prevent the next operation of the aerosol supply device 2 when a warning signal is being output. When the user replaces the aerosol generating article 4 and / or turns off the warning signal via manual means such as a button (not shown), the warning signal can be turned off and the control circuit 23 is reset.

[0085] More specifically, in embodiments where the sequential operation mode is used, the control circuit 23 may be configured to count the number of signals received from either or both of the touch sensing panel 29 and the suction sensor 30 during the usage period, and when the number reaches a predetermined number, it is determined that the aerosol generating article 4 has reached the end of its life. For example, for an article 4 having individual portions of six aerosol generating materials 44, the predetermined number can be 6, 12, 18, etc., depending on the current embodiment.

[0086] In an embodiment where the simultaneous actuation mode is used, the control circuit 23 may be configured to count the number of times one or each of the individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 44 is heated. For example, the control circuit 23 can count how many times the nicotine-containing portion has been heated and, when it reaches a predetermined number, determine the end of the life of the aerosol-generating article 4.

[0087] Alternatively, the control circuit 23 may be configured to separately count for each individual portion of the aerosol-generating material 44 when that portion is heated. Each portion may have the same or different predetermined numbers, and when any one of the numbers for each portion of the aerosol-generating material reaches a predetermined number, the control circuit 23 determines the end of the life of the aerosol-generating article 4.

[0088] In any of the embodiments, the control circuit 23 may also take into account the length of time the portion of the aerosol-generating material is heated and / or the temperature at which the portion of the aerosol-generating material is heated. In this regard, the control circuit 23 may be configured to calculate a cumulative parameter indicating the heating state received by each portion of the aerosol-generating material 44, rather than counting individual actuations. This parameter may be, for example, a cumulative time, and the temperature applied to the material is used to adjust the length of time added to the cumulative time. For example, a portion heated at 200°C for 3 seconds can contribute 3 seconds to the cumulative time, while a portion heated at 250°C for 3 seconds can contribute 4.5 seconds to the cumulative time.

[0089] The above techniques for determining the end of the life of the aerosol-generating article 4 should not be understood as an exhaustive list of methods for determining the end of the life of the aerosol-generating article 4, and in fact, any other suitable method may be used in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0090] In an embodiment of the aerosol supply system 1 described above, a plurality of (individual) portions of the aerosol-forming material 44 are provided that can be selectively aerosolized using the aerosol-generating component 24. Such an aerosol supply system 1 offers advantages over other systems designed to heat larger-sized materials. In particular, the fact that only selected portion(s) of the aerosol-forming material are aerosolized for a given draw results in a more energy-efficient system overall.

[0091] In a heating system, several parameters affect the overall effectiveness of the system when delivering a sufficient amount of aerosol to the user per puff. On the one hand, the thickness of the aerosol-forming material is important as it affects how quickly the aerosol-forming material reaches its operating temperature (and thereafter forms aerosol). This is important for several reasons, including that it may lead to a more efficient use of energy from the power source 22 as the heating element may not need to operate as long as when heating a thicker portion of the material. On the other hand, the total mass of the aerosol-forming material being heated affects the total amount of aerosol that can be generated and subsequently delivered to the user. Additionally, the temperature at which the aerosol-forming material is heated may also affect both how quickly the aerosol-forming material reaches its operating temperature and the amount of aerosol generated.

[0092] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol supply system 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol supply system 200 includes components that are generally similar to those described in connection with FIG. 1, but with reference numerals incremented by 200. For efficiency, components having similar reference numerals should be understood to be substantially the same as their counterparts in FIGS. 1 and 2A - 2C, unless otherwise noted.

[0093] The aerosol supply device 202 includes an outer housing 221, a power supply 222, a control circuit 223, an induction coil 224a, a receiving part 225, a suction port end 226, an air inlet 227, an air outlet 228, a contact sensing panel 229, a suction sensor 230, and an end-of-use indicator 231.

[0094] The aerosol generating article 204 includes a carrier component 242, an aerosol generating material 244, and a susceptor element 244b, as shown in more detail in FIGS. 6A-6C. FIG. 6A is a top view of the aerosol generating article 4, FIG. 6B is an end view along the longitudinal (length) axis of the aerosol generating article 204, and FIG. 6C is a side view along the width axis of the aerosol generating article 204.

[0095] FIGS. 5 and 6A-6C represent an aerosol supply system 200 that uses induction to heat the aerosol generating material 244 to generate an aerosol for inhalation.

[0096] In the described embodiment, the aerosol generating component 224 is formed from two parts, namely, an induction coil 224a disposed in the aerosol supply device 202 and a susceptor 224b disposed in the aerosol generating article 204.

[0097] Thus, in this described embodiment, each aerosol generating component 224 includes elements that are distributed between the aerosol generating article 204 and the aerosol supply device 202.

[0098] Induction heating is a process of heating a conductive object called a susceptor by introducing a fluctuating magnetic field into the object. This process is explained by Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction and Ohm's law. An induction heater may include an electromagnet and a device for passing a fluctuating current, such as an alternating current, through the electromagnet. When the electromagnet and the object to be heated are arranged in an appropriate relative position such that the fluctuating magnetic field generated by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated within the object. The object has a resistance to the flow of current. Therefore, when such eddy currents are generated within the object, they flow against the electrical resistance of the object, thereby heating the object. This process is called Joule heating, Ohmic heating, or resistive heating.

[0099] A susceptor is a material that can be heated by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, and as a result, the susceptor is inductively heated when a fluctuating magnetic field penetrates it. The susceptor may also be a magnetic material, and as a result, the susceptor is heated by magnetic hysteresis when a fluctuating magnetic field penetrates it. The susceptor may have both conductivity and magnetism, and as a result, the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. An aerosol supply device configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0100] Magnetic hysteresis heating is a process of heating an object made of a magnetic material by introducing a fluctuating magnetic field into the object. A magnetic material can be considered to contain many atomic-scale magnets, i.e., magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates such a material, the magnetic dipoles align along the magnetic field. Therefore, when a fluctuating magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field (e.g., generated by an electromagnet), penetrates a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes in response to the applied fluctuating magnetic field. Heat is generated within the magnetic material due to such reorientation of the magnetic dipoles.

[0101] When an object has both conductivity and magnetism, introducing a variable magnetic field into the object can cause both Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating in the object. Furthermore, using a magnetic material can strengthen the magnetic field, thereby strengthening the Joule heating.

[0102] In this described embodiment, the susceptor 224b is formed from aluminum foil, but it should be recognized that in other embodiments other metals and / or conductive materials may be used. As seen in FIG. 6C, the carrier component 242 comprises several susceptors 224b that correspond in size and position to individual portions of the aerosol-forming material 244 disposed on the surface of the carrier component 242. That is, the susceptor 224b has a width and length similar to those of the individual portions of the aerosol-forming material 244.

[0103] The susceptor is shown as being embedded in the carrier component 242. However, in other embodiments, the susceptor 224b may be disposed on the surface of the carrier component 242. In another embodiment (not shown), the susceptor may be provided as a layer that substantially covers the carrier component.

[0104] The aerosol supply device 202 comprises a plurality of induction coils 224a schematically shown in FIG. 5. The induction coils 224a are shown adjacent to the receiving portion 225 and are generally flat coils arranged such that the axis of rotation about which a given coil is wound extends into the receiving portion 225 and is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the carrier component 242 of the aerosol-forming article 204. In FIG. 5, the windings are not shown precisely, and it should be recognized that any suitable induction coil may be used.

[0105] The control circuit 223 comprises means for generating an alternating current to flow through any one or more of the induction coils 224a. This alternating current generates an alternating magnetic field as described above, which raises the temperature of the corresponding susceptor(s) 224b. The heat generated by the susceptor(s) 224b is transmitted to the portion of the aerosol-forming material 244 accordingly.

[0106] As described above in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2A-2C, the control circuit 223 is configured to supply current to the coil 224a in response to receiving a signal from the touch sensing panel 229 and / or the suction sensor 230. As previously explained, any of the techniques for selecting which heating element 24 is heated by the control circuit 23 can be applied in a similar manner to select which induction coil 224a is energized (and thus which portion of the aerosol generating material 244 is subsequently heated) in response to receiving a signal from the touch sensing panel 229 and / or the suction sensor 230 by the control circuit 223 to generate an aerosol for the user to inhale.

[0107] In the above, an inductive heating aerosol supply system in which the induction coil 224a and the susceptor 224b are dispersed between the aerosol generating article 204 and the device 202 has been described. However, an inductive heating aerosol supply system in which the induction coil 224a and the susceptor 224b are arranged only within the aerosol supply device 202 may be provided. For example, referring to FIGS. 6A-6C, the susceptor 224b may be provided above the induction coil 224a and arranged such that the susceptor 224b contacts the lower surface of the carrier component 242 (in a manner similar to the aerosol supply system 1 shown in FIG. 1).

[0108] Accordingly, FIG. 5 illustrates a more specific embodiment in which the techniques described in the present disclosure can be applied and inductive heating is used in the aerosol supply device 202 to generate an aerosol for the user to inhale.

[0109] However, according to the present disclosure, the inventors have found that devices 2, 202 having an arrangement of aerosol generating components 24 (such as heating elements 24) designed to heat different portions of a plurality of aerosol generating material portions to generate aerosols for each puff may, in some examples, result in a discrepancy in the amount of aerosol delivered to the user per puff even when the heating conditions are substantially the same.

[0110] This is partly due to the fact that some parts of the aerosol - generating material 44 are provided at different spatial distances relative to the opening 28 of the mouthpiece 26. As a result, when the aerosol is first formed at a location adjacent to the part of the aerosol - generating material, the distance that the aerosol has to travel can be different. Therefore, the volume of the air passage between the aerosol - generating material and the mouthpiece can vary depending on the position of the aerosol - generating material.

[0111] Generally, as a hot aerosol moves, its temperature drops and it condenses. This means that aerosols generated from different parts of the aerosol - generating material 44 may condense by different amounts as their temperature drops. This can lead to a lack of consistency (such as in particle size distribution) in the aerosols delivered from each part.

[0112] The applicant has also confirmed that the volume in which the aerosol is generated can affect the amount of aerosol generated. In particular, providing a larger air passage volume for aerosol generation can supply a larger amount of aerosol. The aerosol - generating region located near the mouthpiece may have a substantially smaller air passage volume than the aerosol - generating region located far from the mouthpiece.

[0113] Therefore, the applicant has confirmed that it may be beneficial to make the cross - sectional area of the transmission flow path from the aerosol - generating region located near the mouthpiece larger than the cross - sectional area of the transmission flow path from the aerosol - generating region located far from the mouthpiece, so that the effective air passage volumes of each transmission flow path are more similar, and thus the delivery of the aerosol is more consistent.

[0114] Alternatively, the applicant has recognized that the volume in which the aerosol can be formed can control the rate at which the aerosol is formed. In particular, increasing the volume for aerosol formation may be able to generate the desired aerosol more rapidly.

[0115] The delivery of aerosol from an aerosol generation region located far from the mouthpiece can typically take longer than from an aerosol generation region located closer to the mouthpiece. The Applicant has confirmed that by increasing the volume for aerosol formation, the aerosol can be formed more rapidly. Thus, the Applicant has confirmed that it may be beneficial to make the cross-sectional area of the transmission flow path from the aerosol generation region located closer to the mouthpiece larger than the cross-sectional area of the transmission flow path from the aerosol generation region located far from the mouthpiece, such that the longer time for aerosol delivery due to the increased distance from the mouthpiece is offset by the shorter time required for aerosol formation. Such a system can make the delivery time of aerosol from aerosol generation regions located at different distances from the mouthpiece more consistent, and thus may improve the user experience.

[0116] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol supply system 700 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol supply system 700 includes components that are generally similar to those described in relation to FIG. 1. However, reference numerals have 700 added to them. For efficiency, it should be understood that components having similar reference numerals are generally the same as their counterparts in FIGS. 1 and 2A-2C unless otherwise noted.

[0117] The aerosol supply device 702 includes an outer housing 721, a control circuit 723, an aerosol generation component 724, a receiving portion 725, a mouthpiece end 726, an air inlet 727, and an air outlet 728. Although not shown in FIG. 7, the aerosol supply device may further include a power source, a contact sensing panel, a suction sensor, and an end-of-use indicator, as described in relation to FIG. 1. The aerosol supply system 700 includes an aerosol generation article 704. This may be substantially similar to the aerosol generation article 4 described in FIGS. 2A-2C, or the aerosol generation article 204 described in relation to FIGS. 6A-6C.

[0118] The aerosol generation component 724 may be a heating element as described with respect to FIG. 1. In an alternative embodiment, the aerosol generation component 724 may be an induction coil as described with respect to FIG. 5. In such an embodiment, the aerosol generation article may comprise one or more susceptors as described with respect to FIGS. 6A - 6C.

[0119] The aerosol supply device 702 has one or more first aerosol generation regions 730 located at a first distance d1 from the mouthpiece 726 and one or more second aerosol generation regions 731 located at a second distance d2 from the mouthpiece 726.

[0120] Although the aerosol supply device 702 of FIG. 7 shows two aerosol generation regions 730, 731, it will be recognized that aerosol supply devices having a greater number of aerosol generation regions are clearly conceivable. Further, each of the first and second aerosol generation regions 730, 731 may comprise one or more aerosol generation regions.

[0121] One or more first aerosol transmission channels 710 are configured to transmit the aerosol generated from one or more first aerosol generation regions 730 to the mouthpiece 726. The first aerosol transmission channels 710 have a first cross - section or other shape. One or more second aerosol transmission channels 711 are configured to transmit the aerosol generated from one or more second aerosol generation regions 731 to the mouthpiece 726. The one or more second aerosol transmission channels 711 have a second cross - section or other shape.

[0122] The first cross - section or other shape is different from the second cross - section or other shape.

[0123] One or more first aerosol transmission channels 710 may be separate from one or more second aerosol transmission channels 711.

[0124] FIG. 7A shows a cross-section of an embodiment of an aerosol supply device 702 along line S. The cross-section or other shape of one or more first aerosol transmission channels 710a is larger than the cross-section or other shape of one or more second aerosol transmission channels 711a.

[0125] The effective air passage volume of one or more first aerosol transmission channels 710 can be made substantially equal to the effective air passage volume of one or more second aerosol transmission channels 711.

[0126] As described above, by changing the effective air passage volume, the amount of aerosol generated from the aerosol generation region can be controlled. By having different cross-sections or other shapes for the aerosol transmission channels, aerosol can be generated more uniformly from aerosol generation regions located at different distances from the suction port 726, and thus the aerosol can be delivered more consistently.

[0127] The cross-section or other shape of one or more first aerosol transmission channels 710a and one or more second aerosol transmission channels 711b may be configured such that the amounts of aerosol supplied from the first aerosol generation region 730 and the second aerosol generation region 731 are substantially equal.

[0128] FIG. 7B shows a cross-section of an alternative embodiment of an aerosol supply device 702 along line S. The cross-section or other shape of one or more second aerosol transmission channels 711b is larger than the cross-section or other shape of one or more first aerosol transmission channels 710b.

[0129] As described above, increasing the volume of the aerosol transmission channel from the aerosol generation region can shorten the aerosol formation time from the aerosol generation region. Therefore, increasing the volume of the aerosol transmission channel from the aerosol generation region located far from the suction port can offset the increased travel time from the aerosol generation region to the suction port, making the delivery time of the aerosol from the aerosol regions located at different distances from the suction port more consistent, and thus improving the user experience.

[0130] The cross-section or other shape of the one or more first aerosol transmission channels 710b and the one or more second aerosol transmission channels 711b can be configured such that the amounts of aerosol supplied from the one or more first aerosol generation regions 730 and the one or more second aerosol generation regions 731 are substantially equal.

[0131] In one embodiment, each of the one or more first aerosol transmission channels 710 and the one or more second aerosol transmission channels 711 may comprise separate aerosol transmission channels.

[0132] The aerosol supply device 702 of FIG. 7 is shown as comprising one or more first and second aerosol transmission channels 710, 711, but it will be appreciated that the aerosol supply device 702 may comprise additional aerosol generation transmission channels.

[0133] In one embodiment, there is one aerosol transmission channel for each aerosol generation region. In another embodiment, there are two or more aerosol transmission channels for each aerosol generation region. In another embodiment, there is one aerosol transmission channel for one or more first aerosol generation regions and one aerosol transmission channel for one or more second aerosol generation regions.

[0134] The embodiment of the aerosol supply device 702 shown in FIG. 7 shows the first and second aerosol transmission channels 710, 711 as separate aerosol transmission channels. However, the aerosol supply device 702 may alternatively or additionally include a central aerosol transmission channel. The first and second aerosol transmission channels 710, 711 may each include a portion of the central aerosol transmission channel.

[0135] FIG. 8 shows a cross-section of an embodiment of an aerosol supply device 802 having a central aerosol transmission channel 812. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol supply system 800 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol supply system 800 includes components that are generally similar to those described in connection with FIG. 1. However, reference numerals have 800 added to them. For efficiency, components with similar reference numerals should be understood to be substantially the same as their counterparts in FIGS. 1 and 2A-2C unless otherwise noted.

[0136] The aerosol supply device 802 includes an outer housing 821, a control circuit 823, an aerosol generation component 824, a receiving portion 825, a suction port end 826, an air inlet 827, and an air outlet 828. Although not shown in FIG. 8, the aerosol supply device 802 may further include a power source, a touch sensing panel, a suction sensor, and an end-of-use indicator as described in connection with FIG. 1. The aerosol supply system 800 includes an aerosol generating article 804. This may be substantially similar to the aerosol generating article 4 described in connection with FIGS. 2A-2C or the aerosol generating article 204 described in connection with FIGS. 5A-5C.

[0137] The aerosol supply device 802 has one or more first aerosol generation regions 830 located at a first distance d1 from the suction port 826 and one or more second aerosol generation regions 831 located at a second distance d2 from the suction port 826.

[0138] The aerosol supply device 802 of FIG. 8 shows two aerosol generation regions 830, 831, but it will be recognized that aerosol supply devices having a greater number of aerosol generation regions are clearly conceivable. Further, each of the first and second aerosol generation regions 830, 831 may comprise one or more aerosol generation regions.

[0139] The aerosol supply device 802 includes a central aerosol transmission flow path 812. The central transmission flow path 812 may be defined by the shape of the receiving portion 825. In another embodiment, the central transmission flow path 812 is a separate flow path different from the receiving portion 825.

[0140] One or more first aerosol transmission flow paths 810 are configured to transmit the aerosol generated from one or more first aerosol generation regions 830 to the suction port 826, and one or more second aerosol transmission flow paths 811 are configured to transmit the aerosol generated from one or more second aerosol generation regions 831 to the suction port 826.

[0141] One or more first aerosol transmission flow paths 810 and one or more second aerosol transmission flow paths 811 each include at least a portion of the central aerosol transmission flow path 812.

[0142] The cross-section or other shape of the central aerosol transmission flow path 812 adjacent to one or more first aerosol generation regions 830 is different from the cross-section or other shape of the central aerosol transmission flow path 812 adjacent to one or more second aerosol generation regions 831.

[0143] Thus, the cross-sections or other shapes of one or more first and second transmission flow paths 810, 811 are different.

[0144] The cross-section or other shape of the central aerosol transmission flow path 812 may be a tapered cross-section or other shape.

[0145] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the cross-section or other shape of the central aerosol transmission flow path 812 adjacent to the one or more first aerosol generation regions 830 is larger than the cross-section or other shape of the central aerosol transmission flow path 812 adjacent to the one or more second aerosol generation regions 831. Therefore, the effective air passage volume from the one or more first and second aerosol generation regions 830, 831 to the suction port 826 can be made the same, which will result in more consistent delivery of the aerosol.

[0146] In an alternative embodiment, the cross-section or other shape of the central aerosol transmission flow path 812 adjacent to the one or more second aerosol generation regions 811 may be larger than the cross-section or other shape of the central aerosol transmission flow path 812 adjacent to the one or more first aerosol generation regions 810. In such an embodiment, the delivery rate of the aerosol from the one or more second aerosol generation regions 811 can be increased relative to the delivery rate of the aerosol from the one or more first aerosol generation regions 810. This can offset the longer distance from the suction port 826 to the one or more second aerosol generation regions 811 and make the delivery time more consistent.

[0147] The above assumes that there is one common outlet through which the aerosol is directed when the user sucks with the aerosol supply device. However, the principles of the present disclosure are equally applicable to aerosol supply devices having multiple outlets.

[0148] In addition, although it has been described above that the suction port forms part of the outer housing and / or is coupled to the outer housing, it should be recognized that in some embodiments, the suction port may form part of the aerosol generating article. This may be particularly applicable when the aerosol generating article comprises a chamber through which air and / or aerosol can pass and the chamber contains an aerosol generating material. In these embodiments, the aerosol generating article is inserted into the receiving portion of the aerosol supply device, and the suction port of the aerosol generating article projects from the receiving portion such that it extends from the aerosol supply device. In these examples, the receiving portion comprises an opening through which the suction port projects. The opening in these embodiments may be referred to as the outlet of the aerosol supply device.

[0149] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating article 904 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol generating article 904 includes components that are generally similar to those described in connection with FIGS. 2A-2C. However, reference numerals have been incremented by 900. For efficiency, components with similar reference numerals should be understood to be substantially the same as the corresponding ones in FIGS. 1 and 2A-2C unless otherwise noted.

[0150] The aerosol generating article 904 includes an air inlet 927 and an outlet 928. The aerosol generating article 904 includes one or more first aerosol generating material portions 944a located at a first distance d1 from the outlet 928 and one or more second aerosol generating material portions 944b located at a second distance d2 from the outlet 928, where the second distance d2 is longer than the first distance d1.

[0151] The aerosol generation article 904 of FIG. 9 is shown as having two aerosol generation material portions 944a, 944b, but it will be recognized that other numbers and configurations of aerosol generation material portions are clearly conceivable. For example, the aerosol generation article may comprise a 3×2 arrangement of aerosol generation material portions as shown for the aerosol generation articles of FIGS. 2A-2C. The aerosol generation material portions may be substantially the same as the aerosol generation material portions 44a-44f described with respect to FIGS. 2A-2C. The aerosol generation article may comprise a carrier 942. The carrier may be substantially the same as the carrier 42 of FIGS. 2A-2C.

[0152] The aerosol generation article may further comprise a cover layer 943. The cover layer may be, for example, paper, card, cardboard, paperboard, recycled aerosol generation material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or alloy, or may comprise them. The cover layer 943 may be the same material as the carrier 942, or may comprise the same material, but this is not necessary.

[0153] One or more first aerosol transmission channels 910 are configured to transmit the aerosol generated from one or more first aerosol generation material portions 944a to the outlet 928, the one or more first aerosol transmission channels 910 having a first cross-section or other shape, and one or more second aerosol transmission channels 911 are configured to transmit the aerosol generated from one or more second aerosol generation regions 944b to the outlet 928, the second aerosol transmission channels 911 having a second cross-section or other shape.

[0154] The first cross-section or other shape is different from the second cross-section or other shape.

[0155] One or more first aerosol transmission channels 910 may be separate from one or more second aerosol transmission channels 911.

[0156] FIG. 9A shows a cross-section of an embodiment of the aerosol-generating article 904 along line S'. The cross-section or other shape of the one or more first aerosol transmission channels 910a is larger than the cross-section or other shape of the one or more second aerosol transmission channels 911a.

[0157] The effective air passage volume of the one or more first aerosol transmission channels 910 can be made substantially equal to the effective air passage volume of the one or more second aerosol transmission channels 911.

[0158] As described above, by varying the effective air passage volume, the amount of aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material can potentially be controlled. By having aerosol transmission channels with different cross-sections or other shapes, aerosol can be generated more uniformly from aerosol-generating regions located at different distances from the outlet 928, and the aerosol can potentially be delivered more consistently.

[0159] The cross-section or other shape of the one or more first aerosol transmission channels 910a and the one or more second aerosol transmission channels 911b may be configured such that the amounts of aerosol supplied from the one or more first aerosol-generating regions 944a and the one or more second aerosol-generating regions 944b are substantially equal.

[0160] FIG. 9B shows a cross-section of an alternative embodiment of the aerosol-generating article 904 along line S'. The cross-section or other shape of the one or more second aerosol transmission channels 911b is larger than the cross-section or other shape of the one or more first aerosol transmission channels 910b.

[0161] As described above, increasing the volume of the aerosol transmission flow path from the aerosol generation region can shorten the aerosol formation time from the aerosol generation region. Therefore, increasing the volume of the aerosol transmission flow path from the aerosol generation region located far from the suction port can offset the increased travel time from the aerosol generation region to the suction port, making the delivery time of the aerosol from the aerosol regions located at different distances from the suction port more consistent, and thus potentially improving the user experience.

[0162] The cross-section or other shape of the one or more first aerosol transmission flow paths 910b and the one or more second aerosol transmission flow paths 911b can be configured such that the amount of aerosol supplied from the one or more first aerosol generation material portions 944a and the one or more second aerosol generation material portions 944b is substantially equal.

[0163] In one embodiment, each of the one or more first aerosol transmission flow paths 910 and the one or more second aerosol transmission flow paths 911 may be separate aerosol transmission flow paths.

[0164] The aerosol generating article 904 of FIG. 9 is shown as including the one or more first and second aerosol transmission flow paths 910, 911, but it will be recognized that the aerosol generating article 904 may include additional aerosol transmission flow paths.

[0165] In one embodiment, there is one aerosol transmission flow path for each aerosol generation material portion. In another embodiment, there are two or more aerosol transmission flow paths for each aerosol generation material portion. In another embodiment, there is one aerosol transmission flow path for the one or more first aerosol generation material portions and one aerosol transmission flow path for the one or more second aerosol generation material portions.

[0166] The embodiment of the aerosol generating article 904 shown in FIG. 9 shows one or more first and second aerosol transmission channels 910, 911 as separate aerosol transmission channels, but the aerosol supply device 904 may alternatively or additionally comprise a central aerosol transmission channel. The one or more first and second aerosol transmission channels 910, 911 may each include a portion of the central aerosol transmission channel.

[0167] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating article 1004 comprising a central aerosol transmission channel 1012, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol generating article 1004 includes components that are generally similar to those described in relation to FIGS. 2A-2C. However, the reference numbers have 1000 added to them. For the sake of efficiency, it should be understood that components with similar reference numbers are generally the same as their counterparts in FIGS. 1 and 2A-2C unless otherwise specified.

[0168] The aerosol generating article 1004 comprises a carrier 1042. The carrier may be substantially similar to the carrier 42 of FIGS. 2A-2C.

[0169] The aerosol generating article 1004 may further comprise a cover layer 1043. The cover layer 1043 may be, for example, paper, card, cardboard, thick paper, recycled aerosol generating material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or alloy, or may include them. The cover layer 1043 may be the same material as, or include the same material as, the carrier 1042, but it does not have to be.

[0170] The aerosol generating article 1004 comprises one or more first aerosol generating material portions 1044a located at a first distance d1 from the mouthpiece and one or more second aerosol generating material portions 1044b located at a second distance d2 from the mouthpiece.

[0171] The aerosol generation article 1004 of FIG. 10 shows two aerosol generation material portions 1044a, 1044b, but it will be recognized that aerosol supply devices having a greater number of aerosol generation material portions are clearly conceivable. For example, the aerosol generation article 1004 may comprise a 3×2 arrangement of aerosol material generation material portions as described with respect to FIGS. 2A-2C.

[0172] The aerosol generation material portions 1044a, 1044b may be substantially similar to those described with respect to the aerosol generation material portions 44a-44f of FIGS. 2A-2C.

[0173] The aerosol generation article 1004 includes a central aerosol transmission flow path 1012.

[0174] The aerosol generation article 1004 further includes a chamber 1045. The central transmission flow path 1012 may be defined by the shape of the chamber 1045.

[0175] One or more first aerosol transmission flow paths 1010 are configured to transmit the aerosol generated from one or more first aerosol generation material portions 1044a to the outlet 1028, and one or more second aerosol transmission flow paths 1011 are configured to transmit the aerosol generated from one or more second aerosol generation material portions 1044b to the outlet 1028.

[0176] One or more first aerosol transmission flow paths 1010 and one or more second aerosol transmission flow paths 1011 each include at least a portion of the central aerosol transmission flow path 1012.

[0177] The cross-section or other shape of the central aerosol transmission flow path 1012 adjacent to one or more first aerosol generation material portions 1044a is different from the cross-section or other shape of the central aerosol transmission flow path 1012 adjacent to one or more second aerosol generation material portions 1044b.

[0178] Accordingly, the cross-sections or other shapes of one or more first and second transmission channels 1010, 1011 are different.

[0179] The cross-section or other shape of the central aerosol transmission channel 1012 may be a tapered cross-section or other shape.

[0180] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the cross-section or other shape of the central aerosol transmission channel 1012 adjacent to one or more first aerosol-generating material portions 1044a is larger than the cross-section or other shape of the central aerosol transmission channel 1012 adjacent to one or more second aerosol-generating material portions 1044b. Accordingly, the effective air passage volumes from one or more first and second aerosol-generating material portions 1044a, 1044b to the suction port can be made the same, which will result in more consistent delivery of the aerosol.

[0181] In an alternative embodiment, the cross-section or other shape of the central aerosol transmission channel 1012 adjacent to one or more second aerosol-generating material portions 1044b may be larger than the cross-section or other shape of the central aerosol transmission channel 1012 adjacent to one or more first aerosol-generating material portions 1044a. In such an embodiment, the delivery rate of the aerosol from one or more second aerosol-generating material portions 1044b can be increased relative to the delivery rate of the aerosol from one or more first aerosol-generating material portions 1044a. This can offset the longer distance from the suction port to one or more second aerosol-generating material portions 1044b and make the delivery time more consistent.

[0182] The aerosol-generating articles 904, 1004 of FIGS. 9 and 10 may be suitable for use with the aerosol supply device 2 of FIG. 1. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating articles 904, 1004 of FIGS. 9 and 10 may be suitable for use with the aerosol supply device 202 of FIG. 5. In this case, the aerosol-generating articles 904, 1004 may further comprise a susceptor portion (not shown) as shown for the aerosol-generating articles of FIGS. 6A-6C.

[0183] In the above, a system was described in which an array of aerosol generating components (e.g., heater elements) was provided to apply energy to individual portions of the aerosol generating material. However, in other embodiments, the aerosol generating article and / or the aerosol generating components may be configured to move relative to each other. That is, there may be fewer aerosol generating components than individual portions of the aerosol generating material provided in the carrier component of the aerosol generating article, such that relative movement between the aerosol generating article and the aerosol generating components is required in order to be able to apply energy individually to each of the individual portions of the aerosol generating material. For example, a movable heating element may be provided within a receiving portion such that the movable heating element can move relative to the receiving portion. In this way, the movable heating element can translate (e.g., in the width and length directions of the carrier component) such that the heating element can be aligned with each of the individual portions of the aerosol generating material. This approach can reduce the number of aerosol generating components required while providing a similar user experience.

[0184] In the above, embodiments have been described in which discrete, spatially separate portions of the aerosol - generating material are disposed in the carrier component. However, in other embodiments, it should be recognized that the aerosol - generating material may not be provided in discrete, spatially separate portions, but instead may be provided as a continuous sheet of aerosol - generating material. In these embodiments, certain regions of the sheet of aerosol - generating material may be selectively heated to generate aerosol in substantially the same manner as described above. However, whether these portions are spatially separate or not, the present disclosure has described heating (or aerosolizing) portions of the aerosol - generating material. In particular, based on the dimensions of the heating element (or, more specifically, the surface of the heating element designed to increase in temperature), regions (corresponding to portions of the aerosol - generating material) may be defined on the continuous sheet of aerosol - generating material. In this regard, when the corresponding region of the heating element is projected onto the sheet of aerosol - generating material, it may be considered to define a region or portion of the aerosol - generating material. According to the present disclosure, each region or portion of the aerosol - generating material may have a mass of 20 mg or less, although the entire continuous sheet may have a mass greater than 20 mg.

[0185] In the above, embodiments have been described in which the aerosol supply device can be set or operated using a touch - sensing panel attached to the aerosol supply device. However, instead, the aerosol supply device may be set or controlled remotely. For example, the control circuit may include a corresponding communication circuit (e.g., Bluetooth (registered trademark)) that enables the control circuit to communicate with a remote device such as a smartphone. Thus, the touch - sensing panel may be implemented substantially using an app running on a smartphone, etc. The smartphone can then transmit the user's input or settings to the control circuit, and the control circuit may be configured to operate based on the received input or settings.

[0186] In the above, an embodiment has been described in which an aerosol is generated by applying energy to an aerosol-generating material (e.g., heating the aerosol-generating material) and then inhaled by a user. However, in some embodiments, it should be recognized that the generated aerosol may pass through or over an aerosol modification component in order to modify one or more properties of the aerosol before being inhaled by the user. For example, the aerosol supply devices 2, 202, 702, 802 may include a breathable insert (not shown) inserted into the air flow path downstream of the aerosol-generating material (e.g., the insert may be disposed at the outlet). The insert may include a material that changes any one or more of the flavor, temperature, particle size, nicotine concentration, etc. of the aerosol as it passes through the insert before the aerosol enters the user's mouth. For example, the insert may include tobacco or processed tobacco. Such a system may be referred to as a hybrid system. The insert may include any suitable aerosol modification material, which may include the above-described aerosol-generating material.

[0187] It has been described above that the heating element is configured to supply heat to the aerosol-generating material (or a portion thereof) such that the operating temperature at which aerosol is generated from the portion of the aerosol-generating material is reached. However, in some embodiments, the heating element 24 is configured to preheat the portion of the aerosol-generating material to a preheat temperature (which is lower than the operating temperature). At the preheat temperature, when these portions are heated to the preheat temperature, a smaller amount of aerosol is generated, or no aerosol is generated. In particular, in some embodiments, the control circuit is configured to supply power / energy before a first predetermined period begins (i.e., before receiving a signal indicating the intention of a user to inhale aerosol). However, the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of the aerosol-generating material from the preheat temperature to the operating temperature is less, and thus the responsiveness of the system is improved, although the total energy consumption increases. This may be particularly suitable for relatively thick portions of the aerosol-generating material that require a relatively large amount of energy to reach the operating temperature, for example, portions having a thickness exceeding 400 μm. However, in such embodiments, the energy consumption (e.g., from a power source) may be relatively high.

[0188] It will be appreciated that each of the heating elements may provide the same heating profile to each aerosol-generating region, but one or more of the heating elements may instead be configured to provide different heating profiles to each aerosol-generating region. For example, an aerosol-generating region located far from the mouthpiece may be heated according to a heating profile that generates a greater amount of aerosol than an aerosol-generating region located near the mouthpiece, which can offset further losses of aerosol due to condensation along the longer travel distance and make the delivery of aerosol from different aerosol-generating regions more consistent.

[0189] In the above, embodiments in which the aerosol supply device includes an end-of-use indicator have been described, but it should be recognized that the end-of-use indicator may be provided by another device separate from the aerosol supply device. For example, in some embodiments, the control circuit of the aerosol supply device may include a communication mechanism that enables data transfer, for example, between the aerosol supply device and a remote device such as a smartphone or smartwatch. In these embodiments, when the control circuit determines that the aerosol-generating article has reached the end of its use, the control circuit is configured to transmit a signal to the remote device, and the remote device is configured to generate a warning signal (for example, using the display of a smartphone). Other remote devices and other mechanisms for generating warning signals may be used as described above.

[0190] In addition, when portions of the aerosol-generating material are provided on the carrier component, in some embodiments, these portions may include a weak region, for example, a through hole or a region of relatively thin aerosol-generating material, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the carrier component. This can occur when the hottest part of the aerosol-generating material is the region that directly contacts the carrier component (in other words, the scenario where heat is mainly applied to the surface of the aerosol-generating material that contacts the carrier component). Thus, the through hole does not potentially accumulate aerosol between the carrier component and the aerosol-generating material, but can provide a path for the generated aerosol to escape and be released into the air flow through the environment / aerosol supply device. Such accumulation of aerosol can, in some embodiments, lift the aerosol-generating material off the carrier component and thus reduce the efficiency of heat transfer to the aerosol-generating material, which can reduce the heating efficiency of the system. Each portion of the aerosol-generating material may optionally include one or more weak regions.

[0191] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may comprise an identifier such as a machine-readable barcode or RFID tag, and the aerosol supply device may comprise a corresponding reader. When the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the receiving part of the aerosol supply device, the aerosol supply device may be configured to read the identifier attached to the aerosol-generating article. The control circuit may be configured to recognize the presence of the aerosol-generating article (and thus permit heating and / or reset the end-of-life indicator), or to identify the type and / or position of the portion of the aerosol-generating material. This can affect how these portions are aerosolized, for example, by the control circuit determining which portions to aerosolize and / or by adjusting the aerosolization temperature and / or heating time. Any suitable technique for recognizing the aerosol-generating article 4 may be used.

[0192] While the above embodiments have focused in some respects on some particular exemplary aerosol supply systems, it will be appreciated that the same principles can be applied to aerosol supply systems using other technologies. That is, the particular manner in which the various aspects of the aerosol supply system function is not directly related to the basic principles of the examples described herein.

[0193] To address various challenges and advance technology, the present disclosure illustrates, by way of example, various embodiments capable of implementing the claimed invention(s). The advantages and features of the present disclosure are merely representative examples among the embodiments, and do not cover all advantages and features, nor do they exclude other advantages and features. These are presented solely to assist in the understanding and teaching of the claimed invention(s). The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the present disclosure should not be considered as limiting the present disclosure as defined by the claims, or as limiting the equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments can be utilized and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of various combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those detailed herein, and thus it will be recognized that the features of the dependent claims may be combined with the features of the independent claims in combinations other than those explicitly recited in the claims. The present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. A suction port, One or more first aerosol generation regions located at a first distance d1 from the suction port, One or more second aerosol generation regions located at a second distance d2 from the suction port, where d2 > d1, One or more first aerosol transmission channels configured to transmit the aerosol generated from the one or more first aerosol generation regions to the suction port, the one or more first aerosol transmission channels having a first cross-section or other shape, One or more second aerosol transmission channels configured to transmit the aerosol generated from the one or more second aerosol generation regions to the suction port, the one or more second aerosol transmission channels having a second cross-section or other shape, and the second cross-section or other shape being different from the first cross-section or other shape, An aerosol supply device comprising the above.

2. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the first cross-section or other shape is larger than the second cross-section or other shape.

3. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the second cross-section or other shape is larger than the first cross-section or other shape.

4. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol supply device comprises a central aerosol transmission channel, and the one or more first aerosol transmission channels and the one or more second aerosol transmission channels are formed within the central aerosol transmission channel.

5. The aerosol supply device according to claim 4, wherein the central aerosol transmission channel has a tapered cross-section or other shape.

6. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, further comprising one or more heating elements for heating the one or more aerosol generation regions.

7. The aerosol supply device according to claim 6, wherein the one or more heating elements comprise one or more resistive heating elements or inductive heating elements.

8. An aerosol supply device according to claim 1, An aerosol generating article comprising a plurality of aerosol generating material portions, An aerosol supply system comprising:

9. An outlet, One or more first aerosol generating material portions located at a first distance d1 from the outlet, One or more second aerosol generating material portions located at a second distance d2 from the outlet, where d2 > d1, One or more first aerosol transmission channels configured to transmit the aerosol generated from the one or more first aerosol generating material portions to the outlet, the one or more first aerosol transmission channels having a first cross-section or other shape, One or more second aerosol transmission channels configured to transmit the aerosol generated from the one or more second aerosol generating material portions to the outlet, the one or more second aerosol transmission channels having a second cross-section or other shape, wherein the second cross-section or other shape is different from the first cross-section or other shape, Comprising, An aerosol generating article, wherein the one or more first aerosol transmission channels are separate from the one or more second aerosol transmission channels.

10. The aerosol generating article according to claim 9, wherein the one or more first aerosol transmission channels have a larger cross-section or other shape than the one or more second aerosol transmission channels.

11. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 9, wherein the effective air passage volume of the one or more first aerosol transmission channels is substantially equal to the effective air passage volume of the one or more second aerosol transmission channels.

12. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 9, wherein the cross-section or other shape of the one or more first aerosol transmission channels and the one or more second aerosol transmission channels is configured such that the amounts of aerosol supplied from the one or more first aerosol generation regions and the one or more second aerosol generation regions are substantially equal.

13. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 9, wherein the one or more second aerosol transmission channels have a larger cross-section or other shape than the one or more first aerosol transmission channels.

14. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 9, wherein the cross-section or other shape of the one or more first aerosol transmission channels and the one or more second aerosol transmission channels is configured such that the delivery rates of aerosol from the one or more first aerosol generation regions and the one or more second aerosol generation regions to the outlet are substantially equal.

15. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the one or more first aerosol transmission channels are separate from the one or more second aerosol transmission channels.

16. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 9, and an aerosol supply device configured to receive the aerosol-generating article, the aerosol supply device being configured to generate aerosol from the plurality of aerosol-generating material portions, An aerosol supply system comprising.

17. Providing an aerosol supply device comprising a suction port, one or more first aerosol generation regions located at a first distance d1 from the suction port, and one or more second aerosol generation regions located at a second distance d2 from the suction port, where d2 > d1; Transmitting the aerosol generated from the one or more first aerosol generation regions to the suction port via one or more first aerosol transmission channels having a first cross-section or other shape; Transmitting the aerosol generated from the one or more second aerosol generation regions to the suction port via one or more second aerosol transmission channels having a second cross-section or other shape, where the second cross-section or other shape is different from the first cross-section or other shape; A method of generating an aerosol, comprising the above steps. Claim 18 Providing an aerosol generating article comprising an outlet, one or more first aerosol generating material portions located at a first distance d1 from the outlet, and one or more second aerosol generating material portions located at a second distance d2 from the outlet, where d2 > d1; Transmitting the aerosol generated from the one or more first aerosol generating material portions to the outlet via one or more first aerosol transmission channels having a first cross-section or other shape; Transmitting the aerosol generated from the one or more second aerosol generating material portions to the outlet via one or more second aerosol transmission channels having a second cross-section or other shape, where the second cross-section or other shape is different from the first cross-section or other shape; Including A method of generating an aerosol, wherein the one or more first aerosol transmission channels are separate from the one or more second aerosol transmission channels.

19. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the effective air passage volume of the one or more first aerosol transmission channels is substantially equal to the effective air passage volume of the one or more second aerosol transmission channels.

20. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the cross-section or other shape of the one or more first aerosol transmission channels and the one or more second aerosol transmission channels is configured such that the amounts of aerosol supplied from the one or more first aerosol generation regions and the one or more second aerosol generation regions are substantially equal.

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